InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Little Faith ❯ Chapter 22 ( Chapter 22 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and its characters are created by Rumiko Takahashi, not me, but the new plots and the original characters (Sachimaru, Akiyama, Katsuo, Natsumi, Shin, Isamu, Moriko and Eiko) are mine. This fanfiction had been written for entertainment purposes only and without intention of infringing upon any copyright.

A/N: As always, I thank you for reading and reviewing this story. Yes, I know I'm a couple of days late on this chapter. Believe me, I TRIED to get it out on time, and then I realized what was the problem - the chapter was too long for me to finish in a week, lol. So, since the next chapter is the final chapter of the story and probably even longer, I have to tell you that it will probably take me up to 2 weeks to finish it. And for those who wanted to know about `A Mere Digression', no, I haven't abandoned it - It will be continued once `A Little Faith' is complete.

Anyway, here's the next chapter. Hope you will like it.

A Little Faith by elle6778 - Chapter 22

She had nodded.

Sesshoumaru frowned unseeingly at the piece of typed paper on his desk as he mulled over the miko's `answer'. It pleased him that she had agreed to consider his proposal. However, there was an incessant nudge at the back of his mind which suggested that he had neglected to take into account something important.

What could it be?

His frown deepened when he realized that he had approached his latest proposal no differently from the first one. And now, with five hundred years of additional experience, three hundred of those years being spent relatively close to humans, he could not help but wonder if he had said enough to her. Would he be repeating his past self's mistakes? Would the miko reject him again? Humans of the modern days generally married for love. Such a concept was unfamiliar to him.

Perhaps it was simply the word which was unfamiliar to him.

He was attracted to the miko and he knew that he cared deeply for her. Her presence certainly pleased him. It was odd, considering that her outspoken manner and her complete disregard for his words had infuriated him on many occasions. He should rightly be disinclined towards her. Instead, it was almost as if he was addicted to her presence.

He simply wanted her.

He wanted the infuriating miko who defied him countless times in the past and present.

He wanted Kagome, the woman who did not know when to hold her tongue.

He wanted the mother of his pup.

He wanted all of her.

Could this be what humans described as love?

Did he love her?

Perhaps he did.

Irritated that he could not dispel the edginess within him, he stood up abruptly and went to the large window behind his desk to stare out. Droplets of rain decorated the windowpane in front of him, but it did not distract Sesshoumaru's attention from the view of the pavement far below his top floor office. His lips twisted in disgust.

“Pitiful,” Sesshoumaru hissed as his eyes followed the group of twenty-something year olds strolling down the street.

Their action in itself was nothing to be concerned about. However, their appearance was another matter. Dressed in traditional samurai garb which looked completely out of place in modern Tokyo, the humans' features sported fake demonic markings.

The sight sickened Sesshoumaru. How dare they mock his species in such a manner?

The door to his office opened, but knowing who his visitor was, he did not move from the window.

“What's pitiful?” Inuyasha asked, coming up beside him.

Sesshoumaru simply inclined his head towards the pavement.

“This is weird,” Inuyasha muttered as he looked down. “Looks like the humans are split as well.”

“Indeed.” It never ceased to baffle him that there were quite a large number of humans who seemed to be on their side. Some did not even have any affiliation with demons. Still, the general disharmony of the situation disturbed him.

“It's all so messed up with humans pretending to be demons now. Damn that idiot Naraku and his plots. What the hell is wrong with him?”

“The hanyou desires to rule the world,” Sesshoumaru said dryly.

However, now that Menomaru had withdrawn his support, they had been able to destroy a large number of Naraku's underlings. It was a matter of time before he was found. For now, the hanyou was hiding in fear. They had gotten very close this morning. So close that Sesshoumaru could almost feel Naraku's tainted blood washing over his claws.

“Did you hear about that thing yesterday? About Hakudoshi and a few others?”

Sesshoumaru grimaced, instantly realizing what Inuyasha was referring to. Few of the independent demons, such as Hakudoshi, had taken Naraku's stance. Armed with the notion that they were the superior race, Hakudoshi and others had begun terrorizing the human population. The excuse they were hiding behind was that the humans had captured their fellow demons. Sesshoumaru could only surmise that they meant those which had been detained when their concealment had slipped weeks ago. Ever since then, the news had been filled with nothing but incident after incident of demons fighting against humans.

“Hakudoshi will cease his foolishness when Naraku is destroyed.”

Inuyasha nodded. “If Kagura breaks, then we'll find him. Shin managed to get something out of her this morning.”

Sesshoumaru turned to his brother sharply. “Naraku's location?”

Shaking his head, Inuyasha said, “Not yet, but she would give it up on one condition.”

He waited for Inuyasha to elaborate.

“She wants her heart back. Told Shin that if we give her our word to retrieve her heart from Naraku, then she'll tell us where he is.”

As Sesshoumaru considered what Inuyasha had just said, he turned away from the window to return to his desk. Kagura's request was not unreasonable. In fact, it surprised him, considering that they could simply obtain the information on Naraku's location and then decide not to bring Kagura her heart. It seemed that the wind sorceress believed that they would honor their words.

The other possible option was that they were being deceived. Kagura could be leading them into an ambush with this information. He was not concerned if this was the case for they were certainly strong enough to cope with an ambush. Furthermore, such a thing would only bring them one step closer to their target.

“Agree to it,” Sesshoumaru decided.

Raising his brow, Inuyasha asked incredulously, “You trust her? This could be a trap.”

“Are you afraid, Inuyasha?”

The hanyou immediately sputtered indignantly. “What? Who said I'm scared?”

“Then such a minor thing should not concern you,” Sesshoumaru pointed out blandly. “Unless all these decades of leisure had made you soft.”

“Keh! I just don't trust that female. I'm not scared!” Inuyasha declared heatedly, crossing his arms over his chest. “Fine. I'll do down and tell her.”

“Hn.”

…***…***…***

Kagome was seated on the small couch at the corner of Sachimaru's room, a book lying forgotten on her lap as she pondered once again upon Sesshoumaru's words.

A heavy sigh escaped her. There was really nothing to consider, seeing how she felt about him. Sure she had rejected him in the past, but that was different. She knew this time that he cared for her, even though he still struggled to show it. Her lips twisted in amusement as Sesshoumaru's stoic features came to mind. No, she should not expect mushy declaration of love from him. And she loved him enough to accept that he would never be the type to shower her with flowery phrases of adoration. Just as well, she supposed, because otherwise he would not be Sesshoumaru.

Still, now that her mind was made up, she needed to do one last thing.

She turned to her son, who was seated at the desk in his room, a small frown adorning his forehead as he perused the book in front of him. Sesshoumaru had wasted no time in procuring a tutor for Sachimaru, Kagome noted wryly. But this time, she did not protest.

“Sachimaru?”

He glanced up at her curiously.

She stood up and made her way to his desk. Kneeling so that their eyes were level, she inhaled slowly before she ventured, “How would you feel if I told you that I'm going to mate someone?”

“Mate?”

“As in…” she struggled a little before she finally continued, “As in having a husband.”

She blinked when Sachimaru frowned. “You mean Chichi-ue?” he asked.

Yes, her son had been calling Sesshoumaru that all this time. Perhaps he did not understand what she meant. “Your Chichi-ue and I are not mated, but would you like it if we are?” she asked.

Sachimaru shrugged. “It's the same, right? We will still be together. You're still my Okaa-san and he is still my Chichi-ue.” With that, he turned back to his book, obviously uninterested in the topic.

A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She took it to mean that as far as Sachimaru was concerned, so long as they were together, he did not care either way.

Well, all that was left for her to do was to tell Sesshoumaru then. She wondered if he would be surprised. After all, he had only asked her a couple of days ago. The last time he had asked, it took her weeks to come to a decision. But then again, at that time, that particular decision had been a difficult one.

As if on cue, the sound of crunching gravel filtered through the window, alerting her to Sesshoumaru's return. It was time to tell him, she decided resolutely. Straightening up, she ruffled Sachimaru's hair.

“Stay here and behave, alright. I need to tell your father something.”

Still immersed in the book, Sachimaru simply nodded absently.

Kagome walked out of Sachimaru's room and descended the stairs. Sesshoumaru should be in his study. That was the first place he normally went when he returned home. It was as if he wanted to check that the room had remained untouched in his absence, she thought with amusement.

When she approached that section of the house, her steps slowed at the terse words reaching her ears.

“This is unacceptable.”

“Hah! You can't remove it.”

It was Sesshoumaru and Jii-chan.

Anxious now, she quickened her steps until she closed in on them. As she peeked around the corner, she blinked at the scene which greeted her. At the end of the corridor next to the study, Sesshoumaru and Jii-chan appeared to be having a staring contest, one which was oddly unbalanced considering their relative heights. With his senses, Sesshoumaru should know that she was there, but whatever it was that the two of them were discussing, it was obviously more important than her.

Sesshoumaru swept his hand over his ofuda-decorated wall. “You will remove this,” he intoned imperiously.

