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"Look, I'm probably going to die from blood loss pretty soon, so I just want to say one thing. With Rin's spiritual powers coming in so early, she's going to need more protection until she can control that power on her own."

Sesshomaru said nothing in response to Kagome, but he seemed to relax as he stood beside her.

The edges of Kagome's vision began to blur to black. Her eyes swam over the blue sky above them, before finally settling back to Sesshomaru. Gold was the last thing she saw, before everything went black.

The next day

The feeling of a soft bed and the warmth from the blankets around her had Kagome smiling as she woke up. Home… Her eyes fluttered open to a foreign room, and the blankets around her were not her own. She moved to sit up, but a sharp pain from her abdomen stopped her halfway. Hissing in pain, she rested a hand to the area, and raised an eyebrow at the plain white kimono she had on. This is not mine.

A knock on the door got her attention. The door opened before she could speak, and an orange-haired dog demon walked in. Bright green eyes met Kagome's, however, she softened her expression at Kagome's clearly startled look. "I apologize for coming right in. When I noticed you were awake, I wanted to check on you."

"Uh, it's okay..." Kagome trailed off, her eyes moved slowly over the room. When they finally landed on her yellow bag, she sighed in relief at something familiar.

"I hope the room is okay," the dog demon spoke up to get Kagome's attention again. "You have access to a bath as well, but it's not advised you get in the water until your wounds heal more. That's straight from the healer."

"Healer?" Kagome countered, an eyebrow raised.

"Yes," the dog demon said, crossing the room to stop by a changing screen, and where several kimonos were hung. "The seamstress brought you a few kimonos to wear while you are in the castle. They all should fit you well-"

"Castle?" Kagome interrupted, standing up from the bed. She was still extremely confused. "I'm sorry. I don't understand. First of all, where am I? Second of all, how am I alive? Although, I guess that should have been the first question."

The dog demon offered her a smile. "Lord Sesshomaru brought you here yesterday to the healer. As for where you are, you are in Lord Sesshomaru's castle."

I'm in Sesshomaru's castle? She moved over to one of the big windows in the room, and her jaw dropped slightly at the sight. There was a field of what seemed like never-ending grass, but far in the distance, she could just barely see the top of a stone wall. There were trees here and there, and flowers the decorated the grass in places. However, what mainly caught her attention, was the huge garden filled with what seemed like hundreds of different flowers. "Oh wow."

"Now that you're awake, it is almost time for dinner. You'll need to get changed." The dog demon informed her, motioning to where the kimonos were once Kagome looked her way.

"Okay," Kagome agreed, and after a moment of hesitation, she moved to join the dog demon by the kimonos. Red, orange, green, gold, white… I thought she said there were only a few kimonos here. Kagome thought after her eye swept through the ten or so kimonos in front of her. Finally picking one out, she stepped behind the changing screen, and slipped off the plain white kimono she was wearing. That's when she noticed the bandaging on her stomach where she had gotten impaled by the fog demon's knife. Slipping the new kimono on, she stopped after grabbing the obi. Stepping back out from behind the screen, her eyes met the green of the dog demon. "I usually don't wear kimonos that often, and I am not quite sure how to properly tie the obi. Could you help me?"

"Of course," the dog demon replied without hesitation, as she took the obi from Kagome and started to wrap it around her waist. "That color suits you."

"Thank you." Kagome's eyes studied the mirror in front of herself. She had pulled the dark blue kimono out, and it had golden leaves designed on it. The obi was matching gold. It certainly was a lot nicer material than she was used to wearing. After the obi was tied, she followed the dog demon out into the hall, and pulled her hair up into a bun after realizing how dirty it was. Meanwhile, her eyes swept the surroundings and it amazed her at how beautiful the castle was. "This place is amazing… And I have been here since yesterday. I can't believe I was unconscious for so long."

"You regained consciousness a few times, but not long enough for you to remember. You did lose a lot of blood." The dog demon reminded her.

"I guess that's true. I just hate that I lost so much time yesterday and today," Kagome said, then she chuckled. "Of course, I am the person who was so close to death yesterday morning, and instead of being grateful for being alive, I am complaining about the time I missed."

The dog demon chuckled at that, as they turned down another hallway.

As they walked in silence for a moment, Kagome took the opportunity to study the dog demon. Her eyes landing on the ears on her head that looked like Inuyasha's. "I feel like this may come across as rude, but I don't mean it to be… Are you a half demon?"

