AN. : Hello everyone. I am back ... I know it is a long time since I last updated, but I do have a lot of work for school ... plus this chapter is almost as long as the previous one.

I will say it again here, maybe you didn't read the AN. at the end of the previous chapter, if someone thinks he/she is able to write the mating scene the person is free to do it. Just PM me and tell me and I will send them my e-mail address.

Another thing ... this chapter contains a slight lime ... umm ... whoever does not want to read it please skip it ... I would most likely signal it, but if I don't you will know when it starts ... it is not much but I thought I should warn you. So without further adding, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the characters.

The moment the dance was over and the words uttered, the grand doors were trashed to the wall by a furious wind, the candles were all blown out and the room remained in the darkness. All around them the wind was hurling as if the Kamis themselves were ragging. All of a sudden, a calm and soothing aura made itself known in the middle of the wind, turning it into a warm breeze. The candles were lit once again and the demons and demonesses could see a majestic figure among them.

In the middle of the room a male stood proudly. His hair was pure black, flowing freely on his shoulders and back, reaching his waist; his eyes were the clearest of blues. He was tall, taller than any other demon in the room with the exception of Sesshoumaru. On his forehead he had as a marking the kanji representing the word 'love'. He was clad all in dark, contrasting his silver-like skin. A pair of golden majestic wings adorned his back, pairing in color his marking. In his right hand he held a golden scepter, kanji carved all over it. A powerful aura was sweeping the room coming from him. He was powerful and everyone knew it.

'Lycurgus, what are you doing here?' asked Kagome, not even flinching or feeling fear from the proud figure.

'Goddess, or shall I better say, Demoness of Fate. I have been with you and your mate for a long time. I have made my presence known now for there is no need for me to be here anymore.'

'What do you mean with being with us? Should you have been with us we would have known.' Kagome added in disbelief.

'I have been with you Lady Kagome as your conscious. I have been with you Lord Sesshoumaru as your Inu half. I have been guiding you all this time towards your recognition of your feelings for each other.'

'Who are you and how dare you do such thing?' Sesshoumaru asked in an alarmingly calm voice.

'Forgive my rudeness. I am Lycurgus, God of Love, Lord Sesshoumaru.'

At his statement gasps could be heard all around the room. The entire population of youkai in the room was speechless, well all but one fuming Kagome.

'What was with that entrance of yours? Did you need all that?'

'Pardon me Lady Kagome, but that was not me. Apparently the other Kamis have seen and heard yours and Lord Sesshoumaru's statements of love to one another. It seems they are not very happy with that. I am bound to think they still hoped you would return amongst them, in the holly realm. But bounding yourselves to one another through love means you will never again come back to were you belonged. They were enraged for losing their most beloved Kami once more and that was the consequence to it. I would have not made my presence known in such ways were it not the dire need for me to protect you and the others in this room.'

'How dare they do such thing? They are not Kamis. Toying with the lives of innocent people, being them youkai or ningen, is not what a true Kami would do. I am bound to believe that only you, Lycurgus, and Noriko, the Goddess of Foretelling are the only two remaining Gods that still act as true Kamis. I am very disappointed with the entire population of Kamis. They should renounce their claims as being holy creatures for they are not. They are more cunning and revengeful than any other living being. They are too proud for their well-being. I would never return to them. Should I ever hear about anything that the Kamis have wronged with, I personally will see to it and I will make it my responsibility to banish all the ill-conditioned from the holly realm. They are tainting it with their behavior and malevolence.'

'Lady Kagome, you have not changed a bit. You still are the same tempered Nadeshiko you were as a Goddess, but I must admit that the former ningen Kagome has a more powerful character than her. You truly are a creature to behold and love. I will grieve along with the other Kamis the loss of you from our realm, but your place is here.' With his last words, he bowed to his waist to her and kept his position until she allowed him to move.

'Lycurgus, you know you do not have to bow to me. I am glad there still is a Kami up there that has his head anchored in reality and is correct in his judgment. I am thankful you and Noriko are still the same Kamis I knew.'

Lycurgus gave her a wide grin and then turned to Sesshoumaru.

