AN: so, how confused is everyone? ::grins evilly:: I realize that this story is very soon going to get even more confusing, but I promise it will eventually be explained. The readers know about as much a Sesshoumaru does in the story. Obviously, Sesshoumaru doesn't know that much and is thoroughly confused. That's the point.

Also, I'm aware that a Sess/Kag pairing seems to have quickly arisen, but the plot is going to get to thick for that to go any further… for the moment. Depending on reviews, I will change the pairing.

Last time: Sango looked at Kagome with surprise, "the Lords are coming to dine with Sesshoumaru-sama tonight. They have requested you presence."

Kagome raised an eyebrow and sighed, "just like tea with mother. I'll take a shower."

Kagome filled the tub with steaming hot water and lowered herself into its depths.

Ch. 6

Truth or Treason?

Kagome emerged from the bathroom 15minutes later, wrapped in a fuzzy white towel. She stuck her tongue out at Sango, "I look like a feather boa."

Sango looked up from the dresses she had chosen and smiled. Kagome smiled in return as she approached the bed to survey the kimonos. One was blue with white doves and a white obi. The second was solid black with a yellow obi, and the third was white with a delicate silver-like-green embroidery depicting leaves. Kagome thought the third kimono would look good with a soft green obi.

"Usually," Kagome said, pointing at the black kimono, "I would wear that. However, I kind of like the white and silver one."

Sango nodded and helped Kagome put on the kimono and tie the obi. When she was done, Sango stood back to look Kagome over. Sango frowned, "your hair."

Kagome nodded in agreement and Sango left to retrieve a brush and ornamental comb. Sango returned and handed the chosen comb to Kagome, "Do you like it?"

Kagome stared at the comb in her hand. It was beautiful. Made of silver, the comb's prongs intertwined with flowered vines and leaves, like a miniature garden. Sango smiled softly at Kagome's awed expression. "It's a gift from Sesshoumaru-sama, My Lady."

Kagome looked up, handing the comb back to Sango. "Tell him I said it's beautiful, and thank you."

Sango nodded and began on Kagome's hair. Ten minutes later, Kagome stood before the mirror smiling. Her hair was woven on top of her head like a tiara, the comb holding it in place. Strands of hair fell to Kagome's shoulder, curled and bouncy. Kagome looked at Sango, "That's amazing! Teach me, pleeeeaaase??"

Sango grinned while pushing Kagome to the door, "Another time. Good luck."

Sango opened the door.

Sesshoumaru stood in the doorway. He seemed to have made no effort to look special, but Kagome knew he didn't need to. After a pause, Sesshoumaru offered Kagome his arm. She accepted and he lead her to the banquet hall.

'Kami she looks radiant,' Sesshoumaru mused. 'I wonder how it would feel to touch her hair…' Sesshoumaru's eyes watched intently as the strands of curly hair swayed above Kagome's shoulder. He noticed her outfit, 'I had hoped she'd wear that. It suits her.' Sesshoumaru's eyes returned to her face, 'She's nervous. She's pale when she's nervous. Kami it only makes her soft, red lips more noticeable.' Sesshoumaru stopped, 'Soft? Red? Lips? When did I start thinking like this? Sesshoumaru moved his train of though back a little, 'She was nervous.'

Kagome's eyes were wide. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies. Her heart was wild and she knew Sesshoumaru could hear it.

"Kagome." Sesshoumaru spoke gently.

Kagome jumped slightly.

Sesshoumaru squeezed Kagome's arm, pulling her slightly closer. Kagome looked up at him. Sesshoumaru smiled, (wait, smiled?) and spoke gently, "you'll be fine. The other Lords are fair and rule well, you will like them."

Kagome fretted, "But-"

Sesshoumaru placed a soft kiss on Kagome's lips. ( where did that come from? Jeeze… kind of random and against what I said in the AN, ney? Oh well. I don wanna get rid of it.) Pulling back, he looked her in the eye, "calm yourself. If you're nervous, pull on my sleeve lightly. I'll do what I can to help."

Kagome tilted her head, "why?"

Sesshoumaru questioned her, "why would I help you?"

"Why did you kiss me?"

A smile played on Sesshoumaru's lips. "To answer a question." Sesshoumaru added mentally, 'and the answer is yes, your lips are very soft indeed.'

Kagome opened her mouth to ask what he meant when a servant opened the door the banquet hall. 'I'll have to make sure I ask him about that,' thought Kagome.

Sesshoumaru started forward, and Kagome moved with him gracefully. They entered the room arm in arm, Sesshoumaru guiding Kagome to her seat. He pulled back the chair for her, and Kagome sat. Sesshoumaru pushed the chair closer to the table, and took his place beside her at the head of the table.

