An hour after she collapsed due to her own hasty actions, Kagome woke up with a pained groan "Ugh remind me next time to keep a level head while fighting that bas..." she trailed off as she finally opened her chocolate brown eyes and noticed the children crowded around her.
"Oh Kagome-sensei we thought you were never going to wake up" Natti wrapped her arms around the kitsune/miko sniffling softly into her kimono and Kagome patted the young girl on the back awkwardly, it had been an awful long while since someone had reacted like this over her.
Staring around she noticed that even Souta looked severely upset and then there was still the unconscious Shippou, of course she also noted that Sesshomaru, Touga, Rin and Jaken were in the hut as well and she wondered when they'd showed up.
"You don't even remember passing out in my arms do you Kagome" Touga teased lightly settling on his knee's next to her, Kagome shook her head slowly being careful not to move around to much in case there were massive repercussions to her use of reiki in the way she had used it.
Yuka grimaced was this what it was going to always be like in the past, "How long have Shippou-kun and I been out" Kagome asked suddenly and Yuka watched as the silver haired daiyoukai as she'd learned faced Kagome with a frown.
"An hour, Shippou will be alright, how do you feel" Sesshomaru asked, "What on earth were you doing out this way in the first place" he scolded but made sure not to be to harsh, Kagome was way to kind and soft to be subjected to that.
Kagome winced and her eyes flew to her four friends "I had business at the well, also I thought I'd give these girls a lesson about the well, what exactly happened Souta, why was Shippou out there in the first place" she pinned her chocolate eyes on the only other little boy in the room.
Souta let out a sigh "He sensed that snake monster way before any of us did and went out to draw him away sis don't be mad at Shippou, he just wanted to make you proud" he lowered his head as shame flooded through him, he felt awful, and Shippou was sure to feel even more so.
She rubbed her face tiredly "For future reference, this entire village is covered in a protective barrier, if a youkai has bad intentions they can't get through the barrier, they will be shocked" Kagome explained gently not quite scolding her brother but she might as well have been.
Feeling even more guilty than before Souta didn't even attempt to defend himself against the scolding, a moment later the tense atmosphere was broken by Rin skipping forward "Kagome-nee-chan, Rin has a gift for you but you can't have it yet cause it's not done" she giggled.
"Oh really what kind of gift is it that you've gotten this Kagome, Rin-imouto" Kagome tickled the little girl causing her to break down into even more giggles, next time she'd be ready, for now it wouldn't do to scare the children anymore.
Rin shook her head stubbornly "Nu uh, Kagome-nee-chan doesn't get to know, only Rin, Milord and Lord Inutaisho know what nee-chan's gift is" she announced flashing the two dai a secretive pleading smile in hopes they wouldn't tattle and reveal the gift before it was done.
Kagome laughed sweetly pulling the little girl into her lap "Don't worry I won't begrudge you you're secret Rin-imouto" she ruffled the girls ebony hair as the hut elapsed into a silence that lasted for twenty minutes until a groan from Shippou signaled the little fox kit was regaining consciousness.
Sensing the importance of this moment Rin hopped out of Kagome's lap as the female kitsune scooted herself closer to the younger kitsune as his green eyes fluttered open "Kaa-chan you're back" he murmured feeling sore all over.
"Yes and I'm sorry my Shippou-kun, I promise you will never be hurt again" she lifted the kit into her arms she'd truly feared that she would loose her little one 'No, no one will ever touch my Shippou again' Kagome vowed inwardly.
Instead of scolding him for his foolishness Kagome started humming setting the occupants in the hut at ease and Shippou drifted off into another restful sleep, once his breathing had deepened, Kagome nodded "Okay we have business to talk about" she started eyeing her four friends.
The hut at that seemed to get even quieter "Ayumi, Yuka, Eri, Hojo are you sure this is the life you want, I can ask the fates to send you back" Kagome settled her chocolate brown eyes on each person, she hoped they didn't regret their hasty decision to come here with her.
Ayumi immediately shook her head and the others followed "No way Kagome, we are here to stay" she exclaimed, like hell she wanted to go back to her boring old life, not when the past seemed way more interesting now that everything was calming down.
Sensing where the conversation was going to end up "Are you sure you feel up to traveling right at this minute Kagome" Touga rumbled wanting to outright reject the kitsune's idea of putting herself in even more danger and pushing herself to hard right after she'd woken.
Kagome blinked and opened her mouth "I believe what Father is hinting at" Sesshomaru tossed the older dai a golden eyed glare "Is that you should rest for the night, I sent word with Kegawa to Hakari so we'll be fine for the night" he explained.