Kagome's eyes widened. So, Jii-chan had expanded his attack zone to Sesshoumaru's study.

“I won't let you near Kagome until every inch of the demon is purged from your body,” Jii-chan declared stubbornly, his moustache twitching. Then her grandfather raised a fistful of ofudas, shaking them in front of Sesshoumaru's face as he bellowed, “Now BEGONE, demon! Or else I will unleash my full power as a priest on you!”

Even from that distance, Kagome could see Sesshoumaru's jaw ticking. Both of them were strong-headed and stubborn, and clashes were inevitable. She should really do something before this escalated further, but a morbid curiosity grounded her. She wanted to see how this played out.

“Do not make foolish threats, old man,” Sesshoumaru bit out.

Jii-chan's eyes bulged. “Who are you calling an old man? I'm in my prime, you impudent boy.”

“Boy?” Sesshoumaru hissed disbelievingly. “Perhaps it had escaped your notice that I am, in fact several centuries older than you are.”

“And you dare to call me old? What does that make you then, demon?”

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed.

Oh, Kami…this could turn ugly, Kagome decided. Stepping around the corner, she jogged towards the two of them. “Sesshoumaru! Jii-chan!” she called out cheerfully.

Neither of them acknowledged her presence, even when she halted right beside them. She grimaced inwardly. Maybe she should just pry one of them away. She laid a hand on Sesshoumaru's tense arm, staring up at him. The tightness of his lips told her that he was beginning to run out of patience with her grandfather. At that very moment, she was reminded again that he was doing all this for her. As difficult as it was for him, he was putting up with her cranky grandfather because he wanted her. And if she was not already in love with him, this would certainly convince her.

“Sesshoumaru? I need to talk to you.”

The taiyoukai finally dragged his eyes away from her grandfather. His eyes flickered briefly as he studied her wordlessly. For a moment, Kagome almost panicked at that look. Could he be reconsidering his proposal? Was this all really too much for him after all?

Her grandfather had a lot to answer for if that was the case, she thought irritably as she turned to glare at the old man.

Jii-chan immediately bristled. “What?”

Kagome closed her eyes and prayed for patience. “Jii-chan…” she said slowly. “This is Sesshoumaru's house. You can't go around sticking things on his walls.”

“Hmph!” With that one indignant exclamation, her grandfather spun around and walked away.

Kagome shook her head slowly as she watched her grandfather's departing back. She wondered if he would ever accept Sesshoumaru. Especially now that she had decided to mate him. Which reminded her. Yes, she needed to tell Sesshoumaru. Wondering how to broach the subject, Kagome looked up at the taiyoukai. His eyes were fixed to the yellow ofudas dotting the wall and the door to his study, his expression awash with disapproval.

“Um… Sesshoumaru?”

He blinked before turning to her. “We will speak inside,” he said stiffly, pushing the door open.

As she followed him in, she was relieved to find that Jii-chan had not had the chance to do anything to the inside of the study. Maybe they should install some kind of lock to keep the old man out, she mused, sitting on the edge of his desk. Her eyes traveled over Sesshoumaru's still-strained features as he dropped his briefcase to one side.

Then their eyes met. She watched with surprise as the tension seeped out of his features. Then a strange light came into his eyes.

She took a deep breath. “I've made my decision. I-” she paused when he took her hands in his.

“I wish to say something first. Something had occurred to me recently…”

A frisson of unease ran up her spine. Had he really changed his mind? She swallowed hard, trying to push down her anxiety. It couldn't be that, right?

“And I've come to the conclusion that…” he paused, suddenly looking rather discomfited. Then his expression turned resolute. “I've come to the conclusion that it is possible such a thing called love is what I feel for you.”

It took her a while to unravel his convoluted words. Then when it sank in, she sucked in a sharp breath, stunned by his admission. For a moment, she just could not speak. This was the last thing that she had expected him to say.

“Kagome?” He sounded uncharacteristically uncertain.

She finally found her voice. Quickly, she said, “I'm glad you told me. I…” She paused, blushing before she continued in a softer voice, “I feel the same.”

His lips quirked as a smug expression came over his features. “That is not unexpected.”

Her jaw fell, her blush instantly dissipating. As unlikely and unexpected as it was, this was a romantic moment. And Sesshoumaru had to go say something like that. “Hey! That's not what you're supposed to say at a moment like this!” she exclaimed incredulously.

The quirk on his lips morphed into a smirk. “Perhaps you should tell me what I'm supposed to say.”

She sputtered. Was Sesshoumaru teasing her? The idea was so foreign, so unexpected that she did not know how to respond. She blinked once, twice.

Then she snorted and crossed her arms over his chest, giving him a stony look. “Well, then I guess you should know my answer to your proposal,” she said flatly.

Instantly, his smirk disappeared. For a moment, she saw a hint of anxiety in his eyes before he recomposed his features into utter calm. Releasing her hands to move up to her shoulders, he studied her silently.

“Um… Sesshoumaru?”

“It is your decision, Kagome. I will accept whatever you decide.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Somehow, I don't think I believe that,” she declared flatly.

He raised an eyebrow. “You doubt my words?”

“No. I believe that you'll find another way. You don't give up easily.”

His expression was bland, but there was a twinkle in his eyes. “You know me well, then.”

“It's just as well that I'm agreeing to mate with you. I-”

Her words were cut short as Sesshoumaru slammed her into his chest, taking her breath away. Smiling, she reached her arms around him, hugging him to her. His warmth seeped into her, comforting her.

For a long while, they remained in that position.

Then Sesshoumaru pulled away slightly. To her surprise, there was a look of obvious displeasure on his features.

“What about Akiyama?”

So, that was what he was worried about. “I told him already.”

“When?”

“Right after the thing with Naraku, when he came to visit me in this hospital.”

“You rejected him even before my proposal?” He sounded surprised.

She raised a brow. “So?”

His head dipped down, and Kagome felt her lips being captured in a heated kiss. Reflexively, her arms went around him holding him tighter to her even as his descending head forced her to arch backwards. Molten rush of pleasure coursed through her veins, taking her breath away.

Then she felt sharp tips scraping her neck and she froze.

“Wait!”

He pulled back, looking displeased and a little confused.

Her lips twitched. Biting back a grin, she said, “I think we should wait.”

“Wait?”

“You know, the last time we mated, it was all very strange and forced.” She glanced down at her hands, suddenly feeling shy. “I want to do it properly this time.”

“Properly?” he echoed, obviously confused.

She nodded. “Like having an engagement period and all.” As an incredulous look lodged onto his features, Kagome quickly held her hands up. “Okay, maybe not a long one. I just want to…” she sighed, not knowing how to continue.

A moment of silence passed before he spoke, his tone grudging. “Very well.”

Her eyes snapped up. Then a large smile grew on her lips.

…***…***…***…

Sesshoumaru had sensed the miniature threat sneaking stealthily behind him long while ago, but he pretended not to notice. It was a game he knew well, he thought with amusement, considering that Sachimaru had been hunting him ever since the pup learnt how to run and hide centuries ago.

Knowing that this was more than a mere game, but a lesson that would teach Sachimaru the skills he needed as an adult, Sesshoumaru did not discourage the pup. And as far as he could tell from their previous sessions, Sachimaru would make a fearsome predator in the future.

Displaying no outward indication that he knew what was coming, Sesshoumaru simply continued to walk down the hallway until he reached the living room. A telling movement behind informed him that Sachimaru was about to spring. Sesshoumaru instantly streaked away, placing himself out of range. He turned around just in time to see Sachimaru landing some distance away, a malcontented expression fixed upon his features.

“Chichi-ue,” Sachimaru whined.

Stepping closer, Sesshoumaru forced himself not to smile at the pup's displeasure. He bent down so that they were level. “You will attempt to regulate your breathing in the future,” he advised, even though he knew that this particular lesson would be difficult for someone as young as Sachimaru.

Sachimaru blinked up at him. “Regulate my breathing? But I'm breathing normally.”

“Hn. It was your breathing that gave you away this time. It is necessary for you to blend in with the surroundings such that your target would not sense your presence.”

A frown crossed the pup's brow. “How?”

“That is something you need to discover on your own as you practice more,” Sesshoumaru said as he straightened. “At the moment, you need to hone your offensive powers. Would you like to begin?”

Sachimaru nodded enthusiastically.

Leading him a large room at the back of the house which had been converted into a dojo, Sesshoumaru explained, “It is important that you explore your strength and weaknesses at an early age. That way, you can seek to improve your weaknesses.”

The pup gave him a doubtful look, looking somewhat disgruntled. “I have weaknesses?”

Sesshoumaru's lips twitched. “Yes.”

“Do you have weaknesses, Chichi-ue?” the curious pup asked.

Sesshoumaru's steps slowed. Did he? He had thought that he did not, until the image of a certain miko flashed across his mind. Was Kagome his weakness? Or was Kagome his strength?

“Chichi-ue?” Sachimaru prompted.

