The three women remained outside on the walkway that overlooked the palace gardens for quite a while. The atmosphere relaxed and filled with feminine laughter. By the time Kagome, Fumiko, and Kaen moved to rejoin their mates they were chattering away as though they had been close friends for ages.

Kagome chuckled at something the dragon said as she led the way to the closed shoji doors. Heart lighter and more at ease than any other time since she had come to Taisho Palace all those weeks ago.

It amazed her how much she liked the duo of youkai who were walking behind her, arm-in-arm. Kaen's regal head lowered with a tiny grin as Fumiko whispered something to her that made the Lady of the Eastern Provinces blush becomingly. A surprised laugh leaving her swan-like throat and bright green eyes dancing in merriment.

Pausing at the opening to the building, Kagome studied them for a few moments. A sense of peace settling over her senses. She felt that in the other mates to the fearsome Taiyoukai of Japan were kindred spirits, even with the blatant differences between them.

She never would have thought that her presentation ceremony, an event she had dreaded and lost sleep over for over a week, would turn out this way. Perhaps having the leeway of being mate-bonded to a Taiyoukai allowed Kaen and Fumiko to let down their guard more freely with her.

After all, what threat could the miko possibly be since the female youkai held vast power at their fingertips through their heritage and who they were bonded to?

It made her glad to think she had found true friends to help her as she learned to navigate her new role in life. Not that she was replacing Sango or any of the other demons at the palace she had become close to. But a woman needed a sisterhood and Kagome was more than willing to add to the growing circle that already had the taijiya, Atsuko, Teisa, and even Kikyo and Saki.

Coming from the time era she did, Kagome didn't follow the strict social hierarchy that proclaimed a revered Lady to a Taiyoukai did not mingle with the commoners. That partaking of a meal with a guard or inviting a lower leveled youkai to an outing was considered unnatural.

Making certain the barriers set in place so that those less fortunate never attempted to rise above their station. That way it was easier to control and manage the multitude of creatures they held sway over when they outnumbered the nobility thousands to one.

From a logical viewpoint, Kagome understood why things were as they were. That didn't mean she agreed with it, however. She was just fortunate that her mate didn't try and curb her rebellious mannerisms in regard to who she socialized with and how. Sesshoumaru was extremely broad-minded to her idiosyncrasies, and she was grateful for that.

It made her love the stoic dog demon all the more!

Before she could slide the door open a guard inside already did so. Bowing to her deeply once she was revealed to the room within.

"My Lady," he said with eyes averted respectfully. Straightening when she gave him a smile and patted his clawed hand as Fumiko and Kaen walked in.

"Thank you, Koya." Kagome's expression was kind when she clasped him gently. The tall guard's surprised dark blue eyes glancing into hers. A few strands of his black hair peeking through the ornate horned helmet he wore. "I appreciate that you made sure we had some privacy out there."

"Of course," Koya murmured with a light blush gracing his pale cheeks. Highlighting the black marking under his left eye of small flower.

With a final pat she moved forward. Chuckling when she spotted the small group of Taiyoukai sitting around Tachikaze's table drinking saké. The towering ring of powerful youkai who were the Lords' personal guards keeping everyone else who might have approached the demons at bay. A kaleidoscope of glaring glowing eyes that cut off any lord or lady who gathered their courage and attempted to interrupt the companionable gathering of powerful demons.

Judging by the comfortable atmosphere among the males and the easy way with which they were laughing, Kagome knew the potent alcohol must have been flowing freely indeed. Features painted in amusement, she shared a look with Kaen and Fumiko. Both women wearing the same mirthful exasperation as her own.

"Well, at least they are getting along." Fumiko laughed lightly as she shook her head. Twirling the chopstick in her fingers deftly. "Should we go over there, and interrupt do you think?"

"Of a certainty," Kaen answered with a smirk. The female dragon's body without the tight coil of muscles, her mood possessing a lack of despondency at last. The time spent outside with the other women helping her in that regard greatly. "I am glad to see Tachikaze at ease finally. Since we heard of what our son had been accused of we have not known a moment of peace."

The reminder of what had caused the dragon youkai sorrow in the first place had Kagome giving her a quick side-hug. "Do not worry, Lady Kaen. Everything will be well." Staring up into the regal ruler's face, she set her jaw firmly. "Trust me."

Tilting her head to the side, the ornate sticks flashing in the sconce lighting, tilted bright green eyes studied the miko for a moment. Kaen nodding after a few seconds. Whatever truth she saw within the human's gaze giving her comfort so that any trace of worry melted away.

"I do, My Lady." Glancing between her companions, she smiled wryly. "Shall we, Ladies?"

Fumiko didn't wait for them. Scurrying across the floor to weave in between the two kitsune brothers that stood beside the phoenixes guarding her mate. Toryn and Keisuke showing surprise at finding the rain youkai's Lady between them when a second ago she had been nowhere to be found. Both of them bowing respectfully while taking a step back to give her room. The tall firebirds sharing amused knowing smirks as they silently retreated enough to give their mistress room. Familiar with her antics by now and knowing what was coming.

Waving away the gesture from the kitsune brothers, Fumiko's expression turned mischievous as she raised her clawed hands after passing her empty chopstick to one of her personal guards. The phoenix taking it without question to twirl it in his fingers as he continued to watch the tanuki creeping up behind Lord Murakumo. Sneaking up on the Southern Taiyoukai who was currently droning on about some nonsense regarding shipping lane agreements with local daimyos in their provinces.

Placing a clawed finger to her lips when Sesshoumaru and Tachikaze flicked their eyes to her, she silently told them not to tell on her. The smirk curling the dog demon's lips being hidden behind the rim of his saké saucer.

Kagome and Kaen stood back. The miko stifling a laugh when she saw how the rain youkai was completely oblivious to what Fumiko had in store for him. When the tanuki let out a small cry and launched herself into her mate's back, both women began laughing. Lord Murakumo grunting loudly as he found himself suddenly almost doing a head-plant into the low table. Barely catching himself as his hands came up quickly to land on the edge of the dark piece of furniture. His mate's arms wrapped around his neck as she mock growled and pretended to gnaw on his neck.

"Muwahahaha! I got you now, Murakumo!" Fumiko's loud proclamation was accompanied by much fierce growling and sound effects of gnashing teeth. The commotion at the Taiyoukai table drawing everyone's attention in the long rooms.

Kagome and Kaen approached more sedately. The miko bending down to place an affectionate kiss on her mate's cheek as she knelt beside him on the pillow a servant hurried over to place on the floor. The dragon youkai showing more grace and poise in doing the same kneeling motion close beside her own mate. Tachikaze staring deeply into his mate's eyes without saying a word as he searched her expression intently.

After a few moments of the Eastern couple having a silent conversation just by looking at one another, Kagome saw the sharp angles of Tachikaze's features soften. Heart aching at the tender way he drew his knuckles over his mate's cheek before facing forward again with a guarded expression.

"Damn it, woman!" Murakumo snarled. Struggling to sit up straight as Fumiko continued her playful assault. Large canines flashing and electric eyes roiling, the Southern Taiyoukai bucked beneath her in an attempt to dislodge the tanuki. "Can you not behave for one single evening?"

With an indignant scoff Fumiko drew back enough to bite his ear with sharp fangs. Her mate hissing in pain as he brought a hand up to cradle the injured lobe with a scowl on his marked brow.

"Oh you big baby, you're fine!" Rolling amethyst orbs, Fumiko kept her arms wrapped around him as she leaned back enough to study his irritated profile. "I've given you worse bites than that when we're in bed together. So quit whining!"

