InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Slave to No One ❯ Chapter 27 ( Chapter 27 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter 27

Sesshomaru, Lord of the Eastern Lands, stood outside on the balcony staring at the approaching dawn. His mind was reeling with what to do. So many things have happened that he didn't know if he was coming or going.

It has been many years, too many to count, since he has spoken to his father. Since the day he mated with that worthless human female. He couldn't believe that his father would mate outside of the demon race.

In fact, human and demon mating were becoming non-existent back then. But his father had said, “That the heart knew no boundaries or race when it came to love. As long as you care deeply for that person that's all that matters.”

Years later his new mate gave birth to her first pup. He was a worthless half-breed and he had refused to recognize him as his brother.

He and his father had parted company shortly after that and have not spoken or seen each other since then. He has kept tabs on what is going on in the Western Lands to make sure he wasn't taken by surprise.

About 6 months ago he got word that his half brother was taken captive by the slavers. Even though he never showed his emotions and always presented a cold exterior, he knew his father was grieving for the loss of that half-breed.

He sent out searchers to see if he could find him. But they came up empty. Then he got word that he had returned to the Western Lands along with his intended. When he heard who his intended was he was surprised. He didn't think the half-breed had it in him to mate with the Princess from the Southern Lands.

But as time progressed he heard rumors that his half brother had mated. He didn't think that the princess would accept a half-breed. Humans and demons didn't mate in this day and age. Demons were just meant to be slaves to the humans. It has been this way for centuries.

That when they had actually gone through with the mating it surprised him.

He started hearing rumors that someone was planning to take over the Western Lands. He became enraged, that someone would actually try to attack his father's lands. He didn't speak to his father but he will help him no matter what. It was his duty as the eldest and first-born, honor dictated that he offer his help even if his father refused it.

He knew that the half-breed would be no match for the might of the youkai. He depended on his father for protection and therefore, in his mind, he was weak and not fit to rule.

About three weeks ago a man by the name of Naraku contacted him. The youkai bringing him the message said that he wanted his help in defeating the Western Lord. They revealed part of the plan, saying that they were after the half-breed and his mate.

He huffed and said, “Go back to your keepers. This Sesshomaru will not be joining your little group. I have no desire to battle for the Western Lands and I don't intend on giving you any help to defeat them.”

They were mad at his refusal to help. They knew that he didn't care for the half-breed they were after or his human mate. So for him to refuse their request was mind-boggling.

Now he was getting worried, if what his spies had found out was true, then his father's kingdom was in danger. The enemy had amassed a huge army in which to battle his father. He had to send help but he must also protect his kingdom and especially his mate.

His mate he thought fondly, his father didn't know about her. Very few people in his castle knew about his mate. The only one's who knew were his most trusted people.

He kept her hidden because that way they wouldn't get to her to control him. She was everything to him and his world revolved around her. It's funny, a few years ago he would've thought that he would never find a mate.

They where plenty of females youkai running around his court, they all did their best to flatter and entice him into their beds, but he would have nothing to do with them.

A low purr was heard as Sesshomaru thought about his mate. They haven't been mated for very long, as a matter of fact it has been less than a year. But the time he has been mated to her, he had been in pure heaven.

He met her about two years ago. He liked going into the human world to gain knowledge. He would frequently visit the libraries where he would spend his time reading anything he could get his hands on. It was quite and no one disturbed him as he sat and read his books.

He was a quick learner. Taking many of the ideas that the human had developed back to the Eastern Lands where improvements could be made. He developed his kingdom but not as much as the humans. They needed to keep their trees, forests, and the air pure.

One day he had visited the library at a college campus when she ran right into him on her way out of the library. She was in a hurry because she was late for class.

When she looked up at him he was captivated by her eyes. It was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. They were changing colors so fast that he couldn't determine what color they were. She was wearing a blue bib overall, black t-shirt, and flip-flops. He couldn't see all of her figure because of the clothes she was wearing but just the parts he saw he liked.

He said his apologies for running into her while he helped her gather her books. She had the biggest smile he had ever seen on anyone. She had shoulder length black hair but he could swear that there was a hint of blue in it.

Once she had gathered all of her things she took off her shoes and said her thanks, as she took off running again to get to her class. He never got the chance to ask her name as he saw her disappear into another building on the grounds.

