Hey guys times have been tough . . but here for you is another chapter and don't worry I'll be wrapping this one up real soon. But my time away got me to thinking . . . I should really fix the title of this fic. Anyone with any ideals or if you like the name already drop me a few words.
As always read think about it and tell me how you feel!!! Confusion. .if I am leaving someone out, whatever.
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Chapter 13: My Alpha of Alpha's
Kagome stood in front of the full length mirror and studied her reflection. Gone was the furisode the told of her single status in life, in its place was a Houmongi. The traditional robes of the mated Supreme Alpha embroidered into the shimmering black silk on the back a silver tree. Its leaves falling from its limbs each leaf baring a different symbol of every pack within the clan. If you look closer you can six leaves left blank to show respect for the packs lost to time, and the new leaf to show the accepting of Sesshoumaru's pack into her clan. Her bangs were trimmed and split to show off her mark. Her side locks were trimmed, the middle was pulled up and into loops that were secured by long sliver sticks, the back hung freely down to brush against the bottom of her kimono. Once her obi was in place and tied a black ribbon was looped around the cord and tied to both ends was two fans. Tetsutsume and Tetsukiba both made from the bones of her great great grandfather, and surprisingly both given to her by Kagetora when she had taken on the roll as Supreme Alpha.
"Leave me," She growled out and the maids fled the room knowing not to argue with her before a meeting. She slipped her tabi enclosed feet into her geta and sat on the stool in front of the mirror staring at her reflection. She was steeling her nerves for what was to come weather people believe it or not it was hard being Supreme Alpha. To weight the lives of her people against everyone else when as a miko she was taught to protect all life even at the risk of her own. Her two heritages' clash one way or another giving rising to moral dilemmas' from time to time thus her need for her night time life of playing at Carnal Innocence.
Her youkai heritage made the need for strength and power to protect that which she saw as her's. To be youkai meant being Supreme Alpha and having to use her power and strength to get others to bend to her will and it meant having to punish those who saw themselves above the laws. Nothing she ever did should be seen as a weakness. Weakness in the youkai world was a death sentence. If your clan leader was weak than your clan was weak and easily destroyed. But she had proven no matter what happen she was always strong and so her clan has raisin in the ranks to being top of the food chain. Even above the more powerful clans.
Her human heritage gave her emotions and a big heart. Being human meant being a Miko and the need to protect everyone even from herself came to the forefront. Using nothing but her knowledge and empathy to get others to see her point of view. Everything she did was seen as a weakness from crying for others to forgiveness of their transgressions'. Among miko she was one of the strongest able to purify a fully grown youkai in one try. She really didn't need anything to help channel her holy ki but in the eyes of youkai she was weak and therefore below their notice.
It was hard to balance between being both and not destroy herself in the process. Nevertheless she had and for more years than she could count. Kagome had given more of self than anyone else, foregoing her own happiness to lead an ear and hand to her clans men. Watched their happiness at her doings while feeling none of her own. Everything became a business deal everyone wanted a piece of the business while she hide behind the monogram KH. No one really saw her as a female who wanted things every female wanted, no she was leader, teacher, mentor and provider.
The only exception was Sango who never wanted anything but for her to be Kagome, female with wants and needs and have fun every once and a while. Sango balanced out her life in a way that gave her dieing heart the medical attention it need to beat every so often. Still seeing her best friend so happy with her perverted yet loving husband made her slightly jealous of the two and at the same time want what they had for herself. Than she met Sesshoumaru at first she kept him at arms length not wanting to be involved with another money hungry male. His persistence wore her down, his charm and words made her heart best just a little faster. It wasn't until his accusations that she decided to look into who he was; his reputation was the main reason she had refused to forgive him in the beginning. What did he want with her when he had females throwing themselves to his feet? But she did and their relationship moved to another level giving her heart a reason to live because he wanted it. She dived into his promises of a wonderful life that included everything she could ever dream of having. And treated her like queen of the castle never asking for anything in return.
Kagome sighed as she stood and put on what Kagetora called her death stare. She smoothed the silk of her robes down and walked the hall lost in thought. Coming to the head of the stairs she looked down to see the whole of the household waiting to see her off. She looked to the stain glass window the sun setting in the west. One of two things were going to happen today either the clan was going to accept her mate or she was leaving with him in tow and never looking back. She had given everything now its time for her to keep something for herself. She never wanted to be a business woman or alpha to anyone. But she gave up her dreams to be a pianist to make her father proud of her. But this she would not move on Sesshoumaru West is her mate and no one would take him away from her even if she had to live up to he threat and kill each and every youkai in her clan to keep him.
