Scars Upon The Soul
Chapter Two
By: Ryu Katanna
Beta: Miyu Suzuki
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Golden blue eyes widened before recognition caught her and she bowed her head in a show of respect.
"Ah, so what I have heard from those who pass on is true. You have changed from the daughter I knew only to become a shell closed off to the world around you. A colder creature even than my first born son. You do not speak, but out of wisdom is the whispers on the winds. Even then it would depend on whether or not you deem that person worthy and able to be trusted with such knowledge. My daughter, come now, will you not even speak to me? You have changed more than you know Kagome. Years ago, before you lost your spirit, you would not have greeted me with the silence you have upon this morning."
Kagome looked up at her adoptive father with sorrowful eyes as she did not speak, but moved slowly to embrace the yokai lightly. Strong arms in turn wrapped around her before pulling her to a strong broad chest.
"Oh what has changed you so?" InuTashio murmured into the silver hair just behind the Lady of Makai's pointed ear.
"We are all what we are made to be, Father." Kagome spoke softly before seating herself elegantly among the flowers in the be speckled field.
InuTashio stared out into the vastness of Rekai as he thought carefully over his youngest pups words. Though she was no pup, but a mature InuYokai bitch, both she and her brothers would always be his pups. Looking to the woman his only little girl had grown into, InuTashio could not help to think of the mate that had been chosen for her. The mate who was on his way, fate willing, of course.
"We are not what others make us out to be, but what we make ourselves into. If we are made out to be what we are by others then we have allowed too much power to be held by those around us. There is no one other than your Lord that may hold so much influence over who you are. The only one who holds that much power over you, besides Sesshomaru, will be your mate. Even then your mate can never really change you. The only one who can change you is yourself.
I do not like to see you like this my daughter. Your eyes are all but dead as they tell only of sorrow and wisdom gained over centuries of a life in which you find you feel no real purpose. The happy and outgoing Kagome we all once knew has faded from this world to leave a quiet and stoic new Kagome in her place. There is still very little of the daughter I remember within you, and she is fading more so as the years pass, but I do know she is there somewhere. It is with this knowledge that I have brought you here."
InuTashio spoke for he knew she would not respond with words as he wished. Instead she looked at him with eyes filled with a deep sadness few knew, and fewer still understood.
"We have little time now for the hours here pass by much more slowly than the hours of the living worlds. Already, young Prince Koenma has sent out people to search for you. He is one of fear, and what he fears most now is the wrath your brothers will bring down onto the three worlds if you are not found soon. It is his fear that drives him now to send the Rekai Tentai Four."
Kagome's eyes shown with both contemplation and recognition.
"You know of them."
"Yes, Father. The leader of the Rekai Tentai is Yusuke. He is a battle hanyou. Raizen's heir to the Southern lands., and is Rin's mate-to-be. As for the other three I do not know much about them, but Yusuke-San will surely be worried. He is soon to become kin, and though he can be a bit brash, his heart is one of the most reliable and kind that I have ever known."
And I have known many, went unsaid, but was heard just the same.
"Yes, I have heard much of this Yusuke. I did not know of what to think of this young one, but after hearing you speak so highly of him I would think that I would approve of the union. If he meets your standards then surely he meets my own. I have heard of his strength and I do believe him capable of protecting young Rin."
"Why have you brought me here, Father?"
"Always the knowing one. Seeing through any and all else."
Kagome said nothing as she only took her father's clawed hands and pulled him down to sit with her among the brightly hued flowers.
"Alright, my child. I can see there will be no way of talking around this and still having you understand me completely.
There was a questioning look in Kagome's eyes before InuTashio was interrupted by another yokai. Only Kagome could sense that this yokai was not of the Rekai realm. Instead she was still very much alive. The slight chill in the air and her icy blue hair were enough to tell of her heritage as an ice apparition, but her red eyes spoke of so much more.
"My Lord InuTashio, Lady Kagome, you must hurry. Prince Koenma has split the Tentai. To search both the Ningenkai and Rekai for my Lady. The ones known as Yusuke and Hiei are headed this way now."She spoke in soft tones and looked respectfully toward the ground.
"Ah, Yukina. I thank you. You have helped me a great deal this last week. Stay, and be here to meet them. Your presence will help them to be more at ease."
"Yes, my Lord."Yukina replied before moving back to give the father and daughter space to speak privately.
