My Lovely Sin

Taken away from her family at the tender age of two, because her father cheated on her mother, Kagome lives with no memory of the Truesdale family; growing up with Jaden for a few years before her untimely trip down the well. She grows up in the past for about four years before she returns, with more than the majority of Japan thinking she's dead. She goes to Duelist Academy with her close friend, and her past only too willingly returns.

Anime – Yu-Gi-Oh GX/InuYasha

Main Couple – Kagome/Zane

Genre – Romance

Rated – M (Just guess!)

Bishonen'sFoxyMiko: Alrighty, my turn to start once again. It took quite a bit of time to get something for the title and the poem bit but I got it XD. Hope you guys enjoy this ^^

Akuma-Chibi: Alright! We kind of had this chapter planned before we even started! My Inner-Chibi self went through my files for me and we found a great idea! We hope you like it! We are back to taking turns! Bishi, Me, Bishi, Me~!

-x-x-x-

An Ambiguous Path:

A Dog Lord's Unknown Soldier

-x-x-x-

Full of fear…

Ever clear…

I'll be here,

Fighting forever.

Curious…

Venomous…

You'll find me

Climbing to heaven.

-x-x-x-

(Six Months Later)

The sounds of swords clashing and a young girl's battle cries could be heard from outside of Sesshoumaru's study. They didn't bother him, since he knew who were making them.

'They' being his human ward and his most trusted general, training to improve said human ward's swordsman skills. From what he experienced and was reported to by his general, his ward, Kagome, was becoming skillful but not to the pint where she could take care of any demons on her own but skilled enough to take care of an average human on her own until help comes along.

'She shows promise in agility, archery, and the sword, but will still need work on some stances in hand-to-hand combat.' Sesshoumaru thought before looking up from his writing table to the door of his study where he heard a knock.

After giving permission, allowing them in, the door opened to reveal one of Sesshoumaru's messengers.

As the messenger stepped closer, Sesshoumaru noticed a scroll in his hand before he was told while being presented it, "Word from Lord Ryuzo, milord."

This gained a raised brow from Sesshoumaru before he accepted the scroll. The only times he ever received word from the Demon Lord of the North was for gatherings that were deemed important to royal society, like the coming of age ceremony of a lord's heir or heiress, a wedding, or even social gathering that allowed a lord to boast about their new conquest; said conquest ranging from snatching a 'gorgeous' mate who showed promise of bearing strong pups to overthrowing any humans that questioned their ruling.

Other than that, Sesshoumaru never deemed Ryuzo an ally, despite the treaty he respected with his late father and Ryuzo's. And while he showed manners that were proper of the court, it didn't mean that Sesshoumaru liked the Dragon demon either.

The current dragon lord was still young and mostly allowed his hormones to control his actions, especially when concerning the Lady of the South, Setsuko. And most of all, although Sesshoumaru never had a liking to humans but didn't find them to be of any threat, Ryuzo had this strong dislike of them to the point where he'd rather create a massacre to do away with them, no matter if the human was man or woman. Or even elder or child.

-x-x-x-

Sesshoumaru walked down the hall to the training room where Kagome and his General were training. He ran the words of the scroll over in his head, thinking of what Ryuzo had written.

Young Pup,

As it is the Fortieth Anniversary of the Mighty Dog General Inu No Taisho's death, I wish to cordially invite you to a reunion of the four quadrant lands. Consider this a chance to renew our treaties and go on with maintaining a peaceful era.

Lord Ryuzo of the Northern Lands

'Short, and to the point...' He withheld a growl of annoyance, '...pup...' He truly disliked the Dragon Lord of the North. Not only that but the Dragon Lords use of the word 'peaceful' left a bad taste in his mouth. He entered the training room and held his hand up for the two to cease their training. "Kagome, your training is coming along well." He said, watching as his General took the swords and placed them back within a wood carved sword hold. "You will be taking a small Hiatus as we make our way to the North Lands Lord's Castle."

"...who's castle?"

"Ryuzo...sir?"

