InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Corporate Deception: Fate of Her Land ❯ His Sleeping Angel ( Chapter 13 )

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

Sango and Miroku train for the battle to come and work on ironing out their own relationship. Kagura begs Sesshomaru to help her forget her pain, and Inuyasha decideds to take on Naraku, in posession of the Shikon no Tama, by himself. When everyone has the wrong idea, will anyone listen to reason?

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.21.2005 | Pages: 14 | Words: 18.6K | Visits: 2.0K | Status: Work In Progress

Corporate Deception: Fate of Her Land

Chapter 13: His Sleeping Angel

By: Trusuprise

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all affiliated characters belong to Takahashi Rumiko. The views expressed herein are solely those of TruSuprise.

A sweat drop rolled down Sango's brow and slipped off her lower lip. She dropped her hiraikotsu and collapsed to her knees on the padded floor of the Taisho training room in the Western Mansion. Miroku followed suit by falling backwards onto the mat, breathing heavily.

They had been practicing their skills literally all day, taking only occasional breaks for rest and water. They were sure that their friends, the Taisho pack they had been adopted into, could use their strength for the battle with Naraku they knew was sure to come, but to be of much use to their stronger youkai and hanyou pack brothers, Sango and Miroku needed constant practice to hone their skills. Though they expected Inuyasha and Sesshomaru to refuse their help, they would not allow their brethren to fight alone and they wanted their skills to be in top form when the time came to stand up for them.

Sango shakily stood, her legs visibly wobbling as she maintained her balance as though on stilts, leaning her weight on her hiraikotsu for support. She lowered a hand to Miroku, who looked up at her boyishly from the floor, his bangs plastered to his head with sweat. He secretly hoped that Sango was ready to call it a day and that she didn't want to continue to practice.

“Lets go clean up. I don't know about you, but I need to get out of these wet clothes.” Sango finally suggested.

The houshi gratefully took the taiji-ya's hand, welcoming the assistance as he just as shakily stood, his head swimming from the sudden rush. “Allow me to offer you my assistance, Sango-sama. I'm sure you would find that I could help you out of those clothes rather efficiently in your tired condition.” He suggested.

Sango's eyebrow twitched, her crimson eye shadow jerkily rising and falling with its spasms. She was sore and tired, but certainly not too far gone not to put the lecherous monk in his place. “Houshi-samaaaaa…” She growled threateningly.

Not even waiting for an excuse from the bumbling monk, in a motion that was faster than he could follow, Sango's hiraikotsu had delivered Miroku to the ground swiftly, knocking the air from his lungs as the bone boomerang caught him in the gut. He bounced on the floor twice. Through his upside down field of vision, he watched Sango as she stormed out of the training room.

Not one to be deterred, Miroku sighed to himself and he picked his aching body back off the ground, a notably more difficult task without the assistance of the beautiful woman he longed for. Slowly, he limped after Sango.

“Come now, Sango-sama, why the violence when I only seek to help?” He asked innocently as he finally caught up to her, trailing her into the family room.

Sango gripped the handle of her weapon, her knuckles turning white as the playboy turned on his charm. “If you call that helping, I'd rather you be a hindrance.” She muttered.

Miroku frowned at her comment, unsure how to respond. To his surprise, Sango suddenly faltered, her weak muscles giving out from underneath her as she took the step up leaving the family room. Effortlessly, despite his aching body, Miroku was there to support her from behind, placing his hands along the small of her back and her shoulders to steady her.

“I'm fine, I'm fine.” Sango mumbled. Embarrassed that Miroku had needed to help her in her weakness, she tried to push her long time friend away. Curiously, she noted that for once, the houshi hadn't copped a feel when touching her body.

“Why don't we sit down for a moment?” Miroku suggested, worried for her as he lead her shaky frame to one of the family room's overstuffed couches.

Sango reluctantly agreed, though she finally managed to successfully push Miroku away from her as she stubbornly flopped down on the couch by herself. She eyed him suspiciously as he sat on the cushion next to her instead of the other end of the couch. Miroku held his hands up defensively, signaling to her that he wasn't a threat. She agreed to believe him for the moment, at least.

The taiji-ya glanced around the room, for the first time realizing its empty quietness. On Saturday evenings, the family room was usually full with the entirety of the Taisho pack as they enjoyed themselves at the end of a busy week, but there was no trace of them or anyone else around.

“Where is everyone, anyway?” Sango asked off handedly.

Miroku glanced around, using his Buddhist powers to attempt to locate the auras of the ones he had grown to know so well. “Shippou's upstairs in the children's wing taking a nap. Jaken's cleaning a hallway in Inuyasha's wing and Rin is in her room apparently brooding over something or another. Otherwise, no one's here, not even Kagura-sama or Souta-sama.”

“Oh…” Sango said, her voice trailing off in the awkwardness of being alone with Miroku in the hushed atmosphere.

“Looks like we're all alone, Sango-sama, just you and I.” Miroku whispered huskily, closing the distance between them.

Before the taiji-ya could protest, the houshi swiftly pressed his lips to Sango's own. He reveled in the feel of their softness as she slowly began to return the gesture, kissing him back momentarily. Several moments passed before Sango suddenly yanked herself away from Miroku.

Sango blushed despite herself, upset that she had so easily given in to her desires. She guarded herself with an air of annoyance. “Honestly, can't you be serious about anything?” She asked Miroku tersely.

Miroku frowned and looked deep into Sango's brown eyes that he knew behind which she skillfully hid her feelings for him. It had been two weeks since, during a quiet moment they'd shared together while alone at the Higurashi Shrine, before its unfortunate take-over at the hands of Naraku, he had first kissed the woman he'd wanted for so long.

It had been two weeks since Miroku had first told Sango that he loved her and received no response, two weeks since their chaste kisses had slowly, yet steadily grown into gentle exploration. It had been two weeks of, not unlike what Inuyasha and Kagome had done, keeping their undefined relationship quiet in the midst of the power struggle. Yet still, Sango didn't think Miroku to be serious about her. What would it take for her to understand that he was?

“Sango-chan.” Miroku said quietly, dropping the formal suffix he generally used with her for a more affectionate one as he caressed one of her hands with his thumb. “I am being serious. I've been waiting for so long, why do you still keep me at arm's length? I've told you that I love you already, I thought that you liked me too.”

Sango avoided establishing eye contact. Was Miroku really so blind? Could he really blame her for doubting his true intentions when he was so perverted? Wasn't he the one in their senior yearbook who was voted most likely to have multiple wives? How could she be sure that she'd be the only one in his life? Sango had tried the dating scene long ago and had since told herself that if she were ever to date again, it would be with someone dependable, stable, and committed to being in a relationship with her. Despite how her heart really felt about him, Houshi Miroku was not her idea of stable dating material.

“Miroku…” She began, gathering herself. “How do I know the words you've said to me are any different than the lines you dropped to every other woman who crossed your path since we were in school?” She asked.

The houshi sighed deeply. Thanks to his track record, of course she'd be worried about him being faithful, though she shouldn't. Was it really necessary for him to go that far back to make her realize that his intentions were pure? Miroku realized that he'd reach as far back into his past as he had to if it meant that Sango were to believe in him.

