*A/N* Damn I love you guys! The reviews kick ass! I feel so privileged to have readers who come back! I'm soooo sorry for the delay, working lots and doing color for some yet unpublished manga, choir started again...I know I know excuses. Oh yeah...I don't own Inuyasha and have neglected to mention this in some other chapters, as per the notification served by those nice men in suits with shoulder holsters, I hereby re-iterate...I don't own it. Please don't sue!

Kagome and Sesshomaru continued the work of healing all those in the manor afflicted, the days began to blend into one another as they repeated the separation and cleansing on each youkai who was brought to them. As they worked, Kagome had time to consider Sesshomaru's proposal, she forced herself to put aside her hurt feelings for the time being and examine the offer itself, as she had no choice in the matter she thought she should at least try and be logical about it.

Yasuke had been very calm and reserved while ensuring her of her comfort should she choose him, much like he had been the day she had disturbed him in the library. He seemed nice but empty, or more accurately his personality never got a chance to develop under the watchful eye of his mother. Anatsusha had been one of the few they were unable to save, her advanced age, even for a youkai had caused her to succumb to the illness much more quickly than anticipated, she was already dead when they arrived at her bedside.

Kagome had been on the verge of asking Sesshomaru to use Tenseiga to revive her but had been forestalled by the severe look he shot her way as though he could read her mind.

"She has died without violence miko, and with her dignity intact" was all he said. It was enough to shut her up before she even got started, realizing the pain they would spare her by leaving her in the land of spirits. It really wasn't her fault, after all, that Kiraseiki was driven to insanity, should she be revived, she would have to face her son with the knowledge his father tried to kill them all, and that was not something Kagome would put any mother through.

Each suitor in turn had made a last ditch effort to persuade her as they were being healed, Seiryuu had been imperious with his words, promising her dignity and status above all others, wealth beyond imagining and as many slaves and vassals as she wanted. Kagome had to remind herself again this was a different time, and slavery did not yet hold the stigma she was accustomed to, the dragon could not have known he was saying all the things she did not want to hear. She had never cared about status, or wealth in the conventional sense, to her, the love and loyalty of friends, no matter how materially poor, was worth more than any gold or false respect could ever be.

Suzaku had also been surprisingly earnest in his final entreaty for her favor, the fire-bird had gazed into her eyes with an intensity which had been lacking in his previous attempts, he promised her happiness and pleasure beyond her wildest imaginings in all things. Kagome withheld her disdain for him in that moment, not wanting to belittle his pride, Sesshomaru watched impassively through all of these exchanges, the urge to tear her away from them each in turn was a difficult one to keep in check.

The dog lord watched her reactions to all of this and was somewhat troubled to find no distinct difference between her reaction to them and her reception of what he thought was an offer she would find quite appealing. Inwardly Sesshomaru battled with himself, his inner beast was becoming more vocal in his internal dialogue.

'You must tell her what she means to us!'

'I will not, she would only feel trapped, and that would push her away.' He snarled silently in response.

'She thinks you do not care for her! You make her feel worthless!'

'Nonsense! the priestess is perceptive, she knows our offer is more generous than we would ever set forth for one who was of little importance.'

'You must ensure she is ours!' His beast roared.

'Enough! Be silent.'

Sesshomaru's eyes watched Kagome as she remained silent and somewhat withdrawn, he knew she was not content with the way of things but he hoped she would be least unhappy with his proposal. Should she choose him it was only a matter of time before she would grow to be happy with him, she would want him, he would see to it.

Kagome sighed and looked around her at the recovering youkai, a sense of happiness welled up inside her chest, in spite of her rash attempt at flight, she had fulfilled the prophecy. As she stood, her head swam and she felt as though she were falling, strong hands gripped her shoulders, holding her upright as she regained her senses, without fully losing them. Kagome blinked and looked up to see Sesshomaru looking down at her steadily,

"You have exhausted yourself miko," He said quietly "You must rest now, you have completed you task." She smiled weakly up at him, it was not a genuine smile, but one of weariness and resignation.

