Hello there! I am really busy, trying to choose a university. But I managed to type this chapter at last.

Thank you a hundred times for the reviews. I hope that I'll update faster. Love ya all =D

Chapter 5

Some meetings come as surprises

'Well…perhaps, not the best beginning. But I am dying to find out, what he is doing in such sumptuous room.'

In Sesshoumaru's worn out eyes flashed amusement. 'He still has not got a clue concerning my status. The boy's way of behaving raises my mood every time.'

"Maybe, Kagome, I always have been a man of high position."

"It's not forbidden to dream. But, honestly, what are you doing in these luxurious apartments?"

"I do not live here. It is a forced shelter until I settle down affairs connected with the treaty."

"You make it sound as if you're stuck in a den."

The silver-haired youkai only gave her an outwardly indifferent glance. He fixed his attention on Kagome's face, scrutinizing her features and abortively attempting to understand, what confuses him. Feeling this gaze, the miko turned to a more necessary topic, like her patient's health.

"Your liniment brought relief. After its appreciable effect was gone, my physicians couldn't do anything. I surmise you intend to undergo a course of medical treatment."

"Of course. If I had water and a bowl, I would proceed straight away."

Immediately Sesshoumaru lifted a moonstone fife to his lips and she heard a light, barely audible chime. At once the oaken door was opened and a servant bowed low.

"Kagome, he will provide you with everything required."

Nodding to the youkai, she listed a few objects. It even didn't take two minutes- the asked items were brought on porcelain painted tray. Dissolving drops of the medicine in the water and saturating it with her aura, Kagome ordered the wounded demon to unbind his azure embroidered kimono with unfamiliar mona. Unaccustomed to obey, the demon followed her request anyway.

There was a polite knock and the door was opened…again. Three figures dropped to their knees. One of them, obviously a jackal-youkai, noticed Kagome touching Sesshoumaru. He pulled a wry face. It perfectly resembled a choppy jug with milk, where a piece of lemon had been dropped. Nevertheless, he stayed quiet.

Kagome felt a sense of relief a moment too early. An obnoxious presence arrived. The swampy dumpling rushed into the room, carrying a huge crooked stick, as the miko considered it. A pair of mould-colored eyes stared at her in vehement indignation.

"How DARE you disturb Sesshoumaru-sama! IMMATURE FILTHY FELINE juvenile! You are PROFANING…"

"Jaken!" A calm voice gave the shivers. There was a feeling that rime would appear on clothes and furniture.

"Y-yes, milord?"

"Leave!"

"B-but…"

"Didn't you hear? Convalescents need peace and fresh air, so do us a favor and beat it." Protruding eyes widened even more at Kagome's impudence, but their owner held his positions. The frightened trio retreated.

"Who are you? How do you venture to sit in Sesshoumaru-sama's presence!.."

"Jaken! I need you to find the steward at once."

The addled toad kowtowed and left.

"He'll be back soon."

"I don't think so. Given a task, Jaken will try to accomplish it." Something flickered in demon's golden eyes. "The steward is away now, maybe at a distance of a few hundred miles."

"I'll take into account your methods. Perhaps we'll finish the treatment?"

Finally satisfied with her work, Kagome declared her conclusions. Sesshoumaru nodded in his approval.

"Before you leave, I would like to inquire you about your belonging to the army."

"What about it?"

"Who is your Supreme Commander-in-Chief? What Lord gives you orders?"

"I remember that I was enrolled in the ranks of the Western Army, not Southern for sure."

"Excellent. Then I require your assistance in a difficult mission."

"Again?" Noticing a restless expression, Kagome ceased speaking.

"This morning the Lord of the East was violently killed. His son – the future Lord - survived and I gave my word to bring him up. It seems he is in danger. The best warriors meet his carriage on the boarder of the Western Lands. Your skills can be helpful and you will also provide the heir's safe arrival."

"Do I have a choice here…All right, I will go."

"Myoga will show you a place, where you will rest and gather yourself up. You'll meet me in the Family Palace."

"Where is it?"

"Sumire has to protect the heir also. You will arrive with him at the Palace in two-week time."

Looking at Sesshoumaru's calm and gorgeous face, Kagome couldn't help, but admire his refined features. Thick hair covered broad shoulders, giving him a seraphic appearance. And those fabulous chatoyant eyes…

Sesshoumaru quirked his eyebrow. "It is considered rude to stare." These words made Kagome to come to her senses.

"I simply was engrossed in thoughts. My…insomnia affects me. I better get going..." Standing up, she bid farewell and left. 'Insomnia…it would be interesting to know whether youkai can have it.'

'This is such a wonderful feeling. No dust. As if I took off a tight cat suit. Ohhhh! My herbal collar needs renewal. Otherwise everyone will understand that I'm a human girl. Just what I need…'

Kagome got out of the steaming spring and wrapped her body up in an odoriferous sheet. 'I'm so glad that I must leave here only in the morning. But the most pleasant part is a solitary relaxation." She looked at her new mirror. Lately she heard strange whispers coming from it, but the words didn't make sense. The miko raised her head and smiled at the moon-pancake. She was used to sit on the grass with Kikyo and to talk…'I wonder what is my sister doing now?'

Steady pulsation on her chest caused Kagome to lower her eyes. Her gaze paused on the glimmering surface in her hands. The mirror reacted to Shikon no Tama's excitation. Mist in the mirror reduced and a clear picture appeared in the depths of it.

