Her Destiny

Chapter 17

Kagome ran to her room and quickly entered, shutting the door behind her. As she was crying on the futon she pondered her reason. She didn’t understand why she was feeling this way, so why was she so upset at him for going into a place like that?

‘Could I have feelings for Sesshoumaru? Is that why I’m feeling this way?’ Kagome analyzed herself, then she started to remember all her time with Sesshoumaru and his inner beast. She discovered herself wanting more.

‘Is this…is this is what love is? Kami, I wish I knew. I have never been in love with anyone before.’ She sat on her futon as she continued to allow her feelings for Sesshoumaru to reveal itself.

---oOo---

Happy with her mate’s generosity by allowing Kagome to visit the village and its festival, Ayashiko was making her way outside to see how Kagome liked her little time away from the castle. A brief memory of when Kagome’s aura flared with joy and how it affected everyone was a far cry from her pervious sadness. While making her approach, Ayashiko could smell the tears and wondered what happened to make her cry.

She observed her mate going after Kagome as he rushed upstairs. She turned when she saw Sango’s worried, sad, expression marring her features. “Sango, why is Kagome crying?”

Sango turned to Ayashiko; she sighed and explained what happened in the village. ‘My Musume must have seen my son going into that place and thought the worst.’ Ayashiko mentally added. But she knew the reason why her son was there.

Sesshoumaru came to his mother inquiring where he might acquire a necklace for her Musume. Ayashiko had sent him to the demoness that creates her jewelry. Unfortunately for him, she lived in the whorehouse in the village. So Ayashiko was partly at fault for Kagome’s present upset with her son.

“Sango I want you to come with me.”

Sango followed the lady of the castle as they went into the study. Ayashiko was searching the shelves for a particular book. When she found it, she had a smile on her face as she turned and walked back to Sango. She held up the book, “Do you still have the books that Kagome bought today?”

“Yes milady, I have them; they are here in these bags.” Sango said, as she pulled the saddlebags from her shoulder and put them on the floor.

Ayashiko undid one of the straps and then stuck the book inside with the rest that were in there. Sango was curious about what she was doing, with caution she asked, “Milady, what is that book that you put in the bag?”

Ayashiko stood up as she looked at Sango, “I think it’s about time that Kagome learns about the Inu Youkai traditions. My mate has not informed her on what she needs to know. So in this way, she will find out without me telling her. The book will teach her our traditions and the meaning behind our actions. It will also help her with the mating ritual and what is expected of her during this time. The male that dominates her will have his feral side take over once she submits. Kagome has to deal with that side, and she will have to know what his actions mean. I don’t want her getting hurt because she doesn’t understand our customs and traditions.”

Sango smiled at Ayashiko’s openness; it is not customary to talk to the servant about personal manner, especially to a ningen. “Sango, I want you to talk to Kagome. Make her understand that how it’s possible she’d misunderstood my son’s visit to that establishment. To rut in a place for the commoners means he would bring dishonor to his family.”

Sango bowed deeply to Ayashiko, “I will try my best milady, but you know how stubborn Kagome can be. She might not want to talk to me at the moment. Though, I will try.”

Sango turned and left the Lady of the castle; she walked out of the study and went to see her friend. Kagome purchased a lot of books, and they were noticeably heavy as Sango carried them upstairs. She will have to remind Kagome not to buy so many on her next shopping spree.

She finally made it to Kagome’s room, and she knocked on the door. She patiently waited for Kagome to let her in. But when she didn’t hear anyone moving inside the room, she gently called, “Kagome, it’s me, Sango. I have the books that you purchased at the festival.”

All she wanted was to be left alone with her thoughts. When she heard that Sango had her books, she sighed as she went to the door and unlocked it.

Sango looked at Kagome and noticed that she had been crying. She went inside the room and placed the bags on the futon and then turned her attention to her friend. Kagome wouldn’t look at her as she asked, “Kagome what’s wrong? Will you tell me what you saw at the village that has you so upset?”

Kagome closed the door and walked back to her futon where she sat down. She never looked at Sango as she said in a broken voice, “I saw Sesshoumaru going into that whorehouse in the village. It upset me because it confused me. He made his intentions known, yet he hates humans. Does he only care about mating me because I will give him strong pups?”

Sango sat down and faced her friend. She hoped that she could make Kagome understand a little about the Inu Youkai way, “Kagome just because you saw him going into a place like that does not mean he’s doing what you think he’s doing. I was under the impression that Inu Youkais mate for life, so it doesn’t make too much sense.

“Granted there are plenty of youkais out there who have a different value system, but Sesshoumaru is of noble birth and for him to do that will bring dishonor to his family. Wouldn’t it? I mean wouldn’t he have a concubine? As a matter of fact, didn’t he turn down those three servants that confronted us in the castle?

“Youkai nobles have a more difficult time in choosing a mate. Isn’t that the whole reason behind the presentation and the fighting for a worthy female? This is the Inu Youkai way. They’re rules that he must live by.”

Sango watched Kagome the whole time she was talking. She saw her friend deep in thought as she was beginning to understand. Kagome seemed to relax a little on the outside; even though, she was still upset about what she believed Sesshoumaru was doing in that whorehouse.

Sango continued to observe Kagome as her emotions showed on her features clearly. She was wondering if Kagome has any feelings for Sesshoumaru. Her curiosity being sparked, she couldn’t resist, “Kagome, do you have feelings for Sesshoumaru? Do you think that you might be in love with him?”

Kagome was shocked to hear Sango’s question. She has been pondering this same thing ever since she came back from the village. “I don’t know Sango. I have never been in love with anyone before. I know it made me angry to think that he was in a whorehouse, like I have been betrayed. He’d made a comment about me being his intended, but soon afterward, I overheard his comments about not liking me. I only know that I really like to be with him. I feel safe around him. Plus, he makes me feel strange on the inside. It’s hard to explain what this feeling is.”

