A.N.: Hello minna. Gomen for the long long long wait. I had some huge problems in my family and school and then I got sick ... I had an eye illness and my eyes were so read I could have been easily mistaken with a demoness in a blood rage ;)

Here we are ... the last and final chapter of this story. I wish to thank you all for your wonderful support and beautiful words ... I am truly happy and thankful for them. I hope you will enjoy this last chapter and send your wonderful reviews one last time for this story.

I know there are some of you that would like me to continue it, but I think it best to end it here.

Warning: There is a lemon in this chapter ... so if you are underaged or do not wish to read it, just skip it. I will mark its beginning and end.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co. and never will.

With Kagome still tucked into his strong arms, Sesshoumaru turned towards Amarante and Kouga and announced:

'The mating ceremony will start the day before the next full moon. It will last for three morrows and three nights.'

At his statement, Amarante's eyes widened.

'So you are going to keep the tradition your father started when he mated Saisho-sama.'

'Hai. And all within my blood line will keep this tradition as long as the House of the Moon will survive.' Sesshoumaru said stoically.

'So you have a moon's cycle due time to prepare for the ceremony and explain Kagome everything she needs to know.'

'Hai. Nian, come, we are leaving. Amarante, I will send a message to Hinode and Chiyo and tell them also.'

'No need. I will go to him because I have to talk something with them about the East and the South.' Kouga announced.

'Arigatou, Kouga.'

'Keh, I'm not doing anything for you. I merely suggested letting them know about the upcoming ceremony seeing that I am going there anyway.'

'Very well.' Sesshoumaru said. 'Nevertheless, proper invitations will be sent for the three cardinal Lords and Lady.' he added. 'Now we must leave. Kagome is exhausted from the use of her powers and I have my Lands to take care of. We will meet again before the mating ceremony starts.' With that, Nian standing to his left side, Sesshoumaru formed his youki cloud and took off to the Western castle.

A few hours into the night and they landed in the courtyard. Liu was the first to greet them.

'Liu, show our guest here to a room. We must speak in the morning.'

'Hai, my Lord.'

'Nian, Liu will give you one of the guest rooms in the Eastern wing of the castle. She will also provide you a sleeping kimono and training outfits for you to wear during the day until we have our seamstress sew you proper garments.'

'Hai my Lord. Arigatou.'

'Hn. Go with her. We will be speaking tomorrow.'

'Good night, Lord Sesshoumaru.'

Sesshoumaru didn't say anything; he just turned around and leapt high in the air, landing in his chamber's balcony. After staying in the Eastern palace he decided they would share a room in his castle also.

When in the chamber, Sesshoumaru tucked Kagome in the bed and took a few moments to watch her peaceful sleeping form. When he was content with her state, he turned around once again and exited the room, walking to his study. After all, he had been missing for quite some time and it was time for him to take care of his Lands.

The first thing to do when sitting at his low table was to write the official invitations for his mating ceremony. He almost groaned when he thought at the immense amount of preparations he had to do, not counting Kagome had to be informed about every event that would occur. Hopefully though, she would be a great help, allowing her to prepare the rooms for the Lords and Ladies and the ceremony. Liu would be there to help her. 'After all, she must start helping me with the household and the problems with my Lands. She will be the Lady of the West, so she will have many things to do after we are mated.'

Sunrise caught him at his desk, still reading, writing or just signing papers. Not long after dawn, Kagome awoke from her deep sleep. She was a little confused at first, not recognizing her whereabouts. The room she was in was furnished with silver furnishings; the huge, four-post bed had black, silky curtains. The floor was pure black marble with an intricate design of a dog demon in its true form in different positions. Some were images of a battle, some were ones of relaxation and some even showed two of them in the middle of a field. The walls were painted in black also and the same design of the demon dog was painted on them. The ceiling was painted with a single image: Sesshoumaru in his true demon form, looking at the crescent moon hanging on the sky.

'I must be in Sesshoumaru's chambers. I gather he has decided to share it since the Lords' Gathering. I would have to move my things eventually in his room after the mating ceremony, so I guess it is no problem.' Kagome thought.

She climbed down the bed and made her way to the door to get to her room for some clothes. She was stopped however by Liu, who chose that moment to knock at the door and enter with a training outfit.

'Lord Sesshoumaru has informed me to bring these for you here. Also I am to bring all your kimonos and training outfits and put them in his closet. He asked me to tell you he awaits you in his study to talk about the mating ceremony.'

'Thanks, Liu. I will go see him.' That being said, Kagome took the garments, went back to the bed and started changing. When she was fully and properly dressed, she exited the room and went to Sesshoumaru. She knocked at the door and waited for his permission to enter. When he gave it, she opened it and slipped inside.'

'Ohayo, Sesshoumaru.'

'Ohayo, little one. Did you have a good sleep?'

'Hai. Did you sleep at all?'

'Iie, I had to attend to my Lands.'

'I see. So what is it you wanted to tell me?'

'I have decided to put you in charge of the preparations for the mating ceremony. You are to prepare the rooms for the other Taiyoukai, talk with the servants and tell them what you wish them to do and all that is related with this gathering. Also you must have in mind the traditions that are to be followed during the ceremony.'

'But I do not know anything of this stuff. I have never been asked to prepare a mating ceremony.'

'That is why I and Liu are here my precious one. We will guide you throughout this.'

'Ok. Tell me more about the ceremony.'

'It will start the day before the full moon. It will end at the forth dawn from then. Each day and night signifies something and you must be sure you have done the preparations correctly.'

'What does each day signify?'

'The first day is …'

After breakfast, Sesshoumaru asked Kagome to speak with Nian and decide what he was to do; after all, he was her guest.

'Nian.' Kagome called him as soon as Liu told her where his chamber was.

'Hai milady.' He said opening the door and allowing her to enter.

'Come with me please. Did you have breakfast?'

'Hai Lady Kagome.'

