InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART EIGHTEEN ( Chapter 18 )

DISCLAIMER - The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance, we would not have fodder.

Edited by: Meara

Mature: Sexual content, you have been warned.

Reviews are fuel.

EP

 

 

Part Eighteen - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

Soft, warm insistent lips brought the Priestess to consciousness once more as her tired lids fluttered open. Looking much the worse for wear, she smiled up at an equally sleep deprived male with mussed silken hair.

“Ohayou, Lord Sesshoumaru,” said the Miko groggily, stroking the demon Lord's cheek bones.

The youkai Lord merely looked at his Miko with warmth, his eyes crinkled at their almond edges, as he carefully removed sleep from one of her eyes with a quirked brow.

“Sesshoumaru!” squealed the Miko, suddenly embarrassed beyond measure at her Taiyoukai finding a flaw. The kiss instantly forgotten, the priestess tried to extricate herself from his warm comforting embrace - without much success initially.

“Be still, Onna. I must attend to my bitch,” said the Taiyoukai as he raised the loose cotton sleeve of his yakata, and dabbed at the side of her mouth gently.

Kagome was mortified! `What a way to wake up. He of course he's perfect, no sleep, no drool, not even morning breath, for Kami's sake! Just his distinctively masculine scent of fresh linen - all be it sexy rumpled linen,' she thought. `Totally unfair!'

Looking up at him sternly - with no effect - the Miko began to pout, “You know, I could hate you. What is the use of near immortality when I probably have breath that could kill a T-Rex, while you hover there just looking a bit mussed? Thank you for that, at least,” she said sarcastically. Ignoring her morning rant, the Taiyoukai proceeded to lick her mating mark languidly purring.

Pushing him away rather forcefully with as much indignation as she could muster, the Miko suddenly realized she could actually move him. She beamed with her new discovery.

`She has no idea just how beautiful she looks in this moment,' thought the Inuyoukai, who returned to her long elegant neck and its fully formed dark blue crescent mark at its base. `Her scent is different this morning; even more alluring than usual,' he thought, distractedly.

The Miko smiled in victory. She arched in acquiescence revealing more of her neck for his pleasure, garnering a rumble of satisfaction from her Mate as he rose to observe his Mate's happy challenging gaze.

Sesshoumaru looked down at her with something akin to an amused, indulgent expression in his warm amber eyes.

“Utilizing some of your newly acquired strength, Miko? Do not make a habit of it. This Sesshoumaru intends to mate with you before attending to the needs of the day,” he said in a soft whisper as he returned to kissing her neck with purpose. The demon's enticing form settling over his Mate, with a clear intent as his thighs eased hers apart gently but firmly, pinning her to the mattress once more.

Kagome's eyes closed in blissful anticipation as she let out a soft moan, her hands gliding through his silken mane, pulling him closer if possible, in ascent to their mutual need.

“Oooohhhh. Kami you're addictive,” she groaned softly.

He rose above her on his knees pushing back the comforter and his yukata in one smooth move, and slowly began stroking himself into full wakefulness - there was no need. Ruru took his work quite seriously.

The Miko groaned softly as she watched her Mate's clawed hand slide along his member suggestively, his eyes closed enjoying his own sensual touch. Kagome squirmed and licked her lips.

“Sessssshooooouuuuuu” purred the Miko, enticingly, easing her legs apart more fully, in an open invitation. Her hands rose to her nipples pinching them hard, furrowing her brows as she bit down on her lower lip from the slightly painful sensation.

“Please my Lord, I need you…” she whispered, one of her hands lowered, caressing the soft silk at the apex of her moist sex. `How much more of an invitation does my own personal statue of David need, for Kami's sake?' she wondered petulantly.

The Taiyoukai's eyes opened and bore into hers meaningfully, causing her core to convulse in anticipation of his hot velvety girth filling her, as it had done myriad times the night before.

“This Sesshoumaru knows his Mate needs him within her, but you will learn something new .The mark is capable of more…” he said as he caressed his member with purpose flicking a clawed thumb over its weeping head and groaning softly as his fangs lengthened, his golden eyes taking on more intense reddened hues with each forceful stroke.

Kagome felt a warmth enveloping her entire body as she spread her wet feminine lips with tapered digits as the other toyed with the sensitive bundle of nerves secreted there, whimpering in need, mesmerized by the male above her denying her the right to his touch.

“Please, Sesshoumaru, I want … please…stop torturing me,” she pleaded brokenly, panting softly. Her head tossed from side to side, her now sweaty locks strewn across the pillow. Her hips rose off the sheets with her own feeble ministrations. The intense heat she felt emanating from her core was a torment that only her Mate could relieve and he knew it.

Kagome was lost in a haze of aching desire; a hunger to be filled by him. The warmth was focused between her thighs, almost as though he were touching her, but not. Like claws grazing her flesh gently, up her hips, to the flat of her stomach feather light, designed to titillate to tease but not to fulfill.

The Miko opened her eyes then, observing the male whose own eyes were closed focused on something internal and blissful. He looked almost in pain with each forceful pull he made to his turgid member, he growled softly.

“Do you feel me, Miko? Do you feel this Sesshoumaru caressing you?” he purred in his usual sensual baritone.

“Yes…but…” she panted softly almost crying out as she felt her spine begin to tingle, the mating mark now throbbing as she felt the ghost of the Taiyoukai enter her for want of better words.

“Sesshou? How…how?” she whimpered softly between breaths, no longer needing to touch herself, instead her hands now clawed the sheets below her. A renewed surge of wetness accompanied the ethereal touch within her, his thrusts painfully slow and teasing.

The Taiyoukai opened his lust filled ruby eyes then, forcing her to look within his lust filled depths at the unspoken feelings there.

A low rumbling, vibrated from deep within his chest, the Miko's scent spiking at his primal utterance. Her loins pulsating with need, pleading for release from this delicious torture that only he could engendered in her flesh.

“You are mine, Miko, now and always and I am yours. Our souls, our bodies, are bound beyond time and space. This Sesshoumaru understands now. He will no longer be alone in his journey through time.”

The Taiyoukai's words caused the Miko to rise to her elbows facing him. Her calves tucked under her neatly, she felt the sudden need to caress his well sculpted torso. Her delicate tentative touch caused his abdomen to ripple beneath her fingers, as she trailed her tongue down his abdomen then slowly made her way down to his shaft. The Priestess stroked the smooth warm skin of his inner thighs in anticipation of her goal.

“Kami, I love you… how you taste and how you feel,” she whispered, his distinctive pleasurable scent warmed with arousal and her words. Kagome outlined the dominant strip of one hip with her tongue to his core. Her own core pulsed as her hands gently removed his own.

Unsure, she looked up at him.

Her brown flecked with gold met that of his ruby in consent. His maroon lids hooded, he opened his mouth to speak in a lust muffled baritone.

“Lick me, bitch. Take this Sesshoumaru between your lips,” the Taiyoukai intoned as he thrust his hips forward.

Kagome smiled up at him, one brow quirked. She would deal with his tone later. Even though the bestial distinctively masculine baritone had caused her feminine walls to tighten, by request alone, she had almost fallen prey to an orgasm, just from his sensual base request.

“With pleasure, my Lord,” she said as her small hands gently pushed him back so he rested on his heels, allowing her room to maneuver. Reverently she slid her fingers around the throbbing velvety girth that was her Taiyoukai's sex.

The Miko's involuntary groan as her wet tongue glided over his head cleaning the pre-cum there, eliciting a low moan of pleasure from the demon Lord's throat.

“Yeessssssss,” hissed the demon, who wanted desperately to force his member between her moist inviting lips without restraint, burying himself to his root in the warm silk that was her mouth.

“Just like that,” he rasped through clenched teeth, his hair cascading over her shoulders as he pulled her own silken locks away from her face so he could watch, enraptured, as she pleasured him. The priestess' head bobbing as her small hands moved in rhythm around his shaft, purring softly with each downward stroke of her tongue.

