Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha and co.

AN: I know the transition from chapter 2 to 3 was kind of confusing. I meant to but a last time thingy, but I realized that I just started to do my own thing. So when Kagome is walking to her room from the third chapter, that takes place after she set Jaken free. Sorry for the confusion. I'll get it right this time. Thanks for reviewing! I love it that you love my story! The more reviews, the more I'll write!

Last time:

"Young Kagome, that is the legendary Takara sword. No one has been able to wield it. And you just did like you were its mistress…" Said the lion Taiyoukai.

"I don't understand what that means…" Said a confused Kagome.

"It means…that you will be its mistress." Said Sesshoumaru as he glared at Lord Taro.

There seemed to be a secret conversation going on between the two Taiyoukai that Kagome was not let in on.

"O-kay…Well, if we are done training today, how about dinner? I'm famished." Blushed Kagome as her stomach grumbled.

Lord Taro laughed and led Kagome to the dining room, while Sesshoumaru stood looking at the spot Kagome had just stood.

'She's the true Lady of the Western Lands.' Thought Sesshoumaru with shock.

Chapter 4 Meeting Aki and the Eastern Lands

As Lord Taro led Kagome to dinner, Sesshoumaru became lost in thought.

'She can't possibly be…Impossible! I refuse to believe it!'

'But you know it's true!' Said the voice in his head. 'She is the true Mistress of the Western Lands! You have found her!'

'No! This Sesshoumaru will not mate her! This Sesshoumaru needs no one!'

'Fine. Fine, whatever you say. But sooner or later you will realize what you do need.' Said the voice as it faded away.

Sesshoumaru walked out of the dojo and to his room. Opening his heavy wooden door, he was met with a pair of piercing black eyes.

"Hello, Sesshoumaru. It has been a long time." Spoke the female cheetah youkai.

She was tall and sleek with little black cheetah spots on her skin. Her skin was a light yellow and she had a thin black tail. A symbol of a dagger was on her forehead. She sashayed towards the Western Lord with lust in her black eyes. Putting her arms around his neck she breathed lightly on his pointed ear.

"I believe we have some unfinished business, my lord." Spoke the demoness.

"I believe you are mistaken, Aki. You are not welcome here. Leave." Demanded the cold voice of Sesshoumaru.

"Aww…Sesshoumaru. Have you forgotten our little deal? You were to give me the little inu-deity. I returned your little human girl; therefore, you owe me." Said Aki with a glint in her eye.

"No, I said I would consider giving you the inu-deity. I have considered it, and the answer is no. She shall stay with me and be under my protection." Said Sesshoumaru with slight anger.

"Sesshoumaru, you obviously forget your place. You may be stronger than I, but I am certainly faster than you. Should I search out your little human girl and choke her to death? Or would you prefer watching her die as I slash her with my claws?" Smirked Aki as she flexed her claws.

Sesshoumaru's eyes started to tint red and he slashed out at the cheetah youkai. Unfortunately she was correct when she said she was faster. She dodged easily and flipped toward the balcony from which she came.

"Unwise of you Sesshoumaru. Although we could come to another arrangement. You could take my offer to become my lover." Offered Aki as she passionately looked Sesshoumaru's body up and down.

"Your offer is unacceptable. I shall never mate with you, Aki. Leave before you try my patience." Spoke Sesshoumaru, knowing she would not dare try anything in his home.

"I shall take my leave, but be warned. I shall return and either you or that little bitch of an inu-deity shall be mine. I give you a choice. Choose wisely, my dear lord." Said the demoness as she jumped out of the balcony and past the gates into the forest.

Sesshoumaru calmed his youkai rage and placed his swords on a pedestal by his bed. He then walked out of his room heading to the dining room. Walking through the intricate halls, Sesshoumaru recalled the last time he had seen Aki.

FLASHBACK

A little Rin was held in a chokehold by the deadly cheetah demoness. Rin held onto the youkai's hand to try to loosen the pressure that was put upon her throat. Aki tightened her hold as she watched Sesshoumaru come out of the forest.

"Sesshoumaru, it is nice to see you. Did you lose something?" Asked Aki with a smirk on her face.