"We haven't much time. Kagome, I have had you brought here because I do not like the change I see in you. Your spirit is fading more with the passing of the seasons. I do not wish those golden blue eyes to fade and so I will now do what I must to stop it. When I took you as my daughter, I said I would let you choose your own mate. I said this because I did not want to tie you down. Your spirited nature was not one that should be tied down by anyone but someone you loved, but now it is almost gone... Kagome, it's time for you to start living again.
I am sending Yukina to Makai with you when you return to the palace. She carries the letter I have written to your brothers. Sesshomaru will not like it, and will more than likely fight it by putting the one I have chosen for you through trials, but I have every confidence in this one though I have never met him."
"You chose a mate for me, but do not even know the one you have chosen? If you have never met him then how do you know that he would make a good mate for me? I am not a simple one to be mated off."
InuTashio listened and understood as the woman before him spoke of her concerns, and at the same time stated her grounds. She would not be mated to a complete stranger, but would try to get to know him. He must be strong enough to protect her and any pups she bear. Her telling him what she had also told him that she would not fight against his wishes, but she would not be unsuitably matched. If the one he had chosen passed as compatible, then and only then, would she try to make a relationship work.
"Sesshomaru will try to interfere. Even after you accept him."InuTashio stated his confidence that the chosen mate would meet her approval.
Saying nothing, Kagome bowed her head in acceptance of her sire's words. There was nothing she could do to stop it.
"They come now."Faint running footsteps could be heard approaching.
It was not two minutes later, that a shout was heard before a beam of light was shot, headed straight for InuTashio.
"Lady Kagome!"Yukina's shout chilled the blood of everyone around as the InuYokai jumped to shield her father with a wall of miko energy.
One thing crossed the mind of Hiei at this show of power.
'So the rumors are true!'
"Mistress Rin! I have a message from Yusuke for you!"Botan hurried up to the daughter of Lord Sesshomaru.
"Botan?"Rin looked up when she heard the semi-familiar voice.
She had met Botan on a few occasions while on family business in Rekai.
Yusuke wanted me to deliver this to you. Unfortunately I can't stay. The Rekai offices are in chaos right now, so I must go. I am sorry."
"That is quite alright there is a lot to be done in current standings. I thank you for Yusuke's letter."
Botan smiled gratefully as she made a portal back to Rekai. Rin turned her attention to the letter from her intended and started reading the very short note.
My dear Rin-chan,
I have just received word of Lady Kagome's disappearance. Koenma is splitting the Tentai. Hiei and I will be searching Rekai while Kurama and Kuwabara will be searching Ningenkai. If she is anywhere in the two realms we'll find her.
Yusuke
Rin smiled slightly in relief. She knew Yusuke would do his best to search for her Aunt. Kagome had taken a liking to Rin's mate-to-be and would sometimes smile in acknowledgment of the battle hanyou. The rest of the family could tell by these small gestures that Yusuke had gained Kagome's welcome into their family.
"Rin!"A voice called from down the corridor.
A very familiar voice that belonged to the adoptive son of the Lady of Makai. The young demoness felt a small wash of hope. It was also the voice of her father's War General.
"Shippo! Your home."Rin said as her cousin approached her.
"Where is everyone. Mother is not in the gardens, and I can't find Uncle Sesshomaru. What is going on? There is a stir all around Makai."Shippo's sleek tail flickered in agitation.
No one had told him what had happened once he reached the palace. Rin was the only one of his family around that he could find.
"First promise me you will not make any rash actions. Father has already destroyed his office, and Uncle Inuyasha tore apart half of the library before they both left. Yusuke and his team are already out looking as well."
Shippo's eyes clouded with suspicion as he looked into Rin's worried eyes.
"Alright. I promise you. Now tell me. Where is my mother, and why were Uncle Sesshomaru and Uncle Inuyasha in a rage?"He already knew that whatever had happened was connected to his mother's absence because she was not mentioned.
"Well, last night..."
"Think before you shoot, Yusuke-San."Kagome's voice flitted faintly across the area as the energy wall faded.
"Kagome-Sama! Why do you defend him? Isn't he the one who kidnapped you?" Yusuke asked as he glared at the InuYokai standing slightly behind the older yokai woman.
"He is Lord InuTashio."Yukina replied as she made eye contact with both her brother and then Yusuke.
She could see the recognition in both pairs of eyes. Looks like there would be no need to explain who he was now. She could also see as it dawned on them both that Yusuke had just taken a shot at the father of three of the most powerful yokai in the whole of Makai.
