It had been a week since they had left the Aoiro estate and Sango was starting to regret even accepting Kagome's request, Kouga was worse than Inuyasha and that was saying something "Kouga would ya slow down a little please we are only ningen" she snapped for the millionth time.
The wolf youkai went rigid and forced himself to slow down again so that both Miroku and Sango could keep up, he wished Kagome had come along but seeing as she was now the Lady of the Eastern lands she was to busy for pack.
"Are you sure Ayame-san is in this direction" Miroku piped up suddenly drawing Kouga's attention the wolfs eyes locked with his violet before nodding, he seemed to think over something before sighing loudly and pulling to a stop.
"Yeah I can feel her on a minuscule scale ever since I marked her, let's take a break make camp or whatever, eat, rest for a bit, then we'll continue on after lunch" Kouga flopped down on his back tiredly all he wanted was for Ayame to be safe.
'Correction, he's not as bad as Inuyasha' Sango smiled as she and Miroku headed into the forest "Say Miroku want to read that scroll a little bit while lunch is cooking" she waved the little scroll they had gotten from Sesshomaru in her betrothed's face.
His violet eyes twinkled in amusement "Sango my love I do believe that's the best idea I've heard all week" Miroku dipped his head and pressed his lips to her's, when her eyes fluttered close, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled Sango into his body.
"Mm Miroku" Sango sighed blissfully as they separated, her cheeks stained a delicious red, her eye twitched "Damn hentai" she huffed hand striking out leaving a red print across her betrothed's cheek, Miroku held up his hand as if he'd never seen it.
"Sorry Sango my love it's this cursed hand of mine" Miroku chuckled rubbing his cheek fondly though it stung like hell, moment over they continued looking for something to eat and found three rabbit's, one for each of them and finally they headed back to camp.
Kouga looked up when the two ningen came back and jumped to his feet "Are you two alright" he questioned in concern, Sango looked as if she had been attacked and Miroku had a hand print on his cheek, then he scented the air and looked away in embarrassment "Never mind you don't have to answer that question" he murmured flopping down on his side this time.
Sango creased her forehead before she realized, her cheeks turned red this time in embarrassment as she and Miroku sat down to prepare lunch 'Well that's embarrassing' she thought as they skinned, gutted and removed all the bones from the rabbits and set them up over the fire to cook.
Miroku pressed his lips together, Sango was distracted and it was probably about what Kouga had said, so he bent and whispered in her ear "My dear are we going to read the scroll" Sango gave a squeak in surprise and her hand flew up to rub her ear.
"Miroku that was not funny" Sango pouted as her betrothed chuckled, though a smile was displayed across her lips as she pulled the scroll out of her pouch and she scooted into the monks side so that they could both read the scroll together comfortably without straining themselves.
His violet eyes took in the information "It says here that the more we behave like youkai the easier it will become for the ritual to take place, I'd say we are doing good on that front" Miroku glanced at Sango and she nodded a little giggle floating through the air a moment later.
"Yeah, so what else does it say Miroku" Sango stretched her neck a little to see further down the scroll, for such a tiny thing it sure had a lot of information on it, Miroku wrapped his arm around her letting her get a little closer and her brown eyes immediately read something interesting.
Miroku saw the same thing and they shared a look "That's pretty interesting, getting to actually do that kind of dance in front of a whole bunch of people, and Lord Sesshomaru would be in the thick of it all" he grinned as his excitement rose.
Sango leaned her head on her houshi's shoulder "Oh it all sounds so wonderful, and I found something for our wedding ceremony, it's a youkai one for kitsune's, basically a whole bunch of fox youkai or whoever we choose will form a procession line and I'll be lead to you" Sango giggled again.
"Sounds perfect my love" Miroku pressed a kiss to the top of her head before his mouth watered "Looks like lunch is done" he announced, Kouga sat up and snatched a stick and started wolfing down the rabbit, he was starving for some reason.
