Chapter seven: To the East

It could not be said enough just how big that castle- fortress was. The building that Kagome, Songo, and Miroku stayed in, she soon found out, was mostly for servants, and any other humans that traveled into Sesshoumaru's domain. When she found this out she couldn't say she was the least bit of surprised.

Aysana assured that it was a joke and that, due to her status, Sesshoumaru could not leave her there. She told Aysana that she wasn't aware that Sesshoumaru joked, her status meant nothing to him anyway, and that she was fine where she was at as long as her friends were surrounding her. Which was that truth.

Songo, Miroku, and Kagome were of the few that were humans; even in the servants quarters. No one was at all nice to them but Kagome expected such. Another thing she learned very quickly about the castle; gossip.

Only the night of the annocement Sesshoumaru made to his council about Kagome, a female cat youkai came to her.

"So you're the miko with the jewel running through her veins?" the words had been harsh but also cautious.

"Well you were there this morning were you not?" she knew she was; she had seen the cat-eyed youkai herself! She was a bit surprised that the youkai had traveled all the way to the servant quarters, and waited till she was off to herself heading towards the bathing room. Really, that was just pathetic.

"Yeah, but thought I'd see if there was anything to you for myself." She looked Kagome head and down. "Nothing that I can see, but you never know." Kagome rolled her eyes and tried to push past the youkai to get into the bathing areas.

"I see that Sesshoumaru put you in the servant's quarters. I guess he doesn't think much of you either." The youkai persisted.

"yes, well you know him, wouldn't want our relationship to be out in the public. Now if you'll excuse me…" Kagome smiled as the youkai had the look of shock on her features. She guessed that she was one of the few that considered herself in the running to be Sesshoumaru's mate. She laughed when she knew she was alone; that helped blow some steam from the day off!!

If all these youkai were going to know her secret, she was going to do what she could to irritate Sesshoumaru as much as possible.

The gang mainly stayed in there rooms the first day in the fortress. Every time they left it they received dirty looks and heard whispers of the crazy rumors flying around the fortress. The second day, Shippo annoced that he could no longer be copped up inside for eternity and begged to go outside. After a small argument, the three adults agreed. They made there way out of the building that they were staying at and decided to take Shippo to the side of the building. The whole fortress was closed in by a think stone wall, and although Kagome say some what looked to be very pretty gardens, but wasn't sure that she was allowed there. She felt like a youkai would pounce on her if the got any where near their sleeping places. She watched as songo and Miroku sat on the soft grass.

"Come on Kagome, join us." Songo patted the ground and Kagome sat down next to here, watching Shippo running and jumping. She wished there was someone he could play with.

"Kagome, you are sure that Inuyasha said nothing about when he would be back." Kagome sighed and looked to Miroku. She wondered how many different ways he could ask the same question.

"He didn't say anything- like I told you the last hundred times you've asked me." She answered sarcastically.

"Kagome it's just…don't you think we should have went with him? We've never been so divided. We are always stronger together." Kagome looked at Songo but said nothing.

"What? Are you'll thinking about going after him? Following him?" her two friends said nothing but the answers were written on their faces. This was the last place they wanted to be and they missed Inuyasha's leadership. "Guys this where we're suppose to be."

"Miroku stood and so did Songo. "yes well, we are being treated as servant here. And I'm not being arrogant, but I want to fight Naraku, not serve the ones who fight him."

"Miroku's right. What use are we doing here? " Kagome started up at them her heart sinking. She didn't want them to leave. Didn't want to have to do this alone, but she couldn't explain how she felt it was right to stay. "We're going to go eat…maybe when Shippo goes to sleep, we'll talk more?" Kagome only nodded and watched them go.

Once they were out of sight, she got up and decided not to worry for now. For now she would put it away from her mind and play with Shippo.

