:::The green fields surrounded him, speckled with a multitude of blazing colours that he identified as flowers. He frowned as he looked at them more closely. 'Surely flowers are not of such colour' he puzzled. They swayed languorously with the cool breeze, sending sparkles of shining colour throughout the open grasslands. He stood in awe at the breathtaking scene before him, which looked to him like an ocean fragrant beauty. The entire surface glittered like the waters of the western coastline, on a brilliantly sunny day. His awe heightened when he saw a multitude of brightly coloured butterflies gracefully fluttering across the wondrous mirage. A contented sigh escaped him and he suddenly sat on the thick blanket of grass beneath him, his legs too relaxed to hold him up. As if by magic, a large rock appeared behind him, cushioning his back and taking the weight of his body. Another deep sigh escaped as he turned his eyes skyward, watching the amazingly coloured birds dance gracefully across the bluest sky he had ever seen. By now, he had figured out that this was a dream. A dream that he would gladly stay in, if only he could.

A sudden shift in the atmosphere disturbed his contemplation, causing a slight sound of irritation to pass through his lips. He wanted no interruptions from this bliss, wishing that whoever came to intrude on his dream would just leave. His eyes remained focused on the blue heavens as his senses followed the slow progress of his interloper. Something familiar tickled his awareness, triggering an automatic response from his body. His breath sucked into his lungs as recognition set in. He knew this aura, the person attached to it. 'No' was the instant response from his mind. His body froze, refusing to comply with his wish to move. From the corner of his eye, he saw the approaching figure, getting closer by the second. With each step, his heartbeat accelerated further. After an agonising wait, a dark shadow finally moved over him, indicating the closeness of their presence. His head turned slowly as though someone else controlled him. He let his gaze travel slowly up the length of the shapely legs and muscular curvaceous body, attired in some strange and rather close fitting, white dress. The breath left his body entirely when his eyes locked with hers. For several long seconds it held, as their eyes stayed trapped in the heated gaze, finally rushing out in ragged breaths as she slowly lowered herself to the ground beside him. He could not free himself from her gaze and stared helplessly into her eyes, while his body lost the will to fight. How long they sat that way, he had no idea. He did not even know who made the first move but somehow, their faces were now much closer than before. He struggled with his control, desperately trying to hold himself back as his gaze dropped to her parted lips. His battle was lost at the flick of her tongue over the luscious pout. With a small groan, he moved forward and covered her mouth with his. The softness of her lips brought a surprising gentleness into his kiss. He slowly savoured their fullness, brushing his lips back and forth over hers in small, teasing kisses. His chest tightened unbearably as he felt her response and the gentle caress of her hand. His hand moved up to her neck and beneath her hair, grabbing a handful to tilt back her head. He slanted his mouth across hers, gently parting her lips as he applied more pressure. He groaned when the sweetness of her mouth opened to him, allowing his tongue to taste its full. His free arm wrapped around her waist, drawing her closer as the kiss deepened further. The soft brush of her fingertips against his bare flesh had his heart soaring in a wild dance. His breathing became more ragged as her hands moved sensuously over his chest, fingertips brushing his sensitised nipples. The slight action triggered an immense response from Sesshoumaru. With a deep husky groan, he pushed them down onto the soft grass, his mouth never leaving hers. He covered her body with his, sliding between her parted legs. His tongue clashed heatedly with hers as his right hand moved slowly over her body, earning him a breathless moan. He felt her hands entwine in his hair, pulling his head closer as she deepened the kiss. He groaned loudly when she sucked his tongue into her mouth and stroked it seductively with hers. The incredible sensations she created within him became too much and he ground his hips against hers; in the same rhythm she used to suck on his tongue. His frustration grew in waves at the barrier of clothing that separated him from his desire. He yearned for fulfilment and his need grew more intense by the second, his movements more frantic. Her soft moans and counterthrusts drove him to the brink. His mouth left hers in a cry of desperation when her hand slid down his front, brushing against him.:::

