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The battle was over. Naraku's humongous body slowly dissipated into ash, purified by Kagome's reiki. After four long years of shard hunting and endless skirmishes, they had finally won.

Before Kagome could heave a sigh of relief, she felt herself getting sucked into something and surrounded by darkness.

The encounter with Magatsuhi within the jewel was a nightmare she never wanted to re-live. Her only respite? She had made the correct wish, causing the jewel to disappear from the world.

The jewel shattered a final time—its energy redistributed, absorbed into her body.

And thus, a freshly-minted immortal was born.

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As a final act of mercy, the jewel left her stranded five hundred years in the past—with the friends who’d become family.

Kagome didn’t yet understand what had happened within the jewel. Only that she felt different. How, she couldn’t say.

"I can't believe it's actually over," Sango exhaled, sinking into the grass.

Miroku’s grin was positively lecherous. "Then there’s nothing stopping us from becoming man and wife now, my dear Sango?"

She rolled her eyes, but her smile was soft.

Inuyasha snorted from where he stood, arms folded into his sleeves. "Took you long enough, monk."

Kagome sighed.

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From the far end of the field where the battle had taken place, the great inudaiyoukai stood with his vassal and his ward, eyes fixed on the strange miko.

Now that the spider hanyou was vanquished, it was time to set other plans in motion.

He had surpassed his sire—birthing a sword, regenerating a limb from sheer will and youki alone. Even his father had not accomplished that.

It was only fitting his mate surpass all others, too.

“Come.”

With that single word, he walked away, the wind tugging at his pelt.

There was still work to be done.

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Many changes took place in the tiny village near Inuyasha’s forest.

Miroku and Sango wed soon after the final battle.

Shippou was sent to the kitsune academy to advance in rank.

Kohaku left to rebuild the fallen slayer’s village.

Rin was placed under Kaede’s care to help her adjust to human society.

The only one who remained stagnant was Kagome.

Stuck playing a role she never wanted, in a relationship destined to fail, in a village with no future—Kagome was well and truly trapped.

Was this what a rock felt like, lodged in the bed of a flowing river?

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It was on a sunny day when the inevitable happened.

Kagome had been plucking plums from an orchard of trees, when Inuyasha landed behind her.

She’d tried to make sense of the disquiet, reason with herself, convince herself it was just a phase.

But somewhere along the way, she had shed the burden of her feelings for Inuyasha. One could live in the shadows of a past love for only so long.

"K'gome, I think we need to talk."

The words were quiet, but his eyes gave everything away. Judging by Inuyasha's demeanor, Kagome was certain he knew it, too.

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The separation didn’t happen with yelling or slammed doors. It was quieter—like the final snap of an already fraying thread.

“Something’s been wrong with you ever since the battle ended,” Inuyasha said, his gaze piercing. “I don’t know what or how, but you smell different.”

Kagome nodded, words unnecessary. She’d noticed it too—when she had first tapped into her reiki within and been shocked into silence at its overflowing capacity. She forced a smile to reassure him.

“I just hope you know what you’re doing, K’gome. You’ll always be my best friend.”

This time, her smile came easier.

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Kagome’s routine of mind-numbing chores was broken by the appearance of the last person she’d expected.

“Good morning, Sesshoumaru,” she dipped her head in greeting. “It’s been a while.”

His gaze swept over her once, pausing just long enough to confuse her, before he loftily declared, “You are unhappy.”

That's definitely one way to put it, Kagome muttered inwardly. Rude youkai.

Sesshoumaru just stood there, assessing her like she was something puzzling—half creature, half question.

Clearing her throat, and unsure of how to respond to that observation, she asked him the only thing she could think of then.

"Tea?"

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Kagome often wondered how she got herself into these situations. How had one cup of tea turned into a game of twenty questions, then sharing lunch, another round of tea, and dinner by nightfall?

He was the Lord of the Western Lands. Surely, he had better things to do than lounge around her hut all day?

Right now, they sat on a grassy knoll, passing a shared flask of saké.

“You are yet to tell this one the cause of your unhappiness, miko,” Sesshoumaru said, voice calm but expectant.

Kagome took a sip and sighed.

Of course he hadn’t forgotten.

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“You never actually asked, you know,” she hedged.

He gave an undignified snort. “This one is asking now.”

