InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Bear Witness ❯ A Sword Sharper than the Tongue ( Chapter 25 )

Disclaimer: If I have to do a new disclaimer every week (except this one), why would you think I own it?

Chapter Twenty-Five: A Sword Sharper than the Tongue

*Nov. 27, 6:04 PM*

"Kagome-chan?"

Kagome paused, then glanced at the p. a. system near her bed. 'Kagome-chan? Since when did the twins call me that?'

"Yes?"

"This is Ah. Could you meet Un and I near the kitchen. There is something we need to discuss."

Kagome sighed. 'I wonder what it is this time,' Kagome thought as she transported herself to them. She appeared beside the kitchen door, with Ah and Un on either side. "What's going on fell-"

"Shhh…" they prompted, pressing their fingers to their lips. They pointed to the kitchen, then to their ears. "Listen."

Kagome did so, peering inside to see what was so interesting. Sesshoumaru sat at the breakfast bar, sipping a cup of tea and arguing with Inuyasha over the speakerphone.

"I said I don't want a party this year," Sesshoumaru grumbled.

"And why not?"

Sesshoumaru glared at the phone. "I don't want one if you're planning it."

A pause, then "Are you still mad about the stripper?"

Sesshoumaru tensed as Kagome turned to Ah and Un. "What's he talking about?" Kagome whispered.

Ah sighed in long suffering. "Hitame-san planned Takamada-sama's party two years ago. He hired a stripper."

"What's so bad about that?"

"It was a male stripper," Un told her. "As a matter of fact, I remember there being five of them."

"And a lot of important clientele were at the party too. So you understand Takamada-sama's trepidation."

Kagome nodded, her eyes widened slightly. "Yeah. I think I can. Poor guy."

"That's what we called you down here for," Ah said as Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha continued to argue. "We want Takamada-sama to have a party this year, but he won't as long as he believes that Hitame-san will somehow mess things up."

"And how do I add up in all of this?" Kagome asked. Ah and Un grinned at her. "You're going to convince him to have one."

"And how am I supposed to do that? And what makes you two think I can?!"

"Shh…." they hissed. Kagome blushed, remembering that they weren't supposed to be so loud as Ah and Un glanced into the kitchen. "We want you to tell him that you'll help us arrange everything."

"But I don't know how to plan a party," Kagome replied. "I'd make a mess of things!"

"You're not really going to help," Un assured her. Ah nodded. "We just want you to put Takamada-sama's mind at ease."

Kagome sighed at the hopeful looks on their faces. "You're not going to leave me alone until I do, right?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

Kagome shook her head. "Alright, I'll try. You guys stay here."

Kagome walked into the kitchen just as Sesshoumaru turned around. "I said no Inuyash-Kagome," he pulled her closer to him. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Sesshoumaru," Kagome answered with a blush.

"Hey Kagome!" Inuyasha called from his end of the line. "How are you?"

"I'm good. What's going on?"

"I'm trying to convince Fluffy-sama there to have a birthday party this year. Think you can help me out."

"I sure can." She winked at Sesshoumaru, who quirked his brow curiously. "But you're not planning it."

"What?!! Why not?"

"Because Ah, Un and I are throwing it this year. There won't be any of your stunts. Shame on you, by the way! What kind of guy gets his brother male strippers for his birthday party?"

Inuyasha burst into hoots of laughter, gasping for air as Kagome scowled at the phone. "Don't make me come down there," Kagome threatened. Inuyasha only laughed harder.

"Come down here. It'll take you at least three hours to get here."

"No," Kagome said, waving her hand and drawing a pink circle in mid air. "I don't think so. Inuyasha come!" Inuyasha stood in the kitchen seconds later, blinking owlishly as Kagome grabbed him by his collar and jerked him down to her level.

"You listen here Inuyasha," Kagome growled; a rather intimidating one for a human. "I'm going to be in charge of this party this year. You can come but if I see anyone, and I mean anyone, in rip away leather pants, you're ass is grass. Got it?"

"Got it."

"Good." He was gone seconds later, leaving Kagome with a satisfied smirk on her face. Sesshoumaru chuckled softly, embracing her from behind as he pressed his lips to her temple. "That was rather impressive," he whispered, smirking when Kagome blushed at his closeness. "I didn't know you could do that."

"It's a new technique," Kagome answered back. Her fingers traced his timidly, watching as they tapped against her waist. "I've been working on it for a while."

"I'm sure Inuyasha's impressed. You must show me how to do it." Kagome's blush deepened. "Sure Sesshoumaru. Anytime."

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru turned her to face him, his finger hooked under her chin. He brought her gaze to his, staring into cloudy, starlight eyes as he kissed the bridge of her nose. "Have you thought any of what I said?"

Kagome nodded quietly. "I have."

"And?"

"And I don't know what to say."

Sesshoumaru looked away, allowing his disappointment to show on his face. "I…see."

"It's not the way you're thinking!" Kagome replied quickly, tugging his face back to hers. "It's just that…I don't know what to think." She sighed at Sesshoumaru's confusion. "I know I feel something for you, and that I care for you as more than a friend, but I don't want to tell you something I don't mean. I want to be sure. Understand?"

"I believe so, yes," Sesshoumaru muttered. He fumed on the inside, mentally growling his frustration as he imagined shaking her until she came to her senses. 'No, I will be patient,' Sesshoumaru thought as he calmed. He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek, then smiled down on her. "I will wait a little longer then," Sesshoumaru told her as he released her. "But remember: I can't wait forever."

'Well, I could, but no need of her knowing that,' Sesshoumaru thought as he left the room. Ah and Un came in moments later, finding Kagome sitting at the breakfast bar with her forehead in her hand.

"What did he say?" Un asked. Kagome sighed and nodded. "He's for it, I guess, as long as Inuyasha doesn't plan it."

"That's great!" they exclaimed. They promptly began discussing arrangements, leaving Kagome somewhere inside her mind. They're conversation fluttered to her, but otherwise did nothing to derail her train of thought.

'Why can't I tell him how I feel,' Kagome asked herself as the twins began to argue. 'I mean, I do love him. I'm not entirely sure when I started to, but I do. I just…' she sighed. 'I don't want my heart broken I suppose. But he's been nothing but patient and understanding. He went out on a limb telling me how he feels, so why can't I?'

"Why not get him an invisible talisman?" Ah asked. Un shook his head. "Nope. What would he need with something like that?"

She shook her head, barely aware that the twins were now talking of presents. 'It's like something's telling me not to, but why? Am I just that afraid?'

"Well, how about a dragon's egg?'

"Why would we give him something like that?"

'What I need is a way to let him know how I feel without actually saying it," Kagome concluded as she focused on Ah and Un's conversation.

Ah nodded absently. "Ah yes. Good point."

"I know," Un replied. "How about a flying horse?"

"Flying horse?" Ah and Un paled, then turned to their forgotten spectator. Kagome glared at the both of them, her hands on her hips as she said "Well?"

"Um, Kagome-chan-"

Un nudged Ah viciously. "Kagome, I believe you heard us wrong."

"Don't lie to me," Kagome scolded. "I can tell it when you lie. You guys know magic don't you?"

"Something like that," Ah muttered.

"What was that?"

"Yes Kagome, we do," Un answered, glaring at Ah. Kagome cleared her throat, regaining their attention. "And just when were you going to tell me?"

"Um, when you asked?"

