Chapter Four:

She hadn't expected him to be nice to her, not at all, but at the very least a little bit of cordial politeness was warranted. But of course that wasn't going to happen. She could partially understand, especially if he still hated her for killing Naraku, but wasn't the present much more important? What about the new enemy and her lands? What about the people suffering because of this unknown enemy? Her people.

She'd thought at the very least he would understand that but of course he didn't. Of course. And even if he did he wasn't going to show her. As far as Kagome knew, Sesshoumaru still thought of her as a pesky human miko whom hung around his hanyou half brother. Bah! Stupid mutt!

Now, as Kagome stood on the cliffs over-looking her lands, she wondered why she'd even gone to him for help. Obviously he couldn't get over what had already passed. He might have been willing to help Kagome, Lady of the Eastern Lands, but not Kagome the girl. And even now she wasn't sure which she was, which he wanted her to be and worse yet, which she wanted to be. If there was even a choice or if in reality, it had already been decided by a fate crueler and more demanding than any master.

The cloak she wore now whistled with the wind, the hem brushing against the ground as the hood hung low over her face. If any happened to see her, the only thing they would see was a figure in a cloak, nothing more and nothing less. The moon was only half visible tonight but even that was hidden by clouds. It would rain soon.

She turned her eyes back to the small village before and the lands stretching out behind it. This was only one of the towns in her lands, one of many but it was special to her. Her father had given her this village to run when she was 116. When he'd given it to her it had been run down with only a few residents. After a couple of months in her care she'd turned it from a small, weak village to one thriving with life. Most of the residents were youkai and human children, orphaned at a young age, with older youkai care-takers. It was entirely her village. And because of that it had been burned to the ground, its people massacred.

She hadn't known. Gripping her mother's dagger tight in her fist, Kagome let the anger grow, let it fill her. She didn't know who this enemy of hers was or why her lands were the only ones being targeted so forcefully. The north had been taken through sheer deceit and yet the East was being totaled, as if the enemy was hoping to start it all over from the beginning. She had no idea who it was, but he would pay. If it was the last thing she did he was going to pay. And not because it was fate that she defeat whoever it was but because he'd stolen from and hurt her, both physically and by killing her people. He would pay.

It took a few minutes for her to calm back down but her perspective on the matter was crystal clear. When she was calm, Kagome glanced up at the moon. It was almost time to go and he probably would have noticed her missing by now. And she still had one more stop to make. If things were as she hoped then not all was lost. But if they weren't what she wanted…it was just one more thing to add to the list of growing offenses of the enemy.

Slipping her dagger back into the sheath on her hip and picking up the ends of her skirts, she took a deep breath and then jumped off the cliff. She landed softly on the ground, just a slight jarring shock going through her shins. Even for a youkai it was a long fall.

Hesitating for only a moment, Kagome built up her defenses before walking into the desecrated village. The husks of bodies long burned lay where they had doubtless fallen, shriveled and deformed. She held back the depression at the sad sights and continued on through the village until she'd reached what had been the healers hut.

The small home was as gone as the rest of them were, except for two of the walls. The right and back wall still stood, albeit it looked a little wobbly, and were covered in scorch marks. There were shattered remains of pottery and other small tools littering the floor. A body lay curled around a smaller body in the far corner. The elements hadn't yet got to it and for that Kagome was thankful. It hid what she was looking for. With reverence and with careful hands, she pulled the body out of the way enough to see what she was looking for. A small emblem burned into a piece of wood and attached to the ground. Kneeling, Kagome looked around her quickly for any watchers and when she was satisfied that she was alone, she gently pressed her fingers against the symbol and allowed a small bit of her yōki to flow out of her, tinged with just a small bit of miko power. At the time, many, many years ago, Kagome hadn't know of her miko powers but the Healer and the village head had suggested binding it with both powers, yōki and miko, to make it harder to unveil. Today she was glad of it and even more so of her miko abilities.

