InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I Didn't Know I Was Waiting For You ❯ Consequences and Rituals ( Chapter 17 )

Disclaimer: Pouting over it.

Warning: There is sexual magic in this chapter.

AN: "character speech"

*Character thought*

~Character memory or flashback~

/Thoughts a character hears in their mind/

Chapter 17: Consequences and Rituals

Pale blue light illuminated his silver-white hair with an eerie glow. His golden-amber eyes darted over the screen and he sighed. *Another candidate who will not suffice. In an organization as large as mine, you would think I would have at least one employee who could adequately perform Kagura's job. The one candidate I have in mine is too violent for the post Kagura held, but he's my best bet right now.* His clawed hand rubbed his temple as he hung his head in near defeat. *I wonder if there was anyone Kagura would have suggested, maybe I should ask Kagome. No she doesn't like talking about Kagura being within her. So much has happened in such a short time, I really don't like it.*

It had been four weeks since the festival and the aftershocks were still being felt. Kagome was quieter than she had been before, not depressed just very contemplative. Sesshoumaru no longer feared her leaving him, but he wished she would spend more time at the apartment and estate with him. She had said she wanted time alone to meditate and understand what was happening within her. Sesshoumaru gave her that time while he searched his entire youkai employee base for a suitable replacement for Kagura and attempted to track down the Dakkunaga clan. So far both ventures were proving fruitless.

Sesshoumaru sighed and stopped his profile program, saved his location within it and then turned off his computer. He sighed and went to shower before bed. He thought back over the past month as hot water cascaded over his taunt muscles. He had never been so frustrated in his entire life. Kagura must have possessed an almost infinite patience because he was finding many of his subordinates just under her old position to be virtual morons. He couldn't believe some of the mentalities that his overseas CEOs possessed. He set the shower head to massage mode and turned the cold water completely off. Steam rose from his skin as he moved the shower head so that water beat the tension from his body.

Finally no longer quite as tense, he retired to his western style bed and lay down. Sleep eluded him for hours as his mind refused to rest. Finally in the hours just before dawn his body shut down from exhaustion as almost a month without sleep caught up to him. Sesshoumaru didn't dream; he entered the Dreamtime.

Sesshoumaru could feel that he was entering the Dreamtime. Warmth and peace spread through his being as he became aware of his surroundings. The stone walls reached up to a vaulted ceiling some 300 meters above him with four meter wide by 100 meter high windows spaced at fifteen meter intervals. The great hall of Inutasho stretched about 500 meters in length and was approximately 300 meters wide. The hall had been just large enough to hold his father in his full demon dog form. Sesshoumaru looked around the great hall.

The walls were dark stone of natural gray tones; the floor was dark green flecked marble inlaid with a jade walkway. The walkway was ten meters wide and stretched from the great door at the far end of the hall all the way to the throne steps which were made of jade inlaid with gold and silver. The great door was segmented in four parts. Each segment came from a single ancient tree and was at least 100 X 50 X 1 meters. The segments opened separately so that the top segments were kept closed unless Inutasho was in his demon form. The throne which sat opposite the door at the other end was a large ornate piece of art. It was made from interlocking snake youkai bones, burnished gold, silver, and onyx. Behind the throne was the family Mon. These were the aspects of the great hall that had been unchanged since the time of Sesshoumaru's great grandfather, Inu'suta the conqueror of the Dakkunaga and the Western Lands.

Then there were the human touches added by Inuyasha's mother. She decorated the great hall because she said there wasn't enough color in the vast youkai throne room. The wall sections between the windows held large ornate tapestries depicting vast scenes of activity and royalty. These tapestries clashed with the family emblem because of the humanity they depicted. The great tapestry, woven with magic by Sesshoumaru's great grandmother Shi'Tsing, depicted a great white dog demon on a field of crimson blood strewn with youkai and human bodies while the limp body of the King Snake hung from his fangs. Silver and gold wove around the border of the Mon making it glow softly in the firelight.

To both sides of the human tapestries were gold encrusted scones; each cheerfully burning sweet smelling plant oil. Under each window was a table, every one carefully carved in the most beautiful woods, which were adorned with fresh flower arrangements. The tables each stood on lovely rugs woven of complimentary colors and designs. The tables, tapestries, rugs and flowers added a human touch to the youkai hall. They warmed the cold interior which had for centuries before her interference instilled fear in petitioners, and after her and Inutasho's deaths had instilled that fear again.

