AN: Sorry if the beginning is a little sappy. I just watched Hachi, (which is the saddest dog movie ever, so DON'T WATCH IT!) and after bawling my eyes out, I wanted to write a little thing just for Kirara. (...I don't think I'm being serious enough about this. If you don't like crying or being miserable, or thinking about what will happen to your dog once you're dead, don't ever watch that damn movie.)

Evelyn: I finally updated! :) Sorry again it took so long. Miroku and Sango's relationship is shaky. He wants her, but she's really only living for her duty, though he's been tempting her. More on them though this chapter. And as for the M...you'll find out eventually!

Adam: (Blush) Awww, thank you! Here it is, all nice and updated for you. :)

Blank: Sorry about that. Life was a tad crazy and filled with Korean Dramas for awhile. But here I am! Until I get distracted again anyway, lol. Thanks so much for the review!

CookieTheif: Well, I'm glad to have you back! (Aren't you glad you missed out on my latest dry spell?) Thanks so much for reading again!

Romancedobssessed: Well, here you go! :)

Stalba: No one misses this story more then me when I'm not writing. So this story will not ever be abandoned just...put on temporary hold. Teehee. I think you're going to enjoy their little 'talk'. Thanks for the review!

Ir33: Lolllll, no, I can update on any day of the year. You don't need to look for it everyday, just every so often. I'd hate to take your time up with a lot of waiting. But thank you so much for reviewing!

Heather: I know, I did, I'm sorry. But here it is now! :)

Moon Destiny: Thank you! You flatter me, really. I really don't know much more from any other person, this is all just guessing, lol. Thanks for reading and reading.

InuKag4eva: Thank you! I hope this one meets your expectations. Thanks for the review!

Blondie25: I'm sorry. I wish I could have given you a tissue. But thanks for continuing to read anyway!

Varietyisthespiceoflife: Lolllll. Hope your singing isn't as atrocious as Kagura's. :) Thanks for the song!

Wolfy the Snow Demon: Well hopefully you're back by now. And if you're not, at least you have a new chapter waiting for you when you get home :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I am making no money off this story.


November 11

Kirara slept peacefully in the crook of her arm as Sango perched high above the city, eyes on the skyline spread before her. The sun was slowly beginning to chase away the night, lighting the sky up in delicate shades of blue and pink. Sango knew if she stayed on the ledge of the building much longer, bold orange and red would streak across the horizon, setting it on fire. The sunrises had been one of the few things she looked forward to in this new century. After being trapped in darkness for so long, the bursts of color every morning and evening seemed like a miracle.

Sango's fingers brushed through Kirara's fur, needing that connection with her. She still could hardly believe that Kirara was back in her arms, sharing the coming morning with her. She looked down at the slumbering face, resisting the urge to rock her like a child. Tears filled her eyes, before she quickly blinked them back. Kirara had always been more then a pet to her, she had been her partner. Family. Just as precious as her brother and father. It was such a gift to have her back when she had been one of the things she most wondered about, stuck in her sword. She'd assumed she would probably never find out what happened to Kirara once she was sealed away.

It was strange to think that she had Miroku to thank for that.

The new demonslayers had taken amazing care of her. They never kept her locked up, but always provided food and water and opened their homes to her whenever she wanted shelter. No one had attempted to tame her or claim her, knowing the only person fit to ride her had been Sango. Her own brother hadn't even tried. Kirara roamed freely until demons began to retreat from human society, turning themselves into myth and legend. She confined herself to the demonslayer compound, not sad but not particularly happy either. When the head of the demonslayers showed her the tree Kirara was known for curling up amongst its roots, her heart gave a painful twist, recognizing it as the place Kirara often waited patiently for her to finish her lessons.

Kirara had been waiting for her, all these 500 years.

It was enough to make her want to kill Midoriko, regardless of the miko's long ago death.

Suddenly restless, she hopped down from the church roof, landing on her feet easily and without jostling Kirara. Her bare feet barely noticed the chill from the cobblestones as she padded across the courtyard, scaling the fence that kept the church building separated from the small homes its workers lived in. This early in the morning, she wasn't concerned about anyone seeing her.

Miroku's home was on the outskirts of all the others, a modest cottage that was almost hidden away. Even if it wasn't so early, it made it almost ridiculously easy to sneak in and out. Miroku's coworkers still had no idea that she even existed.

Turning the doorknob, she wasn't surprised to find it unlocked. In the early days, she had broken enough doors down that he gave up trying to keep her out.

The house was quiet as light began to filter in through the windows. Miroku was sleeping, but judging from his breathing it wasn't entirely peaceful. The bed creaked loudly when he rolled over, muttering something incomprehensible, even to Sango's enhanced hearing.

Moving silently, Sango gently settled Kirara into the basket the demonslayer chief had provided her with, a handwoven wicker basket with a plump white cushion. Kirara barely stirred, rubbing her head once against the fabric before settling down again. After making sure her water dish was full, a beautiful piece of blue pottery a slayer had molded and fired for Kirara, Sango eyed Miroku's bedroom door, hesitating.

Finally with an annoyed sigh at her weakness, she headed towards his room, carefully opening the door so she wouldn't wake him. She perched on the chest in front of his bed, curling her legs under her so she could rest her chin on her fist, studying him silently.

His face looked strained, and his hair was a wild mess around his head. He was still in the clothes from yesterday on top of the bed covers, as if he had just collapsed. He clutched a pillow to his chest, frowning.

Her fingers tapped along her jaw thoughtfully, staring at him. They really had come a long way; from him trying to trap and exorcise her, to him tracking down her pet and facing the demonslayers' wrath. He wasn't the same man who had done everything possible to hurt her.

Her eyes fell on his open palm, the red of the mark vivid even in the dimness of the bedroom. She had claimed him out of spite, when he had tricked her into entering his church to try to seal her back into her sword. When he cut himself on the blade, she laughed cruelly and kissed it, making him watch as the mark spread on his palm.

He retaliated by sealing her away in the prayer beads for the first time.