He shook his head as he sighed, `Strange females they have here on this campus.' He thought as he continued on his way. But he never forgot her scent. It was very pleasing to his sensitive nose, she smelled like mandarins, sweet and pure.

A couple of weeks later he caught the scent of something familiar. He had thought that he would never see her again, when he caught her scent in the wind, and decided to follow it.

He followed it into the woods when he heard a loud scream that defended his youkai ears. He rushed in the direction of the scream and when he reached it he saw the girl from a few weeks ago on the ground with an offending male on top of her about to have his way.

He rushed in so fast that the attacker didn't even see him coming. He got him off the girl as he stood in front of her protecting her. The man thought that he could hurt him but after one punch from him he quickly left the area never to return.

Sesshomaru turned his attention to the girl as he walked over to her. She was crying as she was curled into a ball on the ground shaking from her ordeal.

Then he did something that he never thought he would ever do in his life. He picked her up in his arms and held her so he could comfort her.

The girl soon stopped crying and apologized profusely, “Are you injured?” he inquired.

The girl looked up and for the first time she saw his eyes. They were as golden as the sun. He had long silver hair, was of slim built, but muscular, as she felt his muscles through the shirt, as he held her. To her he looked like the most perfect person in the world. She had to quickly look away from him to keep from drooling all over the place.

She swallowed hard and said, “No, I'm not hurt. Thank you for coming to my rescue. I owe you one.” She smiled at him and continued. “Do you want to go and get some coffee or something?” She looked up with hope in her eyes that he would accept her offer.

He looked at her with an unreadable expression, years of solitude had taught him to hide his true feelings. “No, I must decline. I have business to attend to.” He got up and started to walk away from her, knowing that she wasn't hurt.

The girl saw him walk away and sighed, `Why is it that all of the cute one's never pay attention to me and the trash can't keep their hands off me.'

She got up off the ground and she dusted herself off, as she looked for her laptop. She found it under a bush from where it had been knocked out of her hands. She checked it to make sure it wasn't damaged. Once she was satisfied that it wasn't, she made her way back to campus.

Sesshomaru watched from a distance, he was curious and she was strange but her eyes fascinated him. He followed her until he knew that she was safe. Then he headed back to the Eastern Lands to tend to his duties.

That night he couldn't sleep. His encounter with that girl had him irritated. He didn't know why he kept thinking about her, so he got up out of bed and dress, as he left his castle. Maybe if he roamed the land he would feel better.

He's wondering took him back to the college were the girl was staying at. He picked up on her scent again as he followed. He spotted her sitting on the roof of the building she lived in, with her computer on her lap.

He landed on the roof and placed his concealment spell back on, as he approached her. The girl was so engrossed in what she was doing that when she looked up and saw him standing right in front of her she screamed.

Sesshomaru moved quickly to cover her mouth to prevent anyone from hearing her scream. The girl's eyes went wide with fright and then soften as she saw who it was.

He released her slowly, making sure she didn't scream as he let her go. She was breathing hard but didn't scream. Then she got an irritated look in her eyes as she said, “What in the hell are you doing up here?”

He lifted an eyebrow as he said, “I could ask you the same thing. Why aren't you sleeping like everyone else? And why are you out here all by yourself?”

The girl looked away from him, angry and frustrated. He could tell that he had pissed her off and he decided he liked the look. He watched her intently until he saw her sigh and said, “That's not fair. I asked you first. You don't answer a question with more questions.”

She continued to stare at him, when he didn't answer she turned away and then answered his questions. “I don't sleep at night so in order not to wake up my roommate I come up here to relax and think.”

“Why don't you sleep?” He asked with curiosity.

She glared at him and said in a angry voice, “That's my business not yours!”

`She is very defensive and not very trusting at all. Considering what almost happened to her this afternoon I don't blame her.' He continued to watch her as her eyes turned red from her anger and said, “Are you going to answer my question now or are you just going to stare at me all night?”

“I came up here because I saw someone on top of this building and I thought they needed help.” He hoped that she brought his lame excuse. He couldn't tell her he just followed her scent up here.

The girl's eyes soften as the color started to change to a green. “Well next time make some noise so I can hear you coming that way you won't scare me as bad.”

He agreed to her request as he sat down in front of her and continued to watch her. She picked up her computer and started playing with it again. She was completely concentrating on what she was doing when he asked, “What are you working on?”

She looked up and smiled as she turned her laptop towards him. She got the satisfaction of seeing his eyes open wide in shock. She giggled and said, “Do you like it?”