Sesshoumaru turned to his General, Katsuro; he was brought up in the castle when his father found him. His father had only just celebrated his one hundredth and seventy eighth moon cycle. Katsuro had been but a pup, an Inu Demon like Sesshoumaru, he was brought up with the values of loyalty and honor, as well as pride and a strong mind. He was the best friend of Inu No Taisho and was the guardian of Sesshoumaru after his father had died protecting his human mate and half-breed unborn child. The woman had lived for a short time after his father had died before she too followed, leaving the half-breed alone at only six years old...Sesshoumaru had seen him around a few times, but other than that, he didn't care. Katsuro had remained the General of Sesshoumaru's army since than. "Yes, you shall remain behind and watch over my lands."

Katsuro bowed, "I understand," he turned to Kagome and bowed before leaving the room.

"When do we leave?"

"At first light, for now...get some sleep. I'll inform one of the maids to prepare you some Kimono's and travel wear."

She bowed, "Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru."

He watched her leave and ran the words through his mind once more. 'Maintaining a peaceful era...that depraved man...chasing after mated woman as if their free game, killing humans mindlessly...calling me a...pup! There's nothing peaceful about that Dragon Bastard.'

-x-x-x-

(Five Days Later; Midday)

Wiping her brow of the sweat that gathered with a sigh, Kagome looked up to see a castle, almost similar to Sesshoumaru's but...less warm and looked more like one of those haunted mansions her mother walked into with Fumio one Halloween. Despite that she looked calm on the outside; Kagome was a bit intimidated by the place...as well as the guards who protected the front gate.

As she noticed the guards leered at her, whether it was out of curiosity, disgust, or both, Kagome kept close to Sesshoumaru and the three servants who traveled with them while trying to not appear intimidated by them.

'If I show any sort of fear to them, then they've already won…' Kagome thought, remembering one of the important lessons both Katsuro and Sesshoumaru told her while training her.

During the travel here, Kagome thought that it was a bit unwise to bring her along when this Lord Ryuzo despised humans.

"He won't have any say in the matter. You are my ward. And as a ward under my protection and care, if he says or does anything to insult or harm you, then his actions read as an insult and threat towards this Sesshoumaru. And unless he wants something that will end in casualties he doesn't need in his early reign, he will do well to keep his hatred of your breed in check unless he wants an early death before even trying to make an heir." She remembered Sesshoumaru saying to reassure her while also pointing out that this also goes in favor of the other Lords and Ladies as well.

From what Kagome was also told about this Ryuzo, her presence was sure to piss him off. He was also so much younger than Sesshoumaru and the other two lords they were to meet, making him more hormonal for the females of the court, especially toward the Lady of The South who was still mated to her Lord, Kógairan who was as pacifistic as they came unless there was any disrespect toward his lands or his family.

It was certain that Kagome wasn't going to like being in the presence of this Lord Ryuzo but would live through it for her lord's sake and be as cordial as possible with all she was taught by the servants on their journey to the Northern Castle.

'Even if the guy doesn't deserve it…'

-x-x-x-

Sesshoumaru eyed the guards of the North and South lands. True, the South Lord Kógairan was a pacifist, his mate...Lady Setsuko (temperate child), was far from. She had a disreputable hatred towards humans, and enjoyed the scent of blood staining her clawed petite hands in the morning. She was a seductress of her kind, and worked her body to her advantage, drawing in her pray, and then tearing them apart with her finely honed claws. Between all the lords and ladies, the Dragon Lord Ryuzo of the North, the Leopard Lord and Lady of the South, then the Wolf Lord and Lady, Isamu (Courage) and his mate Mari (Obstinacy and Rebelliousness)...between them...he dreaded the Lady Leopard and her vicious ways. He would need to warn Kagome to heed the distance kept between her and the Lady of the South once taken to their quarters.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, right this way."

Sesshoumaru glanced to the nimble dragon demon, watching him as he stepped heavily on the stone of the foyer, bidding them entrance before showing them to the study where the Lord Ryuzo would no doubt be awaiting the arrival of his brethren quadrants. Sesshoumaru gave a side glance to his ward and watched as her eyes held a look of thorough concentration as she tried memorizing the castle and its many turns. He knew she was horrible with directions, after having to hunt her down many times himself in his own castle. He was positive that, unlike with demons, she had no internal sense of direction.

