Slowly he crossed the wide white tile floor. His snow white hair swaying playfully with each graceful step he took. Shoulders squared and head held high showed his secured confidence. His intense golden gaze was focused solely upon me. The purple jagged stripes on his cheeks curved upward as did his charming smile. I stared back at him much like a deer caught in headlights, completely terrified. The only thought in my head,Run! Looking at the door I ran as fast I could. I skidded to a stop as he appeared right in front of me. Taking a step backwards i ended up on the floor almost instantly. With a smirk on his face he towered over me and offered me his hand. Unsure whether or not I should trust, i just went for the kick. My surprise attack was quickly stopped by a hand around my ankle. So much for a surprise, I thought. He continued to hold me by my ankle as he picked me up "Feisty as ever I see."

You see just how first i can be. I noticed my previous target was not far. Pulling back my arm for a punch he quickly seized my fist with his own. I pulled his wrist to my mouth and sank my teeth deep within his flesh. Expecting him to let me go i was surprised when he didn't. Looking up I saw him glaring down at me. His eyes looked as if they were saying Really. I quickly used my free foot in attempt to kick him in his face. He quickly dodged it. Becoming desperate I began to thrash as if i were possessed. Successfully earning my freedom i found myself once again on the floor, but not for long. Scrambling to my feet and picking up my skirt I ran as my fingers nearly kissed the door i found my hand received something else. A fist around it spinning me around to face him he hurried my face in his chest. I pushed with all my might against him but my attempts did not make any difference, I am no match for the strong arms pushing against my back. A sharp pain in the flesh between my neck and shoulder caused me to scream in pain. My pain was soon replaced by overwhelming heat. Is my flesh melting off?! What is he doing. I felt his arms relax as he did the heat disappeared completely. The air felt as if winter was pouring into my neck. I looked up at him with tears in my eyes. He stared down at me his lips curves into a crimson smile. Is that blood? My blood?

"I refuse to lose you, again... Mate." He said his voice low and somewhat calming.

Mate? Pushing against him again I screamed "Let me go!" To my surprise he did just that. My tears stopped as I brought one hand to my neck trying to put pressure on it. The other I held out in defense "Give me one reason why I should not purifty you!"

"Your powers will not affect me," He said with absolute confidence. "If you would please you then you may try."

Narrowing my eyes in anger I began to summon all my power into my right palm. A familiar warmth and blue hue began to build in my hand. Taking a deep breathe I I focused and released, but nothing happened. I watched as my power shot through the air and vanished, like it had evaporated. I turned my attention back at him "What do you mean mate?!"

"Can not believe you actually attempted to purify me? Be thankful that I am understanding yokai and will forgive you. If you were not my mate your head would be rolling across the floor as speak. I am sure you have many questions and though I have the answers, now is not the best time. For now I shall leave you in the care of your hand maidens. They will inform you of what I deem appropriate and what I expect from you."

I fell to my knees in shock, so many thoughts raced through my mind. So many that I wasn't able to focus on any of them. I sat there on my knees like a frozen doll, mute and stiff. I stared at the floor in front of me as time passed the floor seemed to disappear. The image I saw was of my high school graduation. Wearing the navy blue uniform which I loved, surrounded by my friends and family. I felt a tug on my hand, looking at that hand which had grabbed my own I followed it to the arm and then to a face. The woman was one I had not seen before, somehow that brought me comfort. The woman wore a plain white yukata just like all the other mortal women in the palace. Her salt and pepper hair told just how many years she had been on this earth and her wrinkles show the struggles she had to endure. I was dragged to my feet and like a rag doll I was dragged to my room. I was in a daze and did not take full notice of where I was taken. I know I was taken up numerous stairs and taken through numerous halls until she stopped front of a door. Looking around I noticed the hall I was in was not as beautiful as the other halls I had been in. In fact it looked like normal hallway that would be in a nice house or mansion. Light brown walls with darker wooden trim in the halls were many pictures of mountain scenes and nature. The lady with me opened the door and led me inside. Inside the walls were a pale yellow and the oak floor a dark brown. Looks like a sunflower. I also noticed a large beautiful bed with cranes themed blanket and one small pillow. Beside a bed there was a small desk with a hand held mirror and vase of dead flowers. The woman sat me down at the desk and cleared her throat "My lady I have been ordered my lord Touga to inform you about your place and what he expects from you. My lady you hold the second highest ranking title in this palace as the mate of Lord Touga, you have received the formal title as Lady and official title as Lady of the West. You are expected to obey the lord and possibly birth him an heir."

