Dead Spirit by fluffykags

Dead Spirit

Dead Spirit

Enjoy reading!

Hime – princess

Youkai – demon

Miko – priestess

Sama – title for superiors

Inuyoukai – dog demon

Taiyoukai – great youkai

Kistune – fox

Iie – no

Disclaimer: all the characters do not belong to me, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi except for Inutaisho and Aiko and the story plot.

Kagome had no clue how it happened; it had all been the cursed jewel's choice. It had twisted her life in the nastiest way possible. It wasn't fair. Inuyasha promised himself to Kikyo, Naraku was purified, and Sango and Miroku were married and had produced life. Her Lord did not allow Shippo to follow her, so he had to stay behind.

The Shikon jewel had arranged her marriage. The well had unexpectedly stopped working and she had turned into an inuyoukai against her own will. All that happened because of Midoriko's battle with the combined youkai. It had been Midoriko's thoughts and option that made her like this. She had wished for the whole of Japan to be in harmony, in order to do that there could only be one monarch stronger than anyone else. Therefore, she had put the burden on Kagome, to create the ruler of Japan.

But the worst part was who Midoriko had chosen. It could have been anyone. Kouga, Bankotsu, Inuyasha, or even Onigumo, but she had preferred Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western lands.

Kagome became frustrated because she had to leave Shippo, but Sesshoumaru convinced her that she could take care of Rin instead. In the end, she even bore Sesshoumaru a son, a pure inuyoukai of great power. They had named him Inutaisho. After that, Kagome grew attached to Sesshoumaru. She thought that he had returned those feelings, for he treated her equally and was acted like a gentleman. But after Inutaisho became 2 years old (20 humans years old in this story), tragedy stripped Kagome of any happiness she thought she had.

"Kagome, I have something of vast significance I need to talk to you about." Sesshoumaru stepped into his classified gardens, where he was positive his wife would be.

Like he predicted, she was there, sitting on a bench with an ancient scroll held delicately in her hands.

"Yes, milord." Kagome turned around to face him with a blissful smile, her demonic fangs glittering under the bright morning sunlight.

She walked towards him gracefully as she had been taught years ago.

Sesshoumaru led her to the meeting rooms, the one that they constantly used to converse. Kagome sat down in the Lady's chair and waited for Sesshoumaru to speak. During her years with him, she had learned how to see through his emotionless mask. She saw that he was anxious, and Kagome wondered why, for the great Taiyoukai of the West was never afraid of anything.

"Kagome...I have decided to marry."

Kagome tensed in repulsion and turned to face him. "Are we not already husband and wife?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head; he knew that this was not going to be pretty. "It was arranged by the jewel to create the next heir of the Western lands, and then later on rule Japan. The feeling of annoyance was mutual. Inutaisho has grown up and does not have to have you by his side all the time. I have found a woman that I truly want to be with, her name is Aiko. I wish to sever the bond, and then we will go separate ways."

Kagome did not trust her voice to be steady as she spoke. "What...about Inutaisho?"

He nearly seemed to be surprised by her question, it was quite evident already. "He shall stay here and be the next ruler."

She never wished for this, the jewel created all this.

"Inutaisho will dedicate his time wholly into training, like I once did. I guarantee you even without you he would have great success," he continued.

The pain was unbearable, why did the jewel always have to be so pitiless? In the end, every person had been Midoriko's pawn, manipulated by her to make her selfish desire come true.

"Nobody would dare injure you after you depart, I will spread the message, but we would no longer have any connection."

No, she would not cry. Kagome would not dishonor him by doing so; she would follow the rules that had been clearly set down when she first arrived. He did not fancy a sentimental mate who thought with her emotions and acted on things he deemed worthless.

"Very well, I agree and permit you to do so." Kagome said, trying her best to act normal.

Sesshoumaru lifted a single clawed finger and placed it on Kagome's collarbone where his mark nestled. He spoke an uncomplicated ancient spell; the mark vanished without a trace.

