JeniNeji Comment's:

Morning! Well…at least where I live is morning. I know that this chapter took longer than my always late update but my laptop, an Hp dv6000 decided to die on me. Now I am rewriting again the chapters…I had chapter 14 and half of the 15 there as well, so this has really messed up my peace of mind. Furthermore, classes already started for me and my beta reader, our classes began August 11 so we are getting work at the University. I'm liking Organic Chemistry his far, Physics…not so much. But life keeps going…Enjoy it!

DisclaimeR: I don't own Inu Yasha.

Fanged Falcon: That's a secret. But you will see soon

Moonlit Marauder: Yes, I think I will post the entire story here. Sometimes when I am searching to read a story, and it says SEQUEL TO...its like...I become so lazy that I dont read it because I dont want to search for the first part and read it. I dont know...what do you think? Do you think is better to divide the stories into part 1, part 2 and part 3??

Magix234: Emm...I will do as best as I can to do as you wished. In fact, you helped me a lot with your review because I wasnt sure if I should kill Momo (Sesshomaru doesnt have a sister in the serie) or leave her around because I like her. The thing is that if Momo died...the family would be wounded too harshly. So it was like...well someone likes her and the relationship she has with Kagome and her own with Sesshomaru, so lets let her live. The thing is that there are so many things that are going to happen that I am like...ok, where will Momo be when this happens?

Pandora of the south (I like your nick, I have an original story and there's a character I like very much and has the name Pandora): Well Pandora, read this chapter and some of your questions will be answered...as for the new relationship with Sesshomaru...Kagome ignoring him...that will be more visible in the next two chapters.

ColletteG: Sorry for taking so long :(

Lovylovy: Yes...he's alive.

When the Past is the Future….

Chapter 13:

I am going to mate…Him!

The night had been so long, she was starting to get pissed. Kagome jumped over one of the demons and purified it instantly . She allowed her bow to disintegrate in the night air. Kagome raised her eyes to the full moon, she was tired of it already. Its fullness had been adorning the sky for more than a week now.

A roar awoke Kagome from her musings and she raised her right hand up high, a pink glow engulfed it. Seconds after, a sword appeared in her hand. After a battle cry, Kagome rushed towards the demons and purified them with the mere touch of her sword. Soon, Kirara appeared at her side and helped get rid of the remaining ones.

Kagome turned to Kirara and petted its head. "Is the fight still on?" she asked the cat and a soft growl escaped its mouth. Kagome took that as an affirmative response and once again, she allowed her weapon to disappear. She turned to the highest mountain, Fushi, the place where the battle was taking place. She tied a white cloth around her neck, not wanting to lose her father's symbol. She then adjusted the black suit she was wearing, the same one Exterminators wore for their missions. Sometimes She felt uncomfortable in it sometimes. The armor on the shoulders and hips was made of demon bones painted in white. She rearranged her boots and then looked up at the castle.

She mounted on Kirara's back and the demon cat raced towards the mountain.

She could feel Inu no Taisho there, she could also feel a princess, and a lot of demons surrounding the area as well. Her gaze turned serious when she recognized Sesshomaru's aura, she hoped he behaved tonight. It wasn't a wonder that Sesshomaru despised Inu no Taisho, but she hoped that he, at least, minded the mission rather than his own personal battle for dominance against his father. Kagome's eyes fell on the five lakes surrounding the mountain. There was fighting everywhere. A flying demon approached Kagome, but she ignored it completely, focusing instead on the surroundings of the mountain. A roar allowed a little smile to appear on Kagome's lips as she heard Kirara killing the demon.

Kagome unconsciously touched the little brown bag that hung about her waist. The item she had picked was still there, she verified with relief. Kirara kept flying towards Inu no Taisho, but since he was currently engaged in a fight against the Princess of the Heavens, Kaguya, Kirara began to circle the area waiting for a chance to get closer. Kagome's eyes focused on the Princess for a moment, she was really beautiful. She didn't find it odd that so many men tried to court her. Kagome noticed, with frustration, that Inu no Taisho's attacks were being held by the Princess, they could not surpass the barrier she had around her. Kagome commanded Kirara to fly closer; it was strange, she didn't feel any barrier around Kaguya, so why were her father's attacks faltering?

Kagome expanded her aura to investigate a little further, but then Kaguya's blue eyes settled on her. Both pairs of eyes widened as one recognized the other, then Kaguya's became wild and full of hatred: the one before her was a miko. It was in that moment when Inu no Taisho used Tetsusaiga's Wind Scar. Kaguya turned to him and trapped the energy of his attack in her Celestial Robe. She then gave it a fierce swing and the Robe went flying, the attack was thrown back, but not at Inu no Taisho, it was aimed at Kagome. Kirara roared stressfully for a moment, but Kagome held herself firmly on its fur and her eyes widened with vivid interest. The wave collided against Kagome, but it never passed Kagome's barrier. The energy passed by without scratching either of them. A sparkle of pink energy surrounded Kagome and Kirara for some moments, then disappeared. Kagome placed her hand on her chest to stop her erratic heartbeats. Kaguya gasped offended as she witnessed her attack miss its human target.

However, she had no time to try anything else: Inu no Taisho unsheathed Souunga and attacked the Princess. Kagome looked at her father for some moments, she couldn't believe he was using Souunga right now, in his current weakened state. She could feel Souunga's confused demonic aura. Inu no Taisho had been unstable over the past years, and the sword seemed to sense it all. Using it was reckless, the sword was wicked and it could end up doing more damage than good. Kagome looked at Inu no Taisho, concerned etched in her countenance, yet she ordered Kirara to take her to the shrine at Lake Kawagushi.

Her aura was searching for the commanders of Inu no Taisho's army: Kagura, Unno, Fuma and Sesshomaru. She found them all in the area. Things were going as planned.

