AN. : Hello everybody ... I am so sorry for not updating in such a long time but I have a surprise for you: this chapter is almost twice the length the other chapters were ;) I hope that you will forgive me seeing how long and, I hope, good this chapter is. I must tell you that I like it very much .

Disclaimer: Nope, I do not own the Inuyasha show or the characters.

As they came down to dinner, Kagome and Sesshoumaru met on the halls and decided they would tell the pups everything after they eat. After all, they were entitled to know that the two dog demons would be mates in a not too distant future. They entered the dinner area together, side by side, for the first time. They sat down and patiently waited for the two kitsune.

When the pups were seated at the table Sesshoumaru spoke:

'Rin, Shippou, tomorrow I will be leaving for the annual Lords' gathering. Kagome, as my intended, will be coming along. I want you two to behave while we will be missing.'

'Intended? You mean Kagome is going to be your mate?' Shippou, the braver from the two of them said. The kids' eyes were by now threatening to bulge out of their sockets.

'Hai, Shippou-chan.' Kagome said.

'Rin, I will ask your servant to look for a book upon kitsune traditions for you. Shippou, for you I will ask Rin's former teacher to teach you how to read and write and after you will have been mustering them, I will appoint a book for you about fox demons' ways of fighting. It is high time you two start acting like proper kitsune youkai.'

'Ano, Sesshoumaru-sama, I already know how to read and write. Okaa-san taught me some long time ago.'

'Very well. Then I shall have a book for you also. When we return I want you to have finished reading them.'

'Hai.' the two pups chided in unison.

That being said, the dinner was finished and they stood, each of them going to their respective chambers.

Dawn came fast and the two Inus met in the dinning area. After a quick breakfast they got outside, going straight to the gates. Kagome, upon seeing they were leaving without even taking their clothes, asked:

'Sesshoumaru, what about our kimonos and other necessary things?'

'Liu will come with them. She will leave today on Ah-Un with our garments. She will arrive before us and she will tend to our chambers. She will remain to help you with everything.'

'And how are we going to travel?'

'We are to travel on my youki cloud. We will first stop to pick up the gift and then we will be directing towards the Eastern castle. The delay should be enough for Liu to get there before us and prepare everything. Usually many high ranked youkai come to this gathering and tell their problems to the Lords. After that a ball will be held in celebration of the winter. A day or two after the dancing, the four Taiyoukai and their mates will meet to discuss upon the problems of their lands. You will be part of this last meeting. You are allowed to speak up when you have an idea or a suggestion. They will respect you for being my intended and a Goddess. You will be listened very carefully.'

At his last words, Kagome went speechless. She could not believe that her words would be taken seriously by the most four important youkai in the entire country. Seeing she was not going to ask anything else, Sesshoumaru formed his youki cloud, motioned for her to come and stand in front of him so he could embrace her and took off. They traveled towards southeast for the better half of the day until they arrived at Totousai's rock-carved sort of hut. They waited patiently for him to come out of his humble cottage.

'Good afternoon, Sesshoumaru-sama, Lady …'

'Good afternoon. I am Kagome.'

'Lady Kagome. So I finally meet you.'

'I did not know I am so famous.'

'Your fang has told me many about you. Lord Sesshoumaru, the gift is ready. I will bring it now.'

'Very well.'

A few moments later, Totousai was back, holding a bow and a sheath of arrows. Upon seeing the piece in Totousai's hands Kagome's eyes widened in awe. The bow was crafted from two fangs entwined one with the other. One was icy-blue, the other was fiery red. The bow's string was also made of two actual silver strings, entwined in an intricate manner. The arrows were made of the same entwined fangs, only that their heads looked to be pure metal.

'This bow is made of yours and Lord Sesshoumaru's fangs and hairs. The colors of the fangs represent your personalities. The ice-blue fang is Lord Sesshoumaru's. It has taken such a color for his personality and character are icier. The fiery red one is yours, Lady Kagome. It has taken this color for your character and demeanor are passionate. The arrows are also made of your fangs. Their heads are made from pure steal. You will not be disappointed. The weapon is named Jounetsu. I have infused it with the power of the four elements: water, fire, air, earth. The arrows are infused with my own magic, so that once they hit their target they will return to your sheath. This way, should you use Jounetsu in a battle you will never run off of arrows. Also, due to your bond and to the fact that the bow is forged from both your fangs, it will alert you, Lady Kagome, should anything happen to Lord Sesshoumaru when away.'

'Thank you, Totousai-san. It is gorgeous.'

'Do not thank me child. Thank Lord Sesshoumaru, for it is he who has asked me to craft this piece of work. I must admit it is the first bow I ever forge, but I trust I did not do a poor job with it.'