"Aki, release my ward and you shall receive a quick and painless death." Growled Sesshoumaru as his eyes tinted red.

"I don't think so, my lord. You know how fast I am. By the time you try to attack me, I would snap the girl's heard with a flick of my wrist." Said the demoness.

"What are your demands, wench!" Demanded Sesshoumaru.

"I wish for you to give me the inu-deity."

"What do you speak of? You know as well as I that the inu-deities were wiped out. There are none in existence today." Stated Sesshoumaru, becoming more enraged that this demoness seemed to be toying with him.

"I have been informed that there will be an inu-deity that will appear in the next year or two. I shall come to you when you have retrieved her, and you shall give her to me." Demanded Aki in a serious tone.

"I shall consider it. Is there anything else, Aki?" Growled the frustrated Sesshoumaru.

"If you do not give me the girl, you could either become my own or your human girl can die."

"Release my ward, NOW!" Raged Sesshoumaru.

"Very well. Remember this agreement Sesshoumaru." Said the cheetah demoness as she dropped his ward on the ground and sprinted off into the night.

END FLASHBACK

Entering the dining hall, Sesshoumaru pushed the doors open and was met with Kagome's musical laughter.

"So what did he do next?" Asked Kagome with excitement and laughter in her voice.

"Well, the fish was still locked on his tail, remember he was only about four years old. So he yelped and started running around like a rabid dog!" Laughed Lord Taro as he told the story. "But the best part is when he growled and tried to get the fish on his tail! He was running in circles chasing his tail! Inutaisho came out of the palace to where I was taking young Sesshoumaru fishing and saw this. Let's just say that he didn't think his pup was sane."

Kagome burst out laughing with tears in her eyes. She turned to the door that had just opened when Sesshoumaru appeared. Seeing him made her laughter ten times harder to control.

Sesshoumaru glared at Lord Taro and took his seat at the head of the table. He knew exactly which story Lord Taro had told Kagome. 'At least he didn't mention the part when he ran into the tree…' Though Sesshoumaru.

"When Sesshoumaru didn't notice his father, he ran into the willow tree and fell into the lake!" Grinned the lion youkai.

"Hahahaha!" Kagome just could not control her laughter.

"Silence! That is enough, old man. I believe it is rude to speak of this Sesshoumaru in such a disrespectful way." Stated Sesshoumaru as he sipped the tea that was set before him.

"Sesshoumaru, my boy! Don't get your tail knotted up! I was merely telling Kagome more about you. I have one or two embarrassing stories about Lady Kagome as well." Smirked the Northern Lord with a devious look.

"What!" Squeaked Kagome as her laughter ceased. "How could you know anything about me? I just met you."

"Your father talked so much about you. You were his pride and joy. He spoke of you with so much love. And your mother as well. He loved his girls so much." Spoke Lord Taro with a sorrowful voice.

Kagome smiled, reminiscing about the past and her family. Even if she did not have all of her memories quite yet, the ones she did have kept her content. Sesshoumaru stared at Kagome and watched her smile peacefully.

'Beautiful. I have never seen anything more beautiful before in my life.' Thought Sesshoumaru without his usual negative thoughts.

Kagome's gaze trailed to Sesshoumaru. She noticed him staring at her intently and turned away with a blush on her face. Lord Taro noticed the small exchange taking place and glowered with pride for the young inu-deity and Western Lord. The children ran into the room looking extremely energetic. As they sat in their designated seats, servants came in with different assortments of food. The group ate in companionable silence as the children giggled about childish thoughts and dreams.

After they all ate dinner, the children were looking extremely tired as Kagome persuaded them out of their chairs. Sesshoumaru picked up Rin as Kagome lifted Shippou. They bid their goodnight to Lord Taro as they took the children to bed. Placing the young ones in their beds, Kagome kissed Shippou and Rin goodnight. Sesshoumaru watched Kagome as she tucked them in. Kagome rose and smiled at Sesshoumaru as they listened to the even breathing of the children. Holding the door open for Kagome, Sesshoumaru waited for her to exit the room. Sesshoumaru walked Kagome to her room where she quietly said "goodnight" and shut her door softly. Sesshoumaru then walked to his room next to hers and shut the door. Lying in his bed Sesshoumaru let the stress of the days problems to fade away as he slipped into a dreamless sleep.

