AN: Second part of what should have been chapter 38, if I hadn't made it gigantic. Don't forget to keeping checking my tumblr/blog for news and updates, especially as I get ready to work on my next project!

Make sure you review this chapter so I stay motivated to finish the last two chapters!

Guest (6/28): So since you review only said 't' I'm going to assume you were trying to tell me how terrific TSAM is and your computer cut you off. Thanks so much! :)

MissCrawford: Don't worry, you'll see the tribunal's final decision in this chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

JOHNxgambit: Nowhere to be seen. Sigh. Thank you for the review!

Guest (7/5): Thank you! Here's some more just for you ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I make no money off this story


November 18: Inuyasha's Trial

One moment Kagome was facing the tribunal table, the next she was stuck between a flaming Kirara and a snarling Inuyasha as he ignored the way her exposed power burnt at his skin. She couldn't bring herself to turn it back. The world felt slower around her, her reaction time sluggish as her brain worked to process Ryukotsusei's demand.

Her? Battle her mate to the death?

"You're not fucking going near her, you masked freak," Inuyasha raged, keeping her firmly behind him.

"You're out of your fucking mind, Ryukotsusei!" Kouga roared, shooting up from his chair. "That's Inuyasha's brother and his mate. You can't ask him to fight them to the death! Especially after you told his mate she wasn't allowed to pardon him on behalf of Midoriko. You can't have it both ways!"

"Ms. Higurashi cannot pardon Lord Inuyasha because she has no authority as Lady Midoriko did," Ryukotsusei pointed out. "But as she released Lord Inuyasha, she's clearly accepting her role of Lady Midoriko's heir. That enables her to fight in her stead."

"You go too far, Ryukotsusei," Sesshomaru growled, looking a little less composed. "Be careful you don't find yourself on the other side of the next tribunal."

Ryukotsusei didn't seem too worried. "As you wish, my Lord. Does that mean you'll order Ms. Higurashi in your place so you can participate in our own tribunal hearing?"

Sesshomaru didn't respond, clearly trying to kill Ryukotsusei by glare alone.

"I approve completely," Manten nodded. "If we never find out the truth, at least justice will be served."

"No! This is total bullshit!" Kouga bellowed. "If you want someone to fight him so badly, he can fight me. But don't throw up his brother or his mate."

"What good would you be?" Manten scoffed. "You'd probably just lay down and let him kill you."

"You have no ties to this issue. You would be unacceptable," Ryukotsusei added. "It seems Manten and I are in agreement. What say you, Hiten?"

Hiten leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I don't know bro, it seems a little harsh."

"Harsh? As harsh as lying to us for 500 years?" Maten asked. "As harsh as dirtying the names of Lady Midoriko and Lady Kikyo with their testimonies? As harsh as letting them get away with this for another 500 years if we don't do something right now?"

Kagome's palm itched to send off another warning. Even under the rage and fear and exhaustion, a little line of irritation ran through her. This idiot needed a chill pill from Dr. Saito. Even better if it was one of her special 'just in case' insurance pills.

That is the one and only thing I might be grateful to Kikyo for, Inuyasha growled, his red eyes focused mostly on the tribunal.

"Yeah man, but it's his brother. Or his mate." Hiten gestured down to Kagome, still half hidden by Inuyasha's snarling body.

"Lord Sesshomaru is our King before all other ties," Manten pushed. "He's our Lord and he's sworn to uphold law and order in his realm. Would this sentence seem unreasonable if he wasn't Lord Sesshomaru's brother?"

"Of course it fucking would! Because it's insane," Kouga snarled.

Sesshomaru steadily looked at Hiten. "Your brother is correct. I am Lord here, now and always. And I will not forget what choice you are about to make."

"According to Lord Sesshomaru, he'll have his own trial to worry about after this is over," Ryukotsusei reminded. "Don't let that sway you."

"And it's fair to allow his mate to potentially fight him?" Hiten argued, still unsure. "They'll both end up dying."

Manten shrugged. "Lord Sesshomaru will choose to fight his brother. He will not allow a human female to take his place. That's beneath even his honor."

Andddddddd that just ensured his execution, despite Hiten's best efforts. Kagome ignored the crazed man for now, focusing on the important part. Do you believe him? Kagome asked, already knowing the answer.

Sesshomaru might love his brother, his honor, and his country, but Kagura would always come first. Kagome hardly knew her in-laws, but she realized that within moments of meeting them.