When he finally saw fit to release her, she refused to come back for weeks, preferring a high perch on a tower instead of the side of his bed. She stayed away as long as she could before her instincts urged her back, partly out of a need to further torment him.

But mostly because she had always felt pulled towards him, no matter how much they fought and hated each other. The mark had only tightened those loose ties into knots.

She should have hated him forever in spite of that. The humiliation and pain he had caused her. As a demonslayer, she would have been lawfully obliged to punish him for his treatment of her, had done it before as a human. As a human, she had beaten assholes like Miroku up for fun. Before it was easy to only look towards her duty.

So damn him for changing.

The Miroku she would have happily left would never have tracked down her favorite weapon for her. The old Miroku would never have worried about her cat. He wouldn't have offered himself as a punching bag. And he definitely wouldn't have sat by her bedside, trying to nurse her back to health from a sickness that was his fault.

She buried her face further in her hands, unable to look at him. A few days of him begging forgiveness should not change things. Bone melting, meaningful sex should not have been enough to turn her mind. But it did.

Through the faint connection she was trying hard to keep fragile, she could feel his growing devotion. His guilt and determination to change his attitude and win her. He had suddenly decided he wanted to treat her the way he should have for all these years and it didn't seem like this was a light decision he would forget over time. He was serious about keeping her.

Not that it meant much. Sango was never one for doing something just because it was asked of her. Miroku could beg all he wanted and that didn't mean she would stop hunting Kikyo and Naraku. But as it turned out, it wasn't just about what she wanted.

She wanted to bash her head against a wall rather then replay the conversation she'd had with Kagura in her mind another time, her words still mocking her. But the memory kept dragging itself to the forefront of her attention.

"Let's talk for a minute, Sango." Kagura settled down close to her on the couch when Kagome wandered off to stare at the fish, particularly interested in a pathetic looking one with mismatched fins, while Sesshomaru was trying to pretend he wasn't eating the chocolates. "You don't seem too eager to share, and trust me, I'm not blaming you for that, but let's just assume something real quick. Hypothetically, let's say you've placed a mark on your asshole mate. Maybe or maybe not you've bound him to you further, but let's just stick with the mate mark, with me so far?"

Sango found the bottom of her wine glass suddenly fascinating. "I'm listening."

"Great. Now think about what's happened to me and Kagome who also only have the one mark. Kag got injured when Inuyasha was fighting, and I burst out bleeding when Naraku feels a little slicing-happy. If you go through with your plan to revert back to your humanity and then crumble into dust since you'd suddenly be 500 years old, what do you think will happen to your asshole mate? Hypothetically of course."

For a brief, horrible moment Sango couldn't breathe. In making her plans, she'd hadn't considered the effect it would have on Miroku at all, besides freedom for him as well. She took a quick sip of wine, wetting her dry lips."But if I...hypothetically marked him, but then become human again, wouldn't the mark just disappear? Sango the demon wouldn't exist, so there would be no one he could mate with."

Kagura shrugged, reaching for the exact chocolate puff Sesshomaru had been eyeing and grinning at him before chomping down on it. "You could be right. He may just go back to being a normal human, with no repercussions from having been bound to you if demon-you reverts back to humanity. Of course, you could also view it as demon-you dying and therefore ending your mate's life as well. Demon bonding is a funny thing. Trust me, I've been studying it for centuries and every time I think I've finally got it, people like you and Kag pop up." she took a bite of her puff, before grimacing and tossing the rest of it in the trash. "So to be honest, I have no idea what would happen to a demon's mate if that demon ceases to be a demon. I wouldn't even be able to find a theory of it. But best guess?" she paused, carefully thinking it over. "I'd definitely guess the mate would die as well. Just because he's bound to a demon who becomes human doesn't mean those ties disappear as well."

Her hand tightened on her glass, the wine rippling. "But you can't be sure."

"You're right, there's no way to know for sure." Her eyes slid slyly over to hers. "Especially since this is only a hypothetical situation, right?"

Sango stayed silent, her heart racing.

Kagura set her own wine glass down to top off Sango's, leaning in closer. "So that's why your mate's punishment is completely up to you. I won't send the demonslayers after him, even after the repeated use of prayer beads. If you decide to go through with your plan and die, he'll die along with you for his crimes. And if you change your mind and allow someone else to hunt Kikyo?" Kagura lazily sipped from her glass, her eyes intent on hers over the rim. "Then his punishment will be a life sentence with you, chained to the fate he hated so much. Either would be a fitting penance. Probably something you might have thought of in your heyday."

Her eyes softened, before she handed her an envelope and a chocolate truffle. "I just want you to know, Sango, that whatever you pick I'll understand. I may not be happy, but I'll accept it as what's best for you. ...Assuming this isn't all just a wild theory and you haven't even touched your mate with the sharp end of your Hiraskotsu of course."

So now here she sat, an envelope of money, legal documents, and a death warrant for her mate, stuffed down her shirt, while her sword taunted her from its hiding spot under Miroku's bed. Tired, confused, and unsure of what to do now.

A week ago if told Miroku might die with her, she would have jumped at the chance for a little well earned revenge. Miroku had trapped her in prayer beads multiple times, but she could drag him down to the afterlife. She would have the final word, as it were. He often wished he could live without her, but she'd make sure he couldn't. It really was the perfect punishment.

I'd definitely guess the mate would die as well.

She rubbed her ears, trying to forget Kagura's warning. But things were different now. And she had never wanted to become the type of woman twisted by bitterness and old angers. Miroku had changed, and if she was being honest with herself, he hadn't been the man she first met even before Inuyasha was released. He'd been uncomfortably proper and polite while she had just been uncomfortable. He had only recently trapped her in the prayer beads for Inuyasha's and Kagome's safety.

And he had given her back Kirara. For Kirara, she could forgive a lot.

So she didn't mind dying. But to send him to his death as well?

Unable to be so close to him, she left her perch and settled on the window seat, leaning against the glass. She didn't know what to think anymore. She didn't want to think anymore.

Her forehead pressed into the window, the glass chilly against her skin as she turned her attention back outdoors, unwilling to think about Miroku.

