-Sorry it's a bit late! I had New Year's stuff to do yesterday. The chapter is a bit longer than normal (two extra pages) and this is the length I hope to make the chapters as a standard. Hope you enjoy it!
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Lord Rei drummed his fingers against his thigh, watching the door impatiently.
They should have been here by now.
The daiyoukai chewed the inside of his cheek for a moment, and stopped, reminding himself of the crude nature of such an action. He must remain patient. But the news of Lord Sesshomaru's visit came a week ago. Even with the burden of his human ward, Lord Sesshomaru would not be that slow.
Lord Rei would not care, under most circumstances. It was a well known fact that Lord Sesshomaru's father was the most powerful of the youkai lords ruling the country, and his eldest son, though inexperienced, was well on his way to earning that title for himself. He could be a few days later than expected for a meeting, especially in times like this.
But Lord Rei was excited.
He bit his cheek again, and chastised himself. The togu before him was telling of the poison infecting crops as of late, and lack of food for the winter would kill them. Lord Rei was listening, and could parrot back each word the togu said, but part of his mind couldn't keep away from Lord Sesshomaru.
News of the Hana no Shukumei spread like wildfire through the land. The last one found over two centuries ago belonged to the Inu no Taishou's human mate. Like father like son, Lord Rei thought, when he learned that Lord Sesshomaru's mate was also a human who possessed the flower. However, learning that she was a miko transformed youkai surprised all the lords. An unheard of situation.
Lord Rei desperately wanted to meet her, and the longer it took Lord Sesshomaru to arrive, the thinner his patience wore.
". . . and we worry there may not be enough for the northern most villages," the togu said, crossing his hands politely in his lap.
Lord Rei brought himself to the present. "That is unfortunate," he said, pushing Lord Sesshomaru's mate from his mind. "I will send sentries to investigate the fields. If you do not have enough crops to survive, there is a surplus here at the castle that can be sent."
The togu brightened considerably, and bowed low. "Thank you, my lord. I speak for your subjects when I say that we are eternally grateful for your kind rule."
Lord Rei smiled. "It is my duty as Lord of the East." He waved a hand toward the door.
The togu left quickly, after spouting another thanks. Lord Rei turned his words over again. The sudden death of resources was an issue, and something to be brought up with Lord Sesshomaru. It was likely the reason the Lord of the West was coming at all.
Meeting his mate was a side benefit of such a visit.
He could not get his mind off her. Lord Rei's own mate and family were wonderful, and he hoped for the same happiness for the young inu lord. Any woman who could capture the stoic man's heart would be a sight, regardless of her youkai or human status.
"My lord!"
His head snapped up at the voice across the door. "Enter," he said calmly.
The door slid open, and a guard stepped in, bowing down. "My lord," he said again.
"Speak," Lord Rei said, almost wishing formality wasn't required from his servants. It made the process of being given messages much longer.
"Lord Sesshomaru approaches, my lord," the guard said, keeping his head down.
A grin spread across his face, and Lord Rei said, "Thank you. Send someone to meet him."
The guard hesitated, and said, "Apologies, my lord, but that will not be possible. Lord Sesshomaru and his companions approach from the sky."
Lord Rei paused, and chuckled to himself. "Very well. I will meet him myself."
The guard did not know how to respond, and bowed lower. "Yes, my lord."
"You are dismissed." Lord Rei stood, waving his hand toward the door again. The guard left quickly, and Lord Rei chuckled again. The guard must be new, if he was not used to Lord Rei's assertive nature. If Lord Sesshomaru did not come by foot, Lord Rei had no qualms meeting him in the sky.
He tightened his chest plate, and departed from the throne room. The halls were filled with youkai and humans working in tandem, each bowing before their lord as he passed. He nodded to each as he walked, preparing himself.
According to rumors, Lord Sesshomaru's mate was not any human miko turned youkai. She was the miko fighting against the threat called Naraku, a threat that had been troublesome, but not a problem, until recently. If the messenger sent to alert him of Lord Sesshomaru was correct, the youkai known as Naraku was the one poisoning the land and depriving their subjects of what they needed.
