Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Genre

: Romance/Angst/Hurt

Pairing

: Sesshoumaru/Kagome

Summary

: Little Rin has died and Sesshoumaru doesn't know what to do. He looses himself to his beast, lost in emotions he hasn't felt in hundreds of years. Kagome is called to subdue the raging beast and in the process binds herself to the taiyoukai stronger then her bond with Inuyasha. With Sesshoumaru's subduing comes the price of being Lady of the West and with the title comes all the downsides and perks of being ningen royalty among a youkai court.

A Demon Lord's Cry
Chapter Fifteen: As The Lady Wishes, So Shall It Be

x . . . . x

As she closed the door behind her softly, elfin tipped ears twitched once and then twice.

The sound of childish laughter reached his ears and the Western Lord breathed almost easy - not that he would ever admit it to himself or anyone else for that matter.

Inside she was trembling. She said a silent prayer to Kami and then of course she tripped. A large, comforting hand was on her shoulder, steadying her immediately and she offered a sheepish grin to guard. Takeshi snorted and offered her his elbow as they made their way down the cobble stone steps that were parallel to the Western House and led into the city. It had been a week since she and Shippo had returned home and it was earlier that morning she had decided that it would be a good idea to do as Sesshoumaru requested and go into city to purchase a few items here and there. She was dressed in one of her less elaborate kimonos. This one didn't trail behind her but rather it barely brushed the ground and was a deep blue-black with a pale green leaf and petal imprint, the shade of green varying here and there. The obi was a forest green, dark but suiting the kimono perfectly. Around her neck she wore white fur akin to a scarf and settled around her warmly. It was a warmer morning but still cold so she wore atop the kimono and under the white fur a pale blue cloak. Her ebony hair was designed loosely in soft ringlets, her lips brushed a soft pink, and the tint her cheeks was a natural rosy blush from the wind.

Miwa and Himeno had helped her choose her clothing, not wanting her to be overly dressed but also not wanting her to be exposed to the elements. Takeshi had taken one look at her, smiled, and had ushered her out of the large home. Snow was falling lightly and Takeshi had held out a white parasol to keep the flakes from ruining her kimono. She once more smiled at him grateful and held open the plain white umbrella. She was nervous - very much so and so she was trying very hard to get her emotions under control and not talk to her guard. Talking to him meant she would begin to ramble and then she would lose her concentration. After being her constant companion, Takeshi knew this and was her silent shadow, offering her as much as comfort as he possibly could.

The first sounds of the city began to reach the miko's ears and she breathed a soft sigh and put her usual smile in place. In all honesty, she was somewhat excited. She wondered how Sesshoumaru's village differed from all the others she had gone through in the past with her group of friends. There were a few huts here and there along the main street but slowly but surely it began to get denser as you went further in. The sound of laughter from children reached her ears and she smiled happily, looking forward and seeing a group of young youkai children running around and playing tag. Then the sound of the market followed and her excitement grew. She had always known the village was large and though she had seen it when she left, she hadn't truly paid attention. She couldn't contain the small gasp of excitement when she saw an assortment of street vendors, selling food, jewelry, clothing items. There were little shops here and there and Kagome was awe-struck by how modern and Westernized everything truly was.

It was a busy place and Takeshi leaned forward at the wonder in her eyes, "This is the second largest city of the Western Lands, Nishi no Kokoro. A lot of trade goes on here. We have a lot of traffic and visitors and the city itself is fairly wealthy." Kagome nodded at this information and her smile broke into a happy grin. "What does that look mean?"

"Sesshoumaru-sama told me to buy whatever I wanted. He gave me multiple little slips with his insignia on them and told me to give them to the shop owners so that they could later claim coin from the palace." Takeshi nodded, still unsure why this warranted such a large and playful smile. "This means we have a very long day ahead of us." If he were a little less composed, Takeshi would have groaned when he realized what she was trying to imply. Kagome could only laugh lightly. It seemed as though modern and past males disliked shopping. Ignoring him, Kagome began to look around. Takeshi though always stood close and paid full attention to the youkai around him. Normally, he did not wander around with his weapons but this morning he was armed to the teeth and dressed as he was the first time that Kagome had seen him.

The hakama were a solid white, tightening that the ankles much like Sesshoumaru's, black boots, the haori also white but with blue swirls around the sleeves. He wore armor of black around his chest, with matching black arm guards that tied around his forearm and middle finger. There was a pale yellow sash and to be honest, Kagome found that he wore something similar to Bankotsu as was the design of the times. There was a sword on both the right side and left side of his waist and he had an array of hidden knives and senbon on his person and if worse came to worse? He could always use energy weapons and attacks. Kagome honestly wondered if she was in that much danger while in the village. Though she doubted it, she figured it was better safe than sorry.

Kagome stopped at one of the vendors selling sashes of an assortment of materials. The colors were simply mesmerizing and she could feel that some had enchantments and special properties. She looked up at a tall youkai, one that was several heads taller than Sesshoumaru and towered over her small frame. It was a male with less humanoid features but rather he was covered in shiny black scales, his mouth elongated and features pointed. There were several black horns coming from his forehead, three above each brow, the smallest being in the very inside and the biggest being on the outside. His eyes were scarlet, rivaling that of freshly spilled blood and his body was covered in bulging muscles. Wrapped around his waist was a scaled tail, and every now and then a forked tongue slipped passed a smooth mouth.

The Western Lady paused and greeted the creature with a quick smile and then began to look over each item. None had really noticed the young woman in their midst, most too absorbed in their work, and her scent mixed with both kitsune from Shippo and inu from Takeshi. The creature was tense and Kagome was completely aware of this fact so she spoke lowly when she did speak wanting to put the male at ease, "Excuse me, would you mind explaining the different enchantments and materials from the three I like most?" The creature's eyes darted to Takeshi, "Never mind him."