"You can leave tomorrow afternoon, a carriage will be waiting at the citadel entrance. I do not heed where you go, as long as you depart."

How can he be so malicious? She thought that he ought to appreciate her presence, even only slightly bit. So he wanted her to vanish. Fine, she will leave, but not as he arranged.

That night, Kagome didn't sleep in the master's bedroom chambers. Sesshoumaru had left to ensure the borders were secure and wouldn't be back till dawn. She knew exactly how his itinerary went and where he would by no means bother checking. Everything would work out as she planned.

Kagome packed several peasant kimonos before she went to the dojo and grabbed one of the average soldier's rusty metal samurai swords. Her light footsteps brought her to one of typical guest rooms; she wasn't the Western lady anymore.

After making sure that she had collected some food, Kagome went to the prince's room. At least he remains prince, Kagome thought bitterly. Not for long though, she didn't wish for her child to undergo the same Spartan training Sesshoumaru had in his youth and become a cold-blooded warrior like him. She wanted him to live a lighthearted life, akin to the life of a common average youkai.

Inutaisho did not fall into his dreams that night, either. After he saw his parents depart from the meeting room, he had already noticed something had gone wrong. Not only that, they had not exchanged a single dialogue with each other and his mother seemed less pleased than usual. He was immature, without comprehension. But his youthful youkai senses were more than enough to distinguish the difference between cheerfulness and depression.

When his mother entered his chambers, he promised himself to find an answer. Inutaisho was astonished when his mother took some of his clothes that he used when he went for a stroll which would conceal his true characteristics. Why would his mother want that? She moved inaudibly like a spirit, her expression empty. Kagome gave Inutaisho's sleeve a light jerk.

"Come, Inutaisho. There will be no more life of lavishness, we are leaving."

"Why, mother?" his innocent voice slashed through her very soul.

Inutaisho's voice was near equivalent to Sesshoumaru's baritone one, yet it was light and cheerful unlike his dark and frosty voice. It pained her so much to know that his voice would mature to be like his father's one day, even more so if she allowed him to remain.

"Your father...he has selected another female. Unless you want that female to be your mother, run off with me." Kagome visibly started quivering.

"Okay," Inutaisho was still young; he did not recognize the adult world and the ache in his mother's spirit. He thought he would sooner or later return, thought this was some kind of comic story or fieldtrip. "Let me bundle-up some of the snacks I adore."

Kagome gave a tender smile to her young son, the perfect younger image of his father. The only traits that he had taken from his mother were the stubbornness and compassionate elements. Sesshoumaru had often criticized and scolded Inutaisho about it.

"Lady Kagome," a young voice spoke.

"Rin, you needn't call me that anymore. I am at an inferior station than you now, for I am no longer the Western lady, but you remain a hime." Kagome twisted around to look at the girl who had became 26, no longer naïve and irresponsible.

Rin had changed vastly. Her hair now cascaded down her back and her eyes were devoid of the childish light. It had left her with a pair of brown eyes full of wisdom and affection. She had developed, and along with it came youkai and humans who asked for her hand, in which all Sesshoumaru slaughtered.

She shook her head. "No, you are still Lady Kagome to me. You were forced to leave your own son to come here, yet you did not feel hatred towards me for taking the place of your son and treated me like your own daughter. Sesshoumaru-sama's choice is his, but your place in my mind and heart has not changed, not the least bit."

Tears formed again. No, she refused to let the tears fall.

"It's okay to cry Lady Kagome, isn't that what you told me? You have carried the burden for more than 20 years now; it is such a long time for humans, yet short for youkai. It is time you too had a break, time that you allowed your emotions some independence." Rin gently rubbed her mother-like-figure's back soothingly.

At Rin's words, Kagome let out a strangled cry and wailed. She continued weeping for 15 minutes, until she finally cooled down a little so that the cries reduced to sniffles and hiccups.