Even if he did chose to fight Inuyasha, he wasn't going to lay his life down for him.

Inuyasha hesitated. It might be easier if you were the one-

"Don't you finish that thought!" Kagome shrieked before she could hold it back, the sound hurting even her ears. It won't come down to that. If we have to, I can melt down the doors and we can run.

And then be on the run for the rest of our lives? Inuyasha asked ruthlessly. Do you think they won't use your family against us? Souta's practically in their hands right now; we won't be able to save him too.

Hiten sighed. "I should have said no when you asked me to get us on the panel, Manten. The tribunal looks a lot easier when I'm on the sidelines."

"Of course it is, you're not making life and death decisions on the sidelines," Kouga snapped. "And this is the stupidest sentence I've ever heard proposed. No matter how this ends, half the ruling party dies. Everyone loses."

"Then perhaps it's time for a new party," Ryukotsusei suggested without hesitation, going far enough to meet Sesshomaru's gaze with his own, unblinking eyes. "Then the West as a whole can finally begin to win again."

The demon audience gasped, shocked by Ryukotsusei's boldness. The front row of people Kagome could see in the flickering light looked outraged and frightened, ready to back their King.

...but the scary part were the few demons that showed no expression at all, staring at Ryukotsusei steadily. Like they were wondering why he had waited so long to get to the point.

Red began to bleed into Sesshomaru's eyes, his calm face slowly melting into the demon underneath. "You go too far, Ryukotsusei."

He slowly shook his head, showing glimpses of pale white skin."Oh, I don't think I've gone far enough, my Lord."

...Inuyasha, I think we may have accidentally started a civil war

This sort of thing happens once in awhile. Sess'll take care of it and we'll be fine. But for some reason, he didn't sound exactly convinced.

"...that's fucking it," Sango hissed next to her.

Kagome jerked, surprised after completely forgetting about Sango. She was staring hard at Inuyasha, waiting to get his attention as he glared at the tribunal.

...um, Inuyasha. I think Sango wants you?

Still baring his teeth, he jerked his gaze over to Sango, the snarl on his face fading as she slowly, carefully blinked one eye.

Instantly he calmed down, the red fading him his eyes. Mate, Sango's gonna get us out of this. Just follow her lead.

Kagome wasn't completely convinced. Seriously? What could she possibly do now?

Trust me. Sango wasn't top dog only because of her skill or strength. She's crafty in a way Kagura can only dream about.

Well, it wasn't like things could get any worse.

Inuyasha returned Sango's slow, careful wink, finally stepped away from Kagome. I'm hoping along with your warrior priestess vibe, you do a halfway decent actress.

"Alright, fine! I've come to a decision!" Hiten snapped. "I agree with-"

"Just a moment. I have not finished my testimony as Lord Inuyasha's supporter," Sango suddenly interrupted.

Kagome had the sense Ryukotsusei was frowning under his mask. It was in the way his claws tapped out a short, tense dance, his bony white joints clenching. "I believe the time for testimony as come to an end-"

Hiten collapsed back in his seat. "Oh please, if you have anything to say that will make me more sure of what I'm supposed to do, I want to hear it."

"Lord Sesshomaru and I agree," Kouga quickly said before Ryukotsusei could argue again.

Sango inclined her head respectfully. "I thank the tribunal for their generosity."

Before anyone could wonder what she was about to do, Sango sank down to her knees in front of Kagome, bowing her head low. "Lady Kagome. As the miko in your family line, I humbly beg you to release me from the vow of silence your ancestor pressed on me 500 years ago. I would not break Lady Midoriko's trust if it was not a matter of life and death. As Ryukotsusei proved today, you are Lady Midoriko's heir, not only responsible from freeing Lord Inuyasha from his prison, but freeing me from mine."

Kagome tried as hard as possible not to look baffled, even if she had no idea what the hell Sango was on about. "Uh...sure. You're good."

Still keeping her head down, Sango glared at Kagome from under her eyes, not looking happy.

C'mon mate, make it look good.

Kagome cleared her throat. "I mean...ahem." She spread her arms out, delicate little petals raining softly from her fingertips and whirling over Sango's downturned head. "Sango. As Lady Midoriko's descendant, I grant you freedom from your vow of silence. Speak whatever you feel needs to be said."

The petals spun faster and faster, until they burst into flame, purple sparks popping out. The crowd gasped, nearly on the edge of their seats.

Sango dipped into a low bow. "Thank you. I will not betray your faith in me." Before Kagome could figure out what had just happened, Sango sprung up, facing the tribunal with her hands clasped modestly in front of her.