Crimson orbs focused back on Kagome and her smile grew softer still, her eyes twinkling gently. The youkai nodded his head slowly, "No, mi'lady. I have no problem in doing so." She had expected the "s" on his words to come out with more of a lisp but he spoke slowly, carefully to enunciate each word which brought the smile on her face to turn genuine rather than the smile used to calm wild animals, tense youkai, and small children. The male in response smiled back, showing two rows of pearly white, sharp teeth as long as her forearm. Sifting through several different sashes, she found three that she like the most.

"Alright - can you tell me about this one?" Kagome asked gently, handing over the first. The male gripped the sash gently in his hands, wary of his claws, and knowing that ningen female was the Lady of the West. Her ningen status and the guard at her side screamed all he needed to know. Takeshi was partially famous and infamous. His cruelty and harshness on the battlefield had earned him quite a reputation. All knew of the pet obsidian inu that the great Inu no Taisho kept, passed along to his eldest, whom then passed him to the Western Lady.

The sash was ebony, no hints of color here or there. The material was soft and yet smelled almost of leather. "This particular item is made from the hide of the earth koumori. They are creatures with no humanoid shape and bury deep into the ground during the early hours of the morning to hide from the sun and burst from ground at night to feed on other youkai and ningen. This item allows a little more defense to be added against earth elemental attacks and will allow the wearer to use offensive attacks."

Kagome snorted softly, 'I feel like I'm in one of Souta's video games'.

"So the wearer automatically knows these attacks?" she inquired almost warily, vaguely wondering if she was being scammed.

He shook his head, thoughtful for a moment, before continuing, "No, mi'lady. Think of the sash as an enchanted blade. Most blades have their own individual attacks to be discovered. Enchanted cloth is very similar. It also has its own range of attacks that the wearer can pursue to unlock or not. Unlike blades, the clothing is obviously not a weapon, so it needs an outlet. If there was a weapon nearby, it would automatically begin to give the wearer's weapon use of its abilities once it has been unlocked because it is searching for an outlet."

Kagome nodded her head once and smiled brightly, "I understand! What about this one?" the miko asked curiously, her brows drawn in question as she pointed to a pale silver sash.

"This particular one was spun from fire kumo webs. It is silk to the touch but if one were attacked by a fire element it would turn that fire into a barrier." Kagome immediately brightened as she began to go through an assortment of sashes, cerulean eyes sparkling with excitement. In the end she purchased the black sash and the silver sash along with a final the color of freshly spun gold. It was made of unicorn hair and practically glowed with power. She had been told it contained no special properties and merely looked pretty. The youkai wrapped her purchases in a form of butcher paper and tied them together with twine. The miko handed him one her handy little slips and bowed lightly to the youkai.

"It was pleasure speaking with you - I learned several new things! Thank you, sir!" Kagome happily chirped, her eyes matching the smile on her face. The youkai nodded his head and waved her off on her day finding her ningen curiosity interesting. She began walking away, her bright features transforming into that of regular curiosity rather than eccentricity he had seen lying within and he knew that her mask was a weapon that she had to use out here in the city. He sighed as his next customer came up and he began to explain to her the different material he had.

Takeshi trailed after the miko whom was zoning in on her next stand, making her way through the throng of people. A dark hiss a chuckle were his only warnings as Kagome was bumped into roughly and began falling to the ground. The growl was stuck in his throat as he caught her elbow and then the shoulder of the male that dare push her and the male had pushed her. "What the fuc - ?" the youkai cursed but the curse ended in a growl when Takeshi's claws filled the flesh of his shoulder. The guard steadied Kagome whom seemed a little disoriented having not seen Takeshi move so fast or been aware that she had been pushed forcefully but rather accidentally. The male cried out as blood coated Takeshi's claws and he guard turned from his charge.

"Takeshi? What are you doing?" she inquired softly, picking up her fallen parcels.

The growl that fell passed his lips was dark as he turned the humanoid youkai toward him. He was young, Kagome's physical appearance in age, with dark, burnt orange hair brushing his shoulders and golden eyes that shown brightly in the sun. The youth's lips curled over his upper teeth as he snarled angrily and Takeshi brought the hand from his shoulder to curl around his neck, "He pushed you purposefully, Kagome-sama. I heard his chuckle as he did so and watched the expression of triumph cross his face before I caught you." Emerald eyes narrowed and the youkai struggled and clawed at Takeshi's hand that was slowly crushing his windpipe. "Bastard peasant." he snarled. Takeshi's ears twitched and he growled a low, "Down!"

Kagome immediately ducked and a whistling filled the air right above her head. Takeshi's hand whipped out and in his hand was small rock, no bigger than a quarter. Kagome knew though, if a youkai had thrown it at her, then had it had hit her she might have broken a bone or cracked her head open. Another low growl from her guard caused goose bumps to rise on her flesh and looked up at Takeshi. His emerald eyes glowed with a deep malice that the miko had not yet seen and even really thought he was capable of and though his face was expressionless, the power and anger that flowed off him in waves was more than enough to keep away any bystanders. Kagome stood and reached out, dainty fingers gripping his bicep as the rock within his hand disintegrated into dust. For a moment though - Kagome feared her guard and whatever that he may do.

His eyes darkened to black and the Western Lady brought her lower lip in between her teeth as she nibbled lightly. The inu-youkai's eyes darted around for any signs of danger. Another rock came from the same direction and in one swift movement; Takeshi caught this rock and took off into the crowd that was currently staring at the spectacle, the boy still within his grasp. When he returned, there was another youkai, this one several years older, dark purple hair and pale blue eyes. He tossed both boys to the floor, the one with the orange hair gasping for breath as he coughed and sputtered. The youkai stood, glared at Takeshi and growled lowly, "Death to Sesshoumaru and his fucking whore! Long live the West and its new master!"

