Hey everyone! *waves* ok, so its taken me awhile to update. A lot has been going on *shrugs* anyways, on to the story! I hope you guys still are hooked and i'm not disappointing you! *cough* o ya, the story! heh, read on!

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Reshki walked into Sesshomaru's room, three letters in hand. Sesshomaru was sitting on his balcony, as he did every morning. "Three letters for you Sesshomaru." Reshki stated to get his attention. He simply held his hand out, palm up, and didn't take his gaze from the sun rise. Reshki walked foreword and placed the letters in his hand, before leaving the room and taking his position out in the hall. Sesshomaru looked down at the letters, seeing one was from Derenti, Kagome, and Inutaishou. He opened Inutaishou's first. It was a simple letter that stated he wanted to meet him in the gardens.
He folded that back up, slipping it into his sleeve pocket before opening Derenti's.

Sesshomaru,
I would be a fool to believe Kouga. However, I have a feeling they will focus their attacks in one or two areas. It would be a major help if you could figure out where, but until I receive word, I am splitting my army between the western and eastern border. Rin, your human ward, has joined us here and is safe, as is Kagome. Take care of Inutaishou.
Lord Derenti

Sesshomaru nodded his approval of Derenti's discussion, making a mental note to have Reshki do some spying later in the night. He finally looked to Kagome's letter. He wanted to save this for last because he wanted to be able to leave his room in a confident mood. He easily cut the wax seal with a claw, carefully unfolding it and looking at the neat writing within.

Sesshomaru,
Hello my love. I hope you are doing good. I have been trying to stay busy. Shippo, Sango, and Miroku see to it I don't have time to be sad. I miss you more and more each day and my dreams are filled with you. That's the only way I have been able to stand being awake. I'm energized each night with the sight of you.
I want you to know I love you more then life itself and miss you terribly. But I don't want you to mope around like I did the first week. I know you wouldn't any ways. You're to proud, my arrogant love. But that's what I love about you. I love the way you are so confident, the way you stand strong no matter what. And I love the way you can be so tender and loving, whether you admit you are or not.
I'm not sure what's going on there but no matter what happens, know I am thinking about you and wishing for your safety and for you to return to me. I look foreword to when I will become your life mate. I couldn't invasion a future for myself where you are not in it.
I will say farewell for now, but it is not a permanent good bye. After all of this, I'll return and you'll be lucky to get out of my sights for one moment. Stay safe, my love, and stay strong. I love you with all my heart.

Yours always and forever,
Kagome.

Sesshomaru stared at the letter for a moment, trying to sort through all the emotions that had bubbled up within him and trying to control them. Kami, he missed her. He took a deep breath then smiled slightly. The letter smelled like his mate. He closed his eyes and simply enjoyed the smell he had missed for awhile now.
After a moment, Reshki walked into the room. Sesshomaru stood easily, defiantly feeling better and more energized then the past week. He put Kagome's letter in the opposite sleeve as the others before pulling Inutaishou's out and handing it to Reshki. Reshki also noticed a change in Sesshomaru as he took the letter and read it. "When are we going?" Reshki asked, glancing down at the letter.
"Now." Sesshomaru answered just as Roku and Kari walked into the door.

Sesshomaru walked out of his room, Reshki and Roku in tow. Inutaishou wished to speak with him in the gardens and his Guardians refused to allow him to go alone. Kari would watch from the sky.
Just as they turned the corner, Sesshomaru almost ran into a smaller, female demon. He looked down at her emotionlessly as her light blue eyes met his. "Oh, I'm sorry. I should really pay attention to where I'm going." the female in the very revealing kimono smiled sweetly and clasped her hands in front of her.
Sesshomaru didn't even reply, instead he grabbed one of her shoulders and pushed her to the side, before continuing. "Yes you should." Reshki answered for him, following Sesshomaru and leave a fuming female standing there.
When they were some distance away, Sesshomaru asked softly. "Who was she? She is no Lady."
"I do not know, but we will find out if you wish." Reshki answered, seeing Sesshomaru glance his way then nod.
"Do so." Sesshomaru didn't think the female could pose a threat, she looked like someone's plaything, but he would not be taken by surprise.

Chii stood the in the hall way, smiling to herself. That was Sesshomaru she had just met. Unfortunately he had not stood still long enough for her ability to work but the simple fact was, she would have no trouble seducing this one. He was arrogant and cold, just the way she liked them. And all she had to do was get him alone for a couple of moments and he wouldn't be able to even think about his mate. Once her ability had a hold of him, whenever she came within his sights, it would be her he thought about.
"I think I'll go to the gardens." she smiled wider as she continued to watch them walk down the hall, knowing they were going to meet Inutaishou. "Might as well establish myself as a Guardian." With that, Chii walked down the hall in a relaxed pace, confident she'd have Sesshomaru within the next ten days.