She walked down the stairs and nodded to all the maids and cooks that kept the house running. They each bowed and bidding her safe return. She stopped at the last maid in line dressed in a blue kimono while all the others were dressed in black or white.
"My Lady, Anfuni is ready with the car. Is there any special instruction you would like for us to carry out in your absence?"
"If something goes wrong this evening Anna empty out the safe take everyone and run from this place."
"We will not leave you alone my Lady," every head bobbed in agreement.
"I understand your loyalty everyone but if things take a turn for the worst i will not have your blood on my hands. You each will take a part of the money here and flee for your lives this will be the first place they will look."
"It will all work out my Lady we all have faith in you Lady Kagome and you have never let us down," Anna smiled softly speaking for the whole group. Kagome turned to look over the line of youkai, hanyou and humans. She had taken in more creatures over the years than any being in history giving each a job, a home and in return they trusted her with their lives. She could not let them down Kagome sighed inwardly why did the happiness of so many depend on her and the choices she made. With a nodded of her head she turned and left her sanctuary for the real world.
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She entered the room and everyone bow at her passing. Kagetora was the first to hug her al ways. This was his way of telling the higher ranking members of their clan that he was higher in her respect than her own father. She leaned into his hug as her eyes lock with that of her father from over Kagetora's shoulder.
"I know everything dear uncle," He stiffen in her embrace as everyone looked on in varies degrees of relief and aww at the two. "You will step down from your seat on my council."
"And if I don't," He whispered back not daring to believe she would oust him from the top position in her life. He was head of the council.
"I will take everything you own, everything you love piece by piece as I crush you under my geta than i will tell our people about your plans and when i think you have suffered enough . . . You will be killed for being a traitor not to mention trying to kill your Supreme Alpha." with that said she released him.
"Who will take my place?" He whispered stunned. How did she know? Was the first thing that popped into his mind? He was so careful. How did she find out?
"Father," She exclaimed rather loudly as she touched his face than embraced the male she hasn't seen in what seem to be forever. Kago nuzzled her cheek taking in his pups scent to calm himself. He had seen his pups' lips moving as she embraced Kagetora and had to wonder what she said to him.
As everyone stood again Kagome turned to scan the crowd but in reality her eyes had locked with the bright golden eyes of Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru felt her approach, he felt when she had entered the barrier and wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms. Kami above he hated this, he hated that she was so close and yet he could do nothing only look at her. Kago had explained what he had to do and he agreed, but even knowing what he agreed too did little to expel the need to just reach out and touch his female. He could still see her eyes wide in panic and fear as she literary tore at the tube in her throat. He didn't need the beeping machine to telling him how her heart jack hammered in her chest as she fought to be free from the doctors and nurses attempting to pull her hands away. Sesshoumaru blinked, that was something he never wanted to experience again. But that was than because now she was here and he was seeing a side of her he never saw before and he had to admit. .he was loving this. His very nature was reeling not only were these creatures afraid of him because of who and what he was they were also afraid of his mate. He would have cracked a smile if he could. His tiny mate even in her geta stood a head shorter than anyone in the room yet everyone in the room with the exception of a few stood fearful under her eyes. He couldn't help but admire the female, his female.
As Kagome ascended the platform Sesshoumaru felt a ping of sadness that she did not acknowledge him but still Kago had informed him of this. But all this pomp was really eating away at his control when he and the creature within him wanted nothing more than to go to her. He was brought out of his thoughts at Kagomes voice.
"Father?" Kagome question when her father didn't take his place again by her side.
"As you all know I have sat by our Supreme Alpha's side these many years when I could. But now I am happy to announce that another has been chosen to pass this honor on to. Come come my boy." Kago gestured toward Sesshoumaru. When he rose and came to stand before the platform the group gasped. "You stand before me as West Sesshoumaru but when you ascend these steps you will be known as Lord Sesshoumaru and finally take my place beside our Supreme Alpha." Kago stood back. As his foot touch the bottom step Kieve had heard enough he jump to his feet fuming.
"I will not sit back and allow this pumped up pretty boy to take my place and ruler over the clan." Kieve couldn't believe it as he looked to his Alpha, the pride on her eyes was unmistakable. A scowl burned across his face there was no mistaking he was angry. It tore at his insides that she would announce to the higher members of the clan that she had chosen the Shiroi over him. He who had chased after her since Kagetora introduced her into the greater pack. He who had brought her expensive gifts to show his worth, he graduated top of his class and worked hard within his pack to show her he was worthy. And she throws it all back in his face by rejecting him in front of everyone now this. He had done everything Kagetora told him to do to gain her favor, he dissevered a place within the greater pack not some unknown bastard. It was his destiny to be part of the greater and that bitch. . .
