"Don't gimme that look," Inuyasha rolled his eyes at Sesshomaru. "That moth's got nothin' on me. I'll bash his head in for what he did to Kagome." There were only a few more minutes before he could let loose on the bastard in front of the whole citadel.

"Do not be over confident," Sesshomaru tersely reminded. It was thoroughly infuriating that the hanyou would get the satisfaction of dismembering the pathetic moth demon who dared to coerce HIS mate. Inuyasha was selected as Kagome's champion since Sesshomaru wasn't allowed to interfere with any suitors chosen during the trial courtship month. Sesshomaru's claws twitched. 'I should have killed the filth when I had the chance.'

As if reading his dark thought, Kagome quickly wrapped a placating hand around his arm. "No. It's better this way. The Demon Council is just waiting for you to slip up and give them a reason to punish you. Don't give Daichi the pleasure." Sesshomaru had technically violated the rules when he stepped in and stopped Menomaru during his rightful courtship. However, Menomaru hadn't reported the issue in fear of being exposed for attempting to force a mating.

"Kagome's right. If you had actually killed the bastard, they'd take a piece of the West, and you'd be whipped within an inch of your life. Probably personally by that fox. The Demon Council is brutal. How else do they keep all the alphas out there in line?" Inuyasha chimed in.

"This Sesshomaru bows to no one," he dangerously intoned in his chilling monotone.

"Not helping, Inuyasha," Kagome muttered, glaring at the oblivious, tactless hanyou. Turning her attention back to Sesshomaru, she tried to quell the rage screaming through the mating bond. "Think of it as killing Menomaru twice," she rushed out. "He would have died too fast from your gutting. Seri and I only healed him so he'd be out of our hair by week's end. He needs to be taught a lesson and…and…" Kagome grasped for ideas, "And live with the shame! What better punishment than to show the pompous demon that he can't even compare to the beta of the West?"

Inuyasha puffed up at the indirect compliment, and Sesshomaru's eyes glinted with violent glee at the prospect. "Hm," he yielded.

Kagome mentally sagged with relief. 'These stupid, incorrigible dogs will be the death of me,' she lamented. She glanced at the refined profile of her gorgeous mate. 'Gods, but so worth it,' she hopelessly sighed.

"Good luck, Inuyasha! Give him a nice hard punch for me," she cheered.

"Keh! When I'm done with him, he'll be wishing Ice Prick had finished him off," Inuyasha bragged.

It was Kagome's turn to roll her eyes as the hanyou walked off to the battle arena.

The fight, if it could be called that, was over in less than an hour. Since Inuyasha was aware of the hypnosis, he maintained a high level of youki output to buffet Menomaru's youki from infiltrating. Without that vital technique, Menomaru was a sitting duck. The hanyou exceeded him in both strength and speed. Shorn off wings, broken bones, shattered teeth. He pummeled the moth until he was unrecognizable. It was a massacre.

"Don't EVER mess with my pack again," Inuyasha growled into the half-lucid demon's ear. He then swung the moth around a few times before flinging him over the wall and out the citadel.

Kagome didn't take the obvious pleasure that the bloody affair had brought Sesshomaru, but she was glad the suitor was gone once and for all. Sesshomaru could now defend her against any future suitors. Kagome snorted at the thought. 'They wouldn't even get close enough to do the presentation.' She was about to go congratulate Inuyasha, but as soon as he vaulted out of the arena, he was surrounded by admirers.

The males were clapping him on the back, and regaling him with their embellished versions of the battle. This, Inuyasha expected. Although he was beta to the lord, he had earned a place with the common soldiers because of his bravery and crude disregard for customs.

What he didn't expect were the looks of invitation and subtle brushes of youki from the females in the crowd. As a hanyou, he was rarely given the light of day with any respectable female. His usual rutting partners consisted of omegas or other hanyous – he wasn't picky. All high level demons and humanoid hanyous were attractive, and that's all he needed in a bed warmer. But there were even some alpha females eyeing him!

'Shit, if I had known beating up a wimpy moth would get me this kinda attention, I'd have done it a long fucking time ago.' He'd never participated in a formal challenge before, and the unofficial ones against his brother weren't exactly the most flattering.