Rin pitied this woman. The crystal still dangled from around her neck; it had made her its guardian and made her carry the complete burden. She had been forced to become a creature that she had never wanted to be. Rin understood Kagome had wanted to be exactly like her: return to her own world 500 years in the future, live a regular life as a human, mature, walk down the aisle with a man she adored, conceive children, and depart this life. But as a replacement she had been forced into an unwanted marriage against her own will, again because of the jewel. Now her partner abandoned her, and the jewel seemingly did not fret. It had had its wish granted, an influential heir had been born, and it did not care for its consequences.

"Rin, will you force me to stay? Please let me go, I don't want to continue in this agonizing position."

Kagome sighed in relief at Rin's answer. "No, I will not."

Curious, she asked, "Why not? Sesshoumaru will certainly rebuke you."

"Better me than Inutaisho. I don't want to see a second Sesshoumaru-sama, bitter and impassive. If I hadn't rescued him, he would have continued on like he was. He had not wished to become like his father, but he had unknowingly followed his father's footsteps and degraded himself even if his second wife was not a human. Remember, Lady Kagome, it is not you who have been humiliated by him but he who has disgraced himself and the House of the Moon."

Inutaisho chose this moment to barge right in. "Mama, we can leave now. I am fully prepared."

"Farewell Kagome, go to a place where you will be protected and loved." Rin spoke softly.

Kagome smiled back at Rin, the single person with whom she could share her feelings with. They had been each other's hold up, and now it was time they learned to move on independently.

Just as she stepped outside the palace gate, she spotted Sesshoumaru returning. No, his border was a lot larger that he would usually take 3 days to go through all of it. Why did he return so early this time? Her questions were answered agonizingly, for another female mix-breed inuyoukai kitsune followed closely behind him. The female youkai was breath-taking, perhaps not as striking as Kagome, but none the less eye-catching.

She had a calm smile on her face, but when she spotted Kagome, Kagome knew this was no ordinary youkai. Aiko latched herself onto Sesshoumaru's shoulder, in which he returned. Aiko gave Kagome a devious smirk of triumph, and then sneered.

Kagome gasped. So, Sesshoumaru had planned for her to leave the next day because he had wanted to flaunt this girl in her face and rub in the fact that a mix-breed was better than her? Kagome had already noticed something he had not. She decided not to tell him, for it would only serve to fuel his already burning rage against Kagome, thinking that she was green-eyed of Aiko.

Blinded by her present beauty, he overlooked her true identity. Her real name was Momoko, the daughter of the Northern lord, Sesshoumaru's rival. She had changed her name and markings to perform like a normal youkai, one that purposely changed her scent. There was no way of telling she was another youkai, unless you were a miko, like Kagome. If there was one thing in the world which nobody could change, it was a person's aura. Youkai can only feel the outline of an aura, but a miko could see the shade and actually see the form.

Kagome was filled with fury. Livid at Midoriko for forcing this onto her, mad at Sesshoumaru for forcing her to leave Shippo behind, furious at Inutaisho for being born, however, against none was she angrier than at herself. Why had she fallen in love with Sesshoumaru? She had known from the very beginning this was a flight of the imagination, that Sesshoumaru could on no account love her. In spite of that, sometime in the 20 years she had managed to convince her own conscious that Sesshoumaru loved her.

She chewed on her lips, not trusting herself not to shed tears again. She couldn't, she wanted to stay sturdy and disappear without leaving anything behind. Kagome was determined to slice through any association she had with this palace, this land and this land's leader.

"Mama, who is that hideous lady with father?" To Inutaisho, any woman beside his mother, Rin, servants, and caretaker were not worthy.

"That is the woman your father has chosen as your new mother. Come, we must leave now." her voice was barely a hoarse murmur, and even she couldn't quite hear herself.

Kagome swept up Inutaisho without creating a hum. She put up a soundproof and scent barrier, just to be sure that not even the guards knew she was leaving. Sesshoumaru would not care less that she left, but he would surely murder her if he found out she was taking Inutaisho with her.

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Shippo raised his head and sniffed, something in the wind was off track. Sesshoumaru was free to marry now. Wasn't his mother his spouse? But the wind never spoke a word of untruthfulness; Sesshoumaru was now free of any bond, free from his mother, free to take another companion. He frowned; this was not supposed to happen.