'No, of course not. It is magnificent. I can feel its aura tugging at mine telling me to try it. Thank you Sesshoumaru. You couldn't have gotten me a better gift than this one.' This being said, she turned towards him and kissed him on his cheek. 'I hope you have no objection if I try it?'

'Of course not, Lady Kagome.' She turned to her left, knotted an arrow in her new bow, poured some of her purifying powers into it, took aim, and after deciding upon a top of a mountain, she released it. Upon contact, the mountaintop blew up and large pieces of rock came flying their way. Kagome immediately started chanting, putting up a powerful and large enough barrier to reject them.

'Wow … Jounetsu is very powerful. I tried using human made bows lately, but they would always snap in my hold since I gained the power of a youkai.'

'I find the bow and arrows acceptable. Kagome, we must leave now if we are to arrive before sunset at the Eastern castle.'

'Ok. Farewell, Totousai-san. Thank you once more. It is perfect.'

With that, Sesshoumaru gathered her in his embrace, formed his youki cloud and took off. For the rest of the day they traveled in silence. Due to they prolonged staying at Totousai's cottage, they did not arrive at their destination before sunset but quite late in the night. When they finally touched down in front of the Eastern castle's gates, every light was out, a sign that the Lord and Lady were sleeping. They were let in by a guard. Upon their arrival at the front doors, Liu came forth and showed them to their room.

'We will be sharing the same room for this is the custom in youkai society.' said Sesshoumaru.

'I know.' she added softly.

'Your garments are already arranged in the wardrobe. Your dinner is waiting for you in your chamber. I bid you good night, my Lord and Lady.' With that she let them in front of a massive oak door. He pushed open the door and they entered. The room was huge, its high ceiling permitting a dog demon in its true form to inhabit it. The walls were painted in black with silver silhouettes of Inu youkai all around the room. The floors were made of black marble. The bed was posted in the middle of the room and it was huge. It had silk sheets that, unlike everything else in the room, were the color of silver. The wardrobe was on the left side of the bed and on the right side there was another door, which Kagome guessed to be the bathing area. The right wall from the bathing door was all made of glass and right across from the bed was a fireplace. All in all, the room was beautiful, simpler than what Kagome was accustomed with in Sesshoumaru's palace, but nonetheless beautiful.

They ate in silence and after they finished, Kagome said:

'I will go have a bath.' She exited the door and a minute later you could hear a very happy Kagome splashing around water and giggling. When she got out Sesshoumaru was already in the bed, wearing some black silken pants and no haori. He was sitting there, a bored expression on his perfectly carved face. When she saw him shirtless, Kagome's cheeks turned a violent shade of red and averted her gaze from his well toned chest.

'You should not feel embarrassed when seeing me shirtless. Remember that any improper sign will be taken as a rejection from your behalf and other youkai males will court you. Now come in bed. You should rest for we had a long journey.'

'I do not feel tired. All the excitement of my new weapon and of this place makes me restless. Are you tired? Will you sleep tonight?'

'I will not. I barely need sleep and I have slept while in your era.'

'Would you mind if I ask you to tell me more about these days and the gatherings? So I know what exactly will happen and how I must act.'

'Very well. Tomorrow morning, the four Taiyoukai will meet in one of the castle's rooms. We will be receiving our subjects that are coming to complain upon different matters and problems in their villages. The whole day will go by like this until around sunset. Then we will separate, come and freshen up, get dressed and take our mates or intendeds and go to the ball room where the dancing will take place. First there will be dinner, the four Taiyoukai and their mates will be sitting at a table in the middle of the eating area. At the tables foremost close to our table will be seated the lower lords and ladies. The remaining tables will be occupied by the other youkai and guests. After dinner is over, we, the Lords and Ladies, will have to officially open the dance. We will have to dance in front of everyone and after we finish the other youkai can join. I trust you can dance, can you not?'

'Yes I can dance. What happens if one of the Taiyoukai is not mated or does not have an intended?'

'He will not dance in the opening.'

'You mean that you never danced the first dance alongside the other three Taiyoukai? This is the first time?'

'Hai. If one of the Taiyoukai is not mated or does not have an intended he is not allowed to open the dance. For if he were to choose from the guests that would mean he chose his mate-to-be.'

'Speaking about harsh living conditions.' Kagome muttered.

'After the dance is officially opened most of the rest of the night will be spent dancing and talking. There will be of course some intervals when fruits and sweets will be brought in the room, but that does not require for everyone to be seated. If you want anything to eat you just go and help yourself. It will probably be at around dawn when this ordeal will finish and the next day will be a leisure day for everybody. The youkai will probably spend it by sleeping, but I plan in training and I mean the both of us. You will have however the morning free to sleep after a tiresome night. The third day will be the most important one. The Taiyoukai and their mates will be meeting to discuss the problems from their lands. You will also attend this gathering. You will wear your training garments and both Tessaiga and Jounetsu.'

