In Inuhime's bedroom, Kagome was talking to her.
"Inuhime, I confessed that I don't really understand about your past 'crimes'. I mean the way I understood is that you supported your father for having a human mate. It's ironic, isn't it? The great Sesshomaru, a human-hating inuyoukai, mated to the very thing that he desprised. Sometimes I am afraid that he would change his mind about me and leave me for a female inuyoukai or some other demoness, but I know he's an honorable man. I know he wouldn't mate me if he didn't want to. He's a kind of person that whenever makes a decision he takes action. I am sure that you already knew that. I truly am in love with him. I would die if he breaks my heart. Well, I am going to see how Rin and Shippo is doing. They'd been so worried about their newfound aunt. I don't blame them."
As Kagome walked out of her sister-in-law's bedroom, she ran into Inukimi, who's her mother-in-law.
"Ah, Kagome, dear. How is Inuhime fairing?"
"Oh...um...she's still in a comatose state. You know, Lady Mother, if you talk to her, she can hear you even though that she can't respond in return."
"Preposterous."
"Perhaps, but what do you have to lose? More than likely, if ever, she wouldn't remember you talking to her. It's worth a shot."
"Hm."
Kagome thought, "So that's where he got 'hm' from. That isn't surprising, say the less. Oh well."
Inukimi thought about what Kagome said and thought, "Well, it wouldn't hurt to talk to a sleeping person especially if they won't remember the one-sided conversation."
She waited until Kagome was far enough not to see or hear anything. Then she walked into her daughter's room. She took a deep breath and exhale.
She thought before speaking out loud, "Well, here it goes."
"Inuhime, my beautiful daughter, I know that I already made amends to you, but there's more. I never had hated you. I was more jealous of your power. I was also jealous and envious of the relationship between you and your father and brother. I'd never got close to either of you and that was my fault.
When you were born, I knew that you and Sesshomaru were going to be the most powerful pair of inuyoukai, that ever walked the Earth. I could felt your power from within me. I knew then and there that if you wanted to; you could have killed me.
When you and Sesshomaru were born, you had almost killed me. If it wasn't for Midoriko, I know I would be dead today. I guess, I gave into my jealousy and envy. It was after you were fatally wounded. I had seen the pool of blood in the hallway. I was the one who called for a healer. I was really worried. Then after your father died, I let my anger got the best of me. I had blamed you for his death. Sesshomaru defended you until he gave in to my desire to put you under lock and key.
As the years went on, I realized what a terrible mother that I'd become. So whenever I'd seen your brother holding a human child dead in his arms. I'd seen the sadness in his eyes. Then I realized that I could use the Meidou Stone to return her soul to her body, since Sesshomaru already use the Tenseiga to revive the girl.
Then there was you, Inuhime, in a dark cave, wasting away or so I thought. I decided that I would release you from it, but whenever I arrived at the cave, you were gone. So I guess that you returned to the palace. I was right, wasn't I?
Wow, Kagome was right about talking to you even though you were unable to hear or not; isn't relevant. I hope that one day you'll forgive me for my sins as your mother. As of late, I am going to try to be there and support your and Sesshomaru's decisions.
Oh, I almost forgot. The preparations for the Annual Ball are going accordingly. I was surprised that you asked me to help you. I wasn't only planning this ball because of this house's honor, but it was also my honor as your mother to help and guide you through the ball's plans. I must say that I am impressed with your idea for the ball.
Inuhime, I am proud to be your mother and always will be."
Inukimi cried at the bedside of her daughter's bed.
Meanwhile in the spirit realm, Inuhime was looking through the heavenly screen that would show what has happened in one's current life. She'd seen her mother confessing her heartfelt confession and crying at her bedside. Her father walked up beside her.
"I had always known that your mother loved you. She was afraid of your power, at first."
"Yeah, she had a funny way of showing it in the past, but now I know that she really does. Father, I had always wanted a relationship...I mean a real relationship with my mother. I hope that she really means it."
"Oh... In fact, I know that she will want one with you."
"Hm. Are you and Inuyasha and his Kikyo ready to go to the Mortal Realm, yet."
"Yes, we are just waiting for the goddesses with the help of yourself to open up the gateway."
"Well, they hadn't told me anything yet. Hopefully they will be soon."
In the family gardens at the Western Palace, Kagome found the children playing. She smiled. The children noticed Kagome presence.
"Momma! Momma! Momma," the children said in unison.
Kagome laughed. "Yes?"
"We found a beautiful flower," Rin said excitedly.