Sango smiled at her friend. She knew what feeling Sesshoumaru was inspiring within Kagome. “From what you have just told me Kagome, you are in love with Sesshoumaru. What you felt this afternoon was jealousy and betrayal that he would go to a place like that to find relief. You may not know what love is but your heart does and it’s telling you that you love him.

“Let me ask you this Kagome. Do you feel joy when you see him? Do you yearn to be with him? Does seeing him make your heart race with excitement that you think that you are going to faint? Do you wonder what it would be like to be held in his arms or how warm his lips are? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are in love with him.

“You might not be so certain, but all you have to do is listen to your heart and follow it.”

Once Sango was done, she got up to go back to her room, “I’m going to rest for a while before dinner. I suggest that you do the same. You look tired.”

Kagome nodded her agreement to Sango’s suggestion as she saw her best friend leave. But before Sango left her room Kagome turned to her, “Thank you Sango for explaining things to me; I appreciate it.”

Sango smiled as she left her room to go to her own. Her mission was complete, and she now knew that Kagome had a little bit more clarity about the situation.

Once Kagome was alone, she pondered what Sango said to her. She did feel all those things she asked. Her feelings were coming through, but there was a problem. It was a one sided love, and she didn’t know where he really stood. She wished that she knew for sure, but she guessed she would have to wait until the presentation to see if he really has any interest in her.

She then turned her attention to the bags on her futon. She reached over and pulled the bags over to where she was sitting. She opened the bags and reached in as she pulled all of the books out. She was looking at the titles she had picked and put them in the order that she wanted to read them. This one book caught her eye as she read the title, “Inu Youkai Customs and Traditions.”

‘I don’t remember picking this book. Where did it come from?’ Kagome thought as she looked at the book. She read this book at normal speed. She came across the chapter about Inu Youkai and their mating rituals.

Inu Youkais mating ceremony begins with a presentation among fellow noble clans. The governing lords must approve the said female from her display of her intelligence and power before she is eligible for presentation to mate with males of noble birth. The available female is usually from an aristocratic lineage; however, the acceptance of a non-noble lady is favorable with the outwardly declaration of the noble clan members.

Both must be of noble birth or established as a member of a noble family by any side of the clan leader. The female is subjective to a presentation to the male who is seeking a mate. The purpose: the male seeks a strong female to gain strong pups. This union and their pups may produce a fine leader to take over the duties of their predecessors. If more than one male is interested in the female, then a tournament will be held for all eligible suitors. They will all fight until there is only one left as the victor. Then that male may dominate the female in order to mate with her.

The males and females are very selective about their options of mates, as both potentially will not settle for the weaker partner.

After the presentation and acceptance of the female, the available males will make their suits be known to the potential mate. They will introduce themselves to the female and try to win her over by their posturing. This gives the female insight on how she can be protected by the candidates. The female has every right to reject the male(s) if she does not see him or them worthy of her attention or protection.”

The female in turn will battle the remaining male to show him that he is getting a strong female in return. If the male cannot defeat the female, then the male will leave the female alone and seek another.

Once the female submits to the male, he will mark her on her left shoulder to show that she has been claimed. This mark will keep away any potential suitors or other males that might desire the female.

During this time, the male becomes very possessive, affectionate and protective of his chosen female. He will normally take the female away to a private location to restrict the female for the purpose of their unity.

“The males, during this time, may have their inner inu take over, as they are the most feral part of a youkai. The female must learn to deal with both halves of the youkai if a true bond is to be developed between the two. Her objective is to unify their unity by calming his most aggressive side in order to have some freedom.

If for some reason she is unable to calm the youkai that lives within her chosen mate, she will have an overprotective male following her around until she is able to win over the inner beast.

It is not uncommon for a male to keep in close contact to their chosen female, for it is necessary in order to imprint his aura onto his chosen one. The male inu during this time should be as one with his inner beast.

He lets down his guard and allows his affection to show. It is common to see him give caresses and nips to his bitch to show her that she is desirable to him. It’s also his way of showing the female that he’s alpha and she’s his bitch. If a true-life bond is wanted between the pair, they must truly love each other in order for this to happen.

“Soul mates are connected, and they feel everything that the other is feeling. They can help each other unlock their inner most powers that will help them protect their pack.
There are certain things that the pair will do in order to get closer to each other, any activity may varied, but the main purpose is just to establish a unity.

Not every Inu Youkai finds a suitable mate during a presentation. It is not uncommon to go centuries searching for the one that will meet their standard.

There are occasions when a male will take a female against her will, the female might be exceptionally stubborn and will never submit. If this occurs, then the female will not be happy in her environment. She will fight against the male in his attempt. She will desire escapisms from the male, or even worse, the female could do actual harm to herself if she does not want to stay with the male. In any case, a female that was taken against her will would more than likely die from being controlled.

Kagome was amazed at the amount of information that this book contained. Here all of her questions were being answered and now she was glad she had gone into the village to shop. She will have to remember to thank her Otou-san for letting her go to that village.

Now, she truly had some clarity. Her anger was unfounded. She knew that Sesshoumaru would not bring dishonor to his family. So whatever he was doing in that whorehouse might not be what she thought. That made her feel a little better as she turned to look out the window. It was almost time to go to dinner.

---oOo---

Sango washed and dressed early so she could go pry Kagome away from her books. Whenever Kagome was interested in reading, she would forget about everything around her. Sango needed to remind Kagome that food was an important part of her life and that she needed to go and eat. She went and knocked on her door and to her surprise she heard a soft, “Come in.”

When she opened the door she spotted Kagome sitting on her futon reading her book, but she was bathed and dressed in a beautiful dark blue kimono with pink sakura blossoms trimming the edged of the kimono. She had on a lighter blue juban with a silver obi that set the outfit off perfectly. Her hair was done in a messy bun with soft curls flowing softly around her face. She truly looked stunning as her bright blue eyes greeted her friend.

