A/N: Peeks out from behind the corner. Yes I realize that it has been over a year since this was updated and I offer my sincerest apologies. 2012 was not kind. I took a promotion at work that has run me ragged. In February my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and most recently I have been dealing with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, I live on the New Jersey Shore. I hope you can all forgive me and I hope that I still have a few fans of this story left. Hopefully this answers a few of your questions while raising a few others. As always reviews are greatly apprecited and your support for this story has always been my driving force behind it. Thank you EVERYONE!

I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated

"Are you sure it was them?"

"There's no way to be certain completely, but I know what I felt." Onishi replied before he sat behind his desk.

"So what are we going to do? If they know he's here it's only a matter of time before they come for him," the person across from him said.

"I know this but we're not ready. He's not ready. I thought we had more time."

"We knew this would happen eventually it's just happening sooner rather than later. The only question I have is how they even figured it out that he was here?"

"I don't know. His records are sealed and even though Sesshoumaru is technically a ward of the state and those records can be requested at any point it still has to go through a lot of red tape to get approved. I thought perhaps they could feel his aura but the dampeners in his room prevent that from happening. The only way for them to find out is if someone…"he paused and his eyes lit with surprise.

"Kagome."

"You can't be serious! Kagome would never—"the young man began to protest but was cut off.

"I know she wouldn't do anything willingly but think about it. We all take great care to erase all traces of Sesshoumaru's existence in any way possible when we leave except for Kagome. She has no idea that she needs to conceal his scent from her body when she leaves. She must have walked by one of them at one point and well…here we are now."

"Damnit! This is why I told you that we needed to tell her everything from the beginning. Do you have any idea of the danger that she is in right now?"

"They won't suspect her. To them she is nothing more than an employee here who happens to work closely with the person they are searching for."

"Do you think that will stop them from going after her? They will do everything in their power to get the information out of her or have you forgotten how persuasive their methods can be?"

Onishi stood up and rounded the desk so he was glaring directly at the man sitting across from him, "I will never forget what they are capable of, never! My entire family is gone because of those bastards and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember them. Sesshoumaru isn't the only one who lost everything is this war."

"Then it's time for us to stop worrying about what will happen when they come for him and start preparing. I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of being afraid and I'm tired of hiding in the shadows waiting for the storm to arrive. This war is coming to end; it's just a question of who is going to be left standing when the battle is finished."

Onishi sighed and moved to stare out the window. He was right of course. Many long years of waiting were finally coming to a close and if they didn't act now, there wouldn't be a future for them to look forward to. Squaring his shoulders and narrowing his eyes he turned back to his long time friend with renewed determination.

"Contact what allies we have left and start preparing. Tonight you and I will both go to Kagome and inform her of the situation. Once she's done screaming at us for hiding it from her it is my hope she will join us."

"She will. Kagome's just like that. She doesn't back down from a fight even when it's the smart decision."

"Then go my friend and spread the word."

"What should I say?"

"Tell them that the end is finally here."

**********B**********

Kagome watched as Sesshoumaru paced the room slowly. He was agitated, that much was obvious, but there was something else going on that she couldn't quite put her finger on. The air was…charged with energy and a sense of urgency the likes of which she hadn't felt since the final battle with Naraku. Something was happening and she was at a loss as to what it could be.

She turned to look at Sesshoumaru again and noticed that he had stopped pacing and was staring at her with great intensity. Cautiously she approached him and reached out for his hand. His grip was crushing but she tried not to let it show.

"What's wrong?" she whispered softly.

"Something is coming," he replied.

"What is coming?"

"I-I do not know but it feels familiar. Something is coming for me, I can feel it."

"Sesshoumaru it's okay. I've told you before that you're safe here. I promised you that I wouldn't let anything happen to you and I meant it."

His slight chuckle gave her pause and she peered at him curiously.

"You fear for this Sesshoumaru's safety but not your own? You are a curious human."

"What is there for me to be afraid of? I'm not afraid of what's out there or what you think might be coming. Whatever it is I'll face it head on."

