AN. : Hello my fellow readers and writers ;) I am sorry for the long waiting, I sure hope you will forgive me. here it is: Chapter 14, hope you will enjoy.

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

The rest of the day was a tiresome but blissful and long-awaited training session. She was making progress and Sesshoumaru was glad of it. They stopped around dinner time. They were supposed to eat dinner with the other Taiyoukai, so they left the dojo and went straight for their chamber. They indulged into a soak in the hot spring and dressed for dinner. They were both wearing white garments. Kagome was dressed into a white simple kimono with an obi the color of yellow and blue. Sesshoumaru had on white haori and hakamas and a blue and yellow sash.

When they entered into the dinning room, which was quite a small and intimate one, they noticed that Amarante, Kagetora and Kouga were already there. They took their places at the low table, kneeling on the tatami and waited for Hinode and Chiyo. Moments later they arrived and after they were seated on the tatami, next to their guests, the servants entered with their food. It was not a sumptuous meal, since all seven ate raw meat, but the important thing was for them to feel comfortable one with each other and speak in a casual manner about the latest news.

After they ate and the servants took away the plates, the tea was brought. One cup of steamy tea later, Amarante asked, successfully breaking the silence:

'Kagome, I have noticed yesterday, during your training with Sesshoumaru, a strange-looking marking above your heart. Do you mind telling us what it means?'

At her question, Kagome's eyes snapped from their previous position on a particular long, claw-like mark on the table to Amarante's but turned her gaze almost immediately.

'What do you mean, Amarante?' Hinode asked puzzled. She looked around the table and saw everyone's eyes, with the exception of Sesshoumaru's and Kagome's, fixing her, puzzled expressions within their depths.

'Has no one noticed it?' Taking the general silence as a negative answer she added:

'Well it looks like a green tiny droplet encased in a pink fire. But what is more curious about it, is that it looked alive. I mean the droplet was shining and the flames of the fire were playing into an non-existent wind.'

At her last words, Hinode gasped loudly. He knew what that marking was and what it implied. He and Chiyo were the only ones old enough to know about it. Amarante, Sesshoumaru and Kouga were mere pups when it was last spoken of that bond.

'Hinode? You know what that is?' Amarante asked him.

'Hai I know what it is and what symbolizes. As you know there are two very powerful bonds between two beings. One of them is the blood bond. You all know what it means to have a blood bond with another youkai. The second as you know, and more powerful, is the mating bond. Now you do not know of this, but there is a third one, which is by far the most powerful and important one. It is called the Seimei bond. It is a very rare one; in fact the last one I know of occurred while I was a pup and it was between my grandfather, a great lion demon, and a male water dragon demon. It is so rare for it combines both the blood bond and the mating bond. Plus the two parts must trust each other completely and must be very powerful. It is said it actually bonds the two's souls. Kagome, is it true you share such a bond?'

'Hai, it is true.'

'Who is the one that has the twin marking, Kagome?'

'I am sorry Amarante, but it is a personal matter and I wish to keep it that way. I do not want to offend any of you with my answer.'

'Sesshoumaru, did you know of this until now?'

'Hai. I knew. She is my intended so there are no secrets between us.'

'And do you also know who the one she shares the bond with is?'

'Hai.'

'Sesshoumaru, you must tell us.' Amarante pressed.

'Hn. No, I do not.'

'Kagome-

Amarante was stopped from her vain try of persuading them in telling her the truth by her mate:

'Amarante, she told us she wishes to keep it a personal matter. It is not our business to know of such thing. Her intended knows and I am sure he would have told us if there were something that could endanger our lands and people.'

'But-

'No buts, Amarante. That is enough.'

'Kagome, you may tell them.' At his words, Kagome turned her head to look him in the eyes. She did not expect that from him.

'This bond was supposed to remain a secret, so I ask of you all not to tell anyone of it.' She finally added, after being sure he gave her permission to divulge it.