Kagome tried to cover a laugh behind her hand. The guards surrounding them clearing their throats while looking away as they fought to keep their mirth hidden. The Southern Lady's outrageous comment making her mate's cheeks flush crimson. Lady Kaen's eyes danced in open amusement as Tachikaze and Sesshoumaru smirked as they continued drinking.

"I would thank you to lower your voice and keep our private lives to yourself, woman" Murakumo said with offended dignity. The blush on his cheeks adorable on such a deadly demon.

Unphased by her mate's show of temper, Fumiko brushed clawed fingers through his bangs and nuzzled into his neck and shoulder. "Now don't be mad, Murakumo." Tracing the marking on his furrowed forehead, she smoothed the area while staring deeply into her mate's censorious eyes. "Besides, what do I care if the nobility know you please your mate in bed. Fantastically, I might add."

Muttering a curse, he reached around with a twist of his body. Maneuvering the laughing female into his lap in a practiced motion that had Kagome thinking this sort of play between the royals was commonplace. The barest hint of smug male pride tilting his chiseled lips as he fought to keep his features set in annoyance.

Bringing their faces close together until their noses were almost touching, Murakumo growled at Fumiko through his teeth, "Irritating tanuki. I do not know why I put up with you."

Walking her fingers over his chest, she tapped his chin twice when she reached it. Giving him a happy smile as she lay docilely in his lap. Her body draped across his thighs and her arm around his broad shoulders encased in silk.

"Because you happen to be madly in love with me," Fumiko reminded him with a happy grin. Tracing the markings around his eyes and temple with a gentle fingertip.

"That does help," he agreed with a prosaic nod of his head and a smirk that held affection. When she lightly nipped the underside of his jaw the hand along her thigh tightened reflexively. His swirling irises igniting with banked desire as he gave her a severe look. "Behave yourself, woman."

"For now, Murakumo. For now," Fumiko said with a sigh of long-suffering. Turning to give Kagome a subtle wink that had the miko grinning.

Watching the interplay between the two youkai, Kagome sighed in contentment while she leaned her head against her mate's bicep. His arm coming to wrap loosely about her waist without hesitation after he set his saké aside.

Wrinkling her nose at the strong scent of the liquor, Kagome glanced up at Sesshoumaru. Frowning as she took in his bright amber eyes and the light flush riding his striped cheeks.

"Sesshoumaru, I do believe you're buzzed," she whispered in shock with a giggle. Smirking when all he did was nod sedately to her statement.

"Your powers of deduction have always been keener than most, kireina." He placed a fleeting kiss on her forehead, his claws lightly skimming her side over and over absentmindedly.

Lips curving, she looked to the pair of dragons. The lack of color on Tachikaze's face cluing her into the fact that he was probably the only truly sober male at the table. His intense crimson eyes met hers as he inclined his head slightly.

"Thank you, Lady Kagome." His voice was cold but the warmth to his vermillion irises let her know he meant what he said.

Understanding what he was referring to without need for an explanation, Kagome gave him a genuine grin. "Of course, Lord Tachikaze."

Kagome let her eyes roam about the room. Noticing that they were attracting plenty of speculative stares from the assembled youkai nobility. Though none of them dared to approach their group. Content to whisper behind their hands as they observed the powerful Taiyoukais and the women they were mate-bonded to. She was a bit sad that Kouga was nowhere to be seen, but also kind of expected it after the cold reception she had received from the wolf prince earlier.

She could honestly care less what they thought at this point. After hearing what Sesshoumaru had said about how the dragons would be ostracized and tormented, the miko was not about to let their haughty opinions control her.

Which was a shame considering she had spent so much time learning from Mitsue. It wasn't as though she had forgotten what the masked youkai had taught her. But between her shot of saké and the long night wearing on, Kagome had finally decided to give up all pretense of being something she wasn't.

Besides, the most powerful people in the entire room didn't have a problem with her so the rest of the snobbish nobility could go to hell as far as she was concerned!

Last week she had spent so many nights fighting to go to sleep while waiting for Sesshoumaru to return to their quarters. Her mind busy playing out one potential disaster after another for the night of her presentation. Body exhausted and brain short-circuiting from the endless diatribe of her inner voice's dire warnings and predictions.

Only to realize Sesshoumaru had meant it when he said it didn't matter whether she behaved like a proper member of the youkai high court of not.

Kagome realized that, though she had told her mate she believed him, a subconscious part of her hadn't. Now, seeing how he was chuckling lowly while watching Murakumo trying to tame the woman in his lap, she could honestly say he didn't give a shit what the nobility thought either.

Feeling lighter and more carefree than she had in what felt like an eternity, the miko snuggled into the dog demon's side. Reveling in his alluring scent as she absently combed her fingers through the tail about his shoulder. Rubbing her cheek into the velvety softness of it as she enjoyed the companionable atmosphere.

She felt the tightening of his arm around her as he answered something Tachikaze asked him. Listening to the rumble of his deep voice as it filtered into the ear pressed against him without deciphering the words. Content to be lazy and languid as the evening wore on.

The aura synchronization and mating bond thrummed pleasantly through her. A subtle constant vibration that was soothing. Lulling her into semi-consciousness as she yawned quietly behind one hand before letting it fall to lay slackly in her lap. Lids sliding closed, Kagome lightly dozed against her mate. The conversations around her a poetic symphony of attractive male voices with the lighter dulcet tones of the females in the group.

Kagome didn't know how long she remained as she was. Coming back to the present with a start as she blinked a few times to let her eyes adjust to the light. Sesshoumaru giving her a fond look from amber eyes as he placed another caress against her forehead.

"No falling asleep yet, kireina. There is still the rest of the presentation to get through." He smirked as she straightened from her spot against him.

The miko yawned sleepily as she glanced about them. Surprised to see they were now alone save for the kitsune brothers behind them and the random servants racing about clearing everything.

The entire hall was empty of any of the nobility or their security details. Including the other Taiyoukai and their mates who had been keeping them company.

Sniffling, she stretched her arms over her head with a grunt. Rotating her shoulders a little afterwards. Frowning up at her mate with a puzzled frown as he gained his feet gracefully despite the amount of alcohol swimming in his bloodstream.

"What else is there?" Taking the clawed hand he offered to help her rise, she smoothed her hands down the front of her rumpled junihitoe to rid it of the wrinkles marring the beautiful silk.

"It is almost the midnight hour." He reached over to gently move her swath of ebony hair over her shoulder. Brushing clawed fingers through it a few times as she continued fussing with her outfit. "We are expected out on the back field behind the hot spring before the hour hits."

"Why? What happens at midnight?" Kagome asked curiously. Stepping forward she brushed at his broad shoulders and lapels in what was now a commonplace habit for her.

Standing in place obligingly as she ran her palms over him, he told her, "The gift from the visiting Taiyoukai is presented to you, Kagome."

"What gift?" Completely lost, her hands stilled in their task as she gave him a confused look while tilting her head. "I thought once the dinner was over that was it. Mitsue never mentioned anything about a present of some sort afterwards."

Shaking his head, the sconce light bathing his features fetchingly, Sesshoumaru said with a small grin, "It is customary for those of prominence in the youkai high court to present the lady of the evening with an offering of some sort. When I was questioned on what would please you best, I advised them on what you will be attending shortly."

Giving him a speaking glance at the purposeful way he was avoiding answering he questions, Kagome shrugged while releasing him.

"Alright then, handsome. Lead the way so I can see what you're talking about." Lacing her arm through his, they quit the formal hall.

Kiro and Akito fell into step behind them. Kagome wondering just what was going to happen next as she let the cold Fall air dispel the last vestiges of fatigue from her mind. Inhaling the fragrant scent of the changing of the seasons as they made their way through the decorated garden and over the bridge. The arched walkway over the water dotted with ornate lanterns that reflected off the koi pond below in a sparkling beautiful array.