"Lord InuTashio, as in Rin's grandfather, Lord InuTashio?"Yusuke asked in astonishment as he looked back and forth from father to daughter.
"Yes."Was Yukina's only reply.
The deep chuckle of the older yokai drew the attention of all the others.
"So this is my little Rin's intended? He looks to be strong in both mind and body. If he truly is as you say he is then I give my blessings to the union."InuTashio's golden amber eyes glimmered with mirth as he looked at the astonished expression on the hanyous face.
"Thank you, sir."Was all Yusuke could think to say.
"Eyes red as rubies, hair black as night, dressed most completely in black, and a cold disposition. You must be Hiei. Yukina has told me much."InuTashio spoke to the other member of the Rekai Tentai.
This drew Kagome's attention to the slightly taller yokai. Golden blue eyes met ruby before a silent gasp escaped Kagome's lips.
"So much pain and rage. What kind of life could be the cause of such eyes?"Kagome's voice was barely a whisper of wind and yet it had been heard by all those present.
Surprise flickered briefly over Hiei's features before it was gone.
"My little Kagome. You truly are not the only one with deep scars on your heart. While you may be a forbidden one; there are others in this world. Is that not right Hiei-San?" InuTashio said before turning to the fire/ice hybrid. "She is not alone."
"No, my lord. She is not the only forbidden being in existence."Hiei replied; not taking his eyes off hers.
"Then it is only suitable that she be mated to another forbidden one, is it not?" InuTashio stated much to the shock of all but Yukina "For only another forbidden one may ever be able to understand her. Wouldn't you agree?"
Silence met his words as they all had a different reaction to what he has said. Yukina looked to her brother with a glimmer of hope for him to be happy in her eyes. Yusuke held back from speaking. He knew that as her father the yokai Lord had the power to enforce the mating of his daughter even from Rekai. There wasn't much she could do unless Sesshomaru did something about it.
Hiei knew this as well. This was also an invitation into the royal house. There were no other known forbidden children. Red eyes looked from InuTashio to Yukina. What had his sister told the deceased yokai? Looking back over to Kagome he could see the acknowledgment of her father's wishes in her eyes.
"Yes, my lord. I would agree." Hiei looked to the Tai Yokai when he answered knowing that if this man wanted his daughter mated to a forbidden child then she would be mated to a forbidden child.
"Good. If you truly are all Yukina-San believes you to be then I feel I will not need to worry needlessly over my pup." InuTashio then turned toward Kagome.
"It is time for you to go home pup. I have no doubt in my mind that your brothers are tearing apart Makai looking for you. Tell them both of what I have said, and congratulate young Rin for me. I do believe her father has made a wise choice in a mate for her in Yusuke."
Kagome did not speak but instead just nodded and smile slightly before giving her father both a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Turning she made her way to stand beside Yusuke and Hiei before turning to the yokai who had forever changed her life. Now, and over five hundred years ago.
"Take care of my grand pup, Yusuke-San. The same goes to you, Hiei-San. My most beloved pup, my only daughter, is now your future mate. This is not something you are being given. My son's, and I'm sure Kagome herself, will test you. Prove to them and to me that you are deserving of your place as her mate in this family."
Hiei bowed his head to show the older yokai he had heard before looking to Yusuke and Yukina. Kagome stood close by to his left. InuTashio's form started fading as they turned away, and with him, his voice.
"I only wish for your happiness my pup. I would like to see the light in your eyes once more."
With that InuTashio was gone.
"Come on. We have to make it to the Makai palace. Sesshomaru-Sama and Inuyasha-Sama will more than likely not be there, but I'm betting Rin-Chan is. From there we can get a hold of the Lords." Yusuke stated before leading the way out of that plane of Rekai. "Kagome-Sama would you please create a portal into Makai?"
As an answer, Kagome stepped forward, her hand glowing pink. The light shot out from her hand to form a portal in the shape of a door that seemed to lead to nowhere.
"Thank you, my Lady."
Yusuke stepped through first followed by Yukina, Hiei and then Kagome. Much to the surprise of all but the Lady they were transported not only to Makai, but into the gardens of the Makai palace where Yusuke had first seen his intended from the balcony. No one moved or spoke as Kagome simply seated herself on the stone bench and waited.
"What are we waiting for? We should let someone know..."Yukina's sentence was cut off by two sets of running footsteps and voices.
"Aunt Kagome!"
