~in a distant part of the western lands~
"but my lord! please reconsider on taking this lowly one with you on your travels!"
Ignoring the toad that was currently squealing his concerns out, Sesshoumaru walked through the outside corridors of the western palace that he had the honor of taking responsibility of ruling over. Not long after the spider hanyou was rid of its existence he had taken up residency on the western lands. The palace over looking the landscape of his domain was nothing but elegant with the years that his bloodline had conquered and lived within its walls; with cherry colored wood flooring to its structure with rice paper covering the windows and sliding doors that were within the palace surrounded with wild flowers that were aligned outside of the fenced fortress.
"who knows what could happen to you my lord! one such as yourself shouldn't go without the aid of your adviser!" puffing out his chest in pride, Jaken didn't seem catch the deep frown that appeared on said lord he was speaking to- especially with his eyes closed and clutching his staff.
nor did he anticipate the shiver running down his back that left his blood freezing and body trembling
"Jaken." stopping dead in his tracks and turning his head slightly enough to glance down at the insufferable thing that wouldn't stop pestering him. Amber eyes flashed dangerously for a second before taking in the trembling form that now stood in his sight. "do you think of me incapable of defending my own self?"
squawking under the intense gaze that settled over him, Jaken quickly scrambled before bowing down setting the staff down against the wood flooring with shaking claws " of course not! i would never dare question your strength or your power Lord Sesshoumaru!" eyes shut with cold sweat rolling down his forehead Jaken wasn't able to notice the Inuyokai refocusing his attention ahead of him and gradually walk away.
Rooted to the floor like life had depended on it, it was only after a couple of minutes that passed by the Jaken lifted his gaze upwards to find himself quivering in place with no one in front of him. Blinking in surprise and composing his mind to start functioning once more with the fear that had settled in did Jaken finally scrambled back up rushing in the direction that he hoped his lord might've went while mumbling coherently under his breath.
Pushing back the few stray pieces of hair that had gotten caught in her bangs, Kagome stood from her small herb garden that she had planted right outside of her home and placing the bundle of leaves into her basket that she had with her, she had woken up early to begin harvesting before the nights began to get cooler. Having woken up she noticed that Inuyasha had already left seeing as she didn't see him when waking up but decided on just shrugging it off. Glancing in the direction of the village she was able to spot a head of red hair but before she could make out the figure, a shout was heard to her left causing her to quickly snap her gaze towards the noise.
"Lady Kagome! "
A black mass of hair was the only thing Kagome saw until she felt arms circle around her waist and a body leaning into her own that she looked down in surprise holding her arms up to not spill the medical basket that she had on her.
Brown twinkling eyes glanced up into the eyes of sapphire ones that looked down with surprise and confusion; Blinking away her surprise Kagome smiled once she was able to recognize who was hugging her. Smiling in delight Kagome patted her assailants head taking in the toothy grin that spread on their face.
"good morning Rin-chan, how are you fairing?" stepping back from embracing the woman, Rin smiled and slightly shrugged in response to the question she was asked. "I've been great as always Lady Kagome" nodding in content Kagome fixed the herbs in her basket that had accidentally gotten mixed in from the sudden shift of her body.
"i suppose that also means everything has been fine with Kohaku-kun?" Blushing in hearing her intendeds name Rin moved her hands behind her back swaying gently on the foot of her heels. Giggling at the young womans actions in front of her, Kagome covered her mouth in amusement.
Rin over the last 5 years had grown up to be a beautiful young girl with her hair now flowing against her back still having her signature pony tail that she always had on the side of her head,
no longer did she wear the yellow- orange Kosode that she once worn as a child, now she wore beautiful kimonos that she seemed to always change into which was a pleasant sight seeing that everyday Rin always wore a different color and design of each kimono she chose to wear for the day.
Looking down at her kimono Rin did a quick twirl in delight while looking at Kagome." do you like the kimono I have on today lady Kagome?" still smiling Kagome nodded towards the young girl taking a quick look over of the purple kimono Rin chose that had splashes of both white and lilac colored flowers trailing at the ends of both sleeves trailing down to the rest of the colored fabric; a yellow obi was tied around Rin's waist making the color stand out which surprisingly didn't take away from the rest of the colors that was being worn -"you look beautiful as always Rin-chan."
Flushing from the compliment Rin once again rested her hands behind her back pleased to know that woman in front of her liked her kimono, Kagome had come to be a mother figure to Rin so getting compliments from the miko in front of her always gave her a warm feeling that would spread throughout her body. Before she could say anything else she was interrupted with an excited shout that caught both the woman's attention.
"Kagome!" Green eyes sparkled in both excitement and joy at seeing the Miko that was currently conversing with Rin looking over her shoulder.
