XXXIII.

Interludes and Examinations

Kagome found her way to the bath easily, now that she knew about the bedroom stair. There were several presences waiting for her, along with the one that usually attended her, and Kagome entered the water slowly, wondering what, exactly, might make up a youkai rite of purifying.

She was destined not to find out.

Perhaps thirty seconds after she entered the water – perhaps less – there was a scattering of those presences and she was alone.

"Um...hello?"

Her words echoed back at her from the steam, without answer.

"Now what am I supposed to do?"

She turned, scanning the room around her, and then whipped around quickly at the sound of a splash – someone was in her pool! But her momentary panic subsided almost immediately. Sesshomaru's scent and the low, rough sound of his laughter were both familiar, and she relaxed into a scowl and splashed water at him.

"Sesshomaru! I thought that -"

"What would you think, Kagome? That someone else is foolish enough to come near you here? That there might be even a single individual stupid enough to try to take what is mine?"

Kagome scowled at him and crossed her arms.

"Maybe! I'm not used to...to this yet!"

She made a sweeping gesture that was inclusive of everything around them.

"In case you hadn't noticed, we've been alone here except for Rin and Shippou. Now, all of your kin is watching everything I do - and then discussing it! How would I know how your family acts around you? How would I know what to expect from random youkai I've never met before?"

She took a deep breath, and continued.

"And then on top of everything else - Oyume-sama! I don't have a clue what to do about her -"

Sesshomaru had been listening to Kagome's rant with a half-amused grin, but at this, his eyebrow quirked.

"Do about her? Kagome, there is nothing to be done about Eldest. She is...like a force of nature – something to be endured. Or redirected, if possible..."

He shook his head and slipped through the water to her side. Kagome relaxed against the wall of the spring beside him and looked up at him through her hair.

"Sesshomaru? I don't understand – I thought you were pleased that -"

"I am pleased that she has made it nearly impossible for your blood to be spilled tonight. I am much less pleased that she now dominates the Rite – Marking Rin without me, trying to keep you away from me..."

For a moment he stood straight and glowered at nothing – but then he shrugged, the faintest movement of his shoulders, and smiled an equally faint smile.

"That trying I find aggravating...but she cannot keep you from me."

He bent over her then and drew her up out of the water for a searing kiss, as if to prove his point. When he finally let her go he felt much less irritated, and allowed Kagome to pull away far enough that a single brave pair of hands could try to bathe her with the ritual oils. She squirmed and glistened, and Sesshomaru was pleased enough to sit in the hot water and watch her.

"Do you remain wary of Kasuka, mate? There are more important problems, but I did not expect for other Dragons to join her. Probably you are safe, for now...those who came with Eldest are not likely to listen to her. Still, she will want to convince you - "

Kagome shivered and waved him off.

"Yes, yes, she will want to convince me that you and your House are the source of all evil. But I was thinking – I know how to get around that!"

"Oh?"

The word had a cautious sound.

Kagome tossed him a bright smile over her shoulder as she turned in the water. Invisible hands guided red oil down her shoulders towards the small of her back .

"I will let her."

He was astounded.

"What?"

She laughed.

"If she tries, I will let her convince me. Not really, of course – but I figure, why give her a reason to cause trouble? If she thinks she can get to me, I'll be safe from her for a while...and didn't you say we had more important problems? The Council is coming tonight."

He was amused to hear such a reminder coming from her, but she was right. And in any case, it didn't matter; her intentions were dangerous, but such deception might be useful, if Kagome could accomplish it.

"This is all true – but be careful, Kagome. Do not try to be too clever, and do not forget – all youkai can scent deception to some extent, even if they are not as gifted as an Inu."

Kagome smiled faintly and tried not to roll her eyes; pressure on her shoulder informed her that it was time to rinse, and she ducked down under the water for a long moment. The oil clung to her skin, but when she finally got it off she felt very clean.

"Was there another reason you came down here, Sesshomaru? Eldest said that I was supposed to be in seclusion for a night and a day, and that my bathing was for purifying purposes."

He kissed her again, abruptly, silencing her, and then pulled back.

"Eldest is right. The Rite demands that you be kept away - but I do not care about tradition. Also, Kinawai watches for me at the door; it is the least he can do after causing so much trouble."

