I disclaim everything that needs to be.

Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's (or anyone's) inner demon talking, or flashbacks

Note: Chapters 1-12 are now updated! So go check that out since it flows waaaaay better now. I'll still be doing some minor edits, to make things flow better visually, but the big changes are done!

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Chapter 22: Life Resumes

Kagome squeezed Sesshomaru's hand as he led her back into the ballroom where the Council Meetings were held. Most of the Court was in their seats, waiting for the Council to announce their decision. Lord Cali was sitting in the witness chair, still, glaring at the floor.

When Sesshomaru sat down, he pulled Kagome into his lap and gave his attention to the Council. Toru cleared his throat and began.

"Thank you for your patience. We've come to a decision." He looked around the room, "Lord Cali has shamed the Southern Lands with his disgusting attempt at a Lady," He looked at his son, "Had they not yet been formally mated, with your land's blessing, your lies may have been more believable. Having been found guilty of not only plotting to harm the Lady, but to gain more land, you must relinquish 45% of your physical lands to the West. Additionally, any profit from the villages of these lands will be donated to the West for one year. Lastly," Toru took a deep breath, "it is the ruling of the Council that you lose your title as Lord of the Southern Lands. Aldeberan will be advanced into his role as the reigning Lord of the South, immediately."

Silence fell over the entire room. Cali's face was getting redder as he breathed hard. His body shook with rage.

"That…little….slut." Cali growled, causing Toru to step down from the platform.

"Caliotu." Toru's voice boomed, "You have dishonored me. Do not make it worse. You are no longer a reigning Lord, and I may punish you as my son without hurdle." he looked at the general court, "The ruling stands. Leave us."

When the footsteps ended, the Council, Sesshomaru, Hayako, and Kagome were left in the room. Cali froze in his seat at the sound of his full name. It was so rarely used, that it shook him to his core. He stood slowly, looking at the floor.

"Eyes." Toru commanded, "You know better. The man you have become is not the one I raised."

Cali dragged his head up to look at his father. The taller man was glaring down at him.

"Father, I." Cali tried.

"Silence. You have done more than enough. For far too long you have walked with pride and no consequence. You've taunted, baited Sesshomaru for far too long and I am sick of it." Toru raised his hand and with one swift movement, he flung Cali across the room. He smacked into the wall, thudding to the floor. Groaning, he moved to stand up.

"Stay where you are," Toru stopped him, "unless you are getting on your knees to beg forgiveness from Lady Kagome. Be grateful your godfather is not here to punish you himself."

Kagome held back her gasp, gripping Sesshomaru's hand.

He learned down and whispered in her ear, "My father was his godfather."

Kagome's eyes widened in surprise while Sesshomaru shrugged.

"Must've slipped your mind…?" Kagome muttered.

"It was a diplomatic decision, at its core. Toru and my father grew into friendship after that." Sesshomaru mumbled back, "it's common in times of Land distress."

Kagome shook her head and turned her attention back to back to Cali and Toru. Toru watched as his son slowly rose to his knees, taking a breath. Sesshomaru stood, tugging her up with him. They took careful steps toward the raging father and son, waiting.

Cali didn't move forward, but lifted his head to look at Sesshomaru.

"Not Sesshomaru. At least not first." Toru growled behind him, "Do it right."

"Lady Kagome. Shikon Miko, I apologize." Cali's voice was barely audible.

"Louder." Sesshomaru growled, "She cannot hear you."

Cali cleared his throat, "I apologize, Shikon Miko. I hope the riches from my lands repay all harm."

"Next." Toru commanded.

This apology seemed harder for him. Cali glared up at Sesshomaru, who was hiding a smirk.

"Lord Sesshomaru,"

"Hn." He raised an eyebrow.

"I…" Cali paused, forcing his face into a neutral position, "This one apologizes, Lord Sesshomaru. My mistakes will be atoned."

"Indeed they will." Sesshomaru looked at Cali for a moment before looking to Toru, "We appreciate you doing your duty, Lord Toru."

