When Sesshomaru and Kagura returned back to camp, they found everyone else sleeping…or at least pretending to be. Jaken was huddled up in a corner, snoring up a storm, and occasionally peering out of the corner of his eye to see if anyone was watching. To his horror, he was met with Sesshomaru’s glare. Flustered, Jaken immediately shut his eyes back the way they were, snoring even louder this time in a desperate attempt to feign sleep.  Sesshomaru wasn’t fooled though; he knew that Jaken was trying to avoid any confrontations with him regarding his actions when Sesshomaru and Kagura were alone together. He was also aware of the fact that Rin and Kohaku weren’t completely innocent on the matter either. On his way back to camp, he caught their scent through the trees. He narrowed his eyes at Rin and Kohaku, seeing through their act as they seemingly slept soundly near Ah and Uhn under the trees.  

He would deal with them later. 

Walking slowly over to the green imp, Sesshomaru stood right in front of Jaken, unmoving, while he calmly asked, “Are you pretending to be asleep, Jaken?”Jaken’s eyes shot wide open. He jerked up as fast as he could muster, bowing repeatedly at Sesshomaru’s feet, fearing that this would be the end of his life as a lowly vassal to Sesshomaru.  “Uh! No, mi’lord! Please forgive me! I was just--” he quickly paused to look up and see Sesshomaru’s reaction. To his horror, Sesshomaru was smiling. Frantically, Jaken bowed even faster. “Oh no! Please not that, mi’lord! I beg you!  Please don’t smile at me! You’re much rasher when you do so!!” Jaken pleaded, sobbing in between. Kagura, who was watching the scene before her, was simply amused. ‘Now would you look at that? One smile and he’s got Jaken completely spooked. Perhaps he should smile more often…” She thought, smirking to herself. “Jaken.” Sesshomaru stated calmly, calling to the attention of the green imp.  Jaken, who was trembling in fear, slowly looked up to see Sesshomaru towering over him, no longer smiling.

  “Y-y-yes, mi’lord?” Jaken said, nervously. “Get up, Jaken. We’ll be going soon,” Sesshomaru answered, turning away from him.  “Oh yes, mi’lord!” Jaken responded, relieved that he didn’t kick him like he normally did. Then, it hit him: Sesshomaru didn’t kick him. Jaken sat up, in utter shock. He was completed baffled by the complexity of his master’s emotions. His words had seemed simple enough, but Jaken had been so sure that Sesshomaru was angry with him and couldn’t quite decipher the meaning behind his master’s actions. Had Sesshomaru actually been compassionate towards him?   Little by little, it seemed that something or someone was changing him. He couldn’t quite place a finger on what could have happened to make him act this way so suddenly, but surely enough, Sesshomaru was, indeed, acting differently. Jaken shook his head of this thought. He quickly dismissed the very nature of it as being silly. It was just his imagination. It had to be. “Rin… Kohaku …I know you’re awake. Get up.” Sesshomaru stated calmly.

  The sleeping pair, who were intently listening to the whole conversation, nearly sprung awake. For Kohaku, he sprang awake out of fear, but for Rin, she was completely oblivious to the whole matter of spying and felt that she was just doing her duty as a friend to Kagura and Sesshomaru. It was her duty to learn everything that was going on between them. She was just being mischievous Rin. She beamed.   “What will we do now, mi’lord?” Rin asked.  Sesshomaru just looked on in silence, seemingly unwilling to answer Rin’s question. “You know, she does have a point, Sesshomaru. What will we do now? It’s not as if we’ve got anything planned these days anyway. And it will be a long time before we have any leads on that father of mine.” Kagura said. “We have somewhere to be today,” Sesshomaru answered. Kagura was a little surprised. She certainly wasn’t expecting that kind of answer. Now she was curious.

 “Oh? And just where might that be?” She asked. Knowing her response to what he was going to say next, he narrowed his eyes and answered her carefully. “I have arranged to meet with my mother today,” he said, still as impassive as ever. “The Lady Mother?!” Jaken repeated, hardly believing his ears. ‘Her…of all people?’ he thought. Kagura immediately broke out laughing. “I see…and for what reason could you possibly have to want to speak with your mother, Sesshomaru? You wouldn’t happen to be a momma’s boy now, would you?” She asked, deeply amused. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes even further. ‘This woman is getting to be rather irritating…’ he thought. “Oh, now what do you suppose that look is all about, Sesshomaru? I gather from all the glaring that I’ve been receiving lately, I hit the bulls-eye with my last remark.” Kagura said, very much pleased with his response. Understanding that she was merely teasing him, Sesshomaru decided that there would be no point in arguing with her, especially when there were others around. Instead, he turned his attention to Rin, Kohaku, and Jaken, who were watching intensely as if something were about to happen. “Rin.” Sesshomaru said, causing everyone to be caught off guard at the sudden change of subject. “Yes?” the little girl answered.  “It is morning now. You may go and look for food,” he said, his eyes raised to the sky. Rin smiled cheerfully. “Yes, mi’lord!” she exclaimed, rushing towards Ah-Uhn and ushering them up on their feet while she climbed up on their backs using the brown-colored harness.

 “Jaken, watch over Rin, and the boy goes too,” Sesshomaru added. “Yes mi’lord,” Jaken and Kohaku said jointly, causing the two of them to look at each other awkwardly before joining Rin on Ah-Uhn. A few seconds later, they were off in the direction to find some food in the area, which Ah-Uhn could easily sniff out with their noses. As soon as they were well out of sight, Kagura turned to Sesshomaru. “You’re being awfully secretive today. Then again, you almost always are. It’s hard for anyone to guess what’s going on in that brain of yours, Sesshomaru,” Kagura said casually. ‘And that’s what makes you interesting…’She thought, smirking to herself. “Is there a problem with the way I act?” Sesshomaru answered. “No, not really. It’s just so damn frustrating, is all.” Kagura replied. “So I make you frustrated. Interesting...” He stated, with a slight smirk. By his comment, Kagura instantly knew that he was up to something. “And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?!” She replied, not knowing where this was going. He suddenly walked over to Kagura until he was close enough to cause Kagura to be tense, not knowing what he was going to do.