Sesshomaru looked up into her eyes and they had changed color again, they were blue this time. “Yes, its very nice did you draw this on your computer?”

“Yes I did.” She smiled and went back to her work. She was making a picture of him. “But its not done yet, I still have a lot of work to do.”

They sat up all night and talked about anything and everything. As dawn approached the girl stood and stretched her tired back and then she said, “I have to go. I have classes in two hours and I have to get ready for it.”

She turned to leave as he said, “Wait, aren't you going to tell me your name?”

She stopped and looked at him as she considered his request, then she said in a sweet voice. “I will tell you my name if you promise to come back and pose for me.”

He considered her request and then he said, “All right, I'll pose for you if you tell me your name.”

She smiled and said, “My name is Jinx, and may I know your name.”

“My name is Sesshomaru.” He said with a hint of humor in his voice.

She smiled and said, “alright Sesshy I'll see you here tonight.”

She heard a growl as he said, “My name is not Sesshy! Its Sesshomaru!” she waved her hand as she walked away from him, giggling. That was the start of their relationship.

They continued to see each other for the better part of a year. He learned a lot of things from her and he wanted her to be his mate. He finally told her the truth about himself and she was not surprised by the information.

When he asked her why she wasn't scared of him she simply said, “If you really wanted to hurt me you would've done it a long time ago.”

She knew him well back then and she still does when she agreed to become his mate. He was very happy but at the same time very protective of her. There has never been a human in the castle before, so he had to be careful.

He told her that she was to remain hidden from all those in the castle. He reasoned that if they didn't know what she looked like then they wouldn't be able to take her away from him.

She agreed to his request but asked him to show her how to fight. She wanted to know in case there was any trouble so she could at least hold them off until he got there. He agreed and started to train her.

Jinx was fast learner and she became an expert with a sword in a short period of time. But when it came to hand-to-hand combat she excelled in everything she did. Being as small as she was she wanted to defend herself. She hated being helpless and he was more than willing to show her how to defend herself.

With his mate finally secure and safe he turned to the business at hand. What to do about the impeding invasion of the Western Lands? He continued to think as the object of his desire started to stir from her slumber.

He gave an inward smile as he walked back inside to be with her as she woke. He looked at her sleeping form and he couldn't help but think his father had been right. `That the heart knew no boundaries or race when it came to love. As long as you care deeply for that person that's all that matters.'

His father would be surprised to see whom he had mated with. Even though he hadn't seen his brother in a long time he knew what his brother was going through. He would kill anyone who was trying to hurt his mate and he expected that it was the same with his brother.

He sat upon the bed looking at his mate, he lowered his head and sought her sweet lips nipping at the bottom one, asking for silent entry.

Jinx became fully awake as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her. They continued until they stopped a few hours later both exhausted and sedated at the same time.

Sesshomaru was resting with his mate when he heard a sound coming from the balcony. He got up and put his robe on as he walked outside to find his father's closest friend setting on the railing.

He walked up to him and he noticed that he had a letter in his beak as he took it from him.

The bird ruffled his feathers, squawked, and chirped at him. [Young one your father has sent you this message, he says that once he defeats the threat in this kingdom he will come to help you.]

The bird ruffed his feathers again as he spread his wings and started to fly back toward to the Western Lands.

Sesshomaru stood there as he held the letter in his hand. He knew it was important if his father was sending him a message and what his closest friend had said put a touch of fear in his heart.

He opened the letter as he began to read it. He was right it was bad news. Somehow his father had gotten information that they were attacking both the Western and Eastern Kingdoms. They had information on everything, he's strength, weakness, and they knew about his mate.

A small growl escaped his throat as he continued to read. Then he felt a small delicate hand touch his shoulder as he quickly looked up to see his mate standing right next to him with a big smile on her face.

Jinx saw the worried look in his eyes and said, “Sesshy, what's wrong? Why are you upset?” she had been with him long enough to know him inside and out. Even though his face was expressionless she was still able to see right through to his concerns.

He handed her the letter as she began to read it, it had the detailed plans for the attack against Sesshy's kingdom. She looked up and said, “What are we going to do? Are we going to stay and fight? Or are we going to your fathers kingdom to help him and your brother?”

He was amazed at how quickly she discerned the message and too his surprise she kept on saying `We'. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow and said, “We are not fighting. You are to stay here hidden and I will tend to the intruders to our lands.”