Kagome also noticed the pheromone spreading, and raised a brow. Knowing how outrageously awkward the hanyou was around females, she correctly suspected it was because none paid him any mind. "Seriously?" she quietly questioned in disgusted disbelief.

"Hm. It is our way. A demoness will always choose the victor," Sesshomaru explained. There was nothing surprising about the reception his brother was receiving. In fact, the hanyou was now eligible to take Menomaru's place and court Kagome. Sesshomaru knew his brother and his mate didn't view each other in that light. He knew. Yet, he couldn't help the restless irritation at the sight of Inuyasha.

Kagome gurgled a noise of indignation. 'Vapid! They didn't want to get to know him before he won.' She cut her eyes over to Kagura. The dragon demoness watched the little procession with cool indifference. If it wasn't for the way she was holding her fan as if she was ready to cut down a forest, Kagome would have been fooled.

Kagome grinned and slidled over to Kagura. "Ya know, if you scratch his ears, he'll turn into a puddle of goo," she whispered matter-of-factly.

Kagura flashed an irritated glare at the miko before resuming her nonchalant posture. "And how would you know such about your mate's brother?" she bitingly responded.

"Who do you think braids his hair when he's got real work to do?" Kagome easily replied, unaffected by the sharp accusation. "Inuyasha would like it more if you did it though. You should offer. Think of it as a reward for his victory," she said before the demoness could throw out another barb.

The words died on Kagura's tongue at the prospect of doing something so bold. Before she could recover, the miko was already bouncing away and waving frantically to get Inuyasha's attention.

"What's got you in a tizzy, wench?" Inuyasha grunted as he broke away from the excited crowd.

In a low voice meant only for Inuyasha's ears, Kagome said, "Lots of girls out there eyeing you like candy."

Inuyasha immediately flushed. "W-Whatever!"

"Look, I'm asking this in all seriousness as your pack sister. Do you have someone in mind? Someone you're interested in?"

His gaze inadvertently darted to Kagura. "Keh!"

Kagome smiled knowingly. "Now wouldn't be a bad time to ah…show your interest? A girl would be flattered you wanted her out of all the ones you could choose from," she hinted.

"I'm a hanyou, Kagome," Inuyasha immediately rejected. "None of them seriously want me for more than a roll in the sack. It's all in the novelty. They'd fucking run for the hills if I showed them any real attention." His ears drooped at the reality of things. It wouldn't be the first time a demoness bedded him to satisfy some sick morbid curiosity and fuel her gossip circles.

Kagome stiffened in outrage at what her pack brother was implying. The hurt in his eyes was too real for him to be exaggerating. She boxed him soundly on the ears, painfully shaking Inuyasha from his gloomy outlook. "Then those bitches are blind and stupid! Would you let a lemming convince you to jump off a cliff?"

"Er…lemmings don't jump off cliffs…," Inuyasha hesitantly responded, still rubbing his ringing ears.

"Irrelevant! I'm saying, don't let the stupid convince you of their idiotic ideas," Kagome hissed in frustration. "Listen carefully, Inuyasha. You are strong, and smarter than you sound, with a heart of gold to match. I'm proud to have you as my pack brother. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

This was why Kagome was so special to him. She always could make him feel bigger than Mt. Fuji. Overwhelmed with emotion, Inuyasha locked her head close to his own, blocking out anyone's sight of his glistening eyes as he regained his composure. "Keh! Wench, I don't need you tellin' me that," he lied.

Kagome smiled into his chest. "That's the cocky dog I know. Now, go ask Kagura out to lunch. Before the challenge, I asked the cook to make your favorites. You can pack it all up and have a picnic. Your brother and I will catch up with you later," she quietly murmured.

They made their way back to Sesshomaru and Kagura. The two demons stood stiffer than statues.

"Oi, this place is too damn crowded," Inuyasha gruffly greeted the two. Neither demon responded. An image of their counterparts embracing another was still burning in their vision. The tension only grew.

"It's going to get a lot more crowded at the celebratory feast," Kagome chirped happily, ignoring the stifling atmosphere. "Your fans will be clobbering each other to get close to you."