'Ok, then. I want you to meet the kits. There are two of them. There is Rin, the silver fox demon and Shippou, a red kitsune youkai. Rin was saved by Sesshoumaru a few years ago from a pack of wolves and since then, she has been staying with the Lord. Shippou is another story, though it is as tragic as Rin's, for they both lost their parents. While Rin's died in the village, Shippou's were killed in front of him by the Thunder brothers and he was about to be killed also if it weren't for Inuyasha and myself. We saved him and killed the two youkai and since then he has been staying with us. Inuyasha is Sesshoumaru's half brother, or better say, was, for he has died in the fight against Naraku, the hanyou that killed all of your tribe's people. At the time of the battle I was just a human miko and after seeing Inuyasha pinned by Naraku's tentacle I just brought forth all my power in an attempt to save him. While I killed Naraku and reunited the Shikon no Tama, Inuyasha died.' Kagome finished her story with a whisper. It still saddened her that the Gods did play with the Inu hanyou's life, but she was peaceful that he had found his peace and happiness.

'You can say that Rin is Sesshoumaru's pup and Shippou is mine. But Rin was a ningen girl until not so long ago. You see, being the protector of the Shikon no Tama, I was able to communicate with the pure soul that created it, Midoriko. And she told me that the Shikon would be tainted if I did not purify it forever. So I asked a selfless wish from it: to transform Rin into a demon. And she took the form of a silver kitsune. Ahh, here we are.'

'Kagome-nee-chan!!' Rin's happy voice boomed in the courtyard. She and Shippou were practicing hand to hand battle with one of Sesshoumaru's most trusted generals and upon seeing her they rushed to her side. Only that, seeing she was accompanied by someone, they stopped dead, Shippou in mid air towards her shoulder, having to regain his footing and Rin in mid strike towards her foot.

'Rin, Shippou, this is Nian. I have met him in my and Sesshoumaru's journeys. He is here to meet you guys. And he is also a kitsune, a silver one, just as you Rin.'

'Really? Wow … but you don't have a tail.' Rin pouted.

'I do have a tail, young one. But being older and more experienced and trained than you are, I can hide it.' Nian said with a chuckle.

'Could you show us your tail? Please?' Rin asked, puppy eyes pleading him.

Nian gave another chuckle and agreed. Then he let some of his power come forth and a silver blue light engulfed him. After a few seconds, Nian was sporting a bushy silver blue tail with silver streaks in it.

'Wow, your tail is colored in the opposite colors from mine.' Rin commented.

'You are right, young one.' Nian chuckled again.

'Hei, what cool tricks do you know?' Shippou asked. 'I can use my fox fire and some illusions. Can you?'

'I can't use fox fire, for I am not a fire kitsune. They are quite rare and to see one again is an honor. I can use fox ice instead of fire. Do you want to see?'

'Yes please.' Both kits pleaded. Kagome was by now laughing her heart out at the expressions and enthusiasm her kits were showing towards Nian.

'Well Nian, looks like you have won my pups over already. If you show them some of your tricks you will have your hands full with these two to teach them how to do that also.' Kagome said in between laughs.

'Will I be allowed to?'

'Allowed to do what, Nian? Show them your tricks? Of course; it would be an honor to see them.'

'Not to show them the tricks, but to teach them, to train them. Would you and Sesshoumaru-sama do me the honor and allow me to train and teach the two kits in the ways of a true kitsune demon?'

'It would be my honor to have the prince of the silver fox demons to train my pups, Nian. I thank you for it.'

'Alright. And don't worry, I will not overdo it. I know they are mere kits so I will try to teach them as much as I can through games.'

'Will you also train them in hand to hand battle and in using a katana? Or should the sensei Sesshoumaru chose for them still be required?'

'No, I can do it myself. I am sure that a general has some other things to do but to train the kits.'

'Okay. So now, will you show us the trick with the fox ice?' Kagome beamed? She was just as curious as the kits were.

'Milady, I swear that dog demons are the most curious specie of them all, even the cats do not surpass the dog demons in curiosity.' Nian laughed this time. 'What a strange family they are. But the kits are so enthusiast they are barely containing themselves.' 'I will show you the fox ice if Shippou here will do me the honor to show me the fox fire. What do you say, Shippou? Would you do that?'

'Hai.' Shippou said, blushing ten shades of red. No one ever said that it would be an honor to see his tricks. He never knew he was a rare specimen of fox demons, he always thought he was plain and common.

Nian nodded and stretched his right hand allowing some of his powers to come forth. He formed a ball of ice blue powers and then he sent it a few meters away from them, modeling Shippou's form from it. When he called back his power, an ice sculpture with Shippou's form and traits remained on the grass.

'Wow, can you do one of Rin's?' Nian nodded and proceeded 'sculpting' Rin's ice statue also. She went strait to it and started giggling at how the sculpture looked and how cold it felt at touch.

'But how can this help in battle?' Shippou asked after a few minutes.

'I can encase my opponent in ice, but I cannot demonstrate you for when I do it, the enemy dies instantly.' Nian explained. The kits eyes widened in surprise and respect for the elder kitsune. 'Now Shippou you promised you would show me some of your fox fire.'

'Hai, Nian-san.' Shippou said. He went to the ice sculpture that was his twin and stood a few meters away from it. He stood straight and stretched his hands, saying 'Fox fire!' At his shout a ball of fire zipped towards the ice and engulfed it into fire. The flames licked the cold ice surface, melting it and transforming it into steam. A few seconds later all that remained from the ice sculpture was the steam around the spot.

'Wow, Shippou, you are great with your basic powers. Did you do it by yourself?'

'Thank you Nian-san. I did not managed by myself. I had okaa-san to tell me what to do and help me with the development of my powers.'

'Oh plese kits, use just my name, there is no need to formalities. Now Rin, which are you basic powers?'

'I do not know.' Rin answered shyly.

'Well Rin-chan, you are a silver kitsune, ne? Your basic powers should be the fox ice also. You said you had a sensei, didn't he show you your powers?'

'Our sensei was a demon dog. He started training us in hand to hand battle and swordsmanship. Also he trains me in the ways of being a demon, for I must get used to all this force and speed I have.'

'I see. Now Rin-chan, close your eyes and concentrate on your inner self. Try to find your powers and to unlock them from their cage. When you managed that you will instantly know what is you basic power. When I say basic power, I mean the power that defines your kitsune kind. Shippou's basic is fire, but as he said he can create illusions also. My basic power is ice, but I am also a healer. Now just sit down and concentrate. Meditate. It might take you a while until you find it and unlock it, but we will be here.' Nian said.

'Nian, did you say that Shippou is a rare kitsune?' Kagome asked in a whisper after Rin settled for meditation.

