I know I really am taking long to update and I'm sorry. The reason is my computer broke down guys and I have to type it on my phone, which by the way is hard to do, especially when each chapter is like 4-6 pages long. I'm not giving up on the story, and I will try to update as fast as I can so please guys, don't kill me.

A/N: This time it took forever because I had to re-write it! Anyways quick reminder that I will leave previous notes I had written on each Chapter just because I don't want to delete them. New notes will always have the (A/N) in front of it. Now that being said...I hope you all ENJOY this Chapter and REVIEW!

Chapter 21

"Miroku and Sango still haven't arrived?" Kagome asked a little worried. She know humans travel slower but they have Kirara don't they? Even without Kirara they should have arrived by now. She should know, she thought was human most her life. Did Inuyasha do something? She really couldn't stop herself from worrying. She had been so excited learning her friends were coming and was hoping to have had a whole day to talk and catch up, but the event is tomorrow and there's still no sign of them.

"Relax Okaa-san. They'll be here...you know Miroku has a bad sense of direction, they're probably running late. I'll take care of everything." he said giving her a quick kiss on her cheeks disappearing with two other guards talking about something animatedly.

Kagome only nod as she watch her growing son becoming a man... then turned to go help the servants with final preparations knowing she will be fighting to help them.

*(&^&$%#^$&*

"I would skin you alive monk if it were not for the love of god!" yelled Sango at Miroku as they trudge through the forest late that very night. Kirara was exhausted flying them practically all day; she's now resting peacefully despite all the commotion around her.

"Shush...are you trying to get us killed?" Miroku whispered looking around them.

"I would kill anything in my way right now. Besides, if you hadn't gotten us lost then we wouldn't have to travel throughout the night pervert!" She growled back in a lower tone than before.

They had left as soon as they left Inuyasha the letter only to follow Miroku's horrible sense of direction opposite of the castle. The West was very big; it is extremely easy to lose your way. Sango swears if she had listen to her first intuition then they would have never gotten lost in the first place.

"The land looked familiar my love, an honest mistake I really made..." he whined stopping his hands just before Sango swung her weapon in retaliation.

"Does this look like the time to be playing games monk?" Sango growled out wanting to punch him so bad. She really wanted to know why Sesshomaru even took his time to invite them...now they're going to arrive extra late. They were already human, how much more hate can they deal with.

Miroku was about to respond but Kirara jumped in defense in front of Sango transforming into her larger form growling at the dark in front of them. Miroku then immediately jump in defense position with Sango following suit just as fast as they look into the shadows ahead of them. "You sense something?" Sango asked Miroku. It was pitch black, she couldn't see anything.

"Yes, a demonic aura. It's coming toward us now...I almost missed it." Miroku said as he grabbed a handful of sutras. They would help them escape or hold the demon down long enough for them to attack.

"Put down your weapons, I am here to retrieve you both under the order of my prince," a very good looking demon said. It seemed as if he materializes out of the shadows. He's clothes blended so well with the background that they still had a hard time keeping him in their line of vision despite him being right in front of them- in a clearing no less. He had long black hair that was tied into a low ponytail, with a full black body suit and black boots. His aura was enormous and he eyes dark.

"I am-"

"Maho and I will be the one to escort you both back to the walls," a new voice had said causing Kirara to jump and now facing the new threat, while Miroku and Sango still attempt to keep that other demon in their line of vision. They didn't sense her at all or even heard a step. How long was she there?

"Is there a reason why the prince would assign both of us the job Ma...Ho..." said the first guard leaning over her shoulders. Miroku and Sango blink in astonishment because a split second ago that speaking guard was just in front them, now he's all the way behind this new woman."

"Our prince would like for you to retrieve our scouts from the northern borders. There have been no words so he would like to know what the problem is. Please refrain from breathing down my neck Hiroki. If you want to court me, you merely have to ask." She said without missing a beat causing Hiroki to blush before quickly disappearing into the shadows embarrassed.

