The stone walls of a large castle appeared in the distance, coming rapidly closer. They had left the dragon behind, now traveling by foot. Kagome was glade to be able to use her own feet again. She was surprised the others hadn't come yet. The injured part of her spirit was healing while she was with Sesshomaru. All this time she had been emotionally battered until she reached her breaking point over and again. Now she played her role more out of habit that care. Mostly she was numb, but anything that broke through that layer hurt her more deeply, thickened her shell. Soon nothing would be able to get through. She would be free from pain.

"Kagome!" Voices rang out of the sky and she whirled back, staring up at the enormous cat soaring down toward her. She only smiled on the surface. How could she go back to that slow torture of never being allowed to feel what she wanted? They wanted her to love Inuyasha, and she knew she couldn't anymore. Sesshomaru only wanted her to follow his seldom given orders, and stay out of his way when he was doing something, but she hadn't been invited to stay with him for long. She would have to go back, but she was beginning to realize how attached she'd become to him over the last weeks, how badly she wanted to stay with him. There was something comforting about his silence, his confidence.

As they reached to pull her away Sesshomaru's hand went around her arm, pulling her back to him. He glanced at her before stepping forward as the cat landed. He recognized instantly that his brother was not with them, and after waiting for an explanation that never came, asked of his whereabouts, sensing a trap.

"We don't want to fight you Sesshomaru, we just want Kagome back." The monk said calmly.

"Answer the question." He wanted to snap, to scare them, but held his voice calm.

"I'm sorry Kagome, Inuyasha left us to find Kikyo." Sango looked directly past the demon to the girl standing behind him.

"I hope he finds her." It no longer hurt that he would do that; she had come to expect it. Kagome was even beginning to wonder how she'd thought she could have loved him.

"How can you say that?" Sango demanded and even Miroku looked shocked.

"I don't care what he does anymore. It doesn't matter." Kagome murmured, seeing their worried looks. She didn't want to see them look like that.

"The girl stays with me. You will leave, if you wish to take your lives with you."

"We'll fight you Sesshomaru." Shippo cried, popping onto Miroku's shoulder.

"Miroku, Sango…go." It was hard to send them away. She was consistently surprising herself recently, finding she was capable of more than she had thought before. She had saved her own life, and Sesshomaru's and was now sending people she had clung to previously away. It was for their own safety, she assured herself, not her own twisted desire to remain with Sesshomaru.

"But Kagome…"

"I said go." She snapped, looking pleadingly across at them.

"Do not think I will not kill you." Sesshomaru said simply, his knuckles cracking dangerously.

"We can't defeat him alone." Miroku refused to look away from Sesshomaru as he spoke to Sango.

"Inuyasha has already been gone for days. There's no telling when we'll get another chance."

"We don't have a choice."

"You were going to stop them from taking me, why?" Kagome had waited awhile before asking the question, and chose to issue it as they approached the castle walls.

He gave her an almost annoyed look, and when it was returned looked away. "I have not received my sword," He paused and added surprisingly quietly, "You did not wish to go."

"Why should you care?"

There was a long silence while he considered not answering. He knew she would only continue to pester him until he gave her a reason, "I find you…tolerable."

It was the closest thing to a compliment she had ever heard from him. Kagome accepted it as a valid answer and fell silent, not wanting to annoy him further. She turned her attention instead to the castle she had been watching since that morning. It was directly in front of her now, and much larger than she had originally thought. Delicate vines covered the walls with large green leaves that grew in intricate patterns.

Sesshomaru nearly growled, eyeing the overgrown vines. "Is no one capable of following orders."

"I think it's pretty." Kagome barely suppressed an urge to reach out and touch the plants, "What?" She jumped a little at the look Sesshomaru gave her. He actually scoffed a little as he turned away. She fell silent again and followed him toward the gate. He paused, placing his hand on where the two halves of the gate met. With one effortless shove the gate was thrown open. In less than an instant several guards had appeared.

