Before dawn when it was still dark Kiya stepped into Kagome and Sesshoumaru's camp and immediately she heard a warning growl obviously from the pestered lord. "Relax Sesshoumaru it's only me." Kiya said with slight irritation soft enough no to wake Kagome but loud enough for him to hear her.

Sesshoumaru scowled at her through the darkness, she was carrying an oh so familiar scent with her. He hasn't smelled that scent for centuries, but it couldn't be his sire was dead then again Kiya was full of surprises. He could also smell a hint of the wolf that took a fancy to the little miko. But that didn't bother him as much as the smell of his father on her. She was also giving off a disturbed flair in her aura, almost like she was pissed about something.

"Is something disturbing you Kiya?" he asked trying not to sound too curious.

Kiya raised an eyebrow at him Sesshoumaru never asked what was wrong unless he wanted to know something, "Damn his curiosity!" she mentally cursed.

"Sesshoumaru you know my business is not to be discussed…" She said, as a matter of factly as in he already knew this, "Especially with you… * she let out a frustrated sigh * Lets just say things didn't go as I had planned." She added and snapped her jaw at him like an inu would do as a warning.

Sesshoumaru just stared at her, now he knew for sure something was bothering her she was never snappy even in the worst of situations. Hell she was even more cool and collected than him at times. "I want to talk about something with you in private?" He inquired. He had to know why he smelled his sire on her and how she even got it.

"You can't get anymore private than this Sesshoumaru!" She said feeling a little loose than before.

He looked at her and raised an eyebrow, had she forgotten about the miko? Their conversation could easily wake her and she could listen in. Sometimes he wondered about Kiya, she could act totally lost at times and then she would be serious, then again maybe her lost act is a cover. So he decided to rephrase what he said.

"I was trying to say that our conversation could wake the miko, unless you've forgotten her presents." He said in a cool manner looking at her with a bored face.

"She's not trained that well yet Sesshoumaru, she's still a heavy sleeper but if it makes you feel better we will go a little into the forest to talk." She said with a sigh and headed off into the darkness of the trees and brush. Sesshoumaru got up and straightened his outer robe and followed her.

"Your not going to try and mount me again are you." She joked coming to a stop on front of a large tree and turned to face him.

"That's not what I had in mind." He said and then smirked, "But if you insist…" he trailed off and leaned in so their faces were mere inches apart and closing.

Kiya rolled her eyes at his failing attempt to kiss her, so she slid her hand up between their bodies in front of her face her palm facing Sesshoumaru and pressed her hand to his face and pushed him away to put some room between them, "No that's not what I was insisting." She stated firmly.

Sesshoumaru mentally scowled but backed away anyway. He was on his last string with her and refusing to have any contact with him, dammit he needed to rut and the desire for it was growing with each day he put it off so he snapped, "Why do you keep pushing me away?" He barked.

Kiya's eyebrows disappeared under her bangs in surprise he's never lost his cool let alone raised his voice. "Pushing you away from what?" she asked confused.

"From this…" he grabbed he shoulders to keep her still and leaned in to kiss her again she turned her head so he only got her cheek. "That! You won't let me touch you, kiss you; you even refuse to rut with me. Why." He demanded.

"Is this what you brought me out here to ask." She said putting her hands on her hips.

"No… But I have every right to know." He stated lifting his head arrogantly.

Kiya ticked her tongue on the roof of her mouth in thought, "Tell you what, you ask me the question you insisted on being private about and maybe, maybe I'll tell you why I refuse to do these things with you." She ended with a smile and thoughtfully crossed her arms.

Sesshoumaru hated this she was always making deals with him… This was her way of going around things and getting to the real point of why you came to ask her something in hopes that you'd forget what ever it was that you asked her in the first place. That was her way of getting out of answering your question, which meant if she was doing this she was either not supposed to give away the information or she was hiding something. She's done this to him before and to his past stupidity it worked but not this time, he wanted to know why and he would choke his answer out of her if he had to.

"Fine it's a deal… My question is why do you smell like my father?" He said and set her with a stare not that it would do any good with her but it was a habit he did not intend to break.

"I didn't know ghosts had scents…" She mumbles out loud to herself.