The demon stopped at a large gray steel door that towered above Sesshoumaru slightly, knocking, a dull thump resounded against the walls before a rough 'come in' echoed around the room behind the door. Sesshoumaru watched the small demon push the large doors open before entering with Kagome behind him, holding his hand out to stop his three maids, then continuing in with Kagome. "Ryuzo..."

Ryuzo looked up and grinned a cheeky grin, "Pup!" He yelled out ecstatically, "How have you been pup!"

"Rice, hatchling, rice...do remember, which one of us has had more bowls of rice."

"Such an old saying, for you to use it...you must be counting down the days till your own death. Pity really..." He laughed out when his eyes caught sight of the girl half hidden behind Sesshoumaru's fluffy Mokomoko. "Oh my..." A twisted glint was born in the depths of his green grassy eyes and he brought a hand to his cheek before leaning against his elbow that held his head up on his desk. A long reddish brown braid lying over his shoulder and falling into his lap as his fingers twiddled the strands of his bangs that framed his face and sick smile. "Who is your toy...?"

Kagome glared, "I'm no toy." She said offensively.

Sesshoumaru wanted to close his eyes at the callous laugh that came from Ryuzo. "This is my ward, Kagome."

"...oh goodness! Your ward...a human...after all the harsh and painful words to your father for his choice of sexual relief and a place to discard half-breed milk, here you are taking in a human. Aren't you being a bit hypocritical, pup?"

"You would do well to learn your place, hatchling. I took her in as my ward; that does not mean that I approve or will ever approve of my father mating with a human woman and producing a half-breed...remember well, that I can, and I will, kill you if ever you choose to bring up the past again."

"Right, right, of course." Ryuzo didn't look even a little intimidated. "Now, onto another matter, the girl, would you be tempted to let me...borrow...the human girl?"

"Embowel your heart with your sword until the hilt touches your chest, and then I will hand the girl over to you." He glanced to Kagome and motioned her to follow.

The cold laughter behind them echoed as he followed the demon servant to their quarters. There was no way he was leaving Kagome to sleep anywhere in this castle that was outside of his reach. He didn't trust Ryuzo and he didn't trust Setsuko; the only ones he trusted was Lord Kógairan of the South, and Lady Mari and Lord Isamu of the East, that was all aside from the maids he himself had brought along.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, what does it mean to embowel?"

"...to bury or embed something into something else."

"So...embed means to implant...embowel...is to stab?"

He gave a small smirk, "To an extent...yes, but you can embowel a garden too, not just demons or humans."

"I see." She smiled and ran to his side before slowing to a steady pace next to him.

"Kagome, you must stay close to This Sesshoumaru at all times, is that understood?"

"...yes, Lord Sesshoumaru..."

"For now, we will retire to our quarters, you shall bathe than sleep first, I will join you after the other Lords and Ladies have arrived. You shall share This Sesshoumaru's bed until we return to his castle, than you can return to your own bed."

"I understand,"

"Good."

How foolish...to think she would be at his side at all times.

-x-x-x-

Once making sure that Kagome was safely in their quarters with the maids, Sesshoumaru turned to his most skilled maid, Ryoushi who was also a skilled bodyguard and gave an order, "Should there be any who seem a threat to her, take care of them...no matter who they work for or follow."

With understanding, Ryoushi nodded before bowing, "Yes, milord. No one and nothing will harm young Lady Kagome. The girls and I will protect her fiercely."

Nodding slightly in approval, Sesshoumaru pointed out, "Stick by my ward and make sure she's bathed before bed. I will return shortly to turn in for the night. Make certain she doesn't leave this room." After he receive another nod from his female bodyguard, Sesshoumaru made his way to the foyer of Ryuzo's home to meet the other Lords and their mates.

Once the Dog Lord of the West was out the door, the Bodyguard maid let a smirk creep on her lips before turning to the other two maids and their charge. The smirk soon changed into a bright smile as she asked, "How about we play a few games before bathing and turning in?"

