The next two weeks flew by as everyone prepared for the coronation ceremony, another new kimono was brought in this one in aquamarine and Kagome was not allowed to see the main hall either, it sucked big time, though she had been feeling very wary lately around Nagemasu.
It was just the bird youkai, not his son, or anyone else just him and it was driving her absolutely crazy, Inuyasha hadn't shown his face either and that bothered Kagome as well, 'Why does everything have to happen at the same time' she sighed sitting out on her little porch overlooking her personal gardens.
'Is everything alright Kagome-chan' Kegawa's sweet tune filled her head just as a hand pressed down on her shoulder, the kitsune jumped a foot in the air and spun around grabbing chiryo-ho from her sheath, when she faced her supposed attacker, Kagome looked absolutely wild.
Jakotsu blinked, he had been told he could come through here "Uh Kagome are you alright" he spoke softly so as not to spook the kitsune female any further, she looked down right terrified of him, her brown eyes fluttered close and she took a deep breath.
Read that as a shaky one, her hand came up of it's own accord and covered the spot where her heart lay "Yeah I'm good Jakotsu, you just gave me a fright is all, I don't know why I've been so jumpy lately" Kagome smiled as she placed chiryo-ho in her sheath again.
Deciding not to dwell on it to much, Jakotsu cleared his throat, "Look, I'm not good with women and I've been seeing a lot of youkai and you're friends buying you gifts, and even Bankotsu got you something, so I went into town the other day and found something interesting" he babbled.
Kagome pressed her lips together, 'Poor Jakotsu' she snickered inwardly "Oh what kind of interesting, like another youkai interesting or a gift interesting" Kagome perked up as her attention was caught irrevocably by what the male was saying.
Cheeks turning red, Jakotsu thrust a small package into the kitsune female's hands "I noticed that you're hair was getting really, really long so I found those in the village" he took several steps away avoiding gazing into Kagome's chocolate brown eyes for fear of throwing up in case it was a horrible gift.
Not expecting that, Kagome carefully peeked inside the box and her eyes widened in wonder "Wow Jakotsu-san, they are beautiful" she gasped in awe as she took hair sticks and aquamarine fox ear headband from the box.
On the end of the hair sticks were little blue hearts, while the sticks were aquamarine, Kagome's eyes sparkled and she nearly glomped Jakotsu but she refrained for fear of coming across as undignified, Jakotsu clapped his hands together "Oh goody, I'm glad you like them" he sighed in relief.
Smiling sweetly, Kagome tied her long hair back until it was in a topknot, only an inch was still hanging on the ground, then she slid the headband onto her head, "I match Shippou-kun now" she squealed in delight as her tail twitched in excitement.
Realizing belatedly that Kagome did indeed match her son, Jakotsu shook his head in amusement "So who's going to escort you to the main hall, in.." he paused to look at the sky "Four hours time" he finished curiously, he hoped it wasn't that damn Nagemasu, that youkai was just a creep in his eyes.
"Sesshomaru of course, I asked him first" Kagome sighed and flopped down a pout forming on her lips "Hey Jakotsu, have you seen the main hall yet" she scooted a little closer and the male backed away, he chuckled and stood.
"Sorry Kagome, you know the rule, I know the rule and I'm definitely not going to get in trouble with Sesshomaru, or anyone because I accidentally told you" Jakotsu held up his hands and Kagome sighed again, but then her eyes turned skyward.
He wondered what she was thinking about to cause that expression on her face "You know, I only took over as the Lady of the East on the fate's command, they want me to revive Lord Touga, Sesshomaru's, and Inuyasha's father" Kagome started explaining.
Jakotsu cringed "So none of this was you're idea, no wonder you look pretty miserable in this oops, I promised Bankotsu I wouldn't say anything" he slapped his hand over his mouth to prevent any slip ups, but Kagome had already turned her head in his direction.
"If you and Bankotsu can tell I'm not exactly happy here, then a lot of others have to, I mean it's great having a stable environment, but I'm ready to get out there and explore some more, continue with the task I was given, it's almost been a year since I started, just three and a half more months" Kagome sighed.
The former member of the band of seven frowned lightly he felt for the girl he truly did "Well perhaps once the coronation ceremony and the two weddings are over, the fates will give you another task, I mean it can't be all that bad, plus you have all of us here helping you" Jakotsu patted the kitsune on the back.
