Elderly Wisdom

by Serephina of the Kamis

Kagome keeps meeting an elderly woman in the park. Who is this woman, and can these simple meetings change the course of history? Sess/Kag Canon. Once a once-shot, changed to chapter story evil reviewers who plant these ideas in my head! Rated for language

16. The Ladies of the Western Court

Disclaimer: InuYasha, and all its characters, including the hotness that is Sesshoumaru, all belong to Rumiko Takahashi. At least until I'm older and she's dead and I buy the royalties off whoever inherits them?

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CHAPTER 16: THE LADIES OF THE WESTERN COURT

---

High above the world, among the clouds from which she had been born, Lady Inukimi sat on her throne. Before her was a mirror double the size of a human's head, held by a servant who knelt before her. Dressed in a flowing red and white kimono, she leaned back in her throne, pulling her moko-moko-sama around her closely. Her youkai hung around her, missing with the gentle smell of incense that burned throughout her throne room. It had saturated the mirror in front of her, and pictures were flickering on the surface. Only the youkai wrapped tightly around the mirror and the lady's own narrowed and intense gaze at the surface betrayed how important whatever the lady looked for in the mirror was.

Suddenly, the image settled, and Lady Inukimi allowed a small smirk to flash across her face for a moment. Then her youkai shifted, and the picture on the surface moved, as if zooming in. A face appeared in the mirror, one with gold eyes, silver hair, thin lips, and pink stripes on its cheekbones. Sesshoumaru. Lady Inukimi thought to herself. It would appear that I have found you again, my pup.

Something called Sesshoumaru's attention, and he turned. The lady's youkai shifted again, and the pictured zoomed out. Now she saw who traveled with Sesshoumaru, and the smirk was replaced by a frown. Who was that human with the Lord of the West? Whoever it was, she was smiling and talking to Sesshoumaru animatedly as she leaned against a dry well. Sesshoumaru appeared to be listening to whatever nonsense the girl was spouting. Then she cocked her head, and appeared to be asking a question. Sesshoumaru spoke shortly, and the female laughed. Then she pushed off the well and embraced the daiyoukai, albeit briefly. Sesshoumaru stiffened, and the girl seemed to laugh again. She waved and fell backwards, disappearing down the well. There was a flash of light, and then nothing. Sesshoumaru turned and walked away, but not before Lady Inukimi saw the slight upturn of his lips.

The youkai around the mirror twitched, and the image disappeared. It began to swirl around its owner, reflecting her own confusion and anger. Sesshoumaru was listening to a human female. Answering her. Allowing her to laugh at him. Allowing her to touch him. Had he gone mad? Had he fallen into the same trap as his father? What did he see in some weak human girl who could not be more than a tenth of his age?

She stood suddenly, the action quickly mirrored by the servant who held the mirror. "Fetch Sai." She snapped. "He is to bring the ladies immediately."

"Yes, my lady." The servant answered, bowing deeply. He placed the mirror on the stand beside the Lady of the West, then disappeared. Lady Inukimi stared at the mirror, contemplating what she had just seen.

What are you doing, my pup? She mused. What is it you seek?

---

Kagome stared at the older woman across from her, one eyebrow raised. She had been standing in front of Ao's table for five minutes now, and the older woman had yet to notice she was there. Instead, she was intensely focused on the paper in front of her. Kagome had stared at it for a while, and had finally realized that Ao was actually doing math problems. Judging by the complexity of them, Kagome guessed that they were at least calculus three level problems. What she didn't understand was why Ao was in the middle of Tokyo Conservational Park, alone, doing calculus problems so intensely that she still hadn't noticed Kagome.

"Ao?" Kagome asked.

Ao jumped and jerked her head up, relaxing once she saw Kagome. "Kami, you scared me." Ao breathed. "Don't sneak up on me like that."

"Ao, I've been standing here for at least ten minutes now." Kagome answered, moving to sit across from her friend. "What are you doing?"

Ao sighed and glared down at the sheet in front of her. "I'm trying to remind myself that I'm not a mindless cretin that can only think of clothes, pretty colors, and being happy." She made a few more scribbles, then grinned as she circled the answer. Then she set down her pencil with a sigh. "There, done."

"May I ask what brought this on?" Kagome asked.

"Kin has a bunch of foreign business partners at the house, so I've been doing my 'Airhead Trophy Wife' routine for about a week now." Ao answered, rubbing her temples. "I don't know how much more I can take before I start beating the crap out of those people. I swear, if one more person asks if I need help buttoning my shirt, I'm going to Sweden."

"Sweden?"

"No extradition." Ao answered with a grin. "Of course Kin would probably be angry with me. I ran one of my plans to destroy one of the particularly annoying ones by him, and he gave one of his don't-even-think-about-it glares at me. He might actually hold a grudge against me for a few decades."

Kagome shook her head, trying not to laugh. "Why don't you just stop acting like a trophy wife, if it bothers you so much?"

"Because the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages." Ao answered. "And Kin finds it amusing." She glared down at the sheet in front of her. "Selfish bastard." She mumbled. She sighed, then picked up the sheet and crumpled it up. "Take this!" She heaved the ball into the nearby garbage can, smirking as it fell in perfectly. Seeing Kagome's Seriously? look, Ao shrugged. "It's the simple things in life that bring me pleasure."

"Right." Kagome answered, giving her a doubtful look. "Hey Ao, what exactly are the advantages to acting like an airhead?"

"Well for one thing, Kin's partners all think that if they speak their own language around me, I won't know what they're saying." Ao grinned. "You wouldn't believe the things people say when they think they can't understand you. I once found out that one of his partners was going bankrupt, and was using Kin as a last ditch effort to stay out of debt." She shook her head as she stood. "And the interrelations between spouses, children, and other partners can affect business more than you think. By playing one against the others, you can make or break a financial empire."

Kagome shook her head. "I'm not sure I understand."

"I had to have Kin teach it to me at first." Ao answered. "I still don't get the particulars of it though. So most of the time I tell Kin the synopsis of what I hear, and then give details where they're required." She grinned, the smile taking a rather sadistic edge. "And those condescending degenerates have no idea how Kin gets his information. It's hilarious to see their faces when they find out their plans have been for nothing."

Kagome nodded thoughtfully, beginning to follow Ao as she started walking down the familiar walkway. "Ao, I don't mean to pry, but why did you start acting. . . so differently?"

"Oh, it's not prying, dear." Ao answered. She frowned, trying to remember. "To be honest, it's because of the differences between Kin and myself. Kin was raised among the elite, bred and groomed to take control of his father's legacy. He was taught to distance himself from others, to hide any weakness, to constantly find and exploit the weaknesses of others, and to believe that he was the definition of superior. I was his complete opposite. I was raised by my mother and my grandfather, and for a long time, I had the philosophy of a child. For me, the world was divided into good and evil, and everyone I met was put into one of those categories. A lot of times I would simply refuse to see the truth of what was in front of me, preferring to keep my perfect view of the world." Ao let out a small chuckle. "I was so naïve.

"Anyway, after we met, we both changed each other. He became a bit more open, and I learned that not everything was truly black and white. When Kin's mother found out that Kin was associating with someone like me, she decided to remind Kin of who he really was. She invaded his home, along with the daughters of several of his father's associates' daughters. They were. . ." Ao shut her eyes, as if pushing back bad memories. "They were cold, calculating. They'd been raised just like Kin, to put themselves at the top and keep themselves there by any means necessary. I was completely out of my depth, and when I watched Kin with them, I felt like I was the lowest life form on earth. Not to mention the fact that those evil snobs treated everything I said as if it was from a baby. Finally, I just decided that if they were going to treat me like a child, I might as well have some fun with it.

"The next time I saw Kin and his followers, I pretended that I hit my head. I started acting like the airhead they expected me to be." Ao laughed. "You should have seen Kin's face! He was completely freaked out, and he rushed me to the healers." She laughed again. "He was ready to kill me when I told him it had all been an act. I swear, I'd never seen him that angry before, and I haven't again since then." She shook her head and let out another chuckle. "It was lucky I did, too. Those conspiring rats were planning to force Kin to mate one of them, and were idiotic enough to plan the whole thing right in front of me."

"And it doesn't bother Kin that you pretend to be less than what you are?" Kagome asked.

Ao thought, then shrugged. "It does, but that's mostly because he hates how people look down on me. It hardly bothers me, and the people who matter know the truth. The rest of them deserve what they get when they underestimate me."

"That's. . . so cold." Kagome murmured.

