The next morning after breakfast everyone set out on foot and those that hadn't traveled extensive distances since coming to this era immediately figured out how different it was "Wow and you use to do this all the time when we were fifteen" Yuka whistled in awe.
Kagome craned her neck around from where she was walking in between Touga and Sesshomaru up at the front of the group since they were the alpha's and nodded "Yeah, it's been awhile for me as well" her eyes were filled with excitement as they trekked forward through the forest.
"So why are you standing way up there" Yuka asked again, she'd thought that her friend would walk with her family and them, but that wasn't the case, in fact everyone seemed to be in a sort of line, and it somewhat confused her.
To be able to explain pack ranking to a new person, Kagome grinned "Well that's because Sesshomaru, Lord Touga, and I are Alpha's, with me the only Female Alpha with my own individual pack" she began and paused hoping that Yuka was following.
She wasn't the only one paying attention to the explanation and Yuka nodded getting sucked into the world of pack rankings "Basically pack members have to follow behind at a set distance, since my second in command isn't here, Ishi stands just a couple feet behind me" Kagome continued.
All eyes turned to the female dragon youkai "If Hakari were here he would stand and walk in that spot, while the rest of the pack, even if they are family, walk much further away, with someone at the rear protecting us from the back" Kagome finished.
Yuka blinked "I see, so that's why Inuyasha-san is walking way behind us" she pointed to the inuyoukai hanyou, and Kagome nodded "Thanks for explaining" she quipped, then "Can anyone create a pack" she questioned.
Not sure if that was answerable, Kagome turned her attention to the right and Sesshomaru understanding what she wanted answered for her "It is possible for even ningen to create packs" he stated with a small smile.
"Wow really what would one have to do, especially if you don't have spiritual or priestess powers" she leaned forward hoping the dai wouldn't stop and would continue explaining, it sounded like something she'd like to do someday if she ever got the time off.
Sesshomaru chuckled "You'd first have to beat them in a fight, since you can't force them to submit in the other better way, you'd have to win" he finished turning his head forward to pay attention, it wouldn't do to run across the two elemental youkai and get caught off guard.
Eri leveled a proud smirk at her youkai suitor, he certainly was knowledgeable and it made her proud, soon she'd be able to call him her's and no one would be able to have him, she snickered inwardly at the thought, being in the past had made her quite possessive.
Silence settled among the group until it was broken by a sharp cry, Kagome twisted her head around and spotted the culprit "Ah come now Kaen-kun it's okay" Satomi shushed the youkai babe rocking him back and forth, but that didn't work.
Suddenly knowing what the problem was, Kagome pulled them to a stop and she pivoted on her heels heading straight towards her mother "Mama" she held out her arms and Satomi placed Kaen into her daughters arms, his cries filling her ears as he got closer.
"It's okay little one" Kagome murmured as a rumbling began in her chest and she soothed him with her youkai, perhaps it was just her instincts, but it only took a few minutes before Kaen's cries came to a stop and his breathing evened out as he succumbed to sleep.
Satomi watched all this in confusion "Maybe it's better if you hold onto him, seeing as you're the only one who can get him to stop crying" she smiled and Kagome flushed in embarrassment, but she adjusted her hold on Kaen and walked forward taking her place between the two dai's again.
"Hey Sis" Souta called from his spot in the middle with the children, since they were the youngest in the pack, they got protected on all sides, a moment later "Never mind" he smiled sheepishly when she turned her head around to look at him all while never breaking stride with the two dai's.
Kagome shrugged and looked forward again "Do you sense them at all Sesshomaru" she questioned carefully rocking the babe in her arms, since both of his parents were gone, he needed the constant assurance of a female and their youkai brushing against his own.
Sesshomaru tilted his head down to see the petite kitsune/miko at his side better before spreading out his senses trying to determine if the two elemental youkai they sought was nearby and he also went as far as to scent the air to see if he could pick out their familiar scents.
A moment later he shook his head "No, though I do sense a strong youkai in that direction" he pointed to the left of them and Kagome spread out her own senses, then she steered their groups in the opposite direction, it was better to avoid potential fights after all.
"However Keshi and Mikaku were here weeks ago as their scent is old, this one can barely tell, but if we keep going in this direction we are bound to run across them how long are you intending to keep to the ground" Sesshomaru questioned.
Kagome sighed softly then glanced back at those that had come with her on this little adventure "A few days, possibly the rest of the week, give the companions a chance to rest" she decided and Sesshomaru smiled, Kagome was the best Alpha Female he'd ever seen.
Though she still made her own mistakes, she was learning that's all that mattered and she'd only continue to grow into her role as Lady over the entire Eastern Region, he chuckled inwardly, to think he was able to witness such phenomenon was something else.
When they stopped for lunch hours later Kaen woke up and instantly started fussing again, this was where Satomi stepped in and fed him, Kagome watched trying to learn so that someday she'd be able to do the same for her own children.
Lunch was soon underway and the seven children she'd taken to teaching practiced for awhile "So what was it you wanted earlier Souta-otouto" Kagome settled her gaze on the little boy and he blinked wide eyes at her before remembering.