When he reached for her, she smacked his hand away. “Ah, Ah, Ah, there will be no touching until I get some answers out of you first, mister. If you want it, you’re just going to have to work for it this time. After all, it’s not my fault that your hormones are going on the rampart. You’ll just have to control them when I’m around.” She said, backing away from him to prove her point. But not far enough away from Sesshomaru, for he grabbed for her hand and pulled her closer to him, startling her. “It is not necessary for you to get so defensive, Kagura. I merely wish to see your shoulder again.” He plainly said, already pulling down her sleeve halfway. She yanked her arm from his grasp angrily.  “And if I refuse?” She asked. “After all, I see no reason for you to want to see my shoulder so badly. Wasn’t it you who said I would be just fine?” Surprised at the unexpected reaction, Sesshomaru broke his normal facade for an instant. His eyebrows furrowed, deep in thought. ‘Silly woman…does she honestly think that I would stoop so low as to…’ He sighed, still frowning a bit. “I can assure you that I wouldn’t try anything of the sort. I only wish to see if you’re shoulder is alright. You will be fine if I attend to it.” He stated calmly. 

“Careful Sesshomaru, by the look of concern you have on your face right now, one would think that you were actually quite worried about me.” Kagura teased, smirking at the thought. Sesshomaru smirked slightly, despite his cold exterior. ‘So she wants to play, does she? Well, she will soon know that two can play that game…’ He thought as he pulled her close to him. She gasped, feeling the sudden surge of heat rush over her body. She shivered at his warm breath against her ear lobe, making it all the more harder for her to resist him. He could feel her body tensing against his own.  “Sesshomaru…” She managed to breathe, her eyes locked onto his as he slowly moved in for a kiss. He smirked when she met him halfway, his lips lingering slightly over hers, both of them eagerly anticipating his next move. Sensing that Kagura could not bear to be teased any longer, he willingly succumbed to both of their desires, meeting his lips with hers.  Distracted by his actions, Kagura relished the gentle feel of his lips against hers, kissing Sesshomaru back passionately, causing him to entertain thoughts of just claiming her then and there. He began placing chaste kisses along the side of her neck, causing Kagura to moan softly, offering slight gasps of pleasure to his ears.  He reached for her sleeve, slowly tugging it down, meeting his lips with hers again.

 He felt Kagura’s tongue teasing his lips, awaiting passage into his mouth, which he gladly offered, enjoying the sweet taste her mouth had to offer. Then, he suddenly pulled away from her, causing Kagura to groan with displeasure at the lack of warmth.  Feeling greatly unsatisfied, for a moment he contemplated on breaking his resolve; then maybe he wouldn’t feel so deprived. He widened his eyes at these thoughts, suddenly realizing what he was just thinking. ‘What is this woman doing to me? If this had gone any further, I’m not sure I could’ve controlled myself…’ he thought, deeply lost in his own thoughts. Kagura looked questioningly into Sesshomaru’s eyes, pleading for answers, forgetting her previous resolve not to allow him to have his way with her.  Still keeping his golden eyes locked onto her crimson, he pulled out the same white case from his kimono and reapplied some more green ointment to her wound. The cold application greatly surprised Kagura as she seemed to quickly snap out of her daze.     

     ‘What the hell came over me? Was I really…?’ Her thoughts came crashing to a halt when Sesshomaru suddenly surprised her by lifting her up off the ground, despite her protests telling him to release her and asking him, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He carried her bridal style to a nearby grassy patch where he set her down, back against a tall oak tree, in utter silence. Then, he proceeded to sit beside her, making sure to take grasp of her arm to note the bruise on her shoulder. To his relief, it was almost fully healed, but her tore off a piece of his kimono and wrapped it around her shoulder all the same. Figuring that this was just as good as time as any, Kagura decided to come forward with something she had been thinking about for a long time. “Hey…Sesshomaru,” she said, looking up into his eyes to get his attention. Sesshomaru stopped what he was doing, turning his attention towards her. “What is it?” he asked.Seeming unsure of herself at first, she swallowed and then slowly continued. “I was just thinking back to that time where I was sitting alone in that field, awaiting deaths door…” 

“And…?” Sesshomaru questioned, rather impatiently. 

“I was getting to that!” She snapped.  “Call it a moment of weakness but…when I saw you there, Sesshomaru of all people, I was suddenly filled with so much joy. I was content…but you, Sesshomaru—you weren’t. Your eyes looked so lonely. I thought it was a shame really…all that freedom, but no one really to share it with,” Kagura said. “Lonely, you say?” Sesshomaru asked, as more of a statement. “You are forgetting I have companions of my own.” “I haven’t forgotten, Sesshomaru, but it seems that you might have, for your eyes tend to tell a different story,” Kagura said. Sesshomaru remained silent, continuing back to what he was doing with wrapping the torn piece of kimono around Kagura’s shoulder. 

“I guess it’s true then. People don’t always know what they have until they’ve lost it.” Kagura stated, yawning. She hadn’t really gotten that much sleep the night before. Sesshomaru took note of her exhaustion, quickly finishing up what he was doing, and pulling her close to his chest, but she was too tired to argue. It felt good actually, lying against his chest. Kagura looked up at Sesshomaru questioningly, her eyes getting progressively heavier.  “Get some rest. We aren’t scheduled to meet with my mother for another few hours.” He said quietly. Kagura simply nodded her head slightly before drifting off to sleep within minutes, sleeping peacefully against Sesshomaru’s chest. Sesshomaru closed his eyes, listening peacefully to the soft sounds of the birds chirping in the trees. He could hear Kagura’s steady breaths, indicating that she was already beyond talking to at this point.

 Kagura’s words flowed through his mind as he gradually drifted off to sleep despite himself.: ‘I guess it’s true then. People don’t always know what they have until they’ve lost it.’ ………………. It started off as just an ordinary day: Sesshomaru standing in the tall grass, overlooking the horizon outlined by the sun and the trees, while the wind gently caressed his face, bringing a distinct, familiar scent to his nose.  ‘The smell of blood…’ He thought to himself, slowly narrowing his eyes, suddenly intent on where the scent was coming from. He looked behind him, catching sight of a trail of blood that led deep into the woods. Curious at what could’ve caused the blood, he followed the trail cautiously, the scent growing stronger with each step he took as he came to a large opening through the trees. Then suddenly, there in the field, a familiar figure appeared before him, sitting in the field peacefully as if it had no other care in the world and yet, for a second, it was as if it wasn’t there at all. Moving closer to the figure, Sesshomaru instantly recognized the figure and where the scent was coming from.  Red lips oozing with blood, gaping hole in the stomach bursting with billowing smoke of miasma, crimson eyes ablaze with determination, despite the weariness it tried to conceal….and yet…she was still smiling… “Sesshomaru…” the husky feminine voice spoke, trailing off. Sesshomaru looked compassionately towards the figure, showing emotions that no one had ever seen or known before. “Kagura…” Sesshomaru responded softly.  “Heh. So you came after all…” She said, smirking softly. Suddenly, a dark figure appeared behind her, matching her smirk. Sharp tentacles instantly pierced her body, causing Kagura to groan in agony. Within seconds, her body dissipated into nothingness. “Let this serve as a reminder to you, Sesshomaru. No matter what you do, she will never be free of me. Ever since she was created, her fate has always been to serve as a slave to me and die as one too. And there is nothing you can do about it.” Naraku remarked, smiling evilly. This roused new emotions within Sesshomaru as he pulled out his sword, Tenseiga, and leapt into the air to attack Naraku. However, his sword was met with a barrier erected by Naraku.  Naraku laughed maniacally. “Absolutely nothing,” he responded, making his retreat into the air and disappearing through the clouds. Sesshomaru was left standing there, helplessly watching the scene before him.   