'Lord Sesshoumaru, you have chosen well. Not only you have fulfilled the Kamis' request, but you have secured a strong mate for yourself. Your heir would be a powerful one and your House's future is secured. Lady Kagome, I must leave you. The Kamis are wondering where I am since all this started.'

'You mean they didn't know where you were?'

'Only Noriko knew where I am and what I was doing, for her element would have told her.' he responded, a wide grin on his handsome face. 'I bid you farewell Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshoumaru. And to you all I must apologize for my intrusion. Good bye, Goddess.'

'Farewell, Lycurgus.'

With that he lifted to the air, his wonderful golden wings gently flopping around him, sustaining his form in the air, and taking him towards the holly realm.

'Lady Kagome, I must admit you are one exciting person to have around.' A tall demoness said to Kagome.

'I would not know what to respond to that, Lady …'

'Amarante.' the Taiyoukai of the North supplied.

'Lady Amarante. It is a pleasure to meet you, your ladyship.'

'Oh please, just call me Amarante and stop with the ladyship thing also. We are equals here all of us. Pretty soon you will become Lady of the West, so you have no need in using our honorifics.'

'Hai Amarante. And please call me Kagome.'

'Kagome, this is my mate, Kagetora.'

'Lord Kagetora.'

'Oh please Kagome, as my mate already told you, there is no need for the honorifics. We are equals, though if I think this through I am inclined to say you are far above us and we should bow to the Goddess of Fate. Sesshoumaru, you have found a mate that equals you in every point: in power, in respect and in beauty.'

At his last statement, Sesshoumaru let loose a low growl. He was outraged at the pertinence of the pup in front of him complimenting his intended.

'Sesshoumaru, are you jealous?' Kagetora asked, mirth reading all over his face. He was stunned at the display of emotions Sesshoumaru was currently letting loose.

'Kagetora, you will refrain from complimenting my intended should you want to live another day. Should I remind you that she is my intended and that you have a mate?' By the end of his question, Sesshoumaru had already encircled Kagome in his strong arms. She wanted to pry them off and tell him she was not an object to be possessed by him but she knew better than that. Should she have done anything like that, every male in the room would have taken the gesture as a rejection from her behalf.

'Thank you for your compliment, Kagetora. But what did you mean with that last thing you said?'

'That you equal him in beauty? Sesshoumaru is known as the most handsome Taiyoukai ever. Any demoness you would ask would tell you the same thing. And in saying that, I merely stated the obvious. Should you ask any male in this room they would say the same thing.'

'Kagome, may I ask you something?' Amarante said.

'Os course you may, Amarante.'

'Is this the way you looked like when you were a Kami, or does your beauty come from the ningen side?'

At her question, Kagome blushed ten shades of red and when she was able to speak she said:

'Well, as a Kami I had the same black eyes I have now. Also my hair was ebony black, as it was when I was a ningen. My skin was the same as a Kami and a ningen also. But everything else is from my ningen side. Of course now I have the characteristics of an Inu youkai female.'

'How is it that you have such similarities with Sesshoumaru?'

'Well when I had to choose between going back to the holly realm as a Kami or remain here, Midoriko's soul came to Sesshoumaru and told him to stay close to me. I had to change into something else for I had too much power and the frail body of a ningen girl couldn't host it. I would have changed into either a Kami or a youkai. I have chosen to remain in this realm and so I needed a powerful demon to have as a model while transforming. That was why Midoriko told Sesshoumaru not to leave my side until the change was completed. I have used him as a model and that is why I have so many similar characteristics with him.'

'Do you have any of the powers he has?'

'Um I would not know what to say. I am not very sure about that. I know I have poison in my veins and I can summon a poisonous whip, but I am quite sure any of you could do that.'

'Iie, Kagome. Only Sesshoumaru has poison in his veins and a poisonous whip. That was his trademark power. No other youkai has poison in their claws. Now it seems you are two.'

'Sure his father, great Inutaisho, had that particularity also.'

'No. In fact no one was able to explain this feature. For there was never on earth a youkai with poison in their veins. He was unique in this aspect for centuries and we thought he would remain that way.'

'Hmmm … I wonder how …' Kagome trailed off, thinking of how this was possible. She was snapped out of her daydream when Sesshoumaru placed a hand on her shoulder, signaling her he wanted to speak with her.

