InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Kiss for A Prince ❯ Homecomings... ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter Four: Homecomings


Before them stood an enormous iron gate between what seemed to be two sides of a high rock face. Spikes protruded dangerously from the metal like thorns from a rose. Kagome tilted her head back and attempted to see the top that seemed to disappear into the clouds above.

"Wow…" Kagome whispered. "Where does it end?"

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru reprimanded. "What did I say?" Kagome ducked her head down instantly and clasped her hands together underneath the robe. Inuyasha moved from Sesshoumaru's right to Kagome's left.

"Don't worry Kagome. It's just a part of the defense systems."

'Defense systems?' Kagome wondered, but said nothing as Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru reached out and touched the gates. "You are never to touch this gate Kagome," Sesshoumaru instructed. "And you are never allowed past them without my permission."

"Yes Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome replied as the gate split down the middle and opened. The group moved forward, toward a cliff wall beyond the gates. The ground around them was devoid of any and all life, without a single blade of grass or a dew drop below them.

Sesshoumaru reached the wall first, surprising Kagome when he passed right through it and disappeared. His tail came after her moments later, wrapping around her wrist to pull her forward. Kagome squeaked in surprise, fearfully expecting to collide with the black rock ahead of her.

She passed through the wall like a ghost; turning back almost instantly as Inuyasha and Lasher rode in behind her. Kagome nervously glanced around her, Sesshoumaru's grip on her wrist forgotten as she looked around. It felt as if she were a part of the mountain, with the life that hid from the outside world surrounding her.

A gopher made his way through the earth to the left of her, and a stream trickled past her on the right as ants marched around her.

'What magic is this?' Kagome wondered, nervously clasping her armlet for comfort. 'I wish Inuyasha would explain this too.'

*

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru could smell Kagome's fear and nervousness, which was one of the reasons why Sesshoumaru kept his tail around her. Inuyasha felt sorry for the poor girl and wished there was something he could do to help her. 'She has good reason to be frightened,' Inuyasha thought as Kagome fidgeted ahead of him. 'This all must be very confusing.'

'What magic is this?'

Inuyasha blinked, looking around him for a sign of the person that spoke to him. He recognized the voice after a moment, but shook it off as a fluke.

'I wish Inuyasha would explain this too.'

'Kagome?'

'Inuyasha?!' Kagome jumped ahead of him, apparently as surprised as he was. 'Are you doing this?'

'This inside your head thing?'

'Yeah.'

Inuyasha shook his head. 'No, I'm not. Are you?'

'Not that I am aware of. But how then if-'

'It's not important. We'll ask someone when we arrive home. How are you?'

'I am well.'

'But nervous.' Inuyasha smiled at the strange look Sesshoumaru gave him, mentally laughing when he turned around with his blank expression back in place. 'Don't worry. This is just another defense system.'

'I do not understand. What are the defense systems?'

'They're to keep the Dark Army from finding the castle. The gate corrodes anything that touches it that isn't of us, including plant life. That's why everything looks the way it does outside.'

'What do you mean by 'of us'?' Kagome asked, her thumb tracing the small pink bead in the middle of her armlet.

'It's to have the western blood somewhere on you. You don't because you're not to leave the grounds without Sesshoumaru or myself, but the members of the army have a small amount of Sesshoumaru's or our father's blood on them.'

'How does that happen?'

"We are there," Sesshoumaru announced before stepping through another wall. Kagome let go of the armlet, unknowingly turning off the mind link as Sesshoumaru pulled her through. The sight that greeted her on the other side was more than beautiful, and she and Sesshoumaru waited for Inuyasha to venture through the wall before walking on.

The air here was slightly warmer, but still cool enough to redden the tip of Kagome's nose. A large garden was spread out before them, with paths of grass winding their way around the grounds like a maze. Flowers of all colors surrounded the paths, but seemed to shy away from the paved stone underneath her feet.

A white castle stood a way ahead of them, surrounded on three sides by the garden. There was nothing but empty air in the back, with the rushing ocean at least 20 feet below.

'It's beautiful, isn't it Inuyasha?' Kagome waited for his answer, and dared to look over her shoulder at him when he didn't respond. 'Inuyasha?'

"Kagome."

Kagome turned back around, guessing that whatever it was that activated the link between them was now expired. 'Maybe it had something to do with the defense systems,' Kagome thought as they approached another gate and a pair of armed guards.