The moment her powers touched the wood and symbol, a small square hole opened in the ground beneath the wood, large enough for a person to squeeze through. With a smile she slipped into the hole and dropped a good 50 feet below ground level. As it was underground the area was dark but she had no trouble seeing and she easily followed a small path.

Only a few years after her Father had given her the village, there were a series of raids on villages near hers. The villains had been caught and punished of course, but many of the citizens were still scared. And so Kagome had come up with an idea to connect several of the villages together through underground paths that would lead to hidden caverns in the mountains that lay to the south of the Eastern Lands before turning into Southern Land. Her father had agreed it needed to be done and the project was started immediately. Over a year later the tunnels were complete and well hidden, their locations known only to the village heads, healers and miko's who resided in the village. They in turn would lead the civilians into the tunnels safely if need be.

20 minutes passed before she reached the area of wall she was looking for. It was covered with drawings, none of which had any real meaning. It was simply a ruse to confuse any would be dangers. When she found the new symbol she was glad her father had thought of having each entrance be protected by a different mark so that anybody who wasn't supposed to know didn't know what to look for. She touched it and the wall pushed to the side showing an even darker path than the one she was on. The moment she stepped through the wall slid closed behind her, locking her in.

When she reached the final door after another few minutes of brisk walking she let out a sigh of relief. So far so good. There had been no hint of danger coming or danger passed in the tunnels. Yet. After finding the signal and opening the new door Kagome stopped immediately at the sight of two youkai standing with their backs to an unnatural door.

They seemed as surprised as she was to see another being. Instantly a strong barrier field appeared around her, trapping her in its grasp as the youkai took a step closer to her. She didn't recognize either of them and they had their presence masked so well she couldn't tell what their intents were. One of them appeared to be an Inu, standing tall at 6'1 and skin so dark it was almost pure ebony. Her hair was in a tight braid down to her butt and a black tail wrapped around her waist and shoulder. She glared at Kagome with deep violet eyes and yōki was beginning to roll off of her. The other was a male and from what she could see of him, he was a hawk youkai. His hair hung down to his knees but instead of the usual silky strands he had feathers, layered beautifully. His skin was a creamish yellow color and his eyes were a pale brown. He was glaring at her as well.

"Who are you?" the female snapped, taking a step closer.

Kagome would have liked to back away from the woman but the Hawks field held her tightly in place. "I cannot say. I must speak with Brydwyl."

They seemed surprise at her request but not enough to release her. The female stepped in even closer and using her sword, pushed Kagome's hood away from her face. She sent a silent prayer of thanks to her tutors for teaching her as well as they had. If she hadn't learned what she did, Kagome doubted she'd be able to keep the masking spell up. Right now, what they saw was not her customary blue eyes and black hair but the green eyes and orange hair of Shippou. She had come to learn that her normal appearance was a giveaway of who she was as her family was the only Kitsune clan to have the coloring combination. It was imperative no one know who she was. So she lied. "I am betrothed to Shippou, dignitary to the Eastern Lady and Vassal to the Western Lord."

The hawk scowled but was mildly amused. The girl had very cleanly answered the question by not answer at all. His female companion was not so easily amused. "Show us his mark of intention and we will allow you to pass and see your fiancé."

Kagome thought quickly. She hadn't known Shippou was here, hadn't known he even knew of the tunnels and their safe havens. Frowning, she shrugged her shoulder elegantly, like a young lady who had been raised in court and had no use to answer others questions. "He has not marked me yet. My father would not allow it. He is dead now." She could feel the guilt and understanding on their faces but still they did not let the barrier go. "Please, I must speak with Brydwyl." Her patience was growing thin.

Neither of them said anything for a moment before the female shook her head. "Tell us your name and then we will decide what to do with you."

It was clear the two were just doing their jobs but Kagome was running out of time. It would be dawn soon and she couldn't afford to be in the eastern lands during the day, not until she had a position of power again. Gritting her teeth Kagome let go a string of fluid curses and was amused by the shocked look on their faces. A lady of the court was not supposed to know such language. "Very well. But you will speak of this to no one." Before either of them could say anything against that order Kagome quickly reached her hands up to untie her cloak and caught it before it hit the floor. With one small, precise word the masking spell fell away from her, allowing her natural coloring to return, as well as her markings of royalty and station. "Do I make myself clear?"

