{Chapter Four}

I growled in frustration attempting again to tie the kimono properly, but it still looked a mess. It was truly the most beautiful thing I had ever worn, a light green kimono with a detailed white floral design that seemed to make my eyes look darker. The problem was that I had no experience with such things, we had dresses to wear not kimonos and even then, I barely worn them.

After three days here of avoiding wearing the insanely expensive clothes, I had no choice knowing that there was there was a meal that I had been summoned to. I wanted nothing more then to continue to hide as I had done since I got here. I spent most of my time in my room or outside the palace in the woods honing my skills. I had spent some time with Rin and Shippo, they were pleasant company and gave me a chance to see Kagome as well. For the most part I wanted to stay out of everyone's way.

I sighed giving up turning most likely looking complete disheveled at Kagome and Rin as they entered the room. I glared at Kagome as she started laughing at loud seeing me. I felt like pouting at having to do this for the hundredth time.

"I don't know how to put this on" I whispered feeling my cheeks heat up in embarrassment

"Please let me assist you Lady Elessandria" Rin said with a giggle as I sighed in relief

She smiled as she quickly rearranged the fabric of the kimono to lay properly and went about tying the belts with much skills. I watched her closely studying what she was doing having a feeling that I would have to do so more often. I had to be respectful of the Lord of the West while I stayed here, I just prayed that I wouldn't have to wear them at all time. At least this one was not heavy and thick, it did not suffocate me.

"You look beautiful Lady Elessandria" Rin said brightly stepping back from me causing me to blush looking over the outfit

"It's not really something I am comfortable with" I said honestly looking at her "This is all too much, I don't need or deserve any of this"

"Father has these made for you" Rin explained causing my eyes to widen in shock "I came up with the designs. He is having her make you fighting clothes as well after I explained to him that you are like Aunt Sango. He designed those and should be ready by tomorrow since they are harder to make then the Kimonos are"

"This is too much" I whispered in awe at the information "I don't know what to say at all"

"My Father expected that, however you assisted us and saved my life on top of many others" Rin said seriously "To not accept it would offend him"

"Shippo requested the same for me" Kagome said brightly running her hands over the kimono she was wearing "I rather enjoy being pampered"

"The Evening meal should be ready shortly, Father should be waiting for us" Rin explained calmly, and I sighed nodding in understanding

"Let me finish my hair quickly and then we will go there" I explained softly pulled out clips from my pack

"I could do that for you" Rin said happily, and Kagome laughed softly

"She actually enjoys doing her hair, she rarely lets anyone touch it" Kagome explained as Rin nodded in understand

I smiled as I quickly twisted my hair loosing clipping it drawing a few curls to fall freely around my face. This style shaped my face showing off my neck and drawing additional attention to my eyes. I thought for a moment and went for my mascara. I didn't like makeup that much but since I was dress up I knew that it would serve to make my eyes pop even more. I took a step back quickly looking in the mirror surprised at the image before me. I did look beautiful, the kimono hugged me perfectly bringing out the best features I held. I took a breath not quite feeling like myself before turning to them.

"Ready when you are" I said clapping my hands together with my discomfort showing clearly

I walked behind them taken by surprise as Kagome shouting bolting forward as soon as the doors opened. I settled seeing a Male pick Kagome up twirling her around as she cried into his shoulder. The male had to be Inuyasha. He looked very similar to Sesshomaru, wearing red and the ears confirmed the description she had once provided me. I watched and turned away feeling as if it was their private moment when they stared lovingly into their face.

Several minutes passed before they parted from each other and I watched as another woman who was crying watching them approach her. I knew that this had to be Sango, who had aged thirty years. I watched with interest as they hugged each other and the look on Sango's face, she still thought of Kagome as family. I was happy that Kagome had her and that she still cared about Kagome as a sister as Kagome did.

The next to approach her was a male who I could guess was Miroku. I could tell from his aura that he still held his powers. There was someone about him that seem trustworthy, but I watched to ensure that his pervert ways had changed at least. He seemed to be rather respectful as he talked with Kagome in a whispered and she nodded with tears in her eyes.

Letting Kagome have a few moments I approached Lord Sesshomaru who had his eyes on me the entire time since I had entered the room. I bowed deeply as careful as I could in the unfamiliar clothing as a sign of respect.

"My thanks Lord Sesshomaru for everything you have provided to me" I said honestly leaving my eyes on the floor

"Rise" Sesshomaru said and I was taken back by the softness in his voice "Be seated"

I followed his lead and sat across from Rin at his right-hand side as directed as the others all settled to sit. I watched Inuyasha for a moment as his eyes watched Kagome as if she would disappear, I couldn't imagine what he had gone through with her being gone so long. I looked at Sango and Miroku who look much older then the people from the story.