"Are you telling me that my fathers apparition appeared before you, when did this happen?" he said narrowing his eyes in disbelief.

Breaking her out of her inner musings, "Huh? Oh yesterday when I finished my business he came to see me * she clasped her hands together * he's still as handsome as ever. He's a gift for me from the kamis when I finish my task." She said ending with a small smile.

"What do you mean by gift? Handsome as ever? You and my father have a past!" he questioned and hissed the end.

Kiya heaved a sigh she knew this would come up one day so she decided to go with the flow, "Sesshoumaru…" She started and sat down and he followed suit. "Your father and I had a relationship like you and I use to… * she looked in his angered eyes * we bedded… a lot… during and off relationships as in the 'mating'… we were together when he was with your mother but only after she fell ill and couldn't perform for you father not that she would do anything for him anyway because they didn't like each other… They're mating, as you know was an arranged one from the council. Basically so he could have an heir. * She added quietly *

Me and your father were close friends even before you mother came along and then your father decided he wanted to take it another level when your mother was sick, I was against it at first because your father and I weren't supposed to be until your mother passed I of course knew this, but I got caught up in my own lust and desire so we bedded… You see Sesshoumaru when your mother died your father was supposed to mate with me… The Kami's wanted the two most powerful beings to be together… * a single tear ran down her cheek * But he found Izayoi and fell in love with her, apparently he was seeing another outside of your mother and myself… Your mother had the sight she knew he belonged to me, * she chuckled * though cold and indifferent at times she was a nice woman and we got along well." She took a breath before she continued.

"She tried to tell me about Inuyasha's mother but I wouldn't listen my visions wouldn't even show me I guess because it was my own fate… I wouldn't have believed her anyway. * She looked away from him * that was until a lot of rumors started to fly around not only the palace but the lands as well, that he had fallen for and mated with a human and that she was impregnated with his pup… He had taken a different road then what the kami's had planned… I crashed down to reality really fast, my heart broken because I loved him so much… Your mother when she was still alive helped me with my pain.

She helped me mold my emotions and hide them from the world just like you, she told me that emotions would only tare you down and become a lesser being especially when you love; you won't be able to see past things that needed attention or a closer look. You were a few centuries younger but not by much, you haven't seen me since that day have you * Sesshoumaru shook his head * that was only because I hid away to think about what your mother had told me. I made my appearance once again when I realized that your mother was wrong." She sighed and looked at the ground trying to put her words together to where they would be directed at him but not sound that way, looking back at him she lightly sighed again.

"Emotions are not a weakness, they don't make you weak they make you stronger… Take Kagome for instance, she's very emotional but also very strong… Me I may not be as emotional but I still show it, it's not proper for my status but it comes with age * she shrugged *. You may like what I have to say but then again you may not, you can't say emotions and love make you weak until you yourself actually experience the power it brings you. Fighting for someone you love or just to protect them is the ultimate power." With that said she got up and left to let him think on her words and was mentally cheering because she tricked him again. "The kami's will bring your father back to life to be my mate once my task is complete." She said over her shoulder while walking away.

Sesshoumaru sat there a little stunned. He had no idea that Kiya and his sire were meant to be. He knew that his mother and father's mating was arranged but he didn't know that is was only so he would have an heir that way he could take Kiya as mate. But it did make a little sense seeing as Kiya couldn't produce an heir. He wasn't upset at all that she had bedded with his sire for he at the time only saw her as a good friend and someone to talk to. He looked to the ground, what his mother told her was the same stuff she always told him. Emotions were a weakness and would only get you killed and he only saw that fact true by his sire getting killed trying to protect Inuyasha and his mother.