The 2 guards stared at her in shock before immediately bowing to her, both of them stumbling over apologies. The barrier was dropped.

"Stop. Please, stand up. I must see Brydwyl."

They did as she said but when Kagome again mentioned Brydwyl, the female glanced at her companion for a moment, before turning back to Kagome. "Brydwyl is dead, My Lady."

That bit of knowledge really hurt, causing her power to fluctuate around her. Brydwyl had been her father's top advisor and had become her own when the thrown was passed to her. He had helped her those first few years when she was still adjusting to being the only one in her family left alive and he had showed her the best way to handle a people who weren't at all ready for such a young ruler. She bit her lip, wanting very badly to speak of him with these guards, to anyone who would listen, but with a sigh she shook her head. There would be time later for remembering. Right now she had to focus. "What are your names?" she demanded.

"I am Inala," the female said immediately.

The male was a bit more reticent but after a moment he spoke. "I am Dean."

"One of your parents is a foreigner then?" Kagome asked, focusing a bit more on the hawk youkai.

He nodded. "My mother was a foreigner."

Kagome caught the past tense and slowly made a sign of peace over her chest. Dean's eyes widened and something like awe shone on his face before he bowed deeply. "Thank you My Lady."

She nodded but turned again to Inala. "Who is in charge then?"

Inala smiled slightly. "Shippou-sama."

Kagome smiled and shook her head. "I should have known." Of course the one who she said she was betrothed to would be the one who was in charge. She wondered how he knew of this place though. "I need to see him." Another thought occurred to her and she added, "I can't let it get out that I'm still alive. I have to put my masking spell back up."

"My Lady, the people are distressed. It would do them well to see you alive. None of them have left the caverns since the massacre in most of the lands. Please,---

She interrupted, a little bit of hope on her face. "Did any of the children from the Kani village survive?" Kani was what she'd named the village, after one of her favorite candies.

Inala shook her head. "No My lady, I'm sorry, but no."

Her thoughts were easy to see as was her pain. And the revenge in her eyes was clear as day. What Inala said about her people being upset at the news of her death got her to thinking. It would be best if she remained dead so the enemy wouldn't know what to expect but Kagome had a feeling they already knew and if that were the case…but still. Was it a wise idea? Tactical reasoning said no but Kagome had always been one to follow her heart for the most part. If seeing she was alright was enough to get them back on their feet then why not? "I won't put the masking spell back on but I need to speak with Shippou."

Inala and Dean smiled before Dean stepped aside for Kagome to open the seal. As soon as her fingers brushed against the cold stone and her power enveloped the seal the stone wall slid to the side. Kagome motioned to Dean. "Inala, I need you to stay here. And call someone to replace Dean. I'm taking him with me." She didn't leave room for either of them to say no and simply waited for Dean to lead the way.

When Dean was walking ahead of her Kagome let out a sigh and very slowly unlocked some of her powers. She smiled a little when Dean glanced back at her, surprise evident on his face before he turned back around. Her cloak was back around her shoulders now, the hood laying against her back. She was getting nervous and when they almost reached the open area of the cavern where she could hear the small buzz of livelihood, Kagome had him stop for a moment. "Do they…do they think I abandoned them?"

Dean looked sad for a moment before he nodded. "There are some who are of that line of thought."

"And the rest?"

"The rest think you are dead. They think you were killed the day you sacrificed yourself for them."

"I see," she said softly, twisting her fingers together nervously. She looked down, still hesitating to go in.

"Kagome-sama, your sacrifice enabled us to save many we did not think we'd be able to save. They are here, awaiting the peace that will surely come if Fate is kind. Above us, most of your soldiers serve the creature parading around as the Northern and Eastern Lords. But that is only on the surface. They wait for their rightful leader to return and take siege. They wait for you My Lady."