'Hai, fire kitsune are a rare breed. There are not too many left of them.' Kagome chose not to answer to this and settled into meditation herself. Nian, seeing both females have calmed down and were concentrating on their inner selves, decided to stand guard. But as soon as Shippou calmed down next to him, also cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed and a serene expression on his face, a powerful barrier encompassed the four youkai, giving Nian the chance of meditating himself.

A few hours later, the silence and calmness in the air was broken by a sudden rising of powers and the brusque fall in the temperature around them. Kagome was the first to open her eyes, followed by Nian and Shippou. Rin was engulfed into a silver light, her hair flaring around her in the powers radiating off her.

'Rin, open your eyes.' Nian gently guided Rin. When she had opened them, the elder fox demon continued. 'Stretch your arm and allow some of your powers to form a ball of energy in your palm.' The girl did what she was told to and let her powers flare in her hand, only that she had almost froze Nian in a huge ice block. If he would not have been quick and agile to produce a barrier around him, Shippou and Kagome, Rin's powers could have produced irreversible damages.

'Ok Rin, we know now that you are an ice kitsune. Now rein your powers, call them back into your body.' Nian said calmly. 'You will be able to rein them after some training. I will help you with that, but I think it is enough for today. What do you guys say we play a little with some tricks after Rin withdraws her aura?'

During this time, Sesshoumaru has been watching them from his study's balcony. He knew his daughter did not have any powers, or at least that was what his general said, but to see Nian helping her with unlocking them in only half a day awestruck him. As he sensed the flare in Rin's aura he leapt from the balcony and went to them. Just as she was once again settling down for meditation to bring back the powers inside her body, he approached Nian and Kagome.

'I must admit I am grateful to you, Nian.' Sesshoumaru said.

'Milord, it is an honor.'

'How did you do it? My general, Tsuki, said she had no power, only the strength that comes with being a demon.'

'Every demon has its own powers. Rin is no exception. I just asked her to meditate and look deep inside herself and unlock it. When Lady Kagome has whished upon the jewel, it probably locked her powers until she was ready and used to being a demon for her to control them. Being a kitsune helps more in their training than being a dog demon. Each has a valuable basic power. Rin is an ice fox and Shippou is a fire one. Rin will manipulate ice and Shippou fire.'

'Sesshoumaru, Nian has offered to train them in both swordsmanship and hand to hand battle and with their powers. Would you allow him?'

'Of course, little one.' Sesshoumaru said, coming next to her and encircling her waist with one of his arms. 'It would please me to know my pups are in good hands and have a good sensei. Also Nian I wanted to ask you if you would like to settle in the House of the Moon and be appointed the castle's healer.'

'It would be an honor, milord. Thank you Lord Sesshoumaru and Lady Kagome.'

'Now, Shippou, Rin, I have finished with the intense training so when your sensei allows you two a break and I do not have anything to do for the mating ceremony, come and get me so we could spend some time together. I really missed you guys.'

'Kagome-nee-chan, we missed you too.' Rin cheered from the ground. She just finished her meditation and as soon as she was sure her powers were inside her again, she jumped from her place on the grass and ran to Kagome. Upon impact, the two girls fell to the ground and Rin started tickling the unsuspecting demoness. They both started laughing and a minute later Shippou was with them, helping Rin to tickle Kagome. Just as they thought they had her and she would not be able to run, Kagome turned on her belly and leapt from the two kids, landing behind them. She reached and tackled the two kitsune and started tickling them until they could not breathe anymore.

By the time they finished their little game, Liu came to announce them dinner was served. Kagome straightened her clothes and looked up at the two males. Nian was laughing, tears falling freely on his cheeks. Sesshoumaru had a small smirk on his lips, but his eyes held amusement and 'what is that? Mischief?'

As soon as Kagome was standing tall again, looking intensely in his golden eyes, Sesshoumaru decided to comment:

'You will be a good mother for our pups' he said, his smirk growing a tiny bit. At his statement, Kagome turned bright red and avoided his gaze. She started walking towards the doors but was halted by Sesshoumaru's whisper in her ear when she passed him.

'I must admit I am very anxious to have my own pups, my precious Kagome. Are you not?' Kagome blushed profusely, her face turning beet red. She quickened her pace until she was inside the palace. When behind the closed doors of their common room, Kagome leaned into the door and let herself glide down until she reached the floor. She let her head drop, her chin touching lightly the base of her neck.

'Was he teasing me? Is that what I saw in his eyes? mischief and teasing? Grrr … that arrogant demon … since when does he tease me? Probably since the night he admitted he loved me. Hmmm … he did say that and I am his mate-to-be, so I guess I just have to get used to it. Thank Kami no one heard him … imagine if the kits would have heard him … as curious as they are they would surely ask more and I am sure Sesshoumaru wouldn't answer their questions.' Kagome was lost in her thoughts that she did not hear the gentle knock at the door. But when the knocking became more insistent, Kagome snapped back to reality and stood to open the door.

'S-S-Sesshoumaru … w-what are you doing here?' she asked by instinct.

'Where you as anxious as me to have your own pups?' he asked, a more playful tone in his voice now that he was in his, correction, their, room.

'Huh?' was her retort.

'Well since I see you have came into our room that fast, missing even dinner, I assumed you were just as anxious as I admitted being, and maybe wanted to give it a try?' Sesshoumaru smirked, he knew Kagome would be madly blushing by now and he was enjoying seeing her like that.

'I have brought you dinner. I must talk to you before the Lords and Ladies come.'

'Alright. Thanks for dinner.' She reached for the tray of food he was holding, avoiding his eyes, her blush darkening with each of his words.

'I wanted to tell you which are the rooms you must prepare for them and how the result should be. You know, each of them likes different things and it would be quite a challenge to prepare them the perfect rooms. That is why, we must talk.'

The night passed quickly, the both of them talked about the kind of preparations that Kagome had to do for the ceremony. She knew that the three Taiyoukai must have been picky about their rooms, but this did exceed her expectations and beliefs.

The first day of her mating ceremony was upon them. It was dawn and as Sesshoumaru has explained it, this first day and night signified the past. So she had taken residence in her old room. She was to show herself as the human miko Kagome today.