Sesshoumaru studied the details of the great hall of his father and wondered when the last time was that he had thought of it as it had been in his youth. He felt the centuries between then and now and knew he hadn't thought of the hall in this way since his first order as the Western Lord. He remembered clearly the day he was named lord. He had ordered the servants to the great hall and told them to burn everything made by human hands. The bonfire had been as bright as the sun that night. He recalled clearly the months it took to remove the stench of humanity from the hall. Thinking back on that time stirred a slight regret in his heart, for that was a dark time emotionally for Sesshoumaru and a dangerous time for the Inukaze clan.

Sesshoumaru starred at the brutal details of the family Mon and remembered when he had reluctantly put it in storage. The magic enshrouded tapestry which had rested against stone walls for over two millennia was now housed in a cedar box and packed with moth balls. The box had been carved by Sesshoumaru's own claws about a century ago and was somewhere in his attic. The thought of the ancient youkai artifact being packed in moth balls brought an ironic twist to his lips.

"Kami, you certainly are evil looking when you smirk like that."

Sesshoumaru turned his head to the right. He peered at the Hanyou with hair and eyes so like his own one could not doubt their shared blood. Inuyasha still wore his Fire Rat robe, but he seemed nobler than he had in life. His puppy ears no longer twitched or drooped on top of his head; they swiveled slightly as if they were sonar detectors. His eyes had lost their furtive pain and fear; now they were bright and alert without the constant underlying grief. He held himself straighter and his movements were reserved, Sesshoumaru had noticed these subtle changes when he had observed Kagome's Dreamtime with him. Inuyasha had somehow grown into the man he should have been in life after he died. Sesshoumaru raised a pale eyebrow at his brother. Inuyasha smirked in response and the old obnoxious little brother showed through the new demeanor, perhaps he hadn't changed at all.

"To what do I owe the honor of slaying for this torture?" Sesshoumaru asked in a bored voice.

Mock surprise laced his words as Inuyasha replied, "My brother has developed a sense of humor?! The world most surely is ending and no one told me about it!"

Sesshoumaru didn't quite sigh, "Why am I here speaking with you little brother instead of in a dreamless sleep getting some much needed rest?"

"Isn't it obvious?" asked Inuyasha as if there shouldn't have been a question at all.

"If it was I would not ask. I don not mince words."

Inuyasha tilted his head to the side almost as if studying Sesshoumaru, "True enough, you and words never did get along very well. I'm here bugging you right now because you have neglected your own sleep for almost a month and I couldn't pull you here before today. As to why I pulled you into the Dreamtime, it's because we need to talk."

"What do we need to talk about?"

"Kagome, the Dakkunaga, stuff... you know the things brothers talk about."

"You know something important about the Dakkunaga?"

"I'm aware of a lot of stuff Sesshoumaru. I know much less."

"Riddles were never your style. What game are you playing?"

"You don't trust me?! We made peace before I died, but you still don't trust me. Amazing," Inuyasha somehow managed to sound surprised, hurt, and indignant all at once.

"Get to whatever point you are making so I can leave." Sesshoumaru was just starting to sound more than bored.

Inuyasha bowed his head and shook with silent laughter. When he raised his face to Sesshoumaru again his eyes glittered with mischief. He smirked and then sprinted to the throne. He finished his dash of speed by leaping into the royal seat. He began to settle himself into his father's throne.

Sesshoumaru virtually teleported to stand before the throne with how fast his movements were. Intense anger flitted across his expressionless features. He glared daggers down at Inuyasha as he growled, "What are you doing?!"

"Trying it out. I always wondered what it would be like to sit in the famous throne of our great grandfather. Its more comfortable than I thought."

There was something childlike in his demeanor and voice which reminded Sesshoumaru of the little boy who had nearly worshiped the ground he walked on. Sesshoumaru found it incredibly hard to stay mad when Inuyasha had the look of a little puppy about him. It was rather frustrating that he couldn't retain his anger. He groaned, "Please Inuyasha, I don't want anymore games."