This in turn gained a smile from the other two maids and Kagome, who looked excited about playing a game with the elder females.

The three didn't care what most of her elder colleagues said about it being unfortunate to watch over a human child while away from the Western Castle, they spent more time with Kagome during the passed five days than any of the others and they grew to adore the young child their lord took in as his ward.

They wouldn't hesitate to protect the human girl, even if their lord didn't give the order.

Down at the foyer of the castle, Sesshoumaru stood next to Ryuzo waiting for the Lord and Lady of the East, Isamu and Mari to arrive. All the while, not really listening to what the Dragon Lord at his side was saying about looking forward to seeing the Lady Setsuko again after almost a decade since their last meeting.

'Again, still thinking with his family jewels...' Sesshoumaru thought, almost annoyed, 'The only reason he "loves" Setsuko is because of their bloodlust for the death of humans.'

His thoughts and Ryuzo's blabber were cut short when one of the dragon servants announced the arrival of Lord Isamu and Lady Mari.

Lord Isamu, despite he was around the same age as Sesshoumaru's late father, was a handsome Grey Wolf Demon with ice blue eyes and smooth, if slightly rugged features that were set upon tanned sun-kissed skin and bulks of muscles; a pacifist to some extent and also loved children no matter the breed. A majority of the time, he was casual while still carrying the air of a Lord. His casual mannerisms were what made him pretty well liked and respected among some of the human villages within his territory.

Where he was strong and can be rough, his mate, Mari, a very beautiful Albino Brown Wolf demon with long hair that shined like starlit and pale skin with eyes that were so light in blue that they almost looked silver, was delicate and gentle. But like her mate, she was also a pacifist and greatly cared for children while also very well-liked among most of the human villages within the East, much like her lord and mate. But sadly, because she was albino, she was barren with no pups.

Despite that his throne would eventually need an heir or an heiress, Lord Isamu never took another wife to help bear them children.

Sesshoumaru believed that if there was a demon pair who deserved children so much, it would be the Lord and Lady of the East.

'Even if their union was arranged, they grew close...' Sesshoumaru thought, remembering that, although his parents were betrothed for the sake of their species of rare White Dog Demons, Inu no Taisho and Sesshoumaru's mother only really respected each other to a point but nothing more. 'I guess that's why my mother never seemed to care that he went off to Izayoi...'

His musings were cut short at Ryuzo's loud voice as the Dragon Demon greeted the Wolf couple, "Lord Isamu! Lady Mari! So good of you to make it! I hope your trip wasn't too harsh."

Isamu then answered with a cheeky grin, "Not at all, Ryuzo! Mari and I had a comfortable trip to here. We would never miss out in paying our respects to Lord Inu no Taisho."

"He was a good friend to us. We owe him so much." Mari added softly.

-x-x-x-

Kagome gave a playful grin as she avoided the three maids. She wanted to leave the room, but was sure her Lord would get upset. However, playing hide and seek was rarely any fun when limited to certain rooms. Kagome sighed; she would just have to deal with what she got. Maybe she'd be able to sneak out later and find a place to train before Sesshoumaru returned, though, she highly doubted it.

"Alright Lady Kagome, please make your way to the baths. We told Lord Sesshoumaru that we would ready you for bed." Ryoushi said sweetly. Despite the woman's kindness, Kagome had to bite back a frown. She had gotten used to not bathing alone, or at least, not without the help of maids, and it still annoyed her.

"Yes ma'am," She resigned with a sigh as she followed one of the maids to the baths behind a door connected to the room Sesshoumaru was given. She wasn't sure how she felt about sleeping with Sesshoumaru, but she knew, if there was one thing that she couldn't deny, it was how much she trusted him. She knew he would not do anything to her, and he would watch over and protect her. He would always be there for her; she believed that, with every fiber in her body.

"Your bath is ready, Lady Kagome," One of the other maids said with a smile as she pulled out a silk bathrobe.