He turned to the rest of the Court, sitting at their table on the platform.

"Council, we thank you for your service." He bowed his head.

"Your mate will still have a proper introduction to the Council," Roarah's voice was clear, "Our regularly scheduled meetings will resume as planned."

"We look forward to it." Sesshomaru nodded, leading Kagome out of the room. He led her past the groups lurking around to get a look at Cali, after hearing the tone of Toru's voice, and moved quickly back to the rooms he shared with his mate. When they were finally alone, behind the closed and locked door, Sesshomaru let out a sigh.

"That was…." Kagome breathed, "...a lot."

"It was. But the punishment is acceptable." Sesshomaru moved to take off his clothes.

"Yea, I just wasn't expecting Toru to make him get on his knees and apologize." Kagome slid Sesshomaru's tshirt over her head and tossed it into the laundry basket.

"I would've shattered his kneecaps if he tried to apologize to you on his feet." Sesshomaru pulled his pants from his ankles and slipped under the covers of the bed.

Kagome shot him a look before looking thoughtful, "I meant to tell you, but with everything that's been going on."

"What is it, mate?" Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.

"I met a half-demon while we were back in my time." Kagome slid her leggings down her legs as she spoke, "at the dress shop. Her name is Kasumi."

"Hn," Sesshomaru thought for a moment, "I encountered a tree demon at a shop as well. The tailor."

"Mr. Ryoga?" Kagome was surprised, "I..really? My mom's known him for so long…"

"He said when he heard the stories of your illness, he recalled the tales he was told of your time here."

"He did?" Kagome wrapped herself in a robe before sitting on the bench at the end of their huge bed, "that's so odd, isn't it? I'd never noticed any demons before."

"Perhaps your wish did more than we know." Sesshomaru reached a hand to her, "come,"

Kagome stood but didn't get any closer, "we should go talk to Kasumi next time we're back. She wanted you to know her loyalty for the West, and us."

Sesshomaru nodded, "of course mate. Come to bed."

Kagome shook herself out of her thoughts and walked to her side of the bed. Sesshomaru reached over and untied the belt that secured it in place, watching as it fell open. He ran his hands up and down her body softly, reaching around to pull her into bed. She landed next to him with a soft giggle, pulling her arms out of the silk sleeves.

Once he wrapped his arms around her, he spoke, "I encountered a few demons while in your time. It's something this one will investigate further the next time we visit."

"Do you think my decision to stay here…..has changed things in my time?" Kagome asked softly.

"It is possible." Sesshomaru kissed her mark, "I trust it has only made lives better."

Kagome hummed, "Maybe…but.."

Sesshomaru interrupted her, "Shhhhh….I want to enjoy you. Both of you." He put a hand on her abdomen, feeling the heartbeat of their pup.

After a few minutes of silence, Kagome changed the subject, "are there any books on Dai pregnancies? In the library? Or your study?"

Sesshomaru was moving down the bed to kiss her abdomen, "we will look tomorrow. Calm yourself, mate. You are anxious."

"I'm just thinking."

"Worrying. Everything is fine. Cali has been taken care of, and it will be reiterated at the annual Council meetings. Aldeberan will be arriving tomorrow, I imagine. Things return to normal tomorrow." He kissed her belly button, resting his hands on her hips. Resting his head on a thigh, he traced lazy shapes onto her skin with his claws. Very faintly, he could see the jagged magenta markings that he had on his hips, inking themselves into her skin. It was another sign of their mating, showing how easily her body has been accepting their mating.

"I guess," Kagome took a deep breath.

"This one will provide distraction, if you desire." Sesshomaru breathed softly, kissing her thighs.

Kagome moaned softly, letting him ease her legs open. She lazily draped one leg over his shoulder, giving him a full invitation to do what he was thinking. He wasted no time plunging his tongue deep into her.

Tasting her, Sesshomaru growled, "mmmm", placing one hand on her hip and pressing his thumb to her clit.

"Sessh-"

"Shhh," it was the much grittier tone of his beast that answered her, "focus here, mate."

