AN: Here's another chappie! Sorry I'm taking forever to update, but I'm graduating this month, and its taking a lot of my time, sorry! When graduation is over, I will have so much more time to write. I have a lot of ideas for this story! If you have any input, please feel free to give me advice. I can't promise I'll take it, but it may inspire me!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha and co.

Chapter 3 The Dream and the Sparing Session

"Sesshoumaru, my boy, it seems like you have your hands full with that young inu-deity. I would advise you to apologize to her. If she's anything like her mother, then she may hold a grudge for eternity." Spoke Lord Taro.

"Sigh I believe this Sesshoumaru does owe Kagome an apology. If you would excuse me, Lord Taro, I shall see to it that a room is prepared for your stay." Stated Sesshoumaru in a cold, but more tired voice.

"Very well, my boy. I shall see you at lunch."

With Kagome

'Damn Sesshoumaru! Who the hell does he think he is! A WOMAN! Well, I'll show him!' Thought Kagome in a rage as she stomped through the palace halls.

Kagome entered a room that she thought was her own. Unfortunately, she did not know her way around well enough. The room she had entered was the throne room. And who was waiting in the throne room? That's right. Lady Rita.

'Great…just great! This is the last thing I need today. First I have to get my lands back, then I have to deal with a cold inu. Now I have to deal with a 24/7 PMSing bitch!' groaned Kagome.

"Lady Rita. If you are looking for Sesshoumaru, he is occupied at the moment." Informed Kagome as the dragon youkai turned around to glare at her.

"I know what you are up to, little inu-deity. YOU are only after Lord Sesshoumaru! But I warn you now, Sesshoumaru is mine!" Snarled Lady Rita.

"Ha! You think I am here to deceive Sesshoumaru into mating with me? Preposterous! Unlike you, I am honest and have no need for a mate. Do what you wish with Sesshoumaru, but Sesshoumaru would never mate a devious shit like you." Spoke a cold Kagome.

That last comment sent Lady Rita into a youkai rage. Her eyes turned red as her green scaled stood up on end. Flexing her claws she attacked Kagome. Kagome saw what was going to happen and dodged Rita's left claw. Kagome fisted her hand and landed a punch on Lady Rita's right cheek, sending her flying through the air. Rita back flipped and landed with her hand on her stinging cheek. Gathering her demonic energy, flames started to spark from her eyes. Kagome did not see the attack coming when a fireball flew out of Lady Rita's mouth. Kagome's eyes widened as she saw the attack. Squeezing her eyes closed, Kagome prepared for the impact.

But it never came.

Sesshoumaru came out of his hiding spot and grabbed Kagome out of the way. Looking up Kagome saw the golden eyes that were starting to harden even more.

'Man, he must really be pissed off.' Thought Kagome with dread.

"Kagome. Return to your room. I shall speak with you shortly." Said Sesshoumaru as he set her down and glared at Lady Rita.

With a humph Kagome turned and stalked to her room, slamming the throne doors on the way.

"Lady Rita, you have come to my home and have disrespected one of my guests. Would you care to explain to me your reasoning for such a rash action?" Said Sesshoumaru with deadly calm.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, I was merely waiting for your presence, when that bitch stormed in here. She insulted me, therefore I attacked." Smirked the young demoness.

"It would be wise if you wiped that smirk off your face! Lady Kagome is a guest here and will be respected. Now if that is all, we can get back to business. Why did you request me?" Demanded Sesshoumaru.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, I would like you to reconsider becoming allies! We could be so strong together and could even rule all for corners!" Said Lady Rita as she walked towards Sesshoumaru.

"Lady Rita, it is unwise to speak of deception when you are in the presence of another Lord." Spoke a voice from behind the pillar.

"Lord Taro! I did not know you were there! Forgive me…" Bowed Lady Rita.

"Lady Rita, I deny you, once again, to become allies. I need no such assistance in gaining what I want. And I am not selfish enough to want all of the corners."

"But Sesshoumaru…" Interrupted the dragon demoness.

"Silence!" Roared Sesshoumaru. "You shall not address me so informally! Lady Rita, you shall return to your lands and inform your father of your behavior. You are no longer welcome in the Western Lands. Leave."

The dragon demoness left the throne room with one thought.

