A/N: (Do not own Inuyasha) I am so sorry for the delay, but this chapter has been a tough one to write, trying to get it to play out the way I want hasn't been the easiest. I've also moved to Germany and gotten married in the time I've been gone, so it's been a crazy few months. I hope how long I've made it makes up a little for the delay. It's starting to get closer to the part I can't wait to share with so be patient, I am going to try to get back into the groove of writing. Let me know what you think, reviews are always welcome.

Special thanks to Snowbirdyoukai, thanks for your wonderful review, it was really nice to hear some praise when I've been stuck on this one chapter for so long. Thanks to everyone else for reviewing as well! I haven't forgotten about you guys! Without further ado here is the next installment of It All Began with a Shattered Heart:

Chapter 21:
Arrival

The castle was astir for the arrival of the council members; everything was being cleaned and arranged for their stay. It wasn't often that they came for a visit, even more so to be introduced to the new lady of the west.

Kagome was being fitted for a beautiful kimono and though she tried to enjoy being girly, she was hating every moment of it. She had grown used to wearing hakama for training or just wearing the miko clothing that she had; it was comfortable for her, easy to move in and easy to breathe in. Rin and Shippou were there to help her pick out the colors as well as Amata, who was just laughing at her; what was more was she could feel Sesshomaru's amusement through their link and it was driving her mad.

"Keep laughing it up there mate of mine, keep laughing." She whispered evilly to herself as she looked through the fabrics that were laid out in front of her.

"What was that Kagome?"

"Nothing Amata, just talking to myself."

"Uh huh, sure, so what color do you think you want for your kimono?"

"Not sure, let me look for a little longer." Sighing at the fabrics laid out before her, she decided to actually start paying attention to them so that she might find something and get it over with sooner.

"Remember, you're going to want to get more than one made." Amata smirked at the frustration she saw written plainly on Kagome's face and watched as it darkened before she glanced to where she knew Sesshomaru worked in his study. She hid her laughter as a cough behind her hand as Kagome glanced her way suspiciously before turning back to the materials before her.

A beautiful white silk fabric caught her eye as she shifted through them all and handing that one to the seamstress she went back to looking, picking out a shade of green resembling a forest in shadow, and a silver one that seemed to change color as it was shifted. There were a few others of different colors that she gave before she turned to the seamstress and gave her a thankful smile and told her that she had her permission to do whatever design she wanted on these kimonos. From the smile she was given back, no one had ever told her that she could do her own designs as she wanted; with a soft thank you she was gone in a flash, eager to get to work with the freedom she had been given.

Sitting heavily on the bed Kagome threw herself back and just laid there for a moment before the kids descended on her, telling her that since she was done, they wanted to go out and play. Laughing she told them that she needed to change first and then she would play with them as they wanted; smiling evilly to herself she told them in whispers to harass Amata into going as well, saying that she was great at playing games.

Amata had started to back out of the room when she saw that look cross Kagome's face, but before she could disappear, the children were upon her and she had no choice but to give in as she heard Kagome laughing behind the changing curtain.

At dinner came the announcement that council would be at the castle on the morrow and that they were to meet them at the front gate when they arrived. Kagome had grown nervous that they would be here so soon, but a glance from Sesshomaru had calmed her and a growing sense of peace and confidence were all that was left behind.

"How long will they be staying?"

"Hn," he paused in his dinner to look at her, "as long as they deem necessary I believe. They do as they please so long as it does not interfere with my kingdom."

Nodding her head she finished her dinner and gathered the kids up for bed, they had played hard earlier that day and worn themselves out. Leaving behind a smile in her wake she was gone from the room with the two safely ensconced in her arms as they made their way to the bedroom.

"Mama, will you lay with us and tell us a story?"

"Yeah Mama! Please, please, please?!" Rin and Shippou begged in sleepy tired voices as they rubbed their eyes so as to not fall asleep on the way. Chuckling softly to herself she laid a kiss to each of their brows and told them yes, she would lie with them and tell them a story as long as they promised to be on their best behavior when the council arrived tomorrow. Nodding their heads in agreement they promised in soft voices that hinted at the fact that they would remember no such promise come the morning, sighing to herself she couldn't do anything but smile as she helped them into their night clothes and then into bed.

