Hello all!

Here we finally begin to understand what Kagome went through, sorta, in those three years away.

Anyway, I'll be presenting the new chapter in a few days! Hopefully, this one is to everyone's liking! I had a lot of fun beginning the little romance between the two. We all know Kagome is normally the first one to recognize him as attractive, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy! Neither one of them ensures an easy path ahead, but it sure is fun to read about, isn't it? I promise not to make it too painful of a back-and-forth! Only enough to stay true to them.

.Rilore.

Sesshomaru had nearly waited to move from behind the tree, but he wouldn't allow himself to hide from a human, even in such a situation. He wanted answers. And he would demand the questions that he knew not to ask.

Something happened to her in these few years. Something changed the human Miko to rival his brother's power. These enhanced powers weren't anywhere close to the strength that he possessed. At least he didn't believe that any human could ever rival his abilities. The slightest possibility was an idea that he simply wouldn't entertain. Sesshomaru would get every morsel of information from her and then decide how to proceed.

She stood with bulging eyes and shaking hands as he moved closer. He had to admit her ability to maintain some composure as the witch continued to writhe in the air was impressive.

"Just kill me," the witch pleaded as she looked at Sesshomaru. "I will tell you no more."

"Explain," Sesshomaru ordered, ignoring the sniveling creature before him. Kagome's mouth moved, but no words came. She looked over to the witch as if the pathetic being could reply for her. "I will not ask again."

He felt his curiosity bleed into irritation as she just stared at him. "Miko! You will speak," he ground out.

"Right! Yeah, I can definitely uh… Explain," she nodded wildly as she turned to face the witch. The dusty cloud enclosed the woman as her eyes fluttered closed. Kagome lowered her wrist as the witch's body floated to the ground. That should keep her asleep for some time. A few months without using her reiki wasn't enough to make her rusty, was it?

Kagome didn't turn around immediately. Her mind was racing for some sort of lie to tell the very fear-inducing demon behind her. She's been trying to figure out how to tell Inuyasha for months. She never imagined that she'd have to spill the story to anyone else before him. He deserved to know first. Perhaps she could just omit most of the truth.

She thought about that before pushing the idea aside. There wasn't any way for her to say a little, without giving the rest away. Is there? Kagome finally turned toward the visibly annoyed demon and said the only thing she could think of.

"Do I really have to tell you?" She asked. He remained unmoved besides the slightest widening of his eyes. She had shocked him. That was either a good or a very, very bad thing.

Maybe she could use him as her trial for this story she's been keeping under wraps for so long. He was Inuyasha's brother after all. They had some similarities. Well, enough to point her in the direction of how his brother would react and if she even should tell him. No, she knew she would one day. She just didn't know how. And here was her chance. She got a test run. Maybe this was a good thing.

Before he could respond, she waved her hands in defeat. "Alright, sorry. Just a joke!" She let out a humorless laugh. His eyes narrowed to a dangerous degree as she took a small step back. She turned slightly before propping herself up on the wooden rail of the small cabin home.

"You're trying my patience," Sesshomaru said. He moved closer as she settled into a comfortable position.

"The only reason I'm telling you this is because I think you have a right to know," Kagome began. "Otherwise, it'd be none of your business." She gave him a pointed look before she found herself gazing into the darkened forest. The only light was the raging fire the witch had started to burn some plants for who knows what. Kagome found herself appreciating the light and the minor warmth as she readied herself. She won't tell him everything, but she'll say enough.

"This will take some explaining. And it's gonna be interactive! I'll need to know how much you know about my situation exactly. Like, do you know where I'm from?" She glanced over as he gave her a bored expression.

"A foreign land," Sesshomaru replied easily. That's what she thought. There weren't many who knew the truth and she really didn't like breaking said news to anyone in this time. It was hard enough for her to believe it some days.

"Okay. This is going to sound a little crazy, but it'll make sense if you really think about it," she gave him an unsure smile as she quickly explained. "I'm actually from the future. That well in Kaedes village acts as a bridge from my time to, well, now. I was actually first brought here by a demon thanks to the Shikon jewel. It allowed me to pass through. I'm the reincarnation of Kikyo so the jewel transferred to me as it was burned with her body. It was fate that made me come back to this time to settle everything with the jewel I guess."