THE EASTERN LANDS

The lord of the Eastern Lands sat at his throne as a servant brought him some wine. Sipping his wine delicately, the leopard youkai contemplated the actions of his mate.

'Aki is becoming quite the little whore. That shall have to be put to a stop at once. She is forgetting her place, I just may have to remind her who she belongs to.' Smirked the evil youkai. 'Speaking of the devil…'

Aki entered the throne room where her mate was lounging. Seductively walking towards her lord, Aki sat on his lap. Brushing her fangs lightly over his neck, Aki nipped his erogenous spot and back off.

"Hello, mate. And how have you been, my love?" Asked Aki with lust in her eyes.

"Aki, we must speak about your ill behavior. I cannot allow you to be attending other males whims. You are disrespecting our kingdom and I. I expect you to change this behavior of yours, or drastic measures will have to be taken." Said her mate with no compassion.

"Yukio, love. I know not of what you speak of. Why would I wish to help other males when I have you?" Asked Aki slyly.

With a flick of his wrist, Yukio had Aki on her knees with her hair in his hand.

"Do not take me for a fool, Aki. I can easily be rid of you and take a stronger and more sophisticated mate! I have allowed this to go on for far too long, and I demand respect. If you do not comply then I shall have to send you into the 'pits.' " Growled Yukio.

"Please! My lord, I shall not disrespect you again! I have just come back from speaking with Lord Sesshoumaru! HE has the inu-deity!" Begged Aki.

He let go of her hair as she fell to the ground at his feet.

"So, the inu-deity has returned. What happened to Sesshoumaru giving the girl to you, Aki?" Questioned the calming leopard Taiyoukai.

"Sesshoumaru denied me of the girl. He refuses to give her up. I am sorry, my lord." Bowed the cheetah demoness.

"Get up! You are despicable! You do not act like a Lady of the Eastern Lands!" Spoke Yukio with a growl as he pulled her to her feet.

"Forgive me, Lord Yukio. What do you wish of me to do about the inu-deity and Lord Sesshoumaru?" Asked Aki as she thought about the great Taiyoukai of the West.

"Aki, you have received important information, and for that you will be rewarded. I shall make a deal with you, my dear Aki. You get the inu-deity and bring her here, and you may have the Lord of the West." Smirked Yukio. " I know you desire him. All I want is the inu-deity. Bring her to me, and I shall set you free from this life."

Aki looked at her mate with hope in her eyes. She couldn't take this life of slavery to her so-called mate. Her freedom was taken away when she was given to the late Eastern Lord's son as a mate. They always despised each other, but Yukio needed a mate when he came into power after his father. For almost two thousand years, Aki has lived this life of prison.

"As you wish, my mate." Said Aki as she gained a glint of hope into her black orbs.

THE NEXT MORNING AT KAEDE'S HUT

Sango was preparing breakfast for everyone. Miroku was silently meditating as she cooked the fish Inu Yasha had caught earlier that morning. Kaede had went to another village to aid with an epidemic of chicken pocks. Inu Yasha was somewhere in the forest, probably with Kikyo.

"Lady Sango, do you need any assistance?" Asked Miroku as he stood up from his spot on the floor.

"If you wouldn't mind, could you hand me that knife?" Asked Sango as she cut some vegetables.

Miroku handed her the knife as he peered down at what she was cooking. Slowly his eyes followed to her chest as he watched her breath in and out.

"Miroku…Miroku…MIROKU!" Yelled Sango.

"Wha?" Asked the confused monk as he came out of his daze.

"If you would quit being a hentai, you would have realized I was trying to tell you that your robes are on fire." Stated Sango with a smirk on her face.

"Gah!" Cried Miroku as the fire reached his ankle.

"Pftt! You deserved that. Anyways, what do you think is up with Inu Yasha? I still can't believe he smacked me! Something isn't right with him. Do you think it has to do with Kagome leaving?" Asked Sango as she stirred the vegetables into the boiling water.