Kagome sighed at that. But what am I supposed to do, she thought. I don't even know who this person is. But she would learn she decided. She would learn quickly and efficiently and destroy the evil that had ripped her lands apart. "Thank you, Dean."

He merely nodded his acceptance and turned to lead the way again. Nervous as a bride on her wedding night, Kagome followed after him, keeping close.

The cavern was large and airy and alight with what she recognized as kitsune fire, hundreds of little blue glowing orbs hovering above them all. There were thousands of tents spread throughout the cave as people moved in what Kagome thought had probably become everyday routine for them. Children still ran and played and women seemed to group together, both human and youkai, to work on small projects like repairing clothing or make tools out of regular things their mates and husbands brought them. Most of the men and a good portion of the younger youkai women were gathered on one side of the cave, moving with the fluidity of those well trained in combat. Some were sparring with each other, some were working on their swordsmanship and still others were making weapons. It sent a chill through her to realize they were preparing themselves for war.

By the time she and Dean had reached the center of the cave most of the people had gone silent, simply staring. After all, what their eyes were telling them couldn't be right. Lady Kagome was dead; she had given herself up to protect her soldiers. And yet here she was standing before them as if it were the simplest thing in the world. Cheers rent the air, people calling the Lady's name, saying prayers in her name.

The children were gathering around her now, some of them too young to understand yet happy because everyone else was happy. One child, a little girl who looked to be around 7 years old with black hair and piercing blue eyes, ran into Kagome's legs. She would have fallen if Kagome hadn't knelt and grabbed the child by the shoulders. She smiled at the little girl, her nurturing instincts kicking in like they always did around children. "What's your name honey?"

"Rin's name is Rin!" the girl said, grinning up at Kagome. Her hair was loose except for a small ponytail on the side of her head.

"Rin?" Kagome smiled slightly, remembering the little girl Sesshoumaru used to travel with. She wondered what had happened to the girl.

Thinking Kagome was asking about her name again, Rin continued. "Rin is named after great-great-grandma Rin!"

Her eyes sharpened at that and Kagome brought the girl closer. "Where are your parents Rin?"

"Rin's parents aren't here anymore. Miko-sama says the bad man killed them. But Rin is happy because Rin knows they loved her. Rin's parents are in a happy place now."

A grin formed at that and Kagome stood, picking Rin up with her. "How would you like to meet the person who took care of your great-great-grandmother, Rin-chan?"

Rin looked up at her with eyes round as saucers and what Kagome thought was a little bit of hope. "Really? Rin can do that?"

"Of course!" she answered, patting the girl on the back. She turned to Dean then and blushed at the smile on his face. "Let's go."

"Yes, My Lady." Still smiling, he led the way out of the cavern of cheering people and into a smaller, more brightly lit area of cave. She recognized all three of them as they stood speaking to Shippou in front of a desk. Even from behind, their powers were strong and their voices easily remembered. Her Secretary of Defense, her Sergeant General Master and the Master Spy.

When she and Dean entered the room the men stopped talking and turned to see who had interrupted them. At the sight of Kagome, the three men dropped to the floor and knelt on one knee. But Kagome wasn't paying that much attention to them, her eyes instead on Shippou as he stared in stunned silence at her. She knew it was silly, but seeing him for the first time as old as she was and knowing what she did about him and their past together, tears formed and she launched herself at him.

Shippou laughed and easily caught her, holding her up as she cried into his chest. "Lady Kagome, it's alright. I'm glad you're alive!"

His voice was so deep! That just made her cry all the harder! It took a moment for her to calm down and even after that, a little to compose herself. She had to speak to them all, now! Turning to face the three stunned men, she inclined her head to them in a slight bow, greeting them. "I'm glad you are all here, Lord Alter, Lord Yalta and Sir Haran."

Haran, perhaps her favorite out of the three and her Master Spy, smiled at her as he stood, the formation slow and appealing. "It is very good to see you M'lady. Lord Sesshoumaru is treating you well?"