"Oh yeah" he snapped his fingers still clutching his sword "Do you have anymore sashes in that pocket of yours so that I can strap Inazuma across my back, he's to long to carry against my hip right now" Souta exclaimed out loud.
Glad that it was something simple, Kagome reached into her void pocket and pulled out a dark blue sash and handed it to her little brother, then she suddenly whirled on Sesshomaru "How close are we to a ningen village" she bounded over to him hair bouncing with every step she took.
Not having expected her attention to turn on him so quickly, Sesshomaru floundered for a moment in confusion causing Eri to snicker at him before he righted himself and spread out his senses once again "We are close, just a days walk in that direction" he pointed in the direction they were going.
Kagome twirled around in excitement, it's been forever since she'd be able to go to a ningen village, not just as the Lady of the East, but just Kagome and then she wondered if it was the same village that she and Sango had helped out all that time ago, oh well she'd find out tomorrow.
"Why are you taking us to a village" Ayumi asked stepping up to the kitsune female and Kagome spun to face her "I mean it sounds interesting but aren't most ningen wary of you guys, especially since we aren't in the East anymore" she was concerned.
The kitsune female before her smiled "Well if it's the village I think it is, then once they see Sango and I, I doubt they'd put up to much fuss considering we helped them out way back when" Kagome grinned and the brunette perked up in excitement, before her cheeks turned red in remembrance.
Miroku eyed the two females curiously "What did you blush like that for Sango my love" he questioned as she turned away from him, her shoulder shaking in either silent sobs, or silent laughter he wasn't sure, turned out it was the latter as her snickers became louder until she was full on laughing.
"Oh, oh kami I remember, I flirted with one of the villagers back then and got us one of the best inns in the village" Sango pressed her hand over her mouth as her amusement proved to be to much to contain, Miroku blinked before a lecherous grin spread across his lips.
"Oho, so my mannerisms have rubbed off on you my dear, perhaps we could experiment" he suggested reaching out to grope her voluptuous ass, Sango's amusement faded and her eye twitched before *Thwack* sounded through the air.
Her hand struck true and Miroku stumbled back a few steps that smile still spread across his lips "Hentai" Sango snorted stomping a few feet away from her husband, at their usual antics Inuyasha rolled his eyes and settled against a tree.
A few minutes after that lunch was being passed around and the mood returned to the light happiness that had settled over them since they started walking "You know this is actually kind of fun being able to walk" Hojo spoke up suddenly after he swallowed his latest bite.
Kagome grinned and nodded "Yeah, though I haven't had much of a chance to do much traveling like this since I got Kegawa here" she ran her hand through the nekomata's black fur, Kegawa had returned earlier with a letter from Hakari saying everything was fine and to enjoy her trip.
Hojo eyed the nekomata "Sometimes I see you deep in thought and she's on your shoulder" he pointed out remembering the many times he'd caught the kitsune walking around aimlessly in the Aoiro Estate, Kagome smiled and nodded.
"Probably, see Kegawa and Masshiro have a special bond with me, Kegawa was born to serve me as my companion, so I'm able to speak with her through a mental link, and because I used not just my reiki but my youkai as well in healing Masshiro, I can speak to him the same way as well" she explained.
"Interesting" Hojo exclaimed suddenly looking as if he was a mad scientist trying to figure out the wonders of the new world they'd found themselves in, Kegawa inched away from him and leaped to Kagome's shoulder dark brown eyes eyeing him warily.
Laughter came from Yuka "You shouldn't scare her Hojo-kun" she snickered behind her hand and Hojo deflated, he hadn't meant to make the nekomata fear him, he was just very curious, but instead of complaining Hojo gave Kegawa a reassuring smile.
"I'm very sorry for scaring you Kegawa-san, it's just I wondered if anyone could create a link with a you're kind" he apologized bowing his head apologetically, when Kagome tilted her head to the side, he knew she was speaking to the nekomata.
A moment later, Kagome's eyes focused "She said that because you have spiritual powers that if you found a nekomata to bond with, that it was possible, so long as they accepted you as their master, and that she accepts you're apology and that you may pet her" she chattered.
Hojo didn't waste the chance that had been presented to him and reached out gently running his hand along the length of the nekomata's back bringing a smile to his lips when a loud purring filled the air, by Kagome's side Masshiro huffed and his fur became ruffled.
"Ah Masshiro-kun wouldn't mind it if you petted him either" Kagome giggled patting the white paled eyed nekomata on the head, and with his other hand Hojo did the same he was doing to Kegawa producing purrs from both nekomata's.
From Sango's shoulder Kirara mewed softly and gave a graceful leap until she landed in Hojo's lap "That's Kirara's way of saying you can pet me to" Sango snickered, they really were great companions and she wondered if Masshiro wouldn't mind having little ones with her nekomata.
Male nekomata were known to breed with multiple female after all, Hojo gave a start in surprise and once he was done petting the other two reached down and scratched Kirara on the head and stroked down her back with his hand until she was satisfied with the amount of attention and went back to Sango.