"I'm not sure. I think there is something more going on than meets the eye. Some evil aura has been hovering over us, and I think that has to do with Inu Yasha's behavior. It could also just be Kikyo following us around." Explained Miroku as he thought about his friend.

"Whatever it is, Inu Yasha needs to snap out of it. When Kagome comes back, and she sees how he has changed for the worse, she won't be to happy with him. She may have been extremely upset with him when she left, but she still cares for him. He's still her friend, after all." Said Sango. "But I don't know how long I will be able to put up with his rude attitude. I've even been wishing Kouga would come around so I could see the old Inu Yasha again."

"Perhaps if we are more understanding to Inu Yasha, he will open up to us and tell us what is wrong. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to let Kikyo in the group. She could provide us with the shard hunting, and maybe Inu Yasha wouldn't be in such a foul mood all the time." Suggested Miroku.

"I think that's the only thing we can do. Besides, Inu Yasha will probably just let her in the group even without our consent." Stated Sango with a bit of anger.

Inu Yasha stood outside of the hut where he heard the conversation going on between Miroku and Sango.

'Good. Those fools won't know what hit them in the end. With Kikyo accepted into the group, we can start our plans.' Thought Inu Yasha deviously. 'Kagome will show up sooner or later, and then I will make her mine!'

Waiting for the two companions to stop talking about him, Inu Yasha walked in the hut to wait for breakfast.

BACK AT THE WESTERN CASTLE

Kagome and the children had just finished eating breakfast. Jaken had come to get the children and "babysit" them. Kagome walked to the library where she sensed Sesshoumaru and Lord Taro. Peeking in the door Kagome was met with Sesshoumaru pointing over his desk as Lord Taro nodded his head. The two Taiyoukais looked up as Kagome entered the room.

"Good morning!" Chirped Kagome with a bright smile on her lovely face. "What's on the agenda for today?"

"Kagome, we have been waiting for you." Spoke Sesshoumaru. "It seems that we must attack Lord Naga immediately. If we do not, he may become too powerful and harm innocents in your lands."

"My dear, I will aid you with five hundred of my men. That should be sufficient enough, plus you have Sesshoumaru's assistance as well." Said Lord Taro.

"I appreciate your kindness, Lord Taro. I will need your men to hold back Naga's army, while I rush to my castle. I will be the one to defeat Naga. I don't think it will be to difficult." Said Kagome with hardened eyes. "He underestimates me. I shall use that to my advantage."

"Very well, but I shall be besides you when you reach Naga." Stated Sesshoumaru.

"Why?" Kagome asked with confusion.

"As your ally it is my duty to assist you. Besides, I can not let anything happen to my ward's mother." Sesshoumaru spoke with indifference.

"Alright. I'll agree to that. So when do we leave? I want to try to do this quick and efficiently." Stated Kagome.

"We shall leave in three days. That will give Lord Taro and myself sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming battle. I want you to train with me for those three days, Kagome." Demanded Sesshoumaru.

"I shall go and send a messenger to my lands to prepare." Lord Taro stated as he left the library to find a messenger.

"Sesshoumaru, would you mind if we didn't train today? I would like to spend time with Rin and Shippou, ya know, just in case anything doesn't turn out right." Said Kagome as she looked at her feet.

"That is acceptable, but tomorrow I shall train you intensely. Go and find your kit and Rin." Sesshoumaru commanded.

"Would…you like to come with me? I'm sure Rin would like to spend time with you." Asked Kagome.

"Hm. I shall meet you in the gardens." Said Sesshoumaru as he turned back to his papers that surrounded his desk.

Kagome turned toward the library door. Upon exiting she looked back at the hard working inu-youkai. His brows were furrowed as he studied the papers in his hand. Kagome smiled slightly at the scene she was witnessing.

'The Sesshoumaru that I had thought was cruel and cold is actually just misunderstood. Under that cold exterior is a frozen heart that needs to be melted.' Thought Kagome as she left Sesshoumaru to his work.

TBC…

Well, what did you think? This chapter was sort of a run on… But my next chapter will be even better! Thanks for reading! Please Review!

dbzfan