That brought the dog demon's eyes to rest on Kagome, but instead of looking cross, she held a small smile. "I am. What gave it away?"

Kagome shrugged, and offered a smile back. "The ears. My best friend is a half demon, and his ears look the same way."

The dog demon stopped outside double doors and gave Kagome a nod. "This is the dining hall."

"Oh," Kagome said, looking to the doors and back to the dog demon. "Thank you for walking with me."

Taken aback by her thanks, the dog demon was quiet at first, then she smiled and nodded again. "You're welcome."

After the dog demon opened the door for her, Kagome walked through into the dining room. Right away she was greeted with a big room with a long table. All the way at the end across the room was Sesshomaru and Rin, who had got out of her chair to go to Kagome. "You're awake! I'm happy you're okay! I was scared you were going to die!"

Kagome cringed when Rin had hugged her, and her injured abdomen throbbed with pain. She could tell Rin noticed, as she was quick to step back. Pushing past the pain, Kagome smiled to reassure Rin. "I am alive. Let's just take it easy on the hugs for now okay?"

That brought Rin's smile back to her face. "Okay."

As Rin returned to the table, Kagome remained where she was. Her eyes studying the magnificent paintings on the walls, and the way the room was set up. It was not common for her to be in places like this in the feudal era.

"Miko," Sesshomaru's voice hit her ears, and it surprised her enough to look at him. His golden eyes and stoic expression bore into her. "Sit."

Feeling warmth come to her cheeks, Kagome found herself being ushered by a demon over to the end of the table where Sesshomaru and Rin were sitting, and to the chair across the table from Rin. Her eyes drifted down to her food in silence, as she was rather uncomfortable.

"You look different," Rin said, catching Kagome's attention again. Unlike Kagome, she was clearly much more comfortable here, as she had started eating her food. "Your hair is different."

Brushing a few stray strands away from her face, Kagome offered a smile to Rin. "I just wanted to get it out of the way. It could use a good wash."

"I like that kimono," Rin said, continuing the conversation without skipping a beat. "It's a pretty color."

"Thank you. It's my mother's favorite color," Kagome replied, as she began to feel more uncomfortable. I'm completely out of place here. I still don't understand why I'm even here. Why would Sesshomaru bother saving my life? It doesn't make sense. Instead of letting her thoughts continue to spiral, Kagome forced herself to focus on Rin to change the subject away from herself. "What's your favorite color?"

After dinner

"Come along Rin."

They had just finished up dinner when in came what looked a fox demon to Kagome, and she had asked Rin to come with her.

Rin had got up from the table but stopped to look back at Kagome. "I have to go take my bath and go to bed, but can we play tomorrow?"

Opening her mouth to reply, Kagome hesitated. I don't even know if I will be here tomorrow. Despite her uncertainty, she offered Rin a smile. "We'll see."

"Okay!" Rin exclaimed cheerfully, her eyes moved to Sesshomaru. "Goodnight Lord Sesshomaru."

Out of the corner of her eye, Kagome could tell that Sesshomaru had given a nod in Rin's direction in acknowledgment towards her. Almost as soon as Rin left the room, Kagome turned to face Sesshomaru. "I don't understand."

Sesshomaru's golden eyes slid over to meet Kagome's, but his stoic expression remained.

Despite Sesshomaru's lack of response, Kagome continued, as she motioned to herself. "Why am I here? The last thing I remember was that I was basically about to bleed to death in the middle of some forest, then I wake up a day later and I'm somehow not dead. I have no idea-"

"Stop talking," Sesshomaru interrupted her, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "You were in one of the forests in the Western Land. My land."

"Oh, I didn't know that..." Kagome trailed off, a little taken aback that Sesshomaru had spoken to her. The entire time they had eaten dinner, he had been silent, and Rin seemed to lead the conversation.

"You were brought to the healer at my castle yesterday. That is why you are still alive." Sesshomaru said, his eyes moved away from hers, and his apathetic expression returned.

"Why would you do that though?" Kagome asked only to receive no answer. The door to the dining hall opened at the dog demon she had met before entered.

"Lord Sesshomaru." The dog demon bowed her head respectively towards him, and remained by the door.

Kagome could tell that she was supposed to get up and leave now. Her eyes flickered back over to Sesshomaru, before she sighed heavily and stood up.