Both Sango and Miroku eyed Kouga before grabbing their own sticks from the fire and started eating their lunch, soon they were finished and then they were once again on their feet and walking in the direction Kouga claimed Ayame was being held.
In the Aoiro estate everyone was getting ready to admit the Lords of the North and South into the estate and it was overall chaos, Kagome was running up and down the halls, dealing with problems ranging from petty fights between female servants, or a blow up between a few guards.
Not only that but she was helping Bankotsu and Jakotsu get use to life in the estate as well, such as now seeing as she had a little time "Okay you two" Kagome sighed softly as she stopped in front of them, they had been hanging out mostly in their rooms.
Bankotsu blinked his blue eyes "So when did you become a youkai" he questioned casually as they walked down the halls to the training field, before hand Kagome had ordered Higashigawa to gather everyone on training field three, as it was much larger than one or two.
"Three months ago, it was when I was claiming Shippou as my son, the fates decided to turn me into a kitsune youkai and the rest is history" Kagome waved her hand as she spoke, servants were scurrying around them all in a rush to finish preparations and clean out some of the unused rooms in the west wing.
The former leader of the band of seven frowned "But why, are those fates stupid or something" Bankotsu raised an ebony brow at Kagome, he didn't trust her quite yet but at least they had somewhere to stay and something to do for now.
A snort followed his question "Are those fates stupid or something, that sounds like something Sesshomaru would say, but lately I've felt the same way, it's all for them and I don't really know why" Kagome shook her head as a servant pulled open the door for them.
Jakotsu and Bankotsu were in awe "Wow you have three training grounds, I thought you were kidding" Jakotsu couldn't help but gasp, Kagome tossed him a knowing smirk as she led the duo across the fields where the guard was gathered.
Higashigawa was there waiting for her and Shippou was stood at his side a pout on his lips "Kaa-san our lesson was interrupted' he sniffled, Kagome scooped him into her arms and nosed him until he was squealing in laughter again.
"What have you gathered us here for today Lady Kagome, I thought the evaluation wasn't until next week" the guard that had defended Kagome that one time strode forward, his head tilted to the side in curiosity but then he eyed the two ningen.
Bankotsu and Jakotsu came forward and stood on either side of Kagome when she waved her hand at them to do so "Not many of you know them, but these two are very powerful warriors, as of today they will be helping Higashigawa-san train you properly to raise you're strength" Kagome started.
Blue and Brown eyes widened, they definitely hadn't expected a compliment of such a high degree to come from their former enemy, the only problem they had with Kagome's last statement "Oi wench we don't have any weapons" Bankotsu said carelessly.
Kagome quickly turned on him and placed herself in front of him "Don't mind Bankotsu-san, it was just a slip of the tongue, he's not use to living in such a place of high standing yet" she waved at the guard and Higashigawa dismissively.
Jakotsu yanked his best friend back a little ways "Bankotsu, I would watch how we talk lest we get killed" he warned the ebony haired man, blue eyes met his brown and Bankotsu nodded in understanding, he definitely didn't want to die because he had said something he wasn't supposed to.
"And as for you're weapons" Kagome smiled charmingly to get everyone's attention off of what just happened, it distracted them and soon she was hard at work, it had been awhile since she had used her reiki so she had to close her eyes a bit.
Jakotsu watched closely as Kagome's hand lit up with a pink hue, it extended almost as if she was making something, slowly ever so slowly a handle started forming, then the shiny part of a blade and it continued on until Kagome was finished.
"For Bankotsu, a halberd, it isn't banryuu but I figured you would appreciate something familiar" Kagome handed the massive blade over to Bankotsu and he took it with one hand shocking many of the youkai gathered, he tossed them a semi cocky smirk.
Seeing this Kagome rolled her eyes but didn't say anything it was better if the guard saw first hand what she was talking about and if Bankotsu or Jakotsu wanted to show off a little bit then that was just fine it would let her guard know these two weren't people you messed with.
