The gathered spectators shuffled uneasily with their eyes cast downward, cowed by the forceful pressure being exuded by the lords and their heirs. The silence was painfully loud and the tension thick. None moved, none spoke, none dared to even breathe. All attention was on the Western heir whose foot remained crushing the head of the slaughtered lion lying beneath him; his eyes lit with challenge and suppressed rage.

A single loud applause rent the silence. Soon enough, that clap was accompanied by ecstatic laughter bordering on insanity. All eyes shot to the Eastern lord who was bent at the waist clutching his sides in an effort to breath around his mirth. Slowly, ever so slowly, his amusement died down and he lifted his head.

Crazed, blood thirsty red eyes met Sesshomaru's as the Eastern lord slowly ambled forward; a twisted, ecstatic smile spread wide across his face.

"So," The lord's voice was soft and puckish, "the puppy wants to play?" Sesshomaru said nothing, continuing to glare at the approaching lion.

"As lord of the West and the Inu no Taisho, this one accepts the tribute presented." The Taisho quickly intervened as he moved to stand between the two. Despite this, the Eastern lord and Sesshomaru continued to size up each other as if he were not there. Neither one could back down at this point, Sesshomaru because he had made such a bold statement with his kill and the Eastern lord would be seen as weak if he did not rise to the challenge.

"The Taisho has accepted the tribute. Any challenges," Kagome said stepping forward and looking between the two men, "will be answered during the War which will commence in two days' time." The maniacal grin on the Eastern lord's face turned sensual and his eyes became hooded as he turned his attention to Kagome's sleep tussled figure. Sesshomaru growled lowly when the lord's gaze continued to wander and his arousal became thick in the morning air.

"If that is the wish of my lady." The Eastern lord claimed, bowing to Kagome with a flourish. Then, before Sesshomaru could react the Eastern lord was standing before Kagome and held her chin so that her neck was exposed to his lips which were pressed to her throbbing pulse. "I'll have you, my pet. All in good time."

Kagome was suddenly yanked backwards, away from the startled Eastern lord. Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her waist and across her chest, holding her close against his much larger form. She felt his rumbling growl through her back and shivered from the possessiveness it held.

"As for you, pup." The Eastern lord began, his face the picture of seriousness, "I'll have your head on a spit outside my den soon enough. No need to rush it along." The crowd of spectators parted before him as he strolled back to his quarters within the citadel. When he reached the front door he lifted his right hand so that those still watching him could see the black strands wrapped around it. Instantly, Kagome's hand flew to her hair where she found a few locks considerably shorter than they had been moments before. Slowly, the Eastern lord inhaled her scent from the hair in his grasp, exhaling luxuriously. "Smells like dog." He murmured disappointed. "Well I'll just have to return for another sample later then."

Sesshomaru hadn't stopped growling until the entirety of the Eastern party had left the courtyard and even then he refused to relinquish his grip on Kagome. The Southern lord was staring quite pointedly at his hold on her but wisely chose not to comment.

"It's on the small side." The Northern heir said as he stepped forward to inspect the killed lion, nudging it with his boot.

"That wasn't the point." The Northern lord replied gruffly.

"Still, my kill was better when I came of age."

"You murdered my son."

"Only the strong have the right to live." The heir said before, he too, left to return to his chambers. The northern lord and lady nodded to the western lord in recognition of the kill then made their way inside once again. The many spectators took this to mean that there would be no brawls and therefore no matters of further interest and slowly began to trickle back to the citadel. This left only the western and southern families along with a few staff members who would prepare the dead lion for the feast that night.

"I have always respected the West's strength of both mind and body. However," The southern lord said turning to Sesshomaru, "Such brazen actions have no place at ceremonies such as this; particularly when the lady went through such trouble organizing it."

"How ungrateful." The southern lady concurred.

"The South hopes that this is not an indication of how the western heir plans to rule. His destructive and antagonizing behavior is not a characteristic suitable for a head of state."

"Careful that you do not overstep your bounds." The Taisho's voice was hard and carried over the empty courtyard. "The West does not dictate how the South rules itself."

"Of course." The southern lord said demurely. "I would never presume such."

"Lady Kagome! Lady Kagome!" the two little twins chirped happily as they pulled on her clothes. "Will you play with us later? You know the best games!"