Her heart clenched as she looked around the clearing; Shippo was no where in sight! Panic rose inside of her as she frantically tried to look everywhere in sight. Behind her was the large tall building that she and her friends talked with, to the left was a huge space the separated the building from the other- at least 500 yards away! To the right, was the thick wall that kept the fortress enclosed and straight ahead- straight was hard to see.

She squinted. From what she could tell, it was and to her building, who knew what it was for, but there was a garden…and a orange blur running around. "Shippo!!" she yelled and broke into a run. She couldn't imagine how he got so far, but the last thing she wanted was for him to run into the wrong people.

Sesshoumaru sat on the stone bench. He could not for the life of him figure why Rin had asked to come to this garden. The North western building was the building for his immediate army. It was perhaps the biggest, aside for Center building, manily becaue it included one large dojo and two smaller and private ones.

The gardens in his private building, the North East one, had much better gardens. In fact there were even gardens throughout the North Eastern building. The Western fortress was known for it beautiful gardens.

None the less, this is were his small charge wanted to come, so he brought her. He didn't know why he had saved her only two years ago. It was not planned, it simply happened in the moment.

The rumors that spread had been ridiculous. He was the Lord of the Western Lands, but he also seemed to be the best gossip when his back was turned. Some had said it was his secret child. Others said that he had kidnapped the girl because it would serve as a political advantage over the humans.

He didn't like looking over his reasoning. Humans were things that annoyed him greatly, but Rin- Rin was different. Speaking of Rin. Where had she gone too? He couldn't see her, but as he lifted his head slightly and breathed in, he could smell her. She smelt like a fresh waterfall in spring time. He smelt again, and picked up another scent, a familiar one none the less. He narrowed his eyes the slightest as he realized it was the smell of the Miko's kit.

He pushed himself off the bench and followed the two scents. He could now also smell the miko; she was slightly worried, but also relieved. Sesshoumaru followed one of the stone paths of the garden and approached the three that he had smelt.

Kagome looked up to see Sesshoumaru coming close, she wanted to kick herself for not keeping an eye on Shippo. Perhaps it was a good thing thoug, they had afterall found the little human girl, who surely belonged in the building they were staying in.

"So Kagome, you came to pick flowers?" Kagome smiled at the girl and knelt to her level. The black haired, brown eyed, cute as could be, girl had introduced herself as Rin. She seemed to be very carefree.

When she had approached the two children they had been talking excitedly as if they'd been friends all their young lives. Leave it to children to do something like that. She annoyingly felt that memory of her and Sesshoumaru when they were children and had pushed it down. Being here and seeing him was making her think a lot of that recently.

"Rin, hunny, wouldn't you parents be worried if you were here alone? Me and Shippo are heading back to the building if you'd like us to take you." She was aware of Sesshoumaru's eyes on her and tried hard not to look up at him. He could hurt all present just because they walked where they weren't suppose to! The young girl only smiled brighter and took Kagome's hand.

"Rin is allowed to go wherever she likes! Sesshoumaru let's me." Kagome felt her mouth drop open a fraction. Sesshoumaru let her???

It couldn't be avoided now, she glanced up at the tall figure that was simply standing watching the scene unfold.

"Oh…well, um..." she never got to finish her response to the surprise because she felt the presence of a youkai running very quickly to them. She stood up straight and looked at Sesshoumaru who was looking at the direction of where the presence was coming from. Shippo and Rin, not knowing anything had changed continued talking excitedly and moved away from the "grown-ups" the slightest.

Kagome smiled as she saw Korato stop before Sesshoumaru and took steps closer to the two. She noticed that he was tired, his green eyes filled with anxiety.

"Back so soon?" she heard Sesshoumaru remark.

"Yes. I didn't even make it all the way to the East before I was attacked. Sesshoumaru you must send someone there to at least get my father and the good soldiers. Or help- or something! From what I could figure out, the castle is under siege." Kagome the young fox youkai and slightly out of breath describe what he could with wide eyes.