"Okay, no more games." Inuyasha sat up as he responded. An air of dignity settled about him as his golden irises met Sesshoumaru's wary eyes. His voice was deeper and more mature as he continued from an authoritive pose on the throne. "There is war coming to the Western Lands, specifically to the Inukaze clan. However, this will not be a war like any other before. In the past Youkai wars were fought on the fields of honor and battle; this time it will be fought with treachery, terror, and assassination. The Dakkunaga have hung in the shadows for over three millennia and they intend to destroy our family so completely that we won't even be a memory in the lands. They want more than the blood of our clan; they want the soul of our line. They want vengeance a hundred fold for the treachery of Inu'suta."

"That was not treachery; that was justice," Sesshoumaru bit out.

"That is not how they saw it, or how they see it. Inu'suta was sworn to them and their lands. He raised an army and destroyed them for their cruelty to the denizens of the realm. Yes he was justified, but he still betrayed his oaths and fealty. They only see the betrayal, the dishonor."

"Our family has always been honorable! By the mandate of heaven itself Inu'suta was not only justified but honor bound to rise against the tyrant that Hotojuki was! They have absolutely no basis for revenge. The lives of those who had not been involved with the terror or cruelty were spared." Sesshoumaru felt his fury growing in him, his brother's words felt like a betrayal to the Inukaze clan, to their family.

"I know this as well as you. I however, have been granted the opportunity to see into their mentality. I don't agree with them and I personally think that the entire clan is nuts, but the fact is they are fanatical about this revenge. To them it is a blood-feud that has been dormant for over three thousand years."

"If they wished blood-feud, all they had to do was go to the other three Lords and request the right."

"Yes, but the other Lords and our family have always had agreeable terms of peace. The Dakkunaga would have gotten their blood-feud, but it would have been against the Inukaze and any allies the other cardinal lords chose to grant."

"Then they were nothing more than cowards and shall be dealt with as such." Sesshoumaru growled.

"But to deal with them you will need the Inukaze behind you." Inuyasha paused, stood and stalked past Sesshoumaru. "When was the last time you saw or spoke with any of our distant cousins? When was the last time the Inukaze met as a clan? Think Sesshoumaru, how long has it been since you saw another who shared your blood?" Inuyasha whirled on Sesshoumaru and his brilliant orbs burned into his brother's eyes.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his golden eyes in concentration as he replied, "I honestly can't remember."

"Try brother, surely you can recall vague time frames. Was it a century, two, three or the last time father hosted a gather? Please this is important." Inuyasha implored him.

"I vaguely recall seeing Mieling of Great Uncle Kaztu's line at the signing of the Treaty. Other than that I can't recall seeing anyone else since father's last gather."

"You have to seek out their fates. You have to rally the surviving Inukaze behind you. I guarantee many of them have already died at Dakkunaga hands, but quite a few are in hiding as well. Find them, as head of the clan you have a duty to them. You have to lead them against their enemies and protect their futures. That includes those of mixed blood."

"I know," Sesshoumaru interrupted angrily at the insult to his honor.

"Yes, I'm sure you finally do!" yelled Inuyasha with old pain evident in his voice. "But what you may not know is that the mixed blood of the line far exceeds the pure blood left in the clan. You will find most of the remaining clan is only an eighth to half youkai or of mixed youkai blood."

"It does not matter," Sesshoumaru replied calmly. Deep inside he wanted to apologize to his brother but found he could not voice it. "I will find every member of the Inukaze clan and I will destroy the Dakkunaga for them."

"I'm glad," replied Inuyasha calmly as well, he understood his brothers unvoiced apology. "I love Kagome and you; I don't want to see either of you dieing anytime soon. I want to see you both happy and well, living the life you both deserve."

Silence fell for a few moments and then Sesshoumaru asked, "How can I find the Inukaze who are in hiding? They could be buried in centuries of fronts and I may never find some of the strongest."

"I'm not entirely certain, but I know Kagome will be able to help. She's far more powerful than you know. With a small sample of your blood she should be able to track down virtually everyone who shares your blood. It may take a bit for her to trace it fully, but she has the strength and ability to do it."

Sesshoumaru glared at Inuyasha irritably and said, "I will not involve her in this; it's too dangerous."

"What?! She is already in jeopardy simply by being your mate. Kagome is a fighter and she will not sit on the sidelines if she can help. Don't you remember the way she fought Naraku? Don't you remember the way she once stood up to even you, the great lord Sesshoumaru? Kami, brother, Kagome will not sit idly by and simply let herself be protected. She will fight with or without your leave to do so, even more so now that Kagura is part of her. If you don't involve her she will be in more danger than she already is. As your mate she is a primary target. If the Dakkunaga can kill her before the spring ritual of renewal, they will be able to justify the war within the youkai courts."