Kagome felt Ryoushi's hands on her shoulder before the light fabric of her travel kimono's obi was loosened and her kimono carefully removed from her shoulders. The other maid held open the silk bathrobe and helped Kagome's into it before ushering her off into the bathing area. Scents of rosewood and mint filtered the air around them as they made their way to the steps into the warm water. Kagome could see the steam of the water rising, carrying the scent in its soft puffs of vapor.

Kagome smiled as she sank into the warm water, Ryoushi was sitting on the ledge with the other two maids, her hands running through her growing hair as she placed it in a twist before wrapping a white towel around it to keep it from getting wet as Kagome bathed.

Kagome enjoyed the bath as she washed with the handmade soaps of the Western lands that the old lady healer specialized in. She loved how clean she felt after using them and how light her hair felt after being washed in them.

About twenty minutes passed after finally washing the days' travels off of her, when the ladies stood and ushered her out of the bath. Kagome did as told and let them dress her in her sleep yukata before she let herself sit on the large bed that sat on a hand carved mahogany bed post. She stared at the intricate design of the bed, her eyes were heavy, night having fallen a little while ago and now it was time for sleep. Though, she was hungry from her travels, she could wait till morning to eat, maybe even sneak out early and get some training done. She wasn't sure how likely that plan was with Sesshoumaru sleeping with her. 'Light sleepers are no fun...' She watched the three ladies as they maid themselves comfortable in the corner of the room as they waited for their lord to return so that they may take their leave until the morning. 'Especially when those light sleepers are demons...' She sighed before snuggling beneath the blankets and warm comforters, letting her head fall tiredly against the fluffy pillow as she let sleep take hold of her.

-x-x-x-

Almost an hour or more later, while Sesshoumaru was speaking with Mari while Isamu was exchanging words with Ryuzo. Sesshoumaru noticed the delicate female wolf's discomfort before asking what was bothering her.

"While I wouldn't mind seeing Lord Kógairan after almost two decades, I'm not looking forward to seeing her again." Mari sighed, not looking forward to seeing the mate of the Leopard Lord of the South.

Sesshoumaru couldn't agree with her more.

While it was true that Kógairan was almost a thousand years older than his father, Sesshoumaru, as well as Mari and Isamu believed the Leopard demon could've chosen someone much better after he was over the death of his previous mate and mother of his five children.

Despite Kógairan's age, he was still a strong demon in the peak of his prime. The only thing that would make others think otherwise was that he was blind due to a battle with a rogue demon that wanted to rise against him and said demon was very intelligent in poisons.

What made the tragedy of Kógairan's previous wife and sixth child, worse was that the unborn baby would've been the Leopard Lord's first and only son.

'The same poison user who took the life of his previous mate and unborn sixth child...' Sesshoumaru sometimes believe that maybe Setsuko somehow had a hand in Kógairan's previous wife and unborn child's death with how she coincidentally showed up when the Leopard Lord was at his weakest; torn at the loss of his love and youngest child and still healing from the poison that blinded him.

The damage to his eyes was already done to the point where his demon healing wouldn't even save his eyes but he compensated the loss of his sight with his strong hearing and sense of smell.

Mari and his conversation were soon cut short when they heard the announcement of The Lord and Lady of The South's arrival to the foyer.

Kógairan, despite his age, still looked like he was in his prime, much like Inu no Taisho did before he passed away. Along his golden sun-kissed skin were the spots of his demon breed on his body, minus most of his face and down his neck, center of his torso and farther down to the inside of his thighs. His hair was long and golden like his skin but with much more luster. Upon a beautifully handsome face with high cheekbones and framed with golden bangs, his once piercing burnt gold eyes were now faded and unseeing.

Despite his appearance of a strong and regal Cat Lord, he never minded the humans he also watched over within his territories. And for a better future like his previous wife desired, he taught his daughters that for a better future that they must show tolerance and maybe even reach out to humans and meet them on even ground.

As for his current lady, Setsuko was a voluptuous Black Panther demoness, with dark mocha or caramel skin and long raven hair. With high cheekbones and seemingly permanent blood red lips, her eyes were a very cold and dark piercing gold. Her eyes and how she showed her body off in a revealing kimono showed that she was Bloodlust in the form of a conniving seductress that had no love for anyone or anything but herself.