The glimmer in his eyes was both lusty and playful; he caught hold of her hips and pulled her towards him, and Kagome moved closer without resistance. The warm scent of his skin in the hot water encouraged her – and anyway, couldn't she take finish this purifying bath...after?

His tongue traced the teeth-marks at her throat gently, and she shuddered in his grasp, allowed her head to fall back and then leaned forward, pressed her forehead against his chest.

"Not fair, Sesshomaru; and why can you do that, anyway?"

Something like a smirk peered at her from his eyes.

"That was your acceptance of the claim I made on you – that is the mark of the moment you acknowledged you were mine."

"Ahh..."

Kagome took a deep breath and then smiled very slowly.

"But then...you are also mine. Only mine."

And in the middle of the grin, she leaned forward and found the scar at his throat, the only marred spot in his whole flesh, and sank in her teeth. He let out a strangled groan; she kept her teeth locked in place, tasted the rich metal sweetness of his blood, and grasped his hands tightly, keeping them away.

Whatever her intentions were, they were interrupted by a sudden noise, a high and terrible scream. Sesshomaru started upright and flung himself out of the water, was half dressed before Kagome had a chance to even move and then reached out and grabbed her, lifted her out of the water.

"Rin – it is Rin. Come now, Kagome -"

She had barely a moment to wrap a towel around herself before he was dragging her off, following that terrible sound.

The pain was like nothing Rin had ever experienced. It began the moment the Ink first penetrated her skin; it began as warmth, and then became burning that spread around her skull, poured down her back, uncomfortable, unpleasant, but bearable. It seemed to go on forever, and then the pain became more than burning, grew into agony and was distilled, became the essence of agony.

Her eyes flickered open and then shut; she could see faces, oddly contorted, and she heard herself screaming, a thin, terrible sound. She was on the floor, and if not for the hands holding her down, her thrashing would have been terrible. As it was, she shook and twisted; her scream was a continuous throb of sound that had pressed all the Inu in the room but Kimitsukiko against the walls.

Sesshomaru raced into the room with Kagome two steps behind him, took in Rin's condition in one flashing glance, and then was at her side. Only Eldest stood between him and the girl, taking in his damp skin, the dark mark at his throat fresh-bitten, and the towel that had been hastily wrapped around Kagome's nakedness.

"Sesshomaru! You defile the purifying -"

"Silence!"

He spoke without looking at her, already kneeling by Rin's side. The room descended into shock; even if he was Sesshomaru, to disregard Eldest in such a way -

But none of them paid attention to the fact that Eldest said not another word; that her mouth had snapped shut like a trap as she stepped backwards. They were too busy watching the little scene playing out before them on the floor. Sesshomaru disbanded the females who had been holding Rin down, and lifted the girl into his arms.

She was immediately quieter; awareness faded away from her and she dropped into a black internal pit, unconscious, though her flesh still shook and spasmed under the influence of the Ink. Without another word for anyone, Sesshomaru turned away and brought her with him to the privacy of the room he shared with Kagome. Shippou followed, trotting at his heels, his face full of concern. Kagome stayed by his side, running to keep up. Eldest did not try again to reprimand them for their violation of the Rite - not with Sesshomaru's voice still ringing in her ears. How long had it been, since she had stood in the presence of someone who could silence her with a word?

Ages...ages. Not since...those ancient days.

And though disquieting, the thought was oddly pleasant.

Rin awoke, still screaming, and stopped at once...but after a moment, she realized that she was not really awake. Around her, though she could see herself, was only darkness. Pale fear flickered to life in her belly; she had been in a place like this once before.

Was Sesshomaru-sama wrong? Am I not strong enough – am I...dead?

In the darkness, a light startled into life, thin and blue. She stood and turned toward it, relieved to see something, anything – and then almost recoiled in surprise. The light was not a shapeless glow, it was a figure – an approaching figure. It had an outline that was familiar; as it drew closer, a hushed exclamation escaped her lips.

"Sesshomaru-sama?"

But she shook her head immediately, and her eyes opened very wide. The figure halted in front of her, and Rin dropped to her hands and knees and pressed her forehead against the...ground.