 ………..............

 Sesshomaru’s eyes suddenly snapped open. Startled at when he could’ve allowed himself the time to fall asleep, he glanced at his surroundings until he found Kagura sleeping peacefully against his chest. He felt a sudden surge of relief wash over him. ‘Only a dream…’ he thought reassuringly to himself. He felt Kagura stirring against his chest, shifting to a more comfortable position, and then slowly returning to her deep slumber taking small, even breaths barely above a whisper. Oddly enough, this comforted him. The very knowledge that she was safe and sound, within his own reach, gave him a sort of ease beyond explanation; he was actually starting to care, which was sending his heart into new, foreign emotions he never knew he had. Certain sadness filled his heart; dare he say it was—grief? For a moment, Sesshomaru recalled the vivid image of the dream. Kagura’s smiling lips...oozing with blood…her frame rapidly dissolving with the billowing smoke of the miasma…These thoughts were haunting him. This rehash of memories of that horrible day…why was he having them now? Had he not saved Kagura? Instead, he was again faced with that same fear of losing her to Naraku.  No. He wasn’t going to let Naraku have her. ‘She will be safe with me’ were those same words he had said to Inuyasha and his friends a while back. He vowed to keep that promise, whatever it took. With that in mind, he regarded the sleeping Kagura. “Kagura. It’s time to wake up.” Sesshomaru said quietly, looking down with his icy-golden colored eyes. Kagura slowly opened her eyes. She smiled gaily at the beautiful sight before her.

“Mmm…beauty at first sight? You’re spoiling me now, Sesshomaru…”She stated truthfully.  “One could say the same,” Sesshomaru whispered, just enough for her to hear. Kagura’s eyes widened in surprise. She sat upright.  “Okay, now I’m curious. Are you sure this isn’t a dream?” she asked. Sesshomaru simply narrowed his eyes and regarded the question as frivolous. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he said, slowly rising to his feet and Kagura doing the same. ‘So he did mean it…’ Kagura thought to herself. Sesshomaru suddenly turned to see three discernable figures heading their way. “Lord Sesshomaru!” he heard a young girl’s voice exclaim, followed by a squeaky, “Lord Sesshomaru!” voice, assumedly Jaken’s. He could also hear Kohaku’s voice unsuccessfully trying to get two of them to slow down.  Rin was the first to greet Sesshomaru. “Lord Sesshomaru! Glad to see you’re awake now, mi’lord,”Rin exclaimed, smiling cheerfully. Sesshomaru simply nodded in response, though confided in himself that that was not to happen again. “Lord Sesshomaru! Oh! Lord Sesshomaru!” Jaken said as he came up to his master’s side. “Oh, Lord Sesshomaru, you wouldn’t even believe what I’ve had to deal with these past few hours.” He started. “You see—“ “Jaken. We’re going,” Sesshomaru stated calmly. “Oh! Yes of course mi’lord, but you see--” “Jaken. Are you saying that you won’t obey?” Sesshomaru asked. “Why, no mi’lord! But--” Jaken continued. “Then we’re going.” Sesshomaru answered simply, walking away without another word with Rin, taking hold on Ah-Uhn’s harness, and Kagura following closely behind. ‘Ooh! I hate it when he does that! Why can’t I have a say for once? It’s always his decision. Just because he said so…’ Jaken thought infuriatingly to himself. Kohaku, just arriving in the midst of everything, decided to turn back seeing that everyone else was leaving in the other direction. Not wanting to be left behind, Jaken started running to catch up to them. “Hey! Wait for me!” he called out after them. ________________________________________________________________________ After traveling for some time, Sesshomaru and company approached this wide-open field of wildflowers, with tall, leafy grass reaching just above their knees. By this time, Rin was riding on Ah-Uhn, humming an idle tune that was Sesshomaru-related. The sun shone brightly on their forms, basking their bodies with intense heat from the sunlight.  Luckily, a soft wind was blowing to spare them from the intense heat wave. When they reached the center of the field, Sesshomaru suddenly stopped, raising his head to the clear, blue sky, as if searching for something. This action ended up startling the rest of the group as they too stopped dead in their tracks to see what Sesshomaru was looking at. “What is it?” Kagura asked, trying to pinpoint exactly where his eyes were searching. When she didn’t get a response, she became irritated. “And why the hell won’t you answer me?!” She yelled, obviously frustrated.  “My mother is here,” Sesshomaru said, his eyes still focused on the sky. Suddenly, a large dog demon appeared in the sky, circling round and round. Sesshomaru’s face instantly changed at that moment, having more demonic features with his purple talons deepening on his face and his eyes turning bright red, as he made his transformation into a large dog demon. Quick as lightning, he made his entrance into the sky, greeting the other dog demon by seemingly dancing around in circles. Then, they disappeared into the clouds, causing Rin, Jaken, Kohaku, and Kagura to lose sight of them. Kagura groaned as she pulled a white feather from her hair, making it enlarge into a giant feather that she and Kohaku hopped aboard. They too took up into the skies, following after where they had last seen the two dog demons.  Poor Jaken had no other choice, but hitch a ride with Rin on Ah-Uhn as they headed up towards the sky, Ah-Uhn easing tracking the two dog demons’ scent. “Where are they?” Kohaku asked Kagura as the two made it up through the sky, approaching a giant palace in the sky. “Damn Sesshomaru…leaving us behind,” Kagura muttered to herself, not even hearing Kohaku as they continued on.