"My lord!" They fell to their knees, bowing so low their foreheads pressed into the ground. Sesshomaru stood over them for a long moment considering them coldly, silently. A small green imp came rushing across an enormous courtyard, squealing the words, "My lord" again.

"Jaken, brink Toren and Norain to me." Sesshomaru ordered as he walked past his lackey, his hand closing around Kagome's arm to pull her after him. He led her inside the castle, through a maze of hallways and rooms, up several staircases before finally entering a large room with one big window. It was empty except for an enormous wooden desk and chair that he released her to go to. Kagome stood silently in the middle of the room, watching him intently and curious of what he would do next.

The heavy door opened a crack, then further into the room. Kagome turned to look at the person coming through the opening. She was an old woman with dull gray hair tied in knots on the top of her head. Her skin was deeply wrinkled and she looked for the most part human, except for her eyes. There was no pupil and no whites, just one solid shade of brown.

"You sent for me, my lord?" Her voice was surprisingly low, almost gravely.

"Norain, I've brought you a project." Without looking up from whatever had caught his attention he gestured at Kagome.

"Oh my, she is lovely." Kagome found herself being prodded and pushed, turned this way and that, "Yes, I'll take good care of her." Before she had a chance to speak Kagome was being forced to follow the woman down another hallway.

Sesshomaru put the paper he'd been studying down as the door opened again to let a slightly twisted, nearly human shaped demon into the room. He murmured the customary greeting as he bowed.

"Toren, I left you orders." He kept his voice calm, low, "Why is my wall overgrown?"

"We were attacked in your absence my lord. No one could go outside of the gates and live." Toren was nearly trembling, his face diverted as he attempted to hide his fear and failed.

"When did the attackers leave?"

"Early this morning."

"Then you should have corrected the problem this morning." Sesshomaru's eyes went from Toren to Jaken who had silently followed him in, "Do not make me tell you again." The trembling demon nodded and rushed from the room. Sesshomaru turned away, staring out the window at the horizon.

"You were gone a long time, my lord."

"I do not have to explain myself to you Jaken." He had half hoped the imp would leave with Toren.

"No my lord, of course not." Jaken turned and ran for the door, well aware that being around Sesshomaru when he was obviously working himself into a foul mood was a health hazard.

"Jaken," Ice might have frozen the entire room, "Tell Toren to leave the vines as they are."

"First we need to bathe you." Norain announced, removing several rolls of cloth from cabinets and drawers. "How the master can stand being out in the wilderness with only cold water… He was such a clean boy…now." Norain looked at Kagome for the first time since leaving Sesshomaru's study, "Give me those rags and I'll see they're destroyed."

"What?" Kagome jumped back from grasping hands, "Not a chance! I can't let you destroy my clothes." The old woman wasn't very fast for a demon; she was having trouble catching up to Kagome as she circled the room.

"Really now, stop this!" Norain cried, gasping for breath, "you are being rather foolish about this. Give me those."

"No!"

"Do not make me summon…"

"Is there a problem?" The door had been open for some time before Sesshomaru spoke. The image of Norain chasing the girl around the room had been mildly amusing, and at the same time he knew it would end badly if he did not intervene.

"My lord she…"

"She wants to destroy my clothes." Kagome interrupted, looking accusingly at Norain.

"You can't walk around in those young lady. They're torn and stained, and positively filthy." Norain snapped, rushing at Kagome again. Sesshomaru's hand landed on her shoulder, holding the woman back.

"Leave us." He ordered his eyes fixed on Kagome, who swallowed nervously as Norain left the room. "You are proving to be more trouble than I had expected."

"I'm not giving her my clothes." She met his eyes, crossed her arms defiantly, wondering if her thought that he wouldn't kill her was wrong.