She sat back in relief at that "Actually I had no intention of moving from this spot until tomorrow" she grinned innocently, secretly she was glad Touga had calmed down in the few days she hadn't seen him, it gave her time to relax and truly get to know him as she'd wanted from the start.
Suddenly it seemed like Sesshomaru remembered something as he stood and exited the hut, a moment later he returned with a female dragon youkai tailing him "You should probably deal with this one, as she is now part of you're pack" Sesshomaru stated.
Not having realized that she'd added a new youkai to her pack, since she'd been so focused on reclaiming her kit from that bastards disgusting clutches, Kagome laughed sheepishly "Right, since the barrier let you through I assume you have good intentions" she narrowed her eyes on the dragon.
"That's right Lady Kagome, I am definitely in you're debt as you freed me from Akuto's disgusting service, I will serve you gladly so long as I'm not confined to just one place, my name is Ishi by the way" the dragon bowed low before her knew Alpha.
Kagome sighed softly "Right then Ishi welcome to my pack, but you must know that you will be under a lot of suspicion for awhile, I only warn you now because my servants and friends at my Estate are very protective" she said.
Ishi nodded and relaxed against a wall of the already crowded hut "Kagome" Hojo's voice filled the hut and Kagome turned her head in his direction, seeing as he had her attention "What will we be doing here" he asked hoping that there was something even he could do in the past.
She thought on his question for a moment "You're really good with medicine correct, you can teach the youkai in the newly constructed medical wing about herbs and what not head the team for those that get injured in the field" Kagome stated.
He felt his jaw drop at that, he hadn't thought that all of his knowledge of medicine would come in handy, perhaps that's why he'd felt the un-explainable need to practice "I see" Hojo nodded contemplating it so that when they went to wherever they would now be living he could answer more properly at the time.
"What about me Kagome, what would you have me do" Ayumi asked curiously, she hoped that she would be able to teach people of this era show them cool tricks from the future, but she also understood the importance of secrecy.
Kagome tapped her lower lip in thought "How would you like to teach at the school I'm having built for the children in the Eastern Lands" she offered, out of all of them Ayumi was the more academic driven of the four of them, thus it only seemed right.
Ayumi's eyes lit up and she nodded eagerly "You have a deal Kagome-chan, what about Yuka and Eri" she pointed at the two girls who had no idea what to do now that they were no longer in familiar territory, no everything had changed and Kagome understood that they were a little overwhelmed.
"Hmm" she hummed softly "Well Eri is sharp witted and smart, and I do need another girl on my council, for ningen relationship, pardon the term, so how about it do you want to be part of the council" Kagome suggested.
Not quite sure what her friend had meant but just happy that she might be able to put her talent to use Eri nodded "Course Kagome-chan, so long as I'm able to help then I'll do anything even if I'm not very good at it at first" she smiled sheepishly.
The only person left Yuka, and Kagome had an incredible idea "Yuka, how would you like to be the therapist, I'm sure that some of the youkai in my estate still have some trauma left over from Yaramaru, you're good with that kind of thing" she stated.
Yuka looked as if all of her dreams had come true and they probably had "I would love to Kagome-chan, though I'd need some books" she looked a little ashamed of herself for not having the foresight of bringing such items.
Thankfully she'd forgotten to ask the fates to seal off the well "Right then guess I've got some things to get" Kagome sighed and rose to her feet, if she could do this one last thing for her friends then she'd be happy, so long as they found their happiness in the past with her.
Touga blinked and jumped to his feet following her "Oh Lord Touga" Kagome murmured as she walked slowly towards the well, while she was doing this, she was concentrating on expanding the barrier to fit over the area so that nothing like what happened earlier happened again.
"Where are you going Kagome" he asked tilting his head to the side curiously, Touga was careful to maintain a distance though because he certainly didn't want to get smacked in case his chosen mate was in a obstinate mood and felt he was to close for comfort.
Kagome glanced sideways at him "To the future, Sesshomaru has told you about my true origins hasn't he" she'd already guessed the true reason why the two dai's had set out together, but she didn't feel up to teasing either of them at the moment.
He chuckled nervously feeling sweat gather at the base of his neck "That's right Kagome my dear sweet kitsune" he opted to call her a pet name, hoping that she wouldn't react violently like last time, thankfully she didn't seem to be in the mood to argue, but she did let out a long suffering sigh.
Soon they arrived at the well and Kagome jumped into it's depths, an hour later she returned and they headed back to the hut they'd settled in for the night "Where are they" Yuka asked when they appeared and Kagome grinned opening her void pocket and pulling out a stack of books.