"You sacrificed yourself for Rin's sake," Sesshomaru's voice stopped Kagome from moving. "That is your answer."

Realizing that was the best she was going to get out of Sesshomaru, Kagome nodded and tucked the free strands of her hair behind her ear. "Okay… Well, I should really get going-"

"Miko," Sesshomaru's voice interrupted hers and stopped her from walking away. "You shall be staying in my castle until your wounds have healed. You have a room and a bath. A servant has been assigned to assist you."

Kagome's eyes moved back to the door where the orange haired dog demon was, who had given her a nod. "Okay," she agreed, before moving towards the door, but she stopped as she reached the other end of the table, but she didn't dare look down the table to where Sesshomaru was. "Thank you."

Nothing else was said as Kagome walked out into the hall with the dog demon. It was quiet as they walked. I'm still not sure about this. I've been in the feudal era for three years. Most of the encounters that I have had with Sesshomaru usually end up with him and Inuyasha fighting with each other. Sure it's been about a year since my friends and I have ran into Sesshomaru, but still. Those first two years when we were hunting for jewel shards usually were full of unpleasant confrontations with him. As they turned down another hall, Kagome brought her attention back to the dog demon with her. "This place is like a maze. I would get lost immediately if I was by myself."

"You will get used to it." The dog demon replied, a simple smile on her face.

"Maybe… I don't think I'll be here long enough to get used to it." Kagome said, as they stopped at a doorway that she could barely recognize as the room she had woke up in before. The sound of a child's laughter hit her ears, and she glanced a little further down the hall.

"Rin's room is there," The dog demon explained, opening the door to Kagome's room, before they both went inside. However, the dog demon stopped by the door. "Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?"

Glancing into the mirror, Kagome was reminded of how dirty her hair was. "Yes, I would actually like to wash my hair."

"Of course," the dog demon said, moving to a doorway and motioning for Kagome to follow her. "You can bathe in here. However, be mindful of your wounds."

Kagome retrieved her usual hair products from her bag, and returned back to the bathing room. "I'll be creative. I just really need to wash my hair… Thank you."

The dog demon seemed to hold back surprise at the thanks this time, and she offered Kagome a small smile. "You are welcome. Goodnight."

Once she was alone, Kagome paused as she eyed the bath water. Wow, everything really seemed to take a turn in my life in the past two days. Just yesterday morning I was about to return home, then I end up here in Sesshomaru's castle instead. Yesterday morning I was perfectly healthy one minute, then close to bleeding out to my death. If I hadn't sensed Rin… Shaking off the thought, Kagome started on taking her hair out of its bun. I don't know what's going to come tomorrow, but there is no point in worrying about it now.

The next morning

The feeling of a soft bed brought a sense of comfort to Kagome as she woke up, but she grew tense at the remembrance of what happened the night before. Was I dreaming? Did Sesshomaru really bring me back to his castle? Slowly opening one eye, the unfamiliar bed and stone walls confirmed that she definitely was not dreaming the whole thing up. After pushing off her blankets, she got up and moved over to look out the window. She was greeted with the beginning of the sunrise, and she could barely make out where she had seen a garden yesterday.

Glancing back to the door of her room, Kagome hummed. I would love to go outside to see that garden, but I have a feeling I would get lost in the castle if I went by myself… Deciding to stay inside, Kagome lit the candle on her bedside table to give the room some more light, and she grabbed her journal and pen from her bag. Settling by the window, she opened up and started to write down the events of the past few days.

She had gotten so lost in recounting everything that a knocking sound on the door made her jump. She looked up from her journal and found that the sun had risen much more outside. Closing her journal, she slipped it back into her bag, and her eyes went to the door. "Come in."

The door opened and the orange haired dog demon entered, a warm smile on her face. "It's time for breakfast."

"Okay, I just need to get dressed first," Kagome replied, going back to her bag, but she paused when she noticed the dog demon's raised eyebrow as her eyes swept from Kagome to the kimonos in the room. Oh, maybe it's weird if I don't use the kimonos? "I'm sorry. I was just going to wear my own clothes. But I don't have to. I don't want to seem rude if I don't wear the kimonos that were brought in here for me."

That produced a chuckle from the dog demon, as she crossed her arms over her chest. "You'll have to excuse my laughter."

"What?" Kagome asked, unsure as to what she said that amused the dog demon.

