x . . . . x

"You. Lie. Bitch."

Kagome was not afraid to flinch as she stared into blood red eyes that were filled with such fierce depth and emotion Kagome knew Sesshoumaru would have never revealed to anyone. In an odd way, she felt as though she were an intruder staring at the raw emotion that filled those scarlet hues, intruding on his pain and anger. She was jolted from her thoughts as the inu-youkai dug his claws into her pale neck in an alarmingly painful manner though not yet breaking the flesh. Kagome cried out gently as more tears spilled from her blue-gray orbs.

"Please... " she pleaded softly, begging him to come back to himself. She would give almost anything to see Sesshoumaru glare at her haughtily and toss a rude remark her way about ningen. Her right hand was clutching at his arm and her left was clinging to the dark blue prayer beads. Though no sound passed her lips, inside she was screaming. She didn't want to do what she had been asked. The consequences were unknown and she knew, without a doubt, there would be consequences and they would be dire. Powerful youkai weren't brought down in any way without severe consequences in the end. At her plea though, Sesshoumaru leaned only closer, a snarl slipping past his lips as they were curled over his fangs. "Please... " she whispered again, almost begging.

"You will die... " he hissed and then, when the bite of his claws in her previously unmarred flesh became too much and she felt blood slip down her neck, Kagome withdrew the beads with a slight 'clank' and tossed them over the taiyoukai's head. Almost immediately the beads glowed white with her power and his blood red eyes narrowed. There was a moment of confusion for the 'beast' within and then her power began to sizzle along his flesh. Sesshoumaru dropped Kagome as he began to tear at the beads with claws but to no avail. Kagome slid down the wall and quickly set about getting into to prayer position, muttering words that sounded foreign but she knew were right.

It was not moments later when the glow quickly died down and the raging lord whipped his head toward the miko and charged her. Once more, Kagome found herself against the wall, and her head hit the stone with an alarming strength, causing her vision to slightly tunnel. Sesshoumaru's growls tore through her pounding head as they increased in volume and fear flowed through her veins as she searched for a word to subdue him.

There would be only one word and that word would tie Kagome and Sesshoumaru, rather it would tie Sesshoumaru to Kagome. It would bind him to her for what could be a very long time. As the word slipped past her lips and as he was roughly torn from her, claws leaving deep, angry tears in her flesh, Kagome felt deep sense of regret. She slipped down to the floor, leaning against the stone wall and watched in awe as Sesshoumaru hit the opposite stone wall as he was thrown back roughly thirty yards. Dust and dirt flew into the air and rock had cracked and was now falling. Kagome surmised that the inu-youkai might have actually gone through the wall.

Nothing moved for what seemed like long time as the debris settled. She practically jumped out of her skin as a cool yet hoarse voice slipped from the hole in the wall.

"Back?" was the curt question she heard as the dust and debris settled. She watched in fearful awe as Sesshoumaru gracefully from stood from the hole. "Back?" he snarled angrily, pale hands cleaning off the dirty, white haori. The youkai turned and faced the miko and said miko breathed a sigh of relief as she noticed the golden color of his eyes. There was no emotion on the almost angelic face, though no ningen would ever mistake him for angel with the youkai markings along his cheek bones and forehead. Recognition filtered through those golden orbs but that was all. "Explain." he demanded coolly, voice still rough.

Kagome, never having had to put herself in the role of servant threw herself into it now. She would do almost anything to have his wrath directed elsewhere. It was almost funny how she would have done the same to bring him from his beast. "Sesshoumaru-sama... " she began, pleased to note the slight trembling in her body had not leaked to her voice. "Your servants, your retainer, they called upon me to subdue you though I did not want to." she stated softly yet strongly. She heard him take several almost shuffling steps toward her and crouch down in front of her. There was a heat, an anger in his golden eyes as he stared sown at the woman.