"This ends in one of two possible outcomes," He moved closer to her, using his height to intimidate her, "Either you will willingly give these rags you call clothing to Norain, or I will be forced to take them from you." He heard her scoff, saw her open her mouth to argue, as she usually did. "Do not think I will not do so." He gave her a challenging look.

For a long moment Kagome considered the look on his face and what he would do if she refused. She decided instantly that making Sesshomaru angry would not be in her best interest. She dropped her head with a defeated sigh, "Fine."

"Do not force me to remind you." He murmured, then turned away to leave the room.

"Kagome watched him go, realizing how much more imposing he was inside. No wonder everyone here was afraid of him, he was huge and had a natural dangerous vibration that filled whatever room he stepped into.

"Such a nice young man." Norain came back into the room, "Now come with me, we'll have to have your hair washed before we can do anything with it." She ordered, dragging Kagome by the arm.

Sesshomaru was already seated when she was ushered into the enormous hall. She was led along the tables that had been arranged in a single long line down the center of the room. All eyes were on her, until she looked around. Annoyed she followed Norain to two empty seats next to Sesshomaru, who had taken his place at the head of the table. Sitting amid what had to be a sea of fabric Kagome sent him her best death glare. It was his fault she was tied into these layers of clothing that hung over her hands and pooled around her feet. She felt like she had been stuffed into the center of a formfitting marshmallow.

Idle chatter filled her ears, but Kagome didn't pay attention to the words themselves, hoping that no one would choose to speak to her directly. She glared in bursts at Sesshomaru, who was doing an excellent job of ignoring her, and for that matter, everything around him. The castle's inhabitants were clearly used to this behavior, since none of them bothered him, or attempted to get his attention.

"You have not ceased glaring in my direction since your entrance, why is that?" He asked suddenly, his voice low enough for her alone to hear. When she looked back his eyes were still not on her.

"I hate you so much right now." Kagome murmured, fighting to shake back her long layered sleeves, "This outfit is ridiculous."

"It is nicer than the last one." He looked at her for a moment, then away, not wanting to accept that he had slipped and complimented her, and hoping that no one else had been bold enough to hear. She did look odd with her hair knotted on her head and filled with ornaments. Norain had allowed her enthusiasm to carry her too far, he would have to speak with her about it if he wanted any peace during meals.

A sudden flurry of movement drew Kagome's attention. Jaken came bursting through a door leading a procession of foolishly dressed demons that made strange faces and tumbled across the floor. By some unusual force Kagome was made to look over her shoulder. Surprised to find Sesshomaru's seat empty she looked around in what was nearly alarm. A flicker of white caught her eye and she watched Sesshomaru vanish through another door. Curious, she glanced around to make sure no one was paying any attention to her. Kagome slipped back from the table and snuck through a door. Hoping Sesshomaru would still be close she picked a direction and ran after him.

Some tiny voice whispered directions in her ear, telling her exactly where to go. Hallway after hallway was left empty until she rounded another corner and collided with something very solid. Falling backward she threw her arms back to catch her fall, felt fingers close around her wrist, someone pulled her to her feet before she could hit the ground.

"What are you doing?" He demanded, standing so that she couldn't see his face through the shadows.

"I could ask you the same."

"I have nothing to explain." He growled and moved past her down the hall.

"Sesshomaru." She turned after him, "Why are you sneaking around in your own home?"

"I do not speak…It isn't your concern." He didn't stop.

"Sesshomaru…" The usual coldness was not in his voice. "What are you hiding?" Kagome stared at him, wondering why he wouldn't look at her, why he had escaped the dining hall so suddenly. Or did he do that every time someone attempted to impress him? She wondered where he had been going. Was he still on his way to his destination, or had he stopped and changed his course because of her?

"Leave me be woman. I am hiding nothing." He used the sentence to stop her questions and was gone before she could think of another to ask. Leaving her to stare at the place he had been.

*

He had to be getting close. He could smell her here.

