Chapter 2

The sun was complimented several weeks before, for it shined, telling all it was loved. But sometimes, when a person was too happy, they become despised, because in truth, no one could be that joyous.

A young girl whose smile could easily out shine the sun's, sat in the shade of a large oak. Dozens of flowers darted across her out stretched legs. A quiet hum came from the child's lips. Even though most of the flowers were dead, the girl somehow made them look quite beautiful.

A small imp in brown clothes slept on the other side of the oak, next to a two headed dragon. Whether they wanted to or not, both were very much close to each other.

The soft crunches of dead grass being walked on grabbed the attention of the girl. Her already bright grew even brighter, as she looked into the eyes of her lord. "Lord Sesshoumaru!" Rin, the child, was quick to notice the odd brown package in the demon's hand.

Walking over to the imp, Jaken, the regal demon kicked the small creature. Popping up, the green creature freaked out at the sight of his lord. Kissing the black boots of Sesshoumaru, who just kicked him again, Jaken started to spout apologies.

"Get up. We are leaving to the castle." The normally quiet demon's voice demanded of both his charge and retainer. The group, including the dragon, followed back to the place where the mighty lord came from.

oOo

This would be Rin's first time to be in the castle. Usually she and Jaken would be dropped off a few miles from it, if Sesshoumaru needed to go there. It was quite dreary, looking grey, even from a distance. The large home might have scared the average human, but Rin had traveled many places, and had seen things much more creepy than this one mansion.

Jaken would never have noticed it, and Sesshoumaru doubted Rin would care, but his servants stared at the group. It was not normal for the great lord of the west to have his travel companions come home with him, and most defiantly not a human. He gave a low growl to show his dominance, he had the right to do what he pleased.

Quickly, he left the two smaller creatures to themselves. Passing thru several halls, the demon Lord stopped in front of a set of sliding doors. Placing out his left hand, he slipped it thru the crack separating the doors, and pulled. Stepping into the room, Sesshoumaru saw the old man from before. "Why did my father give me this?"

A sly smile slid onto the elder's face. "He wanted you to have a chance at finding a mate. The Great Lord was too busy to truly find one, until he found that book." He pointed one of his shaky fingers to the object in Sesshoumaru's arms. "Whether you use it or not is up to you. But the girl that writes in that book shall be the meant for you." The old man gave an old man chuckle, and seemed to vanish into thin air.

oOo

The rest of the day went by in silence. Rin, watched by Jaken, picked some flowers in a field close to the castle. Neither of them wanted to be in there, for the servants were not too fond of outsiders. Jaken new he was already accepted, but it was his duty to protect Rin. Sesshoumaru made sure of that.

The dog Lord signed papers that were abandoned in his absence. It was quite boring, and the mental turmoil that the White haired man went thru was enough to kill all those in the world who were not educated.

Sesshoumaru placed his brush down in frustration. Normally his work would only take a few hours, but this time, the papers wanted to play 'How Long until the Demon Lord's Hand Cramps'. Deciding to make a stretch, Sesshoumaru unfolded his legs and stood up in one graceful move. Long strides led him out to the dojo, where several of his soldiers were practicing.

In all honesty, Sesshoumaru cared more for his lands than his castle. Everyone here was submissive and weak, and it annoyed the hell out of him. For every step he took, three servants and two soldiers bowed. It truly got in his way, which is why he hated staying in his castle for more than a few days.

As soon as Sesshoumaru entered the building, all occupants cleared, giving their lord all the room he wanted. 'Pathetic'. The few stretches that he normally did, turned into a full blown work out that lasted for more than three hours.

The birds chirped for the first time that day, at this point night, the effect of the hot sun leaving the earth till morning. They became quiet again when a sweat drenched Sesshoumaru walked out of his dojo. There were a few chirps from some courageous swallows, but that was all the noise, as the demon walked to the on-site spring.

After washing quickly, Sesshoumaru walked back to his office. Sitting down he pick up his brush, and moved to place it in the jar of ink, not far from his documents. The buzzing from earlier erupted in his ears again, thus causing the ink to spill over the papers that had yet to be signed.

