Her Destiny

Chapter 22

Morning finally came to the Western Lands with clear blue skies. It was cold but it looked promising that it will warm up later today. It was a sign that everything will be fine as its dissidents got started with their preparations for the winter months. Soon the white snow will fall and they will be limited in what they could do to provide food for their families.

The winters were the hardest months for the people of the lands; they couldn’t grow anything that will provide food for them. Hunting was almost non-existent, as most animals will go into a deep sleep to survive the winter, only to come back in the early spring.

The larger animals have a harder time finding food and will move to another area where food was abundant for them. This made it hard on the people of the west. They needed to think ahead and make sure that they saved enough food for the winter.

The western castle was no different than those around the area. Everyone was busy getting everything ready for the winter months. They stored plenty of food for the occupants of the castle along with enough food to feed any village that might be in trouble during these hard times.

---oOo---

Ayashiko was slowly waking up from her slumber. It was the first night that she rested comfortably since Sesshoumaru and Kagome left the castle. She felt the soft touch of her pups mind telling her that they were fine and soon they will mate. She finally fell asleep shortly after that, knowing that they were all right.

Ayashiko slowly opened her eyes to greet the morning sun. She slowly sat up and noticed that her mate was still asleep next to her. ‘He must be tired if he is still sleeping.’ Ayashiko thought as she carefully got out of bed and made sure not to wake her mate.

She got dressed in her training gi and hakama, for months now she has been training with Sango. Since Kagome was training with her mate it left Sango without anything to do. She took it upon herself to teach her their way of battle.

Ayashiko smiled, Sango was a strong fighter and a quick learner. She learned almost everything she needs to know from her and soon she will send her to train with General Dewa. He instructed her Musume and she knew that he will train Sango the rest of the way.

During this time Ayashiko learned that Sango was a fierce protector and took her job very seriously. She was determined to protect and she will fight to the bitter end.

Once Ayashiko dressed she walked out of her room to find that Sango was already waiting for her. She saw her bow deeply to her as she heard her say, “Good morning milady. I hope you slept well.”

Ayashiko smiled as she said, “Good morning Sango, yes I slept very well thank you. Are you ready for your training?”

Sango smiles as she straightens, “Of course milady today is the day I beat you in battle.” Both of them laughed at Sango’s declaration. She has been trying for months now and has only come close a couple of times in beating Ayashiko. They turned as they walked out of the castle to the training dojo. Kirara was following closely behind the pair, as she protected them while they trained.

Ayashiko and Sango practiced for hours when they finally called the training to a halt, they found that it was a tie. Neither of them could win against the other and this made Ayashiko proud.

Sango has come a long way in her skills and Ayashiko has no doubt that she could beat the finest warriors in the area. She knew that her Musume will be well protected with Sango as her guard. Even the guards around the castle stayed away from Sango, because they knew of her strength and skills.

They left the dojo as they went to get cleaned up. There was still much to do before Sesshoumaru and Kagome returned to the castle. They were walking out of the western wing when the servants told them that the castle painter was waiting for them in the study.

Ayashiko got excited thinking that he finished the portrait. They made their way to the study, when they entered they spotted the kitsune waiting for them. Ayashiko smiled as she said, “Good morning Semi have you finished the painting yet?”

Semi smiled as he bowed deeply to his lady, “Yes milady I did finish it, but before you see that one I wanted to present you with this painting as a token of my gratitude for giving me the inspiration to paint again.”

Ayashiko was confused about his comment but waited patiently until he took the cloth off a painting that was sitting there on a stand. When he lifted the cloth up both Sango and Ayashiko gasped at what they saw.

Semi had out done himself with this painting. It was of her eldest son and her Musume. They looked beautiful together as she saw the smiles on their faces and the twinkle in their eye.

Ayashiko just stared at the portrait as she slowly approached it. Her hand came up as she gently caressed her son’s cheek. A lone tear came out of her eyes as she turned to Semi and said, “Oh Semi, this is by far the most perfect gift you have ever given me. You have captured both of their expressions so well and their smiles. You have my profound gratitude for this portrait.”

Semi felt proud being praised by his lady. He looked at the portrait and he felt satisfaction for the way the painting came out. It was by far the best portrait he has ever painted.

The master woods man found the perfect frame for his painting. It was rather large but not that large that it took away from the painting. It was a rich dark wood that brought out the beauty of the portrait. The trim around the frame held small Inu’s along with crescent moons going all the way around the frame.

Ayashiko knew exactly where she wanted to put this perfect painting of her son and mate. She then turned to Semi, “If you did as well with the other painting, as you did with this one, then you have earned the title of the greatest painter in the land.”

Semi bowed deeply to his lady as he turned to the slightly larger painting that was there. He removed the cover and showed his lady what he did with the portrait.

Again Ayashiko and Sango were shocked when they saw the portrait. Semi really out did himself with the paintings. Her family portrait was now complete as Kagome was now added to the portrait. You could clearly see her beautiful blue eyes and the blue teardrop with the star that she wore so proudly.

Kagome was standing in front of Sesshoumaru in a light blue kimono and white obi. The kimono sported white sakura blossoms going down the one sleeve that you could see. Sesshoumaru’s right hand was on Kagome’s right shoulder. The portrait was perfect in Ayashiko eyes.

You could never tell that Kagome was not part of the original painting. Tears were threatening to come out of Ayashiko eyes again as she held them back. If her mate smelled her tears he will come in here trying to kill the one that upset her so.

She called for a few servants and told them to take the family portrait and hang it in the main entrance to the castle. Two servants came forward and took the painting downstairs as another set of servants waited for further instructions from their lady.

Ayashiko turned her attention to the other servants and said, “I want you two to hang this painting over the fireplace in my son and his mate’s room. Make sure that it is placed in the center.”

The servants bowed deeply to their lady as they both moved forward and took the painting upstairs.

Ayashiko then turned to Sango and said, “Come Sango we shall see how they are doing placing the painting in the main entrance to the castle. Then we can check Sesshoumaru’s room and make sure that the painting in there is hanging correctly.”

Sango smiled, as she followed Ayashiko out of the study, and went downstairs to see how the painting looked in its final place of honor.

---oOo---

Lord Inutaisho was waking up from his slumber. He immediately noticed that his mate was gone from his side. He noticed that the sun was almost to its peek in the sky and wondered why he slept so long. He never slept this long and wondered where his lovely mate has gone to.

He opened his senses and found that his mate was in the castle and that she was excited about something. He decided to investigate as he got up and got dressed.

He walked out of his room as he headed toward his mates scent. He finally found her in the main entrance of the castle as he came down the stairs. She was giving orders to some of the servants to make sure that the table she was placing in the great hall was perfectly centered.

Inutaisho had no idea what was there since the last time he looked it was an empty wall. The servants present in the main entrance bowed deeply to him in greeting, while he continued walking towards the love of his life.

Ayashiko was so busy that she never noticed her mate coming up behind her until she felt a strong pair of arms encircling her waist as she was pulled into his embrace. She purred her delight when she felt his tongue on her neck as he asked in a husky voice, “My mate, what has you in such a good mood this morning?”

Ayashiko purred, as she said, “Why don’t you look up and see for yourself.”

Inutaisho raised his head as he looked at the wall. His eyes grew big when he saw the beautiful portrait of his family. Included in the painting was his little one, but what caught his eye was the smile on his eldest son’s face, as he looked at it.

He released his mate as he walked around her to get a better look at the painting. It was a master piece as he turned and asked, “Koiishi where did you get this done? It’s beautiful.”

Ayashiko smiled wide as she said, “The portrait was painted by Kagome. She captured us so beautifully including the smile on Sesshoumaru’s handsome face. I found it in her room yesterday, when we were moving her things into their new room. When I saw the portrait I knew that I had to have it but it was missing Kagome.

“I gave the portrait to Semi and he was able to put Kagome in the painting. Now our family is complete and I think that this is the perfect place for such a beautiful painting of our family.”

Inutaisho was amazed that his little one could paint such a beautiful painting. She was very talented and wondered what else she was talented in. He looked from the painting to his mate as he said, “Yes my aiyoku you have picked the perfect place for this portrait to hang. Semi did a wonderful job in adding our pup. I just hope that Kagome likes where it’s hanging. It is her painting after all and she might not want it hanging on the wall at the main entrance to the castle.”