Ao stopped and faced Kagome, her face softening. "I know that it sounds cruel. The way that I see it, if a person refuses to see past the mask I wear, then they are not worth knowing. And if it's a comfort, the interplay between us all is rather like a very large game. One that involves millions, sometimes billions of dollars. But we are a. . . community, of sorts. Even if we are trying to outdo and outmaneuver one another, we also look out for one another. When we force someone else to take a loss, we know that one of the others will help them regain that loss. And when the time calls for it, we pull together to protect our community." She smiled. "Basically, we keep each other grounded, to remind each other that we aren't some omniscient presence."

Kagome thought about it, then nodded slowly. "I still can't believe that you let yourself continue the display."

Ao shook her head. "The truth is, it's easier this way. See, a person in Kin's position is expected to one of two kinds of wives: a calculating asset, or a something pretty to hang on their arm. I, of course, am neither. I didn't, and mostly still don't, understand anything about business. And while I would say that I am rather pretty." She fluffed her hair slightly, making Kagome laugh. "I am too smart to sit around, doing nothing and looking pretty. And as much as I hate to admit it, people's opinion of Kin is important, especially in business. I was always getting into fights with the others, and it caused problems for Kin. Once I started acting like they expected, meaning like a complete airhead, things went back to normal for him."

"But it doesn't bother you?" Kagome pressed.

"Of course it does." Ao answered. "I don't enjoy being called a moron. But Kin's reputation and his happiness mean more to me than what they think of me."

Kagome thought about what Ao said, then shook her head. "I still don't think I understand it. But I know better than to think that I can change your mind." Kagome checked her watch. "It's already two o' clock. Do you have time for a quick drink?"

Ao winced and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. I promised Kin I'd be home at two. Would you accept a rain check?"

Kagome laughed. "Well, if I must. I suppose I could manage to pencil you in later."

Ao grinned and hugged Kagome close. "I'll see you soon, Kagome. Have fun!" Ao raced off, heading towards the Southern Gate of the Park. She spied a familiar limo, and grinned when she saw an even more familiar slash of silver hair at the window. She went right up to the window and tapped on the glass. When it lowered, Ao leaned forward. "I didn't know I rated a personal escort."

Nishinoshu Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at his mate as he moved over to let her in. "You were supposed to be home fifteen minutes ago."

Nishinoshu Kagome slid into the limo and closed the door behind her. She leaned over and pressed a kiss onto Sesshoumaru's temple. "I'm sorry." She said as the limo pulled away from the curb. "I was talking to myself, and I got a bit distracted."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "What was the point of this interaction?"

"I don't really know." Kagome answered. "I'm trying to remember. The last time we met, I was trying to get her to go to the Barrier Between Life and Death so that you could realize that I'm actually a friend. So what happened next. . ."

Sesshoumaru leaned back in his seat, watching Kagome as she thought through what was happening. It was a relief to see his mate back to her usual self after being confronted with a brainless trophy for the past week. As much as he appreciated the information she obtained, he hated the comments he often got from his partners. The idea that anyone could think so lowly of his mate nearly made him fall into blood rage, and the only thing that stopped him was Kagome's amusement. Where he growled and roared, Kagome laughed. It was an example of her strength that she could persevere after so many years.

Sesshoumaru was jolted from his thoughts when Kagome suddenly shot up. "Dear Kami in heaven!" She shouted. "I'm doomed!"

"What are you talking about?" Sesshoumaru asked warily.

"I'm doomed." Kagome repeated. "I'm about to meet your mother!"

---

Sesshoumaru was going to kill her.

An hour ago, a tremendous gathering of clouds had suddenly appeared over Kaede's village. Unlike most clouds, or even Naraku's purple-black clouds, these clouds seemed completely innocuous. They were large, fluffy, and looked rather a lot like a group of cotton candy in cloud form. In fact, they were specifically created to appear completely ordinary. The only problem was that clouds normally don't hover over one place.

Sesshoumaru growled at the sky again, making the others around him look at him in surprise. "Lord Sesshoumaru, do you sense something?" Miroku asked carefully.

Sesshoumaru quieted himself and turned his intense gaze on Miroku. "This Sesshoumaru will return." That said, he turned and left Rin, Jaken, and Ah Un with his brother's group. No one dared to follow him, not even Jaken. Once out of sight, he began to run, heading to the most isolated place he could think of: the Bone Eater's Well. He made it in mere minutes, taking a relaxed stance facing westward. It only took a few moments for the clouds to catch up with him, and about five minutes for something in the cloud to move.

Suddenly, a howl sounded from the clouds above. It was soon echoed by several others, and the clouds opened to display a beautiful palace, one that rivaled even the most grand of human masterpieces. But the sight was soon blocked by an influx of dogs that seemed to created by the clouds themselves, when in reality they had been dwelling within Floating Palace in the West. It was the only place in the Western Lands that fell outside the jurisdiction of its lord. Instead, the Floating Palace was the domain of the Lady of the West. Consequently, most unmated ladies that resided in the Western Lands took refuge there until they mated.

Sesshoumaru bit back the urge to growl as a white dog, roughly as tall as two huts and half as wide, landed in front of Sesshoumaru. She was followed by at least seven other dogs, each of varying colors and patterns. The white leader stepped up to Sesshoumaru, testing him. Sesshoumaru answered the challenge, allowing his eyes to redden and a warning snarl to erupt from his chest. The bitch held her ground for a moment, then lowered her head to show that she recognized the authority of the Lord of the West. She glowed, followed shortly by the others that had followed her down from the palace in the sky. When the light faded, the dogs had transformed into their more humanoid shapes.

"Greetings, my son." Inukimi, Lady of the Western Lands, and Mother to the Lord of the Western Lands, said to Sesshoumaru.

"The same to you, Mother." Sesshoumaru returned, keeping his tone neutral. It was not often that his mother descended from her floating realm, and when she did, it usually did not bode well for him. While he was a lord, he was still only seven hundred years old, young for a demon. His mother, on the other hand, was nearly double his age, and was in the prime of her life. In terms of personal power and experience, he was at a disadvantage. "May I assume that you are well?"

"Oh yes, very." Inukimi answered dismissively. "However, I am bored, and I am lonely up in my palace." She narrowed her eyes, and a cold smile drifted across her face. "Surely my lord can spare a few days to entertain the Ladies of the Western Court?"

Sesshoumaru wanted to curse. No, he damn well didn't have time to waste listening to women whose goal in life was to mate the most influential man they could get their claws on. He had a gnawing suspicion that if he went with them, he'd end up being stuck with one of them for the rest of his life. Of course, he could always arrange for an assassination. . .

Sesshoumaru was about to respond, when suddenly the well behind him began to glow. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened, and he growled out a warning at the same time that his mother shouted for the others to run. Sesshoumaru waited for the others to go before raising an eyebrow at his mother. She ignored him, and instead curiously approached the well just as the blue glow faded. She took a sniff, and her lips curled back at the scent she caught. "So the female did not die?" She asked him.

Sesshoumaru almost asked what she meant, before he remembered the looking glass that was kept in the Floating Palace. So that was why she had decided to return to the ground. She'd been spying on him again!

Inukimi was ignoring his anger though. She peered down into the well, wrinkling her nose at the stench. After a moment, she turned to Sesshoumaru. "After you have obtained the female from the well, I will be expecting you in my palace. Do not make me find you, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru bit back the urge to growl at his mother, and simply ignored her as she strode passed him. Sesshoumaru waited until she was out of his hearing range before he approached the well. By then, Kagome had made it halfway up the well's side. He peered over, a small smirk briefly passing across his face at the sight of her struggling. Then he graciously reached down and picked her up, using the backpack as a handle. She ended up slipping out of the straps, but she was already over the side of the well, so she only fell a few inches. "Thank for the help." Kagome said to him, a smile on her face. It quickly disappeared however. "What was all that youkai hanging around?"

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. He supposed he shouldn't have been surprised that that was the reason she had stayed in the well instead of immediately climbing out. "This Sesshoumaru is needed elsewhere. You will remain in the village and wait for my return."

Kagome narrowed her eyes before crossing her arms and leaning back against the well. Her attitude was one that Sesshoumaru knew well: stubborn bitch. "What is it that so urgently needs your attention, Sesshoumaru?" She asked. "If it's really so important, then it must be related to the Shikon no Tama or Naraku. If that's the case, then at the very least I should come with you."

"It has nothing to do with that." Sesshoumaru answered, feeling each passing moment speeding by. If he didn't hurry, his mother would be looking for him, and she would probably kill Kagome out of annoyance. And as Kagome was only human, there was little action he could take against her. "Leave now."