It was funny, but she hadn't known she could see the sunrise from Miroku's bedroom too.


Inuyasha had left her alone. That probably had something to do with the demon wards she placed on her door and window, but he hadn't demanded to be let in either. He'd given her space, and watched out for her brother. Going past her room, she'd heard Souta's excited chatter over a slumber party with him.

Kagome huddled into her blanket, eyes on her alarm clock. Gramps was gone, sticking his head in her room to say goodbye before heading off to whoever needed him today. Souta would be down to half of his cereal, ready to go back to school. Ten more minutes, and he would be gone to.

And then it would just be her and Inuyasha.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome got up, needing to prepare. She knotted her hair back into a bun, not wanting to waste time washing or fixing it before stepping into a pair of old jeans and her comfiest sweatshirt. She treated herself to lotion-added fuzzy socks, the blue and yellow stripes almost cheering her up. It wasn't particularly stylish, but it made Kagome feel warm and comfortable.

The door slammed below, and Kagome knew it was time. She wouldn't ignore, run or pretend the conflict away anymore. She was ready to face it. Even if ended up destroying her past repair. This time though, she would pick herself up, she wouldn't wallow in numbness or ignore her pain. She wouldn't go back to the way she had been living the last eight months, no matter what.

But first she had to actually walk out of her room.

Feeling scared under her false bravado, Kagome turned the doorknob, stepping out into the hall. She could faintly hear cabinets opening and closing, the sink running. Inuyasha must be cleaning from breakfast. She was grateful he hadn't come rushing up.

She paused by her mother's closed bedroom door, laying her hand against the wood. If all went well, she'd bring Inuyasha to the mental hospital to properly introduce him to her mother. When she felt better, she'd probably get a kick out of his ears.

Forcing herself to move on, she slowly walked down the steps. As upset as she still felt, she couldn't deny the little flutter in her chest at the thought of seeing him. The one night alone had stretched into years. She missed him, even though she was terrified of the growing connection between them, she actually missed him after only a few hours of separation.

She stopped at the foot of the stairs, the edge of the doorway to the kitchen in eyesight. She allowed herself one deep breath, steeling herself. Then she continued.

One step, two step, three step, four step, five step. She focused on carefully placing her feet one in front of the other, trying to keep calm. She would let Inuyasha talk first since she hadn't yesterday. And then she would rage and cry and hopefully move on like Kagura suggested. All the normal things people were supposed to go through. No more depression, numbness, Samhain obsessions, or work to help the Higurashi's get through conflict.

With that thought in mind, she turned into the kitchen, Inuyasha still washing dishes at the sink. His hair was thrown up into a messy ponytail, bits and pieces falling all over the place. He wore a black t-shirt donated by Miroku that clearly defined how tense and tight he was holding himself.

His washing slowed as she eased herself into a kitchen chair, and his head hunched down over the bowl he was drying, not turning around. She had the sense he was pulling himself together as well.

Finally, he gently put the bowl back in its proper place and hung the dishrag on its hook, wiping his hands off slowly. His shoulders expanded, like he needed a deep breath as well, before he turned around.

He looked terrible. Dark circles ringed under his eyes, his ears drooped, and now that she could see his neck, little red marks dotted the skin. Probably from her freak out yesterday.

Guilt instantly swept over her. She hadn't meant to hurt him. She had just been angry and scared.

Inuyasha straightened his shoulders, determination in his eyes. He strode towards the table with a purpose she hadn't seen from him in awhile, practically claiming the chair he sat on.

They stared at each other for a moment, unsure of who should make the first move.

Kagome nervously licked her dry lips, knowing this was really, truly it. "I want to hear your explanation now."

Inuyasha nodded once, shifting in his seat to get comfortable. "I want to tell you it. But," He paused, taking another breath. "I want you to go into my head."

"...excuse me?"

"Like with Sango. I know you saw her memories. That's how I want you to see mine." Inuyasha pushed on, his voice determined."I could show you them through the mind meld, but I want you to be really there for them."

Kagome blinked, unsure of what to say, "Is that really allowed? Or possible?" Hadn't that whole mind thing only existed to save demons like Sango?

"You're Midoriko's line. You make your own rules." Inuyasha dismissed. "And we can find out, right now."

He leaned forward, eyes intent on hers. "It's just as well you ran yesterday instead of listening to me. We both know I suck at talking when I'm not trying to seduce you. So let me show you instead."

The memory from when he brought her twenty glasses of water crossed her mind. The time he won her all those stuffed animals, and went back to the fair ground to retrieve them. The mornings he dragged himself out of bed to get Souta ready for school, the chores and laundry and cooking he helped her with. He was right. He was much better at acting rather then saying. "Alright."

Inuyasha visibly relaxed, before springing up out of the chair. "Let's do this in the living room then. You can stretch out on the couch."

Following Inuyasha a little less eagerly, Kagome settled down next to him. Her power stirred under her skin, little swirls and whorls lightening up. There was a roar in her head, as her power begin to build in the pit of her stomach.

Inuyasha met her eyes. "Ready?"

Kagome sighed, reaching her hand out towards Inuyasha's forehead. "As I'll ever be."

All it took was a brush of her fingers against his skin, and she was spinning down, down, down.

Strong arms caught her, held her until the world righted itself, and gently set her down, keeping a hand on her elbow to steady her. She squinted her eyes against the blend of colors swirling around her, just beginning to slow and melt into shapes. "Where are we?"

"At the beginning. When I first met Kikyo." Inuyasha said shortly, still holding her arm.

Images formed around them, until they were standing in a red and gold hallway, ornate columns holding up the ceiling while paper screens made up the walls. Servants stopped and bowed at their approach, eyes cast down.

"This was one of Sess's palaces. See his mark?" Inuyasha gestured to the moon painted on the walls, glancing around. "Told you. Fucker always liked to show off how rich he was."

Kagome looked around in wonder. She'd lived near a temple her whole life, but it was nothing compared to this. "This is beautiful."

"Feh, blame my brother. Here he comes now."

A servant swept aside one of the paper screens, his bow so low his forehead touched the ground. Sesshomaru stalked through the doorway, not sparing the poor man a glance.

