Familiar Faces Reveal Themselves

-I-

Summer

"My Lady?"

Kagome jumped at the sound of her friend's voice. She had been staring off into the woods, imagining she could see a flash of red flitting between the green leaves.

She sighed and turned to face her childhood pal, Keiyatsu Sango, one of the many ladies that lived in the palace. Her family was descended from a long line of demon slayers, and, although fighting with demons was banned, their heritage made them elite members of the nobility. Her friend was looking at her with worried brown eyes, her frown barely contained.

"Are you all right, Lady Kagome?"

Kagome smiled. "Of course! And please, Sango, don't call me 'lady'. We've been friends too long for those formalities."

Sango's expression changed to one of quiet reverence. "Yes, you're right."

Kagome smiled big one last time to reassure her friend before they both turned to look out onto the beautiful palace garden. It contained a large pond filled with koi and other aquatic life. The large trees and flowers dotting the ground gave the scene an air of timeless peace. A small red arch bridge went over a narrow strip of water, and that is where Kagome and Sango currently stood, enjoying the weather.

"Kagome," Sango said quietly, "if something were troubling you, would you tell me?"

Kagome turned quickly, seeing Sango's calm profile staring at the forest around them. Oh, Sango, she thought to herself. I can't hide anything from you, can I?

"Yes. You're my only real friend," was Kagome's reply, swift and resolute.

Sango turned then, locking eyes with her, a silent plea in them both. "Then tell me. What is bothering you? Ever since you went out that night, scaring everyone, you've been acting so weird."

Kagome didn't want to hide anything from Sango. They had grown up together, playing and laughing as children, and struggling through womanhood as teenagers. She had been there when Sango's brother passed away from a horrible accident, and she for Kagome when her grandfather died just last year. Her encounter with Inuyasha had seemed like a dream, so hazy and wondrous, and now she was afraid that if she spoke of it aloud, that dream would suddenly vanish and it would no longer be as great as she imagined.

But, she thought, my friendship with Sango matters more than that.

"All right," Kagome began, turning to face Sango completely, her voice already in the tone of a storyteller, "I was coming back from my visit to the village…"

-I-

Two figures moved through the forest, their clothing elaborate, their stature tall and regal. One had long flowing hair, white, that came down almost to the ankles. The other had dark hair, black, pulled up in a knot with beads and feathers at the top of their head.

"Sesshomaru," said the knotted one to the white-haired person, "why are we visiting the Northern Lands? Surely that Ise woman does not expect you to give up your land!"

The one called Sesshomaru continued to walk, his expression remaining passive. It was as if the woman beside him hadn't spoken at all. Still, she did not look upset by this reaction, and watched him with blood red eyes, waiting for him to finally speak.

"Kagura," he drawled, his voice low and menacing, "I am meeting with the queen whether you desire it or not. She wants peace, and if a little strip of land is what she wants, she can have it."

Kagura looked shocked at first, her crimson lips turned down into a tiny frown. She didn't say anything, however, but only turned to look ahead, her brows furrowed as she thought on the white-haired man's words.

Lord Sesshomaru was not known to give up anything easily. She knew how single-minded he was, and how cold. Why would he care about peace? It was true that fighting between the demons and humans had caused casualties for both sides, and that Ise's ascension to the throne had quickly put a stop to it, but demons within his lands still continued to fight, and Sesshomaru was seemingly oblivious to it all.

Sesshomaru faced forward, but his startling yellow eyes flicked over to watch Kagura deep in thought. He cocked one light silver brow as if curious about her musings, but he remained silent.

Kagura felt his staring at once, and shot him a stinging stare. "What is it?" She hated it when he just watched her with that smug look on his perfect face, saying nothing.

Sesshomaru paused, just slightly, his expression turning from amused to something else, something more serious.

"This Ise, she has done much for her people. If I do not do the same, I would be lower than a human woman." He spoke calmly and without emotion, but she could see the feeling in his eyes. He was trying to reassure her, to explain his actions.

She didn't want to take this moment lightly. Rarely did he open up to her, and when he did, she tried to cherish the moment, however small.

She felt sheepish for being so rude, and looked away, a slight pink on her cheeks. "I understand," she whispered, "Thank you."

And so they continued on in silence through the forest, the Northern Lands just a day's walk away. They would reach the palace by nightfall, and then they would meet with Queen Ise to discuss the land treaty.

Kagura felt apprehensive about meeting with the queen, but she was also slightly intrigued. A human who took demons into her home, and treated them as equals, was quite different. She didn't know whether to think of the woman as foolish or incredibly kind. Either way, she had heard many things about her, and her daughter.

Yes, she thought, the Lady Kagome, daughter of the Graceful One. She would have to meet with her as well.

"Kagura," Sesshomaru spoke, his ever neutral voice cutting her thoughts like a blade.

