Her Destiny

Sesshoumaru finally made it back to his chambers as he put Kagome down on their bed. He was concerned that she was hurt as he moved the hair away from her face so he could look at her. He knew that Jakyoku was after his mate. He had to make sure that she was protected at all times.

He leaned down as he rubbed his cheek against hers and felt when she started to move. Slowly her beautiful blue eyes opened as he looked at her intently. When her eyes were finally focused he asked, “Kagome are you all right?”

Kagome felt the presence of her mate next to her. Opening her eyes slowly she immediately noticed the concerned look he had in his features. She smiled as she said, “Yes I’m fine. That possession spell was almost a too powerful for me to break. It felt like it was made with only dark magic. I wouldn’t be surprised if that kuro miko gave Jakyoku something that he could use to control me. But we don’t have to worry about that little piece of magic anymore. I did manage to destroy it.”

To say that Sesshoumaru was surprised was an understatement. She managed to destroy the spell and she could tell that it was the kuro miko that was behind all of this. He growled as he said, “From now on I don’t want you to leave the castle without me. Jakyoku is getting ready to attack the Western Lands and I want you to be safe.”

Kagome’s eyes opened wide as she said, “But Sesshoumaru you can’t keep me locked up in the castle for the rest of my life. You will have to learn to trust me that I can take care of myself, and any pups we have. I only called you because I did an exercise that drained me of my powers. I locked the youkai souls away to prevent them from trying to take over my body again. I don’t want what happened during our mating to ever happen again. I could have hurt you and your family because of them.”

Sesshoumaru understood her concerns but he was not willing to let her go off on her own without him being with her. “Mate, my decision stands. You will not leave the castle without me is that understood!”

Kagome was angry that Sesshoumaru will not trust her to protect herself. She rolled over on her side as she turned her back to him. This conversation was over as far as she was concerned. She didn’t have anything more to say to him. Not that it mattered anyway he will never listen to her.

Sesshoumaru saw how angry his mate was when she turned her back to him. He didn’t have a choice in the matter, he needed her to be safe and she had to accept his decision for her safety. He tried to touch her but when he got close a barrier prevented him from reaching her. Then the scent of salt water reached his nose as he sighed in defeat. He made her cry but he will not back down from his decision.

Sesshoumaru got up as he left their room. He will give Kagome time to accept the orders he has set for her. He was her alpha and he will protect her no matter what. He was walking down the hallway heading towards his fathers study. He needed to find out what the spies have to say about Jakyoku movements.

He met his mother along the way as she stopped him and asked, “How is Kagome? Was she hurt?”

Sesshoumaru sighed, he didn’t look at his mother as he said, “Kagome is fine mother, she managed to break the spell that the kuro miko used to control her. But I have told her that she is not to leave the castle without me. I will not have her attacked again.”

Ayashiko raised an eyebrow at her pup as she said, “Oh, I bet that didn’t go over well with your mate. Sesshoumaru, you know that you cannot control her completely. She is not an Inu Youkai and she will fight you. Do you remember what happened when your father punished her for going off on her own?”

Sesshoumaru remembered back to that time. He heard her heart felt sobs as she cried her heart out. He wanted to go to her but he was sealed in his room because his inner Inu was in control and they feared that he would mate the girl before she was presented.

Ayashiko saw the look in her pup’s eyes when he remembered what happened back then as she continued, “She cried for days and wouldn’t come out of her room. She wouldn’t eat because we confined her to certain areas. You will have to learn how to trust her, Sesshoumaru, and that she can protect herself plus those that are with her.

“I myself will protect her with my life, as I would do for any one of my pups. Would you perceive to say that I am unable to protect my family? I assure you Sesshoumaru that if I had to I could beat you in a fight and I wouldn’t even break a claw.

“Think about what you are asking her to do. You will not always be there and faith and trust has to start somewhere.” Ayashiko said her peace as she turned and left her son. He has much to learn just like his father had to. He didn’t learn to trust her until she beat the living daylights out of him when he pushed her too far. He learned from that day forward that she was able to handle herself and protect those with her.

Sesshoumaru has never seen his mother this angry before. Maybe he did not trust Kagome but he wanted her safe. He turned as he continued to go toward his father’s study. He had to learn what his father found out about Jakyoku.

---oOo---

Kagome was left in her room alone. She was sitting up in bed as tears went down her cheeks. All that training she did with Sesshoumaru to prove that she was a strong mate and he didn’t trust her to protect herself. This was a big blow for her. She didn’t understand and she wondered if she will ever be good enough for him.

She heard a small knock on her door as she quickly wiped the tears away from her cheeks with the back of her hand. She didn’t want anyone to see that she was crying as she said in a small voice, “Come in.”

Ayashiko waited until her pup let her into her room. When she heard her pups invitation she opened the door. The first thing that assaulted her senses was the salt water in the air. She knew that Kagome was crying. The next thing to overwhelm her was the sadness that Kagome had in her aura. ‘Whatever Sesshoumaru said to Kagome really upset her. But at least she didn’t lock herself in her room like she did before.’ Ayashiko thought as she walked into the room.

She walked over to her pup as she sat down next to her and pulled her into her embrace. Kagome stiffened but then relaxed as she took the comfort that Ayashiko offered.

Ayashiko held her pup for a while until she calmed down. When she felt that she was calm enough she said, “Musume why don’t you go and take a bath. The noon meal will be served soon and we can go down to eat.”

Kagome agreed with her mother. Sitting here feeling sorry for herself was not going to do her any good. She stood as she went into the bathing chambers and took her bath.

Ayashiko then went over to her clothes box and pulled out a pink kimono with white cranes flying over the water. It had a white juban that went with it and a pink hakama. The obi was white with a green vines going around it. She laid it all out on the futon as she waited for her Musume to come out of the bathing chambers.

Kagome felt better once she bathed. She has come to the conclusion that this is the way her life was going to be no matter what she did. No one will ever trust her to fight on her own and her mate will never let her leave the castle without him. She was sure that he was going to be occupied with what Jakyoku was doing, so she will be left alone most of the time.

Kagome thought about the situation at hand as she dried herself. Sesshoumaru told her about Jakyoku and what he was planning. He wanted her to be aware of what was going on so she could protect herself in case he was not around. She felt so happy that he had faith in her abilities to protect herself. Now, today, it has all changed. The moment she protected herself and called her mate because she felt weak, he went back to not trusting her.

Maybe she shouldn’t have called for him once she destroyed that curse. She knew she was going to pass out from breaking that spell, and if Jakyoku was still in the area, he would have no problem coming in and taking her away from the castle. She called her mate because she didn’t want to be taken away from her home. She could tell that Jakyoku was very close.

She left the springs after she tied a towel around her body, she was drying her hair with another towel when she walked back into her room. She smiled beautifully at Ayashiko as she said, “Thank you Okaa-san for getting my kimono, it’s beautiful.”

Ayashiko helped Kagome get dressed as she did her hair for her. She knew that this will be hard for her pup but she was trying to show her that she was there for her no matter what.

Ayashiko had a burning question that she had to ask, her curiosity was getting the best of her, “Kagome, did you ever go into heat while you were alone with Sesshoumaru?”

Kagome sighed, she knew that they were all worried about her next heat, as she said, “No I never went into heat, I know that you’re worried about my next one but please relax I have no doubt that your son will not let me die when it does come.”

Kagome’s statement took Ayashiko by surprised. It was said with such sadness that even she felt it deep in her soul. She turned Kagome around after she finished with her hair and said, “Kagome, I worry for you because you have gone unmated for such a long time. Your heat will be powerful this time and without Sesshoumaru you could die from it.”

Kagome looked away from Ayashiko, “I know that Sesshoumaru will not let what belongs to him die. He will do his duty and make sure that I survive the heat that is to come. After all I am a prisoner here in this castle and everything is as it was before. He will never trust me to protect myself.”