A smile spread across her lips "Thanks Ja, for trying to cheer me up" Kagome muttered before she realized what she'd said "Oops, I guess Bankotsu's nickname for you has kind of worn off on me" she smiled sheepishly this time.
"Don't worry it doesn't bother me any and I consider you a friend" Jakotsu winked before rising to his full height, "See ya later Kagome" he waved and headed back through the way he had come, along the way he passed by all of Kagome's friends and her pack, kit and gami, Sesshomaru and Kegawa.
Sango watched him disappear through the door before flopping down next to Kagome "Oh my goodness this is going to be so awesome, to actually believe we mere mortals get a chance to witness a youkai coronation" she giggled giddy with excitement.
"Yes, it's truly going to be a beautiful moment, to see when you have that...mmphmm" Miroku tried to say but he was cut off by Sango slapping her hand over his mouth a warning look in her brown eyes, the monk gulped but nodded and fell silent.
Hakari rolled his eyes "My Lady have you seen the kimono" he questioned choosing a safe topic to talk about, everyone knew Kagome was a little sore about not getting to see the main hall and all of it's decorations, but they all wanted it to be a surprise to the kitsune female.
Kagome practically bounced in her spot next to Sango "Absolutely and that is one gorgeous kimono, to bad I'll only get to wear it just this once, then I'll pass it along to any daughter of mine" she jabbered getting excited again as the coronation approached.
The dragon chuckled before gesturing to the next person to speak, Shippou took the initiative "Kaa-san, we match did you know" he pointed to the band in his hair before pointing at Kagome's, the kitsune female giggled and tickled his side until he was laughing along with her.
"I know my Shippou-kun, Jakotsu-san gave it to me along with the hair sticks, they represent our house very well don't you think" Kagome pointed to the sticks and Shippou oohed and awed over them, Rin joining in as she admired the hair sticks as well.
"Rin thinks they are very pretty Kagome-onee-chan" Rin clapped her hands finally speaking, Kagome turned to the little girl and grabbed her into a hug "Rin hopes you have a wonderful co..coro...coronation" she finally spit out the word before blushing.
Kagome beamed at the girl "Aw thanks Rin-imouto-chan, this Kagome hopes for the same" she snuggled the child into her side before releasing her so that she and Shippou could go play until it was time for the event to start.
The next one to speak was Ayame "I wanted to thank you for sending someone to my rescue and I will always be in your debt, should you ever need it the wolves under my command will help you" the female wolf bowed her head low before Kagome.
"Now none of that Ayame-san, you are Kouga's betrothed, so by extension you are pack whether you've submitted to me or not" Kagome scolded lightly and Ayame gave her a pretty smile before the female wolf jabbed Kouga in the side harshly with her elbow.
Kouga jolted and he dropped down to his knee's "Yes thank you Lady Kagome, I am truly grateful that you helped me rescue Ayame, and that you've agreed to oversee our wedding ceremony in a weeks time" he bowed lower than Ayame had and this shocked Kagome to the core.
"Don't worry about it Kouga, like I said you are pack and it technically is my responsibility to oversee all pack weddings" Kagome patted the wolf on the head and he rose, with that, he, Ayame and Kouga's two underlings left, heading to the main hall to be ready.
Sango and Miroku took their leave as well, leaving Kagome with Sesshomaru, Koware, Jaken and Kegawa "Lady Kagome, when you first came into our group I was skeptical, didn't believe you had the heart to make it this far" Jaken started.
"Thanks to you sticking around for as long as you have and for pushing us all onward into a new era, I've found where my heart belongs, it's with Koware-chan, I hope everything goes well on this day and the Eastern Lands blossom under you're control" the gami bowed his head.
Koware stared at her mistress nervously, she had some massive news "This Koware is pregnant with Jaken's hatchlings" she blurted suddenly and Kagome got her second shock of the afternoon, the kitsune didn't waste another moment and scooped the female imp into her arms.
"Oh this Kagome is so happy for you and Jaken, Koware-chan, good thing I started having the south wing cleared out, you and Jaken can have half of that wing for you and you're children" Kagome squeezed the imp gently before setting Koware on her feet.