A clawed hand grasped Kagome's chin and roughly tilted her head upward toward him. Kagome flinched as hot tears scalded her cheeks and her eyes connected with the beads at his neck. She wanted nothing more than to tear the blasted things off. Sesshoumaru was a proud youkai and proud youkai were not bound to mikos of any kind... Truthfully though, Kagome didn't know how to unbind him from her. Kami knew she tried countless of times with the hanyou currently waiting for her to return. Even if he found the necklace as a symbol of belonging, Kagome herself saw it as a collar.

Sesshoumaru must have sensed her wandering thoughts because he roughly shook her face by her chin and made her look up at him, golden eyes clashing angrily with merely flinched, crying out gently. She soon realized the arm that held her chin had been the arm Inuyasha had previously cut off. She assumed it grew back in the year they hadn't seen him. He looked down at her and spoke, his tone harsh and commanding, "Explain to me what has happened and why you have bound me." he growled to her, golden eyes smoldering.

Silently she whimpered and closed her mixed colored orbs. The beast that had taken control and had been in denial and Sesshoumaru himself was unaware of the situation. She prayed internally as she began a slight trembling once more. Her small, dainty hand reached out of its own accord to grasp the large, calloused hand that gripped her oh so breakable neck. Cool, golden eyes watched the action and though his face betrayed no emotion, the cool gold showed a hint of confusion. He did not pull his hand from hers though the hand under hers tensed immediately. "Sesshoumaru-sama..." she began slowly, solemnly, as her eyes once more opened up and stared up at the youkai.

"Sesshoumaru-sama... you lost yourself to your inner beast and Jaken came to me saying that you would not revert back to yourself." Kagome murmured softly, delicately. "You locked yourself down here, in your family crypt with Rin-chan's body. Rin... Rin-chan is dead, Sesshoumaru, due to a ningen illness." she finally ended, her voice never once cracking but her eyes filling with tears once more.

Sesshoumaru stared down at the woman and the grip on her neck slackened slowly as he gently released her. There was a sniff followed by the touching of his cheek as he felt the dried moisture. Had Kagome not been paying attention, she might have missed the slight paling of his already pale skin. She might have missed the way whatever life he carried with him slowly faded. Golden eyes rivaling a cool burning sun, faded in color, darkening to a honey gold. He blinked once as though not truly comprehending what she was saying.

Eyes that rivaled the cold on a winter's night turned slowly to the tomb that Sesshoumaru had recently had his back to. There was a soft horror written in his eyes rather than his face as he moved forward slowly. Rin and Sesshoumaru had been together for as long as Shippo had been with Kagome and her heart went out the taiyoukai. Trembling hands moved to caress her lips as she sat on her knees and a tear slipped past her eye. Rin had once confided in the miko how she had come to end up with her dear Sesshoumaru-sama and the story had stayed with her.

They had been separated, Rin and Kagome. She was nothing more than a happy little girl with a hyperactive imagination, showing Kagome all the flowers they passed by, and telling whether they could eat the plants or not along the trees. The miko found the child adorable and extremely fun to be around, making small flower necklaces and crowns, laughing and giggling.

"Kagome-chan!" she cried happily as she leaped into the older girl's arms. Having being used to one young kitsune, Kagome was used to catching leaping children. "Rin made one for Sesshoumaru-sama!" Kagome laughed lightly and nodded her head at the young girl.

"It's beautiful Rin-chan!" she smiled gently. "Speaking Sesshoumaru, how did you come to be in his care, Rin-chan?" The question had been burning inside since the two had been along together. Think about it, she'd finally have the coveted answer as to how Rin and Sesshoumaru had met!

"Rin helped him once... he was hurt. Rin died though! Wolves killed Rin and Sesshoumaru-sama brought Rin back to life. He takes care of Rin and Rin takes care of Sesshoumaru-sama!" she smiled brightly and sighed softly. "Rin loves her Sesshoumaru-sama... he saved her."

"I'm sure he loves you too." she whispered gently, patting Rin's head. Rin nodded once and Kagome looked around into the surrounding forest where she felt his powerful aura sweeping through the clearing that the two females had made their haven. His power rolled through her, almost knocking the air out of her. She saw him standing in the shade of the trees, cool eyes, watching, waiting. The taiyoukai surprised her though by giving a small smirk as she gasped for breath and walked away, leaving Rin in her care.