Jinx made to protest but he quickly cut her off. “No Jinx. If they get a hold of you then we will lose the fight. I will not risk getting you hurt. If you stay safe then we can defeat them. Without you they have no control over me.”

Jinx lowered her head in defeat. She knew that he was right but it didn't make it any easier on her, and she wasn't about to give up either.

“All right since you think of me as your weakness and you don't want me to fight. At least let me help you come up with a plan of attack. I know that I can at least help you in something to protect our home.” She said exasperated.

Sesshomaru looked at the determination in her eyes and he finally gave in to her request. He could never say no to her no matter how much he tried. But when it came to her safety nothing could change his resolve.

Together they sat down and started to pick his fathers letter apart. They made plans to reinforce the weak areas of the castle without anyone knowing what they were doing.

Jinx pointed out that the attacks were to happen at the same time. They needed to make sure that both kingdoms were kept safe and the best way to do that was to concentrate on the east and defeat the enemy before going to the west to help them.

Sesshomaru had to agree with her logic it did make sense to defeat the enemy in their territory first, and then head west to help. They continued to lay out the foundation for the defense of the castle and where they could put their soldiers to best defend it.

Once they had hit everything his father had told him in his letter, they had a very detailed plan of attack to defend the castle.

They left nothing to chance. They were prepared for both the human and demon soldiers. They figured that the demons would attack the frontlines as the humans went toward the castle to try and get to her. But they will have a surprise waiting for them if they did.

They finished about three hours after they had received letter. The only thing they had to do is keep it all a secret until the attack came because the only one's that they could trust were themselves.

~oOo~

Inutaisho was sitting in his office going through all of his books trying to find the jewel that Kagome was wearing. He knew that this was the key to the battle. He wanted desperately find the answer he was looking for.

He was on his last book when he came upon something that caught his eye. It had a picture of the exact same jewel that Kagome was wearing. `Hmm, the jewel of hearts is said to have tremendous powers. It allows the user to increase their power by ten fold. But it can only be used once because when it was used it would drain the energy of the one using it and it would leave them helpless in an attack.

The jewel was created centuries ago in order to defeat a great evil to the land. When the land was finally freed of the evil its creator kept the jewel safe. She placed a barrier around it to prevent youkai from ever touching it. It is said that if a youkai with evil thoughts ever touched the jewel it would taint it and everyone will be in danger. Only one of pure heart and with miko powers can touch the jewel or use it's powers.'

He continued to read and found out that the miko that created the jewel passed the jewel to her daughter to keep it pure. They continued to pass it down from mother to daughter until they lost track of who had the jewel. `Very interesting, Kagome's mother must be a direct descendant of the miko that created the jewel. That's why her mother had given her the jewel when she wed.'

He had asked his son if he had ever seen the jewel glow when anyone other than Kagome held it in their hand, he had said no. Kagome's mother didn't show any signs of being a miko that's why the jewel never glowed in her hands. But when Kagome or Inuyasha held it, it had a bright blue color that radiated from the stone and their auras began to get stronger.

This information interested him. It meant that they had a trump card incase they needed extra power to defeat the enemy.

He put the book aside to keep it safe, he wanted to come back to it and read some more. He got up from his chair as he stretched his tired back. He made his way out of his office to go and check on his son and mate.

He was in deep thought as he was walking down the hallway toward his son's room. The last time he had seen them their markings were still on their faces, meaning, they were still full youkai.

He entered his son's room and they were both still asleep. The markings were still on their faces as he groaned. He had hoped that they would be back to normal by now, but they weren't.

He sat down by his son as he looked at his injuries. He was still healing as he moaned in pain. He reached up to scratch his ears to offer some comfort to him as he settled back down. He heard a soft purr as he continued with his actions.

The only indication that there was any kind of danger was the hair standing up on the back of his neck, as he leaped aside. He had long ago learned to trust his feeling when he felt that danger was near.

He saw a claw hand barely miss him as he stood in the middle of the room with Kagome blocking his path to his son.

Kagome awoke to the sound of her mate's whimpers. She turned her head to see a demon leaning over her mate. She thought that he was hurting him when she heard his whimpers. She didn't know who he was but she was going to get him away from her mate.

She slowly rolled over and made ready her attack. She leaped with her claws extended ready to cut down her target. She saw him move quickly out of the way as she landed right in front of her mate protecting him.

