A/N: Well, I was going to update sooner, but realized that for some reason fanfiction wouldn't let me get to my stories. So I waited for a week hoping it would work because I love and adore this site. And then a miracle happened sent to me in the form of an angel known as Purduepup who heralded the news to me on how to get to my awaiting stories. Oh mighty Pp may all know your greatness and thank you for helping me get to my stories. So if anyone else is having problems just ask and I'll explain what the wise one told me.

Dislcaimer: I own nothing Inuyasha


Kagome cringed in pain hating her cycle as she clutched onto the soft cloth that was over her stomach. It almost made you want to get pregnant just so you wouldn't have to go through that pain for nine months. Kagome was pretty sure she could deal with being emotional and having food cravings if it meant this blasted time of the month was gone. And being stuck in the Feudal Era without pads sucked. She had to rely on strips of cloth. Kagome breathed in and out slowly trying to calm herself because she wanted nothing more than to depart from these lands and wreck vengeance on Megumi, but she attributed that to her cycle causing havoc with her emotions. Salen had steered clear of her the first day or two, relying on little Rin to deliver messages betwixt them like a little carrier pigeon. He'd become a good friend, but he had seven sisters so he knew the best way to keep yourself in a female's graces was to stay out of her way during that time of the month and he really didn't want to lose one of his nine lives any time soon.

The lady of the western house hated to make rash decisions without Kouga, but Kagome was an established princess and these were her lands now. It all was so unreal and at the same time she tried to carry on as if she'd been born to the role. She hoped that Kouga would come home soon so she could tell him about… Whoa! Wait a moment. Ah crap, she thought skidding along the floor to a halt, her sandals just a clacking as her kimono rustled behind her. Kagome's fingers slipped up to rub at her throbbing temples, moving through her raven hair in a manner that her mother used to perform on her when she knew her little girl was having a headache.

Kagome was well acquainted with the workings of her heart. After all that time trailing after Inuyasha she'd finally grown up and had caved in to her emotions, deciding to rely on them for what they were. Moving on from her best friend had been easy. Establishing some faint stirrings with Sesshomaru she'd accepted and had even admitted to herself that she'd found him handsome. So she knew all too well to accept what had just smacked right dab into her. And she should've seen it coming like five o' clock traffic. She'd been friends with Kouga, had harbored quiet attractions for him, become his friend and ally, and now she couldn't get that cocky idiot out of her head. Great. I'm in love. She huffed and stood up straighter. Romance wasn't a thing to think of right now when she had to send out troops and plan strategies. After what had happened with Megumi it appeared the woman had already made her move by gathering supporters. A messenger had come to Kagome that day to tell her of the departure of many demons from villages gathering in support of Megumi's claim to the throne. I'm about to go to war. What perfect timing to fall in love. If she could've kicked herself she would've. This was going to be hard focusing on what her next thing to do would be if his face kept popping in her head. "Damn wolf," she muttered as she leaned against the wall outside of her council room.

Salen's chuckle reached her ears as he slunk along the hallway. "I take it your mind is on your intended."

"He isn't my intended," she snapped. However, Kagome's cheeks were inflamed a pretty color and her head was ducked, both declaring quite the contrary.

The feline replied smoothly in a soft purr, "Might as well be," earning a good natured hit to his arm. The cat and human acted more like brother and sister even if they didn't know the other's entire background. Salen could guess most of Kagome's story from the rumors spreading among the palace over who exactly she was and how she'd become so worthy to be Sesshomaru's mate. Whispers ran through the halls that she came into the kitchens sometimes and cooked all for herself strange meals that the servants had never seen, she was able to manifest drawings of contraptions such as'showers' that she'd convinced someone to build for her own personal use since everyone else was scared of the contraption, and the hardest bit of information to come across was something he'd gathered from Sesshomaru before he'd died. She disappeared through a well many a time before she'd come here, her scent and whole personage vanishing in an instant. This was something that Salen had seen when Sesshomaru had dragged him to that woods, making him vow a promise, an unbreakable oath much like the one that Ayame had promised to Sesshomaru... but Kagome didn't know of that and he was vaguely inclined to actually mention it to her just to see her reaction. No doubt Kagome's face would be a pleasing one with such emotions stretched across it. He shook his head to push that dangerous thought behind. What he'd discussed with Sesshomaru could be spoke at another time.