Kagome finally looked across the table at the three Lords. She recognized Kouga immediately, having traveled with him during the armies retreat. The other two, a Lord and Lady, Kagome knew from Shirokiba's descriptions. Kagome turned to the first Lord, "My Lord Tellonomaru, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." She inclined her head, "My father spoke very highly of you. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Katrina." Kagome's eyes came to rest on Kouga, "well met, Lord Kouga." She smiled, "it is nice to see you again."

AN: this is the first example of Kagome's diplomatic side. There will be another instance later where she will assume the formalities of her position as princess.

Sesshoumaru had watched Kagome's interactions, inwardly impressed with her conduct. He was surprised she had recognized the Lords, and was pleased with her addresses to each, …that is, until Kouga. 'Well met? What's that suppose to mean? How does she know him anyway?' Sesshoumaru's thoughts took a turn from angry to depressed, 'why doesn't she smile like that at me?'

Sesshoumaru spoke calmly, "I have brought this meeting about to introduce to you Lady Kagome, the Lord Rei's daughter."

Lady Katrina nodded and smiled at Kagome.

Sesshoumaru resumed, "we have a decision to make. War will soon ensue in Lady Kagome's territory. She is here under my protection after her brother's disappearance almost two months ago."

Kagome looked sharply at Sesshoumaru, thinking, 'it was a kidnapping and you know it.'

Sesshoumaru continued without hesitance, "we must decide it we will fight."

There was a slight pause before Kouga spoke, "the Lady Kagome will always have the support of the Southern Lands."

Kagome smiled, "my thanks, Kouga-sama."

Sesshoumaru thought bitterly, (yes bitterly! I kno it's out of character…) 'She has dropped his title. She even smiled at him again.'

Lady Katrina spoke. Her voice was soft and smooth, but it demanded respect. "Before I involve the Eastern Lands in this 'war', I would like to hear the accounts that we are lead to believe constitute this war. I believe you have already pledged you support, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

Sesshoumaru answered curtly, "I have."

Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru, "I didn't know."

Sesshoumaru didn't look at her, "I have spoken to Shirokiba."

Kagome spoke, her words clipped, "I see." Her voice softened, "Lady Katrina, what is it you want to know?"

"It is imperative, Lady Kagome, that I know what has happened since Rei has died. You understand, that I cannot uselessly endanger my people."

Kagome nodded, "I understand. I would still prefer to avoid a war of any kind. It is, however, out of my control. I will do anything to get my brother back."

Kouga spoke up, "you know I will help you in any way I can, Lady Kagome. I wish you would come back with me so I could be ensured of your protection."

Sesshoumaru growled deep in his throat, "she is already protected."

Tellonomaru cleared his throat, "I, too, would like the facts behind this war."

Sesshoumaru began calmly, "Naraku has joined forces with Onigumo. (two separate ppl in this fic) They have been raiding the northern borders of the late Lord Rei's land for over seven months. It has been almost two months since Lady Kagome's brother disappeared."

Lady Katrina nodded, "this we know. Lady Kagome, what can you tell us of the battle plans? How many men will rally to your cause? Who is in charge?"

"There are no plans," Kagome answered in all seriousness. "There is only chaos in my father's realm. As for the army, my step-mother, Lady Pamela, has direct control over most of the army. I have only my own small legion of followers. They are presently scouting perimeters, spying, and listening to the common people of the land. They hide, coming to me only when the have something to tell of utmost importance."

Lord Tellonomaru interrupted, "I was lead to believe you're people had a set

plan-"

Kagome cut him short, "There are rumors spreading. My men sift through them easily enough, but the information gained is dangerous."

"Dangerous in what way, Lady Kagome," Lord Tellonomaru asked.

"I have learned for myself that Lady Pamela's knowledge of the miko arts has allowed her to gain more power from the Shikon jewel than she can control. Recently I was informed that she has joined with Naraku. Now, it is my belief, that my brother's kidnapping was a planned action, supported by Lady Pamela, who saw that it was carried out."

Lady Katrina spoke vehemently, "do you realize, Lady Kagome, the kind of treachery you are talking about?"

Sesshoumaru's thoughts ran angrily around in his head, 'why didn't she tell me these things? She has no authority in this matter and should never have mentioned these things to the other Lords.' May be she wants to be truthful in her politics and lay everything out for the other Lords to decide for themselves. 'It doesn't matter what she thinks she's doing. She should have told me. I could have warned her!'

Lady Katrina stood up, barring her fangs, "I will not sit her listening to these blatant lies."

