Hey guys! I'm finally back…again lol This chapter has been written and rewritten so many times it's just ridiculous…nothing was really making me happy. It just wasn't turning out right. Either way, here it is. I'm still not really sure if I like it yet haha hopefully you guys will! Please enjoy! Oh, and ps, this story isn't going to follow the actual Inuyasha series to the tee as far as Sesshoumaru's mother and her personality, powers, and appearance, and Izayoi and the Inu-no-Taisho's relationship. I know that how I am going to make this work might not make everyone happy, but this is my story after all, I'm sorry if, in the end, not everything turns out the way everyone wants it to, but it's the only way I could make everything work. And even though, right now, some things aren't going to make sense, please just bare with me and have faith, everything will work out in the end haha thanks guys!

**Lightning- There are several competing theories to explain why differing electrical charges appear in clouds, although scientists suspect that it may be related to the presence of ice crystals in the cloud. Typically, the bottom of a cloud becomes negatively charged, and it sends out what is known as a "leader" which seeks a positive charge, either in another cloud or on the earth. As the leader approaches an area which is positively charged, a positively charged streamer emerges, meeting the leader, sealing the connection, and generating a bolt of lightning.

Disclaimer- not mine… :,( leave me to cry in my corner in peace :P

Ghostly tendrils of serpentine smoke slithered through the warm, incense laden air. Shadows flickered on the walls, the only light coming from the few candles gracing the room and the smoldering tips of the burning incense. A figure clad in fine, expensive silks sat in a reverent bow, her hands outstretched to touch the glittering wood of the floor above her head, her shins and upper body touching the floor as well. As her nubile young body slowly unwound from her present position, her chestnut eyes landed longingly on the painting in front of her, the skilled strokes smoothed across the surface of the paper made by her very own delicate, feminine hands. A wistful sigh trickled from her lips; her long, slender fingers slowly reaching out to caress the painted face like one would cradle the cheek of a lover. As her beautiful chocolate eyes ghosted across his face silent tears of irrepressible longing began to well within their depths. Why was her heart so determined to love the one being it could never have? Or rather, the one being that would never have her. He was a youkai, and she was a ningen, a princess, but a human all the same. He would never see her as anything more than a nuisance, a hindrance…a thorn in his omnipotent side. And yet…her heart still sang for only him, with his citrine eyes and his moonlit hair. Another sigh of long suffering fluttered past her moist lips as she remembered the day she had met her dearly beloved Daiyoukai.

She was young, only five summers, and she was reckless; full of youth and exuberance. Her mother had told her many times not to stray too far into the dark shadows of the forest, danger was in abundance once the warmth of the sun was muted by emerald leaves. Of course, being young and full of blatant disobedience and childlike excitement, the only things the forest held for her were mystery and adventure.

Being a young hime she was constantly guarded, she was never free of a watchful eye or a firm, restrictive hand. She was always told what to do and when to do it, and what she was made to do was unimaginably boring. So, being the intelligent and conniving young slip of a girl that she was, she managed to slip by the guards during flower arrangement. She simply stated that she wanted to try and create something on her own, and she would be better able to do so if the old, crotchety woman that was her teacher was not infringing upon her creative space. This of course, had gotten her a good narrowing of the eyes from her elderly teacher, but she had also been granted her wish. As soon as the gentle hiss of the shoji door had caressed her ears, the small click associated with the final stage of closing the wood and rice paper barrier resounded in her noggin, she had sprung from her sitting position and raced to the nearest window. Slipping through the opening with youthful ease she landed gracefully on the ground and trotted off towards the enchanting forest. Her glittering eyes took in the sway of the trees' limbs, her ears the hiss of the wind through the living emerald, she was completely enraptured by the complete and utter beauty of it all. Her mind also conjured one small, nagging detail about the new area, the absolute forbiddance and proscription of entering the mysterious world.