"Lord Father of Sesshomaru-sama!"

She was surprised to hear laughter, and found herself lifted into the air, uncurling into a standing posture though there were no hands on her. She stood very still in the nothing but could not help her eyes wandering up toward his face.

"So, you are the one who saved my son."

The glowing figure of the Inu-no-Taisho stared down at her with enigmatic eyes as gold as his sons', and then smiled.

"Well done."

Rin continued to stare, and said nothing. What was there to say?

"A quiet one, I see. Girl, what is your name?"

That she could answer.

"My name is Rin, Lord Father of Sesshomaru-sama."

She heard more, deeper laughter, and was confused. Her name was funny?

"Rin, hmm? Do you know where you are, Rin? Do you know why you are here?"

"Um...maybe? I was becoming Sesshomaru-sama's daughter, but instead I think I died. This looks like the Land of the Dead, but...Rin is alone. Except for you, Lord Father of Sesshomaru-sama."

The luminescent figure of the Inu no Taisho shook his head.

"You are not dead. This place is in-between; it knows you, girl, so it is here that you are waiting while your body struggles at the border of worlds. You have a deep connection to this place; you are twice dead and still unburied."

His expression became thoughtful.

"They are few, the ones who can make such a claim."

Rin did not understand all of what he was saying, but a few words stuck out at her.

"Am I...I am different?"

"You are neither human nor demon, mortal nor immortal. You will grow and age like the kin you were born to; you will have a life and death, but both will be tainted by what is Other. You are a Gateway. You are an open Door."

There was a pause, in which Rin tried and failed to understand. Then:

"It is time for you to return. I accept you, Rin, as a daughter of the House of Blades. Tell my son... he, too, has done well."

He stepped forward, and reached out to touch her face; he drew his thumbs across her cheeks and she felt pain as the long claws cut her, left two bloody stripes that wept red. There was a brilliant flash, and the blue-lit figure faded out of her vision. Rin felt a pull that was both familiar and reassuring, though she had only felt it twice before: the pull of the living world. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again a moment later it was to see Shippou's green gaze poised two inches above her face.

"Shippou?"

Her voice was hoarse, but lively with excitement, and Shippou sat back with a thump and a grin.

"Rin! You're okay – I was really getting worried. You screamed really loud, and then you were so quiet – but wow, Rin! Your Mark – and your face – and your eyes –"

He paused as if remembering something and then jumped up and darted toward the door.

"But I've got to tell Sesshomaru-sama – Sesshomaru-sama, she's awake! Rin is awake!"

Rin winced and curled into herself a little as Shippou bounced off the bed, and he turned to her at once, alert to her discomfort.

"Rin? Are you okay, Rin?"

"Hurts, Shippou..."

She shivered a little, and Shippou gnawed on his lip worriedly.

"Well, Sesshomaru-sama said it would be hard – just rest, Rin; I'll watch over you."

Rin turned slightly, and smiled a little.

"You're a good big brother, Shippou."

His grin was wide and gleaming as he took up position at the end of her bed.

"'Course I am."

Shippou's call had caught immediate attention. There was a slamming sound, and then Sesshomaru hurried into the room. His expression was just a little wild, but it calmed as he came toward Rin and the smooth health of her scent was impressed on him, a new layer of depth in it but nothing disturbing. Just as the door was closing, Kagome came in, consternation on her face, but it faded almost immediately.

Sesshomaru spoke to gain Rin's attention.

"Rin -"

At the sound of his voice, Rin fled her bed and flung herself across the room.

"Otou-sama. Otou-sama – thank you, Otou-sama!"

As she had only done once before, she hugged him, wrapping her arms around his knees. To the surprise of everyone in the room, Sesshomaru bent, and then knelt, and drew her close. His hair hid his face, his eyes, but Kagome felt the fluctuation of his feelings and her eyes widened in surprise. He really did love the little girl; how and why were immaterial. He didn't even react to the new title he appeared to have been gifted with; if anything, she thought it pleased him. Amused, she focused on Shippou and wondered if Sesshomaru's reaction would be the same when – not if - the kit decided to imitate his sister.