A female figure, clad in traditional white-red robes, was leaning against red…something. Kagome narrowed her eyes, trying to decipher her face. 'It's…it is Kikyo!' Her sister slept, feeling cosy. 'Where is she? And is it my imagination or has her pillow moved? It has…It's not a cushion – this is a shoulder…What is she doing there?!' Amazed Kagome began to shake the mirror, when the vision started to fade. It turned out that her method didn't work. 'Oh well. At least she's all right.'

The miko dressed and, picking up her things, decided to go to bed in order to take a rest before a tomorrow's mission. She had to reach the border of the Western Lands. Nevertheless, she was certain that she'll manage and will find the heir.

After a few unwanted arguments, Kagome took her stand beside a lightweight eastern carriage. The young heir turned out to be a cute red-head kitsune. The future Lord's name was Shippo and he proved to be a mischief-maker. She made friends with him quickly and got into his confidence, because only Kagome succeeded in assuaging his grief.

Perhaps Shippo could feel her mothering heart, even if she looked like a male. Nevertheless, the peace between two groups was achieved and the increased retinue made its way towards the Family Palace.

Sumire always stayed in the vanguard, he was performing his duties uninterruptedly. Other attendants were on the alert also, but now and again started boisterous discussions. They were looking forward to an open-air market. It was the biggest one and had a large selection of goods. Apparently, their attention was focused on a caravan's articles of trade. And these 'articles' sounded suspiciously like exotic women.

The place was huge. Demons were everywhere. Expensive many-layered kimonos, satin perfectly tied obi, dome with encrustations in splendid coiffures – flashed before Kagome's spellbound eyes.

Sumire walked beside her, commenting on some items. Hubbub augmented, when they reached the centre, where slaves were purchased. Then she saw magnificent figures, basically – human ones. Comprehending their predestination, she attempted to hide her abhorrence. Resolving to get out of there, Kagome noticed a female silhouette. The woman was dressed in white fur and had exuberant ginger chevelure. Such vivid color was unforgettable and awoke memories.

Surely covered by her phantom spell, the miko came closer. In front of her she saw a familiar lively girl…Ayame to be precise. 'What an encounter… Great. Now those two are growling, because they both want to obtain her. Just my lucky day.'

Kagome's fingers alighted on a streamline shape in her sleeve. Carefully taking it out, she examined the discovered item. It turned out to be a 'borrowed' ovoid ruby from Naraku's collection. A salesman decided to sell Ayame by auction. Grinning demons cried out prices, which rapidly increased with every minute.

Redhead's angry shouts didn't help at all. Kagome worryingly looked at her and the displayed girl met miko's gaze. Ayame's eyes widened and in them flashed recognition mixed with pure astonishment.

'She knows who I am! But how? I have to do something or that kite-youkai will purchase her.' Stormy eyes inspected the pretty stone, attempting to figure out a way to save Ayame. 'If only I had some gold, then maybe I could redeem her.' Firelight reflected in the gem's depths, as if suggesting. 'But what?!'

Sumire watched his friend, who was stroking a smooth crimson stone and staring at a female human. "Kagome, strange as it may seem, but you appear to be interested in this girl. Do you intend to buy her? There is a possibility to bring her with us. And at least I'll be sure that you don't suffer too much from the attraction to males either."

Kagome sharply raised her head, but recalling her not so corresponding appearance and behavior, sighed. The Commander couldn't really help it, if he had such associations. "I'm not sure whether I can obtain her."

"According to my opinion, that ruby will cover expenses easily."

A happy smile appeared on miko's face, when she understood the value of the scarlet stone. Taking a few steps closer to Ayame, she tossed the jewel up, so that the seller could catch sight of it. The trader proved to be a clever person and all formalities were settled quickly, other youkai threw envious glances, but left her in peace.

Redhead's shrewd mind comprehended the situation. Feigning humbleness, Ayame bowed to amused Kagome. The miko, playing a master, introduced her and asked for her "slave's" name. There were none answers demanded and no troubles appeared. And Ayame, chatting with the jolly Shippo, followed the retinue in the carriage.

Future Lord's attendants always felt unwanted presence, but their palpable strength scared away restless demons, ensuring a safe journey.

After an insane trip through mountain gorges and raging rivers, they arrived at a broad plateau. The grass looked juicy and freshly green, wind was crisp and full of delicate flower and sea aromas. When they crossed the upland region, a magnificent view opened up before their eyes.

The building merged with nature, becoming a part of it. There were no profusions. Contented Sumire leaned over to Kagome.

"The Inuyoukai's Family Palace is often called The Silver Pavilion. It was built in the Period of Muromati. This style syoin presumes very close connection with nature. You will love it. Inside there are a lot of sliding doors and partitions. Be aware of the numerous secret passages and edifices inside of the walls."

"The Period of Muromati? But this means that the Palace is at the most hundred fifty years old."

"It was renovated and altered. But the foundation was laid many hundreds years ago, when the Great Taiyoukai Inutaisho was a carefree pup."

Amazed retinue approached towering gates and set their feet on this ancient land.

Austere demons lined themselves, forming a tunnel. The group was called in by Myoga and enraptured Kagome, making sure of Ayame's safety, followed Sumire.

A tall snowy figure observed their movements from a balcony, particularly concentrating on a nimble 'youkai' teen.

Here you go! If you want to know, this Siver Pavilion was built in the 15th century in Japan. It is known as one of the most picturesque palaces. The aim of this style is to unite nature with the house. Nothing pretentious, only pure beauty of naturalness.

I hope you understood my explanations. If there are any questions- send me a note. =P

Ja ne.