Kagome opened her eyes slowly as she adjusted to the light. She looked around as she sat up. It was the room she had been taken from. 'Was it a dream?' Her hands went to her back, feeling for her large wings. She didn't feel anything. She slowly rose, trying not to fall flat on her face. She went to the mirror over the vanity. The mark she had on her shoulder was gone. She lifted her night dress slightly and saw that the place were the jewel was torn out was unblemished. She turned around and found a feather adorned her back. It lay in the middle of her back, just under her shoulder blades.

Kagome stopped suddenly when she heard something from outside her patio. She ran to the balcony, her heart raced a mile a minute as she glanced down. Sweat pored from her face as she stared in shock at what she was seeing.

There were around fifty children in the garden including the familiar faces of the panther child and Megumi. In one large circle there were close to thirty children listening as Kaede-baba told them stories. There faces shone in pure delight. To the left of that near the old oak tree she saw the rest of them gathered around Inuyasha who was showing off the Tetsusaiga. His smirk was unmistakable.

She looked to the right to see the opening into the gardens and saw Miroku, Sango, and Shippo discussing something. They were smiling at whatever it was.

'Uh, oh.' A slap could be heard throughout the garden. No one really paid attention. Even the children seemed to know what happened. That gave her at least some idea about how long she had been out. She watched as Kohaku exited the castle and made his way over to Sango. She played with his hair before he suddenly spoke. Kohaku made his way over to where Inuyasha was still entertaining the children. Kagome heard a noise from inside the room and turned to find Kikyou standing in the doorway with a tray of food.

Kagome smiled at her as Kikyou set the tray down on a low table next to the bed. Kikyou motioned for Kagome to sit down. She was only too happy to oblige. Kikyou sat on the edge of the bed while she watched as Kagome grabbed a piece of bread from the tray and joined her.

"I wanted to thank you. I also wanted to apologize." Kagome swallowed her bread and smiled. She shook her head.

"You don't have to thank me. I'm not mad at you. I never have been. None of this was your fault. Though I am glad to have my soul back." Kagome laughed merrily. Kikyou smiled. She couldn't help respecting the girl. She was a bit jealous, but she knew of her love for the Taiyoukai.

"Everyone's worried. They all talk about how you were completely unresponsive before you sacrificed yourself. What happened?" Kagome finished eating and looked at the floor.

"I was talking to my mother." Kikyou's confused expression told her to explain further. "My mother isn't human either. An angel can only live so long. We can't die from disease, but we can die of broken hearts. My mother wanted to tell me who I really was, but she wasn't able to. When I transformed I heard her in my mind. She told me that she was proud of me and that she would die soon, but I would always have a place there if I decided to go back."

"Would you?" Kikyou asked thinking about a certain taiyoukai and fifty-two children not including Rin and Shippou. Kagome opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by a squeal.

"Kagome!" Rin and Shippou yelled at the same time. They ran over and jumped on her, knocking her onto her bed. Kikyou smiled and picked up the tray. She left them to go see Inuyasha. She was excited to return to her village and settle down with Inuyasha. She didn't mind that he was hanyou anymore. She knew she still loved him, and also Sesshomaru gave Inuyasha a mating spell that would let her and her children share his lifespan. Kikyou continued to smile as she went down the hall.

Kagome had told Rin and Shippou that she didn't want them to say that Kagome was awake if Kikyou didn't mention it. Oddly enough she knew that Kikyou wouldn't say. She told Rin and Shippou that she wanted them to be surprised when she arrived to diner. They laughed and told her that they wouldn't say a word.

She dressed in a pale gold robe. It clung to her form nicely. It had slits in the arms so that the top of her arms showed and the fabric hung over them and were bound by her wrists. She wore baggy pale gold pants that clung to her ankles and was a hip hugger. She arranged the robe so that it displayed her toned midriff. She had her hair pulled up by Yen and let a few tendrils escape to frame her face. Yang found a beautiful clip to place in the right side of the bun. The two were found by a sly Shippou who told them his plan for her grand entrance. They loved their new Lord and Lady and agreed to help. The robe was Yen's idea. The slits in the back for her wings was a careful addition made by Yang. They surveyed their masterpiece and smiled. They wanted to be there when she came in, so Kagome agreed to go in a few minutes when the two would serve dinner. Rin and Shippou giggled as their mother looked in the mirror on the vanity as she smiled.

