Her Destiny

The next morning Sesshoumaru started to stir from his sleep. His body was sore from sleeping outside. It has been a long time since he slept under the stars and the tree behind him was very hard on his back.

He shifted and felt something warm against his chest. The scent he was picking up was heavenly, as he opened his eyes. He looked down and noticed that Kagome, sometime during the night, shifted in her sleep. She was fully facing him now with her arms wrapped around the inside of his juban with her head resting on his bare chest.

His arms were still wrapped around her body as he tightened his hold on her. It felt so good to have her in his arms again. He really didn’t want to get up, but he could tell that his father was awake and he was getting everyone ready to move back home.

He pulled Kagome away from his chest and rested her against his left arm. He pulled his haori open, since it was only wrapped around her body, to look at her wounds. He wanted to make sure that her wounds healed during the night.

Sesshoumaru was satisfied with his mate’s progress. She only had a light pink scar left from her injuries and soon it will be all gone. Her face was now back to its normal beautiful skin tone as the horrid bruises were gone from her face. He was happy.

Sesshoumaru noticed that his mate was shivering from the cold and pulled the haori close once again, tucking the edges between their bodies to keep it closed. He moved her closer to his chest and wrapped his tails around her to keep her warm. Her delicate little hand came up as she grabbed onto his juban and settled down in his arms. Her face was gently rubbing against his bare chest as Kagome sought comfort from her mate.

He got up with his mate in his arms. He made sure that she was fully covered by his tails as he let down his barrier. He looked around the area and noticed that the soldiers were getting everything ready to return home. He spotted his mother off to the side, leaning against her dragon for support, as he turned and walked in her direction.

When he finally reached her, he kneeled in front of her, and asked, “Mother, how are you feeling?”

Ayashiko has been waiting for her son to awaken. She was anxious to see her pup and to make sure that she was all right. When she saw her son making his way over to her, Ayashiko’s heart leaped with joy. She noticed that he had something underneath his tail as he approached.

After hearing his concerns, she smiled at her son, as she said, “I’m feeling much better Sochi, I’m still tired, but that is to be expected. How is Kagome doing this morning? Has she recovered from her wounds?”

Sesshoumaru noticed the concern in his mother’s eyes as he moved his tail away from Kagome’s face to reveal her. He saw the light in his mother’s eyes shine brightly when she saw his mate. All of her injuries have been healed, and she was still asleep in his arms.

Ayashiko reached out with her hand to touch Kagome’s cheek. She gently stroked it as she said, “I’m sorry Sesshoumaru. I’m sorry that I could not protect your mate the way I wanted. I was not strong enough to break the spell that Jakyoku cast on us and I was forced to watch, as he hurt her. He kept us separated and there was nothing I could do to protect her.”

Sesshoumaru’s eyes softened, as he said, “Mother, it’s not your fault. I saw what happened and I am very proud of the way she handled herself. I just wished that I could have been there to protect the both of you. I don’t ever want to go through that pain again, when we found out that you were both taken away from us.”

Ayashiko never heard her son speak this way before. He must have been really hurt to be admitting the pain he was feeling when that bastard took them.

Sesshoumaru sensed that his father was coming toward their location. There was something that was bothering him as Sesshoumaru felt it in his father’s aura. He looked at his mother, and asked, “Mother, can I leave Kagome in your protection while I go help father get everything ready to leave this area?”

Ayashiko was more than happy to protect her pup, as she held her arms open for her son to hand over Kagome.

Sesshoumaru unwrapped his tails from around Kagome. He moved her away from his chest as he heard Kagome whimper. He was trying to keep his haori closed before he passed her to his mother.

Ayashiko noticed right away that her son got rid of the blood soaked kimono that Kagome was wearing. Kagome was not wearing a sash that will help keep his haori closed. She got an idea as reached down and removed one of the many sashes that she had tied to her waist.

Ayashiko leaned forward, while her son held his mate away from his body, and wrapped the sash around Kagome’s waist to keep the haori in place.

Once she accomplished this, Sesshoumaru placed Kagome in his mother’s arms. He observed his mother moving Kagome closer to her chest and her tail going around Kagome to warm and comfort her. His mother started her purr like growl, which he always enjoyed as a pup, while his mate calmed in her arms. Kagome continued to sleep peacefully as he stood and went toward his father.

---oOo---

Inutaisho has been up for hours. He was checking on his soldiers to make sure they were ready to leave this morning. He was making his way back toward his mate when General Dewa approached him.

The General kneeled in front of him as he heard him say, “Milord, we have found Akira, Kentaru, and Youko, they are all dead. What I have been able to gather, from the other prisoners in the caves, Jakyoku found out that they were spying for you and captured them.

“He tortured them to get information about the castle and especially about Lady Kagome, but they refused to tell him anything he wanted to know. They held their tongue until he killed them. We have recovered their bodies to take back to their families.”

Inutaisho was shocked to hear this. He felt great sadness for them giving up their lives to protect his little one. His spies didn’t have any knowledge of Kagome, but they knew the weaknesses to the castle and his barriers. If they had broken, Jakyoku would have attacked the west before they were ready to fight back. So he owed them a great debt of gratitude for keeping his secrets. He knew that in war there are always casualties, but it was never easy to take.