Kagome lay in bed, thoughts of Sesshomaru swirling around in her mind. Her dream was currently about the night they had became mates when she was suddenly shook awake. "Kagome!" Shippo shook his mother like figure. She had been sleeping all day. It was almost noon and him and Rin wanted to go play.
Kagome rolled away from Shippo, groaning. "Kagome needs to wake up." Rin stated, jumping up on the bed and helping Shippo pull the covers away from her. Sango and Miroku watched in amusement as Kagome fought them for a moment before giving up and burring her head in her pillow.
'Ugh, it was such a good dream too.' Kagome thought before feeling the two kids try to tickle her. "AH! I'm up!" Kagome giggled, squirming to get away from them. The two kids finally pulled away, allowing Kagome to sit up and rub the sleep out of her eyes. Her hair was extremely frizzy and messed up causing Rin to giggled.
"It's a monster!" Shippo laughed, jumping away when Kagome threw a pillow at him.
Trey walked into see pillows flying every which direction, one nailing him right in the face. "What the..?" Trey grumbled, pulling the pillow from his face, seeing Kagome smile. Before he knew it, Shippo and Rin launched two more pillows at him. He caught one and got hit by another. He threw them back, joining in on the little game.
After a moment more of throwing the pillows around, everyone laughed and relaxed while Rin and Shippo continued to swat at each other. "That was a nice wake up call." Kagome yawned and smiled at her friends before grabbing some clothes and walking into the adjoining room. Today was a nice day and with Rin here, Kagome figured it wouldn't hurt to go outside and play.

