Chapter Two: Understandings

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

…

Kagome was on the patio connected to her room. It was more like a balcony since she was a few floors up. It overlooked the castle courtyard. There were guards at their post, castle occupants and servants walking by or lingering to talk. It was nice to be out in the open with the sun on her skin. She had been kept in a small room for almost a week with only a tiny window to the outside. Here she felt a like she had a little more freedom..

"Lady Kagome." Natsumi walked into the room, her arms full of food, fabric, and a bucket of water. "I'm sorry I'm late. I had to finish my chores."

"Not to worry Natsumi. I'm happy to see you. They said I would be assigned someone but didn't say who. Lord Sesshomaru gave me a look when I asked if it was you." Kagome helped Natsumi place everything down.

"You asked for me Lady Kagome? Well that explains it." Natsumi bowed to Kagome in gratitude.

"Explains what? And you don't have to bow Natsumi. Were friends remember?" Kagome placed her hand on Natsumi's shoulder, giving her a smile.

"Right Lady Kagome. I've been temporarily assigned as your lady in waiting. During which time my daily chores have been reassigned."

"Are you okay being my lady in waiting?" Kagome was happy to have her friend around more, but she didn't want Natsumi assigned anything she didn't want to do.

"Oh yes! I do enjoy our times together, and you are one of the nicest guest we've ever had. Never mind me though. I brought you a clean kimono and some warm water to clean yourself with." Natsumi moved the bucket of water and kimono behind the screen. Kagome washed up and changed, while Natsumi had set the table for lunch. Instead of just rice and water, there was tea, shrimp miso, and a side of rice. Kagome offered Natsumi some food and tea again, telling her there was too much for her to finish alone. Natsumi still declined the generous offer. They talked as Kagome ate.

"I'm going to clear these up. When I come back, we shall go for a walk." Natsumi stated.

"I get to leave the room?" Kagome squealed. Finally she would get to stretch her legs.

"Yes. Lord Sesshomaru commanded that you keep up your strength. We can go walk around the back gardens if you would like?" Natsumi asked as stated the dishes together.

"That sounds pleasant."

"Alright I'll be right back."

Kagome went out to her balcony while she waited. Down in the courtyard, she caught sight of a beautiful female demon walking through with three females trailing her. Everyone looked terrified as they hurried to get out of her way and bowing as she passed. Kagome wondered if she was the Lady of the castle. No one had mentioned the Great Lord was married, but maybe such news wouldn't reach her human village.

The female demon suddenly stopped. She started looking around with a disgusted look on her face. Then she realized where the stench was coming from. She glanced up at Kagome with a look that could kill any man. Kagome ran back into her room closing the shoji screen behind her. Kagome had never been so terrified of a single look in her entire life.

Natsumi can back with a shawl for Kagome to help against the winter air. She took her to the gardens which were quite grand even for Kagome's standards. If it wasn't for the gate around the castle Kagome would have thought the garden was an extension of the forest.

Up on the gate there were guards pacing back and forth, manning their post. They paid the pair no mind, but Kagome was a bit worried. When she first arrived, one of the guards mentioned how delicious she looked to eat.

"Are you okay Lady Kagome?" Natsumi asked. She could sense her uneasiness and the quicken pace of her heart.

"Am I safe out here? Not to offend, but don't some demons eat humans?" Kagome was still looking at the guards. Their job was to protect the castle at all cost, a simple human was not on their schedule.

"No need to worry about that Lady Kagome. Lord Sesshomaru has made it very clear that you are important to the success of his war and no one is to touch you." Natsumi patted Kagome's hand trying to comfort her.

"I wonder how, as a human, I'm key to the success of his victory." Kagome asked.

"I overheard the generals when Lord Sesshomaru was giving me your orders, that it's something only a human can do. Since you are already here as an offering it worked out in Lord Sesshomaru's favor. You'll do it willing rather than him forcing a human too."

That only made Kagome more curious. What could a human do that a demon couldn't? They were faster, stronger and powerful. She was just a princess. She wasn't even trained in any kind of fighting skills.