There was nothing that Ayashiko could do to change her Musume mind. This was something that has to be worked out between the both of them and she had to stay out of their lives. They both walked out of Kagome’s bedchambers and went downstairs to the dinning hall.

When they got there Sango was not there, they sent Sango out on an errand and she has not returned yet. Inuyasha was not present as he was in another part of the castle training with his friends. That only left her mother, father, and Sesshoumaru for the noon day meal.

Everyone sat down in his or her respective place as Kagome took her seat next to her mate. She would not look at him and Sesshoumaru could tell that she was still upset with him. The meal was a silent one as no one spoke throughout the whole meal.

Once they were all done Inutaisho and Sesshoumaru left to get the finer details of the battle plan finished. Ayashiko was summoned to one of the lower audience chambers to deal with a problem that has arisen, that left Kagome all by herself.

Kagome sighed as she left the dinning hall. She was going to go back up to her chambers but she got another idea. There were places in this castle that she has never seen before so she decided to do some exploring.

Kagome wondered around for hours through the different parts of the castle. Ayashiko did a wonderful job with the décor for the wings. Beautiful paintings hung in the hallways as she walked by and admired the beauty of the portraits.

She would stop from time to time to look out a window while admiring the landscape. It was beautiful up here, she wanted to come back and paint from the different windows, where she admired the view.

She came to another set of doors but these looked to be the oldest doors she has ever seen. She opened one of them as she let herself into that part of the castle. There was dust everywhere and it looked like no one has stepped foot in this part of the castle for a very long time. She continued to explore as she got this overwhelming feeling to go into this one room.

When she walked in, it was the biggest library that she has ever seen. There were ancient scrolls and books that looked to be at least a thousand years old. It was a historical find and she was in heaven.

Kagome opened the curtains to the room so she could fully see it contents. She found an old rag as she started to clean the room up. She opened the windows to let fresh air into the room. It was so dusty, that when she started to clean the room, she started sneezing from all the dust flying around.

Kagome noticed right away that the books on the shelves were arranged in order so it made it easy for her to look for books. She found a book on spells and incantations as she wiped the book clean with her rag and went to one of the chairs that was sitting by the window and began to read. The spells in the book were ancient but she found that she could easily perform these spells. She felt her powers growing again as she continued to read.

Kagome’s eyes began to get heavy the longer she read. Soon she found herself asleep in the chair and dreaming of a place that she has never seen before.

---oOo---

Tsuyoimaru was watching everything that happened in his home. His great grand pup was not thinking clearly when he was dealing with his mate. She was a spirited girl and needed to be handled gently so she understood.

He saw his chance when she was left alone. He placed a suggestion in her mind, the idea of going exploring through the castle. She took that idea well as she wondered through the places she has never seen before. He then led her to his side of the castle that was warded heavily against anyone entering.

He watched as she walked down the hallways fascinated with the works of art that were still hanging on the walls. He planted another suggestion as he led her into the library where he knew she will be the happiest. When he saw her cleaning out the room he chuckled, no one has even bothered to come into this part of the castle to clean in over a thousand years.

He noticed that she was going to sit down to read, he saw his chance to talk to her as he placed a sleeping spell on her and she went into a deep sleep.

----DREAM---

Kagome found herself at the edge of a forest. She turned her head slightly and spotted a meadow not too far away. It was beautiful and she could see the hundreds of flowers that were growing in the field. She was walking among them when she felt a very powerful aura coming towards her.

Kagome stood to her full height, which wasn’t very much considering that she was of small stature, as she waited for this person to appear. His aura didn’t indicate that he was going to do her any harm, so Kagome was not afraid. But that didn’t mean that she was letting down her guard.

---oOo---

Tsuyoimaru was watching her from his forest as she was walking among the flowers. She was a beauty to behold. She fit in so well here, as he started to make his way towards her. Once he was in the field with her he stopped as he looked upon her beauty.

Kagome noticed an Inu Youkai with great powers entering the field she was in. He had two tails that were resting on each of his shoulders. His clothes were similar to Sesshoumaru’s. He was slightly taller than her Otou-san and his features were similar to that of her mate. What took her by surprise was the crescent moon on his forehead.

Kagome tilted her head slightly to the right as she asked, “Who are you milord? I have never seen you before.”

The Inu in front of her smiled brightly as he said, “I am Tsuyoimaru,” he bowed slightly to her as he continued, “I am Sesshoumaru’s Hiijiji.”

Kagome’s eyes opened wide as she said, “But I thought that Sesshoumaru’s Hiijiji died a long time ago.”

Tsuyoimaru chuckled as he said, “Yes, I did die over a thousand years ago. I brought you here because I wanted to speak to you.”

“You wanted to speak with me?” Kagome was now confused. Was she speaking to a spirit like Midoriko? She didn’t understand what he could possibly want with her, “Why do you want to speak to someone as worthless as me?”

Tsuyoimaru eyes saddened at her statement. ‘This pup has suffered so much in her life, maybe I can make things better for her.’ Thought Tsuyoimaru as he said, “Please come with me.” Kagome was curious about this Inu youkai as she decided to follow him.

He led Kagome to another field near a beautiful spring. There they sat upon a couple of boulders as he said, “Now, why would you call yourself worthless? You are the most powerful female on this land and have earned that title. You are not weak, not by any means.”

Kagome sighed as she began to explain to him what she meant. They talked for hours and he finally got Kagome to relax in his presence as he said, “Kagome, I would like to talk to you from time to time. I would like to teach you my ways of the past. This information is something that has never been passed down nor recorded anywhere. I would like for you to be the one to pass it on to your children when they get older.

“I would also like to train you if you will permit me. I know of the ancient ways of fighting that no one has ever seen and you can become even stronger than you are now. I will come to you in your dreams and we can train during this time.”

Kagome was speechless. She didn’t know what to say as she said, “Thank you, I would love to learn your ways. I promise to pass down your lineage to my children, if I ever have any. I really don’t want to have pups as long as the mate I have has no trust in me.”

Tsuyoimaru understood what she was saying as he said, “You are so much like my mate. I almost lost her because I didn’t trust her. She was very powerful and I always treated her like she was made of glass. It angered her to no end but my reason for being like that was that I was afraid. I was afraid of losing her and I didn’t even know that I was already losing her, not to the enemies that I had, but because I didn’t have any trust or faith in her to protect herself. She was a strong willed person, just like you Kagome.”

Kagome blushed as she was compared to his mate as she asked, “What was your mate’s name?”

You could see the dreamy look that overtook his eyes as he said, “Her name was Alia and she was beautiful. I’m sure that my great grandson will see the errors of his ways when he realizes what he is doing. But have faith in him Kagome, he does love you and all of these feelings that he is experiencing are all new to him. He doesn’t know how to handle his emotions when it comes to you.”

Kagome understood as she pondered his words then she heard him say, “I’m afraid our time together is over. It’s getting close to dinner time and everyone is looking for you. I will release you from my spell and you must hurry out of this section of the castle. Remember don’t tell anyone that you were here.” Kagome agreed as she slowly started to wake up from her slumber.

---END OF DREAM---

Once Kagome’s eyes were focused she quickly made her way out of that section of the castle. She went upstairs to her room and quickly changed clothes, the ones she was wearing were all dirty from cleaning the library. She had to go back at a later date and clean it the rest of the way.

Kagome enjoyed her time with Sesshoumaru’s Hiijiji. He was very nice to talk to and he actually listened to her when she spoke. She just finished changing clothes and was making her way down to the dinning hall.

When she entered, all eyes were on her as she said, “I’m sorry for being late. I got lost in the castle while I was looking around.”

