S’homaru, you have proven once again to be a cunning strategist. By planting the nugget that she is worthy, Kagome will strive to make sure that no one, not even Sesshomaru, will forget it. For too long, she has always been some sort of after thought, not entirely good enough, keeping herself at rock bottom as far as self esteem goes. And though he did not choose her as his own mate, the fact remains that he is keeping her alive and letting her remain his mate. I think that she is starting to realize that that means something.

3,000 stairs?! I wouldn't want to walk up those either! But it did bring to mind, that Izayoi was hidden away; almost like some shameful secret, or perhaps weakness. Hmm...I shall ponder this more. It makes sense to me that Sesshomaru is saying the things he is saying. He needs her to solidify her position, not only with him, but in the minds of all the youkai residing on the island. She cannont be weak, she herself must prove to be an Alpha , just like Sesshomaru. There can be no doubt, no hesitation, on her end or else it will end in doom. 

Oh what a sneaky, sneaky little demon overlord he is! And Kagome, sweetheart, it's best if you don't know exactly know what someone is talking about, for the love of all thingd holy, ask. Now, dinner time!

Hn. He is quite pleased with her, which is good, because Sesshomaru being pleased usually means smutty things are about to happen. 

Silly, jealous demon overlord... I think it makes perfect sense for S’homaru to want to care for her, now that he has tasted her power, had it defy his own. Though while it is not exactly safe since she is human, Kagome stands a better chance of thwarting all who wish to harm her. His surprise over his embrace was cute, but then he beacme Lusty!Sesshomaru over the appropriate thank you. I can't decide which one is more amusing. Also, I don't think he realizes just how much he ground he gained with her over finding her a "lady in waiting", someone she can talk to, someone who will teach her what's she needs to know. Good move, S’homaru!

Alright, the pillow book is making her think. It was pretty much a given that while Kagome trusts Sesshomaru to protect her physically, she is nowhere near ready to trust him with everything else. It is interesting though, just how much Sesshomaru's actions mimick his father's in the sense of being concerned. Whether this is being done because he know of the dager he brought her into or this is just another way of wooing her, I guess only time will tell, but he's actions will undoubtedly lead her to care for him, trust him completelely. Though I am sure she will deny it,  fight it, most of the way. Silly female. I am surprised, however, about how little she is affected by INuyasha's betrayel and possible death. Maybe it is a mix between shock and subconciously knowing it would come down to this. Hmm..

Yay! For human friendly river dragons coming over for dinner. I think the biggest thing that stands out for me is the fact that the twins were so quiet. It obviously bothered Sesshomaru, but since they answered when he asked, he is just going to brush it off. Me thinks this might be a mistake. I guess only time will tell.

On to the next!

We get a wee bit more insight into the downfall of the Inu No Taisho. Sesshomaru's concern is definitely a valid one, and with the way that Kagome doesn't judge demons and befriends them, it stands to reason that she has probably stock-piled quite a few human enemies. However, Shizuka has yet another solution in bringing his hearth-sister in. I really am loving Shizuka at this point.

P.S. As far as Kagome's visit from Aunt Flo, I would think that with the amount of control that S’homaru displays on a daily basis, I really doubt that he would be too affected (at least that most people could tell). Since that time of the month is also considered fertile blood, I could see him being a bit more lusty than usual, perhaps even a bit territorial around other males. But only a full on blood bath if someone should touch her or make lewd gestures towards her. Cliche, I know, but with the level of control that he has in this fic I really don't see him flying off the handle too much. 

Yes, Shizuka, preach! And what Sesshomaru keeps pointing out as problems, keep finding easy solutions. And Shizuka is right, if Kagome was able to defy Sesshomaru's will, and since none can match him in power, she should have no problem with anyone else.  Me likies Shizuka for also pointing out that since Sesshomaru is such a unique individual it is only right that he have an equally unique mate. Think on that, S’homaru!