His eyes widened in contentment and bewilderment when he scented Kagome and Inutaisho coming closer and closer to his lands. Shippo hopped off his throne and left a message for his general to watch out for invaders. He was thrilled and mystified; Sesshoumaru never let Kagome come here unaccompanied. Unless...no, that was impracticable. Or was it?

When Shippo got to the border of his lands, he was appalled. What happened to his gorgeous mother? The one that had always greeted him with mirth and a beam?

Kagome wore a peasant's kimono, the same as Inutaisho. Her expression was blank. Her eyes were lifeless, her smile not reaching her eyes. Body slimmer than fish, she had not consumed food in days. Only Inutaisho seemed robust. Inutaisho appeared to be tired, Kagome looked as if she were about to crumple.

Shippo rushed forward, teary-eyed. "What happened, Mama? What did that monster do to you?"

"Nothing, it was my fault." Kagome whispered harshly with uneven breathing.

He lifted Inutaisho's lengthy bangs to check his forehead, only to find the mark fading away. The crescent moon, the symbol marking him as the Western prince had started to pale. Kagome had erased the mark herself; she had used her miko powers to force out the blood of Sesshoumaru, leaving only her blood and scent on Inutaisho. No scent of Sesshoumaru lingered in either of their bloods. Now, it would seem that Inutaisho had just appeared out of thin air. Shippo screamed at the top of his lungs to let all know his despair and re-born loathing towards the Western Lord. They were no longer allies.

"You both need some rest, especially your mother." Shippo stated.

He led Inutaisho by his hand and carried his mother back to the palace. Shippo ordered some servants to take Kagome to the unsurpassed guestroom and then took Inutaisho to the gardens. Some parts of it were illusion, used to thwart intruders if they happened to enter here.

"Inutaisho, what happened?" Shippo looked at the youngster straight in his eyes, so much like his own twenty years ago. They were brothers in a way.

"I don't know, brother Shippo. Mama came out of the meeting room this morning with wretchedness. She didn't say a word and was depressed. After that, she talked to sister Rin about something and then she left with me. I saw a gruesome lady with Lord Sesshoumaru and then Mama took me away." Inutaisho tilted his head, waiting for Shippo to say something.

Shippo was beyond shock; surely Sesshoumaru had more honor than that? "Inutaisho, why aren't you calling Sesshoumaru your father anymore?"

"Lord Sesshoumaru had been awful behavior. He has forced Mama and me off his lands because of the dreadful woman. Lady Rin said that Mama should go to a place where she would be cared and loved." Inutaisho lowered his head and started swinging his legs against the bench.

"Do not inform Mama that we talked about this okay, Inutaisho? I don't want Mama to be concerned about it anymore."

Shippo handed young Inutaisho a piece of chocolate as a repayment and Inutaisho happily agreed, staring at the chocolate bar avidly.

Sesshoumaru haunted her even in her dreams; Kagome woke up letting out an ear-splitting scream and the tears started dropping like rain. She couldn't believe it.

"Why!? I already left! Why do you have to come and haunt me?" She desperately howled.

Shippo sighed unhappily; it should not have turned out like this. After hearing Inutaisho, he was positive Sesshoumaru had decided to take another woman as his wife. He couldn't see why Sesshoumaru could ditch such a magnificent lady like his mother. All youkai would die to marry her, even he would have if he was older and wasn't her son. She was beautiful inside-out. Perhaps it was because Sesshoumaru had taken his mother for granted and had forgotten her meaning to him. Perhaps, it was time the Western lord learned a lesson.

Several youkai years have finally passed. Kagome had not changed much, but she had unquestionably tried to starve herself despite Shippo's frantic pleas. Inutaisho had become eight now, and Shippo entered adulthood. It was time that she left and let Inutaisho have proper training with Shippo.

"Shippo, come here." Kagome spoke with a faint voice.

