"Kagura use Dance of the Dragon on the farthest most youkai" Kagome shouted over the sound of the thunder, her chocolate brown eyes pinned to the battlefield below, the moment the first enemy had fallen, it had been harder to keep up with all that was happening.

The Wind Youkai at her side waved her fan "DANCE OF THE DRAGON" Kagura called out her attack red eyes flying across the field searching picking out several familiar people before they vanished in the sea of bodies.

Akuto had amassed quite the army just to take down one person, granted she wasn't a normal person, no longer human, but twice as deadly as when he'd faced her, Naraku grit his teeth 'Guess it's better to join her than try to fight against her' he chuckled inwardly.

Unlike Kagura, he was throwing out his poisonous miasma towards the rear of the army taking down five to six youkai at a time, it was a slow process and extremely hard to see because he certainly didn't want to piss Kagome off if he accidentally killed someone from their side.

That slimy snake hadn't made an appearance yet and all knew Kagome was getting frustrated, a thunderous growl tore through the air, Touga and Sesshomaru had take on their true forms and slashing their paws through several groups.

From Sesshomaru's mouth he was dripping poison and the screams that came from those that meant the grisly fate of being eaten alive by the poison were sickening, but most ignored it, after months of being trained under Bankotsu and Jakotsu it was easy to focus on the fight.

Inuyasha was down there weaving in and out of attacks swinging Tetsusaiga randomly and calling out his favorite attack "Windscar" he was fighting to get his mate back, but Hinoko hadn't made an appearance either and it was quite worrying.

Jakotsu was slinging his snake like sword through several enemy on the front line thoroughly enjoying himself for the first time in a long while, but also being extremely careful, he'd made a promise to Zengo that he wouldn't die in this fight.

His best friend had made a similar promise to Noko, only he knew it but the panther was pregnant, no doubt Bankotsu's will to survive would get him through the war against the Southern Region, or rather Akuto.

A glint of silver and Bankotsu dashed forward slamming his Banryuu against a sword "Ha don't think so" he huffed cobalt blue eyes narrowed on his current enemy and a grin spread from ear to ear on his face if he made it out of this fight, he was going to be the best Father to his child.

"You're just a filthy human" the youkai that he'd crossed swords with spat glaring forcefully they clashed blades again generating angry sparks, "You have no business in a youkai war" he smirked trying to over power Bankotsu.

His lips twitched upwards in amusement "Who do you think it was that trained all these youkai, this filthy human that's who" Bankotsu shoved with all his strength knocking his opponent off balance "And this filthy human just beat you" he stared down coldly hacking the demons head off.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, his cobalt blue eyes scanned the battlefield and didn't spot any familiar person, it was to dark and the rain made visibility difficult, then Bankotsu lifted his head to stare at the sky at the spot he knew Kagome was lying in wait.

Screams filled the air and Bankotsu snapped his head in that direction, lifting Banryuu with ease before running full speed, he made it just in time "Hey Guys" he laughed hacking his way to the one who was screaming.

"Oh Sir" the youkai breathed standing on shaky legs, "They tried to gut me" he winced with a grimace his arm wrapped tightly around his stomach, "Would have killed me to" he chuckled weakly while Bankotsu stood there looking him over.

Looking the youkai over, Bankotsu could tell he was in serious condition "Get to the Medical Tent, get patched up and rejoin the fight if you feel up to it, if not start making you're way back to the Estate to help protect it" he ordered suddenly.

"Thank you Bankotsu Sir, Thank you" the youkai bowed repeatedly and keeping his arm firmly around his stomach made a mad dash towards the right avoiding attacks easier than before now that he had his orders.

Though when he made it to the area the Medical Tent was supposed to be in, he stopped unsure of what to do, he looked left and right waiting for five minute, he was about to leave when the air to the left of him shimmered.

Kikyo met him "You're quite the mess" she glanced briefly in his direction before taking him by the shoulders and leading him fully into the tent just as another youkai who'd nearly had his arm cut off saluted to Hojo and left the barrier.

"Oh looks like someone tried to gut you" Miroku stepped forward wiping sweat from his brow a serious frown on his face as he gestured for the injured youkai to sit "If you'd wait for just a moment longer" he instructed washing his hands free of the blood from the last forty or so youkai.

Azayaka smiled kindly "Sorry for the wait, I'll be you're healer for the moment" her hand filled with healing powers from her own youkai and pressed it over the bleeding gut wound "How are you even standing" she pursed her lips in consternation.

The youkai being treated smiled sheepishly "Not sure, but if the Cap'n hadn't saved my ass I prolly wouldn't be alive" his words were slurring together due to the amount of blood he'd lost and it was probably a wise idea if he headed back to the estate.