Kagome's cerulean gaze widened and the past few months filled her head. She looked to other youkai that also stood and nodded his head with the other one's words, "Are you with him?" she asked softly, yet her voice and face cool. Her heart began to pound within her chest erratically. There were only few things she could do in this situation and none were appealing and each made her nauseous. The man looked at her, sneered, but nodded his head. Azure eyes hardened minutely and she nodded her head once. "We only need one, Takeshi. Kill the older, bring the younger."

Takeshi's chuckle was a sound she had never heard from him before and so she turned from him to the crowd, his low, "As my lady wishes, so shall it be." ringing in her ears.

Head held high, she turned to those that had gathered to watch the spectacle and whispered to themselves. Screams came from behind her and Sesshoumaru's voice filled her head as he began teaching her, but she began clearly, "I am Kagome, Western Lady of these Lands, and I am a ningen, a miko at that! I preserve life - I do not seek to end it; youkai, ningen, and hanyou - "

You had a challenge and you won, yes, but you would have died none the less because you would not take her life.

" - alike are treated equally in my eyes! I do not like to kill but should you oppose Sesshoumaru-sama - "

Squeamishness is not something we can afford, miko, if someone challenges you, you kill them ...

" - and disagree with his decisions in any treasonous ways - "

... if someone seeks to hurt those you claim, you kill them...

" - your death is just another unavoidable tragedy and - "

... if someone seeks to hurt you, you kill them...

" - you will end up like the two youkai behind me."

You must be ruthless and unbending.

Blood splattered behind her and something heavy hit the floor.

Do you understand, miko?

"You killed him! You killed Setsuke, you fucking asshole!"

That is the way youkai.

"Takeshi? Silence him and let's return to the Western House."

It is the way you will be.

Murmurs broke across the crowd.

.

Tawny eyes narrowed at the shoji door and the sounds of her soft breasthing tickled his ears, the scent of her unshed tears teasing his nose. Himeno stood behind him, her eyes puzzled and filled with a sadness that reflected her mistress'. He nodded to her and she bowed before walking away. Turning back to the door to the room where the miko resided, Sesshoumaru entered and his eyes immediately sought the small bundle curled upon her futon, dressed in the clothes she had left in. Takeshi sat at her side and was running his black and white claws through her hair, his lips set in a frown. Emerald hues met Sesshoumaru's own brilliant orbs and taiyoukai arched a brow at him. "Leave." he mouthed to the guard and the guard growled lowly but did as commanded. Sesshoumaru made his way toward the miko, who did not make a single sound. Sighing, he sat at the edge of her futon and cleared his throat. The miko blinked once and then twice as she sat up, wiping her eyes as she did so.

"Sesshoumaru-sama." she greeted softly, surprised. "W-what brings you here?"

"Stuttering is unbecoming." he murmured without thinking, causing a soft smile to curve Kagome's lips though the sadness was still present. "I heard what happened and have come to check on you. Were you hurt?"

Tears once more welled within her eyes but she silently willed them away, "I was not hurt... I asked Takeshi to kill that youkai and bring the other even though I knew he would most likely be tortured for any possible information."

Sesshoumaru nodded his head, "Stop crying, miko, you did well. You did what was needed to protect our home."

She nodded in response but then paused and took a deep breath, "You don't understand!"

"Then explain it to me. You are the Western Lady; we are supposed to work together. Tell me what ails you."

"I'm a miko!" she said harshly, a sound of dismay falling passed her lips. "I'm a miko - I save people, I don't issue orders to have them killed or tortured! I don't want anyone to be hurt or die because of me! This isn't me, Sesshoumaru! This isn't me at all! I would have never asked anyone to take another's life for any reason! Since I have been here, I have had someone take a life, another taken into custody, and my mercy got another killed! Do you see my dilemma?"

A brow quickly disappeared into the ivory bangs and the taiyoukai shook his head at her, "I do not see it. You remember the conversation we had after your challenge. Youkai are animals, miko, first and foremost. How do they top stay at the top? They destroy all that oppose them." Sesshoumaru's eyes softened minutely. "I know this is difficult to understand, this is not something you were raised knowing but you must stop this foolishness. You must be harsh or others will see it as weakness and they will come at you like sharks scenting blood in the water and they will hurt you and all that you hold dear. You did what was right even though you do not see it. It is alright for you to mourn that youkai but that youkai would not mourn you. He wanted you dead."

"He wanted me dead." Kagome repeated softly. "If he did not die he would have hurt me in the future." Sesshoumaru nodded his head and he watched as she valiantly pushed away the tears he could swimming in her eyes. "He would have hurt me for no reason other than my humanity." Again he nodded but he was surprised when the miko threw herself in his arms and buried her face in the front of his kosode and began to tremble. She trembled with fear and anger but most of all sadness for herself and those that would oppose the West. Sesshoumaru did not touch her, in fact his arms were at his sides, lying limp. Kagome knew better than most the coldness that lay within the taiyoukai. She knew his cruelty, she knew his unbending will, but she also knew his kindness because no evil man could care so much about a little girl that was not his and right now? All she wanted was to be reassured that everything would be alright and the she had made the right choice. "Are you sure nothing differently could have been done?" she inquired softly in between soft breaths.

At a loss for words, the youkai merely hummed his response, setting her at ease. Kagome nodded and continued to fight against the tears because in this place, a place where things were done that she just didn't understand and she did things that broke her heart, Sesshoumaru would be the only to understand the reason for her sadness because he knew who she was outside of the palace walls. "I know that it is 'not you' to do what you have described just as I know it is difficult for you to adjust and that there are things that shock and frighten you. Just because you do things that are not like you it does not mean you have changed nor are you a bad person." At that the tears came freely and the miko spoke between sobs.

