The Uji monks of Byodo-in Temple, south of Kyoto, were glad to welcome another Buddhist monk and his charges to stay. Inuyasha was annoyed at their delay to the northeast but he could not argue with Miroku's reasoning. The temple was dedicated to the Amida Buddha, the Buddha of 'Infinite Life'. Kagome knew the building by another name, the Phoenix Hall. Bronze birds had been set on either side of the swooped roof which did resemble a bird's outstretched wings. Another hall housed the eleven-faced statue of Kannon, or Guanyin, bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. There was a wonderful energy to the complex. The attending monks bowed low to their accompanying princess.

"This way, friends. We are glad to welcome you. What lovely visitors!" The monk was a friendly man with round cheeks. He showed them into the Phoenix Hall while the others went to establish shelter. They even welcome Inuyasha inside. Miroku joined the monks in their morning prayers to the massive gilded statue of Amida Nyorai. The Buddha of Limitless Light sat upon a lotus pedestal with his hands forming the mudra of meditation. The monks thoroughly practiced beliefs of salvation through faith and gestured for Inuyasha to sit with his wife. Her husband made a face but he sat against the back wall without too much hassle. He did not have the same appreciation for the multitude of bodhisattvas supporting the Buddha. Gilded celestial figures were attached to the clean white walls of the room. Even the door panels were masterpieces of ancient art, depicting the Amida's descent to earth and welcoming souls to Heaven in boats shaped like lotus blossoms. Miroku pointed to the ceiling. An enormous bronze mirror in the shape of a flower with eight petals reflected their bodies.

How beautiful!

Some of the monks possessed true spiritual powers while others did not. Regardless, their powers and good intentions helped clear her mind. Miroku opened one eye when she gasped slightly. She tried to cover it but the emblem glowed through her kimono. The flower marking on her navel wanted to be seen. The monks were extremely curious about the flower centered over her sacral chakra. The golden decal shined through her kimono and the muscle of her hand. It was embarrassing! The monks were celibates who served Uji but they happily vowed to make many prayers for her child.

"Priestess?"

The little aura under her palm was irrefutable. Miroku offered his assistance but she shook her head. It was weird coming to terms with the presence in her body. There was nothing demonic in its energy. As far as she could tell, it was a normal human baby. Her baby.

Inuyasha remained patient until the monks were finished. Despite her protests the princess had agreed with the men that she needed to rest after such a battle. Inuyasha pulled her outside towards the adjoining complex. Princesses in this era are expected to be beautiful and have babies. I am not made of glass.

"Hey, Inuyasha!"

"Are all women this stubborn or just the ones I know? Just take it easy for one fucking day! You were kidnapped and held hostage and then the fucking ground moved at the castle. An evil crow god attacked you TWICE. Let the monks worship their statue in peace." Inuyasha glanced towards her stomach. The mark was a dead giveaway. It is his baby too. He acts like a jerk when he is worried.

"Okay, Inuyasha." Kagome buried her urgency to take the princess to Inuyama Castle and return home. Her backlog of schoolwork could survive another day. He seemed off-put by her acquiescence but kept his mouth shut. She was thankfully permitted to take a tour of the beautiful little gardens sculpted to mimic the Pure Lands. They went through the Kannon-do Hall. The monks were glad to show her where the Yorin-an Shoin Residence would be built using the transported remains of Momoyama Castle. By the time they circled around to the visitors sleeping quarters she did feel tired.

"Maybe I will take a nap."

"Yeah? I m-mean good! A nap is good."

The monks were very sweet and kind when she joined the apprentices for an afternoon lesson on the Pure Land. They believed that through enlightenment all men could be saved and their souls would transmigrate to the realm of Heaven regardless of their wealth or station. Heaven did not require you to be a member of the Imperial family or a saint. It was peaceful to watch them describe the ancient paintings on the walls describing the journey of Amida Buddha with such joy. A land of immortals living in peace with their neighbors in a realm with wish-granting trees where glorious rare birds came to rest.

"The Suzaku, Priestess?"

"Yes. Can you tell me about the Suzaku?"

