The Jewel Of My Heart

A/N: A new chapter has finally arrived. I hope that you enjoy it, and please review.

~!~

“So, tell me again why we have to go see this lord?” Yusuke said, his tone weary. His friends glanced in his direction and Hiei snapped, “We have been hired by this lord for some kind of escort mission. I think that it's a waste of our time.”

Yusuke froze in his tracks and said, “Hold on. We are not fucking escorts. What in the hell is Koenma thinking?”

Shuuichi stopped and calmly said, “Lord Koenma was approached and we were requested because of our reputation. Apparently, this lord is worried that the one we will be escorting is being targeted, and he wants us to protect them.”

Hiei glared over at the detective and motioned for Yusuke and Shuuichi not to waste any more time. In the youkai realm, it was never wise to stay in one spot for too long. Wild youkai were always looking for an easy meal, and he wasn't willing to be targeted because the detective suddenly got talkative.

Yusuke gritted his teeth and followed Hiei, with Shuuichi behind him. He was tired, mainly because Keiko had kept him up for the past two nights, crying about how he had forgotten their anniversary. Well, excuse him. He'd been too busy watching Shuuichi's life spiral out of control, and he'd simply forgotten.

He'd also been made to bunk out on the couch, but instead of leaving him alone, Keiko stood over him, wailing about how insensitive and thoughtless he was. She kept snapping at him that he could take a few lessons on how to treat a woman from Shuuichi and Youko.

He knew what her problem was. She envied the love that the spirit kitsune and human had for the young woman, and it pained her to see them putting in so much effort, while he simply didn't.

He wasn't romantic. He was loud, brash, and rude. He was everything now, that he was when they first started to go out together, and yet, she had thought that he'd change. Well, he wasn't going to change, and she'd either get used to it, or move along.

The large fort came into view and all three men readied themselves for the meeting. It could be an ambush. After all, now that Raizen was gone, it was possible that someone would want Yusuke out of the way, just to make sure he didn't issue any claims to the land.

When they finally arrived at the gate, two wolf youkai glared at them, but opened the door and motioned for the three to enter. A female wolf youkai met them and softly asked, “Will you please follow me?”

She turned and walked quickly, never looking over her shoulder to see if they were behind her. Instead, she made her way to the main room, and opened the door. Before they walked in, she quietly said, “His name is Lord Kovu. Please, be careful. He's got a quick temper and he loves to spill the blood of those he deems not worth his time.”

Hiei smirked. Good. Perhaps this mission wouldn't be so boring after all.

The three men walked forward, and stopped before the large wolf youkai, who was sitting on what looked to be a throne made from bones. The only one to bow to him was Shuuichi, which was acknowledged by the wolf leader.

For several moments, no one spoke. Finally, Yusuke broke the silence and said, “We were told that you wanted us for some escort mission. Well, what is it, and who are we escorting?”

Kovu's lips curled back in a sneer. He stood up and snapped, “You are mistaken. I don't need your help for anything.”

“So, you did not call for us, then?” Shuuichi asked, confused. He could feel Youko tensing, and wondered if the kitsune could sense something that he could not.

“No, I didn't call for you.” Kovu sneered. “I wouldn't stoop so low as to request the help of outsiders.”

Hiei's patience snapped and he stepped forward, his posture aggressive. “If you didn't call for us, then tell us who did.”

“I called for you.”

The three turned and saw an elderly wolf emerge from the shadows. They watched as Kovu moved forward and quickly went to the elder's side.

“You should not be out of bed.” Kovu admonished, his tone softer than the tone he used to speak to the three strangers. “You should not have called them. I could have handled this.”

The elder smiled and shook his head. “She would not have let you near her, Kovu.” He murmured, his tone fond. “Your aura is one of violence and would have only caused her to become upset, especially since she does not know you. When you are older, you will learn how to temper strength with tenderness. Believe me, I know.”

Kovu growled, but led the elder over to the throne and helped him to sit in the seat. When the elder was comfortable, he moved back and watched with protective eyes as the elder lifted his head to sniff the air.

“I thought that it was you.” The elder quietly said. “It's been many years, but I can still recognize your scent, Youko Kurama.”