Ayashiko thought for a few minutes and her mate did have a valid point. The painting did belong to her Musume and she only hoped that she will feel proud at having her portrait hanging in such a high place of honor. She turned toward her mate as she said, “You are correct aiyoku, but I think that she will let me keep it. This one is not the only one that our pup has done. Come, I will show you the rest.”

Inutaisho raised an elegant eyebrow at his mate as they went back upstairs. They went to the western wing of the castle as they went into the room that Ayashiko selected for their son and Kagome. When they entered the room Inutaisho eyes went wide.

All over the room there where paintings that Kagome painted as they adorn the walls. But the one painting that caught his eyes was the one of Kagome and Sesshoumaru. It hung beautifully over the fireplace and it captured his two pups perfectly.

He couldn’t believe how fast his mate got this room ready for their pups. He turned to her as he said, “Mate you have really out done yourself. This room is beautiful and I have no doubt that Kagome will love what you and Sango have done to it.”

He wrapped his arms around his mate and pulled her into his chest, as he kissed her. It wasn’t a passionate kiss but it was a kiss that told of his love for his mate. When they pulled apart they immediately noticed that they were alone in the room. The servants, including Sango, left them alone in their private moment.

Inutaisho then turned so he could see what else his mate did to the room. The colors were warm and soothing. The sakura tree painted in one corner of the room added that special touch of being outdoors and he knew that Kagome will love it. She always liked to be outdoors, among the trees and flowers.

Inutaisho was enjoying his quiet time with his mate when he felt something in the near distance. His instincts told him that something was wrong as he took a step away from his lovely mate. He concentrated on his son and noticed that he has left the area to go hunt. He also noticed that his son left Kagome behind in the house.

If the male felt that it was safe enough they will leave the female behind so they could quickly hunt. Having the female with them almost always-invited trouble, it will attract other youkai who are seeking mates for this time of year. He knew his son will be hard pressed to protect his mate and hunt at the same time.

The feeling that something was wrong wouldn’t leave him. He turned as he looked at his lovely mate and said, “Koiishi, I must leave, I have some business that I need to see to. I will see you later my aiyoku.” He kissed his mate on her forehead as he left the room to see what was wrong.

He quickly made his way outside as he sniffed the air. Something was not right as he summoned his commander.

General Dewa was immediately by his side as he kneeled and said, “Yes milord, how may I be of service?”

Inutaisho looked at his general as he said, “General Dewa have your men check the area. There is something amiss and I don’t know what it is. Have them check everything, especially the forest. They are not to go into the barrier they find out there, is that understood?”

Dewa heard his lords orders as he replied, “It will be as you command oh lord.”

Dewa then stood and took off to carry out his lord’s command. The soldiers quickly spread out as they searched the area around the castle. About an hour later one of the guards found a fellow soldier dead in the forest. The body had claw marks that resembled that of a wolf. They immediately sent word back to their commander informing him of what they discovered.

Inutaisho waited patiently for his soldiers to do a sweep of the area. He was at the edge of the forest near the house that he made for his son and his little one. He turned when he felt someone approaching very fast. He saw Dewa coming out of the forest and heading straight for him. When he finally reached his location he kneeled as he heard him say, “Milord, we have found a soldier dead in the forest. From what I have been told he has been attacked by wolves.”

Inutaisho narrowed his eyes at what he was told. There was only one wolf who would dare to go against his proclamation and that was Koga. He banished that wolf from his lands and promised that he will die if he was to return. It seems that he will have to make his promise come to reality when he finds him.

He stood there for a few minutes as a thought came to his mind. ‘If Koga was able to get into the barrier there is only one place he will go. He will be after Kagome and with Kagome going through the mating ritual she will not be able to defend herself like she did before.

His heart started to race as he turned to his general and said, “Come with me general. Kagome is in danger because that wolf will be after her.”

They both took off toward the sanctuary as they summoned some soldiers to go with them. When they arrived they spotted the wolves waiting for someone. When the wolves noticed the soldiers from the castle they attacked as they howled to someone that they had company.

---oOo---

Koga was forcibly removed from the Western Lands. The guards that accompanied him, told him never to return or else face their lord’s wrath.

Koga growled at the guards as he left. He was hurting. That ningen onna did some serious damage to him. He couldn’t believe her strength and she wasn’t even using her Reiyouku to fight him. He knew that if she used her Reiyouku he would be dead right now.

Koga continued to walk when he felt the presence of wolves in the area. He stopped as he took a fighting stance. He was not going to go down without a fight. A lone wolf cast out of his lands was an open invitation for other youkais to attack.

Wolves were naturally pack animals. They always traveled in packs for safety and that’s how they protected their territory. Once, one of their own was hurt, they will wonder off to die.

He swore that if he survived the night he will go back and pay that bitch a visit. He will teach her who the dominant male was as he ravished her body. Once he was done with her he will kill her.

She represented a threat to the land and there will be no one strong enough to tame her. He had no idea who won the right to mate with such a whore, but he didn’t care, he was going to get his vengeance on her.

A twig snapped in the distance, alerting Koga that the intruders were very close to where he was. He was in pain but he pushed that aside as he set his mind on the battle ahead. He was about to attack when a familiar scent reached his nose.

He turned toward the one’s making all the noise as he saw part of his pack coming. He gave a grunt as he sat against a tree and relaxed, knowing that they will not attack him.

Hakkaku and Ginta were following Koga’s scent through the forest. They were concerned about him, as they followed with a few members from their old pack. They broke away from the main pack to go with Koga.

These were Koga’s most loyal pack members and they will follow him wherever he went, even if it meant their death.

Hakkaku was the first to see Koga as he rushed to his side. Ginta was right behind him, along with the rest of the pack. They finally reach their leader as Hakkaku asked, “Koga are you all right? It took us a while to find you but we’re here for you.”

Koga opened his eyes as he asked, “Why are all of you here? You know what happened. I was banished from the Western Lands and brought shame to our clan. If you stay with me you will not be welcomed back at our pack.”

Hakkaku and Ginta looked at each other as they turned and looked at the rest of their members. They both saw everyone nod in their direction as they both turn to Koga and Ginta said, “We know what happened and we will stay with you. We know that it was not your fault. That ningen wench did something to you in order for you to lose like that. We know that you are powerful and no ningen is strong enough to take you down.”

Koga couldn’t believe his luck his pack thought that he was put under some spell when he lost that fight. He grunted as he said, “Very well, we need to find shelter for the night. I don’t want to be out in the open. I should be healed by morning and then we can plan my revenge. That ningen onna will die by my hand, after I take out my vengeance on her body, we can’t allow her to live. She is a threat to all the youkais of these lands.”

Hakkaku then said, “Koga you will have to be careful because Sesshoumaru won the right to mate her. He defeated her in battle and let me tell you he almost didn’t. She must have used the same trick on him, we all know that Sesshoumaru is a powerful youkai. She is smart and we will have to use caution to get to her. She will be well protected by the Western Lord.”

‘So Sesshoumaru was the one who won the right to mate her. That only means that she is still at the Western castle and that will make it easier for us to capture her.’ Koga thought, different ideas ran through his mind about capturing the girl, but right now he was interested in finding a place to rest for the night. He stood on shaky legs as he said, “Come we need to find shelter for the night and food. We can continue to discuss this in the morning once I’m healed.”

The wolf pack left the clearing as they went in search of a place to stay for the night.

---oOo---

The next morning Koga was up bright and early. His wounds healed overnight and now he was back to normal. He was sitting by the fire as he counted how many from his clan left to join him. He counted 50 wolves that joined him and he was pleased. He never knew that he had such loyal followers.

Koga sat in silence as he tried to think of a way to get the ningen away from Sesshoumaru. This task was not going to be easy. They will have to sneak back into the western castle and then find the girl. He still had the invitation from the Western Lord and that will allow them to enter, but they needed an escort from the castle to reach the barriers. Without the escort they will never be able to get past the barrier.