'Hai, Sesshoumaru?'

'I must speak with you. Come with me in the gardens.'

'Hai.'

Out in the gardens they walked in silence for some time, while studying the moon and the stars. At some point, Sesshoumaru decided to speak:

'Kagome, I must ask you to not tell them of our bond. At least not yet. I am not sure what they think of you as of yet, but I do not want to endanger you.'

'Hai Sesshoumaru. I will not tell them. Thank you for your concern.' They fell into silence again. They were seated on a low bench, gazing at the beautiful full moon and the stars above them. All around them the ground was covered in snow. It was also snowing and the flakes, along with the white blanket that covered the earth, were glinting in the moon's light. Everything was surreal and in moments like this Kagome felt most at peace. Unfortunately she started shivering and they had to enter.

'Sesshoumaru, how long until this ball ends?'

'Not long. Once with the dawn, the others will just go to their quarters to sleep. But there would still be some of them that would not need to sleep and would probably meditate or do something else.'

'What are we to do the entire day? Will you be spending it with me, or will you be spending it with the other Lords and youkai?'

'I would never do such thing. You are my intended and I would never let you alone if it is not necessary. I will train tomorrow. And I wish you to train with me. I will however allow you the morning to yourself to rest, should you need it.'

'No I do not need it. I want to train with you also.'

'Very well.' They were obliged to end their conversation there because they entered the great dancing hall and they saw Amarante and Kagetora coming towards them.

'Kagome, I was wondering if I may have the honor of dancing with you.'

'If my mate-to-be allows it, Kagetora. You would have to ask him.' she said.

'A true intended to Sesshoumaru you are, Kagome.'

'You may dance with him, Kagome. I allow you to leave my side for one dance.' He said loud enough to be heard by the youkai standing in their proximity. 'But you must come back as soon as the dance is over.' He whispered in her ear.

'Hai Sesshoumaru.' She answered as loud as he did. 'Of course, I will come back after the dance is over. Thank you.' She whispered back. She gave him a peck on his lips and gently took Kagetora's stretched hand. She graciously slid on the dance floor and let herself be lead in a slow dance.

'Come, Sesshoumaru, let's dance. That way you will be closer to her. I heard what you have whispered in her ear and I know how possessive of her you are.'

'Very well, Amarante.' They slid to the dance floor also and started their dance, Sesshoumaru's eyes never leaving Kagome's form.

'You really love her, Sesshoumaru.' Amarante snapped him out of his thoughts.

'Hai. I do.'

'She changed you, Sesshoumaru. She managed what nobody did, not even your father managed to do that after your mother died. Not even I, your childhood playmate and your long and trusted friend was able to change you. And she did it with no difficulty.'

'Amarante, do not let yourself convinced she has changed me entirely. I admit she did to an extent but only so little.'

'Sesshoumaru, you have kissed her in the middle of the dancing floor with all the youkai in the room staring at you. You showed your jealousy upon my mate when he complimented her. And you say you didn't change? You should think again. You started showing emotions again, you are slowly coming back to the old playmate I had. I didn't think that would be ever possible. She is perfect for you and she loves you Sesshoumaru. I can see from her temper and character she is not one to be ordered but yet she did ask for your permission to dance with Kagetora. She shows so much respect to you, even if you do not see it. Every move she makes and word she speaks is a show of respect to you.'

'Hn. I did not think you of all the demonesses will carry so much respect for my intended and praise her so vehemently.'

'Sesshoumaru, I must be blind to not see her love for you in her eyes. It is practically written all over her: on her face, in her eyes, in her aura. Actually I have observed something when Kouga offended you. When she was trying to stop your transformation, her aura was embracing you, soothing you and calming your raging youkai. Even while in Kouga's arms, it stretched towards you in a reassurance way. It was probably the only thing that kept you from changing.'

'I must admit her aura is calming down my Inu side.'

'She must have been training very hard for her to be able to defeat Kouga so quickly.'

'I have been training her personally. For the last moon's cycle period I have been training her rigorously. She can now stand her ground when sparring me.'

Amarante gasped at the new piece of information. She knew Sesshoumaru was the utmost master of swordsmanship but never in her life thought someone would be able to equal him in the art only in a moon's cycle due time.