Well, shit. No amount of saké would make it easier to admit the root of her growing ennui to him.

But one look at the curious gleam in his eyes told her he wasn’t letting this go.

So—she vented. Nonstop. For half an hour. Only pausing long enough to breathe.

When she finally finished, Sesshoumaru’s only response was a noncommittal, “Hn.”

Kagome stared at him, aghast.

She was seriously considering testing her purification powers on him before the night was over.

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Fortunately for him, she noticed the slight smirk tugging at his lips—he was teasing.

"You're impossible, you know," she grumbled. "A first-class jerk."

He cocked his head to the side, smirk deepening as he drawled, "Be as that may, miko, this jerk has a solution to your problems."

Part of Kagome was hopeful for a solution, for a way out.

The other part was not sure if she wanted to know what his 'solution' would entail.

Still, she gathered her courage and finally asked, “And what might that solution be, oh mighty lord?"

"You will travel with this one."

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Sesshoumaru apparently hadn’t been joking when he offered to let Kagome travel with him.

After spending a few moments in stunned silence, and a few more in trying to come up with a reasonable excuse to refuse, Kagome stood poised at the edge of agreement.

"There is nothing holding you back here, miko, save your own human sensibilities." His teasing statement had been the one to push her off the edge, and she had fallen—never to look back.

A fortnight later, the unlikely pair—an inudaiyoukai and a miko—could be seen traversing the wild, open lands of Nippon.

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Traveling with Sesshoumaru was vastly different from traveling with Inuyasha, Kagome mused one morning.

During the shard hunt, the burden of conversation, meals, and rest had always fallen on her. But Sesshoumaru? He let her eat and rest at her own pace.

He’d purposefully stop near streams or hot springs each night, granting her the quiet she’d once longed for.

When passing through youkai villages, he even purchased supplies—for both of them.

It was practical, she told herself. And yet, Kagome found herself slightly apprehensive of the feeling settling in her chest.

Was this what being cherished felt like?

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Some mornings, she woke to the aroma of tea steaming in a cup he had prepared. Others, it was the sight of him cleaning a fresh kill for their meals.

Some battles, he stood back, wholly confident in her strength. Others, he placed himself before her, shielding her from harm.

By day, he taught her how to fight, how to wield blades with precision. By night, they traded stories—of childhood, of dreams, of their lives.

The days bled together, soft and strange, like a dream spun too sweetly.

And Kagome feared the tender feelings that had begun to bloom.

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Alabaster skin, moonspun hair, golden eyes that robbed her breath, magenta markings meant to entice, to warn, to annihilate.

His whole being was danger incarnate.

Yet those deadly claws held her with a tenderness that defied reason, when he helped her train—only an idiot would not have fallen for him.

Sunkissed skin, obsidian tresses, sapphire eyes that shimmered like deep water.

Her very existence was a threat to his kind.

And yet, the reiki that could reduce him to ash was the same power she used to soothe his wounds—only a fool would not have fallen for her.

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One fine morning, as they rested beneath a tree, Kagome's thoughts drifted.

She remembered her life in the modern era—how much she'd leaned on her mother. A crutch, in her time.

Then came the feudal era—Inuyasha’s protection, her friends' constant support. Crutches, in this time.

All her life, someone had held her up, carried her forward. She’d never truly stood on her own.

The thought lingered, heavy and sharp. Was she incapable of walking without someone to lean on?

Her gaze slid to the daiyoukai beside her, silver hair catching sunlight as he dozed.

Was he another crutch?

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"You wish to do what, miko?" Sesshoumaru’s voice echoed the incredulity in his expression.

Kagome gave him a shaky smile, clinging to the courage she'd gathered throughout the previous night.

Her voice, when it came, was steady. “I want to travel alone, Sesshoumaru.”

"And why," he asked, narrowing his eyes at her, "would you wish to do something so foolish, miko? Has this one not seen to your needs?"

“No—no, you have!” she rushed to say, hands fluttering. “More than enough! I just... need to stand on my own. To grow.”

He found he had no argument for that.

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Thinking quick, he had presented his own condition to her: that she would accept a significant sum of human currency from him to travel comfortably to her next destination.

She had acquiesced to his request, simply because she knew he would not take no for an answer.