Of course he knew she was with Sesshoumaru. Shaking her head, mildly amused, Kagome gave a negligent shrug. An honest person, Kagome did not like to lie but her station required that she also speak only positively of the other Lords and Ladies; she could not muddy another rulers name.

He smiled again. "Of course."

Yalta and Alter, twin brothers, were still kneeling before her. From the disgruntled looks on their faces as they glanced up at her their dislike was obvious. Not of her, no, they would never show that outwardly, but towards Haran. The way the younger man addressed her upset them as they were older and raised with stricter values; one did not address ones leader without respect. Very well aware of the process, Kagome turned to them and bowed. "You may rise Lords Yalta and Alter."

Knowing they wouldn't say anything to her unless directly spoken to, she stepped aside so that she was not standing completely in front of Shippou. "I can't stay long, I have a lengthy distance to travel. Now, I need an update. I noted on the way here that several of my citizens, non-combatants, are training to fight. Am I to assume they are preparing for the coming war?"

There was no surprise when Kagome mentioned war and for that, she was glad. These men were strong and well-experienced, even Shippou. That they didn't flinch at the comment meant they too were prepared.

"Yes, M'lady," replied Haran. "When you gave yourself up, many of the soldiers…were distraught. They tried to rescue you and were killed in the process."

There was silence for a moment while she contemplated this before a quiet sigh escaped her lips. "How many?"

"3,000," Shippou said quietly.

There were almost 200,000 soldiers in her army so 3,000 was not a large number. But it was still 3,000 men and women whom who had been under her order and command. She mourned their loss, as did all the men in the room.

Talk from there commenced from the soldiers lost to what would happen now. After much debate, they agreed with Kagome; letting the rest of the country think she was dead would be the best option in keeping their plans safe. As far as deciding what to do next, Kagome wanted to defer to Sesshoumaru and she made this plan to them all. He was far more experience than any of them, though probably the youngest after Shippou and herself.

Communications would be kept simple and Lord Haran would be with her, her liaison between Kani Underground and the West. Sesshoumaru would not be aware of him or rather, Kagome would not intentionally let him know. As to whether or not the Western Lord would find out on his own…that was entirely debatable. Kagome didn't particularly like the idea; she wanted Sesshoumaru to know, as it felt entirely too much like lying. Yalta and Alter both insisted they do things like this, to ensure the safety of the East. Kagome doubted Sesshoumaru was going to try and take her lands from her. Maybe.

After much discussion, Kagome excused Yalta, Alter and Haran from the room. Young Rin had been left outside at the beginning, with Dean, until she was ready to go. Now it was just her and Shippou. And she was hedging around what needed to be said. "How have you been Shippou?" It was so hard to not call him Ship, simply because that was what'd she'd called him since he was a child. But re-raised as a youkai and as a royal at that, more rules had been instilled in her; nick-names were not allowed.

He leaned back in the chair behind the desk, his feet up on the hard wood, grinning at me. "Busy, M'lady. You wouldn't think running this area would be hard-work."

"No," she agreed, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees, her skirts falling around her feet, her cloak still draped around her to provide warmth in the cold, underground caves. "It is secure enough? Only a miko and a youkai together could open the doors." Without realizing it, she'd given an answer that should have seemed strange to him. As a full youkai, she would not have been able to open the doors. He didn't notice.

"So far we've had no trouble, though we've kept the paths to the south clear with guards at the ready should an attack become eminent." Shippou changed the subject, his tone respectful and his face empty of emotions, as was required of one of his station when in conversation with his ruler. "How are you doing with Sesshoumaru? He is going to help us?"

She wanted to cry at the stiff way he was speaking with her, as if he really didn't even want to be in the room with her. Haltingly, she answered. "He's the same as always; arrogant, sure his way of doing things is the only way. He thinks I need to be retrained, whatever that means. It's frustrating."

He shifted tracks yet again. "Brydwyl was killed; assassinated, shortly after your disappearance."