Maho merely smirked and started walking in a fast paced with Miroku and Sango staying close to her. That was always his reaction. "You humans are extremely stupid for coming this deep into the west in the middle of the night. Our forest holds the darkest creatures at night. It was no wonder the prince had assigned me to collect you both. Just a bit further hold our shadow youkai clan. You just met Hiroki... No one get out of their den unless invited by the Lord or they allow you too..." Sango gulped thinking about how she was yelling previously. "Of course that never happens. They love blood. "

"Will we be going through their territory soon Maho-sama?" Miroku asked.

"We already are," she smirked causing Miroku and Sango to stiffen up and scan their surroundings, but only see darkness and trees.

"They're watching us now, you know. You cannot see them. I heard our lady made it through their den though. It was night too. I still await the day to ask her how she accomplished it as a stranger." Maho said then quieted down.

They walked for another 20 minutes in silence before Maho spoke again. "Our prince said you both can be trusted. So I will extend my protection to you both. I am Captain Maho of the 3rd division of the Western Army. We will arrive in a matter of seconds and a servant will then take you both to your room. There are a lot of preparations still being made." she said not missing a beat as she walk.

Sango was speechless and Miroku became a stone. A woman, in the Western Army...in the top 10 lethal teams of the West...the Captain no less. They would have never thought. She had long black hair and had on a black uniform similar to Hiroki's except she had a cloak covering her frame. She stops when a shadow was emerging from ahead of them.

"Maho...I will take over now. Go rest, you have been on missions since last week." said a deep yet very young voice.

"Yes, my prince," she bowed and then she vanished.

Sango squint to see who it is. Last she remembered Sesshomaru had definitely not taken a mate let alone has a child. That she was sure of, youkai politics spread like wildfire...everyone would have known. She then heard..."It can't be...no way..." from Miroku and then she fixed her gaze at the figure walking towards them and then froze in extreme shock.

*&# #$%^&*

"Why did they not wait for us to return before they left Inuyasha?" Kikyo asked in her usual cold dead tone.

"Sango never likes company when she visits her village-"

"The monk-"

"Will eventually marry her and has went with her before. Let them go...they will be back." Inuyasha said in a final tone that caused Kikyo to frown. She didn't like Inuyasha's attitude towards her at the moment...she needs to fix that.

"Come here mate." She whispered low and lovingly. Inuyasha paused merely for a second before walking to her missing completely Kikyo's dark eyes and smirk.

*%$ # $%^*

"How..." it started as a whisper. "How...How...How!?" screamed Sango...her heart burning, heaving up and down while stream of tears was running down her face. Her leg muscles seemed weak all the sudden and was going to fall but there he is holding her up. The familiar red hair marred with silver and black, standing inches above her. To see the familiar deep green eyes that had seen much but yet innocent. Sango held onto Shippou like he would disappear as she wailed into his Kimono.

Miroku was equally shocked and would have embraced Shippou if Sango wasn't hogging him. It was a few minutes later that she was finally calming down that Shippou slowly pulled away to actually look at her. She looked a lot skinnier with bags under her eyes. Same with Miroku but you can tell he's faring better than his significant. "There's lot to explain, but we can't have this talk now and it's late, you must rest. Tomorrow will be a surprise but everything will be explained eventually. I will lead you both to your rooms and you already have tomorrow's clothing prepared and waiting for you.

Shippou walked quickly leading them through the gates and guards bowing at his sight. "How are you even here Shippou? Did Sesshomaru find you after that incident? How are you a prince...and how..." She chocked. Shippou was the last to see Kagome in attempt to save her...if he's here under Sesshomaru's rule...that must mean Kagome must have died...really died. She started sobbing again to herself but much quietly. Miroku was stroking her hands in silent thinking along the same lines.

Shippou wished he could just let them know everything but it wasn't his story, plus he would like to surprise them. If he let them know Kagome is well now, they will want to see and talk to her now and Sesshomaru would not be happy knowing Kagome is everything but a morning person. Plus, there are just some questions he wouldn't be able to answer.