In the end, he had relented to her request. It would not do to cage her so. He would not shackle her to him.

That did not necessarily mean it had to be the end of his machinations.

This was just a minor hitch in his plans. It was certainly not over yet.

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Kagome had felt a strange sense of loss when Sesshoumaru let her go. The very next moment, she chastised herself. She wasn’t his captive. If anything, he had been a most gracious travel companion.

Why, then, did it feel like she’d left a vital piece of herself behind in that forest?

Shaking off the reverie, she made a vow to herself: no more dwelling on the past. She would live for the future, dammit!

She walked over to the bow of the ship, overlooking the endless blue of the ocean, the breeze leaving her hair tousled.

Endless possibilities awaited her.

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The port was loud, bustling, and unfamiliar. Kagome stepped off the ship and onto the fabled mainland, heart fluttering with awe and nerves.

Spices perfumed the air—star anise, ginger, pepper—and traders called out in melodic tones she couldn’t yet understand.

Silk robes shimmered in the sunlight, and curved roofs arched like the backs of dragons across the skyline. Market stalls bloomed with silks, porcelain, and incense sticks.

She clutched her satchel tighter, heart pounding.

So far from everything familiar to her.

This was to be her home for the next few years. Head held high, she walked forward.

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Kagome wandered through the unfamiliar streets, her mind racing. History lessons about ancient China started flooding back.

The silk, the architecture, the bustling port—it clicked. She was standing in the Ming dynasty, somewhere around the mid-1500s.

She had no idea where to go. No place to stay. No guide.

Trying to keep her composure, she searched for any sign of a familiar landmark. She spotted a few strange figures in the crowd, their auras brushing against hers—youkai were here, too.

Would they help her or were they another danger to navigate?

Well, only one way to find out.

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Kagome stumbled through the maze of streets, her eyes wide, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar landscape. The people moved quickly around her, speaking in a language she didn’t understand. Her feet shuffled over uneven cobblestones as her heart raced.

She tried to ask for directions, but the words slipped from her tongue before she could even form them properly.

Suddenly, a figure appeared before her.

A neko-youkai, her nose twitching with suspicion. She looked her up and down with narrowed, verdant eyes.

“What are you doing here, human?” she hissed. “This is no place for someone like you.”

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Kagome blinked in confusion as the neko-youkai continued speaking. The words sounded familiar somehow.

Wait.

Her mind raced as she recognized the language—she was speaking Japanese! Belatedly, she realized she had been hearing it all along, albeit with a slight accent.

“You're speaking Japanese?” she asked, relief suffusing her being.

The feline raised an eyebrow. “Of course I am. What else would I speak?”

Before she could think better of it, she ran straight into the neko-youkai, enveloping her in a bone crushing hug, realizing what she had done only when she heard a hostile hiss from the neko.

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"You will unhand me at once, human," the neko hissed at Kagome, "or you will find yourself without your arms."

The threat was so thoroughly Sesshoumaru, that Kagome couldn't help but let out a watery laugh, succeeding in confusing the neko further.

"I'm sorry," Kagome managed to say after removing herself from the feline's person. "I just—I wasn't able to talk to anyone all this while. I can't speak or read Mandarin."

It was the neko's turn to be surprised. "You can read?"

Kagome saw her chance. With a confident smile, she replied, "Of course! I can write, too!"

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The neko-youkai’s gaze softened as Kagome bowed in apology, struggling to explain her situation. She seemed to weigh her words for a moment before sighing, her tail flicking behind her.

“You’re lost,” she muttered, voice laced with sympathy, “and you clearly have no idea where you are.”

Kagome nodded, momentarily relieved that she seemed to understand.

“Fine,” she said with a grunt. “I’ll offer you food and a place to stay, but you’ll earn it.”

“Earn it?” Kagome asked, curiosity piqued.

“In exchange for your services,” she replied, her voice gruff. “Teach the children of my kin. That’s the price.”

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In the end, it turned out—teaching the children of the kin meant teaching kanji and hiragana to the children of youkai settled there.

It was a task Kagome eagerly embraced, since working with children had always been something she enjoyed. Plus, it gave her time to learn Mandarin, which was essential for her own communication.

The fact that she got a place to live and food to eat as part of the arrangement was definitely a bonus.

But she couldn’t live off handouts forever. She had to figure out a way to earn her keep in this new world.