"And for Jakotsu" Kagome bit her lip concentrating once again until a blade that mimicked something the second man had once wielded, "It's as close as it's going to get" she handed the snake like sword over to Jakotsu and moved back a ways "And try not to kill them" Kagome warned hands on her hips.
Going white at the threat both former members of the band of seven nodded in understanding, no way in hell where they going to risk the kitsune's wrath if they accidentally killed someone she liked "Gotcha" Bankotsu winked but he was once again ignored.
'Seriously what's a guy got to do to get a little attention around here' he sulked inwardly, Jakotsu chuckled inwardly and patted Bankotsu on the back before they both focused their attention on the guard and started ordering them about.
Half way through the new training regimen, Natsumeru came barreling out the doors and spotting Kagome she tore across the fields to reach her lady's side "Come quick Lady Kagome, Inuyasha is causing a ruckus in the main hall" she practically screamed.
This distracted Bankotsu and Jakotsu, Kagome tossed them a look before nodding, that cut the lesson short but the guard understood very well why it wasn't a good idea to mess with them, they took off after Kagome until they entered the main hall.
Inuyasha froze when he saw them, but before he could do anything "SIT BOY" Kagome shrilled and he slammed face first into the marble flooring, thankfully it didn't crack or break, otherwise when the Lords of the North and South showed up her main hall would be less than perfect.
"Kagome What the Fuck was that for, why did you stop me from killing them" Inuyasha whined once he was able to stand again, he tried to go after the two men again but Kagome stood in his way blocking them partially from view.
"I stopped you because Bankotsu and Jakotsu are under my protection, if you attempt to harm them you will be executed for treason" Kagome snarled hair standing on end to the surprise of the two men standing behind her.
Gazing warily at the girl he had once called a friend, Inuyasha realized what a mistake it had been to come here, if he tried anything Kagome would have his head on a pike and the entire eastern land would help her, alongside the western lands as well.
"Just give me Hinoko and my pup and I'll be on my way" Inuyasha demanded, Kagome crossed her arms brown eyes hardened, he gulped but he refused to cower before the kitsune, just then a decidedly dangerous looking smile spread across her lips and alarm bells were ringing loud and clear in his head.
"Hey Jakotsu, it's you're darling Inuyasha, want to play with him a little bit" Kagome snickered gesturing to the male to go ahead, Jakotsu squealed and ran forward, Inuyasha promptly disappeared, Jakotsu pouted and Kagome dropped on the floor laughing like crazy.
Bankotsu pressed his lips together, Kagome's laughter was infectious and Jakotsu couldn't help but join in "I guess that was pretty funny huh" he asked wiping away his tears of mirth "So now what do you want us to do since our lesson was cut short" Jakotsu asked walking towards Kagome again.
"Oh yeah that was hilarious, damn Inuyasha I swear can't leave well enough alone" Kagome sighed her fun over "And go ahead and explore if you'd like, I have some things to do before tonight" she suggested but it looked like neither of the two men wanted to leave her side.
"Okay then but I'm going to be running around like a chicken with my head cut off, if you get lost don't blame me" Kagome warned and headed through the doors of the main hall, she had to check on Zengo and make sure all the food had been prepared for tonight when the Lords and their sons would arrive.
Bankotsu and Jakotsu shared a look "Hey Ja maybe this isn't going to be so bad, I mean we actually can teach youkai something, how cool is that" he whispered to his best friend and got a smile, Jakotsu nodded as they followed after Kagome as she rushed down the halls to the kitchen.
"Yeah at least we are actually getting paid to..." Jakotsu trailed off as he saw a male that was absolutely gorgeous in his eyes, Kagome spotted the look and gestured for Zengo to come over to them seeing as the bird youkai wasn't all that busy.
Though he was standing by her side, Zengo only had eyes for the man, Kagome coughed lightly "Zengo-san, I'd like to formally introduce you to Jakotsu, he and Bankotsu are here to train the guard and get them up to par, he's a very powerful warrior" Kagome reiterated for effect.