And if Lord Sesshomaru's mate was fighting against such a threat, she already had a piece of Lord Rei's favor.
Although the stories from Lord Tatsuya were a sign of trouble.
Lord Rei frowned at this. That escapade was something he did not care to repeat. Lord Sesshomaru's messengers claimed it was the fault of Lord Tatsuya, while the Lord of the South blamed it on Lord Sesshomaru's mate, and said that she tempted him with indecent behavior.
Considering Lord Tatsuya's attitude, Lord Rei was inclined to believe Lord Sesshomaru. However, he could not be entirely sure until he met this mysterious miko youkai.
()
Kagome clung tightly to Sesshomaru's side, checking behind her every few minutes. Ah-Un snorted when he saw her looking, and flicked his tail toward his back, indicating the safety of the children. They sat upon his back, each holding a piece of Ah-Un's rein, lest they slip off.
Jaken stood at Sesshomaru's feet, keeping an eye on the skies around them. Kagome turned to face forward again. Soon they would be at the castle of Lord Rei, the Lord of the East. Presumably they would be staying for at least a few days, while Sesshomaru spoke with him about the danger of Naraku and his ploy against their citizens.
Kagome glanced at the children again. She did not mind traveling to meet anyone, and it would be good to know Sesshomaru's fellow rulers. But the kids had to be tired. Shippo was exhausted after her fiasco with running to Kaede and back, and all three fell asleep a bit too quickly the night they returned. She worried the travel might not be healthy.
Especially for little Hatori. Kagome sighed as she looked at the tiny neko hanyou. He was much younger than Shippo or Rin, and probably wasn't used to traveling. As it was, his grandfather thought he was at Sesshomaru's castle and would come to get Hatori soon, if he wasn't already there waiting. Kagome promised to help them find a new place to live. The kit didn't need to be running around on Naraku's trail.
The cloud beneath their feet shifted, and Kagome clung tighter. Sesshomaru insisted on keeping her by him, though Kagome would have felt better about sitting on Ah-Un with the children. There wasn't enough room on the dragon, but Kagome couldn't help glancing back repeatedly.
She awoke by herself the morning before they set out. The lonely feeling she had surprised her, but left when she saw Sesshomaru waiting at the edge of camp. They spent a short training session working on her purification abilities before leaving for the East.
Kagome didn't think Sesshomaru could help her with miko powers, but it turned out that controlling miko powers and youkai powers had similar techniques. His instructions on patience and focusing her energy helped.
Still, she hoped she could work on her abilities as well on her own and with Sesshomaru as she thought she could with Kaede. Kagome still cringed when she thought about the village mishap.
"We have arrived."
Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru, and searched the sky ahead of them. After a moment, houses came into view on the ground below. Beyond them, a tall gate, and within that, a castle.
The castle of the East. The home of Lord Rei.
Clutching tighter to Sesshomaru, Kagome gulped. Hopefully Lord Rei was more gracious than Lord Tatsuya. It would be hard to be worse than Tatsuya, but the worry hung back in Kagome's mind.
"He will most likely meet us halfway," Sesshomaru said, keeping an eye on the buildings below.
"How so?" Kagome asked, looking where he did.
Her question was answered almost immediately. On the gate surrounding the castle, a figure could be seen leaping across the logs that made up the protective wall. It jumped from the gate, and began moving across the trees in and around the village.
As the figure moved closer, Kagome could make out its features. A male youkai, judging by the lavender hair and strong body. He wore extravagant clothing much like Sesshomaru's, dyed blue and green, with armor covering his chest and shoulders. His hair, reaching to his feet, was tied back in a large braid. His clothing, paired with the green sun emblem Kagome could just make out on his forehead, led her to realize this was Lord Rei.