Shippo stepped over to his mother; she still hadn't gotten over Sesshoumaru. Whenever his name was mentioned, she would tremble. When gatherings and balls were held at his palace and Sesshoumaru came, she was always at Inuyasha's village.

*Flashback*

When Inuyasha had heard about Kagome's situation and Sesshoumaru's treachery, he would have gone to the Western palace and slaughtered the usurper who caused her pain. That idiot, Inuyasha had thought. Couldn't he see that every youkai yearned for Kagome? Couldn't he see that Kagome was the best life-mate anyone could have? Steadfast, tough, and would only curtsy to her husband. Inuyasha was stopped by Kagome though, with a single sentence.

"No, Inuyasha, as long as he is content." Kagome had said.

"But he..."

"As long as he is happy, now I beg you to please drop the subject!"

Then she had been absent to who-knows-where and only returned when there was another ball at Shippo's palace. In his palace, Sesshoumaru had been fuming when he discovered from a few of his servants the fact that Kagome had taken Inutaisho with her. He had approached Shippo knowing he knew the location of Kagome and demanded a chance to see Kagome so that he could reclaim Inutaisho as his heir.

Shippo had smirked. "I do not sense anything that belongs to you, Lord Sesshoumaru. Nor do I sense any son of yours."

Sesshoumaru had lifted his head and sniffed. Indeed, there was only the scent of Kagome in the palace. Could it be that Inutaisho had left single-handedly? It was exceedingly probable, for Inutaisho was stubborn like his mother and would do anything to get what he desired.

"Lord Shippo, show me to Kagome. I wish to have a word with her." Sesshoumaru growled.

"No, my mother does not desire to see you and you shall refrain from tearing through my castle to hunt her down." Shippo had snottily raised his head and spoke to Sesshoumaru.

Shippo had seen Aiko. Being a kistune himself, he could easily see through the mask that Aiko had put on. He had tried to warn Sesshoumaru about it, only to have him holler at him and leave his fortress with a slam of the door that made its occupants wince.

Shippo had seen Aiko's expression, one of pure wickedness and sickening triumph. He glared back at her. When Sesshoumaru turned around to her, her expression instantly turned to a soft and gentle expression.

He had felt disgusted at the scene and would have vomited at it if not to retain his composure. At that moment, he wished that he had only one of those items from the future Kagome called a camera. Shippo wanted to take a picture of that woman and stick it right in front of his pompous face.

'He can die in his own treachery for all I care.' Shippo had thought and vigorously whipped around to return to the ball.

Inutaisho's blood only contained Kagome's now, so it had naturally contrasted with Kagome's scent, therefore Sesshoumaru's nose had been unable to tell the two scents separately.

*End of Flashback*

"Shippo, I think it is time that I leave."

"What, Kagome!? What do you mean you're leaving? You are in good health right over here!"

Kagome slowly shook her head. "No, I am tired, tired of hiding from Sesshoumaru all the time, tired of trying to keep up the tough act. Just let me leave, I will find a place where nobody can locate me."

"You don't mean that place do you?" Shippo questioned.

"Yes, I want to go to the gardens of illusion I have created which only royalty, I, and Inutaisho can enter. Inutaisho doesn't need me anymore and he needs to center on training. He has already endured too much, and is much more mature than kids the same age. Let me rest, Shippo." Kagome begged.

"Mama...is leaving?" a voice said uncertainly.

"Inutaisho, come in." Kagome's eyes softened from the determination it had held.

"Is Mama leaving?" he nearly cried.

Shippo looked at Kagome, wondering if she would answer truthfully. For the first time in her life, Kagome lied. She covered up her scent with miko powers and spoke a white-lie.

"No, I will revisit. I promise you Inutaisho. Mama will return to this place in a few days. Don't worry about Mama, focus on your training."

Despite Kagome's comforting words, Inutaisho still cried. His mother had never left him before. Kagome patted him on the back and whispered additional comforting words to him. Shippo stood at the side, easily analyzing the emotions swirling in Kagome's glassy blue eyes. Sorrow, apologies, and fury danced within each others embrace. Perhaps she was angry at herself for being so cowardly to turn away.