The moment passed. Sesshomaru stood, and looked more like his old self; Rin, however, did not. As he took in her changes, he crouched again and tilted her chin up, examining the Mark that had been made on her forehead and the other, more unexpected results.

Interested, Rin reached up and gingerly touched a finger to her forehead. The place where she knew the Mark had been cut into her skin was both hot and oddly numb. Actually...her body felt like that in general; hot, and numb, and achy inside.

"Rin, come. Look at yourself."

"Yes, otou-sama."

She followed him across the room and peered into the mirror that hung on the inside of the wardrobe door. Carefully, she reached out one little hand to touch her reflection, blinking in surprise. The mark on her forehead was something like she expected, but it was not the pale blue of Sesshomaru's crescent. Instead, it was dark, bloody red; twin streaks beneath her eyes on either side of her face echoed the color, in the places where the claws of the Inu no Taisho's spirit had cut her. It was her eyes, though, which stared back at her most strangely; they had taken on, not the Inu-amber hue of Sesshomaru's eyes, but a pure gold color. In the light, they appeared strangely liquid; as she stepped forward into the shadows close to the mirror, they gained an odd, reflective flatness. Rin blinked a few times, and then smiled, pleased and accepting.

"Otou-sama, I am different!"

But the words sparked the memory of her vision-dream, and Rin sucked in a quick, deep, breath and turned to meet Sesshomaru's eyes.

"I almost forgot! I saw the Otou-sama of Otou-sama; he said strange things, and a message for you."

Sesshomaru stood still, as if frozen. His words came slowly.

"You saw...you had...a vision of...my father? What did he say, Rin?"

"He said I am not dead, and he accepts me in the House of Blades. He cut me here."

Her fingers reached up and touched the marks on her cheeks.

"He said to tell you that you've done well, otou-sama. He did not say how, though. I am sorry."

She smiled at him uncertainly, and then turned back to her reflection, her fingers reaching out again toward the sparkle of her eyes in her reflection , one gold, one violet.

Sesshomaru did not, could not speak. Kagome came forward then and herded Rin back into bed; he tossed her a grateful glance over his shoulder, and then retreated to an open balcony on a western gallery. Seven hours had passed while they waited for Rin to fight her way through the ink, and he had known that it was a difficult trial...but for her to come so close to death that she could return bearing such a message – that was beyond anything he had expected.

Still, he was pleased. He drew in a deep, clean breath of outside air, and stared out toward the horizon and the sinking sun visible through the open Gate. No one could argue; Rin was his daughter now, was family; anyone could see that.

He smiled to himself, thinking that soon, soon, Kagome too would be Marked, his to any eye...his for all time. He was not to be left in peace, however; he was disturbed by an unlikely voice.

"Ahh...I should have known I would find you here, young Inu; it is a good place to watch the sky from, is it not?"

The smile vanished from his face; slowly, Sesshomaru turned to confront Eldest.

"It is. Tell me, do you intend to continue with this attitude?"

She raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not sure what you mean, Sesshomaru."

It was the first time she had addressed him by name; there was a warning in the cool tones with which she spoke, but he ignored it.

"Don't you? Perhaps I should explain: you arrived here to support my Kagome, claiming rights of kin – you turned all questions, all eyes, away from her and onto yourself. You have lived in exile for millennia, alone in the dark woods you favor – and now you are here, in this place, your ancient home, subjecting yourself to pain and to memories...and for what? The presentation of my mate, a female you have never before seen...an Inu, who lived her life as a human and never once spent a moment in a Dragon's flesh!"

He turned and looked at her then. His eyes burned her; she startled herself with an involuntary step backwards and realized with an internal pause that it was the second time he had done this to her; to her!

"I will ask you again, Eldest. Do you intend to continue this way, pretending lighthearted unconcern, pretending closeness with strangers? Or will you tell me why it is that I have been the recipient of your special attentions?"

"You speak of the message I sent with Kinawai, of my presence here?"

He studied her in silence, and then nodded shortly.

"Yes. Among other things."

But if he thought that her open admission of his question would lead to answers, he was mistaken.