Lying in between the two, she smiled as they cuddled into her waiting for her to begin her story as she had promised them. Taking a deep breath she smiled when she saw movement from the doorway before Shinji made his way onto the bed and wrapping around them for warmth and protection. Giggling as some of his fur tickled her nose, Rin snuggled closer to her mother and waited almost impatiently for the story to begin; Shippou squirmed with anticipation knowing that his mother always had the best stories to tell.

Knowing that her little ones couldn't wait any longer she began her story of Sleeping Beauty, knowing that Rin would like the princess aspect while Shippou would like the part with the prince and dragon. She changed her voice for each of the characters gaining gasps and giggles in certain parts of the story; drawing towards the end, ensconced in their warmth and love Kagome slipped into slumber.

"Mama must have been tired." Shippou whispered to Rin as he closed his eyes and let sleep take him away.

"Uh huh," Rin whispered back, just as tired and half asleep, but waiting for the last person of their family to come as she knew he would.

Just as sleep was about to draw her away into the land of dreams, she sensed him near and cracking her eyes open saw him leaning in the doorway, as relaxed as she had ever seen him. Smiling at him she beckoned him closer, all the while wondering if he would actually come into the room; she knew he was still uncomfortable with showing emotion, but she was determined to change that. With the help of Kagome she knew that it would be only a matter of time before he would grow comfortable and she couldn't wait to see a true smile on his face then.

"Daddy," she whispered happily when he came to her side and sat down; Shinji moved his tail so that the demon could sit down before laying it carelessly across his lap telling him without words that he was staying. Giggling at the trapped looked on his face, she bravely pulled on his arm so that he rested against the pillows and was closer to her. Snuggling closer to Kagome she turned so that her back was against her mother's side, while she buried her face in Sesshomaru's chest. Sighing contentedly she fell into the land of dreams a smile all the while on her face.

Sesshomaru could only think of how he got himself into this predicament, he had unconsciously moved into the room at Rin's beckoning and had been so shocked at her calling him 'daddy' that he had sat down. Knowing that he would be here until morning thanks to Kagome's dragon and the death grip Rin had on his haori he made himself more comfortable and settled himself in for a night of thought. However, that was not to be as his family's presence and the scent of his mate surrounded him and lulled him into a slight doze before he relaxed enough to fall into a deep, restful sleep.

Kagome woke a little before the sun as she was prone to do now and was slightly disoriented when she didn't see her room, but instead felt little bodies snuggled up to her sides. Glancing down she saw Shippou still deep in sleep, little snores issuing every now and again; turning to the left she saw Rin, but what had her pausing was the man that slept so soundly next to the little girl.

Sesshomaru had maneuvered himself in the night so that he rested on his back, Rin's head pillowed against his chest as his left arm came to encircle her waist. His head was turned so that his chin rested gently on the crown of her head, his puffs of breath stirring her hair slightly in the low light of the morning.

It was in that moment that Kagome knew she never wanted to be away from him, how she knew that he was going to be a good father to the children they had now and the ones they might have in the future. Wishing that she had a camera with her to capture this moment, she instead stored it in her memory so that she could always remember this moment in time.

Deciding to let them sleep for a little longer, she carefully disentangled herself from the many limbs around her and managed to get out of bed without disturbing anyone. Stretching quietly she looked down at the rumpled kimono and failing to smooth the wrinkles out she shrugged before heading to her room to change.

She knew that she should probably wake Sesshomaru up, the council was probably on their way now, but when she thought of waking him she couldn't and the biggest smile broke across her lips. Deciding to take a bath before they arrived, she gathered her things and headed to where the bathing springs were; hoping Sesshomaru would awaken on his own.

The feeling of something lying on him was not one he was used to and so he woke quickly before stilling his body once he identified what was on him. He couldn't stop the almost smile cross his lips as he gazed at the small girl cuddled up to him, nor the small boy snoring in his slumber. As his eyes trailed up he noticed that the other member of their small, odd family was missing and looking at the sunlight trailing through the window, he knew she had been up for a while now. Slowly he disentangled himself from Rin's death grip before getting off the bed and nodding to the dragon when he curled more protectively around the kids. Taking one last glance at them he headed out of the room intent on finding his mate and getting ready for the day; still at a loss on how she managed to get up and leave without waking him once again.

He almost gave pause when he felt her great amusement through their link before he shook it off and continued to their room. Gathering another change of clothing he headed to the baths knowing she was there and wondering if he could convince her to bath with him. Of course he knew she wasn't ready for that and when he felt her slight panic at his approach he let his own amusement at the situation flow freely through their link.