She glanced over before continuing. His face was frozen—giving nothing away. "So, I travel back and forth, but I'm from the future. When I destroyed the jewel, we expected that I'd end up back in my time. I was planning on doing everything I could to make it back here, but it was something we at least knew would be a possibility. Either I'd go home to my era, or be stuck here. Or, I guess I'd have the same option to go back and forth again. None of those options happened when I destroyed the Shikon jewel."

Kagome was once again brought back to the day she'd come up from the well. When her eyes saw the forest that she'd grown so accustomed to, she knew something was off. But, she had assumed it would be okay the moment she talked with Inuyasha. She thought that she was just thrown back to the place that connected both of her worlds. The grief that struck her when she found out where she was had been immense.

"Miko," Sesshomaru's voice rang out. Her thoughts flew back to him. He was actually believing her. At least, she hoped he was. He seemed to be listening and taking it all in. He wasn't trying to kill her for possible tall tales at least. He inched closer to her. He stood in all of his regal demonic glory just a few feet away. His yellow eyes bore into her as she swallowed.

"I didn't go home. And I didn't stay here. At least in this specific period of time. I ended up further back," she met his eyes. "I met your father."

. . .

"Sesshomaru?" Kagome questioned instantly, but everything was off. His hair was tied back and he didn't have the same markings. His were jagged and there was only one pointed mark on either cheek instead of the two. And weren't Sesshomaru's a different color? Why did he remind her so much of Inuyasha's brother?

"Oh?" he came into view then. Definitely not Sesshomaru, she confirmed. Very much a demon, and very powerful. She could sense his yokai and the immensity of its strength was overwhelming. She didn't stand a chance if he wanted to kill her. "Sesshomaru does not converse with humans. How do you know him?"

"He tried to kill me," she replied without much thought. At least he was conversing with her, instead of instantly attacking. Maybe she could talk her way out of this. With her luck though, probably not.

His brow arched. "Sesshomaru would not fail to kill a human," was all the demon said in reply.

"He didn't mean to fail. How do you know Sesshomaru?" He seemed to know the dog demon pretty well. If they were friends, maybe he'd spare her. Not that Sesshomaru and her were on friendly terms, but his actively saving her life on several occasions had to count for something.

"He is my son. When was this encounter? He obviously let you live." That got her attention and suddenly the ground seemed to vibrate under her unsteady legs. It wasn't possible. It can't be. There just was no possible way for this to be happening. She wobbled as she fell to her knees.

The demon continued to stare at her with the same perfectly arched brow and yellow eyes. Inuyasha's father?! She was thrown back even further in time. How is that possible? What went wrong? What did she do? Is this her fate? She's to live the rest of her life when—

"Inuyasha!" Kagome squeaked up at him. His face was unchanged. "Is he here?"

"I do not know of Inuyasha. Are you ill?"

She felt a shudder snake its way through her body as she realized just how far back she ended up. Inuyasha wasn't even born yet. She glanced up to see Toga still watching her. Should she tell him? Isn't that dangerous? That thought struck her so incredibly ridiculous that she felt a laugh bubble up. She's been in the feudal era making changes on a daily basis. Why should she start caring now?

Although, this was more personal than the usual slaying of a demon. This was about Inuyasha. The laugh died before making its way out. This wasn't good.

"I'm just very lost," Kagome finally said weakly.

"Well, where do you come from, little human? I am very familiar with these lands," Toga said with pride. That's when another thought hit Kagome so hard, that she had to bite her tongue from gasping. Kaede wasn't in that town. She didn't have a home here. There was nowhere for her. All of her friends weren't here.

"I'm completely alone," Kagome let the words slip out. Wait, she mused. All she had to do was go back to the well! She rushed to her feet and looked around. She wasn't too far!

"I'm sorry, I have to go!" She gave him a quick wave as she began running. Her legs were already sore from her earlier sprint, but she didn't stop. Her heavy limbs pumped, fueled with the need to go home. To either era, she didn't care at this point. The forest lay before her, swallowed in shadows, but she didn't slow down. If she fell, she'd just get back up.

The trees thinned and soon the clearing was in full view. Without thinking, she propelled herself over the ledge and jumped in. Her sore feet hit the ground hard, sending a jolt of pain through her legs as she tumbled down. And then she was sobbing.

She curled her legs to her chest and let the severity of her situation take hold of her entire mind. She could consider no silver lining. Nothing good stood against the loneliness and fear that now resounded in her heart.

Kagome felt the presence of Toga a moment later.