"Sango, Oba-chan..." that caused Sango to laugh through her teary eyes. "That day was unfortunate but we must look forward. Think positive...both of you." He reached a double door.

"This is your room." Seeing their blush Shippou added..."I thought you two would have been mated by now." he laughed scratching his head and Sango turning redder than ever.

Miroku cleared his throat to avoid further embarrassment...not to mention...Sango was still grieving to move on. "Will you find us in the morning?" Miroku asked.

"No, in a few less than 10 hours is a formal celebration. That is why you both were invited. I will be officially recognized as a prince of the west and we meet Sesshomaru's mate. I wanted you two to be part of this big day...for me," Shippou lied. It was only half the truth.

"Of course we would be here!" yelled Sango feeling honored.

"Really...I recalled you thought we were Sesshomaru's Dinner?" Miroku said with an eye roll and smirk.

"Shut up monk! I still haven't forgotten you got us lost and almost killed." growled Sango but still blushing in embarrassment.

Shippou laughed. It had been so long to see the familiar humor. He really couldn't wait until later...until they re-united again. "I have to go now...a guard will collect you both in the morning, sleep well," said Shippou giving Sango and Miroku a hug and walked down the hall.

They watched him walk until he disappeared before they too retired into their room. "The sun should be up soon love, lets rest." Miroku said while already stripping out of his clothes and Sango following suit into a night kimono.

*^# #$%^&*()_ #$%^&*

Finally it was time for everyone to get ready for the big part of the day. Kagome couldn't hold down her excitement as she peaked down into the room that held some much people. She was a little nervous, but she couldn't wait.

"My Lady! You have to get dress quickly!" a servant screamed in shock. They've been looking for her everywhere. Kagome rolled her eyes but obeyed. She woke up early hoping to catch Miroku and Sango before but everyone was after her.

She was pushed into her room to change into a silver and black kimono. She had about 2 layers on already and she refused to wear another, so they just added the main layer on top. The kimono was beautiful with black complicated designs. On the back of the kimono was the crescent moon and on the front top left side of her breast was her birthmark. Her hair was braided and was put up in a tight bun with little hair left out that was curled and fell around her face. She threatening to kill the servants if they put the white make up on her face, so she took out her future make-up kit and applied some silver and black eye shadow on and applied eyeliner and mascara.

Kagome put on her black with silver lining flats that she had brought from the future. She had on long silver earrings with matching necklace and black studs in her other piercings. She put a tiny two-head earring on her eyebrow, which looked like two sparkles instead of two balls. She had on multi silver and black bangles on both her right and left wrist and made sure she snuck a watch that she believes had the right time. She took a look at herself in the mirror and smiled.

"You look beautiful, my lady," a servant complimented with a bow

"Thank you, and would it kill you to call me Kagome?" Kagome asked slightly annoyed

"No, my lady, but I must show you the respect you deserve."

"Well, I want to be called Kagome, and that is my order." Kagome said firmly

"Yes, my lady-" Kagome gave her a sharp look "I mean Lady Kagome."

"Well, it's better than my lady," Kagome whispered to herself

%^&**&^%$%^&*(*&^%

"How long do you think it's going to take Lord Sesshomaru come down Miroku?" asked Sango nervously

"Not long. The room is filled with people..." Miroku smiled "just relax..."

"All around us are demons, I can't relax myself." Sango bit out

"Look, there are humans here." Miroku pointed to a few individuals

"Still, there are more demons." Sango argued back. Miroku sighs and wrapped his arms around her waist and simply offered his company.

"So, all this time both of you guys knew where Kagome was, but didn't trust me enough to let me know she was okay." A grumpy voice said behind the couple

"I wouldn't jump to conclusion Kouga...a-and who?" Miroku said quickly before Sango. He didn't believe he had heard right.