Red clashed with brown before Zengo realized where he was "Sorry Lady Kagome, I assume you've come to make sure preparations for dinner have been made" the bird youkai questioned as he turned on his heel and led Kagome over to the many dishes that had been prepared.
Kagome tasted a little of each one, from a sample plate of course and nodded "Perfection, see you later Zengo-san" she waved heading from the kitchens, the minute they were out the door, Jakotsu promptly attached himself to her hip.
"Tell me all about him, what's he like, does he have a special someone" Jakotsu babbled, Kagome giggled, and his cheeks turned red, Bankotsu laughed outright and this caused the man to sulk slightly not finding the situation funny in the least.
"Oh relax Jakotsu-san I actually kind of expected that somewhat, as for you're information, Zengo-san is very flamboyant, and I definitely think he's interested in you, forget all about Inuyasha, that youkai is perfect for you" Kagome bumped her hip against Jakotsu's before skipping forward.
Bankotsu blinked as Kagome started chattering a mile a minute with a spider youkai, then he realized neither of them knew what had happened to Naraku, "Thanks Akushu-san" Kagome waved speeding in the opposite direction and he and Jakotsu tore off after her.
The next person, er youkai they met with was a little imp "Koware-chan, how is everything going on you're end, have the maids finished clearing out the west wing" Kagome bent to speak with the kappa, Koware's large bulbous blue eyes lit up in happiness.
"Not yet Milady, I've given them a twenty minute break so they can refresh themselves, is that alright" Koware fidgeted with her aquamarine dress, Kagome nodded and patted her on the head before she and two men that she had briefly seen during the last few days sped past her.
Jakotsu frowned "So what's going on, it sounds like something big is going to happen tonight" he asked pacing even with the kitsune, Kagome glanced at him briefly before looking ahead, a moment later she answered his question.
"It's only been three months since I took over the Eastern lands as the new Lady, but in order to be properly recognized by all the lands as the true leader, I have to have a coronation, that means all the lords from the other lands, Sesshomaru, Lord Yaro and his son Yatsu, and Lord Nagemasu and his son Kyasuto will be here to oversee the coronation" Kagome chattered on endlessly.
Bankotsu whistled "Sounds like a lot of work, no wonder you're constantly running around" he commented and Kagome gave him a tired smile, she skidded to a halt a moment later "Ah Sesshomaru, if you'd like we can start making preparations after lunch for the treaty" Kagome chatted.
His golden eyes briefly glanced in Bankotsu's and Jakotsu's direction before they locked with Kagome's chocolate brown "That is fine Kagome, so long as you aren't to busy" Sesshomaru nodded his head in acquiesce before continuing on his way.
Making a mental tally, Kagome sighed in relief "As for you're earlier comment, yeah it's a lot of work, but it's great, for once I'm actually doing something not just for myself but for the whole of the Eastern Region" Kagome clapped her hands together in excitement.
Chuckles filled the air before Bankotsu became serious "What happened to Naraku, is that damn bastard still alive" he asked, Kagome froze not having expected such a question, before she sighed and turned to face him.
"He is dead, we defeated him several years ago, and if who I think brought you back to life, ever tries to pull the same shit with him, I'm gonna slaughter him" Kagome bared her teeth towards the ceiling indicating that her threat was to the fates and not to them.
Jakotsu flinched "So what now" he asked as they walked along at a much slower pace now, he said it to distract Kagome from whatever current anger she was currently feeling, though he didn't think it was directed at either he or Bankotsu.
"Well I have lessons for the rest of the day with my little Shippou, I still don't know everything there is about my kitsune heritage, so every so often when I can I join him and learn alongside Shippou" Kagome jabbered and both men realized they couldn't follow Kagome this time.
"See ya around then" Bankotsu grabbed Jakotsu and they both hightailed it back to their rooms, the ones Kagome had given them on their first day and where they'd mostly stayed for the past four days until the kitsune female had literally drug them out to begin their new work.
