[Hey guys! First of all, thank you for all the reviews! You guys are so nice! *le blush* You know you're doing something right when you have more review than chapters. :) Anyway, please review, check out the poll on my profile, and enjoy!]

The messenger arrived back quickly. In Sesshomaru's neat writing was:

Kagome,

My father has approved. He will send troops to arrive in the morning. You may come back today if you so choose. Your room is being remade, as those servants took it apart when you left. When you arrive back, you will find a surprise waiting for you in your room as well.

Yours,

Sesshomaru

She hugged the letter to her chest, running to her father's room.

"Father! Toga-sama has approved it! He says I may go today!"

"Very well. Get your things," he said, forgetting she'd left everything at the Western Palace.

She merely nodded, going to speak with her mother next.

The palanquin was prepared by high noon, and when she got in, she was surprised to see Sota there as well.

"Sota?"

"Father wants me to watch over you while you are there."

She nodded, curious as to why, but stayed silent as she felt the palanquin being lifted.

They arrived long after nightfall. It was nearly midnight when Kagome stumbled from inside, once again ignoring the offered hand, her eyes searching frantically until she found him. He was just walking into the courtyard, and she felt her feet start to move.

He rounded the corner, his father at his side, when suddenly he was tackled into an embrace by his intended.

"K-kagome."

"I missed you!"

He went silent, letting himself breathe in the sweet scent of her hair.

"Erm." he heard someone say.

Looking up he saw the boy from days earlier. He looked uncomfortable, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. Forcing himself to end the embrace, he kept one arm around Kagome as he introduces himself.

"I am Sesshomaru. I remember you."

"Ah. I'm Sota, Kagome's younger brother. Our parents sent me to help guard her."

Sesshomaru's expression hardened.

"She is perfectly cared for here."

"I'm well aware my lord. I was sent as a... precaution, if you would."

"... Hnn."

"Well?" Kagome interjected, "Let's go inside. I'm tired, and I want to see everyone before I go to bed."

"All of your playmates, as well as your handmaiden and guard, are waiting in the great room, as is Izayoi," Toga put in.

"What are we waiting for?" the girl asked, grinning, and the small group went down the hall, Kagome in the lead.

No sooner were the doors opened than Kagome was caught in a massive group hug by everyone except Bankotsu, who waited patiently for his turn, and made his hug as brief as possible.

Kagome merely laughed, unable to keep the smile off her face.

"C'mon Bankotsu-kun! Please?"

Grumbling, the other human obliged, pulling his friend into a hug. When the reunion (is that a word?) finally ended, Kagome introduced them to Sota, who smiled and waved.

All was well, and the friends all retired for bed, happy for the first time in days.

When Kagome awoke, she smiled, hopping out of bed, as opposed to her usual moaning and groaning, and dressed in her play clothes, she hurried down the hall toward the playroom, content that she could play with her friends again. Of course, at age thirteen, Kagome didn't play as much, but the group had fun, running races and doing challenges.

When she arrived, everyone else was there already. Koga, Hojo, Shippo, Bankotsu, and... Sesshomaru?

"What are you doing here Sesshomaru-sama? Have you come to play with us?" she asked, sincerely doubting it.

"Hnn. I am merely here to observe your health."

She laughed, allowing him to make his excuses.

"All right! Let's play!"

After she played with her friends for as long as she could, Sesshomaru walked with her to the gardens.

"We should not go so far this time. After last time..."

She nodded, taking a breath and lacing her hand through his. She felt him stiffen for a moment, then he gripped her hand back. She smiled, and they began to walk.

"Did you do anything interesting while I was gone?"

"No. Unless you count lessons as interesting. I sparred with my father and Inuyasha a few times, but other than that it was uneventful."

She nodded, "I spent some time with my mother. I hadn't realised how much I missed her. I'm glad my brother came back with me too. I haven't seen him in five years, you know. I don't know, it's like..."

"I understand."

They lapsed into silence as they gazed at the gardens, letting the familiarity settle over them, and letting themselves relax.

When they got near the exit, they saw a messenger racing toward them, covered in blood. All the joy seeped from them, and they slipped into their masks, moving to meet her.

"Lady Kagome! An urgent message!"

"I- I know you! You're Suzuhara, my mother's handmaiden."

"Yes, my lady. Your parents' home was attacked, the troops the Western Lord sent were not enough. He had many more troops than expected. My lady... your parents are dead."

Kagome stumbled back, barely noticing as she bumped into Sesshomaru, who had been standing behind her.

"No. No no no no no no no no no no no."

She repeated the word as if it might change what had happened, then sank to her knees on the ground, muddy from melted snow. She put her face in her hands for a moment, wrapping her arms around Sesshomaru's leg in a desperate attempt to hold onto something.

And then, in seconds, it was over. She got to her feet, wiping her eyes.

"Have you told Sota?"

"Yes milady. He retired to his room."

"Very well. We shall take you to be treated by our medic, and you can stay as long as you like. Once you've recovered, you may become one of my handmaidens if you so choose."

The girl nodded, and Kagome realised that she couldn't have been more than seventeen.

"Let's go."

Sota was in Sesshomaru's room when he returned.

"Higurashi-san?"

"Listen, my lord, if you will. I don't know what you all have been teaching my sister, but she does not behave properly. As one of the last members of the Higurashi, she needs to uphold the honor. Get her into the proper mold, that of a demure Lady, and, if necesary: Break. Her.

And then he was gone, as if he hadnever been there in the first place.

[Oh so sad. Please review, and check out the poll on my profile! Byeeee!]