'Won't the other Lords and Ladies feel offended if I come with the weapons at such an important meeting?'

'Iie. They would feel offended by the small number of weapons you carry, if they would not be forged by Totousai.'

'What do you mean? I know the weapons he crafts are very powerful, but he must have forged the Lords and Ladies weapons also.'

'Iie. We are the only two persons that have such weapons. And you will be respected even more for you have two of them.'

'But how is it that Totousai did not forge weapons for the others as well?'

'It is a long story, but time we have. I will tell you a story. Long time ago, just barely after the world was created with all its beings, being them youkai, humans or other creatures, chaos ruled over these lands. For many centuries the youkai and humans have hunted each other down until the point of nearly extinction. Then four Elders have arisen. They were the most powerful creatures on earth. They brought order in the chaos by creating the whole system that runs now in the country. They were the ones creating the Taiyoukai.

The four Elders were as it comes: Totousai, the Elder of the West, Izanami, the Elder of the North, Izanagi, the Elder of the South and Hideki, the Elder of the East. Each Elder wielded and mended the four elements: water, fire, air, earth. But each one of them had a unique power. Izanami had the power to bring in any region of the lands food, being it crops or game. Izanagi was able to bring even in the driest land water and transform it into a spring or river. Hideki was able to build shelters, huts and castles. Totousai was able to forge weapons and jewelry. As you can see the four of them together brought the most important things in one's life: food, water, a roof over one's head and a weapon to protect oneself.

Time has passed and the Elders were slowly forgotten. When my father was in his early years of being a Taiyoukai and just after the Goddess of Fate, you, has visited him, he went to Totousai. He asked him to craft a jewel in the form of a crescent moon, made of black opals, hung on a silver necklace. He told him that he needed the jewel to represent his house and that he will give it to his mate the morning after the mating ceremony. The Elder agreed and crafted it. My father took the jewel and told Totousai that if he ever needs anything to just come to him and ask for he shall receive it.

Time passed and my mother has received the jewel as Inutaisho said and since that day she never took it of. When she died, my father took the jewel and centuries later gave it to his new mate, Izayoi. She wore it with pride until one day when some demon managed to trick her into a forced sleep and steal it from her. The demon was fool enough to go to Totousai with the jewel and ask him to forge the most powerful weapon ever in its exchange. Totousai agreed and took the crescent moon jewel. After the youkai left, the Elder came to father. He gave him back the stone and told him who has dared to steal it. Upon finding what the forger has done, the fool youkai proceeded in attacking him, forcing him to go to Inutaisho for help. Father killed the excuse of a demon.

Totousai then took an oath: he swore he will never ever forge weapons in his life with the exception of the Taiyoukai of the west. He will continue forging weapons for our pups and our pups' pups. But never will he craft something for another youkai, being it a Taiyoukai or not.'

'Wow. I never knew this story. And to hear that Totousai is one of the Elders and maybe one of the most powerful living creature on earth changes my entire opinion on him. What happened with the other three Elders?'

'They are still alive. They live in their respective lands. But no one with the exception of the higher ranked youkai knows about them anymore. The lower youkai and the humans think that it was only a story. Now that you have satisfied your curiosity, I trust you will sleep. You will have a tiresome day tomorrow for I want you to keep practicing swordsmanship in the morning. And you can also practice your archery with Jounetsu. You can practice in the garden for you will have no partner for sparing. I only want you to redo the fighting moves and figures. For the other part you can ask the Lady of the East, Chiyo, to allow you entrance in the dojo.'

'Hai, Sesshoumaru. I will be up at dawn as usual. Will I still find you in the room or will you already be at the meeting?'

'I will probably be on my way to the gathering.'

'Good night, Sesshoumaru.'

'Good night.'

With that, Kagome settled down on one of her sides, her back to the Taiyoukai, towards the far end of the bed. Although the fire was burning in the fireplace and the sheets were covering her up to her chin, Kagome still seemed to shiver slightly. Upon seeing her, Sesshoumaru wrapped an arm around her small waist and pulled her in his hard chest. He was radiating heat as if he was the fireplace itself. She looked up in his eyes and then turned around, facing him, cuddled at his bare chest and buried her face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his soothing scent. Needless to say she fell asleep immediately. When her heartbeat and her breath evened out he brought his nose in her hair, her strong scent of newly blossomed sakura flowers overtaking his senses and almost immediately sending him in a light slumber.

