One would think that wielding a sword would be easy. After all, as long as you could maim or kill you opponent, it'd be fine, right? Wrong... Dead wrong.

It was around midmorning and Kagome was not amused. She'd been dragged out of her nice comfortable bed at the crack of dawn and given ten minutes to prepare herself. She hadn't eaten; her last sip of water was at least an hour ago; and on top of that, the slave driver formerly known as Sesshoumaru wasn't letting up and had reverted back to his stoicism.

Many people had the ability to channel their pent up feelings towards something productive. However, Kagome didn't seem to be blessed with such a virtue. Try as she might, the frustration she felt wasn't doing her any good. Unless, of course, the mental images of Sesshoumaru being pummelled by a mallet counted. Indeed, the longer the session seemed to last, the worse the miko felt she was doing.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Sesshoumaru finally called a stop to the training. Irritated and cranky, Kagome simply walked past him with a huff, sparing not even a glance in Sesshoumaru's direction.

Following the servant that had provided her with water during the spar, she arrived at the hot springs. Thanking the woman, Kagome slipped into the steamy changing chamber and was soon lounging in the warm water.

Sighing in contentment, her body exhausted, Kagome allowed her mind to wander. Thinking over the past few days, she felt overwhelmed by what had happened. She contemplated Sakura's condition. Deciding that she would check on the girl after her bath, her thoughts turned to the young demon lord.

The amount of information and the vast range of emotions that he had bestowed upon her were nothing short of amazing. To Kagome, it would seem that as soon as Sesshoumaru opened the floodgates to his thoughts and emotions, everything came tumbling out. Perhaps to an outsider, the things that Sesshoumaru had told her would seem far too much for two people who had barely known each other for two or three days, but to Kagome, this was not the case.

It was one of those situations that one had to participate in to understand thoroughly. Reminding her of which, the guilt at having ignored Sesshoumaru began to sink in. She knew that he was only concerned for her welfare. After all, the situation with Inu Taisho more than warranted it. Deciding that she would apologise for her behaviour, Kagome rose from the hot spring.

Coming to the changing chamber, she found that her miko outfit was no longer there. In its place was a stunning kimono and undergarment. It was soft lavender, blended with all the colours of the rising sun that was creeping up around the hem of the kimono. As she reached out to brush the luscious silk, the door opened to reveal a servant carrying a silver obi. Following the servant was a youkai woman.

Kagome stood in her robe feeling rather awkward until the servant motioned for her to put on the undergarment. The blue-eyed miko thanked Kami that her mother had once made her take classes in traditional Japanese culture or else she'd be in deep trouble.

Slipping into the lilac silk, Kagome revelled in the feel of it against her skin. She then moved to where the servant was holding the outer kimono, slipping her arms into the heavy silk. The youkai woman who had followed the servant in, and who Kagome assumed to be the one responsible for dressing the women in the palace, moved to tie the kimono in place.

As kimonos were made in only one size, only those with tall frames had no need to fold extra material under their obi. This, however, did not apply to Kagome's five foot five frame. The obi was perhaps the most gruelling part of the dress. As she was young, Kagome was forced to wear the most extravagant style, where the obi was tied to rise to her shoulder blades before hanging almost to the floor. And seeing has how the silk in itself seemed to add ten pounds, there were a numerous amount of small ribbons and hooks that kept it in place.

In addition, the sandals that she wore were as uncomfortable as could be. It had been far too long since Kagome was in full traditional regalia and she wanted to scream from how constricting the clothes seemed. As the youkai woman dressed her, the servant began to work with Kagome's hair. Though it was the fashion to wear a hairstyle that required hot wax to be brushed through the hair to keep it in place, Kagome forwent that tradition as being burnt wasn't really something that she wanted.

Finally, after much persuasion, the servant woman placed the miko's hair in a simply, elegant bun. Simultaneously, the two women finished their tasks and stood back. Taking a cautious first stop, she could feel the amusement from the servant and the youkai woman as she wobbled precariously.

Turning to the two who were trying to hide their smiles, she grinned and said, "I guess I'm going to need a lot of practice."

Eyes widening, the youkai woman answered, "Forgive us, Lady. We did not mean any offence."

Waving a hand, Kagome replied, "Don't worry about it. If I had a mirror, I'd probably laugh too. Speaking of which, why am I dressed in a kimono?"

The youkai woman bowed her head. "Miko-sama, Lord Inu Taisho has informed Lord Sesshoumaru that there would be guests arriving today and that you were to be presented. Hence, Lord Sesshoumaru has sent these lowly servants to prepare you."

Smiling kindly, Kagome failed to hide the perturbed look in her eyes. Casting one last friendly glance at the two that were bowing to her, Kagome left the springs in search of Sesshoumaru.

Deciding that he would most likely be in his study, she headed that way, knocking gently on the door once she had reached her destination. Hearing nothing, Kagome decided to peek inside regardless. Lo and behold, there sat Sesshoumaru, too deep in thought to have heard her.

It was not until she had settled herself before him that the youkai lord snapped out of her reverie. Looking up, a veil of weariness seemed to hide his eyes.