"It's just-" The dog demon had to break off to take a breath, her laughter ending with a much bigger smile on her face. "It's strange. You're a guest of Lord Sesshomaru's. You can wear whatever you want to. Do not feel like you need to wear the kimonos if you don't like them."

"Oh, it's not that!" Kagome exclaimed hurriedly, as she waved her hands. "I think they are all really pretty, and I'd love to meet the seamstress who made them and thank her… I'm just not really a fancy kimono type of person. I'm pretty clumsy sometimes, and I would feel horrible if I ruined one of them."

The dog demon gave her another re-assuring smile. "You do need to worry about that. They were made for you to use if you please."

Okay, but now I kind of feel uncomfortable if I don't wear one… Kagome trailed off in her thoughts, as she looked back in forth from her bag to the kimonos. Without much more thought, she found herself behind the changing screen and pulling on a light purple kimono. "These kimonos are really pretty. Maybe you could introduce me to the seamstress. I would like to actually thank her," she said, and smiled when that made the dog demon chuckle. A new thought occurred to her. "I just realized that I don't know your name. I should have asked yesterday, but I guess I was just so focused on being here in the first place."

"It is okay. I don't quite often get asked my name by the guests in the castle. Rin was the only exception. She wanted to know my name almost as soon as she walked into the castle for the first time three years ago."

Kagome walked out from behind the changing screen, after having attempted to tie the obi herself. She accepted Akiko's hands moving to straighten it out, as she lifted her arms out of the way. "I have a feeling that we'll be seeing each other a lot while I'm here, and I want to know your name."

It seemed as if the dog demon wasn't going to say anything, but finally, a smile broke out onto her face again. "My name is Akiko."

"Well Akiko, I'm sure you already know this, but my name is Kagome," Kagome started, as she put her arms back down. "It's nice to properly meet you."

"Likewise," Akiko said, then she motioned to the door. "Let's go. I'm sure you're ready for breakfast."

"I guess," Kagome agreed, as they walked out into the hall. She noticed how that caused Akiko to raise an eyebrow in her direction, and she shrugged. "Okay, it's not like I'm not grateful for the fact that I'm here, because if I weren't here, I would be dead. It's just… I feel out of place."

Akiko caught Kagome's elbow to guide her to turn down another hallway. "That's understandable. How much longer do you plan on staying?"

"Uh, well I would have left yesterday, to be honest with you," Kagome admitted, nearly stumbling over her feet to keep up with Akiko when they turned down another hall that she knew the dining hall was off of. "However, Sesshomaru wants me to stay here until my wounds are healed. Which isn't that unreasonable, because knowing me, I could easily re-injury myself pretty quickly."

They stopped outside the dining hall, and Akiko turned to face Kagome. She leaned a little closer to whisper to her. "It's quite strange how you don't use his title."

That brought a laugh from Kagome, as she rubbed the back of her neck. "Uh, well I'm just not used to that. I've always known him just by his name. In my time, we don't have a title like that. At least not that often."

"In your time?"

"That's a long story..." Kagome trailed off with a nervous laugh.

Akiko nodded, as she finally stepped back. "Alright, enjoy your breakfast."

"Thank you, Akiko." Kagome replied, nodding back at Akiko, before she went into the dining hall. Once again, she found herself taking in the dining hall, as it looked much different in the morning light.

"You're here!" Rin exclaimed cheerfully, her bright eyes following Kagome, who was walking over to sit in the chair across from her. "Your hair is back to normal."

"Well, I managed to wash it last night. However, I probably looked a little funny, because it was a challenge washing my hair and avoiding getting my injury wet," Kagome replied with a laugh, before her eyes slid to Sesshomaru. "Good morning."

Kagome's greeting only received a small, barely noticeable nod from Sesshomaru. As they began to eat, Rin eyed Kagome eagerly. "I'm so excited. I can't wait to show you all my favorite places."

Rin's general cheerfulness seemed to grow on Kagome easily, as she smiled warmly back at the young girl. "I can't wait to see them."

"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin's attention went to the dog demon at the head of the table. "May I take Kagome out to the garden after breakfast."

Unlike the non-verbal response he gave Kagome before, Sesshomaru's nod was more obvious. "Yes."

"Yay!" Rin cheered, as she focused back on Kagome again. "The garden is my favorite. There are so many flowers! Do you like flowers?"

