Curiosity Caught the Cat by mynightshining

Curiosity Caught the Cat

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha

Summary: Kagome's had an accident. It's up to Sesshomaru to hunt down the witch who caused it and make everything right. An Inu-spiration Halloween Bang 2021 fic!

Rating: T

Author's Notes: You can see the wonderful artwork by Goldie Fawn that accompanies this fic on A03 - https://archiveofourown.org/works/34856809 or at Goldie's tumblr - https://bit.ly/2ZMOIYo

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Curiosity Caught the Cat

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There was something strange about Rin's new cat.

When Rin stumbled upon the feeble, worn, and injured creature nearly seven days ago as they traveled to visit his mother at her annual autumn festival, Sesshomaru thought nothing of it. It was simply a cat. A black cat with striking and oddly familiar blue eyes. It meowed, it slept, it purred, it swiped its claws at Jaken – of which he approved – and it made nightly biscuits upon mokomoko like all other cats are wont to do.

Nevertheless, it refused to eat the small rodents he demanded Jaken hunt for it, because the cat simply refused to hunt for itself. Instead, it waited patiently for Rin to feed the creature her cooked leftovers.

It did not play like other cats. Dangling strings or imitating flying feathers did not engage its attention, but Rin's scrolls and artwork often did. The small creature had an odd obsession with Rin's writing utensils, batting them out of her hands and biting the handles while she wrote her lessons.

The cat, most surprisingly, adored water. Sesshomaru found this to be the strangest trait of all. Any time they came across a hot spring, the cat would run off towards the spring, jumping in of its own volition, paddling around the pools, and lounging among the heated rocks in the setting autumn sun.

During the times when Rin insisted on discussing his relationship with his mother or brother, or even his unrequited romantic affections for the miko Rin considered a surrogate mother and claimed repeatedly that the affections were returned, the cat would sit still and quiet with eyes too wise and knowing.

The thought that the cat was a demon or some other nefarious creature crossed his mind, too often to count, but all his senses including his yoki said otherwise. Whatever the cat was, it was no immediate threat to him or his daughter.

Sesshomaru was rarely perplexed. In the case of the cat, he became the most perplexed he'd ever been.

However, when his brother appeared frantic, telling him of a battle against a witch and a subsequently missing Miko, asking about her whereabouts, and if Sesshomaru could help find her – the cat caterwauling during the entire exchange — something slid into place.

Sesshomaru raised one silver brow at the cat weaving between his brother's feet as the whelp tried to shoo it away. Without preamble, Sesshomaru let loose his yoki and from the acid green cloud he emerged in his true form. He towered over his companions. Red eyes narrowed, gaze directed at the feline between his brother's feet.

Miko?

S-sesshomaru! Can you hear me?!

Hn.

Thank the gods, Kagome exclaimed, relieved. I've been trying to get your attention for days.

Apparently so... I regret not using my true form earlier.

I hate to say it, but me too.

"Oi! What the hell is going on here!" Inuyasha demanded gesturing between his brother and the feline.

Sesshomaru snarled, barring his fangs at his brother. Inuyasha reluctantly kept quiet. The inudaiyokai bent his forelegs, bringing his massive head as close to her level as possible.

Explain.

Kagome sat in front of him, tail swishing with anticipation. Though her form was only a fraction of the size of his massive form, her sapphire eyes stared him down.

When we were fighting that witch, Inuyasha and I got separated. A spell hit me and it turned me into… well, into this. My reiki hasn't worked since, no matter what I do. Kagome stepped forward, placing her tiny paw on his snout. Please, I need you to ask Inuyasha if the witch is still alive. The chances of me being human again are better if she is.

I will ask. He paused contemplating his words. If we cannot find the witch or she is dead, I will personally will find a way to remedy the situation

Thank you, Sesshomaru. Thank you so much.