Shrugging off her worries with an amount of ease only a child could posses the young hime took her first silk clad step into the shadows of the forest. Cool shadows caressed her cheeks, the scent of wet leaves and forest animals met her nose. Taking a deep breath of the sweet scent, a small tinkle of laughter trickled from her young lips. Each step she took spoke of cautious anxiety, her eyes constantly skittering to each shadow of the living, breathing world. Soon, the sweet songs of the wildfowl put her at ease, and she began an easy, childish skip through the enchanting forest around her. Time was of no consequence, all that mattered to her puerile mind was this newly attained freedom; nothing in her life had ever tasted as sweet on her tongue as the breath that sang between the trees and was inhaled into her being. Hours passed and soon the burgeoning hime's skin was caressed with the eidola of the setting sun. A chill crept into the air and as her young eyes took in the darkening forest a feeling of foreboding rang deep within her bones. Shivering in apprehension, the princess treaded through the thinning shrubbery and into a small clearing. As her small hands parted the branches and she took her first step into the clearing a strange sound met her ears. Her umber eyes narrowed in confusion, her ears straining to make out the primitive, bestial noise reverberating throughout the clearing. As she moved further into the clearing a figure could be seen in the waning light. It seemed to be an animal of some sort, it had dark, ink black hair and it stood hunched on four legs over something whose eyes had been drained of life many hours before. The sound of tearing flesh and breaking bones filled the air; snarls of insatiable hunger and impatience bouncing off of the trees. Yet, in her juvenile mind, she saw nothing but what appeared to be a dog and she did the only thing she could think of, the only thing that made sense. She called out to the feeding beast.

"Hello?"

Eyes the color of virulent flames flashed immediately in her direction, the depth of unadulterated malevolence within the carmine pools freezing her to the core. A growl so unfathomably low that it seemed to shake the very ground beneath her feet met her ears and the creature stepped into the fading light of the sun. Her wide chestnut eyes took in what was now identified as a very large wolf, its stride smooth and strong, muscles dancing under skin like only that of a pure predator's could. It was much larger than any wolf she had ever seen before, its obsidian fur glistening and catching the light of the moon, turning the gossamer strands an eerie blue. It looked to be as tall as the horses in her stables, and its entire being spoke of power beyond that of any normal animal. Its ruddy eyes spoke of a keen, calculating intelligence and as it advanced on her she felt as though this creature could look into her very soul. Thin, black lips were pulled back in a humorless grin showing off impossibly long, sharp canines that shone crimson in the light of the abating sun. Canines that were stained with the life of the poor creature split open not fifty feet from her on the forest floor. Her fear permeated the clearing and the wolf seemed to feed off of it greedily, advancing on her with deadly intent.

With each step the animal took he began to change; it was noticeable first in his great paws. They began to wriggle and roil as if worms were moving beneath the thick, onyx fur. Next, the forelegs and then the back and shoulders began the same strange writhing dance. Soon the wolf's entire body was squirming and it was encompassed in a soft, sanguine glow. She used her forearm to shield her terrified orbs from the steadily increasing light being emitted from the creature and when next she looked the wolf was gone. Standing where the hungry animal was positioned seconds before was a man.

A beautiful, charming, and deadly man.

His ruby eyes seared into her own and he took a step forward, bringing him within a few feet of her small frame. When the hime squeaked in terror he stopped and gave a radiant, deceiving smile that should have easily pushed the girl's fears aside. He spoke then, a voice of pure, fine silk and cool, swift death wrapped in deceptive kindness.

"Hello, young one."

She could not speak, fear held her tongue in a firm, unmoving grip. He gave her another kind smile and her ignorant mind cried out for her to accept and believe that he was this new, gentle man, not the ravenous, malignant beast from before.

"Come now young one, I will not harm you."

His voice was laced in sweet honey and as the moon began its ascension into the inky sky the only thing she felt compelled to do was go home. She was lost, and this man seemed all too kind to her juvenile mind. He took another step toward her, his hand outstretched in an invitation, one that if accepted would end her young life. This fact did not enter her mind, she had never been in the forest, she had never ventured into the outside world and therefore its dangers were incomprehensible to her. And so, she took a small, hesitant step towards the awaiting canine. His lupine eyes glittered in a wicked satisfaction that her untrained eyes missed, and he smiled once more as he spoke, revealing his sharp, glistening fangs once more.

"You are lost. I will reveal to you your path home, come now young one...take my hand."

Not knowing what else to do, the beautiful princess took a small step towards him and then another until he was so close that his breath fanned across her skin. He looked deep into her warm depths of melted chocolate and nodded his head in approval, twitching his fingers in impatience. Ruddy eyes skittered around the clearing in an act of nerves, something was coming, something that would not take kindly to his killing the girl. A silent snarl of displeasure passed thin lips and he once again looked down at his young prey. His deadly claws glinted in the light of the full moon, and as she stared at his large hand she saw it twitch again, this time with apprehension.