Natsumi showed Kagome around the gardens. There was a tiny forest of cherry blossom trees. The leaves were beginning to die and fall, but the trees were still beautiful. Kagome hoped she'd still be around to see them bloom. Natsumi brought Kagome to the coy pond next. The fountains and water falls made for a soothing background noise. The two sat around the pond and talked for a while. They had barely began to explore the gardens when the start of dusk was upon them. Natsumi wanted to show Kagome the rock gardens quickly before heading in for dinner. They were just beginning to look around when Natsumi began to freak out.

"We should leave Lady Kagome." Natsumi grabbed Kagome's hand and started pulling her towards the castle.

"But we only just arrived. It's so beautiful. I would like to see more."

"We can come back tomorrow, but we must leave now." Natsumi was in a rush to get Kagome moving faster.

"Okay, but why are we in such a rush?" Kagome was almost in a sprint to keep up with Natsumi's speed.

Natsumi slowed down a bit, but was still dragging Kagome towards the castle. "It's Lady Rai. She's the princess from the southern tribe. Rumor among the tribes is that Sesshomaru will take her as his mate once the war is over. Since the general from the south came by to discuss the war, Lady Rai tagged along for a visit. But she really hates humans. She'll kill them on the spot, just for being in her presence."

"What about what you said earlier? About no one harming me by Lord Sesshomaru's orders."

"Lady Rai listens to no one. Who knows what she will do. Now please we must hurry." Natsumi quickened the pace again. She could sense that Rai was near, and no doubt had caught Kagome's sent. However Natsumi didn't get Kagome out of the area fast enough. She picked up Kagome and moved her just in time before a lightening whip could strike her.

"What are you doing here?" Rai demanded.

Kagome recognized her as the female demon from earlier. She assumed since she didn't kill her earlier in the courtyard, she was following Sesshomaru's orders. As one princess to another Kagome tried to make amends with Rai. "Forgive us Lady Rai. We were just viewing the gardens."

"You dare speak to me human! I'll teach you your place. Kneel." Rai's hand began to glow blue. A flash of lightening shot out of her fingers striking Kagome's leg.

Natsumi tried to move Kagome out of the way but her leg was still struck. Natsumi stood her ground in front of Kagome. She was tasked with protecting her with her life. At the same time she had been told to never strike a royal, which was conflicting. However if she had to choose she would risk her life for Kagome over Rai. Sesshomaru's wrath was much worse than the scene in front of her.

"Move half demon." Rai demanded, "Or I'll kill you too."

"You must not harm Lady Kagome, it's by our Lords commands." Natsumi stretched out her arms trying to make herself as big as possible to shield Kagome.

"I answer to no one." Rai shouted. Her hand began to glow blue again for another strike.

Natsumi should be fighting back by orders of Sesshomaru, but she couldn't bring herself to attack another person. She stood her ground keeping Kagome protected. Natsumi closed her eyes and waited for the blow.

"Lady Rai. Getting out of control over one mangy human." Mitsuyo was holding Rai's arm back, stopping the blow. "I thought you were better than this."

"Why you. How dare you talk to me in such a way!" Rai began to seethe with rage. The aura around her began to change for the worse.

"Leave, before I make you." Mitsuyo let go of Rai's arm, pushing her back as he did. He glared at her. One female would not prevent his lord from winning the war. He didn't care if she was royalty of not. She would die here if she didn't leave. Rai glared back at Mitsuyo, but she left. Her three ladies in waiting following behind her.

"Natsumi!" Mitsuyo barked.

"Yes sir." Natsumi bowed to the general.

"We're your orders not to protect the human?" Mitsuyo looked at Kagome. She was trying to stand, but the wound was hurting too much. He scoffed at her weakness.

"Yes! Sorry General Mitsuyo. I have no excuses for my failure." She was still bowing. Kagome could see tears in her friends' eyes. She felt horrible. All of this was her fault. She didn't know that Rai hated humans that much. If only they would have left when Natsumi first suggested it rather than asking questions. None of this would have happened.

"Fetch the healer. Bring her to the human's room. If you're capable of that." Mitsuyo picked up Kagome to bring her to her room.

Kagome felt rather awkward. She knew Mitsuyo hated her, and probably didn't want to be touching her. She stayed quiet, and kept her arms in her lap. When they got to Kagome's room he placed her down by the table. He left saying the healer should be there soon.

