oOo Last Time oOo

Kagome unconsciously snuggled closer to him and Inu Yasha fell into a half sleep as he always does, wanting to always make sure his friends are safe.

Chapter 16 Western

"talking" 'thinking' (notes or other)

oOo Normal POV oOo

In the morning once the group was awake they met Mina and Kale at the entrance, said their farewells, and headed out for the western lands, and Sesshomaru. They traveled all that day and set up camp just outside of the Western land, hopping that they won't have to spend very long in Sesshomaru's territory. In the morning Inu Yasha put the still sleeping Sango, Miroku, and Shippo onto Kilala's back and picked up Kagome. The two of hem ran into the Western land and towards Sesshomaru's castle.

Sesshomaru knew they were in his land (except Kagome 'cause she smells different), but instead of going to them, since they were conveniently coming towards him, he decided to wait. About half way there Kagome woke up in the arms of Inu Yasha. She just smiled at him and for quite awhile the two of them just talked about general things and Miroku and Sango (Kagome also decided to tell him what happened between the two).

"Sorry you have to carry me Inu Yasha."

"Feh, you're not heavy. Besides, you still have to get used to your demon blood and you're supposed to pretend to be human for now."

"Ya, I guess. …Do you like me more as a human or hanyou?"

Well you're not a hanyou, but I would have to say although I like them both, you demon form, even if you are a wolf."

"Umm…what do you feel about Kikyo?"

Inu Yasha faltered but regained himself quickly.

"I-I don't know. I don't think I ever really loved her. More like we both needed someone who understood and probably a little bit of lust. Why do you want to know?"

"I umm, ahh, well, you see… /sigh/ because I wanted to know if there was a chance that you could ever feel the same way for me that I feel for you."

Kagome looked down and refused to look up at him.

"…How do you feel about me?"

Kagome hesitated then looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She moved her head up and placed a light kiss on his mouth. She pulled away and whispered "I love you.".

Inu Yasha was shocked to say the least but before he could even think of a reply they arrived at the western castle. Everyone but Inu Yasha stared at it in awe until Inu Yasha walked forward and brought them back earth. A servant was waiting for them at the front gate and greeted them. Sango, Miroku, and Shippo got off Kilala and Inu Yasha let Kagome down and they followed the servant through the castle. They were lead to a (what seemed like to them a random) door, bowed, and left. Kagome knocked and they could hear Sesshomaru's cold voice come from inside.

"Enter."

Kagome opened the door and followed Inu Yasha into what looked like a study while the others waited by the door.

"Inu Yasha, why have you come here?"

Kagome put a hand on Inu Yasha's arm to calm him, not turning away from Sesshomaru.

"Lord Sesshomaru, he is here only as my support, it is me that has come to request an audience with you."

Sesshomaru nodded showing he was willing to listen.

"Have you heard of the rainbow wolf clan?"

"Yes, they are the rulers of the east but the brown wolves took over when the stayed to themselves."

"Wow, didn't know that. Anyway, we have reason to believe that the leader of the clan was put under a spell and sold to you. His name should be Lion and we are prepared and willing to pay for him from his own tribe's treasure."

"And how do you guarantee that once I release him his tribe won't declare war?"

Kagome blinked then thought about it for a while.

"Once Lion is brought back to his clan and retakes control the rainbow wolf tribe will retake the Eastern lands and they will become your ally."

"And how will you do that?"

"I can guarantee it because Lion is the Lord of the East and I am his daughter."

Kagome dropped the illusion and stood proudly in front of him. Sesshomaru got up from his chair and walked over to Kagome ignoring Inu Yasha's growling. He gently moved her bangs and saw the Eastern mark. He nodded to himself and trailed a finger across her stripes on her cheeks. The ones he traced turned silver.

"Those show that you are under the west's protection and that you are my ally."

Kagome grinned happily and bowed to Sesshomaru.

"Thank you Sesshomaru-sama. This is taking Lion, there's some stuff in there for Rin too."

She bowed again and dragged Inu Yasha out. When the others saw Kagome without the illusion and with the silver stripes they gapped at her. Kagome giggled.

"Ok, to make this faster lets split up, Shippo your coming with me."

Shippo jumped into her arms and Kagome walked away without waiting for the rest to process everything. Inu Yasha just feh'ed and walked away leaving Kilala the task of snapping the humans out of what ever they were in.

oOo Half an hour later oOo

Kagome and Shippo turned down another hallway to see Inu Yasha yelling at a servant who always calmly answered making Inu Yasha madder.

'Lets see, purple eyes (confusion), dark green hair, dark purple tail, and wolf…'

"SIT! I TOLD YOU TO FIND HIM NOT FIGHT HIM!"

"Haha! Mommy sat you!"

While Shippo was taunting Inu Yasha Kagome walked to the now even more confused wolf.

"Are you Lion?"

"Yes Milady."

Kagome smiled at him and put two fingers on his forehead as soon as he got up from bowing. Kagome started glowing red and blue and the glow slowly cover Lion as well. The royal mark appeared on his forehead and with that his memories came rushing back. He looked at Kagome and tears welled up in his eyes.

"Ka- Kagome?" He chocked out.

At this point Kagome also had tears in her eyes and after a while she nodded, not trusting her voice. Lion pulled her into a hug and whispered into her ear.

"Let's go home, to Ray."

He lightly pushed her away and finally took a good look at her. With a smile he traced the silver marks with his finger.

"You've grown into a beautiful young lady, but let us leave, I am anxious to see Ray again."

Kagome nodded and found the rest by scent and introduced everyone. Since there was nothing to pack or gather they quickly left heading towards Inu Yasha's forest.