Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Mistaken Hope

Chapter 2

Kagome heard the news of the lord's brother mating the demon slayer through the servant's gossip grape vine before Sesshomaru had a chance to tell her himself.

Sesshomaru found her in the garden as he normally did on nice days. She had been at his home for a month now and still kept very much to herself. He had left her alone to lick her wounds, but now he had to add to those wounds.

"Miko, do you have a moment?" Sesshomaru questioned politely. Kagome looked up from her book and smiled gently at the demon lord. Setting her book aside, she gestured for him to sit on the bench beside her.

"What can I do for you, my lord?"

Kagome asked as he sat down. Sesshomaru was silent for several moments, trying to figure out how to break the news to her.

"I am not sure how to tell you this." Sesshomaru finally began, not comfortable with the feeling of being unsure. Usually he was very sure of himself and knew exactly what to say, but he found that he didn't want to harm the miko he had taken in.

"Tell me what?" Kagome prompted.

"About Inuyasha and Sango." Sesshomaru replied, but didn't add anything else.

"About the fact that they are now mated?" Sesshomaru just nodded. "Thank you for your concern, my lord, but I already knew about it."

"How?" Sesshomaru looked genuinely shocked for a moment.

"The servants know everything." Kagome said simply, shrugging. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that there are no secrets when so many people live closely together. The gossip reached the castle yesterday about Inuyasha's mating and I heard it from a maid last evening. I do appreciate your concern though." Kagome explained. Sesshomaru nodded in understanding.

"You're welcome, miko. May I ask how are you faring with this situation?" Kagome was surprised by his question. He had not inquired about her feelings towards his brother's betrayal since she had arrived here. She had figured he was just keeping his distance since he didn't like her very much.

"I am doing better. The more I think about it, the more I realize that Inuyasha never was quite the right man for me. It does surprise me that Sango showed any interest in him. She always seemed to think he was childish and selfish. But stranger things have happened. I hope they are happy together." Kagome sighed.

"What will you do now?" Sesshomaru asked.

"While I appreciate your hospitality, I think its time for me to move on. My skills and powers are still needed in this time and it's time for me to put them to good use. I have been thinking that I will become something of a traveling miko." Kagome finished.

"Do you know how to defend yourself?" Sesshomaru queried.

"Yes, I have fine tuned my bow skills over the years and practiced with my reiki."

"Tomorrow morning, you shall show me your skills." Sesshomaru declared. "I shall make sure you are well prepared for anything you may come across on your travels. Naraku may be defeated, but there are still many dangers."

"That is very kind of you, my lord, but I should be fine." Kagome replied

"I will be the judge of that, miko. An hour after dawn on the morrow, the field behind the palace. I am responsible for your well being." Sesshomaru stated firmly.

"How do you figure that? Because you offered me sanctuary?" Kagome asked, trying to keep her anger in check.

"Yes." Sesshomaru stated simply. He could smell the anger rolling off of the miko. "Why are you angry, miko?"

"Because you won't let me leave until I show you my skills! Do you not trust that I know what I am doing?"

"You have been away for three years. That is a long time, miko. This world is dangerous and you need to be able to handle yourself if you wish to travel alone. Like it or not, but you began staying here, you become my responsibility." Sesshomaru said calmly.

"I appreciate your concern, but I will be fine." Kagome answered coldly. "I don't need to be someone else's responsibility. That didn't work out so well for me last time." Kagome snapped her book closed and rose from the bench. Sesshomaru grabbed her wrist to keep her from walking away.

"Miko, I just don't want anything to happen to you on your travels. This Sesshomaru has many more years of experience than you. I may be able to teach you something or maybe just help your skills."

"All right, you win. I will meet you tomorrow morning, but that is all I am promising. Let go off my wrist now please." Kagome asked without looking at him.

Sesshomaru could smell the tears she was trying to hide. As soon as the smell hit his nose, he let go of her wrist. She ran towards the castle and straight to her room.

Kagome laid down on her bed and buried her face in her pillow. She was embarrassed at her reaction to Sesshomaru's caring nature. It had reminded her of how Inuyasha used to yell at her about it was his responsibility to keep her safe, but made her feel like it was her fault that he had to. It was twisted since Inuyasha hated responsibility of any kind.

A knock on her door made Kagome sit up and wipe her eyes.

"Come in." She called. Sesshomaru entered hesitantly with a tea tray in his hands. Kagome raised an eyebrow. She rose to take the tray from him and set it on the table by the set of chairs in the corner of the room. "Thank you for the tea. Would you care to join me?"

Sesshomaru nodded and closed the door behind him. They settled at the table and Kagome poured the tea.

"I believe I owe you an explanation, and maybe a apology as well." Kagome began. Sesshomaru put a hand up to stop her.

"I believe I understand, miko. Inuyasha is not easy to get along with. He knew his job was to keep you safe, but every time he failed in doing that, it became your fault?" Sesshomaru paused and when Kagome reluctantly nodded, he continued. "And you spent the last three years fine tuning your skills on your own. But isn't there always room for improvement?" Again, Kagome nodded.

"I apologize for my actions, Lord Sesshomaru. Inuyasha has seemed to left a deeper impression on me than I realized. I would be happy to learn what I can from you."

"I am happy to pass on what I can. Tomorrow morning then, miko." Sesshomaru toke a sip of his tea to hide his smirk.

The next morning, Sesshomaru was surprised to find Kagome already waiting for him.

"I believe, my lord, that you are late." Kagome chuckled as she came forward to meet him.

"This Sesshomaru is never late. You are simply early."

"Right. I will remember that. Shall we start?" Kagome fought the urge to roll her eyes. Sesshomaru nodded in agreement.

A couple of hours later, Sesshomaru had to admit to himself that there wasn't much he could teach Kagome. She was very proficient with her bow and arrows and even was more fair with a sword.

"Where did you learn your skills, miko?" Sesshomaru asked.

"There is a learning center for archery and sword play near my school. I learned what I could from the center and then applied my powers and approved through practice. Besides school, I had a lot of time on my hands."

"So besides the basics, you are mostly self taught?" Sesshomaru couldn't hide his amazement.

"Yeah, I guess so." Kagome shrugged.

"That is impressive, miko. Besides needing a sword, I don't believe there is anything I can teach you. Your sword skills will continue to improve with practice. I can provide you with a sword if you are willing to wait until I can have Totosai forge one for you."

"One that could possibly be used with my miko powers?" Kagome inquired

"I am sure Totosai could forge what you wish. I shall provide a fang. After some breakfast, would you care to travel to see Totosai?"

"Yes, that would be wonderful."

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