Hojo sat back in his spot and resumed eating until camp was taken down and the three alpha's, Kagome, Touga and Sesshomaru led the forward again in the direction of the ningen village, he was curious to see how things were set up in this time, and perhaps he'd find some herbs to use.
He hadn't found a flower with herb properties yet but he was still searching, he really wanted to attract Azayaka's attention when they returned to the East, this would probably be his only chance to find such a flower until the threat of Akuto was over.
None of them had any doubts that when they returned to the Aoiro Estate that Kagome would start putting protection in place for not only her ningen subjects but those of the other lands and gathering allies, just as unknowingly as it was Akuto was doing.
A day later they entered their first ningen village, and they, Eri, Yuka, Ayumi and Hojo were blown away by everything they saw, open stalls, geisha girls dancing in the streets, the ningen's working in their shops, it was amazing.
It was immediately recognized by Sango and Miroku and they started searching for the young man that had approached them seeking their help, they found him at the same stall "Miko-sama" he exclaimed in surprise violet eyes wide before they became slightly wary.
Kagome nodded and they lit up again "You've changed since the last time we saw you and you're friend" he turned his attention on Sango noting that she was pregnant now "Congratulations" he said hesitantly and Sango gave him a bright smile.
"Yeah I know, this happened after we helped you out, and Sango-chan is married now" Kagome clapped her hands "These are my friends and family" she gestured to the enlarged group standing awkwardly to the side and the male shifted his eyes to the side.
But they narrowed when he spotted "It's you" he pointed at Inuyasha "You're the bastard who came into the village after miko-sama left and tried to destroy it because you scented her" he spat crossing his arms and pulling a gardening tool in his hands.
Kagome's jaw dropped "Wait a second everyone just calm down" she ordered in her most commanding voice yet "Inuyasha wasn't aware of his actions back then, he was under control of a youkai named Akuto" she explained as villagers took up arms preparing to chase the hanyou out of their village.
The young male before them lowered his weapon of choice prompting the other ningen to do the same and Kagome sighed in relief "So what will it be today miko-sama, come to buy more jewelry or perhaps I can interest you in my other wares" he offered showing off the stalls.
"Ah actually I just wanted to show my friends, who've never been in a village like this before, how you guys did things" she smiled and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, though out of politeness she did look over the stalls, eyes lighting up when she came across something pretty.
But she and Sango left without buying anything "For a minute there I really thought they were going to start throwing rocks at us" Eri released the breath she'd been holding since the guy had grabbed up a weapon, even if it was a gardening tool, it was still dangerous.
"You got that right" Inuyasha shuddered, it sucked that he wasn't able to remember that way he'd be able to apologize in a way that would let the ningen know he truly felt terrible for destroying whatever it was he had in their village.
They checked in at an inn for the night, and went to sleep on comfortable futons, the next morning their meal was brought to them and they prepared to leave the village, when the very youkai they were searching for stepped out a hut only to freeze upon spotting Sesshomaru.
The dark green haired yellow eyed male who couldn't be anyone but Keshi dropped his hand to his waist and grasped the hilt of his sword "If it isn't Lord Sesshomaru" he spat the title out as if it was poison and dipped his head in mock respect.
Sesshomaru went rigid and turned his back on the elemental youkai male "Kagome these are the youkai you seek" he gestured at the two before taking Rin and AhUn and left the village, it was better to get as far away as he could, so that Kagome could speak to them calmly without tension running high between the groups.
Keshi blinked and watched the dai he'd fought on many occasions retreat the fastest he'd ever seen Sesshomaru go, before he turned his attention on the female kitsune the inuyoukai had addressed before disappearing and blinked.
Really wanting to hit the youkai for leaving her to fend for herself, Kagome floundered "Right I've come seeking you're help in a way and also to ask the both of you for a favor" she grimaced hoping they wouldn't outright reject her and would let her talk.
Mikaku raised a gray brow at the female, and briefly thought she was absolutely adorable and that she couldn't be more very far into her teenage years "Okay" she smiled sweetly and the kitsune's chocolate brown eyes locked with her white eyes.
"Do you mind if we sit" Kagome rubbed her hands together nervously and she was prepared to head into the hut after them, but she turned and took the bundle in her mothers arms first, before following after the two elemental youkai she'd been seeking for the past week or so.
Keshi folded himself into a sitting position before the fire he'd just put out and eyed the female before him and his mate warily "So what do you have need of us for, cause I don't fancy the thought of helping that bastard Sesshomaru out" he snarled drawing a cry from the bundle from the loud volume.
Kagome quickly rocked the babe and he settled down again "This has nothing to do with Sesshomaru, I received a request to forge daggers for someone that would produce the smell of really strong flowers, to daze nose sensitive youkai" she spoke softly not wanting to disturb Kaen to much.
"The other reasons I sought you out, is I'd like you're help, both of you, to help in creating protection for my precious family, and lastly this little guy needs a family" Kagome unveiled the bundle in her arms and presented the fire elemental to the two youkai.
