Sorry I haven't updated in like ages. I'm having some personal problems with friends and I'm graduating in like a month! YAY ME! So sorry! And I'll try to update more!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha and co.

Chapter 2 Meeting Rin and the assassin.

The next morning Kagome was still fast asleep in the world of dreams. Unbeknownst to her a seven-year-old little girl was studying the young woman that her lord brought home. So you can imagine the scare Kagome got when she first opened her eyes to be met with a pair of brown eyes staring right back.

"Aieeee! Who are you?"

"Hi pretty lady! Rin's name is Rin! What's your name? Are you gonna be Rin's new mommy?" Asked an enthusiastic Rin.

"I'm Kagome and no I'm not here to be your mom, but I can be your friend." Answered Kagome as her heartbeat returned to normal.

"Okay. Do you know who that little youkai is in the other room?"

"Shippou? He's my son." Stated Kagome.

"Oh…" Said Rin as her face fell.

"Tell ya what. I'll be your mother, but when Sesshoumaru takes a mate, she will be your new one, okay? I can't stay here because I have my own kingdom to watch over."

"Are you a princess?" Asked Rin.

"I guess you could say that. So because you are my daughter, you will be one, too! How would you like to become a real lady?" Asked Kagome.

"Rin would like that very much!" Said an excited Rin.

"Alright. Sit here and say still." Commanded Kagome.

Rin kneeled in front of Kagome as Kagome concentrated on her power. She sent some to Rin to sort of adopt her. But it wasn't a full adoption. Rin gained the Central Lands crest making her a princess and a formal lady forever, but she wouldn't be Kagome's daughter without the blood spell. Kagome knew that if she did, Rin would be hers forever, but she didn't want to take that away from Sesshoumaru, should he ever take a mate. When the mark fully appeared, Rin's transformation to a lady was complete.

"There. Go look in the mirror." Stated Kagome.

"Wow! Rin has a mark like Momma!"

"You are now a true lady and a Princess of the Central Lands." Said Kagome as they hugged.

"Thank you so much, Mama! Come on let's go to breakfast! There's a robe in that closet thingy that you can wear. Rin wants to show Lord Sesshoumaru her mark!" Said Rin excitedly.

Rin went into the armoire and retrieved a beautiful silk robe. It was blood red with light pink sakura blossoms on it. Sesshoumaru's family crest was on the back.

"Rin, I can't wear that. It's way too extravagant." Said Kagome.

"It's alright. Lord Sesshoumaru wouldn't have put it in there if you weren't allowed to wear it." Stated Rin.

Kagome dressed and followed Rin to the dining room. As they entered the two huge wooden doors, a crash was heard on the other side. A demoness lay on the floor with hatred in her eyes.

"Oh my kami! I am terribly sorry!" Said Kagome as she tried to help her up.

"Get off me you insolent bitch!" Raged the woman that Kagome could tell was a dragon youkai. "Do you know who I am! I am Lady Rita of the Southern Lands! And who are you to be entering Lord Sesshoumaru's dining hall? A concubine? By the looks of it…" But she never got to finish her sentence as a bright pink light knocked the demoness back down.

"You, Lady Rita, shall show ME some respect! You wish to know who I am? I am the inu-deity and Lady of the Central Lands! I am Kagome Yamato! Now if you would kindly get up and be on your way." Said a cold, but angry Kagome.

"Don't think this is over Lady Kagome," she sneered, "this is far from over!" Rita left as Kagome sighed.

"What is it with people treating me like dirt?" Mumbled Kagome.

"It is because you are too kind." Spoke Sesshoumaru.

"Thanks."

"It was not a compliment. If you are like that you will not be able to control your lands. A 'too kind ruler' will have their lands snatched away in a second." Said Sesshoumaru.

"You're wrong. I'll show you what a little kindness can do." Said a determined Kagome.