I like how there are so many easy solutions to these seemingly huge problems. It's amazing what can be seen and found out from a pair of fresh eyes. Sesshomaru's council is truly a perfect foil for him, and he trusts them enough to take what they say into consideration. But I did see something that made me wonder. Sesshomaru said do not let any harm come to her as you would any Lady of mine. Does this mean he has some Ladies then? Or are the concubines "Ladies", I'm assuming he has concubines from the "Get me a woman" chapter. :continues to ponder:

Ooo Shizuka to the rescue with the silver lining to this situation. Kagome is truly alone in this era, minus the tachi, there are none who can wage war for her honor or cause disruption at the shiro. Just another glaringly obvious difference between Kagome and Izayoi.

YAY! I stand corrected! He does trust his council, that makes me insanely happy to know that he will have them at his back. And he acknowledges the fact that she would be perfect, if not for her humanity; and that no matter what happens, now that he knows the truth of it, he will never let Inuyasha have her again. I also like, that even though he has himself a human companion, he will not make his father's mistakes and order the other youkai to protect her. That he is going to allow her to protect herself, to prove her worthiness to them. Hahaha and Mushashi? I can see him being comedic relief when things start to get to heavy.

On to the next.

Hmmm...I completely understanf why he is phrasing everything the way he is. "To care is to fear, to fear is to be vulnerable." And though his opinions on keeping her have changed, and he acknowledges that he more than likely cares for her already, as of right now, he trusts no one. He is not outright lying, because it is the truth on why Kagome is his mate, he isn't divulging all information. Sneaky sneaky.

I like that he is thinking about her being an equal to him in power, and someone he would have demanded for a mate. I'm also over-freaking-joyed that he is rethinking the whole human thing, because he does have a point. So far, no other youkai can approach his strength, and put into that perspective does it really matter who he takes as mate because there are none who can defeat him. At this point, I think the only thing that is really holding him back is his fear to care for her (damn you, Sessmama). But after what his mother taught him, and probably what he has seen for himself in the shiro, things that are cherished and loved can be used against you. Not to mention, the other youkai are not going to be pleased with Kagome so it's easy to assume there will be assasination attempts. I can see how it would be easy to fear, but he has a long road ahead before he sees that that fear can make him stronger than he ever imagined. 

I find myself questioning just how helpful this book will actually be to Kagome. Her situation is totally different than that of Izayoi, and the differences are glaringly obvious. Where Izayoi was truly weak and powerless, Kagome has been in numerous battles and is the Shikon no Miko. We don't really know Izayoi's status in Inupapa's life but she is most definitely not first mate, if he caneven have more than one, or a lover at best. Kagome is a mate. In my opinion, I think that the only thing these women will have in common is the hate that youkai had/will have for them, and their feelings about their males. That is not to say that it won't be helpful, because it will be. I mean who else could really understand? I think I am going to have to take a wait and see approach to this pillow book.

On to the next

Very wise words, Izayoi, and very fitting for Kagome at the moment. It can resonate with her in dealings with both brothers. I have a feeling she is going to become quite obsessed with the pillow book

Oh, well of course she had to find that! XD Izayoi once more speaks from beyond the grave. It will be interesting to see her side of her time with Inupapa and at the shiro. But I can't help but wonder if Sesshomaru's treatment of Kagome will be different because of what his father went through with Izayoi.

On to the next! 

Oh yes, definitely too complicated for her own good. But that's the pot calling the kettle black because that silly demon overlord has his own pile of issues. Apparently this room holds significance, and not in a good way. I wonder what the council will say to all of this, and I have a feeling this "dressing session" will end up smutty. 

Oh Sesshomaru, you really have no idea who this woman is do you? Bahahaha! I liked how startled he was that Kagome assumed he didn't want her to come to the meeting, like he was wondering why she would even want to.

Whether Sesshomaru realizes it or not, in his attempt to seduce Kagome to achieve that "everything" he told her he wanted, he is giving more of himself than she is to him. And I think that that is exactly what Kagome needs at this point because she literally gave everything for Inuyasha, this time around she needs a man who will give with her. I like how the reminder of Yuugao brought forth the knowledge that he can care and that he has. It's nice to see her memory can also bring happier memories even if they are bittersweet.

On to the next!