“Perhaps,” he replied vaguely as he stepped into the dojo. Deciding that he should discourage more questions, he pointed to a spot on the tatami mat. “Stand there.”

Obediently, Sachimaru followed his instruction and then waited expectantly.

Settling himself into position, Sesshoumaru said, “Attack me.”

Sachimaru's eyes widened. “But-”

“Sachimaru…” he rebuked sternly. “Hold your hand up and draw forth your energy to your fingers.”

Gulping visibly, Sachimaru looked down at his palm.

Then to Sesshoumaru's amazement, a brilliant mix of gold and pearl appeared around his pup's hands. He had not expected Sachimaru to be capable of this degree of power just yet. Sesshoumaru watched intently as the glow expanded swiftly around his pup's hands.

Just as he thought to warn Sachimaru, the pup's powers exploded outwards, throwing him onto his rear. Obviously chagrined, Sachimaru simply stared down at the blackened tatami mat. Waves of disappointment emanated from him. Sesshoumaru suppressed a smile as he strode towards his pup. This reminded him oddly of his training sessions with the miko. Like his mother, Sachimaru appeared to have difficulties controlling his powers effectively.

Picking up the pup so that they were eye to eye, Sesshoumaru declared firmly, “You will learn how to control your powers in time.”

Sachimaru blinked, and then he piped up cheerfully, “I can use it to help Okaa-san next time. I can protect her.”

“You will protect your family and your clan. However, you must never allow yourself to be taken advantage of,” Sesshoumaru told him, wondering if he should also inform the pup that his cheerful exuberance did not fit the profile of a proper warrior. Then realizing how the pup's antics amused him, he decided that it was probably best to let Sachimaru be.

Sachimaru frowned. “But why would someone take advantage?”

“Because they wish to have more than they deserve.”

Sachimaru's youki flared as he bristled indignantly. “You mean they will want to hurt us because they want to take things from us?”

“Hn.”

The strength of his son's youki's astonished him. Perhaps pup's emotion was responsible for the erratic manifestation of powers. It did appear as if his powers were less manageable when he was excited. Considering the nature of the miko's powers, it made sense.

Settling the pup back down on the mat, Sesshoumaru nodded to the stationary target at the end of the dojo. “Calm yourself. Clear your mind and focus your powers into your weapon.”

Nodding emphatically, Sachimaru picked up a nearby bokken. After a few sputters, the bokken glowed yellow, with strands of pearlescent tint. “Got it,” Sachimaru declared excitably.

“Calm yourself.”

Sachimaru took a deep breath.

“Now, aim and do not let your eyes leave the target.”

Sesshoumaru watched with pride at his pup's attack met its target.

“You've done well,” he declared, placing his hand on his pup's head in approval.

Sachimaru beamed up at him, his eyes shining with happiness. A warm glow washed over Sesshoumaru. It was then that his cellphone rang, interrupting his session with his pup. Irked, he pulled out the offending article to find a familiar number flashing on the display.

Kagura had given them the information they required, but it was not specific. At the moment, they have a large number of addresses, each being places which Naraku kept as hideouts. This necessitated the involvement of the rest of the lords, Akiyama especially since his territory was vast.

“Akiyama,” Sesshoumaru greeted.

“I'm in my usual place in Tokyo.”

“I'll be there.”

Ending the call, Sesshoumaru turned to his son. “You may continue to practice. I have something to attend to.” Unfortunately, he added to himself.

Sachimaru's face sank. “Will you be back soon? Okaa-san told me there is a party tonight.”

The engagement party that she insisted on having, Sesshoumaru realized belatedly. Although he did not understand the necessity in this frivolity, he had allowed it, seeing that this was a normal human custom. Yes, his future mate would be displeased if he failed to make an appearance.

Still, the meeting with Akiyama was urgent and could not be avoided.

“Chichi-ue?”

“Tell your Okaa-san that I will return in time for it.”

The pup nodded.

Swiftly, he made his way to the hotel where Akiyama was staying. At times like this, his energy orb was most convenient, he thought as he landed on the hotel roof. He descended the stair until he arrived at Akiyama's suite.

The door immediately opened to reveal the elemental, dressed in his customary black attire. Inclining his head in greeting, Akiyama stepped back to allow him into the suite. It was only when they were seated opposite each other that the other demon spoke.

“So, I've come, just as you've asked.”

“I require your… assistance,” Sesshoumaru said, unable to hold back his reluctance in requesting aid from the elemental.

Akiyama eyed him assessing for a moment before he said carefully, “I would be pleased to help if I can.”

“It is to do with Naraku.”

The elemental's features instantly hardened. “You found him?”

“The wind sorceress had given us a number of locations for Naraku's hideout. She is not certain which one he would be using, therefore to cover the bases, we would have to ambush the different locations all at once.”

Akiyama arched a brow. “I'm surprised she gave in.”

“We traded.”

“Ah, I see. And the nature of the trade?”

“Her heart.”

“Her heart?” Akiyama echoed curiously.

“We are to retrieve her heart during the ambush.”

“You don't find it curious that Naraku is holding such an important part of her?”

“It does not interest me.”

Akiyama shook his head as he chuckled. “Well, I suppose I shouldn't expect any different.”

“Hn.”

They continued to discuss the situation, planning an efficient attack strategy. It was not simple, for Naraku was very evasive. But before they could arrive at a decision, Sesshoumaru's cellphone suddenly rang.

“Oi! Where are you? It's almost time.”

Frowning, Sesshoumaru glanced down at his watch only to find that the dinner party would begin in about fifteen minutes.

“Kagome is going to give you hell if you're late for this,” Inuyasha pointed out.

“I will not be late.”

“Keh! You better make sure of that.”

Hanging up on Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru turned towards the other demon lord. Akiyama was looking out of the window, appearing to be deep in thought. Vaguely, Sesshoumaru wondered what the elemental was thinking.

Their meeting was far from over. There were still issues they needed to discuss, such as the coordination of the attack. The sensible thing would be to simply invite Akiyama along so that they could continue their discussion. Still, their past rivalry over Kagome unsettled him. Surely now that the miko had chosen, he should no longer be concerned about the elemental in this regard.

Akiyama had not brought up the subject of Kagome even once during the meeting but was there a possibility that the other demon was still pining over the miko? Perhaps he should reiterate the fact, Sesshoumaru thought. He should make the elemental see that Kagome belonged only with one demon.

“I have to cut this short. There is a… dinner I need to attend.”

Akiyama turned around. “With Kagome, I take it?”

“Hn.”

“You should not keep her waiting then. But we need to finish this. So perhaps you would like to return after your dinner?” Akiyama suggested levelly.

If he was not observing so intently, Sesshoumaru would have missed the brief flash of hurt in Akiyama's eyes. It was then that Sesshoumaru realized he could not bring himself to revel in his success in front of the other demon. After all, he knew how it felt to be rejected by the miko and the experience was far from pleasant. The fact that Akiyama was at least outwardly calm about it spoke much of his self-control.

The notion of Akiyama brooding over the miko's rejection while he was surrounded by friends and family disturbed him somewhat. Was he actually feeling compassionate towards the elemental? Sesshoumaru's brows furrowed in distaste.

The option of inviting Akiyama to the dinner presented itself once again.

How would Akiyama view such an invitation? Did it matter? After all, Akiyama was his closest ally, regardless of their constant rivalry. The elemental would see him and Kagome together often once they were mated. It could not be helped. Perhaps the more Akiyama was exposed to them, the easier it would be for him to move on.

Sesshoumaru made up his mind. “Do you wish to join us?”

Akiyama's lips curled bitterly. “There is no need to twist the knife, Sesshoumaru.”

“That was not my intention. Others will be there as well. It is a gathering of family and… friends.”

“Family and friends? Are you certain that you wish to invite me?” the elemental asked guardedly.

Sesshoumaru's lips tightened. Even though it was probably true, he would never admit out loud that Akiyama could be considered his friend. In a stony voice, he said, “Perhaps it is you who does not wish to join us.”

“And why would I do that?”

Sesshoumaru watched the other demon carefully as he said, “We would be announcing our engagement tonight. It is only polite to invite my long-time ally.”

Akiyama studied him silently. Then, after a long moment, a small smile crossed his lips. “In that case, it would be impolite for me to refuse.”

“Hn.”

…***…***…***…

He was late, Kagome glowered as she stomped down the stairs. Well, maybe he was not really late since the party had not started yet. Still, he could have tried to come home earlier considering that this was effectively their engagement party.

Sachimaru rushed past her, making a beeline for the living room. Following her son, Kagome went to the living room. Then she stopped in her tracks when her eyes landed on a familiar form who was kneeling down, talking to her son.

“Akiyama,” she gasped as the elemental straightened.

“There you are, Kagome,” her mother exclaimed, beaming. “I was just talking to one of Sesshoumaru's friends. But now that you're here, I'd better get back to the kitchen to see if anyone needs help. Come, Sachimaru.”