"Welcome home Sesshoumaru-sama," one greeted as they opened the gates. A horn blasting above them startled Kagome. Sesshoumaru's tail snaked up her sleeve, wrapping around the armlet as Kagome reached for it again.

'Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama,' she thought, patting the end of his tail. Sesshoumaru heard her, though he made no move to acknowledge so as he lead them through the gates to the castle ahead of them. Soldiers stood on either side of them, their heads bowed and their right hands crossed over their chest to their left side in salute.

Kagome clasped her hands in front of her obediently and kept her head lowered as they approached a stable. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha dismounted their horses, leaving them in the stable hand's care before walking into the insides of the castle. Soldiers lined their path as they made their way deeper into the castle, finally stopping at a pair of gilded wooden doors.

Sesshoumaru pulled Kagome behind him as the guards stationed there opened the doors and shut them behind them once they stepped inside.

Once again, Kagome was awe-stricken as she looked around the room. It was obviously a throne room, shaped in a semi-circle with the rounded part along the edge of the room. There were white pillars along the rounded edge that held up the ceiling. There was no wall, but it seemed to be an invisible barrier to keep out the elements. Kagome guessed that the view would be breathtaking, should she ever get over her fear of heights and peer over the edge.

There were five figures in the room that she could tell, but she could not see their faces. All she could see were the color of their clothes. There were three dressed in red, one on the left and two on the right, with a figure in black standing a little ahead of the red figure on the left. Kagome noticed another dressed in pure white sat on the throne ahead of them as a voice boomed around them.

"Welcome home Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. How fared your journey?"

"Our journey was well Father," Sesshoumaru answered. "We accomplished much."

"Tell me of your travels, and what transpired between you and the wolf tribe of the north."

"Prince Kouga agreed to our alliance," Inuyasha stated, his disgust evident even to Kagome. "Though his lands have not been visited by the Dark Army, he gladly lends his assistance."

"I see," replied his father, his voice shaking in amusement. "I take it you do not approve of him, do you Inuyasha?"

"He's a pompous ass!" Inuyasha announced, earning chuckles from everyone but Sesshoumaru. Kagome covered her hand with her mouth, but that didn't stop her shoulders from shaking as Sesshoumaru elbowed Inuyasha's ribs. "Oh, sorry Sesshoumaru. I forgot."

"Forgot what?"

"The rest of our report," Sesshoumaru stated, glaring at Inuyasha a moment before continuing. "We traveled through the northwestern part of the lands-"

"And came across the kingdom of Damascas!" Inuyasha interrupted, his face lit with excitement. Sesshoumaru glared at him again, freezing Inuyasha in place as their father started to laugh.

"Did you now?" he chuckled merrily. "And what did you find?"

"Nothing of importance to you Father," Sesshoumaru answered as Kagome began to fidget once again. The cape was beginning to become a little too warm for her, and she shifted it to the side to get some air.

The figures in red started first, then the one in black.

"Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes Father?" Sesshoumaru asked with a smirk. The cloak he gave Kagome was enchanted with a scent barrier, and the moment it moved her scent wafted through the room like a lily along the wind.

"What is that behind your back?"

"Oh this." Sesshoumaru pulled Kagome to stand beside him, his tail sticking out from under the front of the cape. "She is-"

"The sleeping princess!" Inuyasha exclaimed, then clamped a hand over his mouth. "Sorry Sesshoumaru."

The figure in white stepped closer, until Kagome could see the helm of his hakamas and his boots in front of her. "Look up ningen."

Kagome glanced over to Sesshoumaru, and did as the youkai requested at Sesshoumaru's nod. Blue eyes met golden instantly, and for a moment she found herself reeling in confusion. 'Why, he looks exactly like Sesshoumaru,' she realized as she focused on his face.

Golden eyes shone back at her, but instead of the chilled glare she normally associated with Sesshoumaru, they seemed as warm as the sun as they smiled down at her. His face remained passive as he studied her, reaching up to pull the hood away from her head.

"She is dressed in the old ways," he determined, removing the cloak fully and passing it to the red figure on Kagome's left. "And her hair is as such." He lifted her hands, tracing a clawed fingertip along the palms. "And her hands are not callused. Who are you ningen?"

Kagome glanced to Sesshoumaru once again, remembering his order about speaking before answering him. "I am-"

"She's Princess Kagome Father!" Inuyasha exclaimed for her. The youkai ahead of her shook his head. "That is impossible. That is but a legend."