Closely behind Kagura and Kohaku, Rin and Jaken could finally make out a large white palace amidst all the clouds. “Look, Master Jaken! A palace!” Rin exclaimed, excitedly pointing in the vicinity. “Yes, I can see that Rin. It’s the Palace of the Lady Mother.” Jaken said, sighing. Rin turned towards Jaken. “Don’t be sad, Master Jaken! We’ll soon be near Lord Sesshomaru again!” she exclaimed, eagerly trying to cheer him up but to no avail.Jaken sighed. ‘That’s what I’m worried about…’ 

When both groups arrived at the palace, they were surprised to find a beautiful young woman dressed in a white kimono, with dark-purple linen sown all around, while her silky, silver hair, brought up in a ponytail and cascading over her shoulders, glistened in the bright sunlight. She had golden eyes like Sesshomaru and a similar crescent mark shape on her forehead. Her eyes lit up when she saw them. “And who might these people be, Sesshomaru? Companions? Or perhaps food you are merely saving for later,” She asked.  “It isn’t like you to keep humans in your stead.” She said, prying further. “Don’t be ridiculous. I merely came here to ask you a question regarding Tenseiga,” Sesshomaru stated plainly. Sesshomaru’s mother walked over to her throne and took a seat.  “Ah, yes...the sword you inherited from your father. What use could you possibly have for a sword that doesn’t cut?” She asked, smirking. “Unless…you’ve found some use for it after all, Sesshomaru.” 

“Totosai recently reforged Tenseiga into a weapon for opening the path to the Netherworld…Meido.” Sesshomaru explained. “I see…and what is it you would like to know from me?” She asked. “Tell me how to make the sword even stronger by widening the Meido,” Sesshomaru stated plainly. “Your father said there would be a time in which you would come to make your sword stronger, but as you are probably aware Sesshomaru, with great strength comes great risks as well. Is that a risk you are willing to take?” She inquired. “Because you know, Sesshomaru, these consequences won’t fall short. They are guaranteed to last a life-time. Think it over carefully before you make your final decision.” 

Sesshomaru’s face remained deadpan. “I didn’t come here to dawdle, mother. I’ve already made my decision,” he said, in a flat tone of voice. His mother sighed. “If you insist, though you have been warned,” She said, holding up a large, blue stone laced around her neck. “The stone that you see here is called a Meido stone. I shall use it to open the path to the Netherworld. There, you shall find what you seek.” The Meido stone instantly shone with a bright light, opening a large portal to which a large dog demon appeared, growling with sharp, ferocious teeth. Sesshomaru quickly acted, launching his Meido attack at the large hound. However, the large hound was unaffected by this attack.  “What? Lord Sesshomaru’s sword can’t cut through it?” Jaken exclaimed in surprise. His mother sighed, not at all impressed with her son’s progress. “So your sword cannot even yield a full moon yet, eh Sesshomaru? It can do neither harm nor good if it can’t even cut a simple demon from the Underworld such as this hound here.” 

The large dog demon leapt forward towards Kohaku and Rin and swallowed them whole in one large chomp. “Oh no you don’t!” Kagura shouted, standing beside Jaken and launching a couple of wind blades from her fan at the large demon. But it was too late for as quickly as the hound came through the portal, it vanished back into it. “Damn it!” She yelled in frustration. Sesshomaru’s mother’s hands came to her face as if in utter shock. “Oh dear. It seems as though your companions were eaten after all, Sesshomaru,” She said, quite sarcastically. Acting first, Sesshomaru started to follow after them until he was stopped by his mother’s words. “Wait, Sesshomaru. Do you intend to step into the path of the Underworld for the sake of saving these mere humans? I see you’ve developed a kind nature these past few years.” Sesshomaru’s mother inquired. Sesshomaru turned around to face her. “I intend to cut down the demon,” was his only reply as he ventured on into the crescent-shaped portal. “Lord Sesshomaru!!” Jaken called out in distress after him. “I’m going too!” Kagura said, beginning to follow after them until she too was stopped by Sesshomaru’s mother. “Hold it! Where do you think you’re going?” She said. Kagura didn’t even turn to face her.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to lend a hand to your son.” She stated plainly. Sesshomaru’s mother sighed. “Let him be. This is one lesson that Sesshomaru must learn on his own if he truly seeks to become stronger,” She said solemnly. “It is necessary for the path to be fully opened.” Kagura turned around to face Sesshomaru’s mother, allowing enough time for the portal to close. “Fine,” She answered, “And just what do you intend to do? Just sit back and watch Sesshomaru fight this battle on his own?” She inquired. “And why not? If you recall, it was Sesshomaru’s decision to go into the Underworld to save the humans, not mine. You must know that no one can ever return alive once they enter the portal.” She started weeping dramatically. “And that is exactly why I told him not to go! He can be so cruel sometimes, causing his poor mother so much pain,” She exclaimed. Jaken narrowed his eyes at her. ‘I don’t recall her ever disclosing such crucial information…’ Jaken thought to himself. Suddenly, Sesshomaru’s mother’s expression changed to a more serious nature, studying Kagura intently. “Just what are you to my son?” She asked out of the blue, catching Jaken and Kagura off guard. ‘What am I to…?’ Kagura thought in shock, a rosy flush coming over her cheeks. Then, she quickly regained her bearings by glaring at her.

“What! Shouldn’t you be more concerned about what happens to your son right now?” She answered. But Sesshomaru’s mother was unfazed by her attack, a tiny smirk gracing her features. “I see…so you do seem to think of my son rather fondly. I was worried. I was starting to think that this whole relationship between the two of you was one-sided…” She said. ‘What did she just say? One-sided? But that would mean, Sesshomaru is…in love with me?’ She thought to herself, a bit flustered. Sesshomaru’s earlier words came flooding into her mind: ‘…it is clear to me that I do harbor some feelings for you.’ She blushed, the heat suddenly rising to her cheeks. Suddenly remembering that there were more important things at hand, she shook her head, trying earnestly to snap out of any daze she was in.  ‘Wait a minute! What the hell am I thinking at a time like this?’ Sesshomaru’s mother continued. “At a glance, one could tell that Sesshomaru must care very deeply about you to allow a woman such as yourself in his stead.

You must keep him very entertained, I gather. As evidence, you even carry his mother’s heirloom—that lovely, red kimono you’re currently wearing,” She smirked, noting Kagura’s change of expression. “And as for you being in love with my son, it is now written plainly across your face,” She stated. Kagura remained silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts. “And if…what you say is true regarding my feelings for Sesshomaru…how would I get that son of yours to notice?” She said, now forgetting about the hound demon. “By all means, he already has. My son is not a fool. He already knows you have interest and he has undoubtedly acted on it.” Sesshomaru’s mother replied Kagura’s eyes widened and then she smirked to herself. ‘Why, that sneaky little--’ Sesshomaru’s mother interrupted her thoughts.  “However, getting Sesshomaru to admit his love for you may be an impossible feat. You see, feelings are not so much Sesshomaru’s strongpoint. You’ll only be wasting your time.” His mother replied, “But with a little push that weakness can be quickly overcome.” Jaken, listening intently to the conversation, decided to cut in. “My apologies to the Lady Mother, but what does the Lady plan on doing about Lord Sesshomaru right now?” he questioned.