"I am so sick of crying!" she whispered. "All I do is cry! I feel weak, Sesshoumaru, not worthy of the title presented to me!"

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "You are a ningen female and you are going through a lot. I have been told that ningen females have the tendency to... leak when many unfortunate things happen to them in a short amount of time. You do leak quite often but as to be expected. This is the last time though, miko. No more of this crying nonsense." And it was true but as reflected upon the reasons he had seen her cry, he knew each was a plausible cause. Tears for her kit whom was ill, tears the child he had lost, tears for the child he denied her, tears for the guard that had hurt for her, tears for the kit she had lost, tears for when he was returned, tears for the life she had taken, tears for the hanyou she had to leave, and tears for the changes that would occur through time. Kagome's tears turned to muffled laughter and looked up at the taiyoukai, moisture clinging to her lashes and for a moment Sesshoumaru did not move but rather he just looked and took in her flushed cheeks and swimming orbs. He assessed her as a predator would prey for just a moment before he blinked and rose from his stupor.

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama." she responded, wiping her eyes. "No more crying." she murmured and he nodded his head before reaching out and placing a clawed hand on her head.

"You truly did well, Kagome, I am proud at this moment. You have come a long way from the bumbling child that entered my halls." Issuing her one of the few compliments he gave. A task done well is deserving of his praise, after all. At that the taiyoukai stood, and left the room and Kagome was too wrapped up in happiness of his praise of her to notice the way her heart skipped a beat when he murmured her name or that he murmured her name at all. Sesshoumaru hardly complimented her and when he did, she treasured them because the youkai did not say things he did not mean. Later though, later both taiyoukai and miko would remember this moment as the moment that their relations took on a different sight and each saw what the other could be subconsciously if they would not consciously.

.

Several days later found Kagome curled before the fire in Sesshoumaru's office. While he went over figures regarding trading routes and goods, Kagome sat with several parchments of paper around her and small pad writing and scratching out household duties. After third time she scoffed with irritation and made more obnoxious scratching noises, Sesshoumaru put down his brush and looked at the miko, observing her quietly. She had the tip of an odd writing utensil tapping at her chin while her eyes darted across the paper. She growled impressively and began writing with vigor and Sesshoumaru found himself curious. His mother had never gone about her duties in such a manner and he wondered what the issue seemed to be.

"Miko - what seems to be your issue this time?" he inquired.

The miko paused, glared, and continued writing, "This sucks!"

A brow at arched at that, "Oh? Pray tell what 'sucks', as you so eloquently put it."

"Household duties! Himeno provided me with previous lists and things that my predecessor left behind and half of it I think is silly. I mean - really? Flower arranging? There is time in the day to flower arrange? What is the purpose of that?"

Sesshoumaru would have rolled his eyes had she not been staring right him, "The flower arranging is a spring time duty. It is to keep the gardens maintained, ensure that the house is decorated accordingly, and that you are kept out of trouble."

She responded with unlady like snort, "Alright - what about memorizing the names of the ningen and youkai minor lords as well as region, type of youkai, the family names, and advisor names and rank?"

"That is a question almost not worth answering. It is simple really. Should anything happen or I go away for a period of time - you need to know those in charge and what they do. It is a vital need and should be done. Ensure that you memorize their estates, their wealth, their regions, and family history up to their great-grandfathers if there are any." At Kagome's incredulous expression he continued, "If we go to a ball and you make nice with one of the men and you both begin chatting here and there about nonsensical things and you just so happen to say something that should not be said - if it were a minor advisor of ningen court, then it would not be something to worry much about but if it were a high advisor then they could tell their ruler who can in turn sell that information to their cardinal lord all because you didn't recognize his name."

Kagome gaped for a moment and then she reluctantly nodded and went back to reviewing parchment. All was silent and Sesshoumaru turned back to his own papers for a moment or so. Not even a minute later Kagome squealed happily, "Oh! Sesshoumaru-sama! This says I have the power to make laws! I want to make one right now!"

The taiyoukai did sigh this time, "What silly law do you want to make - and I am certain it is going to be silly - hmm, miko?"

At her overly bright smile, he knew it wouldn't be worth his time to listen, "Every five days the Western Lady is given a sweet by every person she greets!"

"You have ten seconds to gather your things and leave."

"Wait - why? I was just joking - "

"I have reached five seconds."

" - I can't possibly gather - "

" - three - "

" - all my things in such - "

" - two - "

" - a short amount of time!"

" - o - "

The word didn't quite leave his lips when the door slammed open. Sesshoumaru turned to the entrance prepared to give a tongue lashing to whoever entered his quarters in such a barbaric way but paused at the soft exclamation of the miko. His brows creased and he stood, golden meeting dulled silver. Masato stood before him, wounded, exhausted, and losing more blood then even a youkai could handle. The miko wasted no time in jumping from her comfortable position and screaming, "Takeshi!" as she went. The inu-youkai guard materialized beside in her flurry of dark shadows, never too far from his mistress, head bowed and crouched as she ran by. "I need towels, hot water, bandages, thread, and a needle!" The guard disappeared just as quickly as he came and sniffed to determine the extent of the basilisk's wounds. Kagome touched Masato's shoulder and he snarled on reflex but the miko did not flinch back. Instead she guided him to the spot she had been previously occupying, the pillows still warm from her body.

The blood slipping along and escaping his flesh was black in color, poisonous to most but when the miko came in touch with any of it, the properties were immediately nulled and black became silver. The taiyoukai was beside the assassin with several quick strides and narrowed eyes. Takeshi entered the room with the items requested and Sesshoumaru knelt beside the male while Kagome began stripping him of the soiled clothing that was sticking to his wounds via the amount of blood shed. "You are several weeks late. I had to send several others to find you." He stated as though the man were not bleeding all over his office. Kagome gave him a glare as her 'patient' began to speak slowly, voice hoarse, unable to form complete sentences but rather only individual words.