They both faced each other as Kagome continued to growl and flex her claws to keep him away from her mate.

Inutaisho had no choice, as the alpha male he had to set order in his pack, he had been tolerant of her but now she has to learn her place within the pack.

He growled as he said, “Pack female, you are to move aside and let me get to the beta male.” The only thing he got was a deep growl that came from Kagome.

Kagome wasn't willing the back down from her protectiveness of her mate. He was hurt and he couldn't protect himself, and she was willing to die to protect him. She got ready as she leaped and attacked.

Inutaisho saw her coming and he had no choice. He let her get closer to him as she charged. At the last minute he sidestepped and brought his hand to her throat. He held onto her as he took her down to the floor and placed her there as he held her by her neck.

Kagome was struggling against his grip. He had placed her on the ground and he was holding her there. The more she struggled the more he squeezed her throat.

Kagome finally got the idea that if she didn't move he would loosen his grip on her throat if she fought him he would tighten it. She stayed still breathing hard as he loosened his grip again.

Inutaisho saw her calm down as she quit her struggling against him. When she finally stopped he said, “Now Kagome, submit.”

Kagome red eyes flashed even redder as her anger flared, “No, must protect mate.”

He tightened his grip and said, “I will not hurt my pup or you! Now Submit!”

Kagome stopped struggling as she heard his words, `His pup?' This meant something in her demon mind as she took a sniff of his scent and realized that it was almost the same as her mates only slightly different. Then she realized that he must be the leader male and submitted to him. She raised her chin and exposed her neck to him in submission.

Inutaisho smiled when he saw her submit to him, he accepted her submission as he released her neck. He helped her to stand and he went over to check on his son.

Inuyasha was still asleep. He had not woken up during his and Kagome's discussion. He was worried, even hurt his son always awoke when his mate was in trouble. He was very attuned to her.

He turned around looking for Kagome but she was not next to him. She was standing off to the side silently waiting for him to leave. She was intently looking at her mate when he said, “Kagome? It's all right for you to come near your mate.”

Kagome just looked at the ground and stayed back out of the way until she was welcomed into the pack. Leader male had not accepted her as a pack member and until he did she was an outcast.

Inutaisho watched the girl with interest. She wouldn't come near his son. Then he remembered something that he had forgotten to do. He thought of her as a human and he forgot that she was a youkai at the moment, as he walked over to her.

He put his arms around her small frame and nuzzled her under his chin, and then he said in clear inu youkai language.

: Beta Female: then purred to relax and sooth her.

Kagome hearing her status in the pack was very happy. She relaxed and then reaffirmed his standing in the pack.

: Leader Male:

Once this was done the pack was whole again. Kagome was now free to walk over to her mate. She leaned down and nuzzled him under his chin and said, “Mate.”

Inuyasha smelled his mate's scent. It sent a claming feeling throughout his body as he started to purr at having her near him. He continued to purr and when he stopped they had both returned to normal.

Kagome opened her eyes and looked at her mate, he was still asleep. She looked at his wounds and even though they were healing it looked swollen and red.

Kagome helped with his healing as she poured some of her healing powers into him so he could heal faster. She knew he was healing himself but she just helped him a little. When she was done she looked at her mate and noticed that he was resting easier.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha's father and said, “My Lord, could you please stay with him for a few minutes. I want to go and check on Mike. He came to my aid when Sunni came after me. I wanted to thank him for doing that.”

Inutaisho knew what she wanted to do but he wasn't willingly to let her go off on her own through the castle. “Kagome you know that as soon as you leave Inuyasha side he will start to wake up. He will turn full youkai again and go looking for you.”

“No he won't wake up. I put a sleeping spell on him and he will sleep until I release him from it.” Kagome said without concern as she started to make her way to the door.

“Kagome, if what you are saying is true then we can leave him here to rest and I'll go with you down to the healers section of the castle. I don't want you walking around by yourself. At one point I could trust my guards to protect you, now I don't trust anyone.” He said as he watched her with interest.

He saw the rage, frustration, and defeat as she gave into his request.

Inutaisho smiled at winning the argument. He followed her out of the room as they left Inuyasha to rest. Kagome placed a seal on the door that wouldn't allow anyone into the room while they were gone.

They continued to walk down to the healer's section of the castle as they found out where Mike was located. They entered his room and saw him lying in bed looking pale and weak. Kagome walked over to him, as she grew concerned over his health.