They were quickly put away again "I got more than just books, I got seeds, for herbs and food, and everything we need, this will be the last time anyone goes through the well" Kagome warned before settling against the wall.
Touga was quick to sit next to her, getting as close as he dared, before they knew it she was leaning against his shoulder sleeping like her kit "She sure is different" Eri pointed out quietly as everyone did the same and found a spot to sleep in.
The next morning, they were all woken by the smell of food "Alright today after a bit of a lesson since those five missed theirs yesterday, we'll go back to the Aoiro Estate, what are you're plans Sesshomaru, Lord Touga" Kagome looked in their direction when she noticed them awake.
"We'll continue traveling for a few weeks at the least, it's been awhile since I've had the time to just wander without purpose, then we'll group together and come up with a plan to take down Akuto" Sesshomaru announced, that snake had touched someone he'd chosen to protect.
Kagome nodded and dished out the rest of the food before making up a bowl of rice and eggs for herself, and soon she was herding five of the six children out the hut and down the hill that led to the well clearing, nobody ever said it wouldn't be a good place to practice.
Ayumi, Yuka, Eri, and Hojo stood on the sidelines with Ishi, while Touga, Sesshomaru, Rin, Jaken and AhUn left "Okay you five, first we'll start with a bit of stamina training, so back and forth five times" Kagome instructed gesturing to the starting and stopping point before stepping back so they could start.
"Hey Kagome who are those three anyway" Yuka asked suddenly coming to stand next to Kagome, she was pointing at the three girls, it only took a moment for the kitsune to reel off three names and explain what they were doing with her.
With a smile "They are triplets, and essentially my apprentices and miko in training, from the oldest there is Choko, the only one with blond hair, then Kokoa the middle and of course Natti as the youngest" Kagome stated not taking her eyes off the five children as they finished up.
Even more confused "What did you mean by ningen last night" Eri got in her own question, and Kagome finally turned her head to look at them, her chocolate brown eyes widened before a small sigh fell from her pale pink lips.
"It's what youkai refer to the humans of this era as, I didn't mean it in a bad way, but some youkai don't like humans, and it's usually meant in a derogatory way" Kagome explained making sure to stress her warning so that if her friends came across one such youkai they'd be prepared.
At that they fell silent "We understand Kagome-chan" Yuka murmured, this world they'd found themselves in was vastly different than their old world, Kagome flashed them a reassuring smile before walking forward to instruct the five children some more.
"Okay now that you've gotten a bit of exercise in let's move straight into practicing with those swords of you're and Shippou you can learn a bit as well" Kagome pulled her own blade from it's sheathe and held it properly in her hand, instantly the five children before her copied her actions.
Shippou kept his green eyes narrowed on his mother as she slowly moved through stances and the correct way of swinging a sword and holding it, twisting it left and right spinning a bit and then for the ending Chiryo-ho lit up in a dazzling pink as she shot a blast of healing reiki from the end of the sword "Iyashino Bakuhatsu" she called.
Choko jumped to her side "Wow Kagome-sensei, what kind of attack was that" she asked looking around expecting some part of the ground to suddenly explode, Kagome blinked her chocolate brown eyes before she let a small smile form on her lips.
"That Choko wasn't an attack at all, when you learn more about how to wield you're reiki, and are able to use it without much effort, then perhaps I will teach you and you're sisters for now it's a secret" she smiled cheekily, kitsune blood flowing through her veins strongly at the moment.
The blonde pouted but she got back into line as Kagome gestured for her to do so and they went about practicing channeling their reiki into their swords, "And as for you my little kit, channel you're youkai into you're blade as well" she instructed gently so that her Shippou wasn't left out anymore.
He nodded and did as ordered, and because he'd practiced before it was more than a little easy to channel his youkai and contain it within the blade, "Good job Shippou-kun" Kagome praised rubbing his head gently and Shippou flashed her a bright smile in return.
Not one to be left out Souta concentrated as much as he could to achieve the same results as his nephew, because technically Shippou was his nephew since Kagome had adopted him, though it wasn't by any human means, the kit was still family now.
It was a struggle as he channeled his spiritual energy into his sword, the one Higashigawa had given him two days after their arrival in the Aoiro Estate and he'd found the male kitsune working with the entire guard to get them more up to Kagome's standards.
"Souta nice work" Kagome's voice interrupted his concentration and Souta looked up just in time to see a blast of white spiritual energy much more than what he had managed the day before and it shot off like a rocket impacting with the ground and destroying it, it was minimal damage though.