Sesshoumaru sat up swiftly in his chair, his breathing ragged as his eyes blinked rapidly in an attempt to focus on his surroundings. He closed his eyes, willing away the strong reactions and slowing down his heart rate. As his vision cleared, he realised that he was still in his office. His keen hearing told him that the hour was late and that most were in bed. He stood and paced to the window, his body still tingling with sensations. He tried hard to block out the images from the dream but found the feat impossible. He turned away from the window and walked out the door. With brisk and impatient strides, he made his way to the stables, anxious for some physical activity. He ignored the sleepy stable hand, who stumbled to his feet with all intentions of serving his lord. Sesshoumaru waved a hand at him in dismissal. He would tend his own horse. He needed the distraction. The relief clear on his face, the tired boy staggered back to his perch and fell into instant sleep. Within seconds, the horse was geared and Sesshoumaru dashing across the open fields. He allowed the horse free run and held on tightly, exhilarated by the rushing wind on his face. For hours, he rode the horse at an incredible pace until both demon and animal felt the strain of tiredness settling in. He pulled back on the reigns and slowed the huge beast down to a trot. He smiled as he patted the horse's neck, feeling more relaxed than he had in ages. Maybe now he could return and get some undisturbed sleep. He turned the horse and galloped towards his home.

After returning the beast to its stall and tending its needs, he walked quietly to the castle. The peace was still with him, much to his relief. He nodded to the guards at the huge doors of his wing and continued towards his room. Halfway there, he stopped suddenly in his tracks as an overwhelming urge came over him. He turned and walked in the opposite direction. 'What in the hell are you doing?' he mind raged at his actions. 'Turn now and go to your room!' His footsteps continued on, totally disregarding the better advice of his mind.

Before he could think further, he found himself standing outside her room. 'Why in the hell did I come here? Damn it!' The sensations he had rode so hard to rid his body of, returned full force. He cursed himself as he wondered at his foolishness. To make matters worse, he stood there watching as his hand reached for the door and slowly opened it. Without hesitation, his feet took him to her bedside. He was surprised to see the small body occupying the bed with her. His eyes left the young girl's form and travelled to the sleeping Shiiyonian leader. He felt the breath catch in his throat as he drank in her features, devouring every inch of her face with his hungry gaze. 'So beautiful…' Again, the intense sensations hit him, leaving him breathless. His eyes settled on her parted lips and images from the dream came flooding back to mind. The same desperate need filled him, making him ache with desire… desire for her. As the sensations intensified within him, he noticed the response from Kagome. Her breathing suddenly laboured and her head moved slowly from left to right. His heart raced as her small moans reached his ears. As he stood transfixed, his body a jumble of sensations, he felt surprise when he saw the small hand from Lady Rin, reaching out to rest soothingly on the warrior beside her. Sesshoumaru was amazed to see the instant effect of that touch. Kagome's breathing returned to normal and she looked peaceful once more. To his great surprise, he felt the emotions suddenly recede and his inner turmoil completely disappear. Drawing a shaking breath, he backed away from the bed and the two sleeping forms, turning to quickly leave the room. Once in the lengthy hallway, he leaned against the wall, breathing a sigh of relief. 'What possessed me to enter her room in the first place?' He shook his head at his act of foolishness. He would have to gain more control of himself before he faced her again. Pushing himself from the wall, he walked back towards his suite, anxious to get some sleep.

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Twelve rows of soldiers lined the courtyard, standing to attention and awaiting their orders. General Himari walked along the front of the ranks with Captain Tiyaku, deep in discussion. They paused as the silver blue uniforms of the Shiiyonians caught their attention. Tiyaku frowned as he counted the heads of the warriors, noting their numbers were less than normal. Himari echoed his thoughts precisely.

"I wonder why so few. I have received no word of any other assignment that would require their presence." He received a nod from Tiyaku before continuing. "I can understand Lady Kagome needing rest but the others should be here."

"Perhaps they are delayed." Tiyaku turned his attention away from the group and continued with the preparations for their departure.

Left alone, Himari continued to watch the group with interest. One warrior in particular, caught his attention. A slight smile graced his lips as Sango separated from the rest and made her way towards him. He met her halfway, moving away from the waiting soldiers. He saw the emotion in her eyes, though she held herself from him, always the true warrior.

"I am glad that you accompany us Himari. I shall feel so much better knowing that you are near."

Himari struggled with the urge to gather her into his arms, knowing how improper the gesture would be and how embarrassed she would feel if he did. He settled instead for a warm smile, relaying his emotions through his intense gaze.