Mike opened his eyes to see her standing in front of him and tried to get up. Kagome placed her hand on his shoulder and gently pushed him back down to rest as she said, “Don't try to move. You need to rest. I came to offer you my thanks for coming to protect my pup and me. You got hurt because of me and I'm truly sorry.”

Mike smiled weakly at her and said, “Don't worry Princess, I have been sick my entire life and this time is no different. I was glad that I could help to protect you and your pup. I didn't want anything to happen to you.” Mike closed his eyes and fell asleep as Kagome continued to watch him.

Kagome looked at his body and started to concentrate. She could see the virus infecting his body. It had almost taken over and he was about to die. She looked at Inutaisho and asked, “What kind of disease does he have that is making him this ill?”

Inutaisho looked at her and said, “The healers here haven't been able to determine what kind of disease it is. They have been trying for a long time to cure it but they've had no luck. They have tried everything possible to save his life.”

Kagome looked back to Mike and then came to a decision. She called forth the power that she had deep within her as her whole body started to glow blue.

Inutaisho looked on in awe when he saw the power that the girl was releasing. He aura grew ten fold as the light that was surrounding her body grew in its intensity.

Kagome looked down and saw the disease that he had in his body. She placed her hands on his chest as she poured the healing power she had gathered into his chest. She pulled away from him and his body continued to glow. Kagome closed her eyes and started to concentrate on what she was doing.

She gathered all of the disease and put it all in one place as she started to get rid of it from his body. She continued until it was all gone. She released him from her healing aura and she wavered.

Inutaisho was at her side in an instant as he steadied her.

Kagome smiled up at him and waited for Mike to wake up. He slowly opened his eyes again and focused on the Princess. He said, “thank you,” and feel asleep again as he rested from his ordeal.

Inutaisho being curious asked, “Kagome, what did you do?”

Kagome looked up at him and said, “I got rid of the disease from his body. When he wakes up tomorrow he will be 100% cured and he can do anything he likes. It's the least I could do for him. He risked his life to protect me and I wanted to return the favor.”

Inutaisho was amazed at the girl. She had a pure heart and she cared for everyone. `No wonder my son fell in love with her. She will be a compassionate ruler and will teach my son to be one too.'

They were about to walk out of the room when Kagome went limp in his arms and he picked her up. He looked at her with concern as he asked, “Kagome are you all right?”

Kagome smiled at his concern and said, “Yes, I'm fine. I'm just tired that's all. I guess I over did it today, I should go back and get some rest.”

Inutaisho agreed with her as he carried her back to her room. When he got there he laid her down on the bed. Kagome scooted over to her mate and kissed him, he started to stir from his sleep as he opened his eyes and looked at his mate. He reached for her and they both laid down and went back to sleep.

He left their room a while later, once he was sure that they were asleep and in need of nothing. He walked out as he placed his seal on the door to make sure no one would enter the room as he made his way toward his chambers. The day had been a long one but much was accomplished today.

His son and mate were safe. He now knew about the stoned that Kagome was wearing. The final traitor in their mist was finally taken down. No more secrets were to be relayed to that human bastard.

Yes it had been a good day all the way around.

~oOo~

The next few days passed without incident. They haven't heard from Shawn but they knew that he probably couldn't relay any more messages to them on what was going on.

Kagome concentrated on Inuyasha's mahoutsukai powers. She wanted him to get stronger and learn how to control it better. She was very proud of her hanyou he was learning fast to master his new powers.

Of course he had a big incentive if he did well that day Kagome knew how to reward her hanyou, that is if he did what he was suppose to do. On a few occasion his temper would get the better of him and she would have to get tough with him. So he was always trying to please her in mastering his new skills.

They both grew in power as Kagome kept teaching Inuyasha how to control his mahoutsukai powers. They learned how to create barriers together and when they fought they would combine their powers for a more powerful destructive force. They even learned how to communicate with each other by just using their minds.

The biggest surprise was that Kagome didn't slow down in the least bit. Her pup was growing strong and you could now see that she was with pup. She could still move freely around and carrying the pup didn't slow her down.

She was supposed to start sleeping more because the pup would've pulled away at her energy. But if anything she had more energy than the two men in her life. She could take them both on and almost beat them.

On this morning they were both walking down to breakfast before going out to the training field. It had become a normal thing for the pair to get up early, much to everyone's surprise at seeing Inuyasha up before midday.