Inutaisho sighed, as he said, “Thank you General Dewa for telling me, get the soldiers ready to move out. I want to be back at the palace before nightfall.”

General Dewa stood, then bowed to his lord as he left to carry out his orders.

Inutaisho then turned his attention back to the business at hand and made his way back toward his mate. He saw Sesshoumaru coming his way, he seemed to have recovered from his battle with Jakyoku. He stopped, as his son came to a stop in front of him as Inutaisho heard him say, “Father, what is troubling you this morning?”

Inutaisho looked at his son as he sighed, and said, “Is it that noticeable?”

“Yes father, I can feel it in your aura.” Sesshoumaru responded.

Inutaisho looked at his son, as he said, “They have found our spies that were in Jakyoku ranks. They are all dead. Jakyoku tortured them and when they wouldn’t give him the information he required, he killed them.”

Sesshoumaru understood why his father was in such a state. His father cared deeply for all his soldiers and he knew the risks when he sent them on a mission.

Then Sesshoumaru had his own thoughts, as he asked, “Father, if we had spies keeping an eye on Jakyoku and they reported back to us what he was doing, do you think that he has spies in the castle that were reporting back to him? He needed to have someone inform him when mother and Kagome were leaving the safety of the castle so he could capture them.”

Now this was an interesting hypothesis, he could have spies still in his castle, which means that his mate and little one were not safe. He turned his attention back to his son as he said, “You might be right, Sesshoumaru. Those spies might still be in the castle and they still pose a threat. We will have to be careful and keep an eye out for those spies. I don’t want anything to happen to your mother or Kagome.”

They both turned, as they started to walk back to Ayashiko and Kagome. As they were walking, Inutaisho got an idea and asked, “Sesshoumaru, do you think that you can transform into your true form?”

Sesshoumaru raised an elegant eyebrow at his father and answered, “Yes, I can transform into my true form, but why do you want me to?”

“Well, one we can travel faster to the castle in your true form, and two it will be good for the people of the Western Lands to see the two tail Inu youkai that is the true ruler of all the lands. Being a two tail Inu youkai, you now rule all the youkais of the land. They all must bow down to your will and obey your laws.” Inutaisho said, as he looked at his son.

Sesshoumaru thought about what his father said, and replied, “Father, I have no desire to take over your rule at this moment in time. I’m perfectly happy with you being the current ruler, and with me helping you rule over the lands. The rest of the youkai can bow down to us as their rightful lords. After all, you are my sire which means you too are a two tail even though you only have one.”

Sesshoumaru then stopped in his tracks as he closed his eyes, he was being overwhelmed with emotions so great that it almost hurt. His mate was in distress and he had to get back to her as soon as possible. He opened his eyes as he took off towards his Kagome, leaving his father behind.

Inutaisho stopped when he noticed that his son stopped walking. He felt a wave of panic come into his aura as he opened his eyes and left in the blink of an eye. He turned and rushed after his son, knowing that there was only one reason he would be in such a hurry… something must be wrong with Kagome.

---oOo---

Ayashiko was gently rocking Kagome in her lap. She was trying to soothe her pup, but ever since her son left his mate behind, she has been restless. She seemed to be having a nightmare and was being agitated by it.

Ayashiko also noticed that Kagome’s power was steadily growing the more restless she became. She placed her pup on the ground next to her as she was softly whispering into her ear, “My Musume, you are safe now. You are no longer in danger and are being protected. Please calm yourself, you will lose control of your powers if you don’t calm down.”

When Kagome wouldn’t calm down, Ayashiko was forced to move away from her pup along with her dragon. Her aura was getting stronger by the minute and she started to feel the bite of her purifying power. She continued with her soothing words to get her pup to calm down and reassure her that she was safe.

But her efforts went unheard, as Kagome continued to be distressed. Ayashiko could softly hear Kagome’s pleas as she heard her pup say, “Sesshoumaru, where is my mate? Is he all right? Is he hurt? Where is my Sesshoumaru?”

Then something happened that Ayashiko thought would never happen, Kagome started to wakeup from her enchanted sleep. Kagome broke Sesshoumaru’s spell on her, as she was trying to sit up. Kagome was crying now as Ayashiko tried to get closer to her, but a barrier prevented her from getting closer to her pup.

At first Ayashiko thought that the barrier was the one that the necklace provided but she was wrong. Kagome herself put this barrier up and it was strong. It will purify anyone who tried and reach her.

Ayashiko was sitting in front of Kagome, as she said, “Kagome? Kagome? Are you all right? Are you hurt in anyway? Look at me my Musume.”

Kagome’s eyes were dazed as she heard her mother talking to her. Tears of sorrow were coming down her cheeks as she said, “Oka-san? Where are we? Where is Sesshoumaru? Is he hurt? Please tell me.”

Her pup was disoriented and that was part of what was wrong. She didn’t comprehend that they were safe and that she was among her family. She tried to soothe her fears as she said, “Kagome you are safe now. Sesshoumaru is fine, he is not hurt, and he is with your father. We are getting ready to leave this area to go back home. Now lower your barrier so I can get closer to you.”

In Kagome’s mind she was still in the dark cave where that crazy Inu youkai held them prisoner. She was confused and she didn’t know what her mother was talking about. She didn’t have a barrier up. “I don’t have my barrier up, Oka-san. Remember that bastard is subduing my powers and I can’t break free of the spell because he will know what I’m doing. We need to escape from here so we can get to Otou-san and Sesshoumaru. They will need our help to defeat Jakyoku.”

