[Hey guys! Please review and enjoy!]
When dawn broke, the Western Army rode out, with the Inu no Taisho in the lead, and his sons and Kagome behind him, all on horseback, while the rest of the army marched on foot. Everything was silent, except for the clattering of armor. Kagome was well prepared for this battle, not scared for herself in the least, but she worried for her friends. Sesshomaru could take care of himself fine, she knew, but she had never seen her old playmates fight, except in games. She merely assumed they would be fine, hoping desperately.
She made eye contact with them regularly, and they seemed more worried for her than for themselves. She would have smiled. She was well trained, not that they knew.
She sighed, waiting in the silence for the call to make camp, hoping it would come soon.
The sun was setting as Kagome entered the tent she was to share with the rest of the royal family (minus Izayoi, who stayed to run the kingdom).
"My lord?"
"Hm?" Toga asked, distracted.
"Do we go to battle in the morning?"
"Hnn. It depends on how close we are to the enemy."
"Is there any risk of a-?"
"Surprise attack? We're blocked off on three sides, and while it could be a disadvantage, we only have to worry if they outnumber us, which I doubt. Still, precautions have been set up, our best warriors are standing guard. We're as safe as troops in a war can be."
She nodded, "Alright then. Thank you, my lord. That was all I had to say."
She slipped out again, in search of her friends. Luckily it wasn't long until she found them, eating around one of the cook fires around the campsite. She knew the royal family was supposed to eat in their tent, but she decided to eat with them anyway.
"Is this seat taken?"
"No. Feel free to sit with us Kagome."
She smiled. It was Shippo who had spoken. Quietly, she sat down between Koga and Bankotsu.
"How are you four doing?"
"Fine," Bankotsu said, "Though we are a little tired."
Koga laughed, "Don't listen to him. He's ecstatic! Believe it or not, our Bankotsu's a blood-thirsty bastard."
She laughed too, "I don't doubt it. How are you doing Shippo?"
The kitsune smiled, "Alright, I guess. I'm not really much of a fighter."
Hojo rolled his eyes, "He's amazing, he just doesn't like to admit it."
"I don't like killing," Shippo confessed.
"That won't get you anywhere," said a tall woman in full armor, who had appeared at their campfire quite suddenly.
Her face was hidden, but her voice held a tone of authority. Kagome searched what part of her face was visible, trying to find out who she was, and she raised a brow at the woman's porcelain skin.
"If you would, ma'am, may I see under your helmet?"
"The princess of the Western Lands calling me ma'am? It seems you already know who I am."
"You're Sesshomaru's mother. Correct me if I am wrong Irasue-sama. [AN: I don't actually know her name, so I'm just going with the majority.]"
"You are correct. Quite observant, girl."
"Does Sesshomaru know you're here? You haven't seen each other in at least nine years."
The woman took her helmet off, her twin pigtails falling from where they had been stored inside, and Kagome saw that her face was semi-wistful.
"That is true. We've not spoken since he was no more than seven. But either way, I'm here to protect my people. Though I am no longer Western Lady, I still think of them as such. I would appreciate if you not mention my presence to my son."
"Very well. But what if he senses you? He's quite powerful."
"I'm using Kitsune magic. The caster is in our midst, and I've told him to let you see me. I wish to have an honest conversation with my son's soon-to-be-bride."
The girl nodded hesitantly, "About what, milady?"
"When you take the throne, how will you and my son rule?"
"Together. As equals. We'll try to improve the economy, avoid war if possible, but always be prepared for it. Try to interact with the people, if at all possible."
Irasue paused, considering.
"Correct answer," she finally said.
The girl leaned forward, waiting for the next question.
"What about criminals?"
"We'll go through the standing justice system, remove those who aren't trustworthy, and appoint new people. Leave the minor crimes to them, but we would handle the severe ones."
"Information gathering?"
"We can have a squad of regular investigators, as well as a small network of spies. Not for everyday use, but for war times and emergencies."
They both paused as they felt the familiar aura approaching them. As he stopped behind Kagome, Irasue rose to her feet.
"I look forward to getting to know you in the future, Western Princess."
As she turned, Kagome watched her appearance change, and she saw what the others saw. A plain woman in plain armor, who fit in and stuck out at the same time.
She shifted her gaze to Sesshomaru.
"We're leaving early tomorrow. You'd best get some rest."
"Awww," Shippo teased, and Kagome blushed, while Sesshomaru ignored it.
"Be right there. Goodnight guys!"
She stood up, hearing her friends' "Goodnight"s chorusing back, and followed Sesshomaru back to the tent.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, but it appears we will have to share a bed."
"Eh?" Kagome said, more surprised than upset.
He chuckled, "You know that isn't what I meant."
"Alright then. I don't see why not."
The girl carefully began removing her armor, thankful that she had worn clothes underneath. When her armor was off, she was in a simple shirt and trousers.
"Will this do?"
He glanced over, and nodded, having already removed his armor, and, Kagome noticed suddenly, his shirt as well.
Sniffling slightly, she slipped into bed beside him, staying on her own side at first, but eventually moving to lay in his arms. And finally, all was well.
[Aw. So cute. If you didn't realize, she was sniffling because she had a nose bleed. So.. yeah. Please review and check out the poll on my profile. :) Byeeee!]