Kagome tenderly rubbed Inutaisho's head. "I wish for Inutaisho to promise me one thing."

"I will do anything for Mama!" Inutaisho puffed up his chest.

Kagome smiled proudly at him. "Good. I want you to promise to never become royalty, never return to your father. Royalty causes nothing but pain. Too much supremacy can blind them, just like your father. Live a normal youkai's life and you will come across happiness."

Inutaisho enthusiastically bobbed his head up and down. "I shall wait for Mama to return."

Shippo looked at both of them sadly. All this happened because of the jewel. The pain for Kagome had been unbearable; she only ate when her body desperately needed it to sustain her mind and life force.

Kagome turned away, taking nothing with her. Shippo went to stand by Inutaisho's side, knowing full well his brother would cry of anguish. He himself would surely weep.

They never knew that would be the last they would ever see of Kagome. Forever, they would remember the way that her hair had swayed when she disappeared into the forest, her glassy blue eyes, and her gentle smile. That was all anyone could remember about her.

Twenty youkai years passed and Inutaisho became one of the greatest warriors. His powers already surpassed Inuyasha, and Shippo was sure he would surpass Sesshoumaru's powers in a few hundred years.

Kagome never returned like promised. She had left, and Shippo had no intention of informing Inutaisho of her whereabouts. Shippo himself had only been to that place before, and to avoid anyone else from finding out, he never revisited it after Kagome left. He was forced to tell one person though, and that one person was Sesshoumaru. He came storming through his lands on a wild rainy day.

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Through the years, Sesshoumaru never found Inutaisho again. He had decided to take Aiko's child as heir, but the infant grew up to be a weakling. It had been a curse the jewel had left, letting no other child other than the ones born by Kagome rule the Western lands.

Frequently, Sesshoumaru would go to the Eastern palace and insist in Kagome's attendance, he knew she knew where Inutaisho was.

Sesshoumaru was the only one who practically thought Aiko as a saint; all his servants were against her. Whenever Sesshoumaru was not around, Aiko treated the servants worse than waste. They often thought about their Lady Kagome, praying to the gods that she would someday return and Aiko would leave. After twenty-eight youkai years, their wish was granted, half of it anyway.

That night had been horrendous, a nightmare, Lord Sesshoumaru had gone to battle against the Northern lord. Everyone had been doing their own things. Lady Aiko was nowhere to be seen and everything had been peaceful. That was, until soldiers from another land had invaded.

It was horrifying, all the servants, maids, and slaves had been slaughtered. The only one who had survived had been Jaken. When Lord Sesshoumaru had returned, the whole palace had been decorated with crimson blood. Jaken had come out with unsteady feet, cautiously explaining what had happened, especially the part where Aiko's appearance had suddenly altered and became Momoko, loyal daughter of the Northern lord.

Everything clicked into place then, why he had suddenly been able to come across another astounding demoness around the places where only common youkai lingered. The plan had been to drive Kagome away. Kagome had always been the one carefully planning the battles, he only acted like a character in a play that she had perfectly planned. With the help of her miko powers, Kagome had been able to invade other youkai's mind, therefore be able to make a counterattack with each one they used.

Momoko changed into Aiko, then lured him and made him abandon Kagome. Sesshoumaru walked to the prince's bedroom. Aiko's child had perished, its life ended by its own mother. She had never loved him, only Kagome did. Kagome had never stopped caring for him, even after he had pushed her away.

With Kagome gone and Sesshoumaru trusting Momoko so much, it was too trouble-free to assault the Western lands. The Northern lord had taken everything worth selling. His own army taken with him to battle had perished. They had only been successful previously because of Kagome's help and her help to enhance the soldier's confidence and sometimes their strength. Sesshoumaru had battle skills, but the Northern lord had already anticipated what he would do.

Sesshoumaru was now truly alone, with nobody to care for him. He thought himself foolish and idiotic. He must be a disgrace to the Western lands. All the work of his ancestors had been destroyed, all because he had betrayed Kagome. The Western lands had dropped from the top to the lowest lands in the country, all because he had turned to a woman of unknown nationality.