"I do." Kagome said, noticing how that seemed to make Rin even happier. She's so pure. After everything that she has seen at her age, I feel like that it's a miracle she's able to be so happy.

After breakfast

"Come on! Come on! Let's go!" Rin exclaimed, having ran around to Kagome's side of the table as soon as breakfast was over.

Sesshomaru watched as Rin tugged gently on the arm of the miko's kimono. However, when the miko turned her head to look at Rin, her expression showed a smile at the insistence of the young girl. "Why are we in such a hurry? Are we going to miss something?"

Rin nodded quickly in response, as she started to guide Kagome around the table towards the doors. "Yes, we are going to run out of time. The garden is so big."

"Oh my goodness! Then why didn't you say so sooner?! Let's go!" Kagome exclaimed, taking the lead this time in heading to the doors.

Sesshomaru had to fight to keep the smirk that wanted to lift onto his face in front of where the miko could see. To a child, the garden looks like a never-ending maze. The miko, however, knows better, but yet she still goes along with Rin's view of things. His golden eyes followed the miko and Rin as they left the room, and finally he stood up himself. He left the dining hall with a younger dog demon servant at his side.

It wasn't until they reached Sesshomaru's study that the younger dog demon stopped at the doors. "Is there anything I can do for you, Lord Sesshomaru?"

"No, you may go." Sesshomaru replied, walking over towards his desk, and listening as the dog demon had closed the doors after leaving the room. Once at his desk, he remained standing to look out the windows. He could see the garden where Rin had just arrived with Kagome shortly behind her. His eyes followed his young ward as she cheerfully motioned to certain areas of the garden. After watching Rin, his eyes slid over to the older miko. He noticed how her face lit up with a big smile at whatever Rin was saying. Then he noticed that whatever Kagome said back had Rin laughing and dancing around Kagome. He hummed lowly, as he continued to watch the two walk around the garden.

An hour later

Kagome and Rin were still outside in the garden, and were now seated in one of Rin's favorite spots in the garden. It was the Northern end that was farthest away from the castle. Rin was pointing out a yellow one to Kagome.

"This is called a Chrysanthemum," Kagome explained, smiling as that made Rin's face light up. She motioned to a few flowers next to that one. "And these purple ones are called Pansies. Both of these flowers can come in different colors."

"How do you know so much about flowers?" Rin asked, leaning over to study the purple Pansies.

Kagome hummed, as she knelt down to be closer to Rin's height. "My mother loves to garden. We would spend every weekend in Spring going out to greenhouses to find new flowers to plant in our garden at home."

Rin was quiet as she looked down at the ground. "I think my mom used to like flowers… At least I think so. I don't really remember."

Kagome's smile faltered. It was about three years ago that Rin's parents were killed… She was so incredibly young, I don't know how she'd remember them. She reached over to push Rin's hair back. "I'm sure you're right…" She trailed off when she realized Rin's frown wasn't disappearing. Reaching down to rest her hand on the ground, a white flower grew out of the soil, and she plucked it and held it out to Rin. "What do you think about this one?"

Rin's eyes lit up, as she accepted the white flower. It had orange and yellow specks on its leaves. "I like it! What's this one called?"

"It doesn't have an official name."

"Where did it come from?" Rin asked right away, as she looked around them for a similar flower, but she found none. "There aren't any more of them."

Kagome chuckled, and she stood back up. "It's a secret."

"Kagome. Rin."

Akiko's voice hit their ears, and Kagome looked over to see the dog demon walking over alongside a female fox demon.

"Tora!" Rin exclaimed, identifying the fox demon, as she waved excitedly for them to come over.

"Did you show Kagome all the flowers?" Tora, the fox demon, asked with a smile towards Rin.

"Yes, and she told me all their names." Rin replied, before she proceeded to tell Tora some of the flowers she learned about today.

Akiko took that moment of Rin's distraction to focus on Kagome. "You need to come with me."

"Okay," Kagome said, glancing over to where Rin was obviously still distracted. "I'll be back Rin!"

"Okay!" Rin exclaimed, her focus remaining on the flowers still.

Kagome chuckled to herself, as she walked alongside Akiko back towards the castle. "Where are we going?"

"To see the healer."

"Why?"

"The healer is going to look over your wound."

"Oh okay." Kagome said, suddenly all too aware of the bandaged area under her kimono, as they walked inside the castle.