"That was very peculiar," he said softly. Softer than she would have thought him capable of. And before she knew it, he was lifting her curled form into his arms. He settled her against his armoured chest and lept out of the well.

Through her choking sobs, Kagome couldn't hide her shock. "Wh–What are you doing?"

"My lovely Izayoi would never forgive me if I left some crying human alone. Perhaps she may provide you with the comfort you need. We are not far from our home," Toga replied with a gentle, but firm voice. He was so much kinder than she ever could have thought. She finally let his words sink in and her heart thundered in her chest as she recognized that name.

She was going to meet Inuyasha's mother?!

. . .

Kagome sensed Sesshomaru's rage before his hand gripped her throat. His fingers squeezed as she immediately struggled against his grasp. Before she could decide on exactly how to respond, her reiki took the choice from her. It shot through her skin in a powerful burst as it slammed into him. It didn't send him flying back, but he was shoved far enough away. His nails slid across her throat, though and she felt the skin tear. Stinging pain gripped her now as she glared over at the dog demon.

"What the hell?! Maybe I should've just lied to you!" She let her hand settle against her neck as she pulled her reiki to answer her call. It smoothly flowed across her skin, mending the claw marks. She felt the pain ebb until it disappeared altogether.

"You saw my father? He spoke with you?" His voice was incredulous.

"He's a lot nicer than you, that's for sure. He knows how to treat people," Kagome answered with a sneer. It was only partially true, but she wasn't about to go and fluff his ego. Sesshomaru definitely got his demeanor from his father. And that temper went to both sons.

She knew that he held his father in great esteem. That's why it bothered him so much that he'd taken a human mate. It forced his father from the pedestal that Sesshomaru had built for him. And he just couldn't process this act of betrayal. Despite that, he still looked up to him, and if she compared the two of them against any of their demonic behaviors, she was sure he'd take it to bolster his already too self-important image.

Or, maybe she'd just spent too long around Toga and his constant scheming and strategizing ways. Toga wasn't just infamous for his size and strength, but his ability to adapt in the middle of a crisis was masterful. She'd seen it so many times in the few years she'd been with him.

"I would have seen you," Sesshomaru continued to glare at her as he questioned her story.

"Or not because you were too busy pouting over never wanting to take his place as Western Lord. Or, busy running away because of Izayoi. You weren't around Sesshomaru," she countered. That got his attention and he began to stalk toward her.

She raised a hand, letting her reiki serve as a warning. And he actually stopped.

Sesshomaru couldn't gain control over his warring emotions. He hardly ever let them rage through his body as he did now. He wasn't even sure why he was so angry. He just was. When she told him about the time travel, he was initially uncertain. But, he had to admit, that it made perfect sense. Sometimes she'd appear nearby and then all trace of her would be gone. He wouldn't be able to sense or smell her. It had been a mystery to him.

And he'd seen such strange items on her, especially the odd contraption that she rode as a horse. She would bring back such interesting smells as well when he'd catch wind of her next. He could never place any of them. He accepted her words as fact. When she mentioned his father, though, he felt unsteady. But, why would she lie about something like this? He knew she was telling the truth, but he didn't like it.

His father kept the company of yet another human. And not just any human, but his brother's Miko.

"This does not explain your enhanced powers," he spoke through aching fangs. His demonic blood was roaring to be unleashed. He didn't like this. He didn't like that she was around his father at all.

"I swear, Sesshomaru. You touch me and I'll fight back," she glared at him. His only answer was to match her glare with his own. As if he hasn't been sending rage-filled blinks her way this entire time. "Lord Toga trained me." She felt the honorific slide from her tongue easily. She had been taught very quickly how not okay it was to call him by his name alone. Izayoi had barely kept the demon that overheard from beheading her then and there.

"How could he have been possessed to do such a thing? There is no way a human could even survive his training," Sesshomaru questioned.

"Oh trust me, I barely did, I probably only did thanks to my reiki and the jewel."

"I thought you destroyed the jewel? Was that not the point of your group?" He asked.

"We did. It's gone. But, the jewel is what sent me back. I figured that out a while later. It sent me back and changed me as some final act. I think it was some sort of reward for everything," she finished thoughtfully. She'd been wondering about the reasons ever since she noticed the changes.

"What changes?"

"Hey, you don't need to know everything. It's my body. My changes. That's all you're gonna get, alright? I was sent back, accidentally ran into your father and he helped me out. He helped me control the reiki and taught me to defend myself better," she said, thinning her lips. She won't tell him exactly why he trained her and his father's very petty reasoning. At the time she was just glad she found someone to help her out.