Inuyasha could have hugged the woman all over again for so subtly giving him the out he needed. Schooling his face into disgust, he hollered, "Hell no! I already did my part. You clean up your own mess now. C'mon Kagura, let's get outta here before the woman gets any other ideas."

Without waiting to hear her reply, Inuyasha grabbed Kagura's hand and hastily led her away.

"But Inuyasha, you didn't even get a reward. How about a back rub for all your hard work?" Kagome called out to their retreating forms.

"And have that frosty bastard gut me?" Inuyasha glanced at his menacing brother before looking to Kagome in question. 'What was the wench up to now?' He had already gotten his cue. Shaking off his confusion, he honestly answered, "No thanks, I'm not that dumb yet."

Kagura caught the message just fine. The miko was giving her the excuse she needed to approach Inuyasha. Kagura wanted to smack the girl for scaring her. That hug had bothered her more than she was willing to admit. But her hand didn't feel like obeying while engulfed in Inuyasha's larger one.

As the couple left, Kagome curled her hands around Sesshomaru's arm and sighed happily.

"Back rub?" Sesshomaru quietly questioned. The teasing lilt normally present in such a statement was strangely absent.

"Oh don't you start," Kagome huffed in exasperation. She had never given anyone besides Sesshomaru a massage. Nor was she dense enough to randomly start offering now that she was mated. She looked at him as he shifted uncomfortably. "You can't seriously feel threatened by Inuyasha," she incredulously asked.

She was dead on, which only irritated Sesshomaru further. The woman was too observant for her own good sometimes. Sesshomaru clenched his jaw, refusing to sacrifice anymore of his dignity.

"Hm. Your efforts are wasted on one as thick as Inuyasha," Sesshomaru blandly diverted instead. His hearing was far superior so Kagome's conversations were no mystery to him. Logically, he knew her innocent match-making intentions. However, it was not within his control to stop the jealousy heating his blood. He couldn't talk reason into his instincts. 'How pathetic,' he sneered at himself.

"Ugh, I know. Knowing him, he'll reject Kagura's back rub in the most insulting way possible. All unintentionally of course," Kagome bemoaned.

Sesshomaru clearly wasn't paying attention to her answer. She could feel the pent-up frustration slithering through him from the mating bond. Considering what he was feeling, it was impressive he could keep such a stoic front. But he would need a release soon, whether it was from an unlucky animal…or something else.

"Mate, aren't you approaching this all wrong?" Kagome huskily whispered as she pressed her body into his and rocked her hips slightly. His member instantly hardened. Between fending off courtships and falling ill, they hadn't consummated their bond in nearly a week.

Sesshomaru needed no further prompting. In a low growl, he immediately whisked them away to their private chambers.

One week later

Seri walked in on the ruckus Kagome was making in her work room next to the infirmary. The room was a mess; scrolls spilled from her desk, and countless parchments were strewn about. Still, the miko grabbed more scrolls from the archaic bookshelves.

"What in the world are you doing?" Seri finally questioned after clicking her jaw back in place.

"Seri! I was just going to look for you," Kagome eagerly replied. "Do you have scrolls on anatomy? Preferably male demon anatomy? Or no, better yet, dog demon anatomy?" she gushed.

Seri held up a hand, stopping the barrage spilling from the girl's mouth. "Explain from the beginning. What has gotten into you?"

Kagome suddenly quieted. "I…it's not time yet. Seri, I promise to tell you when I'm ready. But for now, could you please help me without asking anything?" Her eyes were guiltily downcast.

The ancient owl demon studied the girl for a long moment. The girl was hiding something, but it obviously wasn't bad. Honestly, she probably didn't have a wicked bone in her body. Sighing, Seri finally relented, "You need to know dog demon anatomy?"

Kagome flashed a grateful smile. "I'm looking for scrolls detailing dog demon anatomy. There is such variance even within the species. Take Sesshomaru's poison capabilities for example. I want diagrams and texts outlining what's underneath all that perfect skin. I want to know more about my mate," she explained.

