Three taiyoukais and one hanyou sat on opposite sides of a low rectangular table.

Matsu, Miroku and Shippo sat near the shoji screen nearest to the wooden planked corridor.

Each of the four combatants glare at each other in a blatant display of clear animosity and jealousy.

"Iesudono, I am a youkai of unquestionable honor, for I pride myself in the upbringing I have received as pup as befitting to one of my rank. We both have been brought up on the same roof and by the same teachers, therefore I do prevail upon the idea that you also share in likeness upon which I esteem honor and the pack code above all others as much as I. Is that not so?" asked Sesshoumaru, his eyes narrowing as he asses the inu before him.

Iesu answers by a curt nod.

"Then pray tell this Sesshoumaru, elaborate your intentions upon a high ranking female of my pack."

"Your pack? Listen here you arctic assed inu, Kagome is 'my' chosen female. She is mine to protect! She has been under my protection since the beginning of our travels to complete the shikon no tama and it will remain that way!" Inuyasha snapped.

"She is of the house of our father. All those pertaining of that household are under my care for it has been passed onto my person upon Chichiue's death, I am alpha and therefore 'she' is under my charge especially since she is of direct blood relation to our honored great grandfather, Yurimaru." replied Sesshoumaru.

"Inukoro, teme (rude way of saying 'you') have always failed to protect my woman properly, and this situation proves it clearly. I have decided to take her to back to my lands for her benefit."

"Keh! Why don't you go sink your fangs on some little pigs' chunky ass, you wimpy wolf!" retaliated Inuyasha balling a fist.

"Damaru (silence) Inuyasha! Kouga!" roared the irate Sesshoumaru. "What is your answer Iesudono."

"I had not meant to affront your honor Sesshoumarudono, nor did I set to mar her virtue. The female has peaked my interest, she does not wear a mating mark nor a mark of intention therefore I conclude that she is not spoken for as of yet. I wish to make clear my intentions of wooing Kagomehime as a future mate."

"WHAT?" all but Sesshoumaru cried out in unison.

"Are you out of your friggin rabid mind?" roared Inuyasha. "You've only spoken a few sentences to her this morning and now you want her to be your mate?" he spluttered in outrage.

"For once I agree with Inukoro." added Kougo narrowing his eyes at the imposing southern taiyoukai.

Ignoring the said remarks Iesu presses another issue further,"Sesshoumarudono, I recognize your right and it stands to reason that you are the one to be consulted regarding Kagomehime. However, I need to determine what are 'your' intentions regarding her."All attention now shifted to frowning western lord.

Eyes never leaving the inu lord of the south, Sesshoumaru indifferently states, "the state of affairs concerning Kagome and I are to remain my own. However, she is still very much considered a child in youkai terms and not at all accustomed to the advances of males, and of what the mating ritual entails. Of which reason I regrettably decline your request to press your suit." Kouga and Inuyasha silently applauding the stoic taiyoukai.

"You as well as I know that she is able to chose and turnover your word, being that she is in prime position of also being your potential mate. Therefore, your claim to refuse my suit is not yours to make." Iesu remarked.

"Is not the Lady still recovering in her chambers?"asked Matsu. "Why not set an audience with her on the morrow involving this issue. Seeing that all four of us are here why not discuss the up coming 'end of harvest' tournament ne?"

"Hai." replied Iesu glaring at Sesshoumaru.

"Hai" agreed Sesshoumaru returning his glare only twice as cold.

"Is it just me or did winter just come early?" shivered Miroku.

"Nope, those two have enough ice power to extinguish all the fire on the seven hells." remarked the kitsune.

"Hey, Inukoro, what's with those two? I have a gut feeling there's more to this than meets the eye?"

"Keh! Like I'd know, besides all that I'm concerned with now is keeping Kagome away from the two ice lords over there."

"I heard that Iesudono is not that bad. Infact he's the exact opposite of your brother, you mutt."

"If he's the exact opposite of my 'half' brother what's with the blizzard glares they give each other?"

"That's what I mean that's out of character with Iesudono, that's why I'm starting to think there's more to those two than we know. But then again, my woman is a much sought after Lady of high calibre so I'm not surprised to say the least." declared Kouga with dreamy eyes.

"Has your fur garments seeped into your head or something? She's not your woman! She never was!" growled the hanyou.

"Mutt face your delisional! She's in love with me, she's just unsure about how to express her love to me properly."

"Now who's delusional? You're the one who doesn't have a grip on reality you mental-case ookami (wolf). If she had extra subjugation beads she'd have sat your furry ass till you start molting."

"Will all of you just please be silent before I restrain you all with my ofudas!" yelled Miroku.

"You dare to and I'll personally kick your scrawny ass all the way to tibet!" threatened the ookami prince.

"And that's after I turn you inside out and pull your face through your perverted ass!" growled Inuyasha cracking his knuckles loudly.

"Had I known that you are able to invoke such energetic responses from the ookami, I would have included you in our negotiations sooner." joked the dragon taiyoukai.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Blink. Blink.

Blink. Blink.

"Wha-." Kagome tries to refocus her blurry vision. "Ow, my head.." groaned Kagome clutching her head.

"Kagomechan, onegai, rest a while and do not get up." advised the taijiya.

"I fainted again didn't I?"

"Hai. But given the circumstances I think I would have to. It's not everyday, Inuyasha proclaims his feelings so adamantly."

"Oh kami! That's right he did call me his chosen female... Sangochan, what will I do? I am so confused at this point."

"No-one said for you to make a decision yet Kagomechan, just take it easy and think about it fully. Besides, Kouga is here, he's a taiyoukai too did you know? Oh and so is Iesudono. They're all together in the hall."

"I thought the negotiations were finished what are they doing there?"

"They're trying to sort out their feeling for you."

"THEY?" gasped the surprised demoness.

"Hai, it seems all four have feelings for you."