'You are serious?'

'Does this Sesshoumaru joke?'

'Iie. But it seems unbelievable. Surely she knew how to use a katana before, you just improved her skills.'

'Iie. She knew nothing about swordsmanship. Only what she saw whenever my half-brother fought a youkai. Actually her fang used to belong to him. It is my father's fang, the Tessaiga, crafted by Totousai.'

Another gasp escaped her lips. She could not believe what he told her, even if she knew Sesshoumaru never spoke lies. Fortunately, the dance was over so she was spared from having to respond his last comment. As fast as the song ended, Kagome was by his side. He took her hand and engaged her in a dance, leaving a confused Amarante behind.

'If she really is that powerful and skilled, then the tests we are supposed to submit her to are worthless. It would be a waste of time from both our behalf and hers.' thought Amarante looking at the pair, dancing and holding each other close. She studied Sesshoumaru and Kagome and she saw their auras mingling into one. At that moment Kagetora came to her.

'They really are something, ne Amarante?'

'Yes. Do you see their auras? They practically transfused into one. It is as if …' she gasped for the hundredth time that evening '… they are soul mates.'

'Hai, you are right. I have never seen such a powerful bond until now though. Do you think they might share a bond different from the one their souls seem to share?'

'It is possible. But do you really think Sesshoumaru would have done any kind of bond between them when they are mates-to-be? The bond that would be fulfilled in the mating ceremony would be powerful enough. And I do not see him sharing any type of other bonds with anyone, besides the bond mating of course.'

Kagetora narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. He could not think of the proud Sesshoumaru sharing a blood bond with anyone, especially a female. Reaching this conclusion he brushed the thought out of his mind, encircled his mate's waist with his arms and took her on the dancing floor.

Slowly the night died and the sun's rays signaled the new day. Not long after that, the ball ended and everyone went to their business, being it sleep, meditation, breakfast or something else.

'Sesshoumaru.' The three Taiyoukai came towards them.

'Hai.'

'Sesshoumaru, you know you have to follow the tradition and end the courting today.'

'W-w-w-what are you talking about? How is he supposed to end the courting and why?'

'Hai. I will see to it. I know what I have to do, you did not have to remind me.'

Kagome was stunned. She could not say a word. She did not know what they were speaking about. She turned towards Sesshoumaru and wanted to ask him, but he was faster than she was.

'I would explain everything when in our chambers. Now come. We have to talk.'

She obeyed and together they made their way to their chamber. She was confused and a little scared. She did not know what to expect. She knew it was not about mating for the other Lords and Lady should have submitted her to the test to see if she was worthy of him before that. Once the door of their room closed behind them, Sesshoumaru spoke:

'Kagome, I must tell you something. But first, I wish you put a sound barrier around our room. This conversation must remain private. It is only between the two of us.'

'H-h-hai.' She stuttered.

'Do not worry, precious one. I promise you have nothing to be frightened of.'

Kagome brought her palms in front of her chest and started chanting. In no time a pink barrier was put up around their room and she stood, waiting for her love to talk.

'Kagome, there is a tradition I have never told you of. Nor have you found it in any books for it is one that only the four Taiyoukai know about. After a Lord has made his intention of mating known to the others and brought his intended to meet the other three Taiyoukai, the Lord in question must mark the female as his own. Of course this goes also if the intended is a male and the Taiyoukai is a Lady. But what comes next is only for the cases in which the intended is a female. Your case. Before marking you, I have to take your virginity.'

At his last words, Kagome gasped loudly, her eyes widened and mouth opened slightly.

'B-b-b-but you s-s-s-said the mating ceremony is after the other Taiyoukai submit me to their tests. A-a-a-and does that not mean we are to mate then? What does this mean?'

'We will not mate. I must cut your virginal barrier and mark you. It does not involve sexual intercourse. The mating itself will be consumed at the mating ceremony, when I must mark you once more. You see, this mark I would put on you would only last until we will consume our bond and tie ourselves one to the other for life.'

'A-a-a-and why d-d-d-didn't you t-t-t-tell me of t-t-t-this before?' Kagome stuttered unable to control herself.