Kagome's leg was hurting her. She didn't want Mitsuyo to see, since he already thought her weak. But the pain was unbearable, and her eyes began to tear. It hurt more than a normal gash. She wondered if it was because she was struck with demonic lightening. She looked at her leg. The edges of the wound were burnt, but that didn't stop the wound from bleeding.

"Lady Kagome, I am Ena the castles healer." An older woman stated as she entered Kagome's room. She was carrying a bucket of water, rags, and some herbs.

"Pleased… to meet… you." Kagome got out the pain.

Ena rolled up Kagome's kimono just enough to see her wound. She began to clean Kagome's leg. It was still gushing out blood, which was making it hard to keep the area clean. Suddenly Kagome's door snapped open, startling the two. Sesshomaru stood in the door way looking from Ena to Kagome.

"Lord Sesshomaru, you shouldn't be in a maiden's bedroom." Ena bowed.

Sesshomaru gave her a look. She was a human, such rumors would never spread about the two. He walked into the room, and kneeled next to Kagome. He examined the wound. It was severe. If she remained in bed, and took it easy the wound should heal completely.

"I'm sorry to be such a burden. Sorry that I angered Lady Rai and caused a commotion. I'm sure this is quite a nuisance to you." Kagome said.

Sesshomaru looked her in the eye. Kagome thought he looked irritated. But he didn't say anything to her.

"Make sure this doesn't get infected." Sesshomaru demanded as he walked out of the room. Kagome caught sight of Mitsuyo, lingering in the doorway. The two whispered amongst themselves before Sesshomaru left. Mitsuyo closed the door giving Kagome an irritated look as he did.

Ena rubbed a medicinal herb paste into her wound then wrapped it. With the paste that was being applied, her wound should heal rather fast. Until she was okay to move, Kagome was to stay in bed so she didn't make it worse. Kagome was currently out on her balcony. She left saying she would be back in the morning to change the wrappings. Kagome sighed to herself once she was alone. She had made a big mess of things. She wouldn't blame Sesshomaru if he changed his mind and just killed to rid himself of her stupidity. Kagome stayed where she was, waiting for Natsumi. But she never came.

Different servants brought Kagome food for the next two days. She was going stir crazy lying in bed all day, so she decided to break a few rules. It was night and the courtyard was silent as everyone was either asleep or in their room getting ready to sleep. Kagome sighed still looking down at the courtyard. Her only friend at the castle was probably reassigned, being punished or dead and it was all her fault. She sighed again, looking around at everything but not really focusing on anything. She noticed the guards were on edge. She hoped it wasn't because of Rai. Kagome was too afraid to ever see that woman again.

Sesshomaru was walking in the shadows of the courtyard. He was contemplating his troops in the north. Their stand was beginning to waver. It was hard to beat an enemy that could regenerate as long as the leader lived. On top of that, winter was coming. Resources would be hard to transport, and what they could get hold of would be scarce. Should he leave his men where they are or pull them back? If he recalled them he may lose the north. Or if he left his men he could lose his troops and the north also.

Sesshomaru needed to think about this in more detail later. Right now he was too irritated with Kagome to have a clear head. She was disobeying he's commands by being out on the balcony. He needed her to be alive and well by spring time. If she kept moving around she was going to reopen her wound. He glared up at Kagome. She was looking off into the night sky, not even noticing his presence. He hated having to keep a human around, having his people tend to her every need. He hated having to place the success of his war into her hands. But if he had to keep her around, she was going to abide by his rules to prevent him anymore complications.

Kagome felt a small bit of comfort in the night sky. With all that had happened to her in the past two weeks, the silence of the night was the peace she needed.

"Why aren't you in bed?" Sesshomaru snapped, startling Kagome out of her thoughts. He stepped down from the balcony railing walking towards Kagome. "Have I not made it clear how important your survival is?"

Kagome could tell he was pissed off. He was keeping a calmness on the outside, but she could feel it boiling through. She began to scoot backwards into the room, fleeing from Sesshomaru.

"You think I would keep you, a human, around, give you such service if I didn't need you." He was practically growling at her now. "And yet you show little disregard to your health, and the consequences you would cause if it failed."

Kagome had never been this terrified in her life. Not even Rai trying to kill her, scared her as much as Sesshomaru was right now. She had made it to the edge of her shikibuton, when Sesshomaru kneeled in front of her looking her dead in the eye.

