A/N: Hello, all. First of all, like always, I want to thank everyone for reviewing.
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To Zel, Wiccachic2000, and Steph, sorry if you were expecting KagomexSesshomaru.. ^_^;;;; However, if you guys think I can pull it off, I sort of want to do a SesshoxKagome one too.
Thanks to Ranma Inverse for reviewing, and I'm sure you can keep Sesshy in character. ^_^ After all, even I was able to do it without messing up too badly.
Thanks to Kakumeiko and Emmi-chan for your extremely encouraging reviews,
and to Jezunya, kristy and Waku-chan, I'm glad you guys like the pairing.
And to Voldersnort, I love your user name! Also, time is valuable, but so is anime^_^ I'm definitely going to gouge some time out of this awful schedule to get working on a SesshoxKagome fic.
To sammy-chan, this fic will definitely be a IYxK pairing. Thanks for reviewing!
To Washu~Thanks for the review...I love reviews
To Maijia~Haha..I'm glad you like the story. And yes, it'll definitely be IYxK. I am thinking of doing a SesshyxKagome one though...
To Dragon Gal~Thanks for your.. encouraging review!
To Nizuno Mikomi~Yep, this is a IYxK gic. I didn't know there were so many SxK out there.. can you recomend a few good ones?
Aslee and KampaiiChan~Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Thanks to everyone for reviewing...it does wonders for my inspiration. *smiles*
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Disclaimer: I'd love to own Inuyasha. As it is, however, he belongs to Kagome and Rumiko Takahashi.
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Chapter 3
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The next couple of days were spent rather pleasantly traveling through the countryside to Sesshomaru's estate. Kagome and Rin spent the bulk of the time getting acquainted and giggling over their numerous secrets. Jaken killed half the time worshipping Sesshomaru and the other half hiding from his master. Said master was always in the lead of the small band, and sometimes disappeared over the horizon to scout out the next mile or so. The nights were spent enjoyably next to a warm fire, with Kagome telling Rin stories and Jaken and Sesshomaru pretending not to listen. So, naturally, Kagome and Rin were somewhat disappointed when Sesshomaru announced one cold morning that he expected them to reach the castle that same day.

Kagome gaped. The stone castle in front of her was bigger than anything she'd ever seen before. It was similar, in size, to a skyscraper or large office building. Sesshomaru ignored her look of amazement and stepped up to the gate. He considered it for a second, then sliced off the lock. "Jaken, make a new lock." he said as he strolled through. "Does he do this every time?" Kagome whispered to Rin. Rin shook her head, still staring at their new home in awe. "I don't know, Kagome-nechan. I've never been here before. It's ... big!" Jaken scurried through the gate, letting the metal door slam as Kagome reached for it. "Well." she huffed, pulling the heavy door open for Rin. "He doesn't have to be so obvious about it."

"This way, this way." As soon as Kagome and Rin entered the immense dwelling, Jaken descended on them like a hawk. "Where's Sessho-sama?" Rin demanded, clutching Kagome's hand tightly. "Sesshomaru-sama is taking care of business. He's missed a lot while traveling." Jaken said haughtily. "Let me show you to your rooms, I have business to attend to also. We can't waste time."

Kagome looked around the vast room cautiously. It wasn't that she thought it wasn't safe, it was just that the room was awfully dark, and there was no way to tell whether or not anything dangerous hid in it. However, as soon as she stepped past the threshold, the room lit up with a soft pinkish light. Kagome gave a soft gasp. It was absolutely beautiful. There was a large canopy bed with light pink curtains around it, and dark wooden furniture placed tastefully around. It resembled the room of a princess, or someone equally important. Kagome giggled and flopped onto the bed. How wonderful Sesshomaru was to be so generous with a guest!