A plan started to formulate in his mind as he finally looked up from the flames and said, “I have a plan to get the ningen. We will need to travel north. There is a kuro miko there that might be willing to help us. We need a concealment spell to hide our true features and our scents. I heard that this miko is willing to do anything for money so we should be able to get what we want from her.”

With that said the pack of wolves left the cave they were staying in as they traveled north to find this kuro miko. They were traveling fast. Koga knew that Sesshoumaru will not mate the ningen before the full moon, which was tomorrow night. They needed to be at the western castle before the ningen was mated. At this point in the mating ritual she was weak and vulnerable. She will not be able to use her powers to attack them.

Sesshoumaru’s youki will be suppressing the onna’s powers so she will be defenseless. This was perfect it will make taking her so much easier, but he needed a plan to get Sesshoumaru away from the girl. He knew that courting males will never leave their unmated females alone for any reason, unless they thought that they will be well protected while they were gone.

The wolves continued to run at full speed while Koga thought of a plan to get rid of Sesshoumaru. Koga sensed something in the near distance as he stopped and the rest of his pack followed suit. He sniffed the air and caught the scent of the kuro miko nearby.

Koga couldn’t believe his luck. This will save them a lot of time in getting to her and then making it back to the western castle. They took off again, following the scent of the kuro miko that will give them what they needed to get into the castle to retrieve the ningen.

---oOo---

Akurei was slowly making her way back to the western castle. It’s taken her some time to get back home to mix her potion. She encountered some trouble along the way but it was nothing that she couldn’t handle.

When she left the forest, where she defeated that miko and taken her blood, she met up with Jakyoku’s men about three days later. She was fully recovered when they made themselves known to her.

She thought back to that day and smiled. It was enjoyable to see them squirm under her attack. They thought that she was weak but now they knew better. They were dead and she will have to deal with Jakyoku when the time came. He will not take what she desires as a mate. She wanted that miko dead and she was going to see her dead no matter what.

As she was walking she was formulating a plan on what she was going to do when she arrived at the Western Castle. She needed to find this miko and defeat her once and for all. All Akurei thought about was becoming immortal and ruling all the lands. This was her dream, to be able to keep her beauty and have everyone bow down to her. She was tired of all of these fools coming to her and demanding her services for next to nothing.

She stopped in her tracks when she sensed youkai in the area. She was wondering why they were coming after her when every other youkai in the forest was staying away from her. Her dark powers made itself known to the approaching youkai, she noticed that they were still coming towards her and this got her curiosity up. She stood there waiting to see what they wanted.

Koga came into the clearing where the kuro miko was waiting for them. He felt her great powers and hoped that she will help them with their request. He stopped a few feet away from the ningen as he took two steps forward and said, “Miko, I have come with a request. I have money to pay for what I seek and I will need it as soon as possible.”

Akurei looked at the wolf youkai in the eyes and saw that this request of his was something that was really important to him. She was curious as she asked, “What do you wish me to do?”

Koga stood tall as he said, “I need a concealment spell that will hide me and my clan from the Western Lords soldiers. We wish to sneak into the castle that is heavily fortified and well protected now that a miko lives there.”

Now this was news to Akurei as she said, “Is that so, what is in the Western castle that you need a concealment spell? Surely you can just go in being youkai. If memory serves me correctly are you not Koga, prince of the ookami tribes.”

Koga’s tail twitched in agitation as he growled out, “Not any more! Because of the ningen onna that resides in that castle I was banished from the Western Lands and striped of my title. I want revenge and I will have it. Now can you give me the concealment spell I seek or do I have to track down another to have my request fulfilled?”

Now Akurei interest was peaked. This wolf could be the answer to all of her problems. If he got the girl then she could get her blood, but what is he going to do with the girl once he got her? She turned her black eyes toward the wolf as she asked, “What will you do with the girl once you have her? Are you going to take her as your mate?”

Koga huffed at her question as he said through gritted teeth, “No I will not take a filthy ningen as a mate. Once I’m through ravishing her body I will kill her for what she did. She embarrassed me in front of all the ruling lords and she is going to pay for that. Now name your price for helping me and if you can’t do it, then tell me, so I can go elsewhere to find what I seek.”

Akurei smiled a wicked smile as she said, “Very well then, I will help you with the concealment spell for your clan, but I have a suggestion for you. I have heard that the Lord of the Western Lands son has won the right to mate the miko, am I right?”

Koga narrowed his eyes as he growled, “Yes this is correct. Sesshoumaru won the right to mate with her. So why are you asking me this miko?”

Akurei narrowed her eyes back at the wolf as she said, “From what I hear this miko is powerful. One such as yourself will not be able to take her freely,” Koga was about to protest her remark as Akurei continued before he could voice his objection. “But if I make you look like her mate to be then she might be willing to go with you.”

Koga thought about this and she did have a point. This miko was strong and even without her Reiyouku she was still powerful. If she thought that he was her mate then she will go with him willingly and he wouldn’t have to fight her.

Koga smiled at this thought as he said, “You’re right. It’s better to have her cooperation and come with me willingly than alert everyone around the castle. What is your price for doing this concealment spell?”

Akurei grinned as she said, “All I want in return is her blood and your blood oath that you will kill her once you’re done with her body.”

“Why do you want her dead? What did she do to you?” Asked Koga, as he faced the miko, his curiosity was peeked. He wanted to know what the miko did to warrant her death.

Akurei thought about his question as she answered, “She is my rival for power on these lands and I will not have her trying to kill me. She has tried but failed miserably.”

Akurei was getting tired and needed to know the wolf’s answer to her suggestion as she said, “These are the conditions to receive my help, if you don’t want to accept them then that is fine with me. I will just be on my way.”

Koga again thought about her request. He didn’t see anything wrong with it, he was planning on killing that onna once he was done with her anyway. Plus if she could give him a concealment spell that will make him look like her mate to be it will be even better. He looked at the kuro miko as he said, “All right you will have her blood and you can have my blood oath that I will kill her once I’m done with her.”

Akurei was happy with his answer as she set about giving them all concealment spells. She touched each wolf as she changed their appearance and made them appear like Inu Youkai. But for Koga she pulled some beads from her haori and placed them in her hands. She closed her eyes as she muttered a chant under her breath while her hands glowed red.

When she was done she handed the beads to Koga and said, “Once you are inside the castle and have located the girl you need to put this on. The concealment spell you are wearing at the moment will go away and this new one will take its place. You will look like Sesshoumaru and she will not be able to tell the difference. But heed my warning once you leave the castle the spell will be broken. You will revert back to your wolf self and she will attack at that time. I trust that you will be able to handle her.”

Koga smirked as he took the beads and said, “Don’t worry, I will be able to handle her once we are out of the castle. Where will we meet so you can get your blood?”

Akurei turned to the wolf and said, “Don’t worry I will find you once you have the girl but you still owe me a blood oath and I will have that now.”

Akurei pulled out a knife as she cut the palm of her hand. Koga in turned took his claws and cut his palm as he walked closer to the kuro miko. When they were facing each other their palms came together as Koga said, “I swear on my blood that the miko Kagome will die by my hand once I have gotten her out of the Western Lords castle. I will not take her as a mate.” Their hands started to glow a bright red until the oath was sealed.

Akurei released Koga’s hand as she said, “I wish you luck and I will see you very soon to collect what is mine. Until then stay safe and be careful.”

Koga smirked as he turned to his pack members and took off toward the western castle, leaving Akurei by herself deep in the forest. When they were gone from Akurei’s sight she smiled wickedly and said under her breath. “Oh yes wolf, we shall meet again very soon, once I take the miko’s blood, you will kill her right away or your blood bond to me will kill you. I will not be stopped this time, not by that damn miko, the Western Lord, nor his son.”

Akurei turned and continued on her way. She will give the wolves time to enter the castle and find the girl. She will be watching from a distance to see what is going to happen.

Akurei failed to mention to the wolves that the concealment spell will only last a few hours after they enter the Western Lords domain. She chuckled, they will have enough time to sneak into the castle but then the concealment spell will wear off and they will all die by the Western Lords hand. She was just hoping that Koga will find Kagome and get her out of the castle before her spell wore off. Things were about to get interesting and she wanted to be there to watch.

---oOo---

Koga and his pack were making their way back to the Western castle. They were traveling with speed as they crossed the boarders of the Western Lands and continued on their way.

