"This is ridiculous." The human lord complained loudly as his servants dressed him for the day. "All this just to celebrate some mutt's birthday!"

Sango refrained from mentioning the lavish party he threw when his first son came of age. She stood, ignored, at the entrance to his chambers as a silent sentential.

When her village had been contacted with this commission, rather than fighting over who got to go, they were all trying to push the responsibility on someone else. Unfortunately for her, as the headman's daughter and a widely respected combat specialist herself, she was obligated to accept. Even more disheartening than having to endure three weeks with the pompous windbag was the guarantee that she would see little action given the elite security forces that guard the western citadel.

Sighing at her current predicament, Sango resigned herself to having wasted yet another day.

"Sango!"

Jolting slightly at the commanding tone, she turned with wide blinking eyes to find the lord dressed and seated at a low table. Careful not to look him in the eye, she kept her gaze lowered focusing instead on the chubby hands clasped over his portly stomach. Despite this, she didn't need to see his face to know that he was scowling. Sango couldn't recall a time when he was satisfied with his surroundings.

"You will retrieve my breakfast. I wish to dine in my chambers."

"Would it not be better to send one of the servants, Lord Asahi? Should I leave, you will be without protection." Sango reasoned, perturbed that he was once again thinking of her in terms of a servant.

"You haven't been of much use to me anyway," he said waving his hand dismissively, "Go."

Sango repressed a sneer and was about to refuse when she saw the nervous looks on the servant's faces. Knowing that they would take the brunt of his anger, Sango allowed herself a small glare before vacating the room.

Still angered at the lord, she paid little mind to those she passed on her way to the kitchen. They, on the other hand, were quick to remove themselves from her warpath. Sango's presence as a warrior in the citadel had been considered a joke by many when she first arrived, yet that perception was quickly changed after her match against their master. Few felt secure enough with their abilities to question her after observing such a display, the rumor that she had killed a hundred demons and the boomerang constructed from the bones of demons that was strapped to her back didn't help either.

Though she remained oblivious to the silent maneuvering around her, the tinkling of laughter from a nearby garden captured her attention. Sango was near her destinations and was currently in the wing reserved for those working in the citadel. She had been quite happy with the accommodations and amenities provided to the servants; gardens, a bathhouse, a school room, and healer were all provided.

Smiling at the fun the maids must be having, her mood lightened considerably. That is, until she heard male laughter mixed in with the others. Very familiar male laughter.

"That damn perverted monk." She growled, quickly changing direction.

"Now now ladies, deception is not healthy. You should not hide yourselves from a servant of the kami." Miroku preached as he slowly moved forward, his arms raised to feel for obstacles.

"But Miroku," one of the women laughed, "that's the point of the game!"

Miroku's head snapped in her direction as he began to move in the direction he heard the voice, his eyes blindfolded to prevent cheating.

"Even now you run from your destiny." He replied with a sly grin.

"Destiny?" This time the voice was to his left.

"Why of course, you must all bear me children."

"Oh, Miroku!" The shocked exclamation came from somewhere behind him. "I could never!"

"I assure you, my lady, that it is quite possible."

Lecherous smile in place, Miroku almost cheered when he heard the shocked gasp nearby. Wasting no time, he moved in to capture his first prisoner and was quite pleased when his outstretched hands met with something soft and round. Squeezing them slightly, Miroku was pleased to find them soft and pliable.

"It seems fate has brought you to me, my dear." He said quickly wrapping his arms around the quivering woman so that his hands rested on her generous posterior.

"Is that so?" The familiar voice shook with rage and Miroku froze, his mind coming to a grinding halt as he realized his current position. "How fortunate."

The resounding crack was heard throughout the citadel; birds flying from their perches in surprise.

"You never hold back." Miroku grumbled as he nursed his cheek.

"Honestly, you are a monk. It's high time you started acting like one."

"You've got it all wrong, Sango." Miroku said shaking his head.

"Oh, really?" She drawled doubtfully.

"I was merely providing guidance."

"Guidance into your bed?"

"Sango!" Miroku cried astonished, "Does this look like the face of a man who would conduct himself so immorally?"

Once again, the castle was treated to the sound of a hand connecting rather forcefully with a smiling face.