"Sesshoumaru-sama... ambush... threat... " he coughed several times, spitting up blood as he did so. Kagome was there in an instant, wipping blood from his lips. The dislike for the woman was great in his eyes but so was the respect. "S-Sakumo and others... "

The inu's eyes narrowed and further as he pieced together what little information he was given, dissecting it quickly. "Your sect was ambushed and there are others like Sakumo or Sakumo is still alive? Which is it?"

Kagome's eyes flashed as fire raced through her, "Sesshoumaru! He is practically on his death - "

Sesshoumaru cut her off with harsh glare and growl, "Silence, miko. If he dies the information goes with him and we need this information. Tend to his wounds but other than that keep quiet!" Kagome gaped at him for a moment and the coldness in his eyes reminded her that this was still Sesshoumaru. He may have allowed her to cry on him but no matter what he was still the man she had met in his father's bone body so long ago. He was not Inuyasha and nor was he Takeshi. There was no front suggesting that his bark was worse than his bite; his bite was definitely worse. Sometimes, like earlier, he was so pleasant to her that she would just... forget. Forget who he was just for just a moment or two and then something would remind her. Usually it was something cruel.

"O-others." Masato whispered softly, his face turned into a grimace as Kagome set to work cleaning his wounds with warmth cloths and herbs. Sesshoumaru went back to his desk where warm sake lay and he returned with a small cup. He pressed it to the basilisk's lips whom drank it coughed lightly. The sake brought a rush of heat through the cool creature and he offered his lord a grateful nod. Kagome on the other hand paused as she cleansed the wounds and began pulling out metal like shrapnel from the lacerations.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, more of the metal from before has been pulled from Masato-san's wounds." Kagome informed the taiyoukai. He nodded his head and began his questioning once more. Soon, the creature passed out from exhaustion, blood loss, and pain. As Kagome finished cleaning his wounds, Sesshoumaru called for Jaken. The little kappa entered with a bow and Sesshoumaru began looking around for different papers.

"Send me the high court and Captain of the Guard; I would also like for you to send for Cerdwin." Kagome looked up at the mention of one of the harem whores, her eyes narrowed curiously. Not that she disliked them or their reasons for being at the Western House, after all what Sesshoumaru did was his business, it was more of the fact she had a terrible first encounter with them. She had heard the name of the woman but she had never quite been able to put a face to her. She knew that Cerdwin was more or less the leader. She was strongest in strength and one of the first acquired. She was feared not only by the harem women but also by some of the guards.

Jaken bowed and made to leave the room but Kagome called out to him causing him to pause, "Jaken-san, would you send for a few men to take Masato-san to the medical wing?" Jaken dipped his head low and nodded before he left. Takeshi stood in the corner, waiting for Kagome to issue him any other orders. "Takeshi? Would you get me warm water and soap?" Takeshi was gone again, leaving Sesshoumaru to gather items here and there while Kagome blatantly ignored the male.

"I once asked you a question in regards to saving life. It was the night I had brought the kitsune back to life; do you remember the question and your response?" Kagome looked down at her silver stained hands from the black blood turned pure and she nodded her head, the soft cackling of the fire disappearing as Sesshoumaru's voice filled her head and a memory washed down upon her.

"One man or thousands?" he inquired.

"Pardon?"

"I do not repeat myself."

She pursed her lips and sighed softly. "I would save thousands before I would save one man."

"Then surely you must realize - had he died then we would have lost what information he provided us. At the cost of his life, we would have found out more in regards to this plot."

Kagome's face turned sour, "But he didn't die."

"No, he did not. At the time I did not know if he would pull through. Do you understand?" he asked slowly, still sifting through papers. Through the corner of his eyes he saw her nod. There was a knock and he made a grunt of acknowledgement to enter that anyone with youkai hearing would have caught. Several guards came through with a stretcher of sorts and lifted the wounded male onto it. He was whisked away to the medical ward as Takeshi entered the room followed by the high court, dressed in their normal everyday clothing. As Kagome washed her hands in the water provided her, she quickly observed the three remaining members. She had not seen them since the trial [except for Nalia on the day she had met Shippo] and quickly recalled each member in her mind as to remind her of their services so she would not be lost in the current meeting.

The First Chair, she remembered, was Ichiro and she remembered the red haired man as the strategist of the group. Inu-youkai like Sesshoumaru and of high birth considering the ebony stipe along the swell of his cheeks, and of the crimson clan. She was unsurprised to see him in war attire and she had a feeling that he had once been a general if he was not still. His armor was a mirror to Takeshi's, black in color, but the clothing underneath was a red that rivaled Inuyasha's fire rat clothing. His hair had been swept back into a braid and Kagome found it must have been longer then it seemed the first time she saw him. His searing golden eyes flickered over her form once before meeting Sesshoumaru's and bowing.

Second chair was held by Shigure, the nezumi, small and less humanoid then the others, but also their resident politician. Much like the first time she saw him, he was wringing his naked tail in his small, bony hands, and his beady features were soft as he bowed his head of chestnut colored hair. She couldn't tell if his nervousness was an act or if he was truly that meek looking. Her eyes moved to Sesshoumaru and she internally shook her head because there was no way Sesshoumaru would employ a weak person and keep him on board as the High Court. He couldn't be a push over because Takeshi had said that they fight for the right to be a part of the four highest seats of court life other than Lord and Lady.

Third chair was held by Nalia dressed in a plum kimono, simple with geometrical patterns, and held by a cream colored obi. The plum brought out the pleasant shade of cocoa that was her skin and black scattered stripes. She remembered that Nalia was the youngest and was an ambassador. She was fascinated once again with the graceful mix of tora and ningen features. Not quite humanoid yet not truly animal either. She did not know where Nalia was from but she did know it was not Japan. The tora bowed to Kagome and Sesshoumaru and her black colored lips pulled into a smile. She was a little innocent and naive in a sense but Kagome liked the aura and disposition that surrounded her. The five plus Takeshi and Jaken waited several moments and then the door opened once more.