"The phoenix is a symbol of the Empress who should be an example for all women. Obedient, honest and loyal to their husbands." This particular monk was an adjunct, older than his disciples. She pouted. One of the teenage boys interjected. "Ah, you ask about onmyōdō. The way of yin-yang and the study of the stars to divine prophesy! Yes. The phoenix is most often paired with the dragon. Together they create a symbol of everlasting love and an era of peace. As in all things, we should strive towards a natural balance. Even the Shikon Jewel was a balance of four souls. Aramitama, Nigimitama, Kushimitama and Sakimitama."

"Strength and purity. Courage and innocence! His heart yearns to please her. She is the protecting spirit."

"He is the survival of his house. She is its restoration!"

Kagome abandoned the lesson, which had drifted into different waters, to get some fresh air. She leaned against the post outside while her mind turned. Inuyasha had been so excited to learn about the branch system, to have a family where he belonged. But hadn't she left hers and joined his on the Mountain? But how did a house become restored? She trembled when she remembered the gorgeous little paperweight saved from decades in the earth. Golden chrysanthemums had bloomed in Tadasu no Mori in the shadow of Kamimusubi. A protective spell over her sacral chakra in the form of the crest of his family.

Inuyasha has no idea.

The revelation left her dizzy. She was just a normal high-school girl!

Miroku found her shaking on the platform. Her friend helped her sit down. Cold water from the well helped her think more clearly. She had to confess to someone. It was difficult to look into Miroku's open face and admit what she knew. How could Inuyasha have known? Her husband had not lived with humans for over a hundred years.

"Ah. You figured it out."

"What do you mean, 'I figured it out'? How could YOU know? Baka. It's not funny!"

"I spoke to Kiyohime. Then I listened to the Crow. You are only valuable alive, remember?" Miroku sighed. "The Crow thought it needed Kiyohime. I think its foresight was wrong. It abandoned battle when I cloaked your spirit because the princess it needs has not been born."

Inuyasha crouched in the grass of the gardens to scratch his ears with his hind legs. Kiyohime giggled. Shippo transformed into a mockery of a dog trying to lift its leg. The half-demon charged to catch the irreverent little fox. Kilala joined the parade in kitten form to swipe at Inuyasha's exposed ankles. When he turned, she merely exposed her cute belly. Fuzzy paws kneaded the air begging for a tummy scritch.

She had a brief vision of her grandfather building a shrine to sell tickets at the Shrine steps to see his great-grandchild. Children under twelve would be free. Discounts for seniors. They would sell lucky charms in the store with Imperial themes.

"Did you say princess?"

"It seems reasonable." Her friend squirmed. A baby girl. Mama would love a granddaughter. It was sweet to imagine the cute little outfits she could have with a daughter. Tiny little ruffled socks and pink shoes and dresses. She could not imagine Inuyasha with a daughter.

"All the kami we have met – maybe they were drawn to his blood not my power? We just assumed they were answering my prayers. What if they came for him?" Miroku raised an eyebrow. It was a strange thought. Inuyasha did not adhere to any particular beliefs but he did not mind others'. Of all the people to be descended from Emperor Jimmu! "Inari spoke to Inuyasha. She gave him the seed we planted that harvested so well. He told me that this spell didn't activate until he touched my skin. Maybe it took the form of his mother's family?"

"Perhaps."

"So the kami want me to have this baby and so does the Crow. What am I going to do?"

"We remain vigilant. Kaede and I can increase your spiritual training. Spells of banishment and entrapment would be most effective against a spirit." Miroku passed her a cloth. She dabbed at her tears. "Please do not cry, Kagome-sama. Inuyasha will surely blame me. I cannot have Sango trying to teach him a lesson."

"I just want her to be safe."

"I have known you many years now, Kagome-sama. Remember when we met? Inuyasha clearly loved you but he was too stubborn to admit it. He's not such a bad fellow when you get to know him. I cannot imagine that he would let something happen to his own child. I would trust him with my own girls' safety. Sango, too."

"You adjusted my bike seat, jerk." It helped to let herself be irritated over something petty. Miroku just smiled. Remembering how jealous Inuyasha would get of their new friend made her grin. Miroku likes good food and beautiful women and all the comforts of life. Inuyasha always made us sleep in the forest.