"The other lords are going to be so jealous." Yen smiled. Yang nodded. Rin and Shippou giggled.

"Other lords?" Kagome asked confusedly. Yen nodded.

"All the other lords are here with their mates because of you. Since Naraku is gone and peace is back all of the lords came to express their gratitude." Kagome's face dropped.

"You mean only North, South, and East right?" Panic started creeping into Kagome. Yen shook her head. Yang stepped toward her.

"All of the lords are here, even the lesser nobles. I believe you know one named Kouga, correct? He is here too." Kagome's eyes widened. Her look of panic turned to horror. She would rather face Kuroji again than go now.

"I can't do this!" She yelled. Yen and Yang exchanged glances.

"It's not that hard, my lady. You look wonderful and you've nothing to fear. We shall be there to assist you." Yang said

"And so will Lord Sesshomaru and the others. Don't worry, just relax. Act calm and mysterious." Yen giggled. "This will be so fun. You'll enjoy the looks on their faces when they see you. Just play with it." Yen grinned. Kagome looked in the mirror and smiled slightly.

"I guess this could be fun. I can get back at Sesshomaru and Inuyasha for all the times they called me wench." They all laughed.

"Remember, don't come down yet. Come late." Kagome nodded as they left the room with Shippou and Rin. She looked in the mirror again. 'Payback time.'

She smirked evily.

Lord Sesshomaru stood with the others calmly. Many had come from all over, even some that weren't lords or ladies. The others stood by him because they were there when "Naraku" was destroyed. No one knew about Kuroju so it didn't really matter. They stood on a slightly raised platform in the ballroom. He watched as the other lords and ladies talked amongst themselves. He was tempted to fall into his chair, which convieniently was right behind him. 'Just a little longer. I need to check on Kagome.'

He heard someone open the door. If there was one thing he didn't like, it was late arrivals. Everyone turned to see who would dare arrive late. As the doors opened everyone gasped audibly. No one was more surprised that the group standing on the platform. Kagome stood there calmly observing the hundred of nobles that graced Sesshomaru's ballroom. As she walked the crowd parted like the sea for Moses. She calmly walked barefoot to the astonished group. Rin and Shippou smiled secretly as they watched Lord Sesshomaru, their 'soon-to-be father's' face.

'Beautiful…mine.' Sesshomaru thought possessively when he saw the faces of some of the males in the room. He watched her hips sway in time with her spread wings. Shoji smiled at his sister.

'You go get him, Kagome.' Shoji nearly laughed when he watched the sparks of confusion, lust, and jealousy arose one by one in Lord Sesshomaru's gaze.

She stopped calmly in front of Lord Sesshomaru. She held her hand up in front of his face, as if searching. 'She's teasing me.' Sesshomaru realized. He almost let a growl slip loose. Kagome smiled warmly at him vanquishing the thought as she lowered her hands to her sides. 'She's beautiful when she smiles.' He became slightly amused when she curtsied to him, her smile still on her face. He took her hand and moved toward his chair. Still holding her hand he sat down. She stood to his right side. Everyone in the group smiled at the sight they made, even Inuyasha.

Three demons approached the platform and made polite bows. Sesshomaru almost smirked when he smelled their jealousy. Almost. He tightened his hold imperceptibly on her hand. She have him a reassuring squeeze.

Kagome guessed by the looks of them and the polite bows they made that these were the other three of the four lords. One of them wore green, a symbol of a star adorned his forehead. The one in the middle wore a red kimono with what looked like white dragons on it. He had a flaming sword on his forehead. The one on the right wore blue with a tear drop on his forehead. If grandpa had taught her anything useful it was the elemental meanings behind the four lands. The winds were controlled by the moons gravity. That explained Sesshomaru's insignia.

'West winds.'

The mountains of the east were said to be the grace of a falling star.

'Star of the East.'

Fire was claimed to have been brought from the north

'Northern Fires.'

The last Lord would be the lord of water.

