Chapter 22: You said she was human.

Wow I'm so happy. 210 reviews, u guys have really been awesome. I'm sorry to say that this must be the last chapter. I'm moving in a little while and having a really big family problem. Don't worry though if you guys want a sequel tell me and I'll be sure to write one as soon as I get a computer back.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inu-Yasha (Walks off crying)

"I don't know Sesshomaru," Kagome whispered shyly as they approached a large black castle at least twice as big as his. The fact it was big wasn't what worried her it was the dark, creepy, and evil woods that it was nestled in and the fact that the woman who had given birth to the 'killing perfection' waited inside. "This isn't the most pleasant place."

"Indeed," Came the demon's simple answer.

His piece spoken Sesshomaru steeled his inner self to face his mother. The playful yet cruel woman that he so resembled. There were no guards, not that they were needed seeing as how her castle was even more guarded than his own. They passed easily through the gate and began the long journey into the heart of the forbidding fortress.

"Avoid contact and stay behind me," Sesshomaru instructed once they had made it past the front doors. The front hall they stood in was vast and the roof was at such a height that the miko couldn't see it. "She has a tendency to test all those who come before her including myself."

Awed by the eerie corridors Kagome could only nod. She wondered at how Sesshomaru knew where to go. They took so many twists and turns that she wasn't sure which was they was facing. Half an hour passed before they came to a tall wooden door that had the fully transformed images of Inu-Youkai. It held a cold power that was very unlike the warm aura that the doors to Sesshomaru's fortress held.

Sesshomaru hesitated for a second. Kagome was surprised to see a look of disgust on his face. Did he really see his own mother as an inferior being? If his demeanor was any indication then it was true.

Raising a hand the demon lord made as if to knock but was beaten to it by a silky voice that seemed to be a feminine version of Mr. Icicle's. "The door is open."

Growling softly Sesshomaru easily pushed the door open revealing a large room that was decorated in dozens of tapestries and the most expensive looking vases Kagome had ever seen. Compared to the rest of the castle the throne room was a vibrant blossom of color. The brightness of the room was dulled by the presence of a beautiful woman who so resembled Sesshomaru that it was scary. Other than wearing her pelt like a boa and having her hair in a ponytail there was no difference. Well that and the fact that Sesshomaru had a larger frame and no left arm.

"Well," The woman said impatiently. "Where is she?"

"She stands before you," Sesshomaru spat coldly.

Looking about herself the elder Inu snorted. "I see no human."

Starting to be insulted Kagome stepped forward and looked to the woman defiantly. "I'm right here."

The demoness took notice of her now but made no indication as to the presence of a human. In fact she seemed to grow agitated. "Do the two of you take me as a fool?" She asked.

Kagome saw Sesshomaru bite his lip as a cruel growl rumbled in his chest. "Of what do you speak mother?"

"I see no human," The woman cooed amused at her son's threat. "That girl is no human anyone with eyes cam see it. Human once maybe but no more." A mischievous spark appeared in the woman's eyes. "The two of you don't know then?"

"Speak clearly," The demon lord demanded. He had no patience for her games and just wanted this meeting to be over. "I do not wish to waste time here."

"Some son you are," The woman teased. "You're defiantly not the charmer your father was."

"Speak clearly," He repeated.

"Sorry my dear pup but until you learn manners I will do no such thing."

Kagome cleared her throat silencing both mother and son. The mother looked at her calmly but seemed to have a slight pause to her movements. "Please tell me what you mean."

"At least someone has polite mannerisms," the elder demon teased. "Very well. Tell me as of late does your powers seem stronger?"

Kagome nodded, "It took me a little while to gain at least a little control. I'm still not able to stop it when I'm scared or in danger though. I've given even Sesshomaru purifying burns."

At the last sentence Sesshomaru's mother shifted in her throne, "When you approach Sesshomaru does your aura mix with his and cause them both to cancel the other out?"

Now that the miko thought about it they had. With a nod she confirmed the positive answer to that question.

"Have you ever come into contact with a powerful or vast amount of spiritual energy?"

The stone that Kagura had thrown at her was such a thing. Was that what the demon was talking about?

"Then before me stands not a human but a Demi-goddess. What was one has become another. Not a goddess but the closest you can come."

"…" Silence filled the room as the demoness finished. "…" It lasted for what seemed like forever.

"Does this news not please you?" The elder demon finally asked, "It can be reversed but I'm afraid the girl will have to die."