"You lie; Kagome wouldn't hide away from her two best friends. She's my woman." Kouga growled

"Kouga-" Sango felt like her world was crashing. What was he talking about? Kagome's alive? She died...she saw...and Shippou didn't say anything...and Sesshomaru mating a human? It's way too much. "I think you have made a mistake Koga." She finally said. Yes, that was it; Kouga was delusional.

"No, I will not lose her to HIM!" Kouga growled out cutting of Sango

"Kouga, you are going to make the worst mistake of your life if you decide to challenge Lord Sesshomaru for anyone! You know it well, and you have Ayame." Miroku tried to reason. He too didn't believe Koga was in his right mind. Kagome was gone but he was ever the optimistic one so if Kagome is actually alive then then that would actually make sense to everything that's currently happening.

"You think I'm weak?" he growled out "I don't want AYAME!" he raised his voice loud enough to attract some attention around them.

Sango looked around them and notice people pause to stare at them. "Kouga, put your voice down, you're attracting attention." Sango bit out harshly

"DO. NOT. TELL. ME. WHAT TO DO." He growled louder. You could feel the anger rolling of Kouga.

"Miroku, this is bad," Sango whispered to Miroku.

As if on cue, one of the guards walked up to the group, Miroku isn't sure if it's all youkai soldiers or just the Western soldiers that hold such strong auras. "Is there a problem here?" he questioned eyeing Lord Kouga who merely clenched his fist but smartly kept his mouth shut.

"No, not at all." Miroku quickly said. With one final look back at Koga, the guard walked away blending in the crowd. Kouga too had disappeared.

*^% ! $%^&*

"It is time Kagome," Sesshomaru said as he, Rin, and Shippou walked through the doors. All three of them were wearing silver and black.

"Mom, why is that you don't look big under those Kimonos?" Rin asked suspiciously

"That's because I have a total of three layers on, it's too hot for 5 or 6 of these cotton Kimonos, and I want to be able to walk around freely." She smiled at Rin's pouting face.

Rin looked down at her stuff form, "Father that is not fair." She pouted looking up at him

"I'm sorry Rin; Kagome does not follow the rules." He smirked at his soon to be mate. "Let's get going."

"You look beautiful koi," complimented Sesshomaru in her ears.

Kagome blushed and pecked him on the lips. "Thank you."

Jaken walked ahead the family so he could make the announcement of their arrivals. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you Lord of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshomaru and his soon to be mate, the Shikon Miko, Protector of the Shikon Jewel, Lady Kagome, Lord and Lady's adoptive children Lord Shippou and Lady Rin."

There were loud applauses, some people looked at the family with jealousy, some looked at them happily, and some people were just shock that Lord Sesshomaru had taken a human a mate and adoptive children.

They walked together down the stairs with Shippou and Rin in the front and Kagome and Sesshomaru following suit a step behind. As soon as their foot touched the marble floor, the children ran off and everyone wanted to shake their hands and talked.

"She probably thinks she's all that, I fucking hate her." Lady Himeka said to the other Ladies glaring at Kagome across the room.

"She is beautiful," Lady Miki of the North said and several other ladies around her also agreed. Jealousy was apparently beneath them unlike her daughter.

"MOTHER!" screech lady Himeka her face turning an unlikely shade of red.

"It's my opinion child." she said in a softly yet chastising tone. "You are very young and beautiful Himeka; I don't understand why we're going to war with the West over the Lord, when you can find another suitable mate." Said Miki evenly ignoring her daughter's glare

Everyone has heard whispers of the North challenge the West to war over a voided arrangement between Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Himeka. It was no surprise Lord Sesshomaru did not want to mate with the princess, the whole court knew when the time came, and it would have been a battle. Lady Himeka had not been pure for ages. Once rumors had started spreading throughout the lands of princess Himeka's scandal, the Northern Lord hunted down anyone who heard of the news. It was soon after the secret was buried that the pretense continued.