Mikaku gasped feeling his weakening youkai and tears gathered in her colorless eyes "Poor thing, where did you find him" she asked quietly reaching out, Kagome didn't hesitate and placed the babe in her arms "Keshi" Mikaku turned to her mate pleading with him with her eyes not to reject the child.
"A friend of mine found him abandoned, his parents were murdered and he was left for dead, his name is Kaen, and he's a fire elemental, though he's a hanyou, his youkai blood is more dominant" the kitsune explained hoping they would take him in, if not then she would adopt him herself.
Knowing he couldn't begrudge his mate anything she wanted and because they'd been trying for years to have a child of their own "We'll take him in, do you know of any ritual that would let us adopt him and bind our youkai to his so that he'd accept us as his parents fully" Keshi faced Kagome.
Kagome grinned glad that her plan was somewhat working and that Kaen wouldn't be left to fend for himself "I do, now about those other requests" she reminded, Keshi and Mikaku shared a look with each other before nodding.
"We'll help you out, lending you our powers, so long as you tell us how to do that ritual, he needs, he's fading fast" Mikaku frowned at the babe in her arms forehead creased in concern, Kagome grimaced and reached out brushing her youkai against his giving him a little extra time.
Shocked that the young female before her understood what was going on with the baby, Mikaku raised her head "I'm raising my own adopted child, a kit by the name of Shippou" Kagome smiled at least things were going her way somewhat.
"Sesshomaru seemed to trust that you'd be able to get us to agree" Keshi pointed out and Kagome snickered in amusement, what followed shocked the hell out of the both of them, more than the fact that she'd sought them out in the first place.
"Well..." she started "My name is Kagome Higurashi, and I'm the current Lady of the East, Sesshomaru trusts me because we forged a bond, he's the brother of my heart" Kagome grinned widely and Keshi and Mikaku's eyes nearly popped out of their heads.
Then "Wait you're the Lady of the East we've been hearing such great things about" Mikaku almost shrieked but she managed to keep her temper in check for once, Kagome nodded "Wow, funnily enough, Keshi and I were just on our way to the East to meet with you" she laughed innocently.
Immediately concerned Kagome turned to the wind elemental youkai and gestured for her to continue "See we are just living here temporarily, and we wondered if we could set up a youkai village in the East, of course we'll bring income, Keshi is quite good at selling his flowers" Mikaku giggled.
His cheeks turned red at the ribbing of his mate and Keshi twisted his head avoiding Mikaku's amused gaze, Kagome's jaw dropped and then she became the most excited they'd ever seen her "Then may I ask another favor of you that will benefit not only the two of you but the entire East" Kagome asked.
"Go ahead Lady Kagome, we are in you're debt, see Mikaku is unable, well we believe anyway, to have babes of her own, we'd been trying many years, and because of you all of her dreams of come true" Keshi motioned for her to go ahead.
Kagome took a deep breath "Well I've been wanting to set up a honey making business in the East, but I haven't had much time, because you Keshi-san are good with flowers, it will draw many bee's to you, all that's left is the hives and tending to them" she exclaimed quietly.
More shock and then "We'll do it Lady Kagome" Mikaku murmured without looking at her mate, though she doubted Keshi would have fought her on this decision because it was going to affect them both, plus they were getting a great deal out of moving.
"Then it's a deal, also, we'll do the ritual tonight, and then in a week we'll travel back to the East, there is plenty of unclaimed land" Kagome hopped to her feet and brushed off her kimono and tail and prepared to head outside.
Before she could get to fare "Why in a week and not like the morning after the ritual" Keshi asked warily as he and Mikaku stood and they started packing their belongings, Kagome slapped her forehead as she realized that not everyone know about the side effects.
"Because as the ritual magic takes effect, you three will be tired and unable to move for an entire week, each time I've done it, my kit has slept through it completely, no doubt Kaen-kun will do the same" she listed and Keshi nodded relaxing.
When she stepped out of the hut, Sesshomaru had returned with Rin who was on the back of AhUn "How did negotiations go" the younger dai questioned, he was ready to get back to the East and start putting a plan in place to take down Akuto, he wanted that to happen before he mated Eri.
Kagome rubbed her hands together and giggled "Excellently, in fact they'll be somewhat returning to the East with us, and making a youkai village" she skipped around joyfully and pulled Shippou into her arms getting him to giggle along with her as they danced around in the streets.
Fifteen minutes later, Keshi followed by Mikaku who was holding Kaen exited the hut packs slung over their shoulders, like earlier they froze at the sight of Sesshomaru and for a moment tension was thick in the air, but Kagome clapped her hands distracting everyone.
"Right if we take to the skies we could return to the East first and do the ritual at my Estate, or we could do it out here" she prodded hoping to ease the anger between the two elemental youkai and Sesshomaru, otherwise it would make for very uncomfortable travel.
Keshi and Mikaku eyed the kitsune female who seemed determined to make their life happier "Do you think we could do it when we return to you're estate, then we'll set out on our own, flying over the land will give us a chance to see where we'd like to make our village" Keshi shrugged.