Kagome didn't even bother to answer. Instead, she picked up her backpack from where Sesshoumaru had dropped it and slung it on her back. "So where are we going?" She asked brightly, a smile crossing her face. "Please don't tell me the north. The last time I was there, I contracted the worse cold I've ever had!"

"You are not coming." Sesshoumaru growled.

Once again, Kagome ignored him. "We should probably stop by the village and let the others know that we're going. But of course, then they'd want to come along as well, which would be-" She stopped suddenly, and Sesshoumaru tensed as he felt what she had. "You never did tell me who it was that was waiting here." Kagome said lightly, a direct contrast to the tenseness of her body.

Sesshoumaru growled and turned towards where the youkai was coming from. "I told you to go. Do not blame me for what happens now."

"Somehow, that's not exactly comforting." Kagome muttered. She longed for her bow and arrows, but instead grabbed a nearby stick. It probably wouldn't do much, but it was better than nothing at all.

"A stick will do no good, human." The cold voice, much like Sesshoumaru's the first time they had met, flowed over Kagome slowly. Kagome felt the powerful youkai fill the clearing, and she felt her holy powers rise in response. She grit her teeth and firmly pushed it back. "Surely you are not so simple as to think I will run from a twig." Sesshoumaru growled and half-pulling Kagome behind him and stepping forward to put himself firmly between his mother and Kagome. Inukimi raised an eyebrow, and a smirk seemed to want to grow on her face. But the moment passed, and the hard gaze returned. "I had not realized that you had so far lowered yourself."

Kagome's eyes narrowed, and she tried to move around Sesshoumaru. Only his tight grip on her arm stopped her from moving around him. As it was, she was a few seconds away from ripping his head off. But she could feel the youkai coming off the female inuyoukai, and she knew that Sesshoumaru wouldn't be so protective unless he had a reason.

"Now Sesshoumaru, we are leaving." Inukimi announced. "Say good-bye to your pet."

"Where do you think you're taking him?" Kagome asked before Sesshoumaru could stop her. Sesshoumaru growled a warning to her, but Kagome ignored it. "He is the Lord of the West. What authority do you have over him?"

Inukimi's eyes hardened in annoyance. In a second, she had crossed the clearing and stood in front of Kagome. Kagome had expected the move, though to be honest she had expected a blow, and so glared back at the inudaiyoukai in front of her. Inukimi blinked in surprise, but otherwise showed no sign of the shock she felt. "I have no reason to validate myself to an animal."

"Then I guess it's a good thing that there aren't any animals around, isn't there." Kagome countered, smiling in that infuriating way of hers. Sesshoumaru watched his mother carefully for any sign of attack. "Where are you taking Sesshoumaru?"

Inukimi was starting to become angry now. "Listen carefully, human. My son may put up with your insults, but I am the Lady of the Western Lands. You will show me the respect I deserve!"

"Respect is earned, Lady Inukimi." Kagome answered. "If you wish to have respect, you must show it."

For a moment, Inukimi was frozen. Then, she lifted a claw and trailed it down her face, just hard enough to leave a trail of red. When Kagome jerked back, she would be giving ground to her superior. Inukimi would be justified in killing her then. It was one of the primal laws of the demon world.

But to her surprise, Kagome stepped forward and pushed with both her own strength and a bit of her rising holy powers. Caught by surprise, Inukimi was nearly forced back and just barely managed to keep from moving. Then she growled and retaliated, intending to rip out the arrogant human's throat. But just as the tips of her claws were about to pierce skin, a hand stopped her. She froze again in surprise, identifying the hand as Sesshoumaru's from the stripes that decorated his wrist. She whirled on her son, lip curling, when she suddenly put the pieces together.

With a snarl, Inukimi jumped backwards. "You fool!" She snarled. "You adopted that. . . that thing!"

Sesshoumaru stood his ground, once again standing between his mother and his pack-sister. "Mother, if you still wish for me to accompany you, I will. But first I will ensure the safety of my pack."

Inukimi bit back another growl, knowing that Sesshoumaru was right to see to his pack before indulging his mother. Not that that made her happy, but she knew her bounds. She nodded shortly, and turned on her heel. Gathering her youkai around her, she transformed into her true form. Then she leapt up, enjoying the fact that her liftoff caused a backwind that would probably knock the human over. It was consolation, for now.

Kagome managed not to fall back, but mostly because the well was directly behind her. She glared at the giant dog that she could swear was laughing at her. "What a. . . a. . . a bitch!" She shouted. "Did you hear her? 'I have no need to validate myself to an animal.' How dare she!" She pushed off the well and picked up her bag. "And that attitude! As if I was going to back down just because she thinks she's superior! Oh, I want to wring her neck!"

As Kagome started to walk towards the village, Sesshoumaru wasn't sure whether to shout, or to laugh. He followed after her, trying to remember the last time that someone had stood up to his mother. Actually, the more honest statement would be that he couldn't remember the last time that someone had stood up to his mother and lived. Half of him wanted to berate Kagome for her stupidity. The other half wanted to laugh out loud. It served the pompous bitch right.

Kagome suddenly stopped in her tracks, her eyes growing wide. She stood frozen for several minutes, and just when Sesshoumaru was starting to get worried, she groaned and smacked her head. "Oh my kami!" She shouted. "I just screamed at your mother!"

Sesshoumaru broke then. At first it was just a twitch of the lips. But then a full smile erupted, his shoulders began to shake, and he made a few coughing noises. Just as Kagome was sure he was having a fit of some kind, he threw his head back and started to laugh. Kagome was almost too stunned to react. His laughter swelled, slowly filing the clearing. It was deep, seeming to erupt from his gut and swell in the open air.

A few seconds later, Sesshoumaru regained control and his laughter petered out. Kagome smiled slightly, half expecting him to growl a warning to her, at the least. Instead, he shook his head and started walking again. "Unless you wish to accompany this Sesshoumaru to my mother's home, you should follow me."

Kagome shook herself from her shock and quickly ran after him. "You wouldn't really sick your mother on me, would you?"

Sesshoumaru bit back another laugh at the thought as they exited the forest. A quick glance at the sky darkened his look when he saw his mother's palace still hovering above the village. He had agreed to meet with his mother, and he was an inudaiyoukai of his word. But damn it all, he hated that place! Not only would he receive endless lectures from his mother about what he was doing wrong (which was apparently everything), and whining about how he never came to visit her, but his mother always got the urge to play matchmaker and force some brainless princess on him. She'd even gone so far as to drug his morning tea in hopes that he would mate one of her chosen few. Luckily for him, he had spent years building up resistance to any drug he could get his hands on.

A hand on his arm nearly made him jump. He looked down to see Kagome gently gripping his arm. "Are you sure you want to go?" Kagome asked quietly. "I mean, you are the Lord of the West, right? That means no one, even your mother, can make you do anything. At least not in your own lands."

Sesshoumaru reached over and gently removed her hand. "This Sesshoumaru will not break my word." Sesshoumaru answered. "It is best to take action immediately, so as not to put off the inevitable."

Kagome couldn't help but smile. "That sounds exactly like the type of thing you'd say." She looked up at the sky curiously. "Do you know why she wants you up there?" Sesshoumaru growled and glared at the sky. Kagome laughed, earning herself a glare. "I'm sorry, I really shouldn't laugh. But it must be something reprehensible for you to have that look on your face."

Sesshoumaru didn't answer, but he didn't have to. At that moment, Sesshoumaru and Kagome felt a moderate amount of youkai approaching them. Kagome turned, gripping the stick she still held in her hand tightly. Sesshoumaru turned to face the approaching threat, tensing slightly and allowing his hand to drift towards Tokijin. Though in different ways, they were ready for a battle.

Their caution was unnecessary, however. The youkai that burst through the trees stopped at the edge of the forest. It was a female inuyoukai, with an ugly mottle of brown and grey hair and weird orange eyes that reminded Kagome of Naraku. "Sesshi-chan!" The female shouted. "I've been looking for you!" To Kagome's horror, the female jumped forward and engulfed Sesshoumaru in an embrace. "I've missed you so much!"

Kagome was floored. This female was hanging all over Sesshoumaru, even touching him, and he was doing. . . nothing. He just stood there, letting her do whatever. It was so unlike him, that she had a strong urge to check him for a fever.

After a few moments, Sesshoumaru gently removed the female's hands from him. The girl pouted and crossed her arms. "Oh, Sesshi-chan! You're so cold! And after all the trouble I went through to find you!"

Kagome could almost see Sesshoumaru stop himself from growling. "I apologize for the trouble, Lady Juri. I hope you are well."