"An heir?" I asked in a quiet, but shocked voice.

"Yes, my lady. He has two hires, lord Sesshomaru and lord inuyasha. However it has been some time since lord Touga been with a woman. I do not see him trying anything tonight out of respect, but I can not guarantee that for long. He may want another heir." She said with a hopeful smile.

"There is no need for an heir if he has two already! Lords have concubines can't he just leave me alone." I said bitterly as I crossed my arms trying to make my point very clear.

"My lady, the lord has never had a single concubine. Only his late wife who smothered both of his sons. If he wishes to enjoy your company you can not refuse. He is the lord, and a very patient and kind one… however if I were you I would not test him. He is still the infamous lord of the west and always gets what he desires."

"Good thing, that I'm not you." I said confidently as I stood. I'll play along for now, but we shall not touch me again. When or if I see an opportunity to bolt I will without hesitation. Time to try and exercise my authority. "Maid, what is your name?"

"Mei." She quickly replied.

"I wish to change some things about this room that are not to my liking." I stated as I stood and walked to the bed. I stared up at the painting of a woman wrapped in many layers of silk, her long ebony hair nearly touching her feet. "I do not like this painting and wish it be removed as soon as possible. Store not elsewhere or discard it, I don't care. Just remove not from my sight!"

The woman gave me a deep bow and went into the hall leaving me alone. Not even two minutes later she had two tall guards carry out the painting. Wow. That was quick. Well maybe if I'm difficult they will tire of me and let me go. Pointing to the walls "please see to changing the wall from yellow to lavender with white trim. I would like a pink silk runner on the desk a standing mirror so I can see myself completely, four pillows instead of one and a pink and white floral pattern bedspread, a jewelry box and make up box."

"My lady while we make the necessary changes will you please follow me?" She asked sweetly despite her obvious irritation. She entered the hallway and entered a room three doors away. She pushed aside the door revealing a room with a small circle platform, a three very large dressers, a long table and a two kimono stands hugged the left wall. Against the right wall was a very large mirror and sandal rack. I walked inside and just light a flash of lightning it hit me "Bring me my children at once!"

"The young lords are not available right now the-"

"They are not the my children! Bring me China and Daichi! Now!"

"But my lady-"

"That's right I'm your lady, if you wish to keep that tongue you bring my children here now! Or let me speak to my mate!" I glared down at her with the most threatening glare I could as I felt my body heat up. My mind was envisioning me beating her until I got my way. I watched as the woman trembled as she bowed.

"Right away my lady." She said nearly stuttering as she ran out of the room.

That felt good. Just because I'm a prisoner for now does not me I will act like a meek obstinate sheep. I will keep them same. I will honor my dear friends last wish, I will keep their children safe and raise them as my own. When the maid comes back I will order her to find a wet nurse for China, and they will sleep in my room.

"My lady I see you appear to be in deep thought, but would you mind if I took some measurements?"

Looking across the room I saw the young woman who spoke. She was petite with light brown hair was put in twin pigtails high on her head, almost like bunny ears. She had beautiful grey eyes and her skin was a light tan. She wore something far different from the other servants I had seen. She wore a long tight fitting dress that was floor length, underneath she wore long light blue pants with silver floral designs and black slippers with silver designs on the tips of where her toes were hidden. That dress is not Japanese, just like how mine is not. Who is she? With a nod I began to seek answers "So you are a tailor?"

"Yes, my lady, I am." She said as she began to measure my bust, waist and then my hips.

"What is your name?"

"Usaio."

"Usaio, When my children arrive please make them something as well."