Kagome opened her eyes and watched as Sesshoumaru gathered the small girl in his arms and held her almost reverently, cradling her close to his body. She watched with baited breath as Sesshoumaru rebuilt himself before her eyes. He stood straight and his face molded back to being impassive. His eyes could have passed for their normal coolness had it not been for the dark depths filled with sadness, or had she imagined that? She shook her head and looked up at the taiyoukai that moved slowly toward her and then passed her. He made his way up the stairs, stopping only a few steps above ground level before looking down at her. His gaze clearly demanded she follow him. Kagome quickly stood and began to jog after the inu-youkai.

The door she had previously entered, Sesshoumaru walked through and light nearly blinded the miko to the point where she had stumbled upon entrance into the hall. The hall that led to the crypt had been filled with youkai from wall to wall, a small gap between them so that their Lord could pass by. There were several gasps and cries as Sesshoumaru entered and she watched as some turned away from the inu-youkai.

Sesshoumaru walked down the path they had cleared, little Rin still held within his arms. The youkai bowed their heads low as Sesshoumaru passed, all of them except for the golden inu-youkai from before, Reika. Instead, she sneered at the child held within Sesshoumaru's arms as she stood arrogantly, beautiful eyes narrowed. Sesshoumaru made his way to the door but she stood apart from the crowd and blocked it.

"Move it, onna." Sesshoumaru said coolly, his voice a few degrees colder than usual.

"Sesshoumaru-sama..." she began with her own dose of coolness and arrogance, her voice sending unpleasant shivers along Kagome's spine, setting off alarms within her head. Kagome flinched at the youkai's tone, knowing it would upset Sesshoumaru. Her tone screamed 'higher birth talking to a peasant' but Sesshoumaru was no peasant. "Why would you bring the brat back up here rather than leave her down in the crypt? Are you trying to destroy us all? All ningen carry disease when they die that can be occasionally fatal to our kind." Kagome gasped as anger coursed through her swift and righteous. A low growl slipped passed Sesshoumaru's lips but before he could speak, Kagome spoke, forgetting her place, moving before Sesshoumaru.

"How could you be so cruel?" she asked as she glared up at the taller female. Reika sneered in disgust and her eyes flashed with hate and superiority.

"You are ningen. Watch your mouth." Reika growled lightly, fangs flashing, dainty but still frightening in her anger. Kagome couldn't keep the glare from remaining on her face. Tears burned the back of her eyes but she held them back in this slight battle for dominance in wills.

"You dare tell me to watch my mouth when it is you that needs constant watch upon yours? How can you be so vicious and heartless to be cold to the death of Rin?" Kagome demanded, her anger continuing to sky-rocket, miko powers flailing about and singing the flesh of Reika.

"I will tell you once more, ningen, and then I will tell you no more. Watch. Your. Mouth. You are speaking to the - "

"I could care less as to who you are." Kagome interrupted the tirade with a sneer and a soft growl. Honey eyes narrowed and the inu-youkai stepped forward, wisps of youki beginning to make itself known and allowing the miko to see the inu was more than just a pretty face. Reika had power to back up all of her lovely trash talk and cruel words. Another step and Kagome stood her ground as the taller female continued to get closer until Sesshoumaru stood before Kagome. All power ceased from both sides as Kagome growled.

"That is enough." Sesshoumaru said coldly though it may have been screamed in the deafening silence. Kagome nibbled her bottom lip as she put a lid on her ever-growing powers. Lack of control seemed to be her largest issue lately, ever since restoring the life Kikyo had by purifying miasma that poisoned her incarnation's body. Power that had always had the possibility to become formidable became what it would and began manifesting in physical forms and even changed colors from pink to silver. "Reika, you will remove yourself from my sight before I remove you myself. Do not show yourself to me again."