Sesshoumaru watched his Miko, his mate, his bitch with a glazed fascinated expression. He clenched his jaw muscles, still fighting the urge to throw her down on the soft bed once more and mount her like the proper bitch she was, taking her almost savagely.

`No, not now… later,' he thought. Right now the demon Lord was far more enthralled by the erotic sight of his member disappearing within those soft succulent lips, as she pleasured him so intimately, so lovingly, and so reverently as no female had been allowed until his Miko.

The moment was perfect. Her touch was perfect. He was lost to everything but her touch as myriad unfamiliar emotions passed through him.

The heated silk of her mouth; her small hands gripping his shaft; the scent of her arousal; the feel of her soft cheeks against his heated skin; her breasts and those much neglected nipples grazing his thighs temptingly, all was perfect, he mused in a drugged, sensual otherworldly state.

Sesshoumaru had another first, he tried to stay objective but he could not while her tongue did exquisitely wicked things to his member, her moans vibrating his shaft. It caused him to pant and groan, lost in the sensation that was Higurashi Kagome's delectable ministrations to his most sensitive area.

The feel of him within her throat was maddeningly intoxicating, his warm velvet length exquisite. Ayumi had mentioned once that it was possible to climax just from this simple act. The Miko realized she was probably right. His scent, the feel of his skin, his hot breath touching her naked back as he leaned over her, the gentle thrusts he tried to control, all of it was heavenly and intimate. Later they would have time for wild abandon and heated lust that would undoubtedly make her crippled for half a day, she mused going down on him once more.

Gently she removed a hand, soothing her own slick heat at the sudden thought of her Mate giving in to their uncontrolled carnal lust for one another, pounding into her unrelentingly like the demonic being he was.

Her tongue was exquisitely unyielding, as it curled around his girth, torturing him when she moaned her own pleasure, he mused dazedly.

`This is perfect, so very perfect and should be forbidden,' he thought, feeling the tell tale signs of his groin tightening signaling his imminent release. Thrusting gently into her mouth once more, he pulled her away from his slick twitching exquisitely painful member.

The Miko looked up at him then, the look in her eyes so erotic. He felt in that moment, had he not had sufficient control, his hot seed would now be dripping down her face. This singular thought made his cock twitch violently once more.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked, softly licking her reddened lips that were slightly swollen. He was the only male she had been with. Perhaps she was doing it wrong? Though it seemed he did enjoy her newly acquired lingual skills, she hoped. Sesshoumaru gave her so much pleasure she wanted him to feel as she did when he touched her intimately.

“No, Koi. You are perfect. This Sesshoumaru merely wishes to be inside you when he reaches his fulfillment,” he said as he lowered his Mate to the mattress, kissing her softly on her lips, before wrapping her warm silky legs about his lean hips.

“Gods …yes…. Sesshou… you feel so good,” the Miko whispered hoarsely. She stared into his ruby eyes. His face was so expressive. How had she ever thought him stoic, she realized as she felt him enter her, just as he had done so many times before.

Hissing softly at his acquisition of her silken tightness, the Taiyoukai groaned sensually into her ear, “You are so wet, my Miko.”

“Mmmmm …yes….for you my love...only you,” she said, closing her eyes once more lost in the feel of him, as she bit down on his shoulder. The salty taste of his skin stimulated her senses as she surrendered to the tightening of her loins heralding her own ascent into sensual madness. She would not last long.

“My bitch is exquisitely tight,” he intoned softly between ragged breaths, as the mattress's springs squeaked beneath them, his hips driving into her as she panted, there bodies moving in unison.

Her answer to his sensual words, a near pained constriction around his immense girth, as he began to plunder her tight depths in ecstatic frenzy, he knew she was close, as was he.

“Open your eyes Kagome. Look at this Sesshoumaru,” said the Taiyoukai breathlessly looking down upon his Mate as her internal grip of him tightened.

She did. Looking into his heated pools, she spied feelings she had not previously thought him capable of having. The Miko's heart ached from the unexpressed emotions she saw within his depths.

“Do not look away, Miko. This Sesshoumaru needs to see you, to share with his Mate the moment of ultimate surrender,” he said kissing her damp brow, his jaw growing rigid as he fought his own release willing her to climb their passion's precipice first.

His words were like fuel to her flame, the flame that lit her body, her mind and soul whenever he touched her. She came then, hard. Her loins convulsed around him, causing him to gasp, forcing his own descent and release into the bliss that was his Miko's heated challis as he kissed her, muffling her cries, tasting the richness that was their intimate union.

She felt his release and shuddered with each quake as he gave of his own scorching essence within her own sacred, heated space.

They lay quietly, holding one another. The only sound was the chimes in the Tree of Ages accompanying the caressing winds. The two beings coiled about each other in silence, numb to the world but not to each other.

As always, Sesshoumaru chose not to leave her depths. This was always the hard part for him, losing this intimate connection. This was not something he would ever admit freely. It was a weakness to his mind, to his understanding of strength.

In his life, the act had always left him cold, merely friction and release. Yet with this fragile ningen, he always wanted more. Something ineffable occurred when they mated. She was not merely friction, a form of relief for his pent up lust. No, the Priestess made him feel complete, revered, loved, and very wanted to his soul. She was his safe harbor.

The Western Lord rolled off his bitch suddenly, standing bolt upright, and threw on his yukata angrily refusing to make eye contact with her.

Kagome sensed the change in him instantly. He was confused about something and he had no intention of sharing, she thought biting her lower lip. Some things would not change. He had done this, the morning after they first had been together.

She chose to do what she did best then, fill the unforgiving space with nervous pleasant chatter in hopes of adjusting his sudden mood.

“Sooooooooooo? Should we have breakfast again? I'm hungry. Anyway, I want to speak to Grandfather before I go into town to get meds for Kaede. They should all be up by now,” she said, putting a smile in her voice and scooting across the sodden sheets. “Oh and I think we need to do some laundry,” she chuckled self-consciously, hoping that practical matters would lighten the suddenly oppressive air.

“Miko, you will show this Sesshoumaru how to use this `shower',” he said flatly, still avoiding her eyes.

“Oooookay… boy some of us can sure kill a mood,” she said now feeling confused by his dismissive tone. They had just possible had the most sensual sex of their time together and he had gone all cold and rigid. It was as though she was some piece of ass he had acquired at a club the night before and having fucked her to perdition, he wanted nothing more to do with her but to scrub every memory off. Two could play at this game, she thought, aware this was not the truth, but it still hurt.

Pushing him aside with more force than she intended, the Miko strode into the bathroom. “Are you coming? I don't have all day. I too have crap to do, Lord-Fuck-Her-Senseless- Then-Treat-Her-Like-Shit,” she said, now livid and on the verge of tears. `No, she would not allow him to sense what she was feeling,' she thought distractedly and attempted to calm herself before he entered the room.

Refusing to look at him, she pointed through teary eyes. “This one is hot. I suggest you put it on first and then add the cold,” she pointed at the opposite tap, as she passed her other trembling hand over her eyes. “When the temperature feels right, you then pull this and the water goes up this pipe and it comes out the head there,” she sniffled softly and gulped. “When you are done, you pull this, and the water then will come out here. You then turn off the two taps. That's it. You know where the towels are,” she said as she turned and tried to head for the door, only to be stopped by a naked male that would not budge.

The Miko kept her eyes down, and spoke in a carefully even tone.

“Sesshoumaru, please move. I need to go downstairs and get something to eat, and do a little laundry. I don't want Mom doing our sheets. It's embarrassing enough doing it in my home.” She said firmly.

He did not move.

The Priestess looked up at him belligerently, finally having gotten her tears under control.

“Miko,” came the rich baritone tentatively, stroking her pinked cheeks softly, “This Sesshoumaru has lost something he never thought he could; his beast. He will not answer, though I call. He was not with us.”