"Come now, end this childish game. Take my hand girl, for we must leave this place."

Biting her lip in a gesture of nerves she reached her small hand out and gently placed it in his much larger, much deadlier one. Before she could blink his hand clasped painfully tight around her own, and he roughly pulled her into his diamond strong arms. A deep, rumbling chuckle filled the clearing as he wrapped one arm around her waist and his other arm grasped her jaw and roughly pushed her head to the side, revealing her small, vulnerable neck. As his ruby eyes took in the small, pulsating veins beneath the skin of her neck his pupils grew large with infatuation. He could see the ebb and flow of fresh blood beneath her ashen skin, hear the rush if it in her veins. Her terror increased the rate of the sweet surging liquid and soon it was all he could hear, the only thing he could smell…the only thing that mattered. His apprehension was quickly forgotten, easily washed from his mind by the tinkling stream of obsession, and his large canines began to elongate in anticipation of fresh meat and warm blood.

His negligence would cost him his life.

As the hime thrashed violently in his hold, true terror in her eyes, a deep baritone filled the clearing.

"Release the child, wolf, and perhaps you will escape this clearing with your pitiful life."

Surprise and vehement anger filled the wolf's crimson eyes as he thrust the child behind him possessively and bared his lengthened fangs in rebellion of the command. The wolf's deep growl did not induce the same fear as the quiet, almost inaudible chuckle that passed the Daiyoukai's lips. His citrine eyes glittered in cold anticipation and his face was a mask of complete stoicism and extreme control. With a small raising of his brow, he spat the last words the wolf would ever hear.

"So be it, fool."

With a speed that was blinding her silver haired savior ripped the wolf's arm from around her body and his head from his shoulders in one swift motion. His death seemed almost merciful in its swiftness. With a small snort of disgust, the Daiyoukai flicked the blood from his claws and turned to look at the terrified, yet grateful child. For the first time in her short life the princess felt as though she had glimpsed true beauty. This man was unlike anything she had ever seen. His hair was placed expertly in a high ponytail, the strands falling over his shoulders looking as beautiful and majestic as captured slivers of pure moonlight. His alabaster skin was graced with one jagged, navy blue stripe on each cheek and his eyelids were brushed with magenta. Eyes the color of the afternoon sun gazed at her with honest concern flittering in their depths and full, pale lips were parted in curious disquietude. His entire being seemed to glow with the light of the moon and she was sure that her eyes took in wings behind his imposing form, whether or not they were truly there was something she would ponder for many moons.

He was her angel.

"Are you injured, dear one?"

Unable to produce words, the princess could only nod her head in negation to the question. The demon smiled, and as he did so it seemed that the sun had returned. Her fears were abolished and suddenly she felt nothing but weariness and exhaustion. Her small body began to sway and before she could blink strong yet gentle arms embraced her. As she was cradled in his comforting embrace a sense of peace she had never felt before or since encompassed her and she was lulled into a deep sleep. Before her world went dark she was able to ask a single question; the answer and its relevance would hit her many hours later.

"Who are you, youkai-sama?"

He looked down at her with warm glowing eyes, his golden orbs reflecting the moonlight and turning them an eerie, yet somehow unthreatening, shade of red.

"I hold the title of Inu-no-Taisho, lord of this province."

As those words slipped past his pale lips he glided through the princess's open window and gently placed her on her silken futon. The time had passed so quickly while she was in his strong arms. As he turned to leave, her tiny hand reached out and grasped the flowing silk of his haori sleeve. With eyes wide from lack of light and a hint of desperation and fear, the princess spoke again.

"Please youkai-sama, tell me your name. I must know so that one day, if ever I am able to do so, I may repay you for retaining my life."

He glanced over his shoulder at the young girl so desperately begging for something as simple as his name and gave a small chuckle. Shaking his head in mirth he turned to her anxious frame and spoke once more.

"If ever we meet again, dear one, you may address me as Sugimi-sama."

She nodded her head and in the depths of her heart a small hole was formed for only him...the beginning of her obsession whittling away at the walls of the small organ. She watched as he walked to her window seemingly glowing, his hair billowing behind him like mist, and she uttered one last sentence, her voice frenzied and hurried…yet little more than a whisper.

"My name, Sugimi-sama, is Izayoi…if ever we meet again…onegai…call me as such…I do not desire formalities between us."

A small nod was her only answer and then he was gone.