Salen offered an arm to Kagome, "Come my lady. May we go inside and gather the latest information on what's happening?"


Kouga hopped across the rocks in the river as he made his way towards home. He'd washed himself clear of her scent before he came here, even if his inner demon had roared in protest at not having the smell of its future mate upon his skin. He was already missing that flowery heady aroma that clung to her skin. He was missing even more those budding lips and that sweet face that would glow upon seeing him. If he kept thinking about her at this rate he'd have her mated against her will and he did not want that at all.

Already pack members had called out to him their own salutations, gladdened at the sight of their pack leader coming back. He could catch the whiff of a fire where meat was roasting, the laughter of children playing tag with their demonic speeds, humming of women gathering herbs and berries, and the swears of men as they completed their work. It was nice to be home. He wouldn't trade his pack for any other for they were very much his family. In fact, some demons stopped altogether whatever it was that they were doing to steal a glimpse of him for their alpha was much changed from what he'd been. No longer was he sad and withdrawn, Kouga was smiling and waving at everyone and seemed to have a bounce in his step that had seemed to disappear a long time ago when Kagome had died. Many began to flock after him, following after their leader as he made it through the falls and into the cave. Children and youngsters ran this way and that way shouting to all that their alpha had come home, and even more startling was that he came home with a smile lighting up his face.

"Boss," called out Ginta, hopping up from his spot sharpening spears. Ginta froze upon glancing at Kouga. He looked so much like his old self that Ginta had to do a double take. "Any good news for us?"

Kouga nodded his head and turned to the gathering crowd of demons, he hopped up on a rock to look down at them all and announced loudly, "I'm courting the heiress to the western lands."

Automatically there was a mixture of reactions. Some cheered and smiled at this declaration while others stood in confusion as to why their leader had moved so suddenly from mourning his beloved Kagome to marrying someone new. Most of the pack was just happy though that their alpha had finally returned to his normal jovial self. Kouga hopped down to throw a brotherly arm around Ginta's shoulders. "What's her name?" Ginta inquired.

"It's Kagome." At his words there was a loud resounding silence. Pack members began to question the sanity of their leader at his words. Kagome was dead. Had Kouga lost his reality in his grief?

"But she's dead Kouga. She isn't-"

"Yes she is." The look on Kouga's face dared anyone to question his answer. "Sesshomaru took her for his mate, she is the western heiress, and she has finally agreed to let me court her," smirked the wolf demon practically skipping over to Hakkaku who was staring dumbly back at him. Ginta let out a guffaw. It seemed that fate had a way of working things out. Though Ginta planned on giving Kagome a few tasteful words about disappearing. He and Hakkaku had suffered quite a bit watching their friend who'd been torn up over her 'death.' Ginta scratched the back of his head. He would definitely have to speak to Kagome. She may not have known the circumstances surrounding what had happened proceeding her supposed death, but she would need to know. If she really meant this courtship than there wouldn't be much to change, but if she was just going into this courtship for something aside from love than Ginta would have to lay into her. He wanted his alpha to be happy.


Kagome's eyes flickered back and forth on the beautifully illustrated maps laid across the large table before her. Little red pins stuck up in the areas that had been attacked. Little yellow pins were in the areas where great numbers had allied themselves with Megumi. Little white pins were the areas that had done nothing and were where she sent out for help. The fastest messengers had been sent out within the hour to call forth those who wished to fight with them against Megumi. Kagome had sought out the three other winds, Salen had already agreed to stand by her side and had left to gather his own armies and tell them of the events to come. He wouldn't force them though, he was a cat in all rights and natures meaning that he would allow them to do what they wished be it join a side or just slink to the sun and bask there waiting to watch the events that would transpire. Kagome was hoping a messenger would reach Kouga, though she feared how he would react to the news that she'd openly declared war without hearing out his own opinion. She had to stand her own though. Until she was married off these decisions were her own to make. though she would've preferred discussing this with a more knowledgeable mind on such affairs.