Sesshomaru huffed in response, nudging her slightly, before he raised himself on four legs once again and returned to his inhuman form with little fanfare. He opened his mouth the speak, but Inuyasha cut him off.

"What the fuck was that?"

"I would ask you to watch your language in the presence of my daughter."

Chastised silver ears flattened momentarily and Inuyasha glanced at Rin.

"Keh. Sorry, runt."

"Apology accepted, Uncle!" Rin sing-songed from her place by the fire, not at all phased by the scene unfolding before her.

"It would seem, Brother, that the miko you seek is standing before you."

"What the fuck're you talkin' bout?"

A thwack echoed through the small clearing, Inuyasha cried out in pain.

"Sesshomaru-sama bid you to watch your language, whelp!" Jaken squawked.

Inuyasha cradled the top of his head, and snapped, "She doesn't care!"

"An apology without change is not an apology," Rin intoned in a perfect imitation of her father.

"Listen—"

"Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru's deep rumble left no room for argument "Look down."

Inuyasha, confused and worried this his brother might be going senile, slowly cast his golden eyes down only to come across that damn cat.

"I'm just seeing your stray."

The cat hissed at him, blue eyes sparking with a fire they knew all too well.

"Must I always explain it you?" Sesshomaru asked, face dead pan. "That cat is your miko."

Jaken gasped, eyes bulging. "Preposterious!"

"No… it can't be…" Inuyasha whispered in disbelief.

"Kagome?!" Rin squealed as she jumped up from the fire. She pointed at the cat and stared at her father with wide eyes. "That's Kagome?"

"Hn," he confirmed. "She has been bewitched."

Inuyasha crouched low extending his hand towards the feline. "Is it really you?"

The cat meowed and rubbed her head against his palm.

"Oh, shit… I'm—" He paused overcome with guilt as he gathered her up and held her close, "I'm so sorry. I-I didn't know."

Sesshomaru scrutinized the pair. Golden eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly and pointed ears twitched when Kagome began purring.

"Of course you didn't," Jaken drawled, lifting his chin. "I knew something wasn't right with that creature from the moment we found it! How dare you violate my master's trust, miko! Following the Great Lord of the West in disguise, sleeping upon his pelt!"

"Can't you shut him up?"

Before Sesshomaru had a chance to intervene, Rin was already distracting his vassal and guiding him back to the fire.

In the blissful silence that followed Inuyasha locked eyes with the feline in his arms. Silver triangle ears flattened and once proud shoulders slumped.

"What happened?"

Kagome meowed and looked to Sesshomaru.

"She requested I ask you about the fate of the witch you battled?"

"She got away. I lost her scent when I realized Kagome was missing."

"Then she is alive?"

"I didn't kill the crazy bitch, but it's been seven days since we got our asses kicked. Anything could've happened between now and then."

Sesshomaru's claws twitched and his intense gaze settled on Kagome.

"This One will hunt her down. You will be returned to your natural form or there will be blood. Inuyasha, stay with Rin"

"Hey, that's not fair! I can help. I should help!"

Sesshomaru's golden eyes cut to the sky, a thin waning crescent moon hovering on the horizon. "Your human night approaches, brother. Your presence would be better served escorting your niece to Mother's castle. With Ah-Un you would arrive in half a day's time."

"But—"

Kagome meowed, forceful, in agreement.

"We will travel faster alone," Sesshomaru removed his pelt and draped it over Rin. "Mokomoko will keep you warm enough in the skies. Listen to your Uncle."

Rin nodded and snuggled into the softness of the pelt. "Grandmother's not going to be happy you missed the festival again, Papa."

"I will face her ill-placed wrath when the time comes." Sesshomaru turned to Inuyasha.

"At first light, you will take her directly to the castle, no detours."

"Keh. You're acting like I've never watched your kid before. Who do you think protects her when you're not at the village?"

The corners of Sesshomaru's lips twitched upwards, "Kagome."

"You're an asshole."