"Yes?"

"Don't fall behind. We'll have to move quickly now." And with that, he took off, his image a sudden blur flying ahead of her. She stood for a moment, baffled by his actions, then immediately she grew angry and bounded after him, a scathing remark bitten back in her throat.

Stupid demon, she thought. I'm always one step behind you.

-I-

"Your Highness, the Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Kagura have arrived."

Ise turned from her position at the window, her expression mild and serene. She nodded to the servant who had spoken to her, saying, "Please, tell them to join me here."

The young girl bowed low and started to leave, but the queen called out lightly, stopping her mid-stride.

"Oh, and please send my daughter in as well."

The servant bowed again in recognition, and left Ise alone with her thoughts.

This would be good for Kagome. She had spoken with many demons and lords, this much was true, but she had never met the Lord of the Western Lands, Sesshomaru. He was the most feared and respected ruler of all the demons, and Ise had an instinct that this man would show Kagome what a true demon lord was like. She would need to know how they thought and spoke as she would soon be queen herself.

The door to the room was pushed aside further by a young girl servant, and close behind was Kagome, dressed in a beautiful silk kimono of green and black and gold. Her hair hung down in waves around her face and shoulders. She looked every bit the princess.

"Hello, mother," Kagome said, bowing slightly as she entered the room.

Ise smiled fondly, but her words betrayed a different sentiment. "Don't think I have forgotten your escapade in the woods. You were out all night, worrying everyone in the palace, me most of all."

Kagome bowed her head, shame in her eyes. "I know, mother. I'm so sorry."

"I should make you quit your archery lessons as punishment."

Kagome's head flew up fast, her eyes wide. "No!"

Ise raised an eyebrow at how forceful her daughter was behaving. Should she have expected anything less?

The queen sighed. "I don't want to take that from you, my dear, but how else can I stop you from running off into the woods, without a word, without anyone with you?" She walked to her daughter, pulling her into a soft embrace, being a mother instead of a ruler.

"Please, Kagome. You will be queen someday, and you must learn to be more responsible."

Kagome felt her cheeks burning with shame and guilt, but a rebellious part of her screamed, but I am responsible! I just want to be free to do what I want. Is that so much?

Ise held her daughter in front of her, smiling brightly. "Now, now. Don't be upset. The Lord Sesshomaru and Lady Kagura will be here in a moment, and I want you to meet them."

"Yes, mother."

Just as the words left Kagome's lips, two people stepped into the doorway, their height imposing. Ise turned with the same happy smile to greet the two demons. Kagome stood next to her mother, almost speechless at the sight of the lord before her.

She looked at this demon lord, at least two heads taller than her, with his long flowing hair and exotic clothing and scarves. His face had markings of the most curious kind, but they only made his creamy white skin stand out more. When Kagome looked into his eyes, her heart almost stopped, for they were fiery gold, a smoldering yellow that pinned her like an arrow. Her mother seemed unfazed by her daughter's sudden lack of propriety, and stepped forward.

"Good evening Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Kagura. Would you care to sit down?" She gestured to the large floor cushions placed around a low wooden table, papers and scrolls laying on its surface.

Sesshomaru's attention went to Queen Ise, giving Kagome the opportunity to breath normally again, and gave a curt nod in answer.

The lady that followed behind the demon lord was equally as interesting and exotic as Sesshomaru, and Kagome was almost envious of her wine-colored eyes and heavy lashes. She looked like a woman not easily crossed, and Kagome admired her for that. Kagura shot her a penetrating glance, but that was all.

They all took their seats around the table, and the meeting began.

Sesshomaru and Ise did most of the talking, with Ise speaking to Kagura occasionally, and Kagura to Sesshomaru. Kagome was the only one who remained silent, but she listened avidly, and found out that her mother was going to take control of a small portion of Sesshomaru's land, an area riddled with fighting. Ise planned on stopping the battles and bringing peace to the Western Lands.

All the time the discussion went on, Kagome had been sneaking glances at Lord Sesshomaru, finding something oddly familiar about his features. She had encountered many demons in her lifetime, and to place his pointed ears and mysterious expression was quite difficult, but she could not shake the feeling.

It wasn't until he spoke to her directly that it all seemed to match up.

"Lady Kagome? Do you agree with your mother?"

Kagome hadn't heard what her mother had said, but it wasn't his words that surprised her. It was the glint she saw in his eyes. They held a cynical humor in them, one she had seen just recently in another demon's yellow eyes.

Without a doubt, Lord Sesshomaru looked like an older version of her demon encounter, Inuyasha. Could they be...she thought with wonder.

Brothers?

-I-

AN: Ho, ho! What a twist. Things are going to get interesting from her on out, so look for the next chapter pretty soon, and in the meantime, read and review, k!

Thanks for reading, all! Love—

&Niiroke&