"Sango! Miroku!" A voice called happily. The two looked up to see Kagome cheerfully strolling towards them. "I'm so happy to see you two! Sorry, I've been so busy that we haven't had time to talk much."

"Not at all, lady Kagome." Miroku replied. Kagome cringed at the two bright red handprints on either side of his face but decided that it would be best not to mention it.

"Kagome!" Sango smiled as she embraced her friend. "How are you? It's been a while since you visited the village and this is the first time a commission of mine has allowed us to cross paths."

"Indeed." Kagome chuckled lightly, watching on as Miroku complained about the difference between his and Kagome's greetings. Thankfully for him, Kagome stepped in before he could be further injured. "It was quite a surprise when you two walked through the door a few weeks ago. Of course I included the taijiya when sending out invitations, but your clan declined."

"I didn't hear about this." Sango mumbled thoughtfully, "I wonder why they chose to do that."

"Perhaps they feared their presence at the celebrations would make the demons in attendance uncomfortable? They are demon hunters, after all." Miroku speculated. "Just take Sango for example."

Kagome nodded in agreement, recalling the shift in behavior when her skill as a taijiya was realized. Sango, on the other hand, tilted her head in confusion and offered a slightly challenging, "What about me?" which was promptly ignored; Miroku having steered the conversation to safer waters.

"Yesterday's sendoff went quite well, Kagome. I can't imagine the amount of work you are putting in to ensure everything goes smoothly."

"Ah yes, it did go quite well. However, my role has not extended past the planning stage. Sesshomaru's mother was quite eager to prepare the festivities herself and ask for advisement when the need arises. Instead, my days are occupied with diplomatic work such as entertaining the guests."

"I see." Miroku said nodding seriously.

"Your definition of 'entertain' is vastly different from my own, Miroku." Kagome said dryly, knowing what sort of thoughts were floating around in the perverted monks head.

"Speaking of guests, Kagome," Sango began carefully, "Have you been seeing much of your clansmen since they arrived?"

The frown that came across Kagome's visage was troubled. "No, I have not."

"That's good though, right?" Miroku said trying to cheer the girl up.

"Not at all. I would much rather have them breathing down my neck if it meant I would know their intentions."

"Well, it's only been a few days, perhaps they will approach you soon."

"Perhaps, though I doubt I will like what they have to say." Kagome said heaving an exhausted sigh.

"Everything will be fine, Kagome." Sango reassured as she took Kagome's hands into her own. "After all, I doubt your pet will let any harm come to you."

Successfully distracted, Kagome replied with an annoyed, "Sesshomaru is not my pet, Sango."

"He might as well be given how he follows you around and puffs up whenever someone gets within five feet of you."

"Sesshomaru doesn't do that." Kagome dismissed.

'Is this girl that oblivious?' Sango and Miroku both thought exasperated.

"It's not like you're one to talk anyways." Kagome shot back with a narrowed look at Sango.

'That's supposed to be a secret!' Sango thought frantically, fighting back a blush as she subtly shot a glance at Miroku who looked as though he was trying to follow the strange direction their conversation was going. Slightly relieved, Sango glared at Kagome who was blinking back with an innocent smile. 'I never should have told her my feelings. Hot springs are dangerous places.'

"So Sango," Miroku began, no longer able to endure the awkward silence that had settled over the trio, "what brought you to this part of the citadel? Aren't you always busy protecting your client?"

"Waaa!" Sango suddenly exclaimed, "I was supposed to get his breakfast! I'm so sorry but I have to go. We should talk more soon, Kagome."

Both waved as their friend rushed to fulfill her task. Alone, Kagome wasted no time in getting to the heart of the reason she had sought Miroku out.

"Mi- ro- ku-" Kagome sang threateningly as she turned to beam a sunny smile. "What have I told you about using your wind tunnel?"

"Ah ha ha." His laugh was panicked as he wracked his brain to recall the last time he would have used it within range of her. As her smile continued to grow he became more frantic until it finally came to him. During his match against Sesshomaru during the War.

Fuck.

"What has your father, your grandfather, your great grandfather, and even your great great grandfather always said?"