Gone was the barely controlled businessman, Sesshomaru was every inch of a powerful warrior Lord. His silver hair hung loose to his knees, blending in with the tail over his shoulder Inuyasha had warned her about. He wore the sword at his hip as casually as he had worn his tie, the suit replaced with a white and red kimono, a belt as golden as his eyes tying it all together.

"Wow." she breathed.

"No need to sound so amazed," Inuyasha grumbled.

Kagome waved a hand, brushing his annoyance off. "I wish I could see you." But since this was his memory, from his viewpoint and eyes, she wouldn't be able to unless he passed in front of a reflection.

Inuyasha shrugged. "I look pretty much the same. Just shorter hair."

"How old were you when you met Kikyo?"

"As a human, I think I'd be considered seventeen or so?" Inuyasha guessed. "Age isn't a big deal to demons after awhile unless you're older then dirt like Sess."

The screen door next to them jerked open, a younger Kagura panting on the other side. The servant tried to grab the paper screen from her, looking scandalized. "Forgive me, my Lady."

Kagura rolled her eyes, breathing slowing down to normal. "You're good. I'll let you get it for me next time, promise."

She was just as gorgeous as she had been in the 21st century. A purple and green kimono covered her delicate frame, though it didn't have all the layers allowed to royalty. Towering platform shoes put her almost to Sesshomaru's chin, and a feather pin upswept her hair while carefully covering the back of her neck.

"Do not tease the servants." Sesshomaru said mildly, not looking to concerned. But then, he didn't look like he was feeling anything.

Kagura narrowed her eyes, but didn't say anything.

Kagome studied them, something off. "They don't seem as...comfortable with each other." she finally decided.

"They had their own problems, even with the Naraku crap." Inuyasha dismissed. "Oh, and she's quiet because she's about to get Jaken drunk and go trick riding with his dragon when we're done with this."

Deciding that was a story better saved for later, Kagome pressed on. "What's this?"

A servant rushed up before bowing to Sesshomaru. "Lady Kikyo has nearly reached the gate, my Lord."

"Feh. Let's get this over with then. I've got things to do."

Kagome gasped when Inuyasha's voice echoed around her even though he hadn't said a word. It was just as deep and dark as his present self, thought not as sensual as when he went into his Super Stud moods.

Sesshomaru leveled a glance at Inuyasha, seeing this era's version of him instead. "You will remember the attitude befitting someone of your station and rank, little brother."

"Right, he should follow your example and behave as his brother lordship does." Kagura agreed a little too sweetly.

"...that was a bad joke, right?" Inuyasha asked, sounding a little disgusted.

"More like an inside one." Kagura shot back, looking innocent. "Well let's not keep Lady Kikyo waiting to be greeted. Shall we?" she walked past Sesshomaru when he would have glared at her, instead making him stride ahead to keep pace with her.

Kagome and Inuyasha followed behind his memories, Kagome still struck by how elegant Kagura and Sesshomaru looked together. It was too bad they didn't seem very close yet. At least they would be someday.

Would she and Inuyasha ever be like them?

Kagura walked in her tall sandals as comfortably as she did in high heels in her modern apartment, nodding graciously to the servants bowing in her direction. Sesshomaru stoically ignored them, and Inuyasha probably was barely aware of them at all. Finally at the end of the hallway, two servants bowed again before opening a set of giant red doors for the royal family, ushering sunlight and wind into the stuffy hallway.

After the dark tones of the hallway, Kagome had to squint her eyes against the brightness of the palace courtyard. Servants stopped sweeping the stones, immediately bowing in the direction of the doors. Sesshomaru and Kagura stepped outside, and the view of the courtyard suddenly tilted, not as straight as it had been.

Inuyasha urged Kagome over to the side. "I was leaning against this pillar." He touched one of the enormous columns holding the roof's overhang up, and the strange view of the courtyard suddenly made sense. "I didn't want to look like I cared too much."

"Sesshomaru must have been thrilled about that."

"Feh. It meant I was giving up all power and control of the meeting to him, so he didn't bitch about it."

The servants started to line up into two rows, their hands clasped modestly together and their eyes downcast. Men grunted as they pulled open the heavy gate doors, sweat shining on their brow.

ClopClopClopClopClopClopClop

The horse and its rider galloped into the courtyard, the servants bowing in a wave at their brought her horse to halt, waiting patiently as servants gushed over her.

Kagome instantly hated her.

Kikyo was beautiful, definitely in the same league as Kagura even without the noble clothing. Her inky black hair was tied back neatly, framing a face that da Vinci could have painted on a ceiling. She was clothed in the traditional miko outfit, but wore it as elegantly as Kagura wore her silk. A bow and arrow was thrown over her shoulder, giving her beauty a slightly lethal edge. This was a woman who knew her place in the world and how to maintain it. Confidence and self-assurance clung to her like a second skin. No wonder Inuyasha had been willing to give so much up for her.

Kagome resisted the urge to tug at her clothing or fuss with her hair. This was Inuyasha's memory after all. It could very well be that he saw Kikyo as prettier then she really was.

Though, a small voice inside her pointed out, from what she had seen in Sango's memory, that clearly wasn't the case.

Inuyasha held out his hand, interrupting her pity party before it could really start. "Feel what I was feeling."

Kagome stared at him, not sure if she wanted to make things that easy on him. Especially when Kikyo was so gorgeous.

He didn't waver. "Please? I want you to understand."

Do it, do it.

Damn it. She couldn't resist when both her voice and Inuyasha were begging her to. Reluctantly, Kagome lightly placed her palm over his.

He forced their fingers to lace together, and electricity raced between them, her hair nearly standing up on end. It was like walking into an electric fence, but strangely not painful. The shock had just forced a loose piece back into place.

Now when she looked at Kikyo, she could feel at how lust hit Inuyasha hard. The woman was a goddess in human form. Inuyasha's heart pounded, his mouth went dry. She was glorious. She was a work of art. She was everything Inuyasha had ever dreamed. He wanted her in his bed, underneath him, and screaming.