"Thank you Milady, you've been very kind" Koware smiled brightly before she and Jaken left until all that remained was Sesshomaru and Kegawa, his golden eyes were locked with her chocolate brown before the inuyoukai daiyoukai slowly lowered himself into a seated position.
He didn't offer any words of encouragement, he didn't need to, the silence said everything Kagome needed to know and that was more than enough, "Are you ready" Sesshomaru asked after a moment, his deep baritone filling the air.
"No, but in order to do as the fates have asked of me, I'll do anything so long as it means I get to return the favor to you for all you've done for me, by reviving you're father, Lord Touga" Kagome murmured softly as they sat side by side overlooking the gardens.
Softening his golden eyes, Sesshomaru relaxed completely "My father once asked me, do I have something to protect" he started opening up to the kitsune/miko he saw as a sister, she was the only one he would ever admit any of this to.
"I snorted at him and told him that I protect no one, that was when he rushed off to save Izayoi and Inuyasha just after his fight with Ryukotsusei, if I hadn't been such a fool back then he would probably still be alive right now" Sesshomaru expressed his regrets for his past self's actions.
Kagome became saddened "You shouldn't blame yourself Sesshomaru, you couldn't have known, nor could you have understood you're fathers actions back then, I believe he said that so that someday, like now, you would open you're eyes to the truth" she murmured softly.
"Like now, yes that is true, I do have something to protect, that is you, my pack, you're pack, this time I won't fail" Sesshomaru vowed softly before standing "It is time Kagome, are you ready for you're coronation" he held out his hand and Kagome took it, Sesshomaru pulled her to her feet.
She took a deep breath "I'm as ready as I'll ever be" Kagome flashed the dai a brilliant smile as he led her into her rooms, Natsumeru and Mitsumeru practically pounced on the poor kitsune female and she was dragged away into her private bathroom to be dressed and anything else that needed to be done.
Kegawa followed her mistress 'Kagome-chan, before you go out there I want to thank you for everything you've done for me so far, coming for me in that mountain and taking me in, protecting me, giving me a home, I am truly happy' the nekomata purred through their link.
Her eyes watered and Kagome paused to scoop the fire neko into her arms, she had a few minutes to spare after all 'I love you Kegawa-chan, you are a precious and important part of my life, thank you for all you've done' she whispered over their mental link squeezing the nekomata gently.
Natsumeru tapped her foot "I hate to interrupt Lady Kagome, but we have to start getting you ready" she reminded, Kagome smiled sheepishly and set the nekomata on her feet, Kegawa padded off heading to the main hall where everyone was waiting.
Mitsumeru shook her head and helped her sister strip their Lady down to her underclothes, she had been bathed earlier, they started with the under layer of the kimono, the white part, by the time they were finished, Kagome looked ready to buckle under the weight of all the layers.
The kitsune female went to leave but Natsumeru stopped her "Ah, ah, ah Lady Kagome, we've still got the makeup" the tiger presented all the makeup and Kagome pouted but she sat still as the twin tiger youkai sisters messed with her hair, did her nails, and painted makeup on her face.
When they were done not only did she feel as if she was going to fall over due to the weight of the full coronation kimono, but her face felt as if it was to heavy "I don't like this makeup" Kagome grimaced lightly so as not to mess anything up.
"Once the ceremony is finished, you'll be rushed back here and we'll wash that off for you" Mitsumeru supplied suddenly and Kagome sighed in relief "Well Lady Kagome, it's time for Lord Sesshomaru to escort you" the tiger youkai giggled before leading the kitsune out of the bathroom.
Sesshomaru nearly stumbled in surprise when Kagome exited her personal rooms, he breathed in through his nose "Shall we" he held out his hand and the kitsune placed her dainty hand in her large one, he had to be careful not to accidentally crush it.
"This Kagome is glad you are here Sesshomaru, she doesn't think she'd be able to get through this day without you here" Kagome rambled as they walked as fast as they dared towards the main hall where everyone had gathered, the guard, the servants, maids, their packs and anyone else they had claimed.
Not only that, but the head of each ningen village had also made their way to the Aoiro estate for this momentous occasion, and that was enough to tell Kagome that she had managed to get everyone to trust her, not only in the estate but the ningen's as well.