The first day and night, the ceremony stated that the both of them acted as they had acted in their past, when they were merely acquaintances. So Kagome got up from her bed, went to her closed and got a change of clothes. It was a set of her old school uniform. The seamstress has tailored her one after she has drawn it on a parchment. She went to the hot spring and bathed and then dressed herself. When she was fully clothed, she was engulfed in a pink light. Immediately, her markings disappeared, her fangs and claws retreated and her ears became round once again. Her hair changed from silver to black again and every demonic bit from her appearance was replaced with her human traits.

She was the miko Kagome again, although her youki was still inside her, as were the powers of the Goddess. She took Jounetsu and left Tessaiga in her room under a barrier and left for the breakfast. This morning she will eat human food again.

The Ladies and Lords of the court were waiting her in the dinning hall. Sesshoumaru has explained to her that they were to follow her these three days to come to know her better and to make sure she was a proper mate for him. After a quick breakfast, and an unsatisfactory one for her also, they all exited the room and went to the gardens. She was supposed to play with the two kits in the morning and help them with their tricks and powers.

The day was in the late morning when Sesshoumaru came to the gardens.

'Sesshoumaru, what are you doing here?'

'This Sesshoumaru does not explain to a mere ningen wench what he does or does not.'

'What did you call me? I told you I have a name. And I will ask you to use it.' she said, her rage building up in her. He was not going to get away with calling her ningen wench.

'You are below this Sesshoumaru, miko. Show the respect to your Lord, human.'

'You are not my Lord, youkai.' Kagome accentuated the word so that he would understand the defiance in her tone. At her answer, Sesshoumaru's eyes bled red and in an instant she was dangling by his right hand, sharp claws pointing at her neck.

'You will show me respect, wench.'

Kagome's eyes widened in surprise at his stoic face and red tinted eyes. She put her hands around his wrist and let a jolt of her purifying energy touch his skin. At the burning sensation he let her go and Kagome took the opportunity and put some distance between them.

'I will show respect when you will show respect, youkai. My name is Kagome. Do you wish me to spell it for you?'

'I do not care what your name is, wench. You will pay for disrespecting this Sesshoumaru.' He brought the claws of his right hand in front of his face and flexed them showing the dripping green poison. Kagome also took Jounetsu from her shoulder and notched an arrow to its string. Pointing the arrow in Sesshoumaru's general direction but being careful not to take him as her target, but the tree that was slightly to his left, she released it, after charging it with some good amount of her powers.

'Leave me and the pups alone, youkai.'

'Hn. You will die for the disrespect.' Sesshoumaru added before he turned on his heels and left to his castle. The Lords and Ladies were all flabbergasted.

'What was that all about, Kagome?' asked Amarante.

'That was the way we acted when we met. While Inuyasha was alive, he kept calling me 'Inuyasha's wench' amongst some other names. He tried to kill me from the first time we met.'

'Why?' Chiyo asked this time.

'We were in his father's tomb. And he just tried to pull Tessaiga out of the stone that was holding it there but the sword rejected him and burned his palm. Then Inuyasha tried to take it also. The sword allowed him to touch it but he could not pull it out. Then they started fighting, because Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha apparently hated each other. At some point I tripped on something and to prevent my falling I grabbed the first thing that I could reach. Sadly for me, it was the hilt of Tessaiga. With my mere touch it came out of the stone. At that moment, the two stopped fighting and looked at me as if I grew a second head. Sesshoumaru, who was closer to me than Inuyasha sent his poisonous whip towards me and I lifted the sword above my head in a futile attempt to protect myself. Needles to say that Sesshoumaru's whip melted the rock that was above my head and it fell over me. But I guess Tessaiga actually saved me. I gave Inuyasha Tessaiga then and since that moment I guessed he hated me. But since Inuyasha's death, Sesshoumaru and I have changed.'

They spent the rest of the morning talking about different encounters Sesshoumaru and Kagome had during the journey to complete the jewel. After lunch was served, they went to the gardens again.

The afternoon was spent basking in the sun and playing with Rin and Shippou. Of course they knew about the traditions of the mating ceremony so they were not surprised when Sesshoumaru and Kagome fought.

When evening came, Kagome went back to her room and straight to the hot spring. She calmed her stressed muscles and nerves and let her real appearance take over. Her fangs and claws grew back, her markings came forth again and her hair grew silver once more. After the soak in the hot spring, Kagome went straight to bed.

The second day of the mating ritual signified the present. When she woke up, it was before dawn. She went to her closet and drew a training outfit and quickly put it on. Then she went as usual to the dining hall. Sesshoumaru was already there so she sat down at his right side and waited for the others to join them. They had little conversation and after breakfast was over, Kagome and the other demons went to the garden to spend some time with the pups.

After a few hours, Kagome stood from her place on the grass and made her way to the castle. The Lords and Ladies came with her. She stopped in front of Sesshoumaru's study door and knocked once. When he gave her permission, Kagome entered the room and went to Sesshoumaru.

'I have come to spend some time with you. Maybe help you with your Lands or if not, just sit here and read.'

At her words, the other seven youkai gasped, but Sesshoumaru, although he did not know exactly how the three days will pass by like, expected something from his miko demoness.

'Hai, little one. I would like you to read these scrolls and respond them. They are requests for different kind of help from us. And Kagome, they are our Lands, not mine.' This last statement brought another gasp to the shocked demons and demonesses. The pair worked silently. Only from time to time they stopped to talk about some tasks and decisions they had to take as the ruling Couple.

As the parchments grew thinner and thinner, Kagome stood and asked:

'What do you say about a sparring match? To stretch our muscles from sitting so long in one attitude?'

'Hai. That is a wonderful idea. Should we use our swords or plain wooden katanas?'

'Wooden katanas. We do not need to establish a winner for this spar match.'

They exited the room and went to the dojo. They picked up two practice swords from the rack on the walls and stood in the middle of the dojo's floor. Kagome was the first to move. She attacked with a low strike of her katana. Sesshoumaru easily parried it and moved to one of his sides immediately followed by Kagome. Each of his steps and strikes were matched by the girl's ones.

It was as if they were dancing. They were growing the intensity of the sparring match, for if in the beginning they were leisurely matching blow with blow, they were now using their demonic speed and strength. They were a sight to be seen. Their auras danced around them, mingling and entwining becoming one, their bodies were moving in a sensual rhythm, as if their inner selves were guiding them on the notes of a song they shared.