"Mother, you're alright!"
Yusuke and both siblings watched as Kagome's expression became serene as the younger yokai embraced her from both sides. Hiei's eyes widened slightly at the words from the fox.
'She has a child?'
"We've all been worried sick about you. Aunt Hikori even sent Roku to Rekai to speak with King Enma. He's supposed to be here after."Rin said as she straightened up.
"Where were you? What happened? I come back after being gone only a week to find my mother has been kidnapped while I was away."Shippo asked in curiosity and a bit of agitation.
Kagome looked to her only son and then her oldest niece before resigning herself to speaking.
"Your grandfather wished to speak with me. I am to be mated."Kagome's voice was dulled of any emotion
Both Shippo and Rin gave a start. They glanced briefly at each other before turning questioning eyes to the other three.
"Do you know who?"Shippo asked his mother.
Kagome nodded, but refused to speak. Knowing that they would not get any answers from Kagome the two turned to look at Yusuke.
"We thank you for finding her, Yusuke-San."Shippo bowed his head shortly before placing himself beside his mother.
"What happened?"Rin asked her future mate.
"Several things. I think it best to wait for your father and Uncle to return."Yusuke said watching the Lady of Makai who was looking far off into the west.
A slight smile curved her lips as three figures appeared within sight range. It soon became apparent who they were as they came at great speed. Kagome stood to greet them as the youngest engulfed her in his arms.
"Aunt Kagome, we got your message, are you alright?"The silver eyed teenage looking Roku released Kagome.
With one look they could all tell that something was off. Inuyasha came closer and tilted her chin up so he could see her eyes. A thousand words seemed to pass between the two as her eyes connected with his. Inuyasha's mouth set in a scowl as he wrapped a protective arm around his sister before moving them both over to Sesshomaru. She allowed herself to be surrounded by her two older brothers as Inuyasha spoke.
"I don't like this Sesshomaru. Whatever has happened has caused turmoil in her mind. What happened?"His question was directed at Yusuke and the two strangers.
"We found her in Rekai. It seems that Lord InuTashio had her brought there to speak with him."Yusuke replied to which both brothers looked toward each other.
"Well that ruins our plans. We can't kill the old man. He's already dead!"Inuyasha stated with some annoyance.
"What did he have to say?"Sesshomaru asked.
"Aunt Kagome says Grandfather wants her mated, Father."Rin replied.
"Mother also says she knows who, but wouldn't tell us."Shippo added.
Gold met amber as both brothers growled at this.
"Not happening."Sesshomaru snarled before lifting Kagome bridal style a moving toward the doors to the palace.
As Kagome was carried a low growl stung the air. Hiei, who had been quiet this whole time couldn't stop it. By all rights Kagome was now basically his. It had been decreed by the woman's father. When Hiei had agreed with Lord InuTashio in Rekai he had accepted his claim on the demoness. For Sesshomaru to now ignore that claim was a strike at his pride. His growled earned his looks of surprise from those who knew him and inquiring looks from those who didn't. Sesshomaru stilled in his exit from the gardens with his little sister in his arms and turned to face the darker yokai.
"The young ice apparition carries a letter from father. We all know father always has a reason for the things he does. Sessho, Yasha, please except what he has decided for I already have."Kagome's soft tones gave the others around her pause.
"I think we've heard her speak more today than she has in months."Rin murmured to the others.
"She spoke earlier as well. Once to reprimand me and again when she made a comment about Hiei's eyes."Yusuke informed his intended and her family.
Sesshomaru looked down to his sister who he still held in his arms. Though he was sure she had not noticed she had not taken her eyes off the yokai who had growled earlier. Looking to the red eyed yokai he could feel a difference in him. Almost like two warring sides. He would often get the same feeling about Kagome...That's when he knew.
'He's a forbidden child.'
Now he knew what their father was planning, and he couldn't help but agree with his reasoning though he was still wary. This yokai could still prove to be another to hurt his Imouto, and that was something both he nor Inuyasha would tolerate.
"She hasn't spoken that much in one day in over five hundred years."Shippo said looking to his mother. "Not even to her family..."
"Dad must have said something to her. We'll need that letter."Inuyasha stated before walking up to Yukina and extending his hand.
"Of course."Yukina nodded somewhat shyly as she pulled out the latter that she had been entrusted with.
A letter sealed with the InuYokai clan seal. She handed it to him before moving back for him a few steps.