“I suppose I deserve that. I do look at every woman that crosses my path.” He admitted. “But haven't you noticed that ever since we became close in our senior year of high school seven years ago, ever since I laid my eyes on you, I've never laid my hands on another?”

Sango's eyes widened. She reluctantly admitted that it was true that she had never actually seen Miroku do anything more than verbally flirt with another woman. “But you used to go out on dates all the time!” The taiji-ya exclaimed, looking for another reason to support her case, another reason to keep him at arm's length.

Miroku snorted. “Each one of them ended up getting mad at me within hours because I couldn't focus on them. I was too busy thinking about you.” He lay his hand on Sango's shoulder, smiling smally at her. “The only reason I never said anything sooner was because we were both so busy with work once we started at Sesshomaru's company. But even though we've been even busier now more than ever, I just couldn't wait anymore. Seven years to hold my feeling for you inside of me is long enough, isn't it?”

Sango blushed madly at her long time friend. Had Miroku's feelings for her truly run as deep as her own un-confessed feelings for him? Had the dreaded feeling she'd had that he was just using her to fool around with, had all the time and energy she'd spent pushing him away and ignoring his words, had it really all been for nothing?

“Sango, I'll only ask you this once more. If you deny me now, I'll understand, but do know that I will never stop pursuing you.” Miroku said, pausing for a moment. “I've already told you that I love you. Now I need to know how you feel about me. I've been waiting for so long, and it hurts so bad.” He whispered, his pain and turmoil shining clearly in his eyes.

“You… you really love me?” Sango asked brokenly, unsure.

Miroku smiled, cupping her face in his palm boldly. “I've loved you since we first met, Sango-chan. I love your beauty, I love your strength, I love your dedication to your friends and your family. Don't you understand? We're not in high school any more, Sango. When I say I love you, I'm not saying it casually like I'd say I'd say I love to have a cookie with a glass of milk.”

Sango chuckled despite herself and was suddenly on the verge of either laughter or tears when Miroku pulled her body into his tightly, leaning his back against the couch as he held the woman in a protective embrace. “Will you answer me now?” He asked, a tone of worry and apprehension to his voice as he rubbed Sango's damp back slowly.

The taiji-ya reluctantly pushed her body away from the houshi's, sitting up to look at him, tears brimming in her eyes. Finally, she'd gathered the courage she needed to answer him. “Miroku…I…I-” She began.

Before she could finish, Sango suddenly squeaked in surprise.

The Taisho pack couldn't have chosen a worse time to burst through the doors of the Western Mansion. The noise and disruption alone was enough to make the taiji-ya and the houshi jump to their feet and hunker down into defensive positions. When they saw Inuyasha hurriedly carrying Kagome, who seemed to be injured, they looked at each other, their initial annoyance at being disrupted now replaced with worry.

Miroku laid a gentle hand on Sango's shoulder. “We'll continue this later?” He asked quietly, almost tentatively.

“We'd better.” Sango said flatly as she led the way, rushing to Inuyasha.

“What happened?” Miroku asked urgently as Inuyasha blew past them, Kagome hanging limply in his arms.

“Naraku.” Inuyasha spat in return, not even slowing down as he headed toward his wing of the house, his friends trailing him closely. “He used a puppet to pose as Kanna to try to kill Souta.”

Sango's hand flew to her mouth in concern. “Oh my god, is Souta all-“

Inuyasha cut her off, wanting to inform them quickly so he could focus on tending to Kagome. “Souta's fine. The real Kanna saved him before Naraku's puppet killed her. Then, it attacked Kagome before I killed it.”

“But why-“ Miroku began, breathing heavily from Inuyasha's quick pace.

The Inu-Hanyou stopped in his tracks suddenly, causing Sango and Miroku to skid to a stop in their socked feet on the slick floor. Inuyasha addressed them with a frighteningly cold gaze. “Because she had the Shikon no Tama inside of her body.”

Miroku's eyes widened. “Had as in…”

“As in it's now in Naraku's possession.” Inuyasha clarified angrily before he abandoned his two friends and took off with Kagome in his arms.

* * *

The Lord of the Western Lands sighed as he found Kagura exactly where he had left her in the middle seat behind him, her gaze cast downwards. Though he couldn't tell from the image reflected in the small rear view mirror, he knew she was cradling her dead sister.

He glanced to Souta in the passenger seat next to him, the young boy's face blank and expressionless. Sesshomaru resignedly opened his door and slid out of the vehicle. He landed gracefully and walked around the other side to open Souta's door.

“Get out.” He said plainly. The Inu-Youkai was angry that the boy had basically stolen his Ferrari, but was willing to let it go for the time being. Unfortunately, at the moment, his Modena was the least of his worries.

When the young boy dropped to the ground, Sesshomaru led him into the house and through the maze of hallways to the kitchen. Knowing that Kagura likely wouldn't even register his absence, he left his preoccupied intended mate in the car.

The Lord shook his head as he observed the boy numbly following him. Since Naraku had begun his search for the Shikon no Tama almost two months ago, Souta's life had been turned upside down. Strange youkai and hanyou had entered his life, he had almost been murdered, his house had been destroyed, and now his girlfriend had been slain. The void youkai hadn't been his chosen, yet humans were weak creatures and Sesshomaru knew that Kanna's death would be difficult for Souta to cope with.

Sesshomaru pulled a chair from the massive, ornate kitchen table and motioned for Souta to sit while he began to brew coffee. The Western Lord debated letting the young man figure things out on his own, let him heal on his own, and just to leave him be, but he figured the Higurashi boy to be a people person and just like his sister, Souta needed someone there for him. The Inu-Youkai set a cup of black coffee in front of the boy and sat down across from him.

Souta eyed the cup for a moment. “I don't drink coffee.” He said plainly.

“You do now.” Sesshomaru returned. When Souta immediately and wordlessly lifted the cup to his mouth and took a swig of the bitter liquid, and winced at the taste, Sesshomaru nodded and finally spoke. “Kanna's body is to be readied for burial. Once prepared, it will lay at rest until her family and friends have allowed her soul to pass on.”

“What does that mean?” Souta asked tentatively.

“It means that until you and Kagura have forgiven her, Kanna's soul will linger in limbo.” Sesshomaru replied.

Souta frowned. He had forgiven the girl once, and wanted to forgive her again, but he was angry that Kanna had sacrificed her life for his own. “But she-”

“Boy, do you understand why Kanna chose to save you when she knew it would be her end?” Sesshomaru questioned, interrupting him. When the boy shook his head, he continued. “I'm sure she did not tell you this, but from what I have been told, Kanna had a very difficult childhood. Naraku has acted as a master to both her and Kagura, and through her entire life, Kanna had allowed herself to bend to the will of others. The only things she cared for in this world were her sister and yourself Yet, when those two things were put at risk, for the first time in her life, Kanna did something that she wanted to do and she acted according to her own wishes.”

“But that's suicide!” Souta exclaimed, finally showing a trace of emotion. “It just isn't right, none of us would have wanted that, even if it had meant our own deaths!”