Snarling, Kagome tried to jerk her hand away, almost snapping at Inuyasha when he held on.

"Just wait! I promise there's a point to this."

Kagome settled down with one more glare, knowing how light headed Inuyasha felt as Kikyo dismounted from her horse and handed the reins off to a servant. He wanted to lunge at her, but didn't want to scare her either.

She floated up the steps, walking much too humanly slow for her. He didn't blink as she approached, but just watched unwavering, assuring hewouldn't even give her a moment of blindness to escape.

Hands over her heart, Kikyo bowed to Kagura and Sesshomaru. "My lord and lady. I am honored to visit you." Her eyes slid slyly to Inuyasha. "It is a joy to make Lord Inuyasha's acquaintance as well."

His heart stopped before beating harder then ever. She had said his name. Inuyasha wanted to hear it again and again, as a moan, as a scream, as a satisfied sigh in the aftermath.

Kagome wanted to growl and go for her eyes. Bitch! It was obvious she wanted him. Kagura picked up on it too if her faint eyebrow lift was anything to go by.

"It's lovely to see you again, Kikyo." Kagura gracefully inclined her head in greeting. "We welcome you to our home."

"Thank you for your hospitality my lord and lady." Kikyo bowed again.

He watched Kikyo's lips move, not comprehending at all what she was saying at that point. But he definitely noticed she wasn't eating Sess up with her eyes like other women. She barely paid any attention to him, focusing on Kagura and shooting little glances off to Inuyasha. Her hair spilled over her shoulder from her constant bowing to Kagura and Sesshomaru, a black waterfall framing her face. It was so elegant, he wanted to dirty her up a bit, maybe even-

"Inuyasha!" Kagura snapped. "You there?"

He blinked in confusion, coming out of a fog. "Feh, I'm right here, aren't I?"

Kagura rolled her eyes. "Sure. Then you already know that Sessie Pie told you to take Kikyo to her room, right?"

Kagome felt his heart leap in his chest. "Of course I know that. I was making sure you knew that."

"Oh, is that it?" Kagura shook her head, only slightly amused by him. "Well, now that we've established what everyone knows, why don't you go do it? She looks tired and could use some rest before dinner."

Kikyo smiled serenely at them. "I would be honored to walk with you, Prince Inuyasha."

"Lovely. Now that that's covered, I will see you all at dinner." Kagura turned and swept out, ignoring Sesshomaru who immediately turned and followed her, not at all like his diplomatic self.

Kikyo bowed again to Inuyasha, smiling sweetly when the memory abruptly spun off into a rainbow of colors, making Kagome a little dizzy.

"So what was the point of that?" Kagome asked, annoyed. She didn't like the thought at all that Inuyasha had ever wanted someone before her.

"You'll see soon. Pay attention here." Inuyasha ordered as the whirlwind of colors calmed into a night scene, a rumpled looking Kikyo lying on her back gazing up at the stars.

"I dunno Kikyo, this sounds insane." Inuyasha's voice surrounded them, sounding doubtful.

Kikyo rolled onto her side, "Just listen with an open mind. You love me enough to do that, right?" she asked teasingly.

"Of course I do!" Inuyasha snapped, indignant.

And it was true. Kagome could feel the love he had for Kikyo. It was fragile and new, but tender and sweet. It rippled across his body, surrounding him in waves of warmth.

She on the other hand just wanted to rip Kikyo apart.

"So let me explain more clearly. The Sacred Jewel has the power to change a demon's mate." Kikyo said slowly, as if speaking to a child. "You can use its power to make me not just your love, but your real mate."

"Sess told me the Sacred Jewel was destroyed though." Inuyasha still didn't sound convinced. "He doesn't usually lie to me."

"Of course he would tell you that. He knows how close we are. He can't risk other demons finding out about the jewel's power and wanting to change their fates. He would have to constantly fight them off." Kikyo pointed out. "Besides, why should you get the chance to pick your own mate when he couldn't?"

"Hey! Kagura's cool." Inuyasha defended quickly, Kagome silently agreeing. "He's lucky to have someone like her."

Kikyo shrugged. "And one day he'll see it that way, but right now? You could hardly call their mating happy."

"A lot of demons and their mates are like that in the beginning. They start to bond eventually."

Kikyo only arched an elegant brow. "And how long have Sesshomaru and Kagura been mated?"

Inuyasha sighed instead. "It doesn't sound right, Kikyo. Where did you hear this from anyway?"

Kikyo rolled onto her back again, lacing her fingers over her stomach. "Midoriko and I are quite close, as you know."

"Midoriko told you this?"

She closed her eyes, seemingly unconcerned with his shock. "Really Inuyasha, why do you think your brother had his new treasury built and brought Midoriko and Sango in to guard it? Others already fear to steal from him. Which means what he needs protected is truly great indeed."

"That doesn't mean it's the Sacred Jewel. And-" Inuyasha pushed on when Kikyo would have interrupted. "-Why the hell would a trapped demon like Naraku be willing to help anyone choose their own mates? I really think Midoriko is screwing with you, Kikyo."

Kikyo vaulted up from the ground, anger nearly turning her pretty face ugly. "Is this your way of saying you wouldn't want me to be your mate?"

Kagome groaned. Was Kikyo really going to play that card?

"...what?" Poor Inuyasha. He had no idea of the power Kikyo was about to command over him.

"That's it, isn't it? This is your way of saying you don't love me enough to be your mate." Tears filled Kikyo's eyes. "You don't have to fight it so much Inuyasha. I understand if you don't. I had just hoped...but I guess I was just being foolish."

"Kikyo, what the hell are you talking about? You know I love you and want you to be my real mate!" Inuyasha shot back, a thread of desperation making him sound...well, desperate. He really was no match against a smart, crying manipulator like Kikyo.

"Then why aren't you doing everything possible to make that happen? Why are you fighting against this so much? It might sound strange, but it's the only chance we have!" Kikyo got up on her knees, one, two tears slipping out. "I love you Inuyasha. I want to do this for us. The thought of ever losing you to another woman?" She shuddered, looking distraught. "I can hardly bare it. But it would be even worse knowing that you don't feel the same."