No one noticed her little white lie as she sat down next to Sesshoumaru. His concern for her was clearly seen in his eyes. Kagome didn’t really care at the moment. She was told not to leave the castle and she didn’t. She did not break her word to him so there was nothing to be mad about.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru was panicking, he went up to their room looking for his mate. When he entered their room he didn’t find her as he opened his senses to locate her. He couldn’t find her anywhere in the castle and an immediate search was done of the castle grounds.

He was about to leave the dinning hall to go looking for his mate when he caught her scent coming towards them. He breathed a sigh of relief that she was all right as she entered the dinning hall. His nostril flared as he checked her to make sure that she was unharmed. When he was satisfied that she was all right he heard her statement. He didn’t find any deceit in her statement but why couldn’t he detect her in the castle.

He turned to his mate as he asked, “Kagome you mean to tell me you were in the castle this whole time? But we have been searching for you everywhere.”

Kagome’s eyes narrowed as she said with a frosty voice, “You didn’t want me leaving the castle without you. You all had things that needed your immediate attention and that left me with nothing to do, I decided to look around the castle since I have not seen all of it and I lost track of time. When I noticed how late it was getting I hurried to get dressed for dinner.”

The anger in Kagome’s voice was clearly noticed by everyone in the room. Not another word was said as they all sat down to eat their dinner.

Inutaisho noticed the tension between his pups. He had to let Sesshoumaru deal with his mate, it was the only way he will learn how to make his mate happy. He noticed that Kagome finished her dinner as she excused herself from the table and left the dinning hall. The anger in Sesshoumaru's eyes was clearly seen as he excused himself and went after his mate.

Inutaisho knew this was not going to end well unless Sesshoumaru showed some trust in his mate.

Sesshoumaru went after his mate. He was not totally convinced that she was in the castle the whole time. He wanted to know where she was and who she was with. A new emotion that Sesshoumaru has never felt before started to take hold. Jealousy was about to make its appearance and his inner beast was not happy at the moment. He was going to get his answers one way or another.

He walked into their chambers as he saw Kagome standing by the balcony. The scent of her tears was clearly in the air as he approached her. He saw as she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand before she turned to face him. Her blood red eyes showed her pain as he stopped in front of her and said, “Kagome where were you this afternoon?”

Kagome’s eyes did not leave his as she said, “I was in the castle the whole day. If you must know I was in the most northern part of the castle in its highest point. There is a room there that you can see all of the lands that surround us. It’s beautiful up there and I thought that I might go up there to paint the landscape.” Kagome then turned as she went to get ready for bed. She didn’t want to answer anymore of his questions.

Sesshoumaru was not satisfied with her answer, he grabbed her arm, as she was trying to leave. He turned her around as he growled, “What I want to know is why didn’t I sense you at all in the castle?”

Kagome chuckled as she said, “Do you really think that I can’t block you from finding me if I don’t wish it? Let go of me Sesshoumaru I’m tired and I want to go to bed.”

Kagome tried to leave again but Sesshoumaru was not about to let go of her. He threw Kagome on the bed as he landed right on top of her and pinned her there.

Kagome was not happy with what Sesshoumaru was doing. Her anger started to get the best of her as her eyes started to change colors. Her aura flared around her body threatening to do bodily harm to her mate unless he released her.

Sesshoumaru’s eyes opened wide when he saw the amount of power his mate was exhibiting. Her powers have grown again as he flared his own aura around her body to make her submit. The more power she showed, the more power Sesshoumaru forced to the surface.

Their power was so great that it was causing the whole castle to go into a state of panic.

Inutaisho was rushing to the western wing of the castle because he knew his son and mate were about to have an all out war in his castle. With this much Youki, he will not be surprise if he didn’t have a western wing anymore.

He finally reached his son’s room when a barrier prevented him from entering. He was stuck on what he could do to calm his pups down before they really hurt each other.

Kagome knew that if she continued to resist her mate that they will get into a fight here in the castle. She didn’t want anyone to get hurt, especially her Otou-san who was standing outside the door at this moment, she gave up and submitted to her mate.

Tears were rolling down her cheeks as she said in a low voice, “What do you want from me Sesshoumaru? I have done what you have asked of me and still you do not believe me when I say that I have not been out of the castle. You have no trust in me so why did you mate me?”

Sesshoumaru’s eyes were now blood red with anger as he continued to force his mate into submission. To his surprise she submitted to his will as he smelled the tears and heard her words.

Sesshoumaru growled as he said, “You are my bitch, my mate, and I have every right to know where you were this afternoon since I could not locate you. You will never hide your aura from me ever again, I will know of your location and what you are doing at any given point of the day! Is that understood?!”

Kagome closed her eyes and cried, while she nodded her agreement.

The sword on Sesshoumaru’s hip started to glow as it threw Sesshoumaru off Kagome and sent him flying into the wall.

Sesshoumaru was dazed for just a minute as his hackles were raised. He thought that it was Kagome who threw him off her but to his surprise it was his Hiijiji that was standing in front of him.

Tsuyoimaru looked at the girl that was lying on the bed crying. He had enough of his souson treatment of the girl. He leaned over her body as he said a spell that put her into a deep sleep that she will not wake up from unless she wished it.

He turned his red eyes towards Sesshoumaru as he let the barrier fall that was on the door and let his magomusuko into the room.

Inutaisho was still beside himself as he saw the barrier go down and the door opened. He rushed in thinking that something was wrong when he stopped in mid step as he saw his Jii-san standing there in front of him. The door closed with a bang, as both father and son looked at the spirit of the last surviving two tail Inu.

Words could not describe what Tsuyoimaru was feeling at this moment in time. He thought that Sesshoumaru wanted the power to protect his mate but he was wrong. He was using it to subdue his mate and not let her do anything with her life. He hated to see her free spirit bound in anyway. She reminded him so much of his mate Alia, she was very much the same way and he almost lost her because of his stubbornness. He was not about to let this whelp treat his mate this way.

Tsuyoimaru growled deep and threatening as he said, “How could you treat this beautiful pup this way? How much more suffering does she have to go through before she finds some happiness in her life? You said that you wanted the power of the two tails to protect your mate but all I have seen so far is you trying to subdue her free spirit. If you cannot appreciate the mate you have then I will take her with me to the next life. It’s what she has been asking for, all this time. She wishes for her death because she can not deal with the life she has been given.”

Sesshoumaru could not believe what he was hearing. There was no way he was going to let his Hiijiji take his mate. He growled as he said, “What are you talking about?! I love Kagome with all my heart. I have been trying to protect her. All I asked her was not to leave the castle and she has yet to tell me where she was all afternoon when I was looking for her. I have the right, as her mate, to know what she is doing.”

Even though Tsuyoimaru was dead his power could still be felt throughout the castle, he was the most powerful youkai that Sesshoumaru has ever meet and he knew that he just crossed the line with his Hiijiji.

“You insulate whelp! She didn’t tell you because I asked her not too. I summoned her to my section of the castle because I could feel the pain she was in. She was keeping her word to me as she kept her word to you. She never left the castle.” Tsuyoimaru was about to teach Sesshoumaru a lesson he will never forget.

He turned to his magomusuko as he said, “Inutaisho, your pup has much to learn on how to treat a female. This one is very special, she has been given a second chance at life to find happiness, but the mate that was chosen for her does not appreciate what he has.

“This pup has suffered so much in her life that she has completely given up on it. She has wished countless times to be taken away from all the hurt. She dearly loves you for showing her what a true father is capable of.

“But now I make my decision.

“Kagome will remain asleep until such time as she decides what she wants to do with her life. If she awakens, that means that she wants to come back to this realm. If she dies in her sleep, she will be in a place that she can finally find peace for her heart. The choice is hers to make.”

