Six days later, Hakkaku and Ginta, Kouga's underlings appeared in the estate on the day of the treaty ceremony, everyone was rushing around getting ready for a momentous event so like it had been for the last month and a half, the Aoiro estate was in utter chaos.
"Ugh" Kagome groaned that morning, she was wearing down again, thankfully though all of her pack was there to help pick up the slack, and with their aura's constantly brushing against her's, Kagome was able to do all that was necessary.
It also happened to be the morning of the guard evaluation to see how much further they had gotten under Bankotsu's and Jakotsu's harsh teaching, "You look like crap Kagome" Bankotsu remarked, the youkai were now use to this and just rolled their eyes, Kagome didn't care either way anyway.
"Thanks, I'll consider it a compliment" Kagome quipped in an upbeat voice Jakotsu sniggered and then got whacked over the back of the head by Higashigawa, he and Bankotsu may be teaching, but the kitsune male was still head of the guard which meant he was allowed to punish the two men.
Jakotsu pouted "Meanie" he stuck his tongue out at the kitsune and Bankotsu took his turn to snigger, only he managed to do it more quietly thus avoiding getting whacked, Kagome rolled her eyes at their antics before facing her now enlarged guard.
"Everyone pair up, I'll be walking around watching you closely" Kagome warned, she hoped to kami they had improved or she was going to be getting an entirely new guard, it was such a pain to find warriors and then teach them how to fight properly.
Higashigawa stood at her heels as Kagome walked around slowly chocolate brown eyes taking in things he didn't notice, Bankotsu and Jakotsu followed along behind them at a slower pace, both of them were smirking, the guard had gotten stronger thanks to them.
All of a sudden Kagome came to a stop and Higashigawa slammed into her, knocking the female right off her feet "Sorry Lady Kagome" he mumbled helping the kitsune to her feet again, Kagome didn't even pay attention, instead her eyes were focused on two of the newest members of the guard.
"Ah that's Ramei and Kozui, they are two of the newest, they came from the mountain to the east of us, they are elemental youkai, and excellent strategists" Higashigawa supplied, Kagome whipped around a twinkle in her chocolate brown eyes.
Bankotsu and Jakotsu jumped out of her way as she back tracked a little ways, the kitsune male watched her and realized what she was doing, a blast of reiki shot towards the two elemental youkai and the male and female jumped apart.
Panic in their eyes, Ramei sent a look to Higashigawa and he shook his head, relaxing slightly he ducked low as another blast shot towards him, his yellow eyes followed it's movements and dodged accordingly by raising his sword and knocking the ball of reiki out of the way.
Kagome grinned as she sent harmless attacks to the two elemental youkai, a plot forming in her mind, they were just as excellent as Higashigawa had told, they were calculating her moves and it was amazing to witness.
Kozui lowered her sword and stood next to Ramei as their Lady walked towards them "You two" Kagome barked and they straightened their spines "Are good, keep up the good work" she praised them before moving off the field so that everyone could continue their spars.
"Higashigawa, keep me apprised, I want to know if they do anything extraordinary, I have the perfect position for them in the future" Kagome winked at the male kitsune before watching the spars some more and finally deciding they had improved massively.
Higashigawa nodded and dismissed everyone "I understand My Lady" he called to her as she started heading in to start preparing for the treaty ceremony, everyone was going to be there, her pack, the wolves, the Lords, it was a crazy day.
Bankotsu and Jakotsu followed Kagome "So how were they, good enough to earn a raise" he joked, truthfully the kitsune female paid he and Jakotsu way to much, Kagome tossed him a weird look before realizing he had been kidding.
"They are doing wonderful keep up the good work Bankotsu-san, Jakotsu-san, oh which reminds me, Zengo was looking for you earlier" Kagome giggled innocently before skipping off to dress in the new kimono that had been designed just for this day.
Jakotsu blinked his brown eyes before a sappy smile spread across his lips "Ja I swear" Bankotsu shook his head as the male bounded off to look for his lover, he and Zengo had gotten together three days before after they figured out they both had interest in each other.