Kirara landed near the ancient shrine. Kagome jumped down and approached the monk, bowing her head in a swift motion, her long hair hiding her face for an instant. She took the bag that was around her waist, opened it and took out the item. Kagome walked to him, her eyes emotionless and her face serious.

"I brought the item you requested" she said extending her hand.

"At last" he replied, taking the item and inspecting it "I thank you…priestess".

"There is no need" she said and bowed again, walking to Kirara. She didn't need this now.

The monk watched as the girl mounted the demon and disappeared. His wise eyes looked at her, he was evidently befuddled. In all his years, he had never made up his mind about her. Was she really a priestess or a demon in disguise? Could a child raised by demons be trustworthy? He shook his head and turned to the priestess in the shrine and gave her the Stone Bowl of Buddha.

"Prepare for the seal. I will trap her as soon as the Robe is taken from her" said the monk in a firm tone and walked out of the Lake Kawagushi's shrine and to the castle on Fushi Mountain—where Kagura was engaged in battle with Inu no Taisho. He needed to be closer to The Princess of the Heavens in order to initiate the seal and trap her. As he walked he thanked that this castle had been used for decades as a praying site, where people walked from one shrine to the other offering prayers and then walked to the Castle to leave their tributes to the Princess of the Heavens and ask for her favor. He was walking towards the mentioned castle, but as he passed he looked at the ancient shrines on each of the lakes, inspecting the young priestesses spiritual strength to be sure they would hold until the seal was summoned, and then continued on to the Castle.

Sesshomaru finished the group of demons in front of him. His eyes were still showing his dislike. He despised fighting weaklings. He then began walking to the castle. "The woman surely had her fun" he pondered "to make the Emperor spend all that time courting her and have the nerve to reject him in the end. Foolish human the Emperor turned out to be…" He walked on, musing. "At least the Princess had some sense… she wouldn't become the woman of a pathetic human" they had at least one thing in common.

His eyes settled on the castle in front of him. His father was still fighting Kaguya with Souunga in his hand. He had become so slow… Sesshomaru would have defeated the woman by now. He had become weak with the passing of the years. It seemed like losing his significant other for the second time had driven him close to insanity. He no longer knew if he hated his father or if he was starting to pity the old man. The worst thing was, that not knowing was frustrating him. He had enough all of these years, not knowing how fate was going to trick him into mating a human miko. Now that he knew what fate had in store for him, he would be able to avoid it.

He stopped for a moment. Even out here he could easily distinguish her scent. She still carried his blood on her veins and… his scent, but so faint that only those that knew his blood, could notice. He growled a little and kept walking to the castle.

Everything had changed since Sephira died. His sister had become cold and her beast had awoken. She had no control over it, but he knew it was going to happen. Every demon possessor of an inner beast and tainted with human blood would be unable to control it. "But you never saw Sephira's beast take control over her and she had more human blood than Momo". He growled in discontent as he heard the voice in his head. That was the very same voice that reached him every time he thought about Momo. His sister was not weak, she was strong, it was the human blood what tainted her.

A sound made him turn to the newcomer and he saw Fuma. He then showed his respect to his Lord's son and then his eyes found Sesshomaru. Only a glance was necessary for both demons to understand each other, they were needed at the castle. Sesshomaru turned to the castle to find it already flashing with the seal. His eyes settled on Lake Shoji, and effectively, he saw the priestess standing in front of the shrine, her hands together, muttering a spell. He guessed all priestesses were doing this simultaneously because some seconds after, the whole castle was under their spell.

He looked up at the night sky and saw Kagura alongside Unno riding on her magic feather. How he despised that tiger demon, he was the one able to destroy his sword. He couldn't help but grit his teeth in anger. Yes, he hated his father for siding with him. His eyes then focused on the fire cat. As always, the cat was acting as a petty traitor, always with the humans. The miko was lucky that the cat demon liked her, she would have died long ago if not for Kirara.

Sesshomaru sighed and resumed his walking to the castle.

Kagome was with Kirara, at a safe distance from the fight. Inu no Taisho was weary, but she knew he could hold a lot more. It was the stupid sword, it was draining him. But she had to admit that the attacks where now hitting their target; Inu no Taisho had to hurry. Kagome fixed her eyes on one of Inu no Taisho's wounds. She had been surprised that Kaguya's Robe could even stop Souunga, more when she reversed it to Inu no Taisho.

Kagome's eyes turned to the priestesses on the Lakes. They had been holding the seal for almost ten minutes now. She could feel the great amount of energy the seal required, if Inu no Taisho didn't take the Celestial Robe from Kaguya, the priestesses were going to get tired, and the seal wouldn't succeed. As soon as that thought left Kagome, she saw one of the priestesses fall to her knees, the one at Lake Yamanka. Kagome gasped and Kirara dashed down to the fallen priestess, knowing what had caught Kagome's attention.

Kagome jumped off Kirara and landed on the lake. She swam her way up and took a lungful of air. The young priestess' gaze landed on her, she was truly horrified. "Priestess, it is me, priestess Kagome" she began. She couldn't help but smile at the girl's befuddled expression, she undoubtedly thought she was going to be attacked. "I will enter the shrine now" Kagome explained and began to swim to the shrine.

The priestess in the green hakama and gi looked at Kagome, still terrified. What should she do? But she had taken too much time to think, Kagome had already made it to the shrine. She saw how her long black mane was clinging and how her blue eyes focused on the energy above the shrine.

"I will help" Kagome said simply "I will hold the energy of the seal for you" she offered and walked to stand beside her "If that's fine with you?" she asked with a soft smile. "You will just need to cast the spell, in case the seal falls"

The priestess didn't answer…she couldn't talk, but nodded her head. She came to a stand and passed the Crystal Dragon Neck to Kagome. Kagome instantly felt a gust of energy and her eyes widened as she took the energy in. Her wide eyes looked at the priestess, uncertain for a moment. Had she been holding this amount of energy? Such a young priestess was capable of this?

Kagome bit her lip as she tried to channel the energy onto her. She had the item in her right hand and her left hand came to rest on her chest again. She was feeling a pressure like never before.

