A.N: Okay people. I am officially back! My story had been deleted on Dokuga since Chpater 19. I am proud to say that no, I will not be abandoning this fic and I have started writing the next chapters... To all those who waited so patiently for the next chapters, this is dedicated to you.

Seshoumaru looked throughout the castle, but couldn't find the little girl anywhere. Finally, he sighed. It looked like Kagome was playing hide and seek again. He grumbled. He hated that game. Expanding his youki, he searched in every room till he finally found hers.

In the garden?

What was Kagome doing in the garden alone? He walked into the courtyard and frowned at the flurry of activity. The army general was issuing out orders while the soldiers stood still, their faces grim and alert. What was going on? Father hadn't mentioned anything.

Soft footsteps made him turn around and he watched as Higurashi came towards him. She smiled gently at him, "Master Seshoumaru, do you know where Kagome is?"

"She is in the garden. I am on my way to fetch her. What is your business with her?"

Higurashi sighed. It seemed like Seshoumaru refused to trust anybody when Kagome was involved. However, her heart grew heavy as she realized that he had every reason not to trust anybody. In fact, they were about to give him a reason.

Seshoumaru felt a little confused at the sad expression that crossed the usually cheerful youkai's face. Without meaning to, he asked hesitantly, "Is something the matter?"

She blinked and then smiled, "Oh no, nothing at all, Master Seshoumaru. It is just that your Lady Mother wishes for Kagome's comapny for a while."

Seshoumaru's eyes widened slightly, "Mother wants Kagome's company? Why?"

Higurashi looked at the startled inuyoukai, "She did not say so. I am simply obeying orders.'

All thoughts of the soliers now out of his mind, Seshoumaru wondered what his Mother wanted with Kagome. Although she bore the girl no illwill, she never exactly went out of the way to demand her company. Everybody was acting strange today. Even Father had been acting a little odd.

"You go back to Mother. I shall bring Kagome to her myself."

Higurashi bowed and retreated back to the castle. Seshoumaru watched her leave and then made his way to the gardens. Searching out her aura, he parted a bush to find her curled up, asleep. Her face was peaceful, and her tiny hand clutched at the grass as was her habit. She usually clutched his haori while sleeping.

A small smile slipped on the young inuyoukai's face as he watched her. Lifting her up, he carried her back to their chambers, telling one of the servants to go and inform the Lady that Kagome was asleep.

As he settled Kagome onto the futon, she opened her eyes and blinked languidly. Her blue eyes focused on him and she yawned, lifting her hands up in the air. When he picked her, and settled down himslef, his back to the wall, she buried her face in his clothing and sniffed.

"Seshou smells nice."

Seshoumaru chuckled, "Oh? What do I smell like?"

Kagome frowned trying to form the words. She was two and a half years old and amazed Higurashi at her rapidly developing mind.

"Ghass."

Seshoumaru winced, "Gas?"

Kagome shook her head stubbornly, "Fesh grash."

His expression cleared, "I smell like fresh grass?"

Kagome nodded happily, "And trees. Seshouma smell like trees!"

Seshoumaru nuzzled her stomach, smiling, "I don't smell like trees!" Kagome laughed joyously, clapping her hands, "Yes, you do! Trees!Trees!"

Finally, she settled on his lap, and they sat silently, comfortable. "Mother wants to see you."

Kagome looked confused, "Inumama?"

"Yes. Would you like to go?"

Kagome grabbed his knees and slid off his lap with some effort. Standing on her legs, she grabbed his fingers and pulled, "Come! Come!"

Seshoumaru chiuckled and allowed her to lead him. The servanst hardly gave them a glance, they were so used to these two. Stopping at the heavy wooden door, Seshoumaru knocked and one of the ladies opened it. Her face lit in surprise at them and she opened the door to allow them to enter.

"My Lady! Master Seshoumaru and Kagome are here."

His Mother swept in, a brow raised, "I was told the child was asleep."

"She woke up. Why do you require Kagome, Mother?"

His Mother frowned, "Am I not allowed to spend some time with her?"

Seshoumaru shrugged, "I shall pick her up in a while, then." With that, he clenched Kagome's hand for a second and left.

Ladu Taisho stared at Kagome who stared back. To her ladies, she commanded, "Leave us."

When they left the room, she cocked her head and smiled sadly, "Come here, Kagome."

Kagome smiled cheerfully and rushed towards her.

Kagome was silent throughout dinner. She kept looking around anxiously at the slightest of sound and nearly purified one of the servants who came to serve dinner.

"Kagome, are you alright?"

Kagome looked at Seshoumaru and nodded. Still worried about her, he impatiently waited for this formality to over and done with. He wanted to be alone with her. Before, he could leave, his Father stood up and walked over to them. Lifting Kagome up, he swung her in the air, smiling. The little girl however, was not.

Her face sad, she patted his cheeks gently, and murmured, "No sad, Inupapa. Gome loves you."

The elder inuyoukai was startled and then nuzzled her neck, whispering so softly that noone would be able to hear him, "I will miss you, little one."

He kissed her on the nose, and released her to his son, who gave him a suspicious look. Shooting both his parents a confused look, he left the room, making his way towards his chambers. Oddly silent, Kagome clung to his neck possessively.

On reaching their room, Seshoumaru set her down and went to close the door. Kagome stared around blindly for a minute.

"Shoumu?"

He was immediately by her side, "What is it?"

She clutched his hand and he noted, that her hand was cold and clammy.

"Kagome."

"I love you. Gome love her Shoumu."

He picked her and settled down on the futon with her, "What is wrong, Kagome?"

She looked at him with her piercing blue eyes, "Does Shoumu love Gome?"

He froze. Of course he loved her but he had never said it to her. Her eyes were pleading and hid some sort of fear in them. Raising a hand to her cheek, he looked into her eyes and then buried his face in her neck, blushing, "I love you, Kagome."

Tears leacked out of the little girl's eyes and she held onto him as if for dear life. Seshoumaru couldn't understand what was wrong with her, and he clenched his teeth. She wasn't telling him.

"Kagome, please tell me what is the matter."

She looked at him, "Gome scared."

He frowned, "Why? Did something happen?"

She shook her head, and refused to answer.

"Kagome!"

"Gome knows. Gome knows."

Sighing, Seshoumaru held her tight. She was babbling right now. He was so tired. Struggling to keep awake, he lay down, with Kagome nestled within his arms. Something was not right. He was tired. Too tired. Unnaturally so.

His senses detected something but his body was fighting. Wanting to give in to this weakness. Somewhere Kagome kissed his cheek, murmuring, "Gome loves Seshou."

He held her tight, his mind shutting down.

As soon as he drifted off, Kagome opened her eyes. They were red with the effort from staying awake. A shadow in the corner of the room caught her eye and she stiffened. Trying to summon her powers, she let loose a wail of panic when she couldn't use them. The shadow murmured a chant and she found herself losing consciousness.

No! Seshou!

A.N: I know this is short, but I'm really not well, and I'll update in a day's time, I promise. Just let me get well and gather my wits. :)