'You will regret this Sesshoumaru, and your little bitch will pay.'

Kagome's room

When Kagome had entered her room, a tray of fruit and water was placed on it. She was sitting at her little breakfast nook on the patio that looked out to the garden, thinking about how Sesshoumaru has been acting.

'I don't understand that guy at all. One minute he's putting me down for being ONLY a woman, and the next he is saving me. I guess I could forgive him, but he has to apologize and I still have to have a little pay back.' With that settled Kagome lay on her bed and fell asleep.

DREAM

A young six-year-old Kagome was walking through a field of rare flowers. Two shadows were sitting at a small patio table not far away. A woman's and a man's laughter flittered through the breeze from the couple. Kagome looked back at her two parents with a smile on her face.

Unbeknownst to the happy family, a dark aura was slowly surrounding the peaceful field. Little Kagome looked at the darkening sky, when an angry growl filled the air. Looking back at her parents, her father was fighting a dark figure dressed in a baboon pelt.

Lady Kita picked up her young daughter and dashed into the forest. Running blindly Kagome and her mother heard the anguished cry of Lord Kisho. Both mother and daughter cried as they ran through the darkening forest. Lady Kita found the old bone eaters well and placed a spell on it, using her life force. With one last tear, Lady Kita changed Kagome into a baby and sent her five hundred years into the future.

The scene changed back to the same field, except Kagome was in her royal form. A tiny tiara was on her head though. A bright white light flashed in Kagome's vision and Lady Kita stood in front of her.

"Kagome, I'm so glad to see you." Said Lady Kita as she hugged her daughter. Even in this dream like state, Kagome could feel and smell her mother like she was actually there.

"Mother, why are you in my dream?" Asked Kagome as she pulled away from her mother.

"Daughter, you don't have all of your memories like I thought you would. Something has stopped you from retrieving all of your memories. Is there something that is holding you back?" Questioned Lady Kita.

"I don't know what you mean. I have some of my memories, and I'm guessing that last dream was a memory as well, correct?"

"Yes, that was the last memory of us together. If only it could have lasted forever…" Sighed the older inu-deity.

"Mother, when you spoke of my father, you said he was not an inu-deity. Lord Taro says that he was. Have I missed something?" Asked Kagome.

"Oh yes! I forgot to mention that last time. Kisho was born an inu-youkai, but was a very special inu-youkai. There are very few in the world that can actually do this, but he evolved into an inu-deity. The kames blessed him, and changed him. I'm not quite sure to this day how he did it, but when he wanted to challenge Lord Taro for me, he knew he had to become stronger." Explained Lady Kita.

"I understand. Why have you come to me in my dreams?"

"I have come to warn you about Lord Naga. I've been looking over everything, and I did not know how evil he has become. He has teamed up with Naraku. There is also another evil greater than Naraku. I'm not sure who or what it is, but it is coming. You must complete the jewel and get our lands back." Said a determined Lady Kita.

"What do I do about Sesshoumaru? He is so confusing…" Sighed Kagome.

"There will be someone to help you with him. I will send someone. You won't meet her, but she can create telepathic links like a family bond. I will have her contact you. Her name is Kaiya. She will help you when dealing with Sesshoumaru." Said Lady Kita. "I must go, for Sesshoumaru is coming to your room to wake you. Goodbye my daughter."

With that Lady Kita faded away into the beautiful field.

End DREAM

Sesshoumaru entered Kagome's room noticing that she was about to wake up. Sitting at the small chair beside her bed, Sesshoumaru waited patiently for her to open her eyes. He had thought very hard on what he was going to say to her.

"Sesshoumaru, did you need something?" Yawned Kagome.

"Kagome…I came her to…apologize. I was out of line. I'm…sorry." Whispered Sesshoumaru.

"What was that? I couldn't quite hear you…" Said a sly Kagome.

"I'm sorry." Said Sesshoumaru a little louder.

"I still can't hear you. I must have some left over water in my ears from my earlier bath…" Said Kagome as a smirk started to appear on her lips.

"I'M SORRY! KAMI! Woman are you deaf!" Bellowed Sesshoumaru.

"Haha! Alright! That was totally my pay back to you! I think the whole castle heard you." Giggled Kagome. "But I forgive you Sesshoumaru."

