"Thankfully," she thought to herself, "I'm the younger one otherwise I'd have to deal with all those lessons like Kikyo. Now that would be horrible."

She examined herself in the mirror, running her hands over the drab outfit that hugged her body. Perfect. The light brown of the material of great contrast to the blue of her eyes. Mood eyes, Kikyo called them, teasing her sister how her eyes would change colors to give away her mood, right now being a gentle sky blue as she felt her heart race in excitement. The thrill of sneaking out the castle to train never left her. These days it was even harder to leave with all the suitors that were going to be coming soon to see Kikyo and the servants bustling about to get ready.

"Poor Kikyo," Kagome bemoaned on her sister's behalf, Kikyo was far too good to complain. Reassuring weight was steadily increased against her body as she slid all her weapons into their place; her multitude of knives and darts, then her more obvious weapon, her sword. She gave a longing glance to her bow and arrow tucked away in the corner, their silence seemed accusing. Well, she had to train with her other weapons sometimes. Letting her eyes fall closed she pushed away her favorite weapon's silent cries of betrayal and the excited flutter of her heart. Breathe in...Breathe out...calm the mind, ease the nerves. The freeing of thoughts awakened the small glow inside of her. Yup, on top of being a princess, and a warrior, she was a miko too. Though she would have preferred not having been a princess, she suffered through it.

Miko powers awake and ready to go. Kagome let her eyes peek open as her spiritual powers stretched out inside of her. Tiptoeing over to the door, no one was around. Al of the servants were far too busy, even to worry about their beloved but troublesome little person. But just to be safe... Quickly she gave a tug at her spiritual powers, shielding herself from others sound, smell, and sight.

"No one can sense me now," she congratulated herself, "human or demon."

Kikyo might be able to detect her though. It was just a sister thing they had.

Slipping out of her room she raced across the castle, relying on her miko energy to give her extra speed. She pried her eyes open, wary for other wanderers. Though invisible to all the sense no one would miss it if an invisible force knocked you over. It was a good thing she wasn't day dreaming because rounding the corner she had to fall over herself so as to not fall on a demon.

"A gorgeous demon," came the silent but reverent sigh.

Pressing herself flat against the wall, didn't hurt to be careful, she gawked. He was tall, about 6'6, long silky, hair that was so white it looked silver. His skin was pale like some rare porcelain, and he had a crescent moon on his forehead, a vibrant color against his snowy figure. And his eyes! Oh his eyes were so golden that could freeze you're core or break your heart. Kagome gave a gasp unable to help herself.

The demon froze. Kagome pressed herself painfully against the wall, trying to force her flesh and the structure to become one. The demon sniffed the air and gave a low growl. She knew what that meant; it was a warning, he could sense her presence even though she had practically hidden her being.

He was strong. Feeling the urge to reward him she gave her little barrier a shake and called out to him. "Impressive."

He gave another growl, eyes scanning the area, "Miko, show yourself."

"No thank you," she giggled. She was already losing time she could be spending training. "I must go now. Enjoy the festivities!"

Remembering to reinforce her protective field, didn't want anyone else to hear her, she slipped off, just barely hearing the demon say, "Interesting."

Sesshoumaru continued on walking, acting unfazed by his run in with the mysterious miko. He wasn't particularly fond of being taken by surprise. This miko must have been powerful. Able to hide any sound, sight or smell of her. Though displeased he was wise enough to know where respect was due. He inclined his head in acknowledgement to the miko, who ever she was.

His footsteps continued their silent path to the ballroom, following his Father's scent. Inuyasha was likely to be late. Inuyasha. He could have rolled his eyes at just the though of the half-breed brother. In the private part of his mind where he let all the truths be known, he could care less if Inuyasha was a half-breed; he just couldn't stand his half-brother's attitude. He allowed himself one inaudible sigh before his already stoic features became expressionless. With one last step he entered the room.

He gave a nod. "Father. Inuyasha." Seemed his half-brother was able to make it on time. Surprising.

His father nodded back in welcome, and Inuyasha just grunted in acknowledgement.

His father glanced between both of his sons, and seeing he had their full attention opened hismouth to speak, "Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, you are both of age to take a mate and if either of you took one of the princesses, it would insure peace between our lands. So please be on you best behavior."

At this he gave both of his sons pointed glances, as both promised to be on their best. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha settled in as their father reminded them of their noble duty. It was of course nothing new but it bore repeating.

After a while the sons were dismissed, and Sesshoumaru thoughts unwilling strayed to the mysterious miko. He wondered what she was doing now.