Standing before the door he went to open it and before he could she was there and throwing him a dirty look before it changed and became, dare he say it, sultry. It was then that he noticed all she was wearing was a towel, her hair damp and falling down her back in thick waves, her eyes a deep stormy grey as she looked at him.

He stood frozen as she approached him a fire burning in her eyes as she drew closer, pressing her body against his, he could feel all her curves as he continued to stand there like a statue. She wriggled enticingly against him, encircling her arms around his neck as she brought her mouth to his neck puffing hot breath unto it and feeling him stiffen against her at the sensation. Moving slowly so that she was closer to his ear she gave it a slow languid lick and as quick as it started, it was over and she was off down the hall laughing at the last look she had taken of his face.

It took him a moment to shake himself out of his stupor and cursing at himself for the chance to take the vixen and failing to do so, he moved into the bathing springs to find one cold enough to douse himself in after that.

Kagome couldn't stop the giggles that escaped her mouth as she rushed to the room they shared in order to get dressed, only to find Amata there with the seamstress from before.

"What's so funny Kagome, and why are you only in a towel?"

Bursting into renewed laughter it took her a moment to get herself under control before she could tell Amata that she would explain everything after she got dressed.

"If you say so, Kagome; Ito here has finished one of your kimonos and thinks that you should wear it for the arrival of the councilmen and I have to agree, it's beautiful." Kagome smiled softly once she saw the blush steal its way across Ito's cheeks before turning to the bed where the kimono was laid out.

It was the green fabric she had picked out, but it had been transformed into a beautiful work of art. She had turned it into a forest, trees growing from the bottom of the gown and flowing up to a sprawling canopy that reached for the sun that would rest over her heart. Looking closer she could see little creatures hidden in the forest, but what caught her attention the most was the fox at the bottom with her two kits. It brought tears to her eyes as she gently ran her hand over them, knowing that for the demon to include Rin as her kit meant that she was accepted by them, something she hadn't been sure of. Ito and Amata then turned it over to show that the sunlight faded into the moonlight on the back and it was then that she saw the crescent moon resting on the right shoulder. Sitting underneath the moon in a field surrounded by trees was Sesshomaru in his demon form, his snout lifted to it.

It truly was a piece of art, something she felt honored to wear and told Ito that when she hugged the surprised demon.

"It's beautiful! You truly are a master at this; thank you so much!"

"No thanks are necessary my Lady, it was an honor to be given the chance to create something, that's all I've ever wanted: the ability to show my art."

"You may call me Kagome, and you are more than welcome to design to your heart's content, you are a genius with color and fabric."

"Thank you, Kagome, now the obi you wear with it is thinner than you would normally wear but you still tie it the same. Now if you would excuse me, I believe I have just come up with another idea for one of your other kimonos."

"Thank you again Ito; I can't wait to see the others."

The smiling seamstress left with a smile, happy to have made her lady so happy with her work, and wanting to do it again.

"Amata, can you help me put it on?"

"I thought you would never ask; now can you tell me what was so funny earlier?"

Amidst giggles and laughter from the both of them, they managed to get the kimono on and the obi tied; standing in front of the full length mirror she gasped at the image before her. She had pulled her hair into an almost messy bun, letting strands fall and frame her face gently and she went without makeup. She looked beautiful and it was something that she wasn't used to seeing about herself, staring at herself for a moment longer she turned and smiled at Amata.

"Well, I think we should go wake the children, what do you say?"

Amata just smiled at her and nodded as they made their way in amicable silence to where she had awoken that morning.

Getting the children up and dressed had been a struggle since it was still a little early for them and they wanted to know the ending since she hadn't finished her story last night. She told them that she would finish it later that day, but for now they needed to eat and be ready to meet the Council once they arrived.

"Mama, why are the Councilmen so important?"

"Well Shippou, they need to meet me and see if I am to their liking to be the Lady of the West."

"They have to like you otherwise they're just plain stupid."

"Thank you Shippou." She couldn't help giggling at his statement before seeing the worried look on Rin's face.

"What's wrong little one?"

"What if they don't like you? Will they get rid of you and Shippou?"

As she went to answer she felt Sesshomaru come to stand next to her before he addressed his adoptive daughter's question.

"They will not regardless of their opinion of her; she is the Lady of the West and will stay that way."