His eyes softened a touch at her words, "You remind me of her more than you realize. She too was unafraid of what could happen. I often wish that she had been more afraid. If she had been, perhaps she would have fled when the fighting reached the steps of our home."

"You said yourself that there was no way of knowing what was happening. You had no idea that there were spies in your house and that the enemy had advanced without your knowledge."

"But I should have known."

"Even you can't know everything that is happening at every moment Sesshoumaru."

"Hn."

Kagome rolled her eyes and glanced down at her watch. It was nearly lunch time and she had to admit that she was hungry.

"Will you be alright if I step out to grab something to eat? I won't be long."

"We will be fine without you for an hour woman," he snipped before he dismissed her with a wave. He said something to the wall next to him before he retreated to his favorite corner. He slid down the wall until he landed on the floor with a loud thud. His eyes stared at nothing for a moment before they lowered to the ground.

She didn't say anything on her way out the door but the lone tear that rolled down his cheek was enough for her to tell that he was slipping backward again.

As she walked down the hall to the elevator, Kagome's mind was searching for her next course of action in regards to the demon. They were so close but yet so far at the same time. There had to be something missing from his past that she just hadn't touched on. Shrugging her shoulders and deciding to think on it later, Kagome stepped on the elevator and headed for her office.

Once inside, she plopped down on her couch and closed her eyes. She was tired. More tired than she remembered being in a very long time. Sleep was apparently something that was a luxury rather than a necessity. Ever since the police questioned Sesshoumaru she hadn't been able to sleep well. Things felt different and she was having a hard time figuring out just what it was that had her nerves on edge. Naturally, she was worried about Sesshoumaru's future and what was going to happen if the police managed to get their hands on him but there was something else. A sense of foreboding the likes of which she hadn't felt since her days hunting Naraku was slowly seeping into her mind.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ring of her cell phone. She rose from her spot on the couch and was surprised to see that her mother was calling.

"Hello?"

"Hello Kagome dear, how are you?" her mother's bright voice answered on the other end.

"I'm alright Mama, how are you? Is everything alright? You never call me during the day."

"Everything is fine I was just curious as to how you were. I haven't seen you in ages and your brother said that he hasn't heard from you either.''

Kagome sighed. She felt bad for neglecting her family but her duty to Sesshoumaru came first.

"I know, I'm sorry. Things are…well they're getting difficult and I've had to focus everything I have on Sesshoumaru's recovery."

"I understand that you're dedicated to helping him become who he once was, Kagome, but that shouldn't take precedence over yourself. You sound exhausted."

"I am Mama, I am. Sometimes I wish I could just take a vacation and get away from it all for a little while. Then I remember that he needs my help and I just…I can't."

"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight? Your brother is supposed to stop by and we could sit down as a family and then you and I can talk. He'll never admit it, but your brother misses you."

Kagome smiled. Perhaps she could get away from it all, even if it was just to visit with her family for a little bit.

"I'd like that. I'll stop by after work."

"We'll eat around 6:30. I'll make your favorite."

"Thanks Mama."

"Of course. Kagome?"

"Yes Mama?"

"I love you."

"I love you too mom. I'll see you tonight."

Kagome hung up the phone and smiled again. Hopefully she would be able to leave early and change before she headed over to the shrine. The thought of her mother's home cooking had her stomach protesting and reminding her that she needed to eat lunch.

As she sat at her desk and munched on the bento box she prepared that morning she felt different. Maybe all of the things she had been feeling lately were due to her exhaustion.

Maybe, things were going to be better.

**********B*********

"I'm telling you the girl knows something!" Kasumi growled.

"And I am telling you to let it go. She is insignificant to the plans at hand."

"You weren't in that room. You didn't feel the power coming from her. I believe she is a miko."

"Ridiculous. There hasn't been a miko of true power in over 500 years since the Shikon Miko and even if she does possess holy power it is unlikely that she knows how to use it. Humans in this day and age are so ignorant of everything that goes on around them."

"And what if you're wrong?" Kasumi countered.

"If, and I highly doubt it, but if I am wrong then she will be dealt with like the others. Now, what of this Onishi? "

"He was more difficult to read. He is very controlled and doesn't allow his emotions out in the open. I took the time to read up on him. He's a brilliant psychologist who has helped many patients recover. He graduated at the top of his class from Tokyo University. He is unmarried and lives alone. I could find nothing on his family or relatives and nothing of his life before he started working for the asylum."

