Kagome, didn't even realize she had told Sesshoumaru she needed someone like him. In her total oblivion, she missed the slightest amount of emotion featured on his face.

"Kagome, what do you know about demon courting rituals?"

She finally turned to look at him and gave a shrug.

"Well, I know that for the wolves…or at least Kouga…you just pop up and claim someone as yours and don't take the female into consideration. I really don't have much experience dating period, Sesshoumaru. What I know of, comes from others' gossip. I know what is expected in my era, of humans, but I don't even really know of what dating for humans in this era is like."

"Hn. Perhaps, I should inform you first of what a mating entails. It is much more than simple ceremony that the humans perform. Every species has some slight alterations for their personal preferences, however it is moderately the same. Except, perhaps, your overly amorous suitor in the wolf. As you said, his claims are invalid. Not only because you denied his suit, but his clan will not allow him to take a concubine. I hardly see you agreeing with the keeping of a harem in any form as it is."

"Definitely not. Especially if this person is my soul mate. I refuse to spend my life competing for the attention of my mate with other females."

"You have too much backbone for most lords of this era, and perhaps your own as well. Finding a mate who can complement you will be difficult, but you are most deserving."

Kagome sighed as she readjusted her seating in the hot springs.

"I'm just going to clone you."

Sesshoumaru stared at her blankly.

"Kagome, do not make me question your intellect."

She grinned at him.

He chose at that moment to continue with his explanation on demon courting rituals, after giving her another dry stare.

"There are several stages in the demon courtships that are born from affections. First is a simple battle. The male must be able to nullify his chosen female. If he cannot dominate her, he must back off. If he wins the battle with this chosen female, his next step is to begin the claiming. Claiming is done in several fashions and each form has a different meaning. Scent marking is the first. You bear my scent and that reveals you as part of my pack and with how closely our scents intertwine, it suggests at a closeness between us. As you are my alpha female, it is expected. If our scents were to meld more closely than the platonic mixture, it would be my claiming you for courting. It allows other males to know that you have chosen a prospective suitor and have shown him favor. Females are highly valued in the inu clans. We treat our females as a dragon would his gold. We are protective and keep others away from what is deemed ours. We have strict laws regarding females of our packs as well. Abuse, rape or anything of the sort is punishable by torture and eventual death. Female pack members are uncommon. Not quite rare, but not very common either. Unless a female puts herself in a man's position, a female is to never be harmed,"

Kagome hummed in response. Her lesson in demon matings was also informing her more on Sesshoumaru himself as well. She almost sighed wistfully.

Maybe, I can find someone like him. He really is the best friend and will make some lucky female a wonderful mate. I have to admit, I would be pretty jealous of the lucky demoness.

"Thirdly," he continued, "the male must act as the female's sole provider for a determined amount of time. During said time, he must prove to her and her clan that he is worthy of her affections. While demons do not fall in love as humans do, we carry affections for those deemed worthy of such. The female, however, must take care of the male's household chores. It is befitting that she is tested, as is he, to be well suited for each other. If during this time, the male cannot provide for her or she unable to handle the task of his household, the claim is absolved. After this period, the male must face any other potential suitors his female may have. If he is defeated, the female will allow the victor to court her."

Kagome nodded, showing she was paying attention.

"Assuming the victor was the original suitor, he may begin the second phase of claiming. He will mark her as his and continue with providing for her care. During this time, they will live together and attempt at a harmonious household. If during this time period, they can balance the other, then mating announcements will be made. Once everyone is convened for the mating ceremony, they will hold a legally binding ceremony performed by their religious preference or by an elder of the clan. More often than not, it is an elder who performs the ceremony. During this part, guests will arrive and give their blessings to the pair. They will begin their vows, and begin the aura exchange. They will blend their auras and then break for celebration of the union. After the celebration, they consummate their mating and finish blending their auras and bestow their mating marks. It ties our very essence together and allows us more intimate knowledge of our mate. Depending on the strength of the bond, the very basic is the ability to feel our mate's emotions. "

"You can feel each other's emotions?"

"At the very basic level of the mating bond. Stronger bonds between mates creates different affects. Some can communicate through their bonds. The strongest of bonds allows mates to use another's abilities."

"Wow! That's so intense. Wouldn't it feel like an invasion of privacy? Having someone else in your mind like that, seems like it would be overbearing. Especially for someone like you, Sesshoumaru. As much as you enjoy your privacy, would you want someone invading your mind like that?"