Rin frowned up at Jaken. He'd just shown Kagome to her room, then told her in clear terms that she was to stay there until permission to leave was given. Kagome had seen the upset look on Rin's face and was about to object, but Jaken had reminded her sharply that she was a guest relying on Sesshomaru-sama's generosity, and she'd do well to act as one. Kagome had shut her mouth abruptly and given Rin a helpless look. No matter how much they both despised Jaken, he was still Sesshomaru-sama's personal servant and he could relay their behavior back to the master, who's kindness both Kagome and Rin depended on. Now Rin was being taken to her own room, and she desperately wanted to go back to the safety of either Sesshomaru or Kagome's presence. Rin didn't like Jaken-sama. He was someone to respect, to be sure, for Sesshomaru had told her to. But he scared her much more than Sesshomaru ever had. There was just some kind of uneasiness tinting the atmosphere around Jaken. But of course, Rin was much too proud to show her fear. Jaken-sama was Sessho-sama's servant, and Rin was certain that Sessho-maru would protect her. After all, he always had.

Sesshomaru, unaware of his role in Rin's thoughts, glanced at the dancing fire. Jaken had just been by, assuring him that both Kagome and Rin were settled in their respective rooms. Then the little toad had hurried off to his own quarters. Seems like he was glad to be back after a few years of traveling. Sesshomaru was relaxed in his chair, perfectly still. However, his mind was a whirl of activity. First on his business list was Inuyasha's bitch. Even if she didn't remember the hanyou, Inuyasha was sure to remember her. And Sesshomaru had no doubts that his half brother would come running straight into Sesshomaru's property when he received the rumor that was carefully directed to him. Surely by now he'd noticed Kagome's missing status. And there was no doubt in Sesshomaru's mind that he'd be frantic. His brother might be a weak half human, but Sesshomaru had to admit that he was unwaveringly loyal and protective of what he thought of as his.

Inuyasha paced the length of Kaede's hut. "Where could she be?!" Miroku watched from a corner, wearily leaning against the sturdy wood. "We've asked everyone, Inuyasha. Are you sure she's not just back in her time? Maybe there's been an emergency."
Inuyasha glared at the houshi. "She promised to be back a week ago." he growled tersely. "And the kid said she came through the well."
Miroku sighed. They'd gone over the information again and again. "Let me ask one more time," Miroku said slowly. "Did Souta say anything else that might help us? Like where she'd go?" Inuyasha frowned. "He said something about a baseball, whatever that is. I don't think that it's important." Miroku nodded. "It's probably just something from the future, like Kagome-san's tests and things." The two males sank into another heavy silence. The door burst open, and Shippo and Sango burst in. "You'll never believe what we've heard!" they shouted at the same time.
Miroku and Inuyasha glanced at each other. "Is it about Kagome?" Inuyasha demanded.
Shippo nodded earnestly. "It's awful!" he elaborated. Inuyasha practically pounced on the little kitsune. "Tell me now." Sango pushed her way between Inuyasha and Shippo, who were death-glaring at each other. "It was a rumor," she said, still mildly breathless from the rush. "Some villagers were talking about a powerful miko traveling with a full demon, a toad-like demon and a small girl child. One of the villagers spotted them on his annual trip from here to the capital city. He said that the miko looked almost exactly like Kikyou."
"Sesshomaru." Inuyasha breathed. "That bastard. How'd he get his hands on Kagome?"
"Listen to this, though." Sango interrupted. "This is the odd part. The man said that the miko was happy! She wasn't fighting or tied up or anything. In fact, she was laughing and playing with the little girl."
"It can't be Kagome-san then." Miroku protested. "She knows how dangerous Sesshomaru is."
Sango sighed impatiently. "You two shouldn't interrupt anymore. I'm not done. The man was walking on a trail by theirs, and at the front the two paths merged. By then the youkai's group was far ahead, but look what the villager found on the ground." Sango held up a silver chain with the word 'Destiny' engraved on a small silver star. Inuyasha and Miroku looked at her expectantly. Sango groaned. "I'm done now," she grumped. "You can talk, you idiots." Inuyasha grabbed the necklace from her. "This is Kagome's necklace." he said. In fact, Inuyasha remembered this certain piece of jewelry very clearly...
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"Hey, girl."
Kagome looked up, annoyance shining in her clear blue eyes. "What, Inuyasha?
And please call me by my name. How'd you like it if no one called you by your name all the time?"
Inuyasha frowned, but didn't apologize. "What's that silver thing hanging around your neck?"
"It's a necklace, Inuyasha. It's not as if you've never seen one of these."
"A necklace." Inuyasha repeated, his hand coming up unconsciously to his prayer beads.
Kagome giggled. "Not that kind, silly. This one doesn't do anything to me if someone says the word 'sit'."
Crash!
"Bitch!" Cursing floated up to Kagome as she looked down at Inuyasha. "Sorry," she said sheepishly. "I forgot."
"Right." Inuyasha dragged himself up, glaring all the while. Kagome smiled at him apologetically. "Look," she said, changing the subject. "See? It says 'Destiny'." Inuyasha looked at the little silver word doubtfully. "You believe in destiny?"
"Of course!' Kagome said cheerfully. "Don't you? There's one person out there that's just meant for you. Inuyasha, how can you not believe that? It's like saying you don't believe in true love or something like that."
Inuyasha growled and looked away. "I don't-"
"Why ever not?" Kagome's face showed genuine confusion.
"I just don't." Inuyasha muttered, not looking at her.
Kagome was reaching out to Inuyasha when he spoke. "It's all a bunch of sh-"
"Don't cuss!"
"There goes half his vocabulary!" Shippo had woken up from his slumber in Kagome's arms and decided to add his opinion to the conversation. And so the moment was lost.
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"So it is Kagome." Inuyasha murmured, almost as if talking to himself. "But why would she trust Sesshomaru? And why did she go with him in the first place?" Suddenly his head snapped up. "He'll do something to her." he growled. "That bastard will hurt her."
Miroku inched closer to Sango. "Inuyasha's right. We better start searching before something terrible happens." Sango, in turn, moved away from Miroku and his wandering hands. "The man said they were heading south. Do you think they're going to Sesshomaru's domain?"
Inuyasha was already out the door. "Let's move."