Rin tugged on her mother's dress and Kagome's eyes stole away from the maps before her down to the little munchkin. "Mama, are we going to fight?" Kagome leaned down and scooped the tiny girl up in her arms before leaning back in the chair she hadn't left since her council had ended with orders. Many times Kagome would think of Shippo and she would need to gather Rin to her. It wasn't that the child was a replacement for the one she'd left behind, she saw both children as her own, but Rin always made her feel a thousand times better. That child was a testimony to the fact that demons and humans could coexist since Sesshomaru had raised her as his own and had fiercely protected Rin. The sweet child was also a reminder to Kagome that Sesshomaru had entrusted his most valuable possession to her to keep, that he trusted her to do all in her power to protect Rin and that he had faith in her actions. It also demonstrated that Kagome had indeed been loved by another, a great man who'd cared for her without her knowledge, for he'd bestowed upon her the greatest gift that he treasured to his heart. And Kagome returned the favor by loving that little girl with all her might.

Kagome didn't lie to Rin. Nothing was gained in a lie, something she'd learned from Sesshomaru. "Yes. But don't worry. Mama promises to protect you," whispered Kagome, knowing now what her mother had meant with every hug she'd given Kagome as a child. Should Rin need it Kagome would fight to the very last breath to protect her little charge just as Kagome knew her mother would've done should she have asked for her help. Rin gave Kagome strength and settled her nerves. She was a sweet balm with a smile looking up to Kagome for all the world and so the priestess couldn't let her down.

Rin sat up straighter in Kagome's arms. "Rin will fight too mama." Kagome couldn't stop the smile that stole across her features at Rin speaking in third person like a certain demon she'd known.

"No, Rin must stay safe for mama so mama won't worry," stated Kagome reaching forward to tap Rin on the nose. The little girl crossed her eyes earning a soft laugh from Kagome.

The priestess hadn't sent anyone to Edo though. No, there was no way she was going to bring her friends into her life after she'd been ripped out of there's. If she was dead to them than she would remain so.


Kouga knew the protocol when it came to chasing after a mate among ranks that were as high as his own. Normally a man left his people, placed another in charge for the time being, and persued the alpha female he desired until she became compliant. Kouga couldn't afford to leave his people no matter how well settled they were. They lived in one of the safest areas, no one knew how to get to their falls since it was a series of winds and turns to get to the waterfalls as well as there was a series of five holes behind the falls and you had to choose the right one that would lead you into the great cavern where they all lived and slept. No one had attacked while he was gone and things were running smoothly. It was just that Kouga could sense that his people wanted him around, they'd missed him .

"A mate needs to supply food, family, security, and love," stated Kouga remembering the words his own father had told him as a wolf pup. That motto held true in almost every demon culture. Your mate was your other half, the most valuable asset to your pack. Kouga stretched out on his spot next to the river, watching the men stretch wide nets to capture fish. Normally most demons hunted, but Kouga had acquired a taste for fish from the woman his thoughts were filled with.

"What's this?" Kouga asked sitting in front of the campfire while Inuyasha grumbled off to the side. He'd finally joined their alliance with Sesshomaru and had been traveling with them while they'd been trying to locate where Naraku was. Kouga lifted up a weird looking flaky thing. It smelled familiar, something he rarely tasted, but it didn't look at all normal.

"It's fish sticks," said Kagome lifting one up and demonstrating how to eat it. "Just fish Kouga."

"This doesn't look like fish."

"That's because there's batter on it." Kagome rolled her eyes and scooted over towards him, earning a smug grin from him, a growl from Inuyasha, and was that a glare from Sesshomaru? Kagome lifted up the fish in his hand and broke it in half to show him the white meat inside. "See," she said lifting it up for his viewing. His nose wrinkled and she moved the fish closer to his mouth. "Open up Kouga."

"No," he stated glaring at the weird white meat. He crossed his arms across his chest. There was no way he was going to eat that thing. Absolutely nothing Kagome said or could do would convince him otherwise that it was edible.

Kagome placed on a hurt look and slid big blue eyes up to Kouga. "You saying I'm a horrible cook Kouga?" His spine stiffened and he shook his head.

"No you aren't, I just don't like fish," he amended.

"But you haven't even tried this," she pouted, though it was to no avail. Kouga had already made up his mind on this matter. Wolf demons just didn't eat fish. Wild boar and deer sure, but fish was for humans.