A few hours passed and soon it was lunch, after lunch, Kagome and Sesshomaru sat down going over paperwork after paperwork, setting up conditions and such until the treaty was ready to be signed "This one thinks we should wait until tomorrow when the others are here" Sesshomaru spoke up.
"Yeah" Kagome nodded distractedly before she focused, "Say Sesshomaru, it's past the time limit the fates gave me to conquer the eastern lands and make them trust me, when are they going to give me a new task, I feel as if I'm ready to revive Lord Inutaisho" she questioned.
His head shot up from where he had been leaning over the table, "This one knows not, and Kagome when you meet my father, call him Touga, he hates to be called by his title" Sesshomaru supplied and Kagome blinked at him in surprise.
"Also don't look away if he growls at you, it's a sign of submission and as you are a strong alpha female you won't need to do such a thing, father likes it when his woman isn't a simpering bitch" Sesshomaru grimaced as he said the words.
A bark of laughter escaped from Kagome "Oh Sesshomaru, that, that, was oh my god the funniest thing I've heard in my entire life" she snorted banging her hand on the table lightly as she laughed much like she had earlier when Inuyasha had run away from Jakotsu.
Smiling in amusement, Sesshomaru waited until her laughing fit died down before continuing, he was glad though that Kagome had missed his other words, she was going to get a shock when his father was alive and well again and chasing after her, that would be a sight to see.
"Another thing, he is very possessive over his loved ones" Sesshomaru tossed out a little more information to see how the kitsune female would react, nothing, she didn't really understand what he was hinting at, had Inuyasha truly hurt the girl that much for her not to realize what was bound to happen.
A wistful smile came to her lips, how she would love to have someone become possessive over her, Kagome shook her head "Is there anything else Sesshomaru that I should know about Lord Touga so that I don't accidentally insult him" she asked lightly.
Sesshomaru frowned inwardly "That's all, if you feel like you need a little more information just ask this one will be glad to tell you everything he can about his father" he nodded in respect before rising from the chair as they headed to the main hall.
"Oi you two, Lady Kagome said you needed to be in the main hall for the meeting of the Lords and their sons" Mitsumeru knocked on their door and it slid open as both Bankotsu and Jakotsu followed her and took their places next to Higashigawa.
Kagome was sat neatly upon the pedestal knee's folded underneath her as she rested on her pillow, she looked utterly exhausted, 'No wonder Sesshomaru stays away from his estate more often than not' Jakotsu though as the doors opened admitting eight youkai, the lords, their sons, and their two escorts.
"Greetings Lord Yaro of the North, and his son Yatsu, and greetings Lord Nagemasu of the South and his son Kyasuto, I, Lady Kagome welcome you into the House of Hearts, the Aoiro Estate" Kagome pressed her forehead to the floor just as she had practiced.
Goosebumps broke out across his flesh despite being mostly inexperienced, Kagome sure knew how to wing something and judging by the Lords of the North and South's expressions, she had done a pretty damn good job on greeting them.
The meeting continued with Kagome introducing her pack and any others she claimed under her protection and in return they did the same until it was dinner, Natsumeru and Mitsumeru at her side as she walked down the pedestal.
"Dinner is ready, I hope it will be to you're tastes" Kagome smiled kindly at the Lord of the North as they all congregated to the dining hall "Zengo-san has gone to great lengths to make sure it was a very special dinner" she told both Lords and their sons.
Yatsu took one look at Kagome was practically in love "Father" he nudged his father in the side politely "I want her as my wife, make it happen" Yatsu suddenly demanded, Yaro nodded his head as they were both seated and food was brought out by servants.
"Very well Yatsu, she will be yours now be patient" Yaro scolded his son before digging into his meal, his blue eyes widened before he turned to Kagome "Lady Kagome, who did you say you're cook was, I do believe this is the best meal I've eaten in my entire life" he complimented.
Zengo who had been waiting in the shadows came forward when Kagome beckoned him with her hand "How do you do Lord Yaro, it's a pleasure to meet the Lord of the North" he bowed his head and Kagome flashed him a pleased smile.