Kagome scowled, then waved it aside. "So what are you two planning on giving him?"

Ah and Un breathed a sigh of relief, then continued to argue. "What about a new weapon?"

Un shook his head. "Nope. He has hundreds of those. Besides, what kind could we give him?"

'Wait a minute…' Kagome gasped, her eyes wide as she snapped her fingers. "That's it!"

"What's it?" Ah asked as he and Un watched a grin spread across Kagome's face.

"I'm starting to question her sanity," Un mumbled as Kagome began to tap the air with her fingers.

****

Silver Fox: SF does that crap too! If you're wondering what it looks like, it's what that crazy chick does in 'Don't Say a Word'.

****

"Me too."

"That's perfect!" Kagome exclaimed. Kagome turned to them as a book appeared in her hands. "OK guys!" she said as she flipped through the pages. "I need a little help. Ah, could you please tell me where Sesshoumaru is?"

"Alright." Ah spread his aura, feeling for the taiyoukai. "He's in the study, as usual Kagome-chan."

"Good." Kagome continued to search the book, muttering under her breath as she did so. "Now this is what I need you two to do," she said finally. "Ah-ha!" she shouted, then blushed when the twins winced. "Oh, um, I need to use the servant tunnels."

"Nope," Un said, the shock of white hair flipping wildly as he shook his head. "Not allowed."

"Why not?"

"Not even Lady Rin is allowed in the servant tunnels," Ah informed her. Kagome pouted slightly. "Please? At least the tunnels leading from the ballroom to the living room? That is where you guys are setting up the party, right?"

"Actually," Ah admitted. "We haven't gotten that far. But that is a good idea."

"And you thought you wouldn't be of any use!" Un chirped. Kagome smiled, then turned serious. "The servant tunnels?"

"Well…." Ah an Un exchanged glances, seeming to have a mental battle between each other before looking at Kagome. "What's your plan?"

"Promise not to tell Sesshoumaru?"

"If it endangers his life, then we must tell him," Un replied solemnly. Kagome's smile widened. "Then I don't have to worry. OK, this is what I have in mind…" Kagome relayed her plans to them, making sure to emphasize what she had in mind for the servant tunnels.

Ah and Un exchanged nods when she finished. "We will help you Kagome."

"Yes!" Kagome cheered, trapping the twins in a joyous hug. "You guys are great! Now," she abruptly let go of them, twirling out the door and down the hallway to the ballroom. "Now where is the entrance?" She tossed a silence spell at Sesshoumaru's study door before walking into the ballroom.

Ah and Un led Kagome to the orchestra platform. They waited to make sure Kagome was watching, then turned a small knob on the immaculate white wall. A panel of the wall slid open, revealing a dark hole only a few feet tall.

"Is that it?" Kagome asked as Un stepped inside.

"Yes, it is," Ah replied. He held his hand out to her, then tugged her into the tunnel. The door shut behind her instantly, leaving the threesome in a dusty, barely lit hallway.

"Where are we?" Kagome asked as Un lead the way. "And why is this place so dusty?"

"This is the servant caverns," Ah explained. He stayed beside her, his hold on her hand gentle yet firm as they followed Un through the pathway. "There are many honeycombed throughout the house, which is why no one is allowed in her but servants, Un and I. It's very easy to get lost."

Kagome nodded as Un led them around a corner, then asked again "Why is it so dusty here?"

"The servant that cleans this tunnel has been sick for quite some time," Ah replied as Un turned another corner. "But when the time comes for you to use it, it will be clean."

"Oh, ok then," Kagome said as they stopped before a door. Un stepped through first, then helped Kagome through as Ah stumbled behind them. 'Why does this look so familiar?' Kagome asked as Un closed the door behind them. They were in a small room, with blankets and coats inside. 'It looks a lot like-'

"We're here!" Un pronounced, opening another door and stepping into the living room. Kagome followed suit, turning to look back as Ah shut the door. "That's the closet!" she chirped. "This is so perfect!" Kagome pulled out her cell phone and dialed Rin's number.

"Rin here!"

"Rin! This is Kagome! I ne-"

"I know you're mad, but I had to do it! Inuyas-"

"Woah," Kagome interrupted. "Hold on one second. I'm not mad, but if you want to make up for the whole 'milkshake' thing, then I need a favor."

"What kind?"

"I need a costume." Kagome described the costume in detail, to which Rin agreed to get after finding out it's purpose. "Oh, and I need silver coins too."

"Real ones?" Ah asked. Kagome nodded. "Yes, if possible. As many as you can find. I need them sewn to the costume, some to be jewelry, that kind of thing. Can you do it?"

"Sure!" Rin chirped. "I got you covered!"

"Good. I've got to go."

"Alright Kagome. Later days."

Kagome thought a moment as she hung up, then dialed another number.

"Kit's Playground! The Man With the Plan here!"

"Kit! I need something."

"Kagome-mama!" Shippou cried on the other end. "How are you? You know, Miroku's told Hojo the other day something about a milkshake. What's with that?"

Kagome blushed. 'I'm never going to live that down.' "Never mind that. Just listen. Do you have a small holographic device that can scan images and copy them?"

"Now you know I do. It's disguised as a lapel pen."

"Oh great.." Kagome groaned. "I can't use a lapel pin."

"But we can," Un told her. Kagome smiled back at him. "That is right! Send it will you Shipp?"

"Of course Kagome-mama! Anything else?"

"Nope, that's it. Thanks a lot."

"Alright then. Holler back."

Kagome hung up the phone and smiled, plotting as the twins stared at her inquisitively. "Come on fellas. We only have three weeks to plan this."

*Dec. 11, 8:45 PM; The Ballroom*

"OK fellas," Kagome said. "Take your positions."

Un and Ah moved to the orchestra platform, Un standing a the bottom of the steps and Ah standing beside the tunnel entrance as servants bustled around them. The set up for Sesshoumaru's party was easy enough, but keeping Kagome's secret from the taiyoukai was harder than Kagome knew. Sesshoumaru tried everything on the twins, from mind probing to outright threatening to find out what Kagome had planned. But so far so good, and he never found out.

Sesshoumaru, as of the moment, was in the dojo while they helped set up.

"Alright," Kagome said as she took her place. "This is where we'll be standing when the gift presentation begins. I'll be right here," she gestured to her spot beside Ah. "Ah, you'll use the lapel pin to make a hologram of me. Do you know how to use it?"

"Yes, I think I do," Ah replied, lifting the pin to eye level. It was a simple golden pin, shaped like a rose with a tiny crystal to resemble a dew drop. "Just push the crystal to scan you, and flick the switch on the other side to activate it."

"Right," Kagome said, then continued her explanation. "Once you turn that on, I'll go down the servant tunnel to the-"

"No, you can't go by yourself," Ah reminded her. Kagome pouted. "But who will keep the hologram going if you go with me. Un can't because he'll be beside Sesshoumaru. Rin can't because she'll be in the living room."

"This plan is too complicated," Un grumbled. "Why not just transmit yourself to the living room and back again?"

"That's a great idea Un!" Kagome cried, reaching down to quickly kiss his cheek before returning to her spot. Ah mentally laughed at Un's blush, then watched as Kagome continued their run-through.

"OK, once I get changed, I'll appear here." She stood in the center of the room, a couple of feet from where Sesshoumaru's chair was going to be. "I do my thing, then transmit myself to the living room again, change back into my party clothes and come back in my spot before Sesshoumaru ever knows the difference."