"Fear not, Sesshomaru-sama!" Jaken squawked, shoving past Inuyasha and holding the staff of two heads aloft. "You can rest assured, Lady Rin will be safe in my presence!"

Kagome was carefully passed from Inuyasha to his brother. Her heart raced as their eyes met, a jolt of something unnamed passing between them.

The moment went unnoticed by Inuyasha as he discussed the location of the battlefield and the witch herself.

"It's a ways east of here. She looks normal, but her hair that changes from black to green in the sunlight. The scent is earthy mixed with wisteria flowers in late spring, but it fades quick. Not sure if you'd be able to smell anything there now."

"Hn," Sesshomaru acknowledged, letting Kagome climb upon his shoulder and settle herself under his silver locks for warmth. "Then we must leave now, time is of the essence."

"Bring her back in one piece," Inuyasha said, voice steely.

"I intend to."

Kagome meowed her good-byes as Rin gave her one last pet.

Then the unusual pair were off, flying through the crisp autumn night.

They weren't in the sky long when Kagome began climbing down from his shoulder and tried to burrow underneath the lapels of his hankimono to hide from the wind. The sensation of fur not his own against his skin was equally unnerving and intriguing. Petite paws pressed against his ribs, whiskers tickled the stripes on his pecs, and her tail flicked against his nose while she struggled to hide underneath the cloth.

Sesshomaru let out a chuckle at the clumsiness of it all, then a few more when Kagome froze against him, presumably shocked by his mirth.

One clawed hand pushed her tail aside, and the other brushed away the downy fur now stuck to his lips.

"Miko, if you wanted to accost This One's person, you only need ask."

Kagome relaxed then before letting lose a long, almost mournful meow that he did not need to translate.

I'm cold.

"My hankimono is yoki-infused. It will keep you warm as the night grows colder."

He tugged the layers loose enough for Kagome to completely bury herself in the silks. She gave a small high-pitched meow in thanks.

"Do not make the mistake of assuming I speak cat." Any other time the statement would have sounded dismissive, but golden eyes sparkled in the moonlight and lips curled upwards revealing a hidden dimple.

As Kagome settled over his heart, her cat-like voice made a lazy and drawn out sound, that he took to mean, You seem to be understanding me just fine.

"Hardly," he spoke softly, lips twitching in amusement. Rumbling purrs vibrated against his ribs and his breath caught.

Within the cocoon of warmth and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat Kagome didn't stand a chance. Sesshomaru listened intently over the howling winds as her breathing evened out and she dozed off.

Alone with his thoughts for the first time since his brother appeared, Sesshomaru let the weight of the situation finally sink in.

Kagome was the cat Rin rescued, and had no doubt overheard their many conversations about his attraction to her: his desire for an equal partnership, of which he could clearly see with Kagome by his side; Rin's desire to have her as a real mother and not simply a surrogate; Rin begging for siblings and Sesshomaru quietly conceding that, yes, if he were to have children of his own, Kagome would be the woman he'd want to experience that part of life with.

"I just want you to be happy, Papa. And you always seem to be happy when she's around. If you'd just talk to her about it, ask her out on a date—"

"Date?"

"Yes, a date!" the teen exclaimed exasperated, carrying the surprisingly docile black feline like a baby as she walked beside her father. "Kagome says that's how you learn who would be a good partner, by going on dates. Like courting. If you asked her, I know she'd say yes."

"When did you become omniscient?"

"I'm not all-knowing, but I do have a woman's intuition. Her smile is bigger when she sees you, she blushes a lot more, and when you leave she gets sad. She denies it, of course. You don't see her everyday like I do. The difference is like night and day. Promise you'll talk to her after we return from the festival, please?"

"I… I cannot make such promises, Rin."

"Ugh! You're both too scared of rejection and too stubborn for your own good. At this rate I'll be an old maid with grand-children of my own before the two of even say 'I think you're cute'."

