Her Destiny

Chapter 18

The eligible males were congregating on the other side of the room, gathering courage to approach the Lady of the West. They had seen the newly accepted female moving in that direction and they all wanted a chance to offer her their suit. Their lust was clearly apparent as they gazed upon her shapely form.

Kagome understood the protocol, standing off to the side of her youbo she waited. They didn’t have to wait for long until the first suitor came forth.

Kagome watched as Yuzuru came towards her. She remembered him from the introduction. He looked a lot like his father, but in her opinion, he was not that handsome. His body was not all muscular, and his eyes kept going up and down her body, making her feel uncomfortable.

Yuzuru approached Ayashiko and asked, “Milady, I wish to offer my suit to the lovely young onna.”

Ayashiko allowed him to approach Kagome, he bowed to her and said, “Milady, my name is Yuzuru, heir to the Northern Lands. I offer you my suit so that we may become acquainted with one another.”

Kagome’s mind was in a state of panic, she almost forgot to bow to the young lord, “It is a pleasure to meet you Yuzuru-sama. I welcome your suit and wish to learn a little about you. Can you tell me why you want me as your mate?”

Yuzuru looked into her beautiful blue eyes, “I have never, in my entire life, met a more powerful female. You will make the perfect mate for me. I can provide you with whatever you want. All you need to do is ask.”

“Thank you for your kind words Yuzuru-sama. I will take your suit into consideration.” Kagome said as she watched the first male walk off, then she thought, ‘Well, straight to the point isn’t he? The perfect mate, huh? Well, we shall see. So far you are not doing a thing to turn me on. Maybe I am expecting too much? A quick and painless death would be nice right about now. I am so hating this whole thing.’ Kagome kept her face as noncommittal as possible, so no one gained an insight to how she was thinking. She held her tongue, smiled and watched him leave.

There were several youkai that approached, however, Ayashiko turned them away, they were not powerful enough to dominate her pup. They were weakling in her eyes and Kagome could easily defeat them in a battle with her eyes closed.

The next suitor who was allowed to approach her was Sasagawa. He came up to Ayashiko and asked, “Milady, I offer my suit to pursue the lovely maiden know as Lady Kagome.”

Ayashiko inclined her head, agreeing for him to approach her pup.

Sasagawa thought that this onna was pretty from afar, but when he looked at her up close, she was the most exotic creature he has ever seen. He looked into those beautiful blue eyes, which reminded him of a perfect cloudless day, with the sun shinning brightly in the sky.

He bowed deeply to Kagome and said, “Milady, my name is Sasagawa, heir to the Eastern Lands. I offer you my suit so that you can get to know me a little better and in hope that I may have the honor of becoming your mate.”

Kagome looked at the male in front of her. He was tall and handsome. He had the most perfect body she has ever seen. His long black hair, with few orange streaks, made him look prominent. His voice was deep and rich, causing her heart rate to increase just a little. “It is a pleasure to meet you Sasagawa-sama. I have only one question for you, why do you want me as your mate?”

Sasagawa stood tall and looked into those blue eyes, “I thought that you were pretty from afar, but that did not do you any justice. You are beautiful, the most exquisite creature that I have ever met. I am strong and powerful, I will be able to protect you and any pups born to us. You will want for nothing, as I will make sure that you are well taken care of.”

Kagome was perplexed to hear what he said to her. He said that she was beautiful, but still, no one gave her the answer that she wanted to hear. She bowed as she said, “Thank you, Sasagawa-sama, I will keep your suit in mind.” ‘Kami, this one is hot! I need to loosen up a little bit. Expand my prejudices about this and restrict them to other things like…whatever. I can’t think. Maybe I can teach him how to understand a ningen, such as myself.’ And so Kagome's stoic mask never left her features.

Sasagawa walked away feeling very confident that she will submit to him once he made it through the tournament. He knew he would have to fight because there were so many that wanted this powerful onna. But he was determined to win her for himself.

Kagome then turned her attention to a wolf that was approaching her youbo. He walked like he was Kami’s gift to women and no one would deny him; he was very confident to say the least. Kagome already didn’t like his arrogance as he approached Ayashiko.