Red slowly began to creep into the lovely, cool gold of Sesshoumaru's and Kagome watched the thought slide through Reika's eyes. The thought that she may actually push the issue and say, 'no' and continue to go after Kagome. Reika was smarter than she seemed though considering she merely sniffed and turned. She walked from the hall and it seemed like the youkai released a collective breath. No words were said as Sesshoumaru continued on to his destination, expecting Kagome to follow him and follow him she did. They left the stuffy room and wandered through the halls, twisting, turning, winding to and fro. It wasn't long before she felt the cool of the outside air hit her face.

Barefoot, she followed as Sesshoumaru stepped into the cold and unforgiving snow. She was unprepared for the biting chill that scalded her flesh just as easily as the heat could have. Her toes numbed almost instantly and she wrapped her frail arms around her body, attempting to preserve some warmth. She looked around as they walked out into the night and her eyes widened. They walked through what most likely was a garden once before the cold had gotten to it. It was dead now, frosted by the touch of winter, much like Rin. Such dark thoughts were pulled aside as Kagome avoided stepping upon the cracked and rustling shrubbery. Her eyes flickered to Sesshoumaru, his face stoic, small white clouds blaring from his nostrils as he breathed.

They walked to a large tree that must have been beautiful with shade to protect from the harsh sun during the spring and summer. Now though, in the moon-light it looked almost frightening and ominous. Sesshoumaru placed Rin on the ground reverently and Kagome choked back a sob at the picture the little girl made. Her hair was a stark contrast against the snow, her sleeping yukata a bright yellow, her pale skin almost gray. Her lips were parted and her eyes closed and Sesshoumaru's eyes moved along her face as though memorizing this moment, her pain, and then he turned away... turned and began to dig her grave using bare hands.

His sharp claws penetrated the frozen earth and the grave was quickly dug. Soon it was six feet deep or so and roughly three feet in length. Standing straight, Sesshoumaru moved and picked Rin up and held her in his arms for a few moments and then he placed her into the grave as though he were doing nothing more than tucking her into bed and Kagome cast a look at the night sky and then returned to the scene of Sesshoumaru burying the only person he had ever loved most likely other than his mother and Kagome knew it was love. There was no way it wasn't.

Sesshoumaru piled snow and dirt into the grave and never once looking up from his task, spoke to Kagome. "Pray for her, miko." was the soft spoken demand. "Send her soul to the afterlife as you ningen like to do." he continued, his voice tired, borderline distressed. Kagome could only nod her head and glance at the grave. Blue-gray eyes closed as her head of raven hair was bowed. The cold that swarmed through her body was abruptly pushed away by a warm rush of power slipping through her flesh. Her dainty hands were pressed together in a prayer position and words whispered through her mind.

Fear jolted through her once but the fear was replaced with a sense a knowing, a sense of familiarity, in the words. Kagome was lulled into relaxation by a separate entity in her body that seemed just as a familiar as a mother's embrace. The thing, the person, the entity, whatever it was felt as though it had been with her all her life and she hadn't recognized it until now. Pursing her lips, Kagome allowed her power to flow through her, and allowed ancient words to slip pass her lips because there was no reason for to her fear something so comforting, something that seemed so right.

Kagome's chanting soon came to end and the power died in a rush as the sound of childish laughter lit the air. Kagome's eyes opened and for some odd reason or another, she saw Rin skipping upon the grave she had just been buried in. The only way to describe the corporeal body was simply a silver see though image. Skipping and dancing she turned to the two standing before her and waved her little hand at the two.

"Farewell, Sesshoumaru-sama!" was the call, followed by more of her laughter. "Don't you worry, Kagome-chan will take very good care of you!" and then she turned and ran, her laughter ringing around the tai-youkai and miko. Soon her form disappeared and Kagome could feel her heart wrench as she glanced the male beside her. His eyes were trained on the little girl's dancing figure until it soon vanished into mist. Sesshoumaru looked down at Kagome and nodded to her as though giving her his thanks. He soon crouched and patted the earth that now held Rin's physical shell.

Kagome's feet were once again frozen and numb as the power that filled her was gone completely. She was once again cold and weary, wanting nothing more than to find a warm place to sleep. A tear slipped past her eye and slid down her cheek as she trudged toward the grave. She too bent down and crouched beside Sesshoumaru. Pressing her fingertips to her lips and giving them a short kiss, she then touched them down to the earth, saying her own good-bye to the little girl. Sesshoumaru stood and Kagome soon followed, craning her neck to look up at the youkai.