"Tribunal," Sango addressed them, calm and focused. "Thank you for your patience. Now that I have permission to speak freely, I can give you the proof you need."

Sesshomaru didn't say anything, though he stared at Lady Sango, unblinking.

"Hiten asked me why I'm still alive when I should be long dead," Sango began. "Because of my vow to Lady Midoriko, I could not tell you the truth. But now I can. Over 500 years ago, Lady Midoriko entrusted me with the most important task of my life. She swore me to secrecy and what I'm about to reveal now, no one knows. Not Kagome, not Lord Inuyasha or even Lord Sesshomaru. If I was to speak without permission, I would die."

"Yes, yes. Get to the point," Ryukotsusei urged, flicking his hand at her.

"Lady Midoriko tricked Lord Sesshomaru into believing the sacred jewel was destroyed because she wanted to protect Naraku. Her mate," Sango announced, dropping all formalities.

The crowd roared, all demons on their feet and screaming. Ignoring their noise, Sango grabbed Kagome's wrist, seemingly not noticing at the way her skin burned. "As my proof. I offer the marks of Lady Kagome. The moon is Inuyasha's claim, the flame is Midoriko's, and the spider...is Naraku's."

Sango dropped Kagome's wrist, absently wiping her bleeding blisters on her leather pants. "Also. Lady Kagome carries the ancestral dagger of Naraku," Sango nodded down at the sheathed blade. "If you would please, Lady Kagome?"

Still not sure what was going on, Kagome hesitated for a moment. But since Sango had given everyone something to scream about other than a potential coup, she would trust her and hope for the best.

And if that utterly failed, her family wasn't going down alone.

Throwing herself into it, she slowly drew her sword, letting her power fill it. Even the tribunal looked nervous at how the jewels glittered, the sword glowing purple.

"As you can see, there's no way Lady Kagome can have both marks and be able to wield Naraku's sword without being related to them both," Sango continued calmly. "I'm still here, 500 years after you knew me, with one purpose. To protect Lady Midoriko's mate. And now, I can finally reveal the full truth to you."

She took a slow walk around the square, the flames throwing shadows across her face that made more than one demon shiver when she met their gaze. "Lady Midoriko realized who Naraku was after she helped Sesshomaru seal him away. She felt torn between her mate and her duty to Lord Sesshomaru. Ultimately, her feelings toward Naraku won. She convinced Lord Sesshomaru he had destroyed the jewel and killed Naraku, before hiding him away in the treasury. When she found Inuyasha in the room she had hidden Naraku in, she overreacted and assumed he had figured out the truth. She imprisoned him, and asked Lady Kikyo to lie for her, all in order to protect her mate."

Sango stopped in front of the tribunal table, bracing her hands behind her back. "When Midoriko realized she wasn't going survive the birth of her child, she called me to her. She feared the day Inuyasha would be released and could tell Lord Sesshomaru the truth about Naraku. So with her final moments, she turned me into a demon and made me swear I would protect the jewel - and her secret - with my life."

She turned around to stare at Inuyasha, drawing all attention to him. "When I realized Lady Kagome had released Inuyasha, I found him, in order to follow out my duty. That's when I realized Lady Midoriko had been mistaken, and Inuyasha knew nothing about her mate. He has been telling you the truth. He was only searching for a ring for Lady Kikyo, and stumbled into the wrong box."

Kagome couldn't help but feel impressed, even under the worry that maybe it was a bad idea to use even this much of the truth, even if Sango had twisted it pretty convincingly. Do you think they'll buy it? She couldn't help but ask Inuyasha.

I fuckin' hope so.

Bowing low to Inuyasha, Sango kept her eyes lowered respectfully. "I apologize for the time it took to correct Lady Midoriko's misunderstanding." She turned back towards the tribunal, slipping gracefully to her knees. "I apologize for the time it took for me to come forward. I was hoping I could keep Lady Midoriko's secret while helping to clear Inuyasha's name. Now I realize I should have asked Lady Kagome's permission to come forward from the very beginning."

Bending down even further, her forehead touching the floor, she was prostrating herself now. "I apologize for keeping Lady Midoriko's secrets, Lord Sesshomaru. I should have come to you immediately, but there wasn't time. Lady Midoriko had transformed me before I even understood what I had promised. I humbly beg your forgiveness."

"Hm." Sesshomaru considered her for a moment. "You may assist Lady Kagura along with Lord Inuyasha as well."