Sango's breath caught at that look and her heart fluttered crazily. She felt his desire for intimate contact with her and knew it cost him greatly to hold himself back. She wished with all her heart that they were in her room alone and suddenly blushed at her wanton thoughts. Himari's soft chuckle caught her attention and she raised her eyes to his, her heart thumping crazily at the heat in his stare. It stopped beating completely when he leaned closer to her to whisper in her ear.

"I too wish to be alone with you Sango. To hold you in my arms and kiss your breath away."

Warmth pooled in her lower belly and worked its way through her entire body. The husky tone of his voice coupled with the thoughts invoked by his words, turned her insides into molten liquid. Her blush deepened as she imagined them in an intimate position upon her bed. She barely suppressed the groan that threatened to erupt from her throat and sighed with relief when she heard the approaching conversation that heralded the arrival of Kikyou and Kagura. She turned quickly to face them, feeling Himari's humorous and rather knowing gaze boring into her back. She thanked the heavens that the two girls remained oblivious to her dilemma.

"I am not looking forward to this battle. I would rather go to the markets and shop." Kagura sighed at the task ahead of them.

Kikyou's laughter filled the quiet courtyard. "Yes… that elusive trip to the market is turning into a never-ending quest. I truly believe that we will restore Ierten before reaching the city."

"Ah… now that is a most troublesome problem." Himari's humorous tone drew their attention.

Kikyou's smile broadened. "Oh finally, a youkai… and a male one too that actually understands our trials."

The group laughed a minute before the waiting soldiers caught their eye, bringing back the present reality. Himari became his usual brisk self. Looking at the three women, he asked in his formal voice.

"Will the other warriors join us at the battle?"

Kagura was the one to answer his question. "Kouga is at present, tending to his wayward sister. Inuyasha, I saw last conferring with General Mikaishu in the Great Hall and Rin is still in Kagome's chambers."

Miroku's chuckle drew their attention. "Ah… yes, the lovely Rain. Kouga does have his hands full."

Kohaku stood beside him, shaking his head. "You certainly did not help by laughing at him."

Miroku shrugged innocently, "The situation was rather comical."

Kohaku exchanged a glance with the monk and burst into laughter. "It was funny, watching him trying to shake her off."

"Yes my young friend, that it was." He slapped the young slayer's back, laughing merrily at the memory of the red-faced wolf demon, attempting to drag his struggling and screeching sister to her room.

"I do not think this amusing at all. She behaves disgracefully."

Kikyou turned her head in disgust. The young wolf demon rankled her nerves. Her suggestive mannerisms and blatant flirtations were not what one would expect of a lady, especially her brazen manner towards Lord Sesshoumaru.

Kagura laughed at her friend's sour face. "I myself think this highly amusing. It is high time that annoying soul received his just desserts."

Kikyou burst into laughter at this. "Come now Kagura. Not one here believes that you find Kouga annoying."

The monk's sly grin caught Kagura's attention. "Maybe frustrating…"

She halted his words with a sound slap to the back of the head. "Not one more lecherous word out of you monk."

Tiyaku stepped forward with a mock frown as he watched the exchange. "Ah… why did you not tell me the war had begun?"

"It never really ended my friend."

Himari laughed as the group bantered and joked. It never ceased to amaze him how they would handle these pre-battle situations. Most suffered from nerves but they always maintained that serene good humour. Maybe it was this fact that made the coming battle more bearable. A small grin lit his features. 'The fact that Sango shall be nearby also helps greatly.' He turned to the group and nodded.

"I shall speak with you all later. The captain and I need to brief the others of their tasks."

The two soldiers bowed low before departing on their said mission. The warriors watched them in silence, all thinking of the coming fight.

They turned to see Inuyasha walking towards them with a huge grin on his face.

Kikyou frowned in mock disgust. "Are you always so pleased at the thought of battle?"

Inuyasha laughed. "Always Madinjah, I crave blood."

"Ugh!" Kohaku cringed as he imagined the vile creatures they had previously battled. "Not this blood, surely."

Inuyasha's grin broadened. "Most especially this blood."

"Ibaanyah, have you seen Roohan?"

Inuyasha looked at Miroku and burst into raucous laughter. It took a minute before he could compose himself enough to answer. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he held his side as he attempted to tell the group his news.

"Roohan is still attempting to leave his sister's room in one piece. Last attempt had her on his back, ripping the hair from his head, and we all know how precious his hair is."