So lost were they in their sparring match that they had forgot about the mating ceremony and the demons looking at them. As the sun was setting, Sesshoumaru and Kagome decided to end the training and moved with such agility and speed that the others did not see them. When they saw the couple, the Lord and the Lady were facing each other, knees slightly bent. Both their right legs were in front of their left ones. Silky black material was grazing silky white one as Kagome's right foot was almost pressed to Sesshoumaru's. Hands holding katanas, eyes locked to each other, intense amber clashing with bottomless black, katanas' points grazing each other's necks, they were taking quick breaths.

Then they both straightened and nodded to each other. They went to the racks and put the katanas back to their places and went to dinner. They had a quick dinner of raw meat and then they both went to each of their rooms. This time, Kagome was followed by Amarante and Chiyo and Sesshoumaru by Hinode, Kagetora and Kouga.

The tradition asked that the soon to be Lady of the Western Lands was to be bathed by the other Ladies and the Lord of the West by the Lords.

'Kagome' Amarante broke the silence in the hot spring 'I am so glad you are the female Sesshoumaru has chosen. You have no idea what you have done for him.'

'Nani?'

'Yes Kagome. He has smiled to you. He has kissed you in front of all of us. He calls you loving names; he embraces you and honors you. He allows you to touch his person and although you defy him when you are right, he has yet to strike you back and show you your place. You are the first person he has shown his feelings to since his mother has died.'

Kagome was by now blushing. She knew Sesshoumaru loved her but she never thought that anybody else would see past his stoic mask. As if the two demonesses in front of her understood her unspoken question, Amarante spoke:

'I know him since he was a pup. He was so childish then, but after his mother died, he got cold. The stoic mask you saw all these years since you know him is the result of two centuries of locking his feelings. But since he has started courting you, you have managed to crack it in places and some of his feelings slipped past it and on his face. In time I am sure he will become the Sesshoumaru I knew as a pup. Just be there with him always and he will show you his true nature.'

'I-I-I-

'There is nothing to say Kagome. You know, Amarante is right. I was friends with his father and mother. I knew him as a pup also. I must admit he is lucky to have found you and come to cherish you.'

Seeing Kagome fidgeting in the hot spring, the two demonesses asked what was wrong.

'Ano, I wanted to ask you what will happen after you finish bathing me. I am a little nervous.'

'Ohh … you have nothing to worry about. We will apply a balm all over your skin, then dress you and take you to the Lord's chamber. He will be brought in the chamber after the same balm was applied on his body by the other Lords. This is your mating night after all, so you can imagine what you two will be doing.' Amarante said with a smirk on her lips. She saw Kagome blush to the roots of her hair and was sure her entire body was flushed the same shade of red.

'Remember this, though, you must submit to him. You must show him he is your alpha, so he can mark you and complete the mating bond.'

'But he said he will allow me to mark him also.'

'He said that?'

'Hai. He said he will wear my mark proudly.'

The two demonesses in the hot springs gasped in surprise. They knew what meant for Sesshoumaru to allow her mark him. It meant for him to submit to her and that was not something they thought he, of all the demons in all the Lands, would do.

Next they brought the balm and started applying it on her smooth skin. Not an inch of it escaped the wonderful scented balm. It was as if every flower in Sesshoumaru's garden was added to the concoction, which was probably true. After finishing with this, Chiyo brought a beautiful silky youkata. They dressed her and took her to the room Kagome and Sesshoumaru shared, leaving her there alone, to wait for him.

Not long after that, though, he was brought in by the three Lords and after quickly glancing in her direction, the three of them bowed their heads in greeting and left the room with a smirk plastered on their faces. He was dressed in plain white haori and hakamas and a white long sash, wrapped twice around his waist.

As soon as they were alone, Kagome, sitting in the middle of the huge bed, reached to the back of her head and gather her silver hair, draping it on her left shoulder. She presented her bare right side of her neck to him, in a gesture of submission.

Understanding that Amarante and Chyo must have told her a few things about what would happen during the night, and silently thanking them for that, Sesshoumaru went to her.

Beggining of lemon.

He climbed in bed with her, placed a knee on each side of her thighs straddling her and gently pushed her on her back. He reached to the sash and unwrapped it cutting it in two. He took one piece of the silky material and tied her wrist with it and gently pulled the end of the material towards the bed's post, tying it there. He did the same with the other hand and as soon as he was done, Kagome shyly looked at him. She was tied down by the posts, but her bindings allowed her arms to rest comfortably on the pillows. She pulled gently on one of them but Sesshoumaru growled at her, barking the command:

'Do not cut your bindings with your claws or try to escape them. Submit, bitch.'

Kagome went slack, understanding this was what she needed to do and she once more tilted her head to her left, presenting her neck to him.

Sesshoumaru, straddling her by her waist, lowered to her neck. He took a whiff of her sent and then he placed his soft lips on her flesh. He started trailing kisses on its length from the juncture with her shoulder to the earlobe, then kissing her jaw to her mouth. Once he reached her full, rosy lips, Sesshoumaru crashed his lips on them and started licking, sucking them with all his might. Kagome was so lost in the searing kiss that when she felt his fangs nibbling her lower lip, she gasped, allowing him entrance. He thrust his tongue deep in the cavern of her mouth, tasting her, licking and sucking her tongue. There was no need for a tongue fighting, for Kagome knew better than to challenge his dominance.

Once he was satisfied, he started trailing down her neck once more, this time he chose the left side. Gently gathering her hair from her shoulder and pushing it aside on the pillow, he started kissing her neck, letting a hot trail in its path. Once he reached the juncture of her neck with the shoulder, he was stopped in his ministrations by the hem of her white night gown. Sesshoumaru disposed her of it in a blink of an eye, making use of his sharp claws. Once her body was naked, she shivered at the sensation of the chill air touching her skin.

He stood from her and looked at her, drinking in the delicate outline of her breasts. Moments later, he dived down again, his mouth crushing to her left breast and one of his hands reaching for the other one, kneading and massaging it, pinching the nipple. Using his mouth, he started kissing, licking and sucking on the creamy mound and nipple. His lips massaging, fangs grazing her skin, tongue licking, Kagome was lost in the pleasure he was instilling in her, moaning loudly. Feeling heat pooling in her lower abdomen, and her womanhood aching, Kagome pressed her legs tightly one against the other, trying to sooth her needs.