Nagemasu was horribly upset, nothing had been going his way since he had got there, first Kagome refused to accept his offer of a marriage between his son, and what was worse she was signing a treaty with the Lord of the West.
Kagome was completely different than what he expected, she knew what she wanted and when she wanted it, there was no if's, and or buts about it, it was completely ridiculous, it was like she was anticipating all of their moves and was making the right decisions to avoid falling into their laps.
The reason they had come here was to see if they could control her, like they had with the lord before Yaramaru had taken over, the moth youkai hadn't lived long enough for them to meet with him so the only logical choice had been to come and meet with the new lady over the eastern region.
No matter what Kagome was going to be under their control even if they had to threaten the kitsune female, decision in mind Nagemasu plotted and plotted until a wicked plot took root in his mind, it was so terrible it was great.
He quickly settled his face into a more pleasant expression as Kagome raced passed him on her way to the main hall where the treaty was taking place, an extra pillow had been placed next to Kagome's for Sesshomaru, the dai inuyoukai was already seated.
Sesshomaru blinked his golden eyes in surprise "You look lovely Kagome sister of my heart" he added, the kimono was gorgeous, it was a dark blue with aquamarine hearts as it's design, he was wearing a golden yukata that had the moon on it's back for the treaty ceremony.
"Thank you Lor..Sesshomaru, brother of my heart" Kagome blushed in happiness, she wasn't embarrassed at all, she folded her knee's underneath her body and placed her hands neatly in her lap, her head was raised high and she looked like a doll sitting on the pillow.
Everyone filed into the main hall, Shippou was perched in Hakari's arms "Kaa-san looks beautiful don't you think Hakari-san" the little kit questioned the dragon, aquamarine met his green before Hakari nodded in acquiesce.
"Yes, Lady Kagome looks gorgeous" Hakari sighed softly, as the two Lords of the North and South approached the pedestal in which Kagome and Sesshomaru were seated on, he wondered silently why Kagome had removed the throne that should have been there but figured it was a question that could be answered later.
"Today we are gathered here today in the Aoiro Estate, The House of Hearts, to witness the signing of a treaty between the Eastern and Western lands" Yaro came forward and started with his pre-prepared speech before he gestured to Nagemasu to continue.
"It is a momentous occasion to witness such an act, as it is the first of it's kind, never before have the Eastern and Western lands gotten along, I, Nagemasu of the South, give my personal blessing of this treaty and hope the lands blossom" Nagemasu continued.
"And I, Yaro of the North also give my personal blessing to Lady Kagome of the East and Lord Sesshomaru of the West for their treaty, may the signing commence" Yaro gestured for the two youkai to pick up their ink brushes.
Kagome took a deep breath, everyone was watching her and neatly wrote her name on the scroll, she could feel history practically rewriting itself as she did this, "I, Kagome, Lady of the East accept this treaty, may our lands prosper" she dipped her head in acknowledgment to the inuyoukai daiyoukai.
Sesshomaru found it difficult to speak, as he signed his name but he got the words he needed to say out, never before had this happened to him, then words from his father long, long ago came into his mind 'Do you have something you protect' they rang through his thoughts.
'Yes Father I do' Sesshomaru smiled fondly "And I, Sesshomaru, Lord of the West, accept this treaty, may it last for all eternity and our lands grow, know this everyone, This Sesshomaru lays claim to Kagome sister of his heart, she is mine to protect as is her pack" he finished adding a little extra.
They shook hands before sipping the sake that had been prepared by Zengo, he was an excellent sake maker as well as a wonderful cook, once they had emptied their cups, everyone in the main hall did the same signaling the end of the treaty ceremony.
"Let us dine" Kagome stood with the help of Sesshomaru as she led everyone into the dining hall where dinner and dessert had been been prepared throughout the day, her stomach was rumbling in hunger as the signing had lasted all through lunch.