Cerulean narrowed at abyss like eyes and Kagome's mind supplied her with the name that she now had a face to put to. Cerdwin. It was the creature that she had spoken to the night she visited the harem. She still did not quite know what Cerdwin was and she knew that whatever power she held was kept under wraps. She felt like your normal every day youkai with little power but one didn't get to be the top of anything if they were weak. Either Cerdwin hated clothing [which was a possibility; she knew that hebi preferred to be nude and the women usually allowed more of their nature shine through with scales covering their unmentionables] or she had something to prove. The woman's hair was left unbound; falling just below her waist in what reminded Kagome of water falls. She knew that the creature's hair changed color depending on what light hit it and the way she moved, constantly changing from the darkest depths of the ocean to the clearest color of the sea.

She wore what Kagome could only refer to as something designed like a bikini top made of silver pearls that whispered together with each movement. Her stomach was bare and her white skin [and it was white, there was no color] was revealed to the swell of her hips where she saw something akin to women's bikini bottoms. They were the same color silver as the pearls but made of cloth rather than jewel. Layered over it were multiple sheer layers, each a different shade of blue or white then the last and they trailed slowly behind her. There were no shoes or socks, she was completely barefoot and Kagome found that her hands as well as feet were webbed. Her lips were set into a smile revealing both rows of razor sharp teeth, and the smile was directed at Kagome as she bowed to the two.

Ichiro's eyes moved along the female in an appreciative manner and Shigure turned away with a light blush. Nalia merely rolled her eyes skyward while Takeshi did the opposite and kept his eyes downward. Sesshoumaru on the other hand looked directly into the white less eyes and said not a word. Kagome felt frumpy in front of the woman even though she was dressed in fine silks, she was in one of her every day kimono's and this one was currently blood splattered. The creature then spoke and her voice held an echo the ocean hitting the shore and Kagome found that this was the same for many youkai. If they held power of a specific element, then their voices tended to hold a hint of the element. She remembered Sakumo holding a hint of thunder to his words.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting, Sesshoumaru-sama." she spoke softly. "Akihiro-san said he'd meet us in the war room, which where I am assuming we are going."

Sesshoumaru inclined his head and gestured for Kagome to stand beside them and the rest to follow as they entered a door to the right side that Kagome had never entered seeing as she never had a reason to. Much like the office, it was lined with books but rather than comfy pillows and chairs Kagome found a large round table in the center. It was a dark, polished cedar and shone in the light that seeped through the open curtained windows. Several swords decorated the walls and shelves that lined the walls were filled with scrolls here and there. There were eight seats total and Sesshoumaru took a seat on one of the large pillows and gestured that Kagome sit at his right. Takeshi filed in and sat behind her, crouched and head low. Ichiro was the one to fill the place next to her, followed by Shigure, then Nalia, a space was skipped, Cerdwin took the next seat, leaving a single open seat between her and Sesshoumaru.

Moments later the door opened and a new youkai that Kagome had never seen before entered. He walked with a leisured confidence and every step he took she felt like he was floating. He had a smile on his devastatingly handsome face that reminded her much of Miroku's when he didn't want anyone to know what he was really thinking. The male was definitely more frightening in the way his aura was tainted by darkness. His eyes were crimson, darker than Naraku's and constantly changing with colors and shades of red and orange. His canines were longer than normal and his hair was an obsidian that put Takeshi's shadows to shame and cut his shoulders and to frame his face in feathered locks. His skin looked bloodless though she could see a slight flush to his cheeks. He was tall, leanly built, and seemed to be no taller than Takeshi and yet he set her on edge. His claws were red with black tips and she wondered if that was natural. He wore nothing spectacular and actually looked like he just woke up [even though it was well into the afternoon] and tossed on a male kimono of white and belted it at the waist. "Sorry I'm late! I slept in and just got the memo!" he smiled and the hint of a growl she heard was not a sound she imagined. "What did I miss?"

"Akihiro-san, we have yet to start." Ichiro responded with a quiet sneer. The two males growled lowly at each other and stopped once Sesshoumaru cleared his throat. Akihiro turned his ever changing eyes on the miko and he gave her an almost lascivious smirk. Her cheeks pinked and he chuckled lowly.

"So this is the new Western Lady? I would have visited sooner had I not been away on business for the past six months." he explained, a glare tossed at Sesshoumaru. The taiyoukai sniffed distastefully and the male continued, "Pleasured to meet you, Kagome-sama. I'm Akihiro, Captain of the Guard. You're looking at me curiously and I can feel your aura probing mine." Akihiro chuckled lowly and pink on her cheeks deepened at the way he phrased her curiosity. She just wanted to know what he was and he made it sound so dirty! "I'm a hellhound."

"Come again?" she inquired as she frowned. "As in the creatures that hunt down the escaped wicked of hell? Also considered generally bad omens all around the world if seen? The kind that if you stare into their eyes three times you die?"

His smile turned wicked, "Oh you are a good one. Definitely far more educated then the other - " his gaze flicked to Cerdwin. " - women of the house. If Sesshoumaru doesn't want you then rest assured that I'll - "

"Akihiro!" Nalia exclaimed. "That is unprofessional!"

The male chuckled and whined gently, "Oh Nalia-chan, it's just a little fun!"

"We do not have time for your antics." Sesshoumaru growled. "I have called this meeting for a reason. Masato returned today. What he found is interesting." Kagome having been focused on the males wounds had fairly ignored everything that transpired between her patient and his master. Sesshoumaru pulled out a scroll that he had taken from the office and set it out before those gathered. "Masato and others before had been attacked here." Sesshoumaru's claws pointed a small cluster of forested area on the map. "It is roughly three miles of the city."

