Today at 12:24 PM

I could hear the city a long way before we reached the border. The scents and sounds if people filling the market assaulted my senses and excitement filled the air.

Once every century the house of the moon held a special event called the changing of the guard. This is where both demons and humans alike were allowed to enter the palace grounds and watch the guard train. There were also opportunities to try out in order to gain a place in the palace guard.

This is what I had been training Shippo for. He was going to try out for the guard and then, when he got in, I would take him to see his father. His father was among the top ranked demons that served under the house of the moon and had done so for many years. He was a very talented soldier.

"Now Shippo," I turn to address the boy who is brining with nervous excitement. "It would be best if we settle in our rooms, get cleaned up and then we can explore the town." Shippo brightened up and immediately lost all of his nervousness and started pulling me by the hand to the palace. "Come on mamma." Shippo said hurriedly. "We need to hurry up." I smiled at the look on his face and hurried along next to him.

The open gates of the city walls welcomed me in after so many years away and I felt almost at home again. I smile at the memories that drift through my mind of the time I was last living in the house of the moon. It seemed like a very long time ago.

We walked through the town whilst taking everything in. The sights and smells were all very new to Shippo and he was all too keen to stop and investigate. When we walked up the white marble steps and reached the entrance to the palace we were treated by a black bear demoness. "Hi my name is Mia. What can I help you with today?" She had a very bubbly personality and was very eager to please. "My name is Kagome and this is Shippo. We are here to try out for the changing of the guard." Mia smiled at Shippo and motioned for us to enter into the hall. Shippo bounded in through the doors immediately and stated staring in awe at the magnitude of the entrance way. I paused before crossing the thresh hold to place my fingers to the concealed clan marking and then to the symbol of the moon that was carved into the door. This was done by my clan to place a blessing to the household and to pay respects to their ancestors.

I walked into the entrance and joined the excitable Shippo. "As there have been many possible recruits for the changing of the guard they have taken many of the rooms in the house. The recruits will reside in the eastern section of the palace near to the training grounds and I'm sorry but you will have to take a room in the western side of the building." The western part of the house of the moon was reserved for nobles and demons with very high standing. I was surprised that there had been so many recruits however I knew that Shippo would do fine.

"Mia could you show Shippo to where he will be staying. I can find my own way." I turned to Shippo who was still gazing at the decorations on the walls. "I expect you to wash and dress in new clothes and I will meet you back in the main hall in an hour." Shippo nodded his head and turned to follow Mia along the corridor to his new home for the next few days.

I, on the other hand, turned toward the west in search of a bath. The walls were covered in paintings and portraits of family and close friends of the house of the moon and more than once I spotted my own portrait. I shook my head. I should have known that Toga would have secretly had them painted.

The baths were just as I had remembered them. Warm and natural filled with the scent of wild grass and pine. I stepped into the warm water and let the dirt and grime soak off of my skin. I let my hair down out of its binding and washed it through. It had been a while since I had had a proper bath and I took my time to fully enjoy the warmth of the water.

When I had finished bathing I stood out of the water and changed into a new set of training clothes. They were easier to move around in and, if I was going to help Shippo with his training, what was the point of getting all dressed up.

I left the bathes and threw my bag on the bed of the empty guest room before wondering off back to the entrance hall. From there I wondered through the back of the palace and to the more private area. I then went straight to the back of the hall where I knew the sanctuary would be.

The sanctuary was a room where all of the portraits of the ancestors of the house were kept. This was a private room for the members of the house of the moon where a person could seek guidance, peace or in my case pay respect to the founders of the clan.

I stepped slowly inside the room before closing the door and kneeling down in front of the altar. I gazed up at the portraits of the previous lords and ladies of the west I noted that he portrait of Toga was not yet hanging on the wall. Still going strong my old friend, I thought to myself.

I placed my hands on the floor and then rested my head on the back of my hands in silent blessing to the household for all that they had done to get so far and for all that they were yet to do.

I then pulled together a glass rose from the abilities that I possessed and placed it on the altar of the ancestors. Many of which I had once known. I bowed my head once again and then left the room, sliding the door back into place.

"This part of the castle is out of bounds to strangers." Spoke the voice behind me. I smiled to myself as I turned around to greet the visitor. "Long time no see Sesshomaru."

Thank you. Please let me know what you think.