"Congratulations on the signing Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru" Yaro came forward with his son Yatsu and they both bowed before the two youkai, the weasel nudged his son harshly in the side and the younger weasel nodded politely.
"Yes Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru, you both looked wonderful up there on the pedestal, I hope there comes a day I can do the same thing and look as natural as you did" Yatsu rushed out, he had lost interest when he realized Kagome wasn't looking for someone to marry and birth a pup.
Kagome smiled kindly at the young lord "When that happens, I'll be there to see you're coronation" she teased lightly and got an embarrassed smile "And thank you Lord Yaro, you've been a wonderful help these last few days" she nodded to the current lord of the North.
Next Nagemasu and his son Kyasuto approached "Well done Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru, I hope the treaty stands for a long time" the bird youkai smiled innocently, this sent Kagome's nerves on edge, she didn't know why but she didn't like that smile at all.
Sesshomaru glanced to Kagome when she tensed just barely noticeable to anyone else but since she was standing next to him, he could feel it and he wondered what had happened "Yes, perhaps someday I'll be able to do the same" Kyasuto smiled kindly before he and his father walked away to eat.
Sango and Miroku came up next holding hands and carrying the two nekomata "Congratulations Kagome-chan" they hugged her before pulling away so that they didn't get in trouble, the last thing they wanted was to cause trouble for everyone.
"Thanks Sango, Miroku, oh before I forget, the buildings you requested are done, when would you like to have the marriage ceremony, have you chosen anything specific for what you want done" Kagome chattered and Sesshomaru none to subtly nudged her in the side.
The monk and slayer shared a smile "We have, but we won't take up much of you're time, lots of others want to speak with you and Lord Sesshomaru, so we'll tell you all about it later" they bowed their heads politely and prepared to walk away.
Before they were to far, Kegawa jumped out of Miroku's arms and leaped into Kagome's 'Well done Kagome-chan, now all that's left is get the ningen villages in order and have you're coronation' the nekomata purred through their mental link.
'I know and I'm so excited I can't wait' Kagome squealed through the link before focusing her attention on the next ones to approach, Hakari and her little kit, Kegawa climbed onto Kagome's shoulder as Shippou jumped into Kagome's arms.
Shippou grinned in excitement "Kaa-san you looked beautiful, like that doll you gave Rin-chan that one time, when will I start learning all that stuff, though I don't want to, I'll do it for you kaa-chan" he jabbered away causing many youkai to laugh softly so as not to hurt his feelings.
Kagome's jaw slackened before she righted herself properly "Don't worry about it so much for right now my little Shippou, just enjoy you're lessons with Higashigawa-san, lesson's like that will come later, and thank you" she nuzzled her nose against his before facing the dragon.
"Wonderful display Lady Kagome, I, Hakari am proud to be a member of you're pack and I hope the day comes when it extends" Hakari hinted sneakily but the last part of his comment flew right over the kitsune's head, it didn't however get missed by Sesshomaru and the inuyoukai's golden eyes darkened.
Hakari cringed inwardly realizing how his comment may sound to others, but it was to late, he would have to apologize later, he grabbed Shippou and they hurried out of the way to join the others at the table and start eating.
Kouga, Ayame, Hakkaku, Ginta, Koware, Jaken, Rin, Bankotsu, Jakotsu and several others came up to speak with and congratulate Kagome and Sesshomaru on the treaty before the two youkai were allowed to sit with the others and fill their bellies full of good food and delicious desserts.
Once dinner was over, Hinoko approached Kagome, Fuketsu in her arms, "My Lady, do you think Inuyasha might be allowed into the estate for the coronation, I promise he won't cause trouble" her red eyes were tired, the strain of being away from her mate was finally catching up to her it seemed.
Kagome frowned and a sigh escaped from between her lips "If he cause one problem, he is out of here, Hakari-san would you mind fetching Inuyasha from the forest" she ordered tiredly before heading off to find where Miroku and Sango had wandered off to.