During their run Koga was getting the rest of his plan together as he thought about how he was going to get into the castle. They have been running for the majority of the day and decided to call a halt to their travel. They found a cave as Koga explained to his pack his plan to capture the miko.

Everyone understood Koga’s instructions as they settled in for the night. The next night will be the night of the full moon. Koga was positive that Sesshoumaru will mate the ningen on this night. They still had time for their plan to work as they rested, they will need all of their strength for the battle to get the ningen.

The next morning the wolves were up early as they took off toward the western castle. They had a long way to go and they needed to get there as soon as possible. They were traveling with speed, and they were getting closer.

The pack slowed their pace as they came to a halt, just short of getting to the barrier. There in the distance they spotted some of the local merchants that were coming to sell their goods at the castle.

From what Koga heard the Western Lord pays well for their products so many came here to sell their goods. He got an idea as he said, “Hakkaku, Ginta, take some men and go hunt some deer. We will join those traders when the soldiers come and escort them into the castle. Once on the other side we will break off from this group and seek out the ningen.

“Knowing the Western Lord, he might have built some sanctuary for his son and the girl. We will need to find it if we want to take the onna from the palace. Her death will be the panicle of my revenge toward the Western Lord for what he has done to me.”

Hakkaku and Ginta did as they were told and took off into the forest to hunt. They came back quickly as they caught and killed four deer’s. Koga chose to only take half of his wolves as the ones that stayed behind hid in the forest outside the castle. The rest were walking down to the path below as they joined the other traders going to the castle.

The wolf’s senses were on full alert as they continued walking with the rest of the traders. When they got close enough to the barriers of the Western castle about 10 soldiers came out and surrounded the group as they checked them to make sure that they could enter.

Koga produced the documents needed as the soldiers eyed them with care. The soldier sensed that something was not right about these Inu youkai but he couldn’t figure it out. He shook his head as he turned to his companions and said, “Everyone here checks outs. They may pass the barrier.”

Koga slowly let go of a breath he didn’t know he was holding. They made it through the first hurdle. They were being led into the barrier as the soldiers surrounded the group of traders.

When they finally got though the barrier, the group continued to go to the western castle, while Koga and his men lagged behind the group of traders. When they had enough distance they broke away from the traders as they headed into the forest that surrounded the castle.

They discarded the deer as they made their way to the other side of the castle, via the forest. They were moving cautiously, scenting the area as they went. They stopped as a group, while Koga tasted the air around the castle. He growled when he noticed that the ningens scent was not in the castle.

They started circling the castle, knowing that the ningen was somewhere near this area. They all stopped in their tracks when they heard a noise behind them. They turned to see two of the castle guards standing there with their weapons pointing straight at them.

Koga carefully signaled to some of his wolves, as they nodded in understanding. The guards were about to sound the alarm, when they were attacked.

The wolves moved with speed as they slashed the soldiers across their chest and they both fell dead on the forest ground. They all stood still as they listened around the area, to see they were going to have company. When they didn’t hear anyone else coming in their direction, Koga turned to his men and said, “Take the soldiers deep into the forest and leave their bodies there. I don’t want them found just yet.”

Three wolves broke off from the main group as they went to do Koga’s bidding. They took the soldiers deep into the woods and left their bodies by the barrier in different locations. When they were done with their task they returned to find the rest of their pack.

Koga continued going through the forest trying to find the ningen. He stopped as he sniffed the air again and caught the scent of Night Blooming Jasmine. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he followed the alluring scent.

The group came upon a barrier as they looked around to see if they could get in. They heard a noise in the distance as everyone disbursed and hid in the area. They watched as two soldiers were walking by on patrol.

Koga signaled to his men as two wolves jumped from the trees and killed the soldiers before they could cry out. Koga got an idea as he motioned to one of his men to bring one of the soldiers over to him. He grabbed the dead soldiers as he started to walk toward the barrier carrying the soldier with him. He went straight through the barrier as a grin appeared on his lips.

He sniffed the air tasting it for Sesshoumaru’s scent. A bigger smile appeared when he noticed that Sesshoumaru was gone from the area. The ningen was by herself with no one to protect her. ‘This will be easier than I thought, we can come in here and take the girl before anyone knows what was going on.’ Koga thought with a big grin on his face.

He walked back out of the barrier and said, “All right, this is what we are going to do. One of you will come with me. The rest of you fan out and protect this area. I will go in, get the girl, and then we can leave this place.”

All the wolves nodded their agreement as the wolf that was holding the other dead guard went with Koga to get the female. The rest of the pack spread out and waited for their leader to come back out with the onna.

The wolves were on high alert. They were waiting patiently in the forest when they noticed that their concealment spell wore off. They were standing deep in enemy territory in their true forms. They started to panic when they heard the sound of running feet heading their way as they jumped out of the trees to take a fighting stance. They needed to keep this area secured until Koga returned.

They saw the Western Lord coming their way as they attacked. The fight was now on as the wolves fought against the Western Lord and his soldiers. Hakkaku and Ginta were having a rough time with the soldiers as they both howled into the air telling Koga that they had company and for him to hurry up.

---oOo---

Koga and his companion put the dead soldiers down as they made their way through the forest. They came upon a grand house as they circled around going toward the back, where the ningens scent was strongest. When they got to the back part of the house they spotted the ningen in the garden, she was on her knees picking herbs.

Koga took the beads out of his armor and put them on. The concealment spell was activated once it was around his neck. His form shifted as he transformed into Sesshoumaru’s likeness. He smirked when he saw that the spell worked. He turned to his companion and said, “I will go and get the girl. When we walk by you grab the girl and knock her unconscious. Then we will leave this place.”

His companion gave him a nod agreeing to his orders as he hid in the forest. Koga then turned his attention to the ningen as he stood tall and started to make his way out of the forest. It was now time to go and get the onna. He knew that their time was running out, he had felt the stirring of the youkai in the castle.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru has been awake for quite some time. He was lying in bed holding on to Kagome. She was beautiful, he mused, watching his mate sleeping peacefully. Tonight was the night that they will become one. He was positive that she has feelings for him and once she gave herself freely to him, they will be united as one for all eternity.

He still had one more thing to do to prove to her that he will be a good mate. He had to go hunting. This was the last step to complete the mating ritual before he could take her.

He couldn’t believe his luck. He picked a female that was very passionate in the things she did. At the memories of what she did to him last night in the hot spring, sent his blood boiling again. He has never heard of a female doing that to a male before.

His father never mentioned anything like this to him. He was sure that if his father ever experienced something like this he would have told him about it. His father believed in sharing all types of information, making sure that his sons were well versed in the art of pleasing a female.

Sesshoumaru smiled when he thought about this. He experienced something, that his father never had the privilege of feeling. He couldn’t wait until tonight when he will claim his mate and live a wonderful life together. He will protect her from everything and make sure that she was happy for once in her life.

This thought brought a small measure of pride and self-satisfaction that he will protect her and make her happy. She suffered so much in her young life, from what she has told him, her life was a rough one.

All she wanted was to be accepted and loved. She never really felt at home until she came here to this era. He understood that she was from the future but he couldn’t understand why her mother and father allowed this kind of thing to happen to their daughter. He was more upset when she told him about what her father did to her.

He knew that they would live long enough to get to her era and he will be looking forward to that day. He will have to find this father of hers and teach him a lesson on hurting what was his. He will have to make sure that his mate was nowhere near the area when he did. He didn’t want her to find out what will happen to her father. But he couldn’t let his deeds go unpunished. He will avenge her, no matter how long it took, he will get his revenge.

He was brought out of his musing when he sensed that his mate was starting to wake up. Her breathing became deeper as she started to move. He heard a whimper as he tightens his arms around her and nuzzles into her neck, trying to offer some comfort to her.

Kagome was slowly starting to wake up. The events of last night were forcing their way into her memory, as she remembered what she did with Sesshoumaru. She was hoping that she did well or her mother would be very disappointed in her.

Even though she was not in her era anymore her values were still in tact. She was raised that it was a woman responsibility to please the male and keep him always loyal to her. If she did not perform correctly and the male strayed, she was at fault, because if she satisfied him, he will never seek another.