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Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Through sheer grit and relentless determination, Kagome learned to speak the local language fluently enough to secure a job at a tea house frequented by nobles.

She saved every coin, eternally grateful to Aya—the sharp-tongued neko-youkai who insisted Kagome needed the money more than she did. Her only condition? That Kagome continue teaching the younglings.

It was a task Kagome embraced wholeheartedly. It grounded her in this foreign world, giving purpose to her existence.

Even the tea house felt like family now, with familiar faces lighting up whenever they saw her.

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It was on a seemingly normal day, about a year since she had began her new adventure, when Kagome received the surprise of her life. She had been serving tea to some of the patrons when she noticed—

Pale skin. Silver hair. Magenta markings. A pair of molten gold eyes.

He was dressed like nobility even here, seated across from a bear youkai, speaking in low, serious tones—and was that Mandarin she was hearing him speak with all the confidence of a native born?

Kagome could only gape at him.

What on God's green earth was Sesshoumaru doing here?!

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He had felt her aura the moment he stepped into the tea house. The miko was proving to be a challenge. Fortunately, Sesshoumaru loved challenges.

It was getting harder to pretend he hadn’t noticed her, especially after months of receiving quiet reports on her well-being from the neko-youkai.

Touran, now his packmate through his brother's mating with Shunran, had connected him to their mainland kin. She'd suspected his motives, but kept silent.

Once he tracked down the neko he’d seen with Kagome, he’d felt at ease.

He wouldn’t hinder her growth—but he certainly wouldn’t let her forget him, either.

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He looked over to where the miko stood—wide-eyed, mouth agape—and, ever nonchalant, raised a brow at her.

Kagome realized he was waiting for her to approach and quickly made her way over.

“Sesshoumaru-sama,” she murmured, belatedly adding the honorific upon remembering his company, “what brings you here?”

He wasn’t foolish enough to admit he’d tracked her journey to the mainland, and only left once assured she was safe with the neko-youkai.

He was also not about to tell her he wanted to ensure her well-being himself. What was a daiyoukai to do?

“Business, miko,” he answered smoothly instead.

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What kind of business would he have here? Kagome wondered, doing her best not to launch into a barrage of questions.

They might have spent a pleasant year traveling together, but that didn’t give her the right to embarrass him in public.

She nodded and bowed low, excusing herself to fetch refreshments for him and his guest. She entered the kitchens, setting up a tray of tea with practiced hands.

All the while, her heart hammered in her chest—because if his presence meant nothing, then why did it suddenly feel like the ground beneath her had turned to clouds?

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When she returned a short while later, the table was empty. No bear youkai. No Sesshoumaru. Not even a trace of his youki. She discreetly checked for anything he might have left behind—disappointment gripping her when she found nothing.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Kagome moved through her tasks mechanically, her thoughts elsewhere.

On the way back to Aya’s home, she detoured to a nearby lake. Settling at the bank, she let out a long, morose sigh.

Why was she so upset?

A familiar voice, smooth as ever, cut through the silence.

“Missed me, miko?”

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Kagome turned around, wide-eyed, and promptly lost her breath at the sight before her.

Sesshoumaru wore a flowing yuanlingpao of midnight-blue silk, its round collar clasped in gold, sleeves embroidered with cranes and curling clouds. A jade belt cinched his waist, and beneath it, the pale hem of a pristine inner shenyi peeked through.

His silver hair, usually unbound, was coiled into a topknot, secured with a golden zan and slender jade pins.

Gone were his armor and furs, yet in this understated elegance, he looked no less divine.

Even here, dressed in foreign silks, Sesshoumaru radiated nobility and power.

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“Of course,” Kagome retorted, mind still reeling from his divine appearance and mere presence. "You left without leaving a tip. I didn't know if you'd return."

“My apologies,” he said dryly, lips curving into a smirk. “An issue arose that required immediate attention.”

Kagome winced inwardly. She sounded like a nagging wife—something she had no right to be. Forcing a bright smile, she replied, “It’s alright. I had a long day at work, too. You must be busy.”

He gave her a look, golden eyes gleaming with suspicion. It was clear he hadn’t believed her flimsy attempt at indifference.

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“This one has a task for you, miko,” he drawled at last, “a most significant endeavor to safeguard the future of both youkai and humans.”