"Yes, my lady. What design are you interested in hanfu, yukata or kimono?"

"I suppose hanfu, I enjoy that I am able to move more freely than I could in a restrictive yukata or kimono. My daughter is only a few days old and my son in four."

"I never would have guessed that you had just had a child, you look great-"

"Thank you, I didn't. Inuyasha killed their parents who were both dear friends of mine and I vowed to raise their now orphaned children as my own."

"My lady does the lord know of this?"

"I do now," firmly stated a voice that was quickly becoming familiar to me.

Turning I noticed my maid held Daichi's hand and in the other she cradled China. Ignoring everyone in the room besides Daichi I ran towards him. He quickly yanked his hand free of the maid and ran into my arms "KAGOME!"

I picked him up and spun around happily with him close to my heart "I'm so relieved you are okay, Daichi. Did you take care of China?"

He gave me a big tearful smile and nodded "Yes." I smiled and wiped his nose with the sleeve of my dress. I sat him down and walked over to the maid with open arms to accept China. She looked at the lord as if she were asking him if it was alright.

"Now! Please." I stated loudly but did so without yelling. I was quickly rewarded with her in my arms. Looking down at her I smiled "Hi China," she cooed up at me causing me to smile more. Looking up at the lord my smile dropped as my kind gaze turned sharp and threatening just like a thirsty dagger. "Why have you come?"

"I was told your virtue has remained intact. And yet I also heard that you ordered your maid here to bring your children. Now I have a question why did that child call you Kagome and not Chiwa?"

"My virtue is none of your business and though these are my adopted children, they are still my children. If I truly am your mate, then these are now your children aswell, correct?"

"Since it was my son who caused these children to end up in your care, and my son who brought the three of you here. I will allow you to keep and raise these children. They will receive proper education and treatment, but shall not hold any formal titles. In exchange for me allowing you to keep them I ask that you tell me your true name."

"My name is Kagome Higurashi," I said before turning quick on my heel "China will need a wet nurse and a cradle in my room."

"I shall take my leave then, Kagome. But I expect you to join me in the dining hall tonight, for we have much to discuss. Understood, mate." He stated even though it should have been a question. I nearly rolled my eyes as I realized who Sesshomaru took after.

"Understood, my lord."

"You need not address me so formally, you may call me Touga." I did not watch him leave but heard the door shut and again repeated my demand "See to obtaining a wet nurse and cradled." I turned around and stared at the now bowing maid "What is your name?"

She stared up at me quite surprised "My name is Hana."

"You may go Hana." I said as nicely as I could. I watched as she smiled and bowed, before leaving. I sat down on the circle platform, Daich quickly followed my example. Looking at the tailor I spoke "So we decided on an hanfu for myself, what would be best for Daichi?"

Usaio smiled and walked over to Daichi "Well I could do a normal haori and pants, like the lords here wear… Or I can do without the pocketed sleeves and just do tight fitting sleeves, or I could even-"

I looked at Daichi with a wide smile "Tell her what you want." I looked up at me with wide eyes seeming confused "She will make you brand new clothes, just tell her what color and if you want sleeves like the man who came with you here or if you want sleeves without the long part."

I watched as he stared up at Usaio "I like blue. I don't like those long parts on the sleeves. But I like your long shirt. Can I have a long shirt and pants?" She looked over at me and I nodded. In no time Daichi was comfortable with her and was just talking a hundred miles a minute as she took his measurements and began making what he requested.

"Kagome is my new mother, and I really like her, but I miss my other mother. I miss father too. Kagome that man says you are his woman so does that me that yokai is my father?"

"For now, I suppose it does."

"For now?" Usaio said in disbelief.

"Yes." I started hoping she would not question me further.

"Wow! I have a yokai father! China you and I have a yokai father! That's cool, but kind of scary. He won't eat us right?"