'Hai, you have our words and honor.'

'Thank you. Well, as you already said, this bond is very powerful and my ningen body was not able to contain it. I would have died should I remained a human. That is actually the main reason I have changed into what I am today. I had a choice. I could have change back into the Goddess I was so many centuries ago, but the wrong the Kamis have done to me and the others around me, especially the ones from the House of the Moon, has made me decide to remain in this realm. Thus I have changed into a demoness, having Sesshoumaru as my youkai model. I share the Seimei bond with Sesshoumaru. That is how I have received his claws and poison.'

At her speech, everyone around the table gasped in awe. They did not know what to say. The information about the quarrel between Kagome and the Kamis awestruck them. And the news she shared such a powerful bond with Sesshoumaru equally frightened and amazed them. The idea of Sesshoumaru sharing a bond with someone, and a female to that, was a concept they could not grasp.

Seeing their expressions, Kagome said:

'Surely you knew I was the Goddess of Fate.'

'Yes of course, but we never knew you chose not to be a Megami anymore and instead remain amongst ningen and youkai.' Amarante said, after a few moments of silence. 'Sesshoumaru, I never expected you to share a bond with anyone. Not even the mating bond. Sure I would expect you to mark your mate, but not to let her mark you, and yet I see now you have agreed to the utmost powerful bond of them all.'

'Hn.' was all Sesshoumaru said.

At Amarante's comment, Kagome's eyes locked with the Taiyoukai's in hope she would find the answer to the question that has been bugging her for quite some time now. Unfortunately, all that his eyes seemed to say was: 'We will talk in the confines of our chamber.'

'Kagome, do you mind showing us the marking?' Hinode asked.

'Iie, I don't mind.' She loosened her obi enough to allow her the movement of parting her kimono so she could show them the small mark. After a few moments, she added:

'Do you wish to know what it symbolizes? The green droplet is in fact Sesshoumaru's poison and the pink fire is my miko power. Sesshoumaru's mark is a pink droplet encased in a green fire.' She said in a small voice. She adjusted her kimono and obi and decided not to speak anymore.

Eyes downcast and a grief filled aura, Kagome said in a small voice:

'Please excuse me, I am tired after all the training and I wish to retire to my chamber.' She bowed her head before her departure and left the room. No sooner she reached her room, the door closed behind her, she allowed the tears to fall freely.

'Sesshoumaru, did you not talk with her about the mating ceremony?'

'I have given her some parchments to read about it.'

'That does not suffice. No parchment contains all that happens in a youkai mating ceremony. You have to speak with her and tell her about these things. She was quite upset at my question, or maybe at your answer, or lack of it that is.' Amarante chided him. 'You better go and talk with her.'

'If you have no other problems to discuss, I will retire also.' Sesshoumaru stood, nodded to them all and elegantly exited the room. Once he reached his chamber's door, Sesshoumaru could smell the salt in the air. 'She is crying.' Entering the room, he saw her laid on the bed with her head buried deep in the soft pillows.

'Kagome.' He whispered, not wanting to scare her. At his bare whisper, she jerked upwards, immediately assuming a sitting position, her back to him.

'I am sorry for crying, my Lord. I will immediately wipe my tears away.'

'Precious one … why are you so distraught?'

'I-I-I-I' she began, trying to choke down her hiccups.

'Kagome, we need to talk. Please put up the sound barrier so no prying ears could eavesdrop.'

She listened to him and put up the barrier. The instant she finished chanting, she felt strong arms enveloping her slim waist, well toned muscles pressed to her back.

'Tell me what has saddened you so?'

'Amarante's comment about the mating marking. She was right, wasn't she? You will never allow anyone to mark you, not even your own mate. I will be marked by you, so other youkai could know I am taken by other male, but you will not have my marking. The demonesses will never cease ogling you and trying to get you as long as you do not have a marking.'