Sesshoumaru fell down to his knees as he heard his Hiijiji’s words. He could not lose his mate. It will destroy him if he did. She was everything that he wanted and more. She has broken through to his icy heart and took down all the barriers he placed there long ago. He never wanted to get mated, because he thought he will never find a female that could love him for who he was. Every female he has ever met wanted only the title and power that came from being his mate.

He loved Kagome, this much he was sure of, as he pleaded, “Please, don’t take her away from me. I love her with everything I have and if I lose her, I lose everything. I can’t live without her.”

Tsuyoimaru looked at his souson as he said, “You should have thought about that when you hurt this precious pup time after time. How much do you think she could take before you completely broke her? It will be her choice if she returns. The decision has already been made.”

Inutaisho didn’t know what to say or do. He might lose his precious little one because his son did not know how to handle her. He understood she was special. She has won his heart and if he ever did have a daughter, he knew that she will be like Kagome. He turned his eyes to his Jii-san as he asked, “Jii-san, is there anything that I can do to change your mind on this? I don’t want to lose my little one because of my son’s temper.”

Tsuyoimaru looked at Inutaisho as he said, “I’m sorry, but there is nothing I can do. Everything has already been set in motion and she will make the final decision when the time comes. Take this time to think about everything that has happen and learn from your mistakes. I will protect this little pup regardless of what your son does; he does not deserve a mate like this one.”

Tsuyoimaru took one last look around the room as he disappeared.

Inutaisho couldn’t believe what was going on. He was happy that his son won the right to mate his little one. He thought that he would take care of her but he was wrong. His son did not understand his little one or her desires to please. He walked over to the bed that held Kagome as he sat by her side.

Kagome appeared to be asleep as her breathing was steady. She looked beautiful just lying there as he turned his eyes toward his son.

Sesshoumaru was still on his knees as he thought about what his Hiijiji said, ‘I’ve lost her, I have lost the only person that I could ever love. Will she come back to me? Or will she choose death over being my mate?’

He got up from the floor as he made his way toward his mate. He saw his father sitting next to her but he could not look at him in the eyes. He kneeled by her side as he nuzzled her and said in a low voice, “Koiishi, please forgive me. I do love you and want you to come back.”

Inutaisho saw the regret and hurt that was in his pup’s eyes. He understood that he made a mistake, but he will have to come to terms with what he has done. Now he had to explain to his mate what happened and this will not sit well with her. He got up as he left his son’s room. This was a dark day in the Western Lands indeed.

---oOo---

Kagome woke up in the same clearing she was in before. She was surprised to be here as she turned and greeted Lord Tsuyoimaru. “Hello milord, why am I back here? The last thing I remember was having an argument with Sesshoumaru.”

Tsuyoimaru smiled at Kagome as he said, “I brought you here because of the way Sesshoumaru has been treating you. I have put a spell on you, which you will not wake up from. You have a decision to make Kagome, do you want to return to the life you had or do you wish to die?”

Kagome’s eyes grew big as she asked, “What are you saying? That I’m dead?”

Tsuyoimaru chuckled at her outburst as he explained, “The spell I put you under will keep you asleep until you decide what you want to do with your life. For far too long I have heard you say that you wanted the pain to end. This last time the pain that you were feeling was the breaking point for me. I told Sesshoumaru to protect you but all he did was hurt you. You were right when you said that he didn’t trust you. Trust is a big part of being mated and the sooner he learns this the easier it will make your life.

“You are not dead, at least not yet. Only you have that power. The spell I placed on you will react to what you want and if you do not want to go back then I will not send you back.”

Kagome furrowed her eyebrows together as she tried to understand what he was saying. As far as she understood, she was under a spell that will kill her if she so desired. Her eyes sadden as she looked up that the Inu Youkai that was standing in front of her as she asked in a sad, dejected voice, “He didn’t even try to stop you did he?”

Tsuyoimaru cocked his head to the side, as he said, “No, he didn’t try to stop me, it would have proven futile. But he did beg for me not to take you, he did say that he loved you with all his heart. I told Inutaisho that you loved him as well and that it will be your decision on whether you go back or not.”

Kagome eyes welled up with tears, as they were now falling like a waterfall down her cheek. Sesshoumaru begged his Hiijiji not to take her. Her mate never begged for anything as far as she knew. He was too proud and arrogant to beg, for him to beg his Hiijiji not to take her, filled her heart with joy because she knew then that he loved her deeply.

But the thought of losing her adoptive parents, Kagome fell to her knees. She didn’t want them to suffer because of her argument with Sesshoumaru. She knew that she was stubborn and so was he, but it was something that they could work out together. She did love him, he just needed to learn how to trust her.

Kagome looked up with pained filled eyes as she said, “I want to go back. I don’t want Sesshoumaru’s parents to suffer because of what happen between their son and me. I do love that arrogant ass. We just have to work out our problems, like anyone else does. I may want to have the hurt go away, but I also know that I’m stubborn at times and I come from a place where women speak their minds without fear of retribution.”

Tsuyoimaru understood this as he said, “I understand Kagome, but why don’t you stay here with me and let me train you. I will also like to tell you a little about the Inu youkai nature. You should have been taught this from the beginning. Sesshoumaru should have explained to you why he acts the way he does, and what sets off his inner youkai. In this I believe that we will teach Sesshoumaru a well-deserved lesson about the type of person you really are. You are special my dear, and he has to learn that.”

Kagome thought about what he said and she had to agree with his logic. She will stay with him for a few days until she trained and learned what he wanted to teach her.

---oOo---

The western castle was in a somber mood. There was no laughter that could be heard around the area. They have been told that the young miko has taken ill and that they didn’t know if she will survive.

Ayashiko was not happy to hear what happened to her pup. She rushed into Sesshoumaru’s room as she looked at her pup that was sleeping in her bed. Her son was on his knees next to his mate while he was holding her hand tightly, his head bowed in anguish, by having his mate in this state.

She growled at her son for letting this happen to her Musume. The disappointment she was feeling surrounded her aura and it was all directed at her son. Not once did she speak to Sesshoumaru, as she turned on her heels and left the room.

Sesshoumaru’s heart clenched even tighter as his mother clearly stated her disappointment in his behavior. It was well deserved, he hurt his mate and doubted her loyalty and trust to him.

He took her hand and rubbed it against his cheek as he gently said, “Koiishi, please return to me. I know that I have hurt you and my promises to you have been non-existent. But I can’t live my life without you Kagome. I want you in my life once again. I want to hear the wonderful sounds of your laughter going around the castle. I especially want to feel your hands on me once more as I hold you in my arms. Please find it in your heart to forgive me and return.”

Sesshoumaru continued to protect Kagome in her weakened state. He would not eat, sleep, or rest as he stood by her side waiting to see what she was going to do.

---oOo---

The next day Inuyasha was told what happened to Kagome. He was upset to learn that his elder brother hurt the one person that he truly loved. He wanted to see if it was all true. He knew that his brother loved Kagome but he also understood that he will not show his emotions when it came to her.

He rushed upstairs to his elder brother’s room as he walked in to see Kagome. When he opened the door he was shocked to see that Kagome was lying in bed, not moving, with his brother on his knees next to her.

He could tell that Sesshoumaru has not slept at all and the food that was brought upstairs for him to eat was still sitting on the table untouched.

He walked closer to where Kagome and Sesshoumaru were located as he looked upon his best friend. She taught him so much about fighting and protecting himself. She showed him how to be confident and fight with a warrior’s heart.

His eyes started to water as he turned to his brother and said, “Why Sesshoumaru? Why would you hurt Kagome like this? You know that she will lay her life down for you or for any of us. She is the only person that I would love to mate but I am not of age to take her. But if I was of age you better believe that she would be my mate instead of yours. At least I know how to make her happy.