"Not yet," she replied, "there is a choice yet to make." The hollow sound of her voice caused a sharp ache to pierce him, not unlike the one he felt while she was dying, he frowned slightly as she looked away from him, as though realizing the gaffe she had just uttered. He did not relinquish his hold on her, maintaining gentle, steady contact.

"Kagome!" they both looked to the sound of Bishamon's smooth tenor as he approached and took her hands in his own, "You did it!" he said, smiling warmly. Sesshomaru released her shoulders, doing his best not to let his fingers linger on her skin, he would not push her away by making her fear him or any possible advances.

Kagome looked up at her newly found father and smiled back, Bishamon enfolded her with an arm around her petite shoulders and guided her toward the door, sending a contemplative glance at the taiyoukai, who looked after them as they left the infirmary.

"Otou sama," Kagome said as they walked through the corridors, "I have some questions for you." his earnest green eyes met her own and he nodded.

"I thought you might." He said, "Come, let us talk in the gardens." They came to rest upon a stone bench and Bishamon waited quietly for Kagome to gather her thoughts, she seemed to think over a few things and them looked up into his face.

"Does okaa-san know?" it was such a simple and straightforward question and yet so very loaded, he hesitated before responding.

"Does she know you're a hanshin?" He paused. "No, she has no idea you are anything but her human daughter." Kagome frowned slightly.

"Then she doesn't know who you are?" Her face was troubled, "then how did...?" She dropped off her questions and bit her lip, frowning and looking at him in such a way he decided he wouldn't wait for any more questions.

"You were prophesied not long after Midoriko's creation of the Shikon no Tama," he began, "You must understand, every hanshin is hunted from the time of their birth as soon as their presence is known." He took a deep breath and continued. "Kumari left Midoriko in a ningen village with instruction she be trained as a miko, Even Midoriko did not know she was hanshin until near the end of her life. "

"But how the hell did I end up in Tokyo then?" she sputtered, "all this time I thought I was from that era and I'm not?"

"Kumari gave me the Shikon no Tama to safeguard you during your creation." he replied quietly, "She did not want me to endure the pain of losing a child, I used the jewel to create a portal in an old dry well and emerged to find a shrine on the site."

Kagome opened her mouth to ask another question but was halted by Bishamon's hand on her own, "Please," he said, I know you are confused let me explain." He watched as his daughter swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue and looked at him with carefully neutral eyes.

"Please understand, your mother believed me to be her husband, I could not let her know there was anything special about me, or about the child she would carry. to keep you both safe this had to be done." Breathing deeply, he continued,

"I fused the Shikon no Tama with you at the moment of conception, it kept you safe and gave you the innate ability to protect yourself instinctively if something should happen, when the time came it would also draw you back to the well. "

Kagome snorted in wry humor at this, "So did it call mistress centipede then? Thanks for the comfortable ride back here." Bishamon smiled at her and shook his head,

"No, that demon sensed the power by coincidence, had she not pulled you in, I was going to retrieve you, much the same as I did this time."

"Well that would have been a little more pleasant." she said dryly, lifting one ebony brow. "Otou-sama," she said in a small voice, "would you promise me something?"

"Ask what you will of me daughter."

"Please, never leave me alone, always be there if I need you." Bishamon was speechless and just looked at her for a moment, Kagome took this as hesitation and began to babble, "I mean dad died when I was young, and Mom's still there but her mind is gone, Inuyasha has Kikyo and once I'm mated I won't be able to confide in Shippo as I do now, I just don't want to find myself alone again..." she trailed off and her breath hitched.

Bishamon reached out and cradled her face in his hands, leaning forward he pressed his brown to her own so their familial marks touched. "You will never be alone, I will be there should you need me, all you have to do is call. I will hear you and come to your aid."

Her tawny eyes gazed into his earnest emerald ones and then slid closed.

"Arigatou Otou-san." she whispered.

"Kagome!" Father and daughter turned toward the voice of Inuyasha's mate as she hurried toward them on the garden path. Kikyo fell on Kagome as she rose, overwhelming her with a fierce hug.