He spoke in calm, cold tone annunciating every word. "Do not disobey me again."

Kagome couldn't find the words to agree with him, so she nodded her head instead. Sesshomaru left, slamming the shoji screen behind him. Kagome put her hand on her heart feeling for a heartbeat. She could have sworn she had a heart attack due to fright. She knew that if she put one more foot out of line, he may kill her. Necessary to his war or not. Kagome crawled back into bed and stayed there as commanded.

The next few days Kagome felt like she was just going through the motions of life. Sleeping, eating, and then sleeping some more. This morning Kagome was too depressed to eat. She was picking at her breakfast when a familiar voice came from the bedroom door way.

"You should eat Lady Kagome or your strength will fail."

"Natsumi! You're back?" Kagome smiled up at her friend.

"Yes." Natsumi kneeled down next to the bed and poured Kagome more tea.

Kagome lunged for Natsumi, hugging her friend and crying into her kimono. She knocked over the tray of food in the process. "I'm so sorry Natsumi. I thought you were dead. All because of my stupidity."

"Please Lady Kagome. You are embarrassing me. Do not cry over my absence." Natsumi righted her friend.

"I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?" Kagome was still blubbering, barely understandable through her tears.

"There is nothing to forgive. I was tasked with keeping you safe and I failed. You're the only person who's treated me like a friend and not a servant or half demon, and I almost let you die." There was sadness in Natsumi's eyes. She cleaned up the fallen breakfast, and told Kagome she'd be back, taking the dishes with her.

Kagome noticed that Natsumi's movements were stiff. She didn't get the feeling it was because of what happened, but more of what happened afterwards. Kagome felt like sorry was not enough to make up for what she caused.

Once Kagome was cleared to go on short walks, the pair headed back out to the gardens. It had been a little over a week in total since Kagome left her room last. Nerves took over her body being back among demons. She couldn't help but jump at anyone who seemed threatening, which was almost everyone. She didn't want anything to happen to her friend and if someone killed her Sesshomaru would never protect her people.

They were next to the koi pond when they heard someone singing of in the distance. Whomever he was had a pleasant voice and was growing closer to the pair. Kagome looked to Natsumi. She didn't look frightened or in a need to escape. Kagome figured whoever was approaching wasn't a danger to her. A man soon appeared from behind the tall hedges. He appeared to be old by his salt and pepper hair, but as a full demon he hardly showed signs in his face of his true age.

"Lady Kagome. Natsumi." The older man greeted.

"Professor." Natsumi bowed.

"Pleasant day today, is it not. I sense the first snow fall is upon us soon." The Professor, smiled down at the two. "Lady Kagome, how is your leg doing this evening?"

Kagome instinctively rubbed her leg. It was no longer hurting, it just needed to heal now. "It's healing rather nicely. How did you know I was injured?"

"I'm the advisor for Lord Sesshomaru. I know what goes on in this castle before it even happens." The Professor sat down next to Kagome. He picked up her hand turning it over in his. Kagome looked at Natsumi wondering what he was doing, but she was watching the koi swim around instead.

"Is that why they call you professor?" Kagome questioned.

"No. I was once the professor for the young lords of this castle. I taught them education, life lessons, and helped them through their problems. Since I no longer have my sight, advice is all I can offer now." The Professor smiled. Then he became very grave. "Sesshomaru has put a lot of hope into you, Lady Kagome. Something that he hates to admit. He is not very fond of humans. Most demons aren't. However Sesshomaru has a specific reason for despising your kind. As a young boy he watched his mother being slaughtered by a band of humans. His mom was a powerful demon, but she had been injured on their journey back to the castle. She did what any mother would do, and sacrifice herself for her child."

Kagome understood now. She felt sad for Sesshomaru. She wanted to do everything in her power to help him, no matter what.

"It seems like I am needed elsewhere." The Professor patted Kagome's hand before giving it back to her. He got up and headed towards the castle, where Sesshomaru was waiting for him. He was looking at Kagome, no emotions on his face. Without a word he left, once the Professor caught up to him.

….

End of Chapter two. I hope you liked it. I'm turning 29 this Wednesday. I took some time off work so hopefully I can get more chapters out soon. Have a great day.