As they approached the kitchen they both stopped outside the door. Something didn't feel right but they couldn't determine what was wrong. `Kagome, do you sense that?' thought Inuyasha at his mate.

`Yes, I feel it too, we have to be careful whatever it is no one seems to be alarmed about it.' Thought Kagome to her mate. They both agreed to be on guard as they made their way into the kitchen.

When they entered the kitchen they were surprised to see a very energetic Sango and an exhausted Miroku.

`Inuyasha, I have a feeling that this is not Sango or Miroku. She looks like my friend but I have never known her to act this way. They have a concealment spell and it's a strong one. I haven't been able to break it.' She thought as she eyed the pair in front of her.

Inuyasha had to agree with his mate. Miroku was not acting normal for Miroku.

Kagome had told him that they were going to practice with them but they haven't been seen since Sunni attacked Kagome.

They continued to walk as Inuyasha said, “Hey Miroku, where have you been? You said that you were going to do some training with us but you never showed up.”

Miroku eyed the half-breed in front of him. He hated him with every ounce of fiber in his body. They traveled here from the Eastern Lands to get them. The two in front of him were the cause of all their problems.

They had come up with this plan to impersonate their friends while they were somewhat engaged in their mating. They knew that the female was in heat and they were still up in their quarters so they were free to attack the two in front of them. But they had to get them away from the castle first it was to well protected.

He smiled as he said, “Well we were called away on business and we couldn't come and tell you that we weren't going to make it to the training. Now we're back and ready to train.”

Kagome and Inuyasha eyed the imposter in front of them, as Kagome thought, `Inuyasha these are not our friends. They're youkai and I think they are after us. We can't risk fighting in the castle. Too many will get hurt if we get into a fight in here. We have to move outside and then we can take them down.'

`I agree, but I want you to be careful. I don't want you to get hurt or the pup. We don't know what kind of power these two hold so be on your guard.' Thought Inuyasha as they sat down to have their breakfast.

When they were done they all got up and left to go to the training field. Kagome and Inuyasha were leading the way as the fake Miroku and Sango followed closely behind them. They were walking through the forest when Miroku and Sango stopped.

They were not protected in the forest as they attacked Kagome and Inuyasha.

Kagome feeling the impending danger quickly told her mate to “JUMP!” They both leaped into the air as they landed just slightly apart from each other and faced their enemy.

Inuyasha drew his sword as he said, “Now who in the hell are you??? You're not our friends.” As he growled his anger at being attacked from behind.

The fake Miroku just laughed and said, “We were sent to take care of you. You see not all of us youkai want the two kingdoms to be merged. We've had enough of the weak ruling lords and we plan to take over both the Western and the Eastern Lands. Peace will not be an option once we get done with you two.”

Kagome and Inuyasha got into a fighting stance as they faced off with their enemy. The fake Miroku went after Inuyasha as the fake Sango went after Kagome and the fight was on.

Kagome and the fake Sango faced off as Kagome said, “I will make you pay for taking the form of my best friend.”

The fake Sango just smiled as she attacked with her sword. Kagome met every hit and blocked as she was preventing Sango from hurting her. She was no match for Kagome as she grew in power and started to push the fake Sango back.

Kagome's swings held power behind them and she wasn't even using half of her abilities. Kagome continued to attack the fake Sango as she pushed her back.

The fake Sango seeing that the princess was no wimp with a sword increased her power level as she began to attack her. The battle was becoming intense as they fought.

Kagome knew that this fake Sango would never defeat her and it was about time that she really saw what her opponent looked like.

Kagome sent a powerful miko blast to the necklace around the demons neck as she broke it. The concealment spell was broken as the demons true form was revealed. She was a tiger youkai as she stepped back to look at herself.

The female tiger had hoped to kill her and blame her friend for her death but it seemed that this princess was full of surprises. It made no sense to hold back now that her true form was revealed as she attacked with claws extended.

Kagome seeing the danger became enraged as she transformed into her youkai form. She quickly dodged the attacked as she came after her. They continued to battle as the fight was escalading with the males.

~oOo~

Inuyasha and the fake Miroku faced off as they slowly started going around in a circle. They were eyeing each other as they looked for an opening.

Miroku attacked and Inuyasha meet it head on. This Miroku was weak and was no match for Inuyasha as they continued to fight. The fake Miroku had no spiritual powers like the real Miroku so he was using a sword to fight against Inuyasha.