'Precious one. I will bear your marking and I will do it with pride. Do not be such an infant; do you think this Sesshoumaru would be such disrespectful to his mate?'

'Really? Will you allow me to mark you? Are you serious?'

'Does this Sesshoumaru speak untruths?'

'Iie.' she said in a small voice. She let loose a small cry of surprise when she felt herself being pulled in the Taiyoukai's lap. He kissed her crescent moon marking and then each of her eyes and finally spoke:

'Sleep, little one. Tomorrow will be a long day and you will need all the rest you can get. I can tell you will receive your second test during the gathering.'

'Hai. Good night.'

'Good night.' He kissed her lips gently and lay down on the bed, Kagome curled at his chest. She fell asleep quite fast, his steady heartbeat and even breaths lulling her into a restful sleep.

When dawn came, both Kagome and Sesshoumaru awoke, she from a deep rest, he from a cat-nap. They followed their routine of going to the inner hot spring and cleaning themselves and then dressing into their training attires. They went to the door and Kagome put down the barrier, allowing them to go to the little dinning room for breakfast.

'Ohayou, Amarante.' said both Taiyoukai and Kagome upon entering the small room.

'Ohayou, you two. Kagome, are you alright?'

'Hai, arigatou for worrying.'

They sat at the low table and ate in silence. When they were finished, Amarante spoke again:

'Come, the others must be on their way to the meeting chamber.' They exited the room and walked towards their destination. After walking approximately half an hour, they reached a hallway, painted in motives of the four Houses. The hallway reached to beautiful cherry double doors, encrusted with the markings of the Houses: the crescent moon, the sun, the water and the fire, all within one marking. Kagome gasped in surprise at the scene before her.

'They signify the union between the four cardinal lands. The markings forming one means that the four Taiyoukai and their Houses are allies and they rule together as one. That is why we have all these meetings, so we can ponder over the problems our lands have and try to resolve them.'

'It is beautiful. I never thought there is something like this.'

'Each of our castles has a room like this.'

'What do you mean with "a room like this"?'

'The door to this room will not open unless the Taiyoukai touch at the same time the four markings on the door. That way the enchantment will allow us to enter. No other person will be able to disturb us once the door closes behind us. The enchantments do not allow anyone to eavesdrop also. In all matters, we will have privacy.' No sooner he finished his words that they picked up the faint sounds of feet approaching. The others were coming. Minutes later the four Taiyoukai were all gathered in front of the great door, touching their respective marks. Upon recognition, the magnificent double doors opened by themselves and as soon as everyone was inside, they closed swiftly.

The room was simple. In the middle stood a low table with pillows around it to sit on. There was a fireplace on a wall, which unfortunately had no fire burning in. The wall opposite to the door was all made of glass, giving a beautiful view over the gardens and when evening, upon the magnificent sunset. The rest of the walls were filled with parchment cases. Kagome looked around her at the small room with interest, taking in everything. They waited for the Eastern Lord and Lady to sit down, and then they all sat, except for Kagetora who went to the fireplace to start the fire. The room was quite chilly and Kagome started shivering, therefore Sesshoumaru chose a sitting place for them as close as possible to the burning fire.

'Our problems at the border between the North and West have not ceased. This year two more villages in the North and one in the West were abandoned.' started Amarante, Lady of the North.

'I know. We must find an answer to this, and we must find it soon.' Sesshoumaru added.

'What are these problems?' Kagome asked, not knowing what they were talking about.

'At the border between the Northern Lands and the Western one the villages are being abandoned. There is no running water in the area. Every fountain they dig dries within the hour. No plants or crop grow and the game is long gone from those parts.' Amarante told.

'So basically the problem is with the water. Could it be a curse, or enchantment maybe?'

'We do not know, but I for one find it quite hard to put an enchantment or curse over such a huge expand of land. It is as if the waters are retiring from the lands.'