Although, she wouldn't argue that he had been incredibly tough on her. She quickly brushed away those memories. Her time had been chaotic there, but she was given so many wonderful memories, too. That is, until that day. Her body ran cold suddenly as she tried to shake off her trembling nerves.

"When were you there?" He asked instead of pushing the changes topic. He didn't feel the need to push such an issue when the answers seemed so obvious. She was stronger than before. And those markings had to be the jewels' essence. He couldn't fully make sense of everything, but he could fit some of the pieces together. She could even heal herself. Was anything regarding her worth caring about, though? It's not as if any of this really affects him. He would need more answers about her time with his father. That wasn't negotiable.

"Toward the end. I almost ran into you when he went off to the final battle, but you couldn't make the time to stop by that human village, I guess. Ya know, I mistook him for you at first." she laughed, thinking back to the distant memory. "He would have been so proud of you, Sesshomaru. All he ever wanted was for you to experience more than just power and bloodlust. The way you looked after Rin… And how you helped us when we needed it. You've done some changing of your own."

"I was there for my personal vengeance against Naraku," Sesshomaru said. She wanted to giggle at the obvious deflection, but she let it slide. Did he forget how many times he saved her?

"Anyway, can you please not tell Inuyasha? He doesn't know," Kagome felt her body tense as she broached the cover-up attempt. She wasn't ready yet. If anger was Sesshomaru's first response, what would Inuyasha's be? She knew it was selfish of her, but she felt that she was allowed a certain level of it after everything she'd been through. She was taken from her family. Both of them. She deserved to do things in her own time.

"You have not told him?" Sesshomaru didn't hide his surprise. He had expected the Miko to unleash her experiences the moment she arrived back. Speaking of which—

"How did you make it back to this time?"

"Ah, I don't have the reason for why I came back. I just tried the well one day and it let me through," she answered.

"Was father dead?"

"Yes."

"Were you with him the moment it happened?"

"No," she lied again.

'"Ah," he replied.

"The reason for the swords?" He asked and she knew exactly what he was meaning.

"Yup. I'm sure you've guessed. You both needed to learn some compassion, but you were given the tougher lesson. He also suspected you two would try and kill each other. Your swords were meant to protect you from the feud actually being fatal. Although, I don't think you guys ever truly tried to kill each other."

"I assure you that I had every intention of doing so," he eyed her before slowly turning his back to the Miko.

"Yeah, you're probably right. Either way, you both learned to care for each other. In your own way. Toga would have loved to see his devious little plan come to fruition."

"What will you do with the witch?" He asked, still facing the forest. She imagined that their little talk was about to be over. A part of her was a little sad knowing that he was about to walk away. The only person she could talk to about her missing years was about to leave. She didn't know how much she wanted to even talk about it until she started to blabber away.

Those years changed more than just her strength and abilities. She wanted someone to speak with on so many various matters. She had so many things she wanted to follow up on. But, she was thrown back into the group dynamics without a hint of change. She was more surprised at how everything had truly stayed the same. Miroku and Sango were more open with each other, but they continued to follow Inuyasha around. They had stayed together.

All Kagome wanted to do was travel with her newfound knowledge and continue to better herself as Toga and Izayoi had taught her. Maybe after this whole witch situation, she could sit the group down and explain. Did this confession time finally give her some courage? She thought she could feel the swell of excitement rise in her chest at the possibility of traversing the lands. Maybe she could do this. She glanced over at the sleeping demon sorceress.

"I have some more questions for her. Then I was gonna let her go. I was hoping she'd lead me to the others. I can't exactly wait for Inuyasha, and I think I could handle them on my own," she stood and stretched out her arms. She had grown tense while she talked about everything. And his attack earlier hadn't helped her aching joints.

"I will bring her with me," Sesshomaru said. Kagome was about to argue, but he cut her off. "You will accompany me. Your knowledge of this may be helpful. I want this threat to my lands to be dealt with swiftly," he said turning toward her. There wasn't a smile, but there was a lighter air to him. His shoulders were slack and his brows were unfurrowed for once. He actually wanted her help. Or, he was waiting to press her for more information. Either way, she found herself grinning.

"Sounds like a plan!" She went to grab the woman, but Sesshomaru beat her to it. He lifted her body like a sack of potatoes and threw her over his shoulder. The witch didn't stir.