Peering over Azayaka's shoulder was Hojo "I'd recommend heading to the estate once you're finished being treated, at least that way you won't have to fight as much" the brown haired teenager quipped.

"I will you don't have to worry about that Hojo-sama" the youkai bowed his head the only thing he could move at that moment, "This is quite the set up" he gestured at the tent and Kikyo smiled it was the only thing she whole heartedly approved of.

Miroku chuckled "Yes well if you survive to the end of the fight thank Lady Kagome, it was her idea and thanks to Hojo here and his brilliant staff of medical youkai and of course the lovely Azayaka, none of this would be possible" he patted Hojo on the back.

"Not all the credit can go to her though, Lady Kikyo is an amazing woman, knowledgeable in herbs and keeping a barrier raised to make us invisible" he flashed the raven haired woman a grateful smile before whirling around as another injured youkai stumbled into the tent.

Five minutes later "There you're all done, you'll feel sore for awhile but that's due to you're flesh stitching together suddenly" Azayaka pulled back hands coated in blood and the youkai she'd just finished healing hopped up.

Thankful for all the preparations that had been made he bowed his entire upper body "I am in you're debt" he nodded once more before exiting the tent and barrier, he paused gazing in the direction the fight was still going on in before turning on his heel.

Halfway to the estate due to him speeding up exponentially a scream rented the air and he pulled his blade free from it's sheath just as an obvious dark miko came flying at him, his eyes widened but he held up his sword.

A shrill scream erupted from between her lips as a sword pierced her chest from the back, over her shoulder "Hurry up and get out of the way, these dark miko are everywhere" Kozui covered in copious amounts of blood kicked the body free of her sword.

"Right away Kozui-san" he bowed sheathing his sword and sprinting faster than before only grateful for Bankotsu's rigorous training sessions now because he wasn't sure how long he would have lasted otherwise.

Kozui grit her teeth and spun on her heel slashing her way through a group of youkai that had broken from the main battle and were trying to run amok in the Eastern Region, Ramei had fallen and as his friend, it was up to her to continue to fight in his stead.

With her free hand, she used her earth abilities "Chikyu no Nami" she breathed sending a wave of earth at the approaching enemy knocking them clear of their feet and into the air and then with her water abilities "Mizu Kyutai" Kozui growled using the rain to form spheres of water.

So that her opponents would drown, then she was flashing forward sword raised high once again hacking through some more dark miko who thought they could step foot in the land she called home, the Eastern Lands, the Aoiro Estate.

"Run on home little girl" one dark miko cackled "Let Akuto have the bitch he wants to kill" she waved her hands dismissing Kozui as a worthy fighter, she was unprepared for the waves of water to crash over her.

Brown eyes filled with an angry light "No one will lay a hand on Lady Kagome" Kozui snarled clenching her fist filling her sword with her youkai like she'd seen the vixen herself doing before and unleashed it.

Eyes wide with fright at the power of the elemental youkai, just before the blast hit her and she disintegrated, now breathing heavily from the exertion of how much youkai she'd used in that last attack, Kozui nearly went down to her knee's.

Then someone was there holding her up "Are you alright" an unfamiliar youkai had his arm wrapped around her waist at her glare he realized "Ah I'm Kemono" he swiped a hand through his purple hair, dark blue eyes scanning around them warily.

"You're from there side aren't you" Kozui snapped not liking that she was basically letting an enemy touch her, no matter how kind that youkai seemed, and finding enough strength rips herself out of his arms.

Kemono held up his hands "I was, but I was forced, I just took the chance to switch sides" he shrugged, the bushes to the right rustled and he was pulling his twin blades from the sheathes strapped across his back, just as a youkai jumped out at them.

Kozui's eyes widened as he sliced the youkai's head clean off of his body and it rolled several yards away "Hmmph just because you switched sides doesn't mean I trust you, Ramei was my last partner" and with that she stalked off on her heel searching along the Eastern Border.

All the way in the Aoiro Estate as she'd been tasked Kanna was situated beside Hakari showing him the fight with her mirror "Lady Kagome hasn't shown herself yet" the void youkai child explained when the dragon questioned her.

"I see, let me know when she reveals herself, I want to watch that snake burn for what he's tried to do" Hakari ordered gently, and Kanna sat down on the pillow that had been placed there for her, setting the mirror on a stand that had been made specifically for the mirror.

The council had ordered all the maids and servants towards the back of the estate where they were safest but a few were still milling about such as Natsumeru, while Hiten, Ishi, Ni and Deru, and the newer guard members were out patrolling just waiting for any sign of trouble.

Panic had happened in the estate though when Kimasu had discovered one of the maids, the male tanuki, Eki, who was the personal servant of Shippou, was missing and Hakari had his suspicions as to where he might be.

"Anything" Koware piped up in the otherwise silent room barreling through the doors her growing hatchlings waddling after her, four in total, Jaken following along behind her herding his children along, they hadn't been sent to the mountain because it was to dangerous.