Sesshoumaru stayed as calm as he possibly could as Inuyasha yelled at him. He had never in his life been yelled at so much within a single night. He understood the wisdom of his brother's words, but that did not mean his blood was not boiling. "Fine! I will bring Kagome into this. As lady of the Western Lands she has the right to know what is happening. And as you say she will be an asset to this endeavor."

"Also, don't forget, she controls Tetsusaiga. The blade answers to her better than it answered to me. Father's magic is connected to her; it has been since the day she pulled the fang in his grave. Do not doubt her in battle with it. She is as fine a lady for the Western Lands as Shi'Tsing had been."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "I agree."

"Good! In that case I will be going because you will be waking soon." Inuyasha smirked as he faded.

Sesshoumaru groaned as an alarm clock began to buzz. He slowly regained consciousness feeling twice as drained as when he laid down.

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Diffuse sunlight sparkled through the spider-web frost on Kagome's window. Subtle pinks and oranges glistened in a pattern as delicate and intricate as a snowflake. Kagome's east facing window caught the faintest stirrings of winter's dawn. During the last night of November winter had stole into Tokyo on silent chill winds. Kagome blinked the sleep from her eyes as looked toward her alarm. She no longer felt the ungodliness of the hour, not since that night. The night Kagura became a part of her changed Kagome in subtle and dramatic ways. Now dawn, and even predawn, was a perfect time to wake up. On nights when she stayed up past midnight, dawn was still a good wake up time. So much had happened in those short moments between life and death; the ripples still stirred the pond of Kagome's life.

Kagome rolled out of bed and stretched. She felt the gentle stirrings of life within her apartment and knew she was the only one up. Quietly as she warmed her muscles for the day she felt the loving presence wake within her mind. A feather light tickle touched her thoughts as she prepared for her shower. The caring touch of Kagura was a constant within her now, more so than Kikyou had ever been. During the last month they had discovered many, but not all of the consequences of Kagura's heart being within a human miko. As Kagome stood under the steaming stream of water she thought back on the past month.

Kagome and Kagura had been working on attempting to discern how the Youkai heart worked within her when they discovered Kagome could summon and control the Youkai blood and power. Kagome had been in deep meditation, studying the flow of demonic energy within her center. Before her center had been a swirling silver-orchid sphere which gained dark amber after she and Sesshoumaru mated; now her center had dark blue swirling around the outside of it. This new energy seemed separate and yet part of her center. Kagome had grounded deeply in the earth to keep from loosing herself to what she was about to do. Then she attempted to gently combine the energies. The result had been the emergence of Youkai traits to Kagome's physical form.

Kagome had felt the youkai heart beat speed up and synchronize with Kagome's human heart. Then the fire that accompanied youkai blood flooded her veins. Finally Kagome had opened her eyes to stare at her claws. She felt the power and without conscious thought of the consequences had jumped up and run. Kagome ran faster than she had ever run in her life. She had leapt three and four story buildings. She had scented the world with new understanding. She had reveled in the power that now burned within her. After about an hour she had come crashing down off of her energy high. The youkai blood retreated rather painfully from her body and the dark blue energy separated from her center almost violently.

Kagura hypothesized that it was because Kagome was human and her body and soul weren't used to the youkai power. Kagome agreed and the two decided to work on Kagome's control of the youkai power. Every day Kagome practiced bringing the youkai power out and holding it for longer periods of time. With Kagura's guidance and encouragement, Kagome could now retain the Youkai power for two hours straight. She also spent quite a bit of time on mysticism, including learning the fertility rituals for the Western Lands. They also spent time just talking, about everything.

Kagome reflected on the discussions she and Kagura had over the prior month as she dressed. She remembered how they both felt it would be best to start the rituals with the winter solstice one rather than wait until spring. The sooner life energies were returned to the Western Lands the sooner everything would improve for those living within the domain. Also the magic would begin to restore and heal the lands themselves. Kagura had also pointed out that the sooner Sesshoumaru and his mate took up the ritual responsibility the more strongly the other cardinal Lords would stand behind the Inukaze against the Dakkunaga. Kagura had recognized the Dakkunaga as those who had attempted to kill Kagome using Sesshoumaru. She had given Kagome a history lesson about the Dakkunaga and the Inukaze clans.