"Oh, let's go see it."
Rin and Shippo dragged Kagome to the pond's edge to see this flower. Shippo pointed at it.
"Look, it's that one! Right there!"
"Oh, you were right. It is a beautiful flower. Do you know what it's called?"
They shook their heads in unison.
"It's called a lotus. It's a spiritual flower among the Buddhist monks, like Miroku. It symbolizes purity in body, speech, and mind. Also it represents elegance, beauty, perfection, purity, and grace."
Rin giggled and said, "That describes you and my Lord Sesshomaru perfectly."
Shippo added, "Yeah, it does. I know it doesn't describe Miroku one bet. He's a lecher. I don't understand how he could had been a Buddhist monk."
Kagome laughed. "Well, I believe our lecherous monk only does that to his wife now. You know that Shippo. In the past, his body was pure. So I guess, one out of three isn't bad. Anyways, it's time for your studies."
"Ugh, do we have to," the children said in unison as they pouted.
"Yes. Yes, you do. Come on, Jaken is waiting."
"But momma, Master Jaken's boring. He doesn't let us play," pouted Rin.
"I tell you what, after your studies, we will play whatever games you want to play."
They both squealed as they entered the palace and made there way to the library.
As soon as they went into the library, Jaken wasn't pleased because he always went with his lord, but now he's playing tutor with the pups.
"Both of you are late. Now sit down, you insufferable brats!"
Kagome heard what he said. She was not pleased.
"Jaken..." She gave him a cold stare almost as frighting as Sesshomaru.
Jaken squaked and he muttered many apologies to her and that it wouldn't happen again. Kagome nodded; turned around and then made her way to the shelves that stored books and scrolls. When she picked and opened up the book that she was reading. A small piece of folded parchment fell out of the book and landed beside her feet on the cold cherry-wood floor. She tilted her head slightly; bend down to pick it up. It was from her sister-in-law. She sat on her favorite spot that was full of cushions near a fireplace. Then she unfolded the parchment and began reading.
"To my dear sister, Kagome
If you are reading this letter; it means that I am indispose at this moment, however, that doesn't mean that I won't of use at all. Soon, you'll be in contact with a miko-youkai like myself. She'll be able to explain my current condition to you. Before this happen I gave a scroll to Sesshomaru that held some clues to our foe. This foe is very dangerous to say the least. All I know is that, the Kami will send three warriors to help with this quest. If my visions are correct, they should be arriving soon; a day or two; two at the most. I wish I could tell you more about my role in this, but unfortunately, I could not see my own future.
Kagome, this will sound too forward, but I must tell you. This enemy will seek and destroy all of us, especially my brother and any who are involved with him one way or another. They hate him with a passion. There also a way to protect yourself in this, but of course with everything there are risks, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks.
The risk that I am talking about is for you to be impregnated with his pup. I know you and my brother don't wish to risk the pup's health and/or life, but in some rare cases when a youkai and a miko mate; their pup will instantly protect it's mother from any unforeseeable accidents and/or conditions that may happen during the pregnancy by erecting an indestructible barrier. Also for being mated with Sesshomaru, you, both, have a tight connection to each other. It's kind of complicated to explain, but it's there especially when the female is pregnant. It doesn't matter if you are a human or not. It works all the same. All I could say is when you see Sesshomaru again; both of you must strengthen your bond more ways than one.
The reason why it's rare because youkai and mikos hardly ever mate. If you are curious how I could be a miko-youkai or anyone that matter, it's because our family lineage had powerful human mikos in it. If you wish; you could look up our ancestry. Our family history has been recorded for generations. Like I said before, it was rare, but in any case, the result is the same. Maybe you should ask Sesshomaru or perhaps the person you'll meet later. Either way; they should know more than anyone besides me.
I feel that I don't have much time to really explain more things to you more in depth. I wish I did, but unfortunately my time is limited. Please know that I'll be watching over you."
After Kagome finished reading the letter. She was overwhelmed and perplexed about what she had just read. What disturbed her the most was the last sentence that she read. It sounded like she would never recover from her comatose condition. It sadden her to a degree that Shippo noticed without even seeing her aura.
Some where in the Western forest, Sesshomaru felt this sudden sadness. He wanted to return to the palace, but he knew that he must move on. Something was pulling him to move forward. He mentally decided once he return to the palace he would go to Kagome and spend more time with her no matter how long it takes. He knew that they need to strengthen their bond.
Inuyasha (c) Rumiko Takahashi
Fanfiction & OCs (c) ladytari