Ayashiko watched the prince of the wolves. She didn’t favor the wolf clan, but especially this particular wolf. His scent reeked of decaying carcasses, playing havoc on her senses. He stopped in front of her and stated, “Milady, grant me the approval that I seek in order to court the beautiful and most captivating creature I have ever seen.” Ayashiko tried hard not to roll her eyes at the baka wolf. She could tell that he was very powerful, and she had no choice due to protocol but to let him approach her pup.

Koga, prince of the wolf demon clan, approached Kagome. He walked with overzealous confidence, as his tail moved from side to side, in anticipation of being near this onna. When he stopped in front of her, Kagome’s beauty and scent blew him away. His clan did not like ningen, but he was willing to make some concessions with this one, because she was very powerful, and any pups born from their union will be as well. He bowed to Kagome as he said, “I wish to offer my suit to you milady.”

Kagome raised an eyebrow to the wolf standing before her, “That is very kind of you, but I would like to know your name.”

Koga just smirked at the onna in front of him, “My name is Koga and I’m the prince of the wolf demon clan. You will be my woman by this time tomorrow, because I will not take no for an answer.”

Kagome’s temper was starting to get the best of her, but she calmed herself as she got it under control, “Very well Koga-sama, but I am also considering other suits.”

Koga moved with speed as he raced forward and grabbed Kagome by the waist, pulling her into his chest. He then growled out, “You are my woman and there is nothing that you can say that will change that fact. You will be mine.”

Kagome’s anger peaked, “Release me you arrogant wolf! I’m not yours nor will I ever be if I have a say in it.”

There was a series of growls that was heard around the couple, as Kagome looked up to see that Inutaisho, along with Ayashiko, ready to attack the wolf for touching her.

Ayashiko had only taken her eyes off Kagome for just a second to stop the next suitor, when she heard her pup cry out. She turned to see that the wolf had her Musume in his arms and was not about to let go.

Ayashiko aura flared with rage as she turned her full attention to the wolf. Her anger summoned her mate who was now standing in front of her as he growled to the wolf, “Release my pup Koga or suffer my wrath.”

Koga turned to the Western Lord with Kagome still in his arms, “No, I will not release her. She is perfect for me and I claim her as my mate.”

Inutaisho raised an eyebrow in disbelief and then turned his attention to his little one, “Kagome, you have my permission to do whatever you like to him.”

Kagome smiled wickedly; she was given permission to thrash the wolf. She allowed her Reiyouku to encircle her body, burning the wolf. He quickly let her go.

Kagome stood tall as she faced her opponent, “Why you arrogant, egotistical, infuriating, wolf! I will never be your mate. You are not powerful enough to dominate me, and I will show you why.”

Kagome’s aura calmed as she took a fighting stance in front of the wolf, while everyone gathered to see the confrontation between the miko and the wolf. Koga could only laugh as he said, “I’ll have you as my mate, if you think that you can defeat me then think again.” He attacked as he tried to pin her to the ground.

Kagome saw him coming as she grabbed his wrist, turned, and threw him over her shoulder. Koga landed flat on his back, with the wind knocked out of him. He got back on his feet and attacked again. This time he was not going to subdue her, he was attacking her outright for making a fool out of him in front of the governing lords. His claws extended as he went to slash the girl.

Kagome saw him coming, as she got ready with the move Dewa taught her. She ducked under his arm as it passed over her head. Then she came up and caught him in the stomach, as her fist connected, using her body for leverage, she sent him flying across the room. He hit the tables that held the food, and he was hurting from her blow.

Kagome, in her attack, had broken three of his ribs, as she was making her way toward the arrogant wolf. When she got there, she put her hands on her hips, “Well, are you going to get back up or what? You said that I can never defeat you and yet you lay there not moving. You are a pathetic weak wolf.”

Kagome turned as she thought that this fight was over. She was walking back toward Ayashiko when she heard Inutaisho say, “Kagome! Watch out!”