"We thank you for returning her to us. You are welcome to stay for supper and the night in one of our guest chambers. Yusuke-San you of course know where your rooms are located. Now if you would excuse me my brother and I have much to do."Sesshomaru said only to stop as Inuyasha started speaking.
"Rin if you would be so kind as to show them to their rooms. Shippo could you contact the clan and let them know your mother is home and safe. If need be tell them your grandfather was behind her disappearance. Roku, my son, I want you to go home and tell your mother what has happened. Stay there and await future word. If need be I will send for you all."Inuyasha directed before moving to follow Sesshomaru until he noticed Kagome being put down as she had motioned to their brother.
She motioned for Roku to approach her. She waited for him to be within arm's reach before reaching out to caress the side of his face before pulling back her hand that was now glowing pink. She created a portal in the same way she had to get them there from Rekai.
Inuyasha smiled. He knew that the portal would lead to the castle in the Western Lands. Kagome cared more for her family then most would think.
Roku looked toward the doorway knowing that Kagome had made it because she did not want him traveling through Makai alone. Not while she could prevent it anyway. Roku heaved a very put upon sigh as his looked back to his Aunt.
"I'm not a pup anymore, Aunt Kagome. I can make the trip on my own."
A soft chuckle drew the attention and surprise of everyone. Kagome smiled as she looked into his silver eyes.
"You will always be a pup in my eyes. As stubborn as your father, but as caring as your mother."
Kagome wrapped her arms around Roku's neck in a tight embrace. She held him knowing that she had done nothing like this since he really was just a small pup. She felt the tears come to her eyes as she realized her father was right.
'I really have grown so cold. Even to those who matter most to me.'
Letting go she unclasped the bracelet from her wrist. It was a silver charm bracelet that tinkled as she walked.
"I promised this to you a long time ago."The statement shocked her family as they watched her remove the trinket.
"Yes." Roku choked.
He knew about the bracelet just as well as the rest of their family did. She had received it as a gift over five hundred years ago from the one who had, in the end, hurt her so completely. After the kitsune had betrayed her by taking another to his bed while courting her, and then trying to kill her, she had kept it as a reminder of that pain. A reminder of what trusting another with her heart had gotten her. He had never known her to take it off.
Once, when he was around a hundred and fifty years old he had asked her for it. Even though he had known what it stood for he still thought it beautiful. She had promised it to him either it be on her deathbed, or when she was ready to let go of that part of her past. The part that kept her numb for fear of being hurt again.
Now, three hundred years later he received it with numb fingers.
"Your grandfather has made me think about my holding onto the past. I know I have not been a very good Aunt," She looked from Roku to Rin, "mother," to Shippo, "or sister all these years." and finally turning to look at Sesshomaru and Inuyasha.
"That's not true!"Roku objected before anyone else could say anything.
"Oh, but it is. You have always known me as I am, but I was so much different before you were born."Kagome smiled slightly.
"I want you to take this and make it symbolize something good once more. It is time for some changes, and I am going to try. Now, my dear nephew, take this and go home. Tell your mother I will open a portal when things settle down a bit. I would like to see her as well as my little nieces."She told him before gently pushing him toward the portal.
"Yes, Aunt Kagome."Roku replied before walking through the portal with the bracelet in his firm grip.
Waiving her hand the portal closed with the silent command. She turned to look at the rest of her family and their guests. Shippo stepped toward her with a hopeful look in his eye.
"Do you really mean that mother?"
Kagome gave her son a sad smile. His eyes were filled with such strong hope. She knew she had not been a very good mother to him in a long time, but he had still held onto the hope that she would be the mother he had known once again.
"I make no promises, my kit. I can only say I am willing to try."
"That is all any of us can ask of you, Imouto. Come, supper will be served shortly, and there is much to discuss."Sesshomaru stated before turning to lead the way.
Inuyasha offered Kagome his arm before following.
After a relatively quiet meal Kagome, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha moved into Sesshomaru's newly redone study. Shippo and Rin were showing Yusuke, Hiei, and Yukina to their rooms before departing to carry on with whatever they needed to do.
"Inuyasha. The letter from father. What does it say?"Sesshomaru asked once they were all seated.
Inuyasha removed the letter from his robes and unsealing it read aloud.
Hello my pups,
I know you must have been worried when Kagome went missing, but you must understand that I had to speak to her. I have kept watch on all of you for the past five centuries, and found that I do not like some of what I have seen.