Kagome jumped off the bed and ran behind the changing screen. She came back out wearing a dark green exterminator's outfit like Sango's. Sesshoumaru looked her up and down noticing how the material clung to her like a second skin.

"So…what's on the agenda for the rest of the day?" Asked Kagome.

"Well, you missed lunch. So I suggest you go to the kitchen and have Jaken order you something to eat. Then you will meet me in the dojo. Sakura shall show you were it is. We will begin training as soon as you're done eating. Have a servant bring some water out there so you will not get dehydrated." Commanded Sesshoumaru.

"Yes, sir!" Saluted Kagome as she ran out of the room.

She popped her head back in at Sesshoumaru, "Oh, and Sesshoumaru?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you for saving me earlier from that fireball." Said Kagome as she blushed and went to the kitchen.

Sesshoumaru sat in Kagome's room with a slight smile on her face, too oblivious to anything but the small thanks of gratitude that he had just received from the kind Kagome.

Outside the window of Kagome's room a pair of red eyes were looking into the scene of the once mighty Taiyoukai.

'So Sesshoumaru has a weakness for the inu-deity. Kagome may actually be the one to free Kanna and me. I shall have to keep this little bit of information away from Naraku.' Thought the wind sorceress.

Inu Yasha and Group

The three companions sat together as they took a break from shard hunting. Without Kagome it was much more difficult to locate any shards. Sango sighed as she thought about her friend.

'I miss Kagome so much. I hope she is okay. It's only been a couple days. I shouldn't be so worried. She can take care of herself. I should have gone with her. She may have needed me.'

'The group seems so much more melancholy since Lady Kagome left. She was the light of our group. Inu Yasha has been in a foul mood since Lady Kagome has taken leave. He shouldn't have treated her so badly. She wouldn't have left if he had respected her more. I would have left with her, but Inu Yasha is our friend and needs our help as well.' Thought Miroku.

'How could that bitch just leave her responsibilities! She's the one that broke the damn jewel! And what was that whole thing with Kikyo! Inu-deity…She was gorgeous, though, even more beautiful than Kikyo. I will get her back. She will be mine. One way or another.' Thought the once good hanyou.

"Sango, Miroku. I want Kikyo to join the group. She can find the shards faster than we are now. And she would be able to fight with us." Demanded Inu Yasha.

"Inu Yasha! How could you just replace Kagome like that! What the hell did you even do to her!" Raged Sango. She had been meaning to get this out of her system for a while.

"I didn't do nothing to the wench! Besides it's none of your business!" Yelled the hanyou.

"Inu Yasha…I swear, when we see Kagome again, and you do anything to upset or hurt her. You will be at the end of my Hirakostu (AN: sp? Anyone know how to spell it?) or my katana." Threatened the exterminator. "At least Kagome is with the better youkai. Sesshoumaru will always be the better brother!"

SLAP!

Inu Yasha's hand was still connected to Sango's face. Sango pulled back her fist and punched Inu Yasha in the left eye sending him flying a few feet.

"Don't you EVER lay a hand on me again! You can't get away with shit like that with me. If you want to beat up on some bitch, go find you dead corpse!" Yelled Sango as she marched off in the direction of Kaede's hut.

Miroku stood shocked at the hanyou that had hit Sango. Something was not right with Inu Yasha. Why would he hit Sango? He had never hit a woman before…before Kagome had left.

"Inu Yasha, usually I do not get into Lady Sango's fights, but if I so much as see you even think about harming her again, I will send you into my wind tunnel even if I need you to help defeat Naraku." With that Miroku chased after Sango.

'Why did I hit Sango? Why am I turning against my friends? Ever since Kagome left…' All of a sudden Inu Yasha's expression changed to that one of anger. 'Forget them! I don't need their approval! They will all get what is coming to them in the end.' Inu Yasha smirked evilly and followed his "friends."

Back at the Western Palace

Kagome walked into the kitchen to get something to eat. Youkais of all kinds were hustling around preparing for dinner and anything the master might want.

"Excuse me."

The youkais turned to her voice and dropped what they were doing to bow at her feet.

'Weird' "Please, don't bow to me. I am no one of importance. Please, just continue with whatever you were doing." Said Kagome as she waved the formalities away.