At dawn, Kagome woke up with no difficulty. Upon opening her eyes she saw Sesshoumaru already bathed and dressed, preparing to exit the room.

'Kagome, remember to train today. And stay out of troubles.'

'Hai, Sesshoumaru.'

As soon as he was out, Liu entered the chamber, a plate of raw meat in her hand for Kagome to eat.

'Liu, I want to go in the gardens to practice after breakfast. Will you show me the way there? And also, will you stay with me?'

'I will show you the way there, Lady Kagome, but I cannot remain with you. I have my choirs to do.'

'Ok, Liu, I understand. Did you pack me my training garments?'

'Hai. I have taken four sets of them, for I did not know how many you will need.'

'That is great. Arigatou, Liu.' She ate her meat and then put one of the four sets of garments on, strapped Tessaiga on her waist and put Jounetsu and the arrows on her right shoulder. That done, she was guided by Liu out of the great castle and into the gardens.

Being left alone, Kagome put the bow and arrows down under a cherry tree next to her and unsheathed Tessaiga. She closed her eyes and started training as Sesshoumaru told her to, occasionally letting her aura flow around her. It was late in the morning when she sensed the aura of a demoness approaching Jounetsu and trying to hold it, so she spoke up:

'Touch it if you care not for your life.' Kagome did not need to open her eyes to know that the demoness was outraged, her eyes widened in anger.

'How dare you speak in such manner with the Lady of the East? Who are you?'

'I am Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshoumaru's intended. I did not mean to offend you, Lady Chiyo, I only tried to save your life from your imminent death should you have touched that bow.'

'Lady Kagome? So it is true? Lord Sesshoumaru has finally decided to mate? And he found another Inu female to that. I thought Inu females were no longer. And what do you mean that I would have died if I touched the bow? No weapon can kill a youkai powerful enough and I am no weakling.'

'The Inu females were indeed extinct. But I am no ordinary Inu youkai. Tell me, Lady Chiyo, do you recognize the marking on my forehead?'

'Of course I recognize it. Is Lord Sesshoumaru's marking. But how is it on your forehead if you are not mated yet?'

'Do you not see a difference between my marking and his?'

'Yes, yours is black and in a mirrored angle than his.' At her last words, she gasped uncontrollably in surprise. 'You have the marking of the Goddess of Fate. How is that even possible?'

'I am the Goddess of Fate. I am sure you know the entire story behind Inutaisho's marking of the House of the Moon. As you know, I have been banished from the holy realm, being forced to reincarnate into mortals. The last mortal I have reincarnated into was a very powerful ningen miko, the keeper of the Shikon no Tama. When my time has come to go back to the holy realm I have chosen to remain here and I transformed into a demoness. I told you not to touch that bow for it would have purified you on the spot. It has infused my miko and youki powers and Sesshoumaru's ones in it. Totousai forged it from both our fangs and hairs. No one but the forger, Sesshoumaru and I can touch it.'

After she finished her discourse, Kagome looked more closely at Lady Chiyo. She was a lion demoness. Her brownish red hair reached her waist; her face held one reddish brown stripe on each cheek and on her forehead stood the marking of the Eastern House, a yellow sun.

'I see you are training, Lady Kagome. May I stay and watch you?'

'Please tell me Kagome, Lady Chiyo. And yes you may stay, although I wanted to go to the dojo with your permission and get used to Jounetsu, for I just received it.'

'Than if you want to be called by your name, please use mine also. Very well, we shall go to the dojo.'

That being said, the two youkai females made their way towards the dojo. Upon reaching it, they entered and Kagome settled some clouts for her practicing. She went in the opposite corner of the immense room and knotted an arrow in her bow's string pulling as hard as she could. She would not use her miko powers as of yet, just the bow. She released the arrow and without waiting to see if it hits the target, she knotted another arrow and released it. She continued like that until she was kind of bored. She looked into her sheath and saw all her arrows in it.

That was when she decided to charge them with some of her miko powers. So she chose a second clout and she knotted an arrow, letting some of her powers into it and released it, doing so until she was again bored.

'My, you have released your arrows with such a force and rapidity I almost couldn't see them. And you destroyed the clouts with your charged ones. Not that it counts. You are very powerful, Kagome.'

'Thank you Chiyo. It is just that I missed a bow. The human made ones would snap in my hands from the force I put on them and Sesshoumaru did not have a bow that I could find acceptable for a miko in his dojo. I received Jounetsu as a gift from him yesterday. As I already told you, it was forged by Totousai.'

'Yes, it is a pity he does not forge weapons for others also. I could tell this one, like the sword you have, is crafted by his hands. That was why I wanted to touch it and just for a moment held it in my arms. I could feel its immense aura from my chamber, that was what drawn me out this morning. What is the name of your sword, Kagome?'