Sesshomaru sat onto his bed. Traveling had its good points, he reflected. But the comforts of home really were missed. Perhaps next time he was on the search for a enemy he'd just send out his minions. Then he could stay in the luxury of home. And Rin needed to start her schooling.. Sesshomaru didn't like the thought of her being wild and free all through childhood. Those people usually ended up dead, poor or enslaved by demons. Kagome, he mused thoughtfully. She seemed well educated. She talked correctly, in any case, even if she sometimes sprinkled unusual phrases into her conversation. She would be a good tutor for Rin..
However. Sesshomaru's planning was spoilt when he remembered the message he'd received a couple of minutes ago. The rumor planted to one of the villagers of the pathetic village that Inuyasha preferred had finally taken off. The necklace had been the perfect touch, for the halfling and his group were on their way south that very moment. Sesshomaru sighed. Perhaps he'd better rethink his bargain with his half brother. He'd planned just to trade the girl for the Tetsusaiga, but it would be hard to find another suitable teacher for Rin. Anyone else would surely be petrified of him and his palace, and Sesshomaru didn't trust a defenseless human child with a full grown youkai. Perhaps, Sesshomaru deliberated, perhaps he should just kill his useless brother and his entourage, then tell Kagome of their unfortunate demise. Now that she'd seemed to have completely forgotten Inuyasha, Sesshomaru was sure that his death would have a much smaller impact on her. 'Hm..' a satisfied smile graced Sesshomaru's finely sculpted face. 'That just might work..'

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Ending Notes: Well, Merry Christmas to everyone! I'm going to LA for a couple of days, but the car ride there is like, 6-7 hours. (I live in San Jose). So, I'm going to ask my dad if I can borrow his laptop and if permission is given, I'll be typing all the way! Now, just to see if my dad agrees...
Keep reviewing! You have no idea how much faster that makes me write...
Thanks for reading this fic! Oh yes, if I make any mistakes (Japanese, usually) in this chapter, email me at FoxfireKitsune@aol.com or tell me in your review! Thank you!!
Happy Holidays.
Friday, December 21, 2001.
C
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