I smiled and shook my head "If he tried, I would easily kill him." I quickly turned to see the shock and worry in the tailor's eyes "I'm just joking," faked a giggle and went back to working. I smiled and whispered under my breath "I wouldn't be easy." I stared down at China who wrapped her tiny fist around my finger. I will do everything in my power to protect you. After Daichi's clothes were finished it was my turn, turning to Daichi I handed him China. He smiled down at her sleeping form and rocked her gently.

"They are very sweet," Usaio chimed as she held up two fabrics. I nodded and pointed to the pink one with light pink blossoms on it. "Is there a reason you do like the lord, my lady?"

Ignoring her question I asked one of my own "Tell me about the late, lady of the west."

I could tell that something in the air between us changed. She continued working on the pattern for a few seconds before speaking "She passed, quite suddenly it caused every great long lasting sorrow. I think the lord even now feels responsible. But you did not hear that from me."

"Of course not, but how did she die?"

"I am afraid I and everyone within the palace has been forbidden about speaking about the specific event. Forgive me my lady." She became very quiet and slow with her movements. I sighed noticing how fearful she was becoming "I don't wish to anger you but my words are bound."

I smiled retreated to my leaping thoughts, I'm not sure why but it bothers me not knowing how she died. Did he kill her? I've tested my luck enough for today, mouthing off and demanding Daichi and China. So I'll play nice for a while. "I see, that is okay. Wouldn't want you to get in trouble."

"Kagome?" I smiled down at Daichi and wondered how I hadn't noticed him get up. He looked up at me with big brown eyes.

"Yes, Daichi?" I asked with a sweet motherly tone. I'm not sure if I should ask him to call me mother or not? I don't want him to forget his Michiyo or Tochi. But something tells me that he and China would be safer if everyone though they were mine. If people think they are mine they won't mess or harm them hopefully. "Daichi you can call me mother, mom, or mommy, if you want." I hope I'm doing the right thing, please don't be mad Michiyo, Toshi.

He stared up at me quite confused as his little eyes looked at the ceiling for answers. Before finally deciding to ask "Mommy? Mom? What is that?"

I began chewing on my lip almost instantly regretting my request. Taking a deep breath I began to explain "Where I come from it's another way to say mother, just shorter." I held my breath as I watched him process the information I just gave him. I know I'm not his mother but if he refuses I am going to feel a little hurt. But I would understand, If anything I can say he is going through a rebellious phase and is calling me my name instead of mother.

"Okay, M-Mommy?"

A rush of relief washed over me as I smiled "Daichi, what did you want to ask?" I nearly laughed when I saw him basically jump as he remembered his question. He held up China and I bent down to take her and she began to cry. Did I wake her? Why is she crying? Maybe she needs a change. Holding China up I sniffed her bottom and then cradled her in my arms again. Must be hungry. I hope they fed her since we have been here. If not Touga is going to get the worst tongue lashing in history! I promise you that! "Usaio Could you see if the maid found a wet nurse?"

Usaio stared at me a little shock at first before quickly running out of the room and into the hallway. I quickly began to swing her from side to side as I began to hum. Daichi ran to the mirror and began to play with his reflection. I watched as he made silly faces and then turned my attention back to the baby who I had calmed by giving her my finger. Her tiny hand made a fist around my finger and just stared up at me. Where is that damn maid? I need a wet nurse! Deciding that I didn't need unreliable servants and that I could do it myself I shifted her to one arm."Daichi, come with me." He stopped his playing and ran over to me quickly accepting my open hand. I opened the door and stormed out, looking down the hall I saw several doors and frowned. I saw the one of the far left open and out came my maid and another woman. The woman was very pale with and dark brown hair in a red bow.

The maid bowed and gestured to the beauty bowing next her "My lady I would like to apologize about how long it took, but this is the wet nurse who previously nursed your-"

I looked waved my hand to dismiss her excuse "You are forgive." I turned to the wet nursed and couldn't think of where I knew her from. I'm sure I know this woman. But I can not be sure without a name. "Wet nurse, your name?"

She raised from her bow stretching to her full height as her eyes flashed open revealing a set of bright blue eyes "Sara Asano, my lady."

Sara Asano?

AN: I hope you guys are still there. Another chapter is expected within the next week.