"A mating from affections is a partnership. Your mate is to be your ally in all fronts. While it would take getting used to, it only signifies strength between mates."

"That makes sense. So I'm guessing there is more than one type of mating?"

"Hn. There is also alliance matings. It is more common among the upper class and courts. The process is much shorter. The scent mark is placed upon the female, and the ceremony date set. During that time, the alliance papers are drawn up and a list of expectations between the clans are set and pair will get to know each other. Sometimes, alliance bonds turn into the strength of affection bonds, and creates a stronger alliance. Other times, the alliance matings are simply in name only. Both parties seek attentions from others. Whether the male has a harem or the female takes a lover."

"Doesn't sound like an agreeable arrangement." Kagome snorted. The idea of that just sounds terrible all the way around.

"Indeed. However, you will not have that problem. We must find your soul mate to unlock the rest of your powers."

"Why can't the deities leave me alone?" She groaned again.

"They didn't give you a time frame. Perhaps that is what will be your biggest ally in this matter. You must simply find your soul mate."

"True, but they did give me a sense of urgency to find him."

Kagome sighed again, and stood up, getting ready to leave the hot springs. Sesshoumaru adjusted his line of sight for her temporarily forgotten modesty. So lost in thought, Kagome didn't realize she had just showed Sesshoumaru her nude form.

It did not escape his notice, however.

Her body is pleasing. She will be a beautiful bed partner.

She must find her soul mate. We are not destined for her.

Remember our own prophecy. Mother has yet to tell a false prophecy.

Hn. This is all irrelevant.

The tension was high when the two alphas returned to camp. The heavy silence hung over them in an eerie fashion.

"How are you guys feeling?" Kagome asked, concerned about her friends.

"Thanks to your powers being unleashed and Sesshoumaru's sword, we are physically healed. However, I think today will be a day that will be most traumatic for the children." Miroku responded quietly.

Glancing over to the children, she smiled sadly.

"I wish they didn't have to experience things like this. No child should have to see the things they have."

The two were curled together, with the battle form of the fire-cat and two headed dragon surrounding them with a circle of protection.

"I gave them a tea to help them sleep. They won't dream tonight." Sango told the two alphas.

Both nodded, agreeing that was probably for the best. The children didn't need to have nightmares tonight.

''Early in the morning, we are leaving for Sesshoumaru's fortress. I think it will be the best place for us to regroup. We can stay in the village while he does what he needs to at his palace." Kagome told the group. As they started to agree, Sesshoumaru's voice called out.

"Unacceptable. This one's pack shall remain at his home. The pack is stronger together than separated."

"Is that a good idea? A priestess, a monk and a demon slayer residing in a demon lord's palace?" Kagome asked him.

"None there shall question their lord." He replied in his cold voice.

"Okay. I guess we shall be staying at the palace as well."

"It will be nice to sleep in a real bed for once." Sango replied, while thanking the demon for his hospitality.

"I would love to view your libraries, with your permission of course," Miroku asked of the demon lord.

"This one has made arrangements for your duration. The kitsune will have the room next to Rin's. However, he shall remain in the care of one of the kitsune at the palace. Someone who can mentor him in his powers. The slayer will be welcomed among the armory if she so wishes, and the monk will be welcomed in the scholar's quarters. The rooms that shall be given to you will be located in the guest hall of the family wing. The priestess will reside in the alpha female's quarters."

Sango and Miroku were speechless. Not only had he given them rooms and a usefulness, he had spoken more in that sentence than either were sure he had ever said around them.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, your kindness knows no bounds." Miroku bowed his head in thanks.

"Th-thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru." Sango breathed. She was grateful that he would take her skills and upraising seriously.

"I think we have all had a long day. Perhaps it's time to hit the hay." Kagome said, smiling largely at her group. Despite the tragedy that has occurred, they were able to rally together, like a family. Like pack.

InuYasha was aware when his body had turned to stone.

Stupid! How could I fallen for that trap? I should have realized...I should have taken Kagome's warnings to heart. I know she was only trying to look out for me. I don't know what happened with Kikyo though...She used to never be like this.

She is no longer the woman you knew. She may be reanimated and her soul somewhat revived, but she is not the same.

A large voice boomed through his subconscious.

The hanyou opened his mouth to speak, but found himself unable.

Just who the hell is this guy?

I suppose it is of no fault to you that you do not recognize the voice of the one who sired you.

Am I...did I die when Kagome turned me to stone? Just where the hell am I and how the hell are you here?