"But I assure you it's not," Inuyasha forged ahead. "We found the castle of roses in a cliff north of here. Sesshoumaru was the only one able to get through. When I finally reached them, she was awake!"

"Are you sure?" the youkai asked, though Kagome could tell by the look in his eyes that he believed Inuyasha. "What say you princess? Are you really she that slept for 400 years?"

Kagome nodded quietly, gasping when he hooked a finger underneath her chin and tilted her head back. He was at least two feet taller than her small 5'2", with the same white hair as Inuyasha. Green stripes adorned his cheeks and wrists. He was dressed in a white gi with blue embroidery on the left shoulder and a red and gold sash around his waist.

"You smell of roses," he said, returning Kagome back to his scrutiny. "Fear, and of old silk sheets. " He , glanced over to Sesshoumaru, noting his passive face. "And you say she is yours? By what right?"

Sesshoumaru bristled slightly, but remained calm as he answered. "In exchange for her father's life and aid against the Dark Army. She agreed to the terms."

"Did she?" The youkai returned his gaze to Kagome with a look of pity and understanding in his eyes. "No one will harm you here," he told her. "And your people will receive the aid Sesshoumaru promised you."

Kagome breathed a sigh relief, the fear in her scent calming as she replied "I do not fear you. I am just a little nervous."

"Nervous?" he asked, ignoring Sesshoumaru's glare. "Of what?"

"I have never seen so many youkai in one place. It is unnerving."

"I see."

'I see where Sesshoumaru gets that from,' Kagome thought, a smile briefly passing her lips.

"Well, have either of my sons given you a reason to not trust them?"

"They have not, but we have not been introduced."

He laughed, releasing Kagome's chin and propping himself on Sesshoumaru's shoulder. "You have a clever one there Sesshoumaru," he said, his laughter ringing from the walls. "She is right however. I am InuTaisho little one," he said with a bow. Kagome bowed back and he laughed once again.

"She is the princess as you said Inuyasha. Her bow says it all." He turned to Sesshoumaru then, all laughter and jolliness dissipating as he regarded his eldest son. "Why is she here and not with her people?"

"She agreed to come with me," Sesshoumaru answered. "So I may see to her training. She is to be the next ruler of her people."

"Hmmm…." InuTaisho thought for a moment, then "Since she is yours, would you mind if someone lead her to the bathhouses?"

"It was on my list of things to do. I wanted her to meet the Grand Generals first."

"Very well then." InuTaisho glanced to Kagome's right. "Step forth."

One of the red figures, what Kagome could now see to be two men, stepped forward and bowed before her. He was dressed in a red open coat that brushed his calves, with black pants and boots with a wide leather belt. His dark brown hair was cropped close to his head, with a few locks in the front grazing his cheekbones. A scar in the shape of a check mark was underneath his right eye.

"I am Kilik, my lady," he replied as Kagome returned the bow.

The other male stepped forward, this one dressed like Kilik with long black hair pulled back in a low ponytail. The points of his ears gave him an elfin look, with dark gray eyes staring back at her.

"I am Keni'Chi."

The figure on the left stepped forward, Kagome's cloak in one hand as she bowed before her. She was dressed in red as well, with her hair pulled back in a low braid that reached the back of her knees. Instead of an open jacket and black pants like the males, she was dressed in a red tunic that split up the sides, with a pair of red shorts with blue strips up the sides and a pair of red boots.

"I am Nassirudden."

The two beside her began to snicker, and InuTaisho interrupted them before the female could defend herself. "These are the Grand Generals. You may trust them."

"Thank you," Kagome said with a bow.

"Nassirudden," Sesshoumaru said, gesturing to Kagome. "Take her to the bathhouses, insure she eats, then bring her to my chambers."

InuTaisho quirked a brow, but said nothing as Nassirudden escorted Kagome out of the room. "Inuyasha, take Kilik and Keni'Chi to check on your horses. Be sure they are properly cared for."

'Otherwise known as: Leave before I chew your brother out,' Inuyasha translated as he and the generals bowed and left the room. Inuyasha watched as the doors closed behind him, then glanced at the two behind him. "Well, do you guys really want to go to the stables?"

"What do you have in mind?" Kilik asked as Keni'Chi leaned against the wall. Inuyasha gave an evil smile, sniffing for Kagome's scent.

"I say we find Nassi and aggravate her."