Ayashiko was at her wits end. Her pup still thought that she was in the cave that they were being held in. She did not realize that they were outside and that the battle for the Western Lands is over.

She tried her best to soothe her pup as she said, “Kagome, my pup, we are not in a cave
anymore. Look around you and you will see that we are in a forest right now. The battle is over and Jakyoku is dead. You have placed a barrier around your body that is preventing me from getting to you, please, you must lower the barrier.”

Kagome was trying to figure out what her Oka-san was saying. She was confused, she didn’t remember fighting Jakyoku and killing him. Her mind was tired and the only thing that she wanted was her mate.

Ayashiko watched as the look of confusion was still on her pup’s features. She turned quickly around as she heard the sound of footsteps coming her way, in an instant Sesshoumaru appeared by her side as he looked at his mate. His eyes went wide when he noticed that Kagome broke his spell to keep her asleep so she could rest.

Inutaisho appeared right next to his mate as he looked at his little one. He turned to Ayashiko as he asked, “What happened to Kagome? How did she wake up?”

Ayashiko explained everything that happened once Sesshoumaru left Kagome in her care. She explained that Kagome was still under the illusion that she was still in the cave. She turned to her son as she said, “Sesshoumaru, you must make her understand that you are all right. She thinks that you are hurt and is trying to gather her energy to go to you.”

Sesshoumaru heard his mother as he walked toward his mate. He was looking at the barrier that his mate placed around herself, wondering if he could bring it down. Then he had an idea as he placed his hand on it and the star under his crescent moon started to glow. He broke through her barrier as he walked closer to his mate and kneeled in front of her.

Sesshoumaru noticed the confusion on his mate’s features as he said in a soothing voice, “Koiishi?”

Kagome slowly raised her head to the one that was calling out to her. She was confused and thought she recognized the person in front of her. She wavered a bit but caught her balance as she was shaking from the effort.

Sesshoumaru moved closer to his mate as he said, “Kagome... my mate, you are safe now.” He reached out with his hand and touched her cheek with it. He gently caressed the area as he saw her close her eyes in contentment. He needed to get her to calm down, her powers were steadily growing, and if she let go, she could hurt a lot of youkai in the area.

Kagome felt a gentle touch on her cheek, she seemed to recognize it as she opened her eyes and looked at the person in front of her. She furrowed her eyebrows together; she seemed to recognize this person, like he was a big part of her life in some form. She saw the concerned look in his golden eyes as recognition came into her features, then she said, “Sesshoumaru?”

Sesshoumaru smiled one of his rare smiles for her as he reached an arm out and wrapped it around her waist. He pulled her closer to his body as he held her in his arms and started to purr to soothe her.

Kagome immediately calmed as her aura went back to normal. The confusion in her mind was slowly going away as she looked up at her mate. She gently pulled away from him as she looked into his eyes. It was her mate, her Sesshoumaru that was sitting in front of her as she asked, “Are you hurt?”

Sesshoumaru pulled his mated even closer to his body as he replied, “No mate, I am unharmed from the battle. You do not have to fear anymore, Jakyoku is dead and he will never hurt you again.”

Kagome understood as she wrapped her arms around his chest and cried, “I was afraid that I had lost you. I tried so hard to protect your mother. But he subdued my powers and if I tried to break the spell I would have alerted him to what I was doing and he would have hurt Ayashiko even more than he did. I’m sorry, I’m sorry that I wasn’t strong enough to protect your mother, Sesshoumaru. I guess you were right, I should have stayed by your side.”

Sesshoumaru was shocked to hear this. He looked at his mate as he said, “No Kagome, you are very powerful. More powerful than any demoness in this land. I saw the way you battled against Jakyoku and I am very pleased that I have you as my mate. You make me proud and I know that you will always help me protect these lands. Now calm yourself mate, I will never leave you. You mean the world to me and we will always be together.”

He held Kagome closer to his chest and purred. It worked to calm her as he soothed away her fears. When she calmed down he said in her ear, “Kagome, are you ready to go home?”

Kagome was so content to be in her mate’s arms that she didn’t want to move. When she heard his question she said, “Yes, let’s go home.”

Sesshoumaru looked up as he looked at his father. Inutaisho understood what his son wanted as he walked towards him and kneeled in front of his son. He eyed his little one as he said, “Kagome, my little one, my pup.”

Kagome raised her head when she heard a familiar voice. She looked into her father’s eyes as she heard him say, “Kagome come with me.” Inutaisho opened his arms as he waited for Kagome to come to him. But there was a problem, Kagome didn’t want to leave Sesshoumaru’s embrace.

Kagome held on tighter to her mate and would not move towards her father. Sesshoumaru noticed that his mate didn’t want to leave his side as he gently said in her ear, “Kagome, go with father, he will protect you from any harm. When I transform then you can ride on my back and we can go home.”

Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru as she heard what he said, then she turned to her father. She didn’t want to leave Sesshoumaru’s embrace but she slowly moved into her father’s arms.