His words were met at first with silence, and then with a rapid thaw of the Miko's aura, as she cradled him in her arms, soothing him, the only way she knew how.

sks

Tendrils of flaxen silk flowed in the wind under the Goshinboku tree, supple limbs moved seamlessly in a battle dance. The lord's skin dewy from his efforts, thin beads of sweat making their way down his torso, the Western Lord attempted to balance his Ki.

This trip to the Priestess' world, intended only to gain knowledge, had turned on him ever so subtly. It caused him to question, to feel vulnerable, and completely at a loss. He had one thing, and only one thing to do on this day. Read the Goshinboku Scroll written by his father and gather as much information as possible for their mission. He had managed to finish three kata of aiki-jujutsu in relative silence. He regained some semblance of outward peace, though his mind was still very much ill at ease. He felt isolated without his internal bestial guide, which had remained unaccountably silent despite his calls.

He had been inundated with myriad emotions in the last week, and yet, he had never stopped to notice that his beast remained silent.

Folding his clawed hands as though in prayer, he and coiled his left leg around his right twice, the Taiyoukai assumed a classic pose. It was, designed to focus his ki through his lower body to regain his internal primal balance, to settle the fight or flight mechanism that guided the higher life forms. The black lycra leggings felt comfortable, despite his original misgivings when presented with them by Aiko-sama for his morning exercise. He had decided on no upper covering as the morning was relatively warm, and well, Kagome did rather like his upper body as she made evident when he had initially put on something they called a tee-shirt.

The Taiyoukai secretly smiled, remembering how his bitch had removed the garment, it being too hot, she assured him.

He knew better. Sporadically, as she changed their bedding, the Priestess shifted the blinds to watch, as he performed his complex routine. Nor would the Western Lord admit, he flexed just that much more each time she raised the curtains in her secret voyeuristic indulgence.

Unbeknownst to the Taiyoukai, he had a soft smile on his face, when a distinct male scent suddenly became more pronounced. The elder male Higurashi came trundling around the corner of the main house with a sloshing bucket of water. Accompanying the pail was a straw broom and a bamboo rack, heading towards the `pathetic' sand garden on the other side of the house.

The Guji pretended to ignore the dog demon as he made a variety of hacking sounds and spat just as he was passing the young, inuyoukai Lord.

`Disgusting,' thought the Taiyoukai without moving his head. His frigid amber glare followed the progress of the stooped male to the other side of the house.

Now that he was out of sight, the demon Lord took a deep breath, and returned to his kata exercises. Focusing on the pleasant breeze that cooled his skin, he closed his eyes prepared to be one with this alien environment in search of the beast within.

CREAK! SLAM! CLATTER!

“Oooooowwwww! Kagome! Can you help me with these?” said the small male, who looked to the open door struggling with a long leather satchel filled with metallic objects called clubs.

Turning, Souta waved energetically at the Taiyoukai.

“Ohayou Sesshoumaru-sama,” said the pup pleasantly, receiving a slight inclination of the head and a marked softening of the Taiyoukai's amber gaze.

As if on cue the Miko appeared at the door. Her hair was in a high pony tail, a soft blue shirt tied about her midriff, and a rather form revealing pair of jeans, and that revolting satchel she held dear, slung across one shoulder. `Where exactly did the Miko believe she was going attired like that,' the Taiyoukai thought indignantly. His eyes could not help themselves as they traveled her legs' unending sensual length, her delicate feet in sandals similar to geta.

Feigning indifference, the Taiyoukai continued his kata. Leaning backwards in the form of a reverse bridge, he heard a sharp intake of breath, and a spike of his female's scent. With a roguish smile, that only he was privy to, the Taiyoukai closed his eyes and continued his routine. The unusual exercise hakama, had shifted downward; not enough to be indecent, but sufficient to reveal the elegant markings, that accentuated his hips.

“Kagome!” screeched the elderly male, “Stop ogling your Mate's preening, and go to town and take care of your various errands. We must prepare the arrow before sunset. You have many lifetimes with this wretched Taishou pup, I have but one, and you are wasting it!”

Kagome groaned, picking up the golf bag effortlessly. She waved away her grandfather's current tirade, then giving her Taiyoukai a leer and a wink, before following the small chattering male, nodding sagely to whatever had caught Souta's imagination.

“This Sesshoumaru does not preen, Guji,” said the Taiyoukai flatly. He uncoiled his well- muscled form. The stillness he had tried to foster was lost in that single moment of the infernal elder's racket, and the Miko's shapely entrance into his meditative state.

The shrine Priest looked at the Western Lord with milky, dark slits, and snorted, before mumbling, “All that stretching and flexing was for my benefit then? Not impressed. If you have nothing better to do than show off for your female, come with me. A young able body is necessary for the garden and Kagome tells me you have a bit of a green thumb.” He hobbled back around the opposite side of the house favoring his lower back, before returning with a long green serpent like object.

“Well? Don't just stand there…” grumbled the Priest, nearly tripping on the hose, only to find himself caught by strong lithe muscled arms.

“Hmmmph”, grumbled the elderly male somewhat embarrassed. After disentangling himself from the unexpected protective embrace of the Taiyoukai, the Guji marched off, indignantly in the direction of garden, doing his best to stand straight as the western lord's amber gaze followed him with hidden amusement.

Souta nudged the Miko, who was more pre-occupied looking in the direction of the reserve, wondering where their mother had got to.

“They're at it again,” said the youngest Higurashi in a sing-song manner, as he prepared to swing.

Kagome turned to look at the Western Lord. “Is everything alright Sesshoumaru?”

“Hn, this Sesshoumaru will attend to your Jii-Chan, he being rather old and frail,” said the Taiyoukai, raising his voice sufficiently, so the Priest could hear.

“The shrine's garden is badly in need of, this Sesshoumaru's, attention,” said the Taiyoukai pointedly, glaring at the elderly Higurashi, daring him to respond.

The shrine priest bristled at the Taiyoukai's utter effrontery. How dare he impugn his skills as a gardener?

Sighing, Kagome looked at the two males staring daggers at one another. She wondered if she could possibly slam their heads together without doing much damage - purely for the visceral pleasure of it. `They were so much alike.'

“Souta, please continue to practice your swing, and watch your stance. Remember to swing with your upper body, and stop twisting your hips.” said the Miko softly, tousling her brother's hair playfully.

“Gome! I am not eight! Stop that!” he said annoyed, before returning to his swing.

“I stand corrected, young sir,” she said firmly, keeping her eyes on the object of her affection standing a few feet away.

“Whatever,” mumbled the small male, pretending indifference. He was tired of being treated like a baby. He was ten, after all.

Casually walking over to her mate, the Miko folded her arms and looked in the direction of her Jii-Jii. He glared back and began to approach them both with a determined expression.

“Lord Sesshoumaru, I would greatly appreciate it, if you would help my Grandfather in the garden. Perhaps it will help with…” she stopped, unsure if it was her place to make mention of their earlier conversation.

“Yes, Miko, this Sesshoumaru will. I have noted the state of the maples you spoke of previously. There might be something that could be done,” he said softly, though his face bore no trace of the softness in his tone.

The Guji looked from one to the other, further annoyed. They had been discussing his sacred maples, a gift, without his permission?

“What about the maples exactly?” he said defensively, spitting to his right, daring the Taiyoukai to make another disparaging comment.

Kagome thought to intervene then, otherwise, the hallowed peace she was trying to create between them was ruined. Kaede would be the loser, if she had to stay to keep the peace. `Her mom was nowhere to be found, so she could not ask her,' the Miko thought tiredly. A night of no sleep was beginning to wear on her mind as well as her body and nerves.

“Fore!” screamed Souta, as a red ball came hurtling in the general direction of the trio. Kagome ducked into the safety of her mate's arms instinctively. The ball never got the opportunity to complete its arch, instead, it disintegrated mid air, as an acrid stench, and green mist hovered in its wake. The sudden fear in the Priest's face and aura gave Sesshoumaru a modicum of perverse satisfaction, as he recalled his whip and glared at the shrine priest.