Sango walked over to Kagome as she sat on her futon, “Have you been reading all afternoon?”

Kagome looked up from her book and smiled, “Yes, this book is very interesting and is full of useful information.”

Sango noticed Kagome was not reading like she usually would, “Kagome, why are you reading like that? I mean you usually use your fingers when you read and you can read a book in no time.”

Kagome giggled when she heard Sango’s question, “Well I only use my fingers if I really need to read fast. But I want to take my time in reading this book. It has a lot of information and I want to make sure that I understand what its saying.”

“Are you ready to go down to eat? It’s almost time for dinner.” Sango said.

Kagome put her book down while marking her place so she could come back to it later, as she got up from the futon and followed Sango out the door to go to the dinning hall.

When they reached the dinning hall, the only ones in there were Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. Kagome got a little nervous as she walked in and greeted everyone with a smile on her face. Kagome sat down at the table as she missed the surprised look on Sesshoumaru’s face when she sat down.

Sesshoumaru looked up from his train of thought as he spotted Kagome and Sango entering the dinning hall. He rose to his feet unsure if Kagome was still mad at him for going to that whorehouse earlier today.

When she greeted him with a warm smile, his heart about melted and he was shocked. He didn’t expect this reaction out of her as his eyes drifted to the Taijiya. He saw her smile and nod, while he waited for his parents to come in and dine.

He had an idea as he said, “Kagome, after dinner would you care to take a walk with me in the garden? I gave mother a new flower and I would like you to see it. I want your opinion on it.”

Kagome eyes lit up at the mention of a new flower as she smiled, “Oh yes, I would love to see what you got your mother. I’m sure it’s very pretty.”

As they carried on their conversation, the dinning room door opened and they greeted Inutaisho and his mate. To their surprise Kagome was actually talking to Sesshoumaru and, she was happy with him.

Ayashiko looked at Sango and saw her nod and smiled at her. Kagome came to an understanding about her son and some insight on his code of honor.

The patriarchs sat down and ate their dinner, having casual conversations with one another. When dinner was over, Sesshoumaru extended his hand toward Kagome, and she accepted. He led her toward the gardens. He took her to the corner of the garden leading her toward his gift and showed Kagome the beautiful flower.

Kagome was blown away, “How beautifully exquisite.” The blooms were orange in color and the middle of the flower was blood red setting off the petals perfectly. If you looked closely, you could see what looked like an angel with wings in the middle of the flower. This floret had about eight clusters, which enhanced its vibrancy appearance. She looked up at Sesshoumaru, “Where did you find such a beautiful orchid?”

Sesshoumaru’s mind was reeling, “An orchid, Kagome?”

“Yes, this flower is called an orchid. They are very beautiful but very high maintenance. I will have to instruct the gardeners on how to properly care for it. They need special attention or it will die.”

“Kagome, how do you know about this flower? It is a new flower on these lands and has never been seen before, but yet you know what it is and how to take care of it.” Sesshoumaru said as he watched Kagome fidget in her stance.

Kagome sighed as she reminded Sesshoumaru where she came from, “Have you forgotten where I come from? My knowledge is vast, and there are things in my era that are not yet present. Orchids are just one of the things that I know about.”

She adapted, and it was easy to forget that she came from the future. He looked at her with soften eyes, “Please forgive my ignorance for not remembering where you come from. You fit here so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine that you come from the future.”

An awkward silence followed his statement when suddenly Kagome turned to him, “Thank you for showing me the beautiful flower that you got your mother Sesshoumaru. Now I must go.” She bowed to him deeply in respect, “Goodnight Sesshoumaru.”

Her sudden departure left Sesshoumaru thinking that he did something to offend Kagome. He grabbed her arm while she was turning away from him, “Kagome, did I say something wrong to make you want to leave?”

The moment Sesshoumaru touched her arm a chill ran down Kagome’s spine. She turned and looked at him with gentle eyes, “No Sesshoumaru, you haven’t. It’s just that you know we are not supposed to seen nor be alone with each other. That is your father’s wish, and I don’t want to go against his wishes.

“I do enjoy my time with you, but the presentation is at hand and my fate has already been decided. I must mate, who it is I have no idea, but I know deep in my heart that person may not love me the way I want to be. I fear that my days on this earth are numbered, but I am grateful that I had the chance to be with your family. They have taught me so much over the last few months, but most of all, they have accepted me for who I am. Now, please release me so I may leave.”

Sesshoumaru let her go as he watched her walk away from him. He smelled the sadness coming from her scent as she walked away. He fisted his hands together as he tried to get his beast to calm down. He wanted to go to her so badly and tell her…but he couldn’t; they had to wait until the presentation.

He looked up at the moon as it shown brightly in the darkened sky. The stars were twinkling in the background, making one feel like they were looking at you. He sighed as he turned and went back towards the castle to get some rest.

---oOo---

Off in the forest, Inutaisho and Ayashiko watched what their pups were doing while they were in the garden. They both looked so good together that is was a shame that they couldn’t tell each other how they truly felt about one another. The mating rules for the nobility may not be flexible, but they are helpless to change the law.

Ayashiko heart was broken upon Kagome’s words and departure. She felt her son’s pain as he looked at the moon before turning away and heading for the castle. She turned to her mate, “I wish that I could help them Koiishi, it’s a struggle to be kept apart until the presentation.”

“Yes, my mate. I feel it too but there is nothing we can do about it. We must wait for the presentation and then we will see what the fates have decided for both our pups.”

---oOo---

The days passed painfully slow. Kagome and Sesshoumaru were obeying their parents’ wishes. Kagome would go off every morning and train until the evening. She would start with Sango and would work with her for a good portion of the morning.