Dinner was a quiet, tired affair. Kagome was surprised how sleepy the modest meal of rice and broth left her. The monks surprised them with fresh watermelons picked from a local wild patch for desert. It was too sweet for her taste but Shippo ate plenty. It was interesting listening to the men try to make jokes to cheer her spirits. They even brought out cups of sake to congratulate Inuyasha on his wife's condition with cries of 'bonzai'.

"You do not celebrate Tsukimi?"

"Ah, that is right. You are the princess from Inuyama. They always have a feast for Tsukimi."

Tsukimi, the moon-viewing party. Tsukiyomi. The lack of reflective water around Matsumoto Castle. Inuyasha actually flinched when she punched his arm excitedly. He dropped his cup of sake in alarm. Amber eyes immediately darted towards the open sliding doors to look for danger.

"No! I know where the Crow is going. Matsumoto! Remember the moat? There was no reflection. That 'guy' was sealed underneath the castle in a shrine. He said, 'I am the Crow, the Night Sky'. There were no stars in the water." Her husband understood but the others couldn't. His fist closed in reaction. Inuyasha had told her about the castle collapsing, the earthquake and her drunken stupor.

"They're related?"

"It is the same guy!"

Kagome was still excited when they retreated to their room. Kilala was sleeping with the princess for protection; the girl had an affinity for the cute nekoyoukai. Shippo had tried to join her but Inuyasha kicked him out. She tried to scold her husband for being rude to the worried kit but honestly she appreciated the silence. Two weeks away from home! It was nice to settle onto a soft futon with just her guy.

"Eh, watch those hands, wench."

"You wish..." Kagome nuzzled his shoulder. The familiar scent made her feel safe. That stupid Crow had kept them on the move for days. Clawed hands did their best to stroke her hair gently. The sensation of a strand winding round her ear tickled.

"So...there's a baby?"

"Yeah." The green bracelet was cool against her wrist. The aura was small but persistent. Inuyasha's thoughts were practically aloud. A strong hand continued rubbing the tension out of her spine. "I can sense her. If I had my stuff, I could take a test to prove it. You should have brought my bag."

"H-her?"

"Uh-huh. Cool, right? It feels weird though. Kinda scary." An earth-shattering yawn racked her body. Inuyasha lifted his arm to let her reach for the water. She couldn't read the look in her husband's amber eyes. It sorta embarrassed her. A baby girl. A daughter.

"But you're not sick."

"So it must be pretty early. I have been trying to figure out the conception date all day. But I know it's true." Kagome closed her eyes. Miroku's spell made her very aware of the tiny alien inhabiting her body. The Crow had probed her spirit to figure her out but discovered her baby instead. What if more spirits sensed her condition? Not all of them would want to bless their union. Despite her nerves, she knew she would do anything to protect Inuyasha's baby. "When we go home, I'm going to start training with Miroku every day. I have to get stronger."

Inuyasha pushed up gently enough that she was not startled. She sat up too.

"It was my fault Hou Yi kidnapped you from our own home. That never should have happened." Inuyasha held her hand gently. "I let my guard down and some jerk broke into our house. I'm sorry. I should have protected you."

"Hou Yi is a legendary hunter. He was obviously using some special method to cloak himself. If you want to blame someone, I should have sensed him. Sight is my power. Remember when I was the group shard detector?"

"Kagome, you idiot! You were never just the shard detector. I loved you."

"That's what you told Miroku!"

Inuyasha reached for Tetsusaiga when the door opened. Shippo skidded across the floor to huddle against her chest. His tails twitched nervously when Inuyasha threatened to hit him. "I wanted to check on Kagome. Are you mad? I heard yelling."

"What have I told you about knocking?"

"Miroku said we're having a baby!" Shippo's green eyes were bright with hope. Inuyasha growled and stomped outside to throttle the idiot for opening his big mouth. The kitsune had many little boy questions to ask. Kagome's cheeks were fully red by the time her husband returned.

"Quit pestering her, Shippo. Kagome needs her sleep. You can stay if you promise to be quiet." Inuyasha laid down on his side with his head on his fist. Shippo swore up-and-down to protect her and Baby. She whispered 'thank you' to Inuyasha over his red hair. He shrugged. The happy ball of fluff curled on the futon, whispering questions about the newest member of their demon-slaying tribe. She giggled; Inuyasha blushed.