"Oh, stop being so formal, silly!" Juri cried, grinning broadly. "You know that you don't need to act that way around me!"

She tried to slink forward again, but Sesshoumaru quickly grabbed Kagome's arm. "I'm afraid that I must take my leave, Lady Juri. I promised to escort Kagome back to her village."

Juri's eyes narrowed and she eyed Kagome critically. "I didn't realize you had such a close relationship with this. . . human."

Kagome could see Sesshoumaru forcing himself not to react to the statement, and had to marvel at his self control. Juri was making even her irritated. Instead, Sesshoumaru calmly pulled Kagome towards the village. "Until later, Lady Juri."

Sesshoumaru pulled Kagome's arm, and she quickly followed after him. Kagome waited until she heard Juri's shout ("That's a promise, Sesshi-chan!"), and saw a mottled brown and grey dog jump high enough to catch the edge of the cloud that hid the floating palace. Once Juri disappeared into the cloud, Kagome stopped and turned to stare at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru stopped and stared back, eyebrow raised.

"Suddenly I see what put that look on your face." Kagome said, looking up at the clouds incredulously. "She makes me cringe, and I've only seen her for a few minutes. I can't even imagine spending days with-" Just as she was about to finish, she heard several howls emanating from the sky. Eyes wide, she looked back at Sesshoumaru. "Oh kami. There's more of them up there, isn't there?"

Sesshoumaru refused to answer, instead pulling Kagome forward. His lips were tight, and her shoulders were so tense she could almost see the muscles bulging. His grip on her tightened slightly, just enough for her to know there would be bruises later. Though the changes were slight, they were enough for her to know that he was honestly and truly dreading going up into that castle.

Kagome sighed and shook her head. He was being so. . . un-Sesshoumaru, that she couldn't even imagine letting him walk into the proverbial lion's den. Or at least, not without someone beside him. "Sesshoumaru, you should consider yourself very, very lucky." Kagome muttered. Sesshoumaru looked down at her, eyebrow rising again. "I still owe you for saving my life by establishing the pack-bond, not to mention all the times that you've used it to save my life. You can consider this a down payment on that debt."

"You are being more incoherent than usual." Sesshoumaru answered. "Speak clearly."

Kagome grinned and linked his arm with hers. "I'm afraid that I am far too nice to abandon you to the whims of clingy, annoying females. And since you won't break your promise, it leaves me no choice but to come with you to that palace in the sky."

Sesshoumaru froze, almost staring. "No."

Kagome tightened her grip on his arm. "Do you really think you can stop me?" She asked, slowly intertwining her holy powers with his youkai so that she would be stuck in place. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm stubborn. Once I make up my mind, it's not easily changed. You should save your breath and time and just take us up."

Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment, then slowly shook his head. I must be going crazy. I cannot believe I am actually agreeing with her. "Do not hold this Sesshoumaru responsible for any actions against you. The Floating Palace does not reside within this Sesshoumaru's domain, but in that of the Lady of the West."

"I understand, Sesshoumaru." Kagome answered, smiling up at him to show that she meant it. "Now, let's not keep your mother waiting, shall we?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head again before gently pulling Kagome into his side. Then his cloud formed beneath him, and the pair of them ascended gracefully into the sky. He smirked as the castle grew closer. He could almost see his mother's look of outrage when she saw that her son had brought a miko into her home.

---

"OI! Where's Kagome!" InuYasha shouted as he rushed into Kaede's hut.

Miroku and Sango looked up from their places by the fire, then looked at each other searchingly. "Was she coming back today? I thought she was waiting until tomorrow." Sango commented.

"Yes, she most definitely said tomorrow." Miroku confirmed. "Why would you be looking for her so soon, InuYasha?"

InuYasha dropped to the ground, confusion on his face. "I could have sworn I smelt her. I know I did!" He growled and shot back out of the hut, ignoring the looks of concern that Miroku and Sango exchanged. He started running as soon as he left the hut, heading for the Bone Eater's Well. He would know Kagome's scent if she was smothered in those ghastly chemicals the girls in her time called "perfume." And damn it all, he'd smelt her, he knew he had. The only way to prove it was to go to the source of the smell: the Bone Eater's Well.

He got there in record time, panic setting in as he got closer and closer to the Bone Easter's Well. The scents of about ten youkai surrounded the clearing, and he was picking up Kagome's scent as well. Damn it all, couldn't that stupid girl go five minutes without landing herself in some kind of trouble? He sped up, wondering where in the hell his bastard of a half-brother was. Couldn't he feel her danger through that pack-bond thingy? Why wasn't he rushing as well?

InuYasha finally made it to the clearing, and the smells nearly overwhelmed him. At the edge of the clearing, there were the scents of nine females, all about three hundred years old. Well, except for one that smelt about three hundred years older. That particular scent trailed towards the well, where the scents of Sesshoumaru and Kagome were. InuYasha growled, only coming down slightly from his panic when he followed the larger group of females away from the clearing, where it then disappeared except for one scent. There was no trace of Kagome in it, so he returned to the clearing. From there he dutifully tracked the older scent, which he found disappeared as well. He finally followed the separate trail of Sesshoumaru and Kagome, ignoring the small portion of his mind that growled at the thought of Sesshoumaru taking over his job.

He carefully followed the two scents through the forest, growling softly when the younger scent he had tracked before intercepted them. But the other scent left, and only Sesshoumaru's and Kagome's continued towards the village. But then the two scents abruptly stopped, about a stone's throw from the village. The only explanation that he could think of was that Sesshoumaru had flown them somewhere. But where, and why? And what gave that arrogant bastard the idea that he could just take Kagome without permission?

InuYasha grumbled as he stalked back towards the village. There was something very wrong with everything. Why was Sesshoumaru hanging around Kagome? Why was Kagome letting him, even encouraging him? Why did she feel the need to defend him? InuYasha growled again as he thought about. It was as if the two weeks they had spent apart from everyone else had been enough to erase three years of aloofness, degradation, annoyance, fighting, and whatever else had happened between them. . .

InuYasha stopped in his tracks in front of Kaede's hut. That was it! That was how they had gotten so close! Something must have happened between them, something so overwhelmingly powerful that neither of them could ignore it. Something that brought them close together, and now they couldn't get enough of each other.

"OH! SWEET! KAMI!" InuYasha shouted. "KAGOME AND SESSHOUMARU DID IT!"

At InuYasha's shouting, Miroku and Sango had leapt out of Kaede's hut, armed and ready for a fight. They lowered their guard when it was apparent that they were not, in fact, under attack. Thought they soon might be, judging by the rage InuYasha was displaying. He was running, heading for the trees, screaming and shouting at the top of his lungs. But his yelling gave no indication as to what exactly had caused his fury, since it was mostly unintelligible except for the odd phrase here and there. ". . . fucking asshole. . . fucking touch Kagome. . . dare she. . . going to. . . cold-hearted bitch. . . two-inch dick. . . whoring around. . . Kouga's skirt. . . tail eating worm. . ." By now he had reached the trees, and any further comments he had to make was drowned out by the sound of splintering wood as InuYasha began tearing trees apart with his bare hands.

Miroku and Sango sat stunned, unable to comprehend what they were seeing. It was up to Shippou to say what was on everyone's minds.

"He's finally lost it."

---

When Sesshoumaru landed outside of the gates of the Floating Palace in the West, he was not expecting an exuberant welcome. Not only had he brought a human into his mother's realm, something she had forbidden since his father took on a human mistress, but that human was a female. It was sure to make his mother froth at the mouth, not to mention the ladies that his mother had assembled. Perhaps it had not been a good idea to bring Kagome here.

"Sesshoumaru." His mother's cold voice jerked him from his thinking. He saw the almost annoyed face his mother made when she saw that he had brought Kagome along. "I hadn't realized you had brought your. . . friend with you." She didn't bother to hide the contempt in her voice. "I do believe you said you were escorting her back to her village."

"What I do with members of my pack is of no concern of yours, Mother." Sesshoumaru answered. "It pleased me to bring her here, and so I have. That is all you need know."

Lady Inukimi kept herself from snapping back, but only barely. "Sai!" It took only a few seconds for the inuyoukai to appear at his mistress's side. "Prepare a room for the human girl. Make it appropriate for a person of her prestige."

Sai bowed, and disappeared just as quickly as he had appeared. Sesshoumaru frowned at his mother's wording, but said nothing. Kagome, who stood just behind him, stepped forward then and bowed. "Thank you for your kindness, Inukimi-sama." She said softly. "It is an honor to be here."