Kagome smiled fondly down at them and Sesshomaru released her so that she could cup both their cheeks in her hands. "If I can find the time I'll join you in the nursery." Taking her statement as a confirmation, the two burst out in excited but unintelligible chirping as they began to flutter excitedly between their parents.

The southern lord and lady's eyes shone with gratitude and a hint of worship as they looked at Kagome. Sesshomaru didn't care for their expressions and once again wrapped Kagome up in his embrace. Both sets of eyes flashed at his action in what Sesshomaru could only assume was jealousy or anger; possibly both.

"As always, Lady Kagome," The southern lord said bowing deeply, "the South is ever grateful for your generosity and graciousness."

"To be in your presence is truly an honor, Lady Kagome." The southern lady said as she too bowed.

Though Sesshomaru could not see her expression, he felt Kagome stiffen in his arms; her back rigid. The twins seemed to sense the shift and calmed, adopting the same submissive stance as their parents. She said nothing, barely even breathed as the Southern family left. Sesshomaru would have said something to her had he not felt his father's ire towards him.

"This Sesshomaru regrets nothing." He said quickly, albeit defensively.

"I didn't suppose you would." The Taisho frowned as he massaged his headache.

"It was a fine kill, my son." The western lady said stepping beside her mate. "You have done the West proud."

Doubtful, Sesshomaru looked between his parents; his mother the picture of elegance and grace stood poised whereas his father was troubled and angered. He felt Kagome's hand on his arm giving him a reassuring squeeze and her head was tilted to smile warmly up at him. Sesshomaru relaxed, Kagome's approval was all he needed, all he cared for.

"Fucking southern lord thinks that just because they're their favorite he can get away with anything he wants." The Taisho muttered to himself annoyed. "The day I allow those pigeons to tell my son what he can and can't do is the day I eat my tail!"

"I apologize." Kagome said with downcast eyes, "Were it not for my presence-"

"Nonsense!" The lady reprimanded, "If anything you being here has calmed them. They are not so willing to act out in the presence of a Watcher, particularly when that Watcher is-" Her voice caught, the spell of silence coming into effect. The lady struggled with her discomfort for a moment before once again collecting herself. "We are grateful that you with us, Kagome. Never doubt that."

Kagome's eyes softened, "Thank you. Truly."

"As for you, son," The Taisho said grasping Sesshomaru's shoulder with a rakish grin on his face, "I've wanted to do that for ages; the cat needed to learn his place. However," he continued, his grip on Sesshomaru's shoulder tightening considerably as his smile turned threatening and his eyes promised immense pain, "I didn't need the penguin to tell me that this was not the place nor the time for such things. The West has maintained peace for so long for a reason and you instigating fights is not going to help anything but your ego." Sesshomaru did not miss his father's eyes flashing to glance at Kagome when he spoke.

"Yes, father."

"Good." The Taisho removed his hand and began directing the staff to remove the corpse. "Rest well, son, the War approaches."

"Yes, father."

Sesshomaru and Kagome knelt across from each other on his futon, his fingers tracing her face as his eyes followed ardently. Satisfied, they moved to trail down the side of her neck, slowly pushing her hair behind her so his view remained unobstructed, smiling at the Goosebumps that rose in response to his touch. He fingered the collar of the final layer of her jūnihitoe above her sleeping kimono, allowing them to slip under and slowly slide it off her. Kagome watched as his hands rounded her shoulders to move down her arms until her own hands were encompassed within his. She didn't comment on the unusual degree of care he was placing in the task and nor did he offer up an explanation. The multicolored pile of fabric beside his bed growing as he added the final layer.

"Welcome home, Sesshomaru." Her voice was soft, almost whispered.

He smiled slightly as he continued to observe their intertwined hands, hers completely dwarfed but safe within his own. "I'm home."

Kagome let out a breathy laugh, "It has only been a few hours."

"I didn't like how they were treating you." He said, still refusing to look her in the eye. Kagome didn't have to ask who the 'they' he was referring to were.

Kagome sighed sadly, "I have known them all for a long time, Sesshomaru. They each have their own way of dealing with my clan."

His grip tightened. "So each time you disappeared you were being sent to one of them?"

"You know I can't answer that."

After a moment of silence, Sesshomaru seemed to retreat within himself defeated, "Yes."

