Wow, me sorry it took me so long. I only have a couple of minutes to post this so i regret i can't answer reviews...Im really sorry and I'll reply to the reviews on the next chapter...anways, i hope you guys like it!

A week later
Kagome sat outside the gates, as she had done many times before. She wasn't sure what to do with herself anymore. After being so close to Sesshomaru then suddenly left without him, she was confused. And worried. It might not have been so bad, if not for the fact that Inutaishou could kill him, or attempt to kill him. Kagome didn't believe her mate could be killed.
Trey was close by, as always, looking over her. Her dejected mood was starting to get to him and he began to think of ways to get her moving around. Derenti had little news for Kagome recently. Not much came in, and the news that did, didn't exactly concern Kagome. Inutaishou had indeed declared war on Derenti, just as the south and east, which left the north standing alone.
Derenti, however, wasn't worried. He was one of the strongest kingdoms, equal in strength to the western lands. Before, the western lands had been stronger, but when many demons learned of Inutaishou's return and the fall of Sesshomaru, they left. Sesshomaru's harsh reputation had kept them there. Inutaishou's much more relaxed approach allowed them to flee. Right into the waiting arms of Derenti.
Kagome nor Derenti knew how Sesshomaru faired, and Kagome pondered every waking moment. She missed and worried for her mate, who she pined for as well. Sango had tried to take her mind off of Sesshomaru, but to no avail. All Kagome's smiles were forced and her few bursts of happiness short lived. Even Shippo failed to raise her spirits.
Sango and Miroku sat not far away, talking quietly. If Kagome didn't see Sesshomaru soon, they were both sure she'd perish from sadness. "It's only been a week." Sango muttered, sighing and shaking her head, peering at her friend. She didn't think someone could be so...depressed...after only a week.
"For Kagome, it must seem like much longer." Miroku stated, feeling sorry for his friend. They were mates after all, bound together. Miroku tried to imagine what it would feel like to lose your other half. Peering down at Sango, it wasn't hard to imagine Kagome's pain.
"She needs to get her mind off of it." Sango continued, not paying attention to what he said nor the look he gave her.
"And what would you suggest, Lady Sango?" Miroku asked, curious to see if she had any ideas. Sango simply shrugged, indicating she didn't know.
Kagome stared at the sky, hearing Trey sigh slightly for the hundredth time it seemed. "You can leave, if you wish." Kagome stated passively, intwining her fingers in front of her and ignoring Trey as he rolled his eyes.
"It is not the end of the world. You need to be happy and strong for him." Trey stated, seeing her glance in his direction. "He misses you just as you miss him, but if he acted like you do, nothing would get accomplished."
He inwardly smiled at the anger that claimed her face. 'Better then that blank expression.' he thought, knowing she was going to yell and possibly hit him.
"It is different for me and him. He has things to do. I do not. I am forced to wait." Kagome replied, her anger dying, to Trey's disappointment.
Trey thought for a moment, before smirking. "You can always take up your training once more. I know Reshki showed you the basics, I can teach you more." Trey suggested, seeing a small smile claim Kagome.
"That is a wonderful idea." Kagome stated, glancing at Miroku and Sango, who smiled at their friend. 'Maybe Trey is right. I haven't exactly been myself this past week.' Kagome thought, taking a deep breath and smiling a real smile.
"We could help." Sango suggested, seeing Trey nod. It was settled, everyone stood and followed Trey to the dojo, everyone in a slightly better mood then before.