'Wow, they are color coordinated too.' Kagome had to hold in a giggle. The other Lords she noticed were looking at her with something akin to… lust? Kagome forced herself to remain calm. She found Sesshomaru's hand to be very comforting. She looked at the Southern Lord and noticed that he was looking at her quizzically, from Kagome's point of view the only gentleman among them. 'At least someone isn't looking at me like that.'

"Lord Sesshomaru we all express our gratitude to you and your friends and family. We wish to present you with a gift." Sesshomaru found the reference to family shocking, but strangely pleasing. Sesshomaru inclined his head for them to continue.

The door opened once more to reveal a group of soldiers trying desperately to calm a rampaging horse. Sesshomaru was slightly angry with them. 'They bring a pack animal inside my castle?' Kagome looked at the horse and noticed a faint glimmer from its side. There was rope tied around the horse holding down a pair of white wings. Kagome gasped. The group on the platform noticed and looked from the horse to her and back again. Sesshomaru looked up at her and saw the amazed look on her face. He felt his anger slip away.

'Is it possible to be jealous of a horse?'

"Stop!" Everyone turned to Kagome as she raced toward the horse and guards. The horse wildly began kicking. The guard holding the bridle accidentally let go. Kagome stepped in front of the horse and grabbed the bridle. Kagome pulled out a feather and willed it to be sharp at the end. The horse saw the point sharpen and began fiercely bucking and kicking anew. Sesshomaru jumped from his seat and was about to help stay the animal.

"Stand back!" She turned her head. She directed it to everyone. The lords and ladies closest to the door backed away. Sesshomaru could tell that her command was especially for him.

Kagome, still holding the bridle, went to the horse's side and went to cut the ropes went the horse bayed and kicked again. She gritted her teeth and with a newfound determination struck the rope tied to the horse without cutting the horses wings. The horse spread his wings, still kicking wildly.

Everyone but the three Lords who presented the horse gasped audibly. Kagome let go of the bridle. Sesshomaru was too shocked by this action that he didn't even know how to react when the horse bayed one last time and looked ready to strike Kagome.

"Kagome!" He heard Inuyasha yell. But he was too focused on Kagome to care.

Suddenly everything was quiet as they looked on. Mere inches from Kagome the horse stopped his assault. It seemed to stare into her very soul. Kagome spread her wings slightly and the horse shook his great mane. The horse lowered his head and bent his front legs until his knees were resting on the floor. This simple action spoke volumes for the occupants of the room. Even Sesshomaru wore a surprised expression. There was one that looked displeased with this turn of events.

Lord Sortai was leaning against a corner when he saw her. He wanted her. If Lord Sesshomaru realized exactly who she was then he would take her. 'If I can't have her, no one can.' He silently created a black vortex and let it swallow him. No one noticed.

'Next time we meet, you will parish…Princess of the Sun.'

Kagome's hand brushed the horse's head. He came closer to her and she leaned against his chest with his head over her shoulder. She stroked his sides gently before turning to the waiting group of Lords and Ladies.

"Your gift is most generous, my lords." She spoke softly.

"It is most fitting Princess. What will you call him?" Asked the Lord of the South. Sesshomaru and everyone else wondered at her being called Princess except for Shoji.

'So, he's figured it out. Amusing.' Sesshomaru turned to look at Shoji who appeared unfazed. He made a mental note to remember to ask about that later.

"I will name him Tenshi." Kagome said while stroking the great white horse's mane. The Lord of the South nodded. He walked toward them slowly. The crowd parted for him. He touched the horse, who didn't seem to mind. Kagome was slightly surprised that Tenshi accepted him so easily. She looked at the water fox youkai. He could feel her gaze on him and returned it with a smile.

Sesshomaru's anger grew to new heights. It rose by great leaps and bounds. He felt Shoji's hand on his shoulder. Shoji sent waves of calmness though him hoping to calm him enough. He continued to watch his sister.

"Do you know much about horses?" The Lord asked her inquisitively. Kagome blushed.

Inside Lord Sesshomaru willed him to drop dead.

"Not really." Kagome admitted. Lord Akira took the reigns from Kagome's hands.