The loud laughter of the group filled the courtyard, carrying up towards the castle windows.

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Kouga growled in irritation. He heard every word said and knew the laughter was at his expense. His ire rose by the second. He stared angrily at his sister.

"You will not stay here and cause trouble in the castle. I will not allow it Rain!"

Rain sniffed indignantly, tossing her black and red hair in defiance. "What will you do, lock me in my room? How will you be certain I do not escape? I suppose you could just have me thrown out of the West completely."

Her taunts raised his hackles further. 'So… she taunts me, does she?' With deliberate silence, he walked over to stand beside her, his demeanour one of calm and control. Before she could wonder what he was up to, he spoke a chant that stripped her body of its own will. At his orders, her feet marched forward, following as he walked to the door.

"Kouga? What in the hell have you done to me?" Rain struggled to free her herself from whatever controlled her but found she could not. She watched helplessly as her own legs carried her forward, following faithfully behind her brother.

"Answer me Kouga! What have you done to me?!"

Kouga chuckled, wondering why did not think of this sooner. It certainly would have saved him a lot of trouble. 'Guess this whole Shiiyon thing is still new to me.' His ears range at her continued screams but his grin broadened considerably.

"You, my dear sister will accompany me to war. You will sit in my tent, like a good sister should and wait for your brother to return from battle."

"No!" Rain struggled harder with her invisible confines, straining against the movement they created. "I refuse, do you hear? I will not sit in your damned tent!"

His eardrums vibrated with the force of her yells and he cringed in irritation. "Rain… if you do not desist with this incessant shrieking, I will be forced to use a silencing spell. Do not tempt me sister."

His glare told her of the seriousness of his threat. She instantly quieted, fearing the world of silence more than this horrible sensation of being controlled. She wanted to curse at her brother's treatment but did not dare incur his wraith more than she already had. She did not fully understand what this Shiiyonian business was all about and exactly what the warrior's capabilities were but right now, she was not willing to test them. Helplessly, she trailed along behind him, her frustration simmering beneath her tightly held features.

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In the courtyard, soldier after soldier passed through the black portal. Himari and Tiyaku stood on either side, observing the progress keenly. The Shiiyonians stood quietly, holding the great black void open. The strain seemed not so great as the first time they did this. They all appeared relaxed and even chatted amongst themselves while the procession made its way through. The group turned to greet Kouga as he approached, pausing curiously when they spied his sister walking docilely behind him.

Kikyou's lips twitched as she spied the frustration on the girl's face and the manner in which she occasionally strained against something unseen. She struggled to hold in the laughter, turning away as it became almost impossible. She saw Kagura's questioning glance and nearly lost the battle, walking away quickly to enter the portal.

Kagura watched Kikyou disappear, her laughter suddenly ringing out from the void. She turned back to Kouga, looking him over carefully to determine the cause of Kikyou's mirth. As she looked behind him, she noticed his sister's face, wondering why she was now so quiet. She heard Miroku's chuckle beside her and turned to him with a questioning gaze.

"A control spell Harkinia. Do you not recognise it?"

Kagura's eyes widened and her head spun back to the pair. The wolf demon's smug look spoke volumes, as did the rage that emanated from the young female. Unlike Kikyou, Kagura could not contain herself and burst into uncontrolled laughter.

The other Shiiyonians and the two soldiers that watched the procession, all turned to discover the hilarity. They too broke into fits of laughter upon discovery of Kouga's chosen method to deal with his troublesome sister.

Rain's face reddened to an incredible shade, earning her more fits of laughter. She silently cursed her brother with the cruellest death she could think of, as she planned her method of payback. 'They will all get it. Each of them that laughed.' Thrusting her chin up, she glared at them defiantly.