No, I'm not having a giant puppy!


Four monks from Byodo-in traveled with them to the city of Matsumoto to aide them in their coming battle. Inuyasha disliked the company but Miroku laid down a rational argument about the need for spiritual powers against a demented crow god. Shippo was left to protect Kiyohime outside the town at the home of a widow with three daughters. With a plain cloth over her head, the beautiful princess could almost pass for a normal girl.

Kagome wrapped a headscarf around her own hair. The monks had volunteered a square of dark cloth to tie around her waist. It was easier to enter the gates as the humble wife of a handsome-but-poor country monk on holiday. Inuyasha could easily hide in the upper tiers of the castle walls. The deception allowed them to search for signs of the Crow without much noise. The city was much younger and rougher than in the modern era. It was interesting to watch the citizens preparing for Tsukimi with the scent of freshly made dumplings in the air. She stopped at a stall to purchase some of the exquisitely warm dough. It was infinitely satisfying to chew. She politely declined a free offer of mochi.

"What say you, Kagome-sama?"

"In my era, the guy was trapped in a shrine at the bottom of the castle. It was sealed with an old sutra. There was a rabbit who said Tsukiyomi cursed him there. It called him the Star God. He wanted to kill Tsukiyomi so there would be no moon."

"The sky would certainly be darker with no moon to guide travelers on their journeys." Miroku played the part of her husband and led her to another stall.

"Someone attacked the Byakko on Tanabata in my era. He was covered in dark oozy wounds like the arm Inuyasha chopped off that crow. It must be the same demon." Kagome pulled on his elbow to hold him. Several guards passed them by with little notice. Miroku nodded his head politely to a washerwoman. His foot stopped the door from closing behind her. Together they crept into the kitchens. Where the old iron stone would be in the future was a door leading to the network of tunnels in the basement. Kagome pursed her lips to whistle. It took a few heartbeats for her husband to drop into the alley outside without notice. They hustled downstairs before the maid returned.

"Remember, if we find this bastard - "

"Yeah, yeah. You fight, I stay back. I know! But after we find him, can we stay for Tsukimi? I'm really craving a mooncake."

"Fine, I'll buy you a fucking cake. Women! Why are you crying? Quit it! I said I would, didn't I?"

"Because you don't really care if I get a mooncake. You just want to fight the demon, you don't love meeee." Kagome stopped in the swept-out stone corridor. Miroku and Inuyasha both turned on her. I'm not insane. He should want me to have good food!

"Kagome…"

"Oh, a lizard!" She squeezed between them both. The creature scurried up the wall into a square hatch in the ceiling. The men were still staring at her. "What are you standing around for? Lift me up, Inuyasha! This is where we found the shrine, remember?"

Inuyasha crossed his palms to toss Miroku up. The monk pushed the movable square out of its slot. He cleared the space. Kagome climbed Inuyasha's back. He easily leapt up and through the space. It was not a shrine. It was a storage area for the castle filled with rugs and shiny gold statues and random baskets. Inuyasha adjusted his hold on her thighs when she sighed against his neck. The position made her extremely aware of the muscles on his back and arms. She shifted again. Miroku was already in the next room searching for cursed artifacts.

"Stop moving around so much."

"Sorry, Inuyasha." Kagome played with the divot of his kimono against his collarbone. Her fingers dipped beneath to feel the sharp, smooth skin.

"H-heey, Kagome!"

"You smell good." The sensitive flesh of his throat was vulnerable. Inuyasha stopped when she found the spot. His fingers crept higher on her thighs. The castle was making her feel nostalgic for their honeymoon. It was funny how nervous she had been for something that was now so natural. When was the last time they had gone more than two weeks without sex? Really good sex. Naked, toe-clenching sex with her athletic husband for hours -

"This is not the time!"

"Please?" The soft request was accompanied with soft, wet kisses. Inuyasha set her down with little warning. Miroku was examining a golden bowl. Her husband squirmed when she palmed his cute backside with both hands. The monk lifted an eyebrow.