 “Ah yes… my son. How could I have forgotten? Thank you, little imp,” Sesshomaru’s mother said, using her stone to open a portal to where they could see her son traveling through the Underworld. ‘Like mother, like son…both uncaring as ever…’ Kagura thought to herself, rolling her eyes, not taking into account that for a moment, she too was distracted from thinking about the crisis at hand. “Uh actually, if the Lady Mother wouldn’t mind me to call me by Jaken,” He said, correcting her. Sesshomaru’s mother nodded in response, paying no attention to Jaken any longer.  All three of them looked intently into the portal, watching Sesshomaru’s form chase after the demon. 

Flying through the air, Sesshomaru spotted a rigid path leading to the Underworld. Following along the path, he immediately saw the hound that carried Rin and Kohaku inside its belly. He narrowed his eyes, raising his hand with sharp claws to attack the demon. Sensing Sesshomaru’s presence, the hound quickly dodged his attack, but the impact caused part of the path to break. The hound quickly turned, facing Sesshomaru with a growl. Inside the hound, Sesshomaru could see Rin and Kohaku lying unconscious through a dark void.   He watched as two tiny demons from the Underworld suddenly appeared to claim the girl and boy’s soul. ‘Minions of the Underworld…’ Sesshomaru thought to himself, knowingly.

Watching the scene through the Lady Mother’s portal, Jaken was the first to comment. “Even if it’s supposed to be a test from his father, this is so cruel!” Jaken complained to Sesshomaru’s mother with tears streaming down his cheeks. Sesshomaru’s mother, in turn, looked very irritatingly down at the poor imp. “Stop crying. You’re irritating,” She replied. Jaken calmed himself down, wiping the tears from his eyes, and proceeded with his next question. “But, what will happen to Sesshomaru?” he asked through sniffles.  “Sacrifices are unavoidable as you train your sword,” was her only response. That remark definitely struck a nerve for Kagura.

 “So, what you’re saying is, you don’t care whether your son lives or dies?” She asked, biting back anger. She had had enough of this woman’s “compassionate” remarks.  “Was it my fault my son decided to be foolish? Going blindly into the Underworld to save mere humans after his dear old mother warned him against it! That was not a wise decision. ” She said, clearly frustrated with Sesshomaru’s unusual behavior. Then, she sighed, calming herself down.  “Sesshomaru has indeed gone soft like his father.” ‘But you sure haven’t.’ Jaken and Kagura thought together as they all continued to watch Sesshomaru through the portal.

   Back in the underworld, Sesshomaru unsheathed his Tenseiga, slicing the hound in two and freeing both Rin and Kohaku from its belly. The hound made one last grown as its body fell into the dark pits of the hot, acidic compound. Kohaku and Rin lied unconscious on the stark, cold ground while Sesshomaru kneeled before them and watched earnestly, his face giving no clue to what he was feeling inside. Watching the scene from the safety of the portal, Sesshomaru’s mother commented, “Minions of the Underworld and the Meido hound are both demons of the Underworld. He used the healing Tenseiga to cut them down.”  Jaken gasped. “What?! Lord Sesshomaru used healing powers?” He questioned more to himself. ‘What does this mean? That Rin’s life was in danger?’ “Little demon,” Sesshomaru’s mother calmly stated. Her voice pulled Jaken from his thoughts. “Huh? Who me? My name is Jaken,” He answered, correcting her. But Sesshomaru’s mother ignored him. “What is that human girl’s relationship to Sesshomaru?” She asked.This question seemed to surprise Jaken. “Her relationship to him?” He questioned, thinking hard about his next answer.

 “Well…Rin is treated far better than I, despite my long years of service.” “That little girl will die,” She replied sternly.  Jaken and Kagura were both in shock at her words. “The girl will die? Just what do you mean by that?” Kagura sharply replied, not at all liking where this was going. “Watch and see for yourself. You will soon know what I mean,” was the Lady Mother’s only response as they all watched intently through the portal.

 In the Underworld, Kohaku awoke to find Sesshomaru looking down at him. Kohaku blinked. “Lord Sesshomaru?!” He questioned in utter shock. “It appears that you are able to move. That’s the power of the Shikon jewel shard, I suppose,” He plainly answered. He rose to his feet. The pathway behind them suddenly crumbled into the dark chasm, surprising Kohaku. “The path!” Kohaku shouted in fear. At that moment, three skeletal Pterodactyls were flying towards them while two large tentacles shot out of the water. Fearing for Rin’s safety, Sesshomaru sprang into action and without looking back, he said to Kohaku, “Take Rin and run.” “Yes!” Kohaku answered, quickly grabbing Rin and carrying her on his back to safety. Seeing that Rin was not at harm at the moment, Sesshomaru easily used his Tenseiga against the demons, slashing into them masterfully with just a few simple strokes. However, he never counted on one of the tentacles colliding into the path that Kohaku and Rin were on, causing them to fall as the pathway continued to crumble. “Aah!” Kohaku screamed, shutting his eyes tight as he held onto an unconscious Rin. 

Sesshomaru quickly grabbed the two, bringing them to safety on the stable path ahead of them. He stared at the path ahead, thinking, ‘If I continue, will I find something that will develop Meido Zangetsuha?’ He then proceeded to walk down the pathway silently while Kohaku followed, carrying Rin. “Um, if the Lady Mother might speak, what’s going to be there at the end of the pathway?” Jaken asked. Sesshomaru’s mother was indifferent. “Who knows? And I don’t care to know,” she answered plainly, which caused Jaken to gape. She continued. “However, stepping into the true darkness of the Underworld will be his end. Not even Sesshomaru will be able to return, must less the human children whose lives will advance down the path to the Underworld.”  “So is this it then? We watch them die and go on our merry way?” Kagura questioned.  “It can’t be helped. This is the fate that will befall Sesshomaru,” Sesshomaru’s mother answered flatly. As they were walking, Kohaku suddenly came to a halt. He looked worriedly at the girl behind him. ‘Rin…’ he thought. He looked to Sesshomaru, who was still walking silently ahead of him. “Lord Sesshomaru!” Kohaku called out to get his attention. Sesshomaru stopped walking. “Lord Sesshomaru, Rin stopped breathing,” Kohaku said solemnly. These words sent a sharp pain into Sesshomaru’s heart. He widened his eyes, not knowing how to take this news. Sesshomaru turned to face Kohaku, wearing a stern expression.