He had known her so long, almost the entirety of his existence. Yet he had the feeling that his life was nothing but the briefest flash to her, burning brightly for but a few moments before being extinguished; leaving nothing but a smoky whisper of who he had been while living. Sesshomaru found himself wondering just how many times Kagome tried to capture such smoky memories only to have them slip from her grasp.

"I know so little about you." Sesshomaru thought aloud.

Kagome was surprised at his comment and saddened by the remote expression in the eyes which used to be filled with such joy and love for life. Averting her gaze, she couldn't bear to see him in such a way. She knew that she should keep her distance and that it was because of her secrets that he was losing himself. She had seen it many times in her own memories and in those of her predecessors; always the same disconnection, the same hopelessness.

She had stayed too long.

Kagome knew that she should have moved on by now but it was so hard. The western family had been so welcoming, so gracious to her that she had forgotten; forgotten how her existence corrodes the people around her.

Kagome steeled herself, preparing mentally for the break which would no doubt be painful for both of them. Swallowing thickly she looked back up at him…and lost all resolve. Never had she allowed anyone as close as she had Sesshomaru. He had been an amusing diversion at first, a playful little brother later, and was now a good friend.

She was afraid; terrified of the consequences her actions would bring. But of all those she had known, met, or fancied she couldn't find the strength necessary to part from him. Not yet at least. She wanted to be with him; to support, encourage, and care for. Just a little more. Just a little longer.

"As I remember, my parents were homely people of modest means. We lived in a small village, though our home was on the outskirts near the woods. Mom would always complain to dad about how far she had to walk to gossip with the other village women." Kagome began with a reflective smile.

"Kagome?" Sesshomaru inhaled.

"Dad was a hunter, not a good one mind you, but he did well enough that we were never hungry. From time to time, he would bring me along with him to teach me what to look for when tracking an animal or how to spot another hunter's snare." Her eye twinkled, "Personally, I always thought he just wanted me to tell mom how great a hunter he was; that he was a good catch. Instead, I would regale her with tales of the adventures I had while in the woods; of the mystical fairies I had seen or the trees that sang as they swayed in the wind."

Sesshomaru sat entranced as she spoke; not daring to even breath should he miss a word. Every fiber of his being was trained on the small woman kneeling in front of him. His eyes burned with their need to blink but he couldn't bring himself to do so in fear that none of this would be real. She noticed his disbelief and smiled reassuringly.

"Because these memories are no danger to the clan I can freely speak of them. The spell is adaptive though, it recognizes danger to itself so it is likely that I will not be able to repeat any of this in the future. Yet for now, I suppose fortune is looking my way.

"Anyway, our home wasn't that big compared to others at the time, certainly better than most, but it was all we needed. In the middle of the dirt floor was a fire pit for our cooking and to keep us warm in the evenings. I slept in the storage loft above and the smoky heat always succeeded in keeping me toasty.

"There wasn't much for a young girl to do in a small village town when her dad was away or her mom was tending to the rice fields. I spent most of my days lying in the grass while gazing up at the sky, thinking of all the wonderful places I could go when I grew up." Her eyes turned playful and her mouth quirked up into a bemused half smile, "I wanted to be a samurai, you know. Or at least the equivalent of what a samurai would have been at that time. I wanted to pledge my life to someone I believed passionately in and follow them as they achieved their dreams. I wanted to be able to help people go places they couldn't go on their own, reach heights they had thought impossible, or even just be a friend to someone who most needed it. There was so much I wanted to do and see."

A self-deprecating smile came over her features. "I often regret that wish; its irony." Knowing that it would calm her, Sesshomaru began to trace small shapes on her palms and was relieved when she returned her attention to him. "I had a little brother too. Mom got pregnant when I was around ten. Dad and I weren't there, we had been summoned for the annual clan meeting." She paused, "I never did get to meet Sota."

Though she did not say so, the spell would have prevented her if she had tried, he knew that that was the moment her life had changed. He didn't expect Kagome to continue. What else could be said? Yet, she did.

"You say you don't know me, Sesshomaru, but you do." Sesshomaru's heart practically stopped her eyes were so impassioned. "You know how I detest mornings and that my version of cooking consists of boiling water and adding things to it. You know that I snore if I sleep on my right and that I prefer the left side of the futon. You know I hate being trapped indoors and that math is my least favorite subject. You know I can't stand dressing up even if I do appreciate the results." Her voice quieted, "You know that I hate the position I have been forced into and you try to do all in your power to help me. And I know, Sesshomaru, that if something were to happen to me you would tear the world apart to save me."