"Kagome!"

"Let's get out of here." Her entire body felt sensitive. She desperately wanted to get Inuyasha into the next room. Stupid Miroku!

"This offering bowl is spelled. See these markings? It's a kama sutra bowl." Miroku tilted the object. Inuyasha was distracted by the erotic images carved on the face of the gold. "This is not how a priest would make an offering to Tsukiyomi. This is Aizen-Myōō."

"Who?"

"A being who uses sexual energy to help mortals achieve prajnaparamita and spiritual enlightenment." The cute dog boy blushed when she removed her headscarf. She combed her fingers through her hair. "Is this the bowl Kagome-sama ate the rice mochi from?"

"So you think that thing is making Kagome…?"

"Misused, this bowl would be an excellent way to harvest spiritual energy from a young priestess. Particularly one as good and powerful as Kagome. Interesting." She dropped the cloth the monk had given her to cover her distinctive red hakama. Inuyasha stopped her hands from removing anymore clothing. Reiki danced on her fingertips. Stupid sexy dog boy.

"Just break the damn thing, Miroku!"

"This is a powerful sacred relic! Destroying such a precious object would be a grievous sin. I wonder if it would work on Sango?" Miroku held his chin in thought. Kagome giggled. There is nothing repressed about that pervert.

"I wouldn't blame Sango if she divorced you, bouzu!"

"Thieves!" The shriek shocked Miroku into dropping the artifact. It rattled on the floor. A maid turned and ran when she met Inuyasha's eye. Her screams about bandits and half-demon intruders echoed through the hall. Inuyasha pulled her forward. Miroku shadowed her sprint. The rattle of real samurai armor coming down the stairs was loud. The castle was not a stale museum full of fish bones. Real people lived here! Nobles retreated into their rooms when they escaped via the open windows in Tsukimi Yagura.

A kindly matron in the upscale district waved them into her home so they could hide until nightfall when the moon would be high. The castle guards knocked at the door looking for the hanyou that had tried to steal from the castle lord but the Lady Sacho assured them she had seen no such characters. Her stature assured that her home would not be searched. She closed the door nonchalantly but checked through the wooden slats that the men left. Two women came down the stairs to check on their mother.

"You are the Shikon Priestess! Come, come. We are honored." The Lady brought them into her sitting room. Her daughters hustled to bring tea and sake to warm their bones. Miroku accepted a cup of sake from the tall dark one with ample bosom and painted red lips. Her figure made Kagome stare. Men in this era preferred their women small and petite but she was tall and dark and voluptuous. If she were in my era, she would be a model! Even Inuyasha took notice of her large breasts bound high and tight. She glared at him. The diminutive girl with big eyes brought a tray of mooncakes as a special welcome to their party. She clapped her hands before accepting one. The bean paste inside was cool. The men paid no attention but she loudly admired their decorative skills.

"We are glad to be of service, my lady." Lady Sacho bowed across the irori. She told them how she was the widow of a former lord who had been killed in the wars. Despite the loss of her lord husband, she was fortunate enough to be independent. They still owned several businesses with men loyal to them who served the castle's needs. Miroku promised that he and the Princess Shrine Maiden would bless their house when they left for their kindness. Kagome was envious of the buxom girl and her detailed kimono. She did not shy away from the men's quick glances.

Seriously? Can you even help yourselves?

The diminutive one escaped to the kitchen. The bombshell excused herself and practically glided out of the room. The mother took her leave to help her daughter prepare the evening meal in the kitchen so they could rest. Inuyasha leaned his head on his palm and drummed his claws against his knee.

"Why would someone try to steal Kagome's powers with a stupid bowl? Why not a weapon or a crystal or a mirror?"

"It could be a remnant of the Tachikawa, a household object that would go unnoticed by most, something that would be touched by many. There was once a school of Buddhists that believed that through, ah, energy could be physically created by way of the Sutra of Secret Bliss."

"You're talking about sex?"

"I was trying to be subtle for the sake of Kagome's delicate condition. Yes, Inuyasha. Apologies, Kagome-sama." Miroku shook his head. Inuyasha snorted. Kagome helped herself to another mooncake. The rice and bean curd were perfectly assembled. Her snack left her fingers sticky so she excused herself. The shy daughter brought her a moistened towel to clean her fingers.