While starting breakfast, she thought on the conversation and decision from last night. Kagura had explained that she could go deeply enough within Kagome's soul that she became only vaguely aware of her emotions and nothing else. She could submerge herself so far that she became unaware of Kagome's senses. Kagome had insisted that when she and Sesshoumaru were intimate again, Kagura submerge herself like that. Kagura agreed. Kagome couldn't wait to tell Sesshoumaru. As the coffee percolated and the eggs cooked, Kagome when over what she would say to her beloved concerning Kagura with said wind demoness. They also went over Kagura's candidates for her replacement within Sesshoumaru's organization.

Kagome had cooked enough for three because she sensed Tomaru in the apartment last night. She stopped talking with Kagura and smiled as the wolf demon entered the kitchen. He was dressed only in his boxers and his unkempt wild brown hair tailed over his hard pectoral muscles. Kagome idly wondered if Kouga looked the same way in the morning. She handed a cup of coffee to the young wolf and received his nod as thanks. He was an even worse morning person than she used to be and so she never took offence to it.

Kagura had been shocked by Tomaru and Hojo's relationship when she first encountered it, but now the wind only whispered feather light how strange it was. Kagome was dishing out the eggs, sausage, and toast as Hojo entered the kitchen. He was in boxers and a tee-shirt. Kagome and he exchanged a cheerful hello as he poured his coffee and Kagome placed the food on the table. She than sat down with her two handsome breakfast companions.

Breakfast was a quiet affair. Hojo and Kagome did not need words after their long standing friendship and Tomaru was not a conversationalist. The silence was comfortable, as it had been since the first awkward morning more than six weeks ago. Tomaru had been truly surprised by not only Kagome's acceptance of the homosexual relationship, but also by her willingness not to breath a word to anyone until he was ready to tell his father. Her caring support and encouragement helped to make the secret easier to bear. Tomaru and Hojo did not want to keep their relationship a secret, but for now circumstances required it. Even Kagome wasn't sure how their fathers would react, after all no father wants to learn his son is gay. And deep down both boys feared the other may only be "going through a faze."

"So what are your plans on this lovely winter morning?" asked Hojo of Kagome.

"I'm going over to Sesshoumaru's apartment. I need to talk to him."

"I'll drive you if you want. I have to be over there in an hour because he wants me to drive him to one of his employee's homes." Tomaru interjected as Kagome finished speaking.

"Thank you Tomaru, I would appreciate that."

"No problem Kagome-chan."

"Well I guess that means I'm at loose ends again, huh." Said Hojo.

"Well, you do need to study for finals. Yours are going to be much worse than mine," said Kagome.

"And I'll be back around noon. The boss man said he would be done around then and I could have the rest of the day off."

"Well than I will study until then and eagerly await your return," replied Hojo.

Tomaru nodded and then stood with his empty dishes. "Well I better go get showered and dressed." He placed the dishes in the sink and turned back to give Hojo a soft kiss before leaving the kitchen.

Kagome smiled at Hojo as Tomaru left the room. When she heard the shower start she said, "You two really do make a very cute couple."

Hojo turned red and stumbled, "I think so too, but I'm not sure how serious he is."

"If he is anything like his father, and from what I've seen he is, he is as serious as you. I think he's falling in love with you."

"I think I've fallen for him already," whispered Hojo.

Kagome placed her dishes in the sink and turned back to take Hojo's, "Then I think everything will work out lovely. You two definitely fit together and I think you belong together."

"Thank you Kagome-chan," said Hojo as he hugged her while she started washing the breakfast dishes.

Tomaru came back into the kitchen and found Hojo and Kagome drying and putting away the dishes. He smiled at them and then said, "Ready?" When Kagome nodded he turned around to head out to the Rolls Royce. It was the car Sesshoumaru liked for driving in Tokyo.

Tomaru opened the door for Kagome after he pulled into Sesshoumaru's parking place at his apartment. Kagome nodded her thanks and then headed up stairs. Tomaru followed. Kagome preferred the stairs, especially now, because it was good exercise and expended excess energy. Tomaru also liked the stairs because most youkai found elevators to be uncomfortably confining. They ascended the five flights quickly and without too much effort.

Kagome had the option to simply unlock the apartment, but because it had been over a month since she exercised that right she knocked. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened with surprise as he opened the door. Kagome flung her arms around the stunned youkai who was fighting his exhaustion as well as his shock. Tomaru simply bowed slightly and waited until he was spoken to.