"I KNEW IT!" Manten roared, shooting up from the table. "I KNEW the sacred jewel was still whole. The conspiracy-"

"There is no conspiracy," Sango interrupted, easing herself off the floor. "At least, not the one you think you know. The jewel was not destroyed, but it wasn't because Lord Sesshomaru couldn't kill Naraku. Lady Midoriko feared it so much, she ensured it couldn't happen."

Lord Sesshomaru inclined his head, accepting it not as a compliment, but as truth.

"That is a interesting story you weave, Sango," Ryukotsusei mused. "But tell me, if this was so secret, why does Ms. Higurashi have Naraku's sword? At least one person should have known your 'secret' and could have come forward with the information."

Kagome quickly tried to looked shocked, as if this was all new to her.

"I tracked the sword down and gave it to Lady Kagome to confirm my own suspicions," Sango said smoothly. "I've been very good at finding things. That's how I have my old weapons and Kirara back." She looked right into his fake red eyes, confident and steady. "I can swear to you, no one has ever heard this secret before."

Isn't that the fucking truth. Inuyasha seemed impressed, the red fading from his eyes. See what I meant? We should have had her spin that little story from the beginning, and we could have been done by now and celebrating in bed...by sleeping, obviously, He added at Kagome's glare.

"I see," Ryukotsusei didn't sound pleased. "While it's fascinating to learn of Ms. Higurashi's origins, I'm afraid I can't quite believe Lady Midoriko entrusted the jewel to you and then let you leave the safety of the treasury."

"I can," Kouga defended quickly. "If I had a secret mate tucked away who the whole world wanted dead, I would trust no one else besides Lady Sango."

Sango bowed slightly in recognition, Ryukotsusei's claws still tapping across the table in an irritated rhythm. "Be that as that may. It seems highly suspicious that Sango would suddenly inform us she was the sacred jewel's 'guardian' all these years just before Hiten was to break the tribunal's stalemate."

"Yes," Manten's eyes narrowed, staring hard at Sango. "Verrrrrrry suspicious."

Sango slowly slipped her hand into one of the pouches lining her waist, digging deep. "As I have already informed you, I was sworn to silence. It was Lady Kagome's kindness in freeing me from that vow that has allowed me to come forward." Sango pointed out tensely. "But if it would set your mind at ease..."

Kagome resisted reaching for Inuyasha, What is she doing?!

Just trust her, mate. She won't lead us wrong. But Inuyasha didn't seem as sure as he had.

Sango showed her fist to the tribunal and slowly unfurled her fingers.

The sacred jewel laid cupped in the palm of her hand, pale and delicate next to her callused skin.

The demon audience gasped, some of them jumping to their feet to get a better look. Ryukotsusei fingers twisted over the table. "What an...interesting development," he murmured, falling silent.

"I am the sacred jewel's guardian," Sango announced, her words echoing in the room. "If this isn't enough proof for you, Ryukotsusei, clearly you have other intentions that don't include serving the West by clearing an innocent man."

"This has gotten way too fucking insane," Kouga grumbled. "Can we just say Inuyasha is good and go grab waffles for breakfast?"

Manten's mouth dropped, ignoring Kouga's suggestion. "The sacred jewel...it's there. It's right there! HA!" He jumped to his feet, pounding both fists on the table now. "I said I wasn't crazy! Didn't I say I wasn't crazy, Hiten?"

"Huh." Hiten blinked, staring at the purple gem nestled in Sango's hand. "I guess you were right after all, brother."

Sheepishly, Manten turned towards Lord Sesshomaru, "I apologize for thinking you had something to do with this, Lord Sesshomaru. Clearly you were out of the loop like everyone else."

Sesshomaru frowned, but didn't give an indication if Manten's pending execution was off just yet. "It appears Lady Sango has answered all of our questions. Lady Midoriko misunderstood Lord Inuyasha's intentions when she decided to imprison him. I move to clear his name, and request to Lady Sango that she bring her protection of the sacred jewel back to my treasury, resuming her former duties until I officially destroy Naraku. They may both assist Lady Kagura in whatever she sees fit for wasting the tribunal's time."

For a moment, Sango's confidence slipped away, leaving her chewing on her lip. "Actually, Lord Sesshomaru, I was hoping I could pass my duty along to Lady Kagome. I have...other things I need to accomplish with whatever time I have left."

Sesshomaru arched a brow, not looking pleased. "Just what is more important than your duty, demonslayer?"