"You will sleep in the guest wing." he told her, voice cooler than the winter's night breeze once again. He gave her a cool glance before heading back to the House of the Moon. Never once pausing to see if she followed, he continued on, "Tomorrow... you and I will speak. Himeno will take you to your quarters as I will not have roaming about my home." About to retort angrily, Kagome paused as she saw the inu-youkai from before appear before her.

There was a smile on her kind face and Kagome couldn't help but smile back. When she looked to Sesshoumaru to be angry again, she found he was gone. Himeno merely laughed at the miko, a small feminine chuckle and gestured from the frozen, tired girl to follow her. Kagome nodded her head and took no more than two steps before her knees buckled and the strain of the power she had used fell upon her.

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She was wandering... wandering alone and in the dark. Cold filled her and seeped through to her very bones. She trembled in the darkness as it threatened to engulf her very being. A soft, dry sob slipped passed her throat and Kagome did everything she could to keep it together but the blackness spilled into her and there was nothing but the dark. She continued walking until she could walk no more and then she crawled.

Pathetic. Useless. Disgusting.

She crawled until she felt numb and then she screamed. The black was a fearsome and threatening thing, causing tears of anxiety and fear to slip down her cheeks. There was a soft, childish giggle that bounced through the emptiness and Kagome looked up, seeing a light that hadn't been there before. Energy renewed, she ran toward it. The light grew, filling her with warmth and security.

Light exploded around her and she soon found herself by a lake, Rin sitting beside it, her little feet splashing in the water. Upon Kagome's stumbling into Rin's peace, she looked up at her chocolate orbs brightened at the older girl. "Kagome-chan!" she cried, tossing her a wave. She stood, wiping her little hands on her yukata, and then moved toward Kagome, wrapping her arms around the older girl's legs.

"Rin-chan..." was the soft whisper that fell from Kagome's lips as she pulled the girl into her embrace, feeling her light, feeling her warmth and love. Pulling away, Rin wiped Kagome's cheeks and looked at her very seriously for one so young.

"Rin has a very, very big favor to ask of you, Kagome-chan." she said softly. "In return, Rin will help you."

"What is it?" Kagome asked curiously, her hands still clutching at the little girl.

"Rin wants- Rin needs you to take care of Sesshoumaru-sama!" she whispered urgently, gravely, the tone not suited for the jubilant face of Rin. Kagome thought about it for just a moment before nodding her head. Rin had looked so serious, how could Kagome deny her that one request? Rin nodded her head once and smiled happily. "Good! Your reward is a piece of information from a very nice lady. She wanted me to tell you that the entity you felt earlier is your power. You have to find a way to control it; Sesshoumaru-sama may be able to help you. Rin has to go though, Kagome-chan! Bye!" And just like that, Rin pulled away from Kagome and ran off.

"Wait! Rin! I don't understand!" Kagome called, feeling the dark beginning to close in on her as Rin ran away, taking all the light with her.

"It's okay, Kagome-chan! Rin will talk to you again! Promise!" Rin continued to run and Kagome attempted to chase after her but the dark continued on and soon was around her once again. She needed answers! What did she mean that Sesshoumaru needed her? What was this of her power? Cold seeped into her bones and Kagome screamed.

Kagome sat up in bed, a screaming clawing at her throat but she held it back as she wiped her brow of sweat with her hand. She glanced at her surroundings, unaware of where she currently was. Once again wiping the sweat from her brow, Kagome took in what was around her. She was in a large bedroom, lying upon a goose feathered futon. Covered in several intricately designed blankets, thick but soft to the touch, Kagome knew she wasn't in any ordinary home. She looked around again and noticed the beauty of the cream colored room. To her right was a polished oak vanity, complete with small drawers. She vaguely wondered if they contained anything. A large mirror was attached to the vanity and beside it was a large chest made of the same material.