I know you have many questions my son, and most will be answered in time. We are in your mind. Inside the mind is a plane where even the deceased may join the living, if only briefly. I have been given the chance to help you by the Kamis.

As his voice faded

He watched in morbid curiosity. Almost like he was seeing one of Souta's horror movies. In front of him, Sango was attempting to fight off something.

She brought her katana across his chest, making him realize that it was himself, InuYasha, protector of the group, that she was attempting to ward off.

Watching these memories, he screamed. He screamed for Sango to leave, to run. He screamed as she fell lifeless in front of him. He screamed for Miroku to run. He watched as Kagome's powers took over her and turned him to stone.

Alone inside his mind, he let loose the tears he was attempting to hold back.

He murdered his friend and pack sister. He was going to do the same to the male who became like a brother to him.

He felt the hurt tear through him.

After his momentary breakdown, he stood up and surveyed his prison.

Inside my head, huh?

Yes. Here, inside the mind, all things are infinite and possible.

Is it possible to turn back time and fix my mistakes?

That, I'm afraid is not plausible. Even though we are able to communicate with those on a different astral plane, we cannot change time from this state.

I figured. Keh. I made a fool of myself and killed my friends.

Indeed. But there is hope for redemption. You must fight the darkness within you. It is not a natural element in your soul. You can destroy it. You can break free of your prison.

I don't deserve to. I deserve this. I deserve to be imprisoned for what I did.

Your friends know what happened is not your fault. Your actions, while consequences of your decisions, were not your own. They knew when you attacked that you were being controlled.

That doesn't matter!

The hanyou's inner voice rang out inside his mind.

I deserve this punishment. I deserve to be locked in here forever. I hurt the only ones who truly cared about me because I couldn't let go of a past that had long left me.

That, my son is where you are wrong. We don't get to choose what we deserve. If Kagome didn't think you deserved forgiveness, do you think she would have done more than seal you away? Conscious and able to fight this. Able to fight for your freedom. You need to stop your useless self pity and earn your forgiveness. Kagome gave you a chance to right the wrong you have committed. Show her you will do what is right.

The hanyou stayed silent. Thinking on the great demon's words. For the first time in his life, he was able to seek out advice from his father. His father...

How do I defeat this thing living off my soul?

The group had settled in for a night of restless sleep.

Kagome had sat up with Sesshoumaru, discussing their travel plans for the coming morning.

As they spoke, the day took its toll on the miko. As her eyes became heavier, the demon lord bade her to rest her head in his lap. He petted her hair softly as she drifted off to sleep.

This Sesshoumaru is going soft. He mentally complained, while still running his claws through her silken tresses. He stared into the fire, as if it would hold the answers to his subconscious questions.

In all honesty, there was no one who was worthy of his miko.

In his mind, he had listed and crossed out every single male he knew. Unless there was someone else the Kami would be sending their way, there was just no one who could fill the position of mate to Kagome.

We could always take her as ours. She holds attraction for us. She has even stated that she wants a male who is just like us. Who would be better than the original? Make the miko ours. Court her. Show her we care.

Even if I wanted to court the miko, we cannot. We are not her destiny.

Don't forget mother's prophesy. She has never been wrong.

Her prophesy does not pertain to Kagome, InuYasha and myself. Even she did not believe that it would be us.

Mother may have never told a false prophesy, but even she may not understand the full impact of her words.

Sesshoumaru shook his head of his thoughts.

Kagome would have to find her soul mate... What he wanted would be damned.

That morning, Miroku brought up the idea of moving InuYasha to the castle with them. Obviously that would be a task. The hanyou was heavy unconscious, but carrying him while he is stone? That seemed near impossible. Kagome let them know that InuYasha would be safe in his imprisonment. None would be able to break the marble. Not with the enchantments over him.

He would be able to join them as soon as he beat what was possessing his aura and taking over his mind. That was the condition of his prison.

Miroku nodded his understanding.

"I wonder where Kikyo has disappeared to." Miroku mumbled his thoughts aloud.

"Probably back to Naraku." Sango gritted her teeth.

Sango, lost in her own musings, didn't hear what was said next. In her mind, she as replaying her friend killing her. The onyx eyes, showing only death. Every bit of her friend had been lost to the darkness. As much as she worried about InuYasha, she couldn't help but also be slightly afraid of him. Sesshoumaru's voice cut through her inner wonderings.

"Hn. We shall leave after breakfast. We have much to do." away, InuYasha was hit with the memory of what caused Kagome to imprison him the way she had.