"You know, you can just ask him yourself," Seri began. She could have laughed at the look of dismay on Kagome's face at the discouragement. "However, I guess that would ruin the fun. I have all the scrolls you need in my room. Most are quite old, as I had documented them in the time of Lord Sesshomaru's grandfather. He had commissioned me after the birth of Inu no Taisho to learn everything in regards to his clan's health so that I may best serve the House of the Moon." She was still a young thing back then, Seri reminisced.

This was so much more than Kagome had expected. "Seri, you are the best!" she excitedly exclaimed while trapping the owl in a bear hug. Kagome was almost tempted to blurt out all her plans to the healer and ask for her help.

'No. I have to make sure it's possible before getting everyone's hope up,' she chastened herself. Afterall, Kagome had been mulling over how to heal Sesshomaru's severed arm ever since she understood his self-deprecating views on it.

However, she barely knew where to start. Her healing powers relied on replicating surrounding tissue to repair a wound. But a cut limb had no 'surrounding tissue.' While the truncated end would provide some basis, there was no scaffold to give any replicated material a form. It'd be one amorphous blob of bone and tissue hanging from the end of the stump. All in all, she needed to create her own scaffold.

And that's what brought her here. Kagome had to study the original before she could mimic it. As for how to make the scaffold…well, she'd figure that out later.

Kagome quickly grabbed a few of the ancient texts, still well preserved on strung together bamboo strips, and retired to her work room. Sesshomaru was planning on departing the next day on a quest for answers about the shikon no tama. It was bound to be a long trip, and she refused to postpone her research any longer.

It was a bleary day. The sky was painted in the gray gloom of an impending storm, and the morning mist had yet to dissipate. Still, a small group congregated in the courtyard, immune to the ominous weather.

Kagome teetered precariously as she stepped into the bitter winds sweeping across the open yard. A comically huge bag of materials slung over her shoulder further conspired to send her toppling. Miraculously, the miko managed to stay grounded as she made her way toward her traveling company. She cheerfully smiled at Sesshomaru and the band of five soldiers behind him. After the fiasco in the Holy Village, Sesshomaru insisted on an entourage for protection during outings.

"Gods, woman! Did you pack your whole fucking room in there?" Inuyasha commented about her hideously overstuffed bag. He was only there to wish them luck on their journey, but looking at that gigantic bag, he wondered if he wasn't in fact needed.

Kagura flicked her fan, stealing Inuyasha's breath before he could further insert foot in mouth. The hanyou sputtered and noisily sucked for air.

"Really, shouldn't you know by now never to question what a female's bag holds?" Kagura blandly scolded. The demoness then glanced at the enormous bag warily…then again Inuyasha may not have been that far off. "You didn't, right?" she asked the miko.

Kagome glared playfully at the pair sending her off, but quickly noticed even the soldiers were looking at her as if she were crazy. "Hmph. You'll be thanking me when we have spices to cook with, and fire starters in the rain," she huffed. Kagome wasn't going to mention that almost a third of the bag was filled with anatomy scrolls.

"Keh! They don't need that stuff. We aren't weak hum- "

Sesshomaru flung Inuyasha soundly into the ground with his acid whip before he could finish that statement. He didn't need the imbecile pointing out disturbing differences between the two species without appreciating the ramifications.

It was true demons had little need for spices or fire. But Kagome did. That monstrosity his mate called a bag probably also contained extra winter blankets, medicines, wares to cook in, and emergency food rations. Without all that, his human mate would not survive a months-long journey in the heart of winter.

Sesshomaru forced down a wave of protectiveness that threatened him to call off the entire trip. This quest was necessary, and Kagome's role was irreplaceable, he firmly reminded himself. The Demon Council had yet to find a solution to the Shikon no Tama. There were countless ancient recordings of the original one that the elders were currently sifting through. It would take…

'Too long,' his mind provided. Kagome's soul was still partly trapped in the abominable jewel. Without it, she was too vulnerable. Not only were her defenses diminished, but pupping her in this condition was out of the question. Mixing reiki and youki was already dangerous enough without the added complication of a warped jewel.