"But won't she try to fr-"

"I'm for it!" Keni'Chi announced, leading the way down the hall. Inuyasha followed immediately, with Kilik trailing along behind them. "Well," he groaned despondently. "They can't say that I didn't try to warn them. "

*

Kagome and Nassirudden made their way through the vast palace, Nassirudden explaining what stood behind certain doors as they passed them.

"This is the main serving hall," Nassirudden pointed out, motioning for Kagome to continue forward. "It's mostly for servants and soldiers, but you may eat here if you wish. The food isn't the greatest though. May I ask you something?"

"Alright," Kagome said with a nod. "What is it?"

"Are you really the sleeping princess?"

Kagome nodded, giggling slightly. "I believe so. But I prefer to be called Kagome."

"I like Kagome better anyway. I'm sure we'll be great friends. Oh, call me Nassi. Everyone else does." Nassirudden suddenly tensed, then groaned. "Oh no. Here they come…"

"Hey Nassi!" Inuyasha called as he, Kilik ad Keni'Chi rounded the corner. "Wait up!"

"Come on Kagome," Nassirudden whispered. "If we keep going, they'll get the hint and leave us alone."

"But why?" Kagome asked as Nassirudden grabbed her upper arm and hauled her down the hallway. Keni'Chi landed directly in front of them, knocking both girls backward.

"Jerk!" Nassirudden hissed, helping Kagome to stand as Keni'Chi and Inuyasha laughed at them. Kilik shook his head, reaching out to help Kagome as well. "Forgive them Kagome," Kilik said, he and Kagome watching as Nassirudden turned to Keni'Chi and Inuyasha with a scowl on her face. "They mean no harm."

"They're just children," Nassirudden growled irritably. "Move out of the way you two, or you'll regret not doing so."

"You're threats mean nothing Short-Round," Keni'Chi taunted, giggling as Inuyasha doubled over laughing.

Nassirudden growled again, her gray eyes lightening to a pale silver. "You're asking for it."

"Hey, have you told her what you're name means yet?" Inuyasha asked, laughing once again as she paled.

"What does he mean?" Kagome asked Kilik. Kilik shook his head. "Just sit tight. You're going to find out soon enough."

"It means 'Protector of the Faith'," Nassirudden answered her. "So what? Big deal."

"Big deal?" Kagome asked. "It means that its nothing of importance," Kilik replied.

"Not that," Keni'Chi interrupted. "What it means…"

"Not this again," Nassirudden grumbled. "Look, we have to g-"

"That Nassirudden's a guy's name!"

Keni'Chi and Inuyasha roared as her cheeks reddened. "That's it!" she cried. "You guys are toast!"

"Oooo, we're so scared!" Inuyasha teased as he and Keni'Chi ran around Kagome and Kilik with Nassirudden in hot pursuit. "You can't catch us bird brain!"

"She hates her name," Kilik explained as he and Kagome watched. "That's why they pick on her."

"What does that mean?" Kagome asked.

"They tease her, like they're doing now."

"Yeah well," Nassirudden stopped, tugging on her braid nervously. "It's not my fault. My parents thought I would be a boy."

"You sure act like one!" Keni'Chi crowed, and the chase began anew. Kilik sighed as Kagome giggled beside him. "You'd never guess that Inuyasha a prince and Keni'Chi and Nassirudden are one of the three over the entire western army."

"Really?"

"Really, but as I said, you'd never guess it from the way they behave." He grabbed Nassirudden by the waist, pulling her to a stop as Keni'Chi and Inuyasha ran down the hallway. "Ignore them. You know how they are."

Nassirudden crossed her arms over her chest and pouted, earning another chuckle from Kagome. "You enjoyed that huh?" she grumbled, her bottom lip sticking out. "I'm going to hurt them."

"They only pick on you because you get angry so easily," Kilik told her. "You should remember that when they tease you."

"Besides," Kagome piped. "I think Nassirudden's a beautiful name."

Nassirudden smiled at her, her eyes returning back to dark gray. "Really? Thanks Kagome."

"No thanks are necessary."

"Come on," Nassirudden said, taking Kagome by the arm and leading her down the hallway. "You have a bath to take."

"Goodbye Kilik!" Kagome called before she and Nassirudden disappeared. Kilik waved back. "Now," he sighed, turning around and heading in the direction Inuyasha and Keni'Chi ran in. "To handle those two."

*

InuTaisho sat down, motioning for Sesshoumaru to sit in front of him as he addressed his vassel. "Jaken, would you leave us a moment?"