Inuyasha's stomach was in knots, guilt sweeping over them. "Kikyo, listen to me." Inuyasha took control before she could start sobbing, his hands suddenly coming into view as he gripped her shoulders. "I love you. And I don't want you to doubt that any longer. Tell me exactly what you want me to do."

Kikyo immediately brightened, triumph replacing her tears. "I knew I could trust in you Inuyasha! So here's the plan-"

The memory stopped and was whisked away, darkness covering Inuyasha and Kagome. No wonder he had been under her spell. She was convincing, especially while crying. Besides, Inuyasha wouldn't have thought to much about it. Kikyo was hurting, and he would have done anything to stop that, even seek out the Sacred Jewel.

Slowly, light began to glow, chasing away the dark revealing the rough stone walls and piles of gold underneath. The treasury was much the same from Sango's memory. Precious metals covered the cave floors in unorganized heaps. Honestly, Kagome was surprised Sesshomaru allowed his wealth to be treated so disrespectfully.

Though maybe they were just distractions from the real 'treasure'.

Kikyo flirted in and out of the lit areas, her face glowing with happiness even under the ugly bruise that marred her skin. "Oh Inuyasha, I'm so excited!"

Inuyasha's lips smiled in return, a finger reaching out to touch her unblemished cheek. "Go get your jewel, while I get mine. Then you better let me heal this wound."

Kagome glanced at Inuyasha, his face lined in concentration as he brought his memories to life. "You actually let her walk around with a huge bruise on her face when you could have healed her?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "She freaked out whenever I tried. I figured if she really needed the bruise gone, she would ask me when she needed to."

Kagome stayed silent, trying to remember if Inuyasha had given her such a choice when she was injured.

"I'll be there soon, love." Kikyo said dreamily, nearly skipping off into another cavern. She felt Inuyasha's confusion at the strange phrasing, but brushed it off and started pawing through the mounds of gold and jewelry. If he could find it, he had a specific ring in mind.

Kagome squeezed his hand as he got tenser, eyes staring off in the direction Kikyo had disappeared to. They both knew what happened next.

A dark purple light slithered into the cave, lining the rocky walls and flowing over the golden treasures. Inuyasha shivered when cold raced down his spine, teeth almost chattering from the sensation.

"KIKYO!"

As the unholy roar rocked the treasury, Inuyasha threw her hand away from him, falling to his knees. "Don't touch me!" he snapped when she would have reached for him. "This is the only thing I won't ever share with you."

Kagome knelt besides Inuyasha, her hands fluttering over his crouched form uselessly. "Was it really bad?" she asked softly.

He kept his head down, not meeting her eyes. "It was bad." he said shortly, not wanting to elaborate.

Feeling helpless, Kagome stayed by his side, helping him wait it out. Whenever she tried to touch him, he jerked away from her, unwilling to share his pain with her.

Finally, the cave began to disappear into darkness, and Inuyasha allowed Kagome to put her hand on his back, rubbing it soothingly. She winced at the lingering soreness clinging to Inuyasha's muscles, but held on, determined to understand this part too even if he didn't like it.

Black swept over them, covering them so completely she couldn't see Inuyasha anymore. She had never been in a place so dark. She blinked rapidly, worried for a moment that she had gone blind. She gasped when the floor vanished from under them, leaving them floating and unattached to anything but each other.

Kagome groped until she could find his hand, grabbing it with both palms. "What is this now?" she whispered, her voice strangely muffled.

"This is the inside of the mirror." Inuyasha's voice was just as quiet. "Whenever Kikyo needed to move it, she would wrap black velvet around it. So until she took the fabric off, I was left like this."

Kagome didn't know how he had stood it. Already she felt herself growing tense, her nails digging into his skin. It felt like she was in limbo, forever waiting for something.

"Inuyasha." Kikyo's voice drifted sweetly around them, giving Kagome something to latch onto. "I'm so sorry for this, but I can't risk anyone finding you if they sense the mirror's power signature. Be strong for me, darling. Soon everything will be better. I've already bought the perfect couch for you, you'll love it. It's nice and big and comfortable, so once I prop the mirror up, you'll be able to stretch out on it and relax. Just a little bit longer, baby."

As much as she hated Kikyo, her voice was like a light in the darkness. Kagome felt herself relax, lulled by Kikyo's reassurances. To be honest, even though death metal or her grandfather's nagging would have been a welcome relief in the dark, there was something special about Kikyo's voice. It made it easy to forget where she was and believe that everything really would be all right.

Just as long as she kept listening to her voice.

"Tonight's the night Inuyasha." Kikyo's voice was different this time. Not as soft or sweet, but almost fervent. "I'm sending you to Midoriko's descendent. It's up to you now. If she falls in love with you, we can use her to gain access to the jewel. Then we'll be together forever."

Determination swept over him/her. He had learned everything possible from Kikyo about seducing a woman. How to smooth the edges of himself down and confidently go after her. He would have this Kagome Higurashi melting for him in no time.

"Just promise me you'll be careful. This will be the first night in 500 years that your mirror has been out of my possession. I'm already worrying about you." her voice softened again, gentle and loving. "Remember everything I've drilled you on. Be very careful with your backstory. Don't let on that you know anything about the jewel, her powers, or the real reason Midoriko sealed you away from me."

"To keep us from using the jewel." Inuyasha repeated automatically. "She sealed me away and refused to release me."

"Yes, yes, we both know that, but be sure no one else does." Kikyo reminded him a little impatiently. "We've had 500 years to prepare for this night. I've kept us safe, tracked down Midoriko's line, and arranged this encounter with the Higurashi's first powerful miko in generations. I'm depending on you from here until we meet again in the treasury. I love you, Inuyasha."

"I love you too Kikyo."

The darkness seemed to shift around them, and abruptly light shone into the black space before objects began to form.

"-there was another way to tell your future spouse with chestnuts and...and duh! Mirrors!"