Inutaisho wrapped his arms around his little one as he encased her in his love and protection. He held her close to his chest as he purred. He felt when she wrapped her arms around his chest and settled down. His tail went around her to keep her warm and protected, when she felt this, he heard a gentle sigh come from her.

Inutaisho stood with Kagome in his arms as he walked back to his mate. Sesshoumaru, once he saw that his mate was safely in his father’s arms, he moved away from his family as he concentrated on his powers. His beast came forth as he transformed into his true form and stood there in all his glory. He was larger than before, his twin tails moving back and forth as he turned his majestic head and look at his father.

Inutaisho was impressed with his eldest son. He has grown to his size in his true form. He radiated power from his aura but at the same time he saw how much he cared for his mate.

Sesshoumaru lowered himself to the ground, he moved his head toward his father as he sniffed looking for his mate. His inner beast loved his mate and he will do anything to protect her. When his father moved his tail he was able to see her. He growled his contentment seeing that she fell asleep in his father’s arms and was resting.

Inutaisho leaned down and wrapped his free arm around his mate’s waist. He stood, bringing his mate with him, as he formed his demonic cloud under his feet and raised them all to Sesshoumaru’s back. He landed right in front of the tuff of hair on his shoulders. The fur made for a comfortable seat as they both sat down, with Kagome cradled in his arm and on his lap, while they waited for his son to move.

Sesshoumaru, once he felt that his father and mother were situated on his back rose to his feet as he gave a howl. He told the generals to move everyone out and head back to the western castle.

The generals took control of their soldiers and moved them all out. They traveled behind the great demon that was before them as they moved with speed.

Sango was on Kirara as they started to travel back to the palace with Miroku sitting right behind her. He did not want to be left behind and asked if he could accompany Sango back to the western castle. He will not leave her unprotected until he knew for sure that she was safe once again.

Ryuuou was flying next to them, riderless, as he was keeping pace with Sesshoumaru.

Sango was a bit miffed that Miroku wanted to travel back with her. She thought that she could at least get rid of him now that the threat to the Western Lands was gone but she was wrong.

She was confused as she tried to sort out her feelings for Miroku. He has not groped her since he saved her in that village. He kept his word to her and he was showing her a side that she has never seen before. She had to admit, even if it was just to herself, that she like this side of him. It was the side that was very caring and respected her.

Miroku was deep in thought as he scanned the area around them. He didn’t want to get any unwelcome surprises from anyone getting the idea that they could attack the Western Lord and his family.

He was also thinking heavily about Sango and his feelings for her. She was such a strong person and he admired that. But there was a part of him that wanted to cherish and protect her. He finally came to the conclusion that he has found the female that will be his wife. He just hoped that she will be receptive to the idea when he finally got the courage to ask her.

---oOo---

Sesshoumaru traveled with speed, he wanted to get back home as soon as possible. He scanned the land below as he saw the dissidence of the west stop and look up into the sky. It was the first time that they ever saw a two tail Inu youkai. The people of the lands have heard about the legend of the two tail but they have never seen one before.

They were all wondering who this demon was, with the two tails, that the legends said ruled over these lands so long ago. The only thing they knew for sure was that this youkai was heading for the Lord of the Lands castle and they could see the crescent moon on his forehead.

Demons for miles around stopped what they were doing when they felt the powerful aura traveling overhead, as they turned and looked up into the sky. It has been centuries and many of them didn’t know about the legend, but the older youkai, who have lived for a long time, knew what this meant. The two tail has returned to take his rightful place as Lord of all the youkai in the lands. All youkais will have to bow to him and his rule or suffer his wrath.

Sesshoumaru continued on his way and soon he was approaching his home. It didn’t take him that long to get home as he landed in the middle of the central courtyard. The guards that were present at the castle announced his arrival as all of the servants from inside the castle came out to greet the Lord’s return.

When they all looked at the giant Inu in front of them they were in awe. The two tail has returned to the West to rule the lands. They bowed in respect as they saw the giant beast lay down on the ground as he was waiting for something.

Inutaisho noticed when they finally arrived at the castle. He tried to move but found that his mate had fallen asleep against him and he didn’t want to wake her. His constant purring to keep his little one asleep lulled his mate to sleep as well.

He concentrated on his powers as he summoned his youki cloud underneath them and lifted everyone off Sesshoumaru’s back. He landed on the ground gently, not even waking up his loved ones that were in his arms.

Inutaisho looked up, he saw his son transforming once more into his humanoid form, as he was making his way to his location.

Sesshoumaru transformed once his father was off his back. He was walking at a brisk pace as he reached his father and noticed that his mother was also asleep in his fathers embrace.

He kneeled in front of his father as he looked for his mate. Inutaisho upon seeing his son kneeling in front of him started to unravel his tail from around his little one. She was asleep against his chest with her hand curled right next to her chin. She looked so innocent just sleeping in his arms that he really didn’t want to let her leave his embrace. But he knew that he had to surrender her to her mate. He leaned slightly forward to allow his son to take her from his arms.

Sesshoumaru reached for his mate, so his father could deal with his mother. He slid one of his arms under her legs and the other snaked around her shoulder as he pulled her away from his father.

Kagome woke with a start, disoriented from waking up from a deep sleep, she became alarmed that she was being taken away from the one that was protecting her. Her aura spiked, as her miko powers surrounded her body to protect herself. She heard a gentle purr that she thought she recognized as she looked up at the one that held her in their embrace.