'Then why don't we speak with the Elder of the South? As I have been told she is able to bring water even in the driest of lands. Should we talk to her and get her to help us I am sure I can regenerate the plants and crops. And I am sure we can find the Elder of the North and ask her to help us with the game.' Kagome gave her opinion.

'It would be a wonderful plan, but unfortunately we do not know were to find the Elder of the South. She has vanished from the earth.' Amarante said matter-of-factly.

'What about the Elder of the North? Do you know where she is?'

'Hai. The Northern Taiyoukai keeps the secret of her whereabouts. I could go and talk with her and ask her to help. But it would be pointless to have her help without having the water problem resolved.'

'Kouga, do you know nothing about Izanagi?' Kagome asked him.

'Iie. No one knows where she is, if she is still alive. Come to think of it there is a story we have about a powerful and beautiful female. The story says that on the very top of the utmost southern mountain in the Southern Lands lays a beautiful lake. And in this lake a very beautiful and powerful female lives. She is known as The Lady of the Lake. Legend says that many males soughed her for mating her, trying to rein the creature of utmost beauty and purity. But they never returned, only very few, the ones that were honorable and did not try to mate her by force. The legend says that the ones that wanted to take her by force were pulled into the lake, therefore finding their ends.' Kouga told them.

'That is a start. It would be a good starting point, should you choose to take my opinion in consideration.'

'Yes you are right. Kouga, do you know where this mountain is?'

'Yes, it is said to be in the most southern point of my lands. I know how to get there.'

'What do you all think about Kagome's opinion?' Amarante asked.

'I think she is right. We have tried everything else but couldn't resolve this pressing matter. I agree with sending someone to this mountain and see if The Lady of the Lake is not in fact Izanagi.' Hinode answered.

'We could try. I can give you a scout or even go myself. If this council chooses to take this advice and send a party to talk with the female, then I will help.' Kouga added.

'It is a good idea but we cannot chase a legend. We do not know for sure there even is a mountain where the story says it is. We cannot follow this advice.' Sesshoumaru expressed his opinion.

'On the contrary, I think it would be the best thing we could do given the circumstances.' Hinode added. 'We have no other choice, we tried bringing water from other villages, we tried building some water-retainers also, but the land just absorbed it. We tried digging deeper wells but it did not do any difference.'

'Then if you all three think it is a good choice, I also agree. We shall send a party to this Lady of the Lake, and should she be Izanagi, they will try and convince her to come in our aid.'

'But who can we send? Do you have someone in mind?'

'I will go. Since they are my lands, I can manage easily and reach her as fast as possible.' Kouga offered.

'With all do respect, I do not think you are the best choice. No male in this room is a good choice. I think we should send a female to talk with her.'

'Why do you think that, Kagome?'

'Well Chiyo, think of the story Kouga told us. She has punished all the males that wanted to take her as their mates. She might think that our envoy seeks the same thing, whereas if we send a female she will not try and kill her as soon as she feels her presence.'

'A good judgment, Kagome.' said Kagetora. 'I agree. If she is bitter because of the amount of males coming to claim her as their mate, a female would be a better choice to send.'

'But who can we send? Who can we trust with this important deed?' Chiyo asked.

'I have the perfect answer. Kagome, this shall be your second test. Go to the Southern Lands and seek this Lady of the Lake. Should she be Izanagi, convince her to come to our aid. This way, I will test your bravery and your persuading ability.' Amarante said. The second test was given now, Kagome was bound to follow Amarante's words and not back down.

'Hai, Amarante.'

'I will accompany you.' Sesshoumaru said matter-of-factly.

'You are allowed to go with her with the only condition to not help her with her task.'

'I will not. I merely want to make sure she will survive the trip.'

'And I will come as your scout. I will help you find the mountain.'

'I will not allow you to come with me up the mountain. You will both remain at its feet, for I do not want anything to happen to you.' Kagome told the two males.