The daiyoukai resisted the urge to growl. Instead, he whirled around and headed for the gate. Sesshomaru sincerely hoped Byakuya would prove useful. This journey was primarily geared towards finding the incarnate for some insight into the jewel. It was a gamble, but far better than waiting ages for immortals to dig through their endless history.

Moreover, human knowledge had not been explored yet. As seen from Kaede's soul link technique and Kikyou's reiki suppressant, the spiritual humans had more than a few secrets. Hopefully there was something of use in respect to destroying the jewel. The old miko's untimely passing truly was unfortunate.

Dragging himself out of his dark thoughts, Sesshomaru made a discrete nod at Ah Un without breaking stride.

As commanded, the beast slowly lumbered over to Kagome and nudged her pack meaningfully. Kagome blinked at the two-headed dragon before understanding its intent. "Oh! Thank you Ah Un! You are such a sweetie!" she gushed while handing her burden over to the beast.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru mentally winced at the bubbly amusement coming through the mating bond. It was mockingly obvious his observant mate didn't believe for a second that Ah Un had come to her of its own will. 'It matters not as long as the others are unaware,' he attempted to soothe his wounded pride. Mercifully, Kagome did not continue her teasing.

Barely a day of travel out, the group was confronted. A band of demons led by a brown inuyoukai wearing the regalia of a noble steadily approached the travelers.

"Lord Sesshomaru, how pathetic you are now," the leader sneered before them. "You were once fearless, and respected by all. But you threw all that away to bed a human whore. And now?" His scathing glare scanned the entourage. "Crippled, you can only huddle together like sheep. How low you ha-"

Sesshomaru backhanded the demon harshly into the ground. "Masahiro," Sesshomaru said in a chillingly quiet tone. "Disrespect this one and his mate again and your life is forfeit."

Masahiro swiftly stood up, wiping the blood away from his broken nose. "NO! You are no longer worthy of my allegiance! I challenge you, Lord Sesshomaru," he barked.

Kagome's eyes widened as Jura gently guided her to the side with the other soldiers. A wide margin was immediately cleared around the two demons.

"Lady Kagome, we must witness the challenge," Jura murmured.

The message was clear: 'Don't interfere.'

Kagome bit her tongue. This was a formal challenge. It was Sesshomaru's duty to defend their honor and his position as lord. While he had been getting these challenges almost nonstop since the Akira-Naraku incident, this was the first time Kagome had seen it. She had been too busy with the courtship month to notice. They were little concern when she was fully confident no one could beat the Killing Perfection in a fair fight.

But now, as the two demons faced off with rising youki, the reality finally sunk in. The lost limb may have been a catalyst, but it was actually her they objected to so vehemently. Kagome ducked her head, taking a moment to collect herself. She shouldn't have been surprised by the magnitude of animosity directed at her. She had anticipated this when she decided to participate in the rite. And yet…

Seeing the brown inu's eyes flashing with betrayal and anger at Sesshomaru, Kagome felt her stomach drop and her heart twist with dismay. She looked over to the four guards who had accompanied Masahiro. Their faces were grim – they knew their lord would die against Lord Sesshomaru.

"Masahiro…I know this name," Kagome slowly said. "The same Masahiro as the minor lord governing the southern district of the Western Lands?"

"Yes, my lady," Jura neutrally answered.

A loud crash interrupted Kagome's musings. The brown inu had been hurled to the ground, forming a deep crater as all his long bones broke with the impact. Sesshomaru, still pristine, floated down beside the limp body and pointed his sword at the demon's throat.

Masahiro simply stared at his Reaper with sadness. "How great you would have been, if not for that harlot," he whispered wistfully.

Sesshomaru replied by lifting his sword to strike him down. His eyes were glacial, and the serene perfection of his face never faltered. The Killing Perfection.

"Stop!" Kagome shouted, scrambling down the crater and directly into the path of Sesshomaru's sword. The demon lord instantly halted. "I pardon his discretions against my honor in light of his continued reverence of my lord," she rushed out.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at his soft-hearted mate. "Insult against the Lady of the West is equivalent to treason against the West. This Sesshomaru cannot overlook the transgression," he coldly stated. There was no room for mercy.