Kagome was so surprised at Akiyama's presence that she barely saw her mother and her son leave. For obvious reasons, she had not invited him, which meant that Sesshoumaru had done so. Why did Sesshoumaru do such a thing knowing what she planned tonight?

“I gather Sesshoumaru did not tell you I was coming?” Akiyama asked, smiling.

She made a face. “How did you guess?”

“It is not his fault. Our meeting had not concluded yet, therefore he had kindly allowed me to join you for dinner.”

Kagome snorted. Kindly? Sesshoumaru was never kindly towards Akiyama. If she had to guess, she would say that Sesshoumaru had an ulterior motive. They had decided to drop the news of their engagement to everyone during dinner tonight. And she knew that such a thing would hit Akiyama the hardest. Considering their constant rivalry, maybe Sesshoumaru wanted to gloat about his success in front of Akiyama. Perhaps she should tell Akiyama about their engagement first, then at least it would not be too much of a shock for him.

But before she could say anything, the elemental exclaimed softly, “Where are my manners?” Bowing slightly before he straightened, he continued, “May I congratulate you on your engagement?”

Kagome's jaw dropped. “You know?”

He nodded. “Sesshoumaru told me earlier.” His lips twisted in amusement. “I believe that he was attempting to warn me that it might be somewhat an unsettling event for me.”

She did not know what to say to that. “Uh… You don't mind coming here?”

“Are we not still friends, Kagome?”

“Of course,” she quickly said, flushing in embarrassment.

“That's good to know,” Akiyama said quietly.

At that very moment, Sesshoumaru stepped into the room. Instantly a strange tension filled the air. To her surprise, Sesshoumaru simply nodded to Akiyama.

“You may wish to join Inuyasha and Katsuo in the dining hall,” the taiyoukai said. “Perhaps your presence would force them to be civil to each other.”

Akiyama laughed, amused. “Surely you do not believe that such a thing would work.”

“You might succeed while others have failed.”

“In that case, I shall endeavor to do so.”

Then Akiyama left the living room, leaving her alone with Sesshoumaru. Stunned by what she had just seen and heard, Kagome blinked. There was a surprising lack of animosity between them for the first time. But before she could contemplate it further, the doorbell rang.

“Oh, that might be Shiori,” she exclaimed, excited.

“It is Moriko,” Sesshoumaru said flatly as he turned towards her. “Did you invite the entire Tsukuyo Medical?”

Kagome grinned sheepishly. “No. Just Moriko, Shiori and Souten. But Souten couldn't make it.”

He gave her a contemplative look. “I understand that you're close to Moriko. However, I am of the impression that Shiori and Souten are merely your colleagues.”

Kagome grinned. “You'll see. I have my reasons for it.”

The look he gave her was full of misgiving, but she simply ignored it.

Soon, the guests arrived and they all gathered around the long table in the middle of the dining hall. Eyeing the table with undisguised anticipation, Sachimaru sat between her and his father. Her family sat to one side of her and her friends from Tsukuyo Medical sat opposite while Sesshoumaru's side comprised of Inuyasha, Jaken, Katsuo, Natsumi, Akiyama, Rin, Shippou, and their kits.

“I didn't know you were coming,” Moriko said across the table to Akiyama.

“It was a last minute decision,” the elemental replied with a small smile.

“This is nice,” Rin remarked pleasantly as she began to chew.

“Hn.”

Turning to Kagome, Rin continued, “We should have this kind of dinner parties more often.”

Kagome smiled. “Sounds like a good idea.”

“Keh! Food is food,” Inuyasha declared.

Across the table, Shiori rolled her eyes. “Spoken like a real…”

“Oi! Stop right there,” Inuyasha interjected, glaring at her.

Shiori raised a brow. “Something offends you, Inuyasha?”

Inuyasha slammed his chopsticks down on the table, making everyone jump. Kagome blinked. This was not going the way she wanted.

“That's enough, Inuyasha,” Sesshoumaru chided quietly. “The pup and the kits wish to finish their meal in peace.”

Inuyasha sat back down, but not before he directed a glare at an innocent-looking Shiori. Kagome grinned inwardly. It was as she had guessed. There were still feelings between those two. Maybe with a little bit more prodding, the two of them would get together.

…***…***…***…

Sesshoumaru did not miss the mischievous gleam in Kagome's eyes.

As comprehension dawned, he allowed a smirk to grace his lips. So, this was why Kagome had invited Shiori. If his mate-to-be wished to meddle with his brother's affairs, he would be more than pleased to watch the outcome. It should be amusing.

While Kagome's full attention was fixed to the pair, Sachimaru fidgeted beside him, glancing at Rin's kits who seemed to be just as restless. Sesshoumaru's brows furrowed slightly. This was not the appropriate moment to play.

“Chichi-ue? I'm going to sit over there, okay?” Sachimaru said, pointing at the space next to one of Rin's kits.

“You will finish your dinner before you play,” Sesshoumaru instructed levelly.

Sachimaru slid off his chair, landing on his feet. “But it's just for a little while,” he whined.

“Sachimaru.”

The pup glanced up guiltily. That very reaction told Sesshoumaru that Sachimaru was simply testing his boundaries. It was expected, considering that the pup was only beginning to know him. Sachimaru's instincts were simply telling him to evaluate those around him.

“Sit back down and finish your dinner,” he instructed firmly.

Sachimaru stared at him mutely and for a moment, looked as if he was about to argue. Sesshoumaru simply released a small portion of his youki, reiterating his dominance. Instantly, Sachimaru lowered his gaze and returned to his seat.

Good, Sesshoumaru thought. The pup understood his place.

He looked up to find the miko raising a brow at him. Then she smiled slowly, as if in approval. Nodding once at her, he wondered if she would break the news of their engagement to the rest. Perhaps she expected him to do it.

In that case…

“Kagome and I will be mated,” he declared casually.

Dead silence greeted him, punctuated by the clatter of chopsticks on the surface of the table. Sesshoumaru heard the miko stifling a groan. Turning his attention to her, he raised an eyebrow in question. Was that not how she wanted it announced?

“Kagome?”

The miko turned to nod at her mother. “I agreed to be Sesshoumaru's mate.”

Her mother blinked, and then set down her chopsticks before she spoke. “You mean married?”

Before the miko could say anything, Sesshoumaru interjected, “Yes. We will be married.”

“We are?”

Glancing sideways at his mate-to-be, Sesshoumaru reiterated, “Yes.” It was only appropriate to adopt her custom as well. That way, he would make sure that they were bound in both demon and human worlds.

Unsurprisingly, the loudest exclamation came from her grandfather. Eyes bulging, the old man sputtered. “You're marrying a demon?!”

Sesshoumaru instantly felt a stab of satisfaction. He had won this battle. “Indeed.”

“Jii-chan, please…” she pled.

Her grandfather stared at her for a long while. As if realizing that nothing he said would change anything, he simply harrumphed before turning back to his food.

Then the commotion began.

“That's great news, Kagome!”

“Congratulations, My Lord!”

“Welcome back, My Lady!”

“Keh! It was about time!”

As the commotion around them escalated, his eyes met the miko's. With that one look, they shared their amusement at the entire situation.

…***…***…***…

Kagome stepped aside as a giggling boy rushed past her, his obviously disgruntled father running after him. A smile crossed her lips as she exchanged a knowing look with Rin. Grinning, Rin simply pulled her towards another shop in the shopping mall.

She supposed that she should not be so surprised at the fact that she and Rin got along rather well. They seemed to have quite a lot in common, apart from being rather close to Sesshoumaru. At that very moment, they were out in the shopping district, trying to find her a new pair of shoes for her return to work in two week's time.

She sighed when the conversation with Sesshoumaru a couple of nights ago replayed in her mind. He had objected rather vehemently at the idea of her returning to work. Could he not see that she just could not stand being cooped up in the house doing nothing for weeks on end? Anyway, it took a long while for her to persuade him, but he finally relented. Grudgingly, of course.

And he even added his own stipulations to it.

Kagome glanced over her shoulders. Shin was not far behind them, obviously trying to remain unobtrusive. Sesshoumaru had ordered the poor demon to protect her each time she left the house. Rolling her eyes, she stopped.

“What's wrong, Kagome?” Rin asked.

“Shin,” she said simply, waiting until the male demon had caught up with them before she asked, “Shin, why don't you just walk with us?”

Shin gave her a sheepish look. “I do not want to disturb.”

Kagome gave him a flat look. “It doesn't matter, does it?”

Shin looked as if he was about to say something. Then his eyes widened and in a flash, he pushed her and Rin against one of the shop windows.

Stunned, Kagome gasped, “What-”

A group of youths rushed past them. One of them pointed into the distance and yelled, “Over there. They are there!”

“There's a fight down there,” Rin exclaimed worriedly.

Shin frowned worriedly. “I can sense a demonic presence.”

“Let's go see if we can help,” Kagome immediately said.

“No, don't!” Shin protested.

