Across the lands in the Western Region, at exactly four in the morning, Inuyasha stumbled across his older half brother and a semi familiar inuyoukai, he was still being controlled by Akuto, "BASTARD" he snarled waking the two sleeping inudaiyoukai's.
Sesshomaru was on his feet a second later and Touga followed afterwards "Where the hell is that bitch who thinks she can steal my mate and pup" Inuyasha was practically frothing at the mouth, and he looked like a rabid dog.
"Insolent pup, that is no way to speak to you're brother" Touga snapped "And if you so much as dare call Kagome a bitch again, I'll teach you exactly why I'm still the alpha male" he growled in a deadly tone of voice, but Inuyasha paid this no heed.
The younger daiyoukai grimaced "Father, I feel as if I should warn you, Inuyasha has no control over his actions at the moment, he is a pawn for the bastard snake Akuto" he growled in the ancient inu language so that Inuyasha wouldn't know.
Touga paused in pulling out his sword as Jaken took Rin who was on the back of AhUn into the forest so that she would be out of harms way if this meeting degenerated into a fight, they'd been making their way back to the East, but had been going slowly.
Then he shook his head 'What a foolish pup' Touga thought flicking his blade around in his hand "No matter I'm still going to give him an ass whooping, then we'll return to the Aoiro Estate in the morn" he ordered, Sesshomaru sighed but nodded.
Inuyasha snarled and lunched forward "Iron Reaver Soul Stealer" he called slashing his claws through the air, Touga was quicker and lifted his foot and not feeling guilty at all slammed it straight into his youngest son's stomach and sent him flying.
He crashed through a couple of tree's before jumping to his feet if anything becoming angrier than before especially when he spotted the smirk on the older inuyoukai's lips "What enjoy hurting the half breed" Inuyasha snarled grinding his teeth together.
"Well next time you won't get so lucky" he snapped leaping forward again claws extended intending to rake them down Touga's face, but he swiped through empty air, Touga leaped to the right and took the hilt of his sword whacking Inuyasha over the back of the neck with it.
The hanyou went down clutching his neck as it throbbed "Tsk, tsk Inuyasha, haven't you learned anything from the various times you clashed with you're brother" Touga clicked his tongue in disappointment waiting for his youngest son to come at him again.
At the insult Inuyasha was on his feet again yanking the sword from his waist out of it's sheath "Nobody gets away with insulting me" he growled dangerously low, it rumbled all the way from his chest in a deep way.
"Tetsusaiga" Inuyasha hollered swinging his sword erratically, Touga frowned, had the boy learned nothing over the years, "Windscar" Inuyasha swung the Tetsusaiga and the powerful attack destroyed the camp Touga and Sesshomaru had set up.
But because Touga already knew the attacks of the sword, it was easy to dodge or deflect them, making Inuyasha all the more furious because he failed to get a hit in on the silver haired male, it didn't occur to him that it was his father.
Touga sighed, it was time to show his pup exactly why he was the Alpha Male, and leaned forward when Inuyasha was in the middle of a rant and punched him squarely in the face, a crunch was heard and the hanyou jumped back hand clasped over his face, his nose had been broken.
"Fucker you'll pay for that" he snarled his words sounding garbled, Touga ignored this and leaped over Inuyasha's head sending a kick at the hanyou, the silver haired inuyoukai hanyou dropped his sword with a hiss and clutched the top of his head as a lump formed.
"Come now pup put you're back into it" Touga chuckled thoroughly enjoying whipping his youngest sons ass, it was also a threat for Sesshomaru, basically the message he was conveying said watch it or you'll be the one getting the ass whooping next boy.
Sesshomaru in the meantime had settled against a tree to watch and enjoy the show, it had been a long time coming and to be honest he couldn't wait to see what Kagome would do to Inuyasha when the five of them showed up in the morning.
Inuyasha howled and stood up properly sprinting forward, Touga reached out and snatched the wrist aimed at his face and twisted breaking the hanyou's wrist, the next bone to break was his left arm and Inuyasha dropped to the ground again.
"You think you can get away with beating me up, just wait Aku..Akuto will save me" Inuyasha was delirious as Touga systematically beat his son into the ground, and by the time he was finished the hanyou was unconscious.
It had taken an hour and a half to knock the boy out, and he'd had to put far to much effort into it, to Touga it proved that his youngest son had improved somewhat but Inuyasha would never be strong enough to take him on and win.
Seeing as the show was over, Sesshomaru flared his youkai signaling to Jaken that it was safe to return with Rin, a few minutes later the trio emerged from the forest, Rin having fallen asleep on AhUn "We'll fly" Sesshomaru stated.
"Of course Milord does this mean we are going back to the Aoiro Estate" Jaken asked quietly clutching the staff of two heads in his hands, he'd been on high alert since the moment he had been ordered to take Rin a safe distance away.
The younger inudaiyoukai nodded "Yes, Kagome needs to cleanse Inuyasha and purge him of whatever Akuto is using to control him" Sesshomaru explained forming a cloud beneath his feet and extending it so that Inuyasha wasn't left behind.
Touga placed his youngest son on the cloud and formed his own cloud, it would take them a few hours to get to the Eastern Estate, he just only hoped Inuyasha didn't wake before then, or they'd have trouble on their hands when they didn't need it.
Jaken jumped atop the dragon steeds head and directed AhUn into the skies following after his Master and Touga, secretly he was happy that they were returning to the Aoiro Estate, as much as he loved traveling he missed Koware very much and was glad he'd get to stay with her for longer than a few moments.
An hour and a half later, Kagome was waking up for the day, there were so many thing she had to do, such as prepare for the ritual, she was so excited and couldn't wait, she really hoped the fates granted her wish and turned her family into foxes like herself.
Then they would truly be a part of the world she'd been part of for so long, and would be for the rest of their lives, "Kaa-chan" Shippou called, he'd decided to sleep with her last night for some reason, Kagome tilted her head to the side to let him know she was awake.
"Yes my little kit" she asked gently as he sat up and gave a great big yawn rubbing his eyes and then stretching his arms high, it made for one adorable sight and Kagome couldn't help but lift Shippou into her arms causing him to laugh.