"Interesting. We need eyes and ears inside those walls Kasumi. See if you can get some of our people stationed inside as orderlies. "

"Yes milord. Is there anything else?"

"Have our people follow Onishi and this Higurashi Kagome."

"I thought you weren't concerned about her."

"I am not. But, we might as well learn how much she has discovered. It could prove useful."

Kasumi bowed and left the room leaving the man behind to his thoughts. 400 years of planning his revenge had all come down to this. He never imagined that he would find the ultimate target wrapped up nicely in a jacket and ready to be delivered whenever he wanted. He had almost given up hope that the former lord of the west would ever be found. He would have remained lost had it not been for that woman.

He couldn't believe it when he walked passed her on the street; there was no mistaking the scent that was permeating from her body. He would know the scent of that insufferable dog demon anywhere. He almost stopped her right then and there to ask her where he was but he refrained. Obviously she had no clue what he was or she would have taken greater care to hide it from the world.

Demons weren't supposed to exist in the modern world and that was exactly how he preferred it. They were clueless to the dangers that walked the streets with them every day. Everything was coming together better than he ever planned.

He wished that they had been able to kill the dog years ago but he disappeared before they had the chance. The attack on the western fortress was well thought out and planned but they had no way of knowing that Lord Sesshoumaru would retreat into hiding. They expected him to fight, to retaliate but he simply vanished.

Truly he didn't understand it. The worthless bitch that he mated was nothing special and he honestly never understood why Lord Ryuunosuke pursued her so earnestly. But he if he was true to himself he never understood many of the things that his father did. The fool allowed his jealousy to consume him so much that it eventually took his life.

For hundreds of years he was angry with his father for wasting away to nothing while he yearned for the love of a dead woman. It was true that, perhaps he had been too forward when he ordered the attack on the western fortress but it was for his father's own good. If that damn female had only complied with his demands and left the castle she probably wouldn't have died. Well at least not right away. He had to admit that he relished in taking her life and the life of her pups but he didn't know that his father would shun him for it.

The love struck fool.

He could have ruled the world with Sesshoumaru out of the way but instead he chose to exile himself. He died a simpering fool and Kuragari was happy to end his suffering. It was easy to make it look like his father had taken his own life and easier still to have everyone accept his rule. With his father out of the way he could continue the original mission; to rule the world. The west had long been the last stronghold to be breeched and few believed it possible with Sesshoumaru still ruling. When he disappeared it was assumed that the west would fall. Unfortunately, the western army was stronger than he realized and they were forced to retreat.

Kuragari waited for the time when the world was ready to accept his rule and the time had finally come.

Soon, very soon, the world would be his. Sesshoumaru would be dead and the Kami themselves would tremble at his feet.

A dark smile crossed his lips at the thought. He couldn't wait for the fun to begin.

**********B**********

Kagome stood on the other side of the room observing Sesshoumaru carefully. He was agitated worse than before she went to lunch and she didn't understand why. Granted, she rarely understood the things he did or said but when you are dealing with someone who is completely insane it's expected.

"Sesshoumaru?" she called out softly.

He glared in her direction for a moment before turning away from her.

"Sesshoumaru talk to me."

"Leave," he told her sharply.

"We've been through this before. I'm not just going to abandon you because you tell me to."

"I will not tell you again. Leave. Now."

"No."

"Woman, you try my patience. "

"Good. Someone has to."

Before she could blink, Sesshoumaru was standing before her completely feral and growling.

"Do you think this is a game? Do you think that I don't know what you are doing? You are working for them and you have been since the beginning! You think you can destroy me?! I am the great Lord Sesshoumaru!" he roared.

He had her backed into the corner and before she could stop herself, she slapped him hard across the face. She made sure to add a touch of power just to make sure he felt it.

"Snap out of it!" she yelled.

He stumbled backward and fell to the floor hard. He looked dazed and confused for a moment before he looked up into her face.