Admiring the superb job those who worked at Taisho palace had done on everything, Kagome was proud to say she was part of such a prestigious house. Enjoying the slow amble as they traversed by the towering building with steam coming from the windows lining the top under the eaves. A secret grin flirting her rosy lips as memories of Sesshoumaru and her making love in the cavernous structure flit through her mind.

Now that she was completely awake, desire for the Taiyoukai at her side flit over her senses. A part of her anxious to draw the night to a close so they could retire to their bedroom where they could engage in a few hours of physical pleasure. Finishing what Sesshoumaru had started out on the walkway earlier.

"Don't tempt me, itoshi anata," he growled down at her in a whisper. The bright flash of his irises eerily beautiful in the darkness of the night as the enormous clearing became visible in front of them.

Cheeks flushing, Kagome gave him a furtive look beneath her lashes as they walked up the small incline that led to the vast open field beyond. "I can't help it, you arrogant Taiyoukai. You're just too good looking for words."

Chuckling, he smirked down at her as they crested the hill. Pausing at the top Kagome let her eyes flit about the open expanse with another puzzled frown. All of the visiting nobility were situated in stately rows. Blankets and cushions covering the ground with the same small tables from the main hall set before them. Servants scurrying about to refill whatever beverage was desired.

Because of the lack of a moon there were lines of torches set up with military precision in a huge rectangle. Their flames wavering as a chilly gust of air swept through the area. The stars overhead breathtaking as they filled the sky to bursting with a glittering display that looked like someone had scattered diamonds on a blanket of black velvet.

Almost as one, the entire crowd stood up to face them. The picture of hundreds of glowing eyes in the shadows otherworldly and surreal. Kagome completely lost on what was going on as she gave Sesshoumaru a perplexed look from blue-grey eyes.

A small secret smirk played over his lips as she stepped forward. "This way, kireina."

A large aisle had been left through the middle of the gathering. Sesshoumaru, Kagome, and their guards walking down it slowly. The miko nodding at the bowing demons as she went. Uncertain what was happening or what they could possibly be doing outside the castle.

It took quite a few minutes but the small procession at last arrived at the end where Kagome now saw a small pavilion had been erected. The dark red canvas with her mate mark emblazoned over the roof's panels in bright white eye-catching even in the darkness. The fact that one of the panels was glaringly absent right where they would be located so the night sky was fully visible baffling to her.

A set of thrones had been placed atop a small dais like the one she had occupied in the main hall. Her slipper covered feet slightly damp from walking in the grass stepping onto the thick red fabric that had been placed on the ground. A wide stripe that covered the set of stairs she climbed. A stray shiver ghosting over her body as goosebumps bloomed to life on her skin when another breeze blew past.

Biting her lower lip, she calmly adjusted her junihitoe before taking a seat in the smaller version of the two wooden thrones. The back of which only hit her about mid-spine. The wavering torchlight from the tall wooden stakes standing as sentry on either side of the makeshift carpet allowing her to see the triple sakura emblem on hers and the crescent moon carved into the one Sesshoumaru occupied as soon as she sat.

Completely lost on what was going on, Kagome gave her mate a grateful look when he unwound his tail to drape it over her lap. The miko sighing happily as she maneuvered the heavy warmth of bone and fur about her body so that she was no longer cold.

Turning her head to look behind them, she frowned at seeing everyone was now seated once more. The only people standing either servants or the two kitsune brothers who were standing tall and proud beside the torches at the foot of the small stage.

"What's going on?" she whispered while listing towards her mate.

Sesshoumaru kept his eyes trained ahead as a smirk tilted his lips accompanied by his equally soft, "You will see, Kagome."

Grumbling at his evasiveness, she settled back in her throne. Shifting about while putting her frozen fingers beneath the fur in her lap.

Silence reigned with nothing moving save the torchlight as it valiantly remained lit in the windy air blowing over it. Absently running Sesshoumaru's fur through her fingers, Kagome's attention was diverted to the sight of Murakumo and Lady Fumiko coming from the left to stand before her and Sesshoumaru. The royal couple bowing to both of them respectfully at the edge of where the crimson fabric lined the ground.

She was mildly entranced by the way the rain youkai's bright gaze reflected brightly in the soft firelight. Both youkai giving her small smiles as she nodded her head regally like Mitsue had taught her.

"Lady Kagome," Murakumo's deep voice carried easily through the night. Reaching the sensitive ears of the demons gathered without a problem as he addressed the miko. "It would be the Southern Provinces privilege to offer you a gift, on this most auspicious night."

Uncertain what she was supposed to say, Kagome smiled tentatively as she replied loudly, "That is very kind of you, Lord Murakumo and Lady Fumiko."

Bowing to her in a show of gratitude, the Taiyoukai gestured behind him to the open field in shadows. The couple parting so she could see between them off into the distance. Squinting her eyes, she saw what she believed were sets of glowing eyes peering at her from the abyss.

"Please, enjoy this demonstration, My Lady. Organized for your entertainment as a fitting gift as requested by your mate." Murakumo briefly glanced to her side with a tiny smirk filled with comradery.

Anticipation coursed through Kagome at his words. Intrigued by what demonstration he could be referring to. Leaning forward eagerly, she smiled brightly as she called, "Thank you, Lord Murakumo and Lady Fumiko. I am certain I will fully enjoy what you have chosen as a present."

Bowing a final time at her kind words, the royal couple of the Southern Provinces stepped aside after Fumiko placed her arm through her mate's. Disappearing from view as they retook their spot at a low table set up for that purpose.

Silence reigned for a few moments. Kagome starting in surprise when she heard the first strains of a flute drifting through the night air. Unable to see where it was coming from as she searched the area for the source with a small frown. The sudden low rumble of drums joining the haunting melody she had never heard before but was already in love with.

Movement out in the darkness of the field drew her attention. Her breath catching in her throat as the area slowly began to lighten. Eyes widening in shock, Kagome couldn't believe her eyes when she saw three shapes begin to form out in the meadow. The slow morphing of the trio of youkai finishing their transformation in time with the music into large fiery birds of legend.

The one in the center at the front spread their wings wide with a trilling cry. The towering phoenix's long neck arching into the sky as flames followed the animal's every move when it flapped its wings. The two behind in a flanking position, both marginally smaller in comparison to the firebird that was the size of a jumbo jet, copying the action.

The beauty of their combined birdsong filtering into her ears as goosebumps once more arose over her body. This time in reaction to the sights and sounds before her and not because of the frigid temperature. Even from this distance she could feel the heat radiating from them. Their bodies incased in the fiery element in deepest red to brightest white. When the flute and drums began to reach a crescendo, all three gave a mighty flap of their wings and became airborne together with a sharp cry that was almost painful to hear. Hovering in place as the large one in the center gave another louder cry that Kagome felt vibrate right through her and had her ears ringing.

Shivering in excitement, Kagome scooted forward to the edge of her seat as she watched them rise into the night sky. Captivated by the aerial acrobatics they began to engage in. Weaving and lacing about one another in a delicate dance of flames. Long tails trailing behind them gorgeously each time they swooped or dove. The rhythm of the drumbeat echoing in her heart as it hastened in pace every so often with their exploits. The two smaller ones flying sideways at great speed to pass one another as the largest of them shot like an arrow into the sky between them. Coming to a halt with wings spread magnificently against the backdrop of the starlit heavens.

Kagome was totally enthralled by the show. The sounds of the music and the firebirds' song intermingling bewitchingly. The youkai appearing to dance with one another playfully with an elegance she was envious of. Facing each other with large deadly claws outstretched to clasp together as they spun in a slow spiral back towards the earth.