"Is the handsome monk your husband?"

"Inuyasha is my husband."

"But you are the Princess Shrine Maiden? How did you come to marry a demon? Did he kidnap you?" The girl's sweet brown eyes looked up. Her lip trembled. "I will tell Mama and we will protect you. She has friends on the guard - "

"I married Inuyasha of my own free will. He is a good, kind person." Her hand covered her navel protectively. Good thoughts bubbled to the forefront of her mind. The girl noticed and lowered her gaze in embarrassment. "Sorry. We just learned that we are expecting a baby. It is a bit overwhelming."

"The dragon's pearl."

"Pardon?"

"Your tea leaves. See? We have found the Jewel in the Lotus." The brown eyes were no longer doubtful. They were large and deep. The sweet face immediately became gray; her limbs fell under the weight of a hypnotic trance. Kagome could not even open her mouth to scream. She trembled when she noticed the gold hidden under the painted cup they had brought her for tea. A long fingernail shredded the white veneer.

"Is she ready?" The elder sister came to inspect the little cup. Her fingernails flicked the golden edge. Musical sound emanated from the surface. It satisfied her. Kagome found herself pull down the hallway stiffly by the strong one. A door opened of its own accord. The Mother was laying flower petals on the surface of a tub of water in a white stone room. She fought but they stripped her out of her protective kimono. They were very interested in Inari's Mark and her stubborn jewelry which could not be removed.

The water was temperate but not hot. There were herbs in the water that made her feel weak. The strong, buxom daughter took a strong brush to her skin. The stranger washed her limbs, her breasts, her hair as thoroughly as a mother bathing a disobedient child. It hurt. The red marks left by the stiff bristles were quickly healed by her reiki. She tried to climb out but the daughter held her down. She was unnaturally strong.

"Please - "

"You accepted the heir's stem into your mysterious gate. The Lion Roared," she laughed. "The red and the white. Now you are fertile ground."

"W-what? Please let me go. I don't want to hurt you."

"I am Lust, one of the Lascivious Daughters Three, strongest daughter of Māra. What harm can be done to me by a mortal mewling like a blind kitten?" Her hot breath burned her ear. She cringed. The Daughters were sent to tempt Siddhattha Gotama, enemies of enlightenment. What is she doing in Japan? At least her name explained the men's reaction to her beauty. Strong hands pulled her out of the ofuro into the steamy air. At least she was given a white sheet to dry herself. She ran for the door but it was barricaded from the other side.

"Inuyasha! Miroku?" Kagome tried. The door was abnormally thick. Lust forced her to return. Her deep, sultry laugh echoed in the room.

"Were you this shy when you took your lord's stalk?"

"Get away from me, demon!"

"Demon? We prefer to think of ourselves as dakini liberated from the command of men." Violet eyes like deep pools threatened to draw her in. She turned her face to resist the charm. "You have eyes like the blue lotus, little sattva. No doubt many men fall into your web. Do you know why it is called sutra?"

"N-no?"

"In the old ways, 'tantra' means to 'weave together', secret refers to uncovered wisdom. You bear the Thread. And now you are Stitched." The low purr in her voice was almost comforting. She could 'hear' the magic. Soft fingers drifted up from the crease of her elbows to her arm. It made her flesh tingle. "This will not be the first Jewel you bear, is it? What manner of scar leaves a mark on a young siddhi?"

"N-none of your business."

"You are resistant to my ways but not invulnerable. Most mortals would answers my questions and more in your place. You are strong." Lust smiled. Kagome tensed when the demon kissed her squarely on the neck. Her body flushed hot. Reiki danced on her palms. "Skin as sweet as a ripe plum. Now, tell me where your family lives. All those monks and priestesses sharing their flesh. Where is your home?"

"My h-home?"