But it was enough for him to know that with enough practice he would be able to go out in fights and protect the Eastern Lands "Thanks Sis and I finally figured out what I want to do when I get older" he swiped at his forehead slinging the sweat from his hand when he was finished.
She raised an ebony brow keeping her gaze locked with his "I'm going to join the guard and fight alongside everyone to protect our home" Souta announced "The Eastern Lands, you, our family, everyone in the estate, I will keep it safe" he finished.
Unbidden a smile came to her lips "I'd expect no less of you Souta-otouto, here's an idea though, perhaps you can form a team of monks that fight alongside and protect youkai, the first of it's kind" Kagome suggested planting the idea, that way even Souta would be protected out in the field.
He nodded eyeing the blue heart on his sister's forehead "Say Kagome, do you think we'll get the heart crests, me, mom and gramps I mean" Souta asked and the kitsune blinked before tilting her head to the side as if she was contemplating the idea.
"Yeah Kagome-chan, can we get crests to" Ayumi asked wondering if it was possible, Kagome whirled around after instructing Souta to continue practicing and checking on the other four who were doing better than the day before.
"Perhaps but it won't be my crests, it's nothing against you" Kagome held up her hand before the girl could complain and start saying how it wasn't fair "These crests signify my status as the Lady of the House of Hearts, and Shippou as my Heir to the Aoiro Estate" she explained.
"If it was something different, but still had the color blue mixed in, then it is possible, but the only people that would be allowed to get these particular crests would those of blood relation and anyone who married into the family" Kagome finished.
Understanding a little more Ayumi nodded "Okay, we'll let you know what we come up with" she turned and pulled Eri, Yuka and Hojo into another huddle so that they could come up with suggestions on what to get as their crests, they all saw each other as family, and it was better they stuck together.
Soon enough the five children had exhausted themselves and as Kagome healed their scrapes Kegawa touched down behind her *Mistress I have returned, the Estate was in an uproar last night, though it's all blown over thanks to Hakari-san* Kegawa's voice filled her head in that sweet tune.
'Thanks Kegawa, do you mind carrying the girls again' Kagome nodded to what her nekomata was saying, she had a lot of things to do when she returned, her eyes hardened, no one was going to touch her family ever again.
*Certainly Kagome-chan* Kegawa mewed softly across their link and transformed into her larger form again allowing Choko, Kokoa and Natti to climb on as Souta and Shippou got on the back of Masshiro, Ishi took to the skies and Kagome took a deep breath forming her foxfire cloud.
Ayumi, Yuka, Eri and Hojo took the hint and soon enough they were all on their way back to the eastern lands and by extension the Aoiro Estate, when they landed before the gates Ni and Deru were stationed there and Kagome paused.
"We returned last night, fortunately only Tomo-sama's village was in need of help, and Bankotsu-san had us split up and regroup" Ni explained as Deru unlocked the gate, though his attention was riveted to one of the older girls traveling with Kagome.
"My Lady Kagome who is this beauty that travels with you" he asked unable to stop himself as his eyes were practically glued to her slender curves, her cheeks turned red and he knew without a doubt he had to have her.
Kagome glanced back to where one of her trusted guard was staring and nearly burst out laughing, the silver haired blue eyed male kitsune was staring at Yuka, "Ni, I would like to introduce to you, Yuka, she has come to help, Yuka-chan this is one of my most trusted guard Ni" she introduced them.
Yuka gave a flirtatious smile and walked forward so she was standing in front of the decidedly delicious form of male specimen, never mind that he wasn't even human, "Hello there" she fluttered her lashes, cheeks a rosy red as he eyed her up and down.
"Miss it is an honor to meet you and it would be an even greater pleasure if you wouldn't be opposed to allowing me to take you on a walk around the estate later when I'm off duty" Ni bowed keeping his blue eyes locked with her own blue eyes.
Not quite sure if she should accept such an offer, Yuka glanced right at Kagome and got an encouraging nod "Well Ni, I would love that" she gave him a beatific smile as he lifted her hand and pressed a feather light kiss to her knuckles.
After that Kagome led them through the gates, when they were gone Ni let out a sigh "Well brother I think I'm in love" he crooned "She is a beauty unrivaled and I shall have her" he decided and Deru rolled his eyes, though secretly he was a little jealous that his younger brother had found his mate before him.
"Yeah, yeah, but I get the feeling that you're in for a long and time consuming relationship brother" Deru chuckled, he'd seen the way the female had eyed his younger brother, and the months to come would provide great amusement.
By the doors the guards stationed there opened them for their lady and company "Wow he was so cute" Yuka squealed softly being mindful of the more hearing sensitive youkai in the estate as they walked through the halls to the main hall as Kagome had told them she needed to introduce them.