Then Inutaisho would come out and they would continue to train. He would challenge her mind and pushed her to her limits until no one could control her. She learned fast, and he was surprised at the level of her powers. It was steadily growing stronger as the days passed and her aura was almost black. The strongest he has ever seen in anyone. The only other color it could be was a pure white, which signaled the height of her power.

She would then leave him and go and train with Dewa for the rest of the afternoon. She would come back to the castle, bathe, change, and then went to dinner with the family. Her endurance has grown, and she could take any kind of training you could throw at her.

Kagome had shown Inutaisho how to cast new barriers that will protect the castle even better than before. She explained that the barrier was an illusion barrier that if anyone tried to come to the castle they would never reach it. They would need something from him and the guards to escort them through the barriers. If they were able to find the barrier, anyone touching it would be purified.

He was proud of his pup. Inutaisho could not deny his pride for Kagome. She was his little one and no one could tell him different.

The day for the presentation was finally at hand. The other lords were arriving soon, and the hosts had to get ready. Inutaisho advised Kagome to stop her training and avoid the other lords until her evening presentation. So Kagome obeyed his orders and stayed in her room. She put a barrier around her door so no one would detect her aura or her magic.

Sesshoumaru has been in his room almost all day. He wanted to be near Kagome. He was sure that the other lords were going to bring their annoying daughters with them, and he was not looking forward to it. It was the northern lord’s daughter, which he almost killed not too long ago, when she took liberties that he did not give. He was about to use his claws to extract his vengeance when his father appeared and stopped him from killing the whore.

Yoshino wanted to be in his bed so badly that she would do anything for him to take her. But her scent was horrible. Her scent held so many others that she was not even pure anymore, but yet her parents wanted her to be mated to a noble.

She was not unattractive. Yoshino was almost as tall as Sesshoumaru. Her long golden hair came down to her upper thighs and her skin was a milky white. She had one green stripe on each side of her cheek and her body was appealing. Her eyes were a light brown and her lips were too thin—almost non-existent.

Sesshoumaru was not interested in her, but she would always pursue him until he angered to the point of wanting to kill her. He knew that he would have to avoid her at all cost. He could keep the others at bay with just a stern look, but Yoshino didn’t know how to take a hint.

Sesshoumaru sighed; he was finally dressed in a white hakama that were tailored for close fit. He wore a white juban underneath his outer coat that came down to about his knees. His favorite sash was wrapped around his waist as he put his sword into the sash. He was ready, and made his way toward his parents, ready to greet the arriving guests.

The first to arrive at the castle was the northern lord. Inutaisho was standing in front with his mate to his left; Sesshoumaru was to his father’s right, standing slightly behind him. Inuyasha was standing next to his brother as he moved closer to him. He didn’t like this lord because he always gave him the creeps.

Sesshoumaru felt when Inuyasha moved his tail over to his, seeking comfort from his elder brother. Ever since the attack on Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru has been more tolerant with the young pup. He wrapped his tail around his brothers and held it for a while. It calmed his little brother down knowing that he would be protected.

Inuyasha’s fear was evident on his scent as he saw the youkai lord of the north approach the castle. The youkais attack, of more than a week ago, left a scar on him that clearly told of his distrust in anyone. He was seeking reassurances from the beta male that nothing was going to happen to him.

Inuyasha didn’t move from his brother’s side. Instead, he moved closer to him and tried his best to act his station, but it was not easy for him. Then he heard a gentle purr coming from his brother and it relaxed him enough to settle down. He resolved to try not to play any more tricks on his elder brother, for the moment.

Finally the youkai lord of the North and his entourage arrived at the castle as Inutaisho stepped forward to greet them.

Lord Kasumigaoka was a blue/gold Inu Youkai. He was tall and very well built. He was not as tall as Inutaisho, but his height was impressive nonetheless. His hair was a honey gold with blue streaks that came down to about the middle of his back. It was held in a low ponytail to keep it out of the way.

He had two golden stripes on each side of his cheeks and yellow green eyes. His tail was draped over his right shoulder, but it was nowhere near as long as Sesshoumaru’s. He wore a yellow brown hakama and haori, with a black sash tied around his waist. On his forehead was the symbol of the North, it looked like a crown with three red circles right above the points of the crown.

His mate, Lady Tsukiura, was also a blue/gold Inu Youkai. She had the same honey gold hair and a solid blue line going down the middle of her mane, her hair came down to about her waist. She had it in a low braid down her back. Her eyes were yellow green with one brown stripe on each side of her cheek. She was slightly shorter than her mate, coming only up to his shoulder. She wore a golden kimono with white cherry blossoms going along the hem of the garment and a white obi that set it off just right.

Their son and heir, Yuzuru, looked almost exactly like his father, but not nearly as tall. His frame was slightly smaller than his father, but he radiated power. His stripes were a combination of his mother and father, making for a dull gold color. He wore something similar like his father except Yuzuru had green leaves going around the edge of the garment. He wore his sword on his side, tucked into his dark green sash.

Their daughter Yoshiro was with them and when she saw Sesshoumaru, she couldn’t help but lick her lips at him to see if he was interested in the message she was sending him.

Sesshoumaru snorted and bared his fangs at Yoshiro’s gesture. He turned up his nose and sneezed. Her scent was horrible and just being this close to her made him want to retch.

Inutaisho approached Kasumigaoka and said, “Welcome to Gengetsujou, Kasumigaoka; I hope that your stay with us will be enjoyable. If you will follow one of my servants they will show you to your rooms.”

Kasumigaoka bowed his head slightly in greeting, “I thank you for the welcome Inutaisho. I am looking forward to this presentation and meeting your pup.”

Inutaisho watched as Kasumigaoka left with his family as a smile appeared on his face. ‘So Kasumigaoka, I have no doubt that my little one will make a great impression on you.’

Once the Northern Lord was gone from the area, they waited as one of the guards told Inutaisho that another lord was approaching the castle.