Sango flushed, letting her eyes drop to the floor. "Well-"

"Excuse me, Lady Sango," Ryukotsusei suddenly interrupted, worriedly quiet up until then. "But I believe I have a new proposal to satisfy the tribunal."

Of course he fucking does, Inuyasha grumbled. I hate this guy.

Kagome felt the itchy-creepy sensation of someone watching her again, wishing she knew for sure whether it was Ryukotsusei or not. But there was just no way to tell with those fake red eyes. You and me both.

Ryukotsusei tapped his claws across the desk again, in an annoying rhythm that made Kagome want to rip them off. "I still believe Inuyasha should prove himself to the tribunal. His actions appeared guilty to Lady Midoriko, and I would like to honor her by testing his commitment to clearing his name."

Screw what Sango said about me staying out of politics. If it'll help me break those stupid fingers, I'll get involved in whatever I can. Inuyasha growled.

"And I fail to see why we should put off Naraku's execution," Ryukotsusei continued. "Lady Sango wants to be freed of her duty to protect Naraku. The West wants to be freed of his constant threat. Lord Inuyasha wants to be freed of the dishonor that has plagued him for 500 years. This all seems like perfect timing."

"What are you suggesting?" Kouga asked warily.

Ryukotsusei laced his fingers together, finally halting the incessant tapping. "I propose that Lord Inuyasha, Lady Sango and Ms. Higurashi kill Naraku. Right here and now."


That wasn't exactly what Sango had had in mind when she presented the "truth" to the tribunal. After thinking up a sort of flawless explanation in the little time she'd had, she'd expected an instant innocent declaration for Inuyasha. Leaving Sango free finally to go after her kidnapped-ish former mate. Every pointless second they spent arguing over who Inuyasha should fight to the death, whether he should fight to the death, whether it was blah, blah fucking blah, was another second given to Kikyo to escape with her non-mate. There wasn't time for this.

She knew Ryukotsusei would come up with some protest on why Inuyasha still had to prove his 'innocence'. He had damned himself too completely to back down. Either he figured out a way to strike a major blow to Sesshomaru right now, or he would be facing him down across from their own tribunal panel. If he even survived the week after challenging Sesshomaru so publicly.

What Ryukotsusei didn't seem to realize was that he was dealing the biggest blow of all.

Sango could just barely see Kagura behind Sesshomaru, hidden mostly by his body and shadow. Her face was pale and tight, her eyes darting nervously to Sesshomaru's back. His sword hand grasped his blade's handle, his frame angled in the perfect position to defend Kagura. Or leap up and annihilate Ryukotsusei before he could propose another terrible sentence that could potentially kill his mate.

Not that he could suggest anything worse. Sango had never expected Ryukotsusei would suggest something so deadly.

Sango kicked herself mentally. She should have expected a whole host of problems. Instead of letting herself get distracted with thoughts of Miroku. Sango needed to keep her focus, so she could come up with a solution, instead of remembering Miroku's lips, the warmth of his body, his last whispered words. Not a goodbye. Still a beg for forgiveness.

She dug her nails into her palms when his face flashed into her mind, trying to keep her attention on Ryukotsusei and Sesshomaru's increasingly red eyes. And not dwell on stupid, impossible to know 'what ifs'.

What if Miroku had been kinder when she first met him? What if she had been quicker to forgive? What if she had left him when she had the chance? What if she had never made him her mate in the first place?

What if she could have ignored the constant pull she felt towards him, ever present even when she hated him?

What if she left him to the kazaana?

Sango couldn't help the snarl that rose to her lips, ignoring several gasps from the crowd. She couldn't change their past. But in spite of everything, Miroku would not be left to his fate.

He had sacrificed himself to save her life. She wasn't sure yet if that meant forgiveness, but it sure as hell meant a rescue.

But first, she had to get through Inuyasha's trial.

Shoving Miroku's image to the back of her mind, she forced her face to relax, her fangs slipping out of sight for now. "That sentence would never work. Who's to say Naraku can even be released? If that were possible, don't you think Lady Midoriko would have freed him instead of leaving him locked up for 500 years?" Sango lied smoothly, having no idea. "And let's say it was possible. You want to release Naraku now? In an unsecured location with humans roaming around outside. If Naraku escaped, he would not go away quietly. He could easily destroy the city before noon."

Ryukotsusei gestured over to Inuyasha. "Ms. Higurashi was able to free Lord Inuyasha from his bondage. It's not hard to believe she can do the same for Naraku."