"Good plan Kagome," Ah agreed as Un smiled. Mentally though, he and Un disagreed. 'I don't think it'll be good for her to do so much with her power in one day, do you?" Un asked as Kagome skipped around the room.

'I don't either. What do you suggest we do?'

'We should keep a tab on her power level. If she looks like she's losing her power, we step in to help her.'

'Agreed,' Ah replied as the doorbell rang. Kagome glanced at her watch and grinned. "That must be Rin with my costume!" she chirped before she disappeared. Un and Ah sighed, but headed toward the front room door.

*Dec. 12, 9:30 PM; The Ballroom*

Sesshoumaru walked the crowd, greeting each guest as he looked for Inuyasha.

"Hey Sesshoumaru!"

'There he is.' Sesshoumaru stopped, waiting for Inuyasha to catch up to him. "Hello Inuyasha. Where is your wench?"

"Would you stop calling her that!" Inuyasha protested. "Katrina is still in Jacksonville. She said she had to check on her father. Sango and Miroku are here too, milling the crowd."

"I see. Have you seen Kagome?"

"Yeah," Inuyasha pointed over his shoulder. "She's right over there."

Sesshoumaru turned, following Inuyasha's suggestion to the other side of the room. He was stopped along the way.

"Hello Sesshoumaru-sama," the man said, his eyes briefly flashing bright red . "Happy birthday. How old are you this year?"

"Too old for you to be asking," Sesshoumaru replied, frowning at the youkai's laughter.

"Isn't it 1408?"

"It might be. I do not keep count with numbers."

"But it's officially 29, isn't it taiyoukai?"

Sesshoumaru growled, his eyes flashing golden for a moment. "Do not believe for one moment that you can hide behind these humans should I choose to kill you. Remember who I am."

"Of course Sesshoumaru-sama," the youkai replied. "But I really want to ask about your new human."

"What of her?"

"She is so intriguing. You can tell that she respects you."

"Yes," Sesshoumaru agreed. "She does."

"I was wondering: Is she a part of the entertainment, or part of the food?"

Sesshoumaru frowned, the claws of his left hand flexing under the insult. "I warned you-"

"Sesshoumaru!" Kagome cried, slipping her arm under his and flashing him a bright smile. "I've been looking for you." She frowned at the tension in the air, glancing at the sealed youkai before her before turning to Sesshoumaru. "Is everything alright?"

"It is," Sesshoumaru assured her, patting her hand gently. "Leave," he told the youkai in Italian. "Or risk my claws."

He led Kagome away from him, calming himself as he glanced at her attire. She was dressed in a chocolate brown ballroom gown, with a bandeau top and skirt that brushed the floor. Her hair was up in a simple French roll, with a string of pearls wrapped around it.

"Come along Takamada-sama," Un said as he and Ah separated them. "It's time for the gift ceremony."

Sesshoumaru followed Un to a chair in front of the orchestra platform as Ah and Kagome stepped onto the platform behind him. Un stood at his right side, smiling to the guests around him as he called for everyone to quiet down.

"Ok Kagome," Ah whispered as Un began the ceremony. "Stand still." Kagome stood beside him, her hands clasped in front of her as Ah scanned her with the lapel pin. "Is there any way for you to hear what's going on in here while you're in the living room?"

"Yup," Kagome answered as the first gift was presented. "I'm focusing on Un as we speak."

"Good. We have a signal for you. When Un says 'An anonymous gift', you come in."

"Got you."

"Any questions?" Kagome shook her head. "Good. Rin is already in the living room. Good luck Kagome."

"Thanks." In a wink of an eye she disappeared. Ah quickly switched on the hologram, nodding in approval at the lifelike double before him. 'Un, are you ready?'

'Yes,' Un replied. 'Are you reading her ki?'

'Sure am.'

'Good. Then this should go off without a hitch.'

*

Kagome appeared in the living room moments later, smiling as Rin tossed her a black canvas bag. "I got what you asked for, but they only had it in black."

"That's alright," Kagome assured her. "But what about the coins?"

"Sewn right to the cloth, with some as jewelry."

"Alright! This should go perfectly!" Kagome changed quickly, donning a black cape last. She spun around once, waiting for Rin's approval.

"You look absolutely beautiful Kagome!" Rin chirped.

"Thanks Rin, but I'm not through yet." Kagome touched three places on the floor in front of her, then closed her eyes and whispered. "Become…"

Little puffs of smoke rose from the three places, and then disappeared, leaving behind three figures in robes and hoods. One held a set of small drums, another held a tambourine, and the last held a small recorder-like flute.

"Wow," Rin muttered, walking around the beings as they stood before her. "Did you do this? What are they?"

"They are a manifestation of my power. It's like another part of me," Kagome answered. She quieted, listening to Un's part of the ceremony until she heard her cue. "Rin, go ahead. Lead them to the hall."

"Alright Kagome, but what about you?"

Kagome smiled back, then motioned for the figures to follow Rin. "Don't worry about me. I'm coming soon."

Rin nodded in agreement, then lead the figures to the ballroom.

*

"An anonymous gift," Un pronounced, earning a strange look from Sesshoumaru.

"Anonymous?"

"Yes Takamada-sama," Un answered as the crowd whispered around them. "There is no name, but there was promised to be a gift."

Sesshoumaru moved to question him, but silenced when three hooded figures marched into the ballroom. They walked through the empty floor to him, one behind the other, until they were in the middle of the room. Then they each sat down; the one with the drum on the far left sitting first, with the tambourine in the middle and the flute on the other end. Their heads were down, shielding their faces from the others around them.

They sat quietly for a time, neither moving to speak as Sesshoumaru and his guests grew impatient. They finally reached forward and patted the floor between them and Sesshoumaru. A small smoke funnel appeared where their hands had been, slowly becoming the form of another hooded figure. This figure was dressed in black as well, with the cloak and hood hiding it's form from the audience.

"I suggest you be quick," Sesshoumaru commented irritably. "I don't have all night."

The figures on the floor glanced at each other, then raised their heads. A black cloth covered their faces, hiding them from view. The one on the left tapped his drum once, then again before falling silent.

The standing figure before Sesshoumaru removed its hood, uncovering a young woman. Half of her face was veiled behind black silk, as was her hair. Silver coin earrings hung from her ears and her neck. She shrugged the cloak away, it falling to the floor to puddle at her feet.

She was dressed in black, with a halter top and a simple yard of silk wrapped around her hips. Silver coins hung from the garments, as did they from her hands and ankles in the form of bracelets, armlets, foot bracelets and anklets. She bowed, then motioned for the figures behind her to begin.

>Thump, thump, thump thump-thump-thump<

She stepped forward, slowly raising her hands from her sides to above her head. The palms of her hands pressed together above her head. She glanced from one side to the other, watching the faces of the awe-struck crowd before staring at Sesshoumaru.

'Blue eyes…' he realized when she looked away. He glanced behind him, relieved to find Kagome and Ah standing behind him. He turned back to the entertainment before him, missing Ah nervously wipe his brow.

She stepped to the right as the flute began, then quickly brought her hands apart. A black cloth appeared in her hands, waving to her side as the tambourine chimed behind her. She spun around, holding the sash above her head to flutter like a banner. She brought it to her hips, spinning once again before bringing her hands up and wadding the sash in her hands.