"Are you sure my lord?" Jaken asked, eying Sesshoumaru warily. "It might be best that I stay."

"No, you're services are not necessary," InuTaisho assured him. "You may go."

Jaken did as requested, only looking back once before the doors to the throne room closed behind him. Sesshoumaru wrinkled his nose in distaste. "I do not like him Father," he confessed. "He does not strike me as trustworthy."

"Jaken has been with me since before you were born," InuTaisho said. "I trust him, even if you do not. What of you and an advisor?"

"I have yet to find one," Sesshoumaru stated. "I may well do without one."

"Nonsense," InuTaisho replied. "You are in need of one, and I shall help you search. I think I have the perfect one in mind."

"Is he anything like Myouga?" Sesshoumaru asked. InuTaisho shook his head. "No, he is nothing like Inuyasha's little flea man. This one is quite loyal, and has more of a backbone."

"Of that I'm grateful," Sesshoumaru mumbled.

"Now what of the Prince Kouga?" InuTaisho asked. "Why has he fallen out of Inuyasha's favor?"

"He was never in Inuyasha's favor to begin with. He and the wolf prince nearly came to blows."

"Inuyasha has always had a quick temper. For what reason was the bickering?"

"He called Inuyasha Dog Breath, among other things."

InuTaisho snorted, then started to laugh. "Your brother-"

"Half brother."

InuTaisho sighed, his eyes closing for a moment before regarding Sesshoumaru with all seriousness. "You are going to have to overcome that, Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha will someday become the only family you have."

"I'm sure of that Father. I will try," Sesshoumaru answered, his stoic expression back in place. InuTaisho sighed again. "And what of the ningen? Why is she here?"

"She agree-"

"You have said this," InuTaisho interrupted. "But you have yet to tell me of her duties here. Why could she not stay at her own kingdom? What could you teach her here that couldn't be taught in her domain?"

Sesshoumaru thought over the question, trying to find the quickest way to answer without giving away his true intentions. "She is here because I want to ensure her safety. Ningen wars are quite irritating, and her country would surly fall into one should any harm befall her. We also have three of the best fighters in all of Japan to help train her."

InuTaisho nodded thoughtfully as he stood up. "And what has she agreed to for this help?"

"To be completely obedient to me."

"So her parents accepted this?"

"Yes."

"I see." InuTaisho walked toward the back of the room, staring out at the horizon and the waves that crashed so many feet below him. "And what is this of saving her father's life?"

Sesshoumaru flinched slightly, but quickly regained his composure. "Her father was rather…disrespectful upon her awakening. I merely informed him of his place."

"To the point where she gave up her freedom to save him?" InuTaisho countered, turning to face Sesshoumaru. "And what business has she in your chambers?"

"I do not have to listen to this," Sesshoumaru growled, standing to leave. "I am leaving."

"SESSHOUMARU!!!"

Sesshoumaru stood, glaring over his shoulder at him. "What can I do for you, Father?"

"You are sorely trying my patience," InuTaisho warned. "Sit down."

"You cannot order m-"

"Sit down!"

Sesshoumaru did so reluctantly, his growing temper shining in his eyes. InuTaisho turned back to the surf, allowing his voice to show his displeasure as he glared down at the crashing waves.

"I do not know what you have planned for her, but you have given your word to help her and her kingdom. That you shall do."

"That is what I intended," Sesshoumaru interrupted. InuTaisho said nothing for a moment, then "Good. I'm glad that we agree. The girl however, is not to become your personal slave."

"Of this she has agree-"

"I do not care what she has agreed to," InuTaisho answered, his ears perking at Sesshoumaru's growl. "Her father obviously has no knowledge of the customs, as he would not have allowed her to come here even of her own free will. I will act as her father from now on in this case. You are to insure she is taught the ways of the land, how to govern her people and how to fight.

"Once she is able to, she will serve a time in the army, hopefully with the same status as the other Grand Generals.

"But more importantly," InuTaisho stated as he turned to face Sesshoumaru. "She is not to be in your bedchambers without express permission from me."

"You cannot order me," Sesshoumaru growled. "I am the Great Taiyoukai, not you!"

"You may be but you are still my son, and my chosen heir," InuTaisho growled back. "You have much to learn, pup!"