Sesshomaru stood in the gardens, facing his 'father'. Reshki and Roku standing at his flank. Inutaishou stood alone, though Sesshomaru could sense demons around him. He had expected as much.
"Ah, Sesshomaru. We haven't had proper time to talk." Inutaishou began in a friendly manner. He paused a moment to see if Sesshomaru had anything to say to that, which he didn't. Inutaishou indicated Roku and Reshki with a wave of his hand. "You do not trust me?" he asked in mock hurt.
Sesshomaru's gaze remained cold and emotionless. "No." he answered simply.
"Ah, well I can understand why I suppose." Inutaishou stated, attempting to lighten the mood slightly. He was almost sure Sesshomaru's gaze could invoke frost in the middle of summer if he tried.
"You did just appear out of nowhere and claim the throne." Sesshomaru answered impassively.
"Hmm, you could say that. But I expected a warmer welcome." Inutaishou sighed, realizing Sesshomaru was going to be difficult.
"You know me better then that." Sesshomaru simply answered, holding his father's gaze.
"Yes, you're ever the cautious one." Inutaishou muttered under his breath, knowing Sesshomaru had heard. "All the same, Inuyasha seems to have welcomed me back. In fact everyone has except for you and the dragon family. Or more like Derenti."
Sesshomaru didn't even blink."It would be different if I had known you were alive all of this time. You are supposed to be dead."
"You seem pretty set on me being dead." Inutaishou stated, crossing his arms and cocking his head slightly, trying to get some emotion out of his cold son. How he could have an emotional mate like the miko, he would never understand.
"I was there when you died." Sesshomaru stated, once again not blinking. And it was beginning to unnerve Inutaishou. His son had grown much since he was last 'alive'. He was colder then before, if that was even possible.
"Did I miss anything?" a feminine voice asked from behind Sesshomaru. Both Reshki and Roku turned while Sesshomaru remained impassive. He knew it was the female from the hall way.
"Chii." Inutaishou greeted with slight dislike evident in his voice. Chii walked around Roku and Reshki, who both scowled at her as she took her place beside Inutaishou, looking at Sesshomaru. "This is my newest Guardian." Inutaishou introduced.
"I saw her in the hall." Sesshomaru stated, almost frowning at the fact he felt something for her. He wasn't sure what it was, but he didn't like it. And he didn't like the smile she threw him either.
Chii looked over at Inutaishou and explained, "Clumsy me almost ran into Prince Sesshomaru." she stated in a sweet voice before looking back at Sesshomaru. She expected a reaction out of that statement, yet saw none.
"I..see..." Inutaishou stated, looking back at his son. "Any ways, on to business. The fact is, Sesshomaru, I don't want you as an enemy. You are my son and such a quarrel is not needed between us. When you thought me dead, I was only extremely injured. I didn't return because of how ashamed I was of defeat. Until recently, in which I decided was time to return to my responsibilities." Inutaishou explained.
Sesshomaru half listened to his father explain. He was beginning to get angry. That damn guardian, Chii, wouldn't take her eyes off of him and it was distracting him. That's what made him angry. That 'thing' was actually distracting HIM! He forced his eyes on his father, fighting down the scowl that threatened to claim him. "What is it that you want then?" Sesshomaru asked, silently imagining strangling his father's guardian.
"I want it to be like it was. You would be a major help in this war." Inutaishou tested, curious as to how his son would respond to this. He had heard rumors that his son had ties with the dragons. Sesshomaru's answer would tell Inutaishou much.
"As you wish." Sesshomaru stated, wanting to leave as soon as possible. He could read the hidden shock in Inutaishou's eyes though his outward feature's didn't betray anything.
"So you will fight in this war?" Inutaishou clarified.
"I am at your disposal." Sesshomaru answered once more, hiding his anxiousness to get out of the area.
"In that case, I would like for you to go with the army to the northern border. Kouga and Chii will go to help as well. Rashka and I will handle everything else from here." Inutaishou stated, almost smiling when he detected his son's dislike when he mentioned Kouga and Chii.
"Yes, my Lord." Sesshomaru stated in a emotionless voice, gaze still unblinking.
"One more thing, if you don't mind me asking." Inutaishou began, hearing no protest from Sesshomaru, he continued. "Where is your mate? I have yet to meet the female that has captured your interest."
Sesshomaru's irritation at the female guardian fled at the mention of his mate and the distraction Chii was causing went with it. "I do not wish for her to be involved in this war. I sent her home." Sesshomaru answered easily. Chii shot a glare at Inutaishou. She had almost had Sesshomaru and he had to go and mention the miko.
Chii's gaze returned to Sesshomaru and she frowned slightly. He was much stronger then she'd thought. He had been resisting her natural ability quite well. It would seem it would take longer then she thought.
"A wise idea. I was hoping to meet her but I can understand your reasoning. Perhaps when this war is over, we can meet on better terms." Inutaishou stated passively, though silently cursing on the inside.
"Perhaps." was all Sesshomaru stated, keeping his gaze fixed on Inutaishou. Even after Chii cleared her throat, he still ignored her.
'Damn it.' Chii thought, crossing her arms and pouting slightly. 'Oh well, I'll have the whole time we're away to deal with him.'
"You are dismissed." Inutaishou sighed, knowing he would get no more information out of this 'son'. If only he could figure out where the Miko was...where her home was. Inutaishou glanced at Chii as Sesshomaru walked away. As soon as Sesshomaru was inside the Palace, Inutaishou allowed a frustrated sigh to escape.
"You HAD to mention the miko, didn't you?" Chii stated, glancing at Inutaishou.
"I found out that she is in fact gone. All you have to do is figure out where she is." Inutaishou shrugged, seeing Chii glare at him.
"You knew she was gone before." Chii snapped, narrowing her eyes at the demon lord who smirked.
"I wanted to see if he would lie to me or not. I don't think the miko is 'home' as he put it." Inutaishou grinned wider as an idea popped into this mind.
"What are you thinking, you crazy dog?" Chii asked irritably.
"X'ith told me he couldn't sense the miko anywhere. So therefore she would have to be somewhere close to a powerful demon. Like a Lord. Now we know Kouga and Rashka doesn't have her. I don't have her and she's not here. Now where else could she be?" Inutaishou asked with a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"Derenti's?" Chii asked, a faint grin touching her lips.
"Where else? Seems Sesshomaru does have ties with the dragons, if that is the case. And it is possible he had the young female dragon stay behind to ensure the Miko's safety while in Derenti's care." Inutaishou stated, seeing Chii nod in agreement.
"So we take care of the dragon, and we get the miko. I'll be able to keep Sesshomaru occupied. It all works out and X'ith will be ruler before you know it." Chii giggled happily, clasping her hands in front of her.
"Don't get too excited right now. A lot can happen between now and then. Sesshomaru is not stupid neither is the dragon. We are still going to have to be careful." Inutaishou warned the over excited neko.
Chii waved her hand dismissively. "Those are pesky matters. Once Sesshomaru, Kouga, and I leave this place, he'll be all mine." Chii grinned, seeing Inutaishou smirk. They both walked inside the palace, elated they now had a plan and an idea as to where the miko was.

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Whew! Another chapter! That's like...23 lol. Anyways, this time I am going to thank ALL of my wonderful and patient reviewers! ^^ Thanks to all of you guys for sticking with me! Some of you were afraid i wouldn't finish, but never fear, i shall! lol...i know what its like to be left hanging and i couldn't do that to this story anyways. I'm having too much fun writing it...tho im gonna have to add another lemon scene sometime soon *smiles evilly*\

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