Disclaimers: I do not own Inu-Yasha and Co. It is the respective property of Rumiko Takahashi

What Fate Decides Part 2

"Who are you?" Lord Inu no Toshi asked as he stared at the strangely clothed girl. He assumed by looking at her that she was no more than 15 years of age; a few years younger than his new wife, Lady Sakura.

"I-I am Kagome," she said quietly and looked up. She had to remain calm - her very life was probably at stake."

"I think she be a spy, M'Lord," said one of the men.

"Tis an old garb she's a wearin'," another said while lifting up the skirt she wore.

"Pervert!!!" Kagome cried, smacking the guy face first into the floor. She flushed with mild embarassment.

One, of the men, backhanded her; her head jerking to the side upon impact, leaving her dazed.

"ENOUGH!"

The soldiers shrank back - in fear- as their Lord rose.

"Do not be quick to anger, my Love," a young lady said as she approached the angry Lord. "Pardon my intrusion, but I do not think the men should be blamed for their actions. I, myself, do not believe her to be what they say, but these have been stressful times - suspicion has griped the hearts of many."

"Lady Sakura, your intrusion is pardoned ," he said, but turned a thoughtful gaze. "But what if she is a spy? How can I ignore such accusations?"

"Let me take her as one of my hand maidens. If she does turn out to be a spy than I shall take full responsibility."

"As you wish, but make sure she changes out of those strange garments," Inu no Toshi replied softly, giving his loving wife one last glance as she bowed and finally led the young girl away.

* * *

It all became routine; she would wake up, get dressed, and tend to Lady Sakura's wishes. In truth, she had become quite fond of Lady Sakura, considering her to be the one true friend she had - the other servants didn't seem to like her much...

She had a few moments to herself.

With that in mind, she looked about, and decided she would steal a quick tour of the garden.

Autumn... it had to be the most enchanting season. The cherry blossom trees in full bloom; their graceful foliage cascading to the ground in a wonderous shower; soft, pink petals twisting...dancing on the wind before gently adorning the earth with their presence. It was truely awe inspiring...

She sat down under a tree and sighed heavily. She thought about her mother, her grand father, and her little brother, Sota. She wept bitterly into the sleeves of her kimono.

She felt a small tug at her sleeve, and looked into the face of a small boy - it was Inu-Yasha, the two year old son of LadySakura and Lord Inu no Toshi.

He held out a handful of squished daisies as grinned happily.

She couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, little Inu-chan.They're beautiful. Let's go inside."

She sniffed, then quickly wiped her tears. Giving him a reassuring smile, she picked him up.His tiny arms wrapped tightly about her neck and before she knew it, he had fallen asleep in her arms.

* * *

Kagome placed a damp cloth to Lady Sakura's forehead. She couldn't understand it... Sakura had been hail and healthy only hours before?! Now she lay prone, shaking violently with a fever...

She had sent another servant to bring word to his lordship, and waited patiently, but she soon found herself being hustled out of the room by so called healers.

She watched as the demon lord brushed past her into the room.

She heard a soft thud of a closing door, followed by a somewhat heated discuss.

She looked on as all the 'healers' exited from Lady Sakura's room.

After she was sure they had gone, she quietly slipped in.

"M'lord," she said softly as she carefully approached the futon.

"What?!" he snarled harashly, his evident agony taunt on his features.

"All I wish to know is m'lady's condition. I-I didn't mean to anger you..."

"There is nothing they can do for her..." he rasped hoarsely. " Nothing..."

He looked so worn... almost defeated...

"M'Lord, would you let me tend to Lady Sakura?"

He appeared startled at the request, nearly at a loss for words."Do as you see fit...if there is a chance -even the smallest chance you can help-, I will take it."

* * *

"M'Lord, how can you trust her?!" Sessho-maru spat.

"Listen, there is nothing the healers can do for m'love. What other choice is there? "

Lord Inu no Toshi had wanted to discuss this reasonably with his eldest son, but things were not as planned.

"Whatever you say M'Lord. I have no right to question your decisions," Sessho-maru responded briskly. "I will be leaving now."

He left the room, sighing in disgust - his father was becoming soft!

He was going to find out more about the girl - he didn't trust her...

To be continued...