"Guys, this is Elessandria" Kagome said after a few moments "She came back from the future with me"

"She is the one you keep hearing about that saved Rin, Juntao, and myself among others the other day" Shippo excited with a grin causing me to flinch knowing that being known was not something I wanted

"It is nice to formally meet all of you, Kagome has told me a lot about each of you" I said honestly causing the others to smile

"How do you know her?" Sango questioned softly looking me in confusion and I smiled at her causing her to blush for staring

"After I was forced back to the future and the well wouldn't let me return, my powers went a little crazy and I held not control over them. I went to all sorts of temples and shires, but no one was really able to explain it. A priest in a different land told me of her. It took me awhile to track her down to the middle of nowhere and a lot of time to convince her, but she ended up helping me learn to control them again and work through some other issues. She quickly became a close friend and has protected me a lot" Kagome explained softly giving me a smile at the end

"How powerful are you?" Inuyasha questioned looking me over "You don't look like it"

"I assure you that looks can be deceiving" I said raising an eyebrow at him causing him to blush and look away from me in embarrassment

"I wouldn't miss with her" Kagome said elbowing him in the side "She hasn't even tapped into her potential and she is stronger than anyone I have met except for Sesshomaru. I can't even imagine how powerful she would be if she would embrace them entirely"

I frowned at the statement as all eyes turned on me including those of Lord Sesshomaru. I shrugged at the statement, I had reasons for me not wanting to explore my powers completely, after all I housed the same soul that created the Shikon No Tama

"I use them when I need to" I said honestly "I use them more then enough"

"Keh" Inuyasha said smirking at me "You are going to need them, Kagome had a habit of being kidnapped here"

"I know" I said with a laugh glancing at her "She sure keeps me on my toes"

"Hey" Kagome said offended with a blush before looking at them seriously "How did you all end up in the West instead of the village?"

I listened as they explained everything that had happened in the last thirty years. Sango and Miroku are now married with five children that are currently grown demon slayers fighting along the western army among Kohoku, Sango's younger brother. They joined the western army when the war started to help Lord Sesshomaru with everyone from the village. While the villagers remained with the ranks, Sango and Miroku were part of Inuyasha's pack and stayed in his wing of the palace.

Inuyasha after some time joined his brother in the palace accepting his place among the west. Apparently Sesshomaru put him through training in both politics, customs, and fighting. He had not attempted to move on from Kagome according to the others and often returned to the well in the forest to think of her. He had grown into a fine lord of the west as well and took quite well to the reformed lifestyle. It was not without struggle as Shippo explained quite a lot of amusing stories. The one thing that relieved me was that he learned to control his inner beast.

Shippo has went to an academy for foxes that trained him to use his powers and he joined Inuyasha in the west. The once kit had gone through Sesshomaru's extreme training and managed to gain his respect becoming the personnel guard of shorts to the Princess of the West. He had apparently always been a friend to Rin and they were joined at the hip. I could tell from the way that his eyes lingered on his that he held deep affection for the little lady in the making. I could tell there was something there for her as well. He was a good protector for her and I had no doubt that one day they would be more than that.

Rin was apparently not completely human anymore. She held demonic blood due to a bonding ceremony from an old talking tree, that one threw me for a loop. Sesshomaru has formally adopted her in all standards and extended her lifespan by slowing her aging. She wasn't a demon and she wasn't immortal, she just aged much slower. I could tell by the glancing towards that Fox that if they mated, she would be immortal, and that bond would keep her alive. I loved how vibrant the Little Lady was and after all she had been through, it was truly amazing.

Little information was provided on Sesshomaru, but not without attempts from Kagome. All we learned was he still was not mated or had any other children. He was still the ruler of the west and was on good standing with the other nations. I couldn't help but wonder if he ever took time for himself, if he ever dropped that guard that he kept in place so securely. He was strong, and I would be blind if I denied that he was attractive, most likely the most attractive male I had ever seen.

"Lady Kagome, were you sent back to assist with this enemy? Is there another shattered jewel for us to hunt?" Miroku questioned after everyone had finished eating and I knew it is something they were all thinking

"Kagome want always meant to return, she belongs here" I whispered feeling eyes on me as I stared at my tea with interest "She waited ten years, I am guessing to ensure she met me as well, but she was always meant to return here when she did"

"And you, Lady Elessandria?" Miroku questioned softly wondering how I had come with her

"I am meant to be here as well" I said honestly before sighing "I am unable to provide much information, all I know is my fate is tied to assisting with destroying this darkness"

"What do you mean?" Inuyasha questioned and Kagome placed a hand on her shoulder

"She was kind of thrown into this like I was before, she will tell you everything when she can. I assure each of you that there is no one more trustworthy then Ellie. She saved my life more times than I can count, she saves my soul. Just get to know her before you guys judge her please" Kagome pleaded seriously, and I smiled sadly at her

"Okay" Sango said giving a pointed look to everyone before smiling brightly at me "Welcome"

"Thank you" I said with a smile relaxing as did the other allowing conversation to continue on lighter topics.

After awhile of listening to the conversation I went back to my room and stood on my balcony staring at the stars in the sky wondering where I went from here. I knew that if permitted, I would gladly help the west defeat this enemy and protect Kagome's happiness. Afterall, this is the enemy that Midoriko spoke of and that I was the weapon to weld to take them down. I hated that realization, I had been a warrior and turned from that path to help others. Yes, I fought still and protected when I needed to, but I loved helping people above all. I was a soldier and a doctor from another time with powers that were unknown to not only me but the gods above. Everything was unknown, everything could be lost including my own life.

I sighed pushing the thoughts aside before looking at the garden surprised to see Sesshomaru there. I watched as he picked a single flower and a small smile on his lips almost took my breath away. He turned towards me with his face back to the mask he always worn but warmth shining his eyes. I smiled and bowed my head to bid goodnight before glancing at the stars one more time before heading to bed. That night I went to sleep dreaming of the deep pools of gold that seemed to speak volumes if I ever learn what they said.