"That is more than enough Kieve you dare over step your bounds" the council members snapped.
"No it is not enough," He rounded on Sesshoumaru. "I challenge you for mating rights."
"Kabishi Kieve you do not have the standing or right to challenge the mate of our Alpha. You have been rejected more than several times sit down and be quite," Kago growled.
"Listen to him my pup you will not survive a battle with that Shiroi. Do you know who you just challenged so foolishly," A male from the coward spoke out.
"I know very well father he is nothing i will kill him and put you in your place bitch. For too long you have been allowed to run wild. ." the coward gasped again at his words and all took a step back from him. Everyone out of fear they knew this Shiroi Inu and the one that sat among them quietly.
"Oh and did you know my mate is next in line to inherit the title 'Inu no Tashio?" Kagome finally questioned to the shock of both Sesshoumaru and his father.
"You know?" Her eyes met his
"Of course as pups we of the Shadow Clan thrive on stories of the Great and Terrible Inu no Tashio," she looked to his father. "Stories of his battles and power push other Inu Clans to strive to be better and as powerful as he. He might call himself Inu Tashio but we all know who your sire is mate. I except no less from the heir of such a creature." she looked to Sesshoumaru who seemed to stand just a little taller under her praise, than back to Kieve who brave look faulted for a minute before it returned. He would not be out done.
"I don't care and when i kill him i will take pleasure in proving that's all the Shiroi are is stories. Pumped up myths to make themselves feel above the rest of us." Kieve smirked. "And when I am done with him I will take pleasure in forcing you into submission." he took a moment to image his Alpha on her knees begging him to please her. 'Yes that will be nice. But only after i beat that bitch until she is good and bloody'
"You think to challenge This Sesshoumaru to rights to his mate? Sit down pathetic little pup," Sesshoumaru sneered.
"I'll show you pathetic," Kieve rushed to the platform throwing a punch. Sesshoumaru seeing this grabbed his fist and with a quick turn flipped Kieve to the floor.
"There will be no fighting in this place you know this Kieve," one of the elders snapped not believing his Alpha would allow this. Getting his breath back Kieve jumped this feet growling when Sesshoumaru turned his back to him as if he wasn't a threat. He would show him he fumed. The coward was in an uproar over the scene. As Kagome stood silence fell over the room.
"As my Lord Alpha father this falls to you if this pup is worthy to challenge my mate in this."
Kago stiffens this was getting out of hand, of course he knew someone was going to abject but Kieve was proving to be a problem. And the only way he knew was to remove him from farther causing any problems. They had let Eml continue until he struck out in his obsession, he could not let that happen again. He unlike most had witness and been apart of the last few battles the Inu no Tashio had fought so he knew of the power the youkai that carried the title held. But could the same be said for his heir, he knew the boy was powerful hell he had to be both his parents were true warriors not this play acting he had seen with other youkai these recent years. Kago sighed inwardly; His daughter had spoken highly of the deadliness of the youkai before him. Plus side of all this Sesshoumaru would prove himself in front of the higher members of the clan. So be it.
"A mating challenge is to the death the winner will take my place as Lord Alpha as well as be name mate of our Supreme Alpha. The fight will be witness by all who stand here now in ten minutes out side in the forest. There will be no fighting in this place as the elder has stated. West Sesshoumaru, Kabishi Kieve no weapons will be allowed nor will either of you be allowed to surrender, the death of your opponent will end the match and show the winner. We will settle this like days of old, both of you are only allowed to use what Kami has given you naturally. Understand. These are the rules and my terms the word of the Lord Alpha is law and anyone found broking my law will be put to death regardless of the challenge." Kago left no room for arguments as everyone rose and filed from the room.
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It took but a few minutes for the forest clearing to fill up, the ground and trees showing the first snow of the year. The chill in the air was noticeable thought it did not bother these beings. The youkai highers' all gathered to one side trying to avoid the combatants. Kagome, Kago and Inu Tashio all stood together next to the tree line the last to leave the meeting room. Kagome stepped forward halting Inu Tashio's advance and removed Sesshoumaru's obi and haori. For a moment he was stunned staring down at the gleam in her eyes. It has been so long since he was this close to his female. Her scent surrounded him, comforted him, and held him still as if by a spell. Kagome hooked his obi and haori on her arm as she stroked his face her eyes staring into his.
"When you kill him make sure he see's your face," he blinked finding his voice.
"Why" he growled into her soft palm.