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Sesshoumaru looked out the window, sighing in irritation as he watched the Shiiyonians laughing in the courtyard below. 'How can they laugh at such times?' His keen eyes kept watch; still failing to see the one Shiiyonian, he sought. 'Why am I doing this?' he asked himself again. He had sat at the same window for the last hour, waiting to see her disappear into the portal. 'What kind of sick self torture is this?' However much he lamented his actions, he could not bring himself to rise and walk away. He watched until the last warrior walked through the void, frowning in puzzlement. 'Where is she?' He suddenly realised that Rin was not there either. He wondered if the two girls were still asleep. Finally, his body found the momentum it needed to lift and move from the window. Within minutes, he arrived outside Kagome's room, stopping to take a deep steadying breath. He did not intend to enter the room. He would merely look from the door to see if they were still within. He pushed the door open slightly and moved his head enough to make out the two sleeping figures. Resisting the urge to walk in, he quickly shut the door and walked back to his office. He ignored the relief he felt at the fact that she would not participate in the battle. She would stay in safety, here with him. His stride halted as the thought crept into his mind. 'Here with me?' What was he thinking? 'This bond is affecting me more than I thought.' With great concentration, he pushed the unbidden thoughts from his mind and focused on his tasks for the day. He walked calmly down the hall, not questioning the fact that he was suddenly elated.

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Sunlight glistened through the leaves and cast tiny rays of light on the path. The two servant girls walked down the magical laneway, hand in hand, enjoying the cool shade the tree provided. The weather this morn was strangely hot, considering that winter was due in several weeks. This however, did not perturb their enthusiastic progress. Their laughter bounced through the trees, causing the curious creatures to peak through the leaves and grass of their hiding places to see where the sound came from. The girls' pace slowed slightly, as the taller girl spoke.

"You know Rin, I feel rather guilty that we're going to the market while everyone else is going off to war."

"If it eases your guilt, we do not go there for pleasure Kagome. We are performing a duty for our cause."

Kagome sighed and gave the girl a smile. "I know that Rin but still, I cannot help but feel guilt."

"I am most certain we will make up for this later Kagome, so we may as well enjoy the moment while we can."

Kagome threw her arm around the girl's shoulder in a brief show of affection. "You are absolutely correct Rin. I will stop this silly whining and just have fun."

Rin smiled at her warmly then shrieked suddenly, spotting one of her favourite flowers nearby. She rushed off to look closely at the beautiful specimens, leaving Kagome to her thoughts.

Kagome smiled at the girl's unpredictable nature. One moment she was all wise and intuitive, and the next she became a vivacious child. Kagome sighed as she breathed in the fragrant air, wondering again at the strange heat. The scent that lingered in the laneway brought on memories of the dream she had the previous night. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered her blatant actions. Even though it was only a dream, she still suffered embarrassment at her brazen behaviour and the manner in which she practically seduced Sesshoumaru. However, her embarrassment did not stop the heat that rose from her centre at the memory. Her breath became ragged and her heart thumped quickly. She closed her eyes and tried to dispel the emotions, surprised at the speed of their departure. She opened her eyes and realised the reason when she saw Rin's smiling face. She sent her silent thanks, to which the girl beamed before continuing with her observations.

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Sesshoumaru breathed deeply as the wave of sensation slowly left his body. The hammering of his heart dropped back to its steady beat and he relaxed into his chair. She was dreaming of him. The thought did strange things to his insides. 'Damn it all to hell!' Even if he could control his own wayward thoughts, he still had to contend with hers. He tried to block out the images from his dream and hissed in irritation when he failed. Standing abruptly, he walked to the window and leaned out, frowning at the unusual heat that filled the air. Dismissing this, he turned back to his desk, intent on keeping his mind on task. 'Hundreds of years of discipline will not go to waste.' He looked at the papers again, attempting to read them several times before conceding defeat. He sat back again as a strong wave of familiarity passed through his body. He blinked in surprise and sat there dumbly, looking rather perplexed. 'Now what am I feeling?' He gasped as another wave hit him, this time bringing certain feelings and thoughts he knew were not his own. He struggled to ignore them, feeling his body warming with every breath he took. Suddenly, the words of the young girl Rin, came to him.

"There is also a reason that it overwhelms you both at times… It is because you both fight it."

Taking heed of her words, he consciously relaxed his body and allowed Kagome into his awareness. It felt as though she was inside him, filling his mind and body with her presence. He had to admit, now that he no longer fought the sensation, it became quite pleasant. Opening his mind, he welcomed the images that came. He surmised that this was a dream as he watched through her eyes, the passing scenery of a small laneway that looked remarkably like the one leading to the city. She spoke to someone beside her and he heard a giggle in response.