“You disappoint me Sesshoumaru. I thought that you loved her but this only proves that you don’t. A mate does not hurt the one they love, EVER!!”

Inuyasha turned and ran from his brother’s room. He stopped, as he was about to exit the room, then he said in a low voice that only his brother could hear, “I wanted to be just like you Sesshoumaru. I always thought that you were the strongest of us and would bring peace to our lands. But if this is the way you are going to be, then you better think again about ruling the Western Lands. I will challenge you when the time comes for the right to rule the west. We need someone to rule with a kind heart, not an iceberg like yours.”

Once he was done he left his brothers room as he went towards his. He still loved Kagome with all his heart. But he understood about him not being of age. He handed her over to his elder brother so he could love and protect her, but all he has done so far is hurt her.

Inuyasha rushed into his room as he slammed the door shut. He vowed that if his brother let Kagome die he will kill him. Nothing in this world will stop him if he let the only person to show him love and attention, die of a broken heart.

Inuyasha could tell that she was weakening. She was pale and the nice healthy glow that she had on her skin was now pale and pasty. He could tell that she didn’t have much time left in this world and he hoped with all his heart that his brother could bring her back.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru heard every word that his brother said. It was all true and it hurt like crazy. He even heard when his brother professed his love for his mate. He never knew that he loved her that much but he will not give up on trying to get her back. He never looked up from his mate as he continued to protect her while she was weak.

He caressed her cheeks with his fingers as he moved her stubborn hair away from her face. No matter how much he tried her hair will always try to hide her features.

---oOo---

It has been 5 days and Kagome was now finished with everything Tsuyoimaru wanted to teach her. She knew everything about Inu youkai as he took the time to explain to her their very nature. From the yips, growls, and snarls and what they meant. To the ways she could submit to her mate and still have her pride in tact.

On occasions she will hear Sesshoumaru’s words on how much he loved her and wanted her to return. How he will work harder to make her life as happy as possible. She could feel his touch on her cheek or the gentle squeeze he gave her hand. Her heart ached to return to him. She loved him more than anything and she wanted to go back.

After training with Tsuyoimaru for five days she has mastered the new skills that she will need for the future. She had a complete understanding of how he lived over a thousand years ago and everything he did to protect his lands. She turned to him after their training as she asked, “Excuse me milord but I would like to go back now. I have learned everything you wanted to teach me and I’m ready to go back.”

Tsuyoimaru looked at Kagome as he asked, “Are you sure that you are ready to return? This is the only time that I will be able to help you, if something else happens then you will be on your own.”

Kagome understood what he was saying as she said, “Yes, I understand what you are telling me. Even if you can’t help me anymore I know deep down in my heart that this is what I want. I will miss you though, you have taught me so much while I was here, I will make sure that I pass on the information to my children so they know who you are. Thank you.”

Tsuyoimaru looked at the young pup as he reached into the fold of his haori and pulled out a necklace. He placed it around her neck as he stood back and looked at his gift. It was a golden chain with a golden fang. It sparked to life the moment it touched her skin as it glowed a golden color, his spells were activating to protect this precious pup.

Kagome saw the gift that he gave her as she said, “This is beautiful milord but I don’t deserve a gift like this. I have done nothing to earn it.”

Tsuyoimaru smiled as he said, “This is my final gift to you. This fang will protect you if anything happens. It will prevent any spell from fully taking hold of you until you recovered your strength and break it. This is the last thing I will give you. No one will be able to see it but it will always be with you.”

Tsuyoimaru stepped forward and kissed the crescent moon on her forehead as he sent her back to her mate. He sensed that the arrogant pup has learned his lesson and will from now on trust his mate. He regretted doing this to the young pup but he had to learn how to trust her, if they were to meet and fight the enemy, or all would be lost.

---oOo---

For five days Sesshoumaru has not slept, eaten, drank, or moved from his mate’s side. His father was getting worried that he will collapse from being weakened so much. He refused to leave Kagome for any reason until she woke. He kept saying that it was his fault that she was like this and he will protect her until she made up her mind on what she wanted to do.

Sesshoumaru once again moved the hair away from his mate’s eyes. She was so pale and she was still asleep. She was growing weaker by the day and everyday he will talk to her to see if she would wake up for him.

He leaned down to her ear as he said, “Kagome, my Aiyoku, please wake up for me. I need you in the worst ways and I want you to be with me. Can you find it in your heart to forgive this Sesshoumaru for his harsh words?”

He looked at her lush lips as he leaned down and kissed her. Those lips were soft to the touch, as he moved his tongue over them to get them wet. He felt his mate take a deep breath and the next thing he knew she was opening her mouth to him.

Overwhelm with heart-felt gratitude that she has returned to him, he did not hesitate to ravish her mouth with his tongue as he deepened the kiss. She tasted so good and he was happy that she was finally awake.

He pulled away for lack of air as he saw her slowly opening her beautiful blue eyes. He smiled gently at his mate as he nuzzled her taking in her wonderful scent. Growls of contentment were heard as well as whimpers of apologies, because he finally has his mate back with him.

He held her close to his chest, never wanting to let go of her for fear that Kagome would leave him again. He didn’t want to lose her so he held her tightly in his arms. He relished her scent and he felt when she held him closer to her. This is all he wanted, this is all he ever wanted was to have his mate.

---oOo---

Kagome was starting to wake up when she felt a nice warm tongue on her lips. It felt so good that she wanted more. She opened her lips and was not disappointed when a tongue came into her mouth and took her breath away. She enjoyed the taste of her mate as she kissed him back with all the love she has for him.

But all too soon the kiss ended as she slowly opened her eyes. She saw the concerned look in Sesshoumaru eyes as he nuzzled her under her chin. She then heard him purr and growl as he held her tightly in his arms.

This is what she missed. This is what she wanted more than anything, was to be loved by the one person she loved. She brought her arms up as she wrapped them around his neck and held on to him. She didn’t want to let go or leave his side ever again.

When they pulled away from their hug Kagome noticed the state her mate was in. Concern was clearly seen in her blue orbs as she asked, “Sesshoumaru, what happened to you?”

Just hearing his name come out of his mates lips sent shivers down his spine as he said, “Nothing happened to me mate. I’m glad that you have awakened. I just about given up hope that you would come back to me.”

Kagome noticed that his clothes were all dirty, he had dark circles under his eyes, and it looked like he has not slept since she has been asleep. She didn’t like him this way, it was not her Sesshoumaru, as she looked into his eyes and said, “Sesshoumaru can we go bathe?”

She saw the twinkle in his eyes as he leaned down and picked her up in his arms. They went into the bathing chambers together as they went to get cleaned up.

---oOo---

A servant was walking down the hallway after cleaning up the empty rooms to the western wing. She stopped in her tracks when she heard the young master’s growls of contentment and whimpers of apologies to his mate. She thought this odd since his mate was still unconscious from her illness.

Then she heard the young miko speak to her mate and she was overcome with joy. She heard as the young miko asked to go bathe and it was her chance to clean the room before they came back. She raced out of the western wing as she got some more servants to help her.

About ten female servants rushed back into the western wing, they slowly opened the door to Sesshoumaru’s chambers and peaked in. When they saw that the room was empty they quickly went in and cleaned the room from top to bottom. They even changed the bed sheets and turned them down, for when he came back into his room with his mate. The room was cleaned in record time as they all left about ten minutes later.

One of the servants went to find their lord as she went to tell him the good news about the young miko. They were all worried that she will not recover from her illness.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru gently carried Kagome to the cleansing area. He set her down on her feet as she stood under her own power. He held her in his arms not wanting to let go. He was afraid that she will leave him again and never come back.