"So close?" Nalia asked, brows pulled together in confusion.

"Too close." Shigure corrected slowly to which Sesshoumaru nodded.

"Exactly. It is near the heart of the lands. Masato found out very key information. One - there are more like Sakumo that want to rise against the Western Lands. We already knew that something was occurring considering the attack on the Western Lady several days ago. We have found from the youkai captured that there is a 'resistance' force that disagrees with how the West is being run and believe it will once more fall into ruin as what happened when my Father died."

"Once more a ningen brings down the West." Cerdwin murmured, running a hand through her luxurious locks, the sneer on her face not deterring the beauty she held.

Sesshoumaru paused and looked at the female, "This sect was formed before the miko set foot in the Western Lands and has nothing to do with her and everything to do with child I had brought here."

At this Kagome spoke, "You mean, Rin-chan? This is because of her?" Kagome asked softly, not understanding.

"She was ningen and I brought her home like a stray pup though she was not treated as one. Some saw weakness, others strength. Those that saw weakness that day sought a way to end it all and began to work against us." the taiyoukai informed her coolly though when he turned to speak to her, she saw the slight pain in his eyes before it faded like the rest of his emotion. "The Second thing he learned and most like the most vital is what is killing our men. Elementals. Some earth elementals have learned to pull the metal properties from the earth individually and create small shards. These shards are then shot at a great speed directly to our men, hitting vital organs and killing on contact. To clarify, they are controlling metal properties rather than the ground itself and using it offensively and I have no doubt learning defensively as well."

"Do we know who is behind the attacks yet?" Akihiro asked, all humor and mischievousness wiped from his face.

Sesshoumaru shook his head, "We know that there are three main players in the game and then a supporting pawn. Sakumo was one of them and he has been eliminated. That leaves us with the pawn and the two main players."

"And how did Masato find this out?" Nalia inquired slowly. "Surely no one out right told him. Where has he been?"

"Enemy territory." he shrugged. "He does not know where. All he remembers is that he ran. We cannot track it because the snow has muted his scent. He was not outright told but he was coherent enough between sessions of torture that he was able to piece together and hear some things."

Kagome took in all of this with a straight face and after several moments of silence turned to Ichiro whom lifted a brow at Western Lord, "So does this mean we are at war?"

"Not quite yet. We do not have enemy to fight." Sesshoumaru informed him. "At this time we do not even know where to begin. We will just have to be on guard and see what move our opponent makes next. Currently we are on watch."

"May I say something?" Kagome asked as Sesshoumaru finished. Raising a brow Sesshoumaru nodded, curious about what she would say. "I suggest we make a list of those most powerful to have people want to follow them especially one as powerful as Sakumo. I felt how his aura felt and knew that he was a strong man so there can't be too many that he would follow willingly if it meant his death and to betray the Western Lands. When the list is compiled we would then go down and see whom held a grudge against us, hates ningen enough, or is merely that power hungry. They will have to be charismatic and will have to have a smooth tongue and be intelligent. Those are three important factors when someone is a leader of a revolution of sorts. Setting aside treaties and friendships with other parts of Japan - because anyone can go back on them - the list shouldn't be too long. How many could be willing to fight against the West?"

Surprisingly Cerdwin spoke, "It is a sound idea and it is better than waiting. We could send patrols out here and there as well as few spies into other lands and see what is being said and while this list is compiled, whatever information is heard we can begin eliminating those that do not fit."

Sesshoumaru did not say anything for a few moments and Kagome feared that he would reject the idea all together. Several moments later he spoke, "Nalia-san, as an ambassador you meet anyone we have treaties with or trading routes open with. You normally meet the Lords and Ladies of all the lands; I suggest you compile the list based on what you know. Anyone that thinks of someone should tell Nalia-san. We will come back here within the week. Cerdwin-san, I want fifteen men and women available to send out. Get them ready to leave within a week and a half. Akihiro-san, begin to recall fifty percent of our forces. Shigure-san, make a public announcement. I want the city on lock down. Curfew will be enacted and I want to limit travel in and out of the city. Ichiro-san, I would like special forces on stand-by. If no one has further questions, this meeting is adjourned." Everyone began to file out and as Kagome began to stand, a hand on her shoulder made her pause. Sesshoumaru waited until all left the room and then he turned to the miko. "You did well. I was not expecting you to speak but rather sit and observe. It is a faulty plan - much can go wrong. We can miss a few people here and there, eliminate someone accidentally, but it will give us a rough idea on who not to trust and keep everyone busy. Which is what is needed now; we do not want anyone to worry."

"Do you think that there will be war?" she asked softly.

Sesshoumaru cradled his head in his hands, looking at her through a fringe of dark lashes, golden eyes glowing, and shrugged lightly, "In truth, I do not know. We have been to war before. It has been a decade or so since the last but we are not new to this. Go read up on history and the past wars so that you can see how things are handled and will have a small grasp in the event we do have a fight of that magnitude on our hands."

"Something has been bothering me." Kagome murmured as she fidgeted. Sesshoumaru inclined his head for her to continue. "What kind of creature is Cerdwin? What does she do that warranted her spot here? I thought she was the Head of the Harem."

Sesshoumaru paused, mulling over his words carefully before he answered, "Cerdwin was revered as a Goddess of the Sea and she is a mermaid a siren to be exact. She sings and men fall at her feet. If she so much as hums then they are hers. She has been banned from doing either and if she is caught doing so her life is forfeit." He paused once more and continued, "Cerdwin trains the spies and assassins. There are thirty in all, five are constantly on standby. Masato has been trained by her. She had originally began one of the Harem women. In fact - she tried to kill me but her plan was executed so well that I gave her a choice. She could die at my hands there or she could show me what else she capable of and I would destroy the one pulling her strings if I liked what I saw. She was stealthy, quiet, quick, enticing, intelligent, all the things needed of spies. Her master held her sister captive and so she could not go against him. I offered her a life other than the harem but she wanted to stay and do both. I allowed her to teach her ways and live how she likes." Kagome nodded her head, puzzled, but understanding. "Any other questions?"