"My Lady, it is an honor to serve one such as yourself. It has been so long since we have seen an inu-deity. You are our hope for the future. Please, allow us to help you in whatever way we can." Bowed the rabbit youkai.

"Very well. I would appreciate it if I could get something for a late lunch since I kinda slept through lunch." Giggled a nervous Kagome.

"As you wish, milady. Go ahead and sit in the dinning room. We shall bring you your lunch in a moment." Said the rabbit youkai.

"Actually, would you mind if I sat at that little table and chair over there? I would love to watch you all cook." Commented Kagome.

"At the servants dinning area? Surely you would be more comfortable in a more formal setting…"

"Nonsense! This is just fine. I'm sorry, what is your name?" Asked Kagome with a warm smile.

"M-y, my name is Rini, milady. I am the head chef of Lord Sesshoumaru's home." Said the Rini, shocked that the inu-deity would wish to know her name.

"Please, just call me Kagome. I hate all that formality stuff." Said Kagome as she playfully stuck her tongue out about formalities.

"Mi- Kagome, I have heard from Sakura that you were extremely kind and not like other royal youkais." Stated Rini.

"I guess I'm not. I prefer to have friends than servants. Do you know how to cook oden?" Asked Kagome with bright hopeful eyes.

"Of course! Everyone prepare to make oden for Lady Kagome! And make it quick!" Yelled Rini to the rest of the servants.

"Thank you Rini. I really love oden! It's my favorite dish! Do you think you could send Jaken in here for a moment?" Asked Kagome.

"Of course."

Kagome watched as the servants put together her meal. With the old flame stove and pots made out of a different material, the servants had her lunch ready in all of seven minutes.

'Now that's what I call fast food!' Smiled Kagome as she dug in her food with her chopsticks.

"Milady, you called for this lowly Jaken?" Bowed the imp-like toad.

"Yes, could you tell Sesshoumaru that I have to check on the kids before I meet him in the dojo?" Asked Kagome.

"Of course, Lady Kagome. It would be my honor." With that Jaken ran out of the kitchen to pass on Kagome's message to his Lord.

Finishing the last of her meal, Kagome washed out her own dish even though the servants complained about how that was their job. She would have none of that and went to dry it off with a rag and put the bowl in the cabinet that it was taken out of. Saying her thanks, Kagome went to the children's playroom.

"Mama!" Cried two little voices.

"What are you two up to? Are you leaving poor Jaken alone?" Asked Kagome with a quirked eyebrow.

"Yes, Mama. Sakura is playing with us and teaching us the alphabet. She said if we get smarter, then Lord Sesshoumaru would be proud of Shippou and Rin." Said Rin in her cute third person talk.

"Very good. I just wanted to check up on you and see how you both were doing. But I need to borrow Sakura if you wouldn't mind."

The children smiled at Kagome and nodded, then went back to writing the alphabet.

"Kagome, I'm guessing you would like me to take you to the dojo, right?" Asked Sakura.

"Yes, please. I could use a bit of training." Said Kagome as Sakura led her to the dojo.

IN THE DOJO

A clash of swords was heard as an inu youkai and a lion youkai fought with their swords pressed together. Lord Taro and Sesshoumaru had decided to spare. The two demons pulled apart when sparks of electricity started to shoot from where the swords were put together.

Lord Taro roared and charged at Sesshoumaru with his sword pointed at Sesshoumaru's right shoulder. Sesshoumaru saw this coming and dodged. What he didn't expect was the Taiyoukai of the North to have his lion fist attack ready. The lion youkai's fist slammed into Sesshoumaru stomach with such force that he doubled over. Taking this as surrender, Lord Taro backed off. Sesshoumaru took advantage of this and had Toukijin pointed at the back of Lord Taro's head.

"Never underestimate your opponent, isn't that what you used to say to me, Lord Taro?" Asked Sesshoumaru in a calm icy voice.

"HA! My boy! Good show! You have definitely gotten better than your father. I could tell you were holding back and that you let me get that free punch in. You and everyone else may say you're cold, but I know better." Laughed Lord Taro.