“To you, it is suicide, but to Kanna, it was the right thing to do. Like the youkai of old, who were bound by their honor, no doubt Kanna was atoning for almost taking your life during the attack on your home.” The stoic Inu-Youkai answered.

Souta shook his head, tears brimming in his eyes. “But I forgave her for that!”

“That does not change how she felt about allowing herself to attempt to take your life in the first place, under her master's orders or not.” Sesshomaru returned plainly. “As a mere human, it is difficult for your small brain to understand. But do realize, that this is something that Kanna wanted to do, and for that, you should thank her, for Kanna has not only saved your life, but has freed herself from Naraku's torment. Now, she has a chance to be happy, a chance to be free.”

Souta sat in silence, tipping his head down to hide his eyes behind his bangs. A tear ran down his face and fell into his coffee and the thick liquid rippled from the disturbance.

Sesshomaru turned his back to Souta to gaze out the expansive windows across from the table. He watched his own saddened expression, distorted from the rain that cascaded down the windowpanes. “I know this is difficult for you, boy. But you must honor Kanna's decision if you truly cared for her.”

The young Higurashi traced a finger over the handle of his coffee mug before picking it up to take another swig. This time, he didn't wince. He nodded his head. “I understand.” Souta said quietly.

Sesshomaru turned back to Souta and regarded the young man with the barest hint of a smile before getting up and walking out of the kitchen silently. He didn't even allow his polished dress shoes to make a sound on the marble floors as he returned to the main entryway, knowing the hard part of the night was yet to come for him.

Gracefully descending the handful of steps down to the driveway, Sesshomaru approached the SUV and opened the door to the back of the vehicle. The Western Lord sighed when Kagura didn't even acknowledge his presence.

“Kagura, you must get out of the car.” The Western Lord insisted as he eyed the wind youkai wearily. Kagura sat rigid, her gaze locked on her dead sister's head which lay in her lap.

The pale void youkai looked as though she could have been asleep. Naraku's method of murder being poison, there were no wounds on Kanna's body, only soaked and muddy clothes from the rainy day. Her eyes shut, her expression soft and her wet hair framing her face, Kanna looked at peace.

But her sister didn't. Tears pooled in Kagura's crimson eyes, her body was stiff and rigid, her muscles tense. Her expression was pained and she was eerily quiet. The wind youkai's mind was in turmoil, and she had shut herself off from all but the warring emotions that raged inside her mind.

When she felt the body of her sister being lifted from her lap, Kagura snapped herself back to reality, her panicked gaze locking onto the figure of an Inu-Youkai male as he attempted to pick up Kanna.

“Kagura, she's dead.” Sesshomaru said plainly as he moved to secure the deceased void youkai in his arms to carry her out of the vehicle.

Kagura responded violently, her bangs rising in a previously non-existent gust of wind as she silently mouthed the words, “Fuujin no Mai.”

As he felt the air around his body rush to Kagura, Sesshomaru darted forward into the cabin of the SUV. Firmly wrapping one hand around Kagura's neck, he stared her squarely in the eye.

“Do not dare to attack me when all I do is offer you my limitless assistance, Kagura.” He said coolly. It took all Sesshomaru was worth to keep the menacing growl from his voice as he waited for Kagura to disengage her attack.

When the air around him quieted, the Western Lord released his grip on the wind youkai. He sadly watched his fingerprints disappear from her discolored neck. He had hated to do such a thing to his chosen, but in her desperation, the Western Lord had been left with no choice. Kagura was so distraught that she could no longer distinguish between friend or foe.

“I am merely sending her to have her body prepped for burial. Do you understand?” Sesshomaru asked, barely managing to keep his patience in check with the devastated woman.

When the wind youkai nodded her reluctant approval, Sesshomaru again picked up the lifeless body of Kanna and carefully carried her out of the car without another word.

In the absolute silence without her sister and without the one she loved, Kagura began to sob uncontrollably.

* * *

Inuyasha was wearing a hole in the rug. He ignored the pain that plagued his sides from his broken yet healing ribs and the constant ache that bothered his shattered shoulder. He concentrated instead on the fibers that gave way underneath his bare feet as he paced back and forth at the foot of his bed. The Inu-Hanyou glanced nervously at his sleeping mate who had finally stopped bleeding shortly ago. The wound had been ugly, but not life threatening. With some clean up, and a few easy sutures, Kagome was now stable and safe as she slept off the pain.

In the mean time, while Kagome rested peacefully, Inuyasha worried for the two of them as he continued to pace. He took a moment to look at the woman who had begun to turn his life around. Kagome. The woman who had made him happy, the woman who had made him believe in love, the woman who had showed him unlimited kindness and compassion.

His mate… who he could have lost in battle.

Inuyasha's heart sank. He had failed to protect her. Though Kagome had not been critically injured, his failure to keep her protected was just one more reason why he felt that he was unworthy of her. What if Naraku's puppet had actually killed her? Could he stand to loose Kagome now that he had her, now that they'd mated? What if she had been carrying his pups inside her? They hadn't even had the chance to talk about having pups yet and he had almost lost her.

Inuyasha shook his head. What kind of Inu-Youkai couldn't protect his bitch? No. He would never forgive himself and he would once again prove himself worthy to be Kagome's mate by challenging Naraku and killing him on his own. Yes, his honor forced him to reconcile his failure.

His claws bit into the palm of his hand as Inuyasha continued to berate himself. His mind's eye replayed the scene of Naraku's puppet delivering Kagome's injury over and over again. He should have prevented Kagome from even being injured at all. Hell, he should have assured that she had been nowhere near Naraku and his minions in the first place. Even though youkai mates were expected to fight along side of each other, Inuyasha decided that it was because Kagome was human that she could not fight along side of him.

Of course, to bar Kagome from his side for anything made Inuyasha's youkai blood boil with rage, but his human side for once prevailed. It was also his duty as her mate to keep her safe. Kagome couldn't be expected to, or rather, knowing her, couldn't expect to fight by his side. After all, she had neither the strength nor the power of regeneration that youkai or even hanyou possessed.

Inuyasha's mind was set. His youkai half demanded that he would defeat Naraku immediately and his human half demanded that he do it by himself. He would not risk Kagome's life again.

Knowing that Naraku's strength would be unimaginable times greater with the possession of the Shikon no Tama, Inuyasha realized that the safety of his mate and his pack was worth Naraku's defeat, even if he were to die in the process. He couldn't deny that some of Kagome's personality had worn off on him, he had to admit that he was also worried about the fate of the entire youkai and human population that was also at risk now that Naraku possessed the jewel of legend. But mostly, it was Inuyasha's blind desire to keep Kagome safe that drove him. Inuyasha would no longer allow Naraku to threaten Kagome or their new found happiness.

“Never again.” He mumbled as he turned at the end of the bedpost only to come back in the opposite direction.

:Mate?: Kagome's soul-voice called out to Inuyasha before her consciousness even returned to her waking mind.

