InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Kiss for A Prince ❯ A Lady's Training Begins ( Chapter 5 )

SF: SSDD. I don't own Inuyasha, I don't own Kilik, and I for damn sure don't own Keni'Chi. He owns himself, right Silver?

Silver Fox: Right! I belong to me!

SF: As do I, So on with the show!

*Precious and Fireash: Alright, here's what InuTaisho was talking about just in case I didn't explain it. See, normally the Great Taiyoukai has been someone with lands, like one of the existing taiyoukai. Sesshoumaru became Great Taiyoukai while InuTaisho is still Western Taiyoukai. Don't worry, because I think there's a class on that in this chapter. *

Chapter Five: A Lady's Training Begins

Kagome awoke the next morning to knocking at her door. She glanced around, still in a sleepy haze, before speaking.

"Who is it?"

"It's me Kagome," Nassirudden said from the other side. "May I come in?"

"Yes, but be careful. It is dark in here."

The door slid open, and Nassirudden stuck her head inside. "Holy crap, you're right! Hang on a sec." She disappeared, reappearing seconds later with a torch in hand. "This should make things better," she said as she lit the candelabras on either side of the door. "There, now you can see. How are you this morning?"

"It's morning?" Kagome asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "It can not be. The sun is not up yet."

"Despite that, it's morning. Everyone else in the palace is either already up or waking up." Kagome rolled back over and attempted sleep once again, yelping in surprise when Nassirudden reached over and shook her shoulder.

"What on earth?!" she cried, jumping out of bed. "What's so important?"

"You're training starts today."

"Really?" Kagome smiled, forgetting about her rude awakening in her excitement. "Why did you not say so?"

"I was trying to," Nassirudden quipped. She slid the door open once again, reaching for something on the floor after placing the torch on the opposite wall. "Here you go Kagome. Breakfast in bed."

Kagome sat back on the bed as Nassirudden brought in a small tray and a large canvas sack. She sat the sack in the nearby chair and set the tray on the bed beside Kagome. "Eat up. We have a long day ahead of us."

Kagome picked up the apple, leaving the miso soup and the rice for later as Nassirudden frowned at the room around her. "This place looks horrible," she grumbled, glaring at the clothes closet. "This thing is too small and your bed is too. It's a twin for crying out loud!"

"A twin?" Kagome repeated around the apple. "What is that?"

"Um." Nassirudden blushed a bit, scratching her head as she answered. "It's what we call beds your size. You need something bigger."

"I am fine with the room like it is," Kagome soothed. Nassirudden snorted lightly. "In spite of that, I'm going to arrange for you to get a new bed, and a new closet. Plus…" Kagome continued to eat as Nassirudden listed all the changes she would have placed for Kagome by the end of the day.

'How strange this youkai is,' Kagome thought as Nassirudden mumbled something about the windows. 'She speaks like Inuyasha, and she is so…different. Like she is not from this country.' Nassirudden stepped to a nearby corner, her back to Kagome as she seemed to measure something.

'And her clothing. That is stranger than everything else, but everything in this era is,' she glanced over the bowl of soup at the general. Nassirudden's jet black hair was in a low braid, twisted at the base of her skull to make a large bun. She wore a long-sleeved white button-up tunic that reached mid thigh, with a brown leather belt wrapped around her waist. Matching fingerless gloves were on her arms and boots that were an inch above her knees completed the strange outfit, with a brown hooded cape slung haphazardly over her shoulders.

****

Kilik: To those who are wondering, the training gi Kagome and Nassirudden have on are Sophita's unlocked costume from 'Soul Caliber II'

****

She turned to Kagome then, smiling as she hurried Kagome along. "Come on, we don't have all day! We have so much to do!" Kagome watched as Nassirudden set the tray back outside, wondering to herself how she knew that she didn't want the rice when something red flashed in the morning sunlight.

"What is that?" Kagome asked, pointing to Nassirudden's necklace; a simple golden chain with a red oval stone pendant. The same golden crescent and full moon that Kagome was becoming used to were stamped on the stone.

"That's my bloodstone," Nassirudden explained, glancing out the window as the sun began to rise. "It's what grants me access to the castle and the gate surrounding it."