"I wouldn't know what they said." He muttered petulantly under his breath.

"Miroku."

"Don't use the curse unless you're willing to lose your life in the process."

"Precisely. So please explain why you justified a spar against Sesshomaru, one where your life would not be at risk, as a time where using the curse would be necessary!" Miroku shrank back as Kagome's voice grew in intensity.

"I cannot allow the most powerful demons to see the representative of the holy order as weak."

"By killing yourself in the process?"

"I knew ahead of time that my life would not be in danger." Miroku argued, "Besides, I have not yet sewn my seed."

"Ah, how remiss of me to have forgotten." Kagome replied sardonically. "I honestly have no idea what to do with you."

Looking down at Kagome, who was massaging her temples in annoyance, Miroku felt the beginnings of guilt creep into his gut. He really hadn't made anything easy on Kagome since the beginning.

Like so many others, he had known Kagome his whole life. She had been a peculiar existence to him, occasionally popping in for a few weeks to visit before vanishing just as suddenly as her appearance. For some reason she felt a responsibility towards his family and it wasn't until his father was dying that he realized the extent of it.

He was not ignorant of the danger that lay sealed in his father's right hand, nor was he foolish enough to believe that he would not inherit the same curse upon his father's death. Miroku had long since prepared himself for both the day he would lose his father and gain a great burden. However, when that day came it was not meant to be.

Kagome had come to them and spoke with his father through the night until the early dawn when she stormed from the hut. Miroku, who had begun his morning chores, did not know what was said between them that upset her but the ominous aura that settled over the home was not promising. Her parting words did nothing to ease the growing tension inside him.

"Go, be with your father."

Doing as she bid, Miroku went to his father and instantly understood the meaning of her words. Lacking even the strength to rise and greet his son, Miroku's father lay exhausted; his features drawn and his eyes unseeing. Miroku would have thought him dead if not for the slight rising of his chest, though he knew that his father would not have long to live.

The day passed slowly as both men enjoyed their final moments. They spoke little, allowing the silence between them and the buzz of activity in the village to speak for them. When words were exchanged, Miroku was almost inclined to believe them the ramblings of a deranged man; they were disjointed and rather bizarre. He understood little apart from one sentence his father insisted on repeating until Miroku himself said it.

"Don't let that demon have any more power over her."

Miroku knew of course what demon his father was referring to. There was only ever one demon whose name was never spoken aloud in their home; the same one responsible for the curse his family has endured for generations. Naraku. What remained a mystery was the woman his father was referring to, though that too was solved when Kagome returned. She who had known of their misfortune from the beginning and had assisted them loyally through the years.

With her, she brought many strange objects: paint, candles, wooden bowls filled with plants and berries, and a beautifully crafted dagger which seemed to glow with an internal light giving it an ethereal appearance. Miroku watched in silence as Kagome pricked her finger, mixing her blood with the paint before proceeding to cover the entirety of the hut in intricate circles and symbols; none of which he could understand. It was only when she began to place the bowls around her that he voiced his curiosity.

"Miroku," She began quietly so to not disturb the sleeping man, "Has your father ever spoken of your mother?"

The thirteen year old tilted his head in confusion. "Only that she had a very kind soul. She died giving birth to me."

"Your father is impotent, Miroku. He could not have children."

Miroku startled at her revelation. "Then I am…"

"Adopted? Yes."

Such information would perhaps frighten another or make them doubt themselves but Miroku knew that his father loved him. He said it in his every action and the diligent care he took of Miroku. Every meal and laugh shared between them forged a bond that transcends blood. So, in the moment Kagome told him, he was not thinking of his relationship with his dying father but rather what would happen upon his father's death.

"The curse-"

"Yes, if nothing is done then the wind tunnel will go out of control and destroy the world as we know it."

"Then is that what all this is for?" he asked gesturing to the painted walls and ceiling. "Are you going to destroy the curse?"

Her frown deepened, "I cannot. Only the death of the being which placed the curse will remove it."

"Then…"

"I cannot allow the world to end that easily." Kagome joked with a pained smile, no doubt trying to make the boy feel better. Not only would he be losing his father, but the world could very well be destroyed if something was not done.

"What are you going to do then?"