The Inu-Hanyou almost jumped out of his skin, surprised that he had managed to wake Kagome up with his distressed aura and his quiet voice. Wincing from his internal pain, he rushed over to the bed and knelt down. Minding his tender rib cage, Inuyasha rested his torso against the mattress to bring himself eye level with Kagome so she didn't have to strain to see him. She was still coming out of unconsciousness, her eyes blinking and voice slurred.

“Inu…ya…sha?” Kagome's tired voice asked as she tried to gain her bearings. She vaguely remembered her mate's injuries and worried for his health. :Mate okay?: She asked.

:Mate healing. No worry. Relax.: Inuyasha responded, downplaying his significant wounds.

The memory of the Shikon no Tama suddenly rushed back to her and Kagome gasped, panic beginning to set in as her biggest fear gripped her. Surprisingly enough, her fear wasn't just that the jewel had been stolen. No. There was something even more urgent that scared Kagome. She realized that it must have looked terribly suspicious that the Shikon no Tama had been inside of her own body all that time, and she, as a miko, hadn't even known it. How could she expect her mate to believe her when the rumor of the jewel had been what had originally brought him to her in the first place?

Kagome's voice broke hoarsely and tears began to pool in her eyes. “It was inside of me, Inuyasha, the Shikon no Tama was inside of me all this time and I didn't even know it! Oh god, Inuyasha, I swear I didn't even know I had it!”

“Shhh.” Inuyasha demanded, gently placing his hand over her mouth to silence her. His aura reached out to her own to soothe her as her tear-stained expression full of apprehension pierced his heart. That the first thing Kagome worried about was his perception of her shocked him. Of course he could never suspect this pure, naive woman of hiding something so important from him. Hell, he couldn't imagine her hiding anything from him, such a thing just wasn't in her nature.

“Keh! Of course you didn't know. You're a terrible liar, Kagome.” Inuyasha said, managing a diminutive smile.

Kagome sniffled and chuckled briefly as she weakly dabbed a tear from the corner of her eye. She was glad that he hadn't suspected her of hiding it from him. “But how did it get inside my body of all places?” She wondered out loud.

“Sesshomaru thinks he figured it out.” Inuyasha answered. “Since the Shikon no Tama was destroyed with your ancestor's body during her cremation, it must have been reborn with you, resurfacing in its predecessor's body. Sesshomaru guessed that once Naraku couldn't find the jewel at the shrine, he went back to the legend to look for clues.”

Kagome's body suddenly violently shook as the name of the evil hanyou triggered her memory of the entire violent ordeal from only hours before. In a split second, she relived the moment Naraku had thrust his hand through her skin, feeling his fingers searching for the jewel. Her hands shot under the covers as she remembered the pain. She found her hip already bandaged and realized that Inuyasha had already tended to her wound.

She searched Inuyasha's amber eyes in concern. “Inuyasha, he took it, Naraku took the Shikon no Tama from inside me! He-”

“Shhh.” Inuyasha repeated again soothingly, pushing her back into the pillow and brushing her bangs out of her face with his claws. His exhausted aura redoubled its efforts to comfort Kagome's ragged nerves.

“I know Kagome, I know. It wasn't Naraku, it was his puppet. I killed it but…” The Inu-Hanyou stalled, obviously ashamed of himself. “I let it get away. I was so focused on your injury that I didn't notice a saimyoushou taking off with it.”

Kagome sat up hurriedly, only to fall back onto the pillows, groaning from the pain that blossomed in her hip as her vision swam from her weakness. She struggled to sit up again. “What are we waiting for? We need to get it back from him!”

Inuyasha stood and placed his clawed hands on her shoulders to keep Kagome's body pinned to the bed. In the face of Kagome's panic, he remained calm and collected. He had already planned his revenge, and his plans did not include her.

Kagome looked at her mate questioningly. “What are you doing? We need to go!” She demanded.

“You're not going anywhere.” Inuyasha insisted, his eyes cold and resolute.

Kagome looked at him worriedly, she could tell that her mate was closing up, a habit the Inu-Hanyou tended to revert to when he became stressed. “What do you mean, Inuyasha?”

“This is something I have to do on my own. I'll take care of the threat of Naraku by myself.” Inuyasha said moodily, trying to cover up the real truth behind his reasoning.

“But I want revenge against Naraku too. Why can't I fight with you? As I recall, in the fight before last, I took out quite a number of youkai with my Hama no Ya.” Kagome pointed out defensively. “Is that not good enough?”

Inuyasha fed off of his mate's growing irritation. “No, it's not good enough. You're too weak to fight along side me!” He barked.

Inuyasha winced inwardly. He hadn't meant to be so blunt about it. He noticed Kagome's hurt expression and tried desperately to fix his mistake, not knowing he'd only make matters worse. “Look, you're only human-“ He began.

Kagome frowned and interrupted him. “So just because I don't have youkai blood, I can't fight along side of you? Is that any different than you being shunned amongst youkai for having human blood?” She asked tartly. She finally managed to sit up, pushing Inuyasha's worried hands off her stubbornly. “So this all comes down to me not being good enough because I'm human?”

“No!” Inuyasha exclaimed. “I'm the one that's not good enough! I let you get injured back there, Kagome!”

The tenseness in Kagome's body relaxed slightly as she realized that the real problem seemed to be another case of Inuyasha blaming himself for something that was beyond his control. “News flash, Inuyasha. We're fighting a youkai that's obviously the most evil, dangerous being out there. I'm not surprised I got hurt. I certainly don't hold you responsible for it. Look, I know you want to protect me, but you have to let me fend for myself, too.”

“You should be able to trust your life in my hands, and you can't do that if you get injured in the first fucking fight since our mating.” Inuyasha muttered in response.

Kagome sighed. Of course, as with everything, it would come back to a matter of trust for the mistreated Inu-Hanyou. It was obvious that he didn't understand as she did that, as in a marriage between humans, just because they were mated didn't mean that they had brought an end to all their differences. They still had much to work out in their relationship. Their trust had yet to be completely strengthened.

“I do trust my life in your hands, Inuyasha. Just because I got injured doesn't change that.” Kagome said sweetly, trying to get Inuyasha to relax and open up to her.

Despite her words, Kagome realized there was nothing she could say to change Inuyasha's mind. He was as stubborn as she was, and she knew it. She decided to try a different tactic. “Fine then. I thought youkai mates always fought along side each other. If you won't allow me to stand next to you, does that mean you don't want me to be your mate?”

“No!” Inuyasha barked, reaching out to grab Kagome by the shoulders. “You're my mate, and I'd never do anything to change that.” :Never.: He urged.

:Good.: Kagome replied. “Then let me do what a mate is supposed to.” Kagome bargained. She noticed Inuyasha's expression soften as though he was beginning to give in, but then he frowned, his expression hardening once more.

“Let's not discuss this right now.” Inuyasha responded hurriedly, obviously brushing his mate off. “You're in no condition to be aggravated like this. You should be resting.”

Secure in the fact that she'd only bring it up again later, Kagome sighed dramatically and gave up for the moment, allowing Inuyasha to avoid the topic of their quarrel for the moment. Besides, their argument was wearing her out in her weaker state and she figured that some sleep would likely do her good. A small smile suddenly teased her lips as he mind wandered.