That caught her off guard. During their travels, she’d shared the truth of her origins, and the near-extinction of youkai in her time. He hadn’t spoken of it since.

Her eyes lit with genuine curiosity. “What do I need to do?”

His smirk was all sharp edges, catlike and knowing. “Wouldn’t you like to know, Ka-go-me.”

A shiver slid down her spine at that. That look never boded well—especially when Sesshoumaru was directly involved.

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A scant hour later found them seated in a quiet establishment, food and liquor between them. Sesshoumaru sat across from her, expression placid.

After a few moments of idle conversation, he cut to the chase.

“The dragon lord of the youkai court has grown bold,” he said, sipping his wine. “He stirs unrest. Humans and youkai alike whisper his name with fear.”

“There’s a youkai court here?” Kagome asked, frowning.

He gave a small nod. “The dragon smiles at emperors while plotting their undoing. If he succeeds, the fragile peace between our species will shatter.”

Kagome felt her heart stop.

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“How can I help?” Kagome’s resolute gaze met his.

Sesshoumaru's tone was almost too calm as he replied, “I need someone he cannot scent as a threat."

“You mean you need a human.”

His eyes narrowed upon her. “I need more than a mere human, miko. I need someone cunning. Someone who may seem unassuming, but can be deadly when needed.” His voice dropped slightly, making sure she heard every word. “Someone I can trust.”

Kagome flushed, the weight of his words sinking in.

She nodded, feeling both exhilarated and terrified. “Where?”

A small smirk tugged at his lips. “Chang’an.”

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After spending the previous night briefing her about her task, Sesshoumaru arrived the following morning to escort her to the court.

Chang’an sprawled before them like a living tapestry—silk banners, tiled roofs, and golden light reflecting off lacquered gates.

“The court is hidden here?” she whispered.

Sesshoumaru simply nodded, as he led her through winding alleys.

They passed beneath a dragon-shaped archway. Beyond it, the world seemed to morph—unfettered youki nearly crushing her.

So this was what a youkai court looked like, Kagome wondered dazedly.

Sesshoumaru didn’t pause. “Stay close.”

Kagome followed, her hand unconsciously clutching his sleeve.

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Lord Longwei stood in the center of the circular hall, robed in black and crimson.

“My honored guests,” he rumbled. “You grace us with your presence.”

Kagome bowed as his gaze and aura slid over her, eerily reminiscent of Naraku.

“Ah,” he mused, “a human. How rare.”

She met his gaze, sensing Sesshoumaru's irritation.

“I’m here to serve as Sesshoumaru-sama’s attendant,” she replied lightly.

Longwei's laughter was mocking. “Lord Sesshoumaru clearly has made good use of a human.”

“Careful, Longwei,” Sesshoumaru drawled, “it is improper to insult diplomats from the main council.”

The gauntlet was thrown. The battle had begun.

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Shortly after arriving, they were shown to their rooms. Sesshoumaru had warned her of the danger that lurked behind the court’s walls.

That evening, a banquet was held in their honor. Lavish didn’t begin to cover it, with fragrant duck, lotus rice, and wine that tasted like smoke and honey.

Kagome had spent the day shuddering under Longwei’s gaze. She’d managed to avoid him, slipping through the halls like aether.

But now, seated beside him at the banquet, her luck had clearly run dry.

His elbow brushed hers as he leaned in, lips too close. “You clean up well, human.”

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“If you are ever bored of the plains of Nippon,” Longwei's oily voice slid into her ear, “this one’s court will always be open to you.”

Kagome stiffened at the insinuation. “I’m only here to serve Sesshoumaru-sama.”

“A pity,” he murmured. “You’d make a fine concubine.”

Across the table, Sesshoumaru’s cup struck the table—he had been listening.

“A human concubine?” he drawled. “Why, Longwei. This one was unaware you’d fallen to such desperate times—to stoop so low when superior species remain.”

Kagome saw the dragon’s mask crack, his smile dimming. She did not like what she saw underneath.

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The banquet had turned tense after that exchange—thanks to the storm brewing between the two daiyoukai.

Later that night, Kagome paced the garden.

“He’s a certified creep,” she muttered dryly, feeling Sesshoumaru approach.

