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Twelve

Naraku sighed as he heard yet another table...then a shelf...then a vase hit the wall, his father was furious about what he'd done. He didn't care it didn't concern him, though the servants were glad to bring him more things they knew he wouldn't care about if it meant he was taking his frustrations out on inanimate objects and not them. He looked up as Kagura let herself in his room he kept things dark and simple he didn't need many comforts. She moved to touch his shoulder as he adjusted his vests after favoring the modern style of clothing it was strange to look at himself now.

"Naraku..."

"Don't start and it's Lord, you know that." he snapped shaking her hand off, sure she'd known his bed before but that never stopped her affections for Sesshomaru.

"Your father is worried."

"So?"

"He wants you to take Menomaru with you."

"What for we'll meet spend some time there and be back."

"He thinks you'll make a fool of yourself at least with an extra hand behind to take you back you'll keep a clear head."

"He wants a spy, that's it, it doesn't matter it's time to leave."

"But.."

"But what wench? I'm really not in the mood."

He was on edge though he wasn't sure why it didn't matter, he grabbed his bag and pushed beside her running down the plain dark halls ignoring his father as he threw something at him. He wouldn't be as crazy as he was this attraction he felt could be nothing but if it wasn't at least he'd get the closure his father was too crazy to ever truly get.

….

Sesshomaru adjust his sword at the portal it had been some time since he had really dressed properly for his were hidden well enough Jaken was out of his disguise Inutaisho had went ahead there were plans for Naraku to join them it was better He looked up as Naraku arrived and cocked his head as they walked over the area was locked down to keep humans that wouldn't know any better out of the way.

"Naraku I was more than a little surprised by the step you took."

He shrugged.

"There is no love here, alls fair that should be right?"

His gaze narrowed, more a challenge between alphas.

"You have no claim to my lord's wench!" he groaned as he was met with two feet to the face, while he was knocked out seeing stars Sesshomaru looked up as they arrived.

Toran and her siblings were coming ready for the demon's home trip Naraku and Sesshomaru stood up straighter as Kagome stepped out, she chose a rather clingy kimono it hung off her shoulders a bit the inner layer in white and the outer layer in light blue, the pretty pastel leaves sewn up the bottom to her hip was a simple decoration Toran put her hair up though she wouldn't allow them to put any clips that were too flashy she felt out of place as it was she frowned wondering if the light make up she'd chosen was a little much the way they stared. Kagura looked at them gritting her teeth.

"Put your tongues back in your mouth gentlemen the Lady hasn't been claimed yet." Toran teased.

They shook their heads, oh the aura was pulsing today Kagome walked over and crossed her arms with a smirk looking at Naraku. Abi went on and on as she got dressed about proper greetings and such during this but for now she had to get a couple things off her chest.

"So Naraku where did this plan of yours come from?"

"My inner demon, try not to think about it too much."

"How can I not, one day I'm single and who cares and the next as far as any living demon is concerned I have two fiancees to please. What gives?"

"Kagome I can't explain this in the least, I've known simple lust easy to ignore whether it's taken care of or not. This isn't it, perhaps it could be confused for something else but this is not permanate all three of us could walk away without a worry." she could only hope.

Kagura gave him a heated look though he ignored her, her mother had prepared for the bare minimum but what they could afford was already limited.

That is it wasn't completely dire yet but Abi was trying to stretch what funds they could, she didn't have much time but enough.

She wondered if Inutaisho would start the plans for assistance before they were married, shaking her head she raised her arms exposing her smooth wrists to them it was one thing to take care of. Temporary marks one from each she grit her teeth feeling them bite her. Sure gossip could spread, but it was important for a trip like this for their scent to come off of her at least a little. Anyone ignoring that..well they were fair game.

With the marks licked she shivered and dropped her arms, Abi was going to be there to watch over, just a few days and at the end the decision would be made. She wasn't sure about it but it didn't matter it was her current task as alpha, she'd make the most of it. Jaken didn't really wake up yet, but Sesshomaru did at least kick him forward as the light spread to envelope them she hooked and arm around each of theirs. They were meant to show up right on Sesshomaru's lands Kagome was caught by surprise staring forward while some modern additions were added in the main castles to keep a better connection..mostly out of preference the Feudal Era mostly remained the same. They were in a large village with demons were rushing out to see them.

She could feel it was going to be a long day already.

…..

The grand family castle was massive stretching over a well landscaped area the barrier set around it for a little added peace when the occupants had to rest, had a light glow. Most of the color around the castle came from the staff and the flowers that had been planted, walking up the main path from where they were dropped she saw some that fellt to their knees in greeting. Inutaisho stood proud at the main door she stared forward seeing Izayoi she was even more beautiful in person. Rin stood next to her, between her and her father. Also joined by Inukimi she didn't smile or frown she mirrored her son's blank expression not that it took anything from their looks they didn't seem warm to approach.

There came the nerves she shifted to grab her bag from Toran.

