Kagome, Lady of the west, stood on the balcony watching the battle rage beneath her. It had been three years since the death of her father and she had grown weary ruling her kingdom alone. And even more so of the simpering princes that played court to her. Two weeks ago, when Prince Haku drank to deeply and barged his way into her rooms, she had decided that she had had enough. She made her mating call that very same morning. The sun had not set on the third day when the males began to arrive. They had waited eagerly below her as she prepared to speak.
“I am Kagome, Lady of The Western Lands, and I want a mate. I will give myself to the first man to reach the main room. I will only except the strongest, whither he usise brute strength of cunning to reach my halls. Fight with honor.” released another mating call.
They erupted into violence. The men fought hard, moved fast, killed without hesitation. Only one male would survive to claim her, many would tuck tail and run before the night was over. Minutes dragged into hours, hours into days and still they fought. On the fourth day a silver hair male caught her eye. Naked to the waist, muscles rippling beneath pale skin, he moved with fluid grace. The others faded away until there was only him. Sesshomaru cut down man after man, his sword flashing through the night. Around him the others fell, he paid little attention to their bodies. Nothing matter. No one would keep him from the woman whose call filled the air. He slashed his way toward the palace steps, seeing him approach some men dropped their weapons and fled. Sesshomaru smiled as their blades clattered to the ground. The only rule of the hunt, lose your human form and forfeit the battle. His beast clawed just under his skin, begging to be let free to kill the pest that dared stand in his way. But Sesshomaru refused. Even in his human form none could best him, clearing a path to the woman would simply take longer.
“My Lady, come and rest the battle will not end before the dawn.” A soft voiced urged over her shoulder. Kagome turn, her gaze landing on Yukina her trusted friend and servant.
“Look at him Kina, is he not magnificent?” She asked turning back to the scene below her. Joining her mistress on the balcony Yukina followed her raised finger. The sight the met her eyes drew a sigh from her lips.
“Yes My Lady, a fine male indeed.” Yukina answered silently envying her friend the possibility of having his as mate.
“Come you must conserve your strength, once a contestant reaches the main hall, the battle will be over and you will be his.” Gently grasping the younger woman’s shoulders, Yukina led Kagome into her sleeping chambers, drawing the covers back so she could slide in.
“I am sure there will be a victor by morning” Kagome announced, turning onto her side to face the door.
“All the more reason to take your rest now.” Silently Yukina left the room, hoping her Lady was right, knowing they both tiered of the waiting and the death. After a new Master was chosen their land would know peace.
The next morning the sounds of battle still rang in the distance, but Yukina would not allow her to see who remained until she had eaten.
“You no I could just order you to move aside” Kagome stated, Yukina smiled.
“Of course My Lady.” She replied simply knowing how Kagome hated ordering people about. For a Inu Youkai, the lady of the west was extremely softhearted. Kagome huffed and headed for the door.
“Fine, but you may not watch the men either, come join me for breakfast.” An order, but without the force others of the royal court were known to use. After an endless breakfast,qnd enduring the irritated glares of the princes to afraid to join the fight, Kagome rushed back to her room and out to observe the field, searching for the demon from the day before. Her heart beat wildly as she spotted him.
“He his nearly to the stairs!” She announced happily, knowing Yukina had followed her into the room. Clothing rippled as the other woman joined her to take in the scene.
“Yes. This will be over very soon.” Yukina concurred. Sesshomaru paused momentarily as the wind carried the sweetest of scents to his nose. Looking up her spotted two females over observing the battle, startled blue eyes met his.
*This must be her* He thought to himself. She was more than he had expected. Ebony tress floated on the breeze. Her lush young body, perfectly outline by her kimono, made his body harden. Imaging what lay beneath those robe nearly caused him to change, but he held the beast back. Throwing his head back, Sesshomaru howled, seconds later Kagome answered, calling him to her side. Lips turned in a cocky smile, Sesshomaru returned to the battle, his strength renewed by her presence. He swiftly cut down the men closest the the door. As his hand closed over the brass knobs of the massive oak wood doors, a bell chimed throughout the halls and out into the courtyard. Not waiting to see how the others reacted to his victory, Sesshomaru flung the doors open and marched into the hall.
Kagome and Yukina shared a glance as the bell rang and kagome smiled in relief.
“Congratulations My Lady, I will leave you now, I have no doubt that your mate will arrive shortly.” Giving Kagome a brief hug, Yukina left the room. Sesshomaru fallowed his nose up a long flight of stairs. All around his, servants fell to their knees and bowed to him, murmuring words of fealty to the new Master. Turning left at the top of the stair, Sesshomaru encountered the other woman from the balcony. She knelt and gave her pledge like the others.
“She awaits you in the last room to the right My Lord.” Yukina informed him. Sesshomaru nodded and walked passed her. He paused outside the door before pushing them open. Expecting his arrival Kagome stood facing him, her head tilted at a proud angle.
“My Lady.” He stated. Kagome let her kimono fall to the floor, to pool around her.
“My Lord.” She returned. Sesshomaru shut the door. The West had a new Master.
~ I thought it would be nice to have Kagome in the possition of power for a change, but Sesshomaru had to be as powerful as always. I think It came across well. READ AND REVIEW PLEASE. Sessy21~