“It's okay, Sesshoumaru. That is what you do when you play that game. It warns everyone that a ball is coming. So, don't go killing any more balls today. I just didn't want to be hit. I am kind of tired, and as you love to point out at every opportunity, I do tend to be accident prone,” she chuckled softly, quite happily ensconced in her Taiyoukai's arms once more.

“Kagome, stop groping your Mate, and go!” said the elderly male indignantly, pointing to the stairs of the shrine that lead to the town.

“GRAMPS!” the Miko said offended, as another ball flew overhead unannounced, shortly followed by a “Sorry.”

A slow, smile suddenly came to the weathered face, “I was not always old, my child. Now go, we have much to do and he will be useless until you return,” the Priest said as he made his way slowly towards the garden without any further comment.

Both the Taiyoukai and the Miko watched him disappear around the corner. The Miko looked up at her Lord.

“Please help him. That's all I ask and then the rest of the day is yours. When I get back, I will attend to the bow. I promise we can return home, maybe even tonight if you wish. Just please don't fight with Grandpa. I need him to like you,” she said, blushing softly.

“You are my family, too,” she said, unable to meet his penetrating citrine gaze.

Raising her chin to meet his amber stare, the Taiyoukai spoke.

“No, we will leave in the morning. I have one more task. You will simply trust me. This Sesshoumaru has been remiss as a Mate, and not attended fully to your needs as bitch. You are tired, Miko and your scent has altered. It is possible you are with pup.”

She searched his face and despite her curiosity as to his feelings on the matter, she smiled. Selecting to ignore his comment, she decided to reinforce her wish instead. Kagome knew she was with child on an instinctual level. He merely confirmed her own suspicions of earlier that morning.

“I want him to love you, too, and you have more than attended to your Miko's needs,” she said softly as her face went crimson before dashing down the stairs, not waiting for a reply or the comment she suspected was coming about her current manner of dress.

The Taiyoukai simply stood, and watch his Miko's retreating form. Her shiny onyx head bobbing happily as it descended the stairs, taking a part of him with her.

“Hn,” thought the Taiyoukai. For now he would have to deal with the elderly belligerent ningen male.

“Fore!” shrieked Souta once more, as a ball nearly grazed the living statue's left cheek in its ill-fated flight.

Effortlessly, the Taiyoukai caught the dimpled sphere in his palm, crushing it. Pleased he was granted another opportunity to annihilate something - albeit inanimate. `This day promised to be inordinately long, and there was still the Goshinboku scroll to be read,' thought the Taiyoukai as he strode with purpose towards the sound of a sloshing bucket, muffled curses and creaking joints.

Beyond the kitchen window, Mrs. Higurashi smiled to herself, casting a furtive glance towards the well-house.

“Hmm,” she said softly, returning to the task of preparing lunch for her burgeoning family. It was promising to be a very interesting day.

sks

A loud plunk brought both males out of their internal musings. There, floating on the surface of the water was another of those balls. This one was different in look and density, the Taiyoukai noted absently, as he refocused his attention on the curved line he was creating within the sand, representing the ebb and flow of the sea. It brought him peace, however temporary. The maples merely needed sand for drainage and a slight modification of the angles they held within their massive containers that had to be centuries old by their look, definitely of his era. `Intriguing.'

The elder Higurashi sat in the shade pretending to meditate as he watched every subtle movement of the young stoic male in fascination. The Western Lord was meticulous and showed an aesthetic grace in his meditative creation, the priest noted begrudgingly, as he cleared his throat to speak. They had not spoken in nearly three hours, going about their separate assigned tasks in silence.

“When are you going to read your father's scroll, Sesshoumaru-sama? You appear to be avoiding it,” said the Guji quietly. His eyes still appeared to be closed, awaiting a violent reaction.

“This Sesshoumaru avoids nothing. This requires thought and my full attention,” bit out the Taiyoukai aggressively, as he continued move the rack methodically through the sand, finishing the final curve of his creation.

“You, Lord Sesshoumaru are seeking escape. What you do now is a means to that end. Right now, you are feeling at a loss and this is understandable. I may be old and yes, frail, as you are quick to point out, but I am far wiser than your years Sesshoumaru-sama. Take the opportunity providence has presented to speak with me of your imagined loss.”

There was no sharpness, no anger, no mocking in his tone. The gentleness of force with which the Priest spoke caught the Taiyoukai off guard. So much so, that he placed the rake against the opposing bench, and looked into the eyes of the elder male for deception, found none.

Getting up slowly, the Guji approached the bucket of water with its happily floating orange ball.

Dipping one arthritic finger into the sun warmed water, the Priest sighed; futilely attempting to sink the ball, as it rolled away from beneath his finger repeatedly. The elder male chuckled, looking up at Sesshoumaru's perplexed expression.

“I observed you today Taiyoukai, while you practiced jujutsu, in an effort to regain the harmony in your Ki. The essence of this martial art is gentleness, and fluidity. The errors in your poses came from your inability to yield. Unless one can yield, Lord Sesshoumaru, you will never truly master yourself regardless of what others may perceive of you. Life will always present you with change, and if you remain inflexible you will never conquer,” said the Guji as he smiled at the little ball indulgently.

While the elder Higurashi spoke, the Western Lord approached tentatively, keeping his expression haughty and indifferent, though he was curious as to the point the Shinto priest was attempting to make however circuitously.

“Observe, my Lord, how the ball at first seems to yield to the pressure of my finger; then rolls from beneath it, to go on its way, untrammeled by my pointless attempts at control.”

“Your point priest, this Sesshoumaru trusts you have one?” intoned the Taiyoukai dismissively. He folded his arms with a decided air of annoyance, though mesmerized by the gnarled finger and the orange ball.

“To be passive, is not weakness, Sesshoumaru-sama. Sometimes one must allow change to flow over and through oneself without resistance. Then, and only then, like the ball, can one be unsinkable.”

The clatter of feminine feet, and heavy breathing, ascending the wooden stairs beyond, announced the Miko's return to the Taiyoukai's ears.

Inclining his head in deference to the Priest, the Taiyoukai swiftly turned, hair whirling behind, as he headed for the stairs to meet the Miko.

“He remains stubborn,” chuckled the priest. He watched the speed with which the Taiyoukai took the corner in search of his Mate, “and despite himself, very much in love.”

“I know, but this will prove a strength,” said Mrs. Higurashi, who had quietly observed the lesson in humility, unseen, and unscented by the Taiyoukai.

sks

Too caught up in lugging her parcels, the Miko failed to note the rapidly descending figure on naked feet coming to meet her until she found herself hoisted into warm secure arms.

“Hi ,” Kagome said breathlessly, just a little flushed and happy for the assistance. For whatever reason, her chief form of exercise when home was proving a detriment on this day. Surely being pregnant for just one night much less a day could not have weakened her, she thought.

“You are to rest, Miko,” said the Taiyoukai in a commanding tone. He slung her pack over the arm that held her legs aloft, while she hugged his neck, resting her head against his bare chest.

The Miko smiled up at him through sooty lashes, “Yes, my Lord. Maybe just a nap before helping Gramps,” she said yawning tiredly and groaning in contentment. “I got all kinds of stuff for Kaede, and everyone else, even you.” she smiled softly, hoping he would like the surprise.

Reaching the final step, the two found themselves the object of attention, from the remaining two Higurashi adults. Souta merely looked up from his hand held video game indifferently swinging idly on the bench, bored to tears.

“Put me down, Sesshoumaru. I'm…I'm alright,” said the Miko, made somewhat uncomfortable by the intentionally blank expressions on both her Jii-Jii's face, and that of her mother's. The Priestess was not deluded for one minute. “Trust me, Sesshoumaru, those two are up to something. Don't be fooled by their placid exterior. I remember sneaking home late one night…oh, never mind,” said the Miko as she felt her mate's jyaki spike in annoyance.