She twirled toward Sesshoumaru, her empty hands flying apart as her clothes spun around her. She stopped a foot before Sesshoumaru, tossing a handful of black sand to his feet before dancing on.

*

Miroku watched in approval, as did Inuyasha before either of them realized that Sango was unusually quiet. "What is it Sango?" Miroku asked. "Is something wrong?"

"I just hope she knows what she's doing," Sango muttered with a shake of her head.

"Knows what who's doing," Inuyasha replied.

"Kagome."

"No way," Miroku said, glancing ahead before shaking his head at the idea. "Kagome is on the orchestra pit."

"Believe me, I know. I've trained with her enough to know her when I see her."

*

She stopped before the figures, the sash once again vanishing from her hands as she caught her breath. The music stopped as well, leaving a sad flute solo to waft through the crowd.

'I know her,' Sesshoumaru realized. He tested the air for her scent, surprised to find Kagome's so close to him. He glanced behind him, and once again saw her standing beside Ah. 'That is impossible, unless…' He smirked to himself. 'My dear Kagome, you are clever but not clever enough…'

The flute quickened, as did the drums as they came back. She leaped forward, the sash once again fluttering beside her as she began to spin. She traveled the edge of the crowd, the sash brushing against faces and legs of those she passed as she danced around the figures. She stopped in front of Sesshoumaru, dropping to her knees. She bent backward, her knees spreading slightly as the top of her head touched the floor behind her. She held her hands up, the sash once again disappearing.

Her hands flew to the floor at her sides in a puff of smoke moments later, revealing a sash in each hand. The crowd ooo'ed and aaah'ed around her as she caught her breath. She brought her hands up once again, balling the sashes in the palms of her hands and pressing her fisted hands to her chest above her heart.

*

Sango paled, her breath coming out in a shaky woosh.

"Sango, are you ok?" Inuyasha asked. "Do you need to sit down or something?"

"No, I'm alright." Sango blinked back tears, watching as the mask around Kagome's mouth began to move. 'Please don't do what I think you're doing…'

*

Sesshoumaru strained his ears, but could only hear puffs of breath and whispers of silk as she began to chant. Her hands gripped each other tightly and her breath came out in short, hard huffs. Her hands jerked upward, her wincing before she jerked upward again. She began to pull up, fist over fist. Soon, a silver hilt appeared in her hands, wrapped in white leather for grip. She continued to pull, the hilt finally in full view as the blade began to appear. It was double-edged, and seemed to take a great deal out of her.

Even then she continued to pull, and soon 3 inches of the blade could be seen in its entirety. Sesshoumaru listened to the humans around him, hearing their awe at the trick.

"I wonder where that sword is really coming from," some said. "And how is she making it appear to come from her chest."

But Sesshoumaru, one human, and the youkai in the room knew better, for Sesshoumaru and the youkai could smell the feint trace of blood on the sword's edges. 'What is she doing?' Sesshoumaru wanted to ask. 'What kind of magic is this?'

She continued to pull, revealing an engraving of a dolphin on either side of the blade. Finally the tip of the blade appeared, the sword becoming a long katana of sorts. She sat up slowly, grasping the sword by the hilt and spun it slowly, the tip passing a hair's breath away from Sesshoumaru's nose before it paused above her head. She grasped it firmly, then split her hands apart, revealing the sword to be twin blades. She crossed them above her, her breath still shaky and weak as she pressed the hilts back together.

She handed the sword to Sesshoumaru hilt first, watching as he grasped the hilt with his right hand. Her hands covered his momentarily, then slid down the hilt to the blade. A sheath appeared from under her fingers, and it was then that Sesshoumaru realized that the silver coins adorning her outfit were gone.

He unsheathed the sword, raising it to the air before bringing the tip to her throat. She leaned away, but Sesshoumaru stood. "Who are you?"

Her eyes seemed to smile, but she said nothing. In instant later she and the figures behind her disappeared in a puff of smoke.

*

Rin burst into the room just as Kagome collapsed. "Kagome! Are you ok?" she asked, helping Kagome to her feet.

"Yeah, I just think I've used a little too much energy," she gasped, holding onto Rin while Rin changed her clothes.

"But you'll be able to transmit yourself to the ballroom, right?"

Kagome shook her head. "If I do, I'll just collapse again. For right now, I just need to sit down a moment."

"No! You can't do that! Then Sesshoumaru-sama will know!"

The closet door opened, and Ah stepped out. He glanced from Rin to Kagome, then picked Kagome up and carried her to the closet.

"Wait a minute!" Kagome protested, smoothing out her skirt as Rin followed. "Aren't you supposed to be in the ballroom? We're as good as busted now!"

"No, this is an Ah copy," Rin explained as Ah turned and shut the closet door and opened the tunnel entrance. "Ah's still in the ballroom."

"Is he safe?" Kagome asked. Rin nodded with a smile. "Yeah! He's just like Ah, except he'll disappear once Ah touches him."

Kagome nodded, then settled into the copy's arms as it navigated the tunnels. True to the twins' word, the tunnel was a lot cleaner than the last time, with bits of light streaming through the dust-free cracks in the walls. They finally came to the ballroom entrance, with Ah helping Kagome through the door before touching his doppelganger. It disappeared, as did Kagome's hologram as Rin stepped through and Ah closed the door. "You look tired Kagome," Ah noticed. "Stay here and I'll get you something."

Kagome watched him walk away, then turned to the gift ceremony that was still taking place. Sesshoumaru turned around and smiled at her before facing ahead. "Oh man, that was such a bad idea," Kagome groaned. "I should have found a better way to do that."

"What'd you-"

"Kagome!" Sango hissed, climbing up the stairs to them. "What have you done?"

"Please don't lecture me on it Sango," Kagome pleaded.

"I'm not going to! I just don't want to come to your house one day and find those swords on your wall!"

"You're not, now keep your voice down!"

"Am I missing something?" Rin asked, staring at the two curiously. Kagome shook her head. "Sango's just worried about me. But she shouldn't be, because I know what I'm doing."

"Alright Kagome," Sango relented as the gift ceremony ended. Sesshoumaru stood as Un thanked everyone, then turned and walked toward them as Ah came out of the tunnel. "I just don't want you hurt."

Kagome smiled, grasping her and Rin in a gentle embrace. "Don't worry," she whispered. "I'm not going to be."

"Here you are Lady Kagome," Ah said. "Drink it quickly."

"What is it?" Kagome asked, ignoring the 'lady' for the moment. "It looks like dirt," she sniffed it. "And it smells like it too."

"Never mind that. Drink it."

Kagome sighed, then poured the thick greenish-brown substance down her throat. 'Oh God!' she gasped as she fought not to spit it in Ah's face. 'It's worse than dirt! Where did he get this from?' She handed him the cup minutes later, then took a stick of gum from Ah's hand and chewed.

"Good. Now wait."

Ah walked off with the cup in hand, he and Sesshoumaru passing one another before Sesshoumaru reached her. "And how are you Sango?"

"I'm fine Mr. Takamada," Sango said. "I'm sorry to make this brief, but I have to find Miroku and Inuyasha. We're leaving."

"Awww…." Kagome moped. "But you just got here."

"I know, but our flight leaves at midnight. I'm sorry Kagome." Sango hugged her, leaning her head against Kagome's. "Please be safe, my sister," she whispered in her hair. Kagome nodded. "You as well, nee-chan." They separated, then Kagome and Rin walked Sango and the others to the door. "Behave yourself Kagome!" Miroku called as he and Sango waited until Inuyasha got in the car. "I don't want you drinking anymore milkshakes!"