As they approached what had to be the capital city around the castle, the group descended, meeting the ground at the edges of the smaller gate protecting the capital. Lord Rei leaped across building tops, until he was a hundred yards from them, and hit the ground to meet them. Kagome watched through the open gates of the city, as he ran to them with a grin.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" His voice boomed across the space between them. Several villagers near the gates looked up, but did not seem surprised.
"Lord Rei," Sesshomaru said in a calm tone, as the Lord of the East met them.
He was shorter than Sesshomaru by a few inches, but no less impressive. He had a thicker chest and limbs, with a square jaw and eyes that sparkled deep blue. He reminded Kagome of her father, full of muscle and ready to protect what was his. His braid flopped around lazily with each movement, and Lord Rei batted it back occasionally to keep it out of his way.
Realizing she still clung to Sesshomaru, Kagome blushed and quickly pulled away. Sesshomaru let her, dropping his arm from her shoulders. As the kids dismounted Ah-Un and Jaken came to Sesshomaru's other side, Lord Rei broke his gaze with Sesshomaru, and seemed to notice Kagome for the first time.
His eyes lit up. "Lord Sesshomaru, is this the mate I have heard so much about?"
"Indeed, though we are not yet mated." Sesshomaru flicked his eyes toward Kagome, and back to the Lord of the East.
"How far along is the Mating Dance?"
"Acceptance," Sesshomaru answered, and Kagome thought she heard a slight bite in his voice. The term was new, as Sesshomaru only before referred to the Mating Dance in steps.
Lord Rei quirked an eyebrow. "Only Acceptance? Have you not been together for more than a month? My mate and I were bound after three weeks."
"I am aware," Sesshomaru said. "However, we did not have a prearranged mating or any feelings toward one another before the Hana no Shukumei was found. As nothing better than acquaintances with no ties to each other, we are progressing well enough."
Lord Rei glanced between the two, and grinned. "Fair enough," he said. Turning to Kagome, he bowed, and said, "May I formally introduce myself? I am Lord Rei of the East, Taiyo daiyoukai, and more than pleased to meet you."
Kagome smiled, and bowed in response. "It's wonderful to meet you, Lord Rei. I am Kagome."
Lord Rei quirked an eyebrow. "You do not introduce yourself by title?"
"She humbles herself," Sesshomaru said, stepping in front of Kagome. "She is the future Lady of the West, inu youkai."
Lord Rei grinned again. "I have heard some dispute about that title. Shall we discuss this further inside?" He gestured toward the gate.
"Yes." Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome.
"Yes," Kagome said, nodding. She turned, gesturing Shippo to come. The fox stepped to her side, and gave her a small smile.
Lord Rei seemed to notice the children for the first time, looking at Shippo, and Hatori standing behind him, near Ah-Un. The neko hanyou flattened his ears sheepishly. Rin hooked an arm around his shoulder and gave him an encouraging hug.
"You have a few new additions," Lord Rei said, gesturing to Shippo.
"That's my son," Kagome said, ruffling his hair. Shippo smirked and pushed her hand away.
"A fox?" Lord Rei frowned. "Is he adopted, or from a previous mating?"
"Adopted," Kagome said. "He lost his parents when I met him. I took him under my care, but I didn't officially adopt him until he'd been with me for some time." She stroked his head gently.
"And the hanyou?" Lord Rei glanced at Hatori again.
"A child in need of help," Kagome said. "He came to me when his mother passed. His grandfather was supposed to meet him at the castle while we tried to help him find a new home, but we had to leave to track down Naraku. I felt bad leaving him alone to wait for his grandfather . . ."
"Lady Kagome has been very kind to me," Hatori added, his ears perking up. "I will leave with my grandfather when we return to the castle, but I enjoy staying with Lady Kagome at the moment."
Lord Rei gazed at Hatori, and looked at Shippo again. "I see. Enough lollygagging, it is time for us to go inside." He turned to enter the gate of the capital city.