Tears gathered on her lashes and Kagome blinked them away, she didn't want to cry not yet at least but Sesshomaru's next words nearly set her into a round of sobs "This Sesshomaru is pleased that you've come this far Kagome, you truly have become an Alpha Female rivaling this one, may you're pack grow and you find where you're heart lays soon" the daiyoukai murmured.
Kagome didn't have much more time to react or say anything as they stopped in front of the massive doors to the main hall, Ni and Deru were stationed on either side and they were staring at her as if they had never seen her before, the twin kitsune males finally caught themselves and opened the door.
Everyone in the main hall had their attention stolen by Kagome, as she was led by Sesshomaru all the way to the pedestal and the throne that had been put there for that day's ceremony, the kitsune didn't like it but she handled the obvious discomfort well.
"This Sesshomaru presents to you Kagome Higurashi, Lady of the East, kitsune/miko of the Jewel of Four Souls, Sister of My Heart" Sesshomaru released Kagome's hand as he spoke tacking on all of the titles she had garnered through the years.
Shivers ran down everyone's spine, they knew of Kagome, she was the one who had, had a hand in defeating Naraku "Wait a second" someone shoved their way to the front of the crowd interrupting the ceremony and pissing a lot of people off "If she's the Jewel of Four Soul's miko why isn't she human" the male pointed out obnoxiously.
Sesshomaru didn't answer this question, Kagome's voice rang through the hall hushing everyone "Yes that's correct, I was once human, but due to fates intervention I was turned youkai, do you have anything else you'd like to question me on" she tilted her head to the side as she finished.
The male youkai slithered back into the crowd thoroughly chastised, what did it matter to him if their Lady had been a former human, all that mattered was that she was youkai now, interruption over now the coronation ceremony commenced.
Yaro and Nagemasu approached the pedestal, heads bowed low gifts in their hands, "Do you Lady Kagome accept this position and swear to do all you can to help the Eastern Region grow into a mighty nation" Yaro started settling the gift at her feet for her to open later.
"I do, I swear it on my life" Kagome nodded firmly a spark of excitement igniting in her chocolate brown eyes, in the crowd Bankotsu smirked and nudged Jakotsu in the side, they grinned at each other as Kagome got excited over the coronation again.
Nagemasu grimaced inside, as he spoke the next words "And do you Lady Kagome fully commit to the duties now expected of you, do you swear to help those in need even if it is trivial matters" he continued as he set his own gift at the kitsune's feet.
Warning bells ringing, Kagome smiled as kindly as she could as she gazed out over the entire main hall "I do, no one in the Eastern Lands will ever worry about dying under my watch, I swear to fulfill my duties to the best of my abilities, this Kagome swears it on her heart" she bowed her head.
The two Lords left leaving Sesshomaru the only one on the pedestal "This Sesshomaru will no place the ceremonial crown upon Lady Kagome's head, do any have a problem with the new Lady" he questioned golden eyes peering around looking for anyone that might complain.
No one dared breath as those probing golden eyes glanced in their direction, excitement was thick in the air as Sesshomaru grasped the crown that would only sit on Kagome's head just for this day and slowly lowered it, it was nearly resting on her blue/black locks when a little voice rang through the air.
"Wait Milord, Rin and Shippou want to do something special for Kagome-onee-chan" the little girl that Kagome had claimed as her sister and Kagome's kit burst through the crowd from where they had been standing next to Jaken and Koware.
Nagemasu growled angrily under his breath as the two children dashed forward, Yaro shot him a look but the bird youkai ignored it, Sesshomaru paused in settling the ceremonial crown upon Kagome's head and raised a silver brow.
Rin smiled shyly and Shippou looked down right nervous "What is it you'd like to do Rin-imouto-chan, Shippou-kun" Kagome leaned forward slightly in her seat, her eyes twinkling in amusement as the little blushed beat red.
"Shippou-kun and I would like to tell everyone a story, about how you came into Milord's pack" Rin scuffed her sandal on the marble and she held her hands behind her back, her brown eyes reflecting Kagome's with her own excitement.
Sesshomaru blinked, so this is what the two children had been up to lately, he chuckled softly "And what part do you have to play in this Shippou-kun" the kitsune spoke softly to her son, Shippou smiled brightly and held up his hand where fox fire had been gathered.
"I'll be adding effects to the story, Higashigawa-sensei has taught me a lot and I want to show you all I've learned" Shippou mimicked Rin's actions "So can we Kaa-chan" he asked nervously, Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru and he nodded for the go ahead, at this the kitsune female nodded.