"Are you all right priestess?" asked the priestess as she noticed Kagome's discomfort.

"The energy is so…erratic" said Kagome with concern; she hoped she could hold the seal.

The priestess frowned. "I didn't feel it" she said "There must be something…different" she said, she was going to say "wrong", but stopped herself.

Kagome turned at the priestess "I think I understand what's happening" she said, and her eyes looked up at the castle. After thinking for a few moments, she turned to the priestess. "Priestess, I need a favor of you" she began and called forth Kirara "I need you to tell Kirara that the seal is about to fall, ask them to hurry" she said and kept focused on the energy of the seal.

The priestess brought one fisted hand to her chest, as if the mere thought of speaking with a demon was a mortal sin. But as soon as she saw Kagome taking in the magic of the seal within her body, the priestess felt amazed, but guilty. She was holding the base of the seal to avoid it from disappearing. The priestess then walked to the back of the shrine, were the cat demon awaited. She was surprised at how tame the demon was. She walked to the cat slowly, fear was all over her. She stopped a few paces from it and delivered the message. As soon as she finished talking, Kirara instantly flew away, and the young priestess watched astounded as the cat's legs were on fire…it was a fine demon indeed.

Kirara quickly arrived at the castle and roared. Two sets of golden eyes fell on the fire cat, but a second later, none were there anymore; one pair was on Kaguya's attack, and the second was on Kagome.

Sesshomaru sniffed the air and what he found obliged him to raise one of his eyebrows. Kagome was absorbing the seal's energy on the Jewel of the Four Souls and then releasing it back. She had learned to take advantage of the item. It seemed, after so long taking care of it, that it was no surprise. His eyes stayed on her, Inu no Taisho had named her the fifth general. That was low, a human, general of demons. His father had gone insane.

He saw a large wave of energy leaving Kagome's body unexpectedly and his heart pounded hard. It was hurting her, he knew that what just happened had hurt her, and he was annoyed that he knew that. With the passing of time, he had began to recognize her as part of them. He didn't like her, but she was recognized as part of the Taisho family by many. That meant, it would be a failure for the family if something were to happen to her. She had become the first and only human member of the Taisho Clan.

An agonizing scream left Kaguya and Sesshomaru turned to see Inu no Taisho holding her Robe. Kaguya ran blindly to Inu no Taisho and this one kicked her, sending her flying against a wall. The Princess fell to the floor and blood poured from her mouth. Her hands trembled and fearful blue eyes stared into Inu no Taisho's golden ones.

The next second, all demons disappeared from the castle. Kaguya stood instantly, confused. She searched the room and saw no one. She then felt the tip of her fingers burn and when she looked at them, she saw how her hands began to disintegrate. She screamed once again, she was horrified. She ran forward to see the full moon, and she found it on the night sky, her powers were intact, so why was she disappearing?

One look down made everything clear. A monk was muttering a spell that she couldn't hear as he held on a magical golden mirror. Kaguya jumped down in front of the monk and grinned at him. She mimicked him and began to mutter a counter spell. The monk's eyes were on her, they were unsure and thoughtful, but he continued his spell.

Kaguya hushed and settled her blue eyes on the monk again "Foolish man" she said and raised her hands. The sleeves of her kimono slipped and her arms were visible for that single moment when a ball of energy began to form on her hands… it was energy from the seal. She began to drain energy from it, expecting it to shatter.

Understanding what she was trying to do, the monk tried to hurry his spell, but he began to feel weakened as his energy too was being drained. He kept the mirror in place, and he saw how it began to pull Kaguya to him. A current of wind was coming out of the mirror and was surrounding Kaguya…but the wind wasn't strong enough… yet.

Kaguya laughed as she kept taking the energy forming the seal, the amount she had gathered was huge. Her blue eyes were on the ball of energy until she heard the monk fall to his knees. A satisfied smile grazed her lips as she saw him defeated on the floor still with the mirror towards her, but then she frowned. She looked back to the energy she was currently holding, more and more energy kept coming, yet the monk was on his knees, and the seal was still up.

A bad feeling began to settle on her heart and she searched the castle with her eyes. She didn't have time to check further though, for in that same instant a ball of energy was shot at her. She jumped aside, with the ball of energy still on her raised arms "Who goes there?!" she asked, panicking. "Show yourself!" she demanded.

"I'm right here" whispered a voice behind her before exploding a ball of energy on her back.

Kaguya screamed as the ball burned her back and she dropped the energy she had been holding, disappearing as soon as Kaguya dropped her concentration. Kaguya slowly turned to see her attacker and gasped as she recognized who she was. "Miko" she said surprised as she fell to the floor. Kaguya's blue eyes were set on Kagome "You are no more than a child!" protested Kaguya as she took in Kagome's appearance.

Kagome sighed as she heard Kaguya, but her eyes were fixated on the floor. "I am no child, I am General in Inu no Taisho's army" she explained "I am much older than what you see here" Kagome said with closed eyes.

Kaguya opened her mouth a little, surprised at what she was hearing. The girl looked no older than twelve years old, and she was human. "Nonsense, you are a miko, you cannot be working for the Dog Lord" she said offended "Why do you betray me? I am Kaguya, the Princess of Heavens" she pleaded, but at the same time demanded an explanation.

Kagome's clear blue eyes rose from the floor and found the monk. He was standing with his mirror in hand "…and thus be sealed" finished the monk.

Kaguya instantly turned to him with tears on her eyes "No!" she managed to scream before a strong wind pulled her to the mirror, she tried to grip the floor…anything, but there was nothing she could hold onto tightly. The ferocious wind kept pulling her. "I have done nothing! Why are you attacking…" she said desperately, but then the wind became stronger and she flew into the mirror.