There were no words to describe the rush of warmth and overwhelming joy that spread to Sesshomaru through their intertwined fingers. His pulse raced, his mind whirled, and his lungs were short of breath. Yet somehow, his mouth formed words.

"You are my pack mate, Kagome. Mine to protect, shelter, and care for."

Kagome laughed lightly at the comment that was simply so Sesshomaru. "You also know that I don't need you to protect me from them, Sesshomaru. I am strong enough to protect myself."

He saw images of her defeated expression each time she was forced to leave to kami knows where, her bloody body abandoned at the gates, the cuts and bruises that litter her body when her cloaking spell is not in effect.

"I want to though."

The days that followed were no more than a blur to Sesshomaru. Though he did not know what, something had changed in his relationship with Kagome. They were little things; the slight brush of a hand or catching the other staring, but they sent his heart racing. The first time it had happened Sesshomaru thought he had gone back into heat his body was reacting in such a strange way. He wanted to steal her away to somewhere they could be alone so that he could just hold her in his arms, knowing that she would be safe there.

Sesshomaru knew it was likely that he was the only living person to know so much about Kagome and though he was humbled by this information, he practically glowed with the knowledge. All through the feast celebrating Sesshomaru's hunt the eastern lord strove to agitate Sesshomaru into doing something disgraceful but each time Sesshomaru would send him an incredibly superior, almost gloating, look which only served to anger the eastern lord more.

Each of the two nights Sesshomaru held her in his arms as they lay down to sleep. At his request, Kagome continued to tell him stories from her childhood. Her soft voice worked to put Sesshomaru's mind at peace and he felt completely relaxed knowing that she was with him and safe. Her stories varied from the outrageous adventures she had with her father to speaking about the warm days she did nothing but weave crowns from grass and flowers. He listened to it all, absorbing each melodic word that escaped her lips.

When she would finally fall asleep, Sesshomaru would pull her closer and bury his nose in her hair. She felt right in his arms and he was incredibly satisfied having her there. He would replay every moment they had had together in his mind but found that nothing could quite compare to the last few weeks starting with their kiss. Of course it had been spur of the moment and he had been angry at the time, but the feel of her pressed against him and the touch of her soft lips against his own wouldn't leave him. The taste of her skin, the feel of her body, the passion she incited in him made him hunger for her. These feelings confused him and drove his desire to be closer to her, to be the only thing that occupied her thoughts just as she was all that occupied his.

However, he also knew that he had to be careful when trying to figure out these new feelings. Kagome was only just opening up to him, more than she probably had in centuries and he didn't want to lose that. He didn't want to scare her away. No, he would have to sort out these strange emotions and urges for himself.

Sesshomaru was so caught up in learning more about Kagome and spending every moment with her that he was almost surprised that two days had elapsed as his father and mother walked with him to the expansive field where the War would take place. Kagome had gone ahead to speak with those wishing to join in the fight. The first three days would be melee style and anyone who wished to join could do so without registering. The final four days were reserved for individual matches.

The War grounds were festive and bursting with color. Surrounding a large open space in the middle of the field were massive tents and vendor stalls littered the spaces in between. Every manner of banner and streamer were strung above the streets creating the impression that rather than a War, a circus would be taking place. Demons of all kind mingled in excitement at the prospect of seeing the western heir fight. Because the West had not gone to war since long before Sesshomaru's birth, few had actually seen him let alone witnessed his battle prowess.

Servants ran through the makeshift streets shouting out that the War would commence shortly and that they should make their way to the arena. When they reached the battle grounds, the Taisho nodded his silent encouragement and the Lady wrapped her son in a warm embrace.

"Bring honor to the West, son."

"Hn."

Left alone at the entrance, his parents having made their way to their seats, Sesshomaru looked out over the gathered crowed with a critical eye. Many of the demons gathered were fighters, but would never stand a chance against him. He looked past those calling for blood and searched for one face in particular, one with clear blue eyes and a smile that could turn any rainy day sunny.

He found her seated beside his mother and the southern lord, away from both the East and northern coalitions. Sesshomaru took in the men who were heavily armed and dressed in their battle armor knowing that in a few days' time he would be matched up against them. Straining his ears, he could only pick up on a bit of what was being said over the cacophony the crowd was making in anticipation of the coming War.