Kouga sat in his room, reading over different scrolls and letters, grumbling to himself. He hated all the reading and formal crap he was forced to do. He had a formed a plan offering to help Sesshomaru if, in the end, he got half of the easter lands. Sesshomaru had agreed. After all, the eastern lands were nothing to him. Kouga glanced up at Kari as she stood in his room.
"Inutaishou will be moving his army to combine it with Rashka's. Mine will join his on the northern border." Kouga stated, tossing aside one note and picking up another.
"I see." was all Kari stated.
"Derenti needs to move his to the northern border. Massing the army is a diversion and mine will attempt to break through the northwestern border." Kouga continued, glancing up at her. "Instead of fighting, my army will claim victory and move into Derenti's land. That way, he will have mine as defensive in the western part and his will be left to hold the northern and eastern front." Kouga explained, seeing Kairi nod.
"After that move, I will be returning to my lands to prepare for when the other Lords discover that I have joined with Derenti. Half of my army will remain in the south." Kouga finished, seeing her nod once more. Kouga fished through some papers and came up with the note he had received as the battle plan. "Give this to Sesshomaru. He can send it to Derenti." Kari walked foreword and took the paper, slipping it away.
"Have Sesshomaru team up with his father. Inutaishou knows Sesshomaru is a good fighter. Make Sesshomaru convince Inutaishou he has no desire to help the northern lands. Once that is done, Sesshomaru will be able to be close to Inutaishou. It will take longer and much convincing before Inutaishou sees Sesshomaru alone though." Kouga finished, seeing Kari nod once again.
"I will return in two days time." Kari bowed as Kouga dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Kari quickly left and returned to Sesshomaru's bedroom, where he was with Roku and Reshki.
Once she entered, all eyes fell on her. "Here." was all Kari stated, pulling the paper from her sleeve and handing it to Sesshomaru.
He quickly scanned it and sighed. Roku and Reshki waited until he handed it to them. "I have a bad feeling about this." Kari mumbled, sitting beside Reshki in a chair. Sesshomaru simply looked at her, expressionless.
"I do not think Kouga can be trusted." Roku grumbled his agreement. Reshki reread the letter and shook his head.
"I don't think he can either." he finally stated, all three looking at Sesshomaru.
"Of course he can't be trusted. But the next move? Now what?" Sesshomaru pondered. He couldn't be sure, but he had to act soon. Sesshomaru knew his father watched him whenever he left this room and he wouldn't be surprised if his Guardians were being watched as well. The only way to determine the next move would be to tell Derenti this new piece of information and get a response. He stood and walked over to the desk within his room and sat, writing his message to Derenti.
Reshki, Roku, and Kari shared glances, not sure what their lord would do. They didn't think Sesshomaru was dumb enough to believe Kouga, but in two days Kari had to take a response to him. Sesshomaru thought for a moment before quickly writing a message to the dragon lord.

Lord Derenti,
Kouga has claimed our side in this war. He wishes part of the eastern land in return for his help. He has offered me battle plans, the first move in the war, which are enclosed. He wants you to leave open the north western lands and says his army will be your defense there. It is your choice whether you believe him or not. I must get close to Lord Inutaishou if I wish to kill him. Send a message soon so that I may know your course of action and act accordingly.

Lord Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru looked down at what he had written, seeing it was very vague and short. Just how he wanted it. He looked it over, making sure he had all he wanted in it. He was not big on writing and didn't deem a long letter necissary. As he thought of the dragon, he found his thoughts shifting to his mate. Only a week had passed and already it was affecting him. Instead of making him weaker, as he thought before he had met her, he was more determined. After a moment of pondering, he pulled out another piece of parchment, scribbling a note to her as well. If she felt anything like he did, the note would be a much needed mood booster.
Kari, Reshki, and Roku watched Sesshomaru write before deciding to take positions outside, allowing him some privacy. Kari had an idea who he was writing to and allowed a small smile to claim her lips.

Inuyasha and Suki walked down the halls, close to each other's side. Inuyasha had quit being stubborn and accepted Suki as his mate as had she. It had been akward to begin with, but both soon became accustomed to being around each other. If anything, they worked well together.