Rin stormed off ahead of him, the black cat climbing over her shoulder to peak at Sesshomaru through her chestnut locks.

That had only been the second day of their travels, and Rin made it a point to discuss Kagome almost daily. She spoke of how the miko turned down her fifth proposal in as many months, because she would rather be alone than commit herself to the wrong person. How she cared for the many orphans Inuyasha found on his travels and brought to Edo, now a safe haven for human, yokai, hanyo, and even the woodland creatures who needed healing, because no creature under her protection went unattended. How Sango, Miroku, and Koga trained her to fight, and how she knocked Inuyasha on his back repeatedly while sparring a fortnight ago. How she formed a barrier strong enough to protect the entire village from a typhoon last year, and how she directed Inuyasha and Koga's pack to evacuate the surrounding villages to Edo before the storm hit. Everyone had survived because of her strength, knowledge, and compassion, and how those are the perfect traits of a Lady of the West.

Sesshomaru witnessed all those things and more. It was what drew him to her when she returned through the well four years previous. Moments of extraordinary heroism combined with her vibrant smile and kind eyes sparking with determination.

"You do not need to convince me of anything, Rin. I am well aware of her worthiness," was all he would say in response.

It was undeniable that Kagome had heard every single one of those conversations, and he wondered what she thought of him now. Regardless of their apparent mutual feelings, until this night with her tiny animalistic form tucked safely against him, Kagome had kept her distance. Instead focusing on Rin and, now he realized, trying to steal her writing implements to send them a message.

Now that the cat was out of the bag, literally and figuratively, Sesshomaru would welcome an opportunity to discuss the matter of their attraction with her once she returned to human form. He would give her space to think if she desired it. He would continue to remain respectful and distant if she did not reciprocate. Unbidden, little buds of hope began to bloom within his chest. If Kagome's feelings were mutual, as Rin was frustratingly insistent upon, then perhaps her overhearing his conversations with his daughter was the catalyst they both needed to explore something more than friendship.

The hope blossoms continued to bloom, filling his chest, climbing up his throat, threatening to choke him, but he forcefully swallowed it down.

This fiasco of transfiguration needed to be addressed and remedied before anything else could be done. Of that, he was certain. If he could not find the witch alive, they would have to find an alternate solution. He knew few practitioners with this type of skill as witch craft was less common throughout yokai than humanity. Nevertheless, he would go to the ends of the earth and back again as many times as necessary if it meant her being human once more.

Sunrise bled over the horizon when he spotted the deep trenches of Tessaiga's Kaze no Kizu. He followed the path of carnage through the trees as he lowered himself and his still sleeping companion to the ground.

He could smell it immediately, though it was ghostly faint, scents of late spring standing out against the damp of autumn. Most notable was a cloying sweetness of wisteria blossoms. Pinpricks of residual reiki and magic lingered in the air and clung to the earth around them.

Kagome stirred from her sleep. Nudging her head out and surveying the surrounding area. She looked at him, shivering not from cold.

"Both your magics have saturated this place. Do you sense hers here?"

Kagome meowed, affirmative.

With swift and steady steps Sesshomaru followed the witch's trail of scent and magic from the battlefield into the forest. Only stopping to feed Kagome fresh caught fish and quench their thirst.

Sesshomaru felt the atmosphere change, fast and heavy. A storm was brewing. A strong one. One that would undoubtedly erase the scent of the witch from their path. His speed increased, but it was of no use.

Fat, heavy raindrops plopped upon their heads before a deluge of water burst forth from the rapidly moving clouds.

Sesshomaru double backed to a rocky outcropping he had noticed earlier to wait out the storm. Autumn rain and wind chilled their bones. He placed Kagome on the dry dirt. Shivering, Kagome moved against the rock face and curled upon herself. A sudden burst or bright green light filled the minimal space as Sesshomaru morphed into his true form. He shoved himself as best he could into the small space and used his paw to reposition Kagome on top of his soft, warm fur.