A wry smile tugged her lips upwards "He's a flirt Yuka, I want you to be careful" Kagome warned suddenly "Though I've no doubt that if Ni does chase after you, it's not for fun, I'd go so far as to say he might be interested in more than just a little fun" she stated afterwards.
"Are all youkai cute like that" Eri questioned, she'd never seen so many handsome males and hardly any of them were human, Kagome tilted her head back to meet her gaze and let out a long suffering sigh, her question was answered in the next moment.
"Not all of them but most of them are more attractive than the ningen species" she teased as they stopped before the main hall doors "Brace yourselves it's going to get loud" Kagome said easily raising a barrier to protect her sensitive ears.
The warning did not do them any justice as the doors were opened by the two customary guards stationed outside them and the loud chatter from within the room reached them, Kagome ignored this and strode forward, the five children joining the crowd, as she led the way up to her throne.
Higashigawa and Hakari were at her side a moment later as she sat down and the cacophony of noise died down as they saw their newest visitors, Kagome nodded glad she hadn't had to order everyone to be quiet and at least they understood the importance of the new arrivals.
"Milady" Shuri appeared at her side "What news do you bring us" he asked quill poised above a scroll and ready to write down anything his lady might say, though he couldn't help but glance furtively at the four ningen gathered to the side.
Kagome cleared her throat "Everyone, I've brought before you, some ningen that will help us better ourselves and change the Eastern Region to more youkai/ningen friendly lands, Hojo here" she gestured at the male and the brown haired teen came forward.
He was shaking with nerves and everyone could tell that but no one said anything "He has more medical knowledge so I'm placing him on the team of youkai that are in the medical wing, he will lead them" Kagome's voice calm and soothing filled his ears and slowly Hojo relaxed.
"That's right so please take care of me as I will take care of you" he bowed as he'd seen many of the guard do along the way into the Estate, he wasn't sure if he was supposed to but it seemed like the polite thing to do, and besides it might even make some of the youkai warm up to him.
Hojo was patted gently on the shoulder and he stood back as Kagome addressed the gathered youkai, and ningen in the hall, "Next is Eri, due to her quick wit and sharp tongue I've decided to add her to the council" Kagome looked at her three youkai council and they nodded.
"We've been working on something to develop better relationship with our ningen villages, and Eri, here will help with that, she will be the council member that deal with the human relationships" Kagome nodded at the girl and Eri stepped forward.
Her soft brown eyes stared out over everyone gathered in the hall "If you have any problems with humans, I'll be glad to steer you in the right direction" Eri quipped so that if any of the youkai had doubts about her sharp tongue, it would put them off for awhile.
Kagome stifled a giggle behind her hand as quickly as she could, but when Hakari gave her a funny look she knew she'd failed, so she righted herself as much as possible and cleared her throat Eri stepped back to stand with the others.
"Next is Ayumi, now everyone knows that I've made plans for a school to be built between the estate and Tomo-san's village, she will be the Head of the School and teach the children, of course she has permission to choose anyone she needs to join her at this school" Kagome continued.
Ayumi came forward bowed her head before righting herself, she didn't say anything like her friends had and went back in line with the others so that Kagome could finish this meeting up and they could all go eat lunch together.
Kagome smiled softly "And finally Yuka, and I realize that I should have done this sooner, I know that some of you still have lasting trauma from the time of Yaramaru's reign, Yuka, here will be you're sounding board and she'll sit and talk with you for however long is needed" she finished.
"That's right, I'm really good at listening and giving advice, especially on relationships" Yuka threw out there with a little wink causing some of the youkai to crack a smile, they were happy that such lively people were coming to stay in the Estate with them and couldn't agree more with their Lady's decisions as they were well thought out and would better them in the long run.
Glad that was over, Kagome stood and stretched "Right let's break for lunch, and then I need the council, my two military advisors and my advisors with me in a meeting" she called as she dismissed everyone so they could do their own thing.
It was time to start putting plans in place to prevent anything like that had happened at the bone eaters well, and by the fate she was never going to let anyone touch those she'd chosen to protect, Sesshomaru wasn't the only one who had taken that advice and run with it, but she understood better.
Once lunch had been eaten, Kagome rose from her seat at the head of the table and with a deep sigh that made people wonder left the dining hall, Eri, Shuri, Yuutsuna, Akushu, Hakari, Koware, Ramei and Kozui on her heels.
"What is going on Lady Kagome, this is the first time you've gathered us like this" Akushu inquired curiously as he took his seat around the circular table, Yuutsuna to his right, and Eri to his left, with Shuri next to Eri.