This issue being resolved somehow, they continued talking about the rest of the problems they had in the four cardinal lands. Slowly, the day passed and the sun set, giving the room's inhabitants a beautiful view over the magnificent retire of the orb. Not long after that, they have finished the discussion. Before they all stood, Sesshoumaru decided to bring up the most important issue, so he said:

'Hinode, Chiyo, you must choose.'

'Very well Sesshoumaru. Give us some time and we will tell you of our decision.' Hinode said, grief latched in his aura and words.

'You have seven sunrises and seven sunsets. We will meet again after the eighth sunrise and you will tell us what you have decided.'

'Thank you. Kagome, before everyone leaves the room I must tell you something. I want to give you the third test, for it is a test you must think upon carefully. I am giving it to you now so when you come back from the Southern lands you may fulfill the last one. The third test is to bring life on earth with the help of your miko powers.'

'Very well, Hinode.'

Kagome stood from her pillow 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 was able to 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.

Hinode and Chiyo were looking at each other, not able to say anything. Even if the curse was lifted, they were quite old and did not know if she could have pups anymore. And what was worse, they could not know sooner than fifteen sunsets so they still needed to choose an heir for their lands.

Sesshoumaru lifted Kagome in his arms and went to the door. They all gathered around him and touched their respective House's marks so the door would open and exited. He took her in their chamber and laid her on the bed, pulling the covers over her. He climbed in the bed himself and brought her in his strong embrace, giving her warmth and security. He would wait for her to wake up and then they would go and eat.

Little he knew that when she lifted the curse from Chiyo's womb it backfired on her, so now she was fighting it, which left her unconscious. The next morning, Kagome was still dead to the world and Sesshoumaru started to worry. He tried to wake her up by gently shaking her, but it didn't work. He tried with some water but that was in vain also.

Upon seeing Sesshoumaru and Kagome were not at breakfast, Hinode decided to seek them. After he finished his dish, he excused himself and hurriedly made his way to the Lord's chamber. He knocked gently at the door and entered when allowed.

'Ohayou, Sesshoumaru. How is Kagome?'

'She is still unconscious. She didn't wake up since yesterday evening, after lifting the curse on Chiyo's womb.'

At his last statement, Hinode's expression changed. His eyes narrowed in sadness and his aura filled with grief. He knew why Kagome didn't wake up by now.

'Speak, Hinode. It seems you know what the matter with my mate-to-be is.'

'Hai, I know. When the curse was placed on Chiyo's womb, she fell unconscious for seven sunsets and seven sunrises. Just before the eighth sunrise a black light engulfed her entirely for a few moments. When it retreated, Chiyo woke up. If Kagome does not wake up before the eighth sunrise, the curse will be put on her womb. I assure you Sesshoumaru I did not intend for something like this to happen.'

'Hai, I know. It was her choice to help you. She is powerful and I know she will fight it and win.' Although his cold emotionless mask was in its place, Hinode sensed the trepidation within his best friend's pup. It pained him to have brought this upon Sesshoumaru's and Kagome's fates.

'I am truly sorry. Should you need my help or that of my mate in anything just tell us.'

'Arigatou, Hinode.'

That being said, Hinode left the room. Once the door was closed and he was sure no one could see or feel his aura, Sesshoumaru let his pain take rein over his face and aura. He climbed in the bed, took Kagome in his embrace and started whispering loving words into her ear, always asking her to fight for their future pups.

Kagome was surrounded by darkness. It was so dense she could not even see her hand. But somewhere in the distance she saw a pink glow, calling her and assuring her nothing was going to happen to her. She took a tentative step and then another and another, until she reached the pink light. She took a good look at it and saw it was actually a beautiful woman. She was almost as tall as Sesshoumaru. She had black wavy tresses that reached her mid-thighs, and black eyes. On her forehead she had the marking of the Goddess of Fate. She was wearing a pure white kimono, with a black design on the ends and a black obi. The female looked very much like Kagome used to look before she changed into a demoness.