Her suddenly moving under him drew Sesshoumaru's attention. Understanding what she was doing, he snapped his head up and locked gazes with her. He lifted himself from her and scooted lower not breaking the eye contact. He put his hands on her knees and forcefully parted them, at the same time barking another order to her:

'You will not pleasure yourself, bitch. Stop moving and submit to your Lord.'

He parted her knees to the fullest and positioned himself in-between her thighs, at the same time getting off his haori. Reaching down to the milky mounds and the hardened nipples, Sesshoumaru picked up from where he left, choosing to pass to the other breast and apply the same ministrations as to its twin. Kagome started moaning louder with his every touch, arching her back, bringing her chest upwards towards him. Her claws and fangs elongating for her need to touch him, to feel his flawless skin under her fingertips she almost cut through the bindings. Sesshoumaru bit on her nipple in warning not to do such thing and growled dangerously at her.

She immediately let her body fall on the bed and withdrew her fangs and claws. She whimpered in pleasure, begging him to help her with the increasing ache and heat pooling in her nether regions. Satisfied with his work on her breasts, Sesshoumaru started kissing her every inch of skin towards her navel, once reaching it starting to suck and lick at it. This sent jolts of pleasure in Kagome's body, arching her back once again upwards. His hands still kneading her mounds, he used them to push her roughly down and snarled at her. She was being disobedient, so a punishment was in order to show his bitch who was alpha. He left her belly and dipped his head to her inner thigh, biting her, drawing her blood. Kagome screamed at the sensation, not knowing if it was a painful or a pleasurable feeling that washed over her.

His head now in-between her legs, Sesshoumaru could better feel her arousal. He took a lungful of her scent and almost lost control over his beast, raging inside him to let it go. Sniffing once more, Sesshoumaru closed his mouth over the bud of her womanhood, sending Kagome over the edge. He licked and sucked at it, enjoying the taste of her juices in his mouth and decided to tease her some more. He was pleased with the reaction he was receiving from his bitch. Looking up at her, he saw her eyes had been closed in bliss and he didn't like it. He wanted her to look at him and see him pleasure her at all the times. So he pressed his knuckles on her bud hard, sending shivers up her spine, and barked at her:

'Look at your Lord, bitch. Never turn your eyes from me. You must be punished for your disobedience.'

As soon as she heard him, Kagome opened her eyes and fixed them on his. Satisfied she submitted, he pressed his knuckles once more on her bud, this time even harder, starting to rub it in a circle-like motion. Kagome screamed his name in pleasure, and continuing rubbing her, he dipped his head and started licking at her entrance, shoving his skilful tongue inside of her. At the sudden intrusion, she screamed again his name, panting hard. He continued his ministrations and after a while he lifted his head from her womanhood and roughly pushed two fingers inside her, pumping in her, mindful to his claws. She was not to be wounded, of this he was determined.

Due to the fast pumping of his fingers and the ministrations of his knuckles on her bud, Kagome screamed his name once more:

'Sesshoumaru!!' she panted hard 'Please do it!' but he would not listen to her. Feeling her heat increasing and desperately wishing to find the release, she continued begging him and calling him on his name. He would not budge, though. As if he was expecting her to show her submission and it struck her. She lifted her head and locked gazes with him, whispering in a hoarse voice:

'My Lord and Master, please, I beg of you …'

Sesshoumaru grunted in approval at her calling him 'Master' and pulled his fingers out of her. He used his claws to rid himself of the once comforting but right at the moment constricting hakamas and, positioning in-between her thighs again, he plunged his hard member in her sheath with one swift movement. He allowed her a few moments to adjust to his length and started moving at a slow pace. But the tight of her walls around him drove him crazy and picked up his pace. He was pumping her mercilessly, arousing her even more and bringing her the release she begged for so much. Pumping one more time deeper than before, he touched the core of her being and Kagome came once more, this time Sesshoumaru finding his release and meeting her on the blissful plane of cloud nine.

Seeing he was satisfied and his bitch has submitted to him, Sesshoumaru let his Beast take control. This time, when he locked gazes with Kagome, his eyes were bleeding red, fangs and claws elongated by the surfacing of the Beast.

It pulled out of her in an instant and went to her bindings. It released her hands and barked roughly at her:

'Flip over, stand on you all-four.' As soon as she did what it told her, the Beast roughly pulled her wrists in the bindings, pushing her head down in the pillows. Her hands stretched not so comfortingly across the bed, the bindings tighter than before, her head in the soft pillows, she was kneeling on the mattress, her butt in the air. It grabbed her inner thighs and pulled them apart, almost sending her tumbling on the bed. Liking her in this position, the Beast mounted her from behind. She immediately lifted her head to lock her gaze with its, not knowing what it wanted to do to her, but the displeased growl of the Beast and its large hand pushed it back roughly in the pillows. It tipped her head to the left side, leaving her bare neck to its view and mercy.

Using the other hand the Beast spanked her hard on one of her butt's cheek in punishment. Kagome screamed as the sudden contact sent jolts of pleasure down her spine, pooling in her nether regions. Without further preparing her, the Beast plunged roughly and deep inside her. She gasped in the pillow at its sudden violence, but did not make any move to try and escape its hold. The Beast snarled in approval at her submission and continued pumping mindlessly into her, without giving her time to its length and hardness. It grabbed her by the hips, its claws digging in her soft flesh, keeping an iron hold on her, so she would not fall from the force of its attack on her.

With every move of the Beast inside her, her arousal grew and as soon as it bent over her and it grabbed her breasts, roughly squeezing them, pulling them, pinching the nipples, she came once more. But the Beast was far from its release, so it pulled out of her and barked in her ear:

'Do you submit totally, bitch?'

'I submit, My Lord.' Not liking her call it 'Lord', the Beast smacked the cheek of her butt once more, snarling at her:

'Who am I, bitch?'

'My Master.' Kagome said in a raspy voice. She was losing herself again in the pleasures of their mating, seeing how the head of its member was rubbing her womanhood.

'And what will the Master do to its bitch?'

'Anything and everything my Master wishes to do. I am wholly at your hands and mercy.'

Pleased by her answer, the Beast straightened once more and fiercely sheathed its member in the soft folds of her butt. Kagome's eyes snapped opened and gasped in surprise and pain all the while arching her back. She turned her eyes to the bloody red of the Beast.