He grinned "Today's the day" he exclaimed exuberantly, Shippou had been waiting for this ritual for days since he'd first learned about it, Kagome chuckled softly, and nodded "I can't wait to see what they'll look like what about you Kaa-chan" Shippou chattered excitedly.
"Hmm, well Gramps and Lady Kaede might have gray fur, because of their old age, while Mama might have black and gray, while Souta-otouto would have all black" Kagome tapped her lip in thought as she headed into her closet to choose an outfit.
Shippou nodded "That does sound about right Kaa-chan, well I'm going to head back to my room and get dressed" he said getting out of the futon and heading to the door, Kagome raised the barrier for him and the little kit disappeared from sight.
Kagome smiled, he'd gotten so smart lately, the lessons with Higashigawa had been going great, perhaps she'd join him today once the ritual was finished, it had been awhile after all and she'd been wanting to practice without having to worry about something, like Akuto.
She hurriedly dressed in a knee length aquamarine kimono, had Mitsumeru brush through her now calf length blue/black hair and tie it up in a topknot, before finally leaving her bedroom, along the way she passed by "Soten are you lost perchance" Kagome asked bending down to her level.
The little thunder demon's cheeks turned beet red and she fidgeted and shuffled her feet nervously, Kagome waited for a few minutes letting the girl gather her courage "Yes Lady Kagome" she pouted cutely bringing a smile to Kagome's lips.
"Well then, I'll lead you to the dining hall" Kagome straightened from her kneeling position and held out her hand, Soten didn't hesitate and grasped the offered hand and soon they were on their way to the dining hall, just as they were to enter through the doors, Hiten came barreling through them.
He froze as he spotted the person he'd just been looking for "I'm sorry if she bothered you Lady Kagome, I told you not to go wandering off by yourself Soten" Hiten sighed with a grimace apologizing to the kitsune and scolding his little sister all in one breath.
Of course Kagome quickly waved the apology off "Soten-chan didn't bother me any, she was a bit lost, I just helped her" she smiled and took her place at the head of the table, "Are you excited for this afternoon Mama" Kagome asked looking at her mother who was seated on the right of her.
Shippou was on the left "We are" Satomi nodded glancing over her shoulder at Higashigawa, she really hoped the fates changed them into youkai, she really wanted to be with the kitsune male, he made her happy, but she wanted to be like him to understand him better.
"Ay child, this is perhaps the strangest thing I've ever done" Kaede grumbled from her spot next to Toya, a few seats down the table, but still close enough to Kagome, even if she'd been all the way at the other end of the table, the kitsune female still would have heard her though.
Sniggers filled the air from Miroku just before his lovely wife slapped him over the back of the head, "Sango my love" he pouted, but the brunette huffed and turned her head away ignoring her husband for the time being, Kagome smiled behind her hand, never mess with a pregnant woman.
Souta couldn't help himself either "Ya Sis, I can't wait do you think I'll still have my spiritual powers like you" he asked curiously and Kagome frowned, if it was possible for her to retain her abilities then it was a likely chance that Souta would keep his as well.
"I would bet on it Souta-otouto" Kagome nodded flashing him a smile and digging into her breakfast once Zengo had set it before her, she didn't know why he always chose to come here himself, but at least he was happier than he'd ever been.
And no one had complained yet, so that was a plus, Kagome raised her fork to her lips and prepared to take the bite of eggs, she'd just closed her mouth when the dining hall doors slammed open flying off their hinges with the power that had been used.
Then Sesshomaru, Touga, Jaken, and Rin were before her, the food went down her windpipe and she started choking "Father" Sesshomaru growled, it was his damn fault, if they had just waited like they were supposed to then Kagome wouldn't be choking on her food.
Everyone jumped up and converged on the female kitsune as Sesshomaru patted her on the back "Thanks" she rasped taking a drink of water that Shippou handed her, once she'd got her breathing under control, Kagome stood up properly instead of leaning over.
And pinned angry chocolate brown eyes on Touga "What..." she paused sending the maids a look, they quickly got the children out of the room, before she exploded "THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING BLASTING YOU'RE WAY IN HERE LIKE THAT" Kagome snarled more than a little pissed.
Not having expected Kagome to get angry with him, Touga stood frozen in place, eyes so wide and a grimace on his lips "Now my sweet, let's just calm down" he tried to sooth, but Kagome was in no mood to calm down as it was and she absolutely hated being called pet names.
"TOUGA GET THE HELL OUT OF THIS ESTATE RIGHT NOW, I warned you about calling me those damn pet names also" Kagome whirled around after she'd turned her back on him "You'll be the one fixing my dining hall" she snapped pointing at the destruction he'd created.
His skin paled and Touga wasted no time getting out of the way of the angry kitsune female, who happened to be the Lady of the Eastern Lands, he dashed through the halls of the estate and escaped outside, jumping over the gates and disappearing into the distance to the amusement of Ni and Deru.
Back in the dining hall, Sesshomaru was trying so very hard not to collapse in a fit of laughter, it was undignified, but it had been oh so worth it to see his Great and Terrible Father flee from the wrath of his future mate, and he had no doubt the fates were laughing as well.
On her part Kagome flopped gracelessly in her chair and the maids brought the children back in so that they could finish their breakfast in peace, when the maids started clearing away the destruction, Kagome turned in her chair and in the most sugary sweet voice told them.
"Leave it, Lord Touga has graciously offered to fix it, so that's his job" she smiled before turning back to her meal, and not wanting to argue with their lady who was at the angriest they'd ever seen her, the maids scrambled out of the dining hall to do their other jobs.
It was absolutely silent until "Pfffftttttt" Bankotsu doubled over laughing banging his hand on the table from his spot at the other end, this started the laughter and Kagome felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment, "My god, I don't think I've ever seen someone run so fast like that before" Bankotsu wheezed.
A moment later Sesshomaru remembered exactly why his father had been in a hurry to get to Kagome "Father and I ran across someone unexpected so we brought him back with us" Sesshomaru murmured sitting in the empty chair that was placed down for him a few seats away from Kagome.
Kagome lifted her head "Who Sesshomaru, and you don't think I was to harsh with him do you" she asked feeling more than a little guilty now that she'd managed to calm down, the damage done was minimal to what she'd done on her first day there after all.