One problem the Northern Lord and Himeka forget is that Inu's really did mate for life and Inu's loved their mates pure. Scent was everything to Sesshomaru's kind; Himeka's scent unfortunately was no longer simply hers after so many trysts with other males. Even after her father wiped out the rumors, she continued her act knowing no one would dare speak of her actions unless they wished their death. A lot of demons lack the level of scent that the Inu's possessed. Sesshomaru would have never lain with someone so undeserving.

"I want Lord Sesshomaru, so if I can't have him, she won't either." Himeka darkly said not believing her mother. She's supposed to be on her side, not that human bitch.

"In the end, we're going to lose." Lady Miki said and turned around heading toward Kagome. She might as well get to know the girl a little.

"I never thought I'll finally reach the day that I got tired of talking." Kagome whispered to Sesshomaru. They finally had a second to themselves and she has yet to spot Miroku or Sango. She knows they must be going crazy looking for her...looking for an explanation.

He gave her a real smile and kissed her forehead, "soon koi, soon." He whispered to her, causing her to blush

"You guys must be soul mates if Sesshomaru actually smiled." Lady Miki said to the couple. "I am Lady Miki of the North," she introduced herself

"Hi, I'm Kagome...err…-"

"Lady of the West" Sesshomaru finished for her in a firm tone. He knew of the current situation with the North. He eyed his guards that were on post almost unnoticeably to make sure their eyes were on Kagome, their Lady, at all times. He wouldn't risk anything, even though he knew Lady Miki was a fair and nice woman. It was unfortunate her husband was such disgrace of a youkai Lord and her daughter a whore.

"I'm not here to cause trouble Lord Sesshomaru, I didn't think you would judge me just because my daughter and husband have lost their minds." Lady Miki said while her smile faltered a little.

Kagome felt sympathy for the woman, "It's not your fault right? Daughters can be a pain to make them happy and guys can be…hard headed." Kagome giggle as she tried to lighten the mood.

Lady Miki was shocked, but she also giggles. "I like you Kagome, maybe after this whole thing blows over, we can become friends." And with that she walked off.

Lady Himeka stared hard at her mother's back while she talks to Kagome and giggling. 'That bitch, I can't believe the words that come out her mouth.' Kagome caught the eyes of Lady Himeka's furious ones and level up with a blank stare.

"Sesshomaru, why do you think Lady Himeka looks at her mother with such furious eyes?" Kagome asked

"I don't know mate, do not worry with her, how about we count down to the time I get to make you mine." Sesshomaru whispered to her

Kagome blushed. "Okay. I'm going to find Sango and Miroku."

"Hn, stay out of trouble." He said firmly to her

She giggles and kissed him softly on the lips "yes dear." Sesshomaru watched her go and as soon as he turned around, he was surrounded my Lords and Representatives to talk business.

*&&*^()(^%%^%^*()*

"Miroku! Sango!" yelled Kagome as she ran toward them. It took everything not to break down, but she knew it wouldn't look good for her nor Sesshomaru.

Sango on the other hand was already a sobbing mess. "Kagome!" laughed Sango as she hugged her tightly.

"How are you fairing Kagome?" asked Miroku who was equally excited but new better than to attract even more attention towards them. He gave a quick friendly hug knowing there were multiple eyes on them. Him being a male should definitely not be overly friendly to the soon to be Lady of the West.

"Better than I was before. How about you guys?" her smile was wide. There are just so many things she wants to tell them and ask them. She took a deep breath to calm down though, they all knew at this moment was not the correct time to catch up.

"We're fine. Kikyo has Inuyasha on a string and controls him like a doll." Sango huff

Kagome's eyes looked down. "I left him. I remember the promise that I would never leave his side, and I did." She whispered. She was once haunted by that promise until Juro made her realize it wasn't her fault. It still doesn't change the fact that at times when she should be bitter, she's actually sad.