She noticed right away that it was her mate, calming immediately, and turning her body towards his, she embraced him. She felt two powerful arms encircle her body as she relaxed and settled against Sesshoumaru chest.

Sesshoumaru noticed right away that his mate became frighten when he moved her away from his father. Her aura spiked heavily as he placed a barrier around his father and mother to protect them from his mate’s wrath. The star under his crescent moon started to glow the minute that Kagome let go of her Reiyouku. It protected him from her wrath as he calmed her back down.

Wrapping his arms around her body, Sesshoumaru started rubbing her back as it soothed her. Once she was calmed, he then looked at his father to make sure they were all right. When he noticed that they were unharmed, he lowered his barrier.

Inutaisho was happy with his son’s quick thinking. He didn’t think that his little one would react so violently to being removed from his embrace. His son protected him and his mother from his mate’s wrath. He has never seen Kagome’s aura spike so fast before. She attacked the first moment she noticed that she was being pulled away from his embrace.

Inutaisho was relieved to see that she was calm once more as she settled into his son’s embrace. He noticed when Sesshoumaru moved away from him to give him room to pick up his mate.

Ayashiko was leaning against his side as his tail gently wrapped around her lower back and then her legs. His other arm went around the upper portion of her body as he gently lifted her up and then brought her to his chest. He held her bridle style as he stood with his mate and then started to make his way toward the castle.

Sesshoumaru was following his father back to the castle. He needed to get his mate to bathe and get her something to eat before she rested some more. He just hoped that she will not be difficult and that she will follow his commands without fighting him. He knew she was strong of will and will fight when she didn’t want to do something.

Once they arrived inside the castle, Inutaisho issued orders to retrieve his youngest son and bring him back to the palace. He wanted him back before his mate woke, she will want to see her youngest to make sure that he was unharmed. Then he told the cooks to bring up some food so their mates could eat and rest.

Both father and son turned as they made their way upstairs. They both knew that their mates will not recover fully unless they had some undisturbed sleep. They were taking short naps and that was draining them more than it was helping them recover from the battle.

When they reached the western wing of the castle, they each went their separate ways. Inutaisho was taking his mate down to their room to see to her needs and Sesshoumaru was moving to his room with his mate so he could tend to Kagome’s needs.

Sesshoumaru entered the room that he shared with his mate. He went straight to the bathing chambers with Kagome still in his arms. When he got to the cleansing area, he looked down to see if his mate was still awake. He noticed that her eyes were still opened as he gently sat her down on the bench.

He kneeled in front of her and noticed immediately that her eyes held no life in them. They were glazed over like she was in a world all her own as he tried to get her attention.

Kagome wouldn’t respond to anything Sesshoumaru did to get her attention. He proceeded to take off her clothes as she moved only when he moved her. He could tell that she was still weak and not fully recovered from the battle. But he knew that something else was troubling his mate and he will need to be cautious.

He remembered that his mate told him several times now that she tends to block out the hurtful memories so that she doesn’t have to relive them. He was hoping that she was doing this now as he tended to her needs.

He removed his clothing and then proceeded to bathe his mate. He washed her gently getting all of the blood off her person, as he paid extra attention to her, and made sure that her hair was back to its normally silky black color.

During the time that Sesshoumaru was bathing his mate, he noticed that Kagome was slowly responding to his touch. She sat there emotionally drained; but he was starting to see the sparkle come back into her eyes. He needed to establish his connection with her again to let her know that he was her mate and still desired her.

It was important that he do this. Anytime a rival male took a female away there was a chance that she will reject the male that she was mated to. He failed to protect her and she could reject him if she so chooses. Many times a fight for dominance will happen to reestablish their connection all over again. He just hoped that it didn’t come down to that. He loved her and she has been through a lot so he didn’t want to hurt her in anyway.

Once he was done bathing her, he left her sitting on the bench as he went to get cleaned up himself. The entire time he was washing, he kept his eye on his mate to see if she would snap out of the state of mind she was in.

---oOo---

Kagome retreated into the far recesses of her mind. Everything that she experienced, for the last two days, was still replaying itself in her mind. Her traumatic experience with Jakyoku was taking its toll on her as she was fighting to get her sanity back.

She was aware that her mate was close to her during this time, as his gentle touch was sending her body into a full state of arousal. She needed him, she wanted to know for sure that what happened to her will not interfere with his love for her. She would moan telling her mate that she loved what he was doing to her, but all too soon he stopped his administration of her body, and she was left wanting.

Once Sesshoumaru was done washing himself, he picked up his mate and took her into the hot springs. He settled her on his lap as he rubbed her back in a soothing motion. He tried his best to comfort her while he held her close to his chest. His inner Inu was concerned for their mate; she just laid there in their arms and has not moved since they entered the water. But then he felt her moving in his arms as he looked down at his mate.

Kagome was slowly coming out of her daze, she raised her arms up as she held on to her mate. It was difficult to move but she knew she had to. She wanted to let Sesshoumaru know that she still loved him no matter what happened to her. She wanted, no she needed to feel loved by him once again. She was rubbing her face into his chest as she whined wanting more than anything that she had the strength to speak to him.

A different part of her took over sensing the want in her heart. She let a low growl escape her lips as she said, ‘Mate.’