"Let us go," he motioned her over and pointed to the spot beside him. She carefully treaded over before her feet were lifted gently into the air. A dense cloud settled beneath her and they took off into the air. She couldn't stop her stomach from twisting as they continued skyward. It was equal parts exhilarating and frightening.

"You've never dropped anyone before on this thing, have you?" She asked with only a small quiver in her tone.

"Only those that I meant to release," he replied. She whipped her head over to him to see the smallest hint of a curved lip. That little joke did nothing to settle her nerves as they rose high into the heavens toward who knows where. Kagome just hoped that it wasn't a long trip because she probably would end up soaring through the sky if she vomited on the Lord of the Western Lands.

. . .

"Steady yourself," his voice rose above the winds sometime later. Kagome inhaled quickly as her nausea was just barely settling down. That was torture. She would rather take another day of Toga's training than experience the clouds' dizzying path again.

They breached the treeline to come across a magnificent palace. The walls were a deep purple and the roof sloped into massive dog statues of some sort of shiny material. Was that gold possibly? Kagome had to admit that she normally wasn't a fan of the feudal-style homes, but this one was like nothing she'd seen before.

He settled them in front of the long stone steps that led to the entrance. The entire building sat atop a mountain and each step was an uphill endeavor. She relished the image as she neared the gate.

A loud boom rang out as the doors slid open for them. He walked in front of her before two demons ran to Sesshomaru's side.

"My Lord! Jaken has given us the update. Is she one of the witches?" A grave voice spoke. He was just as tall as Sesshomaru, but he was thicker around the edges with a long dark beard and thick eyebrows. His yellow eyes turned in her direction, but he didn't say anything. He was waiting for Sesshomaru.

"Yes, take her. We will be in to question her further," he replied cooly. That got her the attention of the other demon. He was far younger, closer to her age she guessed. He gave her a petulant glare as he turned to follow his Lord. He had the look as if he was impersonating a soldier. His black hair was cut short, but his face hadn't lost the chubbiness from his youth yet. His light blue eyes didn't help the image, either.

The older yokai grabbed the demon woman and dragged her along a side entrance, disappearing. There was a huge stone walkway that circled the front of the palace. Ornate doors led to the entrance, but there were multiple entrances around the sides, at least from what she could see without craning her neck to a painful degree.

"And the human, My Lord?" the young yokai questioned.

"Prepare a room for her. She will be staying for some time," he replied as the front doors opened to reveal a dimly lit entrance hall. The area was bathed in fabrics and opulent designs, but she felt his words tug at her. She pushed the ogling for another time.

"What exactly do you mean I'll be staying with you?" Kagome asked, thoroughly confused. They had a group of witches to find.

"The witch is not due for another sacrifice for a few days. And once we have gathered our answers from her, I would ask some questions only you may answer," he gave her a cold look before turning down a hallway and proceeding up some stairs. The young yokai gave her a similar gaze before trekking off in the other direction.

"I can't just hang out because you have questions. Inuyasha will be looking for me," she began.

"I will send Jaken to inform my brother of the situation," he said. A moment passed before he stopped and turned to her. "Only relaying the update on the witches." He turned back around and made his way for a maroon door.

"I mean, I appreciate that, Lord Sesshomaru. I do. But, I can't stay here. And I don't even know how much I do want to tell you yet. Inuyasha deserves to know the truth first," she reasoned.

"You've already failed at that. I will ask my questions," he stated.

"I don't even think there's a lot I can tell you, anyway! There isn't anything too interesting. I was mostly with Izayoi," Kagome whined. A loud clap sounded in the small study he had taken her to as her hand slapped against her mouth. She didn't mean to say that. That wasn't supposed to come out.

Sesshomaru looked at her with a threatening smile. "Oh?" Like father, like son, she thought sardonically.

"Please don't tell him. I'm going to! I swear I've been meaning to. I just can't yet. And no, I will not tell you why." She crossed her arms at that.

"You consistently demand my silence and expect me to obey?" He leaned against a dark wooden desk as he took her in. There was a fireplace that lit the room with the help of the moon. The light bounced right off his glowing golden eyes as he watched her. They roamed down her body before landing on her face once more.

She wasn't sure why, but it rifled her to her core. She didn't like that look. It was menacing, and calculating. He knew he had her. She had a secret that needed keeping and unfortunately, she was right in the palm of his hand. His eyes told her everything she needed to know.