"A bird youkai huh, never thought they would be good cooks, you're name was Zengo right" Yaro paused and got a nod in returned "How would you like to come work for me, I'll pay you double what she's paying you" he offered suddenly.
Tension filled the air as Zengo looked between the two, he didn't want to be rude but he also didn't want to accept that offer, "I'm sorry Lord Yaro, but I'm going to have to decline" he apologized nervously, Kagome's expression lightened and she clapped her hands.
"Ah to bad then" Yaro nodded his head politely, he hadn't honestly expected the bird to accept anyway, what he hadn't expected however was the anger to spark in the Lady of the East's brown eyes, that had sent his alarm bells ringing loudly, it seemed Kagome was very possessive over the bird youkai.
Everyone returned to eating as the tension dissipated, a moment later it started up again as the Lord of the South spoke up "Kagome, I, Nagemasu propose a marriage between my son and you" Nagemasu started and Kagome nearly dropped her fork in surprise.
"A what" Kagome spluttered in confusion before her brown eyes sought out those familiar golden ones, Sesshomaru looked as if he was in a great amount of discomfort "I'm sorry but I am not looking for a suitor at this time" she got out and he relaxed considerably.
Nagemasu growled inwardly, he had to make Kagome understand "My Lady it would be a great idea for you to accept, that way you may bear the Eastern Lands an heir" he prodded, missing the Lord of the Western Lands scoff.
"The Eastern Lands already has it's heir, My Shippou-kun, so as I've already stated, I'm not looking, nor am I interested in any suitor at this moment in time, perhaps when I've grown more into my role then I will be ready for now, I'd rather focus on getting the Eastern Lands in order" Kagome said.
Jumping to her aid to win back a little favor, Yaro spoke up "That's a wonderful idea Lady Kagome, that way when it's time to find a suitor you'd be better prepared for the rearing of the pup and what not" he spewed and got a glare from Lord Nagemasu.
Kagome glanced between the two lords as they waged a mini staring contest, all she wanted to do at this moment was bury her head in her arms and sigh, but she reigned in the urge as everyone finished off their dinner and she gave Zengo the go ahead to bring in the dessert.
Bankotsu was to focused on the conversation happening at the end of the table to realize a delicious looking dessert had been placed in front of him, he realized why Kagome had been ignoring his attempts at flirting, it wasn't that she was doing it on purpose, she just didn't know he was interested.
"That stupid hanyou has much to answer for" he sighed and Jakotsu caught on to what his best friend was thinking, they weren't the only ones, Sesshomaru was just as pissed, now he couldn't wait to see the whelp get what he deserved by a massive ass whooping from their great and terrible father.
Soon enough dinner had finished and Kagome quickly escaped from the dining hall after bidding everyone, the Lords and their son's included goodnight, Sesshomaru raced after her "Kagome" he caught up with her just before she disappeared into her personal rooms.
"Yes Sesshomaru" her brown eyes were flying left to right rapidly as if she feared one of the Lords or their sons were going to try and coerce her into a marriage with one of them, Kagome relaxed when she found herself nose to chest with Sesshomaru and she realized he was hugging her.
"So long as you keep saying no, then they won't force something like an arranged marriage on you" Sesshomaru murmured, he hated to see Kagome upset over something, he released her a moment later and she bid him goodnight for the second time "Good night" Sesshomaru nodded heading to his room.
Across the lands with Sango, Miroku and Kouga, they had finally arrived where Kouga said Ayame was being kept captive, even though they were ningen, they could tell the wolf was telling the truth as they could feel Ayame within the small home.
It was nighttime and they weren't to sure but they could sense an evil in the air, almost like Naraku but not quite, it was someone different, "I think we should go back and tell Kagome what's going on" Sango spoke up in a whisper.