Kagome felt his need to hold her and she was content with that, but right now she needed to get him cleaned up, and then try to make him eat. Her arms came up as she started to undo his sash. The sash was tied tightly around his waist, as she finally succeeded in getting it off his person. She continued until she got him completely undressed as she stepped away from him.

Kagome looked into Sesshoumaru’s pained filled eyes as she said, “Sesshoumaru, please sit down and allow me to bathe you. I promise that I’m not going to leave you again.”

Her words seemed to soothe his aching soul, but he seemed to be in a world all his own. He didn’t move from his spot so she gently moved him toward the bench and sat him down. She removed her kimono as she got some water to bathe her mate. She noticed that he did not moved from his spot as she gently cleaned him.

When she was done she cleaned herself and then turned her attention toward Sesshoumaru. He has not moved nor did he recognize her at all. Aside from when he brought her into the bathing chambers he has not touched her since she moved from his arms and told him that she will not leave him.

Worry could be seen in Kagome’s eyes as she made her way towards her mate. She straddled his lap as she nuzzled him under his chin seeking comfort from him. When he didn’t respond to her touch she whined and licked his neck. Tears were now starting to form in her eyes as she started to cry into his chest. He wouldn’t even lift his arms to hold her as he sat there in a state of shock.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru was in complete euphoria, his heart almost stopped beating when he heard her say that she will not leave him again. He relaxed as he felt his mates touch on his body, his mind numb with joy, while he sat there and enjoyed the attention she was bestowing upon him.

Then his mind started to come back to reality as the scent of salt water reached his senses. He finally noticed that his mate was sitting on his lap and was crying. He brought his arms up as he encircled her in his embrace. He held her close to his chest as he started to purr to calm her.

Kagome felt when Sesshoumaru’s arms finally came up and held her. Her heart leaped with joy as she looked up at her mate. She gently reached up and nipped his chin as she growled and yipped, “Alpha, mate!”

Sesshoumaru eyes went wide when he heard her words. He was still her alpha and more importantly he was still her mate. He leaned down and licked away her tears as he nuzzled her neck.

------Start of Lemon------

Kagome was in heaven but she wanted more. She needed him in a way, that she thought she would never need anyone in her life. She wanted him in the worst ways as her arousal spiked heavily. She moved to her knees as she pulled her body up. She felt when his member grew painfully hard against her stomach while she was sitting in his lap.

Her blue orbs looked into her mates eyes, as a new feeling she has never experienced before, lust, took over and she kissed him. It was a hungry, desperate kiss as she ravished his mouth. She shifted lightly and then gently came down. When she did she impaled herself on his hard member and was instantly in ecstasy.

Sesshoumaru was shocked at the way his mate was acting. When she kissed him there was so much passion in her kiss that it took his breath away. Then he felt something warm and tight slip around his member and he was instantly in heaven. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Her tight sheath felt heavenly around his member as he felt himself fully embedded within her core.

A growl of possessiveness came out of his chest as he continued to ravish her mouth. Then he felt his lovely mate move as she slowly raised her rear up and then lower herself down on his member again, stroking him gently. The feeling was extraordinary as his passion for her grew. The need to get more comfortable became overwhelming as he wrapped his arms around his mate and stood.

He quickly left the bathing chambers as he went back to their room. He didn’t even notice that the servants have cleaned the room while he was busy with his mate. He finally reached their futon as he gently laid his mate down, not once leaving her wonderful heat.

He quickly placed a barrier on the door, not willing to let anyone into the room while he was engaged with his mate. It was his first time in having her after their mating and he will kill the first one to walk through that door to disturbed him and his mate.

He started to move slowly in and out of his mate’s hot core as he ravished her mouth with his tongue. She felt wonderful around his member. His growls of pleasure were filling the room as his mate wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

Kagome was in heaven as she deeply kissed Sesshoumaru; her hands went up around his neck as her fingers found the back of his head. She was gently scratching and caressing his head as she felt her mate growl in pleasure.

Sesshoumaru was moving way to slow for her liking as she pulled away from the kiss for lack of air and she breathlessly said, “Faster, harder, please Sesshoumaru!”

Sesshoumaru, not one to disappoint, quickened his pace as Kagome brought her legs up and wrapped them tightly around his waist. She meet him stroke for stroke as she felt the wonderful knot starting again in her stomach. She knew that she was nearing her end, as she got ready.

Tsuyoimaru explained to her that she was still not fully bonded to Sesshoumaru. Yes they have mated and partially bonded but full bonding will not happen until she went into heat and that’s when she will grow temporary fangs so she could mark him as her mate.

He stated that demoness will not always conceive pups during their heat. It had to be a deep desire for them to conceive a pup for their mate. But that it was during their heat cycle that they marked their mates as their own and fully share the life bond of their souls.

He also explained Sesshoumaru behavior around her. Her mate was fully aware that their bond was not complete and he will protect her from any male until her heat so she could mark him as her own.

Kagome wanted this bond more than anything as she started to chant her incantation to make her fangs grow longer. It was a temporary spell that will make her fangs longer until she could mark her mate. She wanted to be fully bonded to him for life and until she got that, she knew she will not be happy or complete.

As Kagome finished her spell, she felt her fangs grow, once they finished growing she was ready to mark her mate. Her aura flared, while her eyes went white from her passion, when she came to her end. She bit down hard on Sesshoumaru’s shoulder as she marked him as her mate for life.

Sesshoumaru could feel Kagome coming to her end, he quickened his pace so he could join her, as he felt Kagome clinch around his manhood. He gave two more powerful thrusts as he came to his end with his lovely mate. He felt her aura spike as he spiked his to match her strength then he felt her fangs bite into his neck marking him as her mate for life.

Sesshoumaru howled at the feeling he got when his mate marked him, his eyes turned a demonic pure white, as he bit down on her shoulder renewing his mating mark on her. Their aura’s flared and joined their souls for life as a true-life bond was established.

Kagome slowly pulled her fangs out of Sesshoumaru’s shoulder as she licked his wound clean. Once she came down from her powerful climax, her fangs disappeared, leaving her with her normal teeth.

Sesshoumaru was spent, he barely had enough energy to pull the sheets up to cover them, as he rested his head on Kagome’s chest. His arms came around to her sides as he let the gentle beating of her heart lull him to sleep.

Kagome brought her hands up, gently caressing Sesshoumaru’s head. Soon she was tired as she fell asleep with Sesshoumaru on her chest listening to her heartbeat.

---End of Lemon---

Inutaisho was sitting in his study deep in thought; he was thinking about his little one and wondering if she will wakeup or if she will decide to end her life. It pained him to think that she will want to die after everything that she has been through. He knew that she has suffered so much throughout her life and he wanted a life for her that will make her happy.

As he thought about his little one, he heard a gentle knock on his door, it brought him out of his melancholy as he said, “Come in.” A female servant came rushing into his study, she didn’t even wait to be told to speak as she said, “Milord, the young miko is awake! The young master is purring his contentment at having his mate back.”

This news lifted his spirit as he dismissed the servant and got up to go see his pup. He needed to make sure that she was all right and that Sesshoumaru will do nothing to upset her. He never wanted to go through this again.

As he was walking upstairs he noticed the power surge that was coming from the western wing. He paled thinking that Sesshoumaru was fighting with his mate again. He didn’t want to lose Kagome as he picked up his pace and rushed upstairs.

When he got to his son’s door he noticed the powerful barrier that was there and he also heard the throws of passion coming from inside the room. A few minutes later he heard the howl of conquest coming from his son and the flaring of auras within the room.

A smile came to his lips as he realized that his son has learned his lesson well and was at this moment re-establishing his connection with his mate. The flaring of their aura was not intense but it was still powerful enough to be felt throughout the entire castle.