“Rin is dead?” He questioned. “I…don’t know. She isn’t breathing and her body’s getting colder,” Kohaku answered in apprehension.  “Set Rin down,” Sesshomaru calmly replied. Kohaku did what he asked, setting Rin down on her back carefully on the cold ground. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, once again unsheathing Tenseiga. He looked for the tiny minions that would try to claim Rin’s soul, but to his fear, none could be seen. ‘What is the meaning of this? I cannot see any minions of the Netherworld.’ Sesshomaru thought to himself. Watching the scene before her, Sesshomaru’s mother commented, “You cannot save her if there aren’t any minions from the Netherworld for you to cut.” Kagura widened her eyes. ‘What? Sesshomaru can’t see them? That means--’ she thought to herself, grimly realizing the situation. “Umm…does that mean Rin will…?” Jaken asked, finding that he just couldn’t bring himself to say the next word.  “She will have to die.” Sesshomaru’s mother finished for him. “That…that can’t be,” Jaken replied in disbelief, unable to grasp her words for truth. She continued. “Although, she may be revived if Tenseiga is used to cut down the Guardian of the Underworld.” Feeling a sense of hope, Jaken answered, “Is that true?!” “But that will never happen. The Guardian is beyond the darkness of the Underworld. As I’ve said before, no one return after stepping into the darkness. Meaning, the girl cannot be saved,” she replied. Jaken was filled with grief at her words. ‘Rin…’ He thought to himself solemnly. Back in the Underworld, Sesshomaru’s heart was filled with rage.

 ‘Why Tenseiga? Answer me!’ he thought. Kohaku continued to watch over Rin. He whispered softly, “Forgive me, Lord Sesshomaru. I…I could not save Rin…I was with her and yet--”He could not bring himself to continue his apology. Sesshomaru, choosing not to listen, continued to confide in himself. ‘I should not have brought her with me.’ Memories of when he first met Rin flashed into his mind, filling his heart with deep regret. ‘When I summoned Rin back from the Netherworld after she was mauled by wolves, I should have left her in a human village.’ Suddenly, darkness started to pulsate behind them, almost as if drawing them deeper into the Underworld itself. “The darkness!” was the only words Kohaku was able to say before both he and Sesshomaru were consumed by the darkness. The darkness suddenly whisked away, taking Rin’s corpse with it. “Lord Sesshomaru! Rin’s gone!” Kohaku immediately notified Sesshomaru and they quickly ran after it.

  “So he leapt into the darkness…” Sesshomaru’s mother commented, watching her son run after the girl. Tears poured out of Jaken’s eyes like waterfalls. “What am I supposed to do if Lord Sesshomaru is gone? Where shall I go? Is there even a place for a poor little imp like me?” He cried. Sesshomaru’s mother looked down at the crying imp in pity. “Little demon,” she responded to get his attention. Jaken rubbed his eyes, saying through sniffles, “My name is Jaken, m’lady.” “I am not a cruel demon. It would sadden me if my son were to lose his life while training his sword. I intend to open a path for him.” She stated with a warm smile. “Hmm…so the Lady Mother has some compassion for her son after all,” Kagura stated smirking. “Of course. Did you actually think I would let my son die for the sake of something so foolish?” Sesshomaru’s mother responded. Jaken quickly cheered up.

“Oh! I would expect no less from the Lady Mother!” He happily exclaimed.Sesshomaru’s mother held the Meido stone up to the sunlight, opening a portal for Kohaku and Sesshomaru to see. Sesshomaru and Kohaku could now see a portal leading back to the palace where they had just come from. “It’s the outside world,” Kohaku said. Sesshomaru’s mother’s voice could be heard through the portal. “Come out, Sesshomaru. If you continue forward, you will exit the Underworld. However, this path will soon close. Once it does, you will never be able to return to this world.”  Concerned for Kohaku’s safety, Sesshomaru heeded his mother’s words and said, “Kohaku, take this path outside.” Kohaku was shocked. He turned his head to Sesshomaru, who remained expressionless. “Huh?” he said. Sesshomaru did not reply, but simply continued walking in another direction as the darkness cleared a path for him to follow. Kohaku gasped. ‘A path is forming!’ he thought to himself. An eerie red orb appeared in the distance before Sesshomaru. ‘Rin’s scent…’ Sesshomaru thought as he continued down the path into the dark depths of the Underworld.

 Caught between two pathways, Kohaku didn’t know whether to go through the portal or follow after Sesshomaru. ‘I… have to save Rin. I made a promise to Lord Jaken that I would…and also to myself. I have to follow Lord Sesshomaru. I cannot let another person die because of me.’ Kohaku resolved as he quickly followed after Sesshomaru.  “Lord Sesshomaru, I’m coming with you!” he called after him. The portal to the outside world soon closed behind him.

“It seems Sesshomaru has already made his decision. You can’t convince him otherwise.” Kagura stated knowingly. Sesshomaru’s mother was now visibly annoyed. “So they both continued down the path despite my warnings…Sesshomaru, you fool!” She said. “Um…but what about Sesshomaru?” Jaken asked. “Hmph! That Sesshomaru…he is no longer any concern of mine. He doesn’t need to return.” Sesshomaru’s mother responded, turning away from him. “What?!” Jaken questioned in disbelief, tears were streaming down his face again. “Stop it. You’re irritating me. You of all people should know that Sesshomaru would never abandon the girl.” Kagura said in a bored tone. Sesshomaru’s mother continued brooding to herself. “Ignoring his mother’s kindness…what a spiteful child,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru and Kohaku were walking in the Underworld, moving closer to the large red orb in the sky. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. ‘The smell of death,’ he thought. Suddenly, it became very cold and windy. A large ogre rose up out of a dark chasm ahead of them. In one of his large hands, he held a familiar girl.  “Rin!” Kohaku called out. “I presume that is the Guardian of the Underworld.” Sesshomaru stated. They followed after the ogre, watching as it moved closer to the mysterious red orb floating in the sky. As they moved closer, the strength of the wind increased, causing Kohaku to lose his footing on the ground.  To his fear, he was being pulled towards the orb as he flew past Sesshomaru at a tremendous speed.  “Aaah!” Kohaku screamed. Sesshomaru quickly pulled out his whip, catching hold of Kohaku and bringing him back to the place he was originally standing beside Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru turned towards Kohaku, “Don’t cause me any unnecessary trouble. I can’t be bothered to look after you any further.” he sternly warned. “Yes.” Kohaku said, indicating that he understood. ‘I can’t let my guard down. If I relax for a second, I’ll be carried away,’ he thought to himself. They continued walking towards the ogre until they could see a pile of corpses on the ground. Kohaku gasped. “A mountain of corpses?!” he exclaimed in surprise. 