Sango prayed Kagome wouldn't admit she had been tricked into releasing Inuyasha, with no real idea on what she had been doing. The girl was frowning at Inuyasha while her fingers idly played with her dagger's handle, showing no indication she was even paying attention to the conversation.

"And this building is very secure," Manten noted. "This room has no human technology and is protected by spells. Naraku wouldn't be able to escape."

"Leaving him forced to battle the three of you," Ryukotsusei continued. "And even if you were to fail, it would be impossible for him to battle the rest of us and win. It would be one against hundreds. Naraku would finally be dead and there would be no one to disprove it."

"Manten'll have to get a real hobby." Hiten nudged his brother. "What do you say, bro? Do you think you could take on Naraku?"

Manten smiled nervously, his giant head flushing under the attention.

Sango doubted Manten could take on a stuffed and mounted soul collector, much less Naraku. The only reason he was on the tribunal was probably thanks to his brother's protection during the selection.

At least that was something about Miroku. He always fought his own battles.

Damn it, enough about Miroku. "It's too dangerous for Kagome. She's only human." Sango quickly argued before she could remember Miroku's blurry face as he kissed her goodbye or how she had gotten him cursed. Again.

Ryukotsusei only shrugged. "She agreed to the terms of the tribunal. Furthermore, her powers seem...vast and she'll be fighting along side her mate."

"And it doesn't matter at all I'll be fighting my ancestor?" Kagome asked, outraged, finally dragging her scowl away from Inuyasha.

"No." Ryukotsusei said coolly.

"This suggestion is ridiculous." Sesshomaru stood slowly, body rigid and tight. Sango lost all sight of Kagura, Sesshomaru's massive size dwarfing hers. "I will be the one to kill Naraku as I swore when he murdered my father and stepmother."

"And yet, he still lives." Ryukotsusei remarked mildly. "Perhaps we should give this duty to someone who could accomplish it."

Sesshoumaru whipped his head towards Ryukotsusei, baring his fangs in warning. Sango bit back her gasp, knowing any look of shock would ruin her big-bad-demonslayer image. The mere suggestion that Sesshoumaru couldn't kill Naraku if given the chance was an execution-insuring insult. And perfectly fitting with Ryukotsusei's borderline traitorous remarks from before.

If Sango didn't have to run after Miroku once she was done here, she would have volunteered herself for Ryukotsusei's assassination. "As I've explained-"

"You know, I agree with Ryukotsusei." Hiten suddenly said, a strange look on his face as he stared down at Sango. "I'm sick of all of this. Naraku is a menace to our society. Lord Inu no Taisho and Lady Izayoi died because of him, the two noblest people I ever met. Naraku should be dead. And I'm not going to listen to another minute of Manten's paranoid ranting before it finally gets done."

Fuck. Naraku couldn't be released now. There was no telling what he would do to Kagura once he was freed. "I think you all are being a little hasty-"

"The demon race is not safe while Naraku lives. We've been promised for centuries of Naraku's death," Hiten's voice rose, utterly serious for the first time. "Let's ensure it, so this is done once and for all."

"That's the spirit, brother!" Manten crowed. "I agree completely!"

Kouga held his hands up. "C'mon, we can't take this away from Lord Sesshomaru. He's been waiting to avenge his parent's death, our rulers' murders, for centuries. It's his right, and not our duty to pass out."

"Then he can have the first attempt should the three of them fail." Ryukotsusei allowed. "Perhaps Lord Sesshomaru will accomplish his task once Naraku's been weakened. Majority on the tribunal rules. Lord Inuyasha, Lady Sango and Ms. Higurashi must battle Naraku. To the death."

"You can't force me to release Naraku. I'm not even sure if I can!" Kagome shouted, her voice on the edge of panic instead of outrage.

"Then I suggest you figure out how." Ryukotsusei sat back in his seat, yellowed claws clicking across the table. "And quickly. If needed, volunteers are on hand to...encourage you."

Sango could have cursed herself as a line of men melted out of the shadows, their faces blank and their bodies loaded with weapons. She couldn't see a way out of this now that the tribunal had announced a sentence. Kagome was going to have to release Naraku, and they were going to have to kill him.

Or be killed by Sesshomaru after Kagura dropped dead. She could see it now in his out-of-character snarl, directed at them, since he knew they were all forced into a corner.

Regret hit Sango hard. She should have been more patient. She should have been more focused.