It took Kagome a moment to recover from the impact of Kikyo's arrival, she stared her former rival with wide eyes, looking for some semblance of the somber woman she remembered.

"Oh Kagome! I don't know how to thank you!" She cried, her face suffused with energy and light. Kagome was taken aback somewhat at Kikyo's outburst, and glanced quickly at her father in confusion, Kikyo reached out and took Kagome's hands in her own, bringing them impulsively to her brow.

"You were amazing Kagome, I could see you while you were healing me. I thought I was dying and my ancestors were coming for me." Kagome opened her mouth and then shut it, feeling ridiculously like a fish, centering herself, she opened her mouth to try again but was thwarted by the never ending stream of words coming from the usually taciturn Kikyo.

"Oh listen to me! Going on and on, your mind must be in a whirl, Inuyasha told me about your death, I can't imagine having the strength to heal after something like that." Bishamon made a strangled sound behind her and Kagome turned to look at him apologetically, realizing he had missed that part of her ordeal. From the look on his face, he didn't appreciate being kept in the dark, Kagome felt a stab of guilt over causing more trouble than she was worth, again, sighing inwardly she dipped in a small bow to him and said,

"I am sorry Otou-sama, I thought you knew." His expression changed in the blink of an eye to one of disbelief.

"Kagome, you need not apologize to me," he said gently, "I doubt you've had time to think about anything at all besides what's right in front of you." His calm understanding was suddenly almost more than she could bear and she found herself fighting back tears,

"If you will forgive me Bishamon-sama," came a quiet voice, "I must see to Kagome-sama's needs." Kagome peered around Kikyo and saw, with some relief, the voice belonged to Amaya, she was inordinately happy to see her maid standing there, a calm port in her emotional storm. Bishamon nodded to the neko,

"Of course, after such trying days, I'm sure she must rest herself." His eyes fixed on Kagome as he said this, booking no room for argument, she had no inclination to argue, and didn't think she would have the energy to if she tried.

Thankfully, Kikyo seemed to take the hint as well and saw herself off with minimal hassle, Kagome allowed herself to be led to her chambers, and dreamlike, submitted to Amaya's gentle hands and no nonsense ministrations. Once she was bathed, dressed, and her hair combed, she sank gratefully into the soft futon and drifted off into a deep sleep.

"You know I'm right." Grumbled Shippo, as he studied Inuyasha's reaction to what he had just said. The kitsune was not happy about being around the former hanyou again but he knew of no other way to get his concern across to Sesshomaru.

"She's always been resilient and perceptive Shippo," Inuyasha replied, "I'm sure she's picked up on his feelings for her." He lounged across from the kit, picking at the remains of breakfast, he had been surprised to see Shippo this morning and when the kit had struck up conversation he had turned somewhat wary, being well aware of the tension between them.

"No, I don't think she has." Shippo said earnestly, "She's so sad it's practically dripping off of her, I know you can smell it."

"Well she did just die the other day, not to mention all the healing and she still has to mate a youkai. You know it's probably that she's losing her independence, you never got to see her time, it's really different for females there." A small nagging voice in the back of Inuyasha's mind was telling him the kit was right, but full demon or not, he was still as stubborn as ever and hated being wrong.

"Baka, you still can't tell when she's lonely." There was a touch of snarl in Shippo's voice as he struggled with the urge to slap his old friend upside his head. Inuyasha lifted his eye brows at the sudden hostility directed at him.

"This is not that same as then," he snapped back, "and besides, why the hell are you talking to me about this? Shouldn't you be talking to my ass of a brother?"

"You really think he'll listen to me?" sighed Shippo, "I need you to encourage him to warm up to her, she thinks he's just doing his duty and has no interest in her at all." Inuyasha snorted.

"And why the hell do you think he'll listen to me?

"Because you know her better and you don't have emotional stock in her happiness, Bakayarou!" Shippo was getting angrier and finding it harder than ever not to shake Inuyasha till his fangs rattled right out of his head. "You can convince him to treat her well and make sure she knows he actually likes her."

"But he is treating her well, he is showing great interest in her and allowing her to do things that he never lets anyone do!"