"Oh," Kagome replied, remembering something about blood in her conversation with Inuyasha. 'So that's what he meant,' she realized as Nassirudden retrieved yet another item from the hallway. This one was a white porcelain basin with a full water pitcher. She set it on the floor in front of Kagome's bed, then turned and began to empty the forgotten sack.

"OK, this is yours," she said, handing Kagome a set of clothes just like hers. "Wash up and change." Nassirudden turned to the windows as Kagome began to change, turning when Kagome said that all was clear.

"How does it fit?" Nassirudden asked as Kagome tugged on the end of the tunic.

"It is a little loose, and the boots and gloves are a bit heavy."

"I do apologize for that. It's one of my old outfits, and the boots and gloves are fitted with metal slabs. They help to make your arms and legs stronger. You should have new clothes when you return this afternoon. Are you ready?"

Kagome nodded, draping her new cloak around her shoulders as Nassirudden lead the way out of the room.

"Every morning, a servant will wake you at the same time I did," Nassirudden said as she and Kagome walked down the stairs to the bottom floor. "They'll leave water for you to wash up with and breakfast. After you eat and get dressed, you're to report to the dojo as soon as possible."

"Alright," Kagome said, paying attention to the instructions as they walked down a hallway.

"If you get lost, call for help and someone will assist you."

"What if I wake someone?"

Nassirudden chuckled lightly. "I doubt that. You and Sesshoumaru-dono are the only one's in this part of the castle."

"You jest," Kagome gasped, startled as Nassirudden lead her outside and down a covered pathway. Nassirudden shook her head. "I kid you not. You two are it. It's a new part of the eastern wing, connected to the rest of the eastern wing by this very pathway. Are you OK?" she asked as Kagome paled.

"I'm fine," she stammered, gently waving away Nassirudden's attempts to help. 'Oh Great Kami-sama,' she bemoaned to herself. 'I'm by myself with Sesshoumaru-sama! It's hard enough to control my-'

"But that won't be for long," Nassirudden chirped, interrupting Kagome's thoughts. "Because I'm moving into one of the rooms downstairs."

"You are?" Kagome asked, relieved beyond all measure. Nassirudden nodded, casting a curious eye to Kagome. "Yes, by InuTaisho-sama's order. Are you sure you're alright?"

"Hai, I'm fine," Kagome said, stepping through another door that lead inside the main eastern wing.

"Look up Kagome."

Kagome tilted her head back and looked up, startled to find that instead of a white ceiling that matched the walls around her, she found engravings of blue crescents.

"As you already know, that's one of the symbols of the royal line," Nassirudden explained. "The royal colors are gold, blue, red and white. The symbols above you will help to find you're way as well. Come along."

Kagome followed quietly, listening again as Nassirudden explained the reason for such odd décor. "There are four wings to the castle, the north, south, east, and west. The symbols help to tell where you are. The symbols are blue crescents in the eastern wing, golden circles in Sesshoumaru-dono's wing, red crescents in the west, gold crescents in the south, and a completely white ceiling in the north. Understand so far?"

"I believe so," Kagome answered, trying to digest the information.

"You let me know if you don't," Nassirudden told her as they turned down a hallway. "The main dojo is down this hall."

"What are on the other sides of the castle?" Kagome asked, glancing at the ornate doors around her. She wondered where they lead to, but decided not to ask as Nassirudden answered her question.

"The soldiers' wing are on the upper and lower floors of the western wing. The northern wing houses the throne room on the first floor, the main library and Inuyasha-san and InuTaisho-sama's chambers on the second. The southern wing has guest rooms on the second floor, with another library and a few other supply rooms. There's more to it than that, but I'm sure you won't need to know every little detail."

'I feel as if I already do,' Kagome bemoaned as Nassirudden opened a plain wooden door. She and Kagome stepped inside the large room, Kagome marveling at the simplicity of it as Nassirudden moved to the center of the room.

"Welcome to the dojo Kagome. Here is where you're morning lessons will be."

"Morning lessons?" Kagome asked, hesitantly entering the octagon-shaped room to stand in front of Nassirudden.

"Yes. You will train with myself, Keni'Chi and Kilik until lunch. You will spend an hour with each of us, learning how to fight and defend yourself."

"Alright-"

"You're forgetting something Nassi."