In her frantic need to go after Miroku, she shouldn't have offered Kagome and the jewel up like some kind of free pass to get her out of this room and on the hunt. And now they were all going to pay for it.

Wordlessly, she offered the jewel up to Kagome, her mind racing as she tried to think of some way out of this.

But there was nothing. No brilliant scheme that would keep Naraku in that jewel.

She risked another glance at Sesshomaru. His face was strangely blank while his eyes blazed red, his fangs just beginning to show. Anyone else would have assumed he was angry over losing the right to kill his parent's murder. But if she knew her king, he was methodically plotting how to best annihilate everyone in this room so he could take back the jewel and save Kagura, without ever having to admit what happened to her.

Damn it. She really wished she had expected her plan to blow up in her face.


Kagura now had a whole new reason to panic.

Not about Naraku. She felt strangely calm about that. In one way or another, it would be over today. She would be free of him. There would be no more shame, no more guilt over her stubbornness 500 years ago. Her skin would never split open again, her future handbooks would never be splattered with unexpected blood. She could stop hiding her mate mark like the dirty secret it was. She would wear Sesshomaru's mark proudly on the middle of her forehead if she had the choice, and bite back any matching tattoo jokes that could come to mind.

Because she would be alive to finally become Sesshomaru's mate. Nothing in the universe would be so cruel to take her away from Sess before they could ever really be together.

And even stranger, she didn't feel panicked over dying. Kagura knew Sesshomaru wouldn't allow it. She might die, but he wouldn't let her stay that way. Even if it meant dragging Naraku back up from the grave.

No, she was panicking over the snarling, red eyed, out of control beast her mate was slowly reducing into.

Kagura wasn't much of a politician despite her station, but even she knew it would only help Ryukotsusei's agenda if Sess suddenly slaughtered the tribunal and Team InuKagSan before they had the chance to release Naraku.

Trying to stay out of sight in case she looked as pale as she felt, she reached forward and stroked his tail, hoping he might calm down. She wanted him to realize she was right there. And even if she had to leave him, she knew he would make sure she came back.

Instead of softening under her touch, the white mass snapped around her shoulders, holding on tight. Sesshomaru stepped more directly in front of her, protecting her with his body.

"I thought you would be happier, my lord." Ryukotsusei's voice was mild and bland, showing no indication that he understood the danger he was in. "Justice will be served today. As you undoubtedly wished."

"Justice will be served in more ways than one, Ryukotsusei," Sesshomaru hissed, his intention clear.

There was their silver lining at least. They could finally get rid of Ryukotsusei once this was all over.

Uncaring now if anyone saw her, Kagura slid an arm around his waist, pressing her face into his back. Sesshomaru was quickly losing his cool. And she didn't seem to be helping.

"I am removing Lady Kagura. She does not need to see Naraku after his crimes against her," Sesshomaru nearly growled, tense and gritty.

Kagura didn't argue. Just because she wasn't panicking over Naraku's release didn't mean she was looking forward to seeing him again. She still had nightmares about the night he came for her. So for this part of her future movie, she would just have to rely on her imagination. The others could fill in the blanks later.

She just prayed Sess wasn't stashing her away someplace so he could come back and attempt to steal the jewel with her out of the way.

"The tribunal understands, of course," Ryukotsusei said smoothly. "The reprieve will give Ms. Higurashi a chance to determine how to release Naraku, I'm sure."

"Wait!" Kagome suddenly shouted, finally drawing attention back to her. "Kagu...er, Lady Kagura. Before you go, I just want to tell you..." She trailed off, rolling the jewel between her fingers. "I just want to tell you that I'm very happy to be of use to you." Kagome said slowly, staring hard at Kagura when she peeked around Sess's shoulder. "Like, right now. I promise, I'm going to be really useful. To you and Lord Sesshomaru."

Kagura blinked, not sure what she was getting at. Useful? Why would her chickadee be worried about being 'useful' right now? She was about to release Naraku and that definitely wasn't useful-

Before she could gasp in realization, Sess yanked her to his chest, speeding away from the tribunal table. She buried her face in his chest, not bothering to watch where he was running to before she was set back on her feet, in one of the library panic rooms he had built for her.

Sesshomaru kept his hands cupped tight over her shoulders, as if he was preparing to snatch her to him at any moment. "Change quickly. Clothes, money, and passports are in the safe. We'll go to Iceland. We can enjoy the hot springs together, and I will throw that damned jewel in the Arctic. Let them try to find it then."