Rin clapped her hands and she turned to face everyone that had gathered "Almost a year ago, Kagome-onee-chan came into our pack" she started and an image formed before their eyes from Shippou's fox magic, it was amazing.
"She wasn't happy at first because she had left behind all of her friends, and most of all she was hurting because of Inuyasha-san's betrayal to her heart" Rin continued and another image this time of the Inutachi on the first day Kagome had left them was seen.
In the crowd, Sango pressed her hand over her mouth, "But Milord was constantly going to check on them even though Kagome-onee-chan never asked" the little girl pressed onward as another image formed for them to see.
Miroku wrapped his arms around his betrothed "Then Kagome-onee-chan got happy, she got to go home to where she belongs" their faces drained of color but they need not worry because a image of Kaede's village was formed in the air.
"When she came back the fates had told Milord her first task, so we went to the mountains, Rin and Master Jaken watched Kagome-onee-chan try her hardest to break a barrier and in a weeks time, it shattered" Rin grinned as she remembered and another image was created.
Rin paused for a minute then shot a look at Hakari "Next Kagome-onee-chan had to fight a dragon, she didn't want to hurt him so she figured out a way to immobilize him" she smiled innocently as the dragon youkai jolted in surprise, he obviously hadn't expected to be included in the story.
"She struggled every day growing stronger, learning all about herself like she never had before until she finally managed to beat the dragon, Hakari-san is very nice, he submitted without another fight" Rin giggled as more images flew through the air showing everyone just what had happened.
The little girl took a deep breath "Then we had to travel some more Kagome-onee-chan had to create a sword, and name it, that was perhaps one of the most difficult tasks she had been given but she pushed onward showing how strong she had become in that time" Rin slowed down stressing the importance of her words.
"But not everyone is invincible, and with the next task Kagome struggled, and struggled and struggled so hard that she could barely stand up" Rin wiped her eyes as she remembered feeling hopeless during that time and Shippou patted her on the back gently.
Rin continued and the story went on and on until the two children bowed leaving the pedestal and the entire hall completely silent, some youkai were crying for all their Lady had been through and most just wanted to beat Inuyasha up.
As for the kitsune in question Kagome leaned back in her seat, that had been difficult to listen to, but at least she hadn't cried, Sesshomaru chuckled softly and her brown eyes locked with his golden, that crown was in his hands again.
"Does anyone else have something special they'd like to do for Lady Kagome" Sesshomaru reigned in the crowd gathered in the hall, with that everyone held their breath again as he took the initiative and slowly started lowering the crown until it fully rested on Kagome's head this time.
Shivers ran down their spines as Kagome looked out over them "This Sesshomaru decree's that kitsune, Kagome Higurashi is now the official Lady of the East recognized by all lands" he placed a little gift at her feet with the other two before heading down the steps of the pedestal.
With that everyone made a line and came up to congratulate Kagome on her coronation and left little gifts at her feet until everyone had spoken to her and she was allowed to leave the throne and dress in more relaxed clothing and get the makeup washed off her face.
When she returned everyone had made their way to the dining hall where dinner was being served as always Zengo had made her something special and soon Kagome was digging into the delicious meat, broccoli and potatoes.
Next dessert was a sweet potato, "Oh you remembered" Kagome squealed in delight at the bird youkai, Zengo smiled charmingly and seeing as how he was busy earlier left a little box next to her plate, she grinned and shooed the youkai away with a kind smile on her lips.
Nagemasu's eyebrow twitched, he couldn't wait to leave after this and begin to plot the kitsune females demise in his own estate where he could be alone and not interrupted every five minutes by something or another.
Once the meal was finished, Kagome stood "Thank you all for coming to the coronation, with that I'd like to extend my thanks to Lord Yaro and Lord Nagemasu for overseeing the event" she announced before telling her two maids that she was going to retire to her rooms to rest.
"With that my son and I will take our leave" Nagemasu stood as did Kyasuto and they gathered their two escorts and left the Aoiro estate, Nagemasu never realizing that he would never be allowed back in as the barrier that Kagome had put up to keep Inuyasha out recognized him as a threat.