Both opened their mouths to speak at once, blurting out "I'm sorry" simultaneously.

Sighing slightly, a habit Sesshoumaru had apparently picked up from Kagome, the lord said, "It is I who should be asking for forgiveness. I should not have pushed you so hard this morning."

"No! I mean, I know you were only worried about Inu Taisho and I should be grateful that you've taken the time to teach me. And I—"

Sesshoumaru gently cut off Kagome's sentence as he placed his clawed finger on her lips.

Shaking his head slightly, he replied, "Then I propose that we put this behind us and focus on the problems at hand." Shifting slightly, Sesshoumaru continued, "Have you checked on Sakura as of yet?"

"No," answered Kagome. "I was planning on going after I came to talk to you. Come to think of it, I should check on Inuyasha too. How has he been doing with his new wet nurse?"

Turning vacant again, the lord answered stiffly, "Fine to the best of my knowledge. Although I would suggest that you warn the nurse that any betrayal on her part would result in instant death."

Rolling her eyes, Kagome ignored the last comment. Getting ready to stand up, she said, "If that's all, I think I'm going to go and check up on Sakura. Are you going to come?"

Giving a single nod as a response, Sesshoumaru allowed his icy demeanour to settle back onto himself and followed Kagome towards Sakura's bedroom. As Kagome stood, Sesshoumaru finally caught a full glimpse of her in the kimono. His breath caught and silently congratulated the one who had picked it for her. Shaking himself free of the thought, the lord silently got up and followed her.

Walking beside each other, a sudden thought popped into Kagome's mind, begging to be said. Hesitantly, she said, "Sesshoumaru-sama, do you remember when Sakura was attacked? I know what you have the ability to read minds, so... shouldn't you know who sent the assassin?"

Having hoped that the miko wouldn't have made that connection, Sesshoumaru groaned inwardly when she asked her question. Seeing no other choice, he replied, "I do know. I have known since I first sensed the lingering youki on Sakura."

Stopping short, Kagome was in between shock and disappointment. "And you didn't think that I should have been told too?" Shaking herself mentally while trying to fight back the hurt that his words evoked, Kagome tried to put on a cheery face. She should have known that Sesshoumaru still viewed humans as inferior. So why should he view her to be any different?

Starting to walk again, Kagome chirped in an overly bright voice, "That's okay. I'm sure you had your reasons. I don't have to know since I wouldn't be of any use anyway. I'm only here to look after Sa—"

The rest of her sentence was cut off as the demon lord grabbed her hand and yanked her into a what seemed to be a private sitting room. Growling slightly, Sesshoumaru battled hard to keep his voice level. "Why is it that you always jump to conclusions? Have I not proven to you that your trust in me is not misplaced? If would allow me to explain me reasons, then perhaps we wouldn't have so many misunderstandings."

Lowering her head in defeat, her teary eyes were hidden behind her bangs. Sighing, she said, "So tell me. Why did you hide the fact that you knew who was staging the rebellion?"

"Because matters are more complicated than that. When I first met you, I did not even know you so I did not trust you. Then I discovered your penchant for exaggerating events and decided to withhold the information. As time progressed, I simply began to fear your reaction to the fact that I had misled you."

Taking a deep breath and seeing that Kagome still made no reply, he continued, "The demon responsible is named Ryuukotsusei. He is Inu Taisho's greatest threat, but we cannot be rid of him due to his position. He is a prominent lord and a strong advocate against Inu Taisho's rule. His position was only strengthened when Inu Taisho took a human as mate. Now, with the birth of a half-blooded son, there are no doubt others who have completely been converted to his opinions.

"This dragon has also served the House of the Moon for many centuries, and virtually untouchable as long as his actions seem to be in favour of the House. Long before Inu Taisho mated my mother, the two were already nemeses, and as long as there is no major incident, the Youkai Council is willing to turn a blind eye to his transgressions.

"In addition, he currently resides in the Western Palace, as do many other lords. Beyond anything, I was hesitant to tell you due to the fact that you often act before you think."

Finally tilting her head up, Kagome half pouted and said, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," Sesshoumaru said slowly, not wishing to stick his foot any further in his mouth, "that I was afraid that you would act against him."

"And why can't I? He killed Aki, he tried to kill Sakura, and he's planning a rebellion," Kagome half yelled.

"Because you are human and a miko, no less. Your interference could be what breaks the Council's pact to leave the House of the Moon in power. While I realize that it would not be your intention, the effects would be disastrous."

Nodding in understanding, Kagome couldn't help but still feel a little put out by Sesshoumaru hiding the information from her. Seeing this, Sesshoumaru gently took her in his arms, as he would a younger sister. "Would it help if I apologised?"

"Maybe," was Kagome's muffled reply.

Fighting back the urge to roll his eyes, Sesshoumaru said sarcastically, "This lowly youkai is deeply apologetic for the grief that this humble one has cause you. Good enough?"

With a big smile on her face, Kagome looked up, nodded, and skipped out of the room, followed by a disgruntled youkai lord.