Ignoring him, Kagome ran forward until she came to a crowd gathered around two groups of teenagers. One group, the one which included those youths who had rushed past them earlier, was glaring at the other group. To Kagome's surprise, she noted that two teenagers from the second group had youki swirling around them. Those two were demons, flanked by their human friends.

“Leave them alone!” one of the teenagers from the second group yelled heatedly.

“They are demons, you moron! Can't you see?” the leader of the first group shot back.

“So what? They are our friends.”

One of the teenage demons spoke, his voice hard. “Leave it, Ichiro. They won't listen.”

The other demon snorted. “Narrow-minded, all of them.”

“Who are you calling narrow-minded, you disgusting freak! Let me teach you a lesson,” the leader threatened.

Kagome was about to step forward, but to her surprise, someone else from the crowd of spectators beat her to it. It was a middle-aged man, whose expression was awash with disapproval.

“That's enough, boys.” His tone was grave.

The angry teenager snapped around. “What business is it of yours?”

“Do you have a reason for wanting to beat him up?” the man asked pointedly.

“He's a demon!”

“That's not good enough. They were not causing any problems,” the middle-aged man said harshly. “But you are. Think about it, boy. Who is the trouble-maker?”

“But-”

“People should accept the fact that there are demons around and just live with it. So, let it be, boy.”

A rumbled went through the crowd of spectators. Some were shaking their heads and some nodded in agreement.

The teenager glared at the middle-aged man. Then, without another word, he turned around and walked away. His group trailed after him, but now before shooting a glare at the teenage demons. Kagome released the breath she did not realize she was holding.

“That was close,” Rin muttered.

Kagome nodded. “At least there are some people who are more open-minded about this.”

“You'd be surprise just how many there are,” Rin remarked. “Demons have been around for so long after all.”

Sighing, Kagome said, “I just wish that we don't have to fight.”

Shin patted her on the shoulders. “Don't worry. Once Naraku is gone, we'll be back to what it was like before. Lord Sesshoumaru and the rest of the lords are seeing to it right now. They left a few hours ago.”

Kagome could not help but wonder if it was going to be that simple.

…***…***…***…

Striding towards the Taishou Securities headquarters with a silent Katsuo beside him, Sesshoumaru was fuming. One of their teams had gotten close to Naraku but the filthy hanyou managed to escape before he arrived. At least they had another captive - Hakudoshi this time. Perhaps Hakudoshi was able to provide them with some useful information.

Natsumi stopped him as he was making his way to his office. “Mr. Taishou? Akiyama is here to see you. He's in the meeting room.”

“Hn.”

After nodding a greeting at Natsumi, Katsuo followed him as he strode towards the nearby room. It was not unexpected that Akiyama had completed his ambush. After all, their plans included ambushing all of Naraku's hideout at the same time. It would have worked, if only he was not in the wrong place. Then Naraku would not have escaped.

Akiyama came into view when he pushed the door open. The elemental raised a brow. “It was unsuccessful, I take it?”

“Hn.” It irked Sesshoumaru to admit that he had failed to capture Naraku, even with the wind sorceress's information. “The north?” he asked.

Shaking his head, Akiyama said, “Same. We destroyed all their hideouts and captured a few of his underlings. But they don't know the details of his operation. And I found Kagura's heart in one of the places.”

Katsuo frowned as he asked, “Should we withhold her heart from her until we find Naraku?”

“She upheld her end of the deal. It is us who failed to capture Naraku.” Sesshoumaru's tone was flat.

Extending his hand out to show Sesshoumaru the still-beating heart, Akiyama asked, “You will give this to the her?”

“She is down in the basement cells. Perhaps you would like to give it to her yourself, since you found it.”

Akiyama shrugged. “Well, I could.”

Turning to Katsuo, Sesshoumaru instructed, “Escort the Northern Lord to the wind sorceress.”

Seeing that there was nothing to be done now, Sesshoumaru decided to return home. Using his energy orb, it did not take long before he was in his bedroom. Expanding his senses, he detected the miko's presence in her own room. Sachimaru was downstairs with Jaken.

He removed his watch, allowing his concealment to drop before he turned around to make his way to Kagome. However, even before he could step out of his room, the sound of light footsteps alerted him to her approach.

“Jaken said you're back!” she exclaimed breathlessly as she swung into his bedroom.

“Hn.”

Wearing a look of nervous anticipation, she asked, “So? Did you get him?”

“He escaped.”

She instantly slumped dejectedly. “So what now?”

“It is only a matter of time. He could not hide forever.”

“The rest couldn't find him as either?” She frowned. “By the way, I've been meaning to ask… don't you find it strange that most of the attacks and the concealment issues are not as bad in the north?”

Sesshoumaru paused, and then said carefully, “Akiyama runs his territory a little differently and he was able to… hide the more severe problems.”

“Really? How did Akiyama managed to cover it up?”

“Akiyama possesses different skills.”

“You're evading my question,” she accused. Stabbing a finger into his chest, she pressed on, “Both of you have a plan already, don't you? Tell me what it is.”

“Miko…” His voice was long suffering. “It is not necessary for you to know.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Let me judge that for myself.”

For a long moment, he simply stared at her. He had not spoken to her about what the other lords had said in the meeting in the island. Considering the uncertain nature of their own memories, Sesshoumaru knew that she would not approve. Still, it was something that the demons had to do as a species, to preserve the peace.

But she was his mate-to-be. Perhaps she deserved to know the truth.

…***…***…***

Sesshoumaru was still staring at her with that thoughtful look on his face. It was so obvious that he was reluctant to tell her something. Whatever it was, it must be something that he knew she would object to.

“So?” she prompted impatiently.

He finally nodded once. Then he said, “We will run another ambush in a few days. And as soon as Naraku is apprehended, we will modify the memories of the general human population.”

She blinked at him, puzzled. “What do you mean by modify?” she ventured guardedly. Something about his words worried her. Surely he did not mean what she thought he meant.

“Akiyama possesses the power to modify memories, to wipe the knowledge from the minds of those who should not know about the existence of demons.”

A loud gasp escaped her lips. “What! You can't be serious!” she exploded.

His brows furrowed in displeasure. “Kagome, I assure you that this matter is as serious as one can get. The foreign lords stipulated this condition and we agreed. Otherwise, they will step in and interfere.”

“No. I won't let you do it!” Kagome protested. How could he even agree to this? How could Akiyama agree to this as well?

“It has to be done, Kagome. Be assured that your memories will remain intact.”

She threw her arms up in the air, frustrated beyond believe. Did he not understand what it would mean? “That's not the point! How could you even think of doing this to other people? Don't you remember what it is like having chunks of memory missing?”

“This is for the sake of peace,” he ground out tightly. “It is nothing personal.”

Her eyes flashed. “To everyone, their memories are personal. We forgot that Sachimaru is our son! I thought you'd understand, Sesshoumaru!”

He swung around to face her. “Understand? Understand this, Miko. Even before you were born, demons had been hunted down like animals. The humans made it a sport, bringing the heads of the demons to their village to display like a trophy before burning them. This is about much more than the mere memory of a few months out of the humans' lives. This is about the survival of demons as a species!”

She shrank back a little at his vehemence. Scrambling for courage, she tilted her chin up. “Haven't you seen what it's like out there? This is not the Feudal Era anymore. You are not alone. There are HUMANS out there sticking up for you. There are even polls set up to gauge the public's reaction to this mess. And guess what? Those who support demons are almost as many as those who don't. Doesn't this tell you something?”

He glared at her.

Not wanting to back down, she kept her eyes locked onto his. She would not let him walk all over her on something so important.

Then he ran a clawed hand through his hair in an uncharacteristic show of frustration. When he spoke, he sounded strained. “Kagome, do you not understand the severity of the situation?”

“You're not giving this a chance.”

“This Sesshoumaru prefers to act while the odds are on his side.”

“Please, Sesshoumaru. Why you just sit down with those in charge and talk things through? I'm sure something could be worked out.”

“No.”

Her lips tightened. “You're being stubborn.”

“I am being cautious.”

“You know what, Sesshoumaru. You just need to have a little faith in things.”

“Faith?”

“Have faith that things will work out fine. After all, it's not like everyone hates demons.”

His eyes narrowed. “This Sesshoumaru will not leave something like this to chance. Once Naraku is destroyed, we will proceed with the memory wipe.”

“But-”

He quickly interjected. “We will not continue this conversation. Sachimaru is expecting me.”

With that, he spun around and walked out, leaving her alone in his room.

Gritting her teeth in annoyance, Kagome suppressed the urge to stomp her foot childishly. Instead, she threw herself down on his bed, uncaring that she was rumpling his pristine bedding. Glowering at the ceiling, she tried to think of a way to stop this madness, to stop Sesshoumaru from doing something so similar to what had caused them so much pain and confusion.

But what? And in a way, she understood why it was necessary. But she refused to believe that there was no other way around it. This was no longer the Feudal Era. One did not need to fight anymore, did they?

She was so tired of all this.

And before she knew it, her eyes fluttered shut and she fell asleep.

