Disclaimer: Ahh…another chapter. I am going to try out Sessy's POV, since most of this story has been from Kag's… though that was for a reason. But, here is an entire chapter of Sesshou, to get an understanding of him in this time period.

A note on the House of the Moon…I cannot describe its appearance. Why? Because it's a jumbled mess in my head. XD It is a strange mixture of a traditional Japanese palace and a western medieval castle, and I cannot hope to describe it to you. So, instead, I will let you picture it however you want.

But, I will explain the layout: it is spread into either separate structures or wings, depending on how you see it… the front faces east, with mountainous cliffs surrounding on three sides (it is nestled at the bottom) and a large lake stretching out across its front, kind of like an overgrown moat. So, entry is not easy. Entry must either be by a thin and heavily guarded path around the southeast side of the lake, or flying across the waters. Over the rocky, mountain-y cliffs is the ocean to the west. The north of the enclosure is the gardens (the largest one, at least), to the west is the private rooms for the family and honored guests and the study and library, the south is servants and regular guest housing, and east is the dining hall, important meeting halls, the entry, and other non-living quarters.

His Past, Her Present, Their Future

Chapter 18 - Curiosity

Sesshoumaru scowled at the clouds that drifted casually across the cerulean sky, angry that anything could be so carefree when he could not. His father was late for his training; not that he minded of course. In the recent months his training had been stepped up considerably and left him tired almost all the time. He thirsted for new power and understanding of his innate youkai abilities, but his father was a fierce instructor.

He paced across the field, looking over at the castle that would be his by birthright. It was majestic and imposing all at once; the high, rocky mountains surrounding its sides and rear tempered by the crystalline lake that spanned its fore. It was built for security and was a beacon that shone out across the western lands.

Sesshoumaru knew that someday this would be his, whether by his father's death or by his resigning the throne. He wasn't quite sure if that was what he wanted, though. His father was the most powerful youkai in all of Nippon, and he was practically uncontested in his position. Sesshoumaru, while powerful in his own right though as of yet only partially trained, just didn't see the point of constantly fighting off adversaries in order to retain... what? A large chunk of land? A castle? Servants and vassals and annoying advisers? There was so much more to life.

But Sesshoumaru was the heir to the throne of the Western Lands, and knew that because of this he did not have a choice. He knew someday he would be forced onto the throne, and had to throw his entire being into that position. He sighed as he felt his father's aura closing in on him; he was finally arriving.

"Father," Sesshoumaru said drolly, eyeing the tall man before him.

"Before we train, pup, we are going to talk. I do not appreciate the way you are treating the Lady Kagome. You will not be so disrespectful."

"Why not?" Sesshoumaru fumed, his eyes narrowing. "She's nothing but a pitiful mortal wench who has bewitched you!"

Mattaki sighed inwardly, but his face showed nothing to his son. "You know not what you speak of. Whether you choose to believe her or not is up to you, but you will not sway mine or your mother's belief. We know she is who she says she is, and you would do well to get to know her. She is a delightful creature."

Sesshoumaru scoffed and wrinkled his nose. "She's a human."

"Your point, pup?"

"I'm not a pup, father, I am nearly two centuries old. And her being a humans means she is beneath me and my position as a future lord."

"You are still a pup, and it is rather obvious when you are acting this way. And no, her mortality does not. While many humans are foolish, dirty creatures, you cannot judge the entire species by that. That girl is a jewel, and at some point in the future you will be rather fond of her."

Sesshoumaru looked like his eyes would bug out of his head. "What do you mean by that?" He controlled himself and tried to blank his features. "Besides, I still refuse to believe she is from any future."

"You know I am not going to tell you, whether you believe it to be true or not," Mattaki chided. "But you and she are friends in the future, and your rudeness is unbecoming of your stature. Now, defend yourself!"

Sesshoumaru dodged his father's attack and immediately cleared his head. This would be something to contemplate later.

The steaming water of the hot spring enveloped Sesshoumaru's muscles; training had run long past dinner that night and his muscles were screaming in agony. His father insisted on nothing less than perfection and after several moon cycles of training he was beginning to be worse for the wear. He let the steaming waters soak into him and melt away the tension, his eyes drooping.