A drawn-out sigh fell from Izayoi's lips as the memory flooded her mind once again. She thought back on that day more times than she could ever count. She had been so young then, and so tired that she had not realized that she had met the lord of her lands that night. She knew now that there was nothing she could ever do for him to repay the debt she owed him; what could her lord ever require of her?

She had never seen her lord again after that night, and as each cycle of the moon passed without his presence, Izayoi became more and more desperate for him. She had a constant stream of suitors at her door; it was said her beauty was unmatched, and yet she turned them all away. It was believed of course that they were not accepted because they were unworthy of both her charm and beauty. The true palpability of the matter was that she could never see anything but her youkai-sama's halcyon orbs and resplendent hair. Averting her eyes to the floor in an act of weariness, Izayoi stretched her body into an upright sitting position and glanced at the candles in front of her, preparing to blow them out. Elegantly standing, Izayoi pursed her lips, warm air flowed from petal soft skin, and then the room went dark. The butterfly soft whisper of silk reverberated through the dim room, the setting sun painting the space in hues of blood through the thin shoji screens. Turning at the sound of silk that was not her own, Izayoi was hit with a thick wall of fear at the sight that met her large, doe eyes.

Flashing emerald eyes were gazing at her, the light from the fading sun catching in the chartreuse depths, the red reflected light turning the no doubt beautiful jewels into hard, unreadable, and distinctively threatening stones. As the male stepping into the light, Izayoi was hard pressed not to gasp. He towered above her small frame, his wide shoulders making her feel even more inconsequential, and his deadly glinting claws kept her demure nature at the forefront. Shaking slightly, she bowed to this new youkai and spoke, her voice no more than whisper.

"Good evening, youkai-sama. To what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

A deep, rumbling laugh met her ears and she chanced a quick glance through thick lashes, taking in his humorless expression and the sadistic twist to his lips. Upon seeing his face, the hime quickly averted her eyes back to the floor. Once again she heard the hiss of silk and knew he was closing the distance between them. His dark voice seemed to rattle the walls of the small room when he spoke, or perhaps it was her shaking that gave the impression of movement, one could not be sure.

"Ever the dutiful and charming princess, I see. You have most assuredly earned your reputation. Your beauty, by human standards, is quite rare, but, you see, none of this is of importance to me. I come to you on this night, princess, only to give you that which your young heart desires most."

Izayoi watched his long, ebony braid swing at his feet as he continued his slow predators walk towards her. Upon hearing his words, the beautiful hime stiffened, and a rare streak of rebellious defiance had her tongue moving before she had time to stop it.

"And what would one such as you know of my desires, youkai-sama?"

Another hearty chuckle danced through the room, a large, clawed finger curled beneath Izayoi's chin and lifted her eyes to meet his own. Earth met the swaying green of leaves and once again the demon spoke.

"Watch, young princess, and I will show you what it is you most long for."

Izayoi straightened from her bowing position and watched in cautious curiosity as she was told. Her cinnamon eyes fully focused upon the new male, taking in his features, and began to widen in shock and disbelief. His long braid of midnight hair was quickly seeping silver, starting at the roots of his thick tresses and trickling down the length of his braid like droplets of mercury rain water. Gone were the eyes of summer foliage, in their stead were beautiful, warm, caramel pools and eyelids brushed delicately with magenta. The jagged stripes she had drawn so many times before were now slowly painting themselves across high cheekbones, an invisible hand creating the masterpiece before her using sure, strong strokes. The youkai's height grew even more impressive, so much so that she had to crane her neck to look upon the face of her beloved, and the luminous strands of ivory hair were pulled high into an expert ponytail. Her heartbeat grew rapid and her breaths came in short pants, her daiyoukai stood before her in all his glory. How long had she waited to set eyes upon him once more? Far, far too long. Slowly, the youkai began to circle her womanly form, stopping only when her back was nestled snugly against the Daiyoukai's strong chest. Warm lips caressed the shell of her ear and the beautiful hime's belly quivered with longing.

"Is this not what you desire, princess?"

One large, clawed hand rested possessively on her hip and the warmth of it trickled through her clothing and heated the unreachable depths of her heart, the part meant only for her daiyoukai. Shuddering, she spoke, her voice husky and laced with years of unrequited love.

"You are, and always will be, the only thing that I desire, Sugimi-sama."