Then he heard a peaceful growl as everything went quiet in the room. He could feel the happiness coming from behind the door as he turned on his heel and went to find his mate. He wanted to assuage her fears about his little one. If they were lucky they will have both their pups down for dinner later tonight.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru was the first to stir as he noticed that he was laying on something very soft. He could hear a gentle heartbeat as he opened his eyes. His head was moving slowly up and down as he saw the ivory skin in front of him. The silky skin was beautiful as he turned his eyes slightly, and got a good view of the caramel peak that was close to his mouth. It was hard, as it stood straight up waiting for his warm mouth to take it.

A gentle smile came upon his features when he realized that he was lying on his mate’s chest. His arms tightened around her form as he shifted wanting a taste of the nipple that was waiting for his hungry mouth. He took it in his mouth as he gently caressed it with his tongue while his teeth gentle scratched her tender skin. He picked up the increasing heartbeat from his mate as he was waking her up, while he continued to lavish her with attention.

Kagome felt something wonderful pulling at her breast. It was a gentle suckling feeling that was sending a wonderful feeling through her body as it was being brought back to life. She felt something warm circle her nipple as she moaned out her pleasure. Her mate could wake her up like this everyday and she wouldn’t mind at all.

Her arms came around his head as she brought him closer to her chest. Her breathing was becoming ragged as she started to softly scratch his scalp. Her dull nails were making contact with his head and she knew all the places that were sensitive to her mate. Then her fingers landed on the soft skin behind his ears as Sesshoumaru stopped what he was doing and growled in pleasure.

He turned towards her soft skin and rubbed his cheek against it, relishing the feeling of having his mate with him.

Kagome smiled as she scratched behind Sesshoumaru’s ear. He seemed to like her attention as she continued. She felt so content just being in his arms. Then all too soon her stomach gave an awful growl of protest. She has not eaten and she was hungry.

Sesshoumaru heard his mate’s stomach. He knew she needed to eat as he raised his head and said to her, “Koiishi, you need to eat. The evening meal is to be served soon we should get up and get dressed so we can go down to dinner.”

Kagome agreed with him as they got up from their bed, bathed, and then dressed. They left their room as they walked downstairs, with Sesshoumaru having his arm and tail wrapped around Kagome’s waist, to meet his parents for the evening meal.

Kagome was happy as she was tucked against her mate’s side. This was the place that she felt the happiest as she leaned in to her mate’s strength. Kagome’s aura was at peace for once in her life as she felt her life bond with Sesshoumaru. This is what she wanted all her life, to feel loved and protected for all eternity, as she could actually feel the love that Sesshoumaru held for her.

When they reached the dinning hall they entered as the doors were opened for them.

Lord Inutaisho and his mate were waiting for his son to arrive. When he saw the door open a smile came to his features as he saw his little one tucked against his eldest side and she actually looked at peace for once.

Inutaisho heard a startled cry next to him as he saw his mate rush toward their son and mate. He tried to grab her before she left but he was too late. His fear was evident because Sesshoumaru was still very protective of his mate as he rushed after to her to protect her.

Kagome saw her mother coming towards her as she tried to step away from Sesshoumaru’s embrace. His protectiveness of her was evident when he tightened his hold around her waist. Kagome reached up and scratched his ear as he calmed and leaned into her touch. She smiled gently at him as she said, “Please release me mate.”

Sesshoumaru complied with her request as he saw her step away from him and embrace the demoness that came towards her. A growl escaped his lips but Kagome’s aura soothed him as he stayed where he was.

Inutaisho was amazed at the way Kagome handled his son. He slowed his pace as he stopped behind his mate and waited until she was done.

Ayashiko couldn’t believe that her pup was alive and well. Just the sight of her brought tears to her eyes as she rushed forward to embrace her. She saw her take a step away from her son as they both embraced. It felt good to hold her in her arms once again.

Ayashiko pulled away from her pup as she turned her attention toward her son. He walked over to his mate as his arm came around her waist once more to tuck her into his side. Ayashiko smiled at the protectiveness of his mate as she turned and went to her own mate. They all turned as one while they went to sit down and eat.

Dinner was anything but quiet as they all sat around and talked. Ayashiko turned to Kagome and asked, “Kagome I will be going to several villages tomorrow do you want to come with me?”

Kagome eyes sadden just a bit as she took a deep breath and said, “No, I don’t think that I will be able to go with you.”

Sesshoumaru hearing the sadness in his mate’s voice knew he had to make amends for what he has done. He turned towards Kagome as he said, “Kagome, if you wish to go with mother then you may. I trust that you can protect yourself and anyone with you. But if you find yourself in danger do not hesitate to call for me and we will both be there within a heartbeat.”

Kagome’s eyes opened wide as her heart skipped a beat, ‘Is he actually letting me out of his sight now? Does he really trust me to protect myself?’ Kagome thought as she stared at her mate. She smiled as she asked, “Are you sure Sesshoumaru?”

Sesshoumaru lean down toward his mate ear as he said, “Yes, mate I’m sure, but if you get into danger promise to call me.”

Kagome purred as she said, “I promise mate.” Kagome then turned her eyes toward Ayashiko as she said, “Yes I will go with you.” Both women smiled happily at the thought of just having some alone time with each other without the men.

Inutaisho has been watching his son very closely since they came down to eat. He seemed different for some reason as he spotted something on his neck. He raised an eyebrow as he asked, “Sesshoumaru? What is that on your neck?”

Sesshoumaru cursed under his breath for not concealing his mating mark and letting his father see it. He pulled the edge of his haori up as he said, “It is nothing father.”

Inutaisho was not convinced with his son’s statement as he saw how red Kagome looked. Her blush covered her whole face and went down her neck. He sat there and thought as a smile came to his face and noticed how his son shifted in his seat. But what confused him the most was that Kagome was not in heat so how did his son have a full life bond with his mate?

Inutaisho didn’t know how this could happen but he was happy that it did. They finally left the dinning hall as they went up to their rooms to retire for the night. Morning was going to be interesting to see how his son will manage not having Kagome near him or within the castle. But his son trusted her and this was a step in the right direction.

---oOo---

Morning came a little too soon for the newly mated couple. They were still tired from the night’s activities but their mood was a good one. Kagome having rewarded her mate for trusting her, gave him a night of passion as they explored each other to a whole new level.

They met his parents down in the dinning hall and once everyone ate their meal they all went their separate ways. Lord Inutaisho along with Sesshoumaru went up to his study so they could discuss in detail Jakyoku, and what his plans might be. They have not heard from their spies and this worried them.

Inuyasha wanted to go with his mother but that was quickly put to rest when he was reminded of his duties to study and train. It was part of his grooming to become lord one day so he could help his brother rule or take over if something was to happen to him.

Ayashiko along with Kagome, Sango, and Kirara walked out of the castle to go to the villages, while General Dewa met them outside the castle with his men. Ayashiko noticed immediately that there was double the amount of soldiers that would normally travel with her. She raised an eyebrow at the General in question.

The General having seen the question in his lady’s eyes replied, “The extra guards are needed to protect you milady. With Jakyoku out there as a threat, Lord Inutaisho is not willing to take the chance of you being attacked. So he has doubled the guards to protect both you and Lady Kagome.”

Now Ayashiko understood what was going on. Her mate was worried that she and her pup would get attacked, so he was sending extra muscle to protect them. He tried to get her to stop going out to the villages, but once she had her talk with him he backed down. He knew better than to order her around and she was capable of protecting herself, though she did allow the general to come with her just so her mate would relax.

She turned weary eyes to her pup as she said, “It seems that your father is worried about us getting attacked so he is sending an extra company of his soldiers with us. We will be heavily protected while we travel.”