"It is given to me to know many things, young Inu, of which the true nature of your mate is one. But I am afraid it is not given that you should know the sources of my knowledge. Perhaps...another day. It is enough for you to know that I have come here for Kagome's sake, for my sister-daughter. She is the last of my close-kin still living; her presence is to me a most unexpected gift."

She left him without further words, passing silently through the curtained door. Sesshomaru watched her go, and then turned back to the sunset sky.

Since the crisis had passed and Rin's life was assured, Kagome had no further excuse to escape her purification and the Rite that would follow it. Eldest came for her, and brought her back to the East Wing and a great, wide open space that had been prepared in the middle of the Curtained Rooms; screens and blinds and furniture had been pushed back, curtains removed and furs laid down.

"Go to the baths now, Kagome – and make sure you are alone this time. When you return come to this room; you must be dressed before you are introduced to the Council and the Marking begins."

Kagome flushed scarlet and nodded, then hurried off. This time, she was indeed alone, except for the invisible hands that had come to help her bathe. Again, red oil was slicked over her skin, and then a blue and foaming wash that left her skin pale and cool even in the hot water.

Tugging hands pulled her out of the water then and brought her to the great hearth near the main entrance to the wide rocky chamber that held the springs; she had never before seen it lit, but now Kagome's eyes took in a roaring fire the size of a small house, casting its glare onto the blanketing steam.

Furs had been laid down, and Kagome knelt before the fire while two pairs of hands went to work on her hair, drying, combing, oiling. Other hands grasped her limbs gently, and began to shave away the silvery down of her pubic and underarm hair. When they were finished, all the helpers but one scattered, and Kagome was left with only her more familiar companion. Swiftly, she was dressed in a thin layer of gauzy undergarments, and then wrapped in an over-robe and hustled through the fortress to the room in the East Wing where Eldest was waiting.

Most of the other females were sitting apart in clusters now, Dragon and Inu, but Eldest, the one called Miho, and Kimitsukiko were waiting for Kagome and whisked her away into a small side-apartment as soon as she appeared. Inside, spread out and hung carefully to avoid wrinkling, was an elaborate set of robes, more so even than what Sesshomaru had dressed her in to greet her family.

Kagome counted twelve layers of robes, in gold and brilliant crimson with hints of blue and deep purple that would show at the throat and sleeves. They were the colors of the House of Fire, the ancient colors of the Dragonlord's days that only Eldest could claim for herself – Eldest, who had been the mate of the last Dragonlord. She had brought the robes of her own mating for her sister-daughter, ancient silk preserved by the fact that youkai hands had woven it, that youkai flesh had worn it. There was more to this fabric than the slickness and sparkle human skill could give; Kagome felt real metal in the fabric, but it was light as air.

Carefully, six, then eight, then all twelve layers were wrapped around her by the three other females; there was an odd expression in Kimitsukiko's eyes as she worked, and she stopped compulsively as they were finally tying the obi, an elaborate knot of stiff, gem-studded golden fabric.

"Eldest...is it wise to present her in these colors? There may be difficulties already..."

Eldest smiled dismissively and waved Kimitsukiko out of the way, reached herself to pull the knot into its final shop.

"You should not worry. I do this because it reinforces the claim I make on her, because I wish it known that she is mine, though in truth she belongs to your son. I was under the impression that you had seen for yourself how ready she is for Challenge combat."

Kimitsukiko colored faintly and stepped back, almost bowed reflexively and then stalked half-angry to the corner of the room furthest from Eldest's infuriating chuckle. The empty sleeve at her side let a cold chill into her robes; there was an ache of phantom pain when she imagined taking the older females throat in her hands and tightening -

"Do not be so swift to hate me, Kimitsukiko. We both have done what we must do, for the sake of our own. Is that not so?"

Kimitsukiko relaxed slightly – very slightly – and let out the smallest of sighs.

"Yes. Of course, Eldest."

There was a bustling in the outer rooms, and a gentle knock sounded before one of Kimitsukiko's retainers pushed open the door, gaped momentarily at Kagome in red-and-gold, and then let out in a whispered rush:

"My lady, the Council is coming! Guests have come, and more are arriving."