She turned in time to see the wolf coming towards her. She didn’t have time to move out of the way as he grabbed her by the neck and pinned her to the floor. She tried to get out of his hold as she heard him say, “You bitch! You belong to me now and you will submit to me as your new mate.”

Kagome eyes flashed with anger as they started to turn to a deep shade of grey. She grabbed his arm with both her hands. She twisted and brought up her foot using it as leverage. She used her legs as she gave a powerful push to remove the offending youkai from on top of her.

Kagome quickly got up on her feet as her hands started to glow pink. Her anger was peaked again when she was grabbed from behind. Kagome was struggling to get out of the possessive hold she was in, when she heard a familiar purr coming from behind her.

Inutaisho had enough, he saw his pup’s anger get the better of her, and if he let her, she would kill him. He had a better idea as he rushed to her side and grabbed her from behind to calm her down. Once she was calmed, he gave her to his mate as he stepped toward the wolf that was still on the floor.

He was bleeding and coughing up blood from the injuries that he received from his pup, “Koga, you have disgraced your clan in my home. You are no longer welcomed here in the Western Lands. I banish you from my lands, and if I ever catch you anywhere near my territory again, I will kill you myself. Am I understood?”

Koga looked up to see the enraged youkai lord. He had no idea what came over him, but he was hurting from a mere ningen onna’s attack. She never used her Reiyouku and this shocked him. If she had used her Reiyouku, he had no doubt that he would be dead right now. She had to be the most powerful female in the lands to fight like this.

He slowly got to his feet, holding on to his side as his broken ribs tried to heal, and made his way out of the castle. This fight was not over yet. He will come back for this bitch and then he will teach her who her master is.

---oOo---

Sesshomaru witnessed Kagome's intelligent and discrete assistance to his father. He felt pride that his intended mate had successfully protected him from the foolish hawk. He was impressed that she was fluently versed in the strange foreign language and now even more convinced of her suitability as his mate.

He was standing off to the side with the rest of the eligible males as he looked toward Musashino, he knew that he would not compete for Kagome. His clan will never accept a ningen, even one who is worthy. They would never tolerate outside blood, and this intolerance would lead to the weakening of their line; eventually, they will not be able to reproduce. He shook his head not knowing why they would do this to their own clan, but he could care less. That was just one less person that he would have to fight for his future mate.

Sesshoumaru continued to observe, and from what he gathered, she was only asking one question of her suitors, but he was too far away to hear what she was saying. Soon he will be able to step forward and let his suit be known. He waited patiently when he observed the wolf step forward to offer his suit.

He didn’t like that wolf, always acting like he was better than everyone else, as a growl escaped lips.

When the wolf grabbed his intended, he was about to attack. But before he could even take a step in Kagome’s direction, he felt someone grab him by his right arm. He looked down to see Yoshino. He snarled, and said, “Release me!”

Yoshino looked up at the youkai that she finally cornered. She has been trying all evening to get to him. She couldn’t risk her father’s wrath; he will never approve of her being so forward, but she wanted Sesshoumaru. He was very handsome, and his wealth was vast. She would give anything to be the next Lady of the West.

Yoshino noticed when he walked over to the area where all the other unmated males waited. She couldn’t believe that her father actually agreed to let that ningen mate with nobles. Kagome was not worth the dirt beneath her feet. Yoshino will be damned if she let her Sesshoumaru declare his suit for that bitch. She wanted his suit, but he would never give it to her.

She looked up into his eyes, “Sesshoumaru, why do you want to declare your suit to a worthless ningen? She is not your equal like I am. I can give you full-blooded youkai pups, and they can truly be heirs to the west. Do you think that the other lords will allow a hanyou to have control over the west?”

Sesshomaru didn’t even listen to what the whore, standing next to him, was saying. His concern right now was for his intended, who somehow got loose from the wolf and was fighting him. He watched with interest when Kagome thrashed the wolf and threw him across the room.

His eyes started to bleed red when the wolf return to continue his domination over Kagome, but the wench that was attached to his arm stopped him from leaving and going to her aid. Sesshoumaru turned, barring his fangs at Yoshino, “Release me or lose your life. The choice is yours.” His claws ready to attack with its poison seeping out of them. He meant business.