She couldn't say how long the demonstration of the phoenixes took. But once they made their final descent to the grassy field, the music fading until only the flute remained in a slowing melody, Kagome had tears of emotion in her eyes.

As the final note died away, the firebirds extinguishing as they shrunk in size back into their humanoid forms, Kagome had a lump in her throat. Amazed at the spectacle she had just witnessed. Knowing that it was a rare wonderful present her Taiyoukai had told Murakumo to do for his mate.

The meadow went black as pitch once more. Kagome wiping a stray tear away as her lips curved in a huge smile. Turning to her mate, she saw that he had been watching her. His amber irises banked in fiery warmth as he gave her a gentle grin.

"I take it you find favor in your presentation ceremony gift?" Sesshoumaru reached over to brush away a tear from the corner of her eye.

"I have no words," she whispered in a husky voice. Leaning into his palm when he cradled the side of her face. Blue-grey eyes filled with wonder and love as she wrapped her hand about his striped wrist. "Thank you, Sesshoumaru. I love it."

Arching a silver eyebrow at her, eyes brightening at her approval, his lips curved in a smirk as he released her to settle back into his throne. "It is not over yet, foolish woman."

"There's more?" she asked excitedly while looking back out to the field.

Occupying the spot Murakumo and Fumiko had been before were Tachikaze and Kaen. The dragons' eyes much warmer and open than the first time they had approached Kagome on the other dais.

Smiling at them in welcome, Kagome waited to see what they would say as they bowed to her respectfully.

"Lady Kagome, it is an honor for the Eastern Provinces to offer you our own demonstration on this, the night of your presentation into youkai nobility." Tachikaze's voice was strong and firm. The crimson of his eyes just as intense as they always were. "Please, accept our humble offering as proof of our approval for the new Lady of the Western Lands."

"I thank you, Lord Tachikaze and Lady Kaen. And am humbled by your gift." Nodding as her tutor had drilled into her head for hours, Kagome kept the smile on her lips even though it wasn't considered proper court behavior.

Bowing once more, the dragons surprised her when they turned their back to the dais and began walking out into the open field. Glancing at Sesshoumaru with an arched ebony eyebrow she gave him a confused look.

"What are they doing?" she whispered at her mate's profile as he continued to stare after the dragons.

"Patience, kireina," he replied lowly with an amused glance from the corner of his eye and a smirk about his lips that flashed a fang in the torchlight.

Shrugging, Kagome kept her eyes trained on the royal couple. Straining to keep sight of them as they become fully enveloped by the black of the night until they were no longer visible. It was instances like these that she was annoyed at her inferior senses when she knew the demons gathered could easily see what was going on.

The sound of a koto being played floated around her. The low thrum of the wadaiko drums offering an attractive backdrop to the delicate strums of the instrument. A flute melding in beautifully as a small ball of lilac light began to glow off in the distance. An answering darker purple ignited on the opposite side so that both of the shades of color grew larger together in perfect synchronization.

As the music continued to play two extremely large long dragons in bright hues became visible. The darker one at least four times the size of his counterpart. His large regal head at an arch that mirrored the female opposite him. Long snake-like bodies held motionless with one arm raised with claws splayed. The sweep of their tails curving elegantly towards the sky as they remained stationary. Thin long whiskers resembling a catfish trailing on either side of the male's snout.

Kagome was just able to make out the thick line of hair that reached from behind his tall horns that resembled a deer's to his shoulders where spikes continued down the entire length of his body. The female's sleek body sporting her own short set of horns and hair. A lack of spikes or whiskers apparent even at the distance separating the miko from the dragon youkai.

She had never seen a Taiyoukai in their true form. The immense size of the ryu demon was awe-inspiring. Overwhelming, the reality that his body length covered nearly the entire span of the field itself. The difference in stature compared to his mate making it even more noticeable.

The shiny iridescence of the dragons' scales glistened in twinkling light that accentuated the chords of pure muscle beneath. Shimmering magnificently beneath the stars as though the beasts were bathed in jewels themselves.

The koto picked up in pace as did the tempo of the drums. The flute fading away so that the other two instruments could take over. Kagome's breath caught in her throat when Lady Kaen began to move forward towards her mate. The delicate beauty of the female dragon flashing brilliantly as she brought her clawed hand to the ground. Going towards the enormous male dragon with tentative steps. The horns upon her head weaving and bobbing with the motion of her head as she approached her counterpart.

Lady Kaen's long body undulated slowly in a hypnotizing way. Tachikaze remaining in place with his head inclined towards the sky, as though he was unaware of the other ryu's presence. The female demon let out a low purring growl that sounded plaintive and beseeching when she was at her mate's feet. Non-threatening as was the way she bowed her head respectfully before rising on her hind legs. The length of her body barely reaching the much larger dragon's neck in the middle where a lighter shade of his dark purple scales lived.

When the smaller youkai nuzzled into her mate with another purring growl, the Taiyoukai's head finally lowered in a graceful motion. Crimson eyes blazing and apparent even to weaker human eyes as he brought them from their inspection of the heavens to land on the dragon in front of him. His whiskered snout moving back in the barest snarl that had the female retreating. Her head bobbing as she coiled her body about herself in what should have resulted into a tight knot. Her body leaving the ground as she lightly circled in and out of herself in mesmerizing waves that glimmered over her scales. Lady Kaen finally coming out of the intricate loops to float in front of her mate near his chin. The same purring growl as before leaving her throat.

His clawed hand fell to the ground as his head lowered another fraction. The vermillion eyes trained upon the female youkai narrowing as he tilted his head at a haughty angle. As though dismissing her as beneath his notice. A louder purr-growl sounding from him as he voiced his displeasure.

Concerned that the dragons were fighting or upset at one another, Kagome leaned over to whisper to Sesshoumaru, "Is everything alright out there?"

Chuckling, he nodded with a small grin. "Everything is fine, kireina. Lady Kaen and Lord Tachikaze are giving you a most intimate gift indeed." Fixing glowing eyes on his worried mate, he said gently, "It is a rare site to see, the mating dance between dragons."

Taken aback at the intimacy of what the dog demon said, Kagome asked, "As in mating, mating?"

He laughed outright once he understood what she was referring to. Running tender knuckles down her blushing cheek as he shook his head.

"Not in the way you are thinking, Kagome." Gesturing towards the two dragons on the field with his head, he trained his eyes forward as his hand fell away. "This is the story of their courtship and mate-bonding. The telling of how their relationship began and flourished into a love match eventually, even though it was prearranged between their families."

Dawning realization had Kagome turning to watch the royal couple with wondering eyes. Humbled that they would use something so personal as the present for her presentation ceremony. A part of her knowing that it was the most valuable thing they could offer. That it was given in the hopes it would alleviate some of the anger aimed towards their only child. A bid for leniency and apology from the Lady of Taisho palace. That she would perhaps find it in her heart to intercede with her taciturn mate on their behalf and beg clemency for their son.

Blue-grey eyes turning kind with a hint of sadness, Kagome focused again on the mating dance of the dragons. The depth of meaning behind the other rulers' gift touching her heart and making her determined to save the foolish General despite his poor judgement and life choices in regard to Sesshoumaru.

How could she possibly tell parents that their only kid was going to lose his life for his terrible mistake?

Surely there would be a way to fix all this. Somehow.

Lady Kaen was now slowly twining about the Taiyoukai's large arched neck without touching him. Skillfully encircling the humongous dragon's throat in increments. Tachikaze watching her closely. A stray rumble bursting forth from his snarling lips every so often, though he did nothing to actively stop her.