But then her words that were so similar to the words his father spoke to him before he went to save his second mate. 'Do you have someone to protect?' was what his father spoke then there was Kiya 'Fighting for someone you love or just to protect them is the ultimate power.' They were totally different but basically meant the same thing. His mother tried to turn Kiya into who he was today but she was strong enough to surpass what his mother had said. She was right she is emotional and is still living, excluding that fact that she can't die she seems more at ease being able to show how she feels, the miko also she seems to be more at ease as well. No, he wasn't thinking being more emotional because it was foreign to him and made him feel weird, he was so used to being stoic, arrogant, collected, and as emotionless as possible that he didn't think it could be possible that he could… mush up a little… He sighed and turned his head to look in the direction that Kiya had left, he would think about trying this tactic, not be emotional but compliment things every now and never, sure it would take him a while to do so but he guessed he would eventually warm up to it and work from there. But he wasn't making any promises… After thinking a while something just occurred to him, Kiya had tricked him yet again and got away before he could question her as to why she's been pushing him away. With an internal growl he got up and headed back to camp.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Later in the morning Kagome cracked open her eyes only to see crimson white ringed ones staring right back at her only inches away. With a squeal of surprise she jumped up in a sitting position with her hand on her chest trying to catch her breath. "What are you trying to do give me a heart attach?" she shouted at an amused looking Kiya.

"What's that?" she asked tilting her head to the side.

"It's when… oh never mind. When did you get here." She asked in a grumpy voice.

"Before dawn, your quite the sound sleeper that is not acceptable for a miko of your caliber you must always be aware even in your sleep." Kiya stated calmly but had a serious look.

"How do you expect me to be aware and sleep at the same time?" she snapped putting her hands on her hips, Kagome was not a morning person.

Kiya smiled, "Oh cool down it's no big deal for now, you will learn once we start your training it'll become a second nature to you once you learn all the little tricks." She said taking a seat next to her.

"Really! * Kiya nodded her head * awe that would be so awesome." She said happily and then looked around camp. "Where's Sesshoumaru?" she asked and a light pink blush crept on her cheek remembering yesterday.

This of course did not go unnoticed by Kiya, "I sent him out to hunt for food but he'll be a while though there's nothing for miles around here… What's with the blush did something happen while I was gone?" she asked suppressing a grin as Kagomes face got pinker then red.

"Kagome is there something you want to tell me?" she asked teasingly poking her arm to try and prod information out of the secretive miko.

"No" was her very quick answer, "Sesshoumaru said keep quiet." She said in her head

"AH HA * Kiya pointed at her * so you are hiding something, spill it!" Kiya demanded in a playful tone.

"No I'm not supposed to." Kagome said looking away from her.

"Kagome if you don't do it I'll tell Sesshoumaru." She egged

"How? I didn't even say anything." She said narrowing her eyes at her.

A devious smile slithered on Kiyas face, "All I have to do is say 'Kagome had a slip of the tongue about something yesterday having to do with you and her…" she was cut off.

"Alright I'll tell you geez, you worse than my friends in the modern day." She huffed and took a bracing breath. "I hugged him." She breathed over dramatically.

Kiya sat there staring at her with an unfazed bored look. She didn't understand what the big deal was, all Kagome did was hug him. "That's it." Was all she could say.

"What do you mean that's it, I hugged the ice prince the 'you touch my person and I'll rip your head off' dude. And all you can say is that's it!" She shrieked.

"Well yeah I mean all you did was hug him. No was harm done, but I'm so glad to hear." She said with an accomplished voice.

"Why would you be glad to hear it?" she asked raising her brow in confusion.

Kiya waved her glove-clad hand dismissively, "Oh never mind that it's not important, what is important is that today after you eat a hardy morning meal we will start your training." After Kiya said this she had to cover her ears as Kagome did a high pitched squeal in delight.

Kagome covered her mouth really fast after she noticed Kiya's pained looking face, "Sorry I forgot about your ears… What am I gonna battle in? I don't have any clothing to spar in." She stated while grabbing her backpack and looking through it to find something to wear while taking out the things she uses to get ready for the day.

"I have that all taken care of don't you worry… And I suggest you not take a bath yet, your going to be quite dirty after we finish." She said getting up to reset the fire that fizzled out. Kagome watched as Kiya shot fire out from her fingertips and went wide eyed, "I have to spar against this… Great just great I'm going to be burn to a crisp." She thought sourly while putting her bathing stuff away for later but kept out her toothbrush, tooth paste, mouthwash, and her brush.