Kagome blushed a vivid red, Rin groaned and Miroku and Inuyasha howled as Sango looked on in confusion. "What on earth is he talking about?"

"I'll tell you some other time," Kagome said, glaring at Rin for a moment before smiling. "But you three get going."

"Alright Kagome. Goodbye!"

Kagome and Rin watched them pull away, then spend 15 minutes saying goodbye to guests as they left. Kagome marveled at her new found energy, guessing it to have something to do with Ah's drink. "What was in that anyway?"

"Oh, that," Rin said as she hugged an elderly gentleman. "Ah and Un used to give me that when I pulled all-night study sessions. It taps into energy you'd use if you were in a stressful situation, like a fight or something, and pulls it throughout your body. Its great stuff, but you'll regret drinking it soon."

"What makes you say that?"

"When I used to drink it, I would be fine until I stepped into this door. Then I did this-" Rin pretended to collapse, making funny snoring noises in the back of her throat. "Ah or Un would always be standing by the door, waiting on me so they could carry me up the steps." Kagome giggled as Rin straightened. "Don't laugh, because I guarantee it'll happen to you when the last person steps through that door."

"It will not," Kagome said as she shook hands with a gentleman. She yawned the instant his foot crossed the threshold, earning a smug look from Rin. "See? What did I tell you?" She looked around, listening to the suddenly empty house before smiling. "He was the last person. You're feeling tired, aren't you?"

"A little," Kagome yawned again, this one nearly earsplitting. Rin shook her head and reached inside a nearby hall closet for her coat and purse. "I'm leaving now. I suggest you get a head start, because I don't see Ah or Un anywhere."

"I guess you're right," Kagome said around another yawn. "Good night."

"Night Kagome-nee-chan!"

Kagome watched Rin leave, then trudged into the front room and up the steps. Her shoes dangled by their ankles from her fingertips, her hand gripping the handrail tightly before she paused at the landing and the stained glass window. "I'll just stop here," she told herself, sitting beneath the window. She leaned back against the wall and sighed. "Yeah, just for a moment…" And before she knew it, she was fast asleep.

*

Sesshoumaru stood in the front room, reflecting on the night's events. 'Most that were here were only here to be in the presence of money,' he frowned as he opened the front door and leaned against the frame. The cold December wind blew around him, cooling him off as he stared into the distance. 'And the gifts were to show what they had, not in true generosity. Humans are so foolish. Not one of them deserve my presence.' He rethought that when his fingers brushed against the frigid tip of the sword now at his side.

'All but one. She is a wonder indeed. What is this sword, and what power does it possess? What does it mean?' He closed the door and turned, following Kagome's scent through the front room, up the stairs and to the landing and the stained glass window.

She sat beneath it, the moonlight giving the dog above her an ethereal glow and the guise of her protector as spare light streamed over her. Dark eyelashes framed smooth, pale cheeks under his watchful gaze. He head was bowed slightly, with her shoes still in her hand.

'Did you tire yourself out, little miko?' Sesshoumaru teased as he picked her up and climbed the steps to her room. Her breaths were slow and even, and she snuggled closer to him instinctively. "You should know better than to sleep in hallways and on stairs," Sesshoumaru smirked as he entered her room.

"But it was only for a moment," Kagome whispered, stirring out of her slumber to look at him. "And it wasn't my intention to fall asleep right there."

"Of course it wasn't," Sesshoumaru replied, playfully wincing when she punched him in the arm. "I'm fine you know," Kagome grumbled as he sat her on her bed. "So you don't have to dress me."

"I know, but there is something I want to ask," Sesshoumaru said as he sat beside her.

"What?"

"What does the sword mean?" For an instant, he could smell faint traces of astonishment and disbelief in her scent. Then she sighed and said "How long did you know?"

"After you threw sand around the room," Sesshoumaru answered truthfully. "Now what do they mean?"

"Well," Kagome said as she stood up. She reached inside a nearby dresser and glanced over her shoulder at him. "I'll tell you after I change. I'll call you when I do."

"No, not good enough," Sesshoumaru told her as he stood up and walked to the door between his room and hers on the other side of the room. "I'm going to stay right here until you tell me."

"But…but…" Kagome stuttered, frowning when he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door. "I'm going to tell you."

"I have the feeling that if I leave this room, you'll go to sleep. Then tomorrow you'll dance your way around it and I'll never know. So I'm not leaving."

"Fine," Kagome sighed, giving in. "I tell you what: You put the sword on the bed and face the door. Then I'll tell you."

"Fine." Sesshoumaru did as she asked, placing the sword on the bed before turning his back to her. "Is this better?"

"Yes," Kagome said. She checked to see if he were peeking, then untied the bandeau top and draped it over a nearby chair. "The sword is what it is; a sword," Kagome began, going over the parts she wouldn't tell him just yet.

"It came out of you," Sesshoumaru countered. "So it never was just a sword to begin with."

"OK, you got me there." Kagome grabbed a white tank top from the draw, glancing at the pink rose screen on the front before pulling it over her head. "It's special in that sense and in one other." Kagome pulled out a matching pair of boy shorts, jumping into them before grasping the sword and pressing it to her chest.

"OK, this is what you do: I want you to close your eyes."

"Why?"

"Please?"

Sesshoumaru bit back a sigh. "Fine." He closed his eyes and waited for her next instruction.

"Hold up your right hand and imagine the sword's hilt in it, what it feels like in the palm of your hand. Do you have it?"

Sesshoumaru focused, his mind recreating the smooth, cool feel of the metal, the warmth of the stone at the butt of it and the softness of the leather. "I have it."

"Now pretend that it's in your hands, but it's still in the sheath. Withdraw it."

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes behind his lids, but performed the motions to draw it, hearing the singing of the blade against the sheath before the ring of the tip bumping against the edge.

"Now open your eyes Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru opened them, blinked, then blinked again before he could believe his eyes. The sword was in his hand, as if it were always there, the moonlight dancing merrily off the silver katana. "How…"

"The sword is connected to you," Kagome answered as he turned around. "No matter where you are, if you need it it'll come to you."

"But how? Why?"

Kagome blushed, something that didn't go unnoticed as she looked down at the sheath still in her hands. "It's to protect you, just in case I can't."

Sesshoumaru smiled, a small but true one as he crossed the room toward her. He hugged her gently, kissing the top of her head before resting his chin on it. "It is I that should protect you. Thank you for this Kagome."

Kagome's blush darkened, but she hugged him back. "You're welcome. Now can you sheath that thing please? I'm not fond of being stabbed by accident."

Sesshoumaru chuckled, but did as she requested. Kagome stepped out of his embrace, handed him back the sheath then pulled back the covers on her bed and slipped under them.

"Hold on one second," Sesshoumaru said, opening the connecting doors as Kagome stared at him. "What for?"

"Because there's only one thing that will make today perfect," he said as he disappeared behind it. His head popped back in moments later. "Don't go to sleep, OK?" he asked, eyeing her nervously. Kagome nodded, and he disappeared again. Sesshoumaru came back moments later, dressed in a pair of white silk pajama pants.

He slipped under the covers beside her, pulling her toward him before resting his head on a pillow. "There" he whispered, gazing into sleepy blue eyes. "Perfect."