The next to arrive were the southern clan. Lord Hashimoto was an eagle youkai. He saw them approaching from the sky as he got ready to greet his guest. Hashimoto was tall, almost as tall as Inutaisho. He had big powerful wings on his back that were a light brown in color. His light brown hair looked like feathers in flight as he was coming in for a landing.

His yellow-orange eyes saw everything from great heights. He had two light brown stripes on each side of his cheeks. The crest of the Southern lands was on his forehead, which was an eye with wings. The symbol of the Southern clan made it look like he had a third eye on his forehead. He wore a yellow hakama and haori with orange geometric designs on it. He had on a dark brown sash that held his sword in place.

His mate, Lady Keiiyuko was an eagle youkai as well. She was very kind and very friendly. She had an aura around her that greeted people with joy and happiness. Her eyes were an orange-red. She had one red stripe on each side of her cheek, as her skin was a light brown in color, compliments of the sun. She was wearing a yellow-orange kimono with a golden obi. Along the edge of her kimono there were golden feathers that were embroidered on the fabric. Her wings were a dark brown in color that was a close match to her own hair, which flowed beautifully behind her.

Their daughter, Biratori, arrived next. She favored her mother. She was of small stature and had a petite form. She had large dark brown wings that matched her hair. Her hair came down to the middle of her back where she had it tied into a low ponytail. Her eyes were like her fathers. She had a light brown stripe on each side of her cheek. She also wore a kimono similar to her mother’s except it lacked the embroidered golden feathers on the fabric; hers were dark green in color.

She was too young even by youkai standard and not ready to be mated as of yet. Soon though, she will come of age and her presentation will then be announced.

The last to land was his son and heir, Musashino. He was slightly shorter than his father. His hair was a light brown in color, the same color as his powerful wings. His eyes were like his mother’s eyes. He wore a yellow-gold hakama and haori with a black sash, which held his sword in place. He was powerful in his own right, as he stood proud next to his father.

Inutaisho stepped forward and said, “Ah my friend Hashimoto, welcome to my home. I’m glad that you were able to come on such short notice.”

Hashimoto approached his friend as he said, “Well, Inutaisho it’s about time that we get an invite to come and see you. Now, what’s all this about a female pup that you want to introduce to us? As far as I know, you have no female pups.”

Inutaisho chuckled at his friend, “Well you can say that I adopted this one. I found her in the middle of a forest fighting six Oni’s by herself. When I learned that her clan had been destroyed and she was by herself, I took her as my own and brought her here. You will get to meet her this evening at the presentation.”

Hashimoto was surprised by what his friend had said, “Very well my friend. I shall wait until this evening to meet this new pup of yours. I’m looking forward to it.”

Inutaisho smiled as he puffed out his chest with pride, “I am proud of her, my friend. But if you and your family will follow my servants they will show you all to your rooms.”

Hashimoto inclined his head slightly to his friend as he led his family into the castle to get some rest before the presentation.

They continued to greet the other minor lords from all over as they arrived at Gengetsujou. The last to finally arrive were the tiger youkai of the east. Their allegiance was shaky at best, but they kept the peace between them. They were not happy with him for defeating the panther youkais of the south. They were the first to attack him and he was only defending what was his.

Lord Yugawara of the Eastern Lands finally made it to the castle. He was a tall youkai with orange and black hair. His piercing red eyes looked at you trying to see into your very soul. He had black stripes on the side of his cheeks, three on the left and two on the right. He had long white fangs that came out of his mouth.

He was very muscular and very well built. He had on a black hakama and haori with an orange juban underneath. He wore an orange sash that held several swords on his side. The crest, a red diamond with a black sword going through the middle, of the Eastern Lands could be seen on his forehead.

His mate and Lady of the Eastern Lands, Shirinko, arrived shortly. She was a beautiful tiger youkai. She had long black and orange hair that came down to about her waist. Her eyes were a pale green. Her skin was a light brown with one pale green stripe on each side of her cheek. She was tall and slender with right amount of curves accentuating her appearance. She was dressed in a black kimono with a golden dragon going down the right side of the outfit. A gold obi as an accessory complemented the kimono. She stood next to her mate as she smiled at the greeting lord.

Their daughter, Azuka, was just as beautiful as her mother. She had the same hair color, but hers came down to about her shoulders. It was pulled back away from her face by two beautiful red combs. She had one stripe on each of her cheeks that were a dark green in color. She wore a similar kimono like her mother except hers had red sakura blossoms going down the left side of the kimono. She wore a red obi that completed her outfit.

She noticed Sesshoumaru and bowed her head lightly in greeting. Sesshoumaru showed the same courtesy and inclined his head slightly in greeting while maintaining his stoic mask.

The last to come to stand next to the Eastern Lord was his son and heir, Sasagawa. He stood just as tall as his father. His skin was slightly darker. His hair was almost all black with just a few strands of orange going through it. His eyes were red just like his father and he had his father’s markings upon his face. His body was very well defined with muscled arms and legs. His hakama and haori were the same color of his father as he wore his sword on his side with a red color sash.

Once everyone had gathered, Inutaisho stepped forward as he greeted, “Welcome to Gengetsujou, Lord Yugawara. I hope that you will have a pleasant stay.”

Yugawara looked around the area and saw Inutaisho’s sons standing off to the side. He looked at Sesshoumaru and noticed that his aura was a lot stronger than the last time he had seen him. He turned his attention back to Inutaisho and said, “Thank you Lord Inutaisho. “The pleasure is our, and we are honored to be your guest. We are eager to meet the pup”

“You will meet her tonight during the presentation. Until that time, please follow one of my servants and they will show you to your rooms for your stay here.” Yugawara inclined his head slightly as he followed the servant that was waiting for him and his family as they headed inside the castle.