Youko stiffened inside of Shuuichi's head, and softly said, “Let me out. I know who this is, and I have some things I want to say to him.”

Shuuichi rarely allowed Youko out. It was mainly due to the kitsune fighting him when it was time to let his human half regain control, but the kitsune's tone was rougher than he had ever heard it, and so, he didn't argue.

Before everyone's eyes, red became silver as the spirit kitsune, once more, walked the world.

Youko's fangs glinted in the weak light of the room. “You're right.” He said, nodding. “It has been many years, and I recognized your scent, as well, Kouga.”

~!~

Kagome shook her head and smiled at the sight of Shippo and Youko sitting together. Shippo was clearly engrossed in the story that Youko was telling him, and didn't even answer her when she asked him if he wanted something to eat.

The older kitsune was intent on Shippo growing to be a fine kitsune and had even made it clear to Shippo that he was to start calling him 'father'. She had watched as Shippo's eyes filled with tears right before he launched himself at the older male, hugging him. It was nice to see her beloved baby so happy.

She turned back to Sango, who had effectively knocked Miroku unconscious, again, and was currently saying, “Naraku cannot be so powerful that he can create a barrier that we can't detect.”

“Apparently, he is, or at least, has found some way of doing just that.” Kikyo said, her eyes narrowed. “However, he now believes that he cannot be touched, and we have to figure out a way to show him the error of his ways.”

Inu Yasha's eyes remained on Kagome, but then moved to watch the two kitsune interact. As a pup, he had wished for a father in his life, and all he received was harsh words and scorn from those he had called family.

His mother had tried so hard to give him a normal childhood, but in the end, her heart gave out, and left him all alone, fending for himself.

He could still hear their hurtful words. 'Half-breed.' He had always hated that word. His own brother called him that, and it hurt. Not that he'd ever tell Sesshomaru, but still, to hear one's own brother say the same thing as those humans, it was a blow to his heart.

He always wondered what his life would have been like had he and Sesshomaru's father lived. Would they be close? Would his father and big brother have watched over him after his mother had died? Would they have comforted him?

“Inu Yasha?” Kikyo asked, her eyes worried. “Are you all right?”

Golden eyes turned to the woman beside him and he nodded. “Yeah, I'm just thinking that we should get going.” He said as he stood up. “Besides, I don't want to stay in one place for too long, just in case that stinking wolf decides to make another grab for Kagome.”

At the mention of Kouga, Youko's head snapped up and growled. His eyes moved back to Shippo, when the kit patted him on his hand.

“What's wrong?” He asked, his green eyes worried. “Why are you so mad?”

“It's nothing, Shippo.” Youko said, his eyes moving over to where Kagome sat. “I thought that I caught the scent of a wild youkai, but it's nothing.”

Shippo's eyes followed his new father's, and he smiled. “Mama is so happy, now.” He murmured. “I've never seen her smile so much, but now, she smiles all of the time.”

Youko nodded. He, too, smiled more. But, it still warmed him to know that he was a reason for her smiles. He patted the kit on the head and said, “I agree with Inu Yasha. Let's get going. I want to try and make it to one of the caves I know about a few miles from here.”

Shippo nodded and jumped off of Youko's shoulder and ran to his mother's waiting arms. When he was nestled in her warm embrace, Youko moved to stand behind her and wrapped his arms around her and their son.

Kagome's eyes closed as the feeling of being truly loved hit her, and she gave a soft sigh, causing the male behind her to look down and smile.

'Finally,' He thought, his eyes closing, 'This is how my life was meant to be. I was meant to love Kagome.'

~!~

“This is not the way my life was meant to be.” Kouga sighed, his claw reaching up to run through his long, loose hair. “At least, that is what I thought at the time when I finally acknowledged that Kagome would never be my mate.”

He watched as Youko crossed his arms across his chest and then gave a soft laugh. “When I took Kagome away from your group, I had planned to try and talk some sense into her, to make her see that I was the best choice for her.” He explained, and then chuckled when Youko growled. “However, I didn't expect for her to pull my tail, nor did I know what to do when that 'thing' took over her body and set me up to look as though I injured her. I assure you, I meant her no harm, and only wished to speak with her alone.”