That’s when the ogre did the unthinkable. He raised his arms, bidding the corpses to rise again while the eerie red orb sucked thousands of corpses toward it. In one of the ogre’s hand, Sesshomaru could see Rin’s body resting in the ogre’s grasp. He narrowed his eyes. ‘Rin, I won’t let you go over there!’ He thought as he rushed to the girl’s aid, unsheathing Tenseiga. Sensing Sesshomaru’s presence the ogre smashed his other hand into the cliff to stifle Sesshomaru’s speed. However, Sesshomaru quickly dodged the attack and slashed the giant ogre in two. Watching the scene, Kohaku exclaimed, “He did it!” The Guardian’s body dissolved, leaving poor Rin to fall into the abyss. But before that could happen, Sesshomaru quickly wrapped his arm around Rin’s waist, carrying her to safety. Sesshomaru looked down at the sleeping girl. “Rin, wake up,” He said. No response.  Once more, he said, “Rin.” But still he got no response.

 Watching the scene through the portal, Sesshomaru’s mother said, “That’s odd. The little girl of the Underworld remains dead after the Guardian of the Underworld has been cut down.” “Little demon.” Sesshomaru’s mother asked. “Um, the name is Jaken, m’lady,” he responded. Then it occurred to him. “You don’t have any intention of remembering my name, do you?” He was ignored. “Has the girl been revived by the Tenseiga once before?” She asked. “Y-yes. Why do you ask?” he answered, quite surprised. “Then she couldn’t possibly come back to life. A person could only be revived once by Tenseiga.” She replied. Both Jaken and Kagura gasped. ‘But that would mean that Rin is doomed,’ Jaken thought, once again brought to tears.

 In the Underworld, Sesshomaru stood cradling Rin in the crook of his arm. ‘She can’t be saved…’ He thought with quick realization. He dropped his sword and his will to fight gone with it. “Lord Sesshomaru?” Kohaku questioned, watching the scene before him in disbelief. Sesshomaru continued to watch Rin, his emotions conflicting with the way he presented himself. ‘I cannot save her? Tenseiga…I let Rin die for this thing. Nothing could ever be worth the cost of Rin’s life.’ He lowered his head, biting his lip, an overwhelming surge of melancholy coursing through his heart. So much was flowing through his mind now, a mixture between regret, rage, and utter sadness. But most of all, he was angry at himself--angry because he could have prevented this. He shouldn’t have come here. If anything, he should’ve left Rin behind, just as he had always done. He should never have taken Rin from that village. Instead, he should’ve left well enough alone. Why—was the word coursing through his mind--why had this happened to Rin? Why did he have to meet her in the first place? If he knew that he would be feeling this much pain for just a human girl, he would’ve never let her follow. But now…here he was, standing in the Underworld in the midst of thousands of corpses.

Kagura’s words from earlier suddenly echoed through his mind, mocking him: I guess it’s true then. People don’t always know what they have until they’ve lost it…It was as if these words were a premonition to what was to come. He should’ve heeded them. Suddenly, in the midst of all the darkness, Tenseiga was bathed in white light.Kohaku gasped. ‘Tenseiga is…’ White light suddenly emanated from all of the corpses and the corpses started reaching for the sword. Watching the scene, Kohaku exclaimed, “The mountain of corpses! It’s…almost as if they’re clinging to Tenseiga!” Understanding these actions, Sesshomaru sighed. ‘You wished to be saved…’ He knelt down, carefully balancing Rin on his knee, and grabbed the Tenseiga. He rose to his feet, the Tenseiga in hand, as the white light emanated from the sword, lighting up the corpses. A fountain of white light, spread out into the darkness, enveloping Kohaku as well.

 Sesshomaru’s mother’s Meido Stone shone with a white light. “The corpses of the Underworld are being purified,” she said, looking into the stone. Suddenly, Sesshomaru’s voice could be heard not too far away. “Meido Zangetsuha!”  “Huh?” Jaken said, in shock. ‘Well it’s about time….Sesshomaru, you had me worried.’ Kagura thought to herself. A large portal opened as everyone watched. Jaken gasped. “The portal has grown even larger than before!” he exclaimed. Sesshomaru and Kohaku walked out of the portal with an unconscious Rin lying dead in Sesshomaru’s arm. “Lord Sesshomaru!” Jaken exclaimed. “You’ve returned,” Sesshomaru’s mother said. Sesshomaru didn’t say a word. He placed Rin’s body on the red carpeting of the palace.  As Kagura watched him do this, she took note of how sad he looked. ‘Sesshomaru…I’ve never seen him like this before. I always thought that he was the type to keep all those emotions locked away. But I guess even someone like him has a limit…’ She thought. She watched how Sesshomaru just kept staring at Rin’s corpse. “What’s wrong, Sesshomaru? You look dejected. Tenseiga has grown as you wished and your path has expanded. Shouldn’t you be rejoicing instead?” His mother replied sympathetically. Sesshomaru glared at her. “Did you know that this would happen to her?” he asked, very sternly. “You’ve already used Tenseiga to revive the girl before, have you not? Tenseiga can only call back a person from the dead once.” was his mother’s only reply. Sesshomaru widened his eyes at this news. He remembered that he had already heard this news from his father. He lowered his head in agony. 

“That’s only natural. A person’s life is supposed to be limited. It is not a toy that you can merely play with. Life has its boundaries. Did you think that you were some sort of god? That you didn’t need to fear death so long as you had Tenseiga in your hands? You needed to learn the desire to save the life of a loved one and the sorry and fear which accompany that loss.” ‘Sorrow and fear…’ he thought, reiterating it in his mind. His mother continued. “Your father said Tenseiga is a sword for healing. You must wield it as a weapon, but you must value life and possess a compassionate heart if you are to bury your enemies. That is the requirement of those who would yield Tenseiga.” ‘So Rin had to die for Lord Sesshomaru to learn compassion?’ Jaken thought. “It’s a shame really, a young girl like her dead because of something so petty.” Sesshomaru’s mother said. ‘Rin…I’m so sorry…I failed you,’ Kohaku said, kneeling beside Rin and grasping one of her cold hands. He lowered his head, a few tears streaming down his face. ‘Rin…’  Kagura walked over and comforted him the best she could, turning Kohaku around and wiping the tears from his eyes. “You did the best you could and that’s all she could ever ask for.” she said, meeting her eyes with his. Kohaku nodded silently. Jaken, on the other hand, was crying like crazy, getting the Lady Mother’s attention. “Little demon…are you crying?” She asked curiously. “It’s Jaken…” Jaken responded solemnly. “Lord Sesshomaru by nature will never shed tears so I must cry in his stead,” He answered, through sobs.