Hence why Koware and Jaken had taken to hiding out in the caves below the estate "Nothing yet, so far it's just a long drawn out battle, but we are definitely winning" Hakari craned his neck around to meet the kappa females large bulbous blue eyes.

Jaken grumbled under his breath "And how is Milord doing" as soon as he asked his question the mirror shimmered to show Sesshomaru in his True Form, tearing through the bodies of enemy with his teeth, blood and poison dripping from his mouth on the ground and onto enemies.

Touga was in the same state stamping his massive paws on the ground crunching a few enemy that were stupid enough to get caught beneath them before snapping his jaws at a large group and gobbling several hole.

In all it was a gruesome sight and he was glad that there were no sound effects, because he was most certain that the screams of those that met such a grisly fate would haunt his memories for years to come "Right and Lady Kagome" he questioned instead.

The mirror remained on the image of Sesshomaru and Touga, with a red and silver blur weaving in and out of random groups, blasts of youkai, thunder and lightning, "So Milady hasn't shown herself yet" Koware frowned twisting her dress nervously.

Kanna shook her head "Not yet, Akuto hasn't either, they are in a deadlock, though we are winning, he might decide to flee and not show himself" she murmured in that soft voice that Koware knew would have Kagome squealing at.

Just then Natsumeru barreled through the main hall doors "Nagemasu and his son have gone to join the fight" she was clearly on the verge of a nervous break down "What should I do, Lady Kagome said to have them protected no matter what" she was shrieking hysterically.

Never having seen the tiger youkai so upset, Hakari took a deep breath "Take Deru with you and bring them back no matter what" he commanded and Natsumeru managed to get herself in control and nod glad they had such a great stand in for Kagome.

Fifteen minutes later she and the kitsune were off flying towards the two bird youkai never realizing that it would be the last time either of them would be alive, and just as they found the two youkai, one the former Lord of the South, and his Heir.

A dark miko who'd managed to sneak passed Kozui and the other youkai who were protecting the eastern border fiercely alongside Kemono, appeared before them shooting an arrow with dark reiki it shot towards them and Natsumeru and Deru only had enough time to shove Nagemasu out of the way.

When the bird youkai realized what had happened, it was far to late, his son, Natsumeru and Deru had been caught in the blast of dark reiki and had disintegrated, furious, Nagemasu pinned dark red eyes on the dark miko.

"YOU BITCH YOU'LL PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE" he snarled launching his body forward grieving for his son, and punched his clawed fist straight through the woman's chest gripping her heart and pulling it brutally from her body.

Several moments later Akushu appeared at his side "Come you must return to the Aoiro Estate" the spider tried to usher Nagemasu back to the estate but the bird youkai refused to budge "Fine, but know that Lady Kagome won't be happy" Akushu sighed.

Then they were flying towards the battle thanks to Nagemasu and joining the fight, though Akushu feared for his life, he wasn't afraid to defend his home, he just didn't join the physical fight, it was all out chaos on the field.

Up above still waiting for Akuto to show himself and for Hinoko to appear probably under control, Kagome felt a shiver run down her spine and her eyes immediately flew to the ground directly below her "What is it Lady Kagome" Naraku noticed her distracted state immediately.

"Fucking Nagemasu, I swear when this is all over I'm gonna strangle him" Kagome snarled chewing on her lip viciously brown eyes hardening as she also spied blonde hair weaving in and out of fights and a silk like substance being wrapped around some.

"Not only that, but that idiot has Akushu helping him" she growled shoving down the urge to cry, she already felt as if some of her trusted friends in the estate had perished because Kagome could no longer feel Natsumeru or Deru, and of course Ramei had long since passed.

A thrill of fear shot through him at the demonic voice and Naraku took over searching the ground for Hinoko and blanketing random groups of enemy in his poisonous miasma, he was beginning to feel the strain of using it so much, but if he gave up now Kagome would have his head.

Lightning streaked passed them and bouncing harmlessly off Kagome's barrier crashing into a tree below knocking it over and on top of a small cluster of enemy, howls sounded below and the vixen spotted several of Kouga's and Ayame's wolfs and a few humanoid wolf youkai.

Kagura breathed heavily using her dance of the dead to control the enemy and have them attack the enemy, "This fight is going on way to long" she panted red eyes narrowed and brow covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

Not sure what to tell her Kagome shrugged sending a blast of pure reiki towards a group that was surrounding an extremely injured youkai, before unsheathing Chiryo-ho "Iyashino Bakuhatsu" she swung her sword through the air contributing to the battle and healing a few youkai that were in the blast range of the healing ability.

Sheathing her sword again, Kagome swiped a hand through her hair agitated just as she felt Akushu's youkai vanish from the field, and she knew he was gone "Lady Kagome" Naraku's voice called her back from the edge.