"Kagome, he left you to die, he chose Kikyo over you, why are you blaming yourself for something he put himself through." said Sango disbelievingly. She knew Kagome had a kind heart but she refuse to let her friend feel bad for that dog.

"Kagome, your big heart will lead you to nothing but trouble, I'm sure you know that now." Miroku added softly. He too will fight anything rather than let Kagome feel bad.

Kagome slowly nodded and smiled. "How long are you guys going to stay?"

"We were thinking about five days so we can be back and not be suspicious, but now that I know you're alive, I really don't want to leave you again." Sango said sadly grabbing her adopted sister's hands.

Kagome gave her a small smile of her own. "We will meet at the final battle. The way things are looking, I figure it won't be much longer now."

"I guess we will but Kagome I heard a couple of Lords were talking about allying with the West for a war, I don't want you to get involve." Miroku said with concern. He always had a way of catching information. During his stroll this morning, he ran into some youkai chatting and despite his human nature, they actually invited him into the conversation. "If you are here in the East wing, then you are important to Lord Sesshomaru, why not join us over some sake." One of the Lords had said to him and he had very much obliged.

"I'm already involved. Lady Himeka was supposed to be the one mating with Sesshomaru." Miroku and Sango both blinked at her...they didn't see that one coming. "Back when they were young, they were supposed to mate, but the treaty was voided anyways but it became worst since I came along and Sesshomaru sent her away and she is angry, so her and her father declared war." Kagome finally took a deep breath

"Why does trouble always follow you Kagome?" asked Sango with a smile

"I have no idea, but Sesshomaru is here to protect me." She said with confident

"Do you really know Sesshomaru that much to really trust him Kagome?" asked Miroku

"Yes, and I love him. I'm serious when I say I really do. Don't you guys trust my choices?" Asked Kagome a little hurt.

"Of course we do, but I just wanted to hear it personally from you." Miroku said with a soft smile. He was actually surprised at her declaration. Even with Inuyasha she had hesitated every time.

Kagome looked at her watch and smiled. "It's time to retire; I'll see you guys in 3 days."

"Why so long?" asked Sango in shock. The dream of immediate catching up was officially crushed.

"Well because that's how long it takes for the mating ceremony takes." She said. "That's why I was impatiently waiting for you guys to come way before today so we could have had some time to talk. Shippou though figured Miroku had gotten you two lost." giggled Kagome. Sango's harsh glare at the monk caused Kagome to start laughing a bit more, it was officially confirmed it was Miroku's fault.

"I wish you luck Kagome and Congratulations." Sango said with a huge smile and quick hug- looking happier and brighter than ever while Miroku gave Kagome a knowing smile and a pat on her shoulders.

"Thank you." Blushed Kagome as she practically ran to Sesshomaru

!#$%^&*(_)

Jaken cleared his throat and announced loudly, "My Lord and Lady will retire now." The room was filled with applause and cheering. "You may continue to enjoy yourselves." Sesshomaru added and lead Kagome away.

Kagome didn't know if she could be more embarrassed than she is at the moment. Her whole face was as red as a tomato. "You should breathe Kagome." Smiled Sesshomaru leading them down the complicated halls and eventually right in front of their room.

"Now that I'm here, maybe we should wait. Be-" Kagome was cut off by a passionate kiss which made her knees go weak instantly.

"Did I say let's wait? I say let's do it." Kagome moaned as Sesshomaru carried her to their room.

I'm really sorry because I have to make you guys wait so long and I apologize again, but like I said before, I don't have a computer so I have to type things on my phone and send it to my email, and I have to go through all these reviewing and then go to my school and eventually post it. It's really a lot of work so please be patient with me. Thank you and REVIEW!

A/N: So tell me why I literally wrote this chapter twice BECAUSE MY COMPUTER DELETED EVERYTHING!. I was so MAD! But oh well, I got over it and that was it for now! Hope you all enjoyed this chapter and Thank you all for your reviews and PATIENCE with my weird updating pattern. ENJOY! THANK YOU AND REVIEWWW!