"F-forgive me. I…"

"It's alright, I understand. But what you need to understand is that I am here to help you."

"I know," he replied quietly.

Kagome sighed and sat on the floor in front of him and placed her hands over his. He flinched but made no move to pull away.

"Why don't we call it a day, hm? I think we've both had enough and I don't know about you but I'm tired."

Sesshoumaru nodded before he stood and moved to lie down on his bed.

Once she was certain he was comfortable and relaxed she turned to leave.

"Miko," he called to her.

"Yes?"

"When it happens, know that it was not your fault and that there was nothing you could do."

She turned to him and gave him a questioning look.

"When what happens?"

"You will know soon enough. The Lady has shown me the future."

"And what does the future hold for us Sesshoumaru?"

He stared at her before his eyes took on a softer, almost sympathetic look. It was something she had never seen from him before. For once, she didn't want to know what his answer was going to be but before she could step out of the room he spoke.

"Death."

**********B**********

Death. Kagome tried not to let Sesshoumaru's words bother her but she couldn't help it. His cryptic warning along with the things she had been feeling had her completely on edge. She left work shortly after and was going to go home with the intention of relaxing before she went over to visit her mother and brother but her nerves were so completely frazzled that she called her mother to cancel dinner. Her mother hadn't been happy but understood none the less. Kagome promised that she would come by for a visit soon and for now it was enough to placate her.

She sat on her couch with the door locked and every single light on. She didn't bother making herself something to eat because she knew she wouldn't be able to take a single bite. She tried to focus on the television but her mind kept wandering to that one, simple word.

Death.

What did he mean by it? Did he mean that he was going to die? Was she? Were they both going to die?

Kagome stopped before she gave herself a heart attack. What the hell was she so worried over? He had no way of predicting that death was coming. Despite her dreams, she didn't believe one bit that he was speaking to his long dead mate. He talked to walls and nothing else. There was no one giving him secret messages about the future and the fact that she believed him made her want to bang her head against the table.

"Stupid Kagome! You're smarter than this! He's trying to scare you off!" she yelled to no one in particular.

Deciding that she needed to completely relax, she drew herself a bath, grabbed her favorite book and settled down in the tub for a good long soak. She was tempted to pour herself a glass of sake but thought better of it.

Two hours later she was comfortable, calm and ready for a good night's sleep. She had just turned down the sheets on her bed when a knock sounded on her door. She looked to the clock and noticed that it was well after 11:00.

She frowned. No one should be visiting her this late at night. Her friends all knew better than to come to her apartment at this hour.

She threw on a robe and went into the living room. She was just about to open the door when there was a momentary spike in the back of her mind that told her to wait.

She backed away from the door and stood silent for a moment. She could hear shuffling and muffled voices coming from the other side but she had no clue what they were saying. Kagome finally decided to test the waters.

"Who's there?" she called out.

"Open the door Higurashi."

Stunned to hear the voice of her boss coming from the other side, she rushed over and opened the door.

Onishi and a man Kagome had never met before breezed by her and quickly shut the door behind them.

"What on earth is going on?"

"Be quiet and don't say anything until we're done."

Onishi nodded to his young companion who then took off and began rummaging through her personal belongings.

"Hey! Now wait just a damned—"

"I said be quiet Higurashi!" Onishi snapped before he too began searching through Kagome's home.

Kagome glared at the two of them and took a seat on one of her dining room chairs; once they were finished with it of course.

After 20 minutes they both seemed satisfied that whatever they were looking for wasn't there. They each pulled out a chair and sat down next to her. It was silent for a few moments before Onishi cleared his throat.

"Forgive us for intruding but we had to be sure," he said slowly.

"Sure of what?" Kagome snapped back.

"That the walls didn't have ears Higurashi."

"What are you talking about?"

Onishi sighed. It was now or never. He had to tell her the truth before things got even more dangerous than they already were.

"Let me begin by saying that everything that we have done up until this point has been for your protection and was not meant in any way to offend you. Do yo understand?

"My protection? Onishi-sensei what is going on?"

Onishi looked to his companion who nodded and urged him to go on.

"I know what Sesshoumaru is Kagome and I know who you really are as well."