"Glad you think so," Kagome yawned, finally slipping away as Sesshoumaru watched her. 'My clever girl,' he praised, his eyes warm and golden as she slept. 'Only you could come up with something so ingenious.'

*1:12 AM, Inuyasha's Plane*

Miroku frowned, then hugged her from behind, glancing into the night sky around them. "Why aren't you sleeping Butterfly?" he asked. Sango shrugged, then sighed. "I'm worried about Kagome. I think tonight could come back to haunt her."

"How's that?"

Sango glanced behind him to Inuyasha, making sure he was fast asleep before continuing. "A long time ago, there was a miko who adopted a ryuu youkai. Now as you already know, miko are supposed to purify first, ask questions later but she couldn't hurt the poor thing. It lost it's parents to exterminators you see, so it had no one left in the world. Well, she took it in and raised it as her own child."

"I can imagine the other miko didn't like this," Miroku chimed in, then quieted at her solemn nod.

"Exactly. She defended him from her fellow mikos, and fought against other youkai who saw the toddler as food. The other miko soon estranged themselves from her, vowing that she would forever be alone as long as she refused to do what she was supposed to.

"Time passed and soon the miko faced a foe she couldn't defeat. She died, but before doing so she created a weapon for her 'son' to protect himself with. She did it the exact way Kagome did tonight.

"It was a simple sword, but it did its purpose. Since then, each miko from her line has been able to produce solid, reliable weapons out of their wish to protect another."

"And why is that so bad?" Miroku asked. "Wouldn't that just make her job easier?"

"It would, but the swords are more than that. The swords are made up of more than just metal and leather. It's her love, in tangible form. That's what protects him. The stronger the love, and the stronger the power, the better the weapon. Sesshoumaru's is nearly perfect. It's nearly the best weapon ever created from a miko's heart. It will stay with him, even in her death."

"Again Butterfly, I don't see the problem."

Sango sighed. "It's hard to explain, but it's something like him wearing her heart on her sleeve. It's basically her declaration of love for him. He keeps it under any condition but one."

"What's that?"

Sango gazed out the window, silently wishing on a falling star as it passed. "It returns to her if he breaks her heart."

*Dec. 21 1:05 PM, The Dojo*

Sesshoumaru twirled the sword in his hand, marveling at the weapon for the second time today. 'It is most unusual,' he thought as he thrust the sword forward in a parry. 'It's lightweight, yet sturdy and solid. It must be the holy power within it that makes it so.' Sesshoumaru could feel the ki inside the sword, it sometime swirling around him in invisible bits of power. 'It separates easily,' Sesshoumaru pulled the swords apart, crossing them in front of him as he did so. 'And it seems the small blood stone at the base of it is the trigger. Yes, a formidable weapon indeed, but will it withstand my humanoid form?'

Sesshoumaru placed a barrier on the dojo, then shirked off his sealing spell. 'One of two things should happen: Either my youki destroys the sword, or the sword won't allow me to wield it.'

But contrary to Sesshoumaru's hypothesis, the sword merely adapted, combining it's ki with his. 'Truly remarkable,' Sesshoumaru awed as he continued to train. 'It's almost as if the sword is a part of my claws now. The hilt has widened enough for me to wield it without injuring myself on them either.'

Sesshoumaru walked to the other side of the room and stood before two mannequins, his thoughts suddenly foreboding. 'It would seem that, on some sub-conscious level, Kagome knows who and what I am. That is the only reason the sword could accept me so readily. I think I will test it's strength.' Sesshoumaru swirled his youki around it, watching as the blue ki in the sword poured forth and combined with the reds and golds of his power.

He slashed forward quickly, watching in astonishment as a wide blue band streaked toward the mannequins, decapitating them on impact. 'Well,' Sesshoumaru thought as sawdust clouded the air. 'That could be useful.' He sighed irritably as he remembered something important. 'I can't believe I almost forgot to change into my youkai form,' Sesshoumaru thought as he began to change. He soon forgot about the sword as fur bristled all over his body and his mouth widened.

Soon he stood as his true self, he head mere inches from the ceiling. 'Normally, I would have done this outside, but having a miko on premises prevents such luxuries. I guess I'll stay here.' He rested his head on his front paws, clicking the claws of his right paw against the wooden floor beneath him. Instead of hearing

>Click-Click-Click<

He heard

>Clang-Clang-Clang<

'What on earth," Sesshoumaru glanced at his paw, surprised to find steel claws where his normal nails should have been. He turned his paw over, finding a silver plate over the pad with a blood stone in the middle. He checked his left paw and found it to be the same, with the exception of the bloodstone. 'What are they?' Sesshoumaru wondered. He extended his claws, and for a moment he could see his normal nails before the sliver oozed over them, hardening into deadly blades.

'So, it's useful in this form as well. It's time I discussed this with the miko.' Sesshoumaru changed quickly, then left the dojo for his room. He showered and changed clothes quickly, choosing a pair of dark jeans and a charcoal gray overshirt.

Sesshoumaru followed Kagome's scent to the kitchen, where he found her moping of a sort. She sat at the breakfast bar, her arms crossed in front of her and her feet up on the counter. A soda-can man danced in front of her, and was doing a great impression of the can-can when Sesshoumaru finally spoke up.

"Kagome?"

"Huh?" She spun around quickly, her blue-jean clad legs jerking from the counter as the little man flattened to a stop. "Oh, hi Sesshoumaru," she said dismally.

"What's the matter?" he asked, gently pulling her to her feet and into his embrace. "You look down."

"I kinda am," she admitted, pulling on the sleeve of her navy blue hoodie. "See, every year around this time, my family throws a big party. Normally, when I can't go I at least help Mom with the decorations and food but this year I can't."

"I'm truly sorry Kagome. I don't mean to keep you from your family."

"It's no problem," Kagome replied as she pulled away from him and back to her seat. "I just miss them sometimes, that's all."

Sesshoumaru thought for a moment, then smiled. "Then why don't you visit them?"

"I can't. I'm here, remember?"

"But you don't have to be." He stood her back up, smiling as she stared at him. "Don't you have the power to be where you want to be at anytime?"

"Well yeah, but I don't think it'd be cool to leave you here by yourself."

'Who said you would?' "I'm going with you." 'To make sure you come back.'

Kagome shook her head, turning away from him as she began to disagree. "Nope. No way. I've never traveled that far."

"How far is it? Just to Atlanta?"

"Nope. Mom lives in Savannah."

"That's not too far," Sesshoumaru assured her. "You could do it."

"Or I could get us lost in the black abyss."

"That's a chance I'm willing to take." He took her hand and turned her around, pulling her closer to him. "I know you can do it Kagome. You just have to try."

Kagome sighed, but nodded. "Alright then Sesshoumaru. I'll try." She closed her eyes and concentrated. "You might want to close your eyes too."

Sesshoumaru closed his as well, then asked "So where are we going exactly?"

"My mother's front porch," she answered as pink ki swirled around them. Sesshoumaru could hear her heartbeat slow, then stop for a moment before restarting.

"Uh ohh," she said moments later. "oops."

"Oops?" Sesshoumaru opened his eyes, finding himself in a living room instead of a porch. "Did you forget our destination?"

"No," Kagome blushed as footsteps approached them. "I kinda overshot it."

