"Hey, you cheated!"

Kagome paused over the udon she was making to glance over her shoulder. Shippo was sitting on the floor with his arms crossed over his chest, while Mei glared at him indignantly.

"I did not."

"You did too," the little girl said accusingly.

"Play nice, you two," Kagome called to them.

"But Kagome, Shippo is cheating," Mei whined.

"How do you know?" Shippo shot back.

Mei's eyes narrowed. "Because one second the card was an egg and the next it was wasabi."

Kagome stared at the kitsune. "Shippo?"

"What?" He met her eyes, feigning innocence.

"Did you use illusion— erm, take an extra card from the deck?"

"Maybe," he replied petulantly.

She sighed. "Put it back. Mei wins this round."

"But Kagome!"

"No buts. There is no honor in cheating."

"Then I guess there is no honor in sticking someone's tongue out either," Shippo returned.

Kagome reprimanded Mei for her childish antics.

"This game makes no sense," Koga complained, throwing his cards down.

"That's because you don't listen," Ayame told him with a roll of her eyes.

"You could have won," Mei pointed out to the wolf prince. "You had the most pudding cards."

"Say what now?" Koga gathered up his cards, studying them as if they were precious jewels.

Kagome laughed, shaking her head as she went back to preparing dinner for everyone.

Initially, she'd been surprised that Sesshomaru trusted Koga and Ayame's tribe to assist. He despised wolves ever since he became aware of their involvement in Rin's death. When Kagome asked him about it, Sesshomaru told her that he would rather she be surrounded by old friends than new does. Apparently, he did not care much for Lord Koremi.

Koga and Ayame shared this opinion. They had gathered all those loyal to them, surviving members of their original tribes, to run scouting missions and serve as guards. In return for their aid, Sesshomaru promised to make them the new rulers of Lord Koremi's territory.

She was grateful for the company. With Sesshomaru tracking Lord Taigen and fulfilling his duties as the high lord, Kagome had been left alone. Being reunited with her friends was comforting, especially during a time of change and uncertainty.

Kagome would be lying if she didn't admit she was anticipating backlash for Sesshomaru's choice. Ume had warned her the morning after their mating. Kagome had hoped her display of spiritual power would be enough to deter any from attacking. Yet, with each passing day, she felt her reiki strengthening. It was as if her body knew to prepare for what was to come.

She'd felt different since mating with Sesshomaru. There was the odd sensation of his yoki entwining with her reiki. The chords of their opposing powers, once at odds with one another, threaded together into a braid, creating a cord that extended across time and space, connecting them. Kagome's awareness of their bond increased daily.

So when she felt a third string, she asked Myoga about it.

"The lord's jaki is quite strong. Perhaps that is what you feel," he'd suggested.

Kagome bit the inside of her cheek as she considered the option. It made sense but deep down, she knew that wasn't the answer. What she felt— this new energy —was something else entirely.

She didn't have the chance to ruminate on it further. A crash out in the yard caught her attention. Instantly, the atmosphere inside of the apartment shifted from playful to tense.

"Mei, go into the bedroom with Kirara," Kagome instructed.

"But why?"

"Come on, let's go," Shippo suggested, shooting Kagome a look as he guided the child out of the sitting area.

"We'll go check it out," Ayame told Kagome. She and Koga raced out of the apartment.

If the noise was anything to go by, whatever was causing the commotion was escalating. Kagome just hoped her neighbors didn't come around, trying to see what was happening within her property. She didn't think she'd be able to explain demon politics to them.

Kagome grabbed her bow and quiver. She wouldn't allow anyone— or anything —to ruin her home. This was her place. Kagome had built her business by herself, starting from nothing and with no one to hold her hand. She would be damned if she let anyone take it from her.

"Kagome, wait!"

"Shippo, stay with Mei and Kirara. I'd anything happens, get her out of here. Take her to the Taisho office. You'll be safe there."

"But what about you?"

"Don't worry about me. I've got this."

His lower lip trembled and for a second she didn't see the man he'd grown into. Kagome saw the same kit she'd watched over. "Your abilities are essential. If things go bad, I'm counting on you to make sure Mei gets home to her family."

Shippo nodded dutifully. "Alright."

With a deep breath, Kagome marched out to the yard. All of the wolves had been captured, including their leaders. Her shoulders tensed as Lord Kichi stepped into the moonlight.

"Good evening, priestess."

"You're trespassing," Kagome snapped.

"These lands were mine long before they were yours, human."

"They wouldn't belong to anyone if we hadn't defeated Naraku," she reminded him.

"So you say," Lord Kichi replied dismissively. "You know what the problem with wolves is? Their fur makes for excellent kindling."

He raised his hand toward Ayame's face. Flames flickered on his fingertips as he drew closer.

"Let them go," Kagome ordered.

"I think I'd rather watch them burn," Lord Kichi replied, grinning maliciously.

Kagome released her first arrow and quickly grabbed her next, not pausing long enough to see if it hit the mark. She knew it had. Ayame twirled away as the Phoenix demon restraining her burst into flame, then ash. Kagome fired another shot and then another, freeing Koga and Hakkaku.

"They will arise once more," Lord Kichi told Kagome.

"I don't think so," she said.

He glanced at the patches of ash, shocked when none of his underlings regenerated. "What have you done?"

"Purified them, dumbass."

"Inuyasha!"

"Sesshomaru's on his way," her friend told her as he leaped over the fence with a female panther demon Kagome hadn't met. The woman was an agile fighter, taking on a pair of bear demons who had been lurking in the shadows.

Inuyasha charged at Lord Kichi with Tetsusaiga. She recognized his stance as he raised the blade overhead. The two collided and she took the opportunity to rush forward.

"Come on! Everyone out," Kagome commanded. She waved the wolves through the back gate and into the safety of the park.

Koga and Ayame helped their wounded pack members while Kagome freed the rest. One by one, her arrows turned the remaining Phoenix demons to dust. A pink light lingered over each heap as her reiki disabled their abilities and sent them to the afterlife.

Inuyasha landed on the ground at her feet. Kagome whirled around.

"You're clever, girl. I suspected Lord Sesshomaru wouldn't be swayed so easily but even your impressive power cannot stop me," Lord Kichi snarled.

Large flamed wings unfolded from his back, sending sparks outward. The surrounding grass, trees, and structures all began to burn. Kagome watched her handmade matos wilt under the flames. Her yard became as barren and scorched as Lord Kichi's followers.

"You're gonna pay for that," she retorted, readying another arrow.

"Lady Kagome!" the panther cried.

Kagome hesitated. She followed the panther's green-eyed gaze to where Inuyasha was lying in the grass. His robe was the only thing protecting him from the blaze.

Securing her bow over her shoulder, Kagome grabbed him under his arms and began to haul him toward the gate.

"Take him. I've got this one," the panther assured her as she squared off against Lord Kichi.

"Ah, Ohta," the Phoenix crooned. "I'm surprised to see you here, though, if your father's politics are anything to go by, I suppose I shouldn't be. Lord Akira always was too soft."

"Don't speak ill of my father," Ohta growled. Her claws elongated and she sprung toward the Phoenix.

"Inuyasha, you need to get up," Kagome urged, heaving him across the lawn. She wrapped him in her reiki shield as she had done at the meeting of the lords. Kagome hoped she could hold onto it long enough to keep him alive.

Ohta wasn't faring as well as Kagome had expected. The panther demon, though light on her feet, was barely dodging the streams of fire Lord Kichi released from his taloned hands. She was too busy defending herself to land a strike.

"Lord Inuyasha," Myoga cried as Kagome neared the gate.

"What happened?" Koga demanded.

"I don't see. I was a little busy. Can Ginta and Hakkaku take him?"

The wolves came forward, each grabbed a side and dragging Inuyasha across the property line.

She moved to go back for Ohta when Koga's hand clamped onto her arm. "Kagome!"

"Ohta's the last one. Once she's safe, I want you to take her and meet up with Shippo and Kirara at the Taisho building."

"What about you?"

"My mate is coming," Kagome replied evenly.

She knew in her heart he would be too late. Despite the anxiety she felt across their bond, her instincts told her the end was coming. She couldn't change her fate but she could save the others. She could still save Sesshomaru.

Lord Kichi grabbed Ohta around the throat, suffocating her with force while branding her with fire.

Kagome lassoed her reiki around Ohta, much the same as Sesshomaru had used his lightning whip. She didn't understand how she knew to do it. Her body relied on pure instinct to guide her. With a firm tug, she pulled the panther demon free of Lord Kichi's grasp.

His crimson eyes widened. "What?"

"Lady Kagome—."

"Go!" Kagome shoved Ohta through the gate and into Koga's waiting arms. "Take her."

"Kagome—."

"I need to end this. Go! That's an order," she commanded.

"Selflessness," Lord Kichi spat. "What a nonsensical, human trait."

"You know for someone who hates humans so much, you spent an awful lot of time around them," Kagome remarked.

"Do not confuse my observation with interest. I did what was necessary to secure victory," he sneered.

"Doesn't seem to be working out too well for you, buddy. You're the only one left standing Kagome pointed out, drawing her last arrow.

"As long as I end your rule, I'll take it as a victory," Lord Kichi replied smugly.

Kagome held her ground. Her blue eyes stayed fixed on her opponent watching the slightest shift of movement so she could pinpoint where to strike. Sesshomaru had taught her to be patient. Waiting for a weakness to be revealed was a critical advantage.

The Phoenix demon moved right and sent forth a stream of fire. Kagome stepped to the left, avoiding the blow. Putting her weight on her rear foot, she whirled around and let her arrow fly.

Lord Kichi released a surprised cry. His body exploded into a tower of fire. Kagome froze watching him burn within his own inferno. A split second later, it was extinguished. Flakes of ash floated to the ground along with the charred remnants of his outfit.

Her relieved smile faded as she saw a pair of canisters from his belt fall into the waiting flames. The gasoline ignited. Kagome spun around seeing similar containers littered about the dojo.

No!

The last thing she saw was a brilliant blue light. Then only darkness.

Sesshomaru tore through the wreckage of the dojo, tossing aside broken support beams, singed roof tiles, and kyudo supplies. The scent of blood— her blood —compelled him to search despite the fact he could not feel her.

Queries danced across his mind but none as pressing as his need to locate his mate. His inner beast howled. He should have never left her side. There was much left unsaid. He never told her how deeply he felt, how much he craved her warm smiles and her light-hearted laughs. If this was the kamis' retribution for the lives Sesshomaru had taken in the past, he would seek the gates to the underworld to pry her free.

He refused to lose her.

"Hey, we've gotta go." Someone tugged on his arm. He shoved them away with a threatening growl. "Listen here, ya bastard, she wouldn't have wanted you to get locked up. You hear those sirens? Pretty soon this place is going to be swarming with humans and they are going to ask questions. A lot of questions. We need to leave."

"Then leave," Sesshomaru snarled at the hanyo.

"No one could've survived that blast. Not even Kagome," Inuyasha insisted.

"Her shield—."

"Was broken," Ohta interrupted, climbing over the debris to join Inuyasha at Sesshomaru's side. "She got everyone else out first."

"And you let her?" he barked.

"She gave an order."

Sesshomaru scoffed. Of course, she had. Foolish miko. She was always putting others before herself. Had she not thought of the consequences? Did she not care for him and his needs?

His hand trembled where it hovered over a shattered baseboard. She had been alone in the end— no friends, no pack, and no mate. He did not deserve her. What demon left their mate to fight on their own?

Enraged tears threatened to fall. He shoved them away as easily as he had his half-brother.

Sesshomaru moved away from Ohta and Inuyasha. He focused on finding the source of Kagome's scent.

He wandered closer to the dojo, cringing when he remembered the many days they had spent together within its walls. Those same barriers were now scattered across the property in varying degrees of damage. Sesshomaru knew it was foolish to hope he would find his mate in better condition. Still, he kept searching.

A glow caught his eyes near the cherry blossom tree. He hauled the broken trunk out of the way and then a large section of the awning.

That's when he saw her.

Kagome was lying peacefully beneath, cocooned in a pale blue light. Instantly, he reached toward her, snarling when the light burned his hand upon contact. She didn't stir. Beneath the veil of unfamiliar energy, Kagome appeared to be asleep.

His cry alerted the others and they came rushing over.

"She's alive," Inuyasha sputtered in disbelief.

If she was not dead, Sesshomaru could not call upon the power of Tenseiga to revive her. He clenched his fists, his claws digging into the flesh and weeping blood upon the ground.

"What is this?" he inquired.

"Some kind of barrier," Ohta discerned.

"Hey, Myoga, get your ass over here," Inuyasha yelled.

"Right away, Lord Inuyasha." The flea came bounding over. "Lady Kagome."

"She appears to be asleep," Sesshomaru remarked.

"And protected," Myoga informed them.

"Kagome's powers don't look like that. Is she under a spell or somethin'?" Inuyasha asked.

"This could explain the strange energy she felt in your bond," Myoga told Sesshomaru.

The demon lord's eyes narrowed. "What energy?"

The flea jolted. "Uh, my Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Kagome asked me to look into mating bonds. Before the battle, she was experiencing a third signature trying to tie into your own."

Sesshomaru's focus shifted from the babbling flea to his mate. He had never heard of a third energy signature being able to penetrate a mating bond. Perhaps it was because of their dual powers. No one knew of what transpired between a priestess and a demon as mates because such a union had never existed.

"My lord, the police have arrived," Ume's voice somehow managed to cut through his reverie.

"Deal with them," he ordered.

"We can't move her," Inuyasha reminded him.

"Let the humans take her," Ohta suggested. "They are ignorant of powers beyond their understanding. It will give us time to regroup."

Sesshomaru did not take his eyes off his mate. "I will not be parted from her."

"You can ride in the ambulance," Ohta assured him.

"What about me?" Inuyasha asked with a huff.

"You're not her mate," Ohta reminded him. "Let Lord Sesshomaru go with her. We can meet them there."

"Fine."

"No," Sesshomaru said. "Inuyasha, go to the shrine. Kagome's family needs to be made aware of what happened. Escort them to the hospital with Ohta."

"Yeah, yeah, alright," Inuyasha agreed begrudgingly.

The two left just as Ume came over with several humans. "Mr. Taisho, these officers have some questions for you."

"Later."

"Mr. Taisho, your girlfriend—."

"Fiancée," Ume corrected before Sesshomaru's control snapped.

"My apologies. Your fiancée requires medical attention. While they secure her for transport, do you think you could tell us what happened here?"

Sesshomaru watched them bring a stretcher forward. He glanced at Ume, who gave him an encouraging nod.

"Fine but know that where she goes, I go."

She was sitting in a field with no trees or buildings within sight. All she could see for miles was a sea of waving grass, appearing darker or lighter depending on how the wind blew the blades.

Kagome smiled, closed her eyes, and tilted her head up toward the sun. It was nice here. The peaceful quiet was such a change from the constant hum of Tokyo.

"You can stay here if you want."

She jolted and glanced up to find a boy standing over her. He looked to be about six or seven. He had black hair that cascaded down past his shoulders, golden eyes, and a haughty expression that seemed oddly familiar.

"Excuse me?"

"I said you can stay here," he repeated somewhat hopefully. "It's safer for you."

Kagome's brown pinched. "What do you mean? Where am I? What is this place?"

"He'll be mad but that's okay," the boy said, ignoring her questions.

"Who's mad? Wait, who are you?"

The boy began to walk away. Kagome jumped to her feet, running after him. Even though he was only walking, she wasn't able to catch up to him. Confused, she glanced down at the ground. The grass shifted unnaturally. She blinked and it returned to normal.

Around her the air rippled with power as if the entire atmosphere was humming. There was a deep rumble like thunder. She didn't see a single cloud in the sky.

Odd.

Kagome looked up to see the boy watching her with an amused smirk. "Don't worry. We'll meet again."

"When?"

"Soon," the boy promised. "Be patient. He's coming for you."

Kagome gazed around, both frustrated and perplexed. She didn't see anything other than the clear blue sky and vast green fields. "Who?"

When she glanced in the direction of the boy, he was gone.

Sesshomaru sat at Kagome's bedside, his eyes burning from exhaustion and denial. He had remained calm while his mate's family gathered around her, crying and holding her hand— a comfort currently denied to him. He stayed collected when answering the authorities about what he knew regarding the events at the dojo. Sesshomaru had even kept quiet when Inuyasha insisted on sitting on Kagome's other side.

He was raised to be an esteemed lord. He knew better than to let his emotions get the best of him. However, the moment Sesshomaru was left alone with his mate, his resolve broke.

The blue barrier crackled around his hand, burning him when he attempted to touch Kagome. He snarled. What was preventing him from touching his mate? Her reiki could not harm him so what spell was she under? What had Lord Kichi done?

He rose, intending to find Ume and demand she obtain an update from the wolves on their progress. Following the events at the dojo, Sesshomaru had sent them to Lord Taigen and Lord Kichi's lands to identify any other traitors. He would ensure such an incident never happened again.

"Lord Sesshomaru."

"What?" he snapped, whirling around to find Myoga on the edge of Kagome's bed. Sesshomaru was annoyed that he had been caught unaware by the flea.

"Forgive me for the intrusion," Myoga begged. "I only came to offer a suggestion."

"Which is?" Sesshomaru asked testily.

"Have you tried connecting with Lady Kagome in your true form?"

"What would lead you to believe that would provide a different result?"

"The only energy stronger than yours or Lady Kagome's would be that of your offspring," Myoga offered. "Is it possible your mate is with child?"

He stiffened. His primary concern had been Kagome's safety. Sesshomaru had not considered the chance of them producing an heir. He gazed at his mate and inhaled deeply to determine if there was a change in her scent.

There was.

It was almost imperceptible. With her loss of blood and the acrid smoke, he had not been able to tell at the dojo. Subsequently, in the hospital, it was difficult to discern scents. The stench of chemicals filled his nostrils, rendering his sense of smell useless.

"Who else have you told this to?" Sesshomaru inquired, baring his fangs protectively.

"No one!" Myoga crowd, waving his hands hastily in front of himself.

"Keep it that way. You are dismissed."

The flea scurried out under the door.

Sesshomaru knelt by the bed, closing his eyes and breathing in deep. He blocked out everything but his mate's scent. The change had notes of him and something else, something new.

His eyes turned crimson as he shed his humanoid form for one of fur and strength. Slowly, Sesshomaru pressed his nose to Kagome's mating mark.

This time there was no reaction. The barrier allowed him to pass through and make contact. Relief flooded him. Finally able to touch his mate soothed his inner beast. He nuzzled the side of her neck. Even though she slept, Sesshomaru wanted her to know he was there, though when he spoke, it was to their child.

"You have done well, pup. You have my thanks for protecting your mother. I apologize I was not there. Please allow me the chance to prove I can protect you both. I promise I will be there for her while she carries you. When we meet in the waking world, I will train you to hone your abilities."

There was a surge of power against his and then the barrier faded. Sesshomaru morphed into his humanoid form, waiting.

For a moment, nothing changed. Kagome remained asleep with the beeping machines around her. Then, slowly, her blue eyes opened.

"S-Sess-homaru?" Her voice was weak but he had never heard a more beautiful sound.

"Kagome, my foolish, willful mate," he praised as he enveloped her in a hug.

"Oh, so it's you that he meant," she rasped. Sesshomaru leaned back to see her smiling.

"Who?"

She took his hand and guided it to her stomach. "I met our son."

He grinned. "As did I."

"He saved me."

"I have already thanked him," Sesshomaru told her.

Her eyes widened and she began fidgeting with the machines next to her. "What? How?"

"Later. My only wish for right now is to hold you."

It took a full week before the hospital was willing to discharge Kagome. She was irritated about being confined to her room while her students were shooting in the championship. Even though Sota and Inuyasha went in her stead, Kagome still felt guilty for missing the event.

"I taped it for you, sis," Sota announced happily when he stopped by that evening. "The girls all say hi."

Kagome hadn't wasted any time replaying the afternoon, overjoyed at how well each of her competing students did.

Hojo brought Mei to visit. The little girl was unscathed from the incident. Due to Shippo's abilities, the only thing Mei remembered was being taken out for ice cream after she won her third round of Sushi Go.

It just so happened that when Kagome's cousin (Shippo) took her out for ice cream, Kagome's new stove had exploded. The gas leak had leveled the dojo, meaning both the proprietor was homeless and her students were left without a place to practice.

Ume was the one to suggest starting an after-school program. "We have thousands in the community outreach fund. Why not use that? It will give you a reason to be at the office."

By the time Kagome was discharged, Ume had already created a website and started a marketing campaign for the Taisho Kyudo School. Kagome was happy her work could continue. Sesshomaru was pleased by her proximity.

Despite that, he had a promise to keep.

In the weeks following the attack on Kagome, Sesshomaru held another meeting of the lords. He announced his decision to step down as the high lord, as well as his choice to reorganize the council. Sesshomaru appointed Ohta, Inuyasha, Lord Akira, Koga, and evening Ume as members of the new order, giving them each equal responsibility and power.

It was a time of transition. As summer turned to fall, Kagome prepared to open her new school and Sesshomaru gave up responsibilities to focus on his mate and pup.

The news of Kagome's pregnancy had prompted them to get married. Though she had always planned on a wedding, Kagome didn't want to be wrapped up in layers of unforgiving fabric while sporting a baby bump. She convinced her mother to allow them to get married at the Shrine, under the arch where Sesshomaru had proposed.

Friends from both sides were in attendance. Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi came with their spouses. Adachi brought his wife, glad for a day off from driving the grumpy demon lord. Hojo, his wife, and Mei came to the celebration. Jinenji, Shippo, Kirara, Ume, and Myoga were present. Lord Akita's entire family showed up, including Ohta. Even Inuyasha managed to make it. Kagome was able to meet his mate, Misa, and their pups, Hori, Mayu, and Yu.

Seeing everyone surrounding them reminded Kagome of how blessed she was. The last seven years felt far away and irrelevant when such a perfect moment in time existed. She saw so many smiling faces and a few blushing ones. Ume and Jinenji appeared to be getting along. Kagome wondered if another celebration wasn't too far off.

She was right, of course.

Four months later, Ume announced her decision to mate with Jinenji and respectfully asked to step down from her position on the council. Sesshomaru relented on the grounds she find a suitable replacement. When the bird demon named Shippo, Kagome was filled with pride. The spot on the demon council solidified Shippo's place in Tokyo. He and Kirara chose to stay in the city permanently.

It was yet another blessing and Kagome wanted to give back. "Shippo," she told him one night while the kitsune visited her and Sesshomaru in their new home. "We would like you to be our son's godfather."

His eyes brightened. "Really?"

Sesshomaru nodded. "Yes," Kagome confirmed, rubbing her now swollen stomach. "He's already proven he's powerful but in case something happens to us, I want to be prepared. He deserves to be around those who love him."

"Can I teach him all my tricks?" Shippo asked excitedly.

"Well, we don't really know what his abilities will be like, but you can try," Kagome told him.

"Awesome! I always wanted a little brother."

A few months after that, Kagome went into labor. A demon birth was never an easy feat. Having a child who was half-demon, half-miko was worse. When she wasn't cursing Sesshomaru for pupping her, Kagome was lashing out with her reiki. For their safety, everyone was forced out of the delivery room except her mate and the midwife.

The sun had just created over the city when their son finally showed.

"Hello, little one," Kagome greeted him.

Sesshomaru pressed his nose to their son's in an affection gesture. "Pup."

They decided to name him Mamoru, meaning protector. He was neither demon, miko, nor hanyo. With traits from both parents, Mamoru appeared human while wielding all the power of a full demon. He possessed his mother's affinity for spiritual abilities and could shift into a canine form at will. He was unlike anything the world had ever seen.

Years later, when Kagome watched her mate training their son, she thought about what her father used to ask her on the walk to school.

"What do you plan on learning today, my caged bird?"

"As much as I can, Papa."

Smiling, Kagome promised it would be the same for Mamoru. Together, Sesshomaru and she would teach him everything they knew, paving the path for their son to do as they had and find his own place in the world— a place built of both new and old.

Of silver and gold.

Author's Note: Thank you for going on this ride with me. I hope you enjoyed the conclusion of this fic. I can't express how much love and support I've felt while writing this. The SessKag fandom is awesome!

SessKag Week 2020 Posting Schedule:
- Monday, July 20th: Stealing Away (Theme: Crime)
- Tuesday, July 21st: Across the Stars(Theme: Fantasy)
- Wednesday, July 22nd: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Theme: Thriller)
- Thursday, July 23rd: Lessons in Parenting (Theme: Humor)
- Friday, July 24th: Before the Dawn (Theme: Horror)
- Saturday, July 25th: Kintsugi (Theme: Romance)
- Sunday, July 26th: Everything Has Changed (Theme: Stuck Together)

Don't want to miss any new content? Subscribe for notifications!