Looking down at her lap, Kagome held in her tears. Brydwyl had been her father's top advisor and then hers, but he was more than that to her, privately of course. Almost 2000 years old, he was the closest thing to a grandfather she had. Always he was there for her, from scraped knees to her first year on the thrown after being orphaned. His knowledge in politics was expansive and he had dirt on almost all the leaders, from the time he was a pup to current, except Sesshoumaru of course, as the current Western Lord was too open to let secrets lay. "I will miss him," she said softly. Her eyes sharpening at a thought, she momentarily forgot the reason she wanted to be alone with the older kitsune. "Was his murderer caught?"

When Shippou didn't answer her, once again something raged inside of her. It was not grief this time, no, much more than that. Anger, hatred and most important, revenge. This monster would pay; for Brydwyl, for Kani, for the lost soldiers and lastly, for all the civilians he'd massacred. She would make sure of it. Unwittingly, her powers started to spread out around her, both yōki and miko, mixing to become a dark a dark violet.

His startled gasp drew her attention and Kagome looked up from her hands to face him. Taking the chance, unwelcome though it was at this point, she slowly drew in her yōki until only the pale blue of her purity remained, floating around her.

"M'lady, is that…."

"Yeah, Ship," she said after he trailed off and didn't finish, "It's purity; as in, miko."

The obvious emphasis on his nickname surprised him and for the first time since she'd entered the room and thrown herself at him, her dear friends facial features were more relaxed, granted it was more from confusion and shock than anything else.

"I don't understand Lady Kagome," he said quietly, leaning forward to set his hands on the desk as he studied the purity floating around her more closely. "How do you know that name; how is…how are you doing that?"

She was silent for a moment as her powers slowly drifted back down inside of her and she tried to think of the best way to answer his question. Firmly, she said, "The same way I know the names Inuyasha and Miroku, Sango, Kirara." She hesitated, before adding one more name to that list. "And Shikon no Tama." Knowing these were things she could learn in any text book about the history of Japan so far, she said, "And the same way I know you haven't had any chocolate since I brought it for you the last time I went home, through the well. Because it hasn't been invented yet."

Ship was silent and that made her nervous. If he still didn't believe her, Kagome wasn't sure what she was going to do, how she was going to prove herself. But before she could blink he was standing in front of her and pulling her up to wrap his arms tightly around her, much as she had when first entering the room. "Kagome-chan!"

Without hesitation she returned the embrace, burying her nose in his neck to take as much of his scent into her as she could, to never forget again. "I'm so, so sorry, Shippo!"

"For what?" he asked cheekily, pulling back to look at her. It was like a spell had been broken. Though he'd thought she had always looked eerily similar to the Kagome from his past, he hadn't made the connection simply because the Kagome he knew now had been all youkai. But after hearing the truth from her and his unerring trust in her, Shippou wondered how he hadn't noticed before. She'd always been there with him. Even as a young demon, appearing in his late teens, when first meeting the child demon Kagome, the resemblance had been disturbing.

She shook her head a little. "For taking your revenge from you all those years ago; for your parents. For everything…" she said softly.

Shaking her a little, more from amusement than anything, he smiled at her to get her attention. "You did it for us, Kagome. That's nothing to apologize for."

A sigh escaped and she slowly relaxed, though she wasn't going to tell him that she didn't quite believe it. "I have to go now. Sesshoumaru is even more volatile now that he knows who I am and my part in the past."

He tensed at that and looked down at her again, the same devoted protection for her from when he was a child back in full force. It was adorable! "Do you need help there? I can come with you and ---"

"Shippou, you can't leave. What about Kani and the citizens?" She knew it wasn't what he wanted to hear, knew he wanted to be there for her like he hadn't been able to when he was a child.

"But I---

"They need you more than I do, you know that…"

He sighed and they both stepped back from the other. Too much time had passed, she knew that. It was well past time for her to take her leave. Sesshoumaru probably knew she was gone by now. "I have to go," she said quietly.

"Be careful. And keep Haran close; you know what he's there for."