'I did not want you to feel embarrassed because of this at the reception. Should you felt embarrassed with my presence the other males would have thought you rejected me. I did not want to put either of us in such a predicament.'

'I see. And when do you have to … ummm … do this?'

'It would be better if I did it now.' Sesshoumaru said embracing her.

He put one finger under her chin and raised her bowed head, capturing her lips in a fierce and passionate kiss. After he ended the kiss, he went to the door and asked her to lower the barrier for he had to talk with Liu. She lowered the barrier and went to the bed, putting that one down also. She took the weapons down from the bed and sat on a corner, not knowing what to say or do. This was quite new to her and she did not want to do something wrong. Within minutes, Liu entered the room.

'Lord Sesshoumaru told me to prepare you, Lady Kagome. Please, come to the bathing area, you must bath you body and hair. Use these balms in your hair and on your body after you finish, My Lady.' That being said she took Kagome to the bathing area of their chamber and slid shut the door behind her. Kagome listened to Liu and bathed herself. After finishing she took the balms and rubbed them on her skin and hair. She used a towel to dry her hair and body and when she was about to wrap it around her body to exit, Liu came in with a white garment.

'My Lady, put this on. When you finish, just go to the bed and climb in it. Lord Sesshoumaru would come shortly after.' Kagome did what was told and put the white garment on. She exited the bathing area and went to the bed. She climbed in and lay down in the middle. She was nervous and did not know what would happen next.

Shortly after, Sesshoumaru entered the room. He went straight to the bathing area after sparing her a glance. He could sense her nervousness in her aura and decided he liked the scent of lavender and jasmine she smelt like when nervous. He bathed and used the same balms to put on his body and hair. He dried his hair, put on some white hakamas and exited.

'Kagome, please put back the barrier.' He told her. After she did what she was told, Sesshoumaru climbed in the bed. 'Please do not be afraid. I would never hurt you.'

(Start of partial lemon)

'I am not afraid, I am just nervous. This is new to me, you know.' While she said this she kept fidgeting with her nightgown. Sesshoumaru took her hands in his, successfully turning her attention towards him. She looked at him intently and when she was about to turn her eyes away from him he locked their lips into another fierce kiss. He didn't break the kiss until he felt her starting to pant under him, for he had managed, during the kiss, to situate himself on top of her laying form, in-between her legs.

He let her pant and started kissing her neck and shoulders, going down towards the valley between her breasts. Kagome was by now panting hard, feeling her body respond to his administrations. She could feel the heat within her body rise and felt him shift. She opened her eyes and looked at him. He gazed at her a few minutes, his hand trailing her slim waist down to her navel and from there down to her entry. He broke the eye contact and started kissing her down to the same spot his hand was at. Kagome moaned as his lips let a trail of fire on her skin, though he never took off her garment. When he passed her navel and reached her spot, licking it and rubbing it with one of his thumbs, she arched her back, partly sitting on the bed. Sesshoumaru took one last look at her and decided she was relaxed enough to proceed, so he introduced one of his clawed finger into her. She moaned louder this time, but the next moment she cried in pain: he had cut her barrier with his sharp claw. He dove down and licked all of her blood.

(End of partial lemon)

When the bleeding stopped, he raised his head, her blood still in his mouth, and using one of his fangs he bit his tongue letting his blood mix with hers. After that, he reached to her mouth and captured it. Her parted lips made his job easier, seeing he had to give her some of their mixed blood to drink. He let some of it pour in her mouth and then swallowed the remaining one. Her first reaction was to spit the blood in her mouth but Sesshoumaru put a hand over her lips signaling her to swallow it. She did it and immediately she felt dizzy. She looked in Sesshoumaru's eyes and saw they were glazed, as were hers. The effect of the bond was making itself known.

Minutes later, the dizziness subsided, leaving them both panting on the bed. When he looked at her, Sesshoumaru saw his mark on her left cheek. It was a small green droplet situated in the corner of her eye, looking as if a tear escaped it. He had the same marking only in pink on the same cheek. They were now showing the entire world they were intendeds and soon enough mates.

'This mark will disappear when we fully mate, Kagome. But the mark I will give you then will remain on you forever.'

Kagome didn't say anything. She was still sore after the little ordeal she went through.