“That 'thing' that took over her body was, in fact, my partner.” Youko said, his golden eyes narrowing in a silent challenge. “Had he been in his real body, he would have ripped you to shreds before spitting on your remains. Be thankful that he was the one who stopped you from going any further, because I would have not been so kind as Kuronue had been.”

Kouga's head bent for a moment, but then he nodded. “Kuronue. Yes, I remember Sesshomaru of the West telling me about him a few years ago.” He murmured. He looked up and Youko could see the amusement in his eyes. “It would seem that Kagome simply had a talent for meeting up with all kinds of males with great power. But, I do want you to know, despite all that I have done and said, I honestly did and still do, love her. I always will, but I know that I could never be to her, what you are to her.”

“Why did you call for us, Kouga?” Youko gritted out, his fists clenched. He didn't want to be around the wolf, nor did he want to hear that the wolf still loved his Kagome. “I doubt that you wanted to reminisce over past memories with us.”

The wolf stood up and walked towards him, but stopped when Youko growled. Kovu, his eldest son, snarled and attempted to move around his father to confront the kitsune, but Kouga stopped him.

Slowly, Kouga made his way to stand in front of the kitsune and when he stopped Youko's eyes took in Kouga's form, which had been hidden by shadows.

The wolf's body was horribly burned, and his left claw mangled. The once black hair was heavily streaked with silver, and he walked with a noticeable limp.

Kouga watched as the golden eyes took in his form and he nodded. “You see, I have been paid back in full for any transgression that I have made. What you see now is what happens when a wolf makes one too many mistakes in the heat of battle, and pays for it.” He softly said. “But, you are not here to listen to an old wolf moan over his injuries. Time has a way of showing us just how stupid we are as pups. As I said, I still love Kagome, but it is not as a lover. I love Kagome because despite all of my mistakes with her, she was still my friend, and showed me and my tribe that we could survive without killing humans. It was also because of Kagome that I finally opened my eyes to my beautiful Ayame, and spent the most wonderful years of my life with her.”

Stepping back, Youko motioned to the still growing wolf behind Kouga and asked, “Is he one of the pups that you sired with Ayame?”

Kouga glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “Kovu,” He said, “Is what I would have become had I not met Kagome, not that it would have been a bad thing. I was at the beginning of my rise to power within the tribes, but Kagome's influence changed the course of how I ran my tribe. I was kinder, and handled things much more differently than most wolf leaders. Kovu is the eldest of my pups, and is the prime example of what a true leader should be. Though he seems violent, he tempers his decisions with mercy, and honor. He has not had the chance to interact with humans, so he doesn't have to worry about how to handle them.”

“So, why not send him to escort this person?” Yusuke demanded, his eyes darting from the elderly wolf, to the younger wolf.

Kovu snorted. Stepping forward, he snapped, “Didn't you hear him, fool? He said that I don't have any experience with humans, especially human mikos. Besides, I'm not too keen on being purified if I accidentally frighten her. From what I have heard, Kagome's powers are activated when she is scared, or very angry, and I'm not exactly what one would consider the nicest wolf, around.”

Youko's eyes widened and he snapped, “You know, don't you?”

“I know that when Inu Yasha's, damn mutt, group fought Naraku, that Kagome was injured pretty badly.” Kouga said, his eyes turning towards the windows as his memories began to surface. “I didn't know where you were, but I found her by the well, sobbing and bleeding. I tried to get to her come with me to my den, but she refused. She told me everything. About the well, about herself, and about how she just wasn't good enough to be your mate. She begged me to help her go home, and despite my misgivings, I placed her on the edge of the well, gave her a gentle push, and....”

Kouga's voice broke as a sob broke from his throat. Youko was stunned, as was Shuuichi. Kagome thought that she wasn't good enough to be Youko's mate? He watched as the younger wolf wrapped his arms around his father's shoulders, and softly said, “Father, you don't have to do this.”

Kouga composed himself, and patted his son's arms with his good hand. He took in a deep breath, before turning his blue eyes to Youko.

“I gave her a gentle push, and watched as she disappeared into blue light and out of all of our lives.” He finished, his tears running down his face. “A part of me died that day.”