Inutaisho breathed in deeply as he turned toward his mate. Ayashiko could see the line of frustration and worry in her mate’s eyes as she tried to soothe his nerves. Inutaisho then said, “Well that’s everyone. Now all we have to do is present Kagome and hope that they accept her as my pup.”

They all turned as they went back inside the castle to get ready for the presentation of Kagome. They only hoped that everything goes as planned.

---oOo---

The grand audience chamber has been prepared for the presentation of Inutaisho’s pup. The guest started arriving at the hall as they mingled and talked among themselves. Everyone enjoyed each other’s company, and this pleased Inutaisho as he entered the hall along with Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. As a precaution, Sesshoumaru kept close to his father to avoid a confrontation with Yoshino.

The governing lords all approached Inutaisho as Hashimoto asked, “Well my friend, the presentation will be soon, and I am somewhat anxious to meet this pup of yours”

Inutaisho smiled as he said, “She will be down with my mate in a few minutes.” They all stood around talking while they waited for the ladies of the castle to make their appearance and introduction.

---oOo---

Kagome was a nervous wreck. She was pacing inside her room and she couldn’t calm down. She didn’t want to mess this up for her Otou-san because she wanted him to be proud of her. But she had no idea what to expect from all of these people.

Kagome closed her eyes as she silently called for Midoriko, “Mother please, I need your advice on what to do. I have no idea what is going to happen when I’m presented to all of these lords of the lands. I am freaking out!”

Kagome opened her eyes to see Midoriko standing in front of her as she said, “My Musume, please calm down. It will not do for you not to have full control of your powers when you are presented to the governing lords. You will do just fine my Musume. I have confidence in you. Remember what you have read and keep all that in mind. Know that if you really need me, I will be there with you.”

Kagome started to calm down—just a little. She was still nervous. There was this feeling that something was going to happen during this presentation and she had to keep her mind calm and cool. She started doing some of her relaxing exercises as she finally got herself under control.

The mikokoro of Midoriko smiled as she watched her calm down. She was pleased that she was finally getting herself under control. She looked at Kagome with concern as she said, “My Ittoshi Musume, please be careful tonight, and use your wit to find the solution to the problem that will be presented.”

“I’ll remember mother and thank you.” Kagome said as she watched her mother vanish from in front of her eyes. Kagome then turned and looked at herself in the mirror once more. She wanted to make sure that her outfit was perfect. She was wearing a white kimono and hakama. The kimono has slits down both sides of her legs to allow her to move with ease. Her hakama was form fitting but still lose to allow her to fight if she had to. The collar of her kimono was up as it covered the back of her neck. There were red sakura blossoms going all the way around the hem of her kimono. It was a simple kimono but it made her look elegant.

Kagome turned away from the mirror as she heard a knock on her door. She took a deep breath, “Come in.” She watched the door open and in walked her youbo. She was dressed in a similar kimono, but hers was green.

---oOo---

Ayashiko was finally ready. It was time to present her pup to the rest of the lords of the lands. She was nervous, but she knew that she had to protect her pup if any of them decided to attack her when they walked into the grand audience chamber. She walked out of her room and proceeded to get her pup, so they could make their appearance.

She knocked on Kagome’s door and was surprise at how fast her pup said, “Come in.” She opened the door and stepped inside to find her Musume. She looked stunning in her white kimono. Pride swelled inside Ayashiko as she looked upon her daughter. She was truly a beauty to behold.

She walked over to Kagome as she held her in her arms to calm her. She knew that she was scared; she had caught her scent as soon as she walked into the room. She purred and felt when Kagome relaxed the rest of the way in her arms. Ayashiko pulled away from Kagome and said, “My Ittoshi Musume, it is time that we go. But before we leave there are a few things that I must say to you.”

Kagome was confused about what her youbo wanted to say to her as she stood still and listened.

“Before we head downstairs, I have to give you a warning. It is customary to test the one being presented. Just remember to subdue anyone if we are attacked. I know that you are powerful enough so please do so.”

“Also, I want you to stay by my side the entire evening. Don’t leave my side unless I tell you that someone else is going to protect you. I want to make sure that you are well protected while we are in the grand audience chambers. There will be some that will not hesitate to challenge you once you are accepted as our pup.”

“I’m sorry my Musume, but you may not bring your weapons with you. This is a test of your powers and abilities, and no weapons are allowed.” Ayashiko saw the look of horror on her pup’s face as she said this. She knew that Kagome was not going to be happy about it.

Kagome couldn’t believe that she couldn’t bring her swords with her. But then she thought, ‘That’s all right. I can always summon my sword to me if I need it to fight.’ Kagome took off her swords as she straightened out her kimono and stood tall in front of Ayashiko.

Once Ayashiko was satisfied with the way her pup looked, they left Kagome’s room and went toward the grand audience chamber.

Kagome was feeling her nervousness returning, as she took deep breathes to calm herself down. When they reached the chamber, Ayashiko turned to her pup, “Are you ready, Kagome?”

Kagome took a deep breath, smiled and said, “As ready as I’m going to be.”

Kagome saw as Ayashiko smiled warmly at her, as her eyes twinkled in the light. It gave Kagome the confidence she needed to get this over with, as she stood tall and faced what was coming her way.

Ayashiko nodded and two male servants came forward and opened the door to the grand audience chamber as she and Kagome walked through. They heard the herald announce their arrival as everyone turned toward them.

The noise in the chamber stopped as all eyes turned toward the two that walked into the hall. No one spoke as they eyed Kagome.

Kagome was feeling her nerves starting to act up again as she picked up something in the near distance. The hair on the back of her neck started to stand up as her eyes scanned the hall for the threat. Her instincts took over as she placed a barrier around herself and her youbo, when a youkai attacked out of nowhere. Kagome raised her hand and stopped the attacker as she held him in the air in a cage of her Reiyouku.

She turned to Ayashiko, “Lady Ayashiko, what would you have me do with our attacker?”