For a moment, Kagome forgot how to breathe but she managed to recover nicely.

"What do you mean, what Sesshoumaru really is? He is just a man. As for myself? I am Higurashi Kagome. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Wrong. You are and always will be the Shikon Miko and Sesshoumaru will always be Lord Sesshoumaru, ruler of the western lands. He is a demon who was once so feared that the mere mention of his name was enough strike fear into the hearts of his enemies."

Kagome didn't realize she had stood up until she nearly fell over. If not for the steady hand of Onishi's companion she certainly would have toppled to the floor. There had to be a mistake. There was no one left alive, save Sesshoumaru that knew who she really was. Demons didn't exist anymore or she would have felt their presence a long time ago.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Demons are the stuff of myths and legends Onishi-sensei. As for to your claim of me being this Shikon Miko, I think you listened to too many stories told to you as a child. My own grandfather used to tell me those stories but none of them are true." she countered.

"Demons are very real Higurashi and the stories your grandfather told are true. He had firsthand knowledge of what happened because he lived it through you."

"I think perhaps that you have been drinking Onishi-sensei and I don't appreciate being woken up to hear stories and fables told to frighten children."

At that, Onishi's companion snorted. Both individuals turned to look at him before he shrugged his shoulders.

"I told you she would take it this way," he said with a laugh.

Kagome stared at the young man before a bit of recognition seeped into her mind.

"You…I know you. You were the man who bumped into me at the infirmary and…and you're also the man who broke into my apartment!"

"Guilty as charged but it doesn't really matter," he replied.

"You're also the man who gave me that warning at the shrine aren't you?"

He nodded.

"What warning?" Onishi growled.

"It doesn't matter now. Keep going."

Onishi sighed but didn't protest. He would deal with his friend later once this was over with.

"Kagome please just listen to me for a moment. Everything that I have told you tonight is completely true and you know it. You know it to be true because you lived it. You travelled to the past through an ancient well on your family's shrine. It was you who shattered the Shikon no Tama and then searched for the shards. You and your group of friends consisting of a monk, a demon slayer, a Neko youkai, a fox kit and a dog eared hanyou fought and destroyed Naraku before he could cover the world in his foul darkness."

"I don't—"

"Please, don't play stupid Kagome. You might be wondering how I know all of this, ne? The answer is that I have heard your tale since I was a young man growing up in the far reaches of the western land. Your story is known to many. But more importantly I know this because it was told to me in person by Lord Sesshoumaru himself on a summer night over 400 years ago."

Kagome sat back in her chair and stared ahead in disbelief. Her mentor, the man she tried so hard to please with everything she did was…a demon. It couldn't be true! She would know if he was a demon but she felt nothing from him. He felt like your everyday, average human being. How was it possible?!

"Who are you really? If what you say is true and I really am the Shikon Miko, why is it that I can't sense your aura?" she questioned.

"You cannot sense it because demons have learned to repress it and conceal our true selves. There are hundreds of us that still walk the earth to this day and the humans know nothing about it."

"You didn't answer my first question."

At that Onishi smiled, "You're right I didn't. My name is Osamu and I am the last living member of my race of demons."

Kagome's eyes widened before she sat back carefully.

"You…you are…"

"Correct. Chiyoko, Sesshoumaru's mate, was my sister."

Kagome closed her eyes and tried to order her thoughts. This man…no this demon was one of the last individuals to see Sesshoumaru before he lost his mind. He also said that he was the last of his kind. That meant that his mother, father and all of his siblings were dead. He was alone in the world and her heart cried for him.

"I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry for what happened to them. To all of them. I don't know how you've managed to stay alive being so alone for as long as you have."

"I haven't been completely alone. There are many who are loyal to the west and its Lord," Onishi replied with a nod to his companion.

"And just who might you be?" she asked the younger man.

"That's a silly question Kagome and really I'm surprised you haven't figured it out by now."

She thought for a moment before the answer came to her. She lifted her eyes and the tears began pouring down her face.

"Shippou—"

"Don't start crying. I hate it when you cry."