Two younger female wolves moved forward, but Kovu held up his hand, stopping them in their tracks. Kouga smiled and asked, “Want to know the worst thing about all of this?”

Youko inclined his head, and felt his heart lurch when Kouga softly said, “Her last words were of her love for you. She said that you loved her, but in the end, she just couldn't summon the power that would have stopped Naraku from reaching you. She looked so defeated, and lost, and all I could do was stand there, and watch her cry. Do you know what it feels like to be powerless? I do. I felt powerless that day when I put her in the well.”

Hiei stood silently, watching. He had used the jagen to probe into the wolf's mind, and watched as the events Kouga spoke about played out. He could hear the young miko's sobs, and he could feel the wolf's anguish at letting her go. Hell, he could feel the elder wolf's pain as he recounted the memory.

The wolf had honestly loved her, and had been the one to let her go, in more ways than one. It had been a double stab to his heart, to know that the woman he loved would never love him, and to watch her walk away, torn and injured, and in despair.

Kouga took in several deep breaths and then said, “Sesshomaru told me that it was possible that Kagome would be returned to her own time, and if I did my calculations correctly, she will return in two days. If I am correct, then we can make sure that nothing harms her again.”

“What are you asking, Kouga?” Youko asked, his tone hard.

“If you are not going to be with Kagome, then bring her to me, and we will watch over her and care for her.” Kouga stated, his own tone hard. “I don't know what happened during the battle with Naraku, but I remember how she looked, and I remember her words as if they had only been spoken days ago. If you are not capable of protecting her, then I will place her within this pack, and we will take care of her.”

Hiei stepped forward and snapped, “If I remember correctly, you are already mated. Won't your mate be angry if you bring her rival here, underneath her roof.”

Kovu stepped in front of Hiei. “My mother passed on several years back, during childbirth.” He gritted out. “My mother thought a lot of Kagome. Kagome never led my father on, and my mother knew that, and respected her for it. But, for your information, wolves do mate for life, and no, it would not be my father who would be responsible for her.”

Youko narrowed his eyes as he looked from father to son. He had once heard something about wolf tribes and their dynamics, and he tried to remember a certain fact that had caught his attention.

Kouga motioned for his son to step back and looked at Youko, once again. “I'm sure that you are familiar with wolf traditions, seeing as how you are a master thief. You would have had to familiarize yourself, just in case of capture during one of your raids, so that you could argue your case effectively at a trial. I would never mate Kagome. I mated Ayame, and no other woman will ever take her place as my alpha female. If Kagome comes to us, she will be under the protection of the leader of the pack, which is Kovu.” He explained, as he motioned towards his son.

“I thought you said that she would be frightened of him.” Yusuke said, confused. He watched as the younger wolf glared over at him.

“She doesn't know me, you ass.” Kovu snapped. “Of course she would be scared of me. However, towards women, I am kinder and I take great care with my tone and words. She would have no reason to fear me, or anyone I control, once she gets to know us. The fact that she knows my father, along with Ginta and Hakkaku, will aid in her becoming comfortable with her surroundings.”

“Do you intent to take her from me, Kouga?” Youko asked, his voice soft, though threatening. The older wolf's eyes brightened for a moment, as the old Kouga attempted to rise to rise to the surface, but then he sighed, and shook his head.

“Not if you truly love her.” Kouga said. “If you cannot take care of her, or if you think that your counterpart will not be able accept her, then do what is best for her, and bring her here, where she will be loved.”

“Sesshomaru might not allow that.” Youko said, his posture relaxing a bit, knowing that his old friend would watch his back. “After all, Kagome was a part of Inu Yasha's pack, meaning that if he died, then Kagome and her living friends would fall under his protection.”

Kouga smiled. “Sesshomaru has no say in this.” He said, and allowed himself to be led back over to the throne. “He knows that even though you rejected my claim, it was not in front of the other nobles. For all they know, my claim is still in tact. I never told them that you had vetoed it.”

Yusuke was lost. So, the wolf had been mated, but his mate was dead, and even though he was mated, he still had a claim on another woman. It was official. He was confused.

“Why?” Hiei demanded, angrily. “Why keep a claim on a woman you know doesn't want you?”