She interrupted Sesshoumaru before he could reply, "Korato, how did know of the siege? What exactly stopped you from entering the East?" his green eyes meet hers in surprise, apparently he had been too focused on getting the news to Sesshoumaru that he hadn't bothered to recognize her.

Sesshoumaru felt his eye twitch in annoyance. She had just taken his role completely in the question asking. He said nothing, wanting to hear Korato's answers, but noted to himself to get back the conversation.

"I went the fastest way, through the woods and past Henuko River. I was only an hour or so away from the my fathers castle when I felt this…presence that stopped me from going further."

"You mean a barrier?" Sesshoumaru felt his eye twitch again. Perhaps he would just listen and let her do all the work, after all.

"No…A thick cloud surrounded the castle- for what I could see- and as I tried to walk closer all my strength. I was still a good two miles away, but the cloud seemed to start a mile or so away." Sesshoumaru frowned the slightest.

He really had never heard of something like that, what exactly were they facing? He would half to send someone immediately to investigate further. If Naraku had taken over the North and the East, then indeed, all able soldiers would need to retreat here, to the west. That was if retreat was even possible. He wasn't worried about space. His fortress alone had plenty of room. Of course Lord Shunkin might argue that they all should retreat to the south.

"And that isn't all-"

"Anything else should be discussed in my office, with Asyana and Shunkin. I believe Shukin is still here, but he planned to leave by tonight. The two must be informed immediately." Sesshoumaru cut off the fox before he could say anything else. Such affairs were not meant to be talked about in a garden.

"Of course." The fox agreed with a slight nod. "For the other information, Lady Kagome should be present. I think she needs to hear it." Sesshoumaru gave him a hard glare.

"Very well." He said sharply. "I'm sure you would like some food and a bath? Meet me in my house in two hours, Korato. I assume you know where to find it?" The youkai nodded.

Sesshoumaru didn't even bother to address Kagome and instead looked past her to his charge. "Rin. Come, it's time for you to return."

Kagome might have said something to him if she wasn't still surprised that he was even talking to Rin! What was going on here? Her head was also filled with the news that Korato had informed them of. This did not sound good, and she distantly wished that Inuyasha was there with his rather loud confidence.

The girl looked crestfallen but obeyed as she said good-bye to Shippo and bowed politely to Kagome and Korato. She watched as the two leave, Sesshoumaru in the lead and Rin skipping and looking at flowers behind him. She didn't break her gaze until she heard Korato laugh next to her.

"You think that is a strange sight, but it is just as strange to see you with the kit!" he laughed more and Kagome smiled as Shippo jumped into her arms.

"Yes, I guess it is." She answered him and the two fell into to silence looking at Shippo as a diversion.

"Well , I must get cleaned, but meet me for lunch? In an hour, and perhaps and I can fill you in on the story." The youkai winked and her smiled widened. What a charmer!

"Hey! You're a fox like me!" Shippo suddenly exclaimed and the older youkai nodded.

"Yeah I am. My name is Korato, and yours?" Shippo's brow frowned a little before he answered, as if you was trying to measure the youkai up.

"I'm Shippo." He said finally with a smile. "Can I eat with you'll too? I'm starved!"

"Korato, we're in a different building, though." Kagome jumped in before Korato answered.

"It's okay, well be closer to Sesshoumaru's office if we eat in my building, and besides, I'm sure we could find Rin for you to play with Shippo." Kagome tried to force a smile as she reluctantly agreed. What made Korato think that he could make plans as he pleased around this place? Well, then again he was a Lord. Or a prince- whatever.

ooOOoo

"So you mean I can learn to fight like you?" Shippo's green eyes were wide with amazement as the older two laughed.

"Yes, well you are a fox kit." Korato kindly told him and Kagome was sure that the he was about to explode from excitement.

"What about this story you promised?" she asked changing the subject. The dinning room they ate in was very nice and very private. Apparently this was were Sesshoumaru's most important guest took their meals.