Again it brought home the size difference between the two in their true forms. Even with Lady Kaen's long body about her mate it took over half of her to do so. Her clawed feet balancing deftly on her toes once she came to a stop just below his chin. His whiskered maw no longer pulled back in a snarl. Crimson eyes thoughtful and intrigued as he lowered his regal head so that he could stare straight into the female dragon's bright green gaze.

Purring with a growl that was less plaintive and more demanding with strength behind it, Lady Kaen dared to reach up and nip her mate's jaw. Moving back enough so that they could look at one another muzzle to muzzle. Her lilac form kept carefully in place. No contact between the couple. The koto slow and languorous by itself. Creating a level of tension that had even Kagome sitting forward in anticipation with wide spellbound eyes.

When Tachikaze finally moved forward to nuzzle the diminutive dragon with a soft growl that echoed across the field Kagome felt tears prick her eyes. A few drops escaping over her cheeks as Kaen returned her mate's affectionate caress with one of her own. The depth of emotion held behind the male's actions and voice apparent even though they were in their true forms. The coils of the female ryu's body relaxing into the Taiyoukai's to lay against him. Clawed hands resting against the male youkai's scales as the two dragons rubbed their faces together over and over. The tense line of his body relaxing fully so that he was no longer rigid and unapproachable.

Sliding free of her mate's throat in a slow caress, the two separated to stand facing one another. The drums beginning to rise as the large male moved to wrap his body around his smaller mate's protectively so that she disappeared within the coils. The male dragon stopping to face towards the spectators with a fearsome glare. Opening his mouth to give a deafening roar. Large ivory teeth glinting even in the small amount of illumination. Red eyes fierce as he dared anyone to come near the mate he was bonded to before letting out a long stream of fire into the sky.

Kagome heard a large collective gasp come from the crowd, her own included. The heat from the dragon's flames strong enough to make her blush from their strength.

The music suddenly picked up loudly. The Taiyoukai leaping into the sky in an unraveling motion. His mate joining him seamlessly as they undulated through the stars as one. The dragons chasing about together in a dance that was both arresting and emotional. Tachikaze and Kaen spiraling around one another in a growing pace as they sped throughout the sky. Lengthy bodies moving in a waving motion as they flew about the sea of starlight.

Kagome gave a breathless laugh when the pair sped by low to the ground over the gathered youkai. Her hair flying about her features from the air kicked up by the royal couple's wake. Her hand pushing her ebony locks away from her face as she continued to watch the dragons dance with one another. Heart aching with emotion when the music began to crescendo as the dragons twined around and around one another as they shot straight up into the night.

Pirouetting and spinning in ever decelerating spirals in time to the instruments being played so artfully. Until, finally, they were barely moving at all. Levitated bodies coming to a stop and floating in thin air. The drum and flute falling away to leave the koto by itself.

The large male dragon placed his forehead against the delicate one of his mate with a low purring growl that was emotional and breathtaking in his tenderness of expression even in his true form. The boned pair staring deeply into one another eyes as they purr-growled together in unison. Lids falling over their fiery irises in perfect tandem as the last note faded from the stringed instrument.

The two dragons blinked out of sight. Sudden darkness taking the place of their glowing bodies as they disappeared completely.

A silence thick in reverence permeated the entire assemblage of demons spectating below. Kagome sniffling as she wiped away her tears. Gaining her feet to leave the dais in quick steps to stand between her guards. Smiling radiantly as she began to clap enthusiastically. Her solitary applause soon being joined by the rest of the nobility at first hesitantly, and then with equal fervor.

Kagome laughed in joy as she glanced up at the Taiyoukai who came to a stop beside her. His indulgent smile reaching the warmth of his eyes as he watched his ecstatic mate show her appreciation of what she had just seen.

Movement at her back had Kagome glancing behind her. Surprised to see that every demon in the long rows behind where she and Sesshoumaru were seated had arisen as well. Giving the performing royal couple a standing ovation despite what they may have thought about their social standing within their group.

"As I said, it is a rare and wonderous thing to witness the mating dance between dragons," Sesshoumaru told her with a smirk painting his lips.

Shaking her head as she gave another incredulous laugh, wiping the last remaining tears from her cheeks, Kagome said, "It was so beautiful! I have never seen something that had that much emotion behind it without a word being spoken."

Proffering her his arm, he led her back to the dais as the applause died down. Retaking their seats as the rest of the demon nobility followed suit.

Sighing dreamily, Kagome settled back into her throne. Placing Sesshoumaru's tail in its original spot over her legs with a grin she couldn't seem to get rid of.

"This really was an amazing night, Sesshoumaru." Blue-grey eyes soft and tender, she reached over to clasp his clawed wrist with a squeeze. "Thank you."

Taking her hand and raising it to kiss the back of her knuckles, the dog demon replied, "There is one more gift that has yet to be seen, Kagome."

"I can't imagine what it could be," the miko said with a chuckle of amazement.

"You will see," was his enigmatic reply as he let her go and turned towards the front.

She noticed that Akito and Kiro were missing when she copied her mate's behavior. A different set of guards in their place. Identities unknown as the helmets on their heads kept her from seeing who it could be.

"Where are Kiro and Akito?" Kagome asked in confusion as she looked all around her. As though she would possibly find the brothers behind where she sat or out in the crowd.

"Where indeed," Sesshoumaru whispered as a hush overtook the meadow.

The echo of a mournful howl sounded loudly through the night. Sad and lonely as whatever canine was making the noise called out into the darkness. No musical instrument joining in the sorrowful melody as the animal repeated the soulful bay a few times.

Searching the pitch black of the meadow, Kagome couldn't see anyone out on the grassy field. Tilting her head with a frown as a second voice split the air. This one farther off in the distance than the first.

Puzzled, the miko kept peering into the shadows. Trying with all her might to see where the howling was coming from, but to no avail.

Both canine's ceased their sad song at the same instant. The eerie quiet in place of the baying prominent. An expectant hush overtaking the masses of youkai seated in the audience as everyone awaited to see what would happen next.

When the twin howls began once more it made Kagome start in surprise at their volume. The canines closer than before so that she could tell they were near even if she still could see nothing out in the field.

Heart beginning to pick up pace in excitement and anticipation, the miko waited eagerly to see what was going to transpire. Which youkai would be taking the makeshift stage this time.

In the center of the field a shadow separated itself from the others. Kagome squinting her eyes as a lone solitary figure made its way straight towards the dais where the royal couple sat upon the thrones. A smile curved her mouth when she made out the tell-tale blue and white of her personal guard. His tall body becoming more discernable as he trekked forward slowly. The pearly-blue of his eyes reflecting in the dark like a predator's when a light was shone upon them.

He came to a halt just outside of the warm circle of illumination offered by the sputtering torches lining the perimeter of the field. Pausing silently to gaze at his mistress without saying a word. One of his clawed hands holding the yari he preferred as his weapon, lithe body clothed in the dress blues that were associated with the arctic kitsune clan.

Giving her guard a tiny wave, Kagome stifled a giggle when he smirked at her with a wink. Acknowledging her gesture before his features smoothed into stoic lines again.

A gasp left her parted lips when he suddenly tilted his head back and howled loudly. The sound completely animalistic and foreign coming from a humanoid form. The range behind it echoing out into the night eerily with a resonance that was more akin to a wolf than a fox.

The end of his long call was picked up by the same voice as before. Coming from one of the corners of the open expanse they were gazing upon. The timbre deeper with more of a growl than Akito's own. Reverberating through the night in a mixture she didn't recognize but was completely enraptured by.

Kagome was startled when the bright flare of fire from the three phoenixes reappeared. The largest one at the very back of the open area and his counterparts on each end of the long rectangular field. Their wings spread wide, tails wrapped about their taloned feet, and heads bowed respectfully without uttering a sound. The light given off by their flames illuminating the whole meadow so that Kagome could clearly see without igniting the vegetation around them. A controlled burn that took the type of mastery and skill she could only dream of possessing herself.