A half hour later

Kagome was now undressed and just wearing her bra and underwear. She had a blanket over her lower half at least, but she still felt extremely exposed. The healer had spent quite a lot of time observing the wound and healing it a little. She had to keep herself still, as the healer had applied something creamy that smelled like it came straight from the forest.

"You're healing well. I put on a herb mixture to help the healing process continue, and I am going to put a bandage on." The healer informed her, before she started working on Kagome's bandage.

Kagome moved her arms out of the way. "I guess it's a good thing that I'm healing well. Considering the only thing I've done is sleep and get a light walk around the garden. The likelihood of me re-injuring myself is pretty slim."

That produced chuckles from the healer and Akiko, the latter of the which was observing Kagome's undergarments. "You wear strange undergarments."

"Well, from where I come from they are just normal." Kagome replied, feeling a little self-conscious at how Akiko and the healer studied her. Once the healer finished re-bandaging her, she rested her arms back down.

"You're healing even better than what I expected." The healer explained to her.

Kagome waved it off. "I guess it's because of my priestess abilities."

"I was going to say the same," the healer said, putting the rest of the unused bandage away. "Normal humans do heal so quickly."

That made Kagome laugh. "I'm not normal apparently."

"Is that so?"

Sesshomaru's voice from the doorway got all of their attention. Both the healer and Akiko bowed their heads respectfully, with a chorused, "Lord Sesshomaru."

Kagome, on the other hand, squeaked and brought the blanket from her lap up to cover her upper half. She jumped down and ran behind the changing screen quickly.

Kagome's reaction had Akiko chuckling, as she stepped behind the screen as well to whisper to Kagome. "You have nothing to be concerned about. You're covered in that strange top on your chest and your undergarments."

"That's not enough for me," Kagome whispered back, hurrying to grab her kimono. She chuckled at how Akiko was laughing at her. "Stop laughing at me."

"I apologize." Akiko replied, but was barely able to contain her laughter.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru had overheard the conversation between the miko and his dog demon servant, and it brought a slight hint of amusement to him hearing all the fussing the miko was doing. His eyes slid in the direction of the healer. "How is the miko healing?"

"She's doing well-"

"Ow, ow, ow!" Kagome's exclamation from behind the changing screen interrupted the healer.

"Kagome, you need to stay still." Akiko said, her tone scolding.

"Well, it's hard to stay still when you are trying to stop me from breathing with how tight you are tying my obi."

"As I said, stop moving and that won't happen."

The healer chuckled after Akiko stopped speaking, before she focused back on Sesshomaru. "She's healing better than expected, and she seems to have slight pain. However, she seems to be managing it well."

Kagome walked out from behind the changing screen, running hands along the obi. Akiko scowled, and swatted her hands away. "Quit. It's not that tight."

Kagome scowled right back at Akiko. "I'm going to tie it by myself next time."

"If you can." Akiko shot back, a smirk on her face as that made Kagome laugh.

Sesshomaru turning to the door got their attention, however he paused to say, "Come."

Akiko motioned for Kagome to come along, but Kagome paused to turn to the healer. "I'm sorry, I didn't get your name."

The healer smiled. "My name is Chiyo."

"Thank you for your time, and for, you know, keeping me from dying and stuff." Kagome said, giving a wave to Chiyo, before she followed Akiko out of the room. One out in the hall, she walked along with Akiko, who was motioning for her to move forward. She raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Akiko sighed at Kagome's obliviousness and leaned closer to whisper. "You're not supposed to walk beside me."

"What? Why not? We've walked together before."

"It's custom that I walk in the back."

"I don't understand-" Kagome broke off, as she realized what Akiko was saying. However, she waved it off. "It's not like I'm some fancy lord or royalty. I'm just a normal person. I don't mind walking with you."

Akiko sighed, but didn't press Kagome further. They stayed quiet walking about ten feet behind Sesshomaru for a few minutes. However, the sight of a seemingly older human woman ahead of them had Akiko leaning back over to Kagome. "That's the seamstress."

"Oh," Kagome said, and without hesitation, she quickened her pace to walk ahead to the seamstress. "You're the one who picked out these kimonos for me."

The seamstress seemed slightly startled at Kagome addressing her, but she smoothed over when she noticed Sesshomaru stopping nearby. She offered Kagome a smile. "I only got a brief look at you before you were brought to our healer."