Rin sat on the left of Sesshoumaru next to Shippou and Kagome on the right of Sesshoumaru. As the servants brought the food in, Kagome made small talk.

"So how did you sleep, Shippou?"

"Fine, Momma. And you?"

"Pretty good myself. I don't know how long it's been since I slept on a bed." Said Kagome.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, I do hope you're not upset with me about adopting Rin…"

"I was wondering why her scent held a little of yours." Said Sesshoumaru.

"Look! Look! Rin has a mark just like Mama!" Shouted an excited Rin to Sesshoumaru as she lifted her bangs. Sesshoumaru looked at the mark and could tell it was the Central Lands family crest minus the circle inside of it.

"Why did you not ask permission of this?" Glared an angry Sesshoumaru.

"I didn't think you'd mind me being Rin's mother for a while. Besides if you take a mate, she will be her knew mother, but the mark on Rin shall never fade. She will always be a Princess of the Central Lands." Stated Kagome with a I-know-it-was-wrong-but-don't-argue-with-me voice.

"Very well. If you fail myself or Rin, there will be dire consequences. Now continue eating so we may discuss your lands in the counseling room." Commanded Sesshoumaru.

Everyone continued to eat. The children had a secret conversation while the adults weren't listening. They giggled, shoved food in their mouths and continued with their conversation.

"Shippou! Rin! Don't talk with your mouths full." Reprimanded Kagome.

"Sorry…" They both said and ate with their mouths closed.

After breakfast the children were excused to go play with Jaken trailing behind.

"Kagome. Return to your room and change clothes. I shall send a servant. She shall show you to the counseling room." Said Sesshoumaru as he got up and excited the breakfast hall.

Kagome rose from her seat and did as Sesshoumaru said. As she walked through the palace halls, Kagome pondered about Sesshoumaru 'Why does he take such good care of Rin if he's suppose to hate humans? She obviously thinks of him as a father. He also seems less cold here, but that's probably because he feels safe in his home to let some of his emotions show. There's much more to him than meets the eye.' Thought Kagome as she got to her room.

"Hello, Lady Kagome. Do you remember who I am?" Questioned the demoness.

"Sakura, wasn't it? I believe we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Kagome. No formalities, please. I really hate that. Did Sesshoumaru send you?"

"Yes. I'm here to show you to the counseling room. Whenever you are ready I shall lead you there." Answered Sakura.

"If you wouldn't mind, I wanted to know how you became so friendly with Sesshoumaru." Inquired Kagome with a faint blush on her cheeks. She didn't think it would be appropriate to ask such a question to someone you just met.

"I don't mind at all. I was Sesshoumaru's nanny. When his mother, Lady Kurea, disappeared I sort of became his mother in her place. I see him as a son of my own. My mate, Kami rest him, passed on about one hundred years ago. He and my son were killed by the cat youkai tribe fighting with Lord Inutaisho." Spoke Sakura with a sadness in her voice.

"I'm sorry, that must have been terrible…" Whispered Kagome with tears in her eyes.

"It was a long time ago. Anyways why don't you take a bath before you dress, relax a little before you see Sesshoumaru. The hot springs are right through that door next to the armoire." Said Sakura. "I will get you a towel and a kimono ready."

Kagome went into the room and undressed. There were a few jars of scents on a table near the hot spring. She picked something that smelled like vanilla and lavender. Sakura brought a towel and told Kagome that she would leave the kimono in her room. As she left, Kagome was left to her own thoughts.

'There seems to be more to Sesshoumaru than anyone ever thought. I am extremely curious about him. He is so fierce and cold; yet, he keeps a human child like his own daughter. You'd have to be blind to not see the love he holds for Rin. Maybe the ice prince is finally learning to warm up.' Thought Kagome as she massaged her scalp.

Unbeknownst to her a youkai had snuck into the castle. A fire-snake youkai saw the young inu-deity. He slowly slithered up to her as she dozed on a boulder. As he was about to poison her with his fangs a voice stopped him an inch from her neck.