With her current dress for the gathering, she looked more like the consort of a Geisha house than a proper Lady of a respectful lord.

Then again, with her appearance, it was no wonder Ryuzo tries to do everything at her beck and call like a demon that was going through its first heat and was finally starting to notice the female species.

-x-x-x-

Sesshoumaru, to say the least, was more than just annoyed by the eyeing Setsuko did to his person, and he could clearly feel thee annoyance from Mari over the same thing. Kógairan was none the wiser to the looks being given, since long ago Setsuko had learned to hide her scent of arousal from her mate unless she wished for him to know of her desire.

"Kógairan, it's been a long time since we last spoke." Sesshoumaru watched the small smile form on the older demons lips.

"Yes, it has...the first crescent moon after your fathers...untimely death. Tell me boy, have you taken in that brother of yours?"

Sesshoumaru frowned, "I have not, and I will not." He told him with a calm clarity, "However, I can't deny the fact that occasionally I'll...check up on him."

"Oh?"

"Mm, human logic obvious took place where his demon logic should have been."

"Why do you say that?" Mari asked curiously, her mate, Isamu moved closer in interest.

"Well, needless to say, he takes after our father. He was sealed to a tree by a sacred arrow. The human woman that he fell in love with was the one to seal him there."

Isamu and Mari stared in surprise, not sure what to say.

Laughter came from the side of Kógairan, Setsuko grinned, "Oh my goodness, and you let the human live?"

"No, I didn't let the human do anything. She died seconds after sealing him."

"Well, Kami works in mysterious ways..." She gave a bloodthirsty smirk. "The human deserved it, I'm sure."

Mari scoffed, "You would say that! Have you ever even tried to talk with a human before?"

Setsuko leveled her features and hardened her eyes on Mari, "How disgusting, to think I'd actually communicate with vermin. Why would I waste my time with something that destroys whatever it touches? Human's need constant feeding, constant sleep, they are unhygienic and weak, they lack manners and know nothing of respect...they..." She paused at the anger in Mari's eyes, her smile widened into a sinister grin, "They're a waste of breathing space, and are hardly worth the time or effort you put into them."

A hand on her shoulder caused her eyes to narrow into thin slits before returning to her normal unfazed look. "Forgive me...Kógairan dear, I've spoken too much."

"All opinions are welcomed; however, if you don't wish to be looked down upon for your own belief, you shouldn't look down on others for theirs."

Her eyes were murderous, but she kept her temper in check and her voice flexible. "Of course, you are right."

Sesshoumaru watched as Mari's hands tightened into a fist; she stepped forward only for Isamu and him to grab both her shoulders. She looked astonished by both of them but understood what they were doing. Mari wouldn't stand up against the panther demoness, and neither wanted her to get hurt by the cruel, bloodthirsty woman.

"As amusing as this conversation is, shall we take this conversation elsewhere?" Ryuzo asked as he stared openly at Setsuko. "Somewhere that isn't the vestibule?" He ushered his hands in the direction of the door to the sitting room.

Sesshoumaru held his hand up in refusal, "If you will excuse this Sesshoumaru, I'm going to turn in for the night. Mari, Isamu, Kógairan...Ryuzo and Setsuko; rest well, and we will speak again tomorrow." He bowed respectfully to his elders before turning and making his way back to his and Kagome's sleeping quarters. Listening to Setsuko speak so negatively about humans to Mari made him more than just a little uneasy about not being near his ward.

He immediately relaxed at the scent of rosewood and mint hanging around the door to his quarters. Entering in calm, he watched the three whispering maids stand before he dismissed them and watched them go. Shutting his door he left to bath quickly and change into the white and red Sakura blossom patterned silk robe. He wasn't tired, he was just bored. He had been staying at his palace since the girls arrival...which he wasn't used to at all. He was used to wandering his lands, enjoying the fresh breeze and the scent of the forest and tree dwelling animals. He enjoyed the outside...he was no caged animal...but for now, he would deny himself the travels he so desired, for her.