Glad to get this ball rolling, Kagome formed her cloud beneath her feet "Kagome-onee-chan what about the flowers" Rin's voice made her pause and her eyes widened as she turned to face the little raven haired girl, Keshi stepped forward and cleared his throat.
"We'll stay a couple weeks in the Estate after the ritual, so we'll have plenty of time to get the flowers, plus I can grow them any time" Keshi stated stepping carefully on the fluffy cloud and then sat down not quite confident in staying standing the entire time.
Rin clapped her hands together excitedly glad that she was getting her wish, she really wanted to be able to have daggers that produced a really strong flowery scent after she threw them, to ward of youkai so that they wouldn't attack her if she was out on her own.
Everyone climbed onto their chosen transportation and took to the skies, Kagome couldn't wait to be home in her estate, she missed everyone, perhaps when she dealt with Akuto, she would take a longer trip and just travel without worry.
She knew this temporary peace would only last so long, but what Kagome didn't know was that it was already long over, as she traveled back to the east flying over the land with her chosen companions, friends, family and the three elemental youkai who were traveling with them.
It was night when they made it back, far in the South, Akuto was launching his attack against the Southern Estate, with Nagemasu doing most of the damage, his mate and family fled in fear of their lives, to the only place they knew would protect them, the East.
Come morning, the South had been completely taken over and Akuto took his place on the throne "Hear now I am now you're Master, Akuto, and you shall all bow down to me" he eyed his servants now and frowned "Where is Nagemasu" Akuto called looking out over the main hall.
"Lord Akuto" one female servant shuffled forward shaking terribly as she bowed lowed "Nagemasu was knocked out and taken along with his family when they fled, would you like us to go after them and get rid of them" she asked not daring to meet his haunting yellow eyes.
Akuto rubbed his chin in thought but held up his hand "No, he is of no use to me, and there is little those birds can do against me, instead we will amass our strength to take up arms against the East" he ordered leaning back in his chair, he'd be damned if anyone tried to uproot him from it now.
With the South under his command it would be easier to have his minions move around and search for Dark Miko so that he may be able to break the barrier Kagome had erected over her own Estate, that would be the first thing to go, then one by one he'd killed all those that were precious to her.
Leaving her for the last, and then he'd make her his slave, after he'd snuffed out her will to live, only then would he end her life, with that a smile spread across his scaly lips 'Yes it's perfect, soon you fox bitch, soon you're entire world will go up in flames" Akuto chuckled darkly.
The morning after the take over, Kagome woke in her own futon and rose for the day with a happy smile as she headed to the breakfast hall, Keshi, Mikaku and Kaen had done the claiming ritual last night so they were all resting peacefully in the newly built wing in the estate.
"Good Morning Kagome" Touga met her in the hall and she wrapped her arm around his when he offered it to her as manners dictated, "Do you know how those three are doing" he inquired and the kitsune at his side nodded.
"Yes resting like I thought they would, and thank you for the good morning tidings Lord Touga" Kagome returned the sentiment as they entered the dining hall and sat down in their assigned seats to eat breakfast that Zengo set down before them once they were seated properly.
After breakfast, Kagome took her apprentices out to train for the day, releasing Souta for the day since Miroku had promised to train her brother and Hojo in the ways of the monk, and Soten was spending her day with Hiten who had been chosen as one of Jakotsu's generals.
And Rin was playing with Jaken's and Koware's hatchlings, "Kagome-sensei we've been practicing how to raise a barrier for weeks now, may we learn something else" Natti pouted once they were stood on training field one.
"Show me how far you've come on you're barriers then we'll see if you are ready to learn something else" Kagome motioned with her hands for the three girls to get to work and she watched them closely, Choko was the first to close her eyes but she was distracted.
Her hand raised to her neck and swatted a bug "Ouch" came from the palm of her hand and Choko lowered her hand to see, sitting in the center of her hand was a tiny bug "Don't you know it's rude to hit you're elders" it spoke again and she screamed shaking her hand around to get it off.
Kagome strode forward not liking the moment of distraction and grabbed Myoga "Don't suck my apprentices blood" she huffed the flea youkai blinked large eyes at her "However what are you doing here Myoga" Kagome glared.
The tiniest youkai she'd ever met in this era raised his arms in a silent plea for her not to smash him like Inuyasha was so fond of doing "Terrible news Totosai's gone missing" he jumped up and down when he realized Kagome was waiting.
She sighed and blew out a puff of aggravated air, then she formed her foxfire cloud and lifted to the skies "Do you see that mountain Myoga" she raised her hand high so that he could see over the top of her Estate, the little flea youkai nodded eagerly.
"But what does that have to do with Totosai going missing, I must tell Master Inuyasha at once, he will help find him" Myoga prepared to leap to the ground but thought better of it as Kagome pinched him between her claws, then it hit him, the girl he'd known since she was fifteen was no longer human.