Kagome stood by the rack of swords watching the two Taiyoukai converse. 'Sesshoumaru seems so much more at ease with Lord Taro. He treats him like a dear old uncle of something.' Thought Kagome as she smiled sweetly at the pair.

"That was very entertaining, my lords." Spoke Kagome as she clapped.

"Kagome, when did you get here?" Asked Sesshoumaru as his eyes softened when they met her midnight blue orbs.

"Just long enough to see you go at it. I must say I'm impressed with you, Lord Taro." Said Kagome, as she looked at the lion youkai kindly.

"Ah, my dear. You are too kind! I must say that I am looking forward to watching you and Sesshoumaru here spar. Younger youkais have so much more energy and determination. Come! Come! Get prepared to entertain this old youkai." Smiled Lord Taro.

Kagome nodded her head as she stretched out her muscles. She did a few back handsprings and jumps, then practiced a couple katas. Her movements were fluid-like and accurate. A deadly beauty. She then went to the sword rack and picked a weapon. A sword with a rose carved into the blade caught her eyes. Vines stemmed out of the rose to create the hilt of the sword. As soon as Kagome touched it, power seemed to radiate off of it and into Kagome.

Sesshoumaru and Lord Taro stood shocked at the sword that Kagome had chosen. The famous Takara was an old and mystical sword that no one had been able to wield. Sesshoumaru's mother had received the sword as a wedding gift from an unknown source, but she or any other was not able to become the swords mistress or master. It was told to have unbelievable powers that no other sword had ever had.

Kagome turned to the two shocked youkais and got into a defensive stance waiting for Sesshoumaru to attack.

"Ready when you are Sesshoumaru!"

Sesshoumaru got into an offensive stance brandishing his Toukijin. Sesshoumaru raced at Kagome with incredible speed. Kagome saw the angle that he was coming from and changed her stance. She used his momentum to flip him over her head. Sesshoumaru landed on his feet a few inches away from her. Flying into the air, Sesshoumaru used the Toukijin's power to send waves of evil energy at Kagome. Kagome used her instincts to have the sword guide her. Lifting her sword towards the energy waves, she pushed her purifying powers into the sword to create purifying waves of energy that diminished the evil energy causing a stalemate.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and used his ki whip to attack Kagome. Kagome dodged the bright yellow ki that became increasingly closer and closer to her. Sesshoumaru had deliberately not quite hit her, so he trapped her in a corner of the dojo. Kagome, understanding Sesshoumaru's strategy, used the Takara to create a veil of water in front of her. Giving off the illusion that Kagome was still in that spot, Sesshoumaru attacked the image with his whip. Unfortunately, Kagome used her inu-deity teleportation power to transport behind Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru sensed her presence behind him and swung Toukijin behind him. Kagome knew he was going to do this and ducked. Aiming her sword at his side Kagome was prepared to be the victor, but Sesshoumaru had a hidden dagger in his kimono sleeve. He aimed the dagger at her neck as the two opponents stopped. It seemed that they were equal.

"Good show! Now that was a spar! I am truly impressed, my dear! You were truly magnificent. It is quite a feat to be equal with the strongest Taiyoukai of all time." Praised Lord Taro.

"Thank you, Lord Taro. You are too kind." Bowed Kagome.

"Kagome, what made you pick that sword?" Asked Sesshoumaru.

"I don't know. I just felt a pull towards it, like it was calling me." Explained Kagome as her brows creased together in thought.

"Young Kagome, that is the legendary Takara sword. No one had been able to wield it. And you just did like you were its mistress…" Said the lion Taiyoukai.

"I don't understand what that means…" Said a confused Kagome.

"It means…that you will be its mistress." Said Sesshoumaru as he glared at Lord Taro.

There seemed to be a secret conversation going on between the two Taiyoukai that Kagome was not let in on.

"O-kay…Well, if we are done training today, how about dinner? I'm famished." Blushed Kagome as her stomach grumbled.

Lord Taro laughed and led Kagome to the dining room, while Sesshoumaru stood looking at the spot Kagome had just stood.

'She's the true Lady of the Western Lands.' Thought Sesshoumaru with shock.

TBC…

Well, there's another chappie! Please Review! If you have any questions I'd be glad to answer them. Some I can't cause I still have a few surprises! Thanks for reading!

dbzfan