---oOo---

Inutaisho was engaged in a conversation with some of the other lords of the lands. They were discussing the trading of their goods when Inutaisho felt that his mate was coming. He excused himself from the conversation and said that he will be back once he greeted his mate.

All the lords turned to the door as it was slowly opened to reveal two ladies entering the hall. One was Lady Ayashiko and the other, to everyone’s amazement, was a ningen onna standing at her side. The whole room went quiet as they looked upon the onna that was with Ayashiko.

Inutaisho was making his way toward the doors to the hall with Sesshoumaru hot on his heels. For some reason his son would not leave his side and he had an idea why.

He was almost to the door when it opened to reveal his mate and pup. He couldn’t help but smile when he saw them. His beloved mate was gorgeous, but it was Kagome that caught everyone’s eyes as he heard Sesshoumaru’s breath hitched. He turned and looked at his son to see his eyes trained on Kagome.

She was breathtaking in her kimono. Sesshoumaru couldn’t take his eyes off her as he saw her looking around the room. He thought her behavior out of the ordinary. He saw as his fathers eyes turn blood red as he leaped toward the unknown attacker that was making his way toward his mother and intended. Sesshoumaru’s eyes turned red as well as he took off after his father.

Inutaisho was almost upon the intruder when he saw his pup attack. Kagome held up her hand as she caged the intruder in her Reiyouku. He walked over to his mate and his little one as he heard Kagome’s question. He took a step forward and said in a powerful voice, “Hold him there Kagome until I get the guards in here.”

Kagome turned to see her youbu standing right in front of her with blood red eyes. Her smile faded as she looked next to him and saw Sesshoumaru in the same condition. She did as she was told as she held the attacker in the air until the guards came forth.

Once they surrounded the intruder Kagome removed the cage from around him as he fell to the floor with a loud, “THUD!” The guards quickly moved forward and grabbed him as they took him down to the dungeons to await the lord of the castle so they could find out who this person was.

Kagome didn’t know what to do, she thought that Inutaisho was angry with her for stopping that attack, as she made a mental link with him, ‘Otou-san, did I do something wrong? Are you mad at me for stopping that attack?’

Inutaisho turned quickly to his pup as he sought to reassure her, ‘No my little one. You did great. Thank you for protecting your mother. This was not the attack that was intended for you. It was to happen much later, but it seems that we really did have an intruder in our home. I’m proud of you.’

Kagome looked up from the ground and smiled. It was a heart felt smile as she received one back from Inutaisho.

Inutaisho walked up to his mate and asked, “Are you all right?”

Ayashiko smiled at her mate to reassure him, “Yes mate, I’m fine. Our pup did well in protecting me.”

Inutaisho wrapped his arm around his mate as he turned around and said, “Everyone I would like to introduce Kagome, my pup, and descendent of Midoriko.”

At the last pronouncement, everyone gasped as they looked upon the ningen onna and noticed the blue teardrop that shown brightly on her forehead. They saw the star shinning brightly below the teardrop, as they were all shocked at what they saw. Her aura was powerful, it was black in color, and none of them have ever seen an aura this dark before. She was a powerful miko, possibly stronger than Midoriko herself.

Inutaisho led his mate and pup to the middle of the room as he turned to all the lords and said, “I know that was not the attack that you all had planned, but as you can see, Kagome was powerful enough to stop an attack and protect my mate from harm.”

The other lords looked at the onna and for the first time noticed her eyes. They were as blue as the sky above and they were mesmerizing.

Inutaisho introduced Kagome to each of the governing lords as she bowed deeply to each and greeted them properly. Inutaisho and Ayashiko couldn’t have been more proud of their pup for the way that she was acting. She conducted herself regally, never speaking unless spoken to and remained quiet during the conversations that they were having. Kagome behaved according to her station and this made Inutaisho proud.

Kagome was listening to everything that was being said. She was interested in the way they conducted business between the lands. She was listening to her youbu as he was making a deal to get more raw materials from the north as she started to hear a conversation off to the side.

She turned her eyes in that direction as she spotted the Eastern Lord talking to someone she was not introduced to. They were speaking in another language as she mentally said a spell to enhance her hearing so she could listen to what they were saying.

She determined the language to be French as she smiled internally and listened to their conversation.

“How can you stand here and carry on a conversation with someone who has just declared a ningen as his own pup?” The hawk youkai asked, clearly irritated with the Eastern Lord.

Yugawara looked at the youkai standing next to him, “Calm yourself. We still need his products in my land so trading with him is a necessity.”

The hawk youkai huffed, he could provide the Eastern Lord with everything he needs for his lands, “I bet you that I can sell him a boat load of burlap and he will never know the difference between it and the finest silks in all the land. He is ignorant of the other lands and what we have to trade.”

Yugawara raised an eyebrow at the youkai standing next to him, “If you can get him to buy, as you say ‘a boat load of this burlap’, then I will sever my ties with the West and buy only from your country. But if he does not buy what you are selling then he gets what he asks for, free of charge. Do we have a deal?”

The hawk youkai was so confident that he could get the Lord of the West to buy the burlap that he took the bet, as he got ready to trade with the Western Lord.

Kagome heard everything that was being said. Now she had to figure out how to tell her youbu about it so that he does not fall into their trap. She heard as they approach her Otou-san and started to trade for “Toile de jute” as the hawk youkai called it.

Inutaisho was interested in what the hawk youkai was saying. This fabric sounded very soft and pleasing. He thought about buying it so that his mate will have new fabric from another land when he felt the mental touch of his pup.

‘Otou-san don’t buy the Toile de jute. It’s not what you think it is.’ Kagome said telepathically. Inutaisho’s interest was peaked and asked, ‘If it is not a type of silk then what is it?’