'Rin' his mind identified the girl instantly. He guessed it was natural that the girl was in her dream, considering they were together when they fell asleep. He smiled, as a thought came to his head that maybe this was some illusion the young girl used to sooth Kagome's anxieties. Again, her powers amazed him especially when he thought of the way she calmed Kagome in her sleep. He tried to hear the words that passed between them but the muffled sound was hard to decipher. He settled instead for watching and feeling. Kagome suddenly turned her head and Sesshoumaru was surprised to see the young girl in a servant's dress. He blinked and concentrated harder. 'Why would she dress as a servant? She is a Lady. Does she have a secret desire for poverty?' He then remembered that this was Kagome's dream and felt more confused. The more he watched the more unsettled he started to feel. 'Something is strange about this dream.' He almost laughed at his thoughts. 'Dreams are always strange, are they not?' Unfortunately, something about this one bothered him greatly. After several more moments of uncertainty, he rose and left his office.

Upon entering Kagome's room, he paused at the door. His eyes swept over the two sleeping figures, wondering why he felt so ill at ease. He turned to leave when something made him approach the bed. As he drew near, he inspected the two girls closely. At first, all seemed well until he looked more closely. A growl escaped him as anger swept through his body. He ripped the sheets from the bed, his claws slashing through the silk and rendering it to shreds. The two sleeping forms wavered under his attack then settled into their solid form once more. 'Illusions!'

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Kagome shivered as a chill ran up her spine. The wave of anger attacked her like a physical blow. She wrapped her arms around herself and froze.

Rin turned to see why she stopped walking and noticed the strained and frightened look on her face. "Shyra, what ails you?"

Kagome turned haunted eyes to her and whispered her response. "Our ruse is discovered."

Rin walked back to her side, placing a calming hand on her arm and leading her onward down the path. "Do not fear. He may know that we are missing but he does not know our location. I will work with you to ensure that it stays as such."

Kagome sent her a grateful smile, feeling rather cowardly in the face of Rin's calm confidence. She shook off her doubts, cursing her stupidity. 'Why do I let this man reduce me to a babbling fool?'

"Because you care for him."

Kagome gasped and turned her eyes to Rin. The girl smiled at her before walking ahead and singing an old Shiiyonian song. 'No' she denied heatedly. 'How can I care for an arrogant hound like him?' Even as she spoke the words, his image brought a strange tight sensation to her chest. She breathed deeply and swallowed, attempting to dispel the feeling. She did not want to care for him. She only wanted to complete her mission and return home. At that thought, she paused. 'Home… where exactly is that?' Her mind lay in confusion between a home on a planet she could barely remember but a place she knew her family were and the future to which she was born. True… she never felt the sense of belonging that others around her in the future had but still, her mother, brother, grandpa and cousin all lived in that time. Which did she choose now?

Before she could think more on the matter, they arrived at the city. She and Rin linked arms and worked together to create a barrier that would stop Sesshoumaru discovering them. They set out tracking their assignment. After walking down several streets, they came across a rather unsavoury looking cluster of buildings. The smell of alcohol permeated the air, a clear indication that they were on the correct trail. They walked forward, their manner relaxed, as though they walked these streets often. The girls' sharp eyes scanned the buildings, in search of the house they sought. Kagome smiled at Miroku's cunning brilliance when it came to acquiring information. In his many drinks with the western soldiers, he learned of the perfect place to find the help they required.

The two girls stopped before the tiny hut, tucked in the back of the cluster. Although the dwelling was humble, it was clean and well kept, standing out amongst the filth that surrounded it. They hesitated a moment, before gathering their courage and walking to the tiny door. Kagome knocked firmly and waited. Nothing… She lifted her hand and knocked again. She and Rin jumped as a loud voice boomed from inside.

"Whadya want?!!!"

The pair exchanged a glance before looking back at the door. Kagome took a breath and yelled through the thick wood.

"We have need of your services and are willing to pay generously."

After a moment's silence, the door wrenched open to reveal a dishevelled woman in her nightgown. She smirked as she took in their surprised glances.

"I work nights."

Her smirk broadened at their shocked expressions. She opened the door further and stepped back to allow them entry. They walked into the darkened room, surprised by its clean and tidied state. The well-furnished house had ornate rugs and tapestries adorning the floors and walls.

'Well… obviously dancing earns good money here.' Kagome admired the small ornaments on a mantelpiece.