Kagome, Kimitsukiko and Eldest turned to the door as one; behind Kagome, little Miho ignored the commotion and began to work on Kagome's hair, twisting and pinning the long strands. Kagome listened to a whispered conversation between Eldest and Kimitsukiko, and tried to suppress the knot of nervous tension that was rapidly growing in her gut.

"Sesshomaru has demanded he be with her for the first moments -"

"How ridiculous. He should know the demands of the rite for seclusion, and yet twice already he has broken that tradition. And for a human girl, on the day of his mate's own Marking?"

"I did not wish to give my consent, but he made clear...you have seen, I do not need to explain. I said nothing, but I saw – you felt his power. Eldest, if you -"

"No. No, it will be well. You are correct; I did feel it. Yes...they should not associate her with the House of Fire. In my colors, but on his arm. Yes."

Kagome let out a long sigh of relief then, and watched Kimitsukiko leave to fetch Sesshomaru with eager eyes. If he was with her, she need fear nothing. She knew this; he had never said it, but there was no need. Whenever he touched her, she felt it in his hands; desire, possession, and a watchful protection that she could sense even when, like now, he was not with her.

He came quickly, and there was momentarily surprise on his face which he turned to Eldest to express.

"Your colors? She is not yours."

Danger lurked just beneath the surface of his words, but Eldest responded as if she did not hear it.

"No, she is not...but I could think of no better way to signal that I support your union, and will brook no contention."

He eyed her for a moment, dark thoughts and suspicion visible, before he nodded and turned back to Kagome.

"You are ready, Kagome?"

Miho darted between him and his mate, and bowed slightly in his direction.

"A moment, Lord -"

With swift movements, she reached up and tugged at Kagome's robes until the layers were in alignment, strategic slashes in the sleeves showing peeks of the bright colors beneath, and occasionally pale skin. In another moment, she fastened the veil across Kagome's face, and then stepped back.

"She is ready, Lord."

Sesshomaru took Kagome's hands, and let her out of the room and down into the throng of his mingling guests.

In the first flush of twilight, when only the moon and the brightest stars were showing, youkai had begun to flood in through the wide-open gates and out through the courtyards and gardens. Flares had been lit in the shadows of the trees, and lanterns were hung on the wall and on long wires that criss-crossed over the cushions and tables.

By the time real darkness had thrown its rich velvet texture over the gathering, dozens of youkai were prowling among the tables, talking in quiet voices, exchanging rumors and glancing around, waiting for the appearance of their host and his new mate, which could come at any moment.

Only one among them showed his disturbance openly, standing alone even in the circle of his own companions, watching each new arrival with darting movements of his eyes.

It was Kouga, and he was surrounded by the scent of Kagome, and he did not understand.

The scent of the Inu was prowling this place, disturbingly similar to Inuyasha's familiar scent - and there was more that was familiar, a presence...so faint, but annoying. He breathed deeply, trying to understand, and then saw the Inu himself, descending the stairs from the Hall to the courtyards with a female on his arm who was dressed in Dragon colors, the brilliant crimson-and-gold of the House of Fire. Her face was covered by veils, but now Kouga could see and feel a shimmer dangling between her breasts that he knew well.

Shikon no tama! Of course – but!

He knew immediately what had happened - or thought he did.

The dog has killed Kagome - my Kagome! She would never allow any demon to steal that jewel again...

And then the female who stood by Sesshomaru's side, the female who was so obviously his mate, took sixteen steps forward and stopped directly in front of Kouga, looked up at him.

He was immediately frozen. It didn't matter what color they were, or that their glow, their angle and intensity were wholly youkai now. He knew them - those eyes.

Kagome -

But he couldn't make her name pass his lips; he couldn't say a word.

Not many knew what was happening, but from the corner of the courtyard, as far away as they could get, for the moment, Ginta and Hakkaku watched with expressions both sad and awestruck. The sadness was for Kouga, for his unrealized dream - but the awe was all for Kagome, for the demon that was visible in her movements, coupled to the undeniable truth of her scent.

Silence was spreading around Kouga and Kagome, as the tension between them built, higher and higher the longer Kouga stood in shocked silence and Kagome stood with a half-guilty expression.

"Kagome - "

Finally, the sound escaped Kouga's throat, but it was far from his usual voice. The second try was better, and he even managed a question.