'Tessaiga.' Chiyo gasped in awe at her simple word. 'Do you know of Tessaiga?' Kagome asked.

'Of course I know it. It was forged from the great Inutaisho's fang and passed to his half-breed son, Inuyasha. Lord Sesshoumaru told us when we asked him if there is another fang besides his own, that was crafted by Totousai.'

'Well, Inuyasha died and the sword has chosen me as its new wielder. I was still a human miko then.'

'You mean a youki fang has chosen a miko to wield it? What made it choose in such an unheard of manner?'

'I tried to save Inuyasha so I released my highest amount of miko since then and killed Naraku. The sword saw my bravery and devotion and it chose me.'

'So you are that Kagome that killed the infamous Naraku? You keep amazing me with each word you say. We must talk some more, but unfortunately now it is a little too late for we must prepare for the ball. We will see you in the ballroom Kagome.'

'Ok, Chiyo.'

It was by now far in the afternoon and the miko decided to go in her room and start preparing. She needed a bath after the day's training. Upon reaching the doors she met Liu, who had a package in her arms.

'Lady Kagome, this is a kimono that Lord Sesshoumaru has asked me to give to you. He instructed me to help you put it on for tonight's celebrations.'

'Ok, Liu. I will call you when I am finished with my bath.'

'Very well, my Lady.'

Approximately a half an hour later, Kagome emerged from the bathing area and Liu was already in her chamber waiting for her. She took off her Lady's towel, which was wrapped around her slim figure, and started applying a scentless balm all over her body.

'What is this for?'

'It has the property of increasing your scent. Lord Sesshoumaru, as all the other Taiyoukai and their mates will be rubbing this oil over their skins.'

'I see. And only the Taiyoukai and their mates wear it?'

'Yes, my Lady.'

After Liu finished applying the strange balm, she went to Kagome's bed and unwrapped the rice paper the kimono was in. She held it towards Kagome and she helped her put it on. It was a black kimono with a marvelous design on the lower part. It showed Lord Inutaisho under a cherry tree standing tall, the Goddess of Fate floating in mid-air in front of him, barely touching his forehead. Sakura blossoms were swirling around them in a gentle wind, both their hair also floating away from their heads with the wind's blow. The design was a pure silver color, contrasting the black of the rest of the garment. The obi was also a silver color, wrapped around her waist twice and knotted in the back in an intricate tie. Her silver hair was the next to be arranged and Liu settled with knotting the tresses that were framing her face into an exact replica of the obi's one at the back of her head, letting the rest flow down on her shoulders and back. Liu continued with make-up, only Kagome did not allow her. She was not going to let anyone put that white stuff all the demonesses wore on their face as a mask. She wanted her face as free of make-up as possible. So she took the pencil-like brush and applied some silver color on her eyelids and got her mascara from her trustful backpack. On her lips she applied some transparent lip gloss. When Sesshoumaru entered the room to prepare himself also, she was ready for his inspection.

'What do you think Sesshoumaru? I have never been to this kind of balls so I do not know if my appearance is acceptable.'

'It is more than acceptable. You will take the eyes of every male youkai in the room. I want you to stand close to me and never leave my side unless I permit you to.'

'Thank you Sesshoumaru for your compliment. I will not leave your side even once.'

That being said, Sesshoumaru entered the bathing area, taking with him an outfit of similar colors with her kimono. When he emerged back in the chamber where Kagome was waiting patiently, he was wearing an exact match to her clothes. His haori had on its lower part the same design her kimono had.

'The Kimono you are wearing was given to my mother as a mating gift. When she accepted it, my father had his seamstress tailor a matching one for him. They remained in my keeping until I found my mate. It was my father's wish to wear them both and I found this as the best time to do that.'

'They are gorgeous. I love them. What shall we do with our weapons? Chiyo almost purified herself today trying to hold Jounetsu.'

'I find it better to take them with us.'

'But they would disturb us while dancing or eating. I was thinking of putting them all together and I can entrap them in a barrier, this way no one can touch them. They will be safe in our chamber, no one would be able to steal them, though I do not think it would be the case, and also no one would die trying to touch them. What do you think?'

'As long as the barrier does not purify the weapons' youki I have nothing against it.'

'Ok. Then let's put them on the bed.' They went to the bed, took their weapons and laid them in the middle. When they were sure all of their weapons were in their places, Kagome clasped her hands at her chest and started chanting. Immediately a pink powerful barrier entrapped the bed, keeping the arms safe and everyone else wanting to touch them at distance for their own good. After that was done, Sesshoumaru offered her his arm and showed her to the grand ball room. As they arrived at the double doors, he released her to set his haori straight once more before being presented.