Hakari and Koware took a seat on either side of Kagome and Ramei and Kozui sat on either side of the round table, once everyone was sitting she took a deep breath "It has come to my attention lately that someone is planning to attack" she started staring around.
"His name is Akuto, and for reasons unknown to me at least he has some sort of problem with me, we need to start putting protection into place and start hunting this snake down so that he can't deal to much damage to the lands" Kagome steepled her fingers together.
Ramei straightened in his seat, everything made sense now, why their lady was doing her best to make sure these lands were protected, why the guard had to undergo extensive training and why he and Kozui had been chosen as military advisors to their lady.
"What do you need us to do Lady Kagome, Kozui and I, as you're military advisors will do anything you ask of us" he bowed his head keeping his eyes locked with those chocolate browns, usually so soft and kind, but now hard and angry, this Akuto had pissed her off and he wondered what had happened.
Kagome nodded glad that they were taking this seriously "I need the both of you to come up with a sound plan, I trust you and give you full reigns over this, so long as you share the plan once you've completed it" she flashed him a small smile, this was their first time doing their job after all.
It was bound to be nerve wracking "We understand Lady Kagome" Kozui nodded like her friend had, and she truly did understand, it was awfully frustrating to know they couldn't do more than this, but at least if they came up with a plan, there would be less casualties to the people of the Eastern Region.
Thankful that she had such great people in her court, Kagome smiled "Good, Yuutsuna and Eri will alert the ningen villages of potential danger, so that they know to be prepared" she jumped right in after a moment, she wanted to let her ningen subjects know that she was doing everything she could.
To make sure they were prepared and protected as much as possible "Akushu will alert Lord Nagemasu's family, if that bird youkai is found have him taken in to custody, he's not aware of his own actions" Kagome turned her attention on the only spider youkai that seemed to be good.
"What do I tell them, that their Lord is a traitor, or just to be on the lookout" Akushu placed his hands on the table staring his lady in the eyes, he hoped someday she might be able to find her happiness, she was so young and yet already so smart and aware of what was going on in the world.
She took a deep breath "Lord Nagemasu is not a traitor, he is under Akuto's control, like Inuyasha, if they find either of those two have them apprehend the both of them and I'll deal with them myself, other than that, just have them prepare in case a war breaks out" Kagome stated easily.
Akushu nodded "You can trust me Lady Kagome, I won't let you down" he to bowed his head showing that he wasn't taking her warning lightly, if she said that a war might break out, then he was going to believe her, she and her group of friends did take down Naraku after all.
"Now Hakari, Koware" Kagome turned her attention on the only two youkai she hadn't addressed yet, this was the most important job "With all these plans being put in place, I might be leaving the Estate more and more often as the days pass" she started keeping her eyes on the two youkai.
Hakari went rigid in his seat clearly wanting to object but unable to because Kagome was a strong alpha and would do what it took to make sure everyone was protected "I'm entrusting the protection of this Estate and the Eastern Lands to you Hakari" she continued.
"In the case I am absent and Akuto decides to attack" Kagome finished, she had complete faith that Hakari would do what was right, he hadn't let her down so far, "And Koware, you will act as his eyes and ears in the Estate" she lowered her voice.
It hurt that she had to lay the suspicion on any of the youkai in the estate and the youkai and one ningen in the room seemed to understand this "I can't take the chance that Akuto hasn't already planted a spy in the Estate" Kagome breathed voice thick with hurt.
"So I'm trusting you Koware to keep you're eyes peeled for any suspicion activity, it's better to be cautious than to write off the idea after all" she stated as she finished the order, it would bother her for a long time until Akuto was finally taken down.
The order didn't just bother her, it bothered everyone in the room as well, but they understood that as the Lady of the Eastern Lands and of the Aoiro Estate, that you had to make difficult decisions, so they didn't make a sound as Koware nodded silently.
She was the best youkai to complete the job as she was unassuming and most even forgot she was there because she was quiet "I understand Lady Kagome, this Koware will do everything she can to make sure no one betrays Milady" Koware crowed in a determined voice.
"Thank you, all of you, and with that this meeting is completed, in a weeks time we'll meet again" Kagome stated pushing back her chair and standing, she took a moment to stretch to relieve the tension that had settled into her body.
They left the meeting room and Kagome immediately went off to find her mother "Mama" she called lips curving upwards in a smile, despite the hurt she felt, she knew that she was making the right decision, in the end it would protect everyone, her family most important of all.