Inuyasha, you have done very well. I am happy that you found yourself a place in this world among family with your mate and pups. Roku has grown to be a fine InuYokai, and Shanaya and Shanika are also fine little bitches.
As for you, Sesshomaru. You have done well in raising little Rin. Yusuke will make her a good mate. I have heard much of him from the ice apparition, Yukina. As I have also heard much about another member of the Rekai Tentai.
This is the yokai that I have chosen to be your sister's mate. I have already spoken with them both. I only hope that you two will not try to fight me on this. I hope that you would respect my wishes for my little girl; your sister. I know this is just wishful thinking on my part though.
The yokai I have chosen is Yukina's brother, Hiei. Hiei is very powerful, and I have every confidence he will protect Kagome with his life once they are mated. He is like Kagome in the fact that he is a forbidden child. The reason that I would choose another forbidden child as Kagome's mate is because there are things only another like them would ever understand. Is that not right, Kagome?
Feel free to test him. It is understandable as she is you little sister. I have every confidence that he will pass your tests. I must go now and let you all continue on with your lives.
My best wishes to you all,
Father
Inuyasha refolded the letter and put it on the desk before looking to both Kagome and Sesshomaru. Both were unreadable as they looked back at him. Knowing that Kagome was prone not to speak, and that Sesshomaru would not be the first to speak no matter the situation, Inuyasha did.
"Old man's been dead for centuries and he's still trying to control our lives from the grave."He mumbled.
Sesshomaru smirked slightly.
"This Hiei. He is one of the ones who returned with you. The yokai with red eyes. Father must really want this or he wouldn't have gone to lengths as to take you to Rekai just to talk with you. As much as you are our sister, and we your brother, our word cannot over-rule our fathers in this matter."
"The old man's dead! How can a dead man make those kind of demands! Kagome has been through enough. We don't even know this Hiei."
Kagome's calm voice filtered through the room as she spoke.
"It has always been father's choice, Yasha. Just as it will be yours with Shanika and Shanaya. He told me that I had changed. That he could no longer see the person that I was. I didn't want to believe him. Didn't want to believe that I had become so closed off. So cold...but he's right. I could see that today."Kagome's last sentence came out as barely a whisper.
"That's not true, Kagome!"Inuyasha objected.
"It's only natural that you close yourself off after being betrayed. We are your family, Kagome. You are who you are."
Kagome laughed softly at Sesshomaru's words.
"It may be natural, but I did so for five hundred years. The worst part is that I allowed myself to become colder to those around me; my family. I did not really realize it until today. My own son held so much hope inside when I simply said that things need to change.
Father is right. As I think he is right in his betrothal of me. He wants me to learn to live again. Maybe I can do that if I'm mated, and maybe I can't. I just know I need to change. Father, I think, is just doing what he sees as best for me. He wouldn't have done it if he thought I would be unhappy."
"You want to give this Hiei a chance then?"Inuyasha asked.
"Yes, I do. He intrigues me quite a bit. If he passes your test and mine, then I will accept him as my mate, as is my duty as the daughter of a Lord."
"Then it is decided. The yokai Hiei will be tested. If he passes then there will be a ceremony and he will join our family."Sesshomaru's tone was final as he looked at his two younger siblings.
"I'll go with this because Kagome wants it, but I don't trust him. That will be my test. If he can earn my trust then he passes, but if he proves not to be trustworthy then he dies."Inuyasha replied.
"I will test his strength. He will need to be able to protect you as your mate, and as a member of this family he will need to be capable in battle. This will be my test. If I am satisfied then I will concede to his claim as your betrothed as head of our clan, our family, as your Lord as well as your brother."Sesshomaru stated after hearing what his brother had to say.
"Then I will test the strength of his heart."Kagome said softly.
"The strength of his heart?"Inuyasha asked.
"Yes."Kagome replied. "I will test his heart. If he is to provide for me he must be able to care for me. Part of protecting me is to protect my heart, and to test his heart is to learn to trust him with my own."
"You are more wise that most your age, Imouto. All I really wish for is the happiness of our family. I only hope this Hiei father has chosen will be the one to give you that happiness."
"As do I, Sessho. As do I."
~End Chapter Two~
I know it's been a lot longer then I said it would be before I updated, but life chucks you all kinds of crap and you just gotta deal with it. Anyway, I have no clue when the next one will be out. I haven't even started it yet. I typed this up real quick so sorry for any spelling errors.
~Ryu