Kagome fixed her eyes on her as she was being pulled. Kaguya screamed in horror, she knew she was being sealed on the mirror. However, when Kaguya touched the mirror, the appearance of a strong aura made Kagome gasp, and as soon as Kaguya entered the mirror, she emitted the most agonizing scream Kagome had never heard before. Kagome gave a step forward, but the Princess had already been sealed, so she stopped herself. Her heart still rang as she remembered Kaguya's scream…it sounded as if she was being devoured or as if she was being skinned alive.

The energy around the castle disappeared and the barrier fell. Inu no Taisho instantly appeared beside Kagome, his eyes searching her over, concerned. "Is it over?" he asked and Kagome nodded.

The monk made his way to Inu no Taisho and gave him the mirror "The rest I leave to you" he said and turned as the priestesses arrived to the castle shrine. They all had the five items and stopped at the entrance, waiting for their orders.

The monk took the items and handed them to Inu no Taisho, except for one. "I will keep The Stone Bowl of Buddha, I will see that it's safe at my temple" he said simply and bowed his head.

"Very well" said Inu no Taisho and he walked to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru looked at him uninterested. Inu no Taisho ignored his son's attitude and handed him the Sealing Mirror "You know what to do with it" he said in an even tone.

Sesshomaru raised his eyes to Inu no Taisho's gaze and took the offered item. He walked away without a last glance to anyone, slowly on the night road.

Inu no Taisho then walked to Unno and gave him the Crystal Dragon Neck. "Hide it well" he said and Unno nodded with a smirk and ran off.

Inu no Taisho chuckled at the demon and walked to Kagura "You take this, the Swallow's Courie Shell, I want you to keep it, protect it with your life" he ordered her softly and Kagura smiled and walked some steps back.

As Inu no Taisho walked to Fuma, this one nodded and took the Leafless Plant. He walked away, he knew where he was supposed to plant it…

Inu no Taisho looked at Kagome, his eyes were angry and reprimanding. Kagome lowered her head in apology and set her eyes on the wooden floor. He then turned to the Monk. "What do you propose we do with the Celestial Robe?" asked Inu no Taisho inspecting it carefully.

Kagome's eyes also looked at the Robe, it was so beautiful. "There is a town" the monk began and both Inu no Taisho and Kagome turned to him "A powerful, yet kind lord lives there, we could give it to him to protect it" he said. "But, we must be alert, any demon attack to his town should be taken seriously" he finished, his eyes finding Inu no Taisho's.

Inu no Taisho nodded softly "I agree, his town will be under my protection" he said firmly "It seems that this matter is over then" he said, relaxing a little.

The monk sighed "This is just the beginning" said he "Now the real battle begins…many will seek to attain this power" he said tiredly and began to walk out of the castle, intending to reach his temple.

Inu no Taisho and Kagome followed silently. "We will escort you to the Lord's town" said Inu no Taisho in an authoritative tone, saying he wouldn't change his mind. Kagome smiled a little…he was always so stubborn.

The sun was high and Sesshomaru growled his discomfort. He hurried his way to deliver the item to its resting place. He wouldn't be surprised to find that the seal had some weak spots, humans were incompetent. He looked at the mirror on his hands, he "carried" the Princess. He raised his eyebrow elegantly as he thought about it. A wicked smile came to his lips, she wasn't so mighty after all, to be held by a human seal? That was shameful, he, Sesshomaru would never allow such weakness, no human seal could stop him.

He stopped for a moment and his eyes settled on his destination. It seemed that the mountains were as cold as always, he could easily distinguish their snowy tops. He now walked again, he had to find that cave.

As he walked up the first mountain, he began to think once again about his father's territory. Most of it was crumbling, right in front of his face, but his father was too depressed to even notice. For years now, he had become irresponsible over it. He needed to be taken down soon, or else, the lands would be attacked. It was a good thing that he had such a threatening reputation, at least it had given them enough time. Inu no Taisho was no longer capable of being a ruler. He had become only a shadow of what he once was.

He tried to calculate the chance of overpowering his father…with his current forces, it still was very low. Frustration was dawning on him. Did no one notice Inu no Taisho's change in attitude? Hadn't anyone notice that the fight on the borders became more insistent each time? Soon, these lands will be under attack…

He was now walking through the second mountain. A question came to his mind…if Inu no Taisho was taken from his current position, what would happen with Kagome? He thought about it for a moment…sentencing her to death was not an option. Besides, not many had a miko on their side. That meant that she would live. An angry whisper left his mouth as he made it to one of the highest mountains "Cursed miko". He stopped on the top, and his eyes scanned the whole mountain, but he could see no cave. He then sharpened his senses, and he noticed the air currents. Being guided by the wind, he resumed his search for the cave.

After some time, he finally found the cave. He entered and he found a shrine inside. It was old and seemed to be abandoned. Probably the order that used to take care of it died with the miko slaughtering a century ago. He placed the mirror on the shrine and stared at it for some moments. He turned to the exit of the cave and looked up. The mountain had a great amount of snow over it. He took a glance at the formation under the snow, estimating. After his small calculations, he summoned his cloud and flew to a safer distance.

He brought his poisoned whip to life and struck it against the cave's entrance. The rocks that formed it began to crumble, closing the entrance and soon afterwards an avalanche covered the remnants.

Sesshomaru looked at this work satisfied and then flew away. He had much to do…

Inu no Taisho and Kagome finally made it to the castle. The trip had been silent and uncomfortable. "You were reckless" broke the rough voice of Inu no Taisho.

"You were reckless too" shot back Kagome, still walking with her eyes on the road ahead.

"You still carry the curse of the priestess, you know it's too risky for you to use your miko powers" he reprimanded, his voice full of frustration.

"It's even more dangerous to wield Souunga, without mentioning that you haven't been feeling well lately" she countered, still not looking at him.

"I am your father!" he growled getting frustrated. She was always so difficult.

"So? I am your daughter….and don't go thinking you can growl at me, I can still purify you" she replied, feigning anger.

Inu no Taisho laughed wholeheartedly "No you can't" he dared.