"I'm gonna go and freshen up a bit OK!" she said and left after she saw Kiya nod her head signifying that she heard her. Just as Kagome left the camp Sesshoumaru walked in with a small rabbit in his claws. Kiya looked at him then at the rabbit and smirked, "Gee couldn't find something any smaller?" She teased and he growled at her.

"I still have unfinished business with you Kiya remember this." He warned in an icy tone.

"Ooo I'm shaking in my boots * she joked walking over to him * You know Sesshoumaru that stick in your ass is supposed to find it's way out over the years not wedge it's way further in." She said snatching the rabbit from his grasp to cook and a little giggle could be heard entering the camp.

Sesshoumaru turned his head to the source making the noise to find the miko trying damn hard to not just out right laugh at Kiya's remark towards him… And for some reason his demon was howling in anger inside at the public humiliation. His chest then clenched making him breath out harshly almost making it sound like a snort of sorts. Kiya looked at him confused but he just ignored her and went to sit under a tree.

Kagome had a smile of amusement on her face while she put her things away and caught a whiff of the cooking rabbit, "Mmm, smells great." She said and her belly agreed with her comment for it growled in hunger. She put her hands on her stomach and blushed a little.

"Hm. Smells are deceiving * Kiya snorted remembering the last time she had cooked meat * but you'll have to wait, I don't need you getting sick." She said in a motherly tone and smiled at Kagome as she pouted like a spoiled pup.

While the rabbit was cooking Kiya got up and stretched, "We will be staying in this area for a reason * Kiya looked at Kagome * the wide open plains will give us room for your training. Not to mention because of the hot spring near by you'll be able to have access to a bath when finished. It is truly the perfect area; I scouted it out before we ever met. " She said with glee giving a cheerful smile when finished. Kagome gave her a confused look but decided to ask her about it later.

"Don't you think this a suitable area to spar Sesshoumaru?" She asked taking the rabbit off the spit and preparing it for Kagome, he only did a 'Hn' in response. Kiya rolled her eyes and handed the food to Kagome, "Here eat up you'll need your strength." She said and walked over to her cargo. Kagome complied without hesitation and dug in like a dog that hadn't eaten in weeks.

"I dropped by the palace real quick and picked up some things * she plopped the satchel on the ground at Kagomes feet * I will be awaiting your arrival in the middle of the clearing once you dress… * she turned to leave * oh and Sesshoumaru help her put the armor on." Were her last words before she disappeared off to the clearing.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at where Kiya had left and lightly growled making Kagome jump in her spot. This crazed woman insisted on leaving him alone with the miko and never let him retort on her decision either. Almost like she was doing it on purpose. No matter, he would help the miko with her armor then watch her pathetic attempt to try and spar with the most powerful creature on these lands. He smirked this could prove to be amusing after all.

Kagome put down the empty plate and opened the satchel that Kiya had brought and pulled out the outfit… well if you could call it an outfit, it looked more like two pieces of cloth. Kagome held it out at arms length and eyed it with wide eyes, "She is not seriously expecting me to wear this is she?" she said stunned that Kiya would even bring such a thing for her to spar in.

Sesshoumaru had to agree with the miko on this one, Kiya was defiantly up to something. What was the woman thinking when she picked out such clothing's for the miko. He could already tell that it was going to be revealing without it even on her yet. It looked to be something of Kiyas taste she wasn't one for a pair of battle kimonos and hakamas, no, she would always argue with him that those types of clothing were restricting for a woman's movements. She so graciously explained to him that a women needs to have room when in battle because woman stretch a lot more than men there for need the extra room when doing flexible moves in battle. Though he could see her point he still didn't know why she couldn't come up with something that would at least cover up but still have the free will. But this outfit she chose for the little miko had him somewhat interested in seeing her in it, just to see if it really was as revealing as it looked and nothing more.

"Miko we don't have all day, Kiya is waiting on the field just put on the garb so we can leave." He said with a sigh.

"Let me see you put this damn thing on and let me see you walk around with your head held high… And would it kill you to say my name it's Kagome, Ka-go-me…" She snapped at him swinging the clothes around in front of him.