'That book shall cause many problems' sighing to himself, Sesshoumaru reached out to the book resting a slight distance from where he sat. Opening to the first page, he saw words of a person greeting themselves. 'Kagome? Have I heard that name before, or is it a feeling given to me by the fates?'

oOo

To say Kagome was not freaked out would be an understatement. How often does a book just suddenly start writing back? Never, by her account. Deciding to take this event in an adult fashion, the teen concluded she should see what was going on, without letting anyone knowing that she was freaked out.

Who is this?, she wrote. At this point Kagome could feel her heart beating against her ribcage. 'Please don't be some kind of spirit! Please don't be some kind of spirit!' she chanted in her head over and over again.

Looking down she read, It does not matter for now. Do you know what this book is? With out realizing it, she shook her head. Noticing that there was more being written, she continued on. It is a book to help demons court. I would not be surprised if you had never heard of it. Unless you are unwilling, we could use this book to court.

Kagome was shocked at this statement. Someone she did not know wanted to court her, thru a book. How do you know you want to court with me? You don't even know me.

Is it not better to have a mental relationship before a physical one? That statement was true.

'Should I? Me and Inuyasha are not getting anywhere. It would keep me busy as well. Alright I will.' Writing downher agreement she also offered to have a question exchange.

I will go first, since you have already asked your question…Kagome. Oh this demon had the decency to be cocky.

'Wait! Did I just agree to court a demon?' A panic grasped Kagome. It was just now that she realized what she just did. Shippou made a small grunt in his sleep, distracting her from her panic.

What type of life style do you live? Were the words found on the paper after a few deep breaths.

I travel around with friends. Why won't you tell me you name?

It will distract you from me as a person. Tell me about your companions.

Not really a question, but she would tell him exactly who her friends, just making a few alterations. I have four, technically five friends. There is a young child, whose parents were killed, but I take care of him now. There is our 'Leader'. He has been acting strange as of late. There was a pause in her writing, not wanting to say anymore about Inuyasha. I also have two friends that just got married. She is pregnant, and is also taking care of her younger brother. Right now all three are at a village. What are your friends like?

I have no friends.

Before he could ask her anything, she quickly wrote, How could you have no friends? Everybody needs somebody to talk to, and not only as lovers, but as friends. I could never manage life without mine!

oOo

Sesshoumaru read the outburst from this Kagome girl. She did seem spirited. Continuing to read, he found something quite odd. I will be your friend, and since you won't tell me your name, I shall call you Shinpi! A small doodle of a smiling face was drawn next to her words.

'Shinpi? I am not surprised she would pick that name.' Sesshoumaru decided that he would court with this book for many reasons. The first was that he did not have to spend so much time dealing with the female. He could ignore her if need be.

Placing his brush against the paper, he wrote what he was going to finish. I do have two companions, though. What kind of place do you relax in? Simple questions would prove to help him later, if he decided that they will become mates.

There was a pause before an answer came. I like to sit under a tree, at night. Another pause. I have to go. Sorry! A small face that frowned was placed next to her words. I'll write you tomorrow night. Well that was odd.

oOo

Kagome was starting to enjoy her unusual conversation with this demon, she named Shinpi. She felt comfortable to talk to him, even though she knew what could happen, writing to a stranger. Everyone in her era was aware.

When she wrote about her relaxing place, she was not sure if she should tell him the truth, but it was unlike her to do so. After writing about the tree and night time, Kagome heard the gruff voice of Inuyasha, talking to the inn-keeper. The old man was complaining that the half demon was going to wake the other costumers. Inuyasha could say other wise.

Deciding that she should cut her conversation short with Shinpi, Kagome moved over to her futon and feigned a sleep. Not long after, Inuyasha came in the small room. The future girl could hear him grumbling to himself. "Stupid Old man, not knowing what he's talking about! Stupid Shippou, always making noise!" the male was talking about the young kit's snoring. "Stupid Kagome, Not knowing when to shut up!"

If Kagome did not know any better, Inuyasha seemed to be drunk. 'That's not right. It doesn't seem like him at all.' She thought to herself. There was defiantly something changing about her friend, and she would find out soon.