Chuckles filled the air from Sesshomaru "Absolutely not, to see my Father flee like that was most amusing, and Inuyasha, Father managed to give him an ass whooping, he's currently in the medical wing of the estate unconscious and under the influence of whatever Akuto gave him to control him" he explained digging into his own meal.
She grimaced and Sesshomaru knew how she felt "I understand, after breakfast I'll deal with Inuyasha, but if he wakes before I'm done, I'm going knock his teeth out" Kagome huffed and took another bite of her eggs, after her coughing fit, her throat stung so she was eating a little slower than usual.
Fifteen minutes later, she pushed her chair back and stood, Sesshomaru was right there next to her a moment later, Souta immediately started pouting, he'd hoped to spend the morning with her, but now she had to deal with that stupid Inuyasha, why did he have to be such a jerk.
The two made their way to the medical wing and Hojo met them at the entrance "I assume you're here to deal with Inuyasha-san" the brown haired male asked reading off a chart he'd written up the minute the hanyou was placed in the room.
Kagome nodded "Yes that's right, I'm going to see if I can't reverse the damage that's been dealt to him by Akuto" she explained heading to the curtained off section, he was laying in the bed, looking a little beat up and bloody, "Lord Touga sure did a number on you" she sighed cracking her knuckles.
The kitsune took a deep breath, Sesshomaru was stood behind her, and placed her hands on Inuyasha's chest, healing reiki already pushed into her hands, she sunk her awareness into his body trying to find the darkness that Akuto had placed in the hanyou.
Ten minutes later she found it, slithering around his brain like a snake, and Kagome wasted no time in gripping Inuyasha's head with her hands and very carefully purifying the taint, she had to be careful or the inuyoukai hanyou would end up dead and she didn't want that on her hands.
Despite everything he'd done, he was still a very dear friend to her, no matter what, she had to save him so that Hinoko could be happy again, the strain of being away from her mate had proven to much and she'd collapsed a couple nights ago, Fuketsu cried up a storm constantly and it was just awful.
Sesshomaru didn't dare to even so much as move, he did want to get to know his younger half brother, hopefully after this they could begin to repair their relationship as family, and whatever Kagome had planned would hopefully be the start of that.
Nearly a full hour after she'd begun the process of purging the darkness from Inuyasha, the hanyou woke up with a groan just as Kagome pulled away, his eyes fluttered open and he stared around as if he was in a daze before he focused on her "Ka..Kagome" he asked in a weak voice.
"Yes Inuyasha" Kagome bit her lip getting as close as she dared, thankfully the hanyou hadn't spotted Sesshomaru yet so she had a few minutes to try and figure out what the last thing he remembered was, the darkness had been in him for a long time, much longer than she had thought.
He slowly sat up looking around seeing, yet not "Where are we, are we in the future Kagome" Inuyasha questioned unable to focus on one thing for to long, it certainly did look like they were in the future because of the set up of the room.
Kagome slowly shook her head "No Inuyasha, we are in the past, we are in the Aoiro Estate in the Eastern Lands" she explained gently, it would be a bad idea to tell Inuyasha everything all at once because there was always that chance of him going crazy.
"Ugh" Inuyasha clutched his head as it throbbed "Why does it feel like I went a round with Sesshomaru" he asked hoping that his best friend would tell him what the hell was going on and why exactly they were in the Eastern Region.
Here she laughed nervously "Well you aren't to far off from the truth, technically it was you're father you went a round with" Kagome admitted and his head snapped up cracking loudly "What's the last thing you remember Inuyasha" she prodded calmly.
Not sure what was going on anymore Inuyasha creased his forehead in confusion "We were traveling and then one of them damn hell wasps stung me or something, that's the last thing I remember" he grit out as his head pounded and brought tears to his eyes.
Horror filled her and Kagome glanced over her shoulder at Sesshomaru "Inuyasha that was over a year and a half ago" she gasped, she remembered all to well removing the stinger from the hanyou and getting the antidote that was needed, then after that Inuyasha started changing.
Inuyasha frowned "What" he asked, how was it possible that he'd lost an entire year and a half of his memories, he went to ask another question, and then he saw the changes in the girl he'd been friends with and protected for so long "Kagome why do you look like a fox youkai" Inuyasha asked.
Kagome sighed "That's because I am a fox youkai Inuyasha, you've missed out on a lot, though it explains the darkness, not only was Akuto controlling you somewhat, but a remnant of Naraku's disgusting miasma was inside of you as well" she said.
"Explains a lot, why you started pulling away from me and everything, can't believe I didn't figure this out sooner, Hell Wasps were Naraku's favorite thing, trust him to pull a move like that well after he'd been dead" Kagome spat angrily, if she ever saw that bastard again she was gonna murder him.
And she found herself wishing the fates would bring him back just so she could inflict torture on the stupid hanyou who'd made her and her friends lives difficult from the very start of her journey into the past, "Keh does sound like something that stupid bastard would do" Inuyasha groaned.
"So what exactly have I been doing this entire time" he asked wanting to know, he knew Sesshomaru was there in the room as well, but he wanted to get everything before a fight degenerated, plus he wanted to know how everyone else was doing as well.
With a soft sigh Kagome sat on the edge of the bed "Well you've been running around all the lands like a madman, causing trouble like usual, being controlled by a snake youkai named Akuto" she started "Though it wasn't always like that" she breathed.
"Those first six months I did travel with you, but the night I decided to leave you all Sesshomaru approached me with an offer, the fates had a task for me, that was to revive you're father Lord Inutaisho, or Touga" Kagome explained, it never was easy.
"Of course you have a mate and pup now, Hinoko and Fuketsu" she grimaced, this was going to be difficult explaining, Inuyasha blinked his golden eyes in confusion, and his mouth dropped open in surprise, Kagome quickly held up her hand.
His jaw snapped shut and Inuyasha for once allowed Kagome to talk without spewing insults or ranting and raving up a storm, he'd missed out on a lot like she'd said, "How the hell did the mate and pup thing happen, I thought for sure, you and I were together" Inuyasha ran his hand through his silver hair, when Kagome was done.
Not really knowing what to tell Inuyasha, Kagome shrugged "Beats me, and we were at first, but I can tell you really did love Hinoko, after all you constantly came for her, it was very aggravating, though it proved that Akuto couldn't fully control you, which means he's weaker than we thought" she said.