'Who are you? Where are we?' Kagome said.

'I am Nadeshiko, the Goddess of Fate. And you are Kagome, miko protector of the Shikon no Tama. We are now inside your conscious.'

'How is it that you are here? I thought that when I changed I lost everything that was the Goddess of Fate. Well everything with the exception of the element.'

'You cannot lose everything that is Nadeshiko. I simply lay dormant inside your conscious. I have shown myself to you now for there is a great danger upon you. Should you not find the dark miko and fight her curse, it will be placed on your womb. You must look for her in this darkness, which is due to her, and overpower her. Only after you purify her, the curse will be forever lifted and she defeated.'

'How am I to find her and what will happen after I defeat her?'

'After you defeat her, and be careful for you must do it quickly for you have no much time, my conscious and powers as a Megami will entwine with yours and we will become one forever. The Goddess Nadeshiko will be forgotten and the demoness Kagome will be remembered. You will be able to tap into my powers also and rein and use them as you wish. Now go and find the dark miko.'

'How will I find her?'

'Let your miko powers loose and she will come to you. She will feel the purity in your powers and she will come to taint them.'

Kagome did as she was told and let her miko energy flare around her. Just as her aura increased and she was taping into her holy powers, a horrid shriek reached her ears. The dark miko was approaching, Kagome could feel her aura, filled with anger and dark wishes. Her soul was completely tainted; there was no way in helping her anymore. She did not have to wait too long to see the other miko standing in front of her. Due to her flaming aura, the darkness subsided and she was able to see now.

The woman standing in front of her was not taller than Kagome. She had long dark tresses, reddish brown eyes and wrinkled skin. She was old, but her hand never quivered in her stance.

'So you are the pure soul I have felt? It does not matter; I will taint your soul and let my curse take control of your womb. You will never be able to bear a child.'

'Who are you and why did you put the curse on Chiyo?'

'I am Ankoku, the dark miko. I have put that curse on her for she defied me in a battle. She killed me, but not before managing to curse her.'

'Well I have lifted the curse.'

'I do not know how you managed such a thing but the curse will be now put on your womb.'

'No it will not for I shall fight you.' Kagome said, assuming a defensive stance. Upon seeing this, Ankoku fell into a similar one and waited. Seeing Kagome was not about to strike the first blow she lunged for the pure soul in front of her. Kagome dodged the attack and quickly formed a ball of miko energy, which she released towards the dark priestess. Ankoku put up a black barrier and Kagome's energy was stopped in its track. But she did not feel disappointed, for she formed energy ball after energy ball and sent them in the black barrier, managing to crack it and hit her opponent, sending her flying for some meters. In a blink of an eye, Kagome was towering over Ankoku's limp form. She formed another energy ball and this time it encompassed the dark priestess and purified her.

The moment she did this, Nadeshiko appeared in front of her and said:

'Very well done. You must now complete our becoming a whole. You must encompass me with the same energy ball and shrink it as much as you can without purifying me. Then you have to allow the energy ball enter your body.'

Kagome nodded and did what she was told. She entrapped Nadeshiko in a pink barrier and started shrinking it. Careful not to purify the Goddess' spirit and conscious, Kagome shrank the barrier until it was not bigger than a tennis ball. Then she allowed it to enter her body. The moment it disappeared in her body, a bright white light burst into the dark and surrounded her.

While her fight lasted only a few moments inside her conscious, in the real world it took Kagome seven sunrises and six sunsets. Just before the seventh sunset her body was encompassed in a bright white light and moments later, when it faded, she opened her eyes.

'Kagome, are you alright?'

'Hai, I am. How is Chiyo?'

'She is perfectly fine. The curse has been lifted but she does not think she could have a pup since she is many centuries old. How are you?'

'I am well. The curse was about to be put on me but I defeated Ankoku, the dark miko, and purified her forever. Please, can you bring Chiyo here?'