Yoshino released his arm when she saw his claws. She remembered the last time he made to attack her; it was Sesshoumaru’s father, who saved her from his wrath. She saw him turn as he raced toward the ningen.

Jealousy was making its way into Yoshino’s heart. She hated that ningen for capturing Sesshoumaru’s attention where she couldn’t. She couldn’t understand why he rejected her. She made sure to keep all of her trysts a secret, as she hid their scent on her body so no one knew what she was doing. So why was he acting this way with her? She continued to watch with everyone else.

Sesshomaru had stopped just short of getting to Kagome when he saw her in his mothers arms, safe and sound.

Inutaisho then turned to his mate and pup, as he approached and asked, “Is Kagome all right?”

Ayashiko looked up from her pup, “Yes she is fine. We can continue with the suits.”

Inutaisho saw the gleam in his mate’s eyes that told him that not everyone has declared their suit for his pup. He got the message as he announced, “The suits will continue until all have been offered to Kagome.”

Ayashiko turned to Kagome as she said, “Kagome can you continue to accept suits? There are still a few more.”

Kagome stood on her own two feet as she answered, “Yes.”

Ayashiko heard how tired Kagome was, but she still continued with her duty. She was proud of Kagome as she turned her eyes toward her eldest pup. She saw him standing there looking at Kagome with want in his eyes.

They returned to the spot where they were standing earlier, before they were interrupted, as the suits continued. Ayashiko turned many of the males away for they were not worthy of her pup. Some she let approach as she heard Kagome ask the same question to all of them.

Then Ayashiko saw her own pup come forth as he said, “Milady, I wish to offer my suit to the lovely and beautiful Kagome.”

Ayashiko smiled, as she gave her consent and let him get closer to Kagome.

Kagome was tired. She was wondering when all of this would end when she saw Sesshomaru approach her. Her heart started to beat faster when he stopped right in front of her and bowed deeply to her, “My lovely Kagome, my name is Sesshoumaru and I’m heir to the Western Lands. I wish to offer my suit to you for my chance to mate with you.”

Kagome was startled when she heard his words. ‘He wants to mate with me? Why?’ were her thoughts, as she bowed in return. “Sesshoumaru-sama, I have only one question for you, why do you want me as your mate?”

Sesshoumaru stood tall, as he took one step forward and looked into her beautiful blue eyes, “For a while now I have desired you. At first it was because you were the most powerful female I have ever met. But as time went by, I saw a lot more than just power. I saw an onna that would protect that which is not hers. I saw her teach pups to fight and be strong. I saw a loving heart that gives and gives, never asking for anything in return.

“I have watched you from afar, never being able to tell you, until today, how I really felt because it was forbidden for me to say anything. I will prove to you that I am a worthy mate.”

Then Sesshoumaru took a half step forward as he leaned down toward Kagome. He lowered his voice just enough so only she could hear what he was about to say. He knew that he was breaking protocol but he wanted to make sure that she understood how he truly felt about her, as he whispered, “Kagome, I want you as my mate because I love you.”

Kagome was blown away by his declaration. Tears started to form in her eyes, as she looked deep into his honey golden orbs. He was telling her the truth. He loved her and she could clearly see it right down to his soul.

“I never knew that you felt this way about me. For a long time, I thought that you didn’t care for me. I will definitely give your suit my consideration, Sesshoumaru.” Kagome said with a dark red blush on her face, as she looked at the youkai that was standing in front of her.

Sesshomaru smiled, as he bowed and left Kagome. He said everything that he wanted to say, and he let her know that he wanted her as his mate. Now, the fight to claim Kagome was on. He knew that he would have to defeat the rest of the youkais that wanted Kagome as a mate. But no one answered her question the way she wanted it to be answered, to give them a chance to dominate her. He will win this fight and he will have her as his mate.

Sesshoumaru’s inner inu agreed with him, he would help him claim their mate. It was time to get what was theirs. Now that the female has been presented and accepted, he was free to claim her.

But he knew that he had to dominate her. He understood that she was going to fight him to the very end, and he hoped that what he has planned, would work or it would mean that they would both die from the effort.

