Chapter 29

On the other side of the well, Sesshoumaru waited. As Kagome and InuYasha surfaced, he said, "Kagura visited. She was sent to inform us that we have two weeks until the final battle."

"Dammit! We wouldn't want to inconvenience Naraku, would we?" InuYasha replied sarcastically.

"We need to find Totosai. I found a sword," Kagome said, pulling her new sword from its sheath, and then handing it to Sesshoumaru.

"A double bladed broadboard. How rare," Sesshoumaru said, carefully weighing it in his hand while examining it. "Correction, it's two swords."

By the way it had been designed with a metal he had not heard of and the jewels, he knew this sword had been done lovingly, even more so than both the Tenseiga and the Tessaiga. He had seen other works of Totosai's and had to admit this sword was his finest work, but for it to be in Kagome's own time and in her possession was perplexing. Kagome had told him that her family had Sou'unga stored away and when it had become unsealed, it was when her grandfather decided to clean his shed filled of ancient artifacts he deemed sacred.

"Are you aware of your family's heritage?" Sesshoumaru asked, holding up the hilt of the sword.

"Only my mother's side. We have been priest and priestesses, dating back to the feudal era," she replied, a bit confused.

"And you know nothing of your father, except that he had died when you were younger. Hn. Have you any recollection of attending his funeral?" Sesshoumaru inquired further.

"What does that have to do with this?" InuYasha growled.

"Calm down, InuYasha. He is just asking. No, Sesshoumaru, I don't remember when my father died, nor anytime that our home had been filled with sadness. Momma had always been in a happy disposition, and I figured that she was being strong for all of us," she admitted.

"I will explain. This sword channels holy power and demonic power. See, two blades side by side, two powers," he pointed at the individual blades. "Then, there is the emblems of two demon houses at the bottom. Not just any, two of the cardinal houses, East and West. This demonic sword is for royalty. No human leader has such a sword. I have not sensed any demonic traits in you, except for your unusual knack for battle. I had written it off as an effect from your growing holy powers. If indeed you are demon, we need to break the seal of containment so you can use this sword to its full potential. Right now only half of the blade will work for you, and that part is to your holy powers. In a couple more days, there is an annual ball and a meeting of the Lords of the Land. One of the other houses are bound to be related to you, and it has to be the Eastern Lord, according to the symbol on the sword. Totosai only makes swords for important causes and important people. Only a noble could have requested such a sword to be fashioned."

"But wouldn't it be easier to just find Totosai?" Kagome asked.

"Like I told you in the past, when Sesshoumaru went to ask him to make a sword rival to Tessaiga, that old man's too scared of Sesshoumaru. He'd smell his scent all over you and flee. Probably piss his pants doing it too," InuYasha laughed.

"Indeed," Sesshoumaru said, a bit amused.

"Yes, that would be a problem," Kagome raised a brow at Sesshoumaru. "You know, sometimes you should be nicer."

"But I am. Nicer to you," Sesshoumaru winked.

Kagome blushed as InuYasha snickered at her ,as Sesshoumaru took the lightened moment to bring her closer.

"I smell that you both have become a bit frisky," Sesshoumaru said, his voice full of mirth, but only his eyes showing his amusement when both Kagome and InuYasha blushed. "I bet it smelled... wonderful."

He then grinned, throwing InuYasha off.

"Fuckin' bastard. Next time I'm gonna fuckin's tease you," InuYasha threatened.

"This Sesshoumaru has no need to be embarrassed of becoming intimate with his mate-to-be," he said smirking, and then leaned down, kissing Kagome fully on her mouth.

He sucked at her bottom lip and as soon as she gasped, he took the opportunity to taste her, plunging his tongue into her. After a moment, he released a very dazed, Kagome who was grinning like a fool. InuYasha chuckled.

As soon as Kagome gathered her bearings, she playfully hit InuYasha and Sesshoumaru in the shoulder, scowling at them.

"Nevertheless, we must return. We need to prepare for the ball and you need to be fitted for kimono befitting your station. You will be introduced as the intended mate to the White Dog Demon Clan," Sesshoumaru stated, changing the mood, and then gave Kagome back her sword.

Kagome blushed even more, as she sheathed her sword.

"Did you have to bring that up?" she asked, embarrassed.

"Why not? We've given our intentions, and you have consented. You're of age to bear fine healthy pups. Now, is there something you're not telling us?" Sesshoumaru stopped, raising an elegant silver eyebrow.

"Are you mutts brothering my Kagome," Kouga rushed in.

"Um, hi Kouga," Kagome greeted, slightly exasperated.

"I'm gonna take Kagome back to my den. Gotta get her ready for the ball," Kouga said, then noticed how close Kagome was to both the dog brothers. "You mutts are entirely too close to my woman."

Kouga wrapped an arm around Kagome's waist.

"I wouldn't do that," InuYasha said, calling Tessaiga to transform.

Sesshoumaru growled warningly.

"Um, Kouga. Let me go. I'm not yours," Kagome said, trying to push him away.

"What? But Kagome, I thought you liked me," Kouga whined, looking down at her, his blue eyes showing his hurt.

"As a friend. Nothing more. You assumed it was more. You and Hojo don't know how to take no for an answer. Please accept my friendship, but nothing more," Kagome said, finally free from Kouga's arms.

"I'm sorry. I'll accept your friendship, but Inu Trasha and his prissy brother harm you in any way, I'll take care you you," Kouga vowed, earning a few growls from the dog brothers.

"I assure you, this Sesshoumaru does not hurt what is his," Sesshoumaru growled.

"I figured that Lord Sesshoumaru. But remember, I'm Lord Kouga. I have some say in council. Harm her and you have more to fear," Kouga lifted his headband, revealing him as Lord of the North.

"Then we shall see you four nights from now, in the Western Lands for the ball, and Kagome's introduction to the court. You will not wear those clothes so dress as your station requires," Sesshoumaru said, disgusted.

"Don't forget to get a bath too, wolf breath," InuYasha taunted.

"Shaddup you dog," Kouga growled, then changed the subject. "So, which one of you mutts did she choose."

"I'm here too. Don't talk as if I'm not here," Kagome said, very annoyed. "Sesshoumaru has given a pack clause."

"Wow. You sure you can handle both of them," Kouga joked, as Kagome blushed.

"Oh my word! Why did I not think that someone would not say that," she cried, her blush darkening. "Just respect my decision and don't piss me off. I can kick your ass now."

InuYasha stifled a laugh and Sesshoumaru held a glint of amusement in his eyes despite his emotionless mask still in place.

"I'm sorry Kagome. It wasn't my intention to offend you," Kouga replied. "I'll see you later! Your friends are at my den and will accompany to the ball. Bye, babe!"

Kouga sped off.

"We're going to need his two jewel shards, you know that," InuYasha commented, watching Kouga disappeared into the distance.

"I know. We have one- quarter of the jewel. His shards are large enough to give us a total of one- third of the jewel. Kouga will have to understand, or I'll be the one to fight him for them," Kagome sighed, fingering the partially formed jewel hanging around her neck.

"So be it," Sesshoumaru nodded, then took InuYasha and Kagome on his youkai cloud towards the west.