Nassirudden and Kagome turned toward the door, where Kilik stood propped against the doorframe. He strolled into the room, bowing to Kagome slightly before smiling. "She gets excited sometimes. What she's forgetting is that each of us are going to teach you what we're good at."

"Which is?" Kagome asked, stealing a glance at Nassirudden as Kilik answered. 'Is she…blushing?!'

"I'm going to teach you long range weapons," Kilik explained. "Nassi is going to teach you hand to hand combat and mid range weapons. Keni'Chi is teaching you short range weapons."

"Aren't you supposed to be with Keni'Chi right now?" Nassirudden asked crossly, her arms folded over her chest. Kilik nodded and turned to leave. "You're right, as always." Nassirudden did blush this time, along with Kagome as Kilik kissed both their hands and left the room.

"He's so nice," Kagome said, smiling when Nassirudden shook her head in frustration. "Yeah, as nice as a hole in the head," she said good-naturedly.

"Now back to what I was saying. You're daily schedule is as follows: You wake up, wash up, change into your training gi and come here. You train until lunch, where you wash up again and then eat. After lunch you come back here, where we'll train you in something else. Take a bath and then dress in something presentable for dinner. Afterward report to the main library on the northern wing for your last lesson. It'll only be an hour, so you'll have some free time afterward."

"Why must I bathe so often in the day?" Kagome asked. "It seems strange."

"Well, you're around a lot of youkai with sensitive noses. You could offend someone if you didn't."

"Oh. OK."

Nassirudden smiled. "Great. Now for training. You're learning nothing but blocks this week, so look sharp. First you stand with your feet shoulder length apart." She nodded as Kagome did as she was told. "Then your right side to face me. You are right handed, correct?"

Kagome nodded, moving once again into Nassirudden's instructions.

"Great. Now make your hands into fists. Tuck you're elbows into your sides, with your right fist held out in front of you and your left crossed over your body to your right side."

Kagome did as instructed, then glanced at her instructor. "How's this Nassi?"

"Perfect!" Nassirudden exclaimed. "I see now that you're going to be a fast learner!"

Kagome blushed, but thanked her as Nassirudden mirrored Kagome. "That's you're ready stance. Alright. Now for blocks."

*

"Did you enjoy you're training with Nassi?" Keni'Chi asked as he walked into the dojo an hour later. Kagome nodded gingerly, watching as he paced around her. "Are you right handed or left handed?"

"Right-handed," Kagome answered. "May I ask a question?"

"Of course," Keni'Chi asked as he motioned for her to move into her ready stance. "What is it you wish to know?"

"What are short-range weapons exactly?"

Keni'Chi sighed lightly, his eyes roving the wall of weapons around them as he answered. "Short-range weapons are used up close to deal blows close to your opponent. They're normally light and short so that their blows will be quick and deadly. Short-range weapons can be anything including sai, elbow blades, nunchaku and katars."

"Oh, alright."

"Now let's see what kind of weapon suites you best."

"What do you mean?" Kagome asked as Keni'Chi weighted a pair of nunchakus in his hand.

"Well, everyone has a special weapon in a certain field. We all can use any range of weapons, but Kilik sticks to his staff, I'm more of a nunchaku person while Nassirudden prefers her pair of short ninja swords. Even lords Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha and InuTaishou wield different preferences of weapons."

"Really? I've never seen any of them without a sword."

"Ah, but that's the interesting part. To be a good warrior, one must know how to wield a sword. That's why you spend time with Nassi first. Inuyasha's more comfortable with hand to hand combat, Sesshoumaru-dono's a master with his sword, while InuTaishou-sama prefers a pair of sai in a pinch."

"My goodness," Kagome gasped. "I would never have guessed."

"Exactly, because they train with all weapons, not just the ones they like. That way one is versatile and well-rounded."

"You know," Kagome said as he handed her a pair of red nunchaku. "I am not sure if I should fight."

"And why is that?" Keni'Chi asked, stopping to look at her before shaking his head and replacing the weapons to their rightful spot on the wall. Kagome sighed despondently. "Well, the women of my kingdom do not fight."

"But Inuyasha says that your mother held a sword at her side," Keni'Chi told her as he frowned at a pair of silver sai. "Can she use it?"

"Yes, but my mother was a miko before she wedded my father. I was never meant to fight."

"Really?" Keni'Chi said absently, the information whirling in his head as he continued his search. "Then why are you not supposed to fight?"