Kagome decided to play up on something that she'd seen her friends do time and time again with their charms. She glanced over at Miroku who was smirking at the mischief dancing in her eyes, it appeared she was going to take a note from him as well. Kagome sighed mournfully and squeezed her arms together in a feminine fashion that accentuated her chest, leaning forward to look up at him and nibble at the fish stick in her hand. Her lips were just a few inches away from Kouga's daintily chewing on the food. "It's a shame you're missing out." Inuyasha was speechless where he sat and even Sesshomaru's eyes had widened a fraction.

Kagome leaned forward and prayed that the pocky game would work as the fish stick in her mouth poked at his lips. Kouga's mouth opened in shock and she quickly moved to chuck that piece of fish in his mouth. His lips clamped down and they were both biting at one end. Kagome's mouth laxed and she pulled away smirking at the crimson faced wolf man who was slowly eating at the fish stick. "Now be a good wolf and eat it all," she teased as Kouga nodded his head and ate in silent bashfulness at the food, deciding it was the best tasting meal on the earth. Inuyasha was shouting at Kagome over how she was treating Kouga and Sesshomaru was keeping silent in his own area. Miroku was laughing his head off and hinting at Sango to feed him his food the same way, with many obvious innuendos implied, which earned him a blistering smack.

Kouga grinned as the memory faded away and plans were quickly formed. He'd have her feeding him again like that with how determined he was. "Well, I'll give her food, family, security, and love," he vowed. The happy wolf demon stood up thrilled at the fact that his tribe could assemble within a moment to travel. Kouga bounced over towards the group of fishing demons, "Okay men, I've decided on it. I've got a mate to catch so I'm going to need your help." He heard a few chuckles and nods. If anyone needed desperate help getting a mate it would be Kouga since the woman seemed to be Kagome. If anything she had a reputation for not agreeing right off the bat to mating. "Spread the word among the others to prepare to move before the week is out." That would give her enough time for her cycle to end.

"We will head to the western lands and hunt to provide food for my future mate. Right now I'm going to go gather her pup." And that would take care of the family part. He might not be able to let the others know about her, but the fox kit needed her as she needed him, and now the little tyke could have a real honest to the fates family. Kouga could work on ideas for security later… as for the loving, well that one he didn't need to think over for he already knew what he wanted to do to show her. The beast in him could think of many things to do and show her.


Megumi brushed aside her long white bangs, the pale crescent moon shining as a symbol of her right as she gave the crowd of followers a bright ferocious smile with a poised regal stature displayed to the crowd of warriors. If there was one thing Megumi knew how to do it was ensnare hearts without needing to do much except open her mouth. That was after all how she'd gotten Sesshomaru's father.

Already people had flocked to her. Not enough for an army just yet, but enough to strike at Kagome's heart. "I know none of you will fail me as we try to claim back what is mine. That pathetic priestess that my son had the audacity to take for a wife is human and what's more she believes in equality for humans and half demons alike." Growls and loud echoing spiteful words were exclaimed in protest over this information. "But we demons, we pure blood, we are not equal to that of a slave! Do you think so?"

The crowd roared their protests and Megumi gave them a sweet tilt of the head, she raised her long claws in the air to grab their attention. "I agree. If she succeeds in ruling the western lands than we all have to be ready for change. Imagine it, half demons given the respect that we have! Humans will believe themselves equal to us! Our world will change because of this little human snit! But how can you change what is already perfect?" demons jostled one another nodding their heads in approval while Megumi beamed down at them from her perched spot up in a room overlooking everything below her in the winter western lands. The crowd was moving and their spirits were heightened despite the cold. "You have your first orders, upon finishing them return promptly and we will gather for the real war," promised Megumi nodding her head at the one in charge of her troops, a Ryuk who was a lizard demon. He began marching them away and Megumi felt all warm inside as she thought of Kagome's home being attacked. That little Edo would be involved if she had anything to do with it. Oh, she knew where Kagome had appeared from. Megumi was as adapt at gathering information as Sesshomaru had been. Now all she had to do was wait for that little red haired she wolf to play her part in all of this. Megumi would have the western lands crumbling without her there and make sure that the subjects were missing her ruling. All she needed was that necklace around Kagome's pretty little neck and the girl would be no more.