'Come, Kagome, we must bath and then we will go to the dojo to train. But remember this, my love, this mark on your skin will allow the other Taiyoukai to submit you to the tests at any moment. So be careful at any times.'

'Hai, Sesshoumaru. I will go bath, it will not take me long.'

'No, we will bath together. It is a custom. From now on we must bath together every morning and evening. Also sleep in the same bed with no garments on.'

Kagome's cheeks turned the deepest shade of red that ever existed.

'A-a-a-are you s-s-s-serious? I mean … ummm … n-n-n-not that I am rejecting you b-b-but it is a little embarrassing.'

'This is exactly why this has to be done. So at the mating ceremony you would not reject our bond and my mating mark.'

They stood from the bed and went to the bathing area. They bathed each other, Kagome turning all the possible shades of red, Sesshoumaru watching her, his eyes roaming over her body and curves, a lustful expression on his face. They exited and dressed in their training outfits, took their swords and put the others under the protective barrier and went to the dojo. Sesshoumaru had to slow his pace at the beginning for Kagome was still sore from the small predicament and could not walk her usual fast pace. But by the time they got to the dojo the pain subsided almost entirely and she looked in anticipation at the fencing match between them.

'We would also be using our poison and claws but not just yet. I want first to train in swordsmanship.'

'Hai Sesshoumaru.'

They went to the middle of the dojo and took their stances. They were just measuring each other from head to feet. And then Sesshoumaru made the first move and lunged at her. She pared easily and made to strike but he blocked her sword. They engaged themselves into battle, their auras loose, flaring around them at their full potential. Kagome's fang was enlarged; Tokijin was brimming with power, waiting to be released.

Upon sensing the immense power coming from the dojo the other Lords and Ladies made their way to the fencing pair to see who had released such a huge amount of jaki. Sesshoumaru and Kagome sensed them coming but never halted in their training. He knew that the Taiyoukai will be watching them and was determined to work Kagome's ass to the bone to demonstrate them she was no weakling. Just before the dojo's door opened, Sesshoumaru signaled her they would also use their other powers alongside their katanas.

When the door slid open Sesshoumaru was releasing a very powerful attack from his Tokijin towards Kagome. She stood her ground and in the last moment put up a very powerful barrier, sucking in his attack and transforming it in raw purifying energy, which she sent towards him. Sesshoumaru raised Tokijin in defense and the majority of the attack was taken by the sword but still a good part of it hit him square in the chest. He didn't even flinch at the force of her attack and stood still, adopting a defensive stance, waiting for Kagome to attack.

She was about to lunge at him when Kouga appeared in-between them.

'Kouga, move, we have training.' Kagome said in a cool voice not once looking at him but at her intended. She knew not to turn her eyes away from her opponent when in a fight or training.

'I see that you have marked her. Very well. Kagome, I wish to submit you to a test. Should you fight and win against Sesshoumaru in training I will deem you a suitable mate for him.'

Kagome's expression hardened. She never, since she started training with him, won. She could stand her ground to him and even call it a tide, but never won. She knew Kouga was well aware of this and he did it on purpose. He hoped she would fail and he will be able to woo her as his after that. Her eyes hardened while a determined expression settled on her face.

'Very well, Kouga. I will take the test. But should I win you are to never in your life stand closer to me than five meters. Understood?'

'Oh … believe me, if you win I will never come closer than five meters to you. But, Sesshoumaru I want you to fight as if you were facing your worst enemy.'

'Hai. You have my word.' he said, his face emotionless.

'You have heard him, Amarante, Kagetora, Hinode, Chiyo. You will be my witnesses. Should he forget about this little arrangement I will kill him.'

'Hai, we have heard.' They chirped in unison.

Pleased with his idea and convinced she would never win, he backed away to the other Lords and Ladies to watch the match. Alone now in the middle of the dojo, they both stood straight, katanas shielded, looking straight at each other. Then they bowed their head to one another. Kagome's face and body screamed determination, while Sesshoumaru's face was a cool emotionless mask.