Kagome took calming breaths "That mountain has everything to do with Totosai, he's made it his new home and is currently in the process of training four youkai as his own apprentices in the ways of the sword" she explained lowering herself to the ground again.
Her own apprentices were hard at work raising their barriers and she took a moment to watch them "Lady Kagome why are you a youkai, not only that a kitsune like young Shippou-kun" Myoga interrupted her concentration.
"Well it was fates intervention and the reason I'm a kitsune is because Shippou is my kit, he and I did a claiming ritual that bound us together as mother and son, lots have happened since you've been MIA Myoga" Kagome raised an ebony brow at the flea youkai.
So that she didn't have to keep holding him up Myoga jumped to Kagome's shoulder "Please Lady Kagome tell me everything that I've missed out on, what did you mean by fates intervention" he prompted folding his little arms across his chest as he waited.
"Just give me ten minutes Myoga to teach my apprentices something new as I've promised since they seem to have raising a barrier down at least partially" she sighed in exasperation turning her attention on the three little girls.
They looked the most excited she'd seen them since they had left on their little trip, of course they would be because none of them had gotten to train with their reiki abilities, because the danger was to high and any youkai could have gotten through her barrier and attacked.
"What are you going to teach us Kagome-sensei" Kokoa bounced in place, she'd been rather silent since that little accident at Totosai's and she definitely didn't want a repeat of it nor another lecture about how it was to easy to make a mistake especially for them since they were young.
Kagome tapped her lip in thought, they'd already learned how to channel their reiki into their swords they were still practicing that because they could never learn to much, they wielded their swords well, not to mention they were good at shooting arrows now.
And they could successfully raise a barrier, though it wouldn't last long against a strong opponent, so what could she teach the three girls before her, then it clicked in her mind "Hold out you're arms, I believe it's time you learned how to heal yourselves" Kagome ordered.
The girls thrust their arms forward without hesitation and Kagome made a long scratch on each of them to their confusion "Excuse me Kagome-sensei, but how will this teach us how to heal ourselves" Choko asked tears gathered in her green eyes.
Knowing that her three apprentices were upset with her, Kagome flashed them a reassuring smile "Listen Choko, Kokoa, Natti, when I first learned I did it without thinking and I was covered in more than one scratch" she began gently.
"You have to want to heal yourselves, will you're reiki to heal you, only then will you learn that little ability, after the first time it will get easier I promise but unless you have some type of wound the ability won't come out" Kagome finished patting the three girls on the head.
Eyes wide Natti nodded, Choko and Kokoa followed before reaching deep within themselves to start trying to heal their scratches, "Now as for you Myoga" Kagome sat down on the ground and launched into her tale of how the Fates had contacted Sesshomaru and how she'd started traveling with the dai.
How she had to go through all these perilous tasks, amassing power, strength, stamina, wisdom and most important of all bonds with those she met and traveled with, eventually which led to her coming to the East and defeating Yaramaru and taking over as the Lady.
She explained the claiming ritual in detail and then how she had her coronation and the treaty with Sesshomaru of the West created, how her family and friends from the future were now living in the past as well, and that her family had turned into kitsune youkai.
About the crests she and her family bore, and especially about Inuyasha who had been under not only Naraku's but a snake youkai named Akuto's control, Bankotsu, Jakotsu, and Hiten and Naraku's revival and everything else until she was finished.
Myoga sat through it all "Interesting story Lady Kagome" he stroked his little chin pondering over everything he'd been told, whether it was believable or not was up for debate, he was about to get his proof as Touga his previous master came barreling through the doors.
"Kagome, it's Naraku, he's demanding that he wants to see you" he growled in frustration, he didn't want his chosen mate anywhere near that disgusting spider youkai, the only one that was good that he had met so far was Akushu.
Her three apprentices started pouting "Lord Touga would you keep watch over them until I return, keep practicing" Kagome asked/ordered dropping Myoga in Touga's held out palm and glided through the doors that the guards posted by them opened for her.
She walked gracefully down the halls of her estate to the South Wing, smiling and greeting her servants along the way until she reached Naraku's room and without knocking entered "What is it that you demanded to see me for" Kagome planted her fists on her hips angrily.
By the window where he'd taken to sitting and staring out over the lands, Naraku turned his head and pinned emotionless red eyes on her "I feel a dark presence to the South" he started and Kagome quickly sat down to listen which surprised him.
Getting curious, now that they weren't enemies, and technically since she was his alpha, Naraku turned fully to face the kitsune who had once been ningen "I believe it's Akuto, what are you going to do" he questioned hoping to redeem himself somewhat.
So he'd had a couple of weeks to think about his decision and what he wanted to do with his life since he would never be able to get his hands on the jewel of four souls, "Plan, I won't let him trample on my lands as if he owns them" Kagome pounded her fist against her hand.
"I'm very good at plans perhaps I can help" he narrowed his eyes wondering how much the girl trusted him, Kagome eyed him warily "I'm you're only chance, plus I doubt that fool even knows of my revived existence" Naraku shrugged.