He stood beside her, gaze fixed on the stars. “This one will not allow any harm to befall you.”

She turned toward him, her gaze searching his. “What if he suspects me?”

“It is possible,” he murmured. “But your skill outweighs his arrogance.”

Kagome's lips thinned. “You’re placing a lot of faith in someone inexperienced.”

His softened gaze found her then. “Your have earned it, miko.”

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Over the next days, she wandered the dragon lord’s library, the attendants and guards paying her no heed, assuming her illiterate and harmless. She used that to her advantage.

One scroll in particular called to her reiki, its protective wards giving way under her purity.

Sesshoumaru arrived at dusk at her door, his brow raised in question at the scroll she presented. His gaze roved over the contents, a small smirk forming over his lips. "Hn, it would appear," he murmured, rolling up the scroll to its former state, "we have what we need to bury the snake at last."

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Sesshoumaru left the dragon’s abode, intent on appealing directly to the emperor of youkai. He issued terse orders for Kagome to stay put and remain on guard.

He slipped a pendant—or was it an amulet?—over her head, instructing her to tap into it with her reiki if she faced mortal peril. He hadn’t wanted to leave her alone in the traitor’s den, but had no choice. Their joint absence would raise suspicion at the castle.

Truthfully, his priority was her safety.

Traveling faster than ever in his orb of youki, he reassured himself—his miko would be alright.

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Kagome had managed to stay out of trouble for just over twenty-four hours since Sesshoumaru left for the council. That changed when she heard the door to her chambers slide open harshly, revealing a furious Longwei standing at the threshold.

"You snake," Longwei’s reddened eyes zeroed in on her. "I should have known that old dog wouldn’t dally with ordinary humans." He flexed his claws.

Well, shit.

Kagome’s mind immediately began working out a plan. If she could escape being turned into hair oil by Manten at fifteen, she could surely talk her way out of certain death now—right?

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"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Kagome lifted her chin, pouring all her false bravado into her tone. Sending a quick apology to the universe for the blatant lie, she continued placidly, "If Sesshoumaru found out you harmed his mate, there would be hell to pay."

If that plan had worked for Inuyasha, it would definitely work for Sesshoumaru.

"Mate?" Longwei’s fury morphed into bewilderment. "That human-hating son of a bitch claimed a human as his mate?"

Kagome bristled. "Who he chooses is none of your business. I’m just saying—you probably shouldn’t sharpen your claws on me."

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"Human whore," Longwei bellowed as he stormed into the room, shattering all propriety. "I’ll serve your mate your head on a platter before driving my claws through his chest."

Well, that didn’t go as planned, Kagome winced internally. It seemed she’d have to rely on the combat skills Sesshoumaru had taught her to hold out until he returned.

Sending an urgent pulse of reiki into the pendant, she shifted into a defensive stance. "Give it your best, I guess?" she quipped, just as Longwei lunged.

Elsewhere, Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened at the sudden thrum of reiki. The miko was in danger.

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Longwei attacked. Kagome twisted just in time—his claws grazing her sleeve and slicing the fabric. She raised her palms, reiki flaring into a barrier that blocked his second strike.

“You bitch!” he snarled, shaking off the sting.

“Try again,” she panted. “I’ve been called worse.”

His next attack was faster. She deflected at the last second, feet sliding across the polished floor. A pulse of fear surged—his strength was overwhelming.

But Sesshoumaru had trained her well. He knew she excelled at defense, and honed that.

“You’ll have to do better, coward,” she growled, reiki crackling around her fingers.

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A well-timed sweep of Longwei’s tail sent Kagome crashing into a pillar. Pain flared up her spine. She scrambled upright, chest heaving. Her barrier flickered a moment too long.

Longwei’s gleeful voice grated on her nerves. “You should’ve stayed quiet.”

He lunged, claws raised—just as a blinding flash of silver and white burst through the wall, halting him.

Sesshoumaru landed between them, Bakusaiga raised, eyes glowing with fury.

Longwei stumbled back. “You—”

Kagome sagged in relief, knees trembling. He was here.

Sesshoumaru didn’t look at her. His menacing words were all for Longwei. “You dared touch what is mine?”

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“You insult this court with your existence,” Sesshoumaru snarled, stepping forward. “And dared raise a hand to my ally.”