Kagome looked in the direction the spider was pointing and her chocolate brown eyes widened "That fucking traitor I'm going to kill him" she began directing her foxfire cloud towards the ground but Naraku's hand on her arm stopped her.

"Let me go Lady Kagome, it is my job to retrieve Hinoko is it not" her red eyes were narrowed in determination as she asked her question and Kagome ground her teeth together before nodding, Kagura smiled and directed her feather to the ground.

Twenty minutes passed before the wind youkai returned with an unconscious Hinoko and Eki, "Do you want me to take them to the estate and have that one locked up" Kagura gestured to the male tanuki seeing the fury in Kagome's eyes.

Spine straight as a board, Kagome snapped her teeth, she'd trusted him with her precious kit and he betrayed them, she wasn't going to let him off so easily like she had that one guard what seemed so long ago.

"Yes please Kagura, check in on the others, tell them of Akushu, Natsumeru, Deru and Ramei's fate and not to mourn them as it will only dishonor their memory" the kitsune ordered in a voice thick with emotion before it was locked away.

And then Kagura was flying off with her two hitchhikers "What do you want me to do Lady Kagome, the enemy is dwindling down and Akuto hasn't shown himself yet" Naraku the only one left and feeling exhausted from excessive use of his youkai asked.

Kagome turned to him then "Get down to Inuyasha, tell him to head back to the Estate, Hinoko will need him by her side when she wakes and figures out what happened, you to Naraku, help Hakari and the others defend the Estate" she commanded.

In a flash the spider youkai who'd gone from greatest enemy to one of her greatest allies, was landing lightly on the ground grateful to move around, then he practically vanished from sight heading towards the red and silver blur.

"Naraku why aren't you up there with Kagome" Inuyasha growled in a low voice hacking his Tetsusaiga through another enemy who decided to get to close, he was covered in blood and had several wounds that were slowly healing due to his accelerated healing abilities.

Holding up his hands "Lady Kagome has a message, Hinoko has been retrieved from the enemy, I'm to take you back to the estate where she is now waiting with Kagura" Naraku hastily explained and the inuyoukai hanyou relaxed sheathing Tetsusaiga.

"You Hear That Old Man, Sesshomaru, I'm going after my mate" Inuyasha turned to the growling inudaiyoukai who reverted back to their humanoid forms, equally as covered in blood and eyes an eerie red color, they'd lost themselves to their inner youkai.

Though it seemed the two recognized him somewhat as they simply growled in the ancient inu language that he didn't understand in the slightest a couple minutes later, Sesshomaru managed to come back to himself if only just.

"Go then Inuyasha, you must not keep Hinoko waiting, Father get up there with Kagome, she's going to need you know that Naraku and Kagura are returning to the estate" was all he got out before his eyes returned to that red color and he transformed into his true from again.

Struggling to regain control, Touga took a deep breath and harshly reigned in his inner youkai, eyes returning to that familiar golden color "Go Inuyasha, Naraku be safe" he ordered forming his cloud beneath his feet and taking to the skies.

If Kagome was surprised to see him suddenly floating next to her, she didn't show it, instead the vixen kept her eyes glued to the field sensing the retreating youkai of Naraku and Inuyasha as Sesshomaru redoubled his efforts in attacking the remaining enemy.

Which wasn't much and yet Akuto hadn't made an appearance, it made he wary "Do you think he's going to try and run" suddenly spilled from her lips and Touga almost jumped but managed to keep from reacting to much to the sudden noise.

"He's done it before hasn't he" Touga pointed out remembering the time by the well, and Kagome nodded chewing furiously on her lip again, it was already raw and slightly bloody from her sharp canines, but he knew better than to try and scold her for it at that moment.

Her eyes clenched shut as another crash of thunder sounded and the rain came down harder than before obscuring their vision just as the last of the army that Akuto had amassed fell, and finally the youkai they were all waiting for appeared.

Kagome and Touga split apart as he appeared from above them diving head first sword tip pointed at the vixens head "You bitch how could you be stronger than me, I spent weeks gathering that army" he was clearly angry.

And to add insult to injury, she smirked "You might have spent time gathering them, but how long did you actually spend having them trained" she snickered though her words were dripping with fury as she unsheathed Mizubyokiyogan-chiryo-ho.

Akuto shouted furious that he'd been beaten by a female no less "I'm going to kill you, you heartless bitch and then the East and South shall be mine, All Mine" he snarled launching forward and Kagome neatly rolled out of the way.

Touga knew what to do and lowered his cloud to the ground "Retreat, head back to the estate" he ordered all those that remained which is quite a lot, he couldn't say the same for the enemy Akuto had prepared, the guard immediately turned tail and ran for the estate.