Rin just beamed up at him her eyes filled with a warmth he had never seen before and with a twirl she was gone with Shippou, their laughter ringing through the halls.

"Thank you," it was a softly spoken sentiment that had him pause for a moment before he turned to look at her. He was caught unawares at the sight of her, how the kimono hugged her every curve, the way her eyes grew bluer the more he watched, and the way her hair swayed against her cheeks as she stood there.

"What?" She was starting to fidget a little under his stare, his never blinking stare.

"You look beautiful."

Stunned she could only nod at him in thanks, still slightly unnerved from his stare and speechless at his compliment. Before she could say anything in return Amata arrived to announce that the Council had been spotted not too far from here and that they would arrive within fifteen minutes or so.

She hid the nervousness she felt under a calm smile and through the link she could almost name the emotions she felt in Sesshomaru, it was a mixture of reassurance to her, and irritation at the fact that she had reason to feel nervous. It made her giggle slightly and when he glanced her way she hid her smile in the sleeve of her kimono, knowing he wasn't used to being read so easily yet.

They walked in silence to the front gate and waited patiently for them to appear on the horizon; she felt the nervousness fade away the longer they waited. No matter what they thought of her, Sesshomaru would not allow them to take her away from him, and his word was law. She stood straighter once she caught sight of their approach and held her head high playing the part of host and Lady of the West.

It was a mere few minutes before they halted in front of the gate and approached Sesshomaru and herself; she caught a few looks of distrust immediately and squashed the irritation she felt at the fact that they were judging her on looks alone.

"Greetings Lord Sesshomaru, it is good to see you again." A demon with short dark gray hair spoke and it was a bit of amazement that Kagome saw a brief smile flicker across her mates' lips as he looked at the shorter demon.

"It is good to see you as well Tetsuya-sama," they shook hands before Tetsuya looked to the other five gathered behind him.

"You remember Matuke-sama, Inomaru-sama, Anikaio-sama, and Setimo-sama; as well as my son Satoshi." Sesshomaru nodded to each of them in turn before looking to Kagome and motioning her forward a bit so she could meet the others.

"This is my mate Kagome-sama."

"It is a pleasure to meet you Kagome-sama."

"Thank you Tetsuya-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you as well."

They greeted her all individually and once that was over they moved to head back into the castle so they could get settled in before breakfast was served.

"I have something to speak with you when you have the time Sesshomaru-sama."

"Of course Tetsuya-sama; would you like to go to my study?" At his nod, Sesshomaru and Tetsuya left to head to the study while Kagome was left to take the others to the rooms that they had prepared. She was only a little miffed at being left; it was still so strange to see him so polite with someone, really anyone.

"So Lady Kagome, how did you come to meet our Lord Sesshomaru?" Satoshi asked as they walked the hallways, she noticed that the others kept quiet, probably assessing what she said to make their decision. Glancing to Satoshi, she noticed his light gray hair and how his pale yellow eyes danced with questions as he looked at her. She wondered what kind of demon he was until she noticed the subtle tufts of hair on his pointed ears and the slits in his eyes; he had to be some kind of lynx or cat demon from the north. Not wanting to be rude by stalling any longer she tried to tell him the story as well as she could without giving too much away.

"You were human?" it was said with so much disgust that it caused her to pause in stride to look at the blue haired demon that had spoken. If she remembered correctly then it was Matuke that had spoken and resuming her walk to their rooms she answered him with as much restraint on her anger as she could.

"Yes, I was once a human, but do not let that cloud your judgment, there is more to my story than you know at present."

"How dare you speak to me like that!"

Stopping in her tracks once more since they had reached the east hall and their rooms, she turned to Matuke and the other three that still had not spoken to her. Her eyes flashed the briefest of reds for a moment before it was gone, startling the other demons as they watched her warily.

"Forgive me, I only spoke out for I have been judged by others who never knew me, ridiculed by those who I thought were my closest friends. I do not stand for it any longer, but I do hope you forgive me and we can start again."

Almost flabbergasted at her change in emotions he could only nod as she told each of them where their rooms were and that breakfast would be served in a few. Turning to Satoshi she apologized to him saying that they didn't know he was coming and that it would be a little while before a room was prepared for him. He laughed it off and told her that it was fine and asked if he would accompany her to the dining room if it wasn't too much of a problem.