Sesshomaru did not pause to follow. Kagome hesitated, petting Shippo's head again, before walking behind him. The kids trailed next to Ah-Un, with Jaken beside them.
"Has there been news of Naraku since I sent word of my visit?" Sesshomaru asked, falling in line beside Lord Rei.
"Unfortunately." Lord Rei frowned. "I believe he is behind the recent poisoning of my land. However, I provided a temporary solution to the situation, and my priority is getting to know your mate." He glanced behind them, at Kagome, who tried to smile at him. "There are many rumors surrounding her, and I wish to discover which is true."
"Very well." Sesshomaru did not care to go over everything he already knew about Kagome, but Lord Rei was a necessary ally. Pleasing him with Kagome's back story would make it easier to work together against Naraku in the future.
The villagers bowed as they passed, murmuring words of greeting and praise to Lord Rei and Sesshomaru. Kagome noticed more than a few staring at her. She knew it was unusual for her to be present, as the future mate of Lord Sesshomaru, but she would hedge a bet that it had more to do with her origins. Mikos turned youkai were far from common.
"Lord Rei is really fun and polite!" Kagome caught Rin's words, as she chatted animatedly with Shippo and Hatori.
"Fun and polite?" Shippo asked.
"Yes!" Rin beamed. "He is always respectful of Lord Sesshomaru, but he's more relaxed than the other nobles. Not in the rude way Lord Tatsuya is relaxed, but in a really nice way."
"Sounds like Mama," Shippo said, and laughed. "She's always polite, but casual, too."
"I simply hope my addition isn't a bother," Hatori mumbled, pulling his summer grass hair.
"Why?" Rin asked, turning to him.
"I am aware that hanyou are not always welcome," he said.
Rin rolled her eyes. "That won't bother Lord Rei. He accepted me without hesitation when Lord Sesshomaru first brought me for a visit, and I'm a full human."
Hatori nodded, though he still looked unsure.
Kagome turned away from the children, glad they were getting along. Hatori seemed to fit in well, despite being nervous some of the time.
The walk was much slower than Lord Rei's descent from the castle. It took the better part of an hour at a leisurely pace, the two daiyoukai speaking with each other the entire way. Kagome could hear the conversation well, but tuned them out. If they weren't speaking directly with her, she wasn't meant to hear it, and Sesshomaru would tell her if she needed to know anything.
"For now, my people will be taken care of," Lord Rei said, finishing the tale of what happened just before Sesshomaru arrived.
"Hn." Sesshomaru growled mentally. Naraku was not attacking just him, but the other youkai nobles as well. Would he collapse the entire country without a direct attack?
"And because my people are cared for," Lord Rei said, glancing back at Kagome, "I would like every detail about your pretty little mate."
He knew Kagome heard him, because she saw his glance, and blushed. Lord Rei chuckled, looking at Sesshomaru.
"You had best not be thinking of including her in your escapades." Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, knowing all too well what Lord Rei enjoyed in his personal time.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Lord Rei said. "At least, not until I find out if she's open to it."
Sesshomaru growled, out loud, and clenched his fist. Lord Rei only laughed again.
When they breached the edge of the capital, and arrived at the tall, thick gates of the main castle, Lord Rei gathered several guards to escort them inside. He claimed it was for safety, but Kagome caught them staring more than once as they entered the massive building. She had to wonder if they didn't have an ulterior motive.
"Take the dragon to the stables," he said to one guard, who bowed and took Ah-Un's reins. The children huddled closer to Kagome as the dragon was led away.
"Welcome to my home," Lord Rei said, as they entered the door.
The layout of the castle was similar to Sesshomaru's, though certain aspects had a more western style. Rather than reinforced paper and frames, the doors were made in the style of medieval western castles, carved wood and strong metal handles. And rather than paper lanterns, the ceilings held metal chandeliers filled with candles.
The effect reminded Kagome of her history class, the only place she ever saw this type of architecture. They filed down halls full of youkai and human servants, and Kagome noted the difference from Sesshomaru's castle. He worked with youkai, and youkai only.