He didn't hear or smell the approaching girl, but noticed when a loud squeak drew him from his reverie. She stood in the open shoji door, staring at him red-faced and mouth agape. Sesshoumaru grinned mockingly. "It is impolite to stare, mortal."

Her bearing was recovered immediately, though now her ire overrode her sensibilities. "Kagome, Sesshoumaru, my name is Kagome. Surely a prince such as yourself can remember such a simple name?"

His grin melted away. "Stupid girl, who are you to speak to me that way?"

"Maybe not now, but at some point I will be your friend, and I don't care if you believe me or not about it. I can and will say whatever I please to you whenever I please to. You are not my master."

Sesshoumaru, forgetting his own position, stood in the water, exposing him from the waist up. "You are walking a thin line, human."

"Kagome, remember? Wow, you have a very short memory!"

His growl resonated through the bathhouse. "Using your name would implicate respect, and you certainly do not have mine."

It was Kagome's turn to growl. "You are such a jerk! Ooo! See if I ever bother talking to you again!" She spun on her heel, slamming the door behind her.

Sesshoumaru leaned back into the bath, the relaxed feeling that had recently surrounded him shattered. He stomped to his towel and clothing, drying and dressing in a matter of moments before storming out of the small hut which had been built around the spring. How dare the girl treat him in such a manner?

He stomped to his bedchambers without dinner and landed with a muffled thud on his futon. Was it really possible that this girl was some… friend… of his in the future? It seemed so impossible for someone to travel through time… but this mortal seemed convinced that she had. She did not strike him as a competent enough liar to fool his youkai senses, so that was ruled out. Perhaps she was insane? Annoying, perhaps, but he didn't sense any of the erratic behavior that usually spoke of an addled mind. Sesshoumaru glared at his window, watching the full moon for several minutes as he pondered. So, she was possibly - possibly - telling the truth. Assuming she was, where did that put her?

Maybe his future self was an idiot, to be friends with her. Not only a mortal, but willful, snide, and argumentative to boot! Why would he be on any terms with her? Perhaps he had acquired brain damage over the centuries? He laughed mentally at that. He couldn't fathom ever being friendly with a human, let alone this one.

As he drifted off to a short sleep, he made his decision. Without proof of some kind, he could not believe it. He would not. So he decided he would have to demand answers from the girl, since this seemed the most intelligent course of action. He was Sesshoumaru, and she would tell him what he wanted to know.

Sesshoumaru was hard-pressed not to roll his eyes. The second, and much less preferable, part of his training was to sit in with his father and his board of advisers. Listening to a crowd of ancient youkai prattle on about menial matters was not at all amusing to the Western Prince, and he had to force himself to keep from slaughtering the lot of them. There would be time for that when he was in charge.

Now that was a nice thought. When he was lord, he could massacre his way through his council and never have to listen to their annoying blather again. Why did his father put up with them, anyway? They were useless! Anything they had rambled on about could have just as easily be read in a scroll instead of droned by some simpering idiot.

The next youkai to approach was younger than the others, but that was not saying much. He was some kind of amphibious breed, a frog perhaps. His eyes were watery and bulbous, and his body short and very stout. He cleared his throat, the croaking sound only furthering Sesshoumaru's frog assumption, and faced Mattaki.

"My lord, there is a matter that has come to my attention. There have been whisperings from the servants of a miko in the palace?"

A slight increase in the position of Mattaki's eyebrow was his only response.

"My lord, it makes the castle inhabitants uncomfortable to be so near a holy power so mighty. This could cause much unrest, and this lowly vassal humbly asks if she will be departing soon?"

Mattaki's eyes narrowed minutely, his voice deadpan. "You are questioning me?"

"N-no! No, my lord! I would never!"

"The girl is not a danger, and you would do well to squelch all insubordination involving her. I will not tolerate any disrespect towards her, she is my guest." His eyes shifted to his son for a bare moment before locking his fierce gaze on the adviser.

"Y-yes Lord Mattaki, it shall be done."

"Is there any other pressing business? If not, I have other business to attend to."

The entire assembly began squawking at once, and Sesshoumaru has hard pressed not to rub his temples in irritation. Once again he wondered why his father bothered. But thankfully he stood, silencing the group and strode from the study, and Sesshoumaru took no spare moments in following him. It was certainly good to be free.