They both walked down the hallway, seeing Roku standing a short distance away from a closed door.
"We 'need' to speak to Sesshomaru." Suki replied, placing her hands on her hips and frowning.
"Lord Sesshomaru, to you. And, as of the moment, he is busy." Roku replied, then added in a low voice, "Meet in the forest, later." To anyone that might've been listening, it had seemed the tiger had growled, not spoken.
"Busy? To busy to see us?" Suki acted outraged but was simply playing off of what he had said.
"Yes." Roku curtly replied, crossing his arms.
"Tell my brother that he might regret treating me like this." Inuyasha scowled, this to, an act.
"Lord Sesshomaru could care less. He has no need for half breeds." Roku finished, snapping.
With that, Inuyasha and Suki appeared to walk off quite agitated. They walked back to their room, grumbling under their breath the whole way in apparent anger. Once inside their room, however, Suki couldn't help but laugh. Inuyasha would've shushed her, but their room had a barrier on it, complements of Sesshomaru.
"Ooo, that was fun." Suki chuckled, sitting on the bed and simply smiling.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes but smiled to take away from the affect. "You make everything a game." Inuyasha muttered, crossing his arms.
"As long as I win, what's the harm?" Suki retorted, smirking.
"You win? Feh, I don't think so." Inuyasha replied, baiting her.
"You don't think so?" Suki asked, getting a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Inuyasha pretended not to notice the look she threw him and snorted his reply.
"I always win." He stated with finality. She was about to come up with a smart reply when he pounced on her. "Ever since the first time we met, I've always won." he stated, seeing the surprise and playfulness in her eyes. "And then the second time, when I chased you down the halls, I won. Remember?" Inuyasha teased, leaning down and dragging his fangs along her neck as a reminder.
"If I recall correctly, you were the one standing dumb struck as I walked away." she mumbled, shivering slightly and closing her eyes.
He chuckled, kissing her neck. "You caved first so that clearly means I won." She was too busy focusing on the hanyou on top of her to come up with a reply and he laughed softly against her skin when he realized that.
They had been 'mates' for a week and hadn't done anything together. And whether Suki would admit it or not, she had wanted to since the first night he had apologized. Any time the two of them had a moment to where they came close to just kissing, they were always interrupted by either one of the Guardians or Sesshomaru himself. And everytime that youkai interrupted them he'd smirk, like he knew how frustrated they were at each interruption and enjoyed messing with them.
Inuyasha pulled away from her neck, looking into her eyes that were misted over with lust. "You play dirty." she breathed, cracking a half smile.
Inuyasha couldn't help but smile as he replied, "I don't see you complaining."
"You arrogant..." her tirade was cut off when Inuyasha kissed her softly. Their first kiss, the first one they shared. Suki's hands ran through his hair and found his ears, playing with them. Instead of him pulling away, as she thought he would, he leaned more into her, drawing her bottom lip between his fangs and growling softly. The kiss was soft, just as Suki thought it would be and couldn't help but loose herself with the taste of him.
He pulled away reluctantly and smiled down at her, running a hand down her side. "We have to go soon." he stated, feeling her muscles flex under his touch which caused him to smile wider. "So we better get moving so we beat anyone who wants to follow us." He stood, pulling Suki with him.
"You're lucky we have to leave." Suki teased, tweaking his ear and hearing him growl softly. "I found your weak spot." she chuckled, seeing him crack one of his eyes open and look at her.

Sesshomaru and Reshki stood in the dark forest, waiting for Inuyasha and Suki. Kari and Roku had taken positions in the woods out of Sesshomaru's sense range. Sesshomaru glanced skyward and sighed. Inuyasha was running behind.
"Waiting is not something your good at." Reshki chuckled softly, then added, "Besides, they are new mates. You acted no different." That last part brought a scowl to Sesshomaru's face. He was about to retort when Reshki cut him off, smiling, "You were not 'working' that time you were late to the dojo." The growing scowl on Sesshomaru's face proved Reshki's guess had been true.
"The matters weren't as pressing as they are now." was Sesshomaru's simple reply, not denying Reshki's claim.
"Like you would be in a better mood if you knew Kagome was waiting for you back at the palace." Reshki taunted, meeting Sesshomaru's eyes and smiling at the glare he received."Watch it, Gaurdian." Sesshomaru growled, looking at the woods where he sensed Inuyasha's approach. Reshki turned his gaze from Sesshomaru to the approaching couple.
Inuyasha could see his brother wasn't exactly happy at the moment, and the remains of a smile on Reshki's face told Inuyasha the Gaurdian had been messing with his brother.
"Roku told me you wished to speak to me." Sesshomaru stated impassively.
Inuyasha nodded once, crossing his arms as he answered, "Father now has two Guardians already." Inuyasha began, seeing Sesshomaru nod slightly. "And he has sent someone to speak with me. He knows that our past...relationship...had been a rocky one and still believes this to be true. He wants to meet with me to speak of Kagome...and you."
"I am surprised he has not said anything of Lady Suki being present." Reshki commented.
"He won't as long as he thinks Inuyasha is on his side." Sesshomaru stated, seeing Inuyasha and Suki agree.
"It won't surprise me if he asks to speak to you." Inuyasha shrugged.
"Why do you say that?" Reshki asked but Sesshomaru already knew the answer and scowled.
"What better way to get closer to Kagome then for me and him to be working together?" Sesshomaru stated. "If InuTaishou wishes to speak to me, then he shall do so and I will play the part. But I will not have Kagome return.
"He doesn't know where Kagome went, so tell him she went home." Inuyasha shrugged then winced slightly, remembering the distruction of the well. "Um, he doesn't know about the well, so he could buy it." Sesshomaru raised an eye brow before nodding slightly. "I'm going to return and take this meeting with our father and I'll speak to you sometime soon."
"With hope, maybe this will end a lot sooner then we all think?" Suki mumbled under her breath and shrugging. She did miss her family, though she could feel that they were ok every morning. With that, Inuyasha and Suki left the clearing with Reshki and Sesshomaru standing there. Once Sesshomaru was sure they were out of sight, he pulled two letters from his sleeve, handing them to Reshki.
"Don't take long, either direction, and don't linger." was all Sesshomaru said before Reshki disappeared into the dark woods, heading for the North.