"To have to fight in such a poorly made arena is a disgrace." The northern heir, Naga, sneered. "They do not even possess a colosseum."

"We do not make sport of killing our citizenry in the West." The Taisho bit back. "And therefore have no need for such a structure."

"I don't care where I fight so long as I can sink my claws into that dog's haughty neck." The eastern lord said leaning forward in excitement.

Sesshomaru turned his attention to the rest of the makeshift arena. It was ovular in shape with two entrance gates at either end, one of which he stood in. The other gate seemed to be restraining a large number of men, all excited to be the first to enter the battle arena. There were a surprisingly large number of noncombatant spectators though. Sesshomaru had thought that he was generally well known throughout the West from the many patrols and events he had attended with his father but it seemed that he was still relatively unknown when compared to his father.

A hush fell over the crowd as the Taisho stood from his seat and raised his arms signaling for silence. Sesshomaru admired his father's strength and the unwavering confidence which led so many to follow him. Yet, it was a difficult shadow to step out from under and impossibly large wall to overcome.

"The West welcomes all in attendance to my son, and heir's, coming of age ceremony." A roar from the crowd relayed their enthusiasm. "Now, let us commence the War!"

Battle horns sounded and the audience's cheers increased in volume. The gate before Sesshomaru rose slowly and he stepped out into the grassy arena and released his deadly aura. The cries died off as the crowd felt the sinister force overwhelm them, none but the lords being able to resist the desire to submit. As one, all in attendance shared one single thought: he is death.

Kagome bit her cheek to resist the urge to smirk when Sesshomaru expanded his aura. Truly, what had they expected from the Taisho's son? She had known the Taisho since he was a pup, watched him grow under the tutelage of his father. There was no doubt in her mind that the Taisho was strong. In fact, he was the most powerful demon she had ever met. However, he was not as strong as Sesshomaru when at his age. Sesshomaru had been able to manifest his human form sooner than any other demon and was the first demon to undergo his heat at such a young age. In many ways Sesshomaru is faster, smarter, and more powerful than his father ever was when he was younger. In time, Kagome had no doubt that he would overcome his father.

When Sesshomaru reached the center of the arena, the second gate rose admitting the pouring waves of warriors. They immediately descended upon him, each eager to test the western heir. Here, Sesshomaru was at a severe disadvantage and not just because he was painfully outnumbered. For the first three days during the melee fighting, he was not allowed to kill his opponents. This was something that had been adapted from the older traditions at Kagome's recommendation. Many of those who compete are soldiers or citizens of the western lands and were Sesshomaru to kill them all, the West's defenses would be severely depleted leaving them open for attack. He was permitted, however, to injure them to the extent that they would still be well enough to perform their duties the following day. This was also a way to demonstrate Sesshomaru's control and clarity in high stress situations.

The audience was in awe of Sesshomaru's fluid movements as he wove between his opponents, disarming and incapacitating them. Regardless of where he looked there was another sword descending or a fist approaching but they never met their mark. It was as if time slowed down for him as he continued to put down his opponents. This being only the first wave of soldiers, they were considerably weaker than him but Sesshomaru knew to conserve his strength as the opponents would only increase in difficulty with each new wave.

The horns blared signaling the commencement of a new wave. This time, one hundred troll demons stepped forward. Smirking, Sesshomaru flexed his claws and advanced. All through the night and into the next day he fought wave after wave, relentlessly destroying those who dared step forward. There was a fine mist of blood in the air and the once green grass was no more than a trampled pit of sand. A mound of unconscious bodies were piled high in the center of the ring upon which Sesshomaru stood strangling an elemental demon as he lifted it by the throat. Patiently, Sesshomaru waited for its eyes to roll back before leisurely casting it aside.

The bodies were quickly gathered and brought to the medical tents where Sesshomaru's victims were recovering. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru found himself staring down a collection of fighters from the North. Each of the dragons were covered from head to toe in scars, one was even missing his ear. They hissed and jeered as they circled him, occasionally breathing fire so that it only just missed him.

In the stands, Naga sat smug with the knowledge that Sesshomaru would meet his end at the hand of his subordinates. Dragons were not to be underestimated regardless of the circumstances. Fighting one was hard enough, their training and constant battle for survival making them stronger and more difficult to kill, but fighting fifteen – Sesshomaru had his work cut out for him.