A snarl escaped the demon lord at the very thought of Kagome dying by his mother's hands. The woman before him may have bore him but that was only a minute relationship for her was here and really had no use for her in his quest to become the best.

"You scared me for a minute," His mother said with a smile. "I do not like the fact she is a Demi-Goddess but it is better than a human."

"Human or not I only came to fulfill the tradition that I am honor bound to follow."

"Yes such an inconsiderate son you are. Going for an entire century without coming to visit. You think of no one but yourself."

"Tell me mother. This Demi-Goddess state, will it grant her a longer life?"

For a moment his mother considered his question and seemed to weight her possible answers. "Yes and no. You see she shall be given a much slower rate of aging but unless she gains devotes to honor her and lend her power she will grow old quickly for gods and goddesses who are not worshiped fade into mere legends."

"Devotes?" Kagome didn't understand.

"Worshippers," the woman elaborated. "People who see you as their goddess. A representation of something."

"That factor is already taken care of," Sesshomaru smirked.

"What do you mean?" Kagome was intrigued as to who her devotes were.

"A human child, a demon child, a half-nymph, a tajiya, a monk, perhaps even an Inu-Hanyou and myself."

The miko's eyes widened, she hadn't thought about that. "But most of them will die."

"The humans yes," Sesshomaru's piercing eyes slightly lost their luster for a second. "The demons though shall live. Besides you shall have those under my command as worshippers as well. When able to see their goddess more will believe in her."

"As sweet as this is I do not care to be ignored," The silky voice of the demoness cooed reminding them of her presence. "It seems that any test I try will be purified so you may go." She waved them off as if shooing away irritating servants. "Do visit soon. An trust me any grand pups that I receive shall be more respectful to me than my own."

Agitated at their dismissal Sesshomaru sent one last glare at his mother before whisking Kagome out of the throne room. Not wanting to bother with the corridors the demon took to the air easily clearing a high window. The piercing light above the dark forest was a welcomed sight even though it temporality blinded them both.

The flight seemed longer than it actually was because of their desire for it to be over. An eternity passed before the well came into sight. Not landing Sesshomaru gracefully slide into the well and felt the light sensation of time travel over take him. He didn't like it at all but his stupid pride made him do it.

On the other side he still didn't pause. The smells didn't faze him thanks to the close proximity of his soon to be mate.

Along for the ride Kagome found her lord's impatience amusing. It wasn't like him to rush things. No if his opponent was strong he would play with them for a while but at the moment he wasn't stopping for nothing but a quick hello, a vague explanation, and a hasty retreat.

"Well you're finally back," Her mother said as the two entered the house and moved to the kitchen where Sesshomaru sat Kagome down. "Is something wrong?"

"Well um I don't know how to say it," Kagome suddenly found her shoes the most interesting thing in the world.

"I ask your permission, in order to fulfill my courting duties, if I may take Kagome as my mate."

Slightly startled at the sudden change of events the woman braced herself against the counter and looked between her visitors with a stern look on her face. "The two of you are serious about this?"

Both involved nodded Sesshomaru's was near invisible while Kagome's more than made up for the slight movement with a deep nod of her head.

"You love him?"

Without hesitation Kagome nodded.

"You love her?"

A slight tilt of the demon's head was all the answer that the concern mother needed. "Both of you are sure of this?"

Sesshomaru felt like growling but held it in. Why didn't this woman just say yes? Together the couple nodded again. The mother noticed that Kagome shared enough emotions for them both and Sesshomaru was regal enough to make up for her daughter's slight wildness.

With a sigh she nodded. The day would have come any way but giving her first born over to a demon lord was harder than she thought. How many other mothers had to do that? Why couldn't it have been a quiet doctor or successful lawyer? How come her daughter had decided to wed a demon lord who had the name of 'killing perfection'? Only her Kagome.

"The two of you will have a service here," She added as a demand. "I will not miss the wedding."

Kagome had to cut off Sesshomaru who was about to retort, "I promise we'll have a service."

Without a further word Sesshomaru made them depart. The sooner that they were officially mated the sooner no male would be able to touch her. So long as their bond was unbroken she would be his.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Kagome looked at the bed quite unsure of how to proceed. This would be tricky. Standing behind her Sesshomaru wanted to laugh at the embarrassed an irritated miko. Such innocence was rare in this time.

The demon earned a small 'eep' from Kagome when he wrapped his arm around her waist and slowly lowered her to the bed. His weight against her body sent the awkward but welcomed sensations through her once more. The warmth from him dissolved the last of her thoughts on him being an icy demon lord. Someone with a body that warm just couldn't be made of ice.