"Oh Kagome dear" Satomi turned from where she had been discussing new ideas with Kimasu the head maid, her daughter didn't have to say a word "I'll be back in twenty minutes" she turned to the panther youkai.
Kagome grinned and quickly pulled her mother into a hug as Kimasu left to give them their privacy "What is it, has something happened" Satomi asked as they walked down the hall together, she had been meaning to speak with her daughter for a few days now, but had been busy.
"In a way yes, but it's not safe to speak of such things, instead Souta has brought something to my attention" she murmured before her eyes lit up with excitement, though she wasn't sure how well the idea would take considering the amount of pain it caused a person.
Satomi frowned but let the previous subject go, she was sure she'd find out later "And what has Souta brought to you're attention Kagome dear, and there is something I'd like to talk to you about as well" she looked left and right hoping that he wasn't hanging around.
"Well Souta-otouto has mentioned wanting to get the crests that Shippou and I both bare, and he suggested that not only he, but you and gramps get them as well, but it worries me because it's painful" Kagome skipped along next to her mother, she knew they had limited time after all.
Not quite sure what to think of that "Isn't there a way to dull our senses enough so that it won't be as painful" Satomi questioned suddenly, if Hojo was here perhaps the boy would be able to come up with something that would help.
A grimace formed on her lips "That's impossible, I tried the same with my reiki while I was getting them and if anything it seemed to enhance the pain" Kagome quipped dryly, and Satomi shuddered, but there was a determined look in her eyes.
"I've been meaning to ask Kagome dear how was it that you became youkai and is it possible for, myself, Souta and grandfather to do the same" she breathed hoping that the male that she had her eye on wasn't eavesdropping, because she wanted this to be a surprise.
Kagome tripped over her feet and almost slammed nose first into the wall, one of the guard stationed in the hall slid in front of her and cushioned her "Ah sorry" she smiled sheepishly as the youkai righted himself and stood in his previous spot.
"Think nothing of it Lady Kagome, as you're guard it is our job to make sure nothing happens to our lady and it would be an honor to stand in front of you if we were under attack" he murmured softly but her sensitive ears caught the statement.
Satomi watched all this with a smile, her daughter had an entire estate full of youkai under her command and they would gladly lay down their lives for her, it was heartwarming to say the least, Kagome turned beet red and laughed nervously.
Instead she faced Satomi again "I don't know, I was turned on a whim of the fates" Kagome bit her lip, while it would make her more than happy to have her family become like her, she knew that her grandfather would never agree to it, because of Kaede.
All she could do for those two elders was ensure they lived at least fifty years longer, "There is the claiming ritual, I'm sure we can alter it so that I claim you as family" Kagome thought of the scroll she still held in her grasp because Sesshomaru had gifted it to her.
"What is the claiming ritual" Satomi tilted her head to the side, it sure was interesting, Kagome grinned and opened her void pocket, something that always surprised her because it appeared out of thin air and dug through it before emerging with a small scroll clutched in her clawed hand.
It was unrolled a second later "The claiming ritual is what I used to claim Shippou as my son, it's how he got the crests without having to go through excruciating pain, I'm sure I can alter it a bit to make it accept you, gramps and Souta as part of my family" Kagome explained.
"And who knows maybe the fates will do as they did with me and turn you and Souta-otouto into kitsune, I doubt gramps would be to happy to wake up as a kitsune" she tittered nervously behind her hand and Satomi nodded in understanding.
Knowing her time was running out, Satomi asked one last question "When will we be able to do this ritual of yours" she asked, Kagome tapped her lip in thought remembering how she'd had to do the claiming ritual on the night of the new moon.
"Give me three days to come up with a new ritual, then after I meet with Lord Yaro of the North, and marry off Zengo and Ja, then we'll be able to do this ritual, I'd warn gramps though" Kagome snickered, Satomi nodded and she headed off to continue her work.
Now that everything had mostly calmed down the work she'd previously done was now easier and Satomi had done wonders for the maids and cooks of the estate, Kagome cracked her knuckles and headed to her study to do a bit of paperwork.
In between all the paperwork which really wasn't all that much considering she'd dealt with any major problems upon the first few months of her arrival in the East, Kagome worked on coming up with her own claiming ritual, one that would allow her to claim her family and have them bare her crests.
It started out innocently enough as she included all the same items from the old ritual, the blood, the nail, the lock of hair, then it got a little harder, because neither her mother and grandfather had spiritual energy or reiki.
So Kagome turned her attention on a book she'd found, and that's where she found the answer to her first problem, if she used her own reiki and mixed it with the blood of her family's while stating each of their names and what part of her family they were it would work.