They both fell into defensive stances eying each other. Knowing Kagome will not be the one to attack first, he lunged at her, Tokijin unsheathed ready to place a fatal blow on her. She kept her defensive stance and in a blink of an eye, moments before he would strike, she used her youkai strength and met his sword with her own, their auras mingling and fighting for domination. Sesshoumaru, being stronger and more experienced than she was, managed to block her sword and to knock it off of her grasp. He was about to inflict a gash upon her chest when she released her poisonous whip, successfully cutting his cheek. She used the momentum to jump away from his near proximity and dart backwards towards her weapon, not once turning her back to her love.

He released his poisonous whip and effectively cut her way to her katana. She jumped and dodged his second attack with his whip and in a blink she was next to him, her claws embedded in his chest. He grabbed her hand and yanked it away, poison dripping from the tips of her claws, a statement that said she had released it in his wound. He tried to punch her but she dodged him and released her poisonous whip. She lashed his other arm, making him release hers and in a blink of the eye she was behind him, clawing at his shoulder. She moved as fast as the lightning, leaving his near proximity. She dodged his now powerful energy balls sent from Tokijin and she closed the distance between her and Tessaiga, managing to grasp it in her hand.

She quickly formed a barrier for Sesshoumaru had sent another blast her way and she charged Tessaiga with her purifying energy. It grew in length and as she let the barrier drop she released one of the fang's attacks. She used the advantage of the attack and came towards him, wishing to finish the duel. But he saw her and while dodging her blast of raw energy he summoned his poisonous whip and when she was close enough so she could not turn around, he released it, effectively managing to slash her training haori over her chest, leaving a bloody gash in its trail and the marking over her heart visible. She almost lost her balance from the unexpected blow and with that Sesshoumaru almost managed to end the battle, but she crouched down low and kicked his legs, sending him to the floor. Before he managed to stand and attack her again, Kagome was already on top of him, Tessaiga's tip pressed against his chest, her poisonous claws at his neck, drawing blood.

They looked at each other, red eyes boring into red eyes. Their youkai sides were about to take over and take the fight to the next level. Sesshoumaru recognized his predicament and nodded once to her in acknowledgment and she stood, sheathed her katana and offered her hand to him to help him up. He took it without a word, grabbed his sword from the floor and sheathed it and then turned to her again. Golden met black and locked into a secret conversation.

'I am proud of you. Should you keep training and fighting like today you will surpass me one day.'

'I am glad I made you proud of me. I have passed one test.'

'I love you.'

'I love you.'

They didn't need words. They could understand each other perfectly from their heated gazes. They were snapped out of their trances by the sound of approaching footsteps. In that moment, both the Taiyoukai and his intended took defensive stances, swords drawn, faces calm. Should have not been their slight labored breathes, quickened heartbeats and wounds, you could have sworn they were just about to start their training. At their reaction the footsteps stopped. It was Lord Hinode who had approached them. Upon recognition, Sesshoumaru and Kagome relaxed their bodies, sheathed their katanas and stood straight.

'I have passed your test, Kouga. I hope you remember our discussion from before the fight.'

'I am not convinced you have won fairly. Sesshoumaru might have just fought poorly for your sake.'

'Do not offend my mate again, Kouga. He gave you his word. You know he is much too honorable to do such thing. I fought him and won fair and square.' Kagome raged, her eyes turning blood red.

'I must agree with Kagome. I know Sesshoumaru from when he was a pup and I can guarantee he has fought as if his life was on line. Still you have defeated him. Once Sesshoumaru gives his word to someone he will see to not break it. When he gives his word he is honor bound to see it to its end. I must say I am impressed with your skills Kagome.' Amarante said.

'I agree with Amarante. Pup, she has passed your test, now say the proper words she must hear.'

Kouga growled, not wishing to admit she in fact managed to pass his test and defeat Sesshoumaru in a fencing match, but seeing as the other Lords and Ladies were against him and knowing she truly did it, he said:

'Lady Kagome, you have passed my test, therefore I deem you worthy of being Lord Sesshoumaru's mate.'

As he finished with his declaration Kagome's mark from the corner of her eye flared and turned the color of blood red, but just as it happened it ended and returned to its initial green shade, keeping though some faint hints of red. Only the tingly feeling on her skin remained to contest it really happened.

She looked at Sesshoumaru and saw him eying her carefully.