But cry she did. She couldn't help herself. Kagome launched herself out of her chair and into the arms of her now grown up friend. Of all the demons from her past, besides Sesshoumaru, that she expected to see, Shippou definitely wasn't one of them. For a moment all she could do was sit there and let him hold her.

When she had calmed down some, Shippou sat her back down in her chair so Onishi could get on with his story.

"I promise when things calm down a little we'll catch up." Shippou said with a smile.

Kagome nodded and turned her attention back to Osamu.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner and why are you telling me now?"

"As you know, Sesshoumaru disappeared after he returned home and found his family brutally murdered. We thought he was dead. Everyone thought he was dead. We believed he was so beset by his grief that he took his life. Despite the fact that he is a pompous, arrogant stubborn asshole, he loved my sister very much. He loved his children more than anything and without them he became a man with no reason to live. The war didn't end the way that you might have heard. The fighting continued for many years until what remained of the western army, led by what remained of my family drove them back but it wasn't without further casualties.

The southern house tracked down the members of my house and slaughtered them almost as brutally as they did my sister. The only reason I survived because I wasn't there when it happened. I was patrolling the boarders and word was sent to me that they had perished."

"I'm sorry." Kagome said softly.

"It was a long time ago and nothing can be done about that now. I come now to present day. Imagine my surprise when I get a phone call about a man with strange markings all over his face that had been found hiding in the mountains. I used every favor I could think of to have him transferred to my facility. When they brought him through the door I damn near fell on the floor. After all of these years I couldn't believe he was alive but he was. He obviously wasn't himself and he probably would have stayed that way if you hadn't come along. It's no surprise, Higurashi that you were picked for the most coveted job of all psychologists in Japan."

"You planned it that way? You made sure that I was the one to take the job."

"Precisely. I needed you close and I knew, deep down that you would be able to reach Sesshoumaru when no one else has been able to. Things were progressing exceptionally until the visit from the police."

"That wasn't a police officer was it?" she asked.

"No she was most definitely a police officer but she is also a demon who is in league with Lord Ryuunosuke."

"How did they find out he was there?"

"I'm afraid that you are responsible for that Kagome."

"But I would never say anything about him! You know that!" she cried.

"Calm down Kagome. We know you would never do it willingly," Shippou began.

"We all take the necessary steps to cover our scents when we leave. However you didn't believe that there were any other demons alive in this time so you didn't feel there was any need. From what we can surmise you must have walked by one of their operatives and from there they began following you. That is why we were so cautious when we entered your home tonight. We had to be absolutely sure that they can't hear our conversation."

"But if they already know he's alive, what difference would it make now?"

"Kagome, they are dangerous and will stop at nothing to see Sesshoumaru dead. If they realize who you are and your connection to him they will do anything in their power to use you as leverage against us." Shippou interrupted.

Kagome stood again and walked to the window. This was all so much to take in, in such a short amount of time. If they had told her sooner she would have been more careful. She turned to look at them but they both seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.

"They would have found him eventually, you just helped them along." Onishi said.

"So…what do we do?" She asked

"For now nothing. We are waiting to gather what remains of our allies before we can truly form a plan. Sesshoumaru is safe for the time being and if you continue to work with him I believe that he will recover. He will never be who he once was but anything is acceptable compared to how he was."

Kagome nodded before she sat back down again. It was obvious that she wasn't going to get much sleep, if any at all, tonight and she decided it was best if they got everything out in the open before the morning.

The group was so focused on their discussion that they never noticed the crow that flew off Kagome's windowsill shortly after midnight.

It flew and flew until it landed on the bottom steps of a shrine. After a flare of energy a beautiful woman stood in place of the crow.

Kasumi slowly made her way up the steps of the shrine while relaying the conversation she spent over an hour listening to.

"And here I thought she was just a simple human. Perhaps I should have listened to you Kasumi." Kuragari said from the other end.

"Perhaps but now that we know, what do you intend to do about it? If the Shikon Miko joins the battle we will all be destroyed."

"See to it that she does not get involved. Do whatever it takes."

"It will be done." Kasumi replied as she silently crept up the stairs.

When she reached the top she smiled.

They were inside; she could feel them and they had no idea that she was there.