Sesshoumaru and Kagome were standing in front of the massive oak door, waiting to be presented. And then, a deep masculine voice boomed in the room they were to enter:

'Presenting Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands and his intended, Lady Kagome.'

At that precise moment Sesshoumaru offered her his hand and when the door opened, they entered in the great ball room, greeted by none other than the Lord of the Eastern Lands, Hinode-sama.

'Lord Sesshoumaru.'

'Lord Hinode. Let me present you Lady Kagome, my intended.'

With a little bow of his head, Lord Hinode said:

'Lady Kagome. So we finally meet, Goddess of Fate.'

'I am no longer a Goddess. But you may call me Demoness of Fate, for my element did not forsake me.'

'Tell me, please, what has Fate in store for my House?'

'Lord Hinode, I will check your stream of Fate when meditation will permit me. But you know I am not to tell you anything, or else its flow will be changed.'

'Still you have told Lord Inutaisho.'

'That I did and I did it because I saw it in his fate. As you can see, my fate was bounded to his.' With this, Kagome nodded to the Eastern Lord and passed him, still on Sesshoumaru's arm. They entered the room, both with their chins held high, just as a true Lord and Lady should do, and walked towards the table all the lords were seated at. She could feel all the eyes on her. The females were looking with hate and rage at her, the males with lust and desire.

After they seated themselves and the other guests arrived, dinner was served. They ate in silence, all the youkai in the room glancing at her in-between bites of their food. Everything was going as it should have, that is until the opening dance.

When the three Taiyoukai: Lord Sesshoumaru of the West, Lord Hinode of the East and Lady Amarante of the North, have taken their mates: Lady Kagome, intended of the West, Lady Chiyo of the East and Lord Kagetora of the North to the dance something out of the ordinary happened.

At that exact moment Lord Kouga of the South came rushing and swept Kagome of her feet. He took her on the dancing floor and said:

'My woman, I have finally found you. Now we shall dance.'

'Kouga, we cannot dance now. I must dance with my intended, Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands. Sure you do not want to offend a fellow Lord by claiming his intended as yours.' But Kouga would not understand her, so he kept going.

'You are my woman. Now that the mutt-face has died and you defeated Naraku and completed the jewel you can come to my lands and become my mate.'

Sesshoumaru was by now near them, his eyes bleeding red from the offence and from rage. 'How dare he claim my mate-to-be as his own? And how does he not understand the rejection from Kagome? He does not want to see it and understand. We shall punish him for the offence. I agree.' With that last thought, Sesshoumaru was on his way to transforming, held down from it only by his judgment that they would destroy the ball and offend Lord Hinode of the East.

'Kouga, I am not your woman. Understand once and for all and unhand me now!' Kagome almost yelled. But the wolf demon wouldn't budge. She took a look at Sesshoumaru sensing his menacing aura and panic started filling her heart. He was on the verge of transforming into his youkai form and she did not know if she could stop him from that. So to get away from Kouga's grasp she gathered a small portion of her miko powers in her right hand and slapped him across his left cheek, leaving a burning hand print on. The wolf released her as her arm made contact with his cheek and it started stinging. He took a wild look at her, unbelieving she did that to him.

When she saw herself released she ran to Sesshoumaru throwing herself in his arms. He sensed her scent and immediately recognized her, the process of his transformation haltering a little but not stopping entirely, and wrapped his arms around her waist. Kagome was by now frantic, not knowing how to stop Kouga's imminent death by the hands of her beloved Sesshoumaru. An idea came into her head as how to stop the Taiyoukai from taking his true form. She stood on her tiptoes and gently placed a peck on his lips. When her lips made contact with his, Sesshoumaru's gaze snapped from Kouga and locked with hers. They were still tinged red but he was coming back to her. When she was sure he was his normal self again, Kagome turned around in his embrace, facing Kouga and said:

'I hope you understand now where my heart lies and who I have chosen as my life partner. And it is not you, but Sesshoumaru. I always told you not to call me 'your woman' for I was not and never will be. Besides, you have a promise to keep to Ayame. The mark on your left cheek will never heal for I mingled my purifying powers with my poison. Kouga, you have offended my mate, so I suggest you apologize, though I do not know if that would be enough.'

'You have chosen that mutt? And you want me to apologize to that filthy dog? I have nothing to apologize for. Your "intended" is not even able to protect you Kagome. You better come with me now as I am still decided to accept you, though you have been disrespectful with me when slapping me.'