She smiled brightly at him, stunning them with her beauty before she bid them goodbye and headed down the hall with Satoshi in tow.

"There's something about her I don't like." Anikaio whispered to the others when she was out of hearing range.

They nodded to each other as they headed into their rooms to freshen up before heading down to the dining room.

Opening the door to his study Sesshomaru made his way to a chair placed by the fire and motioned Tetsuya to sit.

"What is it you wished to speak to me Tetsuya?" Dropping the honorific since there was no one around and they could be comfortable in each other's presence.

"I know you know that I have brought Satoshi with me for a reason; I am stepping down Sesshomaru, I wish to enjoy the rest of my life. Satoshi is here to take my place, he has been learning with me for years now and I feel that he is ready to step up and take my place now. I am here to guide him if he needs it, but more to see an old friend and to congratulate him on finding a mate finally."

Sesshomaru poured them both a cup of sake he kept near before he spoke once more.

"Well, here's to your retirement and my mate."

Laughing Tetsuya raised his glass before taking a long swig and standing headed for the door.

"Shall we go see this mate of yours, I have not seen such a beauty in so long, and she had such a pleasant personality that I wish to get to know her better."

Growling slightly at the old man's teasing Sesshomaru set his glass down and went in search of his mate, old friend in tow.

"I know there is more to your story than what you told us, like how you ended up demon and with Sesshomaru-sama. Wanna tell me? Please?" Satoshi begged as they walked down the hallway.

Giggling Kagome smiled at him, knowing that they could become good friends if the council stayed long enough.

"Maybe I'll tell you, but I must speak first with my mate to see if it's okay to reveal a large part of my story. So we will see."

The pout that creased his lips made her laugh some more as they continued to walk.

"So, what's your story? I know your father is part of the council, what about you?

"Well he's going to be stepping down so I am taking his place, not very exciting, but it's something that I'm good at. Dealing with the other councilmen can be a hassle, but I've gotten very good at talking them into agreements that benefitted everyone, even when they were against them at first."

"So they can be stubborn can they? This will be interesting."

He only smiled and held the door open for her when they reached the dining hall, smiling her thanks she stepped in and was bombarded with a million questions from the two excited children who had already eaten and were waiting on her to arrive.

"Well Shippou, Rin, this is councilman Satoshi-sama, the rest are on their way here from their rooms now."

Both Rin and Shippou bowed and told him how nice it was to meet him and he told them the same even though he still hadn't gotten the blush off his face from being introduced as a councilman.

"Now you two, go play in the gardens, Shippou I will call you two when we want to introduce you to the rest of them. Don't give me those faces, you've already eaten and we're going to be talking about boring adult stuff, wouldn't you rather go play?" Looking at each other quickly once she mentioned adult stuff, they nodded yes, gave her a kiss on each cheek and high tailed it out of there before she changed her mind.

"You have a way with children Lady Kagome, if that had been me, I would have been made to sit through this meeting."

"They need time to be children, they have both been through too much from their young age." He was about to question the sadness in her eyes, but it was gone within a flash as she turned to the other door and smiled when Sesshomaru and his father stepped in.

At Sesshomaru's questioning gaze she just smiled and shook her head as she headed for her place at the table. It wasn't long before the rest of the councilmen arrived and breakfast began, it was a quiet affair, a few questions here and there, but nothing of real substance. She wondered why she had been so worried in the first place when everything seemed to be going so well; as breakfast finished and they sat drinking their tea, it was then the real questions started.

"You were once a human, how did you become a demon? Did you steal some unfortunate demons power?" She felt the room swell with power from her mate, but sending soothing emotions through their link she calmed him slightly, enough that he didn't behead anyone.

"To answer your question Setimo-sama, you must first meet the one that allowed me to return to this life the way that I am now. Give me a moment."

Closing her eyes even though she didn't need to, she told Shippou that he and Rin should come and that Rin should wait outside the room for a moment while she introduce him. After that was done she calmed the boiling rage inside her so her eyes wouldn't flicker as she knew they wanted to.

Hearing the soft creaking of the door all eyes turned to the small boy that entered and approached her side; standing she stood beside him and looked at all around the table.

"This is Shippou, while I was human I adopted him like he was my own. When my demise came about there was a way to save me, what was needed was blood and hair of a demon willing to give them in order to bring me back. He fulfilled that role and now he is my son by blood and by love."