`This late evening incident probably involved this Ayumi female, or worse that Houjo imbecile his bitch was so fond of. Fortunately, there would be no more of that, or any other male sniffing about his Mate,' thought the Taiyoukai.

“You will tell me of your delinquency another time. Follow me, if you insist on walking, to your chambers. This Sesshoumaru commands you to rest,” he said, raising his elegant chin and striding forward, leaving his Mate to fume. She tapped her foot, before throwing up her hands up in resignation and following her Taiyoukai dutifully.

Unbeknownst to the Miko, but evident to the Priest, the Taiyoukai lips twitched in an infinitesimal smirk, that could have been easily missed due to its fleeting appearance. `She is adapting well to submission to this Sesshoumaru's will,' the Western Lord thought. He absently flicked a claw over his mark, that was suddenly unaccountably itchy.

Approaching the first step the Taiyoukai glared at the Priest, exposing his fangs briefly in warning, should he stop his progress.

The priest stood there in the middle, refusing to budge, glaring at the dog demon, willing a confrontation.

“Do you require the Miko's presence to finish the bow or is it acceptable for this Sesshoumaru to stand in her place? She is in need of rest,” he said matter-of-factly, his eyes mere amber slits daring the Priest to counter him with an argument.

It was entirely to the Taiyoukai's surprise when he received a punch to his bicep and a gap-toothed grimace. Either the priest had succumbed finally to insanity, or the nightmarish contortion was meant to be a smile, thought the Taiyoukai. He turned his head in a bewildered fashion, sun-kissed eyes looking intently at the elderly male, his insanity supposition having been finally confirmed.

“Took you long enough. It is your strength of will I need to complete the bow. It was for you, to come to me, Sesshoumaru-sama. The rest will come shortly. Kagome has never been the missing link to its power or its completion,” whispered the priest, winking at the Taiyoukai before shambling out of his way and beaming at his granddaughter in the same grotesque manner.

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, holding out her hand, “I'll take that Sesshoumaru-sama. Perhaps you would like to freshen up before joining Jii-Chan?” she said with her usual, peaceable tone. There was nothing passive about her, as the demon Lord had come to know quite well. The Taiyoukai, a past master of tactics knew perfectly well he was being maneuvered, and just this once, he made the decision to imitate the orange sphere. This was their world not his, and force, as a simple lesson in dynamics had taught him, had its place. This was not it. There was something FINALLY greater than his own force of will.

Releasing the pack to Higurashi Aiko's firm yet gentle grasp, the Taiyoukai heard the Miko finally take the three stairs, beaming at all concerned expectantly.

“So, what are you all conspiring about exactly?” she said, smiling through her fatigue.

“Nothing, sweetheart. There is time for Lord Sesshoumaru to wash up, and you to get a quick nap, before lunch. Isn't it lovely Kagome, the Western Lord has been kind enough to assist your grandfather with finishing the bow,” said Mrs. Higurashi, jovially.

“Oooookaaaaaaaaaaaaay?” Kagome looked back questioningly at the Taiyoukai for assistance. Gently, placing her free arm around her daughter, Aiko-sama pretty much propelled her daughter through the door, forestalling the arguing that would undoubtedly have ensued, if she left her there. They had so little time left.

Sesshoumaru looked to Souta briefly, who once more had lost interest in the adults about him, selecting instead to busy himself on the porch swing with his Gameboy, and listening intently.

“Explain yourself, Priest!” hissed the Western Lord, once the Miko was no longer within earshot, his previous frosty demeanor returning.

The Priest looked at the Taiyoukai as though he was several bricks shy of a load. Taking an exaggerated breath, he folded his arms within his billowing haori sleeves.

“You don't accept change particularly well, do you? This is something you could learn from Inuyasha. Though an irritable rude pup, he readily adjusts to change… like your father,” said the elder priest pointedly, raising a thin grey brow.

On hearing his hero's name, Souta's smiled, “Inuyasha rules!” he said then returned to biting his bottom lip, determined to score those extra points before lunch.

Souta's statement caused an involuntary, muffled growl to escape the inuyoukai. The small male recoiled at the Taiyoukai's disapproval. Perhaps it would be more conducive to be indoors...just in case, thought Souta as he headed for the front door.

A flash of cobalt blue light came from the well-house, catching the Taiyoukai and the priest's attention simultaneously.

“Inuyasha,” growled the Taiyoukai, coiling and uncoiling his fingers, ready for the confrontation that was sure to follow. If there was one being he did not need to see at this moment, it would be the uncouth hanyou who had his own cheering section here in Kagome's time. Yes, in that moment, the Western Lord, who had always prided himself on not giving in to the most deadly of emotions, jealousy, did.

The doors of the well-house were almost torn off their hinges, revealing the red clad hanyou. He looked less than pleased as his eyes traveled the length of his elder sibling in shock and mild amusement.

“Sesshoumaru, what the fuck is taking so long? All hell is breaking loose and you're standing around in tights, like some CK model!?! I knew I was right about you! Does Kagome know what she is saddled with?!!” said the half-breed, as he stalked towards the porch.

“Inuyasha!” squealed Souta, bombing past the pissed beyond measure Taiyoukai. Completely forgetting his fear of the inuyoukai Lord moments before, he ran into the hanyou's waiting arms.

The half-demon, Sesshoumaru noticed, tried to look put upon, but he could tell by the softening of Inuyasha's features and the moderate twitch of his lips, he was pleased to see the Higurashi pup.

“So squirt, where's your sister?” said the Hanyou, smiling despite himself. He swung Souta up and over his neck, holding the small boy's legs for balance on either side of his broad shoulders.

“Right here, where else Inubrata! I think they can hear you in China, for all the screaming you are doing,” she said, with amusement in her eyes as she swung open the doors, and moved towards her Mate, intentionally placing one arm about the Taiyoukai's waist possessively.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes and looked up at Souta, “How much of THAT, has been going on?” he said leaning his head back in the young Higurashi's direction.

“A lot. They are never out of each other's sight really,” whispered Souta in a confidential tone in one silky ear.

“Sooooooooouuuutaaaaa!” said Kagome, warningly.

“So what are you doing here? We were planning on coming back tomorrow morning.

Why are you so impatient, Inuyasha?” said the Priestess, in consternation. This was all she needed, an afternoon of playing referee between the brothers Taishou.

The Taiyoukai, who had been particularly quiet during the entire exchange, turned then and looked at the Miko, who was smiling up at his disgruntled expression. Sesshoumaru's pupils dilated then, recognizing by the Miko's smug expressive eyes, she had been privy to his every thought in those few moments they stood together. The urge to block her intrusion into his internal musings faded just as quickly as it came. She was his Mate.

“Feh, as if you care. You're too busy being all moon eyed about pretty boy there. You deserve each other. Then again, you might actually give him a personality - finally,” said the Hanyou. He snorted and stepped past them into the house. Souta just managing to duck under the sill, chattering happily about some sporting event the hanyou had missed in recent weeks.

The door closed then, but not before the Western Lord heard a low hiss from Buyo, whose arch-enemy had returned.

Kagome looked up at her Lord and then winked at her Grandfather, who snickered. He then ambled into the house, to join the fray, leaving the Miko and the Taiyoukai to say their peace, before joining the rest of the family.

“This Sesshoumaru needs to sit, and enjoy the silence while he can, Miko. His presence indicates disruption in the Western Lands,” intoned the Taiyoukai as he sat, looking infinitely older than his years; well, in human terms anyway.

Sitting beside him companionably, Kagome began to whistle. She stopped mid note, receiving a glower for her efforts.

“The operative word Miko was silence,” drawled the Taiyoukai in his usual, bored baritone He looked down at an ant carrying a rather juicy bit of leaf more than four times his size, entirely unaware that he was being stalked from behind, by several rivals attempting to get their share of his well-earned morsel.

“He is doomed,” said the Taiyoukai flatly, pointing one clawed finger at the subject of his study.