"She doesn't see it!" Shippo stood in agitation and began to pace, "She sees a proud taiyoukai who cares nothing for her happiness!"

"She really doesn't understand what he's doing?" The surprise conveyed itself through the Inu's tone, he couldn't believe it, Kagome was usually so perceptive, he didn't understand how she could not see the change in his stoic brother.

"No she doesn't, she's resigned herself to a life without being loved Inuyasha, You've got to make Sesshomaru aware of it so maybe he can make things more clear for her. We owe her so much, the least you can do is talk to him!"

Inuyasha studied his claws, frowning as he considered possible ways he could broach this subject with Sesshomaru without being dismissed outright, this would be difficult. The younger Inu felt great remorse, more than he would ever let on for not coming to the aid of the slayer village and his old friends during the famine, now faced with the opportunity to help not just Shippo but Kagome as well, he found he desperately wanted to right the shortcomings of his past.

"Alright." He said it so quietly, Shippo wasn't sure he'd actually spoken or if he was the victim of wishful thinking.

"What?" The fox stopped his pacing and faced the Inu squarely, hardly daring to hope he'd gotten through his thick skull.

"I said alright, I'll talk to him." Inuyasha repeated, scowling, "but no promises."

Shippo allowed a small grin to flit across his features at the surly reaction,

'Same as always.' He thought, aloud he said, "Thank you Inuyasha, for trying at least." The kit left the room, his grin growing into a full blown smile, flashing the points of his fangs.

"What's got you so happy, boy?" drawled the teasing voice of Satoshi as he emerged from the shadows and fell in step with Shippo.

The auburn kit looked askance at his blond counterpart, the twinkle in his eyes drawing a curious expression from the ranger.

"I'm succeeding," he said, clapping a hand on Satoshi's shoulder, "He's going to try." Satoshi flashed a grin that mirrored his own and slapped Shippo's back.

"Now we just have to plant the seed with our little priestess."

"So what happens then?" asked Kagome. Amaya drew a breath before beginning her explanation, for the last 2 hours she had been going over etiquette and actions expected of her mistress during the upcoming mating ceremony.

"Once you receive the gift of the suitor you have chosen, you will be mated in the presence of the court and…"

"What!" cried Kagome, her eyes as big as saucers, "the mating is in front of everyone?" Her voice was steadily climbing in pitch, causing Amaya to wince at the assault on her sensitive ears.

"Kagome-sama, please calm yourself and allow me to explain." The neko waited and watched as the tiny woman struggled inwardly for a moment, clearly wanting to explode, once she had become a bit more sedate, the youkai continued.

"The public ceremony is the youki bonding portion of the mating, not the sexual." The neko paused, gauging the effect her words were having on her mistress. "The ceremony involves the placing of the mating mark on the female under witness of the youkai nobility."

"Mating mark?"

"Hai, the male places a physical mark upon his lady, and it varies between different youkai." Kagome opened her mouth to ask another question but was interrupted by a sharp knock at her door, Amaya rose at a nod from the miko and opened the door to reveal Shippo and Satoshi. Both of them smiled at her and entered with a bounce in their step, she was surprised to see the two of them, not having seen either since she had healed them.

"Kagome!" cried Shippo, "I'm so glad you're alright!" He swept her up in a hug much like he had in front of the slayers village, she returned it with a vengeance, feeling the all too familiar sting of tears once again fill her eyes. He smelled the salt and worriedly glanced down at her, she was looking at him with an air of something that looked suspiciously like guilt.

"Oh Shippo, I'm so sorry." She said, and then promptly burst into tears. The startled kitsune held onto her as she sobbed into his chest, throwing a bewildered look at his companion, the ranger shrugged and said,

"She apologized for dying too, Shipp." Shippo frowned and drew Kagome back, holding her still and ducking down to look her in the face.

"What's all this now?" he asked, "What in the world could you be apologizing for?" one corner of his mouth hitched up, "Is it for healing my wounds or saving all of my kind?" Kagome hiccoughed and blinked up at him,

"You wouldn't have had any wounds if it wasn't for me." She said petulantly.

"Oh stop it," he replied crisply, snapping her out of her crying spell, "I'm not a tiny kit anymore Kagome, I make my own decisions, it's not your fault I got hurt, it's mine for not paying attention."

She gulped and stepped back from him, a ghost of a smile crossing her face, it did not reach her eyes even though she was visibly calming. "What brings the two of you here?" she asked, glancing between the two of them.

"Well to be honest, we want to talk to you about Sesshomaru." He replied, knowing this end of things would be so much easier, he would be able to address the topic directly instead of trying to pussy foot around it as Inuyasha would have to. He was exceedingly glad Kagome was such a frank and honest woman, it made difficult conversations that much easier.

"Why?" she asked, genuinely curious.

"Well," he hesitated a moment, "we would…we think…"

"We think you should choose him tonight at the banquet." Satoshi cut in over Shippo's faltering, earning him a dark look from the redhead.

"Please don't misunderstand Kagome, we're not trying to choose for you!" Shippo spluttered, "We just think he would treat you the best and he already likes you anyway…." He trailed off, this was not how he had imagined this conversation going at all, Kagome was looking back and forth between the two of them in disbelief.

"I would hardly say he likes me Shippo," she said with a humorless chuckle, "more like he puts up with me." Shrugging she turned toward the fine kimono laid out for her to wear that evening, "I mean he wouldn't even look at me after he revived me, why would he want someone as weak and impulsive as me for his mate?" The line of her shoulders drooped slightly as she ran her hand over the expensive silk in front of her, "I really don't know who I should choose, they all want me for their own ends, status or lust or power, it's all the same in the end isn't it?"

"Kagome, you're not listening, he really is interested in you, Inu's only take one mate for life, do you really think Sesshomaru of all people would choose someone he could barely tolerate?" Shippo wanted nothing more than to see the spark return to her eyes, but he was at a loss, she didn't believe him, he sent a beseeching look toward Satoshi, asking for some help.

The blonde kitsune stepped forward quietly, until he was standing just behind her and then spoke,

"Kagome-sama, you did not see his face." The ranger rumbled, "He pursued and protected you in a way I've not seen since Rin was taken years ago." She turned at that and smiled sadly,

"So at best he sees me as his ward then, not a mate." Satoshi shook his head and looked at her with such intensity, she held her breath.

"No mistress," the ranger said, "His eyes held pain in them such as I have never seen as he watched you die." The kitsune frowned remembering the ordeal, "It was as though his own life was leaving him as your blood drained to the dirt."

"But…." He waved a hand to silence her,

"Please consider his offer as one of true feeling, milord is not comfortable exposing his thoughts, but he does truly intend his offer to be your mate." Satoshi moved away from the small onna and flicked his chin at Shippo, indicating they should leave, before striding out of the chamber.

"I really think he can make you happy Kagome." Shippo said with a small smile, "Think about it at least?" She nodded and watched him follow the ranger out into the corridor, listening to the fading sound of their footsteps; she turned to Amaya and asked,

"What kind of marks do Inu's use?"

The meal in the banquet hall was proceeding steadily and surprisingly without much tension, Inuyasha kept an eye on all the main players as dinner wore on. He thought back to the abbreviated conversation he had shared with Sesshomaru, it had not gone as he had hope but he thought something got through to his brother.

He had decided to take the tack of inquiring about the choice of gift his brother would offer Kagome at the ceremony, and unsurprisingly, Sesshomaru had refused to tell him what it was. So Inuyasha had given him hints about what not to give her by speculating about the ridiculous gift the others would offer her. If he happened to mention something his half brother had already chosen, it wouldn't hurt his pride any to change it. Sesshomaru had seemed thoughtful after their discussion, and Inuyasha had made sure to emphasize how sensitive Kagome was as well and think headed at times.

Kagome had yet to make her appearance in the banquet hall, but Inuyasha could sense the meal winding down and knew it would not be long before she was announced. Glancing up, he locked eyes with Shippo who was stationed with the rangers along the edges of the room; the kit nodded to him almost imperceptibly and continued to move around the chamber before coming to a stop near Satoshi.

"He talked to him." Shippo's voice was pitched low and he faced away from the crowd, Satoshi didn't even spare him a glance.

"Then he will take it into consideration; let's hope we got through to her then." He replied to the wall, "He is nothing if not thorough." The two kitsune moved apart as though no words had been exchanged, and continued in their duties, scanning the room endlessly. A flurry of activity began in the hall as the banquet was cleared away and the nobles took their places, looking at the doors expectantly.

Sesshomaru took his position with the other suitors and waited, eyes and ears trained on the entrance. Jaken appeared in the entryway, dressed regally for his court appointed function, looked around at all assembled and opened his beak and began to speak.

"Lords and Ladies of the Great and Noble houses, I present to you Lord Bishamon Tanmonten and his daughter, the Lady Kagome." The little toad bowed out of the way to reveal the Heavenly General escorting his small daughter into the blazing light of the banquet hall.

A collective gasp rippled through the room, Kagome held her head proudly and her back was ramrod straight, her bearing put that of the youkai ladies to shame and some could be seen surreptitiously correcting their own posture as she passed them. Sesshomaru reminded himself to keep his breathing even, as he heard Yasuske's become shallow and sharp, not that he blamed the boy, she was truly a vision.

Amaya had dressed her in the finest of silk kimono, it was a breathtaking swath of white, adorned heavily with golden thread, her raven hair was swept up into an elaborate headdress dripping with small golden leaves that shivered and sparkled with her every move. Kagome moved with the grace of a cat and the bearing of a queen, it was the first time Sesshomaru had seen her in such a way and he had to admit, he was impressed.

Bishamon led her forward to the elevated dais at the end of the room where her suitors waited, Kagome kept her eyes straight ahead and did not look at any of them, she fought against the feeling of nausea that threatened to overwhelm her, but kept her face impassive. Jaken again stepped into view and began his duties,

"From the Northern Kingdom, Lord Yasuke of the Shadowlands, presents his suit for the Lady's hand." There was a brief hesitation before the shadow prince moved forward, and bowed to her, his servant in tow bore a splendid diadem crafted of Jet and opal; it possessed a subdued shine that reminded the onlooker of light and shadow glinting across gems.

"For my Lady, a representation of our natures combined, light entwined with darkness, joined as one." That, Sesshomaru thought, was not his idea, the whole piece and presentation smacked of Anatsusha's influence, Kagome nodded her head slightly to him in acceptance of his gift and it was set upon one of four short pillars.

"From the Southern Kingdom, Lord Suzaku of the Flame presents his suit for the Lady's hand." The firebird strode forward with a flourish and bowed a flashy courtier's bow to Kagome before gesturing to one of his hummingbird courtesans to come forward. The tiny bird was displaying an extravagant kimono encrusted with rubies and gold, with a sparkle in his eyes, Suzaku said,

"For my Lady, a kimono worthy of your fine caliber and one to be worn through all the pleasurable evenings I can provide you." This statement brought about a hushed murmur with its forwardness; Kagome kept herself in check, and nodded to the phoenix, as the kimono was draped upon the second pedestal, only a slight tightening of her lips betrayed any irritation.

"From the Eastern Realm, Lord Seiryuu, Master of Dragonkin, presents his suit for the Lady's hand." The ancient dragon stepped sedately forward and gave her a bow precisely the correct depth with military precision before standing still and waiting for his servant. A lizard youkai presented a ceremonial fan, crafted of abalone and sapphires; it shimmered and glinted, reminding Kagome of the ocean,

"For my Lady, the ancient traditional symbol of royalty, held by the dragon queens of the sea, it is only fitting for one of your status and power." The beautiful artifact was laid upon the third pillar as Kagome watched with impassive features, nodding to Seiryuu as he moved back into place.

"From the Western Lands, Sesshomaru Lord of the Inu and keeper of the House of the Moon, presents his suit for the Lady's hand." The note of pride in Jaken's voice was poorly concealed, but Sesshomaru took no notice, his eyes were for the golden goddess on the dais. He moved forward fluidly, bowing respectfully to her before turning and taking something from Takeshi, who flanked him like a shadow.