'How dare you speak like that to my mate-to-be and to me? Don't you realize what an offence you brought to us? Now it is not my mate-to-be that will deal with you. I personally will pay you for your disrespectful words.' Kagome's eyes were tinged with red, her fury taking control over her, not even noticing her fangs and claws enlarging and some other minor changes that clearly said "true form transformation". Sesshoumaru chose at that precise moment to drop his arms from around her waist, sensing her aura and not believing she was just about to change in front of everybody. Until now, he thought she was not even able to do that, but apparently she was a true Inu youkai, although females were not able to change to the demon form. He put one hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear:

'Kagome, you are about to change into your youkai side. Do not let that happen. We will deal with this, now we must not offend our host.'

'Hai, Sesshoumaru, you are right.' she calmed down and put her feelings aside, adopting the stoic mask Sesshoumaru had on always and said:

'Kouga, for your offence towards myself and my intended I will ask you to accompany me in the dojo for a sword fight.'

'What? Do you think you can defeat me with a sword? You, who was never able to defend herself but had Inuyasha or the others to do it for you? Pathetic.'

'Kouga, I suggest you do not offend me further more. I have chosen a sword fight for if you were to fight against my miko powers you would be dead in a blink of an eye. That would not be an honorable fight or death.'

'You are not powerful enough to fight me. And your miko powers are insignificant.' At his last statement, Kagome brought her hands in front of her, palms up and formed a pink sphere in them. As soon as it was formed, it shot towards the Lord of the South and engulfed him in a blink of an eye in a pink barrier, with every passing second shrinking towards him, threatening to purify him. Just as it was about to do that, the pink ball stopped.

'Now you see, at my mere wish I could purify you. But that is not fun. Now are you willing to accept the sword match?'

Kouga's eyes were widened in surprise. He didn't even see it coming and the purifying barrier around him was very powerful. If that was only a small portion of her powers, Kagome was right and she would kill him on the spot.

'Hai. I will accept your offer. I trust Lord Hinode will allow me to use one of his training katanas, since I do not have one with me.'

'Hai you can take one.'

'Lord Hinode' Kagome said in a soft voice, turning to him 'I hope you do not feel offended by our behavior. If that is the case I plea you to forgive me.'

'Lady Kagome, I am not offended by any of this, only by Lord Kouga's behavior. You did nothing but be honorable in taking your mate-to-be's part and setting things with a sword match instead of instantly frying him.'

'Thank you. Now I will have to go to our room and take my sword and change from this wonderful kimono. I do not want to ruin such a magnificent garment, I am sure of. Kouga, until you choose your katana I will return.'

'I will be waiting in the dojo.'

With that, Kagome went to her chambers, Sesshoumaru coming with her.

'Should I finish the fight quickly or should I take my time?'

'I think it is wiser to finish it quickly. After all we have a ball to attend to and as much as I would like to see you fighting, we cannot offend the Lord of the East by taking too long to defeat him.'

'You are right. I will finish as quickly as I can.'

'You know that you will be fighting on life and death. I want you to be careful, Kagome.'

'I will, Sesshoumaru. Thank you for your concern.'

'Will you kill him in the end?'

'If I must I will. I will feel terrible afterwards but if that is what it takes to teach him, and anybody else who wants to offend me or you, a lesson I will do it.'

'Very well. Kagome, do not let your feelings reign you. Fight with a clear head and you will win.'

'Hai. Thank you for your advices.' By now they were in the room. Kagome took a set of her training clothes and went to the bathing area to change. When she emerged she let down the barrier, took Tessaiga, Sesshoumaru took Tokijin and then put the barrier up again.

They were in the dojo a few minutes later, all the other youkai already there, standing near the walls, waiting for the fight. Kouga was already there, a katana in his hands, arrogantly standing in the middle of the dojo:

'I thought you changed your mind, wench. Let's see what you can do.'

'Do you honestly think you can anger me by calling me names? All you do is offend me even more and that is not too wise since with every offence you are closer to your death.'

With that Kagome took her place in front of him and took a defensive stance, Tessaiga in front of her transformed. Upon seeing her katana, Kouga's eyes bulged in surprise.

'How is it that you can wield that sword? Only Inuyasha could use that.'

'What, are you afraid of my katana? Do not be afraid for I shall not release its attacks. I said it would be a sparring match. I can wield it because it has chosen me as its wielder.' After she finished she shut up, choosing to remain silent on the entire fight and pay attention at his attacks and moves.

Kouga chose to act since she was in a defensive stance and leapt in the air towards her. She didn't move, but let him come down closer and in a blink of an eye she leapt in the air, kicked him in his side and turned 180 degrees in the air stopping his blade to cut her back. When they touched the ground, Kouga was panting slightly and Kagome saw her advantage. She ran towards him with her youkai speed and before he had the chance to fall into a defensive stance she lowered Tessaiga upon his slightly unsteady katana, successfully managing to leave him defenseless. Her katana's tip was immediately at his throat slightly cutting his skin, drawing blood.

'Apologize and you will live. Chose to die and your lands will be mine, for I am the one to have defeated you. What choose you?'

Kouga was speechless. 'How was she able to defeat me so quickly? She is truly more powerful and skillful than I knew and thought of her. And her miko powers are also stronger that before.' As he was thinking at this, he took a moment to look at her and then he saw the marking on her brow. He recognized it as the marking of the Goddess of Fate and understood: not only she was a demoness that seemed to have the same type of powers as Sesshoumaru, but she had the powers of the Goddess also. No wonder her own miko powers increased tenfold. She truly was a sight and a female to kill for.

'What choose you? You must admit I defeated you and you are now at my mercy. Shall you not apologize I will not show mercy for you.'

'I apologize My Lady, Goddess of Fate. I most sincerely apologize.'

'Very well. I will spare your life, but shall you even once offend either me or my intended in any way I will not be this merciful again.'

'Thank you.'

'Lord Hinode, I hope you did not feel offended by the turn of the events. I must go and change now, for the ball must continue. I will not take more than a few minutes.'

Everyone stared at her in awe. They knew Kouga to be a skilled youkai when it came to swordsmanship, in fact, excepting Sesshoumaru, they did not think there was another youkai, being it Taiyoukai or not, in the room that could defend Kouga in a sparring match. And she did it within a couple of minutes. Sesshoumaru was pleased of the way things turned out and of Kagome's quick win. So he accompanied her to the chamber.

'You did very well. I am proud of you, Kagome.'

'Thank you, Sesshoumaru.'

'Now all the Lords and Ladies will know not to fight you. Kouga was the best, of course after me, in swordsmanship from the Taiyoukai when it came to fighting with a katana. Defeating him in such a short time showed that you are very well trained and you will not be an easy pray for anyone. If anybody wants to touch you they would think twice before doing so.'

Kagome gasped. She did not know what to say. Comparing Sesshoumaru with Kouga, the latter was quite weak when it came to sword fight. She could have disarmed him from the first time she attacked but she decided against it. By the time they were in the room, Liu was already there, waiting to help her in her kimono.

'My Lady, thank Kamis you are alright. And you didn't even ruined your hair. That is good, I trust you have taken care of the problem?'

'Hai Liu. Now please help me quickly for we must return to the ball at once.'

Liu did the inhuman possible and had Kagome dressed in the beautiful kimono in just mere minutes. Kagome placed the two swords back on the bed and put the barrier up again and then they were off to the dancing hall. When they entered, they saw that the other two Taiyoukai and their mates were on the dancing floor waiting for them. They took their place next to them and the music began. It was a slow song and to that Kagome was thankful for she did not want to dance on a more bouncy music, at least not the first and most important dance. They danced, their chins held high, eyes locked on one another.

Sesshoumaru couldn't take his gaze off her. The fighting gave her a wonderful look: her face was flushed because of the effort, her eyes were more alive than before, the bottomless pools being brought to attention better by her black kimono, her breathing was a little quicker than normal and her heartbeat was more accelerate because of the fighting. All in all she was a sight to behold. And then Sesshoumaru remembered how she managed to calm him down when he was about to take his true form and what she said to Kouga: 'I hope you understand now where my heart lies and who I have chosen as my life partner.' This made Sesshoumaru realize how deep Kagome's feelings ran for him and also what were his feelings for her.

As the song was coming to its end Sesshoumaru bowed his head a little so he would be able to whisper Kagome in her ear:

'Aishiteru, Kagome.' Upon hearing that from him she gasped in surprise and Sesshoumaru captured her parted lips in a heated kiss. Everyone around them stopped from dancing or talking and stared at them in awe.

The mighty, cold Lord Sesshoumaru was kissing his intended in front of everybody.

'Aishiteru, Sesshoumaru.' Kagome whispered when he released her lips.

AN. : So I would like to tell you that 'Jounetsu' means 'Passion' and 'Aishiteru' means 'I love you'. If any of you knows that the last one means something else and I made a confusion please tell me and I will correct myself.

Now I have a request from you: I would like to ask you, if you feel up to it, to write the mating night for I am not too good about that and I am afraid of not spoiling the story. If anyone of you would like to write it just PM me and I will send the person my email address so one can send the scene to me. The only condition is to be a very beautiful scene ;)

Thank you to everyone that read and reviewed my story. I love you guys. Keep reading and reviewing, OK?

Ja ne