Longwei bared his fangs. “You’d betray your kind for a human?”

Sesshoumaru didn’t dignify that with a response. He simply attacked. Their youki clashed, blades ringing. Sesshoumaru sidestepped Longwei’s feeble strike, seizing his wrist and slamming him into the stone floor.

Moments later, Bakusaiga hovered at the dragon’s throat, barely breaking skin.

Longwei spat blood. “The council won’t back a mongrel who favors humans—”

The doors burst open as imperial guards flooded in. Longwei's confusion doubled.

Sesshoumaru straightened. “They already have.”

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Chains clinked as Longwei was hauled to his feet. He thrashed and snarled, but the guards held firm.

“This isn’t over!” he roared. “Your mate and you will pay for your insolence—”

“Cease your whining, Longwei,” Sesshoumaru said coldly, “before this one decides to do it for you.”

A chill ran through Longwei’s frame. His instincts warned him of the inuyoukai’s deadly intent. He fell silent and was dragged away.

Only once the dragon was gone did Sesshoumaru turn. His gaze landed on Kagome—battered, bruised, and still standing—and his heart lurched.

She had endured. But at what cost?

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Kagome stood rooted, watching the myriad of emotions—guilt, remorse, anger—cross Sesshoumaru’s face. For someone so cold and calculating, he was an open book to her in that moment.

He closed the distance in three steps. “You called yourself my mate,” he murmured, inspecting the bruises on her arms and face.

She tried to grin. “It worked, didn’t it?”

A mix of disappointment and relief filled him. But it wasn’t enough to sway him from his path. His palm rested on her cheek, gentle and reverent.

His voice was low and uncharacteristically soft when he spoke. "You did well."

Chapter Text

That night, Kagome lay in bed, outwardly resting, but her thoughts raced. Sesshoumaru had brought her back to Aya’s home right after the clash with Longwei.

His hands had been gentle as he applied salve and wrapped her wounds. She could still feel the lingering warmth of his calloused palms, her face flushing as she realized where her thoughts drifted.

He’d apologized for leaving so soon, citing court protocols that demanded his presence.

She should’ve felt triumphant after their victory over the dragon lord—at having prevented further corruption.

Instead, all she felt was a quiet, aching sense of longing.

Chapter Text

The sun's rays woke her up the next morning as Kagome scrambled out of bed.

She’d overslept.

Damnit, she groused, hastily freshening up and throwing on clean clothes. What if Sesshoumaru had already left?

She couldn’t explain the urgency clawing at her chest—only that she needed to see him one last time before he disappeared for who knew how long. He’d promised to return today.

Bolting toward the small breakfast table, she skidded to a stop.

There he was—calm, composed, and impossibly elegant—leisurely sipping tea as if he hadn’t destroyed a malevolent dragon youkai the day before.

Chapter Text

“Sit, miko,” Sesshoumaru murmured, calmly pouring tea into a second cup before refilling his own. “This one wishes to speak with you before he departs.”

Kagome eyed the plate of snacks beside the tea. Senbei and wagashi—favorites from her homeland. She hadn’t found any here, though she’d longed for them.

Had Sesshoumaru…?

The idea that he’d stopped during his travels just to bring them warmed her heart. He’d always been thoughtful of her needs, in his own quiet way.

As she took a seat at the table, Sesshoumaru continued placidly. "This one thanks you for your invaluable aid, Kagome."

Chapter Text

“It was nothing,” Kagome's face flushed. “I just wanted that creep brought to justice.” The memory of Longwei’s sneer reignited her anger.

“Hnn. And you have,” Sesshoumaru replied, eyes gleaming. “The Emperor has ensured the snake is being treated well.”

Kagome shuddered, deciding she did not want to know what that meant. Shifting the subject, she asked, “So… what happens now?”

A quiet pause followed as they sipped their tea.

Sesshoumaru’s voice was contemplative when he finally answered, “Whatever you wish, miko. This one has never held you captive.”

Kagome couldn’t tell if she felt relieved—or disappointed—by that.

Chapter Text

In the end, Sesshoumaru departed shortly after their morning tea.

"When will I see you again?" Kagome murmured, fiddling with her sleeve.

The smirk on his face was positively teasing as he fastened his swords. "Eager to see this one again, are we?"