"For my lady," he began in a quiet baritone, "A chest to hold your treasures, whatever you deem them to be, and the key to the knowledge of the West," reaching into the elegant Jade and silver box her produced a simple key, "This will open not only my library, but will grant you access to all knowledge I possess." He returned the key to the box and closed the lid as he placed it upon the final pillar and took his place with the others, Kagome shook herself a little.

His gift had surprised her, not by it's nature but by the feeling of pleasure that made itself known underneath her anxiety and tension, he had actually though about the gift and what it would mean to her. The other three gifts bore the personality of their givers and showed plainly what they believed to be important, that knowledge and accessibility was the underlying theme from Sesshomaru surprised her more than a little.

The silver Inu was so very stoic and closed off, yet here he was in front of the entire court offering his knowledge to her openly, a promise of answers which were something he rarely bestowed upon anyone. Kagome took a deep breath and realized it was now time for her to make this decision, not that she was unsure of who she would choose, it was simply the finality of this moment struck her almost painfully.

Moving regally and outwardly calm, Kagome turned toward the pillars, she stopped in front of each gift, studying it without looking at the one who had presented it. Amaya had been very clear she must appear to consider each one even if she had already made up her mind. Inside she was shaking like a leaf in a hurricane, she watched, detached as her hand reached out and touched Sesshomaru's gift, indicating she accepted his gift and therefore his suit.

Sesshomaru moved forward and joined her on the dais, she was dimly aware of her father fading into the background, the entire room collectively held its breath as he stood beside her, towering over her small frame. Amaya had told her what to expect, she was to bare the left side of her neck to him. showing not only her submission but that it was the special bond of mates and not just pack.

His golden eyes fixed upon her own for a moment, searching her tawny ones, for what she didn't know but whatever he saw there seemed to satisfy him, he reached out with steady clawed hands and moved her gently in front of him so her back was to the court. He knew she was tense and frightened and wished there was something he could do to assuage her fears; he knew this would hurt her and it was very public, he just had to hope Amaya had told her the things she needed to know.

Kagome controlled her breathing and turned her head to the right, tilting it slightly back so her delicate white throat was exposed to him, she felt him wind one hand in her hair at the base of her skull and bring the other to rest on the small of her back. She couldn't help but tense as he bent down and she felt him inhale her scent against the skin of her neck; glancing at him she saw his eyes begin to bleed red and she shut her own.

Sesshomaru melded with his beast for the mating and placed his lips to the juncture of Kagome's neck and shoulder, he paused for a moment that seemed to stretch for an eternity, allowing her a small reprieve to get used to his presence. Baring his fangs he sank them into her flesh quickly and allowed his youki to rise up and flow into her, he could feel her tiny hands gripping the front of his clothing in her effort to remain silent.

Kagome struggled not to cry out as she felt his fangs puncture her skin, it wasn't the physical assault but the spiritual one that tested her control. This youki flowed into her like a dam that had burst, this was nothing like the gentle fusion they had shared during the healings, this was rough and dominant, harshly overtaking her own reishi and entwining in her spirit. she clamped down on the scream that wanted to rip from her at the intrusion, Amaya had prepared her for pain but nothing the neko had said could have prepared her for this.

Then, as suddenly as it began, the pain receded, Sesshomaru's youki withdrawing from her leaving a small amount within her system, it pulsed within her chest causing an odd sensation to linger, like a bone deep ache. She was vaguely aware of an announcement being made and Sesshomaru's hands guiding her to move, she walked unsteadily, grateful for his support, her mind was still trying to catch up with the world.

Before she knew it they passed through the large doors into the corridor and the entrance to the banquet hall were shut, enveloping them in the semi darkness of the hall. Blinking, she looked up at his face, half shrouded in shadow and thought she saw something warm there.

"Come, mate." he said, "the world awaits."

*A/N* Holy freaking crap that was a hard chapter to write. I'm so sorry for the delay. Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Till next time!
Ja ne!