Kouga growled "We don't have time, they are hurting Ayame, we have to save her now" he slammed his fist into his open palm and the two ningen flinched at the sound of flesh hitting flesh, Kouga sighed "Sorry, it's just literally killing me" he winced as he felt another jolt of pain from Ayame.
Miroku bit his cheek, this was an extremely sticky situation, "Let's come up with a plan first, I think we should send Kirara back to the Aoiro estate with a message to Kagome" he suggested and both Sango and Kouga nodded in understanding, he pulled out an ofuda and started writing.
Once the letter was tucked into her collar, Kirara took to the skies and flew back to the estate as fast as she could, once she was gone, Kouga, Miroku and Sango formed a circle and came up with the best plan they could think of.
Finally after two hours, they hashed out enough details and found a spot to rest hidden behind the treeline, it wasn't a good idea to sleep out in the open, not with that malicious aura hanging about in the air, they never knew when it might decide to attack.
The next morning, Kouga sat up, both Miroku and Sango already had breakfast cooked and ready "I can only hope that Lady Kagome gets that letter soon, otherwise we are screwed" Kouga piped up the first one to speak that morning.
"Yeah, this is not going to be good, I have a really bad feeling about all of this" Sango shivered and rubbed her arms, Miroku wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side, now was not the time for his normal antics of playing the perverted monk.
After the three of them had finished breakfast they stood and packed up camp, they were going to get in and out as quickly as they could "Everyone knows the plan right" Miroku gulped softly as they approached the dilapidated building, they hadn't been able to tell last night but now they could see it clearly.
Both Sango and Kouga nodded as Sango raised her boomerang and sent it sailing into the door, it busted down and they each tensed, nothing happened so the three of them rushed in and down several flights of stairs until they reached a basement.
Within was a snake youkai, with yellow eyes, and yellow scales, Ayame was tied to a chair, cuts on her cheeks and bleeding from several long scratches down her arms, legs and torso, her nose was bloody and one of her eyes were swollen shut.
The snake turned to them "Hmm, I thought the female would come, you are not the alpha" he mused to himself "No matter, I am Akuto" his scaly lips twitched upwards in amusement as the two ningen's flinched at his hissing voice.
"And I want Kagome Higurashi's head on a silver platter, that bitch killed my underlings" Akuto hissed and all three that were stood before him tensed anger filling the ningen's "Now who can I persuade to join me" he hissed.
Miroku jumped forward "You won't get away with this" he distracted as Sango and Kouga jumped forward and untied Ayame getting her out of harms way, Miroku didn't realize it but Akuto knew what he was doing and was letting them get away on purpose.
"And all three of us are loyal to Kagome-chan, you won't persuade any of us to join you're disgusting ranks" Sango spewed helping Kouga support Ayame, the female wolf sagged between them unable to even muster up enough energy to walk properly, after two weeks of torture she was tired.
Akuto merely smiled setting Kouga on edge, the quartet fled from his base and he just let them go "Don't Ishi we'll get them at another time" he stopped his subordinate from rushing after them, the female earth dragon walked forward to stand at his side.
Brown eyes filled with reluctance to even be there, her brown scales a myriad of colors ranging from dark brown, to the lightest of brown there was "Yes Master" she rasped bowing her head low and disappearing from sight to sulk some more in her quarters.
Rushing away as quickly as they could, the quartet sighed in relief not realizing that the snake had let them go, he could have captured them but Akuto hadn't, half way into the tree's, Kirara and Kegawa met them, Kagome must have gotten their letter.
"Kouga, you and Ayame rid on Kirara, we'll fly on Kegawa-chan" Miroku ordered and the two wolves climbed onto the nekomata's back and they both took to the skies, crossing the lands in just a few hours time, when they touched down, someone none of them expected to see appeared.
Bankotsu and Jakotsu was stood before them, decked out in the color blue, Kouga wanted to tear into them but Sango and Miroku just accepted it, they could tell that Kagome had laid a claim over the two former enemy "Where is Lady Kagome" Sango jumped off Kegawa's back.