"I can smell the generations woven in your blood, seed-carrier. Where do you come from? I heard the monk mention the Tachikawa." Soft but strong hands forced her chin forward. "A family willing to give their virgin priestess daughter to a dog demon is a family I would like to meet." The image of this woman traveling through the Well to her family! Kagome pushed her palm into the demon's flawless face. The masquerade melted to reveal a clay woman with sickly gray flesh. "How dare you, mortal? Do you think we came all this way to fail? I WILL have your child's essence! My sisters will suck the life force from your beloved husband and your friend - "

If you can stand up to Sesshomaru, you can defeat Lust. What did he say? Harmony and disharmony.

A magical barrier crushed Lust's arms to her sides. The demon shrieked at her with elongated fangs and red-orange eyes. Keep it going, Kagome! Inuyasha needs your help. The ring of reiki held the Daughter. Who do you think you are to threaten my family?

Kagome drove the pointy end of a broken brush into the demon's chest. She dissolved into a shower of glittery sparks.

Downstairs she found Lust's sister cornering a frightened Inuyasha. Kagome really burned when she realized the demon had taken Kikyo's form to try and extract a kiss from her husband! That bitch! They must be able to sense something. Inuyasha dropped to the ground when she drove the stake into the demon's back. This one dissolved into sparks the color of blood. Amber eyes blinked at her.

"K-Kagome! I didn't...did you see…?"

"We're good, dog boy." Two dog ears were begging to be tweaked. She helped him to his feet.

The third demon had Miroku's face pressed against her shoulder. A kind face with velvet eyes reassured him. Kagome actually stopped to gather her energy. She is wearing his mother's face! That is evil. Another magical ring separated the predator from the monk. It condensed until the demon screamed.

"Miroku? Oh, Miroku." Kagome waved her hand in front of his face. The reiki cleared his vision.

Inuyasha pulled her onto the streets with the locals traveling towards the castle for the moon viewing ceremony. A parade of beautiful horses in decadent purple saddles and gold bridles nearly knocked them down. The men yelled at them to get out of the way. Her head was spinning. Inuyasha and Miroku made her sit on a public bench to regain her balance.

"Did those witches hurt you? Did that horse step on your foot? Say the word and I'll knock their teeth back!"

"The demon wanted to know where my family lives." Kagome clutched onto his Robe lest he chase after the riders. The beatific young monk was able to trade a cup of honeyed tea from a nearby stall in exchange for a prayer sutra. She sipped at it to steady her nerves. Stragglers noticed the half-demon sitting beside the young girl but they continued forward. Baby's aura was easier to detect in the clean air, away from the evil magic lingering in the house.

"The Jewel in the Lotus?"

"That's what it called her – the Jewel." The honey water in her cup reminded her of Inuyasha's eyes. A tear fell into her drink. Miroku kneeled down on the cobbled road. There was sadness in his eyes but also friendship. He switched cups with her.

"Oft times in Buddhist teachings, a jewel is only a reference to compassion, an endless source of love. The lotus refers to a pure heart seeking to alleviate pain to find enlightenment. I believe it is a good metaphor, Kagome-sama. Since we have met, you have done this world a great service by purifying the evil intent of the Shikon no Tama. Not many could have made a selfless wish lost in darkness. I can only imagine that you will raise your child to be as compassionate and wonderful."

"Thank you, Miroku! Have you heard of the dragon's pearl?" Miroku stroked his chin but he didn't recognize the reference. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"Are you hitting on my wife?"

"Oh, because Miroku is being nice to me, because I am upset? You almost kissed that demon because it wore Kikyo's face! Do you want to talk about that?" Kagome waited. Inuyasha scratched his head and looked away. Didn't think so, dog boy.

The monks from Byodo-in Temple were wandering around the moat. In the twilight, they could all three see the reflection of the birthing stars in the water. There was a fantastic display of old-fashioned fireworks imported from the Continent. They were smaller and less impressive with more black powder residue but the colors were pretty. Inuyasha even pulled a picture out of the modern wallet hidden in his coat with their snapshots. The monks were quite amazed by the clear quality of the paintings with white plastic borders. It helped alleviate her irritation at him for falling for the 'fake Kikyo' trick again. He carries my picture here in the Feudal Era? That's really sweet!

Kagome cried until Inuyasha bought a mooncake from a nervous woman at a stand. He flushed when she hugged him around the waist for being such a good husband. They walked the path along the moat while she filled to the top with love.

"Why did I say about tears?!"