Finally, they came to the throne room. This door had the traditional Japanese style door, with two guards posted on each side. The guards escorting them left at this point, though Kagome caught them whispering about her, and frowned. She was used to the staring from Sesshomaru's servants, but they had the decency to wait until she was out of earshot to say anything.
Lord Rei took his place at the throne, tucking his legs underneath him. Sesshomaru and Kagome sat beside on another in front of him, the kids taking their place behind them. Kagome smiled and pat Shippo's head.
"It is a pleasure to see you this day," Lord Rei said, nodding humbly to the group.
Sesshomaru responded in kind, and said, "I am pleased to be here."
"So, without all the formalities," Lord Rei said, smiling and clapping his hands together, "I would like to know about you, Kagome. As mate of one of the great youkai lords of this country, it is necessary that you fill certain requirements."
Kagome nodded, slightly jostled. Lord Rei was friendly, but the degree of excitement was unexpected. "I am aware," she said. "I have to be powerful enough not to put the country at threat if I should have to be left in charge, in my mate's absence."
Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow. He couldn't recall telling her that.
"Indeed." Lord Rei smiled. "However, from what I hear, you are more than powerful enough, at least in spirit. What I am more interested in is your origin, as a human."
Kagome hesitated, and said, "Would you like the entire story, Lord Rei?"
He paused, and thought for a moment. "I believe I would," he said, with a grin.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome prepared herself, and began. She told everything she thought Lord Rei would want to hear, from how she met Inuyasha and shattered the jewel, to her journey as a priestess detecting the shards, to her finding of the Hana no Shukumei and discovering Sesshomaru was her mate. She left out her travels to the future, for fear Lord Rei might not believe her, and any trivial adventures with her friends that he wouldn't want to listen to.
He raised an eyebrow when she spoke of Tetsusaiga and how Sesshomaru tried to kill her. Kagome almost didn't mention it, but if she were being measured for her worth as Sesshomaru's mate, she thought she should include everything in their history.
The entire tale, summarized as Kagome told it, took the better part of an hour. It was three years, after all, and filled with multiple false leads as to Naraku's whereabouts. Lord Rei listened with an interested expression for most of the tale, but perked when Kagome began talk of the Hana.
"And you simply transformed?" he asked, when Kagome finished speaking. "When both mates interacted with the Hana?"
"Yes," Kagome said. "I bear Sesshomaru's mark and the body of an inu youkai. It is a precautionary method by the Hana to prevent my miko abilities from clashing with Sesshomaru's powers. At least, that's our theory."
"Hmm." Lord Rei touched his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. Lady Kagome, I hope you do not mind, but I would like permission to ask you future questions, should they arise."
"If the interrogation if finished," Sesshomaru said, "there are more important matters this Sesshomaru wishes to discuss."
"Of course." Lord Rei smiled again. "How long will you be staying?"
"At least one night," Sesshomaru said, "although it may be longer."
"Very well." Lord Rei clapped once, loudly, and the door behind them opened. Two guards stepped inside, and bowed. "Escort Lady Kagome and the children to guest rooms," he said. "Lord Sesshomaru and I still have some things to talk about."
"Your highness," both guards said, with another bow. They approached Kagome, and were polite enough not to stare.
"Thank you," Kagome said, smiling at Lord Rei. "We appreciate being able to stay."
"My pleasure," Lord Rei said. "Go, rest from the journey."
Taking the children with her, Kagome followed the two guards out of the room, pausing in the doorway. She looked back at Sesshomaru, and gave a small wave, before leaving.
"She is quite the catch," Lord Rei said, turning to Sesshomaru. "She will be a wonderful mother, when you have pups."
"Indeed." Sesshomaru did not say more, eying Lord Rei carefully. He would do nothing to harm Kagome, Sesshomaru knew, but he had a tendency to flirt with any youkai that would give him the time, even with a loving mate and son to care for. And as Lord of the East, any youkai he spoke to was willing to partake in his games.