Sesshoumaru noticed that his mate was starting to come around. He saw her move as she brought her arms up to encircle his chest. He felt her rubbing her face into his chest and whining to him. He heard her calling to him as she said, ‘Mate,’ then he caught the scent of her arousal as his hands started to roam around her body. He caressed her butt as he was gently squeezing it in his large hands.

He lowered his head toward her mating mark and started to lick it. She was getting excited, her scent was getting heavier and spicier the more he caressed her. He felt her fingers moving, as it was gently rubbing circles on his back, making a shiver run down his spine. His need for her was growing and he wanted to establish his dominance over her once again. His instincts were kicking in and the need to join with her grew great. But he had to see to her health first above all else.

He moved out of the hot springs as he dried his mate and dressed her in a silky white robe. She was shivering from the cold and he didn’t want her to get sick. He then took her back to their room so she could rest. When he walked back into his room he noticed that the servants have already brought them some food so they could eat.

He sat upon their futon with Kagome in his lap as he contemplated what he wanted to do. He knew that his mate had to eat to get stronger but the need to establish his connection with her was grading heavily on his senses.

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

His mind was made up when he felt his mate move as her hand found his male nipple and started to gently caress it. Her thumb was gently rubbing it, making it go hard with her touch, as he felt her move, and then her hot mouth made contact with his nipple. A gentle growl of approval left his throat as he enjoyed what his mate was doing to him. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

Kagome’s needs grew worse as she was sitting in her mates lap. She found the strength to move her hands up as she caressed his chest. She found his male nipple and let her thumb roam over the area. Soon it became hard under her thumb as she moved her mouth over the extended peak. She began to suckle as she heard her mate’s growl with approval.

She needed more from her mate, she needed him in the worst ways. She moved her hand down until she found his hard member. She wrapped her finger around his member as she gently stroked him, squeezing his appendage gently, caressing him. She could hear his pants growing the more she moved, and then in one swift movement, she was on her back with her robe gone from her body.

Sesshoumaru was losing his control while his mate was gently stroking him. He was breathing hard as he had enough. In one swift move he tore off her clothes and pinned her to the futon. His blood red eyes showed his desires for her as he crashed his lips to hers.

Kagome tried to move but Sesshoumaru would have none of it. She froze in place when he grabbed her by the neck and growled at her. She wanted to touch him but he would not let her. Kagome struggled to get free from his hold, until she heard him say, ‘Submit to me bitch!’

Kagome’s instincts came into play even though her mind was confused, as she raised her chin, showing him her neck in submission.

Sesshoumaru wasted no time as he slammed into her awaiting heat. Kagome cried out in pure ecstasy as she felt her mate moving in and out of her. She met him stroke for stroke as he continued to pound into her awaiting body.

Sesshoumaru was trying to get deeper into his mate but he couldn’t from the position they were in. He pulled out of her as he flipped her on her stomach and quickly entered her from behind. He fully mounted her as she was on all fours. His own body caging her within his fold as he lowered his head and grabbed her between her neck and shoulder.

He could feel that he was coming to his end soon as he reached around and started to rub her harden numb. Within minutes his mate was soaring as her orgasm exploded, with a couple of quick thrust, he came with her, as he bit down on her shoulder remarking her as his, roaring his conquest of his bitch.

At the same moment another howl was heard in the castle as Lord Inutaisho roared his conquest of his mate as well.

Sesshoumaru managed to grab his mate as he laid on his side and brought Kagome closer to his chest. They were both breathing hard, but their connection was once again established, and he was happy. He curled his body around his mate’s as he waited for them to calm down. Once he was relaxed enough, he slipped out of his mate’s tight sheath.

-----End of Lemon-----

Kagome was between the state of being asleep and awake. She didn’t want to give in to sleep just yet. She tried to move but found that her mate was not about to let her go. So she relaxed in his hold just being content at the moment.

Sesshoumaru sat up on his futon as he brought Kagome with him. He settled her on his lap as he picked up some food and tried to feed his mate.

Kagome was tired, she wanted nothing more than to go to sleep, and never wake up. She felt as her mate held up some food for her trying to get her to eat. She was so tired that she didn’t respond to him. She couldn’t open her mouth nor could she chew her food once he forced it into her mouth.

Sesshoumaru was now worried that something was very wrong with his mate. She was weakening and there was nothing that he could do to stop it, he should have waited to reestablish his connection with his mate and made her eat something first. Now she was too tired to eat and this was not good.

He lowered his forehead until it touched hers. He fed her some of his energy as he strengthened her to stay with him. He stopped when he thought that she had enough as he looked at his mate. Her eyes were slowly coming into focus, as he said, “Kagome, my aiyoku, please, you must eat to regain your strength, then you may rest.”

Kagome agreed to his request as he tried feeding her again and she started to eat her food. When she had her fill, she turned her face away from the food. She nuzzled Sesshoumaru under his chin as she said, “Aishiteru Sesshoumaru.”

Sesshoumaru purred when he heard his mate’s declaration, as he responded, “Aishiteru Kagome, my mate.”

Sesshoumaru then laid his mate down on the futon as he covered her with the furs. He then turned and ate his food. Once he was done, he too started to feel the weariness on his body as he moved and took the tray outside the door and left it there. He then started the fire in the room as it warmed up for his mate.