Sliding his hand behind her head Sesshomaru entangled his fingers in Kagome's hair and being sure not to harm her with his claws he brought her mouth upward meeting her lips half way. Now familiar with this part of the action Kagome returned the kiss with just as much passion as the other participant. When the kiss finally broke Kagome was gasping for breath. Of course Sesshomaru gave her no time to recover before he moved downward slowly trailing kisses on either side of her neck. Just below her jaw bone he left a small bite that later would become a permanent scar claiming her as his. At his nip Kagome moaned almost causing Sesshomaru to do the same. When finished with her neck the demon lord traveled further south. Slowly down her chest removing any garment that got in his way. The small groans from Kagome was enough to excite him and he knew that anymore would push them both far enough. He wouldn't waste their first time not when he had yet to pierce her. He quickened his trail and came to a stop just above her womanhood. Such a sweet smell he couldn't resist. Running the tip of his tongue within her he reveled in her taste and the gasp of pleasure from Kagome made his breath quicken. Having already removed his armor Sesshomaru slide from his haori and hakamas easily and gently pressed his body to hers. "This will hurt," He whispered. Kagome had no time to react as a sharp pain in her center caused her to cry out in shock. For a moment for a moment the demon didn't move and Kagome felt her own body shift to accommodate him. When the sharp pain had dulled Sesshomaru began a steady rocking of his hips sending Kagome into bliss. Her body seemed to react automatically with his and the gasps and moans were automatic. In her entire life she had never thought anyone could feel this way. At least she never thought she could feel this way with Sesshomaru.

There was no Jaken this time to spoil things. No noises other than their hoarse breathing. Kagome lay against her mate head resting on his chest. Her body hurt, her legs, thighs, and center were the worst. It had frightened her at first but Sesshomaru had assured her not to worry so she settled on not moving for the time being.

"I love you Sesshomaru," Kagome whispered her voice still slightly raspy from her several outcries.

For a moment she got no answer then she heard a deep voice, "I love you as well my Kagome."

"You know something," Kagome said as an after thought. "I just realized something about your game."

"What is that?"

"You won."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Several days later after Kagome and Sesshomaru finally leave their room:

"Well how was it?" Sango nudged her friend wanting all the details.

"Any good?" Kamichi asked with a smug grin that set Kagome on alert, "Don't worry I didn't watch this time." Kamichi assured.

Trusting her friend Kagome didn't further the matter. After conveying all that she wanted them to know Kagome remembered her original plan. Seeing the spark in her friend's eyes Sango remembered as well.

While Sango kept Kamichi busy Kagome snuck off to find Sesshomaru. He was standing under a tree watching the children play a strange game that seemed to revolve around kicking Jaken. If he didn't have a reputation to uphold he would have joined them.

"You can let Inu-Yasha in now," Kagome said as she approached trying her best to judge his reaction.

"You wish to see the hanyou?"

"Kinda Sorta."

Not familiar with the expression Sesshomaru just looked at his mate with his trademark scowl.

"It means I want to see him for another reason."

"What may I ask this reason is," He had a clue but was weary of the plan.

"You know," Kagome smiled in a very Rin-like manner.

"I do believe you're too late my love," Sesshomaru had turned away from Kagome to look at the barrier.

To Kagome's surprise Kamichi had escaped and stood in a deep argument about something with Inu-Yasha. Probably about the fact she could let him in if she wanted yet she refused to do so. Miroku just stood out of the way with Kirara on his shoulder looking at the hanyou's with an anticipating grin.

Kagome huffed, she was to late indeed. Oh well she still had Sango and Miroku to work on and who knows maybe she could still help Kamichi and Inu-Yasha out. Not to mention of how cute a couple Shippo and Rin would be when they got older. The fun was just starting.

An there it is. I'm sorry to say my last chapter to this story. I was thinking of a sequel but not to sure about one. Following this is a few hints as to what's in store if I do make one.

1. Rican is not dead. Remember Naraku gave him a second ability. He will be back in the next one.

2. Kagome and Sesshomaru now have more to worry about than jewel shards when they find themselves with a litter of three triplets all boys.

3. They have a fourth child this time a girl.

4. The quest for the jewel will continue this time with more friends and more enemies not to mention a pregnant miko and three Inu-Hanyou boys running around trying to be just like their father.

5. Naraku himself gets involved.