"D-Don't put words in my mouth!" she shot back, face flaming. "I just asked out of curiosity!"

"Believe me, miko," he drawled, a suspiciously wicked glint lighting his eyes, "there are far better uses for that pretty little mouth than putting words in it."

And before Kagome could collect her jaw from the floor—he was gone.

Chapter Text

It had been a year since the incident with Longwei.

Aya never asked what had transpired between Kagome and the strange daiyoukai, but she noticed the way the girl kept glancing at the doorway—as if expecting someone to return.

He never did.

Kagome threw herself into her work—teaching children, serving tea, learning dialects. She laughed easily, smiled often. But some nights, Aya found her on the roof, staring at the moon.

There was a sadness, a sense of longing that clung like second skin.

Aya watched her silhouette in the moonlight and decided: it was time to intervene.

Chapter Text

“You’ve been restless lately,” Aya said, sliding a cup of chrysanthemum tea toward her.

Kagome blinked, caught off guard. “I’m fine.”

Aya raised a brow, conveying her disbelief. “Clearly, staring at the moon every night helps a lot.”

“It’s nothing,” Kagome murmured as her fingers tightened around the cup.

Aya let the silence stretch before gently adding, “You can stay as long as you like.” Her hand rested lightly over Kagome’s. “But if you’re waiting for permission to live your life, miko—he already gave it.”

The words weighed heavy on Kagome.

Maybe it was time to start moving again.

Chapter Text

“There’s a festival for the new year in the next district,” Aya said casually over breakfast. “The lantern boats and flowers are something to see.”

Kagome glanced up from her bowl, lips quirking. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

Aya snorted. “Think of it as a farewell party.” She placed a bit of grilled fish on Kagome’s plate. “You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?”

“Yeah," Kagome smiled faintly as she accepted it. "I think I am.”

“Good,” Aya declared, sounding far too much like a proud mother. “It’s time for your next adventure, Kagome.”

And for once, Kagome agreed.

Chapter Text

The festival was a riot of color—paper lanterns drifting skyward, flowers strewn across the town square. Children darted between stalls, laughter echoing through the streets.

Kagome stood at the riverbank, watching boats floating in the river, lanterns glowing like stars in the sky.

Aya passed her a skewer of candied hawthorn. “A sweet farewell.”

Kagome accepted it with a small smile. She didn’t know what she would’ve done without Aya that first day. The memory of it overwhelmed her.

Without thinking, she turned and pulled her friend into a tight hug—already mourning the goodbye she hadn’t said yet.

Chapter Text

Kagome stood under the blossoming magnolia tree, its pale petals fluttering around her like soft snow. She reached out to pick a single bloom. This land was where her journey of strength had begun, where she’d stood on her own for the first time.

She closed her eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of the breeze, silently bidding farewell to the land that had been her crucible.

Footsteps crunched behind her.

“This one was right in assuming he would find you here,” came a familiar drawl.

Kagome turned, her heart lurching.

There he was—silver hair, golden eyes, magenta stripes.

Sesshoumaru.

Chapter Text

Kagome stared at him, her mind still processing his presence. “What are you doing here?”

“Trade negotiations,” Sesshoumaru’s lips curved the barest, teasing inch.

She crossed her arms. “With who?”

“Kaname’s cousin’s uncle’s advisor’s steward.” His face was the picture of composure.

“That’s not a real person,” Kagome retorted, narrowing her eyes at him.

“Believe what you will, miko,” he stated dismissively.

She huffed, unable to hide her smile. “You’re impossible.”

Sesshoumaru stepped closer and extended a hand, his gaze steady on her. “Ready, Ka-go-me?”

Kagome's brain short-circuited at his proximity. Helpless to do anything else, she took his hand.

Chapter Text

He didn’t smirk, didn’t tease. Just quietly guided her through the lantern-lit streets as if they did this all the time.

They paused at a stall selling sweet dumplings and tea. Sesshoumaru handed her one without a word, watching her reaction with infuriating calm.

She took a bite, sighing at the sweet taste.

“I recall you preferred red bean," Sesshoumaru quietly confessed.

Kagome promptly choked. "Y-you remembered?"

His only reply was a sip of tea, smugness practically oozing from his posture.

Still chewing, she murmured. “I didn't think you would.”

His gaze lingered on her. “I remember a lot, miko.”