"Yes I can" she replied back, her sky-blue eyes turning to him.

"You won't" he challenged with a smirk.

Kagome ignored him and kept walking "You are so childish sometimes" she said with a scowl.

"Huh" he mocked "Look who's talking".

Kagome narrowed her eyes in anger "Stop mocking me!" she said, now really getting mad at him."You are supposed to be the father, act like one" she reprimanded.

He caught up Kagome in a hug "My lil ten year-old daughter" he mocked as he squeezed her.

"Sixty…almost sixty!" she shouted "You should respect your elders!" she reminded heatedly.

"We are here" said Inu no Taisho softly, his golden eyes staring at the stone wall that surrounded the castle "We are home"

Kagome turned to the stone wall serious, trembling in Inu no Taisho's arms. Inu no Taisho made a low sound that Kagome could barely hear, trying to assure her that everything was going to be all right.

"What are we going to do with her?" she asked uncertain and concerned "You know she dislikes my presence in the castle" she replied, her eyes on him.

"She will have to get accustomed" he said simply "I am the Lord of the Castle and you are her sister" he said and walked to the castle again "Besides, she has been having visits from her Grandma lately, I don't like that" he confessed, he was worried.

"I see" said Kagome simply "I don't like her either" she added. "About time we came back…it has been so long" Kagome said, a feeling she had missed dearly was returning to her, the feeling of home, tranquility….apparent peace.

Momo and the two young dog demon girls rose to their feet as they felt Inu no Taisho's presence.

"The Lord has arrived" said one of the girls who had the shiniest black hair among them. Her eyes were blue, but a more intense shade than Kagome's.

"So my father has succeeded" said Momo. Her silver curly hair covered her back and her pink eyes were full of curiosity. "I wonder if… yes she's with him" she said and a wicked smile appeared on her face, she walked to meet them.

Momo walked to the entrance of the castle, eager to see her relatives. She had been on this castle alone for so long. She remembered the last night Kagome was here. It had been a messy night. She just hoped that the event had been forgotten.

"Morning, Father" greeted Momo as soon as she saw Inu no Taisho coming into the garden. She narrowed her pink eyes as she noticed he was holding Kagome in his arms, and she pursed her lips in annoyance. But soon, she controlled herself and ignored the obvious display of affection. "I am relieved to see both of you safe"

Kagome's eyes found Momo instantly, inspecting her carefully. The last time she had seen her, it had been on a fight were the young demoness tried to kill her. She gripped Inu no Taisho's armor with strength, not wanting to let go.

"Morning!" Inu no Taisho answered back "How is my little beauty doing?" he asked with a sincere smile "You have no idea how have I missed your presence. The fights at the borders are disgusting" he said and laughed.

Momo smiled and walked to him "That's what word says" she said "But, things have been calm around the castle" she informed with a proud smile "And to answer to your earlier question I am preparing myself for my next challenge" she said with sparkling eyes "and you Kagome" she said and turned to her "should begin to get ready as well" she said with a soft smile, but still, her eyes hid something.

Kagome blinked in surprise "Me?'' she asked softly "what is it?" she asked with a frown.

Momo smirked and motioned for the girls behind her, who came closer "I see…I don't think word has reached the armies yet" she said with an even wider smirk "There is an event, on the lands of the east, to present the members of The Clans, we have been invited" she said "Addressed to Inu no Taisho's daughters" she informed with her pink eyes watching her reaction.

Kagome frowned even more and turned to Inu no Taisho, she didn't like the idea of it. Her? She was a human after all, and those things had never interested her before. Why now?

"Where is this event taking place, Momo?" asked Inu no Taisho suspiciously.

"There is a new lord on the East, it seemed like he was the Lord's only son and he wants to make himself known" she explained "Its on the Merchant town of Aburabe" she said knowing he wanted the exact location "I heard they are quite young" she said interested.

"Oh" said Inu no Taisho, he now understood why she was so interested. Young single Lords. He took a deep breath and looked at the young demonesses accompanying Momo "Where you two invited as well?" he asked, he could recognize one of them as Fuma's daughter.

"Of course" said Momo "The invitation was sent to many of us, there are going to be some festivities" she tried "and some male demons were invited as well, not only girls" she added.

Kagome noticed Momo's interest in going, and she felt a little sorry for her. She knew that Inu no Taisho was overprotective with both of them and she had no doubt that he disliked the idea greatly. "Father" she called and his golden eyes fell on her "I think….it's a good chance for… a distraction" she said and her eyes turned to Momo "She wants to go" she ended with an apologetic smile.

Inu no Taisho's eyes narrowed a little "What about you?" he asked "Are you going too?" he asked with hard eyes. No, he didn't like the idea at all.

"I…" Kagome began, but closed her mouth soon enough…she didn't want to go, but she lied "I think…it might be interesting" she said with a little smile.

Inu no Taisho sighed audibly "I guess…if you two want to" he said with a defeated air around him "You can go" he finished, his eyes looking up to the sky.

Momo ran to Inu no Taisho and hugged him fiercely "Thank you!" she said euphorically.

Inu no Taisho gasped and looked at her silver hair in awe. He then slowly returned the hug back. A smile full of relief was appearing on his lips, a smile he had long forgotten "I am happy" he said softly. "Well now, go prepare yourself" he said feigning a severe, authoritative voice.

Momo's eyes sparkled and she hurried to the castle "Mina, Amaru" she called "Tell your family!" she ordered softly "We are going to Aburabe" she said and then disappeared into the castle.

Kagome giggled and Inu no Taisho looked at her with distrust "What?" she asked with a smile "She looked funny" she said a little annoyed at his distrust "She seems to be doing well" she commented as she looked at the door Momo had disappeared into.

Inu no Taisho looked at Kagome and then at the castle grounds "It would seem so" he said softly "Yet, I feel…she really hasn't changed" he confessed "Her scent is still the same, I would daresay she has had a good day" he finished, feeling sad.