Kagome shifted on her feet as she responded, ‘It’s burlap. The material is rough and irritating to the skin, not suitable for making clothes. The only things that you can make with it are sacks to store food in or to carry equipment. It’s a trick to see if you are ignorant of what the other lands have to offer while selling you what they don’t want in their country.’

Inutaisho now understood what was going on as he turned his attention back to the hawk youkai and replied, “No I don’t think that I want burlap. It’s a fancy name that you have but I would like something else instead.” He turned to Kagome and asked, “Kagome, what would you recommend we buy from his lands?”

Kagome smiled prettily as she said, “Que diriez-vous d’une certaine main a fait le lacet?” Kagome then said into her youbu’s mind, ‘What I asked for is hand made lace which is very pretty and very expensive in France. It’s the finest in the world.’

Inutaisho was very pleased with what his pup came up with as he watched to see what the hawk youkai was going to do.

The hawk youkai could not believe what he just heard. This ningen onna could speak his language. ‘How can she speak my language? It is known to only a few here in this land.’ He turned his attention to the female as he asked, “You speak French, where did you learn to speak my language?”

Kagome turned to her youbu to see if she should answer that question and when she saw his nod she looked back to the youkai that was standing in front of her, “In my old village I was taught by the finest scholars. They came from all over the lands and that’s where I learned French along with some other languages.”

All the lords gasped when they learned that she was educated. Here they thought that she was only a powerful miko, but now they have also learned that she is highly educated as well.

Lord Yugawara turned to the hawk youkai and asked, “Well, my friend, are you going to answer the Lord of the West on her request?”

The hawk youkai could only pale at the question. He has lost the bet with the Eastern Lord and now he had to provide him with what he wanted free of charge. He turned to the Western Lord as he asked, “How much do you desire milord?”

Inutaisho thought for a few minutes as he said, “The same quantity that you were trying to sell me of the burlap.”

The hawk youkai almost fainted at the request. He was ruined, but he will comply with the wager that he had made, “Very well milord. I will give you the lacet for free, and with my compliments.”

Inutaisho raised his eyebrow at the youkai as he looked at his pup. He saw Kagome smile as he mentally asked, ‘Kagome, what is all this about?’

Kagome still smiled as she telepathically responded, ‘He made a bet with the Easter Lord saying that you were ignorant of the other lands. No one makes a fool out of my Otou-san, so I asked for the most expensive thing in his lands. The deal was he will have to give you what you wanted, free of charge.’

Inutaisho almost laughed out loud when he heard this. He didn’t think that it was that expensive, but from what his pup was saying, it was the most expensive lace they had in his homeland. He smiled at the hawk youkai and said, “Thank you very much. I’m sure my mate and pup will find use for all this hand made lace.”

The hawk youkai bowed and left the western castle; he was humiliated by a ningen onna and now he has to pay his debt. Because if he did not make good his wager, he will never be able to trade here in these lands ever again.

Yugawara watched as the hawk youkai left. He was a fool to think that he could take advantage of a Lord from these lands. He had to learn his lesson as he turned his attention to Inutaisho and asked, “So Inutaisho, what other surprises does your pup have? We now know that she is a powerful miko; she is a descendant of Midoriko, and that she is highly educated for a ningen onna.”

Inutaisho turned his head toward the Eastern Lord, “Is that not all you wish to see? I mean for you to approve her as my pup ready to be mated; she had to prove that she was strong and intelligent. She has proven that my friend, what else would you like to see?”

Yugawara and the other lord pondered his question, and he was right. They only needed to see her strength and her intelligence, nothing else. She has proven to be a worthy female to enter into the bloodline of the noble, and thus be allowed to mate with anyone that wished to offer her their suit.

Yugawara raised his head and said, “Very well my friend she has proven herself to be a strong female worthy to be called your pup, I approve of her.”

Inutaisho’s heart leaped with joy, Yugawara was the one that he was worrying about the most. If he denied Kagome, Sesshoumaru’s option of mate choice would be out of reach.

Kasumigaoka then turned to Inutaisho and said, “I, too, agree with Yugawara. She has proven to be a very strong female, and it will take a strong male to dominate her. I wish you luck my friend; your pup is ready to mate.”

Hashimoto was the last one to say anything, “She is strong; I will give you that much my friend. You will have a hard time trying to find her a mate, but I wish you luck in that matter, I approve of her as your pup, ready to mate.”

The governing lords have given their consent for Kagome. This pleased Inutaisho greatly as he turned to all present and said, “May I have everyone’s attention please. The governing lords have given there blessing and have accepted Kagome as my pup ready to be mated.”

This caused every male in the room to start talking as the single youkais started looking at her with lust in their eyes. The lower ranking males could only wish to be allowed; they saw how powerful she was and hoped they could be eligible to dominate her.

Ayashiko took Kagome as she left her mates side and walked to the other side of the room. They stopped by a window as she turned to Kagome and said, “I’m proud of you Ittoshi Musume. You did everything correct this evening and made your Otou-san very proud of you.

“I will be with you; this way, any male who seeks to pursuit you needs to have my approval. I know this is difficult because of your personal views about being mated.”

Kagome took a deep breath and waited. She knew that this was going to be the hardest part of everything that she has been through so far. Now, she will get to see what sort of males she has attracted the attention of and she was not looking forward to it.

---oOo---

This is the end to my chapter. The governing lords have approved Kagome to accept suits from noble males. Sesshoumaru now has his chance to tell Kagome how he really feels about her. Others will offer Kagome their suits as well.

I wanted to thank everyone who has voted in the Dokuga Awards. This story won 2nd place in the Best Action/Adventure category. My other story A Christmas Wish won 1st place in the One-shot category. I’m very pleased and happy about the awards. It only makes me want to keep writing for all of you. Again thank you for voting.

Join me in the next chapter as all those who wish to mate with Kagome are chosen and the tournament is set. Who will finally get to dominate our heroine and be her mate for life? You will have to wait and see.

Until the next chapter!

Ja ne!