…***…***…***…

She was once again trailing Sesshoumaru on his patrol.

And once again, he barely acknowledged her.

It was obvious that something was wrong, Kagome thought with a frown as she stared at the rigid figure walking before her. There was something missing in the way he treated her. He has grown cold again, barely talking to her over the last week or so. Was it because she had rejected him?

Or maybe he was just angry that his territory was being invaded. Sesshoumaru was probably just mad that the demon slayers were out of reach.

Kagome blew out a puff of air. She had trailed after him for two whole days and to her relief, they had not encountered any of the slayers. And since they were already making their way back to the castle, it was unlikely that they would meet any.

To her surprise, she walked right into his back. Lost in her thoughts, she had not noticed that he had stopped.

“You could have warned me,” she muttered. It was lucky that she did not smash her head against one of the spikes on his armor. When she tried to walk around him, a firm hand clamped around her wrists.

“Stay back.” There was no mistaking the warning in his voice.

“What? Why?”

Then her eyes widened when three demon slayers burst out of the treeline. Kagome recognized the girl, the one called Sango. But she did not recognize the boy and the young man flanking Sango. The boy was about Souta's age, reminding her of her little brother. Kagome instantly felt a stab of homesickness.

“It's you!” Sango hissed, glaring at Sesshoumaru. “You're the one who took his life.”

The boy beside her gave her a questioning look. “Onee-chan?”

Eyes not leaving Sesshoumaru, Sango bit out, “He killed Hiro.”

The male demon slayer stepped forward. “In that case, we will have our revenge today.”

Kagome's hand flew up to her mouth. “No…” she whispered, shaking her head. Then in a louder voice, she said, “Please, it's all just a misunderstanding.”

Sango swung towards her. “You saw what happened,” she accused. “There was no misunderstanding.”

“Hah, Sango, don't waste time. Let's just kill this demon,” the male slayer declared loudly.

“Pitiful,” Sesshoumaru drawled, eyeing them contemptuously. “You dare trespass into the Western Lands and threaten this Sesshoumaru?”

This was bad, Kagome thought. Reaching up to grab Sesshoumaru's sleeves, she pled, “Please, Sesshoumaru. Let's just leave.”

He ignored her.

Without warning, the demon slayers charged as one. Kagome's eyes rounded with horror, but Sesshoumaru did not even blink as he flung out his poison whip. Sango managed to avoid the hit, but the golden strand connected with both the boy and the young man. Their cries of pain pierced the air before they crashed into the trees, making Kagome cringe. The young man picked himself up and immediately went to join Sango.

The boy, Kagome thought, anxiously searching until she found the small body crumpled at the base of a tree. She immediately tried to dart forward, only to be halted by an unyielding arm around her waist.

“Let me go, Sesshoumaru. That little boy… he's hurt,” she gasped, struggling.

Sesshoumaru paid her no attention, but kept her restrained to his side while he attacked Sango. The female slayer was agile, managing to dodge most of the hits, but Kagome could tell that her human strength was failing her, while Sesshoumaru was not even winded. With one hand, he shot streams of green, sizzling poison at the other two older slayers. It hit the young man in the chest, sending him flying through the air once again.

“Stop, Sesshoumaru! That's enough!”

“Do not give me orders, Miko!” he snarled, finally speaking to her.

A moment later, a scream tore through the air as a lash of his whip knocked down Sango.

“No…” Kagome whispered brokenly as she squeezed her eyes shut. This was what she had been trying to prevent. But she had failed and now they were dead.

She felt herself being lifted into the air. A short time passed before she felt solid ground under her feet again. When she did, she opened her eyes to look at the taiyoukai beside her. His expression betrayed nothing. It was as if he had not slaughtered the demon slayers back there.

“You killed them,” she said in a dull voice.

For a long moment, he simply stared at her. Then he turned away. “They are still alive. But not for long.”

Kagome gasped. They were still alive, which meant that she could still save them. She needed to help them. Wracking her mind to think of something, she followed Sesshoumaru as he continued to walk in front of her.

“Um… Sesshoumaru? Can we stop a while?”

His steps slowed. Without looking at her, he asked, “Why?”

Think, Kagome, think. Then an idea occurred to her. “Well, there's this hotsprings nearby, right? If you don't mind, I'd like to take a bath.”

A furrow of displeasure appeared between his brows. “There is a hotspring in the castle if you wish to bathe.”

She quickly shook her head. “It's not the same. Say, why don't you just go back first. The castle is only a few hours away, so I can make it back on my own quite safely.”

He glanced at her thoughtfully. Then in a flat voice, he said, “Do as you wish.”

Turning away from her, he began to walk. Satisfied that he had bought her excuse, Kagome quickly backtracked to where they had left the slayers. Sesshoumaru's poison was very potent and without help, they might not make it. She just hoped that they were still alive when she got to them.

It took a while before the familiar clearing came into view.

It was unoccupied, Kagome realized with sinking heart. Did that mean that they did not make it? Or that they had managed to run somewhere for help?

A rustling sound caught her attention. Cautiously, she made her way to the edge of the clearing, pushing past the bushes as she stepped into the dense forest undergrowth. A flash of pale skin told her what she wanted to know and Kagome rushed forward until she saw the three slayers lying on the ground.

All three of them looked up, eyeing her warily as she stepped closer.

“You've come to finish us off?” the male slayer croaked. His skin was deathly pale, a sign that Sesshoumaru's poison was beginning to take effect.

Eyeing the free-flowing blood running down their forms, Kagome shook her head. “I've come to heal you,” she said, kneeling down beside Sango.

Sango's eyes flickered. “Why?” she asked, but did nothing to stop Kagome from placing her glowing palms on the thigh wounds.

“Why?” Kagome echoed as Sango's numerous wounds began to close up. “Look, I don't have much time. Trust me, alright? I just want to help.”

Silence followed her proclamation. Ignoring it, Kagome simply went on to the male slayer. The man maintained his wariness even as she used her powers to purify Sesshoumaru's poison. It was not only after all the poison was gone that a bit of color returned to the man's cheeks.

“Thank you,” the man said quietly. “Please see to Kohaku. I think he's poisoned as well.”

Kagome moved on to the small boy, biting her lips. Yes, he was poisoned, she surmised as she knelt down beside him. Without hesitation, she extended her glowing hands over his wounds.

“You helped us the last time as well,” Sango remarked.

Kagome nodded as she removed her hands. Kohaku's wounds were now covered over by pink, healthy flesh. He was still unconscious, but from what she could tell, Sesshoumaru's poison was gone. The boy should be fine.

“Why?”

Why? Kagome frowned. “I don't want anyone to get hurt.”

“This is a war between humans and demons, Miko. Injuries cannot be avoided.”

Why did everyone feel as if it was natural to fight? Oh yes, this IS the Feudal Era. “Still…”

“Don't you want to be with your own kind?” Sango asked curiously as she shifted the unconscious Kohaku into a more comfortable position on her lap. “With humans, I mean?”

Kagome bit her lips. “Sometimes. It can get a little overwhelming with only demons around all the time.”

“Come with us.”

She shook her head. “I can't. I have… responsibilities here.”

…***…***…***…

Sesshoumaru knew that she was hiding something from him. So he had waited for a while, long enough for her to assume that she was alone before he had begun to track her. As he backtracked further and further back along their earlier path, the sensation of misgiving within him grew stronger and stronger.

After a while, the familiar scent of the miko reached him, mixed with a more unpleasant scent of the demon slayers. His lips thinned in disgust. So, the miko would lie to him to provide aid to their enemy.

The breeze carried their words to him.

“Come with us.”

“I can't. I have… responsibilities here.”

“Come with us. You're a kind soul and you shouldn't corrupt yourself by associating with demons like this.”

“But…”

“It is true, Miko. They are all very devious and they care about nothing but themselves.”

The slayers were feeding the miko with such drivel but still, it was obvious that she was listening. She did not even bother to deny anything, or even protest. She simply listened. Did she believe them? Would she be swayed? Would she betray him? Would she fill their son's head with such nonsensical notions? Would she turn Sachimaru away from him?

A sour taste tinged his tongue. Throughout the entire battle earlier, she had done nothing to indicate that her loyalty belonged to the Western Lands. She had lied to him to aid the slayers and had so far shown no indication that she was on his side. Why should he trust her when she had betrayed his trust in such a manner?

His hands clenched into tight fists.

He had heard enough.

Turning around, he silently made his way across the forest, away from her. He did not wish for her presence. She could find her own way back to the castle without him.

If she wished to do so.

Without a second thought, he launched himself into the air and rode his cloud back to the castle. He was so immersed in his thoughts of her betrayal that he barely noticed the passage of time. The next thing he knew, he was back in his castle.

He immediately headed for the hotsprings, needing to calm himself. He had already lost control once over the miko. It was unthinkable that he would allow himself to do the same again. She was simply not worth it, he told himself as he sank into the hot water.