Kagome ran her hands down on Inu no Taisho's ponytail, since he was still carrying her "Lets at least try to give her a chance" she said positively "Things may work out" she said trying to cheer him up a little.

Inu no Taisho put her on the floor and put his right hand on top of her head "Lets" he said and began to walk away "I got something I want to do" he said and smiled "You should prepare yourself" he finished and walked away.

Kagome looked as he walked. She entered the castle and walked up the stairs to her old chamber, one thing was on her mind thought as she walked… What had she done? She disliked such events! A demon gathering? Young demons? This was going to be a mess…

The next morning…

Both female heirs of Inu no Taisho were on the lands of the East, in Aburabe. Kagome was still complaining about not being able to bring Kirara with her, but her complaints were now falling on deaf ears.

"Kagome" said Momo exasperated "Give it up, will ya? Besides, we are already here. Enjoy!" said Momo as she walked around, this was her first visit to this town. She had never heard much about it before, the old lord was very quiet and conservative. Momo began to take in the scents around the area, but soon enough frowned, this was not good. There were far too many scents and she was getting a headache.

"What do you think, Momo?" asked Mina softly. She was the youngest among them, not even in mating age. She had brown straight hair that reached her neck, and her eyes were golden, as Momo's eyes once were. She was one of the few younglings to have golden eyes.

Momo's eyes wandered to a demon that began to approach them, he was an elderly-looking demon. "My my, the Ladies of the Western Lands, are you not?" he asked looking at the undoubtedly lineage of dog demons blood. He then began to search the names of the attendants on a scroll.

"Indeed we are" said Momo with confidence and authority "Where is the event going to be held?" asked Momo with commanding pink eyes.

Kagome looked at the old man with boredom. He seemed to be a minor demon, and he was not threatening, she could see servitude engraved on his soul. She ignored the little chat and expanded her aura around the surroundings. She took a deep breath and let it go. It was a big town, her aura barely reached its perimeter; the worst thing, there were many demons around and she couldn't count them.

"Show the way then" she heard Momo order and the elderly demon bowed his head. He began to walk among the people smoothly, and that made Kagome smile. Soon enough, a castle that resembled the ones humans lived in appeared on sight.

The castle was made of wood, and it had around three different floors. It was magnificent, Kagome thought. After all, she had been around such castles before. Kagome couldn't help but notice that there was huge space used for sparring inside the castle grounds and she raised an eyebrow… so this Lord was very energetic.

"Here we are" said the elderly demon and pointed to the entrance "Make yourself comfortable" he said as a mere costume "Someone will escort you inside" he informed and bowed once again "It was a pleasure to meet you, but I must return back to escort the other heirs" he said and walked away, with a smile on his face.

Momo walked in the castle, Mina and Amaru following silently. They were all looking around, curious and cautious. Kagome followed silently, she couldn't help but grin because of the situation. She found it hilarious. She, a human, was more accustomed to this kind of searching for threats than the girls in front of her.

"Evening" said a voice behind Kagome and she gasped. She turned to the voice and saw a young demon in human appearance. She narrowed her eyes at him, not trusting. Why hadn't she felt him? He had not been there a while ago…

"I know what you are thinking Taisho miko" he said with a soft smile "I was not walking behind you" he informed and his smile widened "I can move at great speed from one place to another…I just arrived" he excused himself.

"Do not concern yourself" said Momo coming closer, passing Mina and Amaru. Momo's eyes traveled his form and she looked at him in surprise. She placed her hand on her heart to ease herself, but her cheeks were already colored pink "I am Taisho Momo" she said bowing her head a little.

The young demon Lord bowed his head as well "A pleasure to meet you too, Lady Momo, I see that rumors about your uniqueness were not exaggerated" he commented and then his brown reddish eyes stared at her pink ones "I am the new lord of Aburame, Lord Onigumo" he said with an alluring voice, walking to Momo and taking her hand, kissing it softly.

Kagome looked wide-eyed as the demon kissed Momo's hand, and looked also as Momo blushed incredibly. A little smile came over Kagome…so this was why Momo wanted to come. She was almost sure Momo had heard of him and had come wanting to find out. Mina and Amaru's faces were also a little red, but out of surprise and awe. They exchanged looks with Kagome and she smiled back to the girls.

The demon stopped kissing Momo's hand and his red eyes fell on her for some seconds before going to Kagome. Kagome's blue ones stared at him, and his eyes made her feel confused. "So you are the great Inu no Taisho's second daughter" he commented as he looked at her "You are still so young" he observed "I am amazed you are here" he said. He couldn't believe Inu no Taisho would just send her here unprotected. "But, I heard you are a very gifted miko" he said and smiled "I guess that explains it, welcome to my castle" he said and extended his hand to her.

Kagome looked at the hand and took it, intending to shake it, but as soon as her skin touched his, she felt a pulse of the Jewel of Four Souls and froze. Onigumo easily pulled her closer to him and kissed the back of her hand. "I am most pleased to meet you, Kagome" he said with a smile, his red eyes boring into her blue ones "I wish you fortune on the tournament" he said and let go of her hand.

Kagome pulled her hand to her chest with haste. Her blue eyes became frightened of him for a moment and she saw him chuckle. He then turned to Momo and offered her his hand. "Shall we?" he asked very gentleman- like and Momo fidgeted a bit before taking his hand. "Many of the guests are already at the Palace grounds" he informed and began to walk down the wooden hallways.

Kagome, Mina and Amaru exchanged a look, but then followed silently. Kagome watched as Onigumo and Momo chatted amiably to each other and she felt so out of place. She was not used to interact with demons, less young demons other than in the battlefield. She wondered if this was how demons treated each other.

Kagome was still very edgy. She had never felt the kind of pulse the Jewel emitted a while ago. What had that feeling been? She sighed a little frustrated, but decided to ignore it at the moment.

Sesshomaru was going up the steps of the tower that led to his room when he suddenly stopped. After a moment of remaining silent, he resumed his walk.