"Sesshy Pie." Kagura slid her hands over his, squeezing gently. "We're not running away to Iceland. Do you really want Clown Mask out there to take over the West?" Or worse, Inuyasha?

She loved the boy like the brother she always wanted, but he was not king material. He was much better as their puppet heir. There was only ever one person they would have trusted to the throne, and she just wasn't here anymore.

Her mate arched a brow, almost looking offended. "He won't be alive to."

Of course. She couldn't expect anything less when he was in this mood. "Didn't you listen to Kag? She's going to be 'useful' to us. That phrase doesn't ring a bell in that handsome head of yours?"

The rage slowly faded from his eyes. "You believe Inuyasha's mate has figured out how to release you?"

Kagura shrugged. "You weren't interested in 'using' her for much else."

He hesitated, his eyes darting back to where his emergency cash and identities were hidden. "How could she possibly know how? There's no time to discuss or research it."

"We have to trust them. Chickadee, Sango and Inuyasha would never let us down." Kagura said firmly.

"Sango is why we are in this situation." Sesshomaru reminded.

"Sango is why you aren't killing your brother right now." Kagura pointed out right back.

Because they both knew he would never have chosen Kagome. Sesshomaru would have killed the only heir they had to the kingdom, giving Creepy Mask another chance to screw with Sess.

Kagura's thumb stroked his hands, trying to be gentle along with her normal bluntness. "We don't have another choice, Sess."

He studied her, his gold eyes unblinking as he considered her. "Stay in the panic room. I will not allow Naraku to die until you are free."

Meaning he would slaughter everyone in that room to protect his greatest enemy. Just to protect her. She fluttered her eyelashes, hand pressed over her heart. "Why Sesshy Pie, you say the sweetest things."

His hand moved from her shoulder to her cheek, forcing her to keep his gaze. "Only to you."

Even with the danger of her past catching up to her, her heart got caught in her throat, her eyes becoming strangely blurry. "I love you, Sesshomaru."

His jaw tightened before his head dipped, his lips catching hers in a hard, desperate kiss that ended much too soon. "You hold my heart, Kagura. Remember your promise to take care of it. Do not be foolish until I return."

A smile tugged at her lips, "So I can be a fool when you get back?"

"As long as you're a fool only for me." Sesshomaru quickly said, instantly worried by the look on her face.

Kagura's smirk only grew. They both knew he had plenty of reason to be afraid judging by their previous experiences. And her brief stint as a clown.

But that wasn't their biggest problem today.

Dropping his hands, Kagura forced herself to step back, memorizing the look of Sesshomaru in this moment. The fierce, determined glare in his gold eyes and in the slant of his mouth, the way his warlord armor made him seem bigger and badder. She etched his image in her mind, wanting to carry the tender way he touched her, the ruthlessness he showed towards all threats to her with her when he was gone. Feeling stupid because this wasn't the last time she would ever see him.

But she couldn't help desperately soaking him in, just in case.

"Remember this moment, Kagura," Sesshomaru said slowly, reading her face when he couldn't read her mind. "This is the last time you face me as another demon's mate. When I come back for you, I will claim you. You will be mine. In all ways."

She licked her suddenly dry lips, needing to stake her own claim when he was being sexy-possessive. "Just like the way you've always been mine."

He inclined his head, a tiny smile curving his lips. "Indeed."

And before Kagura could smirk and roll out a witty retort, or throw herself at him, or break into sobs, or change her mind and beg him to leave with her, or wax on about how much she loved him, even if he had been such an asshole in the beginning of their lives, or panic further or even decide what she wanted to do, Sesshomaru was gone. The panic door locking quietly behind him, the room empty and silent.

Kagura thought about wrapping herself up in a blanket and huddling on the couch. She considered sinking to her knees and letting her tears spill out. She debated ripping the panic room apart, screaming out her anger and fear as book pages fluttered around her.

Instead, she calmly sat at the desk tucked in the corner of the panic room library, paper and pen already waiting for her to write down her reflections on Team InuKagSan's entrance and to come up with the perfect mashup of Inuyasha and Kagome's name.

Because no matter what was about to happen in that room, this wasn't the end. Not even close.


Don't forget to review to help encourage me into finishing chapters 40 and 41! I started 40, but it's super important that I keep my motivation up, or you guys won't be reading about Naraku's showdown for another five months.

And as always, I post lots of fun stuff on my blog and tumblr, including snippets, status updates, future plans, fanfiction discussions, and sort of-ish writing advice. Follow me/stalk me, pretty please!