“What are you smiling for?” Inuyasha asked grumpily.

Kagome asked herself who was it that said that one should never go to sleep angry. Giving up, she shrugged her shoulders and replied, “I don't know how much I'm up to… but I can think of something I'd rather do in bed than rest…”

* * *

The saimyoushou, exhausted from his non stop trek from Kyoto, flew haphazardly into the dilapidated office of the Higurashi Shrine, zig zagging past broken and splintered ceiling supports, bent and twisted nails, and torn shoji screen doors. Finding his master sitting cross-legged in front of a low table, he dropped the pink orb into Naraku's waiting clutches and promptly buzzed away.

The dark hanyou's heart rate fluctuated and his heart pounded in anticipation the moment the Shikon no Tama fell into his hands. The pink glow that emanated from underneath the jewel's smooth surface immediately clouded black. Naraku smirked, knowing his dark jyaki and his tainted thoughts were working together to pollute the pureness inside the ancient weapon that none had yet to harness.

Examining its intricacies, Naraku held the elusive jewel to his eye, reveling in the weapon that his ancestors had never been able to glean from its protector. It was finally his, won rightfully by finding its hiding place, and now, he was about to do what scores of youkai and hanyou alike had never been able to do before him. What had taken them their entire lives and most even their deaths striving to gain and never achieving, Naraku had accomplished in three short years since being reborn as a hanyou.

The Shikon no Tama was now his. Its coveted all-powerful wish merely waited for the dark hanyou to make his decision on how to squander it. The possibilities ran rampant through his mind as he felt the unparalleled power the jewel possessed slowly begin to flow through his body, merging with his own considerable strength.

Naraku was now unstoppable and the power that coursed through his veins caused his body to shake from the painful, yet wickedly powerful pressure of the transfer of the Shikon no Tama's power to him. Despite the intense pain, Naraku smirked. He was on an energy-charged high from the energy the jewel was vesting in him, yet he knew that the incredible amount of power the jewel had just granted him was not all it could give. To unlock its true potential, its wish had to be which wish he would choose at this very moment.

The evil hanyou closed his eyes and cleared his throat, “I wish to become full youkai, to be granted the power necessary to dominate not only all the youkai species, but humans as well. I want the entire world to bow to me.”

When the expected pain of the final energy transfer to his body never came, Naraku became impatient and arched an eyebrow in annoyance. He peered at the Shikon no Tama in his palm, wanting to know why it had not obeyed his order. He eyed the curious dark clouds that circulated beneath its hard exterior, so similar to a planet with an atmosphere that constantly churned.

Looking beyond the stratosphere of overcast cloudiness that he had caused with his evil intent, he saw a small amount of the Shikon no Tama's original pink still shining underneath, a small amount of purity still left inside the jewel. Although the pastel hue was repeatedly pounded and pummeled by the blackness that threatened to claim it, the pureness persisted. Could it be possible that his own evil intent was not enough to corrupt the jewel? Could something be holding him back?

Naraku growled. He realized that he would have to find a way to fully corrupt the jewel before he could make his wish and harness the rest of its power. He would have to find a way to finish bending the Shikon no Tama to his will.

He stood up in a rush, the newfound power the jewel had lent him increasing his speed and agility. Perhaps a miko would know of a way to harness the spiritual weapon. He smiled confidently as he decided to locate Kikyou come morning.

* * *

In the dark bedroom, the curtains drawn against the rain soaked and darkening evening, Kagura sat curled into the fetal position against Sesshomaru's headboard. Slowly rocking her shaking frame back and forth, the image of her dead sister's peaceful body was burned into her vision.

For many reasons, Kagura believed she had been a bad sister to Kanna. She had been too weak to protect Kanna when their father had sold them to the underground youkai prostitution ring, and she had been too young to make it on her own and support both Kanna and herself. She had been a bad sister for allowing them to be sucked in by Naraku's charm, believing him to be their savior when he had offered them freedom. At the time, working for the real estate tycoon's company had seemed a small price to pay. But mostly, Kagura felt she had been a bad sister for allowing Naraku to kill Kanna when it should have been her death to appease the dark hanyou's rage instead.

The thoughts that plagued the wind youkai's mind scattered like dust in the wind when she heard the large oak bedroom door slowly swing open. The Lord of the mansion slowly, tiredly walked in, pointedly avoiding eye contact with her.

“What did you do with her body?” Kagura demanded to know. She had meant for her voice to come out cold and irritated, but instead, it came out hurt and broken.

Sesshomaru paused at the side of the bed. “I've hired the best youkai funeral director I could find. He is on the premises as we speak, planning the ceremony and preparing Kanna's body for the waiting period before the burial.” He replied.

The Inu-Youkai examined the wind youkai as she resignedly allowed her forehead to rest on her knees, curling herself into a ball where she sat. It was obvious that Kagura was exhausted from the emotional stress of losing her sister. Sesshomaru crawled onto the bed, inching his way over to the broken woman. He sat next to her slowly, maintaining his silence as he simply let his closeness try to console her. He attempted to reach his aura out to Kagura, to help her soothe her soul the way he had done many times before, but was met with resistance.

Kagura's aura gave Sesshomaru's own a sharp, biting slap in response. Though The Western Lord was hurt that the one he knew to be his chosen would not allow him to perform the duties expected of him, he backed off for the time being.

“It wasn't your fault, Kagura.” He tried to assure her.

“Had you not saved me, Sesshomaru,” Kagura spat, “I'd have been dead. Naraku's rage would have been appeased and Kanna would still be alive.”

Sesshomaru looked at his chosen crossly. “What makes you think that Kanna would not have strived to save Souta's life even if you had forfeited your own when Naraku had tried to take it?”

Kagura looked up at the Inu-Youkai, speechless, shocked at the very thought that her sister's death could have been anything other than her own fault.

“Why must you blame yourself when Kanna was acting of her own free will for only the second time in her entire life, the first being when she came to me to help you?” Sesshomaru asked.

Kagura choked on a sob, turning her head to meet Sesshomaru's gaze. She had never realized that the past year since she had left Sesshomaru and Kanna had found Souta was the first time that Kanna had ever done something for herself. First, Kanna had stood up for her as her sister, and then she had allowed herself to reluctantly fall in love.

“But you promised me, Sesshomaru. You promised that we'd save Kanna together!” Kagura wailed righteously. Yet, in her heart, the ache caused by knowing that neither she nor Sesshomaru could have changed Kanna's chosen fate hurt almost as much as her loss.

Sesshomaru bowed his head. “I know. And I have failed you. I was not quick enough.”

Kagura balked at the waves of guilt that rolled off Sesshomaru's aura. The Inu-Youkai was truly upset that Kanna had lost her life, and what the stoic Western Lord could not say in words, his aura's emotions translated their meaning. The wind youkai was enveloped by Sesshomaru's regret for her sister's death, for the pain that they had experienced in the past, but most of all, for ever letting Kagura go in the first place a year ago. That he had failed her with a promise he had no power in which to keep was eating Sesshomaru from inside out.

Kagura's own aura subconsciously went out to her chosen's in response before she was even aware she was doing it. In an effort to ease her chosen, the wind youkai's own soul had overridden her mind.