Inutaisho watched as his own pup made his suit known to Kagome. He knew that his son would be the perfect mate for her, but now that the suits have been declared, he will have to fight for her. He acknowledged that Sesshoumaru was powerful, but it was going to take a lot out of him and there was a chance that he might not win the battles.

Inutaisho got an idea as he walked over to his son and whispered, “Sesshoumaru, when I end this, please stay here because I want to talk to you.”

Inutaisho approached his mate as he turned to all in the room and announced, “The suiting session is now over. To all those that offered suits to Kagome, we will meet in the morning at the training field. Follow my guards to the designated field and then the challenge will begin. I want to thank all of you for coming here today. Please enjoy the evening festivities.”

Inutaisho then turned his attention to Ayashiko, “Mate, take Kagome up to her room. She must be exhausted from everything that has happened here today.”

Ayashiko complied with his wishes as she walked over to Kagome and led her away from everyone in the audience chambers. They slowly walked up the stairs as Ayashiko made it to Kagome’s room and opened the door for her pup. She led Kagome into the room and proceeded to sit her down on her futon and asked, “Kagome? Are you all right?”

Kagome’s eyes were dazed as she looked up at Ayashiko and asked, “What will happen tomorrow?”

Ayashiko smiled while she sat down next to her Musume, wrapping her arm around her, “Tomorrow, all those that offered you their suits will fight for the right to be your mate. There can only be one winner in tomorrows contest. You will not be attending the actual battle. I don’t think that you will enjoy seeing what is going to happen out there. You will stay here until a winner is announced. After a short break, you will be summoned, and the winner will have his chance with you.”

Kagome lowered her head as she said, “I hope that you understand that I can’t let anyone dominate me. I will fight to the bitter end to see if this male is strong enough to protect me. I have no idea who will be the victor tomorrow, but in some way I’m hoping that it’s Sesshoumaru. He was the only one that answered my question on why he wanted to mate with me. He gave me a reason why I should let him dominate me, if he should be the victor. But I will not make it easy for him. He would have to earn that right.”

Ayashiko smiled as she said, “What did he tell you Kagome that would make you think about giving him a chance?”

Kagome took a deep breath as she slowly let it out, “He said that he loved me.”

Ayashiko was surprised to hear this, Sesshoumaru never revealed his feeling to anyone, not even to her. She looked at Kagome as she brought her into a tighter embrace, “Kagome, if Sesshoumaru said that he loved you, believe him. My son is not one to declare his feelings so freely. But what I want to know is… do you love him Kagome?”

Kagome listened to what her youbo was saying and it made sense. Sesshoumaru was not the type of youkai who would express his feeling so easily. Then she heard her youbo’s next question and she froze. She didn’t know how to answer that question.

She thought for a few minutes as she said, “I really don’t know how I feel about him. I have never been in love with anyone before. He is the first male to actually show any interest in me. I care deeply for him and I might even love him but I don’t know for sure.”

Ayashiko chuckled as she said, “My Musume. I think you know the answer to that question, but you don’t want to admit it to yourself. If you didn’t love my son on some level, you would not doubt your feelings. You might belie the truth, Kagome, because I think you’re in love with Sesshoumaru.”

Kagome thought about what Ayashiko said. It was almost the same thing that Sango told her. If these two people, who she trusted with all her heart, were telling her that she was in love with Sesshoumaru, then it might, just might be true.

Ayashiko then leaned down and whispered into her ear, “Kagome, I think and believe that he’s your soul mate. The one you are destined to love for the rest of your life.”

Flabbergasted was the only thing that Kagome felt at that moment in time. She learned many lessons here, and one of the lessons was that Ayashiko never lied to her.

Tears started to form in Kagome’s eyes, as the truth of Ayashiko words, reached her heart. She finally felt it, she finally knew what her true feelings were for Sesshoumaru. But she kept her features neutral. She didn’t want to give away her feelings for the handsome youkai. He may have said that he loved her but she still had her doubts.

But the reality that many will get hurt fighting for the right to dominate her sickened Kagome, “Mother… is there a way that we can stop what is going to happen tomorrow.”