Kagome blocked Trey's swing, causing her arms to vibrate with her sword. Instead of congratulating herself, she had to quickly sidestep to avoid his next swing. She took a step back, bringing her wooden sword into position to block his next swing, the clunking of wood on wood reverberated through out the dojo.
"You're getting pretty good at defense." Trey chuckled, swinging once more, her sword meeting his again.
"That's because...you won't give me a chance to attack." Kagome said in the middle of blocking. Trey was using one arm while Kagome had to use two. And he wasn't even using his demon speed or strength.
"I have given you plenty of chances, you just have to look for them." Trey laughed, spinning and dropping his swing low.
Kagome reacted instinctively, blocking his swing then continuing the motion in an upward stroke. Trey easily blocked it, but stated, "See, you found an opening. Now, all you have to do is find it more often and practice at it." Kagome blocked his swing once more, her arms protesting.
"If they keep this up, Kagome's arm's will fall off." Sango chuckled, mock dueling with Miroku. He blocked her swing, spinning his staff and bringing it back at her. They both used real weapons because they knew how to fight and knew how to stop instantly. Sango blocked his move, dropping low and swinging her foot in an effort to trip him. Miroku jumped back and swung his staff down at her and her sword met his.
"Kagome needs to fight till exhaustion, that'll be best for her." Miroku replied, smiling at the position Sango was in. She was currently on her knees in front of him. Sango saw the smile and narrowed her eyes, standing and hitting him on the head.
"Hentai!" Sango muttered, crossing her arms and walking away. Miroku was dropped to the ground, smiling as he rubbed the bump growing on his head.
Kagome heard Sango muttering and glanced her way, only to be smacked in the side with Trey's wooden katana. "Focus. You could've blocked that if you would've been paying attention." Trey scolded, seeing her rub the spot he had hit.
"Ow. That doesn't tickle ya know." Kagome mumbled, seeing him smile then swing his sword once more. Kagome jumped back, grabbing her sword in both hands. "Hey! I wasn't ready!" Kagome shouted, scowling at Trey.
"You should've been." was his reply, before attacking Kagome once more. Sango chuckled, watching her friend.
"Don't you guys think we should stop? It's really late." Sango stated, realized the sun had been down for hours.
Trey lowered his sword, indicating they were done. "I didn't realize how late it was." he stated, glancing at Kagome who looked out one of the windows.
"Wow. We've been in here all day." Kagome stated, looking at the door to see Tsume walk in. Trey bristled slightly. He knew Sesshomaru didn't like the dragon.
"Can we help you?" Trey asked, stepping in the dragons direction.
"Reshki came by not to long ago with a letter for Derenti." Tsume stated, looking at Kagome and stopping a couple of feet from her. "He also has a letter for you." Kagome glanced at Sango with confusion on her face before approaching Tsume and taking the folded piece of paper he held.
"If you want to reply to it, give it to either me or my father and we'll make sure Reshki gets it when he comes back." Tsume bowed slightly and smiled at Kagome, before turning to leave.
"Thank you Tsume." Kagome stated, looking at the paper then around at everyone.
"Well, I suppose you guys should get to your room. You can read your note there." Trey stated, taking Kagome's katana and hanging it up with his. They all walked out and to their respective rooms.
Sango, Miroku, and Kagome walked into theirs. "I'm going to take a bath and read this." Kagome stated as soon as they had walked in. Kagome noticed Shippo sleeping on her bed and felt slightly bad. The pour kitsune's spirits had been damped as well. Kagome made a promise to herself that tomorrow she'd play with Shippo, maybe even looking in to getting Rin back from that family so Shippo would have a playmate. She quickly grabbed her bath supplies and pajamas, eager to read what was written, and slipped into the bathroom. Sango decided to give Kagome some privacy and keep an eye on Miroku.
Once Kagome was in the room, she quickly removed her clothes and slipped into the warm water. Then she picked up the paper and held it as if it was made of glass. After staring at it for a moment more, she unfolded it to see neat writing and her name at the top. Glancing at the bottom, she saw it was from Sesshomaru. She smiled and began to read:

Kagome,
My mate, I hope you are fairing well. This week has seemed like centuries and I fear it will take even longer before I am able to see you once more. I hope you are atleast keeping yourself busy as I have been. Though I find it hard to sleep at night without you. Not that we did much sleeping when you were here.

Kagome reread that sentence and laughed, before continuing.

I believe the first attack will be soon and it pains me that I will not be there to make sure you will be ok. If everything goes well, the fighting will not reach Derenti's home. So I keep telling myself you are safe and sound. I am good as well and I hope you are not worrying about me. Reshki and Kari rarely leave me in peace and Inuyasha and Suki are making themselves useful. I believe they have finally gotten used to the idea of being mates.
As soon as Inutaishou is gone I will personally go to you and drag you back here. I hold you to word about not leaving my side and I often dream about making you my life mate. Know that I love you and I am safe. Sleep well and try to be happy.

Forever yours,
Sesshomaru

Kagome reread the last paragraph and couldn't help but smile. She let a few tears out, but they were happy tears. She knew it would be awhile before she saw him, but she was happy because he missed her and loved her as well. This note was defiantly a mood booster that Kagome needed.
Kagome leaned back into the warm water, thinking of Sesshomaru. 'I'm going to have to write him back.' Kagome thought with a smile, thinking of what she would write.
After she felt a whole lot better, physically and emotionally, Kagome got out of the water and slipped on her loose T-shirt and pajama bottoms that she had with her after the destruction of the well. Once she walked into the bed room, she glanced about the dimly lit room to see Miroku still awake, meditating, and Sango sound asleep. "Good night, Miroku." Kagome whispered softly so as not to disturb him. He nodded slightly, indicating he had heard. Then Kagome slipped into bed beside Shippo and went to sleep.

Inutaishou paced his room, mumbling to himself. Inuyasha had accepted his meeting and would meet with him tomorrow. But that wasn't what caused Inutaishou the distress. The miko was gone. She wasn't here anymore. How was he supposed to kill her when she wasn't around?
He had even gone as far as to revert to his shadow self and sneak through the palace. The danger of that was Sesshomaru might sense him. Inutaishou also learned that the dragons had left, but they had left the female child dragon, now mate to Inuyasha. If Inutaishou wanted Inuyasha's help, he knew he couldn't question Suki's presence.
Another thing that had been plaguing his mind was the fact Sesshomaru never left his room. He was sure of it. Sesshomaru's room was under constant watch. If he so much as went to take a bath, Inutaishou knew about it. But since his rooms were connected to an indoor hotspring, he NEVER left. His guardian's did occasionally, but they only ran simple tasks. Inutaishou had suspected Sesshomaru to be working against him, yet he couldn't help but think his son was just waiting. Waiting for him to be called forth or waiting for Inutaishou to leave, he wasn't sure. But Inutaishou's curiosity was driving him mad.
'I will find out what I need from Inuyasha,' Inutaishou shrugged, sitting on the edge of the bed. When he had first taken this room, he was startled to find Kagome's and Sesshomaru's scent all over. He had to have the bed destroyed because of certain scents that lingered. And Inutaishou did not need a reminder that his 'son', his most dangerous 'son', was mated to the miko he was supposed to kill. 'Why couldn't she have been Inuyasha's mate. Inuyasha always trusted me, he would've been easier to get closer too. But Sesshomaru has hated me since the day I took Inuyasha's mother as mate.' Inutaishou thought, growling slightly and laying on his back. "This is going to get harder before it gets easier." Inutaishou growled to himself.