10.

Kagome was warm and comfortable, and a smile graced her lips even in sleep. Her happy, sleepy mood ended when a small foot smacked hard against her cheek, knocking her out of her dreams to alertness. She darted upright a rush of adrenaline shooting through her veins.

She was in a European style bed; one with a mattress made of feathers. Four posts surrounded the beautiful wood frame and they were draped with gauzy lavender fabric from corner to corner. It was a bed fit for a princess, but definitely not for her. Shippou lay beside her making small snores, unperturbed by her sudden waking. He could sleep through anything, Kagome thought to herself as she pulled the blankets back over his tiny body.

She realized then that she was not in the yukata she had been wearing when Sesshoumaru came last night to fetch her. It was a silk nightdress, one that probably cost more than what her sister made in a year at the brothel. She ran her fingers across the fabric and a feeling of strangeness shivered across her body. She quickly climbed out of bed and moved the gauzy curtains of the bed away. She saw the small satchel of her things left in a chair. Someone had to have changed her out of those clothes and she hoped that it hadn't been Lord Sesshoumaru. Gathering the clothes in her hands, she pulled off the nightgown to put her own clothes on again. She appreciated all the thought, but all of this luxury was something she hadn't asked for. She just wanted to be safe; safe from Kikyo, Inuyasha, and anyone else that wanted to harm her.

When she had secured her obi, she turned to wake Shippou when something on the other side of the bed caught her eye. A silver backed mirror, the very same that her mother used to have. A gasp escaped her lips when she saw it. "How did he get this?" Kagome whispered as she trailed her fingertips across the frame that held the mirror. It brought so many feelings and memories back; before she knew it, tears were dripping down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away, feeling foolish. It's stupid to think that it'd be the same mirror that mother had. There were probably thousands of those same mirrors made.

Her jewel necklace grew hot against her breastbone, so much that she grabbed it into her hand remembering the events of the night. Releasing it, she stared at her palms. What had caused that light to shine out of her hands? It had injured the demon, that much was true, but had she done it? Staring at her reflection, she gasped noticing the jewel was glowing.

A few seconds later, there was a knocking at the door and she quickly tucked her necklace back away into her clothing. "Yes?" She called uncertainly, leaning around the giant bed to face the door. The door slowly opened and a girl of fourteen peeked her head into the room.

"Lady Kagome?" The girl asked in an unsure tone, her brown eyes looking Kagome up and down.

"Just Kagome will do. Please, there is no need to be formal. Come in."

The girl bowed, entering the room. In her hands she carried a tray full of food including a pot of tea. She carefully shuffled to a small table where she placed the tray gingerly. She then moved to the screen behind them, opening it slowly to reveal the most beautiful garden Kagome had ever seen.

"Lord Sesshoumaru wished that I inquire how you slept. He also asked that I bring you some food because…oh how did he put it, 'She's just skin and bones'." The girl imitated Sesshoumaru's cold stare and tone before bursting into a fit of giggles. Kagome couldn't help but smile when the girl wiped away small tears leftover from her laughter before composing herself once again into a demure girl.

"Forgive me, Miss Kagome. My manners left me. I apologize." She bowed again, her black hair tumbling over her shoulders. "Please do not let my actions reflect the services of Lord Sesshoumaru's household."

"Not at all. Please, no need to be so formal with me." Kagome felt odd and out of place with this girl bowing. "It's fine really. Everything is fine. I honestly did not expect such extravagance. I'm sorry; I don't think you told me your name."

"My apologies, I completely forgot. My name is Rin. I've lived here with Lord Sesshoumaru ever since I was little. He sent me to tell you that if you need anything, to just ask for me. Sir Jaken holds himself too high to meddle with us humans, and he's Lord Sesshoumaru's right hand man." Rin tapped her chin in thought. "So I guess that makes me his right hand woman."

Kagome's eyebrows rose in curiosity; a human girl was one of Sesshoumaru's closest? It didn't seem true. Then her mind immediately turned perverse. What if she meant that she was a concubine? Rin looked much too young. Kagome's stomach turned and twisted into knots.

"What do you mean you're his right hand woman...I mean, if you don't mind me asking."