Kagome senses were coming alive as she felt a very warm body behind her. She moved to stretch and she found a tightening of arms around her body. She noticed right away that she was not wearing any clothes as her cheeks began to get red. Her blush went across the bridge of her nose, to her cheeks, then down her neck, as it was coloring the rest of her body a bright red.

When she finally opened her eyes she noticed that she was in bed. She looked over her shoulder and found Sesshoumaru behind her. His bright golden orbs were looking intently at her as she tried to shy away from his intense gaze.

She heard a wonderful purr coming from him and she remembered that he did that last night as well. She liked it then but now she loved the feel of it on her back as his chest vibrated. It soothed her as she relaxed into his hold.

Kagome brought her hands up as she held on to his arms. She didn’t want him to remove them from her body. She loved the feeling that she was getting from being in his embrace, because for the first time in her life she actually felt loved.

Kagome couldn’t believe that her life could change for the better. She finally found someone that will love her for who she is and not for the powers that she holds. The way he growled for her last night was unbelievable. She had him panting and when she took him into her mouth she thought that he would go crazy.

She loved him deeply, that much she knew. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. She couldn’t ask for anything else in her life.

She shifted as she turned in his embrace and looked up into his beautiful golden eyes. His eyes were so expressive. They showed all the love he held for her. She reached up and stroked his cheek with her fingers as she said, “Good morning.”

Sesshoumaru was in heaven. His lovely mate was showing him so much affection that he didn’t want it to end. She cuddled even closer to him when she reached for his arms and held them tighter against her body. His chest started to vibrate with contentment, while he thought, ‘Yes tonight will be a night to remember. I will have her as my own and no one will ever touch her but me. I will be her first and last love.’

Sesshoumaru felt when Kagome shifted in his arms as he loosened his hold on her so she could turn. He looked into those beautiful blue eyes and saw the love and desire she has for him. Her soft fingers were stroking his cheek as he moved closer to her hand, loving the comfort that she gave. He heard her greeting and said, “Good morning my aiyoku, sleep well?”

Kagome nuzzled under his chin as she said, “Oh yes, I slept very well.” A thought came to her mind and she had to know the answer to this question. She pulled away from his embrace as she looked down and said, “Sesshoumaru, I have a question. Did I… did I please you last night?”

Sesshoumaru noticed that her heartbeat was going faster than normal when she asked her question. He didn’t understand what she was thinking about, because he caught the scent of her fear and nervousness as she spoke. He took his clawed finger and hooked it under her chin as he raised her head so she could look at him. When their eyes locked he asked, “Kagome, what’s wrong?”

Kagome noticed that he didn’t answer her question as tears were forming in her eyes. She felt like such a failure for not pleasing him on the one thing that was important to her. She lowered her eyes as she said, “I’m sorry Sesshoumaru, that I didn’t please you.”

Her declaration shocked Sesshoumaru as he sat up on the futon and brought her into his lap. He held her tight in his embrace as he said, “Kagome, you pleased me like no other female will ever please a male. You were wonderful.”

Kagome heart leaped with joy as she hugged him close to her chest. She did please him, her mother would be proud of her.

Sesshoumaru noticed the change in her as he asked, “Kagome what’s wrong? Why did you ask me a question like that?”

Kagome thought it best if she answered his question and replied, “The females from my era are raised to please the male in everyway possible. We are brought up thinking that it is the female’s responsibility to keep the males happy. We are schooled in the finer things as how to please a male. I will shame my family if I did not perform to standard and you are unhappy with me. It will give you a reason to reject me.”

Now this was new information for him. He never knew this about ningens, he didn’t know if this was something that was currently practiced or if it was something that will be established in the future.

Sesshoumaru shifted as he nuzzled the top of her head and said, “Kagome you pleased me very much. I have made a wonderful choice in the person I have chosen for a mate. I know that our mating night will be full of passion for one another.”

Kagome looked up into his eyes as she saw Sesshoumaru leaning down to her. Their lips touched in a moment of passion. It turned into a heated kiss, as neither wanted it to end. They finally broke apart because they needed to breathe, as they were panting from lack of oxygen.

Sesshoumaru leaned down and said in her ear, “Mate I must leave you for a little while this morning.” But before he could continue Kagome asked in a scared voice, “Sesshoumaru did I do something wrong?”

Sesshoumaru purred as he said, “No my mate, I must finish the mating ritual if we are to mate. I must go hunting to prove that I can provide for you. I will leave you here because I know it’s safe for you. If I was to take you with me we will be attacked because your scent will attract other youkais in the area.

Youkai always go after a courting pair if they are looking for a mate. The female is weakest during this time in the mating ritual. They could capture you and before I can get there they will mate you. I know that I can protect you but I don’t want to put you in any danger if I can avoid it. Your safety is the most important thing to me. Once we’re mated then my blood will protect you even more.”

Kagome understood what Sesshoumaru was telling her as she said, “All right then, while you go out and hunt I will prepare our meal. When you return I can cook the meat you bring for us to eat.”

Sesshoumaru was confused as he said, “Kagome we have servants that can cook. You don’t need to do that.”

Kagome smiled as she said, “Just like you have to prove that you can provide for me, even though our meals have been provided for in the past, you still go out and hunt. I to have to show you that I can cook, clean, and take care of you and our children when we have them. Our cultures are not that different aiyoku. We both must prove to the other that we can do things for each other.”

Sesshoumaru was in pure ecstasy, she called him aiyoku and that was very special to him. She never called him a pet name before and he loved it. He got an evil gleam in his eye as he whispered into her ear, “Let go bathe Koiishi.”

Kagome arousal spiked when he said that as they both headed toward the hot springs to bathe. They bathed each other as they got to know what each other liked even better. They didn’t get too involved because they needed their strength for tonight.

Sesshoumaru knew that their mating was going to be intense, because they had to form a life bond and that can only be achieved during the height of passion between the two, and he was very determined to get it.

When they finished with their bathing they came back into their room and got dressed. The morning meal was already waiting for them as Sesshoumaru sat and feed Kagome her meal. He enjoyed feeding her as he held her in his arms and watched her eat. Once she was done eating, and he had his fill, they then walked out of the house together.

When they reached the entrance they both stopped as Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome and kissed her forehead. It was a sign of his love and affection for her. He released her from his embrace as he walked out into the courtyard; he formed his demonic cloud under his feet and took off to hunt. This will not take long he couldn’t leave her alone for any length of time. The threat was always there that another male would seek out his mate even though they were in a safe haven.

Kagome stood there and watched as Sesshoumaru flew off into the distance. Her heart was heavy but she knew that he will be back. She clapped her hands together as she said to herself, “Time for me to get to work on our supper.” She turned as she went to find the kitchen.

When she found the kitchen she was surprised to see Katsuki. She greeted the elderly cook as she asked, “Katsuki, what are you doing here?”

Katsuki looked up from the cup of tea she was drinking as she smiled, “I asked to work here if the young master won the right to mate you. I see that you have accepted him as your mate.”

Kagome blushed a bright red as she said, “Yes I did. He is the only one powerful enough to calm my powers when they get out of hand. I never dreamed that he could be this powerful to control me.”

Katsuki laughed as she asked, “Kagome, child, what are you doing here? And where is the young master?”

Kagome smiled as she said, “He went hunting and I’m going to be preparing the meal for tonight so all of you have the rest of the day off.”

Katsuki looked at the young miko with wide eyes as she said, “Why Kagome? We can prepare the meal for you.”

Kagome loved this old youkai as she said, “Katsuki it’s a tradition that I must prove to my mate to be that I can take care of him and any pups we have. I have to prove that I can cook, clean, and be a good mother to his pups. Please I’m begging you, I have to do this or I will disgrace my families honor.”

Katsuki understood as she looked at her helpers and said, “Come on you two we have the rest of the day off.”

Katsuki stood as she walked over to Kagome. She gave her a big hug and said, “Do you remember everything I taught you about the way to fix Sesshoumaru’s food?” She saw Kagome smile as she said, “Yes I remember, and thank you.”