Kagome smiled at Ayashiko. She knew that Inutaisho was very protective of the both of them, and she thought that Sesshoumaru was just as bad. They turned as they brought the two-headed dragon for Kagome to ride, but what caught Kagome’s interest was the beast that Ayashiko was riding. It was a red dragon with beautiful big wings and deep green eyes.

Kagome watched as Ayashiko paid special attention to the dragon as Kagome asked, “Oka-san, your dragon is beautiful, what its name?”

Ayashiko turned to her pup as she said, “His name is Ryuuou, and your father gave him to me when we were first mated as a mating gift. I don’t go anywhere without him because he protects me.”

“He is a beautiful dragon Oka-san.” Kagome said as she watched Ayashiko with the dragon, then she felt something hit her back. Kagome turned around to find the twin headed dragon standing behind her with their heads down.

Kagome turned worried eyes to the dragons as she asked, “Ah, Un, are you both all right? Are you sick?” Kagome grabbed each head in turn as she looked at the dragon to see if they were sick. When she didn’t find anything wrong with them she wondered why they were acting this way. Kagome turned her head, she heard Ayashiko giggle at the dragon, as he nuzzled her affectionately.

Kagome then turned her attention back to the twin headed dragon as she saw the sadness in their eyes. Kagome’s eyes soften as she said, “Ah, Un, I love you. I love the both of you and I wouldn’t trade you for all the dragons in the world. Both of you are my handsome dragons and I will never part with you.”

Ah, Un, perked up at hearing her statement as they nuzzled Kagome under her chin while one of them nipped playfully at the side of her neck. Kagome giggled when she heard her mother say, “Come Kagome we must go. We want to make sure that we come back early. I don’t want your father to get worried.”

Kagome got on Ah, Un, back as she offered a hand up to Sango so she could sit behind her and travel together. Kirara was perched on Sango’s shoulder as Kagome turned the dragon and followed Ayashiko.

The soldiers fell into place as they traveled to the front and rear of their ladies. Their job was to protect them as they made their way to the village that they were to visit. General Dewa sent several of his men to scout the area out before they arrived. They wanted to make sure that the area was safe before their ladies approached the village.

They traveled for a good portion of the morning as they were approaching the village that they were to visit. The forward guards stopped in their tracks causing everyone to stop as well. General Dewa came forward as his scouts came out of the forest. They had a concerned look in their eyes as they reported their findings.

General Dewa did not like this news at all. They will not be able to approach the village because there seemed to be a sickness that was going around the village and to venture into that could infect them as well.

Dewa approached Ayashiko as he bowed and said, “Milady, we can not go to the village. There seems to be an illness that has infected the villagers and the healer has requested that we stay away until he can contain it.”

This news was shocking to both Kagome and Ayashiko. Kagome came out of her shock first as she asked, “Do we know what kind of illness the villagers have?”

Dewa turned to Kagome and said, “No milady, the healer there have never dealt with this kind of illness before and he has no idea how to treat it.”

Kagome turned to Ayashiko and said, “Oka-san, maybe I can help. My knowledge on diseases is great and I might be able to come up with a cure to help them.”

Ayashiko listened to her pup as she made a decision, “General we will go to the village and see if we can help them. If we can’t, then we shall send for the healers of the castle so they can come and help these people.”

Dewa’s eyes opened wide at her proclamation as he tried to convince her otherwise, “But milady, we can’t go there, what if something was to happen to you, Lord Inutaisho will have my head. Please let us return to the castle and send for the healers, I don’t think it will be safe for you there.”

Ayashiko narrowed her eyes at the general as she bit out, “General, do you refuse to follow my commands?”

The General trembled in front of his lady as he said, “No milady, I do not question your orders.”

“Very well then we head towards the village and see if we can help those villagers. Your concerns have been dually noted General and we shall take precautions while we are there.

“Take heart General, the people of these lands depend on us to help them in anyway we can. If we leave them in their time of need who is to say that they won’t turn against us. Plus, if we allow this village to perish under this strange illness then it might spread to the rest of the lands.

“I will not allow others to become ill because of this.” Ayashiko said with a certain amount of threat in her voice. It did not sit well with Ayashiko that this illness, whatever it was, might spread over their lands.

So the group moved out as the General gave orders to his soldiers. Half of the group with them moved out to secure the village from threats. The rest stayed with the Ladies of the West to protect them from any harm. When they finally got to the village it was very quiet. They did not see the villagers nor did they hear anything at all.

It appears that the village was deserted as the soldiers spread out over the area trying to see if they could find the villagers that lived in this place. The soldiers were not liking their surroundings as they were on high alert incase this was a trap.

Kagome felt that something was very wrong with the village. The hair on the back of her neck was standing up as she put her hand on her sword ready to do battle. Her instincts were never wrong as she moved closer to her mother. Her feelings were getting stronger as she whispered, “Oka-san we need to leave this place. Something is not right here, I don’t sense the villagers anywhere nearby and I’m getting a bad feeling about all of this.”

Ayashiko had to agree with Kagome, she was getting the same feelings that something was wrong and she didn’t like it. She turned to her pup as she said, “Yes, I agree with you Musume there is something wrong here. We should leave and tell your father what we have found.”

The group was about to leave when the attack came. Both Kagome and Ayashiko were hit with a needle to their neck. The dragons that were standing next to their mistress were also hit with a needle to their necks as they fell to the ground unconscious.

Sango and Kirara moved to protect the moment she saw that Kagome was in trouble. She had her weapon in front of her protecting Kagome when she was hit with the same type of needle to her neck. She fell to the ground unconscious, regretting that she couldn’t protect her friend.

Kirara having seen Sango go down without being hit by the enemy ran to her mistress as she tried to wake her. She was nudging Sango trying to wake her up when she was hit with the same needles that affected everyone else.

Kirara tried to fight against the potion that was sent into her system but in the end she was also subdued as she fell unconscious on the ground.

The soldiers that were around the perimeter of the village were being attacked as the one’s that were close to the ladies of the west moved closer to protect them. The attack came from within the village as hordes of youkai came out of the huts.

Surprised, the soldiers never detected the enemy’s youki in the village. They must have strong concealment spell to go undetected by them. The soldiers fought with all their skills but they were just overwhelmed by all the youkai attacking them. Even the fiercest fighters would lose against such odds.

---oOo---

Kagome felt something hit her neck as it stung her. She reached up and pulled a long needle out of her neck as she looked at it. It almost looked like one of her acupuncture needles as she let it drop to the ground.

Kagome was starting to feel dizzy and her mind seemed to be going. She couldn’t think logically as she tried to fight against the affects of the potion they injected her with. She looked off to her right and noticed that her mother collapsed to the ground. Kagome stumbled over to her mother’s side as she kneeled next to her. She saw the same needle in her neck as she removed and discarded it.

Kagome was still fighting against the potion that was going through her body, she had to protect her mother and everyone around her. She looked for Sango and found her and Kirara on the ground unconscious. Their dragons have been taken out as well and there was no chance for them to escape.

She was gathering her powers, she was about to put up a barrier, when she was hit again with another needle to her neck. Kagome focused what little she had left of her resolve as she summoned her barrier and put it up over her mother and friends. The potion proved too much for her to handle, she succumbed to it and passed out on the ground.

---oOo---

Hiijiji—Great grand father
Souson – great grand child
Magomusuko – grand son
Aiyoku – Love

This is the end to another chapter. Sesshoumaru’s Hiijiji showed him the value of having a special mate. He learned the hard way that he has to trust his mate to protect herself. It was a hard lesson to learn but in the end it made their relationship all the stronger.

In the next chapter all of the Western Lords enemies are gathering to attack the west. You will find out who actually captured Kagome and Ayashiko and what their plans are for them. Will the Western Lord get there in time to save the females of his pack or will they fall to the combined might of their enemies. You have to wait until the next chapter to find out.

Until the next chapter!

Ja ne!