 “Oh? Are you sad, Sesshomaru?” his mother asked. Sesshomaru made no move to show his emotions. “Very well. Don’t expect another chance.” She said as she moved the Meido Stone from around her neck and walked over to Rin to place it around her neck. The stone instantly shone with a white light. Everyone stood back and watched the stone take its effect on the girl. “The light…” Kohaku said. “It is the little girl’s life that was left in the Underworld.” Sesshomaru’s mother answered. Jaken stared in awe at the white light engulfing Rin’s body. “Oooh…” He said, as if mesmerized. Sesshomaru looked at Rin’s corpse as well, studying it earnestly for any small traces of life that might result. As the white light faded away, Rin’s eyes slowly opened. Sesshomaru widened his eyes. Kohaku’s expression instantly changed to a warm smile. “Rin!” he exclaimed, “You’re alive!” Jaken smiled happily. Suddenly, Rin started choking uncontrollably until Sesshomaru placed his hand on her cheek, staring deeply into her eyes. Rin instantly stopped choking, her eyes meeting his for the first time since she died. “Lord… Sesshomaru…” She said, smiling weakly back at him. “You’re fine now?” He asked, feeling a wave of relief that she was alive.

 “Yes…” she answered softly. 

‘Well, reunited at last. So you’re not just a cold-hearted bastard after all, eh Sesshomaru? No, I don’t believe that you were ever one to begin with. But who would have thought that such a hard rock would have such a soft center beneath its exterior?’ Kagura smiled warmly at the two. ‘I’m glad I got to see this new side of you, Sesshomaru. I was wrong with what I said earlier. The truth is, you knew what you had, you just never thought you’d lose it.’ “If the Lady Mother will excuse me,” Jaken said, “allow me to express my gratitude on Sesshomaru’s behalf.” “Is Sesshomaru happy?” Sesshomaru’s mother asked, still worried about her son. “Very happy, I would presume,” Jaken stated. She sighed in relief. “All that fuss over a little human girl…Sesshomaru has inherited one of his father’s odder traits.” She said, looking on towards Sesshomaru. “Well…it’s getting to be that time…” Kagura said, hinting that it was time to leave.

She was getting rather restless of sheer boredom now. Sesshomaru rose to his feet with Rin, Kohaku, and Jaken doing the same. As they all started down the steps, Sesshomaru’s mother stopped them. “Just a minute, Kagura, before you go. I have something to give you. You’ll have to come inside, of course.” Kagura turned around, walking back up the long steps. ‘She wants to give something to me? Just what is she up to?’ Kagura thought to herself as she continued up the staircase. When she reached the top of the stairs, she was led into the palace by Sesshomaru’s mother, who was, in turn, escorted by two strongly-built guards. When Kagura first took a step into the place, she could hardly believe her eyes. The place was so big!

The first thing she noticed was a fancy, glass chandelier on the ceiling with golden architectural designs all over the walls and ceiling. There were photographs of Sesshomaru as a small child in the midst of both parents, one was the Lady Mother herself, and the other parent presumably his father. She noted how the father looked just like Sesshomaru, very handsome with the same stern features, amour, and long silver hair like Sesshomaru, except for the blue talons grazed across his cheeks and his hair held up in a long pony tail with a blue ribbon. Just looking at the picture almost made her wish she had a real family of her own, instead of being birthed as an incarnation of Naraku. It’s true she did has sisters and brothers of her own, but most of them only drove her crazy and always had a habit of obeying that father of hers. The only sibling that she actually bonded with was Kanna, but she was always so quiet and busy all the time it was hard to actually have an actual conversation with her. She was just like Naraku’s little puppet—doing whatever she was told and that annoyed Kagura very much. 

“Kagura.” 

“Kagura.”

 “Kagura!” Sesshomaru’s mother’s loud voice snapped her from her thoughts. She looked over to the Lady Mother and said, “I can hear. You don’t have to yell.” “You seemed quite preoccupied by that picture over there. Let’s turn that attention over here, shall we? Or did you not want to follow anymore?” She asked. “Alright, already. I’m coming.” Kagura said, getting annoyed. “And Kagura. Do try to keep up with us this time. I bore waiting.” She said, continuing on. ‘Damn her!’ Kagura said, following after her. Once she reached a dark corridor, she followed the Lady Mother up a long white staircase, up to the second floor. She was taken to a small winery in the kitchen, where it was filled with an assortment of bottles labeled with name brands such as Ale, Cabinet, Merlot, and Champagne. Sesshomaru’s mother then stopped and turned around to face Kagura. Without even looking at the two men beside her, she said, “Guards, you may leave us now.”

 “Aye, m’lady,” they both answered at the same time as they exited the room. When they were gone, Sesshomaru’s mother pulled out this large jar of liquid. She then pulled out a small dish Kagura gasped. ‘That’s…’ “I’m not interested,” Kagura stated plainly. ‘What’s with this woman? Why does she want to drink at a time like this?’“How can you deny something before you know what this is for?” Sesshomaru’s mother questioned. “You want to get me drunk on that sake and I’ll tell you now that I’m not interested.” Kagura said, crossing her arms. “This isn’t for you to drink,” Sesshomaru’s mother corrected her. “If you recall our discussion earlier, I mentioned a little push that would get your relationship to my son moving along.” Kagura couldn’t believe what she was implying. “So you want me to get Sesshomaru drunk, is that it? I decline.” She answered knowingly. Sesshomaru’s mother smiled coyly. “Just a little drop that’s all you need to make Sesshomaru completely inebriated. This sake has extra potency. How else do you think I got Sesshomaru’s father to bear me a son?” Kagura gaped. Was she missing something here? “It’s nothing personal; I just want grandbabies is all. Do you know how many years it’s been and I still don’t have one grandbaby?” The Lady Mother stated. “You aren’t the first woman to want to fall for my son. Many ladies have come just wanting to bear Sesshomaru’s son. You just happen to be the only one who’s truly sparked my son’s interest. A little sake won’t hurt and it will help push things right along.”

 “I’ll take my chances.” She answered determinedly. ‘Just what does she take me for?’ 

“Fine. But at least take this with you as a just in case item if things start to get difficult with my son, okay?” The Lady Mother said. ‘I suppose a little can’t hurt…’ Kagura thought as she accepted the small jug of sake and put it inside her kimono. Sesshomaru’s mother smiled knowingly as she led Kagura back down the stairs, through the corridor, and outside again. “Not a word,” Sesshomaru’s mother whispered to her. “It will spoil the fun.” Kagura rolled her eyes.

As if she was really going to use it on Sesshomaru..... 

She walked down the steps and saw the others waiting there. They all got up and walked to the end of the stairs. Kagura pulled out one of her feathers with Jaken riding with her this time and Rin and Kohaku on Ah-Uhn, all behind Sesshomaru. Jaken was screaming for most of the way. He asked Kagura what the Lady Mother gave her. But Kagura only replied, “It’s…nothing. Don’t worry about it.” Jaken didn’t buy it, but he quit asking because he feared pushing the matter any further would only anger Kagura.