Inuyasha relaxed on the bed "What do I tell her, and can I meet her" he asked, there must have been a reason why he'd been pulled to the woman "Is she human" he prodded hoping Kagome would tell him about the woman he'd mated and had a pup with.
"Well, she's an inuyoukai hanyou like you and she has the darkest red hair I've ever seen that flows all the way to the ground now, she has eyes that look like burning embers of fire and russet red ears like you" Kagome murmured.
Hinoko sounded like a beautiful demoness "Wow, and I mated with her, what does our pup look like, is it a he or a she, what do they look like" Inuyasha felt himself growing excited to learn about everything he'd missed out on and then meet with the inuyoukai hanyou female.
Sesshomaru chuckled softly, not in a mean way but just that laugh that people gave off when someone was super excited, Inuyasha found himself tempted to say something, but he was more interested in learning about what his pup looked like.
"Fuketsu-kun, has Hinoko-san's red eyes and you're silver hair with silver ears atop his head" Kagome stated easily, she'd held the pup several times over the weeks that had followed her coronation and he just adored her for whatever reason.
He caught the subtle wording "I have a boy" Inuyasha asked surprised and Kagome nodded "What of Miroku, Sango, and Shippou" he inquired, he hoped that nothing had happened to them or he'd feel even more guilty than he already did.
"Miroku and Sango are married, they live in a few buildings I had built for them outside the Estate, but still on Estate grounds, currently Sango-chan is pregnant with twins as for Shippou, he's become my son" Kagome grinned tracing the heart on her forehead.
Curious about the crest "So when you say son, do you mean you adopted him by ningen means and what's up with that heart on you're forehead" Inuyasha prodded, he felt awful, how could he have gotten so lost in himself that he'd forgotten everything that had happened.
A fond smile spread across her lips "Not by ningen means, by youkai, that's actually how I became a youkai, once we did the claiming ritual, the fates turned me into a fox youkai, and the crest signifies my status as the Lady of the House of Hearts, and Lady over the Eastern Lands" she grinned.
Inuyasha spluttered at that "You mean you're like Lord Ice cube over there" he snorted and Kagome rolled her brown eyes in exasperation "Come to think of it, why the hell is he here" he growled not liking how close the inudaiyoukai was to his friend.
Kagome coughed sheepishly at that "Yes, I rule over the Eastern Region, and Sesshomaru is here because he has free reign in my lands, and is the brother of my heart, just like you Inuyasha" she finally announced, she couldn't see Inuyasha as a love interest anymore.
Having expected it to turn out like that, the silver haired hanyou deflated, but he'd give Hinoko a chance "Can I meet Hinoko" he asked in a defeated voice, Kagome sent Inuyasha a sad smile, she knew how he felt, because that's how she use to feel.
Instead of saying anything she stepped out of the curtains, Sesshomaru moved out of the way and cleared her throat "Go to Hakari and tell him to bring Hinoko and Fuketsu up" she ordered the maid that was standing just outside in the hall.
He moved off to do as she commanded and Kagome entered the curtained off area again "Who's Hakari" came the question Inuyasha, even though he didn't remember he was still very possessive over Hinoko it seemed.
A smile spread across her lips "He's my first in command, and a dragon youkai, the reason Hinoko and Fuketsu are with Hakari is because they were under protection, from you Inuyasha" Kagome stated, that had been a mess that had driven her insane.
"Are you saying I hurt my mate and pup" Inuyasha shouted as dread pooled in his stomach like a sack of rocks, he'd promised even if it was to Kagome that he swore to never lay a hand on her, and to find out he'd done it to another female, was sickening.
Kagome grimaced "You left a bruise on her throat, but listen Inuyasha you weren't in control of you're actions, and Hinoko doesn't blame you either, for a time she was frightened but after constant reassurances, she's gotten over it" she soothed.
Inuyasha took a deep shaky breath just as an unfamiliar males voice filled the room "Lady Kagome, I've brought Hinoko and Fuketsu up, I'm afraid she's still unconscious" a dragon youkai stepped beneath the curtained off area and froze once he saw who was on the bed.
"Just set her on the bed Hakari, and hand Fuketsu to Inuyasha, he won't harm them, the darkness has been purified from within him" Kagome waved her hand dismissively and the tension in the air dissipated as if it had never been there.
Hakari placed the inuyoukai female on the bed next to Inuyasha before handing the silver haired hanyou his pup showing him the proper way to hold him, then he bowed to Kagome "I'll return to my caves" he said before disappearing from view.
He was stunned speechless, Hinoko was more beautiful than he had imagined and his pup, definitely his, because of the scent, was precious, to know he'd created life made him happy, and he was determined to fix things between himself and Hinoko.
"What of the village by the well" Inuyasha murmured softly rocking Fuketsu, the pup closed his red eyes and drifted off into a resting sleep, not only had Hinoko been missing her mate, but Fuketsu had felt the strain as well, just in a different more emotional way.
Since that was an easy question "Protected by one of my barriers, no one that has evil intentions will get through it, and the well is sealed, Kaede is here within the Estate, so is my family, and of course Eri, Yuka, Ayumi and Hojo" Kagome giggled.
Inuyasha went to ask another question but a soft sigh from Hinoko signaling she was waking drew his attention, he held his breath as her eyes fluttered open to reveal the reddest eyes he'd ever seen, and by the fates they were beyond gorgeous.
When she was fully conscious she spotted just who she was laying next to "Inuyasha-kun" Hinoko asked in a hopeful voice, she glanced at her alpha and Kagome nodded "Oh Inuyasha" she sobbed silently throwing herself into his arm that he held open for her.
"Shh, shh everything is going to be okay" Inuyasha rumbled in a soothing way, he had no idea what he was doing, but it seemed that even though he'd forgotten, his body remembered the touch of Hinoko and guided him through the process of calming his mate down.
Now came the hard part "Hinoko-san" Kagome called and Inuyasha grimaced as the female pulled away from him to face the kitsune female "You must understand that none of this is you're fault" she started gently, it wouldn't do to have the hanyou pass out on her.
"What's going on Lady Kagome" Hinoko frowned, was she still not allowed to be with Inuyasha, especially now that he seemed to have reverted back to the sweet hanyou she remembered instead of the jerk he had become since she'd been drug back to the east.