She found them in the garden, looking out over the beautiful landscape, Sango jumped in surprise "Lady Kagome" she squeaked, she and Miroku had just been leaning forward to kiss when the kitsune female had appeared.
Kagome blinked before giving the two a knowing smile, "So, we've got wedding preparations to make, two of them actually, though Kouga's is more of a chase than anything" she plopped down still wearing her new kimono and stared at her two friends expectantly.
"Right, so we are going to do the kitsune marriage ceremony, two weeks after the coronation ceremony if that's alright, a week after Kouga's" Miroku started in "We'll also be bound by youkai means, I'm not sure if Lord Sesshomaru has spoke to you about all this yet" he continued.
"Mm, Sesshomaru has and I've been reading up on the kitsune ceremony, it's a beautiful idea and the time frame is perfect" Kagome clapped her hands giddy in excitement, "Also, I'll be adding a little extra into the bonding ritual" she grinned.
Sango jerked back in shock "Oh what are you going to do Kagome-chan" the slayer reverted to a much more relaxed suffix, the kitsune just grinned ever more wider and Sango blinked in confusion, it must be a surprise then.
"Well you'll find out, anyways, I'm heading to my room, pretty tired, everyone should get some rest" Kagome rose to her feet and rubbed her eyes, she was completely exhausted and she still had a lot of things to get through, like the coronation, the two wedding ceremonies, finding who would touch Ayame and all that it was more than a normal person should be able to handle.
The two ningen watched her go "I wish Kagome didn't have to all this, she barely get's to spend time with us anymore" Sango sighed as Miroku helped her to her feet, the monk nodded in understanding, but he one thing to add onto that statement.
"But Kagome also seems a lot happier as well, not having to run around all over right now what she needs is a structured environment, sooner or later though she'll want to go on another adventure but that won't be for awhile longer" Miroku explained.
Half way back to her room, Bankotsu caught Kagome by the arm and drug her into a little corner "Hey Kagome, I've been noticing this youkai chick running around lately, she's one of the maids, I think her name was Noko, do you know if she's with anyone" he whispered.
The kitsune blinked her brown eyes before her tired mind caught onto what was being said to her "Oh Noko-san, she's one of the newer maids, and I don't believe she is seeing anyone" Kagome yawned sensing the conversation was over she continued on her way.
"Thanks" Bankotsu called heading to his rooms where Jakotsu was within waiting, Zengo was sitting on the other males bed and they were talking, though upon his entrance, the bird youkai pecked Jakotsu on the cheek and left without a word.
"Well did you talk to Kagome about that maid girl" Jakotsu asked, raising an ebony brow in his best friend's direction, Bankotsu smirked and he stopped his line of questioning, it had been a long day and both of them were tired soon they were fast asleep.
Inuyasha was ranting and raving "Why can't you leave" he paced in the room Hinoko had been given, it was a nice room for sure, but he wasn't buying it, sure there were no torture marks or wounds on his mate and Fuketsu looked to be growing well but still, he couldn't trust anyone anymore.
Hinoko's face twitched "Inuyasha please for my sake and for the sake of peace just shut up" she groaned rubbing her temples as a headache flared behind her eyes, "And for why I can't leave, Lady Kagome ordered me to stay in her pack for five hundred years" Hinoko continued.
"I am physically incapable of leaving the walls of the Aoiro estate without Lady Kagome with me" she growled to the male inuyoukai hanyou, Inuyasha whipped around and in a move so fast wrapped his clawed hand around her throat.
"Don't backtalk me bitch, you are my mate, not my equal" Inuyasha growled threateningly, his eyes turned red for just a nanosecond of a moment, Hinoko gasped for air and the male finally released her after squeezing his hand around her throat in warning.
Growing scared of the youkai she had fallen in love with, Hinoko grabbed up Fuketsu to distract herself as Inuyasha resumed his pacing, since the pack didn't have an alpha male, she was out of luck, usually the alpha male of a pack would deal with abusive pack members.