With that Katsuki brought her clawed hand up as she caressed Kagome’s cheek in a motherly way. She turned on her heel as the other cooks followed her out the door. But before Katsuki walked out the door she turned toward Kagome and said, “Good luck milady.” Then she was gone with her two helpers.

Kagome smiled, she had the kitchen all to herself. She will start with the desert as she looked around the kitchen for what she needed. She started off by cooking some rice. She was going to make Sakuramochi (sweet rice cakes) it was something that her mother taught her how to make and it was easy. Plus she knew that she had all the ingredients to make it.

She found the anko (sweet beans), sugar, and the salt pickled sakura leaves. She added her ingredients to the rice once it was cooked. When all the flavors were mixed together she made small round balls with a hole in the middle. She added the anko as a filling and then made them into complete balls. She then took the sakura leaves and wrapped the leaf around the rice cake. It took her no time at all to make them and when she was done she placed them off to the side and then went about making the main course.

She was busy cutting up vegetables and looking for the herbs that she needed. She looked all over the kitchen but she couldn’t find any ginger root to put in her food. She sighed as she went outside to the garden. She noticed that there was ginger root in the garden when she was outside yesterday with Sesshoumaru. She just needed a small piece to cook with.

Kagome didn’t know what kind of meat Sesshoumaru was going bring back so she was keeping her options open on what to cook. In every recipe there were the basic items that you needed such as, onions and garlic. She had them cut up and ready for the meat. She needed ginger to add to the meat because it will give the meat some extra flavor.

Kagome looked around the garden until she found what she wanted. She kneeled in front of the herb as she dug at the earth to loosen the root. When she finally pulled the root out of the ground a big smile came to her face. She stood as she gently brushed her kimono to get rid of the dirt that was there.

At that moment Kagome felt a powerful youkai nearby. The aura felt familiar but it was different some how. She cursed under her breath for not having a weapon on her, she never went anywhere without her weapons.

Kagome scanned the area for the intruder. She heard a noise off to the side as she turned to where the noise was coming from. She relaxed when she saw Sesshoumaru coming out of the forest.

Kagome noticed right away that something was not right about her Sesshoumaru. His eyes were not the same as they were this morning. There was lust in his eyes, not the love she noticed when she awakened. Now there was no love there at all for her.

His scent was off too. It was not the sweet smell of the forest after the rain with a hint of pine that she loved so much. His scent smelled like dirt and sweat. But the deciding factor was that she didn’t feel a connection to this Sesshoumaru.

She could tell that this Sesshoumaru was a fake as she whispered a counter spell under her breath. When she looked up and looked at him again she almost gasped when she saw the wolf youki standing there in front of her. His lust filled eyes promised death for her as she looked into the blue depths of his soul.

She stayed calm because she didn’t want to alert him that she knew he was a fake. She turned back to what she was doing before he got there. She got on her hands and knees and picked some more herbs, while she said, “Hello Sesshoumaru, you came back rather fast from your hunt, where is your catch?”

---oOo---

Koga walked out of the forest into the clearing near the garden. The foliage was almost all gone from the area because winter was approaching fast. He saw the object of his desire as he sauntered up to Kagome. She still looked every bit as beautiful as the day he met her.

He stopped in front of her as he heard her question and said, “That is not important right now. I want you to come with me. I want to show you something that I found in the forest that might be of interest.”

Kagome continued to pull roots from the ground as she replied to the wolf youkai, “I’m sorry Sesshoumaru, but I’m in the middle of picking herbs for our meal. If you didn’t bring back any meat then I will have to go hunting since you can’t provide for our meal.”

Kagome did not miss the growl that came from the wolf. To tell a male that he was a worthless provider was a low blow. The male was the sole provider for the female, she was sure that she was going to die for this comment.

---oOo---

Koga couldn’t believe what he heard her say. But he stopped himself from attacking her because the person she was seeing was not him, but Sesshoumaru. He growled louder this time as he said, “Woman, you will come with me now. I have no time for your smart mouth. I want to show you something that I found in the forest.”

Kagome stood up from the ground as her eyes were turning different colors. Her anger was peaked. The arrogant wolf didn’t know when to back off. She stood her ground as she yelled, “I’m not going anywhere with you! I told you that someone has to provide for us, and since you won’t do it, then I guess it has to be me!”

Koga had enough as he attacked. Kagome easily dodged the attack as she turned to face the wolf. They stood about 15 paces apart, as Kagome’s eyes grew darker in color. Her anger was at an all time high and she was not going to take this from the wolf. “How dare you impersonate my mate you bastard! I should have killed you back when I had the chance, but my Otou-san wouldn’t let me. You were banished from the Western Lands and were told never to return. Now I will make my Otou-sans threat a reality, you will die by my hand KOGA!”

Koga was shocked, this ningen saw right through his concealment spell. He smirked as he asked, “How do you know that I’m not the real Sesshoumaru?”

Kagome huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest and said in a deadly voice, “Do you really think that I wouldn’t know my own mate? I feel no connection to you. You’re that baka wolf Koga that thought he could claim me as a mate and I beat the living daylights out of you at the castle.”

Koga’s smirk went away as he started to growl. He pulled off the beads from around his neck since it was not doing him any good right now. He faced the ningen as he said, “You are going to come with me you stupid whore! I will teach you a lesson for what you did me. You had me banished from my lands! I lost everything because of you and you’re going to pay for it with your life. That is after I have my way with you first. I will feel your body wither under me as I take what should have been mine.”

Koga attacked again, he came at Kagome with his claws raised, as he swung his arm down to slice Kagome in two.

Kagome dodged the attack. His claws caught her kimono, as it tore the material on her chest. His claws barely missed her skin as she jumped out of the way. She tried to send a blast of her purifying powers towards him but found that she couldn’t release her powers. They were being hindered in some way.

She had no idea why she couldn’t use her powers but something that Sesshoumaru said came back to her mind. ‘Females are at their weakest during the courting ritual,’ meaning that a weak youkai male will be able to subdue a powerful female, where they could never do it before, because the female can’t defend herself during the ritual.’

If this is what Sesshoumaru meant, then she was in big trouble. Her body has not fully recovered from her battle with Sesshoumaru. Her mind was reeling with what to do as she avoided yet another attack from Koga.

Kagome needed to do something or she will be taken away from her home by this wolf and she didn’t want to leave. She opened her mind as she screamed, ‘HELP ME SESSHOUMARU!’

Kagome was distracted for just a second, while she called for her mate, and that’s all Koga needed. He pinned her to the ground with his hand wrapped tightly around her neck. He was barring his fangs as he said, “You will come with me whether you like it or not.”

At that moment they heard a howl coming from the forest. It was his pack warning him that they have been discovered and they were under attack.

Koga cursed under his breath, this was not going according to plan and soon they will have the entire garrison barring down on them. Koga looked back down at the struggling female beneath him as he raised his fist. He needed her unconscious so they could get out of here. When his fist came down the fang on Kagome’s neck started to glow red. A powerful blast came from the fang as it pushed him off Kagome and he landed about 10 feet away from her.

Koga landed hard on his back. The wind was knocked out of him as he struggled to get back on his feet. He saw the female sitting on the ground trying to get up. He attacked again trying to get to her as a barrier appeared around her body and it threw him back once again. He didn’t know where she was getting this barrier from, because he knew that she was weak and couldn’t use her powers. He attacked again with more force trying to get to the onna.

Kagome was struggling to get up. His attack left her weak and she couldn’t stand. She saw a barrier being placed around her body, while she was struggling to get her powers back. She needed her powers. There was a battle going on outside the barrier and she sensed her Otou-san in the middle of the fight.

Kagome’s anger was growing slowly by the minute. She detected the wolf slamming into the barrier that protected her. She remembered that her mate’s gift will protect her when he was not around and for that she was grateful.

Kagome let her emotions go free as she gave in to her anger. She was not going to get her powers back if she held back any longer. The battle within her body ragged on as the winds started to pick up around her. It circled her body as she was trying to break the spell that was holding back her Reiyouku.

Kagome felt a great surge of Jyaki coming towards her but she didn’t care. She was going to break this spell and kill this wolf once and for all. As Kagome was struggling to break the spell that was binding her Reiyouku, she didn’t notice when her mate came to her aid.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru was by the river. He just finished skinning and cleaning his catch. He will never bring back meat still intact. He knew that females were squeamish about cleaning a kill so he did it before he headed back to his mate.