'My thoughts precisely' Rin's eyes travelled over the delicately embroidered sheets, wondering how a dancer afforded such luxuries.

The girls both looked into the narrowed eyes, wondering if they had spoken aloud. The woman gestured them to a small table and moved towards a small kitchen. They watched her silently as she prepared a pot of tea and brought it back to the table minutes later. When she finished serving them, she focused her sharp eyes on Kagome.

"So… why do you get me out of my bed?"

Kagome stared straight back at the woman, completely undaunted by her abrupt manner. "I thought you might like to earn some decent money."

The woman's eyes flicked with interest. "Mm that I might. And what would I do to earn this… decent money?"

A smile tugged at Kagome's mouth. "Nothing unsavoury, if that's what you're worried about."

Again, the woman's eyes flicked with interest. "You have a strange manner of speech I noticed."

"As do you, I noticed." Kagome countered quickly.

A reluctant smile pulled at the woman's mouth. "Very quick, are we not?"

"So… are you interested?" Kagome decided to get right to business.

"You still have not explained what I have to do."

"We need a dance instructor… to teach a small group of women to dance."

The woman blinked and blew a strand of blonde hair from her eyes. "Let me get this straight. You want me to teach a bunch of nobles to dance like street girls?"

Kagome smirked in amusement. "Yes, that's correct."

"Why, may I ask?"

"That is none of your concern. You will receive a generous sum of money for each lesson. So… are you interested, or do I need to locate a new dancer?"

The woman stared at them in silence before finally responding. "I accept your offer. When and where do you require me to meet you?"

Kagome thought a moment before replying. "I will let you know of that later."

She reached into the pocket of the old garment she wore and grabbed a small sack of coins, tossing it to the woman.

"Consider this an advance." She stood with Rin beside her as they prepared to make their departure.

At the door, Kagome stopped and turned to the woman. "What is your name?"

The woman smiled, her cerulean blue eyes glinting in the shadowed room. "I am Ai. And who do I address?"

"My name is Kagome and this is Rin."

Ai nodded to Rin then turned back to Kagome. "I shall see you soon."

Kagome nodded then turned and exited the small hut. Once outside, she looked at Rin in amazement. The young girl's features mirrored her own, causing a laugh to escape her.

"She is quite a character, is she not?"

"Most definitely." Rin giggled as they started walking.

They strolled in silence, both lost to their thoughts. The heat of the morning air lulled them into a haze. Kagome felt a tingle race up her spine, too groggy to analyse it. She pushed away the nagging sensation and continued towards the main street. They rounded a bend and froze with a gasp at the looming figure that blocked their path.

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AN: See, told you I'd give you your cliffie. hehe. Wow that took some writing, now comes the checking. lol. Before I go on, I would like to say a special thanks to two readers from adultfanfiction. To Anim, thanks for letting me know about that scrolling problem. To be honest with you, I didn't even check them. So, really sorry to all of you from that site and we all owe Anim a huge thanks. The other thanks goes to NightSky, with an apology for not acknowledging you before. I really appreciate your help with that affect/effect thing. I was baffling over that many times. Thanks for the pointer.

Note to anyone who wants me to notify them of my updates, please leave your email address in your review, and make sure you check that it's correct, 'cause I'm still getting some errors.

Okay, I hope this placates your ire. I again apologise for the lengthy wait. As mentioned before I would love to promise you lots of chapters but at this point, it's quite impossible. However, after the frantic Christmas rush, I should be able to manage a more regular posting. Until then, my apologies.

Now… unfortunately, I have to keep the review responses light this time, due to the length of this chapter. Boy, you wouldn't believe that these two chapters really started out as one. Oh well… I had lots of things that I needed to slot in there. Anyway, a huge thanks to all of those who make it a pleasure to write. You're absolutely fantastic, all of you.

Annetta: Thank you so much. Sorry for the wait. Hope you enjoyed this one.

Anim: Thanks again. I so do appreciate it. How annoying it must have been to read that.

NightSky: Thanks again to you as well. Your pointer was very helpful. And sorry to keep you waiting so long. If you get sick of checking, just let me know your email and I'll email you when I update. It's not a public list or anything.

Ralina: You're gonna kill me but… the moment you're waiting for won't be for some time yet. (cringes) However… I do promise some wonderful teasers that should provide many breathless moments. Does that help?