Sesshoumaru shook himself out of the daze and waved both into his apartment. He looked from one to the other and then spoke, "Kagome, I wasn't expecting you to come over today. I made plans to speak with Satosori-san this morning." He sounded very tired and somewhat defeated.

Kagome could feel the intense fatigue in him and Kagura confirmed it. Kagome asked, "Why do you need to speak with Miesun Satosori?"

Tomaru was used to Kagome using names only Kagura could know because of the time they spent together during the last month. Sesshoumaru on the other hand had yet to experience Kagome speaking with Kagura's knowledge. His eyes widened again and he replied, "He is currently my best candidate for replacing Kagura."

Tomaru waited quietly, surprised that Sesshoumaru was thinking of assigning an assassin to Kagura's old position. Kagura was surprised as well /Is he nuts? Satosori is perfect for being the head of the diamond squad, but he would end up killing over half of Sesshoumaru's employees out of annoyance./ *I'll tell him Kagura-chan.* Kagome said, "Don't you think he would be better heading the diamond squad? He is after all a most skilled artist."

Sesshoumaru felt a breath of a shiver pass through him and said, "Perhaps, but right now he is the most qualified for Kagura's position."

"Bullshit," Kagome said Kagura's thought out loud without realizing it. Then she quickly went into relay mode for what Kagura was saying. "He isn't nearly as qualified as about half a dozen other employees Kagura can think of without having their profiles in front of her. She wants to know if you have even bothered looking at your Hanyou employees or if you've been a stubborn baka and stuck entirely to youkai employees."

"I have not looked at my Hanyou employees. I did not think any would be qualified." Sesshoumaru said calmly, retreating behind his masks because the situation was becoming stranger than he was prepared for after last night's Dreamtime.

Kagome and Kagura both knew he was uncomfortable but he was being incredibly foolish and both felt he needed to learn better. Kagome continued, "Kagura believes that Miro Shinji, Gorbu Rayku, or Yasha Usagi would all be qualified to replace her. All three are Hanyou and incredibly well versed in your business practices. They each have the ability to deal with morons without loosing their tempers. They are all fiercely loyal to you, especially Usagi since she is descended from the Kaztu line of the Inukaze clan. If you would stop your foolish species discrimination you would have known that without me telling you."

Sesshoumaru wasn't sure what shocked him more. Was it Kagome speaking to him with utter disregard for propriety? Was it Kagome speaking of Kagura's thoughts with such openness? Or was it the tidbit about Usagi being a Hanyou of his clan? Sesshoumaru sifted through and decided that the information about Usagi was the most surprising. Sesshoumaru turned to Tomaru and said, "You may have the day off after you place a call and tell Satosori to meet me Monday at the office at noon."

"Arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama," replied Tomaru with a slight bow. Then he looked to Kagome, "See you later Kagome-san."

Kagome smiled knowingly at the eager wolf demon and said, "Have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do and if you do, do not name it after me." Tomaru joined Kagome's mirth before bowing again to the Lord and Lady of the Western Lands. He left and closed the door behind him.

Sesshoumaru wondered at the exchange and tried to recall when Kagome and Tomaru had become so close. He couldn't remember seeing it and felt a strange stab of uncertainty. "Come in and sit down my love."

Kagome smiled and sat on the couch. She watched as Sesshoumaru studied her movements. She then said, "Beloved, please join me. We need to talk."

Sesshoumaru nodded with some reluctance and then sat beside her on the couch. He looked deeply into her eyes. Even without the youkai blood flowing in her veins her irises had darkened from sea blue to a midnight violet-blue. He almost lost himself starring into the eyes of his love which had been at the edge of his mind all month. "What do we need to discuss?"

"I wanted to tell you my need for isolation has ended and I've missed you." She leaned in and captured his lips for a much needed kiss. The passion in her flowed over Sesshoumaru and he drew her into a deep soul searing embrace. He clutched her tightly to himself as the kiss ended.

"I missed you too," he murmured quietly.

Kagome gently pulled away and looked into the golden suns dark with longing and need. She smiled softly and said, "I'm sorry Fluffy. I didn't mean to hurt you with my absence. I just needed time to figure out what Kagura's heart did to me. She and I have pretty much figured it out. Her youkai power has combined with my earth magic and I can use it if I need to. I also needed to come to terms with having a foreign presence within my mind."