"Because the curse is inherited through blood, I will have to deceive it into believing that I possess the blood of your father." Seeing Miroku's face pale while looking at the now very threatening knife by her side, she continued. "Don't worry, Miroku. You don't have to watch."

Blinking, Miroku came to his senses once again. His mind began turning at a rapid speed and he couldn't help but feel relieved that he would not have to bear such a great burden. His whole life he had prepared himself for the time he would inherit the wind tunnel but he never wanted it; none in his family had ever wanted it. However, as quickly as the relief came it was swept away with a new recollection; his father's last words.

"No." He somehow found himself saying. "No, I can't let you do that."

"Miroku?"

"I apologize, Kagome, but I cannot let you take on our family's burden like that. It is my responsibility as a member of the family."

"Thank you for offering, Miroku." Kagome smiled proudly, "That is very brave of you. However, I cannot force such a thing on you. You are too young."

"You are not forcing anything on me that I would not do myself." He retorted quickly, "Besides, how old were you when you became a Watcher? I heard that Watchers are trained from birth and I don't think you are someone low in the chain of command."

"It is because I was placed in this position at a young age that I do not wish to do the same to another." Kagome's voice was severe and Miroku knew that he was toeing a line that shouldn't be crossed. However, he would follow his father's wishes. Taking her face in his lanky hands, he forced her to face him seriously so that she could read the conviction in his eyes.

"I will accept the curse and all that comes with it." Miroku saw the flash in her eyes and knew that he was winning her over so he took it one step further. "I will kill Naraku and end the curse."

At this her face warped into an expression of extreme shock, Miroku himself was astonished at the words that had just slipped from his mouth. Before he could say anything further, Kagome's tinkling laughter filled the small space. Miroku would have been offended at her lack of confidence in him if it were not for the small speck of hope in her eyes. Even if the words did sound arrogant coming from a thirteen year old boy without any real power, she was willing to put her faith in him.

"Ok."

What followed, the pain of losing his father and stabbing the dagger coated in his father's blood clear through his right hand was indescribable. His soul was crying out while his body was wracked in such pain his heart nearly seized. Kagome was equally exhausted, having had to expel tremendous amounts of magic in order to create, maintain, and cut a connection between him and his father all while preforming a ritual so old that the ancient words spilling ceaselessly from her lips did not register as words but pure power being impressed directly into his mind.

He must have lost consciousness some time during the night because when he awoke the sun had already reached its zenith. He was not bothered by the covered body of his father which would need to be buried, still too exhausted to even think of the preparations that would be necessary. Lifting himself, he felt a foreign weight upon his hand and saw that a purple cloth and blue prayer beads had been wrapped around his hand; sealing the devastating curse which now resided there.

Looking to Kagome, Miroku found that she had been watching him carefully. She smiled, satisfied that there was no regret shining in his eyes upon seeing the physical proof that his life was now chained to his task of putting an end to the curse. Instead there was a determination that sparked long dormant holy abilities. He would grow to be strong.

"Where do I start?"

Amused at his passionate exclamation, Kagome patted the mat beside her and began to prepare some food for the boy.

"How about some lunch first. I have an old friend who lives in the mountains, Mushin knew your father and grandfather before him…"

"-oku."

"Miroku!" Kagome called shaking the dazed man before her.

"Waa!" Miroku startled, "Kagome!"

"You've been staring off into space for quite a while now. Did you even hear a word of what I said to you?" A tick had formed in brow.

"Of- of course I heard everything, Kagome!" He responded hastily glancing about the garden, "I was merely focusing my mind to properly process all that you said."

The suspicious look on Kagome's face told him that she did not quite believe what he was saying. When she sighed in resignation, Miroku knew that he had somehow managed to worm his way out of another tight situation. The kami are looking upon me favorably today.

"Mi- ro- ku-," Kagome sang happily, "Clench your teeth."

Then again, maybe not.

It was eerie how despite Sesshomaru's absence life at the citadel seemed to continue without pause. It was particularly odd for Kagome to walk the halls and not sense Sesshomaru's presence somewhere within the great walls. In all their acquaintance, it had been she who disappeared leaving him behind. Without him here, it seemed as though the great citadel had lost some of its life; the walls lacked the security they used to give her, the gardens lost their vibrancy when she viewed them alone, even the library seemed dustier than usual without its other occupant. Had the castle truly changed so dramatically in just two weeks?