Feeling his intended's concerned aura caress his own, Sesshomaru looked up. His amber eyes found her crimson ones in surprise. Would she be able to forgive him after all?

Fresh tears burst from Kagura's eyes. She couldn't stand to see and feel Sesshomaru so upset on top of all else she was suffering, and she knew it was wrong to hold him to his word in this particular case. “It was a promise you shouldn't have made, but she's still dead, and nothing will bring her back.” She said bitterly.

Sesshomaru sighed with Kagura's emotionally charged and reluctant, yet honest forgival. He had to force himself to remain on topic, they were talking about Kanna's death, not his relationship with Kagura. “And that is something that neither you, nor I can change. Kanna's death was her own decision, one that she would not be talked out of, even by Tessaiga. Why can you not understand her decision, one that she made out of honor and repentance for her actions?” Sesshomaru asked.

Kagura looked at Sesshomaru, shocked. “Damnit, Sesshomaru, we're no longer living in the feudal era! Youkai don't go around doing these things anymore! We're civilized now, we don't live on honor, we live by laws, we live by rules, we live like humans!”

“And Kanna chose not to live like that.” Sesshomaru said plainly. “She chose to stop allowing Naraku to brainwash her and she decided to do what was best for herself. But most of all, she did it of her own free will. How do you think Kanna would feel now if you hold a grudge over her worldly actions, that her own sister will not allow her soul to freely pass into the next world?”

“I'm sure I'm not the only one upset that she forfeited her life and refused to return. What about Souta, the one she left behind?” Kagura spat, trying desperately to find reasons to hold on to her grudge as her conviction began to slip.

“That boy has taken this less than half as bad as you, and he was her lover. They were not chosen, Kagura. That's not to say that he's not upset, the boy is devastated. But he will move on. He has forgiven her, and has asked her soul to pass on.” Sesshomaru said. “Kagura, if you love Kanna, you must let her go. Allow her to be in peace.”

The pain of knowing that her sister was waiting in limbo had become too great, and the loose grip Kagura held on her grudge began to slip. Finally, the wind youkai released a strained combination of a laugh and a sob. “Damnit, Sesshomaru, why do you always have to be right about everything?”

The Western Lord's eyebrows knitted slightly. “This Sesshomaru is not right about everything, Kagura. The only thing I know for certain is that next to me sits a woman who needs my help, and I'm trying my hardest to be there for her.” He responded quietly.

Kagura shook her head sadly, setting her sister's death aside for a moment to allow herself to focus on her own needs. “Sesshomaru, I don't understand you.” She said sadly, noting the Inu-Youkai's confused expression at the sudden change in topics. “I'm nothing but a burden to you. I've had one crisis after another, done nothing but push you away, and yet you're always there to pick up the pieces after I crumble. I've done nothing but betray you and hurt you, yet you've never been scared away. You deserve better than this… you deserve better than me.” She whispered.

Sesshomaru's amber eyes once again caught Kagura's crimson ones. “The only thing I don't deserve, Kagura, is you pushing me away when I know that you want me too, even when I only try to be there for you. For my chosen.”

Something inside Kagura snapped and the wind youkai broke down into body shaking sobs, collapsing into Sesshomaru's arms. She'd suffered too much and could no longer handle the weight of her emotions on her own. She'd spent her entire life feeling like she'd never been good enough, always striving to be more and to protect herself and her sister. But right now, she wanted nothing other than to be the one being protected, to forget the wreck that her life had become. To forget everything.

“Take me, Sesshomaru.” Kagura whispered.

“W…what?” The Western Lord asked in a rare state of confusion.

Kagura parted her lips, salty tears sliding into her mouth as she trailed her tongue along her past lover's neck. “I said take me. Make me your mate like we've both always wanted. Make me forget everything but you.” She pleaded.

As the wind youkai, the woman he had yearned to possess past just their physical relationship, caressed his neck with her lips, tongue and teeth, Sesshomaru found himself loosing control of his restraint to do what was right. Kagura's request for him to make her his own caused his youkai blood to begin to stir beneath his skin. It demanded that he comply with his chosen's plea. It demanded that he claim her, mark her, mate her.

Kagura leaned backwards and collapsed into the softness of the bed behind her, pulling Sesshomaru's body on top of her as she continued to worship his neck. Her fingers lost themselves in his long, silky hair, her hips slowly rising and falling, grinding into his own as Sesshomaru held his torso up with his rigid arms.

The Western Lord's eyes burned crimson and his canines elongated as Kagura's roaming hands frantically unbuttoned the waist of his jeans and slipped her hand under the material to caress his growing hardness. Kagura could feel Sesshomaru losing the battle with his youkai instincts, she could feel his aura retract and recede with either desire and demand, or control and concern.

Sesshomaru grunted loudly, a sound of barely restrained control escaping the back of his throat. “Not…like…this!” He gasped loudly.

Kagura finally stopped and slowly retracted her hand from inside his pants to look up at his strained expression. “Sesshomaru?” She asked tentatively.

The great Inu-Youkai collapsed, his arms giving out on him as his torso crushed Kagura underneath him. He couldn't resist the pleasure he received as his hips ground into her own, but he managed to hurriedly roll off her petite body and back onto the bed. He lay in a sweat as he caught his breath and his eyes returned to their normal amber hue.

“This is not how I want to make you mine.” He finally said, panting. “Tears are running down your face. I know you don't want to do this.”

Kagura shook her head in disagreement, supporting her weight above him on her elbows. “You're wrong, I do! I always have!”

Sesshomaru snorted. “That, I do not dispute, I only wish you had admitted it so long ago. But right now is not the time.” He said, pulling her down to his chest. “You're hurt, and you feel lost and alone, and you think I can make you forget that.” The Inu-Youkai took Kagura's silence as her agreement. “It will be a long time until you've healed from the pain of losing Kanna.”

“I know.” Kagura whispered, finally retracting her aura to allow Sesshomaru's own to comfort her. She shut her eyes as its warmth covered her.

Sesshomaru slipped his arms around Kagura's waist. “First, we need to defeat Naraku. Put an end to his tyranny once and for all. Avenge your sister's death, avenge the wrong he did to the two of you and the wrong he and his ancestors have done to both my clan and the Higurashi house.”

Kagura nodded against the broad chest of her chosen. He was right. It was time to take a final stand. “It won't be easy. Naraku has the Shikon no Tama.”

“You need not go. I will stand for you.” Sesshomaru said stoically.

Kagura released a quiet chuckle. “And let you have all the fun? I think not.”

Sesshomaru smiled smally. Kagura was beginning to get some of her spark back. He pulled her even closer to his body, memorizing again the feel of her body against his own after so long. He would never tire of it. “Sleep.” He said. “You'll need rest before we go. I'll wake you.”

Kagura nodded. She wasn't far from a state of dreamless bliss as he spoke those words, his aura blanketing her against her worries and her fears. The wind youkai's final thought before drifting off was of a perfect world, swearing to herself that once Naraku was no more, and her sister's death avenged, she would finally allow herself to love Sesshomaru as she had always wanted to.