Sesshoumaru paused to look at Kagome's face. She sat poised, her face serious and truthful, her demeanor daring Lady Katrina to defy her. Sesshoumaru lifted a silver brow as he felt a small tug on his pant leg. He smiled inwardly, '…scared to death and doesn't show it.'

Sesshoumaru stood and moved behind Kagome. His hands rested on her shoulders and his head hovered by Kagome's ear.

Sesshoumaru spoke softly, dangerously. "You forget, Lady Katrina, who it is you accuse of telling lies."

Lady Katrina glared, "I will not listen to a women-child speaking treachery of the father she says she loves."

"My father's only connection to these events is his unfortunate alliance with Lady Pamela. He was deceived in her intentions." Kagome stood, breaking Sesshoumaru's embrace, "If you will excuse me."

Kagome turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. She walked swiftly down the hall, following the path Sesshoumaru had taken her on that morning. When Kagome reached the garden, she flopped unceremoniously to the ground, stretching out. She unfastened her hair and lay her head on her arms. Just before she fell asleep, her voice could be heard whispering like the wind. "Father…"

Kagome woke in a dark room. Her arms ached and her wrists burned. A purple haze filled her vision. Suddenly she lurched forward. She found herself swinging by a pair of cuffs encircling her arms, her feet only inches above the floor. Something wet and sticky oozed from her hairline.

Kagome perked up the moment she heard foot steps. A door creaked and light spilled into the room. Kagome closed her eyes trying to block the blinding light. Somewhere a voice resounded, laughing, "khu khu khu…."

A young voice followed, " please no… no!"

Kagome screamed at the sight before her, "Souta!"

Kagome's eyes shot open. A sudden hiss of air sounded and Kagome leapt aside. She looked to where she had been sleeping only moments before. There lay an arrow, embedded in the ground, the area around it turning black.

Kagome looked into the forest. Her eyes searched the shadows, while her mind quickly tried to erase the dream from which she had been awoken.

Kagome readied her battle stance as a figure emerged from the darkness.

Anyone who saw the battle would have thought they'd gone crazy. Mirror images blurred together before separating, only to spin back into tight circles. It was impossible to tell the difference between them.

Kikyo attacked first, punching Kagome's right shoulder. Kagome leaned into the attack, then dodged at the last moment, causing Kikyo to stumble forward. Without hesitation, and with an accuracy that betrayed her experience, Kagome brought her elbow down at the base of Kikyo's neck. The blow's force knocked Kikyo to the ground, but she rolled to the side and quickly swiped at Kagome's leg with a blade.

Kagome bit her tongue.

Somewhere inside the Citadel, a certain demon Lord smelled blood. Excusing himself from the 'meeting', which Sesshoumaru now considered closer to a verbal brawl, he strode down the hall towards his charge.

Kagome shifted her stance, putting most of her weight off her now injured right foot. She glared at Kikyo, "you never could fight fair."

Kikyo smiled coyly, "you never could fight at all." Kikyo started forward no longer smiling, "now die!!"

Kagome easily evaded the blade's wide arc and, switching her footing, landed a kick to Kikyo's wrist. There was a satisfying crunch as Kikyo's hand splintered, the blade falling from its limp grasp.

Kagome drew her handgun and pointed the barrel at Kikyo. (funny, I didn't kno she brought that w/ her…) "If you have a weapon, it's only fair that I should as well."

Kikyo spat at her.

Kagome looked at Kikyo disdainfully, "picked up some moves from Inu Yasha, I see. The losing streak too?"

Kikyo glowered and began to gather her ki into a dark black cloud. It swirled into a tighter and smaller sphere with each passing moment. Raising her arm, Kikyo moved to hurl the orb at Kagome. It exploded and Kikyo was thrown into the wall surrounding the garden. Kikyo fell forward, unconscious.

Kagome smirked, 'did you honestly think I'd let you attack me with a move I created?'

Kagome's attention suddenly shifted back to Kikyo's body. Under Kagome's scrutinizing gaze, it was beginning to fade. Suddenly Kikyo's body disappeared all together and only a soul was left.

Kagome approached the spot warily. The soul didn't belong to her step-sister, Kikyo. It belonged to a child, to a young boy.

Kagome whimpered, the soul belonged to Souta.

Okkie! That's where I leave ya'll. Yes Yes I know. But tomorrow will be the first day of summer vacation and I will begin updating regularly. Thanks for staying tuned. Let me know if you have questions or comments.

Thank you soooo much for reviews!!

Next Time: Kagome heals herself and Sesshoumaru ponders his odd behavior.