"No human would willingly adopt a demon, it is unheard of! You lie demon witch!" Setimo yelled as he stood from the table in outrage. Kagome kept a tight control on her anger at the ignorant demon before her as she tried to keep Sesshomaru from killing Setimo; how he didn't feel the crackling energy around them all was beyond her.

"I do not lie and it would serve you well to watch your tongue; I do not believe my mate thinks well of what you have said." It was then that Setimo noticed how dangerous it felt in the room and looking to Sesshomaru and how thunderous his face looked apologized profusely before sitting down once more.

"Now, since you have met my son Shippou, I would like you to meet Rin, the girl I consider my own. Rin, would you come in here please?"

She smiled reassuringly at the small girl when she poked her head in held her hand out when she entered the room.

"Rin, these are the councilmen." She introduced them each to her and with the utmost grace she had she curtsied to them all and told them it was nice to meet them.

"I will not stand for this! This abomination of a demon and bringing in an orphan and another filthy human! How disgusting. She is not good enough for you Lord Sesshomaru, you should find another mate." Anikaio spoke vehemently to the others in the room.

It was deadly silent in the room, void of energy and sound, looking to Sesshomaru he found a furious glare, but it was the feeling on the back of his neck that made him look back to the Lady before him. She had pulled the kids close to her as they gripped her kimono around her legs a hand on each of their shoulders, but it didn't seem they were scared, more worried at what she might do. It was that thought that frightened him so much.

Dark red eyes glared eerily before him, causing him to almost step back in fear, but he was frozen by the anger and rage he saw in them.

"You will apologize to my children for those hurtful disgusting things you have just said and then you will apologize to my mate for your disrespect and if I ever catch you saying something like this again, I will not hesitate to remove your tongue."

Knowing that her words rang true he hastily apologized to the kids and his lord before sitting and not speaking again.

"Lady Kagome, would you be a dear and take me to the gardens, in my old age I seem to have forgotten where they are." Tetsuya asked as he stood and moved next to her.

It took her a moment to realize someone had spoken and another for the red to dissolve from her eyes, but between one blink and the next she was back to normal and smiling widely at the older demon next to her.

"I would be delighted to show you the way Tetsuya; come along little ones, I think it's time to go play, what do you say? Satoshi would you like to join us?" The younger demon nodded and stood to join her, his father, and the kids.

Tetsuya offered his arm and taking it Kagome ushered him and the children out of the room and down the hall towards where the gardens were at. She could feel the control Sesshomaru had slipping, but she hoped that what she was sending across their bond would be enough to save those ignorant fools. Yes she was angered by what each had said at one point, but they were scared of what they didn't know and if they would just open up a bit, they would see that she wasn't a threat to them.

Once she was gone Sesshomaru stood his presence seemingly to grow with his anger at the treatment of his mate, but he was stopped when Inomaru stood and glared at all still gathered at the table.

"I am extremely disappointed in all of you. We were welcomed here with open arms, by a lovely Lady and you have let your prejudices cloud what's in front of you. Can you not see what power she holds, regardless if she was once human? She is kind, caring, and very protective of her children and her mate; all qualities that I approve of in a mate for our Lord. Now, you will apologize to our Lord and be on your best behavior for the duration of our stay. Your opinions are your own, but make an effort to get to know our Lady before you judge her."

He was still angry but there was nothing more to say than threats, and the one that Kagome had issued was one that he knew would stay with them, at least from the look in her eyes they knew she was serious. He barely nodded at them as they apologized and left fearing that if they stayed too long they should incur his wrath, only Inomaru stayed quiet as he normally was.

"You know they will fear her for what she was and what she is now; they do not like unknowns."

He nodded at that knowing it was the truth and also knowing that no matter if they liked her or not, they could do nothing to change his mind and damn them if they tried.

"I will try my best to see that they get to know her, but not everyone will accept her as easily as me or Tetsuya-sama."

"I know Inomaru."

Staring at his Lord for a moment longer he excused himself to his room so that he may take a nap, the trip had tired him more than he had expected. Sesshomaru nodded and watched the older demon leave, feeling as though the council's time here would be longer than he wanted it to be. Shaking his head he decided to return to his study and get some work done while Kagome took care of the children and Tetsuya questioned her as he knew he would.

"Thank you Kagome for bringing me here." Tetsuya told her as they moved to sit on a bench beneath a great oak in the garden.