The only thing Sesshomaru had going for him was that dragons, reptiles in general, fought alone. One at a time, they tested Sesshomaru. For some that consisted of a swipe of a clawed hand and for others it was the snap of a jaw. Sesshomaru's knees were bent and he was resting on the balls of his feet, prepared to move at a moment's notice.

To Naga's consternation, they began to fight amongst each other for the right to attack first and one was even killed in the chaos; his head rolling from his shoulders with a wet thud. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow but did not comment or let down his guard for a moment. When it seemed the dragons made up their mind, the largest stepped forward. Unlike the royal family who had enough control of their beast that the scales only appeared around their eyes, this dragon preferred to exist in a form half dragon and half man. Upon his head were two twisting horns that were sharpened and protruding from his back was a long, scaly tail. The orange scales began at his wrists and continued under his armor and up his neck. A forked tongue flashed out for a moment with a hiss. Sesshomaru was slightly surprised that the dragon still had hands rather than the talons he knew would emerge should the orange dragon shift completely.

Still weary of the other thirteen dragons, Sesshomaru focused in on the one in front of him. Its tail was dragging through the sand leaving a small trail as they circled. The crowd jeered from the stands, calling for blood. A fanged smile stretched across the dragons face and Sesshomaru tensed waiting for the attack.

He knew that they wouldn't fight fairly, that he should have been more aware of his surroundings. However, when the orange dragon lunged for his throat with his sword, Sesshomaru had not counted on the tail flicking sand up into his face effectively blinding and cutting off his sense of smell. Deciding that defense would be the best course of action, Sesshomaru didn't hesitate to dart to the side, avoiding the downward arch of the sword. He knew that his eyes would heal quickly and that it was only a matter of time before his nose cleared, but he didn't have that time. His ears strained to pick up every sound within one hundred feet of him.

There were children laughing as they chased after lightning bugs, a woman scolding her mate for eyeing up a barmaid, a man retching horribly beneath the stands, the wild cheers of approval for his opponent, the heartbeats of each dragon in the ring, the sure stride of the orange dragon as he approached from the side, the sudden inhale as the dragon prepared to finish him off.

"It is unsurprising that the uncivilized dragon ilk would have to resort to such underhanded fighting." The southern lord commented dryly as he watched the dragon approach Sesshomaru. "They lack the discipline and pride to combat honorably."

"You'll be wishing that you were a little less honorable when you have a sword plunging into your back." the northern lord bit back harshly.

"Speaking from experience?" The eastern lord commented slyly.

"He is right." The Taisho said without removing his gaze from the fight, "Though one should always act honorably, it would be naïve to hold others to the same standard. Sesshomaru should be prepared for such actions or he will die an early death." His mate nodded her approval. "Thankfully though, Sesshomaru is far more devious than you lot."

It took less than a second; few were even able to see what had happened on the battle field. Only that one moment Sesshomaru was about to be cleaved in two and the next he was standing behind one of eleven crumpling dragons.

"What just happened?" a servant tending to the lords breathed.

"Sesshomaru is one of the most honorable demons I have met." Kagome said capturing the interest of each of the royals. "Sesshomaru has been holding back since the beginning, limiting the amount of strength he used so to not injure his opponents needlessly. However," she turned judgmental eyes upon the northern heir, "He doesn't extend the same courtesy to those who rely on dishonest means."

"Wha-"

"Ahhh!" The ten dragons writhed in pain while gripping their ankles. Their claw tipped hands tore at their calves, knees, and thighs. The demons in attendance, with their acute sight, watched as the blood in their veins ran purple as Sesshomaru's poison worked its way through their blood stream.

"He cannot kill them!" Naga exclaimed, "That is a violation of the rules!"

"My son's poison will not kill them." The Taisho said coolly as he worked out what had happened. "This one believes that the only real damage he has done them is ripping their Achilles tendon and allowing a hallucinogen to enter their bloodstream. What he is making them see, this one does not know, but they are the ones destroying themselves. He has violated no rules."

Naga seethed and the scales around his eyes rippled in his anger. The northern lord and lady couldn't care less what happened to the followers of the man who had murdered their child and without their support, there was little Naga could do.

"How curious." The eastern lord said leaning forward in his seat, "I wonder how he will hold up against my own poison?"