Ayashiko was shocked to hear this as she looked at Kagome, “Kagome, why do you want to stop everything now that it has begun? Even I can’t stop what has to happen. This is the way of the Inu Youkai and you must live with it.

“But you, my Musume, will have to fight the winner of tomorrows challenge, because if you do not, then it will dishonor the one that has defeated all the other males for the right to dominate you.”

Kagome signed deeply as she resigned herself to her fate, “All right, I will fight the winner of the match tomorrow.”

Ayashiko chuckled at her comment as she started to purr. She could tell that her pup was tired and was fighting the sleep that wanted to claim her. She felt Kagome relax into her arms as her breathing evened out and finally fell asleep.

Ayashiko laid Kagome down on her futon as she covered her up and kissed her forehead. She could only hope that Sesshoumaru wins the battle tomorrow, because if he did not, this will be the last time she would see her Ittoshi Musume alive.

Ayashiko walked out of Kagome’s room as she placed a barrier on her door to prevent anyone from going into the room. She did not want her sleep to be disturbed and she knew that there were others here that wanted to challenge her, because Sesshoumaru has given his suit to Kagome. One person in particular came to Ayashiko’s mind as she walked down the hallway trying to see if she could find the guards.

She found the captain of the guards and told him, “Captain, I want guards posted at the entrance to the western wing. No one is to enter the wing that do not belong here, is that understood?”

The guard bowed deeply to his lady, “Yes milady, I understand your instructions. I will send a couple of guards to check the area out before they take their position at the doors. No one will get into the western wing.”

Ayashiko was satisfied with his answer as she turned and returned to the western wing. She was tired and needed to rest. Tomorrow was going to be a hard day. Especially, when she witnesses what the winning male was going to do to her Musume.

It was never easy for a mother to watch their daughter battle a male. The female will always get hurt and when he bites her, she will be in pain. She only hopes that Kagome survives the battle tomorrow, because she knew that it was going to be very intense.

Ayashiko continued walking towards her room, but she first stopped at her youngest son’s room to check on him. They had let him retire early from the party. He was still young and needed his rest.

Ayashiko opened his door and looked in on her son. He was uncovered as his leg was hanging out of the covers. She walked over to him and covered him up again, not wanting him to get sick from the cool air in the room. She kissed his forehead and then left his room, happy that he was safe and in the land of dreams.

Ayashiko then proceeded to her own room. She walked in, closing the door behind her, as she made her way to her own bed. She changed into her sleeping nemaki, and laid down on her soft futon. It has been a long day and tomorrow was going to be even longer.

---oOo---

Once Inutaisho was finished with what he wanted to say to his guest, he walked over to his son, “Sesshoumaru, please follow me.”

Sesshoumaru followed his father as he took him to a different part of the castle. He has never been in this part before. His father led him into the oldest and uninhabited part of the castle. He noticed the wards and barriers that protected this section as they entered what looked like an old study. The room was covered in dust and you could smell the mold and mildew from the place not being cleaned properly.

His father walked over to one of the shelves as he reached up and touched a book that was on the shelf just above his head. When he pulled the book down, a door right in front of him popped opened. Inutaisho pushed the door the rest of the way open and stepped in. Sesshoumaru followed his father wondering what was hidden all the way down here.

They walked the darkened hallway for a while when they reached another door. His father opened this one and when they stepped inside, Sesshoumaru got the surprise of his long life. Here in this room, there were books and ancient armor. But on the wall directly in front of him, there was a beautiful sword that was sitting out in plain site.

Sesshoumaru walked closer to the sword as he looked at it closely. The handle was done in gold and there was a two tail Inu Youkai engraved on the hilt. The blade, he could tell, was still very sharp as it shone brightly by the light of the torches in the room. There was a dragon that was engraved on the length of the blade itself. He could feel the power that the sword possessed as he turned to his father, “Father, what is this place? I never knew this place existed.”