"It is probably temporary until Kiya can get you to the palace so you can choose you own wear… Is that expectable Kagome."? He stated and sarcastically emphasized her name while going to the bag Kiya had brought to retrieve the armor. He had to admit even though Kiya had picked an outfit that favors the show of skin the armor would most probably cover most of the miko. Kiya must be planning to battle the miko ruthlessly with all the armor she brought, unless she brought different sets for different training she was always thinking ahead, a very well planned demoness he had to admit but only to him-self.

Kagome rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at his back and went behind a thick tree to change all the while grumbling about stupid arrogant demons and why she always has to deal with the dogs of all the creatures in demon society. Sesshoumaru heard this comment but ignored it he wasn't in the mood for her attitude or anyone else's for that fact. Grabbing the armor he stood up right and turned around only to drop a piece of the armor that was in his hands his eyes widened a fraction maybe more with the sight he was being graced with.

Kagome walked back into camp with a scowl on her face she didn't like the outfit, not one bit but she could deal with it for now. She was only hoping that Sesshoumaru was right and that this was a temporary wear.

Her top was cut above her navel it almost resembled the corset she bought before she came back to the feudal era only this top was white trimmed in red and had a collar that tied in the back around the neck and a large diamond was cut out in the middle just under the neck piece to show the top of her bust and tied down the middle in the back and had an hourglass cut in the front under her breasts finishing the top part of the outfit with a yellow obi that looked just like Sesshoumaru's. And her bottoms were white as well but with red spirals on the bottom corners on the skirt almost like scrollwork on a car.

The skirt was similar to Kiyas but hers ended at the knee in the front and ended at her ankles in the back with white ties at the hips to keep it together and she had snow-white warrior boots that came up around mid thigh. She tried to cover herself wrapping her arms around her torso as she walked to Sesshoumaru so he could put the armor on, she felt exposed and she didn't like it… "Being exposed in private is one thing but in public is another… I'm gonna kill Kiya when this is over." She mentally cursed and started to imagine herself strangling Kiya till she died.

Sesshoumarus breath for the very first time was actually caught in his throat. He felt he couldn't breath, the outfit looked recognizable but it didn't ring a bell till she came out with it on… That was the night play outfit he had designed him-self many years ago for his mate for private bedroom fun, if he ever had a mate, the outfit was designed to have ties in all the right places that way it was easy to get in and out of that way he didn't have to shred anything, if he had a mate she would be wearing the colors of the west and represent him and the lands… But this particular outfit was hidden in his chambers in a secret area. How did Kiya manage to retrieve them?

He had no clue but he had to admit of course only to himself that the miko did wear it quite nicely, the clothing hugged her hourglass figure in every perfect way, his demon was purring in delight and howling at Sesshoumaru to show her their appreciation. Sesshoumaru then scoffed he shouldn't be gawking at a human no matter how well she looked in his creation, he would have to check in on his demon and find out why it has taken such a fancy to the miko lately because he shouldn't be doing such things he should be purring and howling for a demoness not a human miko.

"Ready to put on my armor?" she asked with a slight blush stepping in front of him and looked in his obviously in deep thought golden hues. Kagome suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach looking in his eyes, it was almost as if he were looking into her soul and pulling her in, then she looked at the magenta stripes on his cheeks, oh how ever since she had met him she wanted to trace them with her fingertips and his moon crest forehead.

She blinked and shook her head and averted her gaze to the ground. "Com'on Kagome, get a grip! This is Sesshoumaru, he hates human he would never like you… Did I just say like?" Something heavy getting strapped around her bust pulled her from her inner musings. She looked down to find an armored breastplate; glancing over her shoulder Sesshoumaru was adjusting the straps accordingly but being uncharacteristically gentle. She felt the butterflies start to form again for his nearness and would flush every time his hands or fingertips would brush against her skin. But when he moved her hair she couldn't help but shiver.

Sesshoumaru put the armor on her in hopes to distract himself and his staring he smelled the slightest hint of the mikos arousal and his demon started to bang against its metal cage. Thought it disappeared as fast as it came it was the most wonderful scent he's ever smelled in his seven hundred years of living and there for needed a way to distract himself so with quick thought he swung the breast plate around her and started to fiddle with the straps. He was being as gentle as he could careful not to catch her delicate skin with his deadly claws and strap her hair under the straps. He started to get frustrated because her hair was in the way so holding the straps to the armor in one hand he gently ran his left hand from one side of her neck to the other pushing her hair over her shoulder so he could work better, he got a shiver from Kagome in response to his actions, he couldn't help but smirk at this.

