~~~Kagome~~~~

Stupid stupid stupid. I literally just stared at him, it was like I never seem a demon before. Though I doubt I was the only female ever to act like that to him. I mean he was handsome. Sesshomaru had hair that was so white it shined like silver and gold eyes that were the oddest color of gold, but were so enchanting. He's like the Prince Charming straight out of a fairytale.

Kagome felt a niggling feeling and turned to see Bankotsu giving her an peculiar look. Suddenly embarrassed she turned away before he could see her blush.

"Let's take a walk Kagome-chan," Bankotsu stood and motioned for Kagome to follow him. Bankotsu knew when she had something on her mind. Which is why the moment they exited the doors that led from the quarters they will be residing in for the next couple of days. She immediately begin talking to to distract him.

"We need to start training immediately. And I may need to go in search of a nearby village for a priestess. I can learn much on my own, but a priestess can show my a more proper way.

After a few turns in the hallway Bankotsu sighed, "If you need to talk to me, I'm here."

When they sensed a presence behind them they turned and spotted Jakotsu. "The Lord of the West asked me to inform you that dinner should be served in a moment."

"We should head over." Bankotsu knowing that only one guard can stand watch over him in certain settings such as these turned to Kagome. "Where will you go?"

"I will head back to our quarters," Kagome turned to walk away.

"There's a dinner hall where the guards and the people of the palace go eat just down the southern hall," Jakotsu called out to Kagome.

Kagome, now alone, realized she didn't pay much attention when her and Bankotsu wondered down the halls. There were window openings every few yards, that covered only the upper half part of the walls and the walls seemed to be carved with intricately cut designs. Some of the markings made out to be what seemed to be dog demons. Was this drawn from the minds eye?

She took a step closer and lightly traced a dog's face. What a beautiful design. Kagome took a step back and begin to walk back the quarters. Glancing at the floor she saw that it was made from a marble stone. I wonder how's the children doing. How's my people. My father?

So deep in her thoughts Kagome didn't realize that there was someone coming down the hallway. She also didn't notice until to late that she ran right into Sesshomaru. "My apologies Sesshomaru, I wasn't watching where I was going."

~~Sesshomaru~~~

Sesshomaru saw the cerulean eyed guard coming down the hall, but decided to ignore her. He felt that he had already spent enough time wondering about the human guard. As he got closer he expected her to move out the way, in fact it seemed like she chose to ignore that he was there. Which proved to be the case when she knocked right into him.

"My apologies Sesshomaru, I-I wasn't watching where I was going." She nodded her head at him and began to walk away, but Sesshomaru voiced stopped her in her tracks.

"I know our customs may be different, but in my lands we expect more respect for our kingdom," Sesshomaru spoke agitatedly.

Kagome who was shocked, to say the least, quickly stammered, "I am sorry, it was a mistake. I did apologize."

"I wasn't speaking of the apology," said Sesshomaru as he stepped closer to her. "What is your name?"

"K-Kagome sir," she stammered.

"Well Kagome, in our lands we bow to those who are of a higher station."

Kagome never really had to bow to anyone except for before a sparring session, and never demanded anyone to bow to her after being introduced. So you can imagine her mistake. "I am truly sorry sir. Forgive me," Kagome bowed then turned around.

In a flash Sesshomaru was in front of her. "I don't recall dismissing you."

"Oye Sesshomaru. We need to get to the dining hall, it's time for dinner," Inuyasha said while running down the halls.

With one last look at Kagome, Sesshomaru turned and walked away.

Inuyasha noticing Kagome introduced himself. "I'm Inuyasha, and you are?"

"I'm Kagome."

"Nice to meet ya," Inuyasha said then rushed after Sesshomaru.

~~~Kagome~~~

Later that night

Kagome was looking out at of a window that over looked a well kept clearing. The moon illuminated the trees and the flowers to the point that Kagome felt like everything looked surreal. She stepped away and looked around the parlor that connected her room with the other guards. It was octagon shaped with identical doors that led to their rooms and the window that she just peered through, which went from floor to ceiling took on one wall. Then there was a somewhat grand entrance that separated the room from the hall, at which Bankotsu came through with Jakotsu. "How did the dinner go?"

"It was just like any other dinner," answered Jakotsu with a sluggish way while walking to his room, but suddenly perked up. "But the handsome Inuyasha kept me quite entertained. Now if you don't mind I must retire, for I have very naughty dreams to think about."

Bankotsu (who wasn't used to Jakotsu opened gayness) looked absolutely appalled, but Kagome couldn't help the very amused laugh that escaped her. "Got to love Jakotsu."

"Kind of hard to do when he give such graphic images of people you rather not have in your head." Shaking his head he added, "I received permission to use their training room anytime it's available."

"So when do we start training?" inquired Kagome.

"At first light, so you could get some training in without worrying about anyone disturbing you."

"Sounds good..." Kagome debated on telling Bankotsu about her earlier altercation with Sesshomaru, but decided against it when she thought about how he would react. "We should get some rest, I would like for all of us to get some training in together," she opted in saying instead.

"Kagome are you okay?"

Can't hide anything from him... should have known. "Just thinking is all," Kagome sighed.

"Everyone is safe. You should know that," Bankotsu said as he walked up to her in slow deliberate steps. He put a hand on her shoulder and tugged so that she leaned against him a little. "You worry all the time over things you should let us handle. Right now your goal is to train your powers."

"I know, but I am putting my people at risk because of me."

"It is our duty to protect you, it is not your fault that you were blessed by the kamis. Now go get some rest."

Kagome let the subject drop. This dreaded feeling isn't going to go away just by stressing about it. I have to train. "Alright, good night." She looked at Bankotsu. Her and Bankotsu grew up together and do everything together. There was never a time where she didn't go to him with a problem. So naturally when they both got older he was chosen to be her protector.

At first she hated it, she didn't want him to serve her, or stay with her just because this new found duty. When it was announced at her ten and five years celebration, she was furious. She waited till she was alone with her father and nearly yelled at him. Kagome opposed this decision, but deep down she was happy. Happy that he will be there, always.

She gave him a hug and offered him a smile before she turn to her assigned chamber.

That night the oddest thing happened to Kagome. She didn't remember the whole dream or how the sequence of events even came to order. She rationalized it as her mind being over worked from the constant worry and that she latched onto the unknown as she always does. Though, that was not the point, the point was that she did. Kagome dreamed of Sesshomaru. It means nothing to her now, but later it will.