He loathed himself for not listening to young Shippo. Shippo, that's right. Sesshoumaru could ask Shippo to lend a hand.

With that thought in mind, Sesshoumaru went to the Eastern lands. He was stopped by two guards.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, you are not welcomed here unless you have arranged an appointment with our Lord beforehand. We are respecting you for your power; we have gained knowledge that you are no longer Lord," the stronger soldier said.

"I have something of great importance and need to speak to your Lord. If you do not move, I will be forced to take your lives." Despite his failure, his conceited personality never left him.

"What is the entire hullabaloo about? The other soldiers cannot be instructed properly." An unsympathetic voice came.

Sesshoumaru was surprised at how much the person's voice resembled his.

"General Inutaisho, Lord Sesshoumaru has come to seek out Lord Shippo." Both guards bowed at once.

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as their so called general came. It was him, Inutaisho, his son. He sniffed the air; this youkai only contained the blood of Kagome. This was impossible, but the similarities between them proved him to be his little Inutaisho. He had matured and became a young man, like he had once been.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, you are not welcome here." Inutaisho spoke with an arctic voice.

Inutaisho had grown up; he now clearly understood what his father had done. The old admiration he held for his father had completely demised. His mother and his brother Shippo was the world to him, he could not care less about what happened to his father.

"Inu...taisho!?" Sesshoumaru was confused.

"Actually brother, I would very much like to talk to him."

Shippo came out, now like an intelligent adult. "I think that I have some explaining to do."

"Indeed you have, why does my son no longer contain my blood?" Sesshoumaru growled.

At those words, Inutaisho growled back with a louder voice. Now his eyes were flicking between gold and blood red, the sign of anger. "You are not my father."

"Inutaisho! Go back to training the soldiers!" Shippo commanded.

Inutaisho bowed and left swiftly, not once looking back at Sesshoumaru.

"We should go in to talk." Shippo said coldly. It was time that Sesshoumaru got a flavor of his own medicine.

Sesshoumaru followed Shippo inside to the homely dining room. He gave Sesshoumaru some food and they both sat down to a 'friendly' chat. Shippo went through all the events that had happened. He was careful to force in details and make some overstatement. It was time that Sesshoumaru understood he was the cause of all of his mother's pain. It had led to something similar to suicide.

"She left after Inutaisho became of age. Kagome promised Inutaisho she would one day return, but she never did. Nobody knows where she is now, except for me."

"Tell me where she is."

"And why would I possibly do that? You were the only that had caused her all the pain; you were the one that forced her into this. If it weren't for your betrayal, she would still be happy in the Western lands with you. Other than that, you would still have reign over the Western lands. Sesshoumaru, can't you see you have done enough to her?" Shippo shook his head.

"Just tell me where she is!" Sesshoumaru stood up and slammed his fist down on the table.

Shippo hesitated for a moment. "Alright, she has gone to the world of illusions. Kagome created it with her own miko powers. It is located at the cave where the borders of the Western and Eastern lands connect."

Sesshoumaru remembered that cave all too well; it was where Kagome would always go past whenever she used to visit Shippo.

"A barrier is set up so that lesser youkai cannot enter. You should be able to force open the shield and let yourself in politely." Shippo scratched his ears.

Without another word, Sesshoumaru hurried towards the cave. He wanted his little Kagome back, his soul mate. There was nothing he could want anymore. His betrayal had cost him too much.

At his arrival, he instantly noticed the difference between the cave and the surrounding caves. Ancient writing was carved on the inside of the cave and he could feel the barrier of a miko surrounding the entrance of the cave.

Carefully as to not injure himself, Sesshoumaru touched the barrier. Seeing that the barrier did not shock him, Sesshoumaru stepped inside completely.

He was in awe of the place when he opened his eyes. Grassland suddenly appeared on the other side of the barrier. Flowers were here and there as butterflies did their innocent dances around them. Rabbits and deer freely roamed the place. This had been her dreamland, the place where she had wanted to live. The land was wholesome illusion, and time did not flow in this place.

