sorry! my computer was in the shop and I had zero access. but here it is! [= enjoy

Kagome sighed, sinking into the steaming water. She felt her tense muscles loosen and her wings stretch in the water. This bath was exactly what she needed to calm her frazzled nerves. She dunked her head, and began washing with rose scented soap that reminded her of home. She began to hum softly to herself

Sesshomaru hid in the shadows, watching the angel. He felt dirty for spying on her in her present state, but he wanted to know more about who she was if she was going to be living in his house. He couldn't see much, only her head and the tips of her wings. It was almost like watching a bird in a birdbath. Once she had finished with her hair, she began preening her feathers. She would run her fingers between feathers, rinse them, then shake the water from them, and repeat.

She seemed to have pure intentions and offered what he wanted most on a silver platter. But at the same time she made him nervous. She could possibly draw attention to herself and this castle. That was the last thing he needed. Sensing she was almost finished, he disappeared into the night.

Kagome felt a cold breeze blow in from behind and she spun around, seeing no one there. Goosebumps rose on her flesh and she shivered. Shaking off the strange feeling, she began drying herself off. Dawn was rapidly approaching and she had a feeling a lot of her days here would be spent alone.

Sango and that butler seemed wary of her, and those children were adorable. But Shippo was cautious around her. She wondered why they felt that way. She hadn't done anything to merit such an attitude. But she had to be considerate. They were in a very dangerous position serving Sesshomaru. She couldn't imagine what it must be like to wonder if you'll live to see the next day.

Kagome dressed and wandered out into the yard. The sky was clear and had begun to lighten from black to royal blue. She had only been here a short while and yet she felt like an alien, unwelcome. She didn't want to be lonely; she wanted to have friends. It was in her nature to be social and care for others. Already she was feeling homesick and sad.

A ruffle in the bushed caught her attention. Her senses told her it wasn't an enemy.

"Come on out, I won't hurt you," she called gently. She walked towards the bushes as they ruffled again. A head poked out nervously and she realized it was Shippo.

"Hey there, Shippo." She smiled at him. Dawn broke and they were bathed in sunlight. Shippo yawned, rubbing his eyes. Kagome realized how tired she was as well.

"Can I sleep with you?" He asked shyly. Kagome was taken by surprise. Shippo had acted less than friendly when they first met. She hadn't expected such a request. When had he warmed up to her?

"Of course you can. Come on." She held out her hand and led him to her room. He held on tightly and toddled after her. She, too, could feel the lulling pull of sleep and she wanted nothing more than to sink into her new bed.

She passed the butler, Miroku, on their way and he watched them with surprise. She sent a look that read "I have no idea" his way and continued on. He had been surprised by the scene before him. Shippo had a hard time accepting strangers and this girl had been in the castle less than three days. What a strange creature she was. Miroku shrugged and continued about his business.

Shippo climbed into the bed and snuggled down into the comforters before she had a chance too. Smiling, she got into bed after him and closed her eyes. She could feel him inch closer to her before his breathing evened out. Happy that someone accepted her, even if she didn't know why, Kagome fell asleep.

Kagome's dream

Kagome knew where she was. She was on the plains of Heaven, where she often picked flowers. Homesickness washed over her as she saw familiar faces smiling her way.

"Kagome." She turned around in surprise. There stood her father, Michael. She smiled at him, and went to hug him. Already she missed him. He hugged her back warmly, but when she pulled away, she saw his face was grave.

"Kagome. You've been injured." He stated. She blushed sheepishly.

"It was from the landing. I forgot about gravity and it pulled me to the ground before I could gain control." She said. He shook his head.

"You must be careful. On earth, our bodies are stronger than humans', but also weaker in many ways." He started walking and Kagome followed. She was confused about what he meant, but he continued on before she could ask.

"You're in a dangerous place. You know that. So you must be careful. I am not able to directly contact you during your stay, but I can reach you through your dreams. The Boss has prevented me from telling you what is to happen, but I can give my daughter a few pointers in order to ensure her survival."

Kagome listened silently, understanding the gravity of this subject.

"You must keep your enemies to a minimum. Remember, your true enemy is Naraku. Those vampires he has created must be left alone. They are doing what they were created to do, and therefore must be overlooked. The one pulling the strings is your target. Also, the vampire, Sesshomaru, is growing weak." Her eyes widened. "That synthetic blood he has been drinking is not supplying him with the amount of energy he will need for this battle. He knows that; however he will not allow himself to injure another person." He turned to Kagome. "As disgusting as it is, we need him to be strong. You must find a way for him to gain his energy back. Otherwise, all is lost." Kagome nodded, having no idea how she was going to do that. She missed the pained look on her father's face as he turned away.

"I must go. It is time for you to wake and begin the day on earth. Today will be an eventful day, so remember to eat and drink." He reminded. She nodded. He kissed her head gently, and she awoke with a start.

Shippo was gone, and she rubbed her eyes groggily. The sun shone brightly in through her window in its last few moments of the day. Her father's words echoed in her ears. She hoped the answer would present itself soon.

She was startled as the door opened. Shippo peeked his head in, smiling shyly. He opened the door wider to reveal a smiling Rin holding a tray of steaming food. Her mouth watered at the smells that drifted in.

They walked towards her happily. Rin placed the tray in Kagome's lap and bounced on the bed to sit beside her.

"Shippo said Kagome let him sleep with her last night." Rin stated. "And I want to sleep with you, too." Kagome choked on the hot rice. She drank some water and cleared her throat.

"Rin's room is boring." She whined, pouting. "She can never have fun since Sesshomaru-sama is such a grouch."

Kagome listened, holding in her laughter as best she could. "I would love for you to sleep with Shippo and me, Rin." The little girl grinned. "After all, this bed is way too big for just one person."

The two children cheered and ran out the door, leaving Kagome giggling to herself. Sango walked in and smiled.

"They really are attached to you." She stated. Kagome nodded, stuffing her face.

"Yeah," she said in between bites. "But I don't know why. Shippo seemed like he didn't like me when we first met. Then he wants to sleep in my bed." She shrugged.

Sango sat beside her. "Shippo and Rin are orphans. Rin's family was attacked by wolves and Shippo's family was killed by other demons. Through a strange turn of events, they ended up here. Every one is too busy to act like real parents, unfortunately. Although Rin sees Sesshomaru-sama as a father figure." Kagome had a hard time believing that. That cold vampire? A father to a little human girl? She let Sango continue. "But I guess they see a mother in you that every child yearns for."

Kagome pushed the tray aside. "I love children. I love making them happy. So if acting like I'm their mother will make them happy, then I'm glad to do it."

Sango smiled. "That's great." She paused, and stiffened.

"What is it?" She asked. Sango stood and sighed. She gestured to the window as the sun's rays winked out.

"Sesshomaru-sama is awake. He told me that once he awakened he wanted to speak with you. Come on." Sango led them out, and Kagome couldn't help but feel nervous.

What did he want with her?

i know it's kind of short, but don't worry. long chapters will come

R&RRRRR

LD