Sesshomaru would not let Kagome succumb to such.
"I notice you do not hesitate to be near her," Lord Rei said, grinning. "You hate being touched. You do not even show affection to your ward."
"This Sesshomaru has realized there are more important things than worrying over physical affection," Sesshomaru said, wishing Lord Rei would drop the subject. "Those who believe me less powerful for having a mate I care for can attempt to attack if they wish. Their blood would be proof to the contrary."
"That is the Lord Sesshomaru I know!" Lord Rei laughed. "There will be time to get to know your mate, if you are truly staying for some time. We should begin a serious discussion about the troublesome Naraku."
Sesshomaru nodded, relieved that Kagome would be out of Rei's thoughts, for the time being.
()
The room provided to Kagome was also western styled, and she loved it.
Jumping on the fluffy bed, Kagome let out a long sigh. The trip away from the castle was long and difficult. Being able to relax for a short time would be good for her, even if Naraku was the reason they were here.
She hugged the soft pillows, filled with down and covered in red silk. Shippo and Hatori were given a room, and Rin was separated into the room next door. Kagome thought it silly at first, until she realized that Rin was eleven. In feudal Japan, she was almost old enough to be married.
Kagome wouldn't let that happen. Just because a girl hit puberty, didn't mean she should be married and start having children right away. She had a feeling Sesshomaru felt the same way. He did everything to protect her innocence, keeping her away from battle and death.
That might not be possible, with Naraku practically around the corner. Kagome hugged the pillow closer. He was poisoning the land, but hiding his body. And Hakudoshi hadn't been seen or heard from in such a long time. None of Naraku's incarnations had shown themselves recently. Before the poison, Kagome almost lost hope of finding Naraku, with the inactivity.
And she had no way of knowing if her friends were doing any better. Sango and Miroku didn't have a way to find shards anymore. Inuyasha was troubled by a pregnant girl he barely knew. And despite how much she wanted to destroy Naraku, Kagome couldn't stop worrying about her mating. Personal issues were interrupting what should be the most important mission any of them faced.
Maybe she would feel better if she discussed it with Sesshomaru. Kagome sat up, feeling the mark on her forehead. It had no texture. Even make-up could be told apart from her skin when Kagome felt it, but the crescent moon stayed completely hidden until she looked in a mirror and moved her bangs. The mark tied her to one of the most powerful daiyoukai in existence.
"And there I go worrying about the mating again," Kagome said to herself, and sighed. She couldn't help worrying over it, but she wished she could focus.
To distract herself, Kagome grabbed her backpack and moved a few things out of it. Her toiletries, a few clothes, some of the snacks she kept for the kids. Her fingers brushed against a familiar box. Kagome stopped, and picked it up. The box containing the Hana no Shukumei. Kagome almost never looked at the actual flower, only thought of what it did to her.
She never asked to be a youkai. Kagome lover her human body, the way it functioned, even how easily it broke. She looked no different, save for minor details such as her ears, but Kagome could feel the difference. Her body didn't age the way it used to. It took damage differently.
Lord Rei was more direct than anyone before about how and why she changed. The whirlwind of mating and trying to find more shards distracted her from the truth, and now Kagome couldn't help but wonder about it. If the Hana had not come along, she would be fighting Naraku as a human. As a youkai, she lost none of her miko powers, though they were harder to control now. Fighting Naraku would be easier with more strength, but . . .
Kagome sighed, shoving the box back into her bag. Too many things to worry about, not enough sleep. She fell back on the bed, taking a deep breath.
"I did not know you were so tired."
She started, and looked up. Sesshomaru stood in the doorway, door open behind him.
"I thought you were talking with Lord Rei," Kagome said, sitting up.
"We spoke briefly of Naraku," Sesshomaru said, "but agreed that it would be best to speak during dinner, and have other nobles' opinions."
"I see." Kagome paused, and smiled. "Come here," she said, beckoning him closer.