Kouga's pace picked up as he neared Edo. Something didn't seem right. His instincts were screaming at him to be quick in his errand, but his mind was still planning on gathering Shippo and spending just a bit of time with his friends. Once Kouga reached the lands though everything seemed fine and fair, but the prickles on the back of his neck wouldn't leave him alone. It just felt like he needed to be on the tips of his toes today. The wolf demon tread down the worn path Kagome had often used alongside him when she'd been mourning over Sesshomaru. He followed after the scent of the little fox demon and found him not too far away bothering Inuyasha who was trying to be a dutiful husband and actually put up laundry. Every few minutes Shippo would chuck an acorn or a mushroom at Inuyasha's head and then spin around whistling when Inuyasha would whip his hand around to look at him.

Kouga let out a snort, "I thought you were supposed to be the man in the relationship dog-turd."

Inuyasha's ears pinned to his head as he glared at Kouga, "I am the man in the relationship idiot!" Inuyasha's face broke out into a fanged grin. "Otherwise Kikyou wouldn't be pregnant." He was boasting now and Kouga could only smirk as he strode towards the half demon to congratulate him. "You're looking awfully happy," remarked the half demon, his golden eyes studying the faint smile on Kouga's face. There was no way that the uncontrollable demon he'd seen just months ago could be this happy. Something had to have happened for this to be so.

Kouga glanced over at Shippo before looking back at Inuyasha. "I've found some information that Kagome left behind before she... disappeared." Inuyasha turned his back on Kouga, rolling his eyes at the fact that Kouga still believed Kagome to be alive. It was a fool's errand to chase after something that no longer existed. Shippo trailed over towards Kouga and jumped up, scampering to comfortably sit on his shoulder. The two had bonded before things had become hectic and Shippo gave a comforting pat to Kouga's head that said he was happy to see him.

"Hey Kouga you want me to draw you a picture with my crayons?" crowed Shippo, he'd been using the last of Kagome's crayons sparingly, but if Kouga was here than Shippo would go out of his way to make the wolf demon brighten up some. Like Kagome, Kouga had always taken some time out of his life to spare for the kitsune. He'd treated Shippo like pack and so Shippo had felt a kinship to him.

"Well, where did you find it?" Inuyasha asked after hanging up the leftover bits of laundry in record time. If Kouga had some information that had been from Kagome than he'd listen.

"Gather the others and we'll talk," replied Kouga. He knew that they needed everyone around for him to say this fallacy to them. He'd only tell a lie to protect Kagome and so he would do so only once since he was an honest demon of sorts. He also wanted to see how Sango and Miroku were doing, knowing that he'd better memorize everything he could about them for Kagome to give her a full report that would have her jumping in his arms. Mate will be very pleased with us, his beast gloated at the very thought of how Kagome would reward him. Truth was Kouga was in this all for providing for her and showing her how much he cared like a proper beau, but the beast in him was looking at the more perverted benefits. Kouga could've sworn had his beast been out and in control it would've made best friends with Miroku for they would be kindred souls in their love for the baser things.

Besides, this was all a prelude to something better. For Kouga knew as soon as he got Shippo under his custody he'd take off with the kit to his pack, make ready for everyone to travel, and reunite Shippo with Kagome. The math worked out wonderfully in his head, but Kouga couldn't see any obstacles that would prevent him from such a happy reunion for the woman he loved. "By the way dog-turd. You'll be a decent father, even if you can't handle the kit."

Inuyasha chucked a piece of laundry at Kouga and growled at Kouga some obscenity that got a sandal tossed at him from his mate who was just exiting the hut. "Inuyasha watch your mouth around Shippo or I'll have to subjugate you," retorted Kikyou as she walked out, a hand on her slightly bigger stomach. She just loved resting that hand on her tummy knowing that something was in there waiting to come out. The elder priestess had developed quite a happier mood and sweeter personality upon finding she was pregnant. Then again, being alive and not just a piece of clay had helped Kikyou feel human again, she could feel and touch and taste and enjoy things so much better now thanks to Kagome. She owed that woman so much.