Gasping in pleasant surprise Kagome broke into a grin but before she could move towards the approaching male, She was once again engulfed in strong hug that made her lose her breath for a second.
Having to squeeze herself a bit loose from the death grip of a hug Kagome reached towards the young kitsune's cheek affectionately stroking her thumb against the soft skin. Shippo took the opportunity to nuzzle his nose against the warm hand that held his face before inhaling softly;
The smell of both rain and lilies wafted up the kitsunes nose visibly relaxing him causing a soft rumble noise from the back of his throat.
Finally stepping back, he grinned towards Kagome before letting her go right before getting his hands swatted away from a huffing Raven haired pup. "now that's not a nice way to greet your onii-san!"
Frowning at the Kitsune, Shijima narrowed his eyes before moving his head away from the insulting hand that was currently touching him. Finally letting up on his attention on the pup Shippo quickly greeted Rin before facing Kagome once again.
"why didn't you let me know you were dropping by Shippo?" Kagome asked once she was able to soothe the irritated pup that decided to take guard in front of her.
"i thought you would've liked a surprise, so here I am!" Grinning widely now, Shippo eye's glinted with mischievously that quickly got Kagome's attention. Narrowing her gaze at the Kit she quickly added in; "whatever you are planning, dont go through with it before you find yourself in a corner later in the evening" Pouting at that Shippo mumbled out a quick "fine." before finally shoving his hands in his signature blue sashinuki hakama.
having grown up more Shippo now slightly towered over Kagome having hit a major growth spurt she still couldn't get used to his new height. Shippo seemed all but glad for being taller now, his red hair no longer in a high ponytail he had decided on letting it down only to tie the top half of his hair in a low pony tail. his turquoise Happi coat no longer had the patterned leaves that had once decorated it but was switched out to white flowers giving it a more floral touch to it.
Kagome had stumbled upon it while she was going through the small market stands that was selling fabrics and immediately thinking of her kit in it that she couldn't leave it behind. Once she had given it to him he immediately wore it proudly showing it off the the others. the only thing that Shippo had refused to part with was the fur coat that he still wore around.
Shippo has really grown to be a handsome Fox demon and Kagome couldn't help but feel proud
After conversing with both the kit and Kagome and only getting a soft hum from Shijima, Rin quickly bid a farewell to them before skipping back to the village. Entering back into the little hut, Kagome quickly set aside her basket before quickly going over to start getting food ready for lunch seeing as time had passed quickly on the trio. Shijima sat in front one of the chest searching for something while Shippo went over to Kagome who was busy cutting some potatoes.
looking over Kagome's shoulder to just silently observe her, it had been a good while since he last saw his Momma since joining the Kitsune school. As much as he hated leaving everyone he didn't regret his decision on going, It had helped him in strengthening his skills just as his fox fire and to everyones dismay, His tricks as well were getting better with each time he decided to use them. Smirking inwardly, he couldn't help but remember the time when he had tricked Miruko into a trap that may or may not have gotten both him AND Miruko in trouble, but he sure didn't regret it; it was worth seeing the horror that was set in stone on the monks face.
Finally finding what he was looking for Shijima quickly went towards Shippo extending his arms out to get his attention. Noticing the ball that Shijima had on him, Shippo grinned before grabbing it and running outside with the pup to play a quick game of catch or more than likely Shijima insisting on hiding said object to hunt it, He'll never understand dogs and their weird traits.
After everything was finally cut and cooked in the time that had taken her to peel each vegetable she used, Kagome went ahead and stepped out to get both her boys attention. Spreading out her aura she was easily able to detect where they ran off to before turning back inside humming a soft tune, going over to her basket that she had placed down earlier she set herself on fixing the herbs in the appropriate jars each leaf and herb went in. Sensing both her Kit and pup she stood up before hearing the shade from the door fluttering in which signaled their arrival. Hurrying both boys to sit, she quickly set herself to pouring broth into two bowls before handing them both to the hungry bodies that were staring intently at it. Watching both boys eating contently Kagome shuffled around before gathering her basket once again adding in a few medical herbs in it also adding in a few strips of cloth in case it may be needed.
noticing Kagome packing her basket with items Shippo took the time to chew on the pieces of vegetable he bitten into before asking- "going out?" placing down from his now empty bowl Shippo looked at Kagome who was looking into her basket double checking to see if she had all she needed. nodding absently she ran a hand down her hakama smoothing out small wrinkles that had formed on them "i'll be going to Kaede's to help around and see if anyone wishes for my aid" striding over she reached down and gently began to stroke Shippo's hair before going towards Shijima who gladly reached up towards her and nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck once she bent down.
giggling over the small ministration Shijima was doing, she embraced him as tightly as she could before kissing the top of his head, raising back up on her feet she walked over and stepped out of the warm hut to finally head towards Kaede's.