'Hai. I will send Liu to bring her. Liu, go and tell Lady Chiyo that Lady Kagome has awaken and requests her presence.'

'Hai, My Lord.'

In mere minutes, Chiyo was entering the room.

'Kagome, are you well?'

'Hai, Chiyo. I have called you to tell you the curse was purified forever and you have nothing to worry about anymore. Ah, Hinode, come in and do not stand at the door.' Kagome added.

'I did not wish to disturb your conversation, Kagome.'

'Chiyo, please come closer. Sesshoumaru, I need to reach her, for I want to check something. Please, if you can, take me to the edge of the bed.'

Sesshoumaru lifted her in his powerful arms and brought her to the bed's edge, placing her in-between his legs, leaning her against his chest.

'Thank you. Chiyo, please come closer.'

The Lady of the East did what she was told and approached Kagome. The miko placed one palm on the female's womb and allowed some of her healing powers course through it. She was also extending her aura to check something. Upon reaching with her healing powers into Chiyo's womb, Kagome sensed what she was looking for: a small presence. Chiyo was with pup. She used her healing powers to repair what damage the curse may have made in the youkai's belly and then retreated them. She gently took her palm from the belly and looked up at Chiyo, smiling warmly up to her.

'Chiyo, Hinode, congratulations. Chiyo, you are with pup. You will have a healthy heir in no time. Hinode, I have brought life in this world with the help of my powers.'

'Hai, and to that I thank you and remain forever in your debt.'

'You need not to, for I would have done it even if you didn't ask for me to bring life. I saw it in your fate. I knew from the moment I saw your mate about the curse. I could sense it, but I could not do anything until Fate didn't tell me to.'

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

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 shade, only this time it was almost completely red.

'Only one test to overcome. But I have a feeling this will be my toughest test ever. Amarante chose well to submit me to this one.'

'Sesshoumaru, will we be returning to the Western castle before we go towards the Southern Land in search for Izanagi?'

'Iie, we will leave from here. I have already told Liu she is to take Ah-Un and go back to the castle. She is to take care of the pups and see for their needs until we return. It would be pointless to go back just to return for the Southern Lands.'

'Hai, I understand. Too long of a detour.'

'Hinode, I want to ask you and your mate something. May I?'

'Hai, Kagome.'

'What was the choice you had to make and tell it at the meeting from tomorrow?'

'Ah, Kagome. You see, since Chiyo was cursed by that dark miko we could not have an heir. We had to chose a suitable heir for our lands and we were to give the answer to the other three Taiyoukai.'

'And who did you think of leaving your Lands to, should I have not lifted the curse?'

At her question, Hinode looked at Chiyo and then chose to speak:

'We had decided upon you as the Eastern Taiyoukai, should Chiyo's womb not be able to produce an heir. We were set in saying this the next morrow at the meeting. We knew of your pure soul and your kind heart and we were sure you would be a very good ruler. And we also know you will be the most beloved Lady since the beginning of the Taiyoukai existence. I know for sure no Lady, being her Western, Eastern, Northern or Southern was as loved as you will be by your people.'

Kagome's eyes widened in surprise at his statement. She did not know they were about to chose her as the next Taiyoukai of the East. If that would have been the case, the Eastern Lands would have been united with the Western ones and come under the rule of Sesshoumaru. 'Good thing I have lifted the curse and helped them. A House should not die because a dead miko keeps a grudge for centuries after her death.'

'I am honored by your kind words, Hinode. Thank you.'

'No Kagome, I thank you for what you have done for us. Now the House of the Sun will grow and have an heir.' Chiyo said, bowing from her waist.

Kagome blushed at the honor she was showed and bowed her head in acknowledge. After Hinode and Chiyo left their room, Sesshoumaru and Kagome remained alone, cuddled on the bed.

'Sesshoumaru, did I act as a true Lady should have?'

'Hai, you acted according to the rules. You did not mistreat or offend any of them.'