For a long while, he simply stared into the sky, his back pressed against a slippery rock. Cleaning away the evidence of battle did not make him feel any better. Leaving the water, he donned his attire and then walked back into the castle with every intention of briefing Katsuo on the latest encounter. From now onwards, the demon slayers would be killed on sight.

Shin was standing by the entrance, talking to the guards, but Katsuo was nowhere to be seen. As Sesshoumaru approached, Shin bowed.

“Where is Katsuo?”

“He went out to procure a mating gift for Natsumi,” Shin explained. “He will return tonight.”

“Hn.”

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the miko passing through the gates. So, she had managed to find her way back. Disregarding her, Sesshoumaru continued, “Inform everyone that the presence of the slayers is not to be tolerated.”

Shin nodded. “What should we do with the slayers?”

Sesshoumaru could sense the miko approaching, but chose to continue, “Kill them on sight.”

“What did you order Shin to do?” she asked incredulously as she stepped up to them.

He simply stared at her. It was pointless to confirm what she already knew. With that thought, he spun around and walked away from both her and Shin. Unfortunately, the miko decided to persist in annoying him by following him.

“Why must you kill them?” she challenged.

His lips tightened as his control over his temper frayed. She dared to accuse him as if he was the one who had committed some unspeakable action? It was her who felt the need to associate with his enemies. It was her who had betrayed him in more ways than one. It was her who defied him at every turn, and as if that was insufficient, she even had the audacity to refuse his courting proposal.

As the blood of his rage roared in his ears, he pinned his gaze on her and hissed, “You dare to question this Sesshoumaru?”

Her eyes flashed. “I only want a simple, truthful answer, Sesshoumaru.”

“You have shown no such thing when you lied to tend to the demon slayers,” he returned icily.

The miko tensed visibly. “I couldn't possibly leave them there.”

“Can you not? Perhaps you wish to explain why.”

She threw her arms up in the air, looking agitated. “I've explained before! No matter how many times I explain, you just don't get it.”

His eyes narrowed into slits. “Are you accusing this Sesshoumaru of being simple?”

“Don't twist my words around. All I'm saying is that us humans have different standards from demons.”

He stilled. Yes, what she said was nothing but the truth. He was a demon and she was a human, a miko at that. They were inherently different. Ever since she had appeared in his life, everything had been chaotic. Nothing seemed to be rational anymore. He experienced odd emotions and it was all due to her human influence. They belonged to opposing sides.

Her opinions did not matter and therefore, he should not let this affect him.

His lips curling in distaste, he intoned flatly, “Yes, you are nothing but a mere human. You are not worth this Sesshoumaru's time.”

…***…***…***…

Kagome shrank back. She was not worth his time. Those words hit her hard. And all of this was because she decided to help someone who was hurt? She knew that he was cold, but was he really this heartless?

“Why are you being like this?” she whispered.

“You have proven that your loyalties lies with your own kind.”

“They could have died!” she exclaimed heatedly. Was life so unimportant to him?

“You prefer them to live so that they could kill more demons? Such as our pup?” His tone was hard, uncompromising.

She did not reply. How could she? Of course she did not want anyone to hurt Sachimaru. But she did not want humans to be killed by demons either. How could she choose between one and another?

“Please, Sesshoumaru. I-”

He interjected coldly, “Your presence is no longer required.”

She sucked in a sharp breath. The last time he said that, he had allowed her to go home to the future. Did he mean the same thing this time? Did he want her to leave?

“What are you saying, Sesshoumaru?” she asked in a strained voice.

“This Sesshoumaru has no need for someone with such ambiguous sense of loyalty.”

Her mouth fell open at his accusation. Was he implying that she was disloyal to the Western Lands? That she would betray them to the slayers? How dare he accuse her of something like that when all she did was to try to protect some lives?

“And what about you and your ambiguous morals?” she yelled. “How could you think that I could let you kill those humans?”

“Then it is best that you are no longer present to object to such actions.”

Her blood ran cold.

He wanted her to leave.

He really wanted her to leave.

What about Sachimaru?

“I'm not leaving without my son,” she declared harshly, trying to fight back the burning sensation at the back of her eyelids. It hurt. His words hurt, but she refused to let him see it. Maybe he would take them back if she reminded him of Sachimaru.

Sesshoumaru turned a pair of hard eyes at her. “He is no longer your son. After all, his demon blood is stronger than his human blood. He will remain as the heir of the Western Lands.”

She shook her head slowly, now not able to stop the hot tears from filling her eyes. She knew that he could be cruel, but not to this extent. There was nothing more cruel than separating a mother and child. Once again he was betraying her trust. Once again he was treating her like some possession he could discard whenever he felt like it.

“How could you?” she whispered brokenly.

Not able to face him any longer, she spun around and ran.

…***…***…***…

Kagome shot up in bed.

The unwanted words echoed loud in her head.

“You are not worth this Sesshoumaru's time.”

“Then it is best that you are no longer present to object to such actions.”

A stab of pain lanced through her, swift and intense. Her heart was still thudding madly at the remnants of her dream. Clapping her hands to her face, she tried to calm herself. This memory probably came back because of their argument earlier.

“Kagome?”

She looked to the side to see a silhouette stepping closer to her from the window. Sesshoumaru was clad only in his underwear, leaving the rest of his body bare. What was he doing here? Oh yes, she had fallen asleep on his bed. A quick glance outside told her that it was already late into the night. Sesshoumaru had obviously joined her in bed, and from the way he looked, had just woken up.

Probably from the same dream.

“Sesshoumaru,” she whispered shakily.

As he leaned closer, the image of the Sesshoumaru of the past superimposed itself on the one in front of her. Unwilling to view his cruel expression, she lowered her gaze. This Sesshoumaru was different now, she kept telling herself. The Sesshoumaru in the present time was her mate-to-be, not the cruel demon lord.

It was not until she felt a pair of strong hands clamping around her shoulders that she finally looked up. The golden orbs staring down at her were troubled.

“You remember?” he asked quietly.

Was he referring to the same thing? He must be.

She hesitated momentarily, and then nodded.

Without a word, he pulled her into his arms. Unbidden, her eyes began to sting, and then before she knew what was happening, she began to sob. He simply held her tighter against him, running one of his hands down her back in an attempt to soothe her.

When she was finally calm, she drew back to look into his face.

“I don't think I want to remember anymore.”

“It was unpleasant,” he said quietly. Looking troubled, he added, “My words in the past… They were unnecessary.”

“Did you mean what you said back then?”

He did not even hesitate. “No.”

She sniffed.

Grimacing, he gazed into her eyes, as if to will her to believe him. “Those words were a… mistake.”

“I don't want to talk about it, Sesshoumaru. Let's just forget it, alright?” she said in a small voice.

…***…***…***…

Sesshoumaru stepped into the lift, his mind still filled with the conversation he had with the miko last night.

There was no hiding his relief that she had not wished to discuss their latest memories. Recalling those words he had said only drew forth an unwelcomed fury directed at himself. Though on hindsight, he understood the reason behind his outburst. It was the combination of her rejection and her apparent betrayal. He understood now that it was simply not possible for her to leave the slayers to die. Such was not Kagome's nature.

The lift door opened. As he stepped out onto his floor, a grim-looking Katsuo greeted him.

“I think we may have a problem on our hands.”

Sesshoumaru gave Katsuo a questioning glance.

“One of the guards overheard Hakudoshi and Kagura talking. Hakudoshi let it slip that Naraku is planning to do something today. I tried to get him to say more, but that brat refuses to say anything else.”

Brows furrowing in thought, Sesshoumaru remained silent as he digested the information. Could this be a trap? Perhaps it was not. If Naraku was moving out today, they had to be prepared. There was no telling what the hanyou was up to.

“Where is Inuyasha?”

Katsuo blinked. “I don't know. I haven't seen him all day today.”

Sesshoumaru frowned in displeasure. It was already late afternoon. Inuyasha had better not be up to his usual skirt-chasing antics. This was no time for such frivolities. Turning back to Katsuo, he said, “We will make our move tonight. Prepare the teams.”

Katsuo nodded before leaving to do as he was bidden.

If they managed to capture Naraku tonight, Akiyama needed to progress with the memory modification.

Sesshoumaru's lips thinned in a grimace. Somehow or other, he had to make sure that the miko remained in his house while they carry out the ambush. Considering what was said between them about the topic of the memory modification, he was certain that she would attempt to stop it. Not to mention if this entire thing was a trap, he wanted Kagome to remain safe.

Pulling his cellphone out of his pocket, Sesshoumaru dialed a number.

When it was picked up, he spoke. “Jaken.”

“Yes, My Lord?”

“Make sure that the miko and the pup remain in the mansion. I will send someone over to guard them.”

He heard his retainer sputter. “B-But…”

“Is there a problem?” Sesshoumaru asked, wondering what could possibly be bothering his retainer this time.

Jaken choked out a croak. “The Lady… she is… uh…”

Sesshoumaru bit back his impatience. “Jaken…” His one word carried a wealth of warning.

“T-The Lady is not here.”