The response was immediate. She pressed herself against him, searching for warmth.

Is this weird? Kagome asked through chattering fangs.

No.

It's a little weird.

It is not weird.

But we're—

Kagome, at the basest level I am an inuyokai. My instincts come from my ancestors who spent millennia in their true forms before we began passing time in our inhuman ones. Sharing personal space, sleeping like this, is completely natural for my kind. Especially for packmates.

Inuyasha's mentioned that before... Pack.

You, the monk, and slayer are part of my brother's pack. My brother is a part of mine. Therefore, you are of my pack.

Oh… okay. She paused, seeming almost disappointed. This is actually really comfy. You're just as soft as mokomoko.

Hn. He chuckled, amused, leaving Kagome once again stunned by the sound. Mokomoko is as soft as me. He corrected. It is a living extension of my pelt. What mokomoko feels, I feel.

You—what? Kagome asked, her cat-eyes going wide. Does that… Does that mean you felt when I would knead the pelt?

Hn.

I don't think I've ever been this embarrassed. Had she been human, a fierce blush would have burned her cheeks. I am so sorry!

For what reason are you apologizing?

I violated your boundaries, Sesshomaru! I kneaded your pelt – you – too many times to count, I slept on it. Drooled on it. I think I chewed on it at one point while playing with Rin! I couldn't help myself. It was so soft and smelled amazing. I—

This One smells "amazing" to you?

Uh, yeah? Kagome responded even more flustered. You smell like the woods. Like pine and moss. I hard a hard time sleeping without it. She took a long breath, trying to get ahold of her embarrassment before word-vomiting even more. Look, I really—

If I had not wanted a cat that so clearly adored my daughter to have a safe and warm place to rest, then I would have taken the pelt away. He paused. Truthfully, the kneading was… soothing.

A bolt of daring laced through Kagome, and she turned her small body toward him. She rested her tiny black paws against his massive form, their fur in stark contrast, and began to knead.

Like this?

Hn. A low rumble emerged from his chest, and Kagome giggled a cat-like trill.

You're purring.

Inu do not purr.

Keep telling yourself that. The cat rolled her eyes. Time passed in comfortable silence. Rain continued to pound against the rock above them.

The witch's scent will be lost already, he spoke after some time. Do you recall where she lived?

We never knew. Inuyasha and I were hired to fight a yokai originally. After three days of waiting, it never showed. The headman's daughter had told us about the witch. Scorned by her lover, she wanders the lands taking the souls of men who commit atrocious acts. We were about to head home when she attacked the village. There are times when I could feel her magic while traveling with you and the others, but it is always faint. Kagome paused in her kneading and met his own massive golden gaze. Sesshomaru?

Hn.

Can I ask you a question?

You already have.

She snorted as best as her feline body could. Where I'm from that's called a 'Dad Joke'

Fathers in your homeland often state the obvious in jest?

All the time. It's a time-honored tradition. Nervousness laced her scent at that moment. Speaking of dads… Should we talk about what Rin mentioned, quite a few times actually, about… about your feelings for me…?

Only if you are comfortable discussing it, Kagome. I would welcome the opportunity.

I never knew you felt that way. And while I am truly sorry for the way I found out about it, I can't say that I regret overhearing.

I wanted to respect your boundaries. Uncertainty stayed my hand.

Rin was right. I-I… think you're cute, Kagome said softly remembering Rin's exasperated exclamation from their early travels …and I am very attracted to you. I like you, a lot.

I have felt the same Kagome. For far too long. Sesshomaru pressed his nose against her tiny form, and she leaned into him.

If we… if we're able to turn me back—

We will.

If we find her, I would like to take you on a date.

Is that not what males of your species are supposed to do?

Only if the men are dragging their feet, she giggled. I want to make my intentions clear with you, Sesshomaru. I want us to develop a true partnership. I want that for our future, so I will take you on a first date. This time.