Kagome gasped as the image of her living room and her brother was reflected into the mirror. He stared down at the mirror, seemingly fascinated. "Mirrors were used in a lot of different ways, but the most popular method was when a girl would hold a mirror up in a darkened room and use a candle to look into the surface. The face of the love of her life was supposed to appear over her shoulder."

Kagome blocked Dr. Saito's dumb response out, turning to look at Inuyasha instead. "You were aware of everything the whole time?"

Inuyasha nodded. "You know I was. Can't you feel my excitement?" he glanced at her, a heavy look in his eyes. "I just didn't know what it was for yet."

Kagome rubbed her hand over her chest where her heart was rattling against her ribs, knowing he had been determined to follow Kikyo's plan and betray her.

But underlining the jittery, determined sensation was a thread of...awareness. Expectation. The feeling that what he had been waiting for was about to arrive. But it had nothing to do with fulfilling Kikyo's wishes or even being free of the mirror.

He had felt the same uncomprehending connection to her she had to him. Before they had even seen each other.

"Hey! I can get a guy just fine by myself without using any weird rituals."

It was almost strange to hear herself before the event that would change her life forever. Even stranger to feel the answering kick in Inuyasha's gut at the sound of her voice.

"Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Kagome?"

"...fine. Give me the mirror and a candle."

While Kagome had been getting ready to please her brother and follow his idea of a prank, Inuyasha had tensed on his side of the mirror, almost unable to believe he was moments away from freedom. He shook out his body, feeling wound up and restless. Like a crouched predator, he wasn't going to allow this chance of escape to get away.

Souta turned the living room lamps off as Kagome's face appeared through the circle of the mirror, faint candlelight dancing on her face.

Kagome's mouth dropped and Inuyasha jerked like he had been hit, before slowly licking his lips.

Kagome didn't consider herself to have low self-esteem, she was just realistic. She was cute, even pretty on a good day, but was she on the same level as Kikyo or Kagura? Not now, not ever.

But through Inuyasha's eyes...she was absolutely beautiful.

Past Kagome peered into the mirror, not looking surprised when she only saw her own face back. "Am I supposed to do something, or just stand here?"

"Some legends say the girl has to walk backwards on a flight of stairs." Souta suggested not helpfully.

Kagome rolled her eyes, and a soft spot bloomed in Inuyasha, the action strangely endearing. "Well, the legends will just have to be satisfied with me only walking backwards."

Looking like she would rather swallow glass or lay out on Dr. Saito's couch, Kagome took her first step back, dutifully looking into the mirror. Tiny cracks appeared, circling around her face like a halo.

She took another step back and another and another, and the cracks began to grow larger and larger, purple light filtering through the small holes breaking across the increasingly shattered surface. Still the area on Kagome's face was untouched and glowing clearer, like a beacon.

Besides her, Inuyasha closed his eyes, forehead furrowed tight and suddenly, she could see the memory of him. He stood in front of the unmarred surface of the mirror, one hand spread wide over the barrier, pushing gently as it weakened further and further. It was so close to breaking...gods she was pretty. Prettier then Kikyo if he wanted to be a disloyal bastard.

The light grew so bright Kagome had to shield her eyes, almost missing the moment when her face shone as brightly as the sun, her eyes just as big as Inuyasha's triumphant face flashed across the glass.

Kagome! A voice in Inuyasha roared possessively, knowingly. Just like hers had done.

The mirror tumbled from her grasp and the purple light bled into red, the fractured barrier dissolving into dust. Inuyasha hurled out of his prison of 500 years, brushing off the pain as he raced towards the stairs, faster then any human eye could see.

With a shake of his head, Inuyasha allowed his memory self to fade away, letting his emotions come fully through again. While she had stared down at the supposedly trick mirror in shock, the scene melted into her bedroom, their conversation about Souta's prank muffled.

"I waited in that corner for you." Inuyasha pointed to where the door met the wall, the perfect hiding spot for someone who wanted to lurk and scare their future mate half to death. "I was pissed."

He was. She could feel his anger build up, nearly chocking him. After 500 years of imprisonment for trying to choose his own fate, his jail warden turns out to be his real mate? Whose fucked up idea had that been?

Damn fates. They were probably having a good laugh with this one.

He shook it off. Didn't matter. He would have the last laugh in the end. Chosen mate or not, he had already made promises to Kikyo, and he was going to stick to them. This was just a minor bump on his road to future happiness with Kikyo.

MINE! his demonic instinct screamed. KAGOME!

As mad as he was...there was a part of him that wanted to agree with that voice.

He stilled when Kagome angrily pounded up the stairs, something else lightening up under the anger against his wishes.

Narrowly avoiding being squashed by her door, he helped it close with a gentle push, trapping her with him. He crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing her up and down from the back. It looked just as good as the front. Even if she hadn't been his real mate, this wouldn't be much of a hardship.

She placed a bowl down full of colorful, shiny wrappers, rubbing her hand. He caught a whiff of blood in the air and was surprised how worried that made him. He nearly swept her up into her arms to comfort her before catching himself. He couldn't get carried away. He had to slip into the role Kikyo had trained him for.

Though it did worry him how much his beast was clamoring for him to tend to her. Not only to soothe her pain, but to place the first mark on her. That claim belonged to Kikyo, even though she had been fanatic about him staying away from her injuries.

Kagome sighed, and Inuyasha decided it was time to make his move. He chuckled, enjoying the way she froze. "Poor mate. Let me take care of that cut."

He grabbed her wrist before she could scream, and tugged her to his chest, senses going haywire at the close feel of her. Her scent, her softness, her form. She fit perfectly against him, like a puzzle piece he hadn't even been aware he needed. He didn't even care he called her mate when he wanted to stick to something generic like sweetheart or darling.

He didn't know what he was doing. The slash on her palm was so red, so painful looking he couldn't stop himself. Instincts took over when he smirked triumphantly down at her, and lifted her hand to his mouth. He had no choice.

It only took one flick of his tongue before the wound was healed, binding her to him as it softened into a pink scar. Power lingered, reminding him soon she would show his mark. He wanted to curse, but heat hit him, giving him other ideas instead.