Seeing the hardness in her mate's – no the Lord of the West's – eyes, Kagome replied, "Then leave his punishment to me. I have the right to fight for the honor of my household as well." Her tone brooked no argument, but her sapphire orbs silently pleaded.

The demon lord sheathed his sword and turned around. "He is yours."

"I'd rather die by torture than be tainted by your filthy human presence!" Masahiro shouted in outrage. Bloody spittle flew from his mouth, but his shattered body refused to retaliate.

Kagome rounded on the insolent noble, smothering him against the crater wall with her reiki, and smacking him harshly across the cheek. "That is enough," she commanded with an authority that could rival Sesshomaru's.

It momentarily froze the brown inu.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome regained her calm. "Lord Masahiro, governor of the Southern District in the Western Lands, and loyal subject to the House of the Moon. You have fulfilled your duty admirably, producing plentiful havests every year. As the major farming district for the West, your efforts are invaluable to the wellbeing of the people of these lands. So tell me with the same eloquence I have seen in your reports, what is it about me you find so unworthy? Why do you betray your loyalty and dedication?"

The miko paused, taking in the shocked expression on the inu's face. He had not anticipated her, of all people, to be knowledgeable of his work, let alone singing his praises.

"You are weakness," Masahiro finally began. "Your staying hand may seem merciful to you, but it is pure folly. Tell me, how many did you kill in the Demon Rite?"

'None.' The unspoken answer hung heavily in the air.

"You will come to regret sparing the lives of your enemies. We will only challenge you again, and with sufficient reprieve, we will overcome you. All demons know this concept. By denying such, you prove you are unfit for this demon world!" The conviction in his declaration reverberated across the glen.

Kagome angled her head up haughtily and boldly returned, "Then I'll be waiting for you. I'll defeat you as many times as it takes for you understand whom exactly you serve."

Masahiro's mouth fell open as he floundered unsuccessfully to trump the miko's audacity.

"Are you sure that 'demon' concept of yours isn't just cowardice?"

"Bitc-"

"Tell me, Lord Masahiro, how many demons disprove of my lord's choice in mate?" Kagome interrupted. "How many despise my human nature? Or better yet, my miko nature? Half the nobles? Two thirds?"

"I am not perfect. If I killed everyone who went against me, how many will be left? How many will seek my life as revenge for the lives lost? Wouldn't this vicious cycle only justify your hate for my kind?" Kagome quietly asked the pinned inu.

He had no response to the logic she presented.

"Lord Masahiro, you are a worthy vassal. Otherwise my lord would have struck you down on that first blow. Do not waste such favor, or I will take your life myself." Her eyes flashed with dangerous certainty.

Giving the stunned demon one last glance, she rhetorically asked, "Will you look past your prejudice, or will we once again meet at a blade's edge?"

Kagome stood up and started to rejoin her traveling group.

"I do not approve of you yet. I will fight you," Masahiro warned.

"Yet," Kagome emphasized with a grin. "I'll be happy to remind you who your alphas are," she goaded before altering her reiki into a soothing balm.

The inuyoukai responded to her challenge with a withering glare. But his expression soon melted as the pain from having almost a dozen bones broken faded away. A few minutes later, the only mark remaining was the burnt hand print on his cheek left from the miko.

"Why would you heal me?" Masahiro angrily retorted. He did not want to feel the twinge of respect he felt for the human. Her reasoning, her challenge, her power. He did not want to acknowledge it!

"I like your straightforward manner," she airily waved off his reaction. This minor lord was honorable to fight a lost battle purely on principle. Foolishly stubborn, but admirable nonetheless to uphold his beliefs so ferverently. Kagome turned back to Sesshomaru and resumed their trek.

With a furious growl, the inu screamed at their backs, "I will fight you!"

Kagome simply waved her hand without turning around. "Say that to me when you're more…presentable," she called back, hinting at his unsightly cheek.

Masahiro covered his marked cheek, but made no move to get up from the crater. He sat there gazing into the forest well after the Lord and Lady of the West had disappeared into it.

"I was utterly defeated, wasn't I?" he murmured to no one in particular.

"My lord," one of his guards neutrally replied, unable to deny the truth.