'What do you think the last test will be like?'

'Nothing you cannot surpass. I trust you to succeed in this tryout as you did with the curse.'

'Hai, I will do my best. You know what happened while I was unconscious?'

'Iie.'

'Nadeshiko, the Megami of Fate, came to me and told me I must fight Ankoku, the dark miko, for should I not purify her my womb will be cursed as Chiyo's was. Everything around me was so dark I could not see anything. At first I was so scared. But after I defeated her, Nadeshiko's conscious and soul entwined with mine and we became whole. Upon encompassing her into my being a bright white light surged into the darkness that surrounded me and then I woke up.'

'Hn. The same bright white light encompassed your body moments before you woke up. If we didn't share the Seimei bond, I would have been purified. I could feel the purifying energy coursing through my veins as if it were quicksilver.'

At his last words, Kagome's jaw practically hit the floor. She did not know the bright light surged from her conscious and engulfed her body also. And to know that her intended would have been purified, but for the Seimei bond, saddened her.

'I am happy we share this bond Sesshoumaru, for it has spared your life.' she said before planting a chaste kiss on his lips. The mere act made her blush to the roots of her hair.

'That it did.'

Those were their last words before they fell asleep, though Sesshoumaru did not rest that night. He was standing on guard, making sure nothing happened to Kagome, and therefore his House's fate.

Next morning, after eating their breakfast, they made their way to the Chamber of Four, for the meeting required all the Taiyoukai to be present when Chiyo and Hinode offered their decision. Even though Sesshoumaru and Kagome knew their answer, they had to be present. The others were already in front of the double-doors, waiting for the Western Taiyoukai. They opened the door and entered. They all took a seat on the pillows around the table and waited.

'Have you taken a decision, Hinode, Chiyo?' Amarante asked in a quiet voice. Everyone could see she did not find it easy to speak on this matter.

'Hai, we have reached a conclusion. We had chosen Lady Kagome as an heir, but last night she told us something that made us change our minds. Chiyo is with pup.'

Amarante gasped in surprise at both pieces of news. But when she saw the happiness in both Hinode's and Chiyo's faces she smiled warmly at them. And then she looked at Kagome and instantly noticed she had passed the second test.

'So this means the House of the Sun is to live. But Chiyo, will it not be difficult for you to bear a pup?'

'Hai, it would. And I am not sure yet what damages the curse let in my womb.'

'There are no damages. I have healed them last evening, when I gave you the news of being with pup. I am not sure if I shall tell you this, but you will have a male pup. Your heir will be strong and wise, Hinode. You will be proud of him.'

'Oh Kagome thank you so much.' Chiyo said, tears of happiness falling freely on her cheeks.

'So this means you will have only one test to pass, Kagome and after that you and Sesshoumaru will be mated. I trust you will not fail in this final try for I really want to see small Sesshoumarus and Kagomes running around in the Western palace. When are you to leave for the Southern Lands?'

'In the morrow. We have everything we need. We will leave with Kouga at dawn.' said Sesshoumaru, hiding his reaction to Amarante's comment. Kagome however was not a master of controlling her emotions, therefore she blushed from head to toe, a knowing smile playing on her lips. A smile that no one but Chiyo saw.

'We wish you a safe and fructuous passage.' Amarante said.

'Thank you.'

That being said they opened the door and exited, each of them choosing to spend the remaining of the day in their own benefit. Sesshoumaru and Kagome chose to train, Hinode and Chiyo started preparing a room for their pup, Amarante chose the library, and Kagetora and Kouga spent it speaking about the lands' future.

AN. : Well I do not have much to say, only this: 'Ankoku' means 'darkness' and 'Seimei' means 'soul/spirit'.

I would also want to thank everyone who reviewed my previous chapter ... you guys rock. Thank you very much for your wonderful reviews.

Please be kind with this chapter, for I know it is not as good as the previous ones and for that I am sorry.

Review please.

Ja ne.