A vase crashed into the wall and shattered, causing all the servants in the near vicinity to cringe. They all knew what Mariko had now found out; that she was to be separated from her son.

Another thud could be heard as Mariko shrieked, "How could you?! He's MY son! Give him back to me!"

Inu Taisho sat behind his desk, a smirk playing on his lips. Taking a deep breath, Inu Taisho explained the "situation" to his mate for the umpteenth time. "As I have already said, my dear, you were not there for my pup when he needed it. Therefore, I have no choice but to entrust his care to another. As it so happens, Sesshoumaru has brought back a miko to care for one of his fancies. It's fitting that she should care for my pup as well."

Chest heaving, Mariko took another gulp of air and screeched, "That BITCH?! How dare you?! Is she your new whore? Is that why I'm being cast aside, my son taken away from me? Damn y—"

Finally having had enough of the piercing yells that his mate seemed to be so fond of, Inu Taisho rose swiftly and backhanded the woman, effectively cutting off the rest of her tirade.

Panting for air, hand cradling her face, Mariko glared at the demon standing in front of her. Her hatred-filled eyes followed his form as he leaned down, his face an inch from hers.

Growling, Inu Taisho snarled, "You will hold you tongue when you speak to me, woman. Had you been readily available, then your precious son would be with you. If you ever take that tone of voice with me again, I will not hesitate in killing you, mate or not. Is that understood?"

Fear began to creep into Mariko's scent, the stench making Inu Taisho's lip curl into a taunting smile. Pulling her roughly to him, he hissed, "Now get out of my study."

Mariko pulled herself from the floor, shaking with pent up rage and fear. Walking down the gold-bedecked halls of the Northern Wing of palace, she swore revenge on Inu Taisho and the blue-eyed miko.

Many people had told Kagome that watching a child sleep was the most wondrous thing in the world. The miko had taken the saying simply as an inspirational idiom until now, but seeing the flush back in Sakura's cheeks and listening to the smooth breathing made Kagome feel happier than she had been for a long time.

Feeling the satisfaction that Sesshoumaru derived from the situation through their bond made the experience all the more worthwhile. Turning to the youkai beside her, she whispered, "Should we let her sleep more?"

Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru answered, "She must eat. She had been without sustenance for a long time. She needs to be woken up."

Moving forward, Kagome settle herself on the bed beside the sleeping child. Shaking her gently, the miko smiled as big, brown eyes blinked in the late morning sun. Remembering all the times she had played with Sakura during her stay in the village, Kagome's heart swelled.

"Kagome-chan?" asked a slightly groggy girl.

"Yes, sweetie, it's me," answered the miko.

"What happened? I remember me and mommy in the field and something big came. Mommy told me to run but I wasn't fast enough and... Where's my mommy? Kagome-chan? Is my mommy sleeping too? Like I was?"

Trying her best not to cry, Kagome gathered the small girl into her arms. "Sweetie, your mommy's in Heaven watching you."

Sakura stiffened in the miko's arms, tears trickling down her face. "So you mean... my mommy's dead."

Nodding, Kagome couldn't stop her own tears from falling. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I know that it hurts a lot right now and I know that all you want to do is cry. But you have to remember to be strong; your mommy wants you to be happy. Right?"

Sesshoumaru stood, trying to detach himself from the scene before him. Even if he had not been linked to the two females in front of him, complete objectivity would have been hard to achieve. Adding the emotions rolling off the two in waves and his psychic connection with them, the young lord would have given anything for the two to be happy once again.

Sighing inwardly, he moved to stand beside the duo. Interrupting gently, he said, "Kagome, it has been a long time since the child has had any nourishment. Perhaps it would be wise for her to receive some food and water. There is also something else of importance that we must discuss. Rei will take care of her until you can return."

As he was talking, a servant had slipped into the room. Turning slightly, Kagome saw the same servant that had taken Sakura the day she had arrived at the Western Palace. Hesitant to leave, yet knowing she must, Kagome slowly moved away from the bed.

As Rei came to comfort the child, the miko was relieved to see that Sakura accepted readily, even though it was a youkai who provided the security.

Turning to Sesshoumaru after promising to visit her soon, Kagome followed the young lord out of the room. Once in the hall, she asked, "What else did you want to tell me, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

As the youkai opened his mouth to answer, a flustered Yoshiro came into view. Panting slightly, he said, "Milord, milady, the guests have arrived and your presence is wanted in the Great Hall."

Growling slightly, Sesshoumaru took hold of Kagome's arm, guiding her away from the Western Wing of the palace to the Hall. Ignoring the demands for answers that the miko made, they quickly arrived.

With a simple "prepare yourself," Sesshoumaru entered with Kagome at his side. Once in, Kagome sensed that a large amount of humans were present. Sensing the ire that rolled off in waves from Sesshoumaru, she was about to ask him what was wrong when Inu Taisho answered the question for her.

Bringing forth a girl of sixteen who was undeniably human, Inu Taisho's voiced boomed, "Sesshoumaru! Meet your betrothed!"