Inuyasha skidded to a halt, momentarily frozen by the sight of Kikyo's body stretched across the ground. It was obvious that she had been injured, but with no blood it was hard to tell where or how badly.

"Ki…Kikyo?" He dropped beside her, gathering her into his arms. As always she was cold. Her lack of body heat disturbed him a little. Sometimes it was hard to remember that her body was made of clay, that she wasn't real. But if she was here in his arms how could she not be real? He pulled her closer, whispered her name again.

"Inu…Inuyasha." She murmured, her fingers grasping his sleeve.

"I'm here Kikyo." He whispered, pulling her closer still so that he was nearly crushing her in his arms.

"Stay with me?"

"I'm not going anywhere." He murmured, closing his eyes, "I won't leave you."

*

"Sesshomaru?" She pushed the door open slowly, daring to disturb him for the first time since he had closed himself away a few days earlier.

"What is it?" He demanded softly, not looking away from the window.

"I…um…I brought you a tray…" She came into the room, holding a covered platter of food, "I thought you might be hungry. You've been in here for days."

"You are wasting your time." He remained perfectly still, watching her faint reflection in the window's glass. For some unknown reason he was glad she had come. Some part of him had missed having her around him, even if all she did was complain, and ask questions. He would never admit it. She was pretty for a human though, that was probably why. He'd had a fascination with pretty things, earlier in his life, maybe he hadn't completely outgrown it.

"I have plenty of time to waste." She shrugged, searching for a flat surface to put the tray on, "I'll just leave this and get out of your hair." There was a slight clinking of dishes, and then her nearly silent footsteps and the door closed with a soft click.

He looked over his shoulder at the closed door, wondering if she was going to come back in. She didn't. He stood listening to the silence, inhaling the faint trail of her scent that lingered on the air. Why did that bother him so much? That he was so focused on her scent, wondering if she would come back. Some small part of him, that Sesshomaru was doing his best to ignore, wanted very badly for her to come through the door. He hated wanting anything this badly, especially from a human girl.

If she strained and twisted her neck just so Kagome could see his window, the white reflected in the glass. Her neck protested the entire time, but looking away was impossible. It mad no sense that she be so consume by watching him. She had to be crazy for wanting to be near him, but she did. Watching his window was the only way Kagome could keep herself from going to his room to see him.

It was difficult to avoid Norain and stay where he was visible, but mostly Kagome managed to avoid the old woman, who had taken to wandering around with many rolls of cloth under her arms. She felt bad about treating Norain like this, but she wouldn't be pulled away from the window. It was almost like standing with him somehow, even through the wall blocking him from her. She tried to find ways to occupy herself, but always she ended up back at the window, afraid that if she looked away he would be gone before her eyes returned. Excuses were easily found, but none satisfied her. She blamed this fascination on her new surroundings, on not knowing anyone except him, but if that was it why wasn't she trying to make friends? She was normally a friendly person. Another excuse was her concern for his behavior, but she didn't know Sesshomaru's normal behavior well enough to use that excuse. Try as she might Kagome couldn't help it boiling down to the truth. She just liked Sesshomaru for some reason, wanted to be closer to him, to know him better than she did. She was aware that it was foolish to hope for. He wasn't exactly the opening up kind.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" The door opened and a familiar shape came with the voice. He was silent, choosing to ignore the imp, "My lord is there…"

"Sesshomaru, I brought you…oh sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." The girl stood frozen in the doorway, carrying yet another tray. She had made a habit of bringing him meals and tea, and any other thing she thought he might want of be pleased by. He had started to look forward to her brief appearances. The constant nagging sensation to see her would only be silenced when she had appeared and for a few moments after. Each time she came allowing her to leave was more difficult. "I...I'll come back."

"You may stay." As he usually did Sesshomaru watched her reflection not her. He continued to ignore Jaken, acknowledging the creature would only keep him there longer.