A fifteen year old boy came in moments later, his head buried inside a biology book. He glanced up, then turned and walked away. "Mom, Kagome's here. And she's brought a boyfriend too."

A woman poked her head in from the nearby kitchen, then ran in and hugged Kagome. "Welcome home Kagome. How long have you been here?"

"Just a few seconds Mama. How are you?"

"I'm fine. How did you get in the door?"

"I'll explain that later. Mom, this is Sesshoumaru," she said, gesturing behind her. Sesshoumaru reached forward and shook her hand. "A pleasure to meet you Mrs. Higurashi."

"Please, Mama is fine. That's what all of Kagome's friends call me."

"The brat that went down the hall was Souta, my brother," Kagome grumbled as Souta came back in the room.

"Jeez sis, I love you too. How you doin'?" he shook Sesshoumaru's hand as an elderly gentleman came into the room. He eyed Sesshoumaru warily as Kagome introduced him.

"That's Ji-chan. Say hi Ji-chan."

"A pleasure," Sesshoumaru said politely, instantly wary of the man. Ji-chan nodded. "Likewise."

"Alright people," Kagome said as she shoved her mother into the kitchen. "We'll be right back."

Kagome and her mother disappeared, leaving Sesshoumaru with her brother and grandfather. "I would like to thank you, Sesshoumaru-san," Ji-chan said, gaining Sesshoumaru's attention.

"Thank me? For?"

"For inspiring my daughter to re-train for her miko duties."

"I really had nothing to do with it," Sesshoumaru admitted. "It was her decision."

"Wait a minute," Souta interrupted. "You're Sesshoumaru Takamada aren't you? The guy over Western Technologies?"

"I am."

"This is so cool!" Souta exclaimed. "I knew Kagome's job was great, but this is the works! So my sister's protecting you? Man, what a trip!"

"Yes, I suppose it is."

"Mom, be still." Sesshoumaru's ears perked at this, he and Souta moving to stand in the kitchen doorway as Kagome backed her mother against a counter.

"No Kagome. Don't worry about it."

"But I think I can fix it," Kagome reasoned. "Fix what?" Sesshoumaru whispered to Souta.

"Mom's nose. Every year Kagome tries, and every year Kagome fails. It makes them sad afterward."

"Then why do they try?"

"Because it's not the injury itself that bothers them," Souta said, watching Kagome and his mother argue. "It's the reminder."

"But it's not serious enough to be a reminder." Sesshoumaru glanced at the feature in question, and even to his youkai vision the crook in Mrs. Higurashi's nose was small and unnoticeable.

"To them, it's huge. It reminds them of the one time when neither could protect the other. Mama feels guilty for Kagome's decision to quit training afterward, and Kagome feels guilty because she couldn't help her." Souta sighed and turned away as Kagome touched her mother's nose.

"The bad thing it, Kagome's still not strong enough."

"How do you know?" Sesshoumaru asked as Kagome and her mother glowed a bright pink. Souta shrugged. "Mom's a miko. Kagome is too. Ji-chan's a priest. It just kind of runs in the family."

"I see." They both stared ahead, silent witnesses to the struggle within. Kagome concentrated harder, her brow creasing and her eyes closed as her mother tried to remove her fingers.

"Kagome, I'm fine. I've learned to live with it."

"I can do this Mama. I'm stronger than I used to be."

"But Kagome-"

Kagome's aura flared, she and her mother swallowed by her ki as the pink became brighter. "It's working Mama," Kagome whispered shakily. "Can't you feel it? It's working…"

But as soon as it started it stopped, the ki disappearing slowly. Tears welled in Kagome's eyes as she opened them. "Mama, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be," Mrs. Higurashi whispered, fiercely hugging her as Kagome's fingers refused to relinquish their hold on her nose. "It's alright. It's not that bad."

"But it's my fault. If only I were stronger." She sobbed brokenly. Sesshoumaru froze, shocked that such a sound could come from her.

'I don't like this,' Sesshoumaru realized as Souta walked away. 'It's not suited to her. It….hurts…to see her like this.' It felt as if his own heart were breaking as Kagome cried, each tear sending stabs of pain through him. He glanced around him, finding that the males of the house were preoccupied, with Souta and Ji-chan watching TV.

Sesshoumaru turned back around, released a single strand of golden youki and combined it with Kagome's ki. She gasped at the sudden power surge, her eyes flashing a bluish-golden before the ki exploded between them. She flew back across the room, Sesshoumaru reaching up to catch her as her mother fell to the floor.

"Thanks Sesshoumaru," Kagome whispered, climbing out of his arms. "Mom, are you alright?"

"Yes Kagome, I think so," Mrs. Higurashi stood slowly, dusting herself off before tossing Kagome a bright smile. "You're right, you really are stronger. But don't feel guilty about-"

"Mom, look at your nose," Kagome interrupted, stepping closer to her.

"Kagome, I know. I'm not worri-"

"Mom, look at your nose!" Kagome shouted, unknowingly hurting Sesshoumaru's sensitive hearing as she held up the toaster to her mother's face. Her mother blinked, then looked before grabbing the toaster.

"How…"

"I did it Mama!" Kagome said, hugging her. "I did it! I fixed it!"

Ji-chan and Souta came in moments later, watching the two celebrate. "Did what?" Souta asked.

"Mama's nose!" Kagome cheered as Mrs. Higurashi smiled. "I fixed it! See!" True to her word, the hook was gone, leaving behind a perfectly shaped nose. "I can't believe it."

"I can," Ji-chan whispered. He pulled Sesshoumaru's sleeve, motioning for him to follow him as Kagome, her mother and her brother celebrated.

"You must care a great deal for Kagome," Ji-chan reasoned as he sat down in a nearby easy-chair.

"I suppose I do," Sesshoumaru replied. "She is, after all, protecting me."

"But for what? I would figure a youkai like you wouldn't need protection." Ji-chan smiled at Sesshoumaru's silence, watching him before going on. "Are you wondering how I saw through your sealing spell? Well, I didn't. It was that tiny blast of youki that tipped me off. You have some nerve, youkai, coming into a holy place such as this."

"Kagome permitted me entrance," Sesshoumaru said in defense. "And it would take more than the pitiful ofudas here to keep me out."

"I suppose it would, but I'm not worried about that. My granddaughter is more than powerful enough to purify you should you become restless. I see evidence of that in her power. Her lifespan is already altered, and so is her aging process. She doesn't look a day over 16. Amazing, isn't it?"

"I truly don't know what you're talking about."

"I see. Well, let me put it to you this way: My granddaughter cares a great deal about you. I can hear it when she calls me, I can see it when she looks at you, and I know about the sword as well."

'The sword again,' Sesshoumaru thought as he drowned out the rest of the old man's conversation. 'I knew she wasn't telling me everything! When we get back to Boston, I'll-'

"When are you going to tell her?"

Sesshoumaru blinked, having forgotten Ji-chan in his entirety. "Excuse me?"

"When are you telling my daughter that you're a youkai?" Ji-chan asked seriously.

"Why should I tell her?"

"She has a right to know! If you don't tell her, then I will." Sesshoumaru was up and by ji-chan in a flash, his hand wrapping around his wrist as he glared at him. "Listen here old man. I am not subject to your threats. I could end your life right now and she wouldn't be the wiser."

"You wouldn't dare!"