As his mate.

* * *

Inuyasha opened the refrigerator door and its bright light caused him to squint as his hand bumped around for the milk carton. Careful not to puncture it, his claws grasped around the waxy container and he clumsily opened it and lifted the spout to his lips. He took gasping chugs of the liquid as the cold air of the refrigerator chilled the bare skin of his legs, clad only in a pair of boxers.

“Really, Inuyasha. You're a bit old to be drinking from the milk carton.” The sound of Sesshomaru's deep, tired voice cut through the stillness of the kitchen in the middle of the night, the Inu-Youkai's eyes reflecting ferally in the dark.

Inuyasha choked, surprised and caught off guard, as milk streamed from his nose. He stumbled over to the wall and flipped on the light switch. “Damn it, Sesshomaru, don't fucking scare me like that!” He exclaimed. “What the hell are you doing sitting in the dark drinking cold coffee anyway?”

“Probably the same reason you're down here drinking milk, you big baby.” His half brother replied, tossing him a sweatshirt that had rested on top of the back of a kitchen chair.

Inuyasha hastily snatched the soft shirt from the air and pulled it over his head, never losing the scowl on his face. “Well, if you're thinking what I'm thinking, you'd better forget about it. Naraku is mine.” He growled.

“You have no choice, you insolent whelp. This Sesshomaru has as much reason to fight Naraku as you, so you may as well accept my help. You'll need it.” Sesshomaru scowled.

“Keh!” I'll kill him myself! I don't need your help!” Inuyasha barked.

“By yourself? You would not even take your mate into battle? She is a strong woman and has learned much of youkai ways since she has met you, do you not think she would be upset?” Sesshomaru asked condescendingly. “Her offensive miko skills would be useful against Naraku's minions and her skill of tempering your rash actions would no doubt come in handy."

The Inu-Hanyou growled. He knew Kagome was stronger than he gave her credit for, but it made it easier for him to ignore that fact. Instead, Inuyasha stuck to telling himself repeatedly that Kagome was merely a weak and fragile human. “She won't know I'm going. She's too weak to fight.”

“Her wound was not life threatening.” Sesshomaru pointed out.

“Damnit, Sesshomaru! I won't allow her to be in danger!” Inuyasha barked.

The Lord of the Western Lands cocked an eyebrow. “Then you would willingly risk your own life instead? Even knowing that Kagome's loss of her ancestral home would be just as bad, if not worse for her should her mate die? You know how difficult it is for a widowed mate to continue to live. Do you not remember our father?”

Inuyasha bit his lip with a long canine as he ignored his half brother's words. “Keh. I won't lose to Naraku, and I won't die.” He insisted. “I have to live to protect Kagome.”

“You underestimate the power Naraku holds, fool!” Sesshomaru roared. “I will not allow you to throw your life away when you are lucky enough to have a mate who needs you. Nor will I sit idle simply to please your selfish whims while the descendant of the one who killed our ancestor wreaks havoc on our families once again. But most importantly, I have my own prospective mate who needs me to fight by her side.”

“I don't need your help.” Inuyasha repeated. “And I don't need Kagura's either.”

The Western Lord simply let his little brother's comment slide. Truth be told, his exhaustion was only being compounded by the fact that he bad been uncharacteristically speaking all day long. At this point, Sesshomaru merely wanted to get his point across.

“Have you even stopped to consider how you will defeat Naraku? What is your tactic? What attacks will you use?” Sesshomaru questioned the Inu-Hanyou. He smirked at Inuyasha's silence. “As I thought, you are just charging forward with no plan. You're not a young pup anymore, Inuyasha. You have responsibilities, and a promising future. You must plan. If not for your sake, then for the sake of your mate.”

Inuyasha continued to worry his lower lip, pondering his half brother's words. Sesshomaru had made many convincing points, and he was secretly glad to see that even his cold brother had grown attached to his mate. Kagome had that way about her, after all, there was no doubting how irritatingly likeable she was.

Inuyasha sighed in defeat. If he had to fight along side his brother to assure that he came back home to Kagome, then so be it.

Sesshomaru stood up from the kitchen chair, the chair legs grating across the stone floor. He slowly approached his brooding sibling. It was obvious that Inuyasha could not deny his help. The Western Lord rested a hand on his half brother's shoulder. “We leave this morning, at dawn. I'll have Jaken prepare the SUV for us. Meet me in the garage.” He insisted.

Inuyasha watched numbly as the Western Lord turned and walked away wordlessly. Dawn was only mere hours away. His gaze slowly turned to the phone that hung on the yellow painted wall. First, he had a call to make.

* * *

The phone in the crook between his head and his shoulder, Inuyasha carefully polished the tattered and dulled blade of the de-transformed Tessaiga, readying it for battle. Though the speaker of the phone was made for a human and didn't rest against his fuzzy ear, the sound of the dial tone still crisply reached his canine hearing. As it rang for the fourth time, he growled, wondering why the youkai he didn't even want to talk to wasn't picking up.

Right before the answering machine kicked on, Inuyasha heard the line pick up on the other end, followed by a throaty, growling and tired, “What.”

Inuyasha took a deep breath. This wasn't going to be an easy conversation. “Kouga, its me.”

“Inuyasha?” The wolf Lord asked, clearly trying to gather his bearings. “What the hell do you want, dog-turd?”

The Inu-Hanyou grabbed the hilt of his sword as he tried to keep his cool. Even though the Ookami-Youkai had freely offered him his assistance after he had actually helped Kagome believe in him after Naraku's plot to rezone her land, to ask this jerk for a favor was killing Inuyasha, but it was something that he had to do. For Kagome.

“I need your help.” Inuyasha finally blurted out.

Kouga snorted. He had told Inuyasha to call him if he'd needed him, that he'd be there to help either one of them, but surely this must be a joke. Inuyasha would never actually ask him for a favor. “What, do you need me to bail you out of some sort of misunderstanding again?” He taunted the hanyou.

“Fuck you, Kouga.” Inuyasha snarled as Kouga chuckled in the background. “If you won't help me, would you at least help Kagome?”

Kouga's laughter came to a grinding halt, all traces of smugness and humor gone from his voice. “What happened to Kagome?” He asked flatly.

After Inuyasha had relayed the battle with Naraku's puppet and Kagome's injury and subsequent loss of the Shikon no Tama, Kouga could barely contain himself. Though part of his anger was due to the knowledge that Inuyasha had mated Kagome, a fact that the Inu-Hanyou had reluctantly told him, as it was a needed piece of the equation, Kouga did his best to direct that anger at Naraku.

“What are we waiting for?” The Lord of the Northern Lands exclaimed. “We have to go after him!”

“No, Kouga.” Inuyasha barked. Before the Ookami-Youkai could cut him off, he continued. “I need you to stay at the Western Mansion and watch over Kagome.”

“You mean you're not letting her fight with you?” Kouga asked, appalled.

Inuyasha sighed. He knew what he was doing was an affront to youkai mating tradition, but he was tired of explaining it. “Just tell me if you'll help us or not, asshole. I don't expect any attacks on the mansion, but I want someone to protect her and the children while I'm gone, and at least you're better than nothing.”