Sesshomaru's heart soared at her words. I look forward to it, Kagome.

As the duo lapsed into a comfortable shared silence, the both of them excited and nervous for what the future might hold, the rhythmic pattering of heavy rain upon the surrounding rock lulled them to sleep.

The new moon came and went. Each new day stretched ahead of them as they searched high and low for the witch.

A wisp of wisteria here.

A remnant of magic there.

All leading to dead ends.

During the days Kagome stayed tucked in his hankimono for warmth.

At night, Sesshomaru would locate a shelter and after dinner the two would converse well into the night. Discussions of the past and present filled the spaces between them. Kagome would speak of her home, the family and time she left behind. Sesshomaru shared stories of his childhood, some of them he only mentioned to Rin on the occasions she asked. As each new day ended they deliberately spoke of ideas for the future, not wanting to lose hope that there was a solution to be found.

Some nights Kagome would have burst of energy and the two would chase each other through the surrounding wilderness, much like games of tag, then they'd curl around each other letting sleep claim them.

Over time Sesshomaru learned to better interpret her cat language when in inhuman form, which became extremely helpful when asking for leads to the witch's whereabouts.

The pair crossed mountains, valleys, and forests. Flying from east to west, north to south, and back again. As the moon grew heavy and the leaves turned from the vibrant colors of early fall to dull and dark browns, they finally found what they were looking for; secluded and right where the villager had said it would be, within Sesshomaru's own lands.

Leaves scattered and cascaded over each other as Sesshomaru landed between the trees. The yoki could dissipated like mist. Kagome stole a peak from behind the warmth of his hankimono, taking in the thick, dark woods that nearly blocked the dying sunlight.

Is she here? Kagome meowed.

Sesshomaru's nose twitched as he scented the air. Tendrils of yoki snaked out in search.

"Someone with powerful magic is nearby."

Sesshomaru took measured steps, weaving through the trees. Kagome braced her paws on top of his armor and scanned the forest. A sensation tickled Sesshomaru's awareness. Simultaneously, Kagome's hackles rose, fur standing on end, claws extending to scratch along his armor. Triangle ears pressed low against her round head as her tail flicked against Sesshomaru's chest.

A low hiss escaped her, It's her.

Sesshomaru withdrew his yoki and proceeded forward, allowing Kagome to guide the way.

As the last vestiges of light slid below the horizon, they discovered a small shelter. Made from living wisteria vines woven together, branches extended skyward from the undulating trunks. Bright green spring leaves and light purple blossoms swayed in a non-existent breeze, a startling contrast to the autumn leaves carpeting the forest floor. He could make you the muffled sounds of someone shuffling around inside the ethereal hut.

One massive hand pressed Kagome to his chest before she could make a noise. Wind shot past them as he launched forward. Silver hair trailed behind. He crashed through the entrance, knocking aside the witch's apothecary table, gripping her throat, and pressing her roughly into the living wall of her home. A growl erupted from his chest, shaking the ground.

The witch's eyes grew wide in panic. Petite hands frantically clawed at his. Small, choking gasps escaped her gaping mouth.

"Who—" she managed to splutter.

"Foolish woman," Sesshomaru snarled. "Do you not know the lord of whose lands in which you reside?"

If possible, the witch's eyes grew ever wider.

"S-sessh-oh," she coughed out. "Why?"

Sesshomaru dropped his other hand from his chest, allowing Kagome to finally get a good look at the witch. She was in a simple styled yukata, but the colors morphed and embed from green to browns to blues, little painted flowers blooming then closing again, the effect hypnotic. She was young, perhaps only a few years younger than Kagome. Dark brown eyes, blown wide in terror, darted between Kagome and Sesshomaru's terrifying visage. Round cheeks flushed and lips turning purple from lack of oxygen.

