Ch.11 –Realization

"Lord Sesshomaru, Sir Kuronue is here to see you as you requested." A female inu in a servant kimono bows before the Lord of the West.

"Send him in." Sesshomaru waves her off as she shuts the door behind Kuronue who stands before the steps leading to his thrown chair where he reclines with an air demanding respect. "Kuronue." He addresses the bat who stands there with his hair pulled back in a low ponytail instead of its usual long one, his hat missing, his trademark vest replaced with a dark silk haori with silver lining, his usual tight pants replaced with silk ones, a pair of zori on his feet, his wings pulled back and folded. "I see you have dressed accordingly."

"What did you want to see me for Lord Sesshomaru?" Kuronue pushes slightly, not used to being in the open throne room.

"As your Lord I don't need a reason for calling you."

"But you are a calculative Lord. You wouldn't ask me to dress nice unless it was for something outside my field of expertise."

"Indeed." A smirk crosses Sesshomaru's face as he watches Kuronue immediately stiffen as Kagome slips into the room without a sound, her miko powers flaring out with a purpose. To Kuronue's credit, he doesn't move and keeps his eyes locked on Sesshomaru's. He knew better then to turn his attention away from Sesshomaru of all creatures. Kagome remains silent as she slowly draws closer to the visitor, stopping just behind him. She causes sparks in the air around the bat, but he still doesn't turn to attack. "You do recall that I own you."

"… I remember I owe you my life…" Kuronue manages to remain calm on the outside besides his stiff posture and ragged breathing, his ears twitching slightly. "…And that you may take it at any point."

"I present you to my future mate." Sesshomaru nods and Kagome steps in front of the bat.

Kuronue's thoughts are thrown out the window as he takes her in. Long dark hair with natural midnight blue hightlights caught by reflecting light, deep brown eyes, delicate nose, soft lips, light skin, her body hidden under layers of a dark blue and silver traditional kimono with the symbol of the west , small feet slipped into a pair of geta, a pair of furred ears on her head and five tails swishing playfully behind her. She was a sight to behold, and just as he registered that Sesshomaru called her his future mate, he also realized that this woman was an exact living replica of Youko's 'damsel'. –Oh shit.-