He grinned at her awestruck face, finding it adorable before taking back control. "There, isn't that better now, sweetheart?" Sweetheart! See? He could keep things light between them, even if technically he had tied them together for all eternity.

He twisted his fingers into her hair, unable to resist touching the shining mass of it any longer. The look in her eyes was dazed, like she wasn't sure this was really happening or if she was in a dream. Well, time to wake Sleeping Beauty up.

Teasing both of them, his lips barely brushed against hers, letting her long a bit longer. "I've been waiting so long for this." he murmured. The first step in gaining her trust and wining Kikyo for himself. Their first kiss. It had been 500 years.

Though he had been waiting 620 years for Kagome.

Pushing that thought away, he took her lips, ignoring Kikyo's instructions on how to give a sweet and gentle first peck. He couldn't be soft right now. He needed to claim her every bit as physically as his mark had claimed her soul. Fire raced through him as he conquered her lips, his tongue sweeping over hers like a conquering invader. She tasted so sweet. So right.

He broke away before she could lose her breath, smiling against her mouth. "You taste better then I ever hoped." His hands drifted to her hips, wanting to be soft and romantic now for her.

...and for Kikyo so he could trick Kagome into giving them the Sacred Jewel.

Kagome was jerked out of Inuyasha's head just as her memory lifted the candy bowl, smashing it against his head. She swayed, dazed at the sudden interruption in what she had become completely absorbed in before Inuyasha reached for her hand again.

The pain was a dull ache on the side of his head and burning scratches down his arms as he lunged for her, trapping her between his legs. "Fucking hell, that hurts!" But if he was honest, it was a little hot. He liked his women with some spirit. Just not on his head. "Cool it, I'm not going to hurt you." He shook his head, annoyed he had so easily reverted to his normal way of speaking. He had to keep it smooth.

She snorted and fought his hold, still struggling to get away. "Yeah right. Let me go!"

He only hugged her closer, enjoying the feel of her in his arms. It was..different from how it felt when he held Kikyo. Granted, he hadn't held her in 500 years so he could be romanticizing this whole thing...

Dropping his chin on the top of her head, he breathed deeply, his eyes drifting closed. "Damn, you smell good." He sighed before he could stop himself.

"You better enjoy it, the minute I get up, I'm ripping your nose off your face." Kagome threatened, not flattered by his attention at all.

He laughed, growing more delighted with her against his will. She wasn't at all how Kikyo described. "Ah, lucky me to have such a bloodthirsty mate."

Kagome felt lost when Inuyasha threw her hand away again, before her memory craned back and went for him with her teeth.

"OUCH! Stop that!" Inuyasha grabbed her hand again and Kagome could feel his determination not to let her slip away just because she was a violent little thing. Especially when it was so easy to direct that energy in other ways. "You're my mate, you're not supposed to want to hurt me!" Pleasure him yes. Cause him physical pain no.

"I am not your anything asshole! Who the hell are you?"

Time for a sexy answer rather then a straightforward one. And it would be an excuse to nuzzle her neck a bit. "Oh sweetheart, you know exactly who I am." His lips traced the column of her neck, enjoying the way she shivered. "I'm the man you let out of the mirror." He started playing with her hands, enjoying the elegant look of them. "And now you're mine."

Her bedroom melted away and scenes flashed by quickly. The first few days when she had left him alone locked in her room. He hadn't liked that because not only was he not making progress with her, he was lonely. And just a bit miffed his mate wanted nothing to do with him.

Annoyance over the prayer beads. It was like her mark on him. And humiliating.

His anger and fear for her when Sango attacked her. He had just found her, he wasn't going to let anything take her away.

Searching all over the fair grounds for the stuffed animals he had won her. Replacing the ones that had been ruined or dirtied after being left all night. He had hoped it would help her smile and be a constant apology for allowing her to get hurt.

The moment Gramps accepted Inuyasha by allowing him to take care of Kagome when she was injured.

The realization at what Kikyo might have done to stay alive. His phone conversation with Kikyo. His fight with Sesshomaru. His disbelief that Kouga would really believe he would betray them. She saw it all. Inuyasha laid every bit of himself out for her, unwaveringly.

How honored he had been when she chose him to be weak with.

But more then any other memory, Inuyasha showed her his growing doubt over Kikyo and his original plans. It hadn't taken him long at all to wonder if it was the right thing to do. But he didn't want to become the kind of man who easily broke his promises. What would that say to Kagome?

A knot had formed in Kagome's throat by the time the rapid slide show of Inuyasha's memories slowed back to her bedroom, a rumpled Kagome sleeping after a long night of crying brokenly into his chest.

Inuyasha met her eyes, hesitation in his own. "...this is why I wanted you to know how I felt about Kikyo."

Inuyasha's rush of emotions hit her as hard as that first glance into the mirror, her head feeling light and her heart pounding. Love swept over her as they stared at the memory version of herself, trembling. But more then love, it felt...right. Like pushing the last piece of puzzle into place. It was huge, and unknown and forever life changing...but it was right.

It was nothing like how he had felt about Kikyo. That had been lust. The temptation to dirty up the pure little miko. This was more. Oh, he definitely had plans to tempt his innocent mate. But he wanted everything else, the talking, the bonding, the happily ever after, all the Hallmark shit that made him sneer before now made him desperate to give it to her.

But best of all...he was just as scared as she was.

Inuyasha lifted his head up, determined to stay strong and proud even under the growing realization he was completely pussy whipped. "I hate that I ever told Kikyo this now." Faint blotched of color stained his cheeks but he didn't lower his eyes from her. "I love you Kagome. Please forgive me?"

Tears streamed down her face, but she wasn't embarrassed about them anymore. "I love you too. Even when I was terrified and numb and hiding." A nervous giggle broke out as stupid grins spread on their faces, just staring at each other. "Oh Inuyasha."

He loved her. Thought she was beautiful, clever and brave. There was no way in hell he would ever abandon her like others had.

She grabbed him and yanked them both out of his mind, tumbling back into her own body.

He had proved himself to her, now she wanted to give those same reassurances back to him. She launched herself into his lap, hands sliding under his shirt.