"In your quest for vengeance upon the males of your species, you cast a spell upon one of my pack," he gestured to Kagome. "You will reverse it. Now."

The witch nodded repeatedly, and Sesshomaru released her. She collapsed to the mossy floor gasping for breath. Kagome jumped down from Sesshomaru's armor and moved in front of the woman.

What's her name? Kagome asked.

"My companion desires to know your name, witch."

"Moriko," she wheezed in response.

Kagome meowed long and low.

"She also wishes to know if you are capable of changing her back."

"It was an accident," Moriko's voice was rough. "I was casting anything I could get away. I-I don't know what I did—"

Sesshomaru growled, low and menacing.

"—BUT! But, there aren't many spells that would do that. I think I can figure it out."

"You think?"

Yoki pressed heavy against them, ominous and foreboding. The undulating walls of the hut shook from the intensity.

"I will figure it out," Moriko placated.

The young witch slowly made her way to her feet, and she shuffled to a water bucket. Desperately she sipped the water cupped in her hands. Kagome jumped onto the jostled apothecary table, supplies and ingredients in disarray. She carefully walked over the mess to sit next to Sesshomaru, tail swishing in anticipation. The daiyokai placed one hand on her head, slowly petting her, and Kagome's purr vibrated in the air.

Moriko eyed the two of them.

"You're lucky you found me tonight," she continued, clearing her throat. "My powers are entwined with the moon. They're stronger when she is full. We would have had to wait an entire lunar cycle if you were any later."

The witch began gathering supplies, many of which had been knocked to the floor. "You could have just knocked…" Moriko grumbled under her breath.

Sesshomaru ignored the jibe, narrowing his gilded eyes, and watched her every move as she began measuring ingredients.

A meowed broke through the silence.

"The miko wishes to know how your spell will work."

Moriko stopped short in her work.

"What did you say?"

"I am not one who repeats himself."

"S-she's a miko?"

"Hn."

The witch paled, hands shook.

"I-is she the Shikon Miko you were rumored to travel with many years ago?"

His eyes cut to ceiling before answering.

"Yes."

"…That's not good."

What the hell does that mean? Kagome snapped, blue eyes narrowed on the witch. A clawed paw swiping in Moriko's direction.

"Explain yourself, Witch."

"Energy like the jewel doesn't just disappear," Moriko spoke, her voice still hoarse. "She wished the Shikon no Tama away, but that magic, yoki, and reiki all had to go somewhere. It would've become a part of her. At least… that's what many of my coven believe." She gestured to Kagome, taking in her feline form. "The spells capable of this type of transformation would latch onto a powerful energy source and meld with it. If she were only human, only a normal miko, I could simply remove the spell. She'd return to normal."

I am human! Kagome cried, turning to look at Sesshomaru. He shifted slightly, his heavy gaze sliding from the witch to hers.

"Your scent was different when you returned from your home. It did not occur to This one that a drastic change in your energies had occurred."

But—

"With the Shikon energy," Moriko interrupted. "Or any great power with a balance between the demonic and holy, the original spell would mutate." She paused, focusing on Kagome. "I can turn you back to human-like form, but the spell would never be completely undone. You might have the continued ability to morph, possibly even keep some of the animalistic traits permanently."

I—What? Hold on. I-I need a moment to process this.

One clawed hand held Kagome's chin, guiding her panicked gaze to his.

"I understand your hesitancy, Kagome. However, half-human is better than no option at all. Is it not?"

Kagome stared at him, eyes wide and slit pupils dilated. What if this doesn't work?

"We will adapt." It was a simple statement but Sesshomaru could tell what it meant to her when the fear left her eyes replaced with a spark of determination. He looked to the witch, "Do it."

Chanting filled the hut, echoing through over every corner, nook and cranny. Moriko waved her arms and moved her fingertips in some ancient, choreographed dance over mortar and pestle, then she crushed it all into a fine power. The blend began to glow a deep, rich purple before pulsing and fading into a bright silver light. Moriko scooped the fine powder from the bowl, and sprinkled it over Kagome's form.