"It was my pleasure Tetsuya-sama, thank you for giving me a reason to leave the others behind." A tight smile on her lips as she spoke trying to put the anger behind her.

"They are old and set in their ways, it will take a while for them to warm up to you. In the mean time you have me, Satoshi, and Inomaru-sama, to look out for you."

"Thank you Tetsuya-sama, may I ask you a question?"

"You may, and you can just call me Tetsuya should you like."

"Tetsuya, why are you so accepting of me? Most demons fear me for the fact that I was once human and a miko; why are you and Satoshi so different?"

"I did not know you were a miko, though it changes nothing I think of you. To answer your question I have to tell you a story.

"I once hated humans and all that they stood for, for when I was young my sister was captured by a band of humans. They knew of us, the great cats of the north, and how beautiful some of us were in our true forms. They caught her as she was hunting and murdered her for her pelt for she was one of the most beautiful of our kind. It was then that I came to despise them, hate them for their destruction of beauty and of life. We tried to find her pelt, something we could bury, but it had traded hands too quickly for us to follow and soon we lost all trail of it."

He took a moment to watch the children play as they dragged Satoshi into one of their games while he gathered his thoughts together.

"It wasn't until years later, when I became a member of the council and Inu Taisho had an heir that I started to see that our lord had a fondness for humans. A specific human in fact, her name was Izayoi and despite my hatred I could see how beautiful she was.

"He adored her, loved her with everything he had, and it came to my attention that no matter what we said or did, it wouldn't change that fact. I had watched her from afar to see why my lord loved her so much and I began to notice how kind she was to everyone, regardless of how they treated her, and it was this kindness that started to melt the hatred from my heart. I began to sit with her when my lord was busy in meetings, sometimes we would spend hours in the garden, under this tree in fact, in silence, but it was a comfortable one.

"I told her about my sister one day and the only thing she did was hug me, she never said a word, just gave me a hug. I didn't know what to do so I just sat there and let her, it was nice and it soothed away some of the pain I still carried. From then on she would ask me about my sister, what she was like in life, what her true from looked like; she was never afraid of things I told her and I was grateful for that.

"One day was different; I sat in the garden by myself when I noticed Izayoi coming to me with two servants behind her caring a package between them. She held her hand up when I went to stand so I waited until she stood next to me before I turned my eyes to wrapped parcel they held.

"She said to me then, 'I hope you know that your kindness to me means a lot in a world where I am despised. I hope you take this and lay it to rest as well as your pain so that you may live on and know that not all of us are to be hated.'

"I think I knew in that moment what was in there, but I was afraid to open it, afraid to face a past I still felt so keenly. She sat beside me then, and laid a hand on mine, as if to reassure me that it was okay to be frightened. I took strength in that gesture and pulled back the cloth covering and saw the milky white pelt beneath, the dark gray dots that covered it and the one small almost heart shaped tan one that I knew no other than my sister had.

"'How?' I asked her, she only smiled at me and told me that when it came to her friends, she would do anything to make them happy. It was then that I saw the hidden fire that lay in her eyes and knew that that was what had drawn my lord to her, it was her quiet strength and the fierceness she held within that attracted him.

"It was her that first showed me not to hate all when only a few deserved it, and it was her that showed me how kind and caring humans could be. She did not have to track down my sisters pelt, but she did so because she knew it meant a great deal to me. I learned a great deal from her and so I taught my children to make judgments not on race, but of actions. They know her story as you now know it; she is the reason that I am open minded and can see past what you were because that is not who you are now."

Kagome sat in silence for a while at a loss of what to say to him so she did the only she could, she laid her hand on his arm and gave him a small smile. He smiled back and they stayed that way for a bit before she spoke.

"Thank you for telling me your story, it's nice to know that minds can change. It gives me hope that they will see the real me and that I am worthy to be Sesshomaru's mate."

"I believe you already are."

She smiled at him then, so beautiful in the rising sun that he thought for a moment it was Izayoi, the woman he had come to care for as a dear friend. He blinked and the moment was past, but in his heart he knew this woman before him could become as dear to him as Izayoi had been before.

"Well Kagome, would you care to teach our children a new game?" It made her giggle that he referred to Satoshi as a child before she nodded and stood next to him.

So the morning was spent with fun and games, their worries forgotten for the moment, as they enjoyed each other's company.

A/N: There you go, hope you enjoy and as always review!