Dressing in his robe, he left the bathing area around ten minutes later and released his long hair from the towel he'd been using to dry it before moving towards the bed he'd be sleeping in. He looked at the resting face of his young ward and moved a clawed hand to the girls bangs, brushing them from her eyes before climbing into the bed and beneath the blankets and sheets. He let his eyes close as he listened to his surroundings. A sudden motion grabbed his attention, but he didn't move; he knew it was the girl get comfortable. His eyes snapped open however at the touch of childish hands gripping his silk robe and his ward's head resting upon his chest. She was too far gone in sleep to know what she was doing, she was too innocent for it to be anything more than warmth and comfort, and she was too much like a little sister for him to push her away. He'd become attached to her, and he knew it...he let his arm rest over her back and wrap slightly so that his clawed hand rested on her arm.

'For now...everything is fine...'

His thoughts faded as he finally let sleep take him deep in it's embrace, for what would seem to be the first time, and if he had anything to say about it, the last time.

-x-x-x-

With the soft light of the sun slowly peeking over the horizon and through the thin sheer curtains of the room Kagome and Sesshoumaru occupied, before the soft stream of light landed on Kagome's face, waking her from her slumber.

At first, she didn't want to get up but with the 'wake and rise early for training' drilled into her by her lord and his general, Katsuro, she couldn't fall back to sleep even if she wanted to.

So, silently sitting up from the warmth she had her head resting on and had earlier wrapped around her, Kagome rubbed her eyes before sleepily looking down at the bed and what she was resting on.

There, still asleep and with his hair splayed from under him and untangled, was Sesshoumaru resting his head among the pillows and covered only up to his stomach. His bed robe opened slightly because she had always been moving around during the night while his arm that had been wrapped around her shoulders was now lying loosely around her waist. For the first time, even in her sleepy state, Kagome saw a different side of her lord and teacher, who for the first time was looking so peaceful; much more so than when they first traveled to his castle and their trip to Ryuzo's castle.

Not wanting to wake him and wanting to get her morning training in, Kagome silently and softly climbed out of bed without waking Sesshoumaru. After her feet touched the tatami matted floor, she quickly made her way to where clothes were set to take out her training clothes before making her way to the bath chamber where she could dress without disturbing her lord.

Once her morning ritual was done and she was dressed, Kagome quietly gathered her training sword and just as quietly left the room without waking Sesshoumaru.

After walking around a corner, without her notice, Ryoushi and the other two maids noticed her leaving the room and quietly leaving down the hall. Before the two younger maids were about to follow the young girl, Ryoushi stopped them.

When they looked at her curiously, she spoke, "I'll keep an eye on her. You two make your way to Lord Sesshoumaru." And with that, Ryoushi quickly caught up to the young girl but not close enough for her to notice the demon maid's presence.

Once outside, Kagome gave a stretch, reaching for the sky to get the morning stiffness out of her limbs before making her way to a suitable clearing so she could train.

Not far behind, Ryoushi was keeping to the shadows while keeping a sharp eye on her charge.

But without their notice, a deep large feline growl was made as the owner of a pair of cold, disgust-filled eyes narrowed at the sight of the human girl.

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Bishonen'sFoxyMiko: When I first started writing the chapter, I originally had the name of "The Lady of The South" be "Konéndo" (Clay Child) before Akuma wrote it as "Setsuko" (Temperate Child). As we continued to write the chapter, I didn't take notice of this until I reread the chapter to get back into writing it when it became my turn once again. After notifying Akuma about this, we came to a compromise to keep the name "Setsuko" since the name was almost ironically the opposite of the demoness' personality. Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed it and now it's Akuma's turn. XD

Akuma Chibi: YAY! It'll be my turn to start the next chapter, so keep your eyes open! WOOOH~ Also, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter, I'm really looking forward to the next one, but I really loved this softer Sesshoumaru who let his guard down with his ward so close! Please leave your opinion in a review and we'll update as soon as possible! SANKYU~ ^-^''