A blinding light burst forth, and Sesshomaru forced his eyes to remain open to witness her transformation – bone and muscles elongated, body stretching; black tufts of fur sunk into her skin; paws became hands and feet. Still on the apothecary table, Kagome's suddenly larger size knocked bottles and herbs off the edges, pottery shattering as it hit the floor.

When the light cleared she was whole again. Blinking, Kagome brought her hands up for inspection.

"It worked!" She cried not in the language of a cat, but with her own voice. Tears of relief streamed down her face.

Sesshomaru took her in, nearly human save for the tail still swaying behind her and two triangle ears twitching on the top of her head.

"Kagome," golden eyes deliberately left hers and focused on her new attributes. Confused she followed his gaze, and gasped. She grasped the tail, bringing it forward, and inspected the new appendage.

Sesshomaru seemed to snap out of his daze, the realization of her nakedness only secondary to the shock of seeing her nearly human again. He pulled the ties of his armor and let it fall to the ground. As he tugged his hankimono loose, Kagome flushed.

"What are you doing?" She squeaked, eyes darting to Moriko and back to him.

"You are without clothes, Kagome," he said simply, and she blushed more.

Gracefully, he draped the kimono over her shoulders, tugging the edges closed. Golden eyes never strayed from hers.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Hn."

He was so close to her now, and after weeks together it finally felt exhilarating to be in his presence, in a form that felt mostly familiar. Their breath mingled. Her sapphire eyes dropped to his lips. If he just leaned in a little…

The sound of a throat clearing brought them back to the moment.

"As you get used to the transformations, you could possibly control which attributes are visible at any given time when in this form."

Kagome nodded, "Thank you for changing me back, Moriko."

"I'm sorry I cursed you in the first place. It wasn't my intention." A sigh escaped her as she seemed to debate with herself, before continuing. "Look, I'm going to give you two a moment, but um… can you not have sex in my home, please?"

Kagome flushed, cheeks burning, embarrassment radiating off of her, her jaw suddenly hanging low in surprise. If looks could kill, Sesshomaru would have murdered Moriko on the spot.

"The Lord of the West would not be so disrespectful to take his intended in your hovel."

"Okay… Right. Just, you know, checking…"

Moriko slid out the broken doorway and into her garden.

"Your intended?" Kagome asked, turning back to him and studying his face. "I wasn't sure if you'd still want me like this."

Elegant clawed fingers pinched a lock of dark hair. Sesshomaru rolled it between the pads of his fingertips. Golden eyes met hers and a sly smile graced his lips.

"I think you are… cute, Kagome."

Sapphire eyes sparkled as a smile that matched his own grew. Strong hands cradled her face, fingers slipping through her hair. His thumb caressed her cheek. A low rhythmic rumble began in her chest. The corners of both their lips twitched as they made note of the sound; she could still purr.

Kagome watched entranced as Sesshomaru smiled fully then. Happiness glowing like the sun.

"I only desire you, Kagome. Whichever form you take does not change my feelings for you."

Silver hair slid over his shoulder as he leaned in slow and deliberate, giving her ample opportunity to move away. Lithe hands with petite claws grasped the lapels of the under layer he still wore, digging into the fabric, and pulled him the rest of the way to her. Their lips met and Kagome ardently returned the kiss. Her hands moved from his silks and buried in his hair, legs wrapped around his waist and his arms pressed her tight against him. The pair settled into each other's embrace like separate halves of a whole. A fire burned within them, hot and fervent.

"Sesshomaru," She panted against his lips.

"Hn?"

"Take me home."

He didn't have to be told twice. Sesshomaru swiftly gathered his armor, pulled Kagome close to him, and they shot out of the living hut, leaving the witch behind, and flying into the full moon night.