Sesshoumaru's growl turned to a deep snarl, his claws lengthening as his eyes began to bleed red. InuTaisho smiled back at him, his face calm and pleasant despite the growing threat. "One lesson would be to control your temper. Are you willing to risk frightening your new pet because you want to prove a point?"

Sesshoumaru blinked, the red slowly leaving his eyes. "That is what I thought," InuTaisho observed. "You may be Great Taiyoukai, but you are in my home. You must learn to be hospitable in spite of your superior status, and to agree to the ruling taiyoukai's wishes."

"And why should I?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Because you have no allegiances, no army, and nowhere to put an army once you have one. That is why the Great Taiyoukai has always been one with lands. You are the first to be without." InuTaisho motioned for Sesshoumaru to sit back down, then continued.

"You must learn that all deserve your respect," InuTaisho explained. "A princess, whether she is ningen or youkai, does not deserve to be demeaned as you are planning. She is still a child, and is too young to share a bed with you."

"I would not mate the creature," Sesshoumaru responded. "She is merely a source of entertainment."

"Of that I am sure," InuTaisho smiled. "So of course the reason you calmed so quickly when I mentioned her is because of said amusement?"

Sesshoumaru looked away, missing the knowing glint in his father's eyes. "Are my chambers ready?"

InuTaisho nodded. "Yes my lord," he said with a bow. "They are ready. They are past the eastern wing of the castle."

"Thank you. Now please excuse me."

"Very good Sesshoumaru," InuTaisho praised as he and Sesshoumaru bowed. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you Father." InuTaisho watched as Sesshoumaru left the room and shook his head. "But you need discipline to become the great taiyoukai you wish to be."

*

Kagome happily sighed, standing up and stretching slightly. "It feels so good to be clean!" she giggled before diving under the water. 'And hot springs! How wondrous. Is there nothing here that they lack?'

"Kagome?" Nassirudden called from the other side of the spring. "It's time you were out. You're going to wrinkle."

"Alright," Kagome said as she surfaced. "I'm coming." She grabbed one of the drying clothes from the side of the spring and covered herself as she stepped out. "I do apologize," Kagome said. "But I've never heard of an indoor spring. It's wonderful!"

"It is, isn't it?" Nassirudden agreed as Kagome dried. "Here," she passed Kagome a new kimono. "I thought you would be more comfortable in this."

"Thank you," Kagome replied as she began to dress. The inner layers of the kimono were all white, but the outer layer was a dark indigo with a white crescent moon on the back. "It's lovely."

"I'm glad you think so. Now put your cloak back on," Nassirudden instructed. "And then we'll eat."

Kagome tossed on the cloak the way Sesshoumaru showed her, then followed Nassirudden out of the bathhouse and back toward the castle. "How long have you been here?" she asked as Nassirudden held open a back door.

"I've served Lord InuTaisho for 200 years," Nassirudden responded. "But that is nothing compared to some."

"Amazing…" Kagome whispered.

"And what of you? How long have you been awake?" Nassirudden asked.

"But a few days."

"Really? Wow…" Nassirudden smiled then, glancing over to Kagome before opening another door. "And what about you and Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Of what do you mean?" Kagome asked, a dark blush rising on her cheeks. Nassirudden giggled. "That is what I mean. He seems quite possessive of you and you taken with him. May I ask why?"

"I do not know," Kagome admitted. "One would think that I would be frightened by him."

"But you're not?"

"No," Kagome shook her head. "I'm not. Is that strange?"

"No, it's not," Nassirudden determined. "Some are born with a natural fear of youkai. I'm glad you don't have it. It would make being here harder."

"How so?"

"You see," Nassirudden said before sniffing around a bit. "You, Kilik and the palace monk are the only humans in the castle. Everyone else, from servants to soldiers, are all youkai or hanyou."

"But hasn't Kilik always served with you?"

"Kilik has served longer than I."

"How is that possible?"

Nassirudden smiled, then turned toward the left hallway. "He shall have to tell you. It is a great tale, and one I think you'll appreciate."

"Alright then," Kagome replied, dropping the subject. "Who is the palace monk?"

"Stay away from him!" Nassirudden warned. "He's the palace hentai!"

"Oooo…"

"And you would only enrage Sesshoumaru-sama."

"I see," Kagome said, then giggled.

"What?" Nassirudden asked, stopping to look at her. "What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry," Kagome said between giggles. "It's just that, Sesshoumaru-sama says that, InuTaisho-sama said it, and now I'm saying it!"