"Did I promise?" he teased and took another drink from his glass. "No one really knows the detail, because no one knows any detail to Sesshoumaru! But according to gossip, the girl brought him food and water while he was injured beyond walking. He refused it of course, and he never saw the girl again. When he recovered, he smelled her and went to where she was only to find her slaughtered. Here's where it gets strange: he used his sword to bring her back to life! And then he even let the girl follow him around! Protects her like...like a daughter."

"I was under the impression that he wasn't too fond of humans." The fox youkai shrugged at her and then looked at her as if trying to figure something out.

"Well Sesshoumaru in general is hard to read, and doesn't display anything. He does, however, seem to not mind in the least to display that you rather upset him. I can only wonder at what you did to cause his anger?' Kagome smiled sadly and moved her eyes to Shippo.

"It's time for us to go meet with Sesshoumaru, ready for me to walk you back?" Korato stood and picked up Shippo from the smooth wooden seat.

"Why do that? Rin is in this building." Kagome let the smile drop.

"I really don't think that's a good idea." She told him ignoring Shippo's excitement at the mention of Rin's name.

"Relax." Korato called to her as he began to walk away. "Just tell him that it was my idea. There is an understanding among Lords: we are allowed to get away with anything besides taking the place over in our stays. And, if we walk him back we'll be late and I'm sure that he'll be more mad about that."

Kagome sighed realizing that she wouldn't have a choice.

"Be careful and remember that she's human- don't be rough with her." She warned as Korato finally forced her from the room that she had left the two children.

"They'll be fine." he told her reassuringly "Why does it matter that they're human and youkai- look at you talking to me and not caring." He told her and she felt a pain in her heart.

"They're just so vulnerable. Sure right now they don't care now, but what about later?" The fox youkai stopped and looked at her through narrow eyes.

"Is that experience talking?" She smiled and brushed past him.

"For being a Lord, shouldn't you be a bit more serious?" He shrugged and once again took to leading the way.

ooOOoo

"You delayed me leaving for a tunnel?" Shunkin asked in his usual gruffness.

"It is more important then just a tunnel and you obviously had to be informed of what has happened in the East." Korato answered through clench teeth. Get four Lords talking about the same war, and throwing in a miko, was never good.

"Ridiculous. What can be done now? Leave the East how it is and pray that there is something to recover when this is all over." Korato growled a warning.

"Now, Shunkin, you know very well that although that would be easy, we can not do that. We have all agreed to support each other through this war and we can not forget that at the first sign of turmoil. Something must be done." Asyana said wisely, calming the fox youkai down.

"Yes and what would that be? Sending good troops on some suicide mission? We do not even know what we are up against and propose we go stomping over?" He said with a heated passion.

"Yes, this is also true. There has to be an area of compromise." Asyana replied, making sure to keep all doors open to the argument. "What is it that you suggest Korato?"

"As I was saying, there this tunnel that I saw. It was strange and glowing. I believe that it was the reason that my strength was drained. Lady Kagome, if she saw it, perhaps she could figure out what power this tunnel was. This is the very reason why having the most powerful miko is an upper hand."

Kagome held her breath as all eyes turned to her. For over thirty minutes she had wondered why she was sitting in Sesshoumaru's personal study, and now she knew. Korato wanted her to go on a suicide mission. Wonderful.

Asyana was the first to speak. "Seeing of her..condition…I do not know if that is the wisest of choice." Korato seemed taken back.

"I mean not to put her in harms way! I will go with her…is she can just break the forcefeild that I believe is somehow controlled by this tunnel, then I can slip into the castle and see what is really going on. Along with getting out as many possible." He said fericly.

"And how many troops will be needing for this?" Sesshoumaru's emotionally detached voice finally spoke. Korato hesitated.

"Your best guard for Kagome. And at lest ten of your finest." He said boldly as Shunkin laughed.