With a final lick he pressed his tongue to her g-spot, flinging her toward orgasm. Before she could, Sesshomaru pulled himself away from her, leaving her whimpering as he looked her over.

He met her eyes, the ice blue and red burning into Kagome's much darker blue, and growled appreciatively before speaking, "allow me to thank you."

Kagome raised an eyebrow, confused, "for what?"

Sesshomaru leaned down to kiss her, whispering his answer as they broke apart, "you've healed us. Granted us every secret wish we'd never dare to tell anyone. Allow me to thank you in the way I know. Worship you. The way a mate only can." He'd slipped his pants off as he spoke, nudging her legs apart

Kagome blushed, "Of course, I just.."

Sesshomaru hushed her, "shhhh little miko," he kissed her, "allow me. Indulge me."

She nodded and he kissed her hard, sliding himself into her quickly. His thrusts were primal, holding a hand on her hip to keep her still. Kagome moaned and dragged her nails down his back.

"Sweet miko," Sesshomaru growled, "my sweet miko."

Heat was searing through their mating marks as Sesshomaru radiated passion. His movements were rough, with the exception of the sweet kisses he shared with his mate. The kisses were overpowering with love, as his hands held tight and possessively to her hips. He growled, biting her mark every time he felt her orgasm, licking the blood as she shivered in pleasure. The moon had risen, and started to fall before Sesshomaru considered himself nearly satisfied. The look on her face as she moaned his name, the spike in her scent as she caught one of his fingers in her teeth drove him to continue. It was only when her voice was growing hoarse, did he slow his thrusts.

"Mmm," Kagome sighed as Sesshomaru rolled to adjust their position. He hadn't pulled out, and wasn't planning on it, so he rested her on his chest.

She looked at his body in the dimming moonlight, "you're covered in scratches and bites."

He kept his eyes closed and smirked, "the only marks that will remain on my skin will be from you."

Kagome smiled, "you get rid of your other scars?"

He nodded once before wrapping his left arm around her. She noticed the scar from her replacing his arm, and kissed it softly.

"I only want your marks." Sesshomaru kissed the top of her head, "I meant that, beloved."

As the two drifted into sleep Kagome smiled against her mate's chest, feeling safe and happy. Sesshomaru felt more at peace now that Cali had finally been dealt with, as well as his thoroughly worshiped mate.

In the morning, Sesshomaru made sure that they were not disturbed for breakfast. He'd long untangled himself from his mate's sweet embrace and slept, now watching her sleep through her exhaustion. A smirk crossed his face as he realized that she could barely move her legs. They would be spending the day in bed, like his beast wanted. He could work in their rooms, and she could teach from bed if she really wanted. Or, he'd carry her. As she slept, Sesshomaru halfdressed and sent for Jaken, waiting for him at the door.

"The Lady of the West requires the books from the library about Dai pregnancies. I require any notices we have received, and the work on my desk. The pups will be holding their afternoon lessons in the private gardens, if the Lady Mother and Lady Aia have no plans for them. If we are needed, it is only by Inuyasha, one of the Lady's friends, Lord Choro, or Lord Jahari."

Jaken couldn't help himself, "No one else from the Council? The Lady Mother?"

Sesshomaru stopped him with a growl, "We will not be bothered by the Lady Mother today. The accepted list as is."

Jaken nodded, rushing away and coming back with his requested items.

Sesshomaru took a quick look at the mail they'd received before depositing everything onto his side table and got back into bed. Kagome was still sleeping, immediately snuggling into him when she felt his warmth. He kissed her, molding his body to hers and resting. Closing his eyes, he could hear the servants whispering about Cali, Toru, and Hayako. Hayako was pacing the hallways all night, lingering at their door whenever Kagome was particularly loud. It was only when her voice was weaker, harder to hear, did Hayako slink back to his room to ruminate on what he'd heard. Toru had left quite a few marks on his son, and Cali was taking his entourage out of the palace in a big hurrah. They would be staying nearby, at the new Southwestern Border. The Southern Court was well aware of Cali's misdeeds, but his entourage was filled with his mistresses and yes-men that sneered and called for Cali's innocence. The rest of the Southern Court was preparing for Aldeberan's arrival. He would be initiated into his role as the reigning Lord of the South by the Council as soon as he arrived that evening, after holding the coronation ceremony in the South during the day.