Seeing as she had a chance to drill the spider hanyou for information, Kagome gestured with her hands for him to speak freely when that didn't work she sighed "Go ahead, I'm all ears" she prodded and Naraku did as she ordered.
"I bet that fool is planning to come here and destroy everything you've worked for, possibly kill off all you're loved ones starting with the kit, my idea meet him before he has a chance to enter the Eastern Lands" he started twisting his head around to peer out the window.
"Amass power, find allies that hate Akuto enough, break down his defenses, keep yourself out of the battle until he unveils himself, I doubt he'd charge right in immediately, he'd wait until the last moment" Naraku continued his eyes clashing with dark chocolate brown.
Kagome nodded, they were good idea's and she was definitely going to implement them "Thank you, I'll remember everything you've said here, why don't you get out for a bit walk around the Southern Wing or the gardens just out there" she pointed and stood.
Surprised she was trusting him with that much freedom Naraku frowned "You're not afraid that I'd run away" he asked rising to his feet preparing to take the chance to get some fresh air, he'd been confined to his room upon his arrival after all.
"I'd hunt you down and kill you, besides all I have to do is order you and you'll stay put like a good little spider won't you Naraku" Kagome taunted and got a wary look, "I'm not like you" she snickered skipping out the shoji screen door and down the hall.
He felt his face twitching in irritation, but Naraku did go outside and enjoy the gardens, keeping his miasma bottled up for the time being, no thoughts of escaping even entered his head as Kagome returned to her apprentices to see if they had progressed any.
Touga was still there Myoga chattering away, but upon her reappearance a crow swooped down and the flea prepared to leave Kagome snatched him out of the air "Myoga, if you don't mind I have a request for you" she started, it had been worrying her since Naraku had mentioned it earlier.
"What is it Lady Kagome" Myoga questioned in confusion even Touga looked curious as Kagome sighed, took a moment to eye her apprentices, they hadn't even called upon their healing reiki then made her request.
"Would you check on the South for me, I have a bad feeling, remember that youkai I told you about Akuto..." she paused and Myoga nodded "I fear he's done the worst and taken over the South" Kagome finished drawing a gasp from the little flea youkai.
Eager to get his task underway Myoga squirmed out of Kagome's grip "I shall return, Lord Nagemasu has always been kind to this old demon" he landed on the crow as it swooped down again and he disappeared from sight.
"Huh nice to know that jerk could actually be kind, which leads me to believe that he had been under Akuto's control for much longer than Inuyasha" Kagome leaned her head back and Touga peered into her chocolate brown eyes as her head collided with his chest.
"You really think that fool managed to take over the South, what of Nagemasu, or his family" he inquired and Kagome shook her head, he knew then that he wasn't the only one wondering the fate of the bird youkai from the South, they only hoped they had gotten away somehow and were safe.
The silence was broken by Natti squealing "Kagome-sensei, Kagome-sensei, look, look, I did it I healed my scratch" she jumped up and down and the kitsune she was addressing straightened and peered at her young apprentice noting that the scratch she'd made was indeed gone.
"Can you make another one so I can practice" she begged bouncing over to her sensei, Kagome smiled and carefully scratched Natti's arm so the little girl could practice some more, Choko and Kokoa redoubled their efforts in trying to heal their own scratches by reaching deeper within themselves than they ever had gone before.
Their reiki reacted immediately and their scratches healed, this continued for the next couple of hours until Kagome told them to take the rest of the day off or continued practicing forming a perfect dome shape barrier around themselves.
"Care to take a walk with me" Touga offered seeing as there was nothing else to do for the day, Kagome accepted and then he had her hand clasped in his own and they were walking back inside only to come out in one of the various gardens she had around the estate.
Knowing what her walking companion was thinking Kagome giggled inwardly "Why is it that you have so many gardens" he asked dryly in amusement and she flashed him a bright smile, a moment later she answered his question.
"I love gardens, they are refreshing because of their flowery scent, not to mention very relaxing to this one" she sighed softly inhaling all the scents "Plus the gardener youkai do this by themselves hence the many gardens" Kagome laughed.
Touga chuckled and silence elapsed between the two of them as they enjoyed their daily walk, they'd taken to doing this every day, but he knew that there was only a matter of time before Kagome would be to busy for anyone as she put plans in motion to protect her lands from Akuto.
As they were nearing the end of their walk, Kagome asked a very important question "Why me Touga, surely there were better options out there to choose from" they paused just outside the doors, the guards didn't even move to open them as they listened in to the conversation discretely.
The inudaiyoukai turned to face the one he'd chosen for his mate, because the fates had let him "Because Kagome even if you don't think so, you are very desirable to this Touga" he began knowing that the guards were listening and would possibly gossip about it later.
"Not only that but you are very kind with a good heart, knowledgeable, wise beyond you're years, an old soul if I've ever seen one" he continued backing Kagome into a wall pinning her with his molten amber eyes, and she gasped hands coming up to cover her mouth.
Never had anyone looked at her like that as if she was the very delectable cherry on the top of a chocolate sundae, his voice was liquid sex and his eyes were locked with hers as heat pooled in her stomach and made her week in the knee's, her own voice failing her at this moment.
