"Hold still! Do you want a haircut or not?" Kagome smacked Masaru on the arm and held the side of his head in place.

The lieutenant was now regretting asking the priestess to trim his hair. The blonde locks had grown to his shoulders, and he struggled to keep it out of his face. Trusting another with a sharp object near his neck was not easy, so males typically had their mother or mates cut their hair. Somehow, he found himself sitting on Kagome's porch while she kneeled behind him.

Masaru tried not to squirm as Kagome ran her fingers through his golden mane. The tips of his pointed ears were turning red from embarrassment. "Actually, Lady Kagome, I think I'll just keep it long."

Tiny hands gripped his shoulders and pulled him back until the woman's chest was pressed against his body. Kagome leaned over until she could see his face and narrowed her cerulean eyes. "You pestered me for a week to do this, and now you changed your mind?"

The blush spread from the young demon's ears and across his face. Green eyes widened as he tried to distance his flushed face from hers. "I-"

Before he could form an intelligible sentence, a flash of pink blinded him, and the sound of metal clashing with static rang out into the clearing.

"You're getting sloppy, son." Roguish hazel eyes locked onto horrified emerald ones. The general's blade pressed against Kagome's holy barrier as he looked up and peered into the stormy ocean eyes. "It is fortunate one of you was paying attention."

Kagome sent out a pulse of holy energy, sending Katsu flying backward. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" She unconsciously wrapped her arms around Masaru and hugged him like a protective mother.

Brushing aside his black cloak, the general sheathed his weapon. "Have you forgotten Lady Kagome? The lieutenant is here to protect you, not the other way around."

"Yeah, well… in this family, we look out for each other! Don't make me kick your ass again!" The enraged priestess was ready to fry the dog demon when rough hands tugged on her arms.

"Father is right. I should have sensed his approach." He peeled the priestess away from him and stepped through the protective barrier to bow before the general. "My failure is inexcusable. I accept any punishment you or Lord Sesshoumaru deem appropriate for my actions."

Kagome felt like her heart was breaking. She dropped her shield and stood up, placing her hands on her hips. Looking back to Katsu, she gave him a glare that said, 'Hurt him, and I hurt you.'

"Rise, son. We will train this evening after sunset; there will be no need for punishment." A twinkle flicked across his eyes. Sesshoumaru's female was indeed a fierce mother to all in her care.

Letting out a sign, Kagome ran a hand down her face and tossed the scissors onto the porch. "Why are you here, General?"

The dog demon reached into a satchel hidden beneath his travel cloak and retrieved the camera lent to Lord Sesshoumaru by the priestess. "I have come to return this. Where did you come across such an intriguing device, my lady?"

Striding up to the general, Kagome snatched the box from his grasp. "It's none of your concern. Now, are you coming in for tea or not? I may be angry, but I still have manners."

Digging into his bag again, Katsu pulled out a letter addressed to Kagome. "I will pass on joining you for tea today if you don't mind." He presented the letter to the priestess with a smirk on his face.

"Fine." Kagome took the envelope from his clawed hand and stomped back into her hut, slamming the shoji door behind her.

"You are becoming too familiar with your Lord's female, son." Katsu motioned for Masaru to follow him into the forest.

He couldn't meet his father's gaze, as he knew what he had said was true. Lady Kagome and Lady Rin had become very dear to him over the past few years.

Back at the hut, Kagome knocked on the bedroom door. "Rin? Can I come in?"

A muffled no was her reply. With another sign, the priestess sat herself down at the table and wrapped the blanket folded under it around her. There was a chill in the air as fall was nearing its end.

Ever since Shippo went back to school during the summer, Rin has been inconsolable. She spends most of her time locked away in their bedroom, moping about. Rin and the fox kit have been inseparable for the past year, and it's painful for Kagome to see Rin in such a state. All Kagome can do is wait until Rin is ready to discuss her feelings for Shippo.

Looking at the envelope in her hand, Kagome broke the wax seal and removed the letter.

Priestess Kagome,

Thank you for entrusting such a unique item to my care. It was truly amazing to see images created so quickly before my eyes. I must admit that General Katsu took most of these photographs. He was like a pup with a new toy to play with. I have included photos I deemed appropriate, though I would not be surprised if the general added more.

Though the instructions and educational notes you wrote were helpful, I was also disappointed not to receive a personal letter. Perhaps these images from the East will inspire your next correspondence.

We look forward to hearing from you, Kagome.

Sesshoumaru.

Picking the envelope back up, she emptied its contents onto the table. The first image of meeting her eyes was stunning.

Lord Sesshoumaru stood on a hill and gazed out at the horizon. He was wearing a new set of armor that Kagome had never seen before. Both of his shoulders were adorned with his signature rounded spiked pauldrons. His haori, which featured a lotus pattern, now matched the violet shade of his crescent moon instead of the usual red. The black chest plate of his armor no longer had spikes and appeared smooth. He still wore his yellow and purple sash to keep his swords in place, and his pure white hakama were tucked into leather boots. His impossibly long silver hair was pulled back into a low braid that flowed down to his mid-thigh.

Kagome rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the photo of Sesshoumaru. He truly was the most stunning being she had ever seen.

As Kagome flipped through the rest of the pictures showcasing landscapes and campgrounds, she couldn't help but feel a strange sensation that she was looking at the same sights that the demon lord had been witnessing for the past four years. However, when she reached the last photograph in the stack, she was taken aback and nearly choked on her breath.

Staring back at her was a half-naked Sesshoumaru.

The priestess quickly scooped up the photo and held it tightly to her chest. She was so thankful no one else was around because she knew her face was as red as a tomato. Drawing her hands back and peeking at the demon lord's flawless abs, Kagome groaned.

What else was Sesshoumaru hiding under all that silk?