Kovu sighed. “Don't go around in royal circles, do you?” He said, wearily. “My father and mother agreed that by keeping the claim in place, no other youkai would go after Kagome, especially if Youko Kurama had died or decided to leave her. Even though he was mated, my father could have given Kagome's hand to a packmate, who would have cared for her just as much as my father would have. The nobles would not have questioned it, mainly because my mother supported it.”

“Sesshomaru could have fought it.” Youko said, his golden eyes narrowing.

Kouga nodded. “He could have, if he were Kagome's pack leader. But, he was not.”

“Wait,” Hiei snapped, “You just said that the miko would have been underneath his protection of Inu Yasha had died. Besides, he gave Kagome's protection over to Youko.”

“Yes, but all of us know that Inu Yasha could have revoked Youko's status as Kagome's guardian, any time he wanted.” Kouga replied, smiling. “He simply didn't want to see Kagome alone, anymore. Despite his actions and his words, he does love her, just as I do. He wanted and still wants the best for her and the best, at the time, was Youko.”

Yusuke frowned. “Hey,” He said, drawing all eyes towards him. “That is the second time you've spoken about this Inu Yasha as though he were alive. What gives?”

“I never said that mutt-face died in the battle with Naraku.” Kouga replied, smugly, and sat back at his guests stared back at him, in shock.

“What do you mean? Inu Yasha should be dead, even if he had survived the battle. Hanyou simply don't have the years of life that youkai do.” Youko murmured, his mind whirling with Kouga's words.

“Perhaps, but Inu Yasha is no longer hanyou.” Kovu replied, his amusement clear on his face. “Before she released the small part of Kagome's soul to it's rightful owner, Kikyo purified the jewel, and wished for Inu Yasha to have the happiness that had been lost to him, and allowed her body to crumble to dust as Kagome's soul returned to her body. He became a youkai, and now lives in the west, along with his brother, as the prince of the western lands. But, I still think that he's a damn mutt, who has no manners, or class.”

“So, you see, not everything is as cut and dried, as it seemed.” Kouga said. “Now, kitsune, do you and your counterpart intent to watch over Kagome, or are you willing to place her into the care of my son and our pack?”

Youko's head snapped up, and though it was his mouth, Shuuichi's voice said, “I will never let Kagome go. She is ours.”

~!~

“Your tea, sir.” The young woman said, giving the man a large smile. When he nodded, she quickly placed his cup down and moved away, though she could not help but look over her shoulder at the handsome man.

He lifted the cup to his lips, and allowed the hot liquid to enter his mouth. Closing his eyes, he savored the taste, and placed the cup back in the saucer.

Sitting back, he looked down at his notes and lifted his eyebrow. If his dates were correct, in two days he would have the miko in his grasp, and then he would make her and those who destroyed his dream pay.

Of course, Kikyo was no longer around, but he would make sure to have Kagome tell her hello, when he sent her soul to the afterlife.

However, he still had to deal with the fact that he was no longer hanyou. Being reincarnated meant that he had to deal with the foolishness that was associated with being human, and though it served him well in business, he had learned that he still had his passionate dislike of humans.

When he regained the jewel, he would become a full youkai, thus thrusting himself to the position of power that he had nearly gained when he had been Naraku. But, all he had to do was wait.

Fate had given him a chance to make things right, and this time, there was noone, not a meddling half-breed mutt, slayer, monk, or kitsune, to stop him.

The young woman returned and politely asked, “Would you like anything else?”

He shook his head, and smiled up at her. “No, I have everything that I need.”

She gave him a bright smile and placed his bill upon the table. He stood up and pulled out his wallet, and placed a few bills onto the table.

Grasping his briefcase, he left the restaurant, and nodded to his driver as he climbed into his car.

“Where would you like to go, sir?” The young man asked, without turning around.

He smiled. “You know, I've heard of this delightful, little shrine called, The Sunset Shrine. Let's drive by there. I'm interested to see if it is as nice as I have heard.” He said.

The younger man nodded and started up the car. Dark eyes turned and stared out the window.

'Soon, Kagome.' He thought. 'I'll pay you and those you love back for all of the hell you've given to me.'