She'd lost any battle that they were rearing up for. She let her arms fall across her chest as she gave her own haughty glare. She could handle that. He can ask his questions. He can win this one. But he won't win the next. She'll make sure of that.

"Alright. I get it. I concede," she threw her hands up in not-so-mock defeat.

"Good, Miko," he nodded. He pushed away from his desk as he rounded on it.

"Oh, no," Kagome piped up, wriggling her finger at him. "You're gonna call me by my name."

His eyes found hers as he raised an eyebrow. "Will I now?"

"Yes, you will," she didn't quite clip off each word, but she definitely pushed an emphasis on each syllable. He was going to learn that she wasn't to be ordered around either. He'd seen that from day one back in Toga'a gravesite.

"Are you not a Miko?" He questioned innocently.

"That's not the point and you know it," she bit back.

"Entering into a challenge with a demon is not wise," he said with a smirk.

"Not wise for those who can't handle themselves. You caught me off guard earlier. I won't let that happen again."

"To be caught off guard is—"

"To roll over on your back for your enemy with a grin. Yes, trust me, I know," she waved off his words. Instead of countering her phrasing, he froze. He looked at her for so long, that she wasn't sure he didn't actually freeze somehow. She shuffled on her feet as he stared, unblinking.

"I told you. I trained with your father. I can refrain from saying things like that though. Is it still hard?" She let her voice grow soft as she cocked her head.

"It is unexpected to hear his words from anyone else," Sesshomaru replied. His voice was just a breath, and she knew he was unsettled.

"Probably can't believe he said it to just a lowly human, huh?" Kagome questioned. His irritation immediately lit his face and she knew the darkness had receded, if only for a moment.

"I do not waste my time on such energies any longer," his words cut through the unease. Sesshomaru noticed the soft smile that played on her lips as she gave him a knowing look. Did she say that on purpose? Was she trying to misdirect his discomfort?

No, she was just a very annoying human. Much like Rin when she first entered his life. She was unaccustomed on how to speak to him, but she learned. He would just have to apply the same techniques. He'd ignore the ridiculous comments until they ceased to happen.

Her growing smile nearly pushed him over the edge.

"May I be dismissed, Lord Sesshomaru?" she said with a bow of her head. Was she mocking him?! He straightened and made his way to her. He grabbed her chin in his hand, ignoring the immediate sizzle of purification.

"You will show proper respect to me, Miko," he demanded.

Kagome let her reiki answer for her. It zapped across his fingers and the smell of slightly burnt skin wafted to her nose. He didn't move his hand. She didn't move away either, and she refused to take her eyes off of his. She felt a claw push against her skin—it hurt, but it didn't draw blood.

Yellow eyes sparked with fury as he stared down at her. His silver hair sat across his face, strands wildly placed from the suddenness of his movements. She could see his pulse as her eyes settled on his neck. It thrummed with heightened energy, preparing for whatever came next.

She followed the lines of his angled jaw up to his pointed ears and across to his markings. Has she ever been this close to him before? She felt her cheeks begin to heat as she found herself unable to look away. And at some point, her reiki had slithered back to wherever it sat within her.

Sesshomaru watched as the Miko stared at him as if it was her first time seeing him. His anger dissipated into curiosity as he found himself doing the same. She had grown since he'd last seen her. She was an adult woman now, and everything about her figure and the way she held herself spoke on this.

He noticed only a moment after that she had ended her assault on his fingers. And he still held her by the chin. He immediately let go and made it a point to slowly walk back to his desk.

"You may leave," he commanded. He began to pull papers from across his desk as he settled into his work. She didn't move for another breath and then she hastened out of his study. He could hear her soft footfalls rushing down the hall. She had challenged him, attacked him, and he just stared at her. Unexpected seemed to be an understatement regarding his reaction to her.

Kagome rushed down the stairs and found herself back in the courtyard of the palace. She appreciated the cool night air against her heated skin. She couldn't even lie to herself about it. She was definitely ogling him! And she actually felt something stirring in the back of her mind.

She could admit the feeling, but that didn't mean that she couldn't do her very best to shove it down. She gave it a few more pushes before she let the breath she'd been holding out. Just three years ago, she was after his brother. She cannot, no matter what, find Sesshomaru attractive. Oh, but when she looked down at his lips…

She gave herself another hard shake. No, not acceptable, Kagome! She admonished herself as she continued to struggle with her inner thoughts.