Next to leave were Yaro and Yatsu along with their two escorts, once they were gone, Bankotsu jumped to his feet and raced after Kagome, he still had to give her his gift, he hadn't wanted to bother her and make her wait any longer with the speech he had prepared.
Kagome looked up from where she had been sorting through what seemed the million of little gifts she had received that day as a knock sounded on her door "Come in Bankotsu" she smiled as the raven haired male opened the door looking confused.
"How did you know it was me" Bankotsu asked "Never mind you're a youkai I keep forgetting" he shook his head, Kagome giggled "Anyways I bought you a gift and I prepared a speech, I'm not good at them so don't laugh" Bankotsu warned as he set down a little box in the pile she hadn't sorted through.
The kitsune focused all of her attention on Bankotsu as he cleared his throat and began "A long time ago we were considered enemies, me and my Band of Seven worked for Naraku and we tried to kill you and you're friends many times" he cringed as he realized how the start of his speech sounded.
"Years passed and suddenly Jakotsu and I found ourselves revived, I was pissed as hell when you first appeared before us looking as you did, I told myself I would never trust you" Bankotsu continued his cobalt blue eyes locking with Kagome's chocolate browns.
"But you gave the both of us a home, a job that made us happy and showed us that we don't need to kill in order to make a living, thus the name the band of seven died, Jakotsu and I were reborn in an entirely different way, we are happy for once in our lives" he coughed slightly.
"You took us in showed us kindness and now I can say with absolute truth that we trust you Kagome, inexplicably, we, Ja and I would die for you if that means repaying all the favors you have done for us" Bankotsu finished before lowering himself onto his knee.
Kagome jumped in surprise and hurriedly tried to get the man to stop bowing, she had enough youkai doing that for her as it was "I, Bankotsu, former Leader of the Band of Seven is in you're debt Lady Kagome of the East, I vow my honor and my life to serve only you until my death" he finished.
Eyes wide, Kagome hated this part of her duties "Thank you Bankotsu, you may now rise" she ordered face tight, the man stood grabbed up his scroll and scurried from her room, only when her door had shut completely did she let the tears flow, so much had happened.
When she heard someone coming Kagome swiped at her eyes and dried them on the sleeve of her yukata not rubbing them so as to alert anyone that she had been crying and then she busied herself with sorting through the gifts again until she came across the one she didn't want.
Holding it in her hands, Kagome could tell that there was something off about the gift, her warning bells were ringing clear in her mind, Sesshomaru slid open her door a moment later and raised a silver brow when he saw her glaring at the gift in her hands.
"Is something wrong" he questioned startling her from her thoughts, Kagome looked at him before nodding and held out the box for him to take, Sesshomaru nearly dropped it when the wrapping paper touched his hand, that had burned.
"What's the matter" Kagome grew worried as Sesshomaru lifted his palm to his face and ran a soothing hand over the blister that had formed, his golden eyes rimmed red trailed down to the box and she followed his gaze.
For a long moment the two youkai just stared at the innocent looking box until Sesshomaru finished licking his wound "Get rid of it, there is something wrong" Sesshomaru ordered and Kagome not one to disobey quickly tossed it outside in her garden and set it on fire with her fox fire.
The gift inside burst into a brilliant shower of sparks "What is it Sesshomaru" Kagome creased her forehead in confusion as fear took hold of her heart, she didn't like this, that feeling from before came back ten fold and she just knew deep down in her heart a stronger evil, much stronger than Naraku had been was about to awaken and take the lands by the storm.
"A dark item, one that burns all those attempting to get close to you, that came from Nagemasu correct" Kagome nodded "Then he plots against you" Sesshomaru warned, the kitsune slumped her shoulders and a heavy sigh fell from her lips.
"I know Sesshomaru, I've felt it for a long time now, he had been giving me these looks and it set alarms off in my head, my instincts have been going haywire that's why I've been so jumpy lately, I feared being alone with him around" she rubbed her eyes tiredly.
Sesshomaru allowed his gaze to soften as he helped Kagome clear off her bed to sort through the gifts at another time, she crawled beneath the covers and soon drifted off into sleep, to tired to even argue with him like she usually would if he were ordering her to go to bed.
When her soft snores filled the air, he stalked out of the room "Station a few guard outside the gardens door" he ordered the maid before heading down the hall to apprise Kagome's, and his pack of the new situation that had cropped up in their absence of traveling the lands.