Kagome smiled, “No he isn't, watch,” said the Miko. She picked up a stick and placed it directly in the path of the hard working ant's gravalicious foes, who like all who followed mindlessly, took the detour offered by this hand of fate. Turning the stick around in the opposite direction, the little gang of felons trooped off in search of some other easy pickings.

“Your point, Miko?” said the Taiyoukai, not wanting to spoil her metaphor.

“You never know, my Lord, what fate might present in your darkest hour. Every circumstance, regardless of how bleak, has inherent possibilities for good and eventual salvation. It simply requires a little faith,” the Miko said softly, standing. Holding out her hand, the door abruptly swung open and the red clad hanyou stood glaring at the love birds.

The Taiyoukai chose not to take the hand proffered by his Mate. Instead, he chose to pull her to him, despite an audience glaring at them through the mesh of the door.

“Point taken, Miko.”

Smiling, the Miko toyed with the Taiyoukai's bottom lip. “Think nothing of it my beloved Taiyoukai. Let's join your brother before he erupts. He hasn't had his daily ration of ramen yet.”

“Hnnnn,” intoned, the Western Lord.

“Oi! You two done!? We have crap to discuss; your kid for one, Lord Pantyhose. Get in here! Both of you!” said the irascible Hanyou, opening the mesh of the door.

Sesshoumaru merely glanced at his brother impassively. He allowed the Miko to proceed before pulling the irritating Hanyou by his kosode through said door, swiftly closing it, almost on Kagome's heels. Having firmly planted his shocking, bug eyed younger sibling against the wall with malevolent intent, the Taiyoukai looked at the Miko on the other side of the mesh and bowed.

“Go Miko. We will join you shortly. Inuyasha and this Sesshoumaru have matters of state to discuss.”

The Priestess inclined her head doubtfully, not entirely sure if she should intervene under the circumstances. Inuyasha had been pushing Sesshoumaru's buttons from the time he arrived. It was not for Inuyasha to recognize that the Western Lord's usual hair-trigger temper had finally found a suitable outlet as he coiled one sharply clawed hand around the Hanyou's throat and stared down at him with a decidedly malicious gleam in his now cold piercing citrine eyes.

A low, croaking sound came from the nearly strangled throat of her best friend.

“Yeah, go Kagome. I want to talk to Lord Panty… `sputter'..hose.”

Sesshoumaru's tightened grip deprived Inuyasha of the use of his larynx, in order to discourage any further colorful epithets pertaining to the Western Lord's youkai.

Kagome looked at the Sesshoumaru, who was so single minded in his current task of squeezing the crap out of his little brother, that her final quiet closer of the door in resignation did not even register.

Just as abruptly, he released the Hanyou and moved to the top of the steps, folding his arms across his chest, looking towards the well.

“Why are you here, Inuyasha?” said the Lord in his usual, bored deep register.

Inuyasha pulled himself from the wall and shook his head, refusing to admit, for that instant he was unable to speak. Clearing his throat, he came to stand beside the Western Lord and adopted a similar pose, his horizon more attuned to the reliquary. The Hanyou's attention caught by the elderly Higurashi male who was attempting to open the doors slowly.

“Do not make this Sesshoumaru repeat himself,” hissed the Inuyoukai, in an icy tone.

The Hanyou turned and looked directly at his brother with open irritation. “I am not one of your fucking minions who jumps at your beck and call. I am doing you a goddamn favor coming her to tell you a few things. So back off already, Lord Asshole!” said the Hanyou, as he selected to sit in what Sesshoumaru distractedly noted as `his' spot.

Looking down at his younger brother, a minor twinge of something akin to guilt ate at him. He noted how tired the hanyou looked and he could scent intense discomfort coming off him in waves, and something else he could not yet describe.

Inuyasha motioned his head towards the Priest, “What the hell is he doing in the tomb they call a reliquary?”

Sesshoumaru finally deigned to look in the same direction. The Guji was descending the stairs very carefully that lead to bowels of the reliquary.

“He is undoubtedly on his way to prepare the Miko's killing arrow for the fetid hanyou, Naraku. This Sesshoumaru will join him shortly. So, at the risk throttling you, should you select once more not to answer, why are you here, you irritating whelp?” intoned the L. He peered into shocked, warm amber eyes, reminiscent of their father. Sesshoumaru looked away hurriedly, suddenly discomforted by the familiarity within the sun-kissed depths guilelessly looking up at him.

Inuyasha, flexed his claws, fidgeted and ground his teeth, exposing his fangs briefly, at his elder's tone. Adjusting Tessaiga so it lay partially behind him flat to the surface of the wooden flooring, Inuyasha took a deep breath.

“Sesshoumaru, can we just talk without the insults?” said the Hanyou in a quiet voice. Quiet enough to cause the Inuyoukai Lord to quirk a brow and select to ease himself down into a crouched position beside the half-breed.

“Speak,” said Sesshoumaru, pretending to look over his head at the open doors of the reliquary whose sole occupant was coming up the stairs haltingly, before heading to the teahouse with a purposeful gate.

The half-demon got up suddenly and leapt off the porch. He walked back and forth, gathering his thoughts, sporadically slowing mid stride and looking up at Sesshoumaru furtively. Making a final decision, Inuyasha stopped in front of his elder brother, folded his arms and stared up at him stonily with a flicker of trepidation.

Clearly, something was bothering the half-breed. If it concerned the shiro and his lands, he was going to allow him the grace to answer in his own time…within reason, thought the lord of the western lands.

“Sesshoumaru, I don't…I don't know if you know this, but with the new moon, I …I change and become human temporarily.” He noted Sesshoumaru's expression remained implacable, not even a deprecating comment about his weakened state. The youngest Taishou decided to continue. “Well, it didn't happen this time and it has been a month of two moons. I didn't think much of it at first, but I think that night in your chambers had something to do with it.”

“Continue, Hanyou,” said the Taiyoukai, now watching with interest as the Guji entered the teahouse, having observed the ritual cleansing. What was the elderly nuisance up to, thought the Taiyoukai.

The constant reminder that he was not of pure blood was becoming disconcerting to Inuyasha, but still he continued, his eyes following the path of the distracted Inuyoukai Lord. It annoyed Inuyasha that the movements of the old codger seemed to hold more interest than what he was saying to Sesshoumaru.

Picking up on the change in the hanyou's mood through his scent, Sesshoumaru exhaled tiredly, “Inuyasha, this Sesshoumaru is capable of processing more than one sentient thought at a time and yes, I am aware of this anomaly, peculiar to you. Continue, time is of the essence. My Mate still hovers listening at the door, sporadically and though her trepidation has eased, she could interrupt with the best of intentions at any moment. Speak!” said the Taiyoukai who now sat pointedly looking at the door of the teahouse, awaiting the return of the elder ningen with annoyance. If the Priest touched the Goshinboku Scroll, he might just have to forego his unheralded forbearance and finish his existence.

A soft growl of annoyance came from the hanyou's throat, “Your ward seems to have caught the attention of Naraku, and he has been using her in the last little while with the help of Kan'na to keep an eye on the shiro.”

Sesshoumaru's swift movement off the porch hadn't been anticipated by Inuyasha, who backed away reflexively from the being of towering rage now before him. The Western Lord peered down at the half-breed with malevolent intent. “Explain!” hissed the Lord, his breath causing the hanyou's bangs to flutter.

The formerly closed door swung open abruptly revealing two females standing in its frame, while just beyond the Taiyoukai's peripheral vision, the ample rear of the Guji appeared backing out of the teahouse.

Kagome stood with her hands akimbo glowering at both Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha, and of course, not to be outdone, Mrs. Higurashi also stood. She was dressed in traditional miko garb, with an unusual bow that the Western Lord would soon learn was called a Re-curve bow.

“What happened to Rin exactly, Inuyasha?” said the Miko quietly. She adjusted her now gloved fingers, stepping down gingerly from the porch closely followed by Buyo and Aiko-sama.