Inukimi gave Kagome the slightest nod of her head before turning back to Sesshoumaru. "Well, at least you've trained her well." Then Lady of the West turned on her heel, calling back to her son over her shoulder. "I expect to see you both at dinner. And be sure to be properly attired."

Sesshoumaru waited until his mother had passed the outer walls of her sanctuary before turning to Kagome. She had straightened herself once Inukimi had turned away, and now turned to Sesshoumaru with a tight smile on her lips. "Charming woman." She told me. "I can see where you get your award winning personality from."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at Kagome, but didn't comment. "Do not stray." He warned. "My mother and her servants will not take kindly to wandering humans."

"As you wish, Oh Great Sesshoumaru-sama!" Kagome answered, bowing mockingly. When Sesshoumaru growled at her, Kagome smiled. "I recognize the dangers of coming here, Sesshoumaru. I promise, I will be on my best behavior." She gave a small laugh then jogged forward a few steps before turning back to Sesshoumaru. "I'll be so good, you won't even recognize me!"

Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment, then shook his head. "Do not be foolish, Kagome." Sesshoumaru answered, walking forward until he stood directly in front of Kagome. "It would be impossible for this Sesshoumaru to forget your scent."

Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru for a moment, then grinned. "Well come on. Let's get inside before your mother has a fit. I know from experience that it's never fun." She grabbed his arm and started to pull him forward, when Sai suddenly appeared behind her.

"Your room is ready." Sai said, looking at Kagome with a look with so much disdain that Kagome thought she might shrivel up and die. Then he turned to Sesshoumaru, and his face smoothed instantly. "Sesshoumaru-sama, your rooms are ready as well. If it pleases you, I will escort your companion to her rooms."

Sesshoumaru nodded and gently removed his arm from Kagome's grip. Kagome smiled at him, then turned to Sai. "Thanks for showing me the way. I have a terrible sense of direction even when I do know where I'm going. In a place as grandiose as this, I can't even begin to imagine how I'd find my way around."

Sai merely nodded and turned away. "If you would follow me."

Kagome looked perplexed, but hurriedly followed after Sai. Sesshoumaru watched her for a moment, a bit worried about leaving Kagome alone. But then she started talking, and Sesshoumaru almost grinned. She was so predictable. "So Sai, can you tell me a little about this place? It has to be the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I can't even imagine how a place like this exists. . ."

Sesshoumaru entered the palace, and immediately knew when the females inside felt his entrance. Every one of them, nine in all, began rushing towards his location, adjusting their course as he walked through the corridors. Sesshoumaru refused to run from a group of females, and certainly not ones weaker than himself. And if he happened to walk a bit quicker than normal, none of the servants noticed or dared to comment on it. After all, Sesshoumaru was only in a hurry to see that his rooms were in order.

He managed to make it inside before the females descended upon him, but it was a close call. Of course, some might construe it as rude that he nearly slammed his door in one of their faces. But then again, Sesshoumaru was known for his efficiency as a ruler and his prowess in battle, not for his aptitude in social settings. If one or two females were put out by his abruptness, then that was merely one less bother for him.

Sesshoumaru looked around his rooms, and saw that his rooms hadn't been touched. The reception area was simple, with bamboo making up the walls, floor, and ceiling. There was a small table in a square indent in the center of the room lined with black pillows. There were only two ornaments in the room. One was a depiction of Sesshoumaru's many times great-grandfather and grandmother, the first of the Gold and Silver Inuyoukai Line. It hung on the wall to the right of the table. On the other side of the room was a simple banner with the motto of the West: "Power belongs to those who reach for it." Behind the table was a single door which led to his bedroom, which was designed with only the necessities: a futon, a desk, a chair, and a closet. All of these were designed in the simplest fashion, making the room very impersonal. It was a reminder for Sesshoumaru that he did not want to be here, no matter what tricks his mother would try.

Sesshoumaru sighed and lowered himself onto the futon in the center of the room. No doubt their stay here would be long, eventful, and frustrating. He might as well get as much sleep as possible while he could. After setting his internal clock to wake him in time for dinner, he laid back on the futon and shut his eyes. Surely Kagome could not get into too much trouble an hour.

---

Kagome was in trouble.

How do I get myself into these situations? Kagome mentally groaned as her back hit the wall. In front of her were three female inuyoukai, all of whom were glaring at her as if they were starving hobos, and she was the only thing standing between them and food. Kagome took a breath and forced herself to smile. "Can I help you with anything?"

One of the females, a black-haired one who appeared to be the leader of the three, stepped forward. "Stay away from Sesshoumaru-sama."

Kagome raised an eyebrow at that. "And why would I need to stay away from Sesshoumaru?"

The female's hand shot forward and slapped Kagome across the face. "Use the proper honorific when speaking of your betters, human." The female spat.

Kagome couldn't believe that she had just been slapped. Angrily, yet still holding her power back, Kagome turned back to the female. "I'll be sure to do that, demon. However, Sesshoumaru has never reprimanded me for not using an honorific. And I hardly think that your opinion matters."

The female moved to swing her hand again, and Kagome brought up an arm to defend herself. The female seemed stunned that Kagome would bother to block. "Listen closely. I don't want any trouble while I'm here. However, should the need arise, I am fully capable of defending myself. Moreover, I will defend myself. So I suggest that you do both yourself and me a favor, and leave me out of whatever problems you have."

Kagome started to turn, but the female pushed her back up against the wall. Kagome winced, knowing that at the very least her shoulder would be bruised. "Listen here, you pathetic weakling. You will treat me with the respect I deserve. I could kill you in mere moments if I so chose."

"And yet here I stand." Kagome snapped. "Let me clue you in, dear. Just because I don't appear to be a danger, doesn't mean I'm not one."

The female laughed. "If you could hurt me, you would have already done so."

"Some of us have more respect for our hosts." Kagome answered, shoving the female's claw off her shoulder. "But if you attack me again, I won't be held responsible for my actions."

That seemed to be the last straw for the female. With a growl, her hand shot forward and slapped Kagome, knocking her down to the floor. Kagome went to move, but the female slammed her foot down on her hand. Kagome bit back a scream and shut her eyes to try to block out the female's smirk. The pain increased for a moment, then she felt breath next to her ear.

"Lady Kurokai, Daughter of Advisor Kinomaru, and Lady of the Western Court." The female whispered. "Remember my name, and remember what I can do to you. I'll expect you to show the respect I deserve the next time we meet."

Kagome snorted and glared at Kurokai. "Respect is something you earn, not something you deserve."

Kurokai growled and lifted her hand. "Akane, Chiatsu. Let's teach the human the lesson she so badly deserves."

Kagome nearly gulped as the other two surrounded her. As her stomach plunged, Kagome closed her eyes and focused on the power that she had been trying to hold back for a while. She gently prodded, trying to bring just a touch of it to the surface. Unfortunately, she hadn't thought to compensate for the amount of strange and hostile youkai surrounding her. Before she could completely control it, it burst from her control, rushing to flood her entire body.

I broke my promise. She thought as her holy powers flooded out from her. Sesshoumaru's going to kill me.

---

Sesshoumaru was going to kill that girl. The entire reason for her arrival into enemy territory was so that she could help deter the females his mother had gathered in a vain attempt to interest him into mating. And what happened? He ended up stuck between the two most irritating of the females, and no Kagome in sight, with his mother across from him giving him her usual admonishing look for ignoring said annoying females.

Where in the world was that stupid girl? Sesshoumaru looked surreptitiously down the table length, but saw no sign of her. And now that he thought of missing people, there seemed to be a few females missing as well. With a sinking feeling in his stomach, Sesshoumaru just knew that Kagome's absence and those of the missing females were somehow related. He turned to his mother, having a feeling that she knew more than he did. "I find it curious, Mother, that my companion is not dining with us."

Inukimi gave him a cold look that told him quiet firmly to shut his mouth before she shut it for him, but Sesshoumaru just stared back. After a few moments of staring, Inukimi bared her teeth in a silent snarl. When Sesshoumaru still remained impassive, Inukimi stood, projecting an exceptionally icy demeanor. "If you insist on worrying, then I will take you to her." She turned to the other females and bowed, a false smile on her face. "As dinner is almost over, I'm sure that you all will excuse us our bad manners."

There was a surge of assurances, but neither Inukimi nor Sesshoumaru paid any attention. It was simply a part of being a daiyoukai, and especially a lord or lady. Sesshoumaru followed closely behind his mother, She led the way, annoyance in every step she took. But Sesshoumaru was paying more attention more attention to where his mother was going than her attitude as she walked. His parents' marriage had been a purely political one, and so Inukimi had spent as much time in the Floating Palace as possible, and took Sesshoumaru with her. He knew this castle as well as his own, and so as they continued, he easily surmised that they were heading towards the infirmary. Sesshoumaru's stomach seemed to grow more turbulent the closer they got to the infirmary. Could that infernal miko go anywhere without getting into trouble?