"Um, Miko Lady," a soft feminine voice called out to her. Kagome whipped around to find the young yokai staring at her, along with a young demon woman. Kagome instantly knew she'd adore her. Her soft eyes welcomed her as she gave the sweetest of smiles. She's adorable! Her hair was cut in a perfect straight line just under her ears. It framed her thin face and long nose.

"I can escort you to your room." The young woman said giving her an even friendlier smile.

"Please! I'm exhausted. And, is there a place where I can bathe nearby?" Kagome asked. The idea of hot water already began to melt away her worries.

"There is. Please come this way," she motioned for Kagome to follow. The young yokai stared after them but didn't follow. She felt his eyes on her the entire time they walked through the courtyard and the entranceway. Yeah. She did not like that one.

"So, you work here? For Lord Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked the second they were alone.

"Oh, yes. My family has been honored to work here for centuries," she replied sweetly.

"Wow, well, I guess that's perhaps nothing to demons. That's pretty wild to me, though. How do you like it?"

"Oh, I love it! My Lord is very generous and protective of his people."

They walked through the same hallway and stairs that she had been through earlier. As they passed the study that she had walked out of, Kagome began to feel a little unnerved.

"I sorta was thinking with how massive this place is that this hallway was like Sesshomaru's personal area. Is it just his office here?"

"Oh no Miko Lady, this section of the house is purely for Sesshomaru's use as you said. He has honored you with a room near his own," the woman smiled up at her.

"Honored me? Yeah, that's what it is," Kagome mumbled. He was keeping an eye on her. As if she'd try to escape from him. She can't exactly say the idea didn't cross her mind though. But still! She deserved some trust at least.

They rounded a final corner where two doors sat on opposite sides of the hall.

"You've got to be kidding me? That's his room right there?" She felt her temper rise as she saw they were only about eight feet apart from each other. "That thing better have a lock."

"Miko Lady?" The young woman looked at her nervously. She wanted to say more, but Kagome could tell she was holding back.

"It's nothing. And please. Call me Kagome," she gave her a warm smile. She knew it probably didn't reach her eyes, but she could hardly be faulted for the irritation.

"Oh yes, and I am Asahari. The door we passed on the right from here is the bathing chamber. If you need anything more, please ring the bell beside your door. Goodnight Kagome." And with that, she was left alone in the hallway.

She glared at the door opposite hers before turning and entering her room. She let out a little gasp as she took it in. It opened directly to a small living area with an incredible amount of ornate wooden furniture. A low table sat off to the center with indigo placement mats surrounding It. The wall had been painted with the story of some battle it seemed.

Kagome moved to the next room which appeared to be the bedroom. There was a plush futon that sat above several platforms. It was directly next to another magnificent mural on the wall. She recognized the inu daiyokai instantly, but she wasn't sure what story it told.

To the side was a wooden shelf with handfuls of fabrics strewn across it. She recognized them to be kimonos of various styles. They were all silken and absolutely beautiful. A part of her wondered where they came from. Were these his families, or some past lover? Either way, she adored the intricate designs. As she picked one up, she could tell there was a slight difference from normal kimonos. These must be pretty old, she knew instantly. They were earlier designs. They'd probably be worth a fortune in her time.

She grabbed one of the casual jinbei's she could find and made her way to the bathing room.

The room was simpler in design than the rest of the house, but it was no less beautiful. The entire room seemed to be made of stone and the bath steamed as if it was a natural hot spring. It was so natural with the rocks surrounding the area it was as if she stepped out into the woods. She felt herself relax as she sat at the edge of the water, allowing her legs to fall in slowly.

The heat slithered through her, emitting a wonderful shiver down her spine. A moan escaped her lips and she felt every muscle in her body relax. This, she could get used to.

Kagome finished quickly, just in case Sesshomaru made his way over without warning. She scurried back to her room and was decently disappointed to find no locking mechanism. Were those even invented yet?

She wondered if the witch would be waking soon. If she did, would Sesshomaru get her, or would he interrogate her himself? She didn't want to admit that she didn't need to be there for that. She could hardly stomach hurting the woman. Despite knowing that she'd killed dozens of people. Her heart just wasn't as blackened as so many wished it to be.

Her thoughts finally seemed to rest as she sat on her bed. It was surprisingly comfortable and incredibly soft.

She settled into the futon and passed out within moments. Her dreams were full of yokai royalty and clouds.