"If you value your miserable life, you will back away." Said Kagome in a cold commanding voice.

Power radiated off the young woman causing fear to consume the snake youkai. Hissing at her the snake slithered its way into a defensive stand.

"So, the Central Lands bitch is really alive. Now I know what he feared so much. His power could be taken away if you learned the truth."

"Who sent you? If you tell me, you shall receive a quick and painless death. So you speak of Naraku?" Demanded Kagome.

"Ha! I will never help the Central Lands bitch! Death to the Yamatos!" Cried the youkai as he attacked.

"I'm sorry you feel that way…" Said Kagome in a dead voice. She rose her hand and shot a beam of purifying energy at the youkai. As the youkai turned to ashes, Kagome dashed out of the hot springs, put her clothes on and followed Sesshoumaru's scent to his library.

She barged in the doors with a fire in her eyes. She saw Sesshoumaru as she stormed in and demanded, "Why, dear Sesshoumaru, was I disturbed during my bath?"

"What are you rambling on about Kagome?" Asked Sesshoumaru in a bored tone. Inside he was raging about her disrespect in front of one of the cardinal lords.

"I am rambling about how someone sent an assassin to kill me just a few moments ago. I need to get to my lands now!" Yelled an infuriated Kagome with red tinting her eyes.

"WHAT!" Roared Sesshoumaru. "How is that possible! Where is this assassin?"

"I killed him. It was a fire-snake youkai. He said something about someone fearing me and that's why he was sent to kill me. He knew I was of the Yamato clan." Informed Kagome as she started to calm down.

As this was occurring the Lord of the North watched with intent interest. 'It seems young Sesshoumaru has finally taken some interest in a female. I was starting to wonder if he was asexual or gay…' chuckled the lion youkai. The lion youkai abruptly stopped when he saw the crest on the female's forehead. 'She's the Lady of the Central Lands! But Lord Naga is in power…wait Yamato…she's an inu-deity! Impossible!' thought the lion youkai as the couple continued to argue.

"QUIET!" Roared the lion youkai with a twitch in his eye. Sesshoumaru and Kagome looked at the youkai that they forgot with wide eyes.

"Now, if you both would stop behaving like bickering children we can get down to business. Sesshoumaru, introduce me to this intriguing beauty you have found." Said the lion youkai with a playful glint in his eyes.

"Forgive me, Lord Taro. This is Kagome, Lady of the Central Lands and the last inu-deity. I will be accompanying her to her lands so she may retrieve her birthright." Sesshoumaru said in a regal sophisticated voice. "Kagome, this is Lord Taro of the Northern Lands. He and my father have been allies for many years. He is to be RESPECTED." Emphasis on "respected."

"Sesshoumaru, I know my manners unlike you. Excuse his rude behavior, Lord Taro. It is an honor to meet you. I have heard great stories of the Demon Lord of the North. Is it true that you might have rivaled Inutaisho?" Asked Kagome with admiration in her beautiful midnight blue eyes.

"Ah! Young Kagome! Yes, it is true that I could have rivaled Inutaisho, but friends do not do that to each other. I recall seeing your parents many times. Lord Kisho and Lady Kita. A strong and loving couple. I have never seen such a strong bond before other than your parents. You look much like your mother." Spoke Lord Taro with a fondness in his eyes. "I remember when I was younger, I was arranged to mate your mother, but Kisho fought me for her. I knew he would best me, but it was a great honor to be in combat with an inu-deity of such power. He toyed with me and spared my life. I knew he would not kill me, we became allies and quite good friends. I wish I could have been there to save them." Said the lion youkai with sadness in his voice.

"It isn't your fault. I'm sure you would have been there if you could have. But thank you for giving me a memory of my parents. It gives me great joy to meet someone they knew. I would really enjoy it if we could talk some more at a better time, if that would not inconvenience you?" Questioned Kagome with hope.