His mother and aunt were having fun teaching the children, and Inuyasha was complaining about how much time Sesshomaru was spending in bed with Kagome, getting defensive when Jahari and Kikyo reminded him of how bad he was when he first mated Kikyo. The Council meetings were to be held in a week or so, giving everyone a much needed break from the drama. Cali was still going to be allowed at the proceedings, as he was present for the Western Mating Ceremony. The servants murmured that the previous days' proceedings were only the beginning of the dramas Cali had planned.

Miroku and Sango were not back yet, but General Kuno sent a letter of what they'd found. Akitoki Hojo had left his wife and child at home while he went with a member of Cali's guard a few days prior. They were unsure of how long he would be gone. His wife's name was Kagome, but she preferred to be called Suzu. Her name was Suzaku, before Akitoki asked her to change it. She agreed to go with Sango, Miroku, and General Kuno, and to bring her daughter Mai along. But, she insisted on having them rest for a day or two before they set off for the Palace. General Kuno's letter warned that Suzu wasn't a big fan of the Lady of the West, because of Akitoki's incessant comments about her. Sesshomaru made a mental note to give her and her child a room far from theirs.

Kagome moaned in her sleep as she moved, untangling herself from her mate to lay on her stomach. Sesshomaru kissed the top of her head before sitting up and gathering his journal from the side table to write. He reflected on his true feelings behind Cali's actions.

Sesshomaru sighed softly, going through the rest of the notices from bed. After the Council meetings, he would definitely be traveling. Many villages needed assistance. The goat demons were progressing in their torment against one village, there were rumbles of other demons becoming restless in the mountains and he had to survey his borders. Especially with the newly acquired land to the South, the Western Lands were larger than the last survey. The senatries he had stationed around his lands weren't enough.

It wouldn't be all bad, he missed traveling with his family already. He could behave more naturally out in the world, than at Court. The last note was the most interesting of them all, though, a transcript of a conversation Hayako and Kouga had, taken by Jaken:

"I'm telling you this for your own good. Let. Her. Go." Kouga's voice was stern.

"I'm really trying. She's just so captivating. There's really no one like her. And…."

"I know buddy," Kouga sighed, "but she's really only got eyes for the Ice Prince. You can see it all over her face, smell it all over her."

"How can she still smell so good with his scent attached?" Hayako asked, "what was her scent before?"

Kouga took a deep breath, remembering, "it was the sweetest thing I'd ever smelled. It hasn't changed much, it just has those musky tones now. That's him."

Hayako groaned, "of course it is. She's so powerful, her scent wouldn't be overpowered."

Kouga stopped him, "dude. I know. But, she's his. That's not gonna change so at the very least you've gotta tone it down. He can tell."

Hayako sighed, "you're right. You're right."

Sesshomaru shook his head, the stupid boys were infatuated with his mate. Obviously, they both were aware but paid it no mind. He was not going to allow another situation like back in her era, especially after dealing with Cali.

Kagome finally stirred next to him. She stretched and groaned, slowly sitting up before opening her eyes.

"Good morning, mate."

"It's still morning?" Kagome asked, yawning, "my legs hurt so bad."

Sesshomaru laughed, "I would apologize but I feel no remorse. It is morning, almost afternoon. Now that you're awake, I will send for our meal."

Kagome giggled, "So it's a bed day?" she looked over his shoulder, taking in his stacks of journals and books, "guess so."

"You may rest, I will remain here with you. If you wish to go somewhere else, I will accompany you."

Kagome laughed before reaching for her journal, "I can barely stand up. I don't think I'm going anywhere."

Sesshomaru took her hand, happy to see her rings still in place on her finger, and kissed it, "I will carry you wherever you desire."