"Oh, I get it now," Nassirudden chuckled. "You're right, it is funny. Now come along. I can hear your stomach from here."

*

"There you two scoundrels are," Kilik said as he entered the northern guard house. Inuyasha and Keni'Chi took one look at him and began their laughter anew.

"Is she really mad?" Keni'Chi asked as Inuyasha wheezed from beside him. "She sure looked it!"

"She's going to seriously hurt you two," Kilik warned. "Inuyasha is one thing, but you Keni'chi should know better!"

"Relax old man," Keni'Chi said, howling when Kilik scowled at him. "We're only making fun."

"Yeah," Inuyasha said. "Nassi knows we don't mean it!"

"I'm sure she does, but you two should beware the day when she forgets, especially you water youkai!" he pointed to Keni'Chi. "She could seriously hurt you."

"Nassi loves me!" Keni'Chi laughed. "She wouldn't hurt me. That's why she doesn't zap me."

"But you two should not take advantage of that."

"Alright, alright," Inuyasha said as he calmed down. "We'll stop, right Keni'Chi?"

"Right. We'll leave her alone."

"Good." Kilik turned to leave, then "Oh, and uncross your fingers."

"Why Kilik, we have no ide-"

Kilik frowned, and Inuyasha and Keni'Chi pulled their crossed fingers from behind them. "Just like children," Kilik mumbled, walking away as the two burst into laughter from behind him.

*

"Sesshoumaru-sama," Nassirudden called as she knocked on Sesshoumaru's bedroom door. "I've brought Kagome-san to you as you requested."

"Come in."

Nassirudden opened the door and stepped inside, yelping in surprise when Sesshoumaru closed the door behind her. "But Sesshoumaru-sama, Kagome-san-"

"Give Kagome her own room," Sesshoumaru ordered, holding the door in place behind her.

"Which room?"

"I do not care, but be sure it is close to mine. Come back when you have done this."

Nassirudden nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her before glancing at Kagome. "Guess what?"

"What?" Kagome asked nervously.

"You get your own room!"

"Seriously!" Kagome chirped. Nassirudden nodded. "Sesshoumaru-sama just requested it!"

"Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama!" Kagome called as Nassirudden pulled her down the hallway. "Thank you so much!"

"Shhhh!" Nassirudden hissed, a finger to her lips as she shook her head. "You could wake others here!"

"I do apologize," Kagome whispered, then followed Nassirudden down the hallway. They stopped three doors from Sesshoumaru's chamber. "This is it," Nassirudden announced as she slid the door aside.

Kagome stepped inside, noticing that the room only had a simple futon, a clothes closet, and a chair. "Forgive the sparse accommodations," Nassirudden said as Kagome sat on the foot of the bed. "I'm sure this will be remedied soon."

"It's nothing," Kagome assured her, flopping backward and closing her eyes. "I'm just happy to be here at all."

"OK then" Nassirudden chuckled. "There are blankets inside the chest at the foot of the bed, and a sleeping gown inside the clothes closet. I will arrange with Sesshoumaru-sama more clothing and some-" she tisked at the room once again. "color for this room. Should you need anything, call for me."

"Alright Nassi. Thank you."

"My pleasure Kagome," Nassirudden replied with a smile, bowing before slicing Kagome's door closed. She returned to Sesshoumaru's room, entering upon his permission.

"What may I do for you, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

Sesshoumaru glanced in her direction from his position at the window, then returned to it as he began his instructions. "I wish for you, Kilik and Keni'Chi to begin training Kagome tomorrow morning."

"Train her in what way?"

"She is to learn everything you already know, including how to ride a horse."

"She cannot ride," Nassirudden asked, a small smile on her lips. Sesshoumaru nodded. "She is also to learn the ways of society, both youkai and ningen and how to fight. Father wants her to join you when she is able."

"As you wish Sesshoumaru-sama," Nassirudded bowed.

"And Nassirudden?"

"Yes Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Be sure to inform me of her progress. I want to know everything she learns, and to approve it before she learns it."

"Yes my lord. May I ask what's to be done about her clothing and room?"

"It is rather dull, isn't it?" Sesshoumaru shrugged slightly, then said "Tell the seamstress to start on her clothing and allow her to pick out her own things from storage."

"As you wish my lord," Nassirudded said, leaving at Sesshoumaru's permission. 'Aw man," she grumbled, following Kilik's scent toward the northern guardhouse. 'Now to tell the boys. I'm sure they'll be more than pleased.'

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