For the first few minutes, Sesshoumaru roamed around the place, not knowing where he could go to find Kagome. He decided to venture to the far side forest and see what was in there.

Even in the forest, sunlight easily passed through it and lightened up the entire place. Birds chirped and squirrels were full of activity. There seemed to be no end to the forest and Sesshoumaru grew irritated.

"Where are you, woman!?" he yelled up towards the heavens.

As if it heard him and decided to reply, the forest stopped and he came upon a clearing. Sesshoumaru could not get any closer. What he saw surprised him.

There was a large stone slab in the center of the pond decorated by flowers. It acted as a coffin to the person who lay there. Kagome lay there, unmoving and hushed. For the first time in his wretched life, Sesshoumaru felt like crying. His goddess was dead because he had thought the devil was better than a goddess and had chosen the devil instead.

Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome's corpse and expression. She was clad in a silk kimono, one that had been weaved by her own hands. It was midnight black and had silver crescent moons on it. The obi, was rose red. Even after he shunned her, she still loved him and wished that it hadn't been unrequited love. She seemed peaceful, finally at rest. The Shikon jewel still hung from her neck, she was its protector forever.

Sesshoumaru stepped forward in an effort to see Kagome clearer, but was stopped by a physically powerful barrier.

"Who dwells there?" A faint voice said.

His head shot up and he scanned around for any signs of a living person, no one.

"Ah, if it is not Sesshoumaru." The voice spoke again.

"Who are you? Why won't you show yourself?" Sesshoumaru hollered.

"I cannot, for I am a mere soul, and my name is Midoriko."

"Midoriko, the one that had caused all this pain." Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.

"I did not, I merely wished for harmony in these lands."

"It was your selfish wish that made all these events occur on Kagome!"

"It was not my wish, Sesshoumaru, 'twas the wish of thousands. It was the wish of all the innocent souls who had died in battle."

"It was done according to your wishes!" Sesshoumaru was livid. "Just let me speak to Kagome!"

The voice grew chilly. "She does not wish to speak to you, Sesshoumaru. You realize your mistake now? Kagome was an uncontaminated child, and you tainted her."

He growled out loud, a deep rumble that made the birds flutter away in fright.

"She isn't yours to care for anymore. Ah, what is this? You wish to speak to him? Very well, I will release the barrier and leave you two to talk." Midoriko's presence vanished.

Sesshoumaru felt the barrier evaporate. He stepped over to the rim of the pond and was astonished to find a blue light emitting from Kagome's motionless body. It was her spirit.

"Sesshoumaru..." her spirit glided over across the water to caress his face. "I thought I would never see you again..."

Sesshoumaru went down to hold her delicate hand in his, only to find that his hand passed through it without feeling the soft skin she possessed.

"It is no use, this is merely my spirit. Nothing can touch me and I cannot touch anything except those to do with the world of the dead." She whispered softly.

"Return to me! I demand and insist that you do so!" Sesshoumaru yelled at her.

She sadly replied, "I cannot, I am dead to this world. Only my spirit, soul, and preserved body remain. You can only see me because you have Tensaiga."

"Please, come back to me!" he had never thought that there would a day that he would beg.

"Iie, I must break Tensaiga. It will not do for you to see the dead for selfish reasons."

Sesshoumaru could not speak and could not move. She had paralyzed him. This was the last time he would be seeing her.

"I am loyal to you, Sesshoumaru. I always have been and I always will." With those last words, Kagome's spirit took out Tensaiga and broke it into two pieces, sheath and all.

Knowing full well that she could still hear him, Sesshoumaru shouted, "Kagome! Right at this moment, I regret everything that I have done!"

Nothing was left, the illusion was gone. Kagome's body disappeared along with the fine-looking scene. All that was left was the bare cave. Without Kagome, nothing seemed real. But Sesshoumaru always remembered Kagome's last words to him.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru."

The End