He made his way toward Kagome as he crawled into the futon with her. He wrapped his arms around her small form and pulled her into his chest. Curling his body around hers, making sure that she will not leave his embrace, as he took in her scent and went to sleep.

---oOo---

Inutaisho was in a very deep sleep when he was jolted awake by the presence of his youngest son’s aura. He was upset and was making his way up to the western section of the castle.

He looked down and saw that his mate was still sound asleep and needed to rest. He released her from his embrace as he put on his hakama’s and walked out of his room. He was just in time to be tackled by his youngest as he cried into his chest.

Inutaisho held Inuyasha in his arms as he purred to soothe his son. He knew that sending him away was not good, but it was for his protection that it was done. He waved away the servants that followed his son, he told them that he will take care of his needs and they were released to go and rest. The servants bowed low to him in gratitude and left him alone with the younger master.

Inutaisho then picked up Inuyasha and took him into his room. It was late and he needed his rest before he will let him see his mother. He sat on Inuyasha’s futon as he rocked his pup back and forth soothing him.

Being sent away upset Inuyasha greatly, he thought that he will never see his parents ever again. When they finally came and told him that he could return to the castle he was jumping for joy. He wanted to see his mother more than anything.

Once he was back in the castle, the servants tried to stop him from going to his mother, but he ignored everyone and raced upstairs. He could feel his mother’s aura upstairs and made his way there.

The first person he saw was his father as he jumped into his arms. He was happy to see that he was all right and he knew that his father saved his mother. He started to cry as he held on to his father. It was the first time that his father showed him any kind of emotion and he was taking it for all it was worth.

Inuyasha felt as his father comforted him and soon he settled down. He pulled away from his fathers embrace as he asked, “Otou-san are you all right? Is mother all right as well?”

Inutaisho looked at his youngest as he said, “Yes Inuyasha, I’m fine and so is your mother. But she is very tired right now and I don’t want you to wake her. She will be strong enough in the morning and then you can see her. I’m sure that she wants to see you just as much.”

Inuyasha agreed with his father, as he got ready for bed. He was tired, and no sooner than his head had hit his pillow, he was out like a blown candle.

Inutaisho stayed long enough to make sure that his youngest was sound asleep before he left him in his room. He walked down the hallway as he approached Sesshoumaru’s room. He saw the barrier on the door as he heard the gentle breathing of his pups.

He smiled to himself knowing that they were all safe once again and under his roof where they all belonged. He made his way back to his room and when he entered, he looked at his mate. She was still sound asleep on their futon. He undressed again then he got back into the futon and brought his mate into his arms. Now that his family was whole once more he drifted off into a peaceful sleep wondering what the next day will bring.

---oOo---

In another part of the castle Sango was having a hard time. They arrived back late in the day because Kirara could not keep up with Sesshoumaru’s pace. Once everyone was back, the General gave everyone leave and told them to go and get some much needed rest.

Miroku got off Kirara as he turned to Sango and said, “Sango, I will leave you here. I was wondering if I could call on you tomorrow, if you are not too busy. I would like to see you again.”

Sango flushed a bright red but told Miroku that she would love to see him in the morning. Miroku smiled one of his sweetest smiles, as he reached for her hand, and then kissed it. He let her go as he walked away and left the castle knowing that his beloved was safe once again.

Sango watched as Miroku left the area. When he was gone, she felt lonely. She got used to him being there for her. She sighed, she knew that they could never be together. She had a duty to perform and she didn’t think that Lord Inutaisho will allow Miroku to stay at the castle.

She turned and went inside the castle. She was tired and wanted to get some sleep. She couldn’t wait until the morning to see if he will actually come back and see her. She was developing feelings for him and she was wondering if he will ever love her like she loves him. Then another thought came to her mind, ‘I wonder what my father will say to a lecherous monk for a son in law?’

Sango giggled and Kirara looked at her master like she was crazy as she heard her say in a soft voice, “Well, I guess I will find out once I introduce him to my father.” With that, Sango went to bed as she dreamt about a perverted monk that caught her fancy.

---oOo---

Outside of the castle, two Inu youkai met under the cover of the forest, the spies that Jakyoku had in Inutaisho’s castle were still there waiting for their Lord to come and claim the West as his own.

To their shock and amazement they witnessed a giant two tail Inu Youkai coming back from the battle as it landed gently in the middle of the central courtyard. The power that radiated off this youkai’s aura was very powerful. More powerful than the Western Lord himself.

They had no idea who this two tail was as they watched from the forest to see what will happen.

Their eyes opened wide when they noticed that the Western Lord was getting off the back of the giant Inu. They now wondered who this Inu was, as they continued to observe.

The giant inu returned to his humanoid form and that’s when they noticed who it was. It was Sesshoumaru, the Western Lords heir, his aura has turned pure white, as he reached the height of his power. They saw him walking quickly over to the Western Lord and knelt in front of him.

Neither of them noticed that the Western Lord was holding something under his tail. When he lifted it up, they noticed that the ningen was being held tightly against his chest. They looked at each other as they tried to hear what was going on. The ningen’s aura flared with power, as they got excited that she might kill the Lord of the Lands and his mate. But her aura calmed as Sesshoumaru held her in his arms and purred to soothe her.