Before she settled into her writing, she kissed Sesshomaru tenderly. It was an hour or so of the two engrossed in their work before Sesshomaru spoke again.

"The books you asked for," he lifted them from the bedside table to hand to her, "I sent for them."

"Oh," Kagome looked over the bindings, " Inu DaiYoukai Pregnancies, The Human Body carrying an Inu, Miko's Breeding. These are some….interesting titles."

"Hn," Sesshoamru agreed, "but they may explain things in a way I cannot. Or Mother cannot. Kikyo maybe, but you requested.."

"Thank you, love," she interrupted, "it's exactly what I asked for."

"Good. Let me know if I need to send for anything else."

Kagome set the books aside before returning to her journal. Sesshomaru went back to reviewing the titles for the newly acquired lands. To the South, the 45% absorbed into the West had only a few villages of humans, who mostly did not care about the change of power within the Demon Realm. The natural resources were the valuable piece of the deal. Part of his travel would be studying the extent of the resources gained. It wasn't long before Sesshomaru was deeply engrossed in his work, listening to Kagome take notes on her books.

From what she was reading, her pregnancy lasted around 15 months because she was a Miko. Her body was going to change very quickly and then plateau for 11 straight months. After that she may get a little bigger, but her strength will get weaker as she crosses into the year mark, with the last three months suggesting bed rest. She sighed when she read that part, Sesshomaru would love to know she may have to have a three month bed rest. Other than that, there really weren't many differences between being pregnant with a human child, and with a DaiYoukai pup. Her writing moved from notes, to musing about what was to come. Her body was changing, from the mating and from her pregnancy. She noticed the marks on her hips and ankles, and the scars she'd left on Sesshomaru were darkening. Her canines were sharper, her senses heightened. She could hear the servants in the hallway whispering about a new arrival.

"We have a new visitor?" She half-asked Sesshomaru, looking at him until he stopped writing.

He looked up from his paperwork, "It is Akitoki."

Kagome sighed, "Oh, where are we putting him? The girls are curious, it seems."

"I can hear them too," Sesshomaru nodded, "He will be in Inuyasha's Wing. When his wife and child arrive they will join him." He handed her General Kuno's letter, watching as she read it.

Nodding, Kagome took in the letter, "I was a bit naive to think he'd get over me, I guess."

"He is quite similar to future counterpart, he may need to be handled in a similar way." Sesshomaru tilted his head to study her reaction, watching her shrug.

"Maybe. I'll let you handle it." Kagome leaned over to kiss his cheek before going back to her journal, "In my condition I shouldn't stress over anything."

Sesshomaru smirked at her, "your condition, hmm? This is the first you have spoken of it."

Kagome giggled, "it just doesn't feel real yet. It's only been a few days. You can tell by my scent but for me, it doesn't feel like anything's happened."

He nodded, "When do humans find out?"

She laughed then, "Eight weeks. At least one missed period. Knowing day one, it's a lot."

"Would you have preferred to not have known?" Sesshomaru was concerned, worried he'd overwhelmed her with too much at once.

"Mm, no it's fine. It's just something to get used to. And I have a really long time to think about it."

Sesshomaru nodded again, "I will assist in any way I can."

"I love you," Kagome smiled, "are we going to dinner, or are you sending for it?"

Sesshomaru looked out the window, "I will send for lunch now. We can go if you desire. We will be greeting Aldeberan and all of our new guests beforehand."

Kagome shrugged, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed before standing up slowly. She moved carefully to the entrance to the hot springs, "come get me when the food's here."

"As you wish, mate." Sesshomaru listened for the tiny splash of her slipping into the hot water. He smiled as she sighed with relief at the water hitting her sore muscles.

A knock came to the door a few minutes later, Sesshomaru finding Jaken on the other side.

"Bring two lunches," Sesshomaru said firmly, "Why do you knock?"

"Lord Choro and Lord Jahari are asking to see you, but they want to bring an Akitoki Hojo with them. He's just arrived."