A familiar youkai darted passed him and Sesshomaru reached out grasping her arm "Kozui alert Kikyo, Miroku and Hojo and help them return to the estate" he commanded noticing the absence of her partner, though there was an interesting youkai following along behind her.

She nodded "Come on you idiot" Kozui grasped the youkai's arm and tugged him along after him grumbling under her breath the entire way, "You're lucky Lord Sesshomaru doesn't make it a habit to memorize all the guards faces" she growled.

"Now, now Kozui-chan" Kemono chuckled and she snapped her head in his direction, put out with the fact that the one he wanted to be with didn't like him, he sighed sinking into a slight depression "So do you think you're Lady will accept me" he asked.

Kozui shrugged heartlessly, she didn't quite trust the ogre hanyou who clearly looked more like whatever parent had been ningen "Not sure, but you do have a chance" her heart squeezed at the thought of this youkai being executed, especially since he was her true mate.

The one she was meant to be with for all eternity, and it only took a fight with the taken over Southern Region to find him, not that she was quite willing to admit it since she was still grieving the loss of her best friend and partner.

When the main hall started being flooded with the guard and what not, Hakari looked to the void youkai child at his side "Show me Lady Kagome" he commanded politely, Kanna reached out and touched the mirror and an image formed.

Of the vixen already engaged in a fight with Akuto, obviously she was running around him in circles, with Sesshomaru, Touga and Nagemasu standing around in the background watching the fight closely and keeping their eyes peeled for any surprises that Akuto had thought up.

Kagome launched forward bouncing on the balls of her feet as she spun her sword in a wide arc creating a long thin scratch on Akuto's bare chest, she must have done it earlier removing his armor, while she had a few scratches on her arms and one sleeve of her battle kimono was missing.

The hall as a whole fell silent as they watched their Lady and Mistress fight against the bastard who had challenged them, tried to ruin their lives, take over their home, threaten to kill those most precious to them.

It was amazing how Kagome seemed to fear nothing falling into each attack that Akuto made against her only to retaliate by biting into his arm, or raking her claws down his face, or slashing her sword against his own.

What was really going on each time Akuto called her a foul name, Kagome would laugh and strike out with a fist "Really now you think that's going to hurt, I'm pretty sure the worst I've ever been called is a filthy ningen, and as you can see I'm no longer ningen" she giggled.

Behind them Touga winced as Kagome landed a particularly vicious blow on Akuto's side and kicked him forcefully away from her freeing Mizubyokiyogan-chiryo-ho from his flesh as he rolled to his feet again.

"Why don't you just give in you have no chance against me" Akuto growled dodging the blast of pure reiki feeling the hair of his arm tingle slightly, he didn't want to let on how nervous he actually was, because he had never believed a mere kitsune would be this competent a leader.

Kagome bared her teeth hackles raised "No Akuto, you fucked with the wrong youkai, this Kagome protects what is hers" she growled inner youkai taking over and eyes turning black, the opposite of when Touga, Inuyasha or Sesshomaru lose themselves to their inner youkai.

Having lost herself to her baser instincts, Kagome became even more vicious than before, sparing Akuto not even another word just unintelligible growls that tore through the air and sent shudders racing down Nagemasu's and Touga's spine.

In a flurry of movement the vixen charged forward and struck out with her foot fighting hand to hand with the snake, delivering crushing blows with her fists or feet as Akuto tried to keep up but was failing miserably since he hadn't trained like Kagome had.

He made a move to protect himself and Kagome slashed her claws down his arms drawing a pained yell from Akuto but she wasn't done, even as he jumped back, the vixen didn't allow him any breathing room.

Sesshomaru cringed, "Akuto's not going to survive much longer" he quipped making light of the situation and Touga growled under his breath, he understood very much, Kagome was bleeding and he didn't like it either.

"Watch it pup or you'll be getting an ass whooping as soon as this is all over" the older dai grumbled, probably his millionth time at mentioning the threat, that was basically empty words, they were all tired and yet morning still hadn't broke over the lands yet.

A blast of reiki raised their hackles and since they were so close, the hair on their arms were singed "Let's get a little further away" Nagemasu suggested not wanting to end up with the same fate as his first born son.

Not willing to argue and risk getting hit with a stray attack especially since Kagome was lost to her inner youkai still, Sesshomaru nodded "Yes" he jumped back just as a large cloud of poison sailed their way.

That snake had actually deflected Kagome's, Doku no Ha, but no doubt Akuto had inhaled some of it, it was potent after all, and she was definitely smirking, as she raised a barrier and the foolish youkai got a shock to the system.

"What did you do" he screamed holding up his ruined arm and Kagome gave him a feral smile eyes as black as coal unaffected by the smell of burnt flesh, "Answer me bitch" Akuto snarled not liking her apparent smugness.