"Oh okay." Kagome murmured, moving into the room, the teacup and small pot clinking softly on the tray. It was the first time he had spoken to her, since informing her of her wasted time. She saw the look Jaken flashed her, anger and jealousy. "Maybe I should…"

"Jaken, leave." Sesshomaru ordered cutting her off.

Kagome received another glare from Jaken as he crossed to the door and exited. "I don't think he's happy." She mumbled, looking at Sesshomaru's back. He shrugged and continued staring out the window, "Um…" She turned back to the tray she'd put down, poured tea into the cup, approached him offering the steaming cup. As she reached his side he looked down at her, his golden eyes fixing on hers. Instantly she wanted to turn away from his penetrating gaze. It was like he was looking inside of her, reading her thoughts, her soul. Her hand trembled as she held out the cup, "Tea?"

For a second he considered her. She was shaking; her eyes filled with nervousness, but not fear. That intrigued him a little. With a formal, almost imperceptible nod of gratitude he took the cup, sipped the hot liquid.

"Would you like me to leave now?"

"If you wish."

"That isn't quite what I asked." Kagome watched him finish the tea and took the empty cup, "More?"

Sesshomaru looked at her, then away, "No," He said simply. He hadn't really wanted the tea in the first place; it had been a convenient excuse to keep her nearby without admitting that he wanted her there. He could acknowledge that to himself, but would never admit it aloud.

"Would you mind if I stay?" Her voice came out much softer than she had expected it to. She tensed, waiting for his response.

"I do not make a habit of repeating myself." He paused, watching her in the glass still, her head dropped a little and she hesitated "I told you that you were allowed to stay." He said softly, and tried to not watch her reflection any longer. It would be dark soon, he noticed suddenly, watching long shadows stretch in front of him. He looked down as a small hand closed around his own. It shocked him that she would be bold enough to touch him without prior permission, but he did not pull away, and despite a growing urge to do so he did not close his fingers around her hand. He couldn't reveal that he enjoyed her touch. It was against his deepest nature, but he had trained himself to be passive when the occasion called for it. He wouldn't encourage her, but secretly he hoped she wouldn't release her hold right away.

They had been standing here for a very long time. The sun had vanished hours ago, and though she wanted to stay Kagome was nearly asleep on her feet and knew that she needed to go to bed. Stifling yet another yawn she turned to look at him. "Sorry, I should go." She looked away again, started to turn away, when suddenly his hand squeezed hers, only momentarily before releasing her completely. Blushing violently Kagome moved across the room, pausing at the door she turned to look at his back. "Goodnight Sesshomaru." She whispered, saw him nod slightly. Turning away again she stepped into the hall and closed his door behind her.

She leaned back against the door, breathing deeply as she tried to steady herself. Her heart was pounding so hard she could feel her pulse through her entire body. How could one second affect her so strongly? It wasn't as if he'd said anything or even looked at her, all he'd done was hold her hand, not even really held her hand. With a sigh Kagome shook her head and stepped away from his door, moving down the hall into the room she had been given.

Someone had lit a candle in the room while she was gone. Kagome blinked against the sudden brightness and moved over to fall on the bed, hugging herself and smiling.

"Human." The voice came suddenly from the other side of the room.

Kagome jumped suddenly to her feet, turning to look at the small green creature standing in the corner, "oh…Jaken…" She took another breath of relief, "Was there something you wanted?"

"You have been with Lord Sesshomaru all this time?"

"Well…um…yeah, I guess." There was a tone in the imp's voice that she didn't like, Kagome was glad the bed stood between them for some reason.

"What plan have you devised? I won't let you cause my lord harm."

"Jaken what are you talking about?" Kagome took a step away from him.

"I know you are working with the half demon to harm my lord. Your treachery can not be allowed to continue."

Jaken, you're being ridiculous." Kagome stepped back from him again. " I think you should go now." She murmured.

"No." The blade flashed in the candlelight. "I will stop you before you can do any more damage."