The trip was going good so far. A few lesser youkai that were easily taken care of was all that got in their way.

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They would arrive at the castle by night fall. Kagome ran along side her brother. Her mom didn't want to fly because it would attract too much attention and Souta didn't know how to..So here they were, running through the forest. Kagome heaved a sigh. 'This is sooooo boring.' She sniffed then stopped. The others stopped as well and looked at her.

"Kagome, dear, what is it?" Yume asked.

"I smell a hot spring nearby. Can we please please pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssseeeee stop for now? I haven't taken a bath since Kami knows when!" she through her hands up to emphasize her point.

"Well...It wouldn't hurt to take a little break," Yume said more to herself. "I guess it would be alright."

"Really?! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" Kagome jumped up and down then sprinted to the hot spring. She quickly stripped her clothes leaving only her bra and panties on. She tested the water with her toes before stepping in. "Ahh...This is great." Kagome heard a rustle in the bushes and was quickly on her guard. "Who's there?" she called.

"Okaa-san?" Shippo stepped out from the bushes.

"Shippo-chan! What are you doing here?" Kagome got up and changed into her clothes before picking up her kit.

"Kikyo showed up and did something. Then Inuyasha was acting weird and kept saying stuff like 'If I have her kit she'll come to me.' Sango told me to give you this note," he pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket, "and run. I went to the well, but you weren't there. Then I smelled your scent and followed it here." he puffed up his chest in pride.

"Can I have the note Shippo?" he nodded and handed her the note.

Kagome-chan,

Kikyo has done something to Inuyasha. He keeps saying strange things that do not make sense. The other night I am almost certain I saw Kikyo slip something in Inuyasha's ramen. Please be safe little sister...And be careful.

-Sango

Kagome neatly folded the letter and placed it in the folds of her kimono. "Shippo-chan? Did you notice anything strange about Kikyo. This is really important so I need you to think hard," she waited patiently for an answer.

"Well...The only thing weirder then the fact that she was dead was she kept wanting to make Inuyasha's ramen. The first time he tasted the one Kikyo made for him he said that there was something different. I just thought that it was because she was dead and she touched his food. That can't be healthy," he made a face to prove his point.

Kagome laughed softly at her kit's antics. Then she heard the faint call of her mother. "Well Shippo. Since your going to be staying with me, I suggest we get to the group. We're going to the Northern castle."

"Wow! Am I going to meet your mom? What about your brother. Does that moon mean your otou-san's the Northern Lord?" Shippo continued his never ending questions. He stopped when they arrived at the clearing where the others were resting.

"Kagome, come on now. We need to get there before night fall," she saw Shippo clinging to Kagome's leg. "And who is this cute little boy?" Rei reached for Shippo.

"This is Shippo. He's the kit that I told you so much about." Kagome coaxed Shippo out of 'hiding.'

Once the introductions were done, they began on their way to the castle. Kagome held Shippo since he wasn't fast enough to run by himself. Hours later, Kagome saw the Northern Castle just over the horizon. Even from a distance it was beautiful. Instead of wood framing, it was replaced with a type of impenetrable marble. The white pristine color shown brightly against the setting sun making it take an eternal glow. She knew everyone saw the castle as well because they began to speed up in anticipation. Soon they were at the gates.

Kagome set Shippo on the ground as they walked down a trail leading to the entrance. As the entrance came into view Kagome saw many demons with crescents. None but one caught her eye.

"Sesshomaru..."

Gomen nasai! I was absent from schol for a week! When I got back I was given all my make-up work. Do you know how much work that is?! Anyways...T-T

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Review Respones! (I personally love this part):

mizukoro: here's the update! i hope u like it!

Dragonsdaughter1: you'll find out fluffy's reaction in a later chapter...i dont kno which one...but it is later on hehehe

Cutiepie99: wohoo! SESS/KAG is the BEST!

Shrew-hanyou: thanx for ur review!

ladyofthedragons1: i alwayz wanted kouga to kneel in front of kagome...(grins evilly)

Anolea: I see u got my email....hope u like this chapter

Ying Fa 92: I'm glad u like my story! here's ur update!

Inuyasha'smistress: yes they kissed...sesshomaru is older then kagome... and that was their first kiss so i decided to make it innocent

kuro-kasai-kitsune: i kno they are! i was at home sick for a week and when i get back i get all this homework waaaah! (runs away crying)

h-zsofi: thanx for the support!

shippo's 1st fan: im sooooo glad u like it! thanx for the review!

ra: i'll try my hardest to finish this one (runs away from mob of Never To Returned and The Evil Within fans)