"I'm going to put all the armor on you, I don't know what Kiya intends to do, so we will remove whatever she says is unnecessary." He said in a cool calm voice breaking the silence between them.

"What's all the armor for anyway." She said raising her arms to cross over on top her head at the wrists while he put the bottom armor on. The bottom armor was just like Sesshoumaru's except it was smaller, didn't have sides and it only went down far enough to cover her womanhood and her butt in the back. She blushed once again because his hands were so near her precious parts but so far away. Some part of her wanted his to touch her but another wanted to push him away right now and tell him that she could do it herself, when in all truth she had no clue how to put armor on.

"My guess is that Kiya had brought certain armor for certain training. For instance for hand to hand combat with the sword you would wear shoulder armor, forearm armor, and a breast plate for those are the most targeted areas." He said with pride because of his combat knowledge and started to put on her shoulder armor then her forearm armor and strapped her sword to her side for her, just to add a finishing touch to his work.

Kagome smiled she could hear the pride in his voice. It made her feel good to know that she could cheer up the Taiyoukai just by asking simple questions. She huffed after he stepped back after he was done, she felt like she gained a hundred pounds, boy was this stuff heavy, now she knew how army tanks felt. "My god this stuff is heavy, how do you move in this stuff?" she said and started to walk with him to the sparing field running out of breath quickly.

Seshsoumaru glanced at her from the corner of his eye while walking, "This will always be part of you training, though you may struggle at first, the weight of the armor will build you strength * he smirked * and endurance… that way you won't run out of breath." He said the ending in a teasing way causing Kagome to stick her tongue out at him a second time that day.

"I was wondering when you were coming." Kiya shouted from her spot.

Sesshoumaru walked ahead of Kagome to have a little chat with Kiya before she and the miko started anything. "What is it now Sesshoumaru." She huffed watching him advance towards her with a disturbed face.

Stopping right in front of her leaving about two inches between them he looked down at her, "Where did you find that outfit Kiya?" he said in an icy tone, fire in his eyes.

"Don't you like it? * He kept on staring * Ugh, I saw a design in your seamstress' room and I liked what I saw so I had her make it." She explained. "Don't you like it?" she asked again.

Sesshoumaru stayed quiet for a while contemplating on weather on not he should tell her that it was his design and was really a playtime outfit and not a sparing outfit, "Is this a temporary outfit?" he asked hoping that the answer was going to be a 'yes'.

"No, I wouldn't have had it made other wise, if it was temporary I would have picked out something crappy." She said furrowing her brow. She knew the outfit was to his liking, he wouldn't be asking if it was temporary otherwise. She also knew it was his design for his signature was on the paper next to the drawing. She was determined to get him and Kagome together not matter what she had to do.

That was not the answer Sesshoumaru was hoping for, now every time she and the miko spared he would have to see his creation on a heavenly body. He was now positive that Kiya's goal was to make his life as difficult as possible. It wouldn't be easy seeing the miko in the outfit; he was already having trouble with his demon as it is. So doing a 'Hm' he turned on his heel and walked to the boarder line of the field to observe the sparing session.

Kiya looked from Sesshoumaru to Kagome whom was catching her breath at the moment and smiled wickedly. She reached behind her back grabbed the handle of her sword and pulled it from it's resting place and held it at full attention. Kagome watch Kiya and her eyes went wide, her sword was stunning, she's never seen anything like it. Diamonds were embedded in the blade and handle and a flame stretched from the handle to the middle of the blade. It was a truly beautiful sword. Getting the point after she was done gawking she drew her simple sword and held a battle stance.

"Are you ready to start your training?" Kiya asked in what sounded like a dark voice.

Putting a determined face on Kagome nodded her head and gripped her sword tighter. But her determination started to fizzle out as a massive force called Kiya came charging at her like an angry bull with an evil grin on her face…