Changes: Sesshomaru's POV

She asked to touch my mokomoko! Not only that, but she asked to braid my hair! I couldn't believe it as I watched her fall asleep. All my long life, only two people had ever been able to touch my person. They were Rin, my ward, and my wonderful Midoriko. I just couldn't wrap my head around what made her become so bold as to ask. The rest of the night was uneventful as I just kept watch whilst everyone else slept. The only nuisance was Jaken finally making an appearance and mumbling about why we had to go after the human women and what use Ah-Un was since everyone was walking anyways. I was considering making Jaken suffer more, but come morning, we would have to fly to get us to the castle before Naraku could get to us.

Once everyone rose and had eaten, I summoned Jaken and helped Kagome into Ah-Un's saddle. I also told Inuyasha to make sure that his intended made it to the castle safely. As I was starting to take to the sky I said, "We fly!" and like that Ah-Un lept from the ground, barely giving Jaken enough time to jump onto him. Why I kept Jaken around, even I didn't know, but now was not the time to ponder on that thought. We would be at the castle by night fall, and I needed to make sure the Miko made it safely. We only stopped a couple times to let the Miko get a drink from a stream, but we made haste and managed to make it right before dinner time. We got the greeting we were supposed to get, at least from my mother. My father, well him and his human mate decided to invite us to eat with them, and as he was a lord, I could not refuse his offer.

My father was very intrigued by the young woman who sat beside me. I figure it is because of her twin who is set to be mated with my half-breed brother. He asked questions of her childhood and immediately froze at the mention if Onigumo. I knew there was something he was hiding, but now was not the right time to ask about these things. I also had my suspicions about the man, beings as the sent he gave was not that of someone who could be trusted. I took this time to talk to father about the training that would need to happen for Kagome. "Father, where are the slayer and monk?"

"Well, son, right now they are making sure that everything is in order for tonight, when Inuyasha is predicted to return."

"I guess introductions will have to wait til tomorrow then, since Kagome will be staying in the family wing if the castle."

"And why is that my son?"

"She is mine to protect and I will not allow her to be under the care of Inuyasha. I am far more superior to him. Therefor, I shall be the only one to watch over her. I will also be overseeing her training personally." That was all that was said by me but I could tell that was all the old man needed to make the wheels in his head start turning. If it wasn't in my nature, I would have rolled my eyes. I quickly finished up the diner we were forced to attend, then showed Kagome to her rooms. I even made sure that one of my most trusted servants became her personal handmaiden. Yes, I know it may seem a bit extreme, but I would do whatever it took to keep her feeling safe and welcome in my home. "Now, Kagome, My rooms are two doors down to your left and my wards rooms are in between ours. Please do not disturb me unless it is absolutely necessary. My ward on the other hand, you may meet her at breakfast tomorrow and may spend as much time with her as you would like. When you are not training that is." After that, I bid her goodnight and retired to my own rooms until breakfast. I hated to admit it, but I needed rest as well.

That night, as I rested, I actually had a dream about the Miko. Not just her either, but Midoriko as well. Kagome was sitting by a spring, wearing a kimono of my house, and she looked ravishing. When she turned to look at me, she gave me a dazzling smile. She walked up to me and placed a sweet but chaste kiss on my lips. I couldn't help the warmth in my eyes as I looked at her lovingly for the fist time since Midoriko. Next thing I knew, I heard her voice,

"Sesshomaru, my love. Please listen closely. I am using Kagome's soul to travel to you and speak with you, so I don't have much time." I turned around, and there she was. As beautiful as ever. Before I had a chance to say anything she continued, "This is what your life could be with the girl. Yes she really is my reincarnation. She is sweet and a little outspoken, as I once was. This is your future, and it can all be pulled away from you if Onigumo is to succeed at bring her to Naraku." I looked back to see a different form of the girl. She was dark and corrupt. She had a dagger in her hand and I was forced to evade numerous attacks from her. I again heard Midoriko, "Please hurry to train and protect her. She is a precious gem, and because of Onigumo, she has no idea exactly how special she really is. She is the one to defeat him. She just needs to learn how." Her voice was slowly fading as she said her last words. "I love you Sesshomaru, Please heed me warning!"

I was suddenly pulled from my slumber, covered in sweat and felt the need to bathe. It would give me plenty of time to go over all the information I have just received. I guess that just getting her away from the vile human scum wasn't going to be good enough. The only way I could think of to protect her was to court her and hope she will become my mate. That way she could never be corrupted by him. The vile half-breed would die and I would be the one to make sure of it. Now the next thing on my mind, how was I going to bring up courting with her? I can't just waltz up to her and say, 'hey, we are going to court and I will keep you safe.' Those things didn't work with humans and I need to find a way to make my intentions known without upsetting the girl.

The only thing I could think of was to see to her training first and then slowly approach the thought of courting. Plus, being as she is unaware of yokai customs, specifically Inuyokai customs, I would have to have her educated, as I did with Midoriko. I was starting to wonder if I would see more of her in the future. I hoped so. I had missed her so and having seen her, made my heart lighter, strangely enough. I couldn't explain it, but I was starting to see things with a new light, and I was eager to start the next day and gain the Miko…. No, Kagome's affections. This will be my biggest challenge yet, and it was one that, surprisingly enough, I was actually looking forward to. Rin would have a mother figure, and I could actually fall for…. No, until I know for sure that she is worthy, I will not let myself fall for her. Plus, if I show any interest in her, my mother is sure to interfere and potentially ruin any chance I have at achieving the first part of the dream I had. I would not allow anyone to stand in the ways of my goals.

The sun was starting to rise as I got myself dressed for the day. Today was going to be a long day, one I hoped didn't have too many surprises. I have had far too many already as it is….

A/N: As an apology, I have decided to put up to chapters. I really am sorry. I hope you all can forgive me. I also hope these chapters have been satisfactory. I am hoping to get back into the swing of things and be able to update at least once a week. In this chapter, I would like to point out that I had a lot of fun with the dream sequence. I know it wasn't a long one, but it was still fun to write. I also wanted to bring Midoriko in as her own character of sorts and am going to have at least one more scene with her in it, but it wont be for a while. As always, please R&R! Until next time!