Teresa: Wow girl, thanks for all the support. I'm very glad you love this story, it's a pet project. And guess what girl? Himari is modelled after my own heart. In other words, he's my ideal man. Funny how popular he is with the ladies.

Migele: So great to see here too. Glad you like it and boy were you correct about Rin. Thanks for the review.

Crazy Fan S.S.: Thank you so much for the great praise and apologies for the extra wait. There's lots more to come so stick around.

Angelmiko: Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say with all that innocence. Oh… how do you like your part? hehe.

healincompassion: Thanks for the lovely compliment and humblest apologies for the long wait. I'll make it up to you as soon as I can.

Catrice: thanks for all the reviews and sorry to drive you crazy with the incessant wait. After Christmas, I should be able to find more writing time.

Mac: Why thank you very much. Yes, I do quite a lot of tweaking in my stories. Hope it pleases you.

Tonomi: Hi girl. Thanks for the review. Hope you didn't get too bored while you were waiting. Hey come on, you're a writer, how do you find time to get bored. lol.

AnimeAngelz: Oh, oh… now I'm suffering guilt. Please don't look at me with those puppy eyes. I'm so, so sorry I kept you waiting. It's because of you that there's two chapters you know. You made me feel so guilty, I decided to give two instead of one.

Animechickie: Hope you liked it. Thanks for the reviews. And don't apologise, I take that as a compliment.

Jasmine Fields: Thanks for the compliment. Hope you liked these chappies too.

lyn: Don't you worry, I aim to write plenty more.

Kyoko.Kai: So glad to provide you with entertainment. Hope these are as much fun to read.

snowbrat: mm, interesting name. Deepest apologies on the lack of romance. In defence, I will say that this story is going to be quite long and I guess it's more action/adventure than romance at this point but… that will change later, I promise. First the warriors have much to put in place. I promise you, I'll make it worth the wait.

Da Fuzz: I am sorry that you are not enjoying the story thus far but you must understand the differences in people and respect them. Plus if you are not brave enough, to leave a form of contact then you are merely being spiteful to those of us who work hard to create original plot lines and events. If you were a true critic, you would have left a contact so that perhaps you could be of some real help.

SessKaglovur: Hey thanks girl. After Christmas, I swear I'll earn that cookie. Oh, seeing that you're a Sess/Kag freak like me, check out my favourites. I've accumulated a nice collection of favourite authors with some excellent Sess/Kag fics. I'm sure you'll love most if not all.

Mistress Koishii: What? (gasps in shock) Moi? Cruel to Sess? But how, pray tell?

allyct160: Why thank you. Soon the chappies will come quicker.

Shadow panther: You're added to the update list and thanks for the review. Sorry about the long wait. As soon as the mad season is over things will speed up a bit. Uh… you've kinda put me in a bit of bind… (looks at gal pal author Rain, whose drooling over Sess pics while hugging her plushie) I ahh… I'll figure a way out of this, don't you worry. (ignores Rain's screams of "he's mine! he's mine!!)

japanese: nice and simple, I like. And I promise you, I have every intention of finishing… and writing more. Stick around.

AuroraNyte: Hey DJ, wasn't it an explosive end to a swingin' party. Thanks for that talk, it really helped clear my head. You'll be happy to know that since then, I've managed to sort through lots of the crap. And hey, didn't you just love Sess in this one. mmm, I just love it when he has feelings.

fallenangel: ooh I love it when you growl at me. hehe. Tell you what, I'll allow you to perform an act of violence on me after Christmas. How's that? Hey, I did give you two chappies… isn't that worth something?

Cygnus: Oh Cyn, please don't be mad. I hate it when you're mad at me. I'll tell Mark! (sighs) You know how I am with these cliffies. Man, that means you're gonna be mad about this one, huh? (cringes) Yes… I was rather good with that Rain thing. hehe. How you're all gonna hate her. Oh the thought of it. Ahahaha!! (suddenly stops laughing and leans closer to Cyn, whispering) So… you like boy bashing too, huh? (looks around) Meet me outside in half an hour with your baseball bat.

A quick thanks to my buddy, Playwrite-Chailyn. Thanks Toni... you know what for.

Well, that's all folks. lol. Thanks for reading. Once again, apologies on the wait and thanks for your patience. Til next chapter, bye.

Babs