Kagome took a deep breath "Well due to Akuto and a hanyou named Naraku, Inuyasha has lost his memory, not just of me, but the entire year and a half you two have been together as well" she murmured gently hoping the inuyoukai female wouldn't burst into hysterical sobs again.
Hinoko blinked before eyeing her mate, Inuyasha was holding Fuketsu almost as if he had no idea what he was doing, and the way he seemed to be nervous around her told her that Kagome was telling the truth and that Inuyasha didn't remember their time spent together.
"I don't care, I'm willing to still try so long as you are Inuyasha-kun" she turned fully on the bed to face the silver haired hanyou, oh she hoped he still wanted to be with her, if he said no, it would break her heart and she would wither away, mating was for life and the bond was unbreakable.
Inuyasha closed his eyes for a moment and breathed in before making his decision "I believe I would like to try, I know that, I can't fix things that I've done, but we can consider this a do over, and I'll be the best father to Fuketsu that I can be" he said with a nod.
It brought tears to her eyes and once again Hinoko threw herself into Inuyasha's open arm, "Come on Sesshomaru, let's leave them alone to reacquaint themselves" Kagome murmured quietly leading the way out of the medical wing.
Out in the hall, Choko, Kokoa and Natti met her "Kagome-sensei, is it alright if we borrowed Masshiro-kun and went to visit our parents for the day" as the oldest Choko stepped forward and asked, their parents had asked if they could get the day off for training and come visit.
"Hmm, sure, but I'm going to have to send someone with you for protection, Akuto is out there and he'd just be waiting to pounce on three seemingly defenseless girls" Kagome raised her ebony brow and Kokoa and Natti latched onto each other, it was a terrifying thought.
Before Kagome could order one of the servants milling about Sesshomaru cleared his throat "If you don't mind I could escort them, and when this one returns, I'll bring my father so he can fix the dining hall" he offered and the kitsune whirled on him.
"That would be nice, thanks Sesshomaru" she pulled the dai into a quick side hug before skipping off down the hall, letting her nose lead her in the direction of her family, they had a couple hours yet before the claiming ritual, so she wanted to spend it with them, remembering the pout Souta had, had.
She found them, plus Shippou playing in one of the various gardens strategically placed around the Aoiro Estate, once the gardener youkai had found out that their lady, had a love for gardens, they had started planting and growing up a storm.
Souta spotted her first "Hey Sis, thought you were dealing with Inuyasha" he ran up to her, for once his hip was sword free, he felt confident enough to walk around without it constantly, plus this was his free day as well.
Kagome laughed sweetly pulling Souta off his feet and swinging him around "I was dealing with Bakayasha, but he's on the mend now" she said spinning a couple more times before placing her brother back on his feet.
He swayed dizzily back and forth for a moment before regaining his bearings "So you mean he's not a jerk anymore" Souta asked and Kagome nodded "That's a relief, I really do like Inuyasha, he's my hero, but I didn't like the way he treated you most of the time" he huffed.
"Don't worry about it otouto, I think Inuyasha will be to busy with his own mate and pup to even bother me, and I still have the command beads, and if he gets to be unmanageable, I'll make him submit and order him to behave" she shrugged as if it was no big deal.
Satomi smiled, her children were amazing people, which reminded her, "I have an announcement to make and a question as well" she called drawing everyone's attention on her, Kagome nodded for her to go ahead and she smiled again.
"After this claiming ritual, I'll be getting mated to Higashigawa-san, and when we mate will he also bare the family crest and become part of the house of hearts" she asked Kagome froze in realization, before nodding hesitantly.
The elder Higurashi woman breathed in relief before addressing her daughters concerns "Higashigawa wants this Kagome dear, he wants to be part of our family, but he also wants to pass on the title of Captain of the Guard" Satomi laughed sheepishly.
Glad that her mother and Higashigawa had discussed details before today, Kagome also let out a sigh of relief as she sat next to Kaede and Shippou clambered into her arms "That's wonderful news" Kagome grinned leaning back enjoying the breeze that drifted by ruffling her long unbound hair.
"Say sis, how long did it take you to achieve the level of spiritual power you have" Souta asked wanting to get an idea of how long it would take him to do the same, he wanted to be able to help out more instead of being dead weight around the estate.
Kagome tilted her head in his direction "Well I'm still learning, so I don't think there's really a time frame, but to get where I am right now, I had to train for well over six months, see when I started out I had no idea what I was doing beyond shooting an arrow" she frowned.
His eyes went wide "What's the first thing you learned" he asked scooting as close as he could get, which was practically in her lap, this was the most time they'd spent together since she'd started going on her adventures in the past, and now he was actually living there with her.
"Raising a barrier and breaking another one with my own strength, it took me over a week, and passing out more than once because of over exertion" she laughed in remembrance, and that one time a youkai had followed her back to camp and she'd obliterated him with an arrow.
Not having expected that, Souta whistled softly "Wow since what else did you have to do to get strong like you to become the Lady of the East" he asked completely absorbed in the tale his sister was telling him of her adventures of getting strong.
She smiled brightly "Afterward we traveled to find Hakari-san, my task was to get him to submit, with my aura, I had to fight him every day for two weeks, I learned how to use my barrier in a fight, heal myself, and form weapons and imbue them with immobilizing powers" Kagome ticked off.
"And then I made chiryo-ho, I learned how to make weapons tangible while giving them powers, then I learned how to fight with her, of course I learned how to wield reiki arrows, and use a void pocket to stuff items in it and many other things" she finished.
Souta sighed and leaned back mimicking his sister, he was determined to complete his monk training under Miroku and learn more about his powers under Kagome, he already had his own staff and the monk was teaching him how to make barriers with ofuda.
Tricky business but at least he was learning "Is it time yet" he huffed really wanting to become like her, Kagome tilted her head to the sky to determine the time and sat up with a nod "Really" Souta asked and the female kitsune gave him a smile.
"Yes Souta-otouto it's time, gather round everyone" Kagome placed a bowl in the center of them as they formed a circle, it was her, then her mother, grandfather, Kaede and Souta, then Shippou, she took a deep breath and then made a cut on her wrist holding it over the bowl so that the blood could gather.