'Bitch, you will submit to me.' it barked and brutally turned her head and pushed it in the pillows. Enraged that she defied it yet again, it punished her by violently driving into her; it didn't matter to the Beast if it pained her. But by the scent of her arousal, it knew she was pleased with its actions. It continued driving into her, from time to time pulling out fully just to slam back in her folds more powerful than before, until it felt its release close. It didn't know how many orgasms the bitch had during its untamed ministrations and pumping, but it was sure she had come more than once since it took control over Sesshoumaru.

When its release was close enough, the Beast pulled out of her ruthless and plummeted in her womanhood rather brutal. It started riding her as the bitch she was and as her body was wretched with yet another orgasm, its release came also. Kagome threw her head backwards, howling as its hot cum met hers and it met her with a howl of its own. After the howls died down, it bent down and dug its fangs deep in the juncture of her neck and shoulder. It started sucking her blood and after a moment, the Beast allowed Sesshoumaru to take control to partake in the marking. He brought a clawed finger up to her neck, allowing his poison to seep out and drew the shape of a crescent moon over the wound, allowing the poison to mingle with her blood. As soon as he was satisfied with his work, Sesshoumaru withdrew his claw and started licking her wound, to close it.

Satisfied with his bitch and his Beast's release in her, he unsheathed his member from her tight cavern. Not daring to do any move, Kagome remained in the same position, feeling him standing on his knees behind her. She did not know what was about to happen next, but she yearned to touch him and feel his hot skin under her fingers so much that the mere thought of him sent her high-wire again.

Sesshoumaru was standing behind her, looking at her prone position, feeling her arousal heightening but not daring to move. He was pleased she had totally submitted to them both. He knew that if she was to cross his Beast and challenge it, she would have been dead. He liked her in the position and had to agree with the Beast at the way it took her. It was more pleasurable for both of them. He left her behind and went to the bindings, untying her wrists. A part of the mating bond had been completed.

Feeling her wrists free again, Kagome stood on shaky hands, looking at him, asking him what was to happen next. He sat in the bed next to her and draped his unruly silver hair over his left shoulder, presenting her his bare neck, submitting to her. It was not as easy as he thought, but he had promised to allow her mark him, and he loved her too much not to do this for her. So he swallowed his pride and waited with his head tipped to his left, for her to move.

Understanding what he was doing, Kagome's eyes bulged, but she immediately took control over the situation. She delved down on his neck and started to kiss and lick and suck it hungrily. One of her hands flew to his bare chest, touching his flawless skin, and the other one she entwined in his silky hair. Still kissing his neck, Kagome pushed him gently on his back and as soon as he hit the mattress, his arms flew to her waist. She growled:

'Do not move. You are to obey your Bitch and Mistress.'

Sesshoumaru went slack under her, she already straddling his waist. He was not feeling comfortable in this position; he was actually finding it to be a vulnerable one. Without breaking the trail of hot kisses she was leaving in her way from his neck to his mouth, Kagome reached over and took each of his arms, tying them by the bed's posts. Sensing him stiffening against her, Kagome started to plant chaste kisses on his forehead, eyelids, cheeks and lips, all the while purring, soothing him. Seeing she did not choose to punish his disobedience, but rather to sooth him, he understood his mate will forever be by his side, protecting him with all her might whenever she thought it necessary.

Capturing his lips in a deep kiss, Kagome started grinding on the length of his member, touching him as light as she could, sending jolts of pleasure in his entire body. Nibbling his lower lip to allow her entrance, Kagome shoved her tongue in his mouth, pleased to notice he did not try to gain dominance over the kiss. She took her time exploring every inch of his warm and enchanting cavern. Kagome's moves started to be more demanding. She pressed hard on his loin, sending shivers of pain and pleasure up his spine. She left his mouth abruptly and traced a line to his ear lobe, kissing and sucking. From there she followed down the line of his neck, stopping for a longer moment at the spot she would place her mark, lavishing in his soft and sensitive skin.

When pleased with her doings, she placed butterfly kisses on his chest and started licking, sucking and nibbling his nipples each at a time. Satisfied with her work she continued down to his well chiseled abdomen and applied the same ministrations as to his chest. She scooted over from his loin with a press to his groin from the base to the head, and lowered her head to his nether regions, kissing, licking, sucking at the skin.

Once she reached his member, Kagome licked it on its entire length, locking her gaze with his, watching his reaction. He started whimpering and moaning for her to not tease him anymore and begging her to give him release. She put some more pressure in her licking and once she reached the head of his member, she closed her full, soft lips around it. Sesshoumaru lost it as her hot mouth engulfed as much as it could of his member and she started pumping slowly. As her pace picked up, Sesshoumaru was sent over the edge and came hard in her mouth. She stopped her ministrations and sucked and drank every bit of him. As his body was relaxing from the release, Kagome straightened and climbed his lap once more.

She captured his lips in another searing kiss, while grinding on his member once more. Releasing his lips, Kagome followed his jaw line to his earlobe. Licking the hollow of it, she felt him shudder under her. She smirked, pleased of his reaction to her ministrations, and continued licking him. With each shudder of his body, her Beast stirred more and more, until Kagome's eyes turned blood red and the Beast took control.

Its elongated fangs grazed the skin of his neck and its claws traveled down his body. Once they reached the base of his member, it took a grab of it and lifting its hips, the Beast positioned itself over its head.

'Show me you have submitted to me. Make me believe of your obedience.' it barked dangerously.

'I submit to you, my Lady, my Mistress and Bitch. You are my alpha and as such, you may do anything and everything with me.' Sesshoumaru said in a raspy voice.

Pleased at his total submission, and without waiting for anything else, it pushed itself down, sheathing him to his base. The Beast started at a slow pace but quickly enough it picked up to a maddening rhythm. Kissing and licking his neck and chest while pumping on him, the Beast felt their release approaching and they exploded at the same time, releasing howls of fulfillment.

As soon as the noise died down, the Beast dived its head down to Sesshoumaru's neck and bit hard, sucking his blood, marking him. As it satisfied itself, Kagome regained the control and with a poisonous claw drew the shape of a crescent moon on his skin, over the fangs' wounds. She took care that the marking would be mirror-angled than the one he had on his forehead and as soon as she finished she licked the wound closed.