Inutaisho looked at his son as he sighed and went over to where the sword rested on the wall. He took a deep breath as he started his tale, “This part of the castle was where your Hiijiji lived. My father closed off this part of the castle and no one has been allowed to enter since his death. My father showed me this room right before he died. He said that another two tailed Inu Youkai will be born from our line, and if he ever showed up, that this sword was his to command.

“No one, not even me, has been able to touch this sword. I believe, my son, that you are the next two tail Inu that was foretold so many years ago. If you can pick up this sword, then the sword is yours to wield. Use it to protect your mate and our lands from the evil that wants to take it away from us.”

Sesshoumaru was surprised to hear this. He never knew that his Hiijiji had a sword like this. He turned around as he looked at the sword. He took a deep breath as he reached for it. When his hand closed around the hilt of the sword, a bright flash of light came forth as he closed his eyes to shield them.

Sesshoumaru slowly opened his eyes when he was sure that he would not go blind. He then found himself standing in the middle of a clearing with the sword in his hand. He heard a noise and looked up to see a very powerful Inu Youkai coming towards him.

He had two tails that were resting one on each of his shoulder. His clothes were similar to the one’s that he was wearing, right down to the red sakura blossoms that were going down the sleeves of his haori. He was taller than him. His face was very similar to his father as he has two purple stripes on each side of his cheeks. He had the blue crescent moon of the west on his forehead.

He was very well built and very muscular. His form radiated power as he stopped right in front of him and they looked at each other.

The other Inu that stopped in front of Sesshoumaru decided to break the silence as he said, “Hello Sesshoumaru, I am your Hiijiji, Tsuyoimaru.”

Sesshoumaru was stunned when he heard this Inu declare to be his Hiijiji, as he asked, “How can you be my Hiijiji when he died so long ago? Where am I? And why have you brought me here? Where is my father?”

Tsuyoimaru laughed full and hearty at the young pups questions, “My Sesshoumaru, you are full of questions. My spirit lives within the sword that you hold in your hand. Only one with two tails can control the power of this sword.

“I brought you here because I needed to speak with you, and your father is fine. He is upset at the moment, but he will be fine, once you wake up. You are, my boy, in my realm in the after life. It is between the living world and my final resting place. I can not rest until I have passed on my power to another worthy two tail Inu Youkai.”

Sesshoumaru looked at the sword in his hand as he looked up at the Inu Youkai standing in front of him, “But Hiijiji, I don’t have two tails, why does the sword let me hold it?”

Tsuyoimaru looked at his great grandson, “Do you have something to protect Sesshoumaru? Do you want the power of the ancient two tail Inu Youkai to protect this something that is close to you and your heart?”

Sesshoumaru thought about his question for a moment, “Yes, I have someone to protect. She means the world to me and I wish with all my heart to protect her for all eternity.”

Tsuyoimaru then said, “But do you accept the power of the two tails in order to do this?”

Sesshoumaru stood straight as he said, “If it will help me protect her, then yes. I accept the power of the two tails.”

Tsuyoimaru smiled, “I knew that you would. She is very special my great grandson. Love her and protect her with my blessing. I grant you the true power of my sword and the power of the two tails. Your transformation will not be complete until you have a need for this power.

“At the time when you find yourself weakening in a fight and need the added strength to defeat those in front of you, call my name, and you will truly transform into the two tail that I know you are.”

Sesshoumaru kneeled before his Hiijiji, “I promise you, that I will only bring honor to our family and I will protect my mate with my life.”

Tsuyoimaru was touched by his great grandson’s words, “You have picked a fighter my boy. She will do our line proud. Remember what I have said. Love her for all eternity.”

There was another flash of light, as Sesshoumaru was slowly opening his eyes, to see that he was on the ground with his father leaning over him. His face reflected the worry he had at seeing him like this.

---oOo---

Inutaisho watched as his son walked over to the sword and wrapped his hand around the hilt. He had to close his eyes when the bright light appeared but within moments it was gone as fast as it appeared. He looked around the room, looking for his son and he found him passed out on the floor.

He rushed to his side as he tried to wake him up. Nothing he did woke his pup, and he was starting to panic. He was about to pick him up and take him back to the main castle, when he saw him start to move. He waited until he saw his son slowly opening his eyes.