Souta paled and nearly passed out at the sight of it, but bravely let Kagome make a small cut on his wrist as she did the same with the others and he took his turn to pour his blood into the bowl to mix with the others, then Kagome healed them all.
"What's next child" Kaede asked curiously, she'd never seen a ritual like this before, perhaps it was new, Kagome smiled sheepishly and held up a pair of scissors and snipped a lock of hair from herself and dropped it into the bowl.
She gagged silently remembering all to well what they had to do in the end"Well and I know it looks disgusting, but you have to add you're hair" Kagome said clipping a bit of hair from each person and then adding it to the bowl as well with the blood.
Toya grimaced "Is there anything else" he inquired, this had already gotten disgusting and he had the sinking suspicion that at the end they'd have to drink that concoction, if Kagome suggested that, then he was out of there.
Kagome nodded "Yeah, a nail from each of us, and gramps, we have to drink it, don't worry though, despite it's looks, it actually tastes good" she snickered in remembrance, she and Shippou were the only ones who had that reassurance.
Satomi held out her hand and let her daughter clip a nail that had grown out to long "Right, do you have any idea what it will taste like" she questioned eyeing the mixture as a nail was added to it from each of them, it looked gag worthy.
"The one Shippou-kun and I did tasted like chocolate to me" the kitsune tapped her lip and Shippou nodded agreeing with her avidly, the little kit was practically bouncing in his spot in the circle, he was excited to do the next part of the ritual.
"So you think it will taste good" Souta asked speaking up for the first time since they sat down to start the ritual, and Kagome nodded slowly, at least she hoped it tasted good, otherwise she was going to throw out the ritual and never use it again.
Once all the blood, the hair and the nails had been added, Kagome held her hand over the bowl once again and poured her youkai into the mixture, Shippou went next, followed by Souta, and then Kaede, since they were the only ones who had youkai/spiritual powers.
Then Kagome switched over to using her reiki "Mom, Gramps, Kaede, Souta, Shippou place you're hand over mine on top of each other, channel you're abilities into you're hand if you have them" she ordered flipping her hand over.
"Toya, Grandfather, Kaede, Grandmother, Satomi, Mother, Souta, Brother, Shippou, Son" Kagome called flipping her hand back over and their life energy was added to the bowl "Now we drink it" she said handing the bowl to her grandfather first.
He lifted it to his lips and took a hesitant sip before taking a larger gulp "Wow, it tastes like raspberries" Toya smacked his lips as he passed the bowl over to Kaede, who squeezed her eyes shut and took her gulp of the mixture before handing it off to Satomi.
This continued until it came to Shippou, and he polished it off, one by one they started falling asleep, but Kagome held on and ordered some maids to take them to their rooms, before heading to her own, she flopped down on her futon and passed out succumbing to the effects of the ritual.
Four hours later, she sat up tiredly, but this time she wasn't sore and yawned, and though she was still exhausted, Kagome left her private room to check on everyone, the first one she checked on was her brother, his room was closest.
When she saw him, she knew instantly that the fates had granted her wish, Souta had already changed into a youkai, a kitsune of course, and there was a half formed heart crest on his forehead, Kagome couldn't believe she'd actually created a ritual that worked, it was totally awesome.
Now more than excited to see the others, Kagome sped out of Souta's private rooms and headed across the hall to her mothers, Satomi hadn't changed yet but the crests were forming, she got a closer look, her mother hadn't turned completely into a kitsune youkai but there was already differences.
Kagome took a deep breath and left her mothers rooms and headed a little further down the hall to her grandfathers and Kaede's room, they'd decided to share, hence the reason they were so far away, she slid the door open and nearly fainted at the sight of them.
The two elders, weren't elders anymore, no the fates had made them young again, or were in the process and Kagome slapped her hand over her mouth as a squeal tried to work it's way into the air, she sped out of the room and headed to the dining hall to see if Touga was fixing what he'd destroyed.
He was there and she watched him for a time "Did the ritual work" Sesshomaru spoke up from behind her and Kagome craned her neck around to see him, the smile she gave him told him everything "Do they bare the crests as well" he questioned.
"Yep, that's not all, the fates made my grandfather and Kaede young again, that's gonna be a shocker for them, but they are turning into kitsune like me" she yawned leaning more heavily against the wall as a wave of tiredness crashed over her.
Hearing her voice, Touga dropped his broom and dashed towards her "Kagome, I am terribly sorry for destroying part of you're estate, I just wanted to see you again" he chuckled sheepishly, when the kitsune gave him an unimpressed look, Touga cringed, it seemed he wasn't quite off the hook yet.
Kagome rolled her eyes inwardly, "Just don't do it again, or next time, I'll leave you out there for a good few days" she growled in warning and the inudaiyoukai nodded his head eagerly, he certainly wasn't going to argue with her after the giving out she'd given him earlier that morning.
And then to her utter amusement a very undignified snort came from behind her and Kagome whirled around to face Sesshomaru, or where the younger dai was supposed to be, but he was halfway down the hall and quickly retreating, which let her know that the snort had indeed come from the dai himself.
She truly couldn't help it as she broke down in peals of laughter and Touga groaned but went back to cleaning up, there would be no point in getting in another fight with his intended, though it was proving to be a daunting task just getting her to see him as a male and not an idiot who kisses unsuspecting females.
"Kagome" Touga called suddenly leaning the broom against the wall and walking towards her again, the kitsune/miko female glanced at him a concerned look in her chocolate brown eyes, even though she'd warmed up to him some, Kagome still had problems with him.
Kagome blinked "What is it Lord Touga" she asked feeling another wave of tiredness crash through, if she didn't head back to sleep soon she was going to fall asleep where she stood, "You aren't upset that I'm making you clean up you're mess are you" Kagome bit her lip in concern.
His golden eyes widened "Oh heavens no Kagome, I'm man enough to own up to my mistakes, I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind taking a walk with me tomorrow outside the estate" Touga asked, biting his cheek fearful that she would reject his idea.
"Sounds wonderful but can it be around the garden here in the estate, I'm afraid I won't be able to do much without getting insanely exhausted and pass out" she yawned softly, covering her mouth and struggling to keep her eyes open already.