If anything her smirk deepened a flicker of emotion appeared within her currently coal black eyes before a derisive snort slipped between her plump pink lips "You sure you want me to answer" Kagome leaned cockily on her sword, it glowing a light blue speaking to her in the only way it could.

Before Akuto's eyes, she vanished using her fox magic to make herself transparent, stalking around her prey, Kagome struck out with her foot and it connected with Akuto's back, for a little more oomph, she added just a tiny bit of her reiki to the attack.

A pained yelp and her lips pulled back into an amused grin "What's the matter Akuto, you're all talk and no bite" Kagome giggled dancing out of the way as he threw something at her, it exploded, but she didn't pay attention to it.

"When I get my hands on you wench" Akuto growled in a threatening tone of voice yellow eyes peering around him warily, the vixen was to good at using her youkai and reiki abilities together making for a dangerous opponent.

He briefly contemplated fleeing to rebuild his army and try again, thrumming sounded to his left and Akuto ducked only to get nailed in the stomach and he went skidding backwards barely able to remain on his feet.

"Was that supposed to be a threat" her voice came to his right, and Akuto reached out raking his claws through empty air, a giggle sounded behind him and he spun pulling his sword from his sheath swinging it through once again empty air.

Growing angry at the thought that she was just messing with him "Show yourself bitch, and fight me like a warrior not a coward" Akuto baited hoping she would reveal herself, it didn't work, instead a blast of pure reiki shot towards him from absolutely no where.

Barely having enough time to dodge, his hair on his only remaining good arm became singed, he was fighting one handed now, not a good situation, "Aw is poor Akuto angry that the measly little vixen is winning" Kagome unveiled herself for just a moment.

Touga's eyes widened as Akuto lunged forward and thrust the tip of his sword through Kagome's chest, a second later he was exhaling in relief as did Sesshomaru as it turned out to be just an illusion that Kagome had created out of her fox magic.

"Stop screwing around wench enough of you're games" Akuto spat not liking that she'd gotten him backed into a corner, him never knowing where she would strike or what she was currently still very capable of.

Watching with baited breath in the Aoiro Estate were Hakari, Hiten, Mitsumeru, Ni, Yuka, Ayumi, Hojo, Eri, Yuutsuna, Shuri, Bankotsu, Jakotsu, Higashigawa, Satomi, Kaede, Kikyo, Toya, Ishi, Kagura, Naraku, Miroku, Sango, Kohaku, Kanna.

Zengo, Noko, Tochaku, Kimasu, Megane, Kozui and Kemono, who'd been ordered by Hakari to stay next to the elemental youkai female, and of course the entirety of the guard that remained and the newer members who hadn't been up to par, Koware, Jaken and a few others.

So far it had been a bloody fight, but now it had degenerated to Kagome pulling seemingly mischievous tricks on her opponent, she was good, it being only the second time most of them had seen their Lady fight ever since the fight against Yaramaru, she hadn't taken up her sword again.

There had been that one time with a guard, but she'd banished him and now that it had come to light that one of their own had betrayed Kagome's trust, none of them thought for a single second that the accused would live another day once the kitsune got a hold of him.

They kept their eyes glued to the mirror as Kanna held it up for all to see, just in time for Kagome to land a blow to Akuto's head with her fist, no doubt jarring his brains for a moment and knocking him down, but of course that didn't stop the snake youkai from standing back up.

All could tell their precious Lady was slowly wearing down as was Akuto, and though they wished they were there helping Kagome, they knew that the kitsune would never let them take away her prey.

Koware turned away as Kagome finally slashed her sword through Akuto's ruined arm, dismembering him and felt sick "There, there Koware-chan, we both knew Lady Kagome would never let that snake live so long as she lived" Jaken patted her on the back.

"I've never seen Milady hurt a soul before, what did Akuto do to piss off Lady Kagome" Koware sniffled softly into her mates shoulder, only glad they'd had the foresight to leave their hatchlings with Inuyasha and Hinoko who were still in the medical wing of the estate.

Hesitating in answering that question, but not wanting to lie "He touched Shippou, had his disgusting claws in the kits flesh, Lady Kagome nearly went insane with anger" Jaken finally admitted and a few nearby youkai shuddered knowing that it was never wise to touch what Kagome claimed as hers and Shippou was definitely hers.

Back on the battlefield, even Sesshomaru couldn't help but wince as Kagome swung her foot out and smashed it into Akuto's knee, it buckled under the force of her kick and she slammed her fist into his face a loud crack tore through the air signaling she'd broken something.

When Akuto lifted his head and stood on his feet, blood was trickling down his nose "Hehehe" Kagome snickered using her fox magic again "Come on Akuto, just give in, you're a dead youkai anyway" she giggled spinning to the right out of the way of his next attack.