She climbed off his lap and undid the ties around his wrists.

'Who do you belong to, Sesshoumaru?'

'I am all yours, Kagome, my Bitch, my Mistress, my Mate, to do what you want to me. What do you please from this Sesshoumaru?'

'Submit your Mistress; make her your equal during the night as she is your equal during the day.' Kagome said in a hoarse tone.

Hearing her words, Sesshoumaru's eyes widened in surprise. He would never expect from her to hear such words. Not to ask him to submit her. Never in his life since he knew her did he think she will ask that of him. Coming out of his stupor, he immediately flipped her down, laying her on her back and started to kiss her sensually. This time she was able to touch him and he welcomed her roaming hands and lips, her soft but hungry touch.

As the night drew to an end, the castle's silence was shattered for the third time by the powerful howls of two Inu youkai. Standing on top of her and waiting for the waves of their releases to wash over their bodies, Sesshoumaru looked at her and growled:

'My mate.' To which Kagome answered back

'Your mate. And you are mine also.'

'Yours I am now and forever.' With that, Sesshoumaru pulled out of her and laid on the bed next to Kagome, cradling her at his chest in his strong arms.

End of lemon

They fell asleep almost instantly. As soon as they were soundlessly sleeping, the two markings on their chests shone brightly and their powers burst forth. Sesshoumaru's jaki engulfed Kagome's body, and Kagome's jaki and purifying aura enveloped his. They receded a few moments later, signifying the finishing of the mating bond.

The droplet-like markings on both their faces disappeared as the mating bond was ended. They slept for a few hours and woke up before the pups did. They went to the bathing area and bathed each other, taking care to caress every inch of the other's skin. Kissing passionately they exited the hot spring and towel dried their body and hair and went back in the chamber. They dressed, Kagome opting for a beautiful lavender kimono with a silver obi and Sesshoumaru white hakamas and haori with lavender swirls and a silver sash.

They went down to the dinning room and upon entering the other Lords and Ladies stood from their sitting positions. They all had knowing smirks plastered on their faces.

'Good morning Lord and Lady of the Western Lands' they all greeted them. After all it was the tradition that all the Lords and Ladies greet the newly mated Lord and Lady.

'Good morning.' they said, Kagome sporting a full smile, while Sesshoumaru's face was emotionless.

'How was your night?' Amarante asked, smirking at the deep blush on Kagome's face. 'We did not have a good night. We were quite often disturbed by howls and screams.' She added.

Kagome's eyes widened in embarrassment and her blush deepened so much they were about to ask her if she was feeling well. She turned her eyes to Sesshoumaru, telling him with her gaze she had forgotten to erect the soundproof barrier around their room last night.

'I see you have allowed Kagome to mark you, Sesshoumaru.' Hinode said, trying to change the subject of the conversation.

'Hai Hinode. I have told Kagome I would wear it proudly.' Sesshoumaru answered and enveloped his mate in his strong arms. 'Come mate, we will eat. You would need nourishing; after all you are more than likely to be with pup.' Kagome allowed her mate to guide her to the table and sat down at his right side. As soon as they were seated, servants entered the room and brought their dish of raw meet. When they were done, they both stood and went to the pups' rooms, to call them to breakfast. They were greeted by the same manner, and then the two of them rushed in Kagome's arms:

'Okaa-san' they both cried and kissed her on her cheeks. 'Otou-san' they added after that, both standing in front of him, bowing slightly. Sesshoumaru patted each of their heads and nodded his head in greeting.

'Come, we will spend the morning together.' Sesshoumaru spoke to the pups.

They hurried to their dressers and the two adults exited to allow them some privacy. As soon as the pups finished their breakfast, they rushed out towards the gardens, where they were sure to find the newly mated couple.

They were starting the third day of their mating ceremony. This day was the day of future. They were to act as they wished and hoped they would be in future.

'Sesshoumaru, were you serious about me being with pup?' Kagome asked as they were watching the two pups playing around. The Lords and Ladies were seated a few feet away, watching them.

'It is a huge possibility after our mating last night. We will know for sure in seven sunrises.'

Kagome turned her full gaze to him, a hopeful look in her eyes. 'I would like that, to carry your pup and start our new family.'

Sesshoumaru turned to her and kissed her gently on the lips. 'Thank you, precious one.'

They spent the morning with Shippou and Rin, playing with them, Kagome even telling them stories, as a family should do. When launch time came and the two kitsune went inside, they parted their ways. Kagome went with them, followed by the Lords and Ladies as custom was and Sesshoumaru went to his study to take care of his Lands. A few hours later, Kagome knocked at the door and when she heard him calling her in, she entered. She left the door opened for the others to follow and she spoke:

'I have come to see if you would like my help.' She said shyly.

'Of course, mate. Come here.' He beckoned to a pillow next to him for her to sit on. 'Here, read this and answer them. If you think any of them is important, just put it aside and I will read them when I finish with the others I have to deal with.' Kagome scooted over and took the scrolls from his hand, her fingers lingering on his for a few moments. She took a brush and ink and started reading and responding to the issues. They were mainly requests of help from different villages, so she did her best to answer properly.

'When you finish, sign them with your name and use this' he stopped and gave her a ring with a seal of a black Inu on it 'to seal the scroll. I had it made for you especially, since you are the Lady of the West.'

'Thank you. Sesshoumaru, do you not think it would be better if you would look upon my answers to make sure I did well and I did not screw things up?'

'Iie, little one. I trust you and your judgment.'

The hours past with them reading and writing and soon they were invited to dinner. They all gathered in the dinning room and waited for the food to be brought. After eating they went each to their rooms.

Sesshoumaru and Kagome went with their pups and tucked them in and then turned towards the western wing of the palace. As soon as they were in front of the room, Sesshoumaru gathered Kagome in his arms and entered, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

It was the last night of the mating ceremony and this time, Kagome did not forget to erect the soundproof barrier.

A.N. : Well this is it, my last chapter guys. I cannot believe I have finally finished one of my longer projects ... now on to 'Fulfilling Destiny', my other Kagome/Sesshoumaru story. If you wish to read something different, just check my profile for this story.

Thanks for being with me all this time and encouraging me with your words. Please let a farewell review and tell me what you think about the last chapter [ohhh ... and be gentle about the lemon ... it is the first time when I write one ;)

Ja ne.

sayuri