Kouga snorted. It was so like Inuyasha to cover up a compliment with an insult, but he saw through it. “I told you I'd be there for you, mutt-face, and I'll stand by my word.” He said proudly, already up and racing around his room to gather what he needed.

Inuyasha sighed a breath of silent relief, knowing Kouga would watch over Kagome. “I leave at dawn.” He said gruffly. “Jaken will let you in. Just make sure Kagome doesn't leave the mansion.”

“I'm leaving now. I'll be there as fast as my legs will carry me, probably shortly after dawn.” Kouga informed him.

“Kouga?” The Inu-Hanyou asked tentatively.

“What?” The Northern Lord barked.

The Inu-Hanyou stared at his reflection in the dull edge of Tessaiga. “Thanks.” He finally said.

Inuyasha promptly hung up the phone before Kouga could reply.

* * *

The rain had finally stopped its relentless downpour, but the sun had yet to make its presence in the sky known. In the moments that the rising sun had begun to banish only the darkest black from the early morning sky, Inuyasha was still wide awake. After his phone call with Kouga, he had crept back into bed with Kagome, spooning himself behind her body. He had never taken his eyes off his sleeping angel as she slept and he had never wanted dawn to come.

But dawn was here, and with it brought a day of reckoning. Naraku's last day. The day he destroyed that which threatened everything he held dear….

Or, the day he failed.

Inuyasha tried to push such dark thoughts from his mind as he fondly watched his mate sleep, yet he couldn't help but wonder if this might be the last time he'd ever lay his eyes on this incredible woman. His incredible woman. They'd only been mated for little over week and yet Inuyasha could barely remember a time when he was without her.

Despite his bravado and sense of honor of wanting to destroy Naraku by himself, Inuyasha couldn't deny the painfully obvious fact that the odds were stacked against him, even with the help of his brother and Kagura. The three of them were up against not only the most powerful being with youkai blood, but the most powerful weapon ever imagined.

As Kagome's aura unconsciously detected her mate's unease, she fussed in her sleep and turned to face Inuyasha. She wrapped her arms around him before promptly falling back into deep slumber. The Inu-Hanyou tried his hardest to banish his doubts. With such a wonderful mate and pack to protect and come back to, there was no way he'd lose.

Inuyasha forced himself to carefully untangle Kagome's limbs from his own as he unwrapped his secure hold around Kagome's familiar body. He felt her aura long for his return as soon as her warm skin parted from his own, and he felt his own aura respond in like fashion. Silently, the Inu-Hanyou slipped out of the blankets and off the bed. Stealing one last glance at his mate, Inuyasha crept from the bedroom.

* * *

“It's about time you showed up.” Sesshomaru growled, ready and waiting in the dark kitchen where Inuyasha had last seen him, save for the fact that he was now wearing his battle garb. Sesshomaru's swords clattered against each other as he shifted authoritatively.

Kagura stood at Sesshomaru's side, also ready for battle. The Inu-Hanyou noticed that the wind youkai looked tired and was obviously still emotionally drained from the loss of her sister. Yet beyond that, he saw the fiery spark of determination that burned in Kagura's crimson eyes. She wanted Naraku's death as much as Inuyasha himself did. She wanted to kill her master of old with her own hands.

“Fuck off, Sesshomaru.” Inuyasha finally replied, smoothing out the front of his bright red hi-nezumi haori. “The sun's barely risen.”

“Enough. Let's go.” Kagura said, her voice hoarse as she broke off the quarrel before it could really start. The two frowning brothers gave up and followed her to the hallway that led to the garage.

Reaching up to flip on the light switch as he entered the expansive garage, Sesshomaru faltered. The lights were already on. His nose twitched as he detected two familiar, fresh scents. The Inu-Youkai's eyes darted to the SUV that Jaken was instructed to prepare for them and he growled at what he found.

“What do you two think you're doing?” Sesshomaru demanded unhappily.

“Offering you our help, Sesshomaru-sama.” Miroku replied, standing in front of Sango and bowing slightly, respectfully requesting to be included in the fight he knew was to come.

“Keh!” Inuyasha exclaimed. “I was supposed to do this on my own, but just because Sesshomaru leaves me no choice to bring him along, doesn't mean I'm taking you two also. It's too fucking dangerous!”

“But Inuyasha, you've seen our skills in both practice and battle, you know how effectively we work together. We'd be an asset.” Sango tried to reason with her pack brother.

Miroku turned to Sesshomaru, not only the head of the company he worked for, but the alpha of their rag tag pack. “Sesshomaru-sama, you can not deny the abilities of Sango and I, and we refuse to sit idle as our friends do battle. You and Inuyasha adopted us into your pack, and for that honor, and because of that honor, we would fight next to your sides. If you would not allow us to defend you and stand with you, we would be worthless. If we were youkai, we'd be expected to do this, but please do not think less of us because we are human!”

Inuyasha cringed at Miroku's conviction and desire to fight with them. It was a harsh reminder of his sleeping mate alone in bed as he prepared for battle alone. Her words had been little different than those of the houshi that argued in front of him.

“Houshi-sama is right.” Sango said hurriedly before Sesshomaru or Inuyasha could cut her off. “You three need to save your strength for the final fight with Naraku. Let us help you cull the hoards of minions that Naraku is sure to employ. We want Naraku's destruction as much as you do. Let us join you!” Sango exclaimed. It was clear that she and Miroku had spent much time thinking of tactics to convince their elders to include them.

Though proud and certainly not one to either need or want the skills of any human, Sesshomaru was a man of reason and clearly saw the advantage of having the skills of the houshi and the taiji-ya. Besides, they were right, Sango and Miroku were bound by honor to defend their alpha and beta pack mates and he would be doing them an injustice to bar them from what their honor demanded of them. It would be as bad as what Inuyasha was doing to his mate. A side glance to his brother told him that the Inu-Hanyou knew the same.

The Western Lord felt the cold glare of his brother on his back and he turned to fully meet the same amber gaze as his own. Even Inuyasha was having a hard time denying the help of his fellow pack members.

Inuyasha sighed loudly, his fingertips gripping the Tessaiga. “Get in the car.” He mumbled.

Youkai, hanyou, and human alike scrambled for seats in the SUV. Grim determination and cold calculation graced the faces of each Taisho pack member as the car pulled out of the garage and followed the road towards the rising sun.

* * *

Author's Notes:

This chapter took me forever! I hope you all like it. I still haven't gotten my ending planned out, but the end is growing near and I hope to release the next few mostly unwritten chapters in a timely manner. Please review and let me know what you think so far, it'll greatly help me ramp up for the task of creating the ending to Corporate Deception!

I've gotten a lot of great reviews, and I'd like to thank Scherezade and YoukaiMusashi especially. Both of their beta'ing contributions have been essential in the release of my chapters. Please go check out their fics, as they are both amazing writers!

Thanks also to those that voted for my fic in the Inuyasha Fanguild Fanfic Contest. I was nominated for both Best Continuing Fic and Best AU Fic. Thanks for voting me 3rd place in Best Continuing Fic!