A simple swing of his sword, though she could tell it wasn't as strong as before, he was wearing down, Kagome took a deep breath "I may be a dead youkai, but I'm going to take you down with me" Akuto vowed just as a terrifying growl rented the air.

It was enough to calm her inner youkai down and Kagome blinked easily adjusting her fighting stance, even though she was invisible for the moment, she still had to be careful, and she hadn't even used her ace in the hole yet.

For just a second she was distracted and Kagome had to spin narrowly out of the way of a blast of youkai, "You've been spying on me for a long time" she commented finally unveiling herself completely to Akuto.

"Oh yes, I knew exactly what I was doing when I spent my spy Eki there, even better that he was put in charge of that whining little brat of yours" Akuto chortled in amusement missing the fury that spread across Kagome's face until it was to late.

Landing a harsh punch to his temple, he reeled from the blow just as Kagome did a spin and swung her foot into his side, Akuto went flying, skidding across the ground painfully probably receiving many more scrapes.

Only then did he realize his mistake, the one thing guaranteed to piss Kagome off like nothing ever did before was mention Shippou in a degrading way "You Want To Say That Again" she was eerily calm and Akuto knew then he'd chosen the wrong opponent.

He wisely kept his mouth shut though jumping to his feet, a second later Kagome lunged and he was barely able to deflect the next kick, that sent him careening backwards into a tree, it broke and toppled over the force of his impact.

"I SAID WANT TO SAY THAT AGAIN" Kagome snarled in a way she never had before completely lost to her inner youkai, eyes jet black again and emotionless, shivers raced down even Sesshomaru's spine this time.

And everyone watching in the estate who saw the fury on their Lady's face, none of them knew exactly what had been said but some could hazard a guess and speculate that Akuto had made the mistake of threatening someone precious to Kagome.

On his part, Akuto did very well not pissing his pants in fear as Kagome stalked forward silent and much more deadly, he'd actually prefer her taunting remarks again if only because then at least he knew what to expect.

Now he was fighting completely blind and he had been the one to push the vixen over the proverbial edge "Now, now surely we can work this out" Akuto resorted to begging, but Kagome was having none of it.

As she reached forward and grasped his hair in a white knuckled grip, literally lifting him off the ground with nothing but brute force and kneed him straight the nuts, he choked on his saliva biting down on his tongue tasting blood as he let out a strangled and pained moan.

Her other hand came up and wrapped around his neck and by the kami she was enjoying strangling him "Ple…Plea…please" Akuto struggled in her grasp barely able to get that single word out with how much pressure she was applying to his neck.

On the sidelines, Nagemasu turned his head away and Touga almost did the same, but he forced himself to keep watching, "Do you see now Father, why it's never a good idea to piss off a True Alpha Female" Sesshomaru's grating voice filled his ears.

But he was to focused on watching Kagome completely destroy Akuto to make another empty threat of how he was going to whip Sesshomaru's ass, of course he knew it was suicide to threaten an Alpha Female's child, adopted or otherwise, but Kagome.

She took being an alpha female to a whole unexpected new level, she was more vicious, brutal against those that touched what she claimed, and by the fates she was positively more possessive over what she called hers.

Though there was a teeny little part of him that secretly enjoyed watching her in action, the way she laughed, the way she fought, the way she moved, her lithe body weaving in and out of attacks, chocolate brown eyes full of determination and a frown creased upon her forehead.

Her lips set in concentration and her jaw locked as she came up with a new fighting style on the spot, Kagome was perhaps the most beautiful demoness he'd ever had the pleasure of watching and Touga couldn't help his reaction as his cock hardened.

Sesshomaru wrinkled his nose up as the smell of his fathers lust wafted into the air and he rolled his golden amber eyes "Really Father is now the time to be fantasizing over Kagome" he growled, but Touga ignored him for the most part.

"You're just jealous that you're woman isn't a fighter like mine" his eyes had turned into pools of molten burning liquid as Touga kept his eyes glued to Kagome as she with a single arm tossed Akuto away from her and he landed in a heap of limbs.

The youkai was barely able to stand, thanks to the various bleeding wounds, the poison coursing through his veins, missing an arm, gasping for air as he struggled to regain his bearings, he wasn't going to last much longer and Kagome obviously knew that.

Just then "Foxfire" the vixen sent a blast of blue fire at Akuto and it ate through his clothes, the smell of burnt flesh filled the air, but Kagome barely crinkled up her nose at it, as she unsheathed Mizubyokiyogan-chiryo-ho again.

Akuto wasn't above pleading for his life as she stalked forward "Wait please, give me a chance, I'll do anything" his yellow eyes widened in horror as she cut off his last arm "AAAAAAAAAAAA" his scream echoed over the battlefield.