They both growled when they saw them leaving the courtyard and heading towards the castle. They both had a sense of dread as Marude turned to Bakeru, and asked, “What do you think happened? Do you think that they defeated our lord?”

Bakeru thought for a moment as he said, “I don’t know. I know that our Lord is powerful but with Sesshoumaru gaining the power of the two tails I fear the worst. But we must wait until the army comes back so we can hear what happened. Maybe our Lord survived and is planning another attack. We will have to stay here to make sure that we supply him with whatever information he will need. The females will be well guarded for a while so we will not be able to do anything until the males drop their guard. But until then we wait.”

Marude heard what his companion said. He was correct, they will have to wait until they heard what happened out there on the battlefield. He knew that the spies that were planted in the Western Lords castle will band together to get revenge if they found out that their Lord was truly defeated. They will die a warrior’s death as long as they took that ningen with them and killed the heir to the Western Lands.

The two spies waited well into the day when they finally saw the western army approach the castle. They hurried through the trees, as they stayed hidden to hear what happened.

Once the generals released their soldiers, talk was running rapid through the area. They picked up on the conversations of the soldiers as they heard them recount what happened in the battle. When they finally heard that their Lord was now dead, they made plans for their revenge. They will make the ningen pay along with her mate for killing their lord.

---oOo---

The next day Ayashiko woke up to a very cold morning. It was cold in their chambers as she turned slightly and started the fire in the fireplace. She also noticed that there was a strong pair of arms wrapped tightly around her, a tail that encircled her, and legs that were keeping her pinned to the futon.

She sighed; she knew she could not get up without waking her mate. He will be very protective of her for the next few weeks until everything got back to normal. She only hoped that Kagome could weather the possessiveness of her inu mate. She knew that Sesshoumaru was going to be far worse than her own mate.

She tried to move and when she did, her mate tightened his arms around her even more, pulling her closer to his chest. She knew she needed to get up because she could sense her youngest son stirring in his room and it won’t be long before he showed up in their room.

Ayashiko turned in her mate’s arms as she nuzzled him under his chin. She gave him a lick on his neck and heard his growl of contentment.

Inutaisho woke up the very moment his mate started to move. He was not about to let her out of his sight as he tightened his grip on her. He settled back down when he felt his mate’s nuzzle and lick. His inner inu came awake as he opened his blood red eyes.

Ayashiko eyes opened wide when she saw his eyes. His inner beast was in control and she knew what that meant as she tired to reason with him. “Anata, I have to get up. Our pup will be awake soon and he will be coming in here.”

Inutaisho was having none of it as he placed a barrier on the door and then pinned his mate to their futon.

Ayashiko was trying to fight him, but when he pinned her to the futon, he kissed her with such passion that she submitted to his will, as he ravished her body before the castle woke fully.

A couple hours later Ayashiko walked out of her room only to be tackled by a super hyper pup that threw his arms around her waist and began to cry.

Ayashiko’s arms went immediately around her son’s body as she soothed her pup with her purrs.

Once Inuyasha was calmed, he asked, “Mother are you all right? They didn’t hurt you did they?”

There was no way Ayashiko was going to tell her pup the truth so she stretched the truth just a little for him. “No Inuyasha, I am not hurt. Your father came in time to save me.”

Inuyasha pulled away from his mother and saw that she was not hurt. He sighed in relief, staying close to his mother, as they all headed downstairs to get something to eat, once his father joined them in the hallway.

When Ayashiko and Inutaisho walked by Sesshoumaru’s room they noticed that the barrier was still up protecting those inside the room. Ayashiko turned to her mate and asked, “Anata, how long do you think Sesshoumaru and Kagome are going to be locked in their room?”

Inutaisho continued to walk toward the dining hall as he thought about his mate’s question. Then he turned to her and said, “I think that they will be in seclusion for at least a few days. Sesshoumaru’s beast is not going to let her out of his sight for the moment. Kagome, even in her weakened state, has already shown that she does not want to leave her mates presence. When we were coming back home, and I went to get her from our son, she refused to move from his embrace. She would have stayed with him if it were not for his insistence that she come with me.

“Kagome has also used a tremendous amount of her Reiyouku and she needs time to recover from it. Even then their separation will be tenuous at best. But we have to make the conscious effort of getting them back into a normal routine. So keeping them separated is going to be difficult.”

Ayashiko had to agree with her mate. Even though she has never experienced anything like this before, she knew that her mate will be close to her for the next few days. As it was, his tail was wrapped around her waist and he was keeping her close to his side. She sighed, it was going to be a long couple of days.

---oOo---

This is the end to another chapter. I’m sorry for not updating sooner but I had a family emergency and it has been keeping me busy. Now I have some room to breathe before work drives me crazy.

A new threat is slowly growing within the western castle. They are bound and determine to get revenge for their lord’s demise. Sango now has feelings for a certain monk as she patiently waits to see if he comes and visits her.

The spies in the castle start to get organized. They are now on a mission to see if they can track down the last remaining soldiers from their defeated lord’s army.

Miroku is having deep feeling for Sango and when the western lord gives them time to go to her village and ask for proper permission to court her, things don’t turn out the way they have planned.

Join me in the next chapter as we see what is going to happen and how Kagome steps in to help her friend when her mate won’t listen when she speaks.

Until the next time!

Ja ne!