Kagome laughed, and waved a hand. "Oh well, I'm not usually covered in blood and about to die."

While Kagome's attempt at humor was recognized by Akiko, the seamstress took a moment to realize it. "Hopefully that won't be happening again anytime soon."

"I just want to thank you," Kagome said, motioning to the kimono she was wearing. "I'm not used to wearing such nice clothes. Honestly, I just want to not only thank you, but apologize ahead of time in case I ruin one of them. I am not really graceful enough to wear something so nice."

"Do not concern yourself with that. It is my duty to make wardrobe for the visitors in the castle." The seamstress replied.

"I still appreciate it though," Kagome said, noticing how Akiko was nudging her, she smiled at the seamstress. "Oh, I guess I need to get going. It was nice to talk to you."

They started back walking again. However, they only lasted a minute, before Sesshomaru stopped. "Akiko, you can go."

Without hesitation, Akiko bowed her head respectfully. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."

Kagome watched Akiko give her a look that said "goodbye", but she just offered Akiko a wave. "Goodbye Akiko," she said, watching as Akiko left, then her eyes went to Sesshomaru. He wasn't moving still, and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh am I supposed to go too? I actually don't really know how to navigate this place, because there are about a hundred hallways that all look the same. Maybe I can catch up with Akiko-"

"No." Sesshomaru interrupted her, taking her by her arm, and when she finally walked alongside him, he let her go.

"Okay." Kagome said, dropping her arm down to her side, as they walked in silence beside each other. I forgot how anti-communication Sesshomaru was… Where is he taking me?

"You do not need to thank the servants in my castle. They are tending to you as apart of their duties."

Sesshomaru's words got Kagome to look up at him, as he was over a head taller than her. "I know, but I still want to thank them for helping me. Regardless on if they have to do it or not. I still would appreciate it either way." After she said that, they fell back into silence, and she had to remind herself again that he was not that talkative.

It wasn't until they got to a wall full of windows, she realized they were towards the back of the castle, and that he must be returning her to Rin in the garden. Once outside he stopped, and she paused to look briefly at him. "Thank you."

"Kagome!" Rin called, waving her hand from where she was still in the garden with Tora.

Kagome smiled at that, and when she looked back to Sesshomaru, he had disappeared. Shrugging, she started on her way back to Rin in the garden.

Later that day

"So Rin," Kagome started, having taken the young girl back outside after having spent a few hours after lunch inside. "Have you been feeling any different lately?"

"No," Rin said, motioning to a long stretch of grass a little West of where the garden was. "Can we sit here?"

"Sure," Kagome agreed, as she and Rin sat down across from each other. She studied the younger girl. "Are you sure you haven't felt… bigger?"

Rin giggled at Kagome's question. "I grow everyday. You're supposed to."

"That's not quite what I meant," Kagome smiled, but sighed when she realized this was going to be a lot harder than she thought. "Can you hold my hands?"

"Okay." Rin agreed, happily reaching over to Kagome's hands.

"Focus on me," Kagome said, beginning to gently pull her aura in and push it out again. "Do you feel anything?"

It took a moment, but finally Rin's expression changed to curiosity. "What is that?"

"It's my priestess power," Kagome replied, continuing to pull and push out her aura. "It's easier for you to feel, because we are holding hands. You don't quite understand your own power yet."

"I have powers?"

"I think you do."

"How do I use them?

"You already are," Kagome said, offering the confused girl a smile. "That's what made me come over to you the other day. I could feel your aura. Aura usually comes from someone who has powers. Demons have auras as well."

Rin nodded in understanding. "Because they have powers."

"Exactly," Kagome said, turning Rin's hand over to face her palms to the ground. "But our power is different. Honestly, different than other priestesses. Our type of power incorporates our connection to the earth."

"What does that mean?" Rin asked, she raised eyebrow showed that she was confused again.

"Remember the white flower I gave you earlier in the garden?" Kagome asked, seeing the girl nod, she used one of her hands to make a single white flower grow in-between them.

Amazement filled Rin's features, as she reached forward to touch the petals on the flower. "You made this flower."

Kagome stood up, and reached down for Rin's hand to get the young girl to stand up as well. "I didn't know I could do that for a long time. However, this last year of my life I really started to learn about myself and my powers, and I think this is pretty incredible."

As Kagome made more flowers, Rin's eyes followed her with awe. "Can I do this too?"