Kagome shook her head and bowed. She she stood, she placed her hand on his shoulder. It was a casual touch but the heat from the youkai practically seered her skin. "I'm learning." she murmured softly. "I'm learning so that I can be of help to you in the future." He merely nodded his head and watch as she and Takeshi filed out of the room.

Sesshoumaru watched her go a strange look over coming his previously cool features, a look her guard did not miss and one he did not like.

With a quiet snarl to himself, the inu ushered his mistress from the room.

The taiyoukai narrowed his tawny eyes at the closed door, his arm tingling from where the woman had touched him.

How odd.

.

As Kagome closed her eyes and curled around her adopted child she dreamed.

The scent of flowers engulfed her and small giggles reached her ears. Opening her eyes, everything was overly bright and colorful. Kagome sat up, looking around her as the flowers teased her senses.

Another giggle.

Kagome stood.

Her brows furrowed as she heard footsteps behind her and she quickly turned around, heart pounding in her chest. "Rin-chan." she breathed softly at the gaped tooth smile. The little girl gave a small wave and hugged Kagome around the waist.

"Kagome-sama!" she laughed lightly, nuzzling her stomach.

Kagome wrapped her arms around the small child and ran her hands through the sun warmed hair of the little girl, a small smile curling her lips. "It has been awhile since I have seen you. What brings you to my dreams?"

There was uncharacteristic seriousness around the child as she tugged Kagome to follow her. "Do remember the nice Lady Rin mentioned the first time we talked?" Kagome nodded. "She told Rin more." The little girl stopped for a moment and placed her other hands along Kagome's. "Do not be sad. This has not happened yet but it is a possible scenario."

Kagome gave an odd look to the child but the clearing of flowers ended at a cliff as she was pulled further. Over the cliff, in the distance, Kagome saw smoke. She gasped lightly, bring her free hand to her lips as fire engulfed the Western Lands. The sky was black and purple lightning filled the air. She could not tell if it was night or day but screams reached her ears. Death and decay teased her nose and she gagged lightly. Homes were destroyed and half the outer was gone and faceless enemies were entering the inner walls. "Oh Rin-chan..." she murmured softly. The scene faded and Kagome turned wide eyes to the small girl, "Why would you show me that?"

"Kagome-sama... you have fought against multiple youkai with your friends but this is different. You have not seen a war or the real consequences. You pass through the destroyed villages but you have not seen it while it happens. The Lady asked Rin to show you what could happen, open your eyes to the possibilities of failure. Train hard, train right, and make the best decisions you can. Seeing what could happen makes it more real. Do you understand?"

And Kagome did understand.

.

Morning found Kagome in the library pouring over books. The section on conquest was the largest the library held. Shippo was curled beside her nibbling some sweet or another while he hummed and colored and Takeshi was bringing her more books. Her eyes darted through scrolls, leather bound books, diaries kept from previous generals. She devoured as much as could. She read over the entire history of the Western Lands beginning when the inu-youkai first took over. The West had not started out belonging to the House of the Crescent Moon. It began with the House of Setting Sun - the kuma [bear]. It began with Sesshoumaru's great-great Grandfather. They were a small clan but he wanted power and he took it. It was assassination in every sense of the word. The royal family was destroyed and so were any close and distant relatives. None survived the initial attack.

The inu had been named the Western Lord and that was that. Many batttles were fought during his reign as he expanded and conqured all those surrounding him. Poverty, faminine, and disease swept through the Wester during his reign until he was killed by his brother who though this power hungry ways would destory them all. Ascending the throne - he was a kinder man then his brother and gave back to the people who had been wronged. He spread wealth evenly, developed most of the trade and made Nishi no Kokoro the trading hub it was today. He eventually allowed his son to take control.

As she read through she realized that the West was caked in betrayal and war but she did not doubt that the other lands had just as large a history.

As she poured through the scrolls, one line caught her eye and she pasued, "... and the Killing Perfection was cast from the West upon the death of his father as the Eastern Ryuu rose up and took away everything."

Cerulean gaze wide and unblinking Kagome looked around the library at Shippo whom had dozed off mid color and Takeshi who was leaning against the far wall. Standing up, she gathered the scroll and sat down closer to the fire to get better light. Wetting her suddenly dry lips with her tongue she began to read and what she read had her heart drop in her chest.

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'Gome Yuki:: 10,000 PLUS words! That is trueeee love guys! sklghbgiol BAH! We're almost a thousand reviews! How exciting is that? Alright so! Let's get this pesky author's note done with. There are more elements then God in this story. In order to truly understand the story you have to actually read it. every chapter references random stuff from other chapters. This one, in the end references chapter 14. So Kagome has done one of her tasks and is now really finding out what Western Lady entails. It's more work then she had thought possible. We found out what happened with Masato and that Kagome is finding out what lines she can cross and not cross. Cerdwin is more then just your every day whore. Rin came back showing Kagome a vision of the future so that she can actually see what is at stake. We get a hint of romance as Sesshoumaru actually sees Kagome as female rather then just the miko he was stuck with. We see a little more of Takeshi's ruthless nature and the nature Kagome is going to have to adopt. Sesshoumaru finds that he has developed friendship feelings for her. Which he is partially disgusted at. In the next chapter we'll delve more into Sesshoumaru's reign on the Western Lands and a little more romance between our lead male and female. Romance won't really thicken for another few chapters. Those of you that have added the fan page will be getting a HUGE sneak peak at what is to come! Lemme know what you think guys!