"Kagome - how? How can you -"

She hesitated, unsure of how to answer him, and felt Sesshomaru come up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. The slit-shoulders of her robes shifted under his hands, and Kouga's attention was irretrievably drawn to the dark mark of mating, purple as a bruise but far more painful, as far as he was concerned.

"Wolf."

Kouga's eyes snapped upward at the sound of Sesshomaru's voice.

"You know my mate. I should have suspected – but I warn you, be careful with what you say, and how you word your stories, if you speak of her."

His voice was low, warning, and Kouga looked at Kagome sharply for a moment, startled but coming swiftly to the conclusions that Sesshomaru had intended. After all, Kagome had been human – he knew this intimately – and now she was not. He would not have hesitated to reveal anything that might bedevil Sesshomaru – but Kagome was another matter. Despite his understanding he made no response, and instead turned to Kagome.

She felt terrible things building in him as he stared at her; his eyes were terribly broken. There was no more light in them.

"How? How did he do it? How did he take you, Kagome? My Kagome..."

And he reached out toward her with one hand, hopeless and hoping, utterly confused.

"How did he change you into this?"

She could only stare. Among the others watching, the whispers had become louder and more fervent than before. Even Kinawai, watching with amusement from the midst of an admiring group of females, could not help but comment.

"So, that is why the Wolf has refused the match offered to him."

He shook his head, and laughed, but it was understanding laughter. A dark-eyed demoness looked up at him in question, and then whispered a giggle at his answer:

"For her...well, it is understandable, isn't it? I might have done the same thing."

From her own dark corner, Kasuka saw all these things, and for a moment, hearing him speak, her eyes were darkest on her own mate. She was not amused by his sentiments. Discard her, and take that whelp of an Inu? Even if she was once Dragon. Even if she was miko.

Privately, however, she admitted to a certain tension; she was more than disturbed that Eldest had appeared here, supporting this whelp, this Hime-sama! And Eldest called her sister-daughter...for a moment, a cruel smile twisted Kasuka's lips. There was no one left alive who would call Eldest family; she had made certain of that, long, long before. And the sister – the sister had vanished, disappeared while tending to humans in the Inu-hanyou's forest. Generations of men had passed since then...no, it could not be possible. The daughter had not been born, and even if she had, circumstances had made her human; she could not have survived all this time.

It was impossible; impossible – after all, no power could have brought her from then to now. Such things just didn't happen.

It was impossible -

Impossible.

Somehow, an uneasy feeling remained in her belly, colder and tighter the longer she looked at the Inu's mate – Kagome...Kagome was her name.

Kagome, I must cultivate you. Where did you come from, Kagome? Where have you been hiding?

A/N: Phew! Technically I'm about two hours later than I wanted, but this little bit with Kasuka just decided it wanted to be in this chapter, so...yeah. But, ta-da! More! Going back to work on Chapter 34 now – in which Kouga Is An Idiot, Kagome Gets Inked, Sesshomaru Gets Molested (no, really, it's true!) and More! Did anyone expect a random Inu no Taisho appearance? I didn't! He's awfully surprising for a dead guy! And now, the unlogged it/anonymous review people!

The Person Who Was An Empty Space: Wow! An invisible person! :D I didn't know people could read me from a phone; I feel so portable! New chapter...now!

Kitsunehime99: Thanks for your review! More...now!

I-am-Wolf: Ha! Fan! My power is increasing! :P Much thanks for your excellent review; I do my best to keep everyone reasonably in character, but in cases where there is no character, I try to piece together something from as much as has been revealed. For instance, with Sesshomaru's mother we know that she had a kind-of-ass for a mate, who ditched her for a human woman and then died to protect that woman without really considering his actual mate, or his other son - i.e., Sesshomaru. So she got kind of a raw deal; I expect she is probably at least half the reason Sesshomaru doesn't care much for humans! More soon, although I do have to write about Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sharon Olds, Lucille Clifton, and Tada Chimako first :P. School eats my life; when I become a mutated alien giant, I will eat it!

Danielle Romer: More is here, don't die! Also, sleep, because that helps prevent death! Thanks for your review; more as soon as I can!

And...PLEASE review! It will help me become a mutated alien giant!