"I want him to know who sent him to hell" she smiled and stepped away to reclaim her place beside her father and Inu Tashio. The three watched as Kieve's father said a few words to his son and sadly stood beside them as well. He shook his head and stared at the ground, this will be the end of his pup he just knew it. He had told the boy over the years to leave it be, to find someone else but he wouldn't listen. Now he would have to pay the price.
Kieve made his way into the center of the shadow filled clearing with a smile. 'This fight will work in my favor' he thought with a smile. He would make quick work of the Shiroi; none could match his skill in the shadows.
"Don't worry when I mate that bitch we'll name our first child after you," he smirked and when Kago called the fight to beginning he disappeared into the shadows.
To Sesshoumaru it didn't matter if he could see his opponent or not because he could still smell Kieve on the cold breeze. The gathered creatures were still, silent and the wind blew, Sesshoumaru twisted around just in time to miss Kieve's claws and catch him with his own. Three tiny blood drops hit the white snow beneath his feet.
After three failed attempts Kieve cussed himself, he found he couldn't lay a claw on Sesshoumaru and couldn't figure out why. In his mind it was he that should be winning not the Shiroi, it was the Shiroi that should be bleeding right now. Not him.
As the first snowfall of the day began Kieve in his anger forgot the first rule of combat and lounged from the shadows at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru caught the foolish youkai mid-lounge sinking his claws into Kieve's chest he released his poison close to Kieve's heart staring into his eyes.
"After this moment we'll never think of you again," Sesshoumaru quickly growled into Kieve's ear. He let Kieve slide off his claws to the ground and without regret turned and walked away as his poison did its job, eating the youkai from the inside out and turning him into a bubbling puddle of glop that even the falling snow did not cool.
"You all wanted to look upon my male now you all look away. Look. At. Him. My Alpha of Alpha's," Kagome hissed
"My Alpha Please . . . You have promised death to all who look upon your male. We do not wont death to come to us," came a cry from the gathered crowd.
"You will all look upon the one male found worthy enough the take the place by my side no excuses," Kagome snarled and all eyes lit upon Sesshoumaru. He didn't move a muscle or twitch under their eyes his head was held high shoulders straight. There was nothing in his stance but confidence and pride. 'Talk about ego boost' Inu Tashio thought as his eyes moved to his eldest child. What male wouldn't feel boosted this beautiful not to mention powerful female had just told her whole clan the only male worthy to be by her side was him. There had to be about eighty or more packs within the clan and no male caught the Alpha's attention but one and he wasn't even apart of the clan. '(Sigh) if only Inu Yasha would make me just as proud'
"I am proud to present to you all . . . Lord Alpha Sesshoumaru," Kago spoke proudly watching as the rest of the highers of the clan bowed to their new Lord Alpha.
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The meeting was over quickly after the fight and everyone gladly left as quickly as possible and for the first time without resistant's of any kind.
Sango and Miroku were waiting for them as they entered Kagetora's study. Sango took one look at Kagome and knew her friend was all business right now. She had heard, she had dared to hope and here was her long time friend right in front of her.
Kagome took to the open back chair that Sesshoumaru stood in front of. Kago and Inu Tashio stood off to the left side of the two, while Sango and Miroku sat off to the right. Kagetora sat behind his desk and waited to see what would happen. He had to keep swallowing the angry growls that threaten to slip pasted his tight lips. This was not how envisioned his niece returning to him.
"Sango do you remember that black folder I gave you last year?"
"Of course you told me to carry it in my briefcase. Do you want it now?"
"Yes please, and have your husband sign it if you will," everyone waited as the two did as she asked and pasted the folder without even looking at the contents she placed the folder in front of Kagetora. Not taking her seat again Sesshoumaru moved to her side. "You left me no other choice uncle"
"What have you done," Kagetora flipped open the folder and scanned the page. Everyone watched as his eyes widen the growls that rumbled from his chest spoke of his building angry. "You can't do this."
"It is done -"
"I will not let you," Kagetora snarled putting everyone but Kagome on alert. "I will not let some unknown youkai version of a human gigolo take everything from me. I have let this go on to long and will no longer allow you to treat me as if I am second best in your life. When I am-"
"I know what you are uncle and it means nothing to me. It just shows me that you are not the great youkai I thought you were." Kagome growled cutting him off and making everyone around them curious as to what Kagetora was going to say.
"This is your fault," Kagetora snarled at Sesshoumaru. "You turned her against me; you want to take away my LIFE." Kagetora lounged across the desk, Inu Tashio and Kago were at a lose at what to do, being so far away from the two. Miroku turned with Sango clutched to his chest he stiffen feeling blood spray across his back.