Behind her was another chest next to a large wardrobe that was more than three times wider than she was. In front of her was a shoji screen door and to the left another shoji screen door. She noticed that the futon was in the center of the room and that her large, yellow backpack was pressed against one of the walls. There was a small fire pit beside her, still lit and giving off heat, keeping her warm throughout the night. Sighing, she stood, taking in the chirping of the birds outside in the early morning. There was a knock at the screen and she answered with a quiet, "Come in."

The door slid open and Himeno entered the room, sliding the door closed behind her. She smiled, gave a small bow, and sat upon her knees before Kagome. The miko soon found herself following the inu-youkai and doing the same. Her eyes were warm and welcoming and Kagome returned the feeling whole heartedly.

"Good morning, Kagome-sama." she greeted warmly, and Kagome responded in kind with her own warm. 'good morning'. "I have been sent to help you prepare for the morning. I am to help you get into the robes that have been provided to you by Sesshoumaru-sama and help with your bath should you want one. Sesshoumaru-sama asked me to assure you that you do not have to bathe if do not wish to. We understand that most ningen believe themselves to become kappa should they spend too much time in the water. We do not want to offend you or your ningen customs. From there you and I will proceed to the dining hall for breakfast with the a few of the Outer Court members and you may speak to Sesshoumaru-sama there." she said to Kagome quickly, but softly, leaving Kagome to make her decision. A smile worked its way onto her lips and Kagome chuckled softly.

"Kappa." she murmured with much humor. "Some ningen are funny" she said conspiratorially. "Personally, I prefer to bathe all the time. I would love to take one now actually." Himeno smiled brightly and stood, Kagome following her example as she was led to wardrobe. Himeno opened it and Kagome released a soft gasp at the kimono's that littered the space. Each kimono was delicately and intricately designed and Himeno sifted through them like she had down it a thousand times before and would it do it a thousand times over. She touched several and glanced at Kagome once more twice before shaking her head and moving on to the next.

Finally, she stopped at one and turned a critical black eye to the miko and then nodded once. She pulled out a light blue, almost ice colored kimono and smiled softly. "It fits the season, it is quite warm and will protect your delicate flesh, and will being out the blue of your eyes." She murmured with a nod of her head and smile on her lips. The kimono was more than beautiful with its lovely coloring. There was a silk covering that was stitched into a heavier, warmer material. The silk was light blue and held silver and white snowflakes delicately stitched into the material. The ice blue silk faded into white around the hem and the sleeves, both lined with bright, white fur. It had a silver obi that was plain but was trimmed in ice blue. The under kimono that the silk was stitched to was white and trailed behind slightly, the white fur thicker there.

"I can't wear that." was the soft exclamation that came from Kagome, turning frantic eyes to Himeno.

"Of course you can, Kagome-sama." Himeno answered her, confusion marring her features. "You have to."

"No, no, no. I don't think you understand. I have the tendency to destroy anything remotely nice! All my uniforms get destroyed and bloodied!" she said urgently. Himeno shook her head at the miko and gave her a smile.

"No, Kagome-sama. I'm sure you'll be fine, after all, Sesshoumaru wants you to dress as your station." Himeno informed lightly. Kagome gave her an odd look and tilted her head to the side.

"Miko's are generally a poor lot, taking a vow of poverty, Himeno-san." She stated almost dead panned.

"Oh dear, Kagome-sama." she sighed in exasperation playfully. "You have bound a taiyoukai to yourself... that alone gives you high standing amongst out kind, but the fact you have bound Sesshoumaru-sama, Lord of the Western House... well, that makes you a Lady of the court. You will be looked after, treated justly, and will have all the things befitting a Lady of the House of the Moon." Kagome turned large, blue eyes to her, giving her a look that screamed she was simply mad.

"Pardon me, Himeno-san, I don't like this joke much." Kagome answered. "I am ningen, after all, I could never be a lady of any court."

"Ah yes, that's right, Kagome-sama. The very first ningen to ever be admitted into any youkai court..." Himeno smiled and chuckled softly. "That may pose a slight problem."

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