"Boy! What are you thinking? Don't you realize what we are all going through? We can not spare our best, nor our finest." He told him strictly.

"I will give you five of my best." Asyana said slowly. "But I must say that I am very worried about Lady Kagome's protection. I will not trust even my best nor anyone else to protect her, seeing that we have no idea what we are up against."

"Yes that is why no one should go at all!" Shunkin roared, upset that the plan was even being considered.

"That is not what I said." Asyana broke in. "Simply, that you do not have my wote to take her out of protection…unless Sesshoumaru himself goes."

At this there a storm of silence. Sesshoumaru stared broadly back at Asyana, and the old youkai only nodded his head. "I am to old and my health to weak. Shunkin would never agree and Korato is already going. Someone must be there to guard her as Korato goes into the fortress, you see?"

Kagome sat not speaking but growing angry. Did they think that she had no say in this? That they owned her and could order her to do whatever they wanted? She was willing to help, but it was more of the fact that no one had even asked.

"The biggest problem is that none of you fine gentlemen have even asked me." She dared and they looked at her as if they did not know she could talk.

"Kagome, I'm sorry, I just…I need your help." Korato pleaded and she smiled softly.

"Then you should have simply asked me. Korato. Of course I will help, regardless of what these youkai say, and regardless of who they decided to send. I am only warning, I am my own person. Next time ask me." She said with a quick smile as Korato smiled in return.

"I'm sorry to have ever doubted you." He answered, knowing that with Kagome on his side, the battle was won. They would have to go through precautions to protect her.

"And who is to say that you can make your own choices?" Shunkin asked roughly.

"I have been asked to stay here. I am no prisoner." She replied looking him straight in the eye.

Sesshoumaru felt like telling her that she had outweighed her welcome. Telling her that he could careless about what happened to her. From the start of the argument, he had known that she would pull something like this.

True, something had to be done about the East, but sending Kagome was more then risky. Also true was the fact that if Kagome went, then he too must go to ensure her safety. Also true was that they had no idea what they were up against and should not send such and important group of people off into the wilderness.

But with her statement, she had dammed all his thought process. She would go weather or not they came to an agreement. Which meant that he too had to go. Of course, leaving his lands in a time like this was nothing short of dangerous. But if Kagome was captured, then it wouldn't matter.

"Then it seems that it is decided." Sesshoumaru said dryly fully expecting Shunkin's outburst.

"And what of your lands? Yours will be the next to go!" He growled loudly at this.

"You are walking on thin lines Shunkin. Perhaps you have forgotten the importance the miko holds?" He said in a low and still calm voice.

"I will have nothing to do with this." He replied looking away from the dog youkai.

"Lord Shunkin I am beginning to think that you wish to break our alliance by saying such things." Sesshoumaru told him coolly and the Lord of the South tensed.

"No, that was not my intent." He said stubbornly.

"Good. Three men from Asyana, two from Shunkin, myself, Korato, and the miko." He said taking forcing the meeting to its close. "We leave the morning after tomorrow."

Shunkin looked like he was about to argue but said nothing. "Well I think that we have all had enough of each other for one day." Asyana said with a smile. "No Shunkin I sure that you want to leave? I myself will be going to sleep."

"Yes I will return to the south." Shunkin looked at Sesshoumaru with narrowed eyes. "I will leave two of my personal guard." With that he turn and left and Asyana followed after.

Korato stood. "I am in your debt Lord Sesshoumaru." He bowed lower then a lord is meant to. Kagome stood also, knowing that she would have to retrieve Shippo with Korato telling her where to go. She would be lost alone.

She glance at Sesshoumaru, but he had fixed his eyes out the window of his study. So instead, she turned and left without a word to him.

Hey guys know its been forever!! Super sorry, but ill try and be more consistent now :]

anywho i hoped you like the chapter- i know it was more informative then anything!

next chapter: The Tunnel of Souls