Sesshoumaru asked, “Where is she?”

“In Hokkaido.”

Sesshoumaru glowered as comprehension dawned. There was only one person that she could possibly wish to meet in Hokkaido.

Akiyama.

…***…***…***…

Kagome stepped out of the taxi, leaving Inuyasha to pay for it. Her attention was fixed to the building before her. Although not as tall as Taishou Security, the building was larger. She supposed Akiyama needed all those space for his laboratories.

Ignoring the sullen hanyou beside her, Kagome stepped into the main lobby of Hokkaido Envirotech. Inuyasha had caught her just before she managed to sneak out of the house, demanding to know where she was going. Then he had protested, telling her that he would not let her go. She only had to mention asking Shiori what happened between them for Inuyasha to capitulate.

But still, how long was he planning to sulk? And it was not as if she forced him to come along. He was the one who insisted on following her.

“I can't believe you're here to see that bastard.”

She rolled her eyes, and then spun around to face him. “It's not like we're strangers or anything like that. Akiyama and I are friends.”

“Keh! You're denser than a brick wall. You have any idea how pissed Sesshoumaru would be when he finds out you're here?”

Kagome groaned. “I know. But I just want to talk to Akiyama.”

“You don't have a phone?” Inuyasha growled darkly.

“It's not the same,” she muttered. She did not want to give Akiyama a chance to escape from the conversation. Considering what she had to say to him, she had no doubt that he would try to divert the topic. It would be more difficult for him to do that when she was right in front of him.

“What is so important that you can't wait?”

“It's complicated,” Kagome hedged. From what she had gathered earlier, she suspected that Inuyasha was unaware of Sesshoumaru and Akiyama's plan. The two of them probably thought that it was better that the rest did not know about the memory modifications.

Not wanting to answer anymore questions, Kagome quickly made her way towards the reception. “I would like to see Kawaguchi Akiyama, please.”

The receptionist raised a brow. “And you are?”

“Higurashi Kagome.”

The receptionist nodded before she turned back to speak softly into her headset. After a moment, she nodded at Kagome. “Take the lift at the end straight up to the top floor.”

“Thank you!”

Dragging Inuyasha with her, Kagome followed the receptionist's directions and rode the lift up to the top floor. When the door opened, she stepped out to find that Akiyama was already waiting for her. He gave her a welcoming smile.

“Akiyama,” she greeted.

“Kagome. How nice of you to visit. And you too, Inuyasha. Come into my office. We can talk there.”

Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest. “Keh! I don't want to listen to you two talking. I'm going to stay right here.”

Silently thankful that Inuyasha had decided to remain outside the office, Kagome followed Akiyama in. When the door closed behind them, Akiyama turned to give her a questioning look.

“I take it that this is not a social visit?”

She shook her head. “I came to talk about this memory modification thing.”

Akiyama's expression instantly became shuttered. “Kagome, I cannot discuss that topic with you. Please understand.”

“I already know about it, so what difference does it make?”

“In that case, there is nothing to discuss.”

She glared at him. This conversation was turning out to be strangely similar to the one she had with Sesshoumaru. “Now, listen. Can't you see that this whole thing is wrong? What gives you the right to wipe out everyone's memory?”

“It will not wipe out all their memory. Only those associated with demons,” he explained patiently.

She raised a brow. “So, for example, a child would not remember a story his mother told him because the fairy tales have demons in it?” she challenged.

Akiyama expelled a heavy sigh as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. “That is true. However, both Sesshoumaru and I have a responsibility towards the rest of the demons to ensure their survival.”

“How long do you think it'll take before something like this happens again? What are you going to do then? Wipe more memories?” she challenged, planting her hands on her hips.

“Kagome… Listen to me…”

She threw her arms up in exasperation. “NO! You listen to me! Don't you remember how terrible it is to lose a chunk of your memories?”

He grimaced. “It is not that simple, Kagome. The survival of the demons is at risk here.”

“You've got to find another way,” she insisted.

Slowly, Akiyama shook his head. “Please, do not make this more difficult than it is.”

She pressed on doggedly, “You can stop this, Akiyama. You don't have to do it.”

Akiyama's hand landed on her shoulder. His tone was firm when he said, “I can't.”

…***…***…***…

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as he continued to watch the building before him. It was as he had suspected. She had come to Akiyama.

Even from outside, he could sense both hers and Inuyasha's presence. At least she was not foolish enough to travel alone. She had been in there long already and he decided that he had given her enough time to plead her case to Akiyama. Even though Akiyama had conceded to him in the matter of the miko's courting, the notion of them being in the same room still discomfited him.

His long legs eating up the distance swiftly, Sesshoumaru soon found himself in front of Akiyama's office to find Inuyasha leaning against the wall. The hanyou simply inclined his head at the door.

“They are inside.” Inuyasha paused, a thoughtful frown furrowing his brows.

“You heard nothing?”

“Soundproof.”

“Hn.”

Without another word, Sesshoumaru pushed the door open and stepped in. His gaze immediately went to the elemental's hand on the miko's shoulder. Their eyes met momentarily. Blue and gold.

“Akiyama,” Sesshoumaru greeted levelly.

The elemental released his hold on the miko before he inclined his head. “Sesshoumaru.”

“I'm here for Kagome.”

“Don't talk as if I'm not here!” she snapped. “And I'm not leaving until you stop this crazy plan.”

Akiyama was wearing a slightly pained expression as he turned back to the miko. “Kagome. What you asked me for is simply not possible unless Sesshoumaru agrees.”

Sesshoumaru found himself pinned by a pair of blazing brown eyes. His jaw ticked. Akiyama had smoothly diverted Kagome's wrath. His mate-to-be was seething with suppressed irritation. She had to be calmed.

“Come, Kagome.”

“What is it, Sesshoumaru?” she gritted out.

“You need to follow me back to Tokyo. It is not safe for you to be outside.”

“Why?”

“The reason is unimportant at the moment.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Sesshoumaru, I'm not going anywhere until you tell me what is going on.”

He gave her a disapproving look. Why did she always insist on challenging his authority? And she always seemed to choose the worst time to do it. Sesshoumaru was not unaware of Akiyama's amusement at his plight.

“Kagome,” Sesshoumaru bit out. “Do not be difficult.”

Her chin lifted. It was a bad sign, Sesshoumaru thought.

“Just tell me, Sesshoumaru.”

Resigning to the fact that she would not relent, Sesshoumaru finally bit out, “We are moving in on Naraku. And you need to be in somewhere safe should he choose to retaliate.”

Her eyes rounded. “You found him?! Where is he?”

Suddenly the door burst open. Akiyama instantly swung around in obvious annoyance. “What is the meaning of this, Eiko?” he admonished.

Bowing apologetically, the fire elemental secretary rushed, “You have to see the news. Things just got worse.”

Kagome's eyes widened. “What happened?”

Frowning, Akiyama strode out of the office. Circling the miko's wrist with his hand, Sesshoumaru pulled her along as he followed Akiyama to one of the conference room. Whatever it was, he had a bad feeling about it. When he arrived, he noted that a few other demons were already there, all looking grim.

“No…” Akiyama breathed out, eyes riveted to the flat screen television mounted on the wall.

“Naraku…” Sesshoumaru hissed.

The screen displayed a fuzzy video clip. Naraku was sneering as he tapped a finger on the shoulders of a frightened looking member of the political Diet. The hanyou's red eyes gleamed as tentacles began to shoot out from his back. The writhing black protrusions reached around him and wrapped around the neck of the Diet member. The middle-aged man choked, his eye bulging out of their sockets as the tentacles tightened.

“My demands are simple. Fight me, and your fate will be like his,” Naraku threatened.

Then the image was cut, refocusing on a frazzled-looking newscaster. “And that, was the tape we received an hour ago. The police urges the public to come forth with any information on the demon in the clip.”

The news went on to broadcast a debate between a few members of the Diet. It seemed that even the political houses were split between those who wanted to give the general demon population the benefit of the doubt, while the rest wanted all demons to be apprehended.

A ringing sound tore Sesshoumaru's attention from the television. Mind filled with the most recent of Naraku's atrocities, he was tempted to ignore it. Hakudoshi had spoken nothing but the truth after all. This was Naraku's plan. And they were too late to stop it.

“You should answer that,” Akiyama remarked quietly.

Annoyed, Sesshoumaru retrieved his cellphone and answered the call. “Yes?”

He listened as Katsuo explained what he had gleaned from some of their informants, growing increasingly troubled as a clearer picture of Naraku's plan began to take shape.

“When?” he asked after a long moment. A pause followed, then he said, “Do not do anything until I return.” With that, he hung up.

“What is it?” Akiyama asked.

Sesshoumaru's lips were pressed in a tight line, betraying his anxiety. When he spoke, his voice was grave.

“Naraku is holding the Prime Minister hostage.”

…***…***…***…

A/N: One more chapter to go and I'm done with this story, yay! Hope you liked this chapter. Please review if you can - I need that one last push of encouragement. Thanks!