Touga frowned but before he could ask what was wrong, Kagome swayed dangerously and then fell forward, he quickly caught her and lifted the kitsune into his arms, Sango came flying around the corner at that exact moment and came to a screeching halt.
"What on earth, I hope for you're sake Lord Touga that Kagome being passed out isn't due to something you've done" the pregnant brunette put her hands on her hips and glared the inudaiyoukai down, if he'd done something to her best friend/sister, he was going to meet her hiraikotsu.
Knowing that it wasn't wise to piss of a pregnant woman "No, she's just I believe tired, though I know not the reason why, she just passed out like this a moment before you appeared" Touga explained hastily, and Sango relaxed.
Glad that nothing bad had really happened, she straightened "I'd take her to her room now" Sango said and Touga sped down the hall being careful not to jostle Kagome to much, she'd been told by Sesshomaru that the older dai and her friend were meant to be.
And it was quite amusing to see him struggling to gain her attention so they could get together and mate and make the East prosper under their reign, but Kagome was leading Touga on a merry chase, Sango shook her head and continued on her way on finding Miroku.
He slid to a stop in front of her room, he took a step forward and his foot was shocked, a hiss flew from between his lips and snickers filled the hall, Touga's head whipped around and his gold eyes narrowed "Boy" he snarled quietly.
Sesshomaru was stood there, fighting down his laughter, after earlier he had to escape, but seeing the male that he called father again so soon, it just brought his amusement to the front of his mind again and he found it difficult not to break down in chuckles.
"Kagome, you need to raise you're barrier so that Father can put you to bed" he cleared his throat, the barrier raised a moment later and Touga disappeared within, a moment later he was shoved out again because of the barrier and he started pouting, bringing another smile of amusement to his lips.
Touga growled in warning "You are seriously asking for an ass whooping Sesshomaru" he snapped and turned on his heel stalking down the hall to his private quarters leaving his eldest son to stand in the hall in front of Kagome's room.
The younger dai was all for bursting into random chuckles, and that's what he did, a moment later he was disturbed as one of the ningen Kagome had brought with her back from the future walked around the corner probably heading to her room.
Eri froze in surprise "Oh Sesshomaru-sama" she bowed her head properly, after her meeting with Lord Yaro, she'd been asking around to find out who was of high standing so she'd be able to address them with proper respect as they deserved.
Not having expected such respect, Sesshomaru nodded as well "Eri wasn't it, this Sesshomaru hopes you've found this era satisfactory" he made light conversation as he let his feet lead him forward until he was stood before the petite female.
She swallowed thickly, "Uh, um, Yes, it's been wonderful here, and everyone is so nice, but I also understand that not all youkai are accepting of my kind" Eri twisted her hands together nervously behind her back.
He smirked inwardly, "Do I make you uncomfortable" Sesshomaru leaned forward getting a tad bit closer to her face and gave her a small smile, predictably her cheeks went as red as an apple and Eri squeaked backing up, he of course followed her until she was pressed against the wall.
"Well" Sesshomaru prodded lifting his hand golden eyes filled with mischievous intent, it was no wonder Kagome was a kitsune, his own mischievousness had rubbed off on her and then by becoming a youkai fox, that had been doubled, no tripled since her turning.
Eri took a deep breath "In a way yes you do make me uncomfortable, but not in a bad way, you are rather attractive" she looked straight into those pools of liquid gold and felt herself falling forward almost as if they were sucking her in.
That was unexpected, Sesshomaru pulled away "This one thanks you for the compliment, Kagome will be ecstatic to know you and others are fitting in quite well" he nodded his head then turned on his heel and disappeared from sight.
He had no idea why he'd felt the inexplicable need to press his lips against the ningen's or why he wanted to go back and take her into his arms and mate her, it was very disconcerting, Eri was left with similar thoughts as she made the trek to her room and flopped down on her futon.
The next day Kagome woke up, still feeling as tired as the day before, but a little more alert, she had her duties to attend to so stood and with the help of Mitsumeru and Natsumeru, bathed, got dressed and then headed to the kitchens.
"Zengo may I borrow a few of you're staff, as my family undergoes their transformation they will be extremely exhausted and won't be up to leaving their rooms for a week" Kagome leaned heavily against the door frame as she spoke to the bird youkai.
Zengo turned and blinked his red eyes "The same could be said for you as well My Lady" he pointed his spoon at her and the kitsune gave him a tired smile "I'll send the food to their rooms personally" Zengo offered and Kagome shook her head.
"That's not necessary.." she trailed off when Zengo gave her a reassuring smile "Well if you're sure, just make sure it's full of meat, they need the nutrition" Kagome ordered gently before turning on her heel and heading to the dining hall.
Touga met her at the door, "Goodness Kagome you look like you're about to fall over" he ushered her towards her seat and helped her sit down to everyone's amusement, a moment later Inuyasha and Hinoko with Fuketsu in her arms came flying through the doorway, the doors were still absent.
"Oi Kagome, the hell is Bankotsu and Jakotsu of the band of seven doing here, not to mention that bastard Hiten" spewed from the hanyou's mouth and Kagome cringed, great not only was she exhausted but her ears were sensitive that morning as well.
Before Touga could take his son to task, Hinoko reached up and slapped Inuyasha over the back of the head "Inuyasha" she hissed "That's no way to talk to Lady Kagome, you know she can kick you out of the Eastern Lands" Hinoko scolded.
"Don't mind him Lady Kagome, we are working on his manners" the female inuyoukai hanyou turned towards her alpha and bent at the waist to show she was apologetic before nudging Inuyasha harshly in the ribs with her elbow for him to do the same.
Once that was over Kagome placed her fork down and folded her hands in her lap "Well the fates decided to return those three for whatever reason, but so help me Inuyasha if you lay a hand or a sword on any of them, I'll show you exactly why I'm the official Lady of the East" she smiled.
Inuyasha eyed her with wary golden-amber eyes, and quietly sat down, he got the feeling that if he were to mouth off here, then he would find out why no one argued with Kagome here in the Estate, Hinoko sighed in relief glad that her mate was going to heed her alpha's warning for now.
After breakfast was finished Kagome stood and was immediately approached by Sesshomaru, "This Sesshomaru has a problem" he looked a little twitchy and she wondered what had happened since she'd seen him yesterday.