Inukimi sighed as they greeted Inutaisho, Izayoi bowed her head with a smile, even near the front she could see the spotless, well decorated castle they lived in. They were led in Kagome somewhat zoned out as Inutaisho personally showed them around. Sure Sesshomaru knew it but he wanted to see where his father was putting Kagome the castle had a heavy spell for protection the barrier didn't hide the castle it just worked as a weapon against those attacking.

It was just added safety he was like many leaders wanting a lot of comfort between battles even demons needed something comfortable to recharge. He couldn't have the monks that worked for him make everywhere safe but this little bubble was a place where he needed peace of mind. He was no fool when he started to question himself because he was too tired to fight he wanted a place to get himself together.

Izayoi looked at Kagome though she'd speak to her later.

Sesshomaru frowned as he passed the doorway that led to the open bath area, and the wide garden beyond that pointing out rooms here and there he had led them to Sesshomaru's quarters. He had assured the attendants they would be fine in their own rooms for now the place was safe enough.

"Father you didn't give Kagome a room."

"Of course I did...you three might as well share your rooms."

He raised an eyebrow though in this house in this realm his father's word went without a question granted opening his room to another man was hardly ideal.

"As you say..."

"Don't think on it too much Sesshomaru, with your future lady having her first visit you ought to spend more time around her. This will be for a week won't it?" Inukimi finally said.

Sesshomaru glanced at his mother, he hadn't really expected her to care if it was good for them all that was the end of her interest. Kagome expected some stiffness to be expected considering how different things were from her home to this though there was some tension in the air.

"That's right..."

"I thought it was only for a few days?" she asked.

"Well seven, that counts right."

She smiled slightly as Inutaisho smirked...dad humor wasn't lost on him it felt.

"So that's that I'll let you get settled in and we will chat over lunch, try not to fight boys we have targets just for that." Inutaisho said.

Kagome sighed heavily as Sesshomaru opened the door and walked in the main sitting area had a wardrobe and his collection of swords were proudly displayed there was another closet he had a few items stored in as he moved to the other sliding door he nodded in. He left his futon out though there had been two more added she could only assume it meant she was to sleep between them. For a week even...Naraku moved to look out the window there were a lot of trees around the outside meadow bethind the house, the soldiers trained underground extra supply lines were hidden well too it made it seem that nothing was really here worth taking. A castle..covered in flowers and vines hidden behind a barrier without even an extra guard to claim.

That probably chased a few people off too.

Inutaisho had certainly had issues healing when he lost himself in battle the most security he cared for was for his wife and when children visited. It was just his way life didn't stop being dangerous here one made changes to work around that. It was peaceful.

Kagome set her bag near the small nightstands he kept there were a few potted plants another stand to put clothes away but mostly it was simple. She knew some demons didn't have the luxury but at the same time it seemed light...but it was nice. He leaned against the wall.

"I'll arrange for some more kimonos for the time you're here." Sesshomaru said suddenly.

She looked over her shoulder and smiled.

"Do I have to change into more...? I brought a light plain one too and one to sleep in."

"Yes you'll need much more, we're taking advantage of this break in the war, the troops have pushed back most of the issues but I'll take you to the battle grounds so you can see how things pick up off and on here. However there are a few parties, to boost morale that we will be throwing. With this being your first time here we thought this was the best time to do this. It's also a time to show that you can handle yourself even here, publicity but only for those we leave here. There is not just war to these lands." he said lowly.

She nodded, Abi told her it was important for this visit to follow their plans respectfully they would teach her what was best to do for the first visit. She fidgeted with her sleeve she had brought her sword just in case and some pants that would be suitable for fighting here. She wasn't sure if she would need them. He watched her as she stroked the sheath shaking his head he walked over to sit behind her.

"Don't worry..."

"I'm not..."

"You'll get to use it."

She paused and smirked.

"So sure?"

"Mmhmm, they'll be looking to see that you aren't just a pretty face but can fight with that, have you had any practice with swords in a kimono? One of your performances will include removing some of the demon traitors across our lands we've gathered a few."

He'd seen a few first time sword fighters at some of these 'parties' tripping over themselves when it came time to present their skills. These were much older traditions that they kept there would be others joining in but she'd be the center of attention. She was missing her room already, there was that slight bit of nerves coming back.

"I'm had some practice father insisted but it's different actaully fighting a demon that hasn't learned to appreciate humanity."

He reached out at first pausing the move was strange to him he sighed eventually and rested his hand on her shoulder. One didn't comfort another when they voiced their concerns as his mother would say but he felt he should say something.

"It is mostly to see how you could do..you won't be alone so if anything goes wrong."

She smiled slightly tapping his hand.

"Right...thanks."

He stood up slowly.

"We'll worry about that later we'll go and eat and then I'll give you a better tour."

"Okay." she stood carefully, for a moment he thought of how she looked on his arm dressed as she was.

She really belonged beside him at least in one way but it was a matter of if he wanted her there for good or not if she wanted to be there. Only time would tell.

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