Lips that were pressed against her long, elegant neck smiled in triumph and Hyoga slowly worked his way around her body so that he could once again look into her eyes. Cupping her cheek tenderly, he just barely ghosted his lips across her own untouched petals and spoke in a rumble so low that it was more felt than heard.

"I can give this to you, princess. Everything you have ever wanted is within your grasp. All you must do is make a choice."

Half lidded chocolate eyes gazed at his face, saw the perfection gazing back at her, and knew there could be no other.

"Whatever I must do to have him, I will do it."

A dark smile bloomed on Hyoga's face, an iniquitous joy blossoming in his chest. Gliding his fingers along the planes of her face, he slowly dragged his thumb along her full lower lip and met her yearning gaze.

"Good."

The red-orange glow of the lanterns reflected warmly in Kagome's eyes, bringing out the new golden slivers that rested in their depths. Despite the feeling of dread she'd had earlier about the festivities, everything seemed to be going smoothly. She had been approached by numerous guests, and not one of them had seemed to be capable of committing the types of crimes that had been occurring on her friends' lands. Taking a deep breath of the comfortable night air, Kagome marveled once again at her surroundings. Sugimi had done a wonderful job decorating his gardens and the rest of his estate, everything was breathtaking. She was near the fountain, and the glow of the lanterns reflected beautifully off of the shivering water, her own reflection dancing along with the ripples of the cool blue liquid. She was so lost in thought that the powerful, almost suffocating strength of the aura approaching her didn't register in her distracted mind.

"Are you enjoying your evening, Kagome?"

Gasping in shock, Kagome spun around, hand over her wildly thumping heart, and took in the glittering eyes gazing at her.

"Sugimi-kun! You scared me half to death…jeeze….warn me next time you want to try and sneak up on me."

He chuckled heartily, his smile the first real smile to grace his lips that evening, and murmured.

"I do not believe that was an attempt to sneak up on you, as you so put it, rather a successful, and might I add far too easy accomplishment."

The underlying seriousness of his words struck her, and Kagome averted her gaze, knowing he was displeased with her in some way. His large hand cradled her cheek and gently yet firmly moved her gaze from the ground, giving her no choice but to look into his intense eyes.

"Tonight is not the night to be lost in thoughts other than ones pertaining to the present. It is dangerous, Kagome. Perhaps you do not comprehend the gravity of this situation, but I do. There is no room for foolish mistakes this evening, do you understand?"

His tone was one of utter seriousness, and it cut her like a knife. She knew it only hurt her because of the truth in the words. Her head wasn't here, and she just didn't understand why. It didn't matter, Sugimi was right. She needed to get her act together. Taking in a deep breath Kagome nodded her head.

"You're right, Sugimi-kun. I'm not sure why I feel so distracted…but it doesn't matter. Tonight is really important, I won't mess anything up. I promise."

It was one of the rare times disappointment flitted through his eyes, and Kagome didn't understand what she'd said wrong.

"You misunderstand what distresses me, Kagome. My fear is not that you will impair any future situations; it is only a concern for your safety. I do not wish you to be harmed, and if you are not on your guard, if you are not constantly focused on the present, then there is a very real possibility that you could be harmed. Do you not see that?"

Kagome had to swallow back the tightness in her throat at his words. This whole time he was just worried about her safety? The thought that Sugimi could care so much about her wellbeing, the fact that he was so willing to protect her, made her heart skip a beat. He was such an amazing man, it was no wonder she was starting to care so deeply for him. Giving him a smile that would turn the sun green with envy, Kagome nodded her head.

"I understand, Sugimi-kun. Thank you, I'll be more careful, I promise."

He gave her a curt approving nod before turning suddenly, his hand hovering possessively at the small of her back. As his eyes took in the approaching male Sugimi flashed a smile that was all bright, white teeth, devoid of any humor, the thin-lipped grin one of dark, dangerous challenge. The message was clear.

She was his.

Even though his teeth were bared, Sugimi's tone was nothing but civil, if not slightly cooler than his usual warm tone.

"Ryukotsusei-sama, I am pleased that you were able to attend the festivities this evening."

Both males missed the widening of Kagome's cobalt depths and the stiffening of her small frame upon hearing the name of the approaching youkai. The tall demon with chin length, slightly spiky hunter green hair, and eyes the color of freshly spilt blood, gave a small smile and nod in the Inu-no-Taisho's direction.

"I am the one who is honored, I must thank you for extending me an invitation given our…history."