They reached the infirmary, and Sesshoumaru barely held himself back from rushing forward. Instead, he waited for his mother to lead the way. He passed three closed off areas, recognizing the youkai inside as belonging to three of his mother's court. But it was the aura he felt at the end of the hall that caught his attention. The contrasting alarming and calming sensations was something Sesshoumaru had come to associate with Kagome, and it did not fail him now. He immediately opened the door to see his adopted pack member sleeping on the padded futon with a nurse next to her, bandaging her wounds.

Sesshoumaru took in her appearance and wanted to growl. There was scratches up and down her arms and face, at least the parts he could see. He saw a bandage on the back of her head, indicating a head wound was the cause of her current bout of unconsciousness. He gingerly moved to kneel beside her. "What is her condition?" He demanded of the nurse.

"Her skull fracture is the worst injury." The nurse answered, knowing to keep to the point when dealing with a royal from the Western Lands. "The rest of what you see is all superficial damage. She should wake soon, and we'll be able to better assess the damage then."

Sesshoumaru nodded, then gently removed the bandage after seeing the nurse move to replace it. He might not be a healer, but any warrior could judge the seriousness of wounds in a pinch. He took a cautious sniff and looked at the wound intently. As far as he could tell, it wasn't life threatening. Maybe Kagome's luck would carry through even in the belly of the beast. Sesshoumaru looked up and locked eyes with his mother, who stood in the doorway watching. "I assume that the three attackers will be justly punished."

Inukimi sniffed, eyeing her son angrily. "What makes you think that it was my court that caused this incident? For all you know, that girl could have been the instigator."

"Higurashi could no more start a conflict than you could mate a human, Mother." Sesshoumaru answered, standing slowly. He moved over to his mother, his more primal side demanding retribution for his fallen pack-mate.

Inukimi bared her teeth at her son, a silent warning. "You forget yourself, my son." She growled. "You would challenge my authority over a human girl, Sesshoumaru. Have you become as feeble-minded and foolhardy as your father? I thought you were wise enough to learn from the mistakes of that male!"

Sesshoumaru growled, and almost lunged forward, when he heard Kagome shuffle behind him. He turned, and saw her slowly blinking her eyes open. She turned to Sesshoumaru and with an expression that any man who wasn't named the Killing Perfection would have called cute, called out to him. "Sesshoumaru? I think I hurt myself."

Sesshoumaru moved to kneel beside her again. "How do you feel, Kagome?"

Kagome seemed to think, then pulled herself up into a sitting position. "My head hurts." Kagome answered, whining slightly. "Sesshoumaru, make it go away!"

Sesshoumaru was starting to get worried. The Kagome he knew would never have acted like this. "Kagome, are you hurt anywhere besides your head?"

Once again, Kagome seemed to think about the answer. "My back hurts. And my feet." She suddenly looked away, noticing her yellow backpack had been brought in with her. She grinned widely and lunged for the bag, only to fall flat on her face. "Ow!" She shouted, turning to Sesshoumaru in surprise. "That hurt!"

Sesshoumaru stared at Kagome as she repeated the same action, getting the same results. What in the name of the kamis had happened to Kagome?

When Kagome woke up, her head felt as if it were splitting in half. She mentally measured the amount of pain she felt, and was reasonably sure she had at least a concussion, if not more. She briefly opened her eyes, and the intense light almost made her whimper. Opening her eyes was definitely not a good idea. Hesitantly, she began to focus on her ears instead. Slowly, sound filtered through to her. It took a moment for the sound to process, but once it did, she nearly sat up in surprise. Sesshoumaru and his mother were in her room, and they appeared to be arguing.

". . . caused this incident? For all you know, that girl could have been the instigator."

"Higurashi could no more start a conflict than you could mate a human, Mother." Sesshoumaru's voice answered, its usual calm and steadiness unaffected by her current dilemma.

"You forget yourself, my son." Inukimi growled. "You would challenge my authority over a human girl, Sesshoumaru. Have you become as feeble-minded and foolhardy as your father? I thought you were wise enough to learn from the mistakes of that male!"

Kagome winced at the insult to the both of them. What had she done to deserve the Lady of the West's low opinion of her? What had Sesshoumaru done? She almost pushed herself up in order to tell the old woman off. But as she did so, she heard an echo in her mind, as if the speaker was beside her whispering the words into her ear.

I was completely out of my depth.

I started acting like the airhead they expected me to be.

It hardly bothers me, and the people who matter know the truth.

It caused problems for Kin.

Kin's reputation and his happiness mean more to me than what they think of me.

Kagome suddenly understood what Ao had meant when she'd told Kagome her story. Was her pride more important than Sesshoumaru's reputation? She might be the Miko no Shikon, but most people expected that to be a more ceremonial role than anything else. But the title of Lord of the West demanded respect, the kind of respect that took centuries to create, and yet only one mistake would send it all into ruin. Sesshoumaru might have taken in Rin, but she was just a child. Kagome, on the other hand, was an adult, and a reminder to all of what had happened to the Inu no Taisho.

It took only a second, but Kagome's decision was final. She shifted slightly, and let out a small groan. She slowly fluttered her eyes open, smiling slightly when she saw Sesshoumaru had moved to kneel beside her. "How do you feel, Kagome?"

Kagome thought quickly, deciding the best answer to give. "My head hurts." Kagome answered, whining slightly. "Sesshoumaru, make it go away!" For added affect, she leaned forward and clung to Sesshoumaru's robes. Sesshoumaru stiffened slightly, but nonetheless proceeded with his enquiries about her health.

Once again, Kagome pretended to think. "My back hurts. And my feet." She suddenly looked away, noticing her yellow backpack had been brought in with her. She grinned widely as an idea came to her, and she pretended to lunge out of the bag before purposefully landing face first onto the floor. "Ow!" She shouted, turning to Sesshoumaru in surprise. "That hurt!"

Sesshoumaru stared at Kagome as she repeated the same action, getting the same results, and she could almost see the wheels in his head spinning faster and faster. Inukimi started for a moment, before a smirk began to spread over her face. "It would appear that humans are more fragile than I had expected." She said with a sniff. "It looks like you'll have your hands full with her, Sesshoumaru. After all, the mentally disabled are always so tragic."

"I am not mentally disabled!" Kagome shouted, turning to Inukimi with a glare. "So you just leave me alone, you big dummy!"

Sesshoumaru mentally groaned. She was not helping herself. Inukimi smirked. "Of course you're not, dear." With the last comment, she swept out of the infirmary, a chuckle escaping her control.

Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome, worry engulfing his eyes. Was this temporary? Would Kagome be like this for life? Could he help her somehow? Would Tenseiga work? What if he-

Sesshoumaru abruptly realized that Kagome had left the futon and was currently searching through her bag, occasionally dumping an object outside of it. It took him a few moments to realize that she was pulling out her clothes. Just as she realized this, however, she turned and fixed a glare at him. She looked at him expectantly, and Sesshoumaru stared back blankly. "Sesshoumaru, I realize we have the whole pack-bond thing going on here, but I refuse to change while you're in this room! Could you please go wait outside?"

Sesshoumaru blinked. She had just sounded. . . normal. Was she . . . something clicked, and Sesshoumaru was on his feet and in front of Kagome in less than a second. "You feigned mental damage."

Kagome grinned. "It's perfect, isn't it. Actually, my friend Ao gave me the idea. It'll be exceptionally entertaining, don't you think?"

Sesshoumaru wasn't sure whether to gut her, or slowly watch his poison turn her into ash. He had never been so furious with a person as he was right now. And to think, he had been worried about her! How dare she pretend to lose her mind! He could feel his youkai rising, but couldn't move passed his anger enough to control it. It would serve her right if she was accidentally squashed by his larger form, the stupid child! He would teach the misbehaving bitch to respect him as alpha—

Just as he reached the pinnacle of his transformation, the turning point between rational and instinctive minds, a wave of what could only be described as ice washed over him. To his instinctual side, it was as if someone had begun scratching behind his ears and stroking his belly all at the same time. It pushed the beast back and soothed the fury that had nearly caused Sesshoumaru to transform. Sesshoumaru blinked, the blood vessels in his eyes, which had bled and turned red, healing quickly as his temper abated. He became aware of himself again, and realized that someone had their arms around him. For a moment, Sesshoumaru reveled in the feeling. Then he shook himself and glared at the body holding him tightly.