It did not taken him long to find a small boar. He finished cutting up the boar and putting the meat into the hide. The hide will keep the meat fresh until he got back to his mate.

Sesshoumaru was about to form his demonic cloud when he felt weak and heard in his mind, “HELP ME SESSHOUMARU!” His heart clinched in his chest as he felt her fear. Kagome was being attacked and couldn’t defend herself.

A rage like he never felt before was surfacing very fast, as he howled into the morning sky that he was on a hunt. He will kill the one that was attacking his beloved mate.

His eyes turned a demonic white for the first time in his life as he and his inner youkai merged into one. He didn’t transform into his true form but he was close. He formed his ball of energy as it moved faster than the normal eye could see. Within minutes he was back at the western castle where he left his mate.

He sensed that his father was outside the barrier fighting the intruders to his castle along with his soldiers. He knew that his father could handle that threat as he turned to the business at hand.

Sesshoumaru saw that Kagome’s anger was out of control as his youki kept her powers at bay. It was his youki that was suppressing her miko powers.

Her necklace prevented her from using her powers for a reason. It was the only way to subdue her until their mating. Once they mated their powers will grow together as one. He will be able to help her keep her powers at bay when she loses control. She will also have the same power over him if he was to let his anger go and his beast decided to come out and attack.

Sesshoumaru’s demonic eyes turned toward the wolf that was the cause of all of this as he growled, “What are you doing back in the Western Lands? We banished you from our lands, and yet you come back to attack my mate? You will die by my hand wolf!”

Koga smirked as he said, “Ah Sesshoumaru, I see that you have come back. Well it doesn’t matter to me. I will take the girl with me and when I’m done with her I will kill her for what she has done to me. I won’t let a filthy ningen onna have control over these lands. The ningens are beneath us and they need to learn their place.”

At that moment both males heard the crackling of power as they both turned their heads toward Kagome, who was on her knees on the ground. Bolts of lighting were flashing around her body as she was trying to break the spell Sesshoumaru placed on her. Her anger at the wolf’s words has driven her into an uncontrollable rage as she let it go. Soon she will be free and no one will be safe.

Sesshoumaru needed to make quick work of the wolf and then turn his attention toward his mate to calm her. He saw that her kimono was torn and part of her chest was exposed for everyone to see. If it was not for the binding that she wearing everyone could see what belonged to him.

He returned his attention to the wolf as he let his whip go. It missed the wolf by only an inch as he quickly dodged his attack.

Koga was quick in dodging Sesshoumaru’s poisoned whip. He moved with lighting speed as he attacked. He rushed in as he leaped in the air and gave a roundhouse kick, aimed at Sesshoumaru’s face. He was surprised to feel air as he quickly landed and turned to defend himself against the Inu youkai.

Sesshoumaru quickly dodged as his claws lengthened and poison started to come out of the tips. He took a swipe at the wolf and missed. This wolf was beginning to grade heavily on Sesshoumaru’s nerves as he kept missing his target.

Then he noticed that the wolf’s body started to glow, as a weapon appeared on his right arm and hand. It looked like a giant wolf claw and it held tremendous powers.

Koga had enough of Sesshoumaru as he summoned Goraishi (Five Thunder Fingers). This weapon was a gift from the dead elders of his wolf clan. They were the spirit that lived within the weapon and protected it. It was his clan’s power and the gift was still with him. The elders forgot to take it away from him when he was banished from the Western Lands and he was going to make them pay.

He leaped again as he went after Sesshoumaru. Lighting started to crackle long Koga’s right arm as the power of the elders came out. It was some kind of divine energy that Goraishi produced as he sent the attack toward Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru stood there as he saw the blast coming toward him. He huffed as his youki built around his body. A barrier formed as the attack hit Sesshoumaru. Koga thought that he won the fight as he tried to attack Kagome again.

Koga was hit from behind as he went down. When he looked over his shoulders his eyes went wide with shock. Sesshoumaru was standing there as his whip went back to his hand.

Koga thanked Kami that he wasn’t really injured when Sesshoumaru attacked with his poison whip. He knew that he would be dead, if it wasn’t for Goraishi protecting him. Sesshoumaru’s poison whip was known to cut through its opponents with ease.

Sesshoumaru just shook the dust out of his hair as he walked out of the small dust storm that the attack created. That weak attack was no match for him as he saw Koga heading for his mate. His anger grew as he sent his whip to intercept the ookami. The whip hit its mark as he went down.

---oOo---

The wolf, who was hiding in the forest, observed everything that was going on. He watched Koga attacking the son of the youkai lord and he was losing. He knew that Sesshoumaru was a powerful youkai. He has the strength to dominate the female in front of them and still fight with Koga. He didn’t even seem to grow weak.

He knew that if they wanted to leave this place with that female he needed to help Koga. The wolf noticed when Sesshoumaru was about to attack again, he went after Sesshoumaru with his claws extended hoping to stop him before he killed Koga.

Sesshoumaru sensed the danger and leaped out of the way of the attacking ookami. He noticed the new intruder, as he stopped in front of him, blocking his way to Koga who was near his mate. He growled flexing his claws at the offending wolf.

They didn’t have much time as the wolf said to Koga, “Koga! Get the girl, we have to leave this place as soon as possible.”

Koga didn’t waste any time as he went and attacked the barrier with Goraishi. He was determined to get to the girl.

The storm in the barrier was growing worse as Kagome was releasing her powers to break the spell that she was under. The barrier around her body was growing as it protected her.

Koga used Goraishi, as the lighting, once again, struck the barrier. He was about to attack for the third time when he was hit from behind.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru had enough of the wolf standing in front of him as he lashed out with his poisonous whip. He hit his mark, sending the wolf to the ground. Sesshoumaru walked up to the offending youkai, as he said, “DIE!” Using his poison claws he turned the wolf into a pile of sludge.

Now it was Sesshoumaru’s turn as he attacked Koga. Sesshoumaru couldn’t let go of his youki to attack him because the ookami was too close to Kagome. He slashed with his claws as he sent Koga to the opposite side of the clearing. Now he was free to attack him and not hurt his mate.

Sesshoumaru’s hand glowed with power as he said, “SOUHAKIZU!” His blade attack came out of his claws as it went towards the ookami.

Koga was struggling to get back on his feet. He tried to stand before but he was hit with Sesshoumaru’s claws. It sent him to the other side of the clearing as he tried to stand once again.

Sesshoumaru was a lot stronger than he thought as he finally made it to his feet. He looked up in time to see Sesshoumaru’s attack heading straight for him. He tried to move but it was too late.

Koga was hit with the full force of Sesshoumaru’s attack as he screamed in pain. The Goraishi pulsed twice as a dark cloud started to wrap around Koga. It encircled his body as he disappeared from sight.

Koga was transported to safety. When Koga opened his eyes he noticed that only half of his clan was with him as he asked through gritted teeth, “Where are the others?”

Hakkaku and Ginta were sporting several cuts and gashes, the rest of their clan found them as they were helping those that were injured. They all heard Koga’s question as Ginta replied, “Koga they are all dead. We were fighting against the western soldiers but they were even more powerful than we thought. They were making quick work of us when we were transported here. How did we get here anyway?”

Koga grunted as the Goraishi went back to it hiding place. He turned to his wolves and said, “It was the will of Goraishi that saved us but it will not work again. It only works once.”

The injured wolves moved from the area as they tried to find a place to stay for the night. They were all hurt and needed to rest so they could heal. Koga turned briefly toward the west as he thought, ‘This is not over yet Sesshoumaru, I will be back for that ningen of yours and the next time I will get her away from you.’ He turned back to his pack as he walked away. They were looking for shelter, they were still in the Western Lands, and needed to stay out of sight.

---oOo---

Inutaisho and the guards with him were battling the ookami that were standing outside the barrier where Kagome was located. They were fierce opponents and would not go down easily. He heard one of the wolves howl and knew that it was trouble. They warned the one’s on the other side of the barrier that they were under attack.

He feared for his little one, he knew she was defenseless against the ookami. He went to leave but several of the ookami moved in to battle with him. He was losing control over his inner Inu when he felt a surge of power coming from the other side of the barrier.