"Momo is not here" said the distinguished voice of Inu no Taisho.

Sesshomaru didn't utter a word. "The miko is not here either" he finally commented. "What has happened?" he asked monotonously.

"There is an event in Aburabe" he explained "The heir of the Lord is making a feast" he said with a smirk. "Did you know about it?" Inu no Taisho asked "Word never reached my ears that the Lord had perished"

Sesshomaru made a soft sound "No" he said simply "And you allowed Momo to go? Knowing about this?" he inquired, his tone was hard and unforgiving. "You sent your daughter, my sister, to danger?" he inquired further. His tone held anger, one of the little things he showed to his father.

"Kagome is with her" he said simply, his golden eyes looking at the stone ceiling "I trust her to keep Momo safe" he said and turned to Sesshomaru with a smile.

Sesshomaru smirked. "Momo is a graceful demoness, she knows how to get out of trouble" he said and began to walk down the staircase. "Though I wonder…will Momo keep Kagome safe?" he asked in a malicious tone as he disappeared down the tower "Who knows…?" was the last taunt Sesshomaru sent to his father before disappearing out of the entrance of the castle.

Inu no Taisho gawked at his son in disbelief. The worst thing was that he was right. Momo had become a frivolous young woman lately. To even think that Momo had almost killed Kagome the last time they had been here, it was a painful situation for him. He loved both his daughters.

He closed his eyes and did a silent prayer, he didn't need to lose more people close to him. The years had punished him severely; he still didn't understand what he did to deserve this.

He walked out of the castle and into the forest, he needed to ask his mate for guidance. After a slow walk, where he meditated about his past, he finally arrived at Sephira's grave. The grave was clean and flowers adorned it. It looked like it had been visited frequently…

Kagome looked as Momo chatted with Onigumo. She seemed…content. She turned her face to the vast open space on the castle grounds. Demons were everywhere. She managed to distinguish some fox demons, cat demons; and even panther demons, those were hard to find. Whispering buzzed everywhere, she imagined most of them heard each other, but since she was human, she couldn't.

"So Kagome" began Amaru as she walked to her "My father, Fuma speaks much about you" she said casually, with a friendly smile "He says your abilities are most amazing" she commented, curious.

Mina walked in and interrupted "Yes" she agreed, but turned to look at Momo, fearing she was hearing them "Aren't you scared to fight?" she asked softly, her wide golden eyes a clear indication of her young age.

Kagome smiled softly "I don't know about that" she said a little ashamed "I guess that fate has bestowed me much luck" she said and smiled a little "If Inu no Taisho hadn't taken me, I would have been dead" she expressed softly "I am most grateful" she finished, her blue eyes looking at them both.

"My father won't let me touch a blade" protested Mina "He says I don't have any need" she said with a scowl, but then grinned "Still…I have some abilities too" she said proudly.

"Huh, my father makes me exercise almost every day" complained Amaru "You don't know how gifted you are" she finished looking at Kagome, who couldn't prevent the giggle that left her mouth as she heard Amaru. She could imagine Fuma making her run around the castle grounds.

Kagome froze once again, as Onigumo suddenly stopped and his red eyes bore into her. He walked to the castle grounds "Well, my guests" he began "Let the teams be settled" he said in a soft, even voice. Demons made excited sounds and Momo was looking at him with a smile.

"Teams?" asked Kagome a little loud.

"Well, yes of course" said Mina and fisted her hand in front of Kagome "There is going to be a little tournament to show our strengths" she said excitedly.

Kagome turned to her, gaping "What?" she asked flustered "I didn't know about this" she complained and regretted even more not taking Kirara with her.

Amaru turned to Kagome "There is not much to concern ourselves with" she began "It is merely for those in mating age" she said with a smile "Others can compete as well, but it's mostly so males and females can admire each other" she said and her brown eyes settled on Kagome "That's why Momo wanted you to accompany her" she said with an apologetically smile "You would be of great help"

Kagome looked at Amaru, clearly offended and betrayed "This is why she did all this?!" she asked, annoyance was obvious in her demeanor. "I don't want to fight" she said firmly.

Momo approached Kagome, her curly silver hair was flowing with the breeze. She was wearing a pink and silver kimono. Her pink eyes settled on Kagome for a moment "You don't have to fight if you don't want to" she said with a serious, but at the same time hurt tone "I will manage" she said and her eyes fell on Amaru "Shall we? We must change into a more proper outfit" she said and Amaru nodded.

Amaru turned to Mina "You too Mina" she said and Mina followed suit.

Kagome looked as Momo, her sister, walked away. She was very proud and she tended to push herself too much sometimes. But she wasn't going to fight. She was not a weapon that would be controlled by her sister's interests. She turned around her and she noticed that the place was almost empty, the demons had all gone to change.

She sighed, she didn't want to be here. She had seen how many demons had looked at her with spite, she was a human. She wasn't appreciated in this place, and she resented that feeling.

"You know" Mina said softly "Momo has liked the young Lord for quite some time now" she told her in a hushed tone, as if she was revealing a secret. "That's why she was planning how to ask our Great Lord for permission" she said and giggled "But I think, after a while ago, she decided that she would win no matter what" said Mina as she began to walk the path Momo and Amaru had taken a while ago. "When they were talking" she kept telling her "I heard him tell her that she was to his liking, and that if she were to win, he will consider mating her" she said and grinned "Can you believe it?" she asked with excitement "The man she loves is interested in her"

As Kagome walked with Mina, she felt worse, her guilt growing more. She had been away from the castle for so long, she hadn't talked to Momo for almost 20 years now. Momo must have been lonely, since Sephira's death 60 years ago. She had shortened her sibling bond with Momo. Momo's beast had awoken and it hated Kagome like nothing else in the world, and Momo wasn't capable of handling it.

Kagome, being so distracted on her thoughts, didn't hear Mina's rambling anymore. Neither noticed a pair of a demon's blue eyes glancing at her with interest.