Rhys, the eastern heir, sneered at his father, still angered over his claim on Kagome. "You do not have poison, father, just a collection of diseases due to how unhygienic you are."

"I'll leave the bathing to the dogs." The lord cringed slightly.

"Cats." The Southern lord said with revulsion as he ushered his children so sit farther from them.

Sesshomaru smiled a small sadistic smile as he allowed the eleven dragons he had been able to reach in his moment of disorientation to believe that it was not poison making its way through their veins but small snakes that were slowly eating them from the inside out. Of course, if they did nothing and recognized the poison for what it was they would recover within ten minutes. Unfortunately for them, dragons were better known for their strength of body than mind.

The remaining three dragons unconsciously took a step back from him as they watched their countrymen tear themselves apart. They each looked to each other and made an unspoken agreement to work together for the time being.

In hindsight, Sesshomaru really should have finished off the remaining dragons while they were still in shock. Now he had to fight off thee dragons in their true form without directly killing them.

A green, blue, and silver dragon circled him from above, waiting. Sesshomaru observed them for a moment and was immediately able to single out the silver dragon as being the youngest and least battle tested of the group, his aura being the weakest and his trigger happy anxiousness to fight.

Knowing this, Sesshomaru allowed the dragon access to his back, an obvious ploy to a more experienced fighter. Sesshomaru wasn't disappointed though when he heard the tell tail beating of wings signaling the dragons decent. Smirking, Sesshomaru launched himself into the air at the last moment so that when he landed, it was on the silver dragons back.

Panicked, the dragon began to twist and turn trying to throw him but Sesshomaru had a strong grip on its short mane. Instinctively, the dragon raced for its perceived safety with its comrades, providing Sesshomaru the opportunity to move to the green dragon. Not before ripping the silver dragon's wings off its back though. With a cry, the dragon shifted back to its human form after plummeting to the ground.

Though the green dragon may have been a more powerful opponent than the silver, it was by no means wiser. A fact that became known when it used its own tail to try to dislodge Sesshomaru and ended up accidentally pierced itself. Sesshomaru had long heard of the ruthless dragon traditions and couldn't help but wonder how it had survived so long for being so stupid.

This left Sesshomaru back on the ground with one blue dragon left. This one, he knew would be more difficult than the other two; water dragons were notoriously slippery. Not having any way to reach his opponent should it retreat to the air, Sesshomaru decided that he could afford to reveal one of his tricks.

Once again the spectators found themselves astonished as clouds began to gather around Sesshomaru's feet and he began to rise through the air. Even the Taisho rose from his seat in shock. In their true form, dog demons were certainly capable of flight but that was only because they did not have to use their energy to maintain their human form. Sesshomaru being able to fly while being in his human for was an unprecedented show of power. Even more, Sesshomaru didn't even seem fazed by the vast amounts of his energy being consumed to maintain flight.

Though dragons may be the rulers of the heavens, Sesshomaru had no peer when it came to flight; his maneuverability and speed was matchless and the two quickly became nothing more than a blur of colors as they raced through the sky. The dragon was constantly on the defensive and Sesshomaru was relentless in his assault. Battered and exhausted, the dragon began to slow considerably which provided Sesshomaru the opportunity to rake his claws through the scales to penetrate its thick hide. The pained roar of the dragon shook the land and its desperate cries for aid went ignored by its brethren in attendance. To win or die trying - that was the way of the dragon.

When the last of the dragons finally collapsed Sesshomaru descended slowly on his cloud to land lightly on the blood soaked sand. The horn signaling the end of the wave and the beginning of the next was drowned out in the cheers of the crowd.

The third day was dawning and Sesshomaru had yet to draw his sword.

"Marvelous."

Though there were few minds that could compare to his, not even Sesshomaru could remember each voice or scent he had come across. Yet despite the roar of the spectators, the blare of the horn, and the natural sounds of life he felt his blood run cold when his ears singled out that one word from the thousands in attendance. He had heard that voice only a handful of times in his life and not for over 625 years. He felt the his younger self's fear and his own burning fury swell up inside of him as he turned, his eyes scarlet and his markings jagged.

He met first Kagome's terror filled gaze before allowing his sight to lower to the hand placed possessively on her shoulder. Three shadowy, cloaked figures stood behind her. Hanging from their necks were brass silhouetted hourglasses. The Watchers.

"Hello dear, just how long did you think we were going to let you off your leash?"