"Of course not, my dear! I would love to speak with you at a later time, but for now let us speak of how you shall get your lands back." Said Lord Taro. The two youkais and inu-deity took a seat around Sesshoumaru's mahogany desk. "Sesshoumaru, I assume you have done your homework and have all the information on Lord Naga?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. My men have found out that he knows about Kagome and has put up more security around the city. Also, no one is allowed to leave or enter the city. Barriers are around the palace, and it seems there is also a strange aura around the palace room. Celestials have been called to the palace for unknown reasons. If they don't come willingly then they are forced. I believe they are the ones creating the barriers and where the strange aura is coming from. It seems that Lord Naga is creating something, but no one has spoken of it, and it is kept hidden." Informed Sesshoumaru.

"Hm…it seems like this is going to be more difficult than I had thought." Said Kagome. "But I believe I can break the barrier quite easily. Lord Taro, would it be impolite of me to ask you for a few of your men to aid me?"

"Your wish is my command, young Kagome. I would be honored to help the daughter of the Central Lands. Whatever assistance you need, I shall provide."

"Now, Sesshoumaru, I thought you were not going to assist me. What changed your mind? You have obviously helped me a great deal by getting information on Lord Naga, so what is your motive?" Kagome asked with narrowed eyes.

"I only wish to take Lord Naga out of power. I detest him and would even prefer you, even though you are only a woman. You shall be more suitable than that pathetic youkai." He spoke coldly.

"Only a…woman. ONLY A WOMAN! Who the hell do you think you are! I should blast you to the seven levels of hell! Ya know what, Sesshoumaru? I don't need your help! I'll be leaving today and getting out of your hair! Just don't expect anything from me ever again!" Raged Kagome as she stormed out of the room.

"Well…she sure does have her mother's temper, that's for sure. I could never forget that. I would advise you to go and apologize to her. That temper can be deadly." Said the all-knowing Northern Lord.

"Sigh I believe I went overboard with that woman comment. I shall speak with her later." Surrendered Sesshoumaru rubbing the bridge of his nose stalling the oncoming headache that was forming.

While the two youkais were discussing things further, Kagome was stomping through the white marble halls toward the gardens. 'Ooo! The nerve of that man! Er…Youkai! Who the hell does he think he is? Kami? Hell! I'm closer to that than him! I'll show him what I'm made of!' Thought Kagome angrily.

Entering the extremely lush gardens, Kagome spotted a bench by a marble fountain. She walked toward it and took a seat admiring the beautiful atmosphere that surrounded her. The bright blue sky with white fluffy clouds scattering the sky showed the sun peaking through them. Birds were chirping happily while a squirrel dashed to another tree with a walnut in its mouth. Sakura blossoms were blooming everywhere drifting their lovely scent towards Kagome. It seemed that nature was trying to calm Kagome down.

Seeing the children playing not to far away, Kagome walked towards them. They were currently poking Jaken with a stick while he was tied to a tree with bed sheets. His squawking could be heard miles away.

"Shippou! Rin! What are you doing to Jaken?"

"Shippou and Rin were playing samurais and thieves! Jaken is the thief!" Exclaimed Rin with an evil glint in her eyes.

"We weren't hurting Jaken, honest Mama!" Said Shippou.

"Both of you run off and bother the guards or something. I'm sure lunch will begin shortly. Go on…" Kagome shooed the children away as she stalked towards the imp-like toad.

Jaken swallowed the lump in his throat, "My lady! Please forgive this lowly Jaken! They jumped behind me and…" But he never got to finish his sentence, for he was in shock.

Kagome reached over and untied the poor toad. She smiled down at him and nodded her head, leaving the little imp in surprise and gratitude, and maybe even a newfound respect.

TBC…

So…how was it? Getting interested? Lots of mystery! If you have any ideas or comments please review! I would love feedback! R&R!

dbzfan