... I'm in shock. this chapter is actually on time. :) but it is a good thing

Disclaimer: I own Nothing. wish i did but i dont

Chapter 9

Mizuki was up early the next morning. She didn't fuss like she usually did this time. Instead she laid there wrapped by the warm body of who she thought and knew of as her mother. It was a peaceful feeling one which she could live in forever. As a baby she knew nothing of the world or of the many tragedies that come from living in it. All she knew was the warmth and protection of her mother's body and her scent. There was another who she also recognize as a safety, a scent different from her mother's own yet the female emit a warmth almost equal to it. When her mother wasn't around the other female would be with her. To Mizuki this was her world, and she didn't want that to change one bit... so why in the back of her head, even at such a young age, did she feel that things in her small little world was going to change dramatically? She felt her mother stir next to her and all thoughts of change left.

Kagome woke up hoping that Mizuki was still asleep. She was slightly surprise to see the little girl wide awake staring right at her. "Hello Mizuki. Were you waiting for me to get up?" Kagome said hugging the inu-pup closer to her and kissing the top of her head. "You're so cute"

A knock at the door brought her attention away from the pup for a moment. "Come in Tsume"

"How could you tell it was me?" the kawauso asked walking into the room.

Kagome shrugged and smiled. "I guess I just have your aura memorized." She then got up to clean up for breakfast. Tsume noticed she winced just a little from the injury on her back. It was healing well but the demoness knew it would leave a scar.

Tsume watched as Mizuki followed her 'mother' around with her eyes. "What are you thinking about?" Tsume asked picking up the pup in her arms. Mizuki just turned to look at the female youkai. "You are a strange one"

"Okay I'm ready. It's funny though." Kagome said walking toward Tsume.

"What is?"

"This is the first time she has woken up without a fuss"

"She is more relaxed this morning."

Both girls made their way to breakfast where Sesshomaru and the children were waiting.

"Good morning everyone." Kagome greeted seating herself next to the demon lord.

Good morning" Rin and Shippo replied. They were already finishing breakfast when she walked in. "Will Kagome join us in the gardens to play today?" Rin asked, her eyes positively gleaming.

"i will, but I have to speak to Lord Sesshomaru first"

"Okay. Rin and Shippo will wait for you then." The little girl then got up and dragged the kitsune out the room.

Kagome ate in relatively comfortable silence with Sesshomaru. When she was finished he led her back to his study.

"I shall tell you the rest of the story." He motioned for Kagome to sit and began to speak. "As I said Katsurou had Meichiko give him immortality and lost his sense of humanity. With the evil witch by his side he took power over the most vicious demons and humans alike. He was also granted the dark powers of his demon followers. Even with his new found powers he still crave for more, and that's when he set his sight on the lands of the four demon lords. "

"Didn't anyone realize what he was doing?" Kagome asked.

"Demons do not always focus on the activities on humans. Especially when they are dealing with their own problems."

"Like what?"

"Dispute over land, war with the other lords, fending of invaders. In a way, Katsurou picked the perfect time to exact his plan."

"Oh. Okay, continue"

"Katsurou aimed for the northern lands first. He tricked the lord of the land, luring him out into the open and killed him. His plan backfired when the lord's son saw everything. He sent a message to the other lands asking for help but the other lords ignored it."

"Sure, until he takes over their lands." Kagome said sourly.

"Yes you can say that. He took over the northern lands forcing the current lord and his family to flee. A mere human causing one of the greatest demons to run and hide like prey." For a second, the daiyoukai's eyes flashed red. Kagome didn't know if she should say anything or not. When it returned to normal color he continued to speak. "They fled to the south, knowing the southern lord was in debt to the north. By the time the other lords acknowledge Katsurou as a threat, he already took over the eastern lands."

"Did the eastern lord get killed too?"

"No, he managed to escape but only with his two eldest sons. His mate and two youngest were killed. He managed to make it to the western lands where my grand father was the current ruler. He sheltered the eastern lord and his sons until word from the southern land. The southern lord called for the western and eastern lords to aid in a battle against Katsurou. They were outnumbered with only the western and southern armies still intact. The battle left the lords' armies devastated."

"What about the monks? When do they come in?"

"The southern lord's mate sought them out after her only son died in the battle. The other lords were displeased, however they had received too many casualties to not accept the help. Using the monks spiritual powers and the demon lords combined strength they were able to seal Katsurou into the mountain. With him gone his followers were easy to kill."

"And Meichiko?"

"She... managed to escape. After so many years past the lords thought her dead. Have you had any dreams concerning her?"

"No. None at all. But I still don't understand what all this has to do with Mizuki."

Sesshomaru looked at her thoughtfully. "I don't know either but I can assure you I won't let them take her."

Kagome sighed then nodded. "Thank you Lord Sesshomaru. I will put my trust in you"

"Go now. I believe Rin awaits you in the garden with young Shippo." He said getting up and leading her back outside.

"Thanks" Kagome left and walked into the garden where she was immediately tackled by two over-excited children.

"Okaa-san come play!" Shippo said pulling her by the hand.

"Yes. Come play! Come play!" Rin repeated, tugging on her other arm.

"Alright I'm coming. Just let me check on Mizuki" she walked towards Tsume, who handed her the little pup to feed.

"They were much more hyper earlier. I had Jaken keep them busy. They may have caused the poor imp some damage." Tsume said with a smile.

Kagome couldn't help but giggle. "Yes I would've had a kick out of that."

"Kagome! Are you ready to play yet?" Rin called out to her.

"Yes yes. I'm coming!" Kagome quickly handed Mizuki to Tsume. "These kids are just too much"

"Yes but they're so sweet. They'll keep you on your feet."

"Yes, I suppose that's true." Kagome bounded of to play with the two children, all the while being watched by the daiyoukai.

"Inuyasha hold up"

"What now Miroku?" Inuyasha turned toward the monk behind him.

"Something feels off. I feel like we are not alone." Miroku replied.

"No shit Miroku. We're in the damn forest. There are tons of things out here with us" he said a bit irritated.

Miroku sighed and shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I feel a malicious presence watching us."

"Don't you think I know that. I've been feeling it ever since we left the south."

"What should we do then?" Sango whispered, her grip on the Hiraikotsu tighten. "If we are indeed being watched, I don't think we should go back to the western lands."

"We're not. I hope you don't mind Sango but I've taken a detour to your old village."

"As long as we keep whoever it is from Kagome, I don't care where we go."

"Yes. I agree. Let's just hope they are impatient and show themselves to us"

"Come one" Inuyasha began walking again. The village is just half a day away. I want to reach before nightfall."

Sango and Miroku nodded as they caught up with their hanyou friend. He was being too calm. Especially when they all knew tonight was the night of the new moon.

well that's it for now. sorry for making you wait long. review please ^^