"Then allow me to teach you. Would you be kind enough to show me to the stables?" He asked her. Kagome nodded and turned to the large group in the ballroom and bowed politely.

"Excuse me." The guards that originally came with the horse followed Lord Akira and Kagome outside. The beginnings of a growl reverberated through Sesshomaru. Shoji's hand on his shoulder tightened.

'If you truly love her, you will trust her.' Shoji said when he entered Sesshomaru's mind before being roughly forced out. Shoji left his side and went to talk to Sango and Miroku. Talking and laughing filled the room again.

'It's not Kagome that I don't trust.'

Note: all things in italics are those that are not seen. You'll see what I mean.

When the gathering was over people began to leave and Sesshomaru decided to go to the stables to find Kagome. He had a bad feeling, but he couldn't place what it was. But he knew that if anyone hurt Kagome in any way that they would pay with their lives. The bad feeling had come sometime after the Pegasus was brought in. He was always friends with Lord Akira, but he couldn't control the feelings of betrayal when he saw the strange look in his eyes when he was speaking to her.

'Jealousy is the green-eyed monster.' Sesshomaru rubbed the bridge of his nose in irritation as his headache worsened. 'Now I'm a poet.' He had Kagome to thank for that.

Flashback

Kagome fingered the brush that Sesshomaru had given her. She decided to look at a few of the portraits that hung in the dining room when they settled into a comfortable silence. She turned to look at Sesshomaru who was looking down the corridor that the deer youkai disappeared through earlier. He seemed to be debating something.

"I think Chiryoku is really nice." She said, startling him slightly. He turned his head to look at her. He seemed to be upset. She looked down the hallway and back at him and smiled.

"Jealousy is a Green-Eyed monster, Sesshomaru." She laughed at the look on Sesshomaru's face. "It's from a play I read once called Othello." He raised a delicate eyebrow at this. She laughed again and approached him.

She hugged him suddenly. He was startled to say the least. She was mad at him a second ago and now she was hugging him. She was a strange creature he concluded. He wrapped his arms around her tiny waist in return. She let out a little giggle.

"What is so funny?"

"You are." She looked up at him, meeting his eyes. "He is a friend Sesshomaru. I gave you my promise, remember? No matter what, I will still hold to it." She released him and started walking back toward her room. He stood there a moment before he decided to follow her. After all, he still had unfinished business.

End Flashback

He reached the stable doors and was about to go in when he heard Kagome's laughter. 'I don't remember her being this open with me.' Sesshomaru nearly growled. His demon chanted one word repeatedly…'mine.'

"I'll go get a blanket from the balcony." Kagome said, moving across the barn to the stairs.

"I can give you my…" Lord Akira began.

"That's not necessary. Really. That's what these are here for. Catch!" Kagome's voice approached him again. She stopped near what he guessed was the stall.

"Come." Lord Akira said. Tenshi moved his head toward him for a moment before grabbing for Kagome's robe with his teeth as he began to nibble it gently.

"Hey, let go…" Kagome said in a sing-song voice.

"Not likely." Akira replied. Sesshomaru found himself growling in anger. 'She is mine!' His demon howled in outrage.

"You're so beautiful." Kagome said wonderingly. Kagome absentmindedly stroked Tenshi's mane. "Thank you." Lord Akira said playfully. She turned to him and rolled her eyes.

'So, she finds him attractive?' His eyes began to bleed red.

"I should-" Kagome began. She turned to gather the blanket when she hit her head on a beam.

"Ooh…" Kagome mumbled.

Sesshomaru felt his hair bristle.

Akira helped her to the floor and touched her head gently.

"Mmm." Kagome moaned.

Sesshomaru couldn't stand it any longer and destroyed a water barrel that was standing near the door. He fled into the forest.

"What was that?" Kagome asked, instantly alert.

They opened the doors and found the water barrel in splinters. Lord Akira could smell Sesshomaru's presence. He could also smell his intense anger.

'What happened?' Lord Akira questioned. Sesshomaru was never easily angered. He looked at Kagome who was still fingering the newly formed lump on her head when he suddenly understood, as only a male could.

'Oh, no. I've gone and done it now haven't I, my old friend?'