Chapter nine: Homesick

She found herself in Sesshomaru's bed, she was too tired to even fight about where she slept. She just wanted to go home, she felt herself starting to be homesick, and this place was far from her time. She had assumed it was around midnight, the Moon light was casting across her bed causing her black hair to shimmer in the pale rays. Kagome found herself looking through the silken tapestries which parted slightly allowing the darkened outside world to be seen. A soft sigh crossed her lips as she gazed into the darkness, her fingers slid over the silky material of her gown which she had been given to sleep in. She could feel the aura of Sesshomaru as he walked the corridors within the castle walls, he was so different from his future self. In the future he wanted her dead and now he was protecting her, how ironic is that? Shaking her head to clear it, she sat and leaned against the headboard. This all was becoming quite unbearable, she felt alone and vulnerable. Kagome slid over the bed's edge, her feet touched the cool floor. A shiver ran up her spine as she stood; the gown brushed the top of her foot causing a light smile to cross her lips as the soft material tickled her skin.

Sleep seemed to be a myth to her right now, all though her body ached for the unconscious darkness, it did not come. She moved gracefully to the balcony door, her steps were light and slow as her hand placed on the cold handle. The door creaked open revealing the cool night air across her skin, the breeze caressed through her tresses. Her gaze moved up to the clear midnight sky, the stars looked like sparkling diamonds which winked down at her presence. Late fall seemed to be rapidly turning into winter, which meant her journey would be even more complicated, this was not looking good; she didn't want to spend six months in this time, she needed to return home now. "Why don't you sleep miko?" The familiar voice startled her but she didn't allow it to show as her fingers lightly tightened on the railing of the balcony. Kagome's gaze moved to the younger lord of the west , he looked far less threatening now then in the future but as she told herself many times over the last couple days, he was still just as dangerous. "I'm not tired." She gave a shrug, trying to convince herself even more then him that her words were true. "Does something trouble you?" His voice was a smooth and cold as ice, matching his normal demeanor she noted.

Sesshomaru searched the surrounding area which laid below cloaked in darkness which he could easily see through. His hands clasped behind his back as he waited for her response. "I miss my home." He heard her state simply. "I don't belong here, and I am not use to such…accommodations." He inhaled slowly considering her words. "I see, and where do you normally reside?" He heard the soft sigh which escaped her body as her weight shifted from one foot to the other. "Far from here, Lord Sesshomaru." He felt her gaze on him as he pondered a long moment, him and his father owed this human a debt and he would repay it, perhaps this is how he should do so, by returning her home. "Miko, I have a proposition for you. I could escort you to your land so you can return safely since I do hold a debt to you for healing me." He turned his head to meet her gaze. He watched her raise a slender brow to him and then look back over the darkness.

"It is more complicated then taking me to travel across the land to get home. Not to mention winter sets in soon and I don't know if I can complete my task in time before the blizzards begin to arrive in the region." she stepped back and faced the balcony doors, the chill finally settling over her. "I don't wish to get you involved Lord Sesshomaru, and I prefer to solve my getting home situation on my own. I am a priestess after all, so not completely helpless." Kagome felt his aura move fast as he was then before her, his facial features set stubbornly and in that moment he reminded her of Inuyasha…his golden eyes flickering, questioningly at her as it brought her back to a memory of when Inuyasha had near frightened her with his stare. Her hand reached up slowly she wasn't really remembering it was Sesshomaru before her but more of her half demon companion, being lost in Sesshomaru's gaze but she quickly stopped herself and shook her head.

He raised a slender silver brow at her action as she studied her face, she had been remembering something he assumed…or perhaps someone he reminded her of but he knew of no one in this region who resembled him at all besides his father. "I will not let you roam alone across the lands, I would rather travel with you to aid you in your journey, I owe you a debt and would like to repay it." He caught her wrist as she went to step by him and he caught her gaze once more. He was curious now on what she had been thinking of when looking at him a moment ago. "What was on your mind Kagome?" He watched a blush lightly stain her cheeks as she looked away from him. "You just reminded me of someone who is waiting for me back home…and I don't want you coming with me, it is a lot of trouble and not near worth going through for being healed by me. All I request is a bow and arrows, along with some supplies. That is all I ask for in return for helping you get better."

She glanced down on his hold on her, his sharp claws lightly resting over her skin. Claws that could easily kill were so gentle now…the thought in a way disturbed her along with the thought that she was altering the past which could affect the future with her companions. He watched his hand fall away as she heard his cool voice break the night once more. "We shall discuss this more on the morrow. As of now you should try to sleep, otherwise you will be no use in any way." At that he was gone with the slight breeze which caressed her flesh, it was near frightful on how fast he could move, even at his age, he was training well. Kagome knew he was not far away his aura still lingering around as she moved back into the room and clasped on the bed. Sleep wouldn't come she knew, only nightmares would come to her as they have last couple nights. Especially now since her earlier demon episode, she wasn't safe nor was anyone in this castle with her around. She was decided on her plan, she would sneak out tomorrow night and hide her scent with her barriers, It was her only way to protect everyone in this time and the next. Closing her eyes she let her mind run over her plans, this was the only way and she was settled on it.

Morning came soon and her whole body felt heavy as she dressed and exited the room heading down stairs. Servants bustled about, it was still barely just over dawn and she wandered about the main hall and found a exit into the court yard. Inhaling sharply she focused her energy to discover all the auras in the area, she ran across Sesshomaru's as it rose and fell quickly. She assumed he must be practicing somewhere around here from all the constant changes in his energy. She suddenly dropped her search as she felt the drain in her body. This wasn't good and she was suppose to make her grand escape tonight, shaking her head she forced herself to regain her posture. If she wasn't careful she would end up making herself sick. Before she had the chance to continue her search she found Sesshomaru standing before her, his sword drawn and propped over his shoulder as he glanced over her.

"Good morning Lady Kagome you have risen early." She got a good grip on herself before returning the greeting. "Good morning to you as well Lord Sesshomaru, see you have been training." She stated as she glanced over him in return from him doing so to her. "You should get your morning meal, you look a bit weary." She smoothed a invisible wrinkle from her gown near her hip trying to distract him from observing her appearance because if he deemed her ill in any form she had a feeling he would watch her like a hawk with its prey. "I will, they have not laid the table yet." She went to walk off but his voice stopped her in her tracks. "Join me in training then Kagome?" Never sparred a priestess before, perhaps it will be interesting. I will go easy on you if you like, can even have your bow."