Temporarily caught off guard by her sudden appearance and a subtle shift in the Miko's scent, a strikingly familiar one, Inuyasha's shocked eyes took in the Miko's form.

“Kagome, you're pregnant with…with…Satori,” whispered the Hanyou in sudden realization, the events of the night before slowly making sense.

The Western Lord whirled to face his Mate. His face equally shocked at the mention of their pup.

Returning his gaze to the hanyou, Sesshoumaru's eyes grew hooded, his next question barely audible.

“How is it you know our pup's name, and what of my ward?” he said in a deadly, quiet tone.

Inuyasha still stood stunned gazing at Kagome's mid-section, the sound of vaguely shambling feet moving towards them brought the younger Taishou out of his musings once more.

“I discovered the body of Commander Daichi in the moat. It's kind of obvious, that he was keeping a low profile checking on something pertaining to Naraku and it backfired. Sesshoumaru, I did try to reach you both before you entered the well, but was too late. Then I met Myoga, who was looking for you to tell you of his suspicions. I went back immediately, and by the time I reached there, Shippou had informed Miroku of his own misgivings, that something was seriously wrong with Rin. It was then that Miroku and Kaede decided to create a barrier in order to prevent Kan'na from scrying through Rin. That is when the shit hit the fan, `cause while I and the toad stood guard outside her chambers, this peculiar ball of light seemed to have passed through me…” Inuyasha paused then and began to pace once more.

The Taiyoukai leapt in front of the hanyou then, “What light?” hissed the demon Lord.

“Fuck off, Sesshoumaru. I am trying to explain, so it makes sense. It still doesn't make sense to me. The light sorta went through me, and…and I heard a voice, not out loud and shit, inside like, and it called me `Uncle'. The next thing I knew, the shoji was open, Jaken fainted, useless shit, and the light entered the room. The really weird part was, I can't remember much after that. It was like I became paralyzed but Shippou came in and began speaking to the lighted orb, calm as can be. He wasn't afraid at all. Miroku took Rin into his arms and tried to make an escape...but didn't and then next thing I remembered it was morning.”

Kagome, who was mesmerized by the telling, waited patiently, her miko powers barely under control. Something about his story felt familiar - as though she had been there herself.

“Is Rin alright?” intoned the Taiyoukai, who now was ready to abandon his previous task and head home. All hell had broken loose. His Commander-in-Chief dead, his ward at risk, and now he wondered what had he truly accomplished coming through the Bone-Eater's Well, aside from endless frustrations and the discomforting feeling that he was not privy to all going on within the Higurashi Shrine. The Taiyoukai had been so busy musing on his frustrations he jumped when Inuyasha once again began to speak.

“That is the thing that got me, we all `woke up' in her chambers. She was sitting in the middle of her palette quietly babbling to herself about her baby sister visiting her, and how she needed to make room for Satori in her chambers so she could take care of her. Miroku tried to question her about the being that had been there, and she kept trying to assure him she was alright. It took awhile, then I left them all having breakfast, as though nothing had happened. Aside from myself, and Miroku, no one else knows about Daichi. I figured it was best, until you knew. We need to decide what to do. If Naraku has a helper, as Myoga suggests, it was best we didn't tip off anyone, not even the guards. That, Sesshoumaru, is why I am here,” said the Hanyou finally, folding his arms once more into his sleeves, awaiting the Taiyoukai's verdict.

The Miko came to stand beside both Taishou males, closely followed by Buyo who looked up at all concerned, with a bland expression, then coiled around Sesshoumaru's feet. This, of course, did not sit well with the Taiyoukai. He leveled an icy stare at the pudgy feline, who remained unperturbed by the frigid glare he was receiving and meowed peaceably up at the Taiyoukai.

“Sesshoumaru?” said the Miko, pursing her lips in thought.

“You woke up. I remember, Miko, your being was distraught and yet exhilarated. She returned then,” said the Taiyoukai softly as he turned to his Mate.

“Okay, what the fuck are you two talking about?” said the Hanyou in frustration. The two of them were giving each other meaningful looks again, and not sharing, as per usual and what is with the amulet Lord Teflon was wearing?

Mrs. Higurashi cleared her throat gently, coming to stand on the opposite side of the Taiyoukai.

“I believe Satori passed through the well, sensing her sister of spirit's distress and aided her in the form of a shield against future invasive tactics by any of Naraku's minions, Sesshoumaru-sama. The Hanyou knows something profound has changed within your domain, something that will alter his well laid plans. He too, is a past master of tactics Lord Sesshoumaru, and your presence here unnerves him. Inuyasha's disappearance in the well has undoubtedly been observed, but here, you have more than one ally.”

Turning to Inuyasha, who still looked perplexed and agitated, Mrs. Higurashi smiled patiently and asked, “Were you observed coming through the Bone Eater's Well, Inuyasha? Please think carefully before answering,” intoned Aiko of the Bow.

There was silence as the half-breed mused.

“No, well…I sensed Kikyou, I think…and…no, wait. I'm not sure, but on my way back to the well, I stopped several times `cause I felt watched. Didn't amount to anything, though. Why?” said the Hanyou, watching Kagome's mother intently. Her manner, usually calm and pleasant, had an element of steely cunning and the benign smile held nothing of the kind within her eyes.

“Kagura, was probably following you, keeping her distance for more than one reason. It would not be to her benefit to prevent you from getting to the well and delivering your message. She plays both sides, as you know Lord Sesshoumaru,” said Aiko-sama, looking from the Hanyou to the demon Lord who had turned to her with one delicately raised brow. The firm line of his lips betrayed his true feelings. Kagome was becoming agitated. The Taiyoukai pulled her to him then, placing one protective arm about his Mate's mid section - willing her silence and the calming of her aura.

“Meaning no disrespect Aiko-sama, how would you know this? What is it, you are not telling this Sesshoumaru?” intoned the livid Taiyoukai. Kagura had, on more than one occasion, followed his patrols. He had known this, even recounting the bathing incident with one of her minions which he had dispatched unceremoniously, sending the Miko into one of her rages.

It was in that moment that Buyo did the unexpected, and leapt into the arms of the ancient one who had approached unnoticed by all concerned.

“She hides nothing Sesshoumaru-sama,” said the Guji, holding the folded scroll and the rotund feline. “I think it time, we go to the reliquary. Your lands are safe and Inuyasha needs to return before nightfall so additional suspicions won't be raised. Your trip here has not been a waste. My great-granddaughter has been conceived. Inuyasha will no longer undergo his monthly change and your blades will now work as one towards a common goal, as was your father's original intent,” said the Guji. His usually cloudy brown eyes were clear and piercing with the hardness of dark obsidian belying the usual deep brown reminiscent of the Miko's.

“What the fuck!?” bellowed Inuyasha, just as Souta opened the door, the only one, who had actually had luncheon this day. Inuyasha blushed aware that Souta had heard his outburst.

“What's up?” said Souta tentatively, having felt the tension in the air, as all the adults looked to him suddenly. Maybe, this was not the best time to ask if he could visit with Hitomi. Something weird was going on and he suspected he would not be allowed to bring her to the shrine today.

Kagome smiled at Souta softly, “Nothing, sweetheart. I heard the phone ring, who was it?” said the Miko, conversationally.

“Nothin.' Hitomi has a new video game and I was wondering if I could go over and play for a little while. Her dad will bring me back for by dinner,” he said without much enthusiasm, having deduced he would miss something vitally important, should he be allowed to go.

Mrs. Higurashi bowed in ascent, “Hitomi's mother loves roses, and as ours are in bloom unusually early. Select the peach colored Souta, take seven with you. Present one to Hitomi and the rest to her mother with my deepest respects. They are good luck,” said his mother, softly.

Souta blushed, “Awww Mom,” sighed Souta, going back through the house to the back garden, his steps wooden as he trudged in annoyance. `Everyone knew he really `liked' Hitomi. It was soooooo embarrassing.'