His rugged, thunderous voice shuddered with a small chuckle on his last word and his eyes leisurely slid to Kagome's form. A deep rumble of approval resonated through his broad chest and his unfathomably deep voice once again graced their ears.

"Might I inquire as to who this young lady might be?"

Sugimi once again flashed sharp canines in an obvious warning to stay away, but Kagome was oblivious to his show of possessive protectiveness, and stepped forward with a tense smile and a bow.

"My name, Ryukotsusei-sama, is Higurashi Kagome. I am pleased to meet you."

His ruby eyes flashed in understanding, but the glitter was gone from his eyes as quickly as it came.

'I should have known that this was the girl Hyoga desires so thoroughly…it is a shame. I wouldn't have minded keeping her for myself.'

Pushing his thoughts aside, the dragon demon took Kagome's small hand in his own, and his eyes widened in shock when he felt his youki curve towards the small demoness.

"The pleasure is mine, Kagome." Clearing his throat he asked,

"Might I inquire as to what your abilities are, young one?"

Kagome's glittering aqua depths widened marginally at the request, but found nothing wrong with answering the question.

"I can control the elements, Ryukotsusei-sama. I can also control attacks that are born from the elements, for example, lightning is born from atmospheric charges and the presence of ice crystals in clouds**, so I can also bend energies such as those to my will."

The large youkai didn't miss the way her eyes glittered when she spoke of lightning, as if she knew that was what he controlled. Her eyes seemed to speak of a great knowledge of him, and the thought unnerved him, and yet, at the same time, the thought was exciting. He hadn't been faced with a worthy challenge since he fought the overbearing dog breathing down the girl's neck years before. The edges of his eyes crinkled with his small grin.

'Perhaps I will not allow Hyoga to keep her.'

His quiet, yet ground shaking voice once again left his lips.

"That would explain why my youki is so attracted to you."

Kagome nodded and gave a slight curve of peach lips that was all mystery and shadowed secrets. As her small hand slipped from his much larger one, Ryukotsusei couldn't help but think back to his earlier encounter with Hyoga.

"Our goal is one and the same, Ryukotsusei-sama. We both desire the dog lord's downfall, though for different reasons. All that I desire, besides his demise, is the young demoness within his home. Kagome."

Ruddy eyes narrowed from his sitting position across the table, a small tendril of steam curling from the cup of tea that was leisurely being raised to his tightly closed lips. The scent of citrus and tea leaves tickled the youkia's nose as he took a small sip, the hot liquid soothing his irritation and sense of distrust.

"You expect me to believe that you wish the Inu-no-Taisho's downfall simply to acquire one of his females?"

Hyoga chuckled, sipping his own tea, and gave a curt nod.

"Indeed. That is the only thing I desire."

Ryukotsusei snorted, resisting the urge to give a great roll of his sanguine eyes, and rumbled.

"Those who start wars over women are foolish. I do not agree with your reasoning behind this endeavor, but you are correct. I wish only to see the dog lord draw his last breath, so I will agree to assist you in this."

The moth demon's emerald gaze glittered in a dark satisfaction, and he spoke.

"Ariagato, Ryukotsusei-sama. You will not regret this, that I promise you."

Desiring nothing more that for this meeting to be adjourned, the dragon demon straightened his back and spoke one last time.

"How do you plan on achieving this goal, Hyoga?"

Hyoga's only answer was a full-bodied chuckle and a few short words.

"Do not fret, dragon-sama, I have already begun preparations for the dog's demise. All you must do is attend the festivities on the morrow."

Blinking back the memory Ryukotsusei gazed once again at the female before him and could not deny that one with powers such as hers would be a very valuable asset, as he could also sense considerable miko powers radiating from her form. Not to mention the girl was quite stunning with long, almost blue it was so black, hair and eyes the most riveting shade of cobalt. Her eyes were, in fact, quite dazzling. Her eyelids were brushed with copper and the blue gems had flecks of both silver and gold within their depths. The affect was dizzyingly mesmerizing. Her high cheekbones were accented with a single golden stripe and her forehead bore a crescent moon that was a beautiful shade of bluish-silver. He could understand the moth's desire for her. Clearing his thoughts, he turned his attention back to the present situation.

"Are you enjoying your evening, Ryukotsusei-sama?" Kagome inquired.

"Very much, Kagome-sama."