"What kind of problem Sesshomaru" Kagome tilted her head to the side as curiosity ran rampant through her veins, he took her gently by the arm and led them out into the hall and then to the privacy of his own private rooms in the estate, she got the hint and raised a barrier so no one could eavesdrop.
Sesshomaru took a deep breath "My inner youkai has decided on it's mate, and I find myself not objecting, but I'm not sure this one will accept such an idea" he started feeling sick to his stomach, he'd never felt as nervous as he did right now in his entire life.
Kagome blinked "Okay so who is this person that you're inner youkai has decided on exactly, perhaps if you tell me I'd be able to help you with you're problem" she prompted hoping Sesshomaru would confide in her like she'd done to him over the past year and the months that had followed since.
"Eri, the ningen you brought with you from the future, after Father placed you in you're room and you kicked him out, this one lingered outside you're room for a few moments, when she rounded the corner and before I could stop I had her backed into a wall and I'd almost taken her" he breathed.
Struggling not to break down in laughter, Kagome took a deep breath "Okay well Eri is more than accepting, and I'm certain she would like the attention, look just go find her and ask her on a walk Sesshomaru" she smiled ushering the dai out of his room.
Now it was time for her own walk and just as she'd thought the words Touga was at her side and wrapping her arm around his leading her kindly through her estate, for awhile he didn't speak and neither did she and it was almost peaceful.
"Say Lord Touga why did you ask me on a walk anyway" Kagome finally found her voice after twenty minutes of wandering aimlessly around the Aoiro Estate, he shifted his golden eyes onto her before giving her a small smile.
"Well my dear" he cringed half expecting her to smack him for saying that little term of endearment "Is it not nice to enjoy long peaceful walks with friends and family, I can count myself as a friend for you at least right" Touga asked nervously.
Kagome nodded "You may and yes, this is very nice and relaxing" she lifted her head as they exited through one of the many doors and found themselves outside in one of he various gardens littered around the grounds, this one not quite finished yet.
Glad that he hadn't pissed her off for once, Touga sneakily breathed in her scent, of lilies and raspberries and chocolate, it was very enticing and he found his mouth watering, how he'd love to take her right then and there, but he still had a long ways to go before Kagome accepted him as hers.
"So why did you pass out last night like you did" he asked, it had been bothering him since yesterday and the only way his inner youkai would calm down is if he asked and found out what had happened to their mate.
Hearing the concern in the males voice, Kagome laughed sheepishly "My family and I did a claiming ritual so they'd be recognized as part of the House of Hearts Clan, and they are turning into fox youkai as well, right now they are all still in bed" she explained.
Touga frowned "And that caused you to literally pass out on you're feet, that ritual is rather dangerous don't you think" he said, he didn't want to make her mad, but he was worried, what if the ritual had, had some kind of negative side effect.
Kagome rolled her eyes inwardly "The ritual makes us beyond tired for a week, and in a way yes, but since we are in the safety of my estate and behind a barrier that no one but Inuyasha can break, I'd rather think no one would harm me or them while the ritual takes effect" she explained smoothly.
He breathed a sigh of relief "Quite true" Touga flashed her a smile and her cheeks flushed a charming red, he was tempted to tease her, but after having a rather nice conversation, he didn't want to ruin their first walk alone together.
Though the fates didn't hear his plea to extend their time together as Kagome started dragging her feet as her exhaustion caught up to her "Guess it's time to go back in" she laughed sweetly and Touga found that he enjoyed her laughter instead of her anger.
Resolved to get her to laugh more, Touga lifted the kitsune female into his arms, she was to tired to argue and sped back inside to her room, the barrier was raised and he laid Kagome on her futon and covered her up, then before she could kick him out like last night left her to rest.
This continued for the rest of the week, Kagome struggling to stay awake at least part way through the day and constantly checking on her still sleeping family who'd by now turned into complete fox youkai, until they finally woke up.
The first ones awake were Shippou and Souta, the little kit had slept through the entire ritual like before, and the minute she entered Souta's room, he was right there in a burst of speed "Hey sis, I've got a tail now how cool is that" he laughed grabbing the short fluffy black fox tail.
Kagome grimaced, was she the only who had a bad reaction to something fluffy being a couple inches above her butt, 'Probably' she thought "It's cool alright Souta, why don't you go find Shippou and sit down for breakfast" Kagome patted her kitsune brother on the head and he sped off.
Next was her mother, Satomi was sat up in bed taking in her surroundings with enhanced eyes, "Everything's so different" she murmured standing up and embracing her daughter "I'm a true part of you're world now Kagome dear" Satomi smiled.
"You're crests look good Mama" Kagome returned the hug not holding back this time, her mother was much stronger now because she was a youkai now "Go find Higashigawa-san and give him a great big smooch, then we'll talk later about finding a different captain for the guard" she grinned.
Satomi felt her cheeks heat up and she left her room as quickly as she could underneath her daughters knowing gaze, Kagome took a deep breath, 'It's now or never I guess" she thought heading to her grandparents room and entering it.
Chaos "What the hell, why are we young" a young adult version of her grandfather shouted at her gripping his head in his hands as the loud volume of his own voice hit his sensitive ears, he wasn't the only one who cringed, Kaede did as well.
Not sure what to tell the two previous elders Kagome smiled sheepishly "I'm not quite sure, though I know the fates had a hand in you're age reversal, anyway gramps, Kaede take the gift for what it is and enjoy you're lives together" she said.
Kaede lowered her hands "Ay Kagome is right Toya, we can do whatever we want now, including traveling, once this Akuto fellow is taken down correct" she asked in a soft voice, no longer sounding like herself, it had been so long since she'd been young, she didn't really know how to act.
"Yes, of course after you train a bit with you're youkai and learn how to wield you're new abilities, but then you'll be free to go wherever you want" Kagome nodded before leaving her grandparents room, so they could talk things over.
Across the lands in an abandoned hut, underground Akuto was pitching up a fuss, he'd lost to of his greatest assets to that bitch, and Nagemasu was useless to him, perhaps it was time to face the wench and get it over with, with that decision in mind, he left his hut.
It was time to start gathering allies, "Watch out you fox bitch, you'll regret the day you ever messed with me" Akuto chuckled maniacally as he took to the skies in search of youkai who hated the kitsune/miko who'd ruined everything.