She realized it herself, how unreasonable she was being. No stranger to the languorous passage of time, Kagome had always thought herself to be of a patient disposition. However, the past two weeks had gone unbearably slow for even her.

Three more days.

The scroll in her hands held little interest to her. Just over a week ago, a peculiar crate of scrolls was been delivered to her's and Sesshomaru's chambers. Kagome's curiosity was peeked when she found that the scrolls were not filled with words, but were images of beautiful women; each accompanied by a letter detailing the benefits of forming a connection with said woman or, more specifically, her family.

She had been amused at first, Sesshomaru had not even completed his initiation into manhood and he was already being hounded my matchmaking parents. Her amusement quickly changed to annoyance when the crates continued to pile up as more and more were delivered throughout the week. She had a sneaking suspicion that the Taisho and his mate had something to do with this seeing how the bridal arrangements should have gone to them.

When the fortieth crate was delivered, she had had enough.

"Taisho!" she hollered, slamming his screen door open with a snap. "You have my attention, now what do you want?"

The Taisho, in all his innocence, was seated at his desk running numbers to calculate the risks of a trade agreement with one of the human lords he was currently negotiating with. Setting the documents aside, he gave the 'young' woman before him his fullest attention.

"May I help you, Kagome?"

"You are aware that for the past week, I have been continuously disturbed by messengers delivering proposals for Sesshomaru?" Her sarcastic tone and blazing eyes assured him that his mate's plan was found out. Yet, he wouldn't go down without a fight!

"Is that so?" he replied, feigning interest, "Their father's must be quite eager to form a connection with my son."

"Don't act coy with me, Taisho." Kagome bit back, "There is no way that over four hundred families would send Sesshomaru their daughter's bridal agreements unless you are advertising him like one would old rice." She paused thoughtfully, "You aren't advertising him, right?"

The Taisho decided not to recall how at each meeting his mate would mention Sesshomaru's lack of potential marriage partners or how he didn't care if they were demon or human. His mate may have also said somewhere in there that he preferred direct people who would approach him about such matters and not his parents.

"I would never treat my son like some horse."

"And what about his mother?" She pressed. Thankfully, they were interrupted before he was forced to lie any further. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by none other than his mate.

"I have the greatest news, dear." She informed nose deep in the papers gathered in her arms. "I just spoke with that one human lord's wife, the one we were talking about last night with the bad breath... Anyway, she said that her husband has an acquaintance in the southern territories who knows a merchant who does business with a man whose wife gave birth to six daughters! Six I tell you and they are all unattached. Do you think we should-"

She was cut off by a rather loud cough. Looking up from her notes, her eyes widened spectacularly upon seeing Kagome beside her mate listening to her expectantly.

"Oh, don't mind me, my lady. Please continue with your report. You said that family had six daughters? What an astonishing number."

Quickly turning to her mate for aid, she found none; his gaze staring pointedly at a spot above the shelf.

"Ye- Yes, I was just about to tell my mate…" she trailed off unable to think of a way to salvage the conversation. "Did you need something, Kagome, or are you just stopping in for a visit?"

"Just a quick chat, but I think I've pretty much sorted everything out." She said as she made her way to the door. "Sesshomaru was getting a lot of messages but it seems they weren't sent to the correct person. I'll be sure to notify the staff of the mistake. Have a nice evening."

Both Lord and Lady shivered at her parting words and sure enough, when they returned to their chambers later that day, it was to discover mountains of crates filling every available space.

"Perhaps we went a little overboard."

"Kagome is not a jealous woman, mate." The Taisho stated dryly as he began to clear a path to their futons. "She is very careful with her heart and once told me that she would sooner distance herself than act on any feelings she develops."

The lady wanted to ask when exactly such a conversation would arise but thought better of it. She knew of her mate's past feelings for the woman and nothing would be gained from rehashing old arguments. Instead, she resigned herself to devising a new plan to get the incredible woman to mate with her son.

Hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for stopping in and reading!