'The marking will flare like that every time a Taiyoukai will proclaim you are worthy to become my mate. It will keep some of the red it turns upon the proclamation and when the last test was passed and the third Taiyoukai has acknowledged you, it will remain the shade of red until the mating ceremony. As you can see, mine acts in the same manner. You can see the red swirls in the little droplet marking.'

True to his words, Kagome saw that the pink tear at the corner of his left eye was tinged with red.

'Come, we must meditate after this training session. We will rest our bodies and clear out minds. After that we will return to our usual training.'

'Hai, Sesshoumaru. Hinode, Chiyo I will use this opportunity to see your Fate. But mark my words; my lips will be sealed in this matter. You will not hear anything about it.'

With that she nodded her head to them and went with Sesshoumaru to their chamber to wash their gashes and to put on new training outfits. When they were done, they went to the kitchen, ate some lunch for they had skipped breakfast and went back to the now empty dojo to meditate. The blizzard that reigned outside was too cold for them to meditate.

Once in their stances, Kagome erected a barrier around them and plunged in the River of Fate, keen on finding Hinode's and Chiyo's fates. The first image that appeared was one of the past.

'Lord Hinode, Lady Chiyo was badly wounded in the attack upon her. I am afraid I have to tell you that your unborn pup was killed. She lost too much blood and now her life is at risk.' A mouse-like youkai said.

'Is she going to make it? Will she live?' an enraged Hinode asked, eyes red, transformation half completed.

'Hai, Lord Hinode, she will leave. But I am afraid that a curse was placed on her womb. It is a very powerful one and I could not lift it.' The healer said, bowing to her waist.

'What does the curse do?'

'The curse stops her from having pups, Lord Hinode.'

Hearing her words, Hinode growled viciously and rushed out of the room and into the grounds of his castle letting his half side take control over him. A huge lion took the humanoid's place and its roar could be heard in all the four cardinal palaces. He was grieving for his dead unborn pup and for the fate of his House with his mate unable to conceive again.

As soon as the image disappeared a new one formed in her mind. It was a vision of the present.
'Do you think she could help us, Hinode? Is she the one to undo the curse?'

'I most certainly think she will be able to help us, if not now, at least in time, a short time. She is the one the prophecy speaks of. You remember, don't you? "A demoness with tremendous powers and the powers of a miko will come and lift the curse on the Lady's womb." That is what it said.'

'I remember it very well, Hinode. I sure hope she will be able to help us.' Chiyo said in a whisper.

After the words were uttered the image changed again and this time a vision of the future appeared.

Kagome stood from her chair and approached Chiyo. She took Chiyo's hand and gingerly asked her to lay down on the tatami. The Lady of the East did as she was told and Kagome put one hand on the youkai's womb. She closed her eyes and started chanting. After a while she was able to find the place the curse was put on. Her miko powers flared around her and into her palm, using her hand to guide them into the female's womb. The miko energy reached the dark curse and started fighting it. It was a strong one, cast by a dark miko. Her eyebrows furrowed in concentration, still fighting back the dark curse in the female's womb.

After a long period she felt the darkness crack and knew it would not take long until the curse was lifted. Moments later the pressure in Chiyo's belly lifted and a bright light surged from it. The curse was lifted. Kagome stood from her crouching position and tried to speak but all she could say was:

'I have brought life.'

After that she lost consciousness. The curse had been stronger than she ever imagined. Sesshoumaru was next to her in a moment, catching her in his powerful arms.

With that the vision dissipated and she opened her eyes. Sesshoumaru was standing across from her, waiting for her to finish her meditation and lower the barrier. She stood and brushed her fingers against it.

'Come, we must finish our training.'

'Hai Sesshoumaru.'

AN. : I want to thank all my readers and my reviewers, though I am a little upset ... my last chapter had like 400 hits and only 5 reviews ... I would be so happy if more of you would review my story. Maybe you have something to ask me? Or to comment upon my story?

Anyway, thank you to all the persons that reviewed for their king and nice words. I also want to thank to everyone that read the story so far ;)

One more thing I have to say: I have used some new names in this story. I must tell you that I have found them in different fanfictions and liked them. I didn't have the chance to ask the authors if I may use them for I do not know anymore where I found them exactly.

Ja ne.