"Oh goodness!" Rin glanced out into the garden and it was as if her entire demeanor changed. "I wasn't quite clear. I am second in command in Lord Sesshoumaru's household. I'm in charge of making sure all the staff follows orders and I also give tours of the premises to guests. I also make major decisions regarding the household if Lord Sesshoumaru and master Jaken are not present. Not much if I really think about it compared to the responsibilities others in the household have, but I understand your confusion. It's not every day you see a human girl, much less one of my age running things in a demon household. I owe my life to Lord Sesshoumaru and this is how I plan to repay my debt to him."

Kagome let out a breath of relief when Rin finished, feeling better that she wasn't being used inappropriately by Lord Sesshoumaru. For some odd reason, the thought calmed her a lot more than she expected.

"Please," Rin waved a hand towards the table. "Have a seat and eat. I'd hate for all this food to go to waste."

"Trust me, it won't." Kagome answered as she smoothed the fabric of her yukata before kneeling to take a seat. "Once Shippou wakes up, there probably won't be any food left."

Rin giggled, following Kagome's example and taking a seat across from her at the table. She poured both of them a cup of tea, and they made idle chit chat while Kagome ate. It was indeed a hearty breakfast; one Kagome hadn't partaken of in a long time. She gladly feasted on the smoked horse mackerel, fresh rice, and miso soup.

"Forgive me for being so brash, but Kagome, where exactly did you come from?" Rin asked, a smile spreading across her face. "I'll have to admit, you have made quite an impression on Lord Sesshoumaru. He had the entire household in uproar when he brought you home last night. I was the one that dressed you in the nightgown in case you were wondering."

Kagome coughed at her abrupt question, thumping her chest with her fist as she swallowed. How was she supposed to answer that? What did Sesshoumaru want people to know? Kagome racked her brain for an answer that was truthful, but maybe also a bit of a lie.

"Food!" Shippou squealed, leaping off the bed and onto the floor. He joined them at the table, his eyes wide at the food splayed out before him. "May I have some?" He asked Rin, using his best manners.

"Oh! You're a fox demon! Of course, eat up or Ms. Kagome and I might eat it all."

Shippou curled his feet under the table taking a pair of chopsticks in his hands and slapping his palms together. "Itadakimasu!" He called out before digging into his food.

"My, my! What an appetite!" Rin commented, a smile gracing her lips as she watched Shippou eat. She pulled out a small book from her kimono sleeve and began thumbing through the pages. "Miss Kagome, while you are staying with us, Lord Sesshoumaru asked that I be in charge of your schedule. While he is allowing you to come and go freely, we do keep a tight shift in this household. This way, we will be able to keep track of where you might be at any given time so not to cause any confusion."

Kagome felt her face turning red. She should have known better than to assume Sesshoumaru would really allow her to come and go as she pleased. He was a proud man, at least from what she had gathered. At this point she was just glad that Rin didn't remember the question she had asked only a few moments before, so Kagome decided to count her losses at the moment and just set up a schedule.

"Lord Sesshoumaru told me that I was to study under a doctor that he had in his employ. I didn't know we were to start so soon."

"Ah yes. That isn't going to begin right away. He still has to speak with several doctors and see if they will even be willing to take on an apprentice. Even with Lord Sesshoumaru's stature, there are still men who have a problem with women trying to do anything that isn't considered a 'woman's job'. That's why we need to stick together." Rin procured a silver object from her its tucked place in her obi.

Kagome thought it was a small knife when it was unsheathed. It certainly looked like one, but the blade wasn't near long enough to do any serious damage to another human, let alone a demon.

"What is that?" Kagome asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Oh this?" Rin twisted the metal object around so Kagome could have a better look. "It's a fountain pen. You dip it into ink just like a brush, but it is much easier to write with. Here, let me show you."

It seemed as though Rin was very good at hiding items among her person, because she soon dug out a ink stained piece of rag that was tied with red twine. She set it on the table after moving a few plates away and un-wrapped the cloth revealing a small bottle of ink. She uncorked it and dipped the pen inside point first, quickly removing it and writing into her small notebook for Kagome to see. Rin's handwriting appeared on the paper, smooth and crisp.

"There, simple as that. Now I just have to wait for the ink to dry and then I have notes that can be reported to Lord Sesshoumaru." She pursed her lips and blew her breath across the paper in attempt to hasten the drying.

"That really is something. Where did you find such a thing?"

"Lord Sesshoumaru has many ventures in which he invests. He's good friends with someone in England that likes to send him things. This one is an older prototype, but Lord Sesshoumaru has some that you don't even have to dip into ink. He gave this to me as a birthday present."