The younger of the two snorted "Entertaining the Lords of the North and South and their two idiotic sons" Bankotsu rolled his eyes "Kagome sent us to make sure the she wolf was taken to the medical ward, and when she was able, she'd tend to her, herself" he relayed the message.
"Does that mean you were the one who sent Kegawa to us" Miroku questioned and Bankotsu nodded, Kagome had told him to do whatever was necessary and seeing as their was only enough room for two, three people at the most on the back of a nekomata, he had sent Kagome's to help out.
"Yea, now come along you four" Jakotsu nodded and turned on his heel as he and Bankotsu led the quartet into the estate and down the halls to the newly constructed medical ward, Kagome had been hard at work since they had left.
Hours later, Kagome sped down the halls and Kouga looked up "Lady Kagome" he nodded his head tiredly, he was exhausted, her brown eyes honed in on the female wolf before Kagome jumped forward reiki focused in her hand and she went about healing Ayame to the best of her abilities.
"Give it another day or so and she'll be fine" Kagome patted Kouga on the back, now that the wolf had calmed down massively, he wasn't as bad "You need me to preside over you're marriage ceremony" she surprised Kouga suddenly.
Kouga smiled sheepishly "Yeah, as the alpha it's you're responsibility to make sure" he sighed being in close proximity of his alpha pushed him over the edge and soon he was fast asleep, Kagome grinned and backed out of the healing ward.
"Make sure no one disturbs them" Kagome ordered one of the servants and the female youkai nodded, now that, that was done, she headed back to the meeting hall where the lords and their sons were gathered, seeing as Shippou was her heir, he was there as well.
Sesshomaru flashed a look in Kagome's direction and she nodded her head "We can continue where we left off, right the treaty" he spoke resuming their earlier conversation, he and Kagome had just been apprising the other lords of the treaty between the east and west.
"So what does that mean, that you two are betrothed" Nagemasu raised brown brow, he was pissed if that was the case, all that b.s. about Kagome not being ready and here she was already shacked up with the Lord of the West.
Kagome's eye twitched and she reigned in the urge to snap "No, Sesshomaru and I consider ourselves more like family, he is the brother of my heart and likewise" she explained and got a wide eyed look from the bird youkai.
Thoroughly chastised, Nagemasu lowered his head in apology "As you were saying, Lord Yaro and I would be honored to preside over the treaty ceremony, when were you thinking of holding it" he pushed onward despite the awkwardness in the air.
"Six days from now, two weeks before the coronation ceremony" Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome and she nodded, he gave an inaudible sigh of relief, at least she accepted the time frame in which he had suggested, both Yaro and Nagemasu nodded in understanding.
"That is fine, is this meeting finished now, I find myself wanting to explore the grounds if that is alright My Lady" Nagemasu stood when Kagome gave him a small smile, she stretched and Yatsu's gaze was drawn to her chest.
Feeling eyes on her, Kagome looked to the right and followed Yatsu's gaze to her ahem assets, she blushed a bright red and sped out of the room "You have this Kagome's permission to explore the grounds" tossed over her shoulder.
Sesshomaru sighed and ran a hand through his moonlight silver locks, Kagome was full of energy as usual, he stepped outside the room and was greeted by the slayer and monk "We've read the scroll thoroughly and we wondered if you might let us practice" Miroku smiled politely.
"That is fine monk, did Kagome perchance rush through here" Sesshomaru questioned, Miroku's smile grew and a few chuckles filtered into the air from the monk "I do believe she is running from a potential suitor" he gestured to Yatsu silently.
Sango slapped a hand over her mouth as giggles threatened to burst from between her lips "Surely the fates have someone better in mind for Kagome-chan right" she asked and Sesshomaru nodded, "Good, I don't think he's the right person, er youkai for our Kagome" Sango grinned.
With that the trio headed down the hall to the south wing, the only section that was currently unused at the moment to practice the choreography of the ritual that would bind Miroku and Sango to one another with youkai means.