Nagemasu who'd just managed to return his attention on the fight turned away again and became violently ill, youkai didn't get sick due to their high tolerance against most things, but the sight of that bloody arm being kicked away made his stomach churn.

In all this time Kagome hadn't said much of anything after Akuto had mentioned her kit, "Mizu Tatsumaki" she growled slashing her sword through the air sending the tornado of water at Akuto who barely, only by the skin of his teeth managed to get out of the way.

She wasn't done though "Yogan No Sakeme" Kagome snarled stabbing the sharp point of her sword into the ground and Akuto leaped into the air gasping as his lungs burned, that had just been what she'd been waiting for.

And because he wouldn't be able to get away, Kagome threw one of her immobilizing daggers and it struck Akuto in the shoulder, he started falling to the earth just as she called out one of her last remaining abilities "Doku no Ha" she sneered.

The cloud of thick green poison washed over Akuto who inhaled several lungfuls of the potent poison "Stop, please stop" he was begging again and her lips curled upwards in amusement, still lost to her baser instincts, her inner youkai essentially.

"Did you stop when you forced Inuyasha and Nagemasu under you're control, or how about when you took over the Southern Region, did you stop then, or maybe when you kidnapped Ayame to hopefully use people I trust against me" Kagome stalked forward.

Sesshomaru, Touga, Nagemasu and all males watching in the Aoiro Estate through Kanna's mirror cringed visibly as Kagome raised her foot and stomped on Akuto's nuts drawing a strangled yell from the snake youkai.

While the females just grimaced and laughed weakly "Just kill me" Akuto pleaded hoping she would just hit him with a blast of her reiki, but of course he couldn't be that lucky, no Kagome lifted him up once again with brute force until he was eye level.

With those coal black eyes "As you wish" she smiled in a deceptively sweet voice, making his skin crawl just before Kagome plunged her hand through his chest gripping his heart and squeezing it cruelly.

"I should have you thrown in my dungeon to rot away the rest of you're life, but being able to live is to good for you and I can't take the chance that you might find a way to escape and take up arms against me" she explained why she couldn't let him live.

Blood splattered across her face as a vein erupted, Akuto went limp in her hold and Kagome ripped his heart brutally from his chest cavity, before letting him drop to the ground lifelessly, then without a care in the world, Kagome tossed the heart into the air.

Took aim with one of her reiki arrows, having pulled out her bow for just this moment, and let loose "GO" Kagome shouted feeling herself weakening, Akuto's heart and body disintegrated and she fell to her knee's utterly exhausted.

Knowing what was coming, Touga raced forward and caught her just as Kagome transformed into her fox state unable to sustain her humanoid form due to the lack of youkai she had "Let's get her back to the Aoiro Estate, we'll deal with this later" he ordered.

Nagemasu glanced at the spot that Akuto had just been in "Good riddance" he spat spitting on the snakes final resting place, not that anyone would remember, then unfolded his wings and took to the skies following after Sesshomaru and Touga.

"Has this ever happened before" Touga was worried that Kagome wouldn't wake up, she'd used a lot of her youkai and reiki in the fight and no doubted needed her rest, but he couldn't help but fuss over the unconscious female in his arms.

Sesshomaru rolled his golden eyes "This is the second time it has happened the first was when she went to the netherworld to retrieve your soul" he explained watching as his Father ran a gently hand down the sleek black fur of Kagome's fox state.

A few minutes later the three of them plus the passed out kitsune touched down outside the Aoiro Estate and cheers erupted from before them, Mitsumeru who was grieving her sister came forward from the crowd a proud but sad smile formed on her lips.

"This way we must put Lady Kagome to bed" she beckoned the two dai's forward and led them down the halls of the estate to the vixen's room, the futon was made and Masshiro and Kegawa were already there eyes glued to their mistress.

Touga gently set Kagome on the pillow and a small blanket was placed over her as Masshiro and Kegawa surrounded her on both sides, then they left leaving Mitsumeru to keep watch over her Lady, standing guard outside the doors.

By the time they made it to the main hall, the cheers had gotten louder and Hakari was having a hard time reigning them all in "Until Kagome awakens, we can't do anything" Sesshomaru called and it became eerily silent.

"Will Milady be alright" Koware called waddling towards the younger dai with Jaken on her heels, Sesshomaru nodded and she sighed in relief "Oh thank kami" she turned to her mate hugging him for all she was worth as tears filled her bulbous blue eyes.

Sesshomaru smiled kindly down at the kappa vassal, she'd been a good choice for Kagome "Know this Kagome will rest for a couple of days, so just celebrate and hope she awakens soon" he turned his attention on the crowd gathered.

Knowing there was nothing they could do, Satomi, Higashigawa, Toya, Kaede, and Kikyo returned to their rooms as did everyone else, as the cooks got started on a late breakfast, as the sun crested over the four regions.