This power belonged to his pup as she was trying to break the spell that his son put on her. He needed to reach her before she did that. If she lost control over her powers she will purify every youkai for miles around. He could feel the amount of power she was exerting to break the spell, but his son’s spell was still holding her in check.

He was about to leave to go to her aid and again he was prevented from leaving the area. His eyes started to bleed red with anger when he felt another youkai approaching with tremendous powers. Inutaisho felt the touch of his son aura as an evil smile came across his handsome features.

The rest of the garrison was finally there and they were about to deal the killing blow to the intruders when they disappeared from the area. They were all shocked that they just disappeared as Inutaisho broke free and rushed to help his son. When he finally made it to the garden, where Sesshoumaru and Kagome were located, he was not prepared to see what was in front of him.

Kagome has let her emotions get away from her and was engulfed in her Reiyouku. She was still trying to break the spell that Sesshoumaru placed on her but she hasn’t succeeded. He saw as his son finally turned his attention to his mate as he watched what was going to happen.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru saw Koga vanish from the area and was pissed. He knew that this fight was far from being over, but right now he needed to help his mate. She was still fighting his spell to subdue her powers and if he didn’t calm her down she could hurt a lot of youkai in the surrounding area.

He walked slowly towards Kagome. She was still on her knees as he heard a vicious growl come from her. He stopped his approach, concern clearly marring his handsome features as he called, “Kagome?”

Kagome let go of all her emotions, she let it have full reign, as she tried to break the spell that held her powers. The spell was a powerful one but she was not about to give up on it.

When Kagome let her emotions go she also let the youkai souls in her body take control of her. Slowly Kagome started to grow claws on her hands, fangs came out of her mouth, as she was growling low in her throat. Her eyes were now blood red with anger as she raised her head to look at the youkai that was coming for her. She let out a vicious growl as she looked at the offending male. She was not about to let him touch her.

Sesshoumaru was shocked when he saw his mate. She was slowly changing into a youkai. ‘The youkai souls in her body must have control now and they are changing her slowly into a youkai. I have to calm her down before I lose her.’ Sesshoumaru thought as he continued walking towards her, while he purred to calm his mate.

Sesshoumaru continued his slow approach towards his mate but he was not prepared for his mate to suddenly attack.

Sesshoumaru leaped back as Kagome claws made contact with his chest. Sesshoumaru felt pain as he looked down. He noticed the four claw marks going across his chest as a small amount of blood was slowly coming from the wounds. He growled viciously at his mate to submit but she would not. She was too far-gone and now he had to make her submit to him.

Sesshoumaru attacked as he went in and knocked her to the ground. He flipped her on her stomach, while his hand pinned her by the back of the neck. He moved quickly as his fangs grew longer, he removed his hand, and latched on to the back of her neck, growling for her to submit to him.

When she continued to struggle in his grasp he purred very deeply, his chest was vibrating for his mate. The growls soothed her as she slowly stopped struggling underneath him.

Kagome gave a whimper at the pressure she was feeling on her neck. She finally stopped struggling in Sesshoumaru’s grasp as she heard him growl and yip, ‘Submit to me bitch! I will not let you go until you submit to me.”

Kagome growled a very loud, ‘NO!’ as she began her struggle anew. The youkai souls did not want to give up their host as they fought against the youkai on top of them.

Sesshoumaru let his aura flare as it engulfed its mate. He pushed her power back down in a show of force that he could dominate her. The youkai souls within her body will learn to submit.

Kagome’s was gasping for air. She couldn’t breathe and soon she will pass out. The youkai souls within Kagome receded back into her body as they gave up control to the girl. The youkai she selected as a mate was too powerful for them to fight against.

Kagome whimpered again to Sesshoumaru as she whined, ‘It hurts.’

Sesshoumaru having heard Kagome’s whine, replied, ‘Then submit to me my mate.’

Kagome barred her neck to her mate in an act of submission as he slowly let go of her neck. He sat up as he brought Kagome with him. He placed her in his lap as he rocked her back and forth to sooth her.

Kagome’s mind was slowly starting to come back. She was being held in a strong embrace when she remembered the ookami youkai. She struggled to get free as she heard, “Calm yourself mate you’re safe. I will not let anyone hurt you.”

Kagome looked up as she saw Sesshoumaru holding her in his lap. Her eyes filled with tears as she buried her face into his chest and cried. She was so happy that he came for her that she held on to him with a death grip. She didn’t want him to leave her again.

Sesshoumaru was worried that Kagome was hurt from her encounter with the wolf. He pulled her from his chest as he nuzzled and checked her to make sure she didn’t have any injuries. He noticed right away that her features returned to normal. She no longer showed any youkai traits and for this he was grateful.

He pulled her away from his chest as he heard her whine from losing his comforting heat. He checked where her kimono was torn and saw no marks on her beautiful skin.

He pulled her into his chest as he held her tight. She was safe and that is all that mattered to him. He got up, still holding Kagome firmly in his arms, as he went inside the house. His mate needed a new kimono and she needed to get cleaned up. The scent of that ookami was all over his mate and he wanted to get rid of that stench. The only scent that she will have on her person will be his and no one else’s.

Sesshoumaru never noticed that his father was watching from the edge of the forest.

---oOo---

Inutaisho smiled as he watched his pups. His son has grown stronger since he decided to mate with Kagome. The power Sesshoumaru displayed almost rivaled his own as he forced Kagome’s aura to recede back down.

They have grown closer together over the last couple of days. There was no doubt that Sesshoumaru will mate his little one by tonight and then she will really be his little one, she will be family, this will allow him to protect her even more along with his pups.

Inutaisho turned as he went back toward the castle. He wanted to find out how those ookami youkai got into his castle and how they got past his barrier. This will not due, if they could get in, then others will too. He needed to step up his security around the castle because they were after his little one, and she was something that he was not willing to let go that easily. She was his and no one will touch her but his son.

Before Inutaisho left the clearing he reinforced his barrier to protect his son and Kagome. There was no doubt that they will mate by tonight and if they did it will leave them weak. He needed to make sure that they stayed safe until the morning when the ritual will be complete.

He turned and left them be. There was trouble brewing and he wanted to be ready for it. He had a feeling that there will be a big battle for the western lands. He and his son will have to fight against the enemy to protect their home. He was running out of time as his instincts were telling him that something was going to happen and soon.

---oOo---

This is the end to another chapter. They prevented Koga from getting Kagome and taking her away from her home. The ookami are hurt and are trying to find a place where they can stay for the night and heal.

I was asked how many chapters do I have for this story, well I have 37 chapters total. As I go through and edit each chapter I will either take out and revamp the chapters or add more detail to get my point across to all of you.

A Single Sparks awards are now complete. Congrats to all that won this years awards. All the stories selected are awesome stories. You have much to be proud of.

Now this is for all of you out there that like to read other authors stories and you decide to take their ideas and use them as your own. I have one thing to say to you, don’t. Because you will be the cause of what few good authors we have that are posting to pull their stories off the net. I for one, spent a year writing this particular story and I love to share with all of you out there.

I was told that this will be the best thing that I can do with fans of the Inuyasha manga. But because of a few people out there, that think that they can achieve status by stealing someone else work, is going to ruin it for the rest of you.

For all of you who are doing this let me tell you one thing. You will be found out and the out come is not going to be pretty. If you would like to use some of the ideas that I have come up with please contact me. We can talk and if I feel that your story will benefit from it I will give permission for it. I have done so in the past to deserving authors that wanted to use some of my ideas.

If this continues then I will pull all of my stories from the net and continue to write for me. It was only due to a friend that I have posted these stories and if you don’t like them, don’t read them.

I want to thank all of you loyal fans for looking out for my best interest. It’s because of all of you that I have not pulled my stories and keep posting.

Yes you guys the next chapter will be the mating of Kagome and Sesshoumaru. You have all been waiting a long time for this chapter and I hope that I do not disappoint. Join me when they reach the end of the mating ritual. The castle painter finally gets the painting that Ayashiko wants finished, as a mother lends her son a helping hand to make his mating a night to remember.

Until the next time!

Ja ne!