Sesshoumaru focused his mental powers, using them to nearly stop the old man's heart. "I wouldn't? I care nothing for you human. Your kind hunted myself and my kin for hundreds of years. I think the miko is a fair exchange." The crescent moon shone on his forehead as his claws extended.

"You-" Ji-chan stuttered as Kagome came into the room. Sesshoumaru slipped back into the sealing spell quickly, releasing Ji-chan from his mental influence. Ji-chan's heartbeat returned to normal, with him holding his hand to his chest as he glared at him. "you're evil!"

"Ji-chan!" Kagome's mother exclaimed as Sesshoumaru stood up. "What happened?"

'He grabbed his chest as if her were having a heart attack," Sesshoumaru said. "I was merely trying to help when you came in the room."

"Ji-chan, are you ok?" Kagome asked. Sesshoumaru shortened his breath before he could say anything, motioning for him to shake his head. 'Don't make her worry,' Sesshoumaru warned in ji-chan's mind. 'Or I'll make you suffer.'

'You can't do anything to me.'

'Then I'll make her suffer in your stead.'

"I'm fine Kagome," Ji-chan assured her with a weary sigh. "I'm alright."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. It's just old age getting the best of me."

"Alright then." Kagome stood, grasping Sesshoumaru's hand and hugging her mother. "I've got to be going guys," she said as she hugged Souta. "Be good for Mama."

"I'm not five anymore Nee-chan," Souta grumbled, but hugged her back. He then shook hands with Sesshoumaru. "Watch out for her. She's a real trip when her temper's riled up."

"Souta!" Kagome exclaimed, punching his arm. "Don't be a jerk!"

"Yeah yea." Souta shook his head at her, then smiled. "It was great to meet you."

"You as well."

Kagome's mother stepped past Souta and hugged Sesshoumaru, taking the taiyoukai by surprise. "It was great to meet you. I hope to see you again."

"Likewise," Sesshoumaru stammered, awed by the warmth from the woman. 'So this is where Kagome gets it from…'

"Now you two be off," Mrs. Higurashi ushered, motioning for them to leave.

"Alright Mama!" Kagome said as she and Sesshoumaru left out the back door. "Bye Souta! Bye Ji-chan! Mama, if you need anything, call me!"

"Alright Kagome! Bye Sesshoumaru!" He and Kagome watched as her mother closed the door behind them, then Sesshoumaru sighed.

"You're family is interesting Kagome. I don't think your Ji-chan liked m-"

>Glomp!<

Sesshoumaru stumbled backward, managing not to fall over by bracing himself against a nearby tree. "Kagome?"

"Thank you Sesshoumaru!" she whispered against his neck, her arms still wrapped around him. "Thank you so much!"

"For what?" Sesshoumaru asked, sitting at the base of the tree. He settled her into his lap, she still holding him tightly around his ribs. "I've done nothing."

"But you have," Kagome argued, her eyes wet as she looked up at him. "You helped me help my mother."

"Um," 'Crap!' "what makes you say that?"

"You believed in me," she answered. "When I thought I couldn't get here, you told me I could. Whenever I've thought I was too weak, or too irresponsible, you've always told me different." She stopped then, a single tear rolling down her face as she smiled at him.

"You really do love me, don't you?"

"Of course I do," Sesshoumaru answered, wiping the tear away before kissing her cheek. "This Sesshoumaru does not lie."

"I know. I guess I just didn't realize it until now." Her smile widened, his look curious as she pressed her lips to his. "I love you too."

Sesshoumaru pulled back, his brow quirked as he looked at her. "Are you sure?"

Kagome nodded, pulling him into a gentler hug. "I'm sure. I'm sorry I made you wait so long."

"It's nothing. I would have gladly waited forever to hear you say that," Sesshoumaru answered, mentally praising himself for a plan well done. "You have no idea how happy you've made me," he told her as they disappeared, unknowingly leaving a piece of ice behind.

----

SF: My computer says that this chapter is at least 24 pages! Isn't that a scream?!

Inu-chan: No, it's about time, that's what it is. You take too long, and you honestly expect anyone to be reading this after your week long hiatus.

SF: I'm surprised that you know what that means. And everyone out there understands why this took so long to update.

Inu-chan: Or they just don't care.

SF: {::finally pissed off::} Haven't you ever heard of peace on earth, good will toward men?

Inu-chan: Nope.

SF: Then surely you know what this means.

>Zap!<

SF: Ok, I'm better now. I hate doing that.

Inu-chan: @.@ Liar

>Zap!<

SF: Anyway, thanks for hanging on for so long. I'm really sorry about leaving you guys stranded like that. I'm going to do better, I promise. The preview and the review responses are below.

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Chapter Twenty-Six: An Enemy or a Friend Part One: Going Under

"Oh God," she whispered, a paralyzing fear taking over her every muscle. "You're the miko killer!"

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Responses (MM):

LilyFlower: I know! Wasn't that bad of her? Sesshou's dream was Silver's work. {::nudges Silver::} I told you you overdid it! Silver Fox: I did not! I thought it was tasteful. SF: It was, but gah! Silver Fox: Oh, you get worked up for nothing.

Badgerwolf: Don't worry, Kagome's epiphany is coming soon, along with a major kick in the pride for Sesshou. Shame on him anyway. Oh, and Silver-{::pulls Silver up front::} say thank you stupid. Silver Fox: (as if you don't know what's coming...) Thank you Stupid! >Zap!< Ow! SF: Prick...

NoLabel: What are you doing over here? You're supposed to be at FanFiction. One of Sesshou's secrets is coming soon. Silver Fox: What's up NL? Oh, and SF, what do you mean by one? I thought there was only one. SF: {::shaking her head::} Nope, there are three. But you'll see what they are in a few. Silver Fox: Just unnecessary suspense. Anyway, thanks for the lemon support. SF thought I got a little crazy, but now that you say that I didn't, I'm going to ignore here and keep it up. Perhaps it might be more graphic... >Zap!< SF: No it won't! There are kids that ignore the NC-17 rating, and if you think for one second that you're going to traumatize them then you've got another thing coming!

Tsukitani: Please don't encourage the fox. He's lost his ever-loving mind, if you can tell by NoLabel's review response above yours. Not a problem about not updating. I just felt like picking on you. There are going to be a lot of people asking me that question in a few. I've got finals, and Christmas baking to do. I'm never going to see a cake again after Christmas. Silver Fox: {::walking past, muttering::} Now there's a damned lie...

Shuu: Um, I'm warning you now so that when it happens, you won't be like "Wha?": You're a villain in this story. I know, he hasn't showed up yet, but you are. I didn't mean it to be mean, but it was done way before you reviewed. Oh, but back to your review: Um, you're going to have your wish in a few chapters. Look for one titled: Could've, Should've, Would've.

Fireash: Thanks for the game help, but I'm stuck on the Lunatic Pandora part on FFVIII. Oh, and you're very welcome bout the lemon.

Mistress Fluffy: Yeah, Sesshou singing was pretty hot. {::gets a faraway look in her eye and drifts off to Never-Never Land::} Silver Fox: For the love of-{::sigh::} There she goes again. I'm surprised she gets any work done around here.

Lady Sesshoumaru: Thanks a lot! So everything came in good and clear? I'm glad. I was kinda worried about that...well, except for Silver's part. I was worried that it would be a bit much, but I seem to be wrong.

Fluffy'sLova4Life: Don't worry about it! Review when you can. Moms is a fruitcake, so I'm lucky to do anything around here.