She caught sight of Kiro's tall frame in his own dress blues behind and to the side of Akito off in the distance. Not too far away from the firebird off to the right of where she sat. His spear missing from his clawed hands. The lacquered surface of his katana laced to his side visible now that the fire youkai were offering their assistance with the lighting.

The second the long baying ceased from the brothers the sound of the drums came to life again in a rumbling beat. Akito moving his spear skillfully in a twirling flash that came to a sudden stop when the drums abruptly died. The point of his weapon pointed out towards the royal couple he served, his body in a half crouch as he sighted down the length of wood in his clawed hands. Kiro remained standing motionlessly in the background, naught but his hair and clothing moving from a stray breeze that flowed over the valley.

The percussive beat of the drums started up again at a lower rapid thrum. The long metal blade on the end of the yari slowly becoming incased in layers of ice that glowed brightly as though it was lit from within by a colored light of soft blue. The music grew louder as the frozen water on the weapon halted once it had added several inches to the spear's length in a sharp point. Another set of wadaiko that were skillfully beat in a steady rhythm that had Kagome's heart racing joining in. The hands in her mate's tail clenching about the silky fur as her eyes followed her guard's tall body begin moving once more with his weapon.

Akito deftly swung the ice-tipped yari around and over himself quickly. The pointed end barely brushing the blades of grass at his feet as the arctic fox spun and twirled the weapon with his body. Seeming to dance with the implement of death in his clawed hands as he fought an imaginary foe to the beat of the drums. The way the end was alight giving the illusion that trails of luminance traveled in the spear's wake.

Using the pole he vaulted into a flip and landed with intricate footwork that was amazing to witness. The competency he displayed with his weapon of choice awe-inspiring to the miko who he was performing for. Her breath caught when he sprinted forward. Planting the pole of the yari deep into the ground before vaulting straight up into the air. Somehow managing to keep a hold of his weapon as he somersaulted upwards until he was several feet above the meadow.

His body straightening until he was standing with his arms above his head with his spear extended towards the starlit sky. Time appearing to slow as his body hesitated a few moments in a position that had Kagome on the edge of her seat. Eyes glued to the kitsune's suspended figure.

The drums had slowed and lowered to a bass rumble that grew in sound and strength as he began twirling the yari in his clawed hands. The rate of the revolutions so fast that the weapon became a blur with the glowing tip seeming to connect in circles of bright blue light. His body following suit until Akito himself was a barely discernable body amongst the fast motion.

A subtle movement caught her attention from the ground. Kagome not quite believing her eyes when she saw the drops of water, which had been clinging to the blades of grass, began to lift. Flying towards the cyclone of her personal guard to trail around him in an ever growing belt of water that moved eerily in the illumination of the firebirds and his weapon.

The drumbeats built to a crescendo. Akito coming to a sudden stop along with the music. His spear at his side and pointed downwards. His body semi-crouched, the palm of his free hand splayed as though he was balancing against the earth itself even though he was in open air.

The water around him made a giant circle over his head. The arctic fox's lips pealing back to showcase fangs larger than normal. His pearl-blue eyes turning white when he threw his head back to howl again. This time Kiro didn't answer his brother's call. Instead, the older fox crouched down low in a stance that had his body sideways and one hand hovering over the pommel of his blade as he stared up at his sibling with narrowed cold eyes.

A second later the older fox disappeared from view in a blur. Reappearing a moment later at his crouched brother's side. Sword drawn and raised over his head. Both of his clawed hands wrapped about the weapon, the deadly length of steel glinting in the firelight of the phoenixes as he went to impale the other youkai.

Kagome nearly stood up to cry out when it looked as though Kiro was going to harm Akito. The protest dying in her throat when the wadaiko sliced through the air in time to the downward swing of the katana. Akito deftly flipping backwards out of the way in short flips until the length of the field separated the two demons. The circle of water following after him, bright eyes still opaque white.

Straightening, Kiro sheathed his sword in a practiced motion as he faced his younger brother. Bending in a different pose, balancing on the balls of his feet as his clawed hand hovered once more over his weapon in preparation to draw it.

Glancing at her mate, Kagome frowned and asked over the noise of the drums, "Those two aren't going to get carried away, are they?"

Chuckling, Sesshoumaru shook his head as he left his inspection of his guards to look at Kagome. "It is only a performance for your benefit, itoshi anata. Every one of these demonstrations this evening is a Taiyoukai's way of bragging, in a way. Displaying the powers at their disposal so that the other demons attending will reconsider any thought of engaging one of them in battle."

"I see," she murmured with interest as she looked back up to the brothers facing one another in mock combat.

"Kiro and Akito both wished to do this for you, kireina." His words had her glancing at him in surprise. The grin about his mouth soft as he brushed a few strands of her hair behind an ear. "It is considered the highest honor to perform their special abilities for those they serve and protect. So that you would always feel safe while being in their personal care."

"I already feel that way," Kagome said with a smile and a wave of her hand. "I hope they don't accidentally harm one another trying to show off, though."

Smirking, his eyes left hers to train back on the kitsune brothers floating in the air. "Kiro is a master swordsman. One of his specialties is the art of iaijutsu. The technique used to withdraw your blade with precision and control. Something that takes immeasurable skill and decades of dedication to learn. Akito, you already know he is adept with his yari, I am certain. Even without seeing him actively use it, the way the kitsune handles it speaks of his adroitness with the spear."

A few moments of silence hung between them as the brothers charged at one another. Akito taking his free hand and moving it in a swirling motion that had a part of the water around him separating itself to coalesce. A small ball of oscillating liquid hovering over his hand as he sped towards his brother. Flinging out his fingers as he neared the older kitsune with a snarl as he raised his spear.

The water hardened into pure ice. Flying at the older fox's head, to which Kiro adeptly dodged it, before boomeranging back towards its intended target. The innocent ice now a deadly projectile that had enough speed behind it to seriously injure someone if it managed to connect.

Kagome was astonished by how easily Kiro was able to dodge Akito's ball of ice. Not even bothering to look back at it as he drew his sword to swing it in an arc around his body as he spun on one foot. The loud grate of steel meeting the ice-encrusted blade on the yari ringing loudly in the night even over the drums. A series of the katana being brought down and around its owner quickly followed. Akito blocking them efficiently as he was forced to retreat. The ball of ice coming in every so often when her guard would manage a few seconds to free a hand so he could control it. The water around him remaining by his side no matter where he went.

The two brothers came to a stop in different poses across from one another. Both of them breathing hard with scowls of concentration on their marked brows. The otherworldly white glow of Akito's eyes bright in the starry sky they were using for their battlefield. She saw a smirk paint Kiro's lips as he straightened to sheath his blade before bringing his clawed hands up in front of him in a reaching motion. Akito frowning as some of the water he had kept surrounding him dashed over to the older fox.

The assassin's smirk growing larger showcasing a set of deadly canines that were bigger than normal. The cobalt blue of his eyes now an opaque bright blue that reflected ethereally off his cheekbones and marking.

Standing as well, Akito let out a snarl as he stopped the liquid from traveling through the night. The both of them left with about the same amount as each other. Kiro's lips remaining in their mocking curl as he made a few hand gestures she couldn't quite make out.

His portion of water became droplets that shimmered all around his tall frame in a glittering display. Clawed hands moving in a fast succession of odd motions, the droplets became tiny shards of ice. What looked like a thousand deadly razor-edged tips aimed at her personal guard. A second later he waved his hand negligently. The miniscule bullets of frozen water moving in a giant wave towards Akito at breakneck speed.

Own lip curling in a snarl, Akito brought his water forward to create a wall that shielded him completely. The small projectiles slamming into the icy barrier with loud 'pings' that could be heard even over the steady drums.

Akito's shield began to slowly erode under the heavy assault until it shattered completely. The sky raining down a million particles of ice that blew over the crowd in a light cool mist when another wind came through the field. Kagome was grateful to see that none of the makeshift bullets had managed to touch her bodyguard. A sigh of relief leaving her lungs when she saw him standing proudly in one piece without a single mark on him.

Now that neither brother possessed anymore water at their disposal, they stood facing each other. The flute and koto began playing the same notes as the drums in staggered steps behind the wadaiko. An unearthly echo that fluctuated vibrantly.

Akito charged his brother, using his pole to propel his body into a series of flips that ended with him throwing the yari straight at Kiro with harsh force as he slid to a stop. The spear sailing through the air straight through the spot the assassin had been to arc through the air and impale the ground deeply. The area around where it was buried turning frozen instantly in a large circle.

Kiro came into sight above his brother. Withdrawing his katana, running a clawed hand over the blade. Ice appearing as his palm passed over the steel to end in a deadly point that he brought down towards his sibling.

Kagome's heart stuttered in fright when the weapon barely missed going through her bodyguard. Palms damp in nervousness as she gripped into Sesshoumaru's tail over her lap. The gentle caress of her mate's tail-tip brushing fleetingly over her cheek drawing her out of the momentary scare. Reminding her that it was only a show, albeit a very realistic potentially mortal one, that the kitsunes were giving her as a gift to their new mistress.

Releasing a breathless laugh, she glanced to her mate. "Thanks. I keep forgetting that they aren't really going to hurt one another. This is nerve-wracking!"

"It would not be worthy of performing if Akito and Kiro were not actively trying to best one another, kireina." Sesshoumaru gave her a tender grin as he added gently, "They truly are showing you their prowess wholeheartedly."

"But they aren't going to get carried away, right?" she asked with a frown as she gnawed on her lower lip.

"Hopefully not," was all he said with a shrug before turning back to watch Akito dodge his brother's blade skillfully when Kiro returned the charge.

Worried, Kagome shifted about restlessly where she sat. A severe frown painting her features as she ground out between clenched teeth, "Yeah, well, I will not be pleased if either of them get hurt just because they were overexuberant while up there pretend fighting each other."

"Duly noted, itoshi anata," Sesshoumaru said with a wry grin as his amber eyes followed the quick movements of the pair of youkai without a problem.

Akito dodged and danced away from Kiro's blade over and over again. Disappearing in brief spurts with his brother just to become visible once more somewhere else in the sky at varying levels. Anytime it seemed as though the younger fox would be leading towards retrieving his weapon he would be outmaneuvered. His handsome features clouded in anger as he snarled loudly at his brother when Kiro almost managed to cut into his midriff. If Akito had not twisted out of the way at the last moment he would have been sliced in half.

"For the love of-," Kagome ground out the unfinished sentence in irritation as she nearly had a heart attack from the close call.

She was just about ready to put an end to the brothers' antics when Kiro sheathed his sword and tilted his head back to howl in the echoing growl she had heard before. The hair along her body raising at the predatory sound.

In answer Akito's body became encased in blue smoke as he shifted into his true form. Crouching low with his ears back and lips curled in a snarl that had firelight glistening off the huge teeth he was baring at his sibling. When he let out his own answering baying it was much deeper and louder than in his humanoid form. Kagome nearly clapping her hands over her ears at the way it made them ring. Akito's canine voice echoing through her body until she felt it deep within her in an odd sensation that was indecipherable. Nuanced and unique his vocal projection outlasted his brother's and overrode the music with little effort so that it was the only thing the miko could hear.

Fur bristled along his back, the huge blue and white fox growled as he leapt towards the male figure standing stoically in front of him. Kiro waited until the last minute to draw his sword and slide under the beast, Akito flipping out of the way narrowly missing the ice encrusted blade so that it didn't cut into his belly. An acrobatic movement no true animal would be able to accomplish in nature.

"That's it!" Kagome made to rise with a fierce scowl. Ready to go out on the field and demand those two stop what they were doing and come down.

How was being shish kabobbed in front of their new mistress supposed to bring her any type of pleasure?

"Easy, Kagome." Sesshoumaru's hand wrapped about her wrist. Forestalling the miko from standing. His amber eyes pinning her narrowed blue-grey ones as he said, "I promise you, itoshi anata, you have nothing to worry over. Neither of the kitsune are in any type of true danger. Especially the one you favor so much."

He gave her a knowing look as he smirked. Moving his hand to cradle her own to kiss her scarred palm. "You must allow them to see this through to the end. If you were to publicly stop what is happening it would bring dishonor to their clan for generations. The youkai high court and all other demons would look down upon them as a weaker group. A type of demon who had incited displeasure and overt censor from the Taiyoukai they served."

"I'm getting real sick and tired of the way the youkai nobility run their lives and how they see things, Sesshoumaru." Grumbling, she heaved a sigh while retaking her seat.

"I am aware, kireina." His voice was amused as was the smile on his lips when he gave her another caress, this time on the back of her hand. Placing the appendage in his lap so he could stroke his thumb over the patchwork of scars soothingly.

Allowing the bonds between her and the dog demon to calm her frazzled nerves as she turned to watch the brothers. Akito scampered after his brother in an attempt to bite him and then deftly moved out of reach when Kiro returned the favor with his blade.

Kagome couldn't tell if she was happy or not when Kiro sheathed his blade before dark blue smoke covered his body. A large navy colored fox forming in his place. The marking upon his furry forehead looking black in the light given off by the phoenixes who she was amazed had remained completely motionless this entire time.

How they had the stamina she had no clue. Honestly, the kitsunes had probably only been doing their fake skirmish for minutes, but with the stress she was feeling over it, it seemed like hours.

She almost gave a sigh of relief when the two large foxes began to run around the area side by side instead of continuing to battle. The youkai in varying shades of blue leaping, flipping, and tumbling about in a way that had her muscles untying from their knots. Her heart to slow its pace from the hammering before so that she actually relaxed into her throne.

"I like this much better," Kagome said with a grin. Laughing a little when Akito managed to trip the older kitsune on purpose so that Kiro rolled through the air.

"I daresay they are both doing this for you, kireina," Sesshoumaru said dryly as he continued to rub her hand ceaselessly as he watched his guards sardonically. "I highly doubt the rest of the nobility will find them to be fierce when they are behaving like pups out for a playful scuffle."

Scoffing, Kagome waved her free hand carelessly. "Like I give a crap what the nobility likes. This is my presentation and I say seeing the brothers act like a couple of puppies who have been locked up all day to finally be let out is great."

A heavy sigh ran through his body as he gave her a mock look of pain. "However will I convince the other Taiyoukai I possess some of the fiercest youkai in creation as guards when they are currently wrestling in the air like a pair halfwits?"

"I'm sure you'll think of something," she replied blithely with a total lack of concern or sympathy for her mate's supposed damaged image.

Kagome smiled brightly as she watched the two kitsune in the starlit sky. Uncaring what the rest of the audience thought. Chuckling when Kiro grabbed Akito in the canine version of a headlock to flip him end over end.

Sesshoumaru grinned as he glanced to his happy mate. Glad to see the anxiety absent from her expressive features. If accomplishing such a thing meant the arctic foxes' impressive display of battle skill was to be cut short, then so be it. It didn't mean they were any less deadly despite their current behavior otherwise.

The brothers finally brought their horseplay to an end in time to the music. Separating to land in the same spots they had begun the night in on the field. Akito sitting beside his spear with his version of a smile pulling back his canine lips exposing sharp fangs. The pearl-blue opalescent eyes trained upon his mistress were warm and indulgent with a lack of self-consciousness that other youkai of noble birth had witnessed him basically frolicking with his sibling.

As the final note sang through the air both artic demons transformed back into their humanoid forms. Akito grasping his imbedded yari to pull it free and place it with a spinning flourish at his side. Bowing deeply to his master and mistress, Kiro copying the motion, as silence overtook the area.

Lips curved brightly, Kagome immediately rose to walk down the dais as she had for Kaen and Tachikaze. Sesshoumaru remaining where he was as she approached her guard with a shake of his head and a smirk. Winding his tail about his shoulder as he watched his mate interact with the fox.

Clapping, Kagome was glad to hear the other youkai take up the action in a thunderous applause. Laughing joyfully as she walked up to her personal bodyguard without hesitation. Embracing his tall frame in a tight hug in front of the entire assembly with a complete lack of inhibition. Akito's arms hesitating a moment before returning the embrace as he furtively looked towards his master. The slight incline of Sesshoumaru's head giving permission for the fox to do so since it was considered extremely taboo for the mate to another demon, especially that of a Taiyoukai, to touch someone else.

Stepping back, Kagome's blue-grey eyes shone as she continued to smile up at Akito. Clasping his free hand between her own as she gazed up into his sharp features that had softened minutely at her attentions.

"That was wonderful, Akito! I loved it!"

Inclining his head, a small grin tilted his lips. "I am pleased you enjoyed it, Lady."

"I did," she chirped happily. Her gaze moving to his side as Kiro joined them. The three firebirds extinguishing their flames to morph back into their smaller forms. Shrouding the small group on the field in shadows that were easily penetrated by youkai eyes. Releasing her guard, she surprised a grunt out of the older kitsune when she enthusiastically embraced him as well. "Kiro! Thank you so very much for doing this for me!"

Akito smirked at his brother's uncomfortable expression. The typically icily controlled youkai glancing about helplessly as he raised his arms without returning her gesture. A scowl marring his marked brow as he narrowed his cobalt eyes at his silently laughing brother.

"Woman, what have I told you about accosting my guards?" Sesshoumaru's voice sounded behind her in mock anger with a growl. His amber eyes filled with amusement at Kiro's expense as he came to a stop beside Akito. "I distinctly recall telling you more than once you make some of them uncomfortable with the way you go about throwing yourself at anyone who holds still long enough."

Scoffing, Kagome ignored her mate to give Kiro a final hug. Her smile brightening when he at last returned it lightly while awkwardly patting her on the shoulder. Laughing, the miko finally let the poor demon go. Knowing he had no idea what to make of what she had done and unused to her random tactile outbursts just as Akito had been when they first met.

A quick glance around showed that the youkai nobility were slowly leaving the field now that the entertainment had drawn to a close. Sidling up next to her mate, Kagome burrowed into his side while grabbing his arm and draping it over her shoulders. Shivering as the cool night air cut through her layers of silk as though she was wearing nothing at all.

Holding her close, Sesshoumaru looked at each of the brothers in turn with pride as he said, "Your performance was exemplary, Akito, Kiro. A truly proud representation of the arctic kitsune clan and as guards to the Lord and Lady of the Western Lands. I am honored to have you both in our service."

Bowing lowly, the kitsune brothers said in unison, "Thank you, My Lord."

Smirking, Kagome added, "That's just Sesshoumaru's fancy way of saying you guys are awesome."

Akito chuckled as the dog demon gave his mate an irritated look. His hand moving to cover her mouth as he growled down at her, "Mitsue should have taught you how to be the picture of feminine elegance. Which means you are better seen and not heard, Kagome."

Biting his palm in retribution, she gave him a smug look when he hissed in pain while removing his hand. "Damn it, woman! That hurt!"

"Serves you right!" she snapped as she fought to keep a scowl in place when she really wanted to laugh at how disgruntled the Taiyoukai appeared as he studied his hand looking for an injury. Rolling her eyes, she moved away from him, placing her hands on her hips. "Oh quit being a big baby. Honestly, some fierce youkai I am mated to if he is nearly undone by a simple love bite."

Akito's warm chuckle had her lips curving wider. The wink she threw at Kiro making the older fox's expression turn bemused as he shook his head.

"I will show you a love bite, you irritating woman," Sesshoumaru purred at her with a predatory gleam in his amber eyes as he gave her once over that had her blushing.

"Stop that," Kagome said with a wave of her finger and a self-conscious frown. "Behave yourself, you arrogant Taiyoukai."

"But it is after midnight, kireina. Which means your presentation is over and you no longer have the privilege of ordering me about." Sesshoumaru's smile was wicked as was the light in his amber eyes as he looked her over again with banked desire.

Sighing, Kagome threw her hands up in exasperation. Turning to the kitsune brothers as she said, "Alright, let's go back to the palace before Sesshoumaru does or says something he will regret."

She gave a small squeak when Sesshoumaru's arm snaked about her to pull her into him. Nuzzling her face affectionately as he nipped her nose with a smirk. The flush on her cheeks deepening as she grinned, her hands splayed on his chest over the beat of his heart.

"The only thing I regret, kireina, is that this evening has dragged on so long before we could retire for the night." The meaning behind his suggestive statement made her lower abdomen clench even as she tried not to die from the waves of shyness crashing over her.

Embarrassed, Kagome gave him a frown full of disapproval as she placed a finger over his lips. Trying to ignore the way it made her whole body ignite when he nipped at it gently.

"This is what I get when you're buzzed, huh?" Smiling wryly, Kagome gave her guard and his brother a look as she rolled her eyes. "Apparently Sesshoumaru is a touchy feely drunk."

"I am not drunk," Sesshoumaru said indignantly as he released her. Straightening to his towering height. Features settling into their usual haughty lines as he said, "This Sesshoumaru does not overly imbibe in his cups. Ever."

"Uh-huh," Kagome said. Unconvinced as she folded her arms over her chest and gave him a once over with an arched ebony eyebrow. "Well this Kagome is getting cold, tired and would like to get back to our rooms so I can take this damn junihitoe off. It's heavy as hell."

She knew he had taken what she said the wrong way when he gave her a roguish grin as his amber irises blazed brightly.

His voice a seductive purr in the dark as he said, "Kireina, I am more than happy to play lady's maid for you this evening and help you discard the terrible garments that weigh so heavily upon your body."

"For crying out-" Sighing heavily, she trailed off with a helpless laugh. Turning to the brothers who were both smirking, Kagome said with as much dignity as she could, "Do you two think you could get us escorted back to the castle quickly? I'm not sure how much more publicly flirting Sesshoumaru I can take."

"That will not be necessary," Sesshoumaru said firmly a second before she found herself in his arm. Held against his chest by use of the appendage and the furry length of his tail coiled about her body as her feet left the ground. Nodding to the guards over her head, he said sedately, "Gentlemen. You are dismissed for the night."

Kagome didn't even have time to tell the two foxes goodbye as her mate turned towards the palace. A shimmer of white light engulfing them, the last thing she heard was the sound of the brothers laughing as Sesshoumaru carried her with great speed through the castle. Dodging the random noble or servant with finesse as he made their way to their quarters.

She finally gave in and decided to relax and enjoy the ride. Laughing happily as her mate carried her. Contentment and affection intermingling thickly through her blood as she placed her head on is shoulder with a smile.

Tonight had been wonderful. The memories of which she would hold close and take with her throughout the long years of her life with Sesshoumaru. Giving silent prayers of thanks to whoever was listening for the future she found herself facing with the man she loved at her side.