"Wasn't the Kikyou presence separate from you before as well?" He interrupted with a bit of confusion.

"No, Kikyou was a part of me. Her thoughts were not unknown to me; they were very similar to my own. Kagura on the other hand is a being whose beliefs and attitudes are completely different from my own. She and I had very little common ground when you get deep into our hearts. That caused some very strained moments because neither of us could retreat from the other well enough to have our personal space. Since then we've figured out how to create that space and things are much better."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Kagura is aware of everything I say, think, see, and do. I am aware of everything she thinks and desires. Her and my emotions are completely open to the other. If we hurt each other's feelings it creates a kind of resonance of emotional pain. That can be quite painful and so we sought a way to separate our awareness of each other. The easiest and safest is for Kagura to burry herself deep within the recesses of my soul. While there the connection is thinned to the point where the only awareness she has of me is vague emotions and I can't even feel her."

"Was she `present' just now when we kissed?" Sesshoumaru hoped the answer was no.

"No, I asked her to go deep within when I sat down. She will stay there until I call her back up. She will go to that place anytime we are intimate. She accepts that you and I would both be uncomfortable if she `rode along' when we were together. Kagura has a good soul."

"I'm glad you are finally sharing this with me. I was beginning to wonder if I would ever be able to hold you in my arms again." He pulled her into his warm embrace again and breathed in her scent. Tomaru's scent was more strongly on her than if she had simply rode in the car with him. He tried to ignore the tinge of doubt as he focused on her statement about youkai power. "What did you mean by you can call Kagura's youkai power if you need to?"

"I can combine Kagura's demon power with my earth power and manifest youkai traits. I can now hold the transformation for two hours." She sounded quite proud of herself.

Sesshoumaru felt it was an accomplishment as well, but before he could congratulate her, his traitorous mouth revealed his question about Tomaru. "Why does Tomaru's scent cling to you so?"

Kagome froze. She had promised Tomaru she would tell no one, but she could feel Sesshoumaru's doubts and fears. She sighed in defeat which caused Sesshoumaru to stiffen with dread. "I had breakfast with him and Hojo. I promised I wouldn't tell anyone until they were ready but Hojo and Tomaru are together." She looked into his stunned eyes. "Tomaru has stayed the night so many times in the last month I lost count," she chuckled, "Although I almost purified him the first time he walked in on me during my morning shower. He was half asleep and I hadn't started the water yet so he didn't know I was in there. I was shocked because that was the first night he stayed over and I hadn't known. But things are much better now; he has become a dear friend just like Hojo-kun." Her hand rested on the side of his face.

"Gomen, Kagome-chan, I should not have been even slightly jealous." He looked contritely into her eyes.

"Well at least you didn't go yelling die filthy wolf," she joked.

Sesshoumaru chuckled with her because they both knew that is what Inuyasha would have done. He leaned in and kissed her as the laughter stopped. He pulled back and said, "I think you should summon Kagura back. We need to discuss the Dakkunaga as well as Kagura's replacement."

Kagome nodded. She closed her eyes and a moment later she smirked. "Okay the bitch is with us," Kagome said with laughter in her voice. Sesshoumaru wondered what they thought to each other. Sesshoumaru told Kagome about Inuyasha's Dreamtime visit and what he had said about her helping. Kagome said she would do it but she needed to do some research first. She also told him that they would begin with the solstice ritual rather than wait until spring, which he thought was a good idea. Sesshoumaru agreed to interview each of Kagura's three candidates on Monday and decided he would make Satosori head of diamond. By late morning they were finished and Kagome decided Sesshoumaru needed to sleep, badly.

Kagome languidly stretched and gave a huge yawn. "Kami I am exhausted," she turned to him, "care to join me for a nap?"

Sesshoumaru could not refuse to offer to snuggle his mate and nodded quickly before carrying her into the bedroom. He laid her down and removed her shoes before slipping in and pulling her close. She snuggled into his chest and closed her eyes. Sesshoumaru buried his face in her hair and promptly fell asleep to her calming scent and presence. Kagome and Kagura used his resting to discuss how to go about tracking the Inukaze. Sesshoumaru slept in a dreamless state of pure exhaustion and his body recovered from the month of abuse. Day turned into night and Kagome ignored her slight hunger to remain with him. She too fell asleep as the moon rose over the horizon.

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