Rin allowed Shippou to hold the pen and let him try to write his name (with Kagome's assistance). After the ink dried she tore out the page from her notebook and handed it to the little fox demon.

"I should go. Please feel free to go anywhere in the gardens or on the grounds. We ring a bell for dinner, which starts promptly at seven, which you will need to be cleaned and dressed for. Until we have an apprenticeship set up, Lord Sesshoumaru asked that I teach both of you the proper etiquette that will be fundamental in this household while you both are here. Shippou will start his schooling in the morning." Rin took a breath as if she had been trying to say her speech as quickly as possible. She closed her book and hid it among her kimono sleeve once again before packing up her pen and the ink well.

"I see," was the only answer Kagome could manage to muster as she helped gather their dirty breakfast dishes onto the tray for Rin to carry.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Rin turned so she could face Kagome once again. "Lord Sesshoumaru asked that while you stay here that you wear the clothes he has picked out for you. A lot of important people come through his household and it would not look good on him if he had a guest dressed in such a way as you are now. I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend; I only relay his messages. "

Rin must have seen the anger that flared for a moment in Kagome's eye before she did her best to shake the murderous thoughts away.

"He wants you to know he holds you in the highest regard, that's why he wants others to see you that way as well. I'm not as good with words as he is, but it's the truth." Rin bowed, her hair falling over her shoulders when returned to her full height. Kagome returned the bow.

"I'll be back around six to help you get ready for dinner. Have fun exploring until then." Rin said goodbye to Shippou before closing the door behind her. Kagome realized she had been holding her breath for quite some time and she let it out with a small poof.

"Lady Rin is very nice. I like her." Shippou commented as he hopped back onto the bed. "I like anyone who feeds me breakfast."

"Yes, she does seem rather nice." Even if the news she delivers is less than so. Kagome thought. Sesshoumaru had found loopholes to her small plan and the fact that he was already making decisions for her made her feel antsy.

"Oh! Kagome! Let's go for a walk in the garden! It's such a pretty day!"

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea, but let's clean you up first." Kagome said with a laugh when Shippou realized that he had remnants of breakfast still on his face.

The garden really was a sight to be seen. Even though the chill of fall crept in, there were still flowers bright and blooming. The leaves of the maple trees were already turning that beautiful shade of red-orange and the sunlight beamed through it leaving reddish shadows on the ground. The air even had that scent to it that Kagome always loved. The smell of burning wood, spices, and nuts filled her nostrils with a smell defined as 'fall'. Shippou bounded ahead laughing and kicking leaves into the air. Kagome strolled behind him, caught up in her thoughts that she almost missed the sound of voices trailing over from the other.

"What are you still doing here?"

"I had to say goodbye to my big brother, didn't I? Especially since you're the one forcing me to leave."

Kagome froze. She'd recognize Inuyasha's voice anywhere. The other voice must be Sesshoumaru. She quickly ran and caught Shippou by the arm, dragging him into the bushes. She didn't anyone to know that she was eavesdropping and she definitely didn't want Inuyasha to know she was here.

"I'm doing it for your own good. You've caused a lot of trouble for me."

"For you or for the company? It's so hard to tell the two of you apart these days. Why don't you ever lighten up and have some fun, big brother." The way Inuyasha said that word, Kagome knew instantly that he didn't mean it in a brotherly way. It was an insult.

"For both. I cannot afford to 'lighten up and have some fun' as you say, because I'm too busy trying to keep our father's legacy from burning to the ground. You've been no help at all, by the way. I thought you might like going to America. Maybe someone there can get through that thick skull of yours and actually teach you something other than how to sell drugs and prostitute women."

"Oh, so we're making fun of my business ventures now? I thought you'd be proud. I made a lot of money…"

"And you squandered it away back into which you made it, so now you have nothing again. Gambling, drugs, sex…those things cannot be your fuel Inuyasha. Father is probably cursing you from his grave. He wanted you to be the great one, not me. That is why he gave you everything and he gave me nothing. I have a feeling he should have reversed our roles so at least you would have learned some responsibility."

"Feh," Inuyasha spat.

Kagome quietly followed their voices to a small path. To anyone it would seem that it just led to the forests but on closer examination, a small trail led back towards the house. Hiding low, Kagome could see Inuyasha in black waistcoat, a red cravat at his throat (which had not been properly tied). He looked so inferior to his older brother. Sesshoumaru wore the same but with a blue cravat, expertly tied in the proper fashion.

"Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru's voice took a deep tone, one that sent shivers of fear up Kagome's spine. Her jewel necklace grew hot against her skin, and it was almost as if she could see the power of Sesshoumaru seeping out into a black aura that crackled around him. Shippou almost cried out, but Kagome quickly put her hand over his mouth.

"Are we quite finished? I have a boat to catch. You can try all you want to be Father, but you'll never be him. Everyone knows it, it's about time you did too."

Kagome heard several sounds. Books falling to the ground, something glass being broken, and a female voice clearing her throat at the top of her lungs. From her place in the bushes, Kagome could see the bottom half of Rin's kimono as she entered the room.

"Lord Inuyasha, Lord Sesshoumaru, I ask that the both of you please remove your hands from each other this instant and remember your statures. Lord Sesshoumaru, the carriage you called has arrived to take Lord Inuyasha to the docks where he is to catch his ship. I will escort him out if you see it fit."

"Ah, Rin. You've grown up nicely." Inuyasha commented, his voice carrying a tone that was meant for the bedroom. It was the same voice that he used when he had spoken to her only a few nights ago.

"Yes, I have. It's a shame you haven't done the same, Lord Inuyasha. Now, if you'll please follow me I will escort you to your carriage."

There were a few moments of silence before Kagome watched Inuyasha leave the room, Rin staying for a moment after before following him, shutting the door behind her.

It was only then did Kagome remove her hand from Shippou's mouth, and he didn't dare utter a word. She motioned with her head for them to head back and the little fox demon nodded his agreement. They did their best to stay quiet although Kagome felt that deep down in her stomach she knew that Sesshoumaru had somehow known she was there. She wondered if he would say anything to her about it, or even to Rin about her boldness with his brother. Kagome had a newfound respect for the girl. She hadn't been afraid to stand up to Inuyasha. Then again, she had Sesshoumaru there as a safety net.

As the two of them made it back through the gardens to their room, Kagome saw Sesshoumaru standing underneath the awning with his back turned to her, his hands in the pockets of his slacks. Her breath caught in her throat as he slowly stepped and turned so that he now faced them. Shippou slid behind her, clutching her leg. Even though he was allowing the two of them to stay there, it didn't make him any less terrifying to the small fox demon.

"It's alright Shippou," Kagome whispered patting his tiny head. "He isn't going to hurt us."

"I trust that the two of you slept well?" Sesshoumaru asked, stepping down from the small porch onto the stone walkway that led through the gardens to meet them halfway.

"Yes, it was the best I've slept in a long time. The breakfast was lovely too, but we don't really need such luxury. I'm perfectly fine at wearing the things I brought with me. I can help out in the kitchen or maybe with the cleaning. I don't feel comfortable just…" Being here doing nothing? "…lazing about."

"I don't think touring the gardens would be considered lazing about as you put it."

Kagome felt her cheeks blush. He had sensed she was eavesdropping then. She lowered her eyes to the ground, hoping that he wouldn't be angry about it. She was about to comment when a voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Jaken appeared in the garden, running over with a large book. Pages flew out behind him and another demon quickly picked them up behind him. "Your meeting! You'll be late!" Jaken flew up the steps past Kagome, waiting at his Lord's feet. When she looked at him, he made a grimace as if he were only tolerating her presence (which he probably was).

"Hn." Sesshoumaru murmured, his gold eyes staring back towards house. "We'll finish this conversation later."

"Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru." Kagome bowed low, hoping that would appease him. She stayed bowed until she heard his footsteps turn away, Jaken prattling behind Sesshoumaru trying to fill him in on details of who they were meeting.

"They're gone." Shippou whispered and Kagome let out a sigh of relief as she stood straight once again. That was one conversation she wasn't looking forward to having…

A/N: Sorry I took so long to update! That's the problem with working on two stories at once! I just wanted to say that I took a few liberties with Rin's fountain pen. According to Wikipedia, the first fountain pen has been around since the 10th century (wow!), and since then some wonderful people of history worked hard on perfecting it! The pen described is a simple pen with a nib that is dipped into ink improved from older designs in 1828-1830 by Josiah Mason who wanted to create a fountain pen that could be mass produced and purchased by the general public. Since this was before the Meiji Period (1868-1912), it would explain why Rin is using this kind of pen and not one with a replaceable ink cartridge. I know traditionally Japan was probably still using Sumi brushes for most of their writing, but I took a few liberties because hey, it's my story! Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. : ) xoxo Saru