She did know and Kagome hated it. It was not something she liked but it was an ancient law, one impossible to change. "I know. And you too!"

With that, she quickly walked away from him and out of the room. Swooping down, she scooped Rin up into her arms and sped past Dean. She remembered the way very clearly and right now, she wanted nothing more than to be alone; seeing the citizens under her rule was not what she had in mind. Because of this she threw up another masking spell before they entered the main cavern, one that changed her appearance and Rin's, as well as their clothing. They looked nothing like the pair that had left the room, instead a red head appeared caring her small, red headed child. Dean, accepting the change, easily led them from the room and back the way she had come.

When they reached the first outer door were Inala and a new guard now, Kagome dismissed Dean. "Your new task is to stay close to Sir Shippou Dean. Do it well." There was no implied threat but despite that, the bird youkai nodded firmly and left again, fully intent on doing his job well simply out of respect for the Lady.

As she approached the door that would separate her from Inala and the new guard, the other woman stepped forward a little, hesitant. "Safety be with you, My Lady."

Kagome glanced over her shoulder, even as she set her hand to the door and opened it. "And glory with you, my soldier." It was a customary greeting when departing company and Kagome was only slightly surprised. "I will pass your regards to your grand-nephew," she added. Sesshoumaru probably wouldn't care though.

She stepped through the door way and it slid closed before the Inu could say anything. Rin was fast asleep in Kagome's arms, her thumb in her mouth as she cuddled in the warmth of the older woman's cloak and body heat. The miko-youkai smiled a little at this but otherwise focused her attention on leaving the cavern again and making sure it appeared as if no one had been there. She could not afford to lose Kani Underground.

"Tell Shippou to start evacuating all non-combatants," she said quietly as she approached the hole in the ceiling that would lead to the surface. There was a non-committal grunt and she smiled grimly. "They won't leave, eh? Very well, make sure they all have weapons then. I won't have my people defenseless again; and make sure they know how to use them."

Another non-committal grunt and once again a small smiled formed on her lips as she crouched to make the jump. Haran would know what to do. He always did. Pushing as much force as she could into her legs, she propelled herself up and out of the ground to land softly just outside the hut. Carefully Kagome swept her senses across the area for a good 100 yards, making sure there was nothing that wasn't supposed to be there. Once satisfied, Kagome wrapped her cloak more securely around the girl and bent to cover the hole in the ground once more, sealing it with just a touch of her powers and pulling the wood back over it.

Quickly she was on her way again, racing across the Eastern Lands as the sun slowly rose from the dark, its dawn light settling over the lands she sped over. Soon she was back in the Western lands and upon entering those lands she almost stumbled at the rage that washed over her. Almost.

For once actually scared to see the Western Lord since she was a child, not counting her human years, Kagome hesitated. He shouldn't have been this angry; for all he knew she was just out for a walk because she couldn't sleep, which had been true at first. She'd just gotten slightly carried away. Still, this type of reaction was entirely unwarranted. As she crossed foot into his lands she could feel it all directed at her as well as his yōki coming closer and closer to her. Wary, she quickly woke the little girl. "Rin-chan, wake up. C'mon honey, time to wake-up."

Obligingly the little girl opened her eyes and stared up at Kagome in the adorable way only children can when just waking up. "What's wrong Kagome-sama?"

Kagome set the child down in front of her and put her hand on the girls shoulders as she knelt to speak to her. "There's another youkai coming. A very strong, very angry youkai. I might have to fight him, do you understand?"

Rin was a little confused but she nodded; if Kagome-sama wanted to fight another youkai it was up to her, wasn't it?

"No matter what, I want you to hide until I call your name. Even if tells you to come out of hiding, you stay there until I say so, alright? It's the only way to keep you safe. Now go! Get behind that tree and stay there!"

The little girl nodded and quickly stumbled away to hide behind said tree. As noted above, she didn't really understand what was going on but Kagome-sama was trying to protect her so Rin would do what she was told. Still, she couldn't help but to peek around the tree and watch; she really wanted to see what this new youkai looked like.