A flash of inky hair and chartreuse eyes caught the dragons attention and he swiftly placed himself between the girl and her guard dog.

"Would you mind, Sugimi-sama, if I escorted this charming lady around the gardens? I promise I will not keep her long."

Sugimi didn't miss the glitter in Ryukotsusei's eyes and was about to protest when Kagome laid a comforting hand on his arm. Their eyes met and were just as quickly averted as Kagome spoke.

"I would be honored, Ryukotsusei-sama."

Without another word Kagome was led from Sugimi's side, the inu growling deeply with disapproval, but knowing that he had to trust her. Huffing in annoyance and slight worry, he turned on his heel and began to take a walk around his home, intent on speaking with more of his guests. Stepping back inside, he walked on, deep in thought. As the silver dog turned a corner he ran straight into none other than Kagome.

Hyoga looked Izayoi up and down. She was, as expected, dressed perfectly. Her hair was swept up into a beautiful bun and the many layers of silk covering her body were of the finest quality. Reaching into his haori sleeve he pulled out a delicate emerald comb. Walking over to her slight form he placed the gift in her hair. Laughter sparkled in his depths and he spoke.

"No matter what happens, under no circumstances are you to remove this comb. Do you understand?"

Knowing it was not her place to argue, Izayoi only nodded her head in acceptance.

"If you do remove it, everything I have done will be for naught. You will not have your Daiyoukai without it."

Fear, real and tangible, sparked in her eyes at his words.

"I will not remove it, youkai-sama. You have my word."

Hyoga gave a sharp nod and slid open the shoji screen. Glancing over his shoulder he spat.

"After this door is shut, it will not be opened again until Ryukotsusei is heard passing with a young woman. Once he has, you may exit. You will see your demon soon after."

Once again nodding her head in understanding Izayoi watched Hyoga's dark braid disappear behind thin rice paper.

Sugimi quirked a silver brow in question as he took in Kagome's form in front of his own.

"Your walk with Ryukotsusei ended quite quickly…"

She knew the statement was left open in question and her lips upended in a small grin.

"Yep. I guess I'm not as interesting as I thought."

A wry grin tilted the demon lord's lips as he chuckled at her answer.

"Do not let the dragon allow you to believe something that is so obviously a fallacy. He is old and most likely senile."

The sweet giggle he had come to love met his ears and he couldn't stop the warming of his eyes as he looked down at her. He watched as she stepped closer to him, so close that her breath tickled his skin and her scent enveloped his senses. Tawny eyes took in her half lidded baby blues and his keen nose picked up the suggestive tang to her scent, it was driving his youkai mad and he was hard pressed not to take her to the nearest room and show her just how tantalizing she was.

"Kagome.."

His voice was nothing more than a rumble, one that coursed through her body from her fingertips that were resting lightly on his chest, all the way to her toes. Not letting him speak anymore, she rocked onto her tiptoes and locked her lips firmly with his. A deep, resonating growl trickled through him and Sugimi wrapped both of his arms possessively around her. The kiss was full of a new sort of passion, one that Kagome hadn't shown before. It seemed almost desperate and far hungrier than he remember Kagome to ever be. Ending the kiss she locked one of her hands with Sugimi's and led him to a shoji door, slipping it open and pulling him inside.

Izayoi was aware of the fact that he was seeing another, she knew that the comb in her hair was the reason she heard her name instead of the true name being spoken by the dog lord. She was also aware of the fact that it was causing her to appear identical to Sugimi's desired female, her scent, her eyes, her voice…everything was Kagome in his citrine eyes. She could not make herself care. For one night, Sugimi was hers.

"Kagome..wha-"

"Shhh. Please Sugimi-sama, I have wanted this for so long, please do not deny me."

The change in honorific was slightly strange, but as he looked down into her lust filled eyes, saw her rosy cheeks and swollen lips, he knew he wanted this just as badly. He also knew that he wanted only her, and if she felt the same then there was no reason to delay what was going to inevitably happen. With a nod of his head he agreed. The gentle hiss of the rice paper door filled the still air and was quickly replaced with the moans and sighs of lovemaking.

I was going to make this chapter longer, but in the end I decided to end it here. I already have some of the next chapter written up and should have it out soon. The next chapter will explain even more so why Hyoga hates Sugimi and their history, along with Kagome's reaction to what has just happened. Well, that's it guys haha hope you liked it! Till next time, Ja!

-sesshysgirl08-