*A/N: I do apologize for the delay, life in transition of things is difficult. I should have more time on my hands from here on out to keep regular updates. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!*

Chapter 14 – Of Lords, Mothers, and Threats

When Kagome and Sesshomaru approached the main inner gate to the palace the whole area was in disarray. All of the servants had cleared the area but from what could be seen the Eastern Lord had brought his own as there were servants wearing colors that did not indicate they belonged to the Western Lord. Guards had surrounded the Eastern Lord and were not letting him nor his people pass any further. The Eastern guards were trying to force their way through but to no avail. And to top it off there was a person in Western custody with the children crying behind Sango, Miroku, Cade, and Kirara.

Sesshomaru sighed and glanced down at Kagome. She seemed to be amused at first but now seemed pissed and concerned.

"Cade." Sesshomaru called, "What has happened here?"

Cade made his way over to Sesshomaru as Kagome went to calm the children and send them into the family wing.

"Well sir the Eastern Lord decided to take it upon himself and teach Rin not to chase demons who were above her sir, when Kirara heard Rin's scream she attacked the Eastern Lord. Miroku threw a sutra on him and Sango went to the children for extra protection. Our guards responded and forced the Eastern men as you see them now, and then you arrived sir." Cade responded bowing to Sesshomaru after delivering his report.

Both men looked at Kagome after a vicious snarl was heard coming from her. Rising slowly after calming the children she nodded at Miroku and Sango to put them on the back of Kirara and get them out of here. Ten guards went with them at the nod of Sesshomaru and he and Cade slowly approached the onna.

"You attacked my child because she was playing with someone?" Kagome said lowly as she turned to the Eastern Lord.

"All humans are below us. I am surprised that Sesshomaru allows such filth in his presence. If this were my palace your child would have been hung and you would be skinned for your impudence." The Eastern Lord spat, not being able to do much else.

Inwardly, because no one would be able to know outside, Sesshomaru groaned. There was a time where he believed such folly, however, Rin and Kagome, in addition to the Slayer and Monk changed his mind. Not ALL humans were below them.

'Especially not her,' his beast growled.

Kagome chuckled, everyone from the Western House stilled. They knew this wasn't good. Taking no chances Cade threw up a barrier around Kagome, Sesshomaru, the Eastern Lord, and himself. Sesshomaru took two steps from Cade and threw another keeping him out.

Her eyes started to glow pink, the Eastern Lord gulped, Sesshomaru resisted a smirk.

"Remember Miko, he is a Cardinal Lord." Sesshomaru told her to keep her a little calmer.

"Oh I know Sesshomaru-san, I won't hurt him…. Much." She responded with a sardonic smile on her face.

"Ha! As if such a filthy weak bitch like yourself could harm me, Miko or not. The only one with such powers died when the Tama was born! I will destroy you, mind and soul if you try and hurt me you pathetic wench." The Eastern Lord snarled.

Kagome smiled, her power wrapping around her. "Really? Shall we then play a game of turn the whatever you are into a gelding? I mean, after all, the Tama is a part of me as well…"

Cade paled, Sesshomaru almost smiled, the Eastern Lord faltered.

"Lord Kuubaku, this is Kagome-san, Shikon-no-Miko and Ally of the West. Kagome, Kuubaku-san, Lord of the East." Sesshomaru said trying not to laugh at the look on the Tobi's face.

"Y-y-you mean t-that this worthless human t-t-trash is the Shikon-no-M-miko?" Kuubaku stuttered.

Raising her eyebrow in a most Sesshomaru-like way Kagome responded, "I'm pretty sure we established that I'm not worthless human trash Kuubaku. I'll let the first one go, the last time was an insult, the next is a challenge to the death. You wouldn't want to have your manly bits fried in front of your household and have them laughing at you while you scream like Naraku does do you?"

Shaking his head ferociously the tobi youkai paled. Kagome went and took off the sutras Miroku had placed, but before she fully freed him she leaned close to his ear and whispered so only her, him, and Sesshomaru could hear.

"Threaten ANY, and I mean ANY child in the Western Lands, be they human, hanyou, or otherwise again, and your manly bits will be the least of your concern. I will torture you, skin you, and then purify you if you cross me." She said vehemently.

Then louder, so everyone could understand what she said, "Do we have an accord Kuubaku-sama?"

The Tobi youkai nodded and was freed. Once done Sesshomaru, then Cade took down their barriers and Kuubaku flew to his household wanting to put as much distance as he could between himself and Kagome without being rude.

Sesshomaru signaled to Cade, who then in turn signaled to the Western Soldiers and the tension in the area eased as many of them went to do other tasks, and only the ones assigned there for their shifts stuck around.

"Well Sesshomaru-san, shall we go to your study?" Kagome queried as she walked to him.

Nodding, he turned and took her hand in his arm and walked into the palace, the Eastern House following to be shown their rooms and settle in, while Kuubaku followed the Western Lord and Shikon-no-Miko at a distance.

Very interesting, and she isn't even demonized yet… This brings many possible entertainments for the future…