Fuketsu cooed and blew spit bubbles and Hinoko's red eyes softened lightly as she brought her pup up to her face "Hello my little one" she murmured softly and rubbed the tip of her nose against Fuketsu's a smile spread across her lips as his eye lids fluttered close until he was snoring softly.
Inuyasha growled again and Hinoko trembled in fear, she feared that she wouldn't make it past this night and hoped morning came soon, and above all she feared for her pup, Fuketsu was an innocent pup and with Inuyasha in his current state of mind, who knew what the inuyoukai hanyou would do.
"I'm going go blow off some steam" Inuyasha bounded out of the room, and Hinoko sagged against her bed in relief, just then Hakari who had been passing by peeked into the room and his aquamarine eyes widened in horror.
The dragon rushed forward "Are you alright Hinoko" Hakari questioned gently reaching out with a clawed hand to trace the bruise around the female inuyoukai hanyou's neck, Hinoko trembled all the more and he drew back quickly as if burned.
"I'm fine, but something is wrong with Inuyasha, he use to be so nice to me and usually called me his equal, I don't think he should be near me right now" Hinoko's voice shook as tears gathered into her fire red eyes and fell down her milky white cheeks.
Growing more concerned for a member of the pack, Hakari quickly helped Hinoko pack up a small bag of her belongings and usher her from the room and down the hall to Kagome's, thankfully the kitsune female was still awake.
"Lady Kagome, Inuyasha put his hands on Hinoko" Hakari seethed, Kagome jumped up eyes widened in alarm, before she tossed the inuyoukai hanyou a knowing look, Hinoko curled in on herself as shame flooded through her entire being.
"I tried to warn you Hinoko, I've felt something off with Inuyasha as well but I never said anything" Kagome commented coolly, but not cruelly as she raised a reiki filled hand and healed the bruise around Hinoko's neck that was in the shape of a hand.
Hinoko's lip wobbled and more tears gathered in her eyes, she felt awful, Inuyasha was completely wrong about Kagome, she was nice, kind, gentle, sweet, loving, nurturing, a great leader, a wonderful fighter, and above all the perfect Alpha.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" Hinoko dropped to her knee's before the kitsune female "Please Lady Kagome, I can't be around Inuyasha right now is there anything you can do" she begged her alpha for the first time to help her.
Kagome sighed and used her reiki to create a couple of bracelets, "This will hide you're scent and aura, this one is for Fuketsu-kun" she explained and Hinoko quickly slid the beaded bracelet onto her wrist before sliding the smaller one on Fuketsu's wrist.
"Where will I go, I can't return to that room" Hinoko shook at the thought as Kagome fell silent trying to stay awake and figure out a solution to the newest problem that had popped up in the time since she had spoken to Bankotsu.
She tapped her lip in thought before an idea came to mind "Hakari-san, do you mind if Hinoko moves temporarily into you're caves, just until a more permanent solution comes to mind" Kagome smiled sheepishly, she felt horrible dropping an unexpected guest in the dragon's lap but in order to protect the inuyoukai hanyou female, she had to do what was necessary even if it made someone else uncomfortable.
Hakari gave a longer suffering sigh "I don't mind Lady Kagome, anything to help protect a pack member" he bowed low before ushering the hanyou from the kitsune's personal rooms and down all four flights of stairs to his caves beneath the Aoiro estate.
Kagome sighed much like her dragon friend before raising a barrier around the estate ejecting Inuyasha from the grounds until she could deal with him at a later time, something was going on and sooner or later she was going to get to the bottom of it.
'Don't know how everything got so screwy' Kagome thought as she curled into the middle of her futon, Kegawa purring away at the edge like she always did every single night, the nekomata peeked open a brown eye before answering Kagome.
'I feel as if there is a greater evil at work here, be on you're toes Lady Kagome' the fire neko warned as they both slipped into a deep sleep, it had been a tiring day after all and their troubles weren't even half way over seeing as they had many more things to complete in the following month.