"Nurturing, you teach children right from wrong, you're a good mother to Shippou, you treat you're people tenderly allowing them to grow as you do" Touga got as close as he dared pushing his body against hers so she could feel him in all his masculinity.
Kagome swallowed thickly and for one split second she thought of fleeing, she had the feeling that she was the one being hunted and Touga was the hunter, "And most important of all you are the perfect match for me, that's why Kagome, I chose you as my soul mate" he finished licking his lips as very indecent thoughts filled his head about the kitsune he had pinned to the wall.
Not know what to say, Kagome squeaked and while Touga was distracted escaped from his hold and fled to her rooms, he cursed and the two guards posted outside the door chuckled "She certainly is interesting isn't she Lord Touga" one exclaimed.
"Yeah and I might have just ruined my chance with her by doing that, it's so irritating why the hell do I always end up losing my control when I'm around her" Touga ran a hand through his moonlight locks and growled in frustration, he was such an idiot.
The two guards shared a look "I wouldn't worry, most likely she doesn't really know how to react, but if she has even an ounce of love for you or even if she just likes you for the moment, she definitely won't ignore you, possibly be embarrassed for awhile, but Lady Kagome is good like that" the other smiled.
Reassured for the time being, Touga entered the building and headed down the halls to his own room passing "Naraku" he growled, what the hell, why was the spider hanyou walking the halls of his chosen mates estate like he owned them.
Naraku held up his hands "If you're wondering Lady Kagome gave me permission you'll have to take it up with her" he shrugged though he was very wary of the dai, and the minute the chance presented itself he fled down the halls to his room.
Touga face palmed and felt very tempted to bash his head against the wall, instead he continued on his way to his rooms and shut the door behind him intending to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, even if he was missing the noon meal.
A week later, Myoga returned just as Nagemasu's mate and son who was carrying the bird youkai on his back appeared seeking sanctuary within the Aoiro Estate "You're fears were just Lady Kagome, that Akuto has taken over the entire Southern Region and claims himself the new lord" Myoga exclaimed.
Kagome shook her head, and prayed to the fates that she would be able to handle this upcoming battle, she knew she wasn't alone, but there were bound to be casualties "Now as for you three, you may stay in my Aoiro Estate until Akuto has been dealt with" she smiled sadly.
"Please Lady Kagome save my Father, I know he wasn't the kindest towards you, and that he plotted against you, but we believe he'd been under that snakes control for a long time" Kyasuto begged her placing his father before the kitsune.
Not sure if it would work considering how long Nagemasu had been under Akuto's command, Kagome glided down the three steps that led up to her seat and placed her hand over Nagemasu's head searching out the darkness, it was there in much larger quantities than in Inuyasha.
She took a deep breath "Get him to the medical wing, I'll be along in a moment" Kagome barked out some orders and Hakari took over sending some maids to prepare some rooms for the bird youkai that had come to them for help.
Once Kyasuto and his mother were resting in a room, Kagome headed to the medical ward herself hopefully she'd be able to purge the darkness from Nagemasu, but she had doubts, it was strong and that's probably why Akuto hadn't come after them yet because he knew she wouldn't be able to save Nagemasu possibly.
But she had to try, once she was behind the curtain that Hojo and his staff had set up, Kagome filled her hands with purifying reiki, she had to be extremely careful otherwise she'd end up killing Nagemasu, that's what made it so difficult.
Outside the curtain Hojo held hands with Azayaka, he'd managed to acquire her attention with a flower that had herbal properties that she'd never seen before and right now they were in a trial period of their courtship, once Akuto was gone, then they'd try for a real relationship that would possibly end in a mating.
Kagome narrowed her eyes in determination and pressed her reiki filled hands to Nagemasu's head purging the darkness from within, sweat trickled down the back of her neck and she wished she'd had the foresight to have it tied up out of the way so it didn't weigh her down as she worked.
Four hours later, she stopped she couldn't go on much longer and stumbled outside the curtain Touga was there waiting for her and he lifted her into his arms "I need Kaede to keep watch over him, I haven't finished purging the darkness" she mumbled before succumbing to sleep.
Touga bit his cheek and he growled softly in discontent, that was the only he didn't like about his little chosen soul mate, Kagome would go great lengths for a person/youkai to save them and it bothered him that she put herself in harms way because of it.
But being the good dutiful mate, he headed down the halls with her cradled gently in his arms, to her room, he was about to wake her, but found he didn't need to as the barrier she'd erected to keep him out was gone, Touga could have cheered but he remained silent.
He entered her room and placed her down on her futon, Mitsumeru and Natsumeru were right there at her side a moment later shooing Touga from the room as they got their Lady prepared for bed, Touga smiled, she had such dedicated servants and trustworthy guard.
Seeing as his task was done, he went to his own room to rest for the night, Touga knew though that the minute Kagome had eaten breakfast the next morning she'd be right back trying to purge the rest of the darkness from Nagemasu, he groaned at that and punched his pillow in aggravation.