Inuyasha continued to meet all of his hits as he made an attack of his own. He attacked as he hit the fake Miroku in the chest and sent him flying through the air were he landed about 20 feet away from his opponent.

At that moment the necklace around his neck broke, as his true form was revealed. The tiger youkai looked at his mate and saw that the concealment spell had been broken. Now their plan was out the window as they attacked with their own powers.

Inuyasha smiled when he saw that the concealment spell was now broken. He knew that his mate was the one that broke the spell and now the fight was about to get interesting. It was now a fight of demon against demon as they attacked each other.

The male tiger released a powerful blast that caught Inuyasha in the chest and sent him flying through the air as he hit a tree. He saw the male tiger go after his mate and he became enraged.

He transformed into his full youkai form and went after the offending male.

~oOo~

Inutaisho was coming down from his room to go and get something to eat before he met his son and mate at the training field. He was looking forward to the workout and he knew that the training was going to be good. His son and mate had almost reached their full potential and this pleased him. He knew that if they were ever attacked they would be able to defend themselves against the threat.

As he was walking he sensed danger near by. He stopped as he sniffed the air trying to find out where it was coming from. He picked up the scent of youkai near by as he heard a blast coming from the forest.

Fear started to settle in the pit of his stomach as he ran out of the castle and headed toward the training field. He met up with his guards as they were trying to break through the barrier to go and help his son and mate.

The barrier was strong as his rage took over; he broke through the barrier and rushed toward his son. He knew that they were being attacked as he headed towards them, with his guards following closely behind him.

When they got to the field, were the battle was being fought, what he saw shocked him.

~oOo~

Kagome and Inuyasha were now in their demon forms as they attacked the tiger youkai's. They leaped into the air and cried in unison, “Iron Reaver Soul Stealer.” As the blades shot out of there claws and went toward the tiger youkai's.

They tried to get out of the way but there were so many blades that they couldn't dodge them all. They fell to the ground in pain as Inuyasha towered over them and said, “Now tell me who sent you.”

The only thing he got was a growl out of both of them as they made to attack his mate. This was the wrong thing to do as Inuyasha blocked their approach. He extended a barrier around them that effectively sealed them in.

Kagome walked over to her mate and said, “What should we do with them?”

Inuyasha looked at his mate and said, “I think we should let dad deal with them. I think he might feel left out if we finish them off ourselves. Plus he has ways of getting information out of them.” He smiled as he stared at the two youkai in front of him.

Inutaisho came out of the forest he had seen everything that happened in the clearing. His son had grown in power again he had never seen him this strong before. His barrier was one of the strongest he had ever seen in his life.

“I'm glad to see that you are both all right.” He smiled as he looked at his son and mate proud at seeing them so strong and being able to protect each other. He had no doubt that if they came after his son that he would be able to protect his mate and pup.

He turned to the two demons in the barrier and said, “Now, who are you and why were you attacking my son?”

The two tiger youkai looked at the enraged Tai youkai in front of them and they knew that he was the Lord of the Western Lands. No other youkai could hold such power. They knew that they were in big trouble.

Inutaisho signaled for his guards to surround them as the barrier was let down to allow the guard to take them. But the tiger youkai had other plans. They would rather die than be taken prisoner as they leaped into the air and went after Kagome.

Inuyasha saw what they were about to do and raised his hand into the sky and let a blast of his mahoutsukai powers hit the offending demons. It purified them while they were in the air and they disappeared never to be seen again.

Kagome walked up to her mate as she rested her head on his shoulder and said, “Mate.”

Inuyasha lowered his hands and wrapped them around his mate as he held her close and they both calmed down from their ordeal. When they turn toward his father they were both back to normal.

They all turned and went back into the castle tired from the fight they had with the tiger youkai. They needed to get their strength back because the fight for the Western Lands was rapidly approaching and they had to defend it. But what was more pressing was that they had to defend the Eastern Lands as well. This was going to take a great deal of energy and they had to be ready for it.

They only hoped that together they would be able to defeat the evil that was coming and that they would have enough energy to go to the Eastern Lands to help protect it.

~oOo~

Well the end to another chapter. As you can see the attacks are becoming more frequent.

The battle for the Western and Eastern Land is rapidly approaching. Kagome and Inuyasha are going to have to fight in these battles. But more problems present themselves as the day for the battle draws near.

Until the next chapter!

Ja ne!