Inutaisho was relieved to see that he was finally awake as he asked, “Sesshoumaru are you all right?”

Sesshoumaru heard his father’s concerns, “Yes father, I’m all right.”

Inutaisho helped his son to his feet, checking him over to make sure he wasn’t hurt, “What happened to you after you touched the sword? I couldn’t wake you up. I was about to take you back to the main castle and get the healers to take a look at you.”

Sesshoumaru looked at the sword in his hand and then looked for its sheath. He found it up on the wall as he reached for it and drove the sword in to where it belonged. He then placed the sword in his sash, as he proceeded to tell his father what he discussed with his Hiijiji.

Inutaisho was shocked to hear this. Even though he knew that his son was the one that the oracle told him about, it was still hard to take in this news. He turned to his son, “I knew that you were the one to accept this power. It was foretold many years ago, that he along with his mate will protect the lands from the evil that was coming. Once you admitted your love for Kagome, I knew that it was time to give you the sword. It was meant for you to use and no other.”

Sesshoumaru understood what his father was saying as they both turned and left the room they were in. Sesshoumaru vowed to come back and read all the books in this room, he knew that they held a wealth of knowledge for him. He wanted to get to know his Hiijiji. He felt connected to him somehow and that made him feel proud. Not a whole lot was known about his Hiijiji, and he wanted to learn everything that he could about him.

They finally walked out of the old section of the castle as they made their way back to the western wing. When they got to the entrance of the wing, Inutaisho saw three guards there as he asked, “Why are you standing guard here?”

The guards kneeled when they saw their lord approaching. When they heard his question, the senior guard answered, “Milord, milady requested that the entrance to the wing be guarded, to make sure that no one enters this section of the castle.”

Inutaisho was surprised to hear that his mate requested the extra guards, “Has there been anyone that wanted to enter the western wing tonight?”

“Yes milord, there was a female Inu Youkai that wanted to pass, but we would not let her. She was upset that we denied her entry into the western wing and then she left.” Said the guard.

Inutaisho fully understood who this female was. Yoshino was pushing her luck with his son, and if she did not watch herself, she will wind up being killed. He turned his attention to his guards, as he said to them, “You have done well. I will deal with the female Inu in the morning.”

The guards felt honored for the praise they received from their lord, as they stood and opened the door to the western wing for him and his son, and then closed it when they entered.

Inutaisho and Sesshoumaru made their way to their rooms, when they passed by Kagome’s door they noticed the new barrier that Ayashiko placed on it. “Hmm, your mother must be worried that someone will try to hurt Kagome, so she placed her own barrier on the door.”

Sesshoumaru agreed with his father, as he turned toward his room to get some rest. It was going to be a long day tomorrow and he needed to sleep.

Inutaisho said goodnight to his pup as he continued to his room. He found his mate in bed sound asleep as he smiled. ‘She looks even more beautiful when she sleeps,’ were his thoughts. He took off his clothes as he climbed into bed with his mate. He pulled her into his chest as he sighed in contentment and closed his eyes. Her scent relaxed him as he fell into a peaceful sleep.

Gengetsujou was finally quiet as everyone retired for the night. The next day was going to be exciting as the fight for the miko was going to start. Gathered, here in the castle, were the strongest males in the land. Soon, the fall rutting season will start, and every male was looking for a female in order to mate. But only one male will have the chance to claim the beautiful miko as everyone slept the night away.

---oOo---

Hiijiji – Great Grandfather

This is the end to another chapter. I want to apologize to everyone for not posting in a long while, I was sick for a few weeks and couldn’t see to the editing of this chapter. I wanted to thank Frenchgirl for telling me that my French sentence was incorrect. Sorry about that but I will go back and correct chapter 17 when time permits me to.

The battle for Kagome is about to begin. Who will be the victor in this battle? Will it be Sesshoumaru? Or will it be the handsome Sasagawa? Hmm, maybe the arrogant Yuzuru? Well you will have to read the next chapter to find out.

Please join me in the next chapter as Kagome finally meets the male that is powerful enough to dominate her.

Until the next chapter!

Ja ne!