As soon as the little girl was out of sight, Kagome dropped both masking spells and allowed her own power to flow out around her, getting stronger by the second as Sesshoumaru approached. It wasn't just her purification that was strong. Born as she was in this time as the Eastern Lady, her power was strong enough to rival Sesshoumaru's. It wasn't conceit talking but a mere fact. However, though they maybe had the same strength, Kagome knew he had more experience in fighting than she did and would easily be able to defeat her. She hoped to prevent this fight. But if he was too incensed to listen, she needed to be prepared.

But the sight he brought with him was not something she could be easily readied for. His powers were shifting out around him, a dark red and blue, his eyes a deep blood red as he glared at her. He took a menacing step forward and she shuddered. "Miko…"

Ch. Fin.

o.O.o

A/N – OMG. I am so bloody sorry you guys! I hadn't even realized a year has passed since I updated!! *cowers* Feel free to lynch me! As a treat I'll try and get the next chapter up ASAP. Or would you prefer I get the next chapter for And So They Danced out first? You tell me and I'll do my best to have it out be the end of September, maybe sooner! And yes, the next chapter will have more Sesshy/Kags action. XD Keep reading for Review Responses:

Sugar0o – As far as the other person who she's telling, well, I think I answered that with this chapter. ^_^ Also, it was only a year between her mortal death and her birth as a youkai. I'm not sure about bringing Miroku or Sango back but I might use Kirara later on in the story.

Sushiwriter09 – Thanks. Here's the update. XD

TheDarknessAroundMe – Glad you thought so. Hope you think the same of this chapter.

SayaHaji1648 – Haha, thanks! It makes me happy you think so!

Anita Tseu – She knows that Sessy is going to fall for her because Midoriko told her it was pre-ordained, the same way the rest of her life is.

Elemental573 – Hi again! I'm glad. It always worries me when I update because I think maybe I've gone too fast. *sweat drop* Oh well. Here's the next chapter. ^_^

Pandora-of-the-South - ^_^ You'll just have to keep reading. And thanks! Any questions thus far? Aside from where Sesshy was this whole chapter? ROFL

Lady Skorpio – Er…thanks, I think?

RasalynnLynx – Darn! I knew I messed that part up! About his age, he is definitely a good bit older than her. He was already 2-300 when she was a human, so add the year she was trapped in lumbo and the 150 that she's reached now, and he's almost 500 years old. Freaking geezer, robbing the cradle like this!!!

HentaiVixen – Cool! Here's the update!

Regin – You lust huh? I'm sure Sess will soon enough, haha! I've got a surprise for about 2 chapters from now. ^_^

Midnight-Flurry – I might have mentioned brothers in passing in the first chapter, when Sesshoumaru was musing about the East and having to give his blessing to Kagome, but I'm not really sure. ^_^ Yeah, I tend to do that sometimes, throw people off I mean. This chapter is actually kind of a bit boring, that's why it took so long to write; ((That's what I tell myself to make me feel better! XD)) I was just being lazy though. Sorry for that, haha!!

WhiteRose-Kurama – Well now, I can't tell you that, can I? That would give the entire story away!! And Kagome's just so much fun to toy with.

Neko4 – What site, if you don't mind my asking? I thought I'd removed all of my stories from other sites…_

Queen of the Past – I read. And here's the next chapter. Thanks for the review! See, I updated, now you have to read. XD

BlondeKell – Glad you liked it. n_n Hope you liked this chapter just as much.

Red24ly – Here's the update. ^_^

Svettstrumpa – Haha, thanks!

JoJo661538 – I will, hopefully. ^^ I won't let this end unfinished though. I might take forever to update, but I will finish it.

Kags-Sesshy – Thanks! XD

Kage Hasu – Well, it was bound to happen eventually, lol. And Rin and Jaken will be explained in a latter chapter, though I have re-introduced Rins character this chapter. ^_^ You'll get details for what happened to her great-great-grandmother next chapter, maybe. If Sess decides he wants to get all emotional and trapped in memories.