Kagome carefully removed herself, hesitantly looking up at Sesshoumaru. "Are you okay?"

Sesshoumaru growled and moved backwards, directing his most lethal glare at the miko. "Why?"

Kagome sighed and flopped down. "Because I don't want to spend the entire trip fighting with one female after another. If I'm a threat, which I am as a miko and your companion, then the others will constantly try to pick a fight. If I remove myself from the competition for some reason, such as mental defect, then I don't need to worry about conflicts with the natives."

Sesshoumaru growled again, but it lacked the blinding rage of his previous few. "Do you doubt my ability to protect you?"

"Now you're just putting words in my mouth." Kagome snapped. "Listen to my words, and don't impose your own meaning on them. You have proven yourself perfectly capable of protecting me. I'm asking you to give me a chance to prove that I am capable of protecting myself."

Sesshoumaru glared at her, but something in him froze when he met her eyes. They were so very different, and yet so similar, to the eyes that had glared defiantly up at him within his father's tomb. The determination shone just as strong in them as it had then, but now, it was more defined, tempered by time. And with it, shone something that seemed almost like excitement. That puzzled Sesshoumaru, who had no idea what could be so exciting about what she planned. But looking down at her, Sesshoumaru found that it would be impossible to deny her request.

Sesshoumaru slowly and silently let out the breath he had drawn. "So long as you do not become an embarrassment to this Sesshoumaru, I see no reason to withdraw my support."

Kagome smiled and lunged forward to hug him again. "Thank you." She whispered. Sesshoumaru remained stiff in her arms, but the hug was so brief that Kagome didn't notice. "Now, you need to go so I can change."

Sesshoumaru smirked and leaned over her. "And if I should choose to stay?"

Kagome smiled and lifted her clothes from where she'd drop them on the futon. "Then I'll just have to see you later." With that, Kagome walked out of the room. Sesshoumaru wasn't sure whether to laugh or groan. He had a feeling that this trip was going to get a lot more interesting.

---

InuYasha sat in front of his two friends as they digested the scenario he had just presented to them. He waited impatiently as they thought through it, and he could see that they were trying to see a flaw in his logic. But he wasn't wrong. He just knew it. Even if Kaede had given him that evil glare of hers and left, recruiting Shippou and Kirara from outside to go into the center of the village with her.

Finally, Sango broke the silence. "It can't be true." Miroku said firmly. "Kagome would never sleep with Sesshoumaru. Their natures are too opposing."

"But they have been spending a lot of time together." Sango whispered. "And she did defend him against InuYasha, when she normally always takes his side." She let herself smile at a sudden thought. "Well, except against Shippou."

"But still, it is in Kagome's nature to befriend everyone." Miroku insisted. "I'm sure we're just reading too much into things."

"He killed Onigumo for her!" InuYasha shouted. "He formed a pack-bond with her! He didn't kill Kohaku when she asked him to. He doesn't take orders from anyone, and he certainly couldn't care less about a human life! There is no other way that he would bother if he wasn't getting anything out of it."

"But it is Kagome!" Miroku denied, though a small part of him began to waver slightly. For once, InuYasha's argument was almost logical. "She would at least tell Sango. She tells Sango everything."

"She didn't tell me about the pack-bond." Sango whispered, small tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "And she brought a present for him and Rin at Christmas."

"But Kagome brought presents for everyone!" Miroku countered.

"But not for Kouga." InuYasha growled back. "Not for Kikyo. And we see them a hell of a lot more than we see Sesshoumaru and the brat."

"I still do not believe it." Miroku said, crossing his arms and glaring at InuYasha. "It sounds a lot like you want Kagome to be having relations with your bother."

InuYasha's hand went to his mouth as his stomach turned. "Don't even joke about that!"

Sango moved to take Miroku's hand. "Miroku, it does make sense. She's always had a more liberal view of demons than us. And even she couldn't get over three years of death threats so quickly. Just look at Naraku. He has a much sadder story than Sesshoumaru, and she hasn't forgiven him."

Miroku bit his lip. "I can't believe it, and I won't." He whispered. He stood and left the hut. "Not until Kagome confirms it herself."

Sango sighed and stared after the monk. "I don't want to believe it, InuYasha." She said, turning to him with pleading eyes. "Are you sure."

"I am." InuYasha answered. He bit his lip and stared out the window. "I just wish I was wrong."

---

". . . such a darling. . ."

"So good of Sesshoumaru-sama. . ."

". . . know how he can stand it!"

Kagome forced herself to keep smiling blithely as she trailed after Sesshoumaru in the halls. This would mark day three of their excursion to the Floating Palace in the West, and the days had gotten only marginally better. While the females no longer went out of their way to torment Kagome, they did take certain steps to play up on her new "deficiencies." It made her want to hit something, and she had to keep reminding herself of Ao's explanation. I can do this. I can do this. No female is going to get the best of me.

Sesshoumaru led her to her seat at the table for breakfast, and Kagome dutifully sat where he instructed. "You will be well." He told her, the fierce look in his eyes making it an order.

Kagome grinned back. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Sesshoumaru nodded at her, then turned and bowed to his mother. Once she returned it with a nod, he left the room, heading for the men's dining hall. Kagome wanted to sigh as conversation began, but she held it back. She had noticed Inukimi watch her suspiciously, and the last thing she needed was an inudaiyoukai on her case. Just two more days. I can make it that long.

Kagome was situated towards the end of the table, as far away from Inukimi and the three who had attacked her as possible. Sure it was supposed to be a slight against her, but to be honest Kagome was a bit relieved. It meant less time trying to deal with the morons who made up the Ladies of the West. She focused on her breakfast, keeping to her act by playing with the food before eating it. As she usually did, she tuned out the conversations around her, something that helped her act and saved her mental health. Most of their conversations were centered around their "Beloved Sesshoumaru-sama," and she had a hard time controlling her laughter when she heard some of the things they said about him. The day that Sesshoumaru "gently lifted [the female who spoke] into his arm and carried her off into the sunset, where he would whisper wonders into her ear and spoil her as only a lord of his standing could do" was the day that she left the Feudal Era for good and married Hojo.

But today, a particular phrase caught her attention. That phrase was "suggestibility concoction."

"No way! Those things are just a myth." One of the females close to Kagome whispered.

"I'm telling you, it works!" Another hissed. Kagome flicked her eyes over at the conversing pair, and saw with a shock that the voice belonged to Juri. "My cousin brewed up a batch and tested it to make sure. He bribed one of the servants to slip it into Sesshoumaru-sama's morning tea. And since my cousin will be near him, he'll suggest that I am the only choice for the next Lady of the West."

"Do you really think you'll get away with it?" The first female murmured. "When the concoction wears off, Sesshoumaru-sama will be furious."

"But once we're mated, he won't be able to do anything. We'll be together for life." Juri sighed. "I'm sure if I just stay by his side, eventually, he will come to love me just as much as I love him."

Kagome's eyes widened. They couldn't be serious, could they? Were they really so stupid as to talk about it right in front of her? She almost spoke up, when she remembered the reason they were talking about her plan. They thought that she wouldn't realize what they were talking about.

Kagome smirked slightly, then quickly hid it. Remembering all her training growing up, she pulled her best acting skills to the forefront. Her lip began to quiver, and her eyes got big and tear-filled. She shot up, drawing all eyes to her. "You all hate me, don't you?" Kagome nearly whimpered. She noted shock on many faces, but before they could comment, Kagome bolted from the room. She ran down the hall, ignoring the calls from the female's dining hall. Kagome forced tears from her eyes, knowing that Sesshoumaru would scent them nearly immediately. She almost smirked when she saw Sesshoumaru exiting the men's hall after smelling her tears. But she fought it down and kept up the charade. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" She wailed, launching herself into Sesshoumaru's chest.

Sesshoumaru looked almost stunned, but instinctively pulled Kagome behind him as Juri, Kurokai, and one other female ran to catch up to her. His steely gaze made the three females who'd followed her freeze in place. "Explain. Now."

"Sesshoumaru-sama, I have no idea what happened!" Juri exclaimed. "She just suddenly stood and shouted that we all hated her. I wish I knew why she felt that way." She sniffed and looked away, as if holding back tears. "I thought we were friends."

"I can't imagine what cause her so much upset!" Kurokai announced. "And after I tried so hard to make her like me!"

Ha! Kagome thought. That'll be the day.

Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome, one eyebrow raised. Kagome, keeping with the act, continued to cower behind Sesshoumaru. "I don't want to go back there, Sesshoumaru-sama! They hate me! I don't want to be hated!" As Sesshoumaru started to turn around, Kagome rushed into the men's hall. Ignoring the shouts, she headed to Sesshoumaru's place.

Sesshoumaru had no idea what she was up to, but he was half-tempted to laugh at Kagome's antics. He reigned himself in and approached her. "Kagome, you cannot be here."

Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru with a pair of big puppy dog eyes. "Please, Sesshoumaru-sama! I'll be good, I promise."

Sesshoumaru thought for a moment, then sighed. He might have no idea what was going on, but he was not going to remain in the dark for long. "You will sit quietly and not disturb us."

Kagome smiled. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama!" She moved over to sit at Sesshoumaru's left, and blithely thanked the servant who brought over a plate for her. Sesshoumaru wanted to ask, but removing her now would be suspicious.

On his right, Juri's cousin Sawamura leaned towards him. "Are you sure that that is wise, Sesshoumaru-sama?" He whispered. "It is a rather large break with tradition."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at the male, who immediately shrunk back. "This Sesshoumaru cares not for tradition."

"Y- yes, Sesshoumaru-sama. Of course." Sawamura stuttered. He shook himself as Sesshoumaru turned to his plate. He had a job to do, as soon as Sesshoumaru drank his tea. He looked over at the tea cup, and horror flashed in his eyes. That human pet of Sesshoumaru's had stolen his plate and his drink.

"Kagome, return them." Sesshoumaru ordered.

Kagome pouted and shook her head. "Your plate looks yummy, and I want it!"

Sesshoumaru grit his teeth and grasped her arm tightly, forcing her to look at him. "Return it. Now."

Kagome saw the seriousness in his eyes, and deepened her pout. "Fine." She put his plate back, but kept the tea cup. Sesshoumaru noticed, and was about to ask for it back when Kagome grabbed it and took a drink. She sighed in the unexpected pleasure of the taste. She'd expected him to drink it straight, but she'd found he liked his tea sweet. How much sugar does he use? Would he use cream in the future, or would he use milk? I bet he'd use both, if he likes his tea so sweet. . .

Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome, but she didn't seem to notice. He poured himself another glass and glared pointedly at what was not her cup, but she was too focused on her tea. As he kept looking, he noticed that her eyes suddenly seemed cloudy, and the false smile on her face had become real. "Kagome, are you finished?"

Kagome cocked her head at him, her oblivious smile still in place. "Finished?" She seemed to think about it, then put her cup down with a grin. "Yes, I am. That was good tea."

Sesshoumaru stared at her, then nodded slowly. "Come."

Kagome looked up at him as he stood, then stood as well. "That's a good idea!"

Sesshoumaru smelt nervousness, and turned to see Sawamura shooting Kagome looks out of the corner of his eye. Going on a hunch, Sesshoumaru called to Kagome. "Why don't you spend some time with Sawamura here?"

If Sesshoumaru was right, and Sawamura had done something, then Kagome would answer yes. She had made it clear to him that she had no intention of mingling with the males of the court.

"Did you see the way they were leering at me?" She had said. "It was disgusting! At least the females hear that I got hurt and feel bad. Those males just think that I'll go along with whatever they want."

Now Kagome smiled brightly and clapped her hands. "That sounds fun! Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Sesshoumaru turned on Sawamura, eyes narrowing. "An interesting scheme, Sawamura. Tell me, what did you put in my tea?"

Sawamura nearly dropped his tea cup in shock. "M-me, Sesshoumaru-sama? I wouldn't dare even consider such a betrayal!"

Sesshoumaru nodded and handed Kagome's cup to Sawamura. "If what you say is true, I will accept any form of restitution you require. However, I will require proof that you have not done anything to my cup."

Sawamura looked at the tea cup, then back at Sesshoumaru. He suddenly stood and bolted towards the door, making Sesshoumaru smirk. "Kagome, follow me." Not waiting for her answer, Sesshoumaru calmly followed after the escaping lord. He made sure to catch up with Sawamura in front of the female's dining hall just as the Ladies of the Western Court, including his mother, were exiting. His poison whip coiled around Sawamura's ankle, and the fugitive hit the ground at the Lady of the West's feet.

"What is the meaning of this?" Inukimi demanded.

Sesshoumaru retracted his whip and faced his mother. "Kagome and I are leaving, Mother. This fool can explain to you why."

---

"Admit it. I'm a genius!" Kagome crowed as they landed on the ground.

Sesshoumaru cocked an eyebrow. "A genius who willingly congested an unknown substance?"

Kagome stuck her tongue out at him. "What did you expect me to do? Let you drink it?" She pranced forward and grinned at the village below. "It'll be good to see everyone again. They've probably been worried about me."

Sesshoumaru shook his head at her childishness and followed her to Kaede's hut. He had to admit, her plan had been a good one. He was surprised at how well it had worked, and despite his words, he was grateful that she had saved him. He shivered again at the thought of being mated to Juri. How disgusting!

He heard a shout coming from Kaede's hut, and he looked up to see InuYasha, Sango, and Miroku in front facing a very distressed looking Kagome. Puzzled, he ran forward, arriving at Kagome's side to hear the end of Miroku's statement.

". . . know the truth." Miroku was saying. "That's all."

"I can't believe that you would even ask something like that!" Kagome's distress was quickly turning into anger. "Or that you would even consider that I could do such a thing!"

"Kagome, please calm down." Sango answered. "We won't hold it against you, it's just that we need to know in case some demon comes to challenge you for him."

"Even if it did happen, it's none of your business!" Kagome shouted. "Something like that is personal!"

Sesshoumaru didn't like what was going on, and was starting to get annoyed that no one was actually mentioning what it was her friends wished to know. Thankfully, InuYasha's brashness quickly informed him. "Just admit that you had sex with Sesshoumaru, wench!"

Sesshoumaru whirled on InuYasha, his face torn between rage and shock. "WHAT!"

Before he could cut the impudent half-breed's throat, Kagome thwarted him. Her face turned scarlet, and she began to shout. "Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit!"

InuYasha's crater was ten times deeper than normal, and Sesshoumaru was left growling at empty space. Kagome wasn't done though. She whirled on Miroku and Sango. "How could you even think of something like that? I thought you two were my friends!"

Her words hurt, and Sango reacted as she usually did when she was injured: she went on the offensive. "The very fact that you refuse to answer means you did!" Sango shouted. "Why would you hide that from me?"

Kagome's power, which had slowly been building in response to her anger, suddenly burst forward, pushing everyone back. Kagome forced herself to calm and get it back under control, but it took some time. By the time she had, Sango and Miroku had their backs up against Kaede's hut, and InuYasha had managed to crawl out of his crater.

"Listen very carefully." Kagome said, her voice soft and calm, and yet somehow resounding coldly in the air. "I did not have sex with Sesshoumaru. I have not had sex with anyone. I. Am. A. Virgin!" She turned teary eyes on her friends, and they flinched back. "How could you just assume that I would just have sex with anyone?"

Miroku's stomach dropped, and he realized just how big of a mistake he had made. "Kagome, I-"

Kagome shook her head, and headed towards the door to the hut. "I can't deal with apologies right now. Please, just leave me alone." She paused as she was just about to go in and turned to Sesshoumaru, whose youkai was starting to wrap in chokeholds around her three friends. "Sesshoumaru, don't waste your energy. You might need it later."

Sesshoumaru knew she was right, but he couldn't control the surge of anger he felt when he saw the three of them. How dare they accuse Kagome of such immorality? What could have possibly prompted such a lack of faith in their friend?

Kagome saw the youkai had stopped but not receded. "Sesshoumaru, please."

Hearing her call him, Sesshoumaru forced himself back under his mask of control. He forcibly pulled his youkai back, though his glare was unrelenting. Only the fact that if he left, Kagome would be left alone with these brutes stopped him from leaving now. "Tread carefully." He warned. "This Sesshoumaru will protect my pack."

These final words said, Sesshoumaru ushered Kagome into the hut. Miroku stared at the ground, misery creeping into his bones.

What have we done?

---

In place of the usual author's rant, I would instead like to print a formal apology. A lot of unpleasant things are going on in my life right now, and any creativity, inspiration, or otherwise was completely driven from my mind. I'm still working with a bit of it, but there shouldn't be anymore updates that take so long again. Once again, I apologize for the delay, and I hope that this update will make up for it. Half of this was actually going to be put into chapter 17, but I figured I'd give you guys a special treat to thank you all for still bothering to check up on this story.

Once again, I apologize, and I promise not to go this long without an update again.