"Let's see," Kagome said, getting back down to Rin's eye level. "First, you need to know what your powers feel like. It might feel like a wall when I push my aura out to meet yours."

It took a moment of silence, then Rin nodded. "I like that feeling. It feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket. I feel safe."

"I know. It's pretty cool. Sometimes it can help you tell when someone is out there. If there is danger or an aura you don't recognize," Kagome explained, motioning down to the grass below them. "I want you to focus down on the grass, and I want you to think about making your own flowers."

Rin's eyes flickered downward, with a concentrated look on her face. However, after a few minutes, she frowned and met Kagome's eyes again. "It's not working."

"That's okay. You can do it. Focus on your aura, then try again," Kagome encouraged, keeping a smile on her face. However, she could tell after another few minutes that Rin was getting discouraged again. "I know it's difficult, but you can do it. I believe in you."

Rin nodded, and her focus intensified as she stared at the grass at their feet. Her eyebrows furrowed together, and she hummed when nothing seemed to be happening. She felt the feeling of being wrapped up in a blanket again, and that brought a smile to her face. Kagome. A moment later, pink flowers were shooting up from the grass beneath their feet. "I did it! I did it!"

"I knew you could do it," Kagome said, smiling as Rin's cheerful exclamations were too cute. Her eyebrow raised at how many flowers Rin was creating. "Your flowers are pink."

"That's what I wanted," Rin replied, giggling as she reached out for Kagome's hand. "Will you make your flowers too?"

"Sure." Kagome agreed, and before she knew it, she was running around with Rin. Laughing and making flowers everywhere they went. Excitement flowing through both the girls, as they danced around.

Inside the castle

Golden eyes focused in on the scene that was happening on the land behind the castle. Sesshomaru was standing by an open window in the shadows as to not be seen from the grounds.

"Did you need anything else, Lord Sesshomaru?"

The voice of one of the younger dog demon servants was heard, and Sesshomaru remained focused outside. "No, you may go."

"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru."

The sound of the door was heard opening and closing, and his focus was drawn back outside. Rin was laughing as she danced around with Kagome. Pink and white flowers coming up wherever they went. Each time Rin's laughter went up in the air, his ears perked up a little, and the corners of his mouth slightly turned upward.

After dinner

"Rin, you look like you are going to fall asleep." Kagome said, as they were finishing up dinner. The young girl was relaxed back in her seat instead of the usual full of energy

"I was just about to say the same thing," Tora added, having come in to get Rin for her bath. However, she paused to offer Kagome a smile. "I wonder if it had to do with all that running around you two did today."

Kagome shrugged, as she propped her chin up on her hand. A twinkle in her eye. "It's possible," she said, her eyes flickering back over to Rin. "You should probably go get your bath before you fall asleep."

Rin nodded, as she got up. However, she paused before she could take more than a couple of steps to look back at Kagome. "Will I see you tomorrow?"

"First thing in the morning." Kagome replied with a smile.

It wasn't until after Rin said her goodnight to Sesshomaru and Kagome before leaving the room, that Sesshomaru's eyes focused on Kagome. "There are flowers outside on what was formally grass."

Thinking he was annoyed by that, Kagome waved it off. "Oh, I'm sorry about that. I can go take care of it."

"There will be no need for that." Sesshomaru said, stopping her before she could move.

"Oh right, I'm sure you have someone to do that kind of stuff..." Kagome trailed off, and they were in silence for a moment, before she finally stood up. "I should go to my room. I am going to have to get some sleep, and that way I'll be able to get out of your hair sooner rather than later."

"Get out of my hair?"

Sesshomaru's question stopped Kagome, and she turned back to face him. "It's an expression. It means to get out of your way. I'm sure that you have much better things to be doing. Hopefully, I'll be recovered enough tomorrow, and I can go on my way."

As Kagome met with Akiko by the doors and left the room, Sesshomaru remained sitting at the table. His eyes remaining on the doorway where the miko just left. The miko shall be leaving tomorrow… Standing up, he moved back to the windows that overlooked the backside of the castle, and his eyes focused on the white and pink flowers that overtook quite a large area that used to be just grass. This won't do.

A/N: Kagome's preparing to leave the castle. What do you think is to come when she returns back to her travels? Or when will she reunite with her friends? My favorite scene by far was writing when Kagome was helping Rin with exploring her powers. What was your favorite scene?

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