Inuyasha snorted, the young Higurashi's unintended interruption lightening the corrosive mood. The Hanyou remembered his initial advice to Souta on his budding romance.

Kagome chuckled, shaking her head softly before returned her attention to her mother.

“Mom, Sesshoumaru is right. What aren't you telling us? First, you whisk me out of the way, so Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru can have a private moment. THIS I understand, then Gramps leaves through the back the minute we enter the house. You disappear to change and then inform me I need to practice with the new bow and only Souta gets to eat. Now I find out Kagura isn't the enemy we think she is and that she might have been trailing Sesshoumaru all along? Excuse me, but what in the name of the Kami is going on? Everyone seems to know I am pregnant; something Sesshoumaru and I only truly acknowledged a short while ago. Even Kaede knew I would be on our return. Please explain,” said the Miko in frustration, barely controlling her mounting temper.

Sesshoumaru's arm held her so tightly her shoulder ached, but equally she was comforted by his barely audible purr designed to quell her mounting frustration. Even now, he was attempting to control her emotional outburst that had been long overdue.

“May I, Lord Sesshoumaru?” said Aiko of the Bow. She gently placed the bow over her shoulder, and opened her arms to her daughter, who flung herself within them, her eyes filled with unshed tears. Kagome's current state deeply affected her Mate, though he chose to quell his own discomfort. `No one will cause my Mate distress. Not even her mother.'

“Kagome, I know this is hard. Your life has been altered, and you have had no time to prepare, but this is important. We are not keeping secrets from you because we want to,” said the ancient Miko. “Some aspects have yet to be revealed, but there are reasons, which will affect the outcome. Even on this side of the well, all is not safe. The line of time is not straight, and others could have followed you through. We must be careful. It is not co-incidence that Inuyasha is here. He is the first aspect of the jewel; bravery and loyalty, you must now assign the other three. Your Mate is an intrinsic part of the process, as is your best friend. All this has been foretold, and though you have misgivings, and feel in some way that we have tricked you both, it is for a reason. We must win my, precious daughter. The entire universe as we know it is dependent on the three of you and no mistakes can be made, regardless of how we feel emotionally.” said Aiko of the Bow, softly.

The Priest, who looked tired, spoke then.

“The Inu-No-Taishou and my beloved son, have met. It began when he was seven, and continued through his life. At first, I thought my child was dreaming, but as he grew, the tall tales he told of the nightly visits became clear, and I witnessed one such after Kagome's birth. A tall being, reminiscent of both of you Taishou boys, made himself known to me. With our second meeting, he presented me with saplings of maple, at first, I did not understand the gift, but they are representations of both of you. It was my task, and that of my son, to foster them. Albeit, I never did the best of jobs after his passing, but I have kept them alive with my best efforts, Sesshoumaru-sama has altered them now, as was his eventual destiny to do so. They will find their own fruition. It has been my task to await his appearance on this side of the well. My nightly prayers to the Tree of Ages, which this family, I know, thought useless, have served their purpose. With each prayer, I re-inforced the connections between our worlds, allowing the Taiyoukai to traverse time, which was essential to the conception of Taishou Satori, my great grand-daughter. Inuyasha, being part human, would be the first to benefit having the strength of the duality of his bloodline. Sesshoumaru-sama, Aiko-sama came to the Sengoku Jidai to guard your ward and Shippou on the fateful night. The tree of ages is just that, the link to the portal. Unbeknownst to all here, but myself, and Aiko-sama, the Inu-no-Taishou, kept watch so it would never be destroyed for this very day,” intoned the elderly male, as he bent with great effort, and allowed the feline to leap to the ground before righting himself with great difficulty.

“Why protect them? Why love them?” muttered the Taiyoukai under his breath, staring off to the distant horizon, feeling the fool suddenly. His father, on myriad occasions, had tried to foster empathy, understanding and compassion for the ningen. Now he understood, regretting his words of anger to Inuyasha and that of his father in their final meeting. `This had all been planned eons before. How alone had my sire felt without his eldest son's understanding?' wondered the Taiyoukai, looking down at the scroll held reverently by the Guji.

Kagome felt used suddenly, as though she were a pawn. “Mom, are you telling me, that we are being used for a game much older than ourselves? Are our feelings of no significance? Have we no choice?” said the Miko, as she righted herself, and moved out of her mother's arms and stood beside her Mate.

“No Kagome, far from it. This meeting, this mating was to be and would have been regardless. It has been fortuitous that we have been given this opportunity, to witness it. I do not envy you the following weeks. All that you have learned in this world and in theirs will come into play. Even now as we speak Sango returns, having garnered useful information, as has the wolf demon Prince Kouga. You are all together on this journey that has taken close to five hundred years. Generations upon generations have been waiting in the stillness, for the moments to follow. Trust me, when I tell you, all will be revealed. Nothing is without significance, not even Buyo, who you found wondering the streets below as a kitten,” said Mrs. Higurashi.

“Mom?” whispered Kagome.

Inuyasha merely stood and watched the unfolding. Wanting desperately to ask questions, but realizing, this was not the time.

“Buyo is a descendent of Kirara, Kagome,” said Aiko-sama, “And it was his task to keep watch over you and the well as a child. Do you remember finding him?”

The priestess looked at her mother quizzically, then, attempted to remember with the best accuracy possible their first meeting.

“I was going to Ayumi's house, and there was this skinny little kitten on the stairs. I ran with him into the house, but you weren't there,” said the Miko, in thought.

“And?” said Aiko-sama, a soft smile returning to her lips as she observed the light in her daughter's eyes, replacing the tears.

“Well, we had a quake; nothing big, of course. This part of Japan gets them fairly often,” said the Miko, distractedly.

“When did it occur?” said her mother, willing her to take the next mental step.

“You were in the back garden and I had to pass the well-house. It struck then, the doors of the well-house flew open and a gust of air knocked me to the ground and Buyo jumped out of my arms. He was so afraid, that his claws dug into my skin and I had to let him go and he ran into the well-house. I knew what was happening and was worried, and went in after him to save him in case anything fell on him, but before I could get up, he returned, as though nothing had happened,” said the Miko.

“Naraku had tried to traverse time, even then, but failed, because of Buyo's timely intervention,” remarked the ancient Miko.

“WHAT?! Are you saying that Naraku tried to come through the portal!?” said Inuyasha, unsheathing, Tessaiga instinctively.

“Yes, Inuyasha-sama, he did. He would, of course have, failed as he has tried on more than once occasion. His constant need to acquire demonic power has much to do with this world. He seeks strength not only for dominion of his own world but for this,” said Aiko-sama.

“That fucker! I want him to try it, now. I'll kill him!” shouted the half-breed as he cracked his knuckles looking suspiciously at the well-house.

“He will always fail. Onigumo is his link to humanity; his only link, but a defective one. We, the Higurashi are the keepers of the gate. Evil will not traverse,” intoned the Guji, his tone more potent with latent power than anything the Taiyoukai could summon on his best day.

The Miko looked to her Grandfather with renewed respect. His aura was a brilliant white and familiar, reminding her of her father's presence within the light that night in the Taiyoukai's chambers. They had more protection she suddenly realized than Naraku could ever imagine. He was done for.

Pulling herself from her Taiyoukai's embrace, she rubbed her tired eyes, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

“What next?” she said flatly. There would be time for sleep and food later, the urgency of their situation hitting her fully.

Her Grandfather's disconcerting gap toothed smile was the answer.

“Come with me, children of the light. We have the final touches of an arrow to create,” he said as he turned and moved towards the reliquary.

Aiko, stepped in front of the Miko then, causing the Taiyoukai to turn and give her for the second time, a menacing glance, to be met with the usual knowing passive smile.

“The only presences required are that of Inuyasha and yourself noble Taiyoukai. Kagome and I need to practice with her new bow.”

Author's Note

Each life is a piece within the greater intricate mosaic whose beauty and value can only be perceived within the whole. Lesson six, learned.

Ja Ne

EP