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, "Send them here, in 15 minutes. My mate will not be joining us."

Jaken nodded quickly before rushing off to get the meals. Sesshomaru closed the door behind him and took quick steps to the hot springs. Seeing his mate relaxing with her eyes closed, he cleared his throat to keep from startling her.

"I heard you come in. Is lunch here?" She kept her eyes closed.

"Not yet, love. I have a meeting, though, so you will need to stay in here or in the bedroom. We will not disturb you."

"I heard most of what Jaken said," Kagome turned to look at him, "It's Jahari and Choro, but Akitoki too, huh?"

Sesshomaru sighed, "Yes. I want you to remain undisturbed. You…can come out if you wish."

She shook her head, "unless I hear my lunch I'm not going anywhere. I wanted to read more anyway."

Sesshomaru leaned down and kissed her softly, "I love you. I'll get you when your food arrives."

"I love you, too." Kagome smiled when they broke apart.

Sesshomaru returned to the bedroom, pausing at his dresser. He decided he would dress a little more, opting for a linen button down shirt he'd gotten from Kagome's era. He didn't button it, showing all of the scratches and bite marks on his skin given to him by his mate. Just as he was sliding his feet into slippers, a knock came to the door.

Crossing the room quickly, he closed the sliding doors between the sitting room and the bedroom before opening the door.

"Lord Jahari, Lord Choro, come in." Sesshomaru's voice was smooth, a little cold.

"Hello my boy, we've brought one of our new visitors along with us. He was asking to see you." Jahari smiled at Sesshomaru, knowing he would be upset to find out the reason Akitoki thought he was summoned for.

"I see that. And you are?" Sesshomaru sat on the couch opposite them.

Akitoki steeled himself before answering, "My name is Akitoki Hojo and I have come to plead for the Lady Kagome's life."

Sesshomaru wanted to laugh. This human could not be serious.

"Shall I get her for you?" He let a wicked smirk cross his face, earning a chuckle from Jahari and Choro.

"Don't torture the boy, Sesshomaru." Choro scolded lightly, "Where is the sweet Lady."

"Her sacred space." Sesshomaru shrugged, "This one will send for her soon enough." He could hear his mate getting out of the hotsprings and toweling off. He heard her soft steps back into the bedroom, sliding her wardrobe open and sliding something over her body.

"Where are you keeping her? Have you hurt her?" Akitoki tried to keep calm, "I know she's here against her will."

"So you've come to rescue her, have you?" Sesshomaru asked, "And return her to Inuyasha, no doubt?"

Akitoki stuttered, "If…that's where she'd like to go."

"And if she likes where she is?"

"She doesn't. She wouldn't."

"Do you know this for certain of the Miko," Choro asked, "The Western Palace has no Resident Miko. Maybe your friend is merely working."

"The guard…Akira? He said that he was sent by Kagome to help her. She must be in trouble."

Another knock at the door, prompting Sesshomaru to stand. When he opened the door, Jaken rushed in with a tray of lunches for him and Kagome, and a tray of tea for everyone. He handed Sesshomaru one tray, and set the other on the coffee table. Akitoki watched closely as Sesshomaru opened the door between the sitting room and the bedroom. He was out of sight quickly, placing the tray on the bench at the end of the bed.

"He's asking for you." Sesshomaru looked at her, she was wearing one of the silk dresses he'd picked out for her.

"You sound amused," Kagome raised an eyebrow, "What else did he say?"

"He thinks you're kidnapped." Sesshomaru chuckled, "You may as well go out and tell him yourself."

Kagome stood, slowly walking to the door. Her legs were still sore, so she moved tenderly. Sesshomaru slid the door open and let her walk in front of him.

"Hello Akitoki," Kagome said softly.

Sesshomaru chuckled as Akitoki clunked to the ground.

"Huh," Kagome was confused, "he fainted."

*that's all folks! That's it for this chapter! The re-writes are hopefully giving more context to where the story is going, and I hope you like the changes! I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! Writing these is such a fun creative break, haha Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *