AN: Wooo this chapter marks the end of Act 1 for Night Terrors! Go us! For those curious, there will be three acts. Act 2 will cover life at the Western stronghold along with Sesshoumaru and Inukimi's backstory/trauma.

Chapter Fifty-Five

Since the former Hanyou remained unconscious, Sesshoumaru had no choice but to transform. As a towering Daiyoukai, he'd easily hefted Inuyasha onto his back via powerful jaws- the smaller inuyoukai barely more than a pup in comparison.

Kagome sat beside Inuyasha, holding onto the thick rippling fur of Sesshoumaru's shoulder as he took to the starry skies. They managed to locate Ah-Un hiding within a cave fairly easily.

The dragon had looked at them with no short amount of relief, joining them in the air. Sesshoumaru's nostrils had flared, noticing the blood while Kagome eyed Kohaku on their back, finding that he also remained unconscious.

White ears danced in the breeze as Sesshoumaru soared up high, form melding with the clouds easily as they crossed leagues in a single bound.

Reaching out, Kagome carefully touched Inuyasha's muzzle during the journey. He didn't twitch or react.

"I can't believe this," she murmured. She had no idea what to make of it. Many questions and anxieties came with such a strange turn of events, but Kagome slumped down, exhausted. Both mentally, emotionally and physically.

Nestling into Sesshoumaru's silky fur, she sighed against the warmth of his back. She continued gently petting Inuyasha's nose while curling her free-hand in Sesshoumaru's soft strands, soaking in his dark, stable youki.

"When that piece of my soul came back that had animated Kikyo, I felt awful. There was this lump in my throat- and a heaviness crushing my chest," she murmured. "I really think it was remorse. Kikyo's remorse. The real Kikyo would never have wanted this for you...that's how I felt. She was resurrected with hate and anger...maybe if she'd stayed here longer, she could've moved past those emotions," her heart clenched, recalling the sensations vividly. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha."

The white dog-demon remained asleep, snowy fur dancing in the breeze.

Sesshoumaru huffed quietly beneath her.

Kagome cracked a weak smile, stroking his sublime, fluffy strands instead. "What a mess, huh? I guess I did say I wanted Inuyasha alive. I just… didn't picture it happening this way. Monkey's paw wish and all that."

His ears twitched, indicating he was listening, even if he didn't understand the term. Feeling a wave of fresh tiredness rolling over her, Kagome pressed a chaste kiss to his large shoulder blade.

"Thank you, for trying."

Sesshoumaru made a low, rumbling noise. Kagome couldn't be certain what it meant, but the vibrations from his chest soothed her. Blue eyes slowly drifted shut, soft fur remaining clutched within her grip even as she fell into a dreamless sleep.

By the time Sesshoumaru batted her awake with a fluffy tail swatting her in the face, Kagome bolted upright- glimpsing bright colours on the horizon.

Morning already?

Her surroundings had changed severely since the last time she'd opened her eyes.

Instead of open skies, a courtyard awaited them. Beyond that, a huge stone fortress of pearl-white gleaming walls surrounded them on all sides. What she assumed to be Sesshoumaru's traditional mansion seemed to sit higher than the courtyard, elevated. Tall. It looked more like a palace than something a typical feudal lord would own.

"You look like shit, boys. What happened?"

Kagome turned, looking down at Kisho as he jogged over to Ah-Un, checking their wounded neck.

She noticed several guards had gathered, standing a respectful distance away.

Sesshoumaru grumbled, laying down. Kagome took the opportunity to slide off, looking up at Inuyasha and wondering how to get him down. Sesshoumaru tipped to one side- sending her friend toppling off, landing with a 'thud!'

"Sesshoumaru!" Kagome frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "Be careful with him!"

Sesshoumaru shook himself, red mist swirling around his form. Youki rippled, enclosing around him- Sesshoumaru soon stepping out as his inhuman self again.

"This one generously gave him a lift. As a full demon, he does not require gentle treatment."

"You never went easy on him even when he was a Hanyou," Kagome grumbled.

Sesshoumaru lifted a shoulder, ignoring his shocked guards and turning to face a thin, androgynous-looking demon with short white hair. They came rushing over, giving a quick bow.

"Welcome back, my Lord! It has been such a long time! Many reports lay on your desk. I tried to arrange everything of importance for you to look over upon your return. As usual, there are mating proposals, supply lists to check, food-"

Golden eyes immediately turned flat and bored. "Any incidents?"

"S-such as?"

"A breach in territory," he grunted, "or something of interest to me."

"No!" they beamed. "Fortunately things have been running smoothly."

Sesshoumaru didn't show outward relief after hearing his lands were safe. He glanced towards the mansion. "Jaken and Rin…"

"Who, my lord?"

"The kappa and the girl."

"Oh! They're in their own separate room. The kappa certainly likes to inflate his own sense of importance, doesn't he?"

Kagome became distracted with Inuyasha as he was lifted onto the back of a handcart. "W-where are you taking him?"

Kisho glanced over one shoulder, nodding towards the stables. "The rooms in the Western mansion are too delicate to house this guy- and I figured you'd want to put him somewhere until he woke up."

Calming herself, Kagome nodded with gratitude. She took Ah-Un gently by the mane, following the demon.

Sesshoumaru's stoic voice called out softly, freezing her in place; "Kisho. Bind him."

Immediately becoming stiff as a board, Kagome whipped around. "S-surely that's not-"

The look in his eyes halted her hasty words. They gazed at her, quiet and pensive. All he'd done was silently voice the very fear that had been plaguing the back of her mind.

What if Inuyasha had become feral? What had become of his state of mind? Was he even the same person?

They had no way of knowing; No guarantee of a happy outcome to a curse.

Lean shoulders dropped and Kagome miserably followed Kisho at a more sedate pace. Sesshoumaru did not join them, disappearing inside the mansion with a few demons fluttering about his tense form.

Kisho hefted Inuyasha into his arms once they got closer, carrying him through the entrance. Kagome gently urged Ah-Un inside, glancing around the stables. Huge, fancy stalls housed dragons- which seemed to be the more prominent choice of steed than horses. Even then, the Western Lord did not own regular ponies; his horses had no flat teeth. Their mouths were twisted at an odd angle- sharp, salivating jaws running up their snout in a jagged slit.

Kagome avoided eye contact with the nightmarish beasts, leading Ah-Un into what looked like their stall, considering the pearl white and purple colour scheme.

Petting their mane, she sighed as Kisho joined her pouring a mixture of vegetables into a food bag, which Ah-Un's two heads immediately dove into.

"I was about to ask if you think they'll be okay- but at least their appetite hasn't diminished," Kagome giggled.

"Eh, their scales are pretty tough. I've got some salve for the wound, they'll be fine," he shrugged a burly shoulder. Tiger-like, vibrant eyes slid to Kohaku on their back. "This brat the one responsible?"

Shifting, Kagome lifted her hands placatingly. "Yes, but he was being mind-controlled. I'm hoping he's managed to snap out of it."

"That so? Sounds unpredictable," he chuckled. "Looks as though you've managed to convince the ice lord to take in a bunch of odd strays. This is a first," Kisho snickered, lifting the boy off. "Where should I put him?"

"Inside would probably be best. Uh- who will watch over Inuyasha?"

Kisho nodded further down the stables to an open stall where several guards stood by, holding spears. Cold fear slid down Kagome's nape, until his amiable voice came again; "Sesshoumaru must've assigned them, and if that's the case you've got nothin' to worry about. If he wakes up and loses it- they know not to pierce any vital points."

That didn't exactly assuage any concerns, but she supposed she didn't have enough eyes to monitor everyone at once. Walking out of the stables with Kohaku carried in Kisho's arms, Kagome eyed his profile.

"Do you think...it's alright that we're here?" she asked carefully. "A bunch of humans, I mean. I'm guessing the demons in Sesshoumaru's stronghold share his sentiment towards mortals."

"Eh, the kids might be fine. But you, in particular, are going to be hated, miko."

"Me? Why?"

"Why?" a toothy grin was shot her way. "Our lord arrived, reeking of your scent. It was so prominent, for a second I thought you'd claimed him. Everyone is going to have a lot to say about it."

Kagome flushed red, mouth turning dry. "W-well it's not what they think!"

"If you say so," giving a careless shrug, he led her inside.

Reuniting with Rin was as tearfully joyful as expected. While returning the ivory comb to her, Kagome noticed she'd gained back her letter from Souta, implying that Sesshoumaru had visited her and Jaken before disappearing to attend to his duties.

Jaken griped and insulted her for gaining new injuries, which Kagome had just smiled at. She found it cute he cared.

Kisho became their shadow, which the miko suspected had been Sesshoumaru's intention. He'd been the one to quickly kneel when Kohaku awoke within Rin's room while they'd been eating lunch. The boy had begun yelling, eyes wide with panic and confusion, throwing his head back against the wall.

Kisho grabbed him by the shoulders to stop him from hurting himself further, Kagome talking quickly.

"Kohaku! Kohaku, it's me, Kagome. We've met before, do you remember? I was good friends with Sango."

Wild brown eyes managed to settle on her, shaking.

She smiled gently, slowly crouching before him. "It's okay. You're safe here," she said.

"H-here?" sweat dotted his brow, face pained. "I don't...remember where I was before this."

Nodding slightly to Kisho, the demon released Kohaku from his binds, rope snapping. There was no huge fight or trickery from Naraku- Kohaku didn't pull a knife on them or act like a possessed puppet. The boy seemed normal, wary. For how long he'd be able to stay with them, Kagome couldn't be certain. Naraku had dug his nails in deep, that much was certain- even if his poison lay hidden.

She could still remember how the innocent-looking eleven-year-old had turned on her within that small cave several months ago- slicing her arm. How Sango had shed tears, thinking she'd lost her brother for good to Naraku's vile hands.

Kagome decided he needed a watchdog at all times. Turning to Kisho, blue eyes enlarged, pleading.

He caught on. "No."

"Please? He won't be any trouble."

Exasperation and amusement crinkled the corners of his eyes "I've got shit to do. Babysitting isn't on the agenda."

"You can take him with you during your duties until I manage to speak with Sesshoumaru and figure out how we should monitor him," Kagome boldly took his arm, leading him away from the children and lowering her voice. "I can watch him until evening while I'm with Rin and Jaken, but please take the night shift. I'm not completely confident I could protect everyone if he became mind controlled again."

Kisho made a face, grunting and scratching his tanned cheek. Turning, he addressed Kohaku. "Kid. Ya ever done a night-watch before?"

Kohaku tilted his head, frowning with thought. "I...feel like I have? With my...father."

"That'll do."

Grinning, Kagome mouthed a 'thank you.' Kisho smirked in passing to the door, leaving them be for the remainder of the afternoon.

She tried her best- she really did. Kagome tossed and turned that night. She burrowed deep beneath comfy covers, threw them back, crawled to the foot of her futon and curled up into a ball. Counting sheep became counting blades of grass in their merry field.

Nothing worked.

After a few hours of laying there with her eyes shut and no sleep in sight, Kagome groaned, throwing her head back into the pillow with a frustrated huff.

Rin had immediately taken a shine to Kohaku. She'd stuck to him like glue while the small group had navigated around a small section of the mansion, walking from their rooms to glimpse the kitchens and spend some time in a lovely private garden, wandering through its adjoining orchard. Kisho had returned at nightfall, taking the boy with him.

Which left Kagome alone. Surprisingly Jaken and Rin had been more than happy to sleep separately from her. Rin had shot her an encouraging look, which Kagome could only assume meant; 'go cuddle with Lord Sesshoumaru.'

Kagome snorted, frowning at the ceiling. Their illustrious lord had been busy all day. She supposed it wasn't surprising, but it would've been...nice, to have him around. Especially in such a foreign, stiff environment.

Kisho had been friendly if a little hard to read. She got the sense that he didn't always show his true feelings. Perhaps it was just how full-blooded youkai were raised. However, aside from him the servants and guards gave off cold, assessing airs. They clearly did not approve of her presence there.

Sighing, her heart clenched. She hoped when Inuyasha finally woke up, they wouldn't treat him cruelly in her absence.

Familiar, dark energy fanned through the hallway outside her door.

Kagome stiffened, feeling it glide searchingly through several rooms. Shifting, she quickly raised her own aura, brushing it against the youki.

It laced around hers for a moment, before drifting away- Sesshoumaru's quiet presence retreating down the corridor.

Wrestling with the covers tangled about her legs, she stumbled in her haste to stand. Finally pushing the sliding door back, she shivered, wrapping both arms around herself. There was a chill in the air. Stepping out into the mansion's vacant, shadowed hallway, blue eyes grew wide and watchful.

Maybe I shouldn't.

There was a chance he'd just been checking up on everyone and hadn't intended to speak with her. Nonetheless, Kagome bit her lip. It didn't change the fact that she wanted to speak with him.

Demonic auras lingered down hushed walkways, some sleeping in their quarters or slinking outside. Moonlight slanted through just enough to guide her way as she padded across sleek wooden flooring, heart thundering. The mansion felt truly alive at night.

Filtering through different youki energies, Kagome expanded her aura out, seeking, searching blindly in the dark for one in particular.

She frowned, floundering for a moment. Nothing answered, and she strained, reaching further-

Her breathing hitched as youki caught her, swallowing the miko whole. It filled her lungs, leaving aftershocks of power thrumming through her veins, reiki rising automatically in answer. It urged her down silent hallways, acting as a guide that blocked out all other auras by sheer presence alone.

Nearly bumping her nose against the wooden frame of a door, Kagome halted just in time as it snapped back.

A plume of smoke fanned out from within a dimly lit room, rich and palpable. The smell was strangely not unpleasant.

Tilting her chin up, Kagome found his eyes through the grey haze. An ornate pipe was balanced deftly between his claws, Sesshoumaru's state of dress slightly rumpled. His black yukata gaped open at the collar, obi tied sloppily.

She feared for half a second that she'd intruded on him with another woman again- only to glimpse mountains of paperwork stacked upon a low table.

Kagome met his gaze, smiling slightly. "Need a hand?"

Pale lips inched upwards at her choice of words. "Hn."

Her smile grew wider, and Kagome immediately moved to walk in- only for Sesshoumaru's pipe to sway down, his hand cutting off her path.

Looking at him questioningly, she blinked. Curiously, a conflicted expression passed over his face, brow pinching. "Miko, this is my bedroom."

"I know. I came looking for you in the middle of the night, didn't I?" Kagome laughed this off, only to fall quiet upon seeing golden eyes darken.

Sesshoumaru took a step closer, bearing down on her. Some silver hair hung forward, strands escaping from behind his ear to tickle her cheek as a soft voice became a touch firmer. "This is my bedroom, miko."

Kagome stiffened. Oh.

Oh.

How silly of her. She'd thought...stupidly, that it could be the same. That they could talk and maybe sleep near each other and not worry about anything. But she'd been the one to verbalise boundaries- and this was a man's room.

He'd taken lovers there. Shared a bed with them.

Invading his privacy for her own selfish gain wasn't something she'd intended on, and a wave of guilt crested in her stomach. Hadn't Kisho mentioned it earlier? She'd been so tired- she'd forgotten. Hadn't properly assessed their new situation.

How would it look if a human shared a bed with a youkai lord as proud and prestigious as he? Tongues would wag. Sesshoumaru would become the subject of scandal and possible ridicule. He believed in his own race's superiority. That mindset had to have come from somewhere. Taught to him. The inner walls of the Western Stronghold were as good a place as any, and she'd already glimpsed a few narrowed eyed glares sent her way.

"I'm sorry I-" she inched backwards. "I didn't think- I wasn't thinking. I'll go before anyone sees."

Sharp teeth flashed in a sneer, and Sesshoumaru took another step, leaning out from his room. "This one does not care if prying eyes catch sight of us, foolish girl," he bit out.

Kagome stopped. "You...don't?"

He collected himself, taking a pensive drag from his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "Only the insecure fret over rumours. I know the truth, and you know it too. That is what matters. However, I have come to realise this mindset may negatively impact a woman of low standing such as yourself."

She bristled, opening her mouth to shut down his pompous assumptions- but slowly shut her mouth. In the feudal era, she was nothing more than a travelling miko.

Sesshoumaru continued in a level, grave tone. "Your reputation will burn up in flames the second you set foot in here, miko. Despite evidence of virginity remaining in your scent after tonight- all will think you tarnished. It will affect your... eventual choice to take a mate."

Kagome clicked. "Ah, you're referring to what I said about finding a youkai husband who won't give me strong hanyou kids?" Kagome waited for his slight nod, her insides warming. A tired giggle escaped her. Running a hand through dishevelled dark hair, she gave an empty smile. "That won't be for a long while yet. Besides, if he is the guy for me, he'll believe the truth over a rumour."

Naivete still clung to her words. Kagome knew this and couldn't stop herself from glossing over any real concerns, assuring him with some vague fairytale. "And anyway, I'm used to being known as just 'Kikyo's Reincarnation.' Becoming 'Sesshoumaru's floozy' is at least something new," snorting, she glanced at him, brows knitting. "But...people might say you've become like your Father. I know that's not something you want."

"Hn," golden eyes slid away. "Just as you have been compared with the dead miko, this one has long fought to step out of his shadow. However, the comparisons have never ceased, nor will they. I will simply carve my own path- as previously stated, incorrect assumptions about my private life do not bother me."

He should've just turned her away. Said a clear 'no' and shut the door. He shouldn't have brushed his youki into her room while passing by. She shouldn't have tip-toed to his chambers.

But Sesshoumaru silently wrestled with a visceral wish. She could see it in his eyes, for they reflected the fragile feeling in her chest.

They'd grown addicted to the closeness. Spoiled by nights upon nights spent in their own bubble. Kagome's heart shuddered, and she knew- she wasn't strong enough to set the boundaries yet.

Wisps of curling smoke fell away from her as the demon lord stepped back, returning inside. "I am no Saint. You have received your warning. Do as you please."

She did.

Kagome stepped into Sesshoumaru's bedroom, sliding the door shut behind her.