Then came to setting the ritual time and Kagome decided on when the Sun was high in the sky meaning noon, and before she knew it those three days had flown by and she was preparing to head off to speak with Yaro of the North.
Her escorts for the day were Ishi, Hiten though with major reluctance and Eri, so that she would get use to traveling, "So Kagome this Yaro guy how do you know him" she chattered, she'd chosen to fly with her on the foxfire cloud.
"Well for starters I'd call him Lord Yaro, he's the Lord of the North, and a weasel youkai" Kagome ticked off her fingers, and Eri nodded, she had to be careful, her job was dealing with humans, not youkai but most of the youkai in the estate were use to her.
Out in the world, everything was different and definitely more dangerous "Lady Kagome" Hiten called in the same monotone voice he'd been using since he'd been ordered not to attack anyone, Kagome turned her attention on the thunder youkai.
"Yes Hiten" she answered, instead of saying anything he pointed signaling they'd arrived, so she slowly directed her foxfire cloud to the ground, the minute her feet were on the ground Yaro and his two escorts stepped out of the trees.
"Lady Kagome" he gave her a flashy bow subtly eyeing those she'd brought with her and dismissing them just as quickly "Let's talk business" Yaro gestured and she stepped up next to him, how he would love to marry her off to his son, but he knew that was out of the question.
Kagome took a deep breath as Ishi and Hiten took up the rear with Eri situated and protected in the middle, "Yes, lets Lord Yaro" she rubbed her hands together and they did, discussing trade options from early morning to mid afternoon bartering back and forth each of them getting great deals.
Until she finally got him to confess on something he really wanted "You see Lady Kagome, I've been searching for an exotic seed, it's a rarity in my lands but bountiful in the East, I seek an almond tree seed" Yaro stated sheepishly, that was one thing he desired more than anything else.
And he was in luck, because despite the fact she'd just had everything she'd brought back from the future planted she still had ten seeds left "What price are you willing to name for ten of these seeds" Kagome gave an inward smirk, she had the weasel right where she wanted him.
He was obviously shocked "Te...Ten of them, my Lady please you flatter me, I merely need one of these seeds" Yaro was quick to shoot down the offer, "But..." he coughed into his hand "I would pay a hefty price for them" he said keeping his eyes locked onto her moving form.
"I'll give these seeds to you if you trade with me one item that the North has that doesn't exist in the East" Kagome held up the little bag she'd created out of silk courtesy of Akushu and dyed blue, "But it has to be something that will bring income to my lands" she warned.
Yaro thought long and hard on the offer, until he finally remembered something "There is but one thing Lady Kagome, that the North has, that I've never seen in the East" he started, Kagome was proving to be a just and smart ruler, and it made him excited to do business with her.
"And what would that be Lord Yaro" Kagome put a hand on her hip, as she shifted on her feet, she was trying to think of what it could be, but she was stumped, what did the East not have, it was a mystery and she wished the weasel would just tell her.
He smiled nervously "Bee hives, while we have some youkai in the honey making business and we regularly send out this honey to other lands, I've never come across such a thing in the East, so it's not really something I can physically trade with you" Yaro stated.
Eyes wide, Kagome tapped her lip, that's exactly what she needed to bring in more income, "Then let's trade, even if it's not something you can physical put in my hand, it's still a trade and it's a deal" she held out her hand hoping that Yaro would accept it.
Yaro quickly shook her hand "Yes Lady Kagome, it is a deal, now about those seeds" he laughed sheepishly eyeing the little bag in her hand, the seeds were quickly shook out and handed over "Pleasure doing business with you My Lady" he nodded.
"Quite, we shall have to do this again, when Nagemasu isn't under a snake bastards control" Kagome snickered at his shocked look, it quickly morphed into one of amusement and Yaro tilted his head back and laughed raucously.
"You sure are a lively one Lady Kagome, keep up the good work, and I'll keep my eyes peeled for that moron, I knew something was up with him during the coronation ceremony, but I never realized" Yaro frowned a moment later.
Kagome sighed "Don't worry about it, I never would have suspected either, but thanks to Inuyasha, the idea came, send me a message if you find anything" she waved forming her foxfire cloud beneath her feet again and Eri climbed on.
Yaro watched as the Eastern Lady rose into the clouds, her two escorts following her on either side, once she was out of sight he turned "Let's get back to the Northern Estate, we have plans to make, it's time to let everyone know that we are the Easts allies" he announced.
"Of course Lord Yaro" the guard stated bowing low as they walked back to their home, for the first time in history, three of the lands were making a conjoined effort to get along and protect their regions, all thanks to one kitsune/miko named Kagome Higurashi.