Mina and Kagome finally arrived to the room where Amaru and Momo were changing her clothes. They were nearing when she heard Momo's voice, determined and passionate as she had never heard her before.

"Amaru…I swear, I will mate…him!"

Kagome froze in front of the shogi door. Her brain feeling like she couldn't handle anything else. She couldn't do this to Momo. She couldn't betray her as she planned to do, this was her happiness.

"We are here" chirped Mina as she opened the door and walked in.

Amaru smiled at Mina "Mina, come on, your clothes" she said pointing to a corner.

"Right away" replied Mina and crossed the room in less than a second and began to change.

Kagome walked silently inside the room. Momo had become quiet, her eyes were on the wall. "Momo" began Kagome's voice only a whisper "I will be with you" she said and looked at the floor. "I want to be your partner"

Mina was looking at Kagome with wide eyes, same did Amaru. Momo, however, didn't turn. "Are you certain of it Kagome?" she asked softly "I can do it, I have trained enough"

"Yes" said Kagome louder, determination in her voice "If this is important to you, then…I will help"

"Very well, Kagome" said Amaru "I hoped you would, I wanted to see your skills" she said and smiled "I took the liberty of bringing your clothes as well" she said and pointed to Mina.

Kagome turned to Mina, she was holding a bag with a smile. Kagome couldn't help but smile as well, then she began to change.

Onigumo walked to the center of the battleground, he was wearing black pants, with a white hakama and a light black armor. His red eyes were full of anticipation. "My guests!" he began "teams are to come to the battleground now" he invited "The tournament will begin soon" he said with a grin.

Little by little, teams began to form and walked closer. The teams were only comprised of pairs. Amaru and Mina smiled at each other and walked to the battleground. Kagome shivered a little and looked at Momo, she didn't like this. "Let's go Kagome" encouraged Momo and then walked forward.

Kagome gasped and followed behind her. Kagome noticed a sly smirk on Onigumo's lips and this only served to get her more nervous. This demon was no fool. She hated the idea of this tournament, she couldn't help but feel that there was something covert, a catch. She walked beside Momo in the battleground. Her eyes began to scan the teams.

Kagome was wearing her usual black uniform, the one from the Exterminators. She also had her white armor and her white silvery cloth around her neck. She raised her eyes to Momo for a moment. She was looking forward, her stance proud and full of dignity. Kagome couldn't help feeling less at her side. Momo was wearing a pink Arabic shirt, tied by a white cloth and white pants. She was wearing her grandmother's pin on her hair.

"What's the meaning of this?" Kagome heard a demon near her complaining "There is a human among us" he pointed and Kagome turned to look at him. He was a demon, she didn't know what kind, and his eyes shot at her with hatred.

"A demon Exterminator?" raged another from the other corner as he took in her clothes, and Kagome felt the Jewel on her chest pulse with erratic emotions, the very same emotions she was currently feeling.

"Easy my guests" Ordered Onigumo "No one is going to shun her away" he said firmly, his red eyes shouted power and pain to those who went against him. "She is one of the Taisho heirs, and she will be respected as such" he clarified.

Kagome felt like shrinking, her blue eyes became cold and ashamed. She now had no doubt that things were going to get messy, and the worst of all, every single demon in the castle was now more than aware of her presence. She guessed that now, the fights she will be in would be harder than before.

"Now that everything is clear" said Onigumo "every single one of you who has teamed with a sibling must change partners" he said with a grin "You cheaters… siblings know each other too much and the lineage alone would decide many battles" he informed "So… team up again"

Kagome felt her heart exploding. She turned to Momo and saw surprise in her pink eyes. Kagome felt hurt on her insides, she hadn't known either. Kagome turned to Mina and Amaru, but her gaze was robbed as she noticed Onigumo walking towards them.

Kagome felt like shouting at him, ordering him to allow an exception, but his next move made her stay silent and biting her tongue.

"Do you want to team with me Momo?" asked Onigumo.

Kagome felt as Momo's aura became erratic and then calmed afterwards, emanating happiness "I would…like it very much" she said shyly, and Onigumo smiled.

Kagome didn't move as they walked away. Her mind was blank, thoughts didn't reach her anymore. As time went on, teams began to reform, but she was alone. No one wanted to team with her. With a human.

Kagome smiled. Well she didn't have to fight anymore. Kagome looked at Mina and Amaru, they seemed to be fidgeting, not wanting to leave one of the Ladies of the clan alone, but be together nonetheless.

"Where are you going?" asked a male voice behind her "You are giving up already?" he asked with disbelief.

Kagome turned around and found herself in front of a young demon. Her blue eyes found equally blue eyes, and black hair, almost the same color as hers. His hair was short, down to his neck and his pointed ears were visible, his short hair didn't do much to hide them. He was taller than her…a lot, she noticed. He was wearing a light armor and brown fur covered the shoulders.

She blinked and closed her surprised mouth when she saw him smile "I want you to team up with me" he said with a grin "I am very strong" he informed proudly "I can take them on by myself" he explained.

Kagome smiled at him, he was a wolf demon. She had always heard that they were dangerous…but she knew better, she had already fought alongside them.

"We will surely win" he added "Because I am Koga, heir of the wolf tribe of the East" he said and winked "A pleasure to meet you"

Kagome chuckled and looked down for a moment "I am Kagome, the Taisho miko" she said and chuckled again at his awed expression.

"Wow" he said "You helped my siblings some years ago" he said more than what he let on. He then began to stretch his muscles "Well then, that settles it, we are a team" he said and grinned "By the way…you have a nice scent".

To be continued…

JeniNeji's Note:

I hope you liked the new chapter! When I re-read this chapter after my beta reader gave it to me…I was like. Yey…I like Inu no Taisho…though he's a little sad right now, but I don't know, I think I like him. Nothing…it was just something I wanted to say…

Oh...and Welcome to Koga!

Till next time!

Review!!