"Because I am only a woman. I am to marry and produce heirs."

Keni'Chi quirked a brow and turned to her, trying to judge her seriousness. "Do you mean that you marry so an outsider can rule your kingdom? One who does not know your people?"

Kagome nodded. "That is the way of my people."

"That is not the way of youkai," Keni'Chi told her firmly, the tip of his tail twitching angrily as he grasped her shoulders. "In youkai society, whoever inherits the kingdom rules. It doesn't matter if you're female or male. That is how we're going to teach you here."

"But I am-"

"Here, you are youkai. At least you'll be treated like one, and expected to behave like one. Don't worry, we'll teach you that too."

"But will that not be like denying my humanity?" Kagome asked, shaking her head at a pair of blue katars.

"Not exactly. We'll teach you what the humans are doing, then we'll teach you what youkai are doing. You may choose for yourself, but we won't teach you to be weak. Understood?"

Kagome nodded, feeling somehow assured as he held up a pair of black nunchaku. "Try these." Keni'Chi tossed them to her, laughing to himself when they slipped out of her fingers and clattered to the floor.

"Oops. My apologies Keni'Chi-sempai."

"Please. My name is Keni'Chi; no sempai for me. As for dropping the nunchaku, that's perfectly alright. Let's try something else." His eyes traveled the wall once again, stopping on a pair of white tonfas. "Here."

He grabbed one and tossed it, surprised when she caught it with her left hand. "Ah. It's about time we found something for you."

"This?" Kagome quirked a doubtful brow. Keni'Chi nodded as he threw the other at her, she catching it with her right hand.

"Those are the practice weapons for the elbow blades. You hold them like this." He pulled a pair off the wall, straight elbow blades with blue ribbon streaming from the handles. "The blade itself goes down the length of your outer arm. It's a lot like fighting hand to hand, but you can flip the elbow blades forward to resemble short swords. Those that can use elbow blades normally are small and quick." He smiled as Kagome experimented with the tonfas, watching her as she spun the left one like a fan.

"Yes, I believe you'll be able to work these. What was your weapon of choice with Nassi?"

"She called it a thin Chinese sword," Kagome replied, stopping to mimic Keni'Chi's stance.

"Good. Always follow what I do if you don't know yourself. Again, you're to learn blocks with me. I'd rather teach you hits, but then Nassi will practice hers on my face." He smiled at Kagome's laugh, finding her laughter to be quite pleasing. "Let's begin, shall we?"

*

"Alright Kagome," Kilik said as he came into the room. "I'm to teach you long range weapons. That's staffs, zanbatous, and giant hammers and axes; though I have trouble imagining you swinging a giant ax." He glanced around and grabbed a short bo, handing it to her before standing behind her.

"You use the same stance as in all the other weapons, but you're hands are different. Take your right hand and direct it down, with your palm toward the floor." He nodded when she did so, watching her tuck her bo underneath her arm.

"Now grip one end of the staff with your right hand. You're left hand should be shoulder-length away from your right, further up the bo with your left palm toward the ceiling."

Kagome nodded when she had it, smiling when Kilik nodded in approval. "Now keep your left hand loose, as you'll make strikes and direct the bo with your right hand."

"Alright," Kagome muttered absently, focusing on what he was telling her.

"Good. Now there's only two blocks with a bo. One is horizontal, which is like this." he held his bo, a long black staff with golden decoration along the ends and middle, across his chest. "Horizontal blocks stop vertical attacks, so remember that. That goes for long, short and mid range weapons. Can you do it?"

Kagome nodded, clumsily holding her short bo in front of her. "No," Kilik instructed, gently pushing the bo closer to her body. "Don't hold it out like that. Keep it closer to you. That way it's harder for someone to reach underneath it or jerk it from your hands."

Kagome nodded and tried it again, this time with her grip strong and sure as she held the bo a few inches from her chest. "Very good. Nassi said you learn fast. Now for the vertical block, which is like this." He merely shifted his bo downward, one end of it toward the floor as the other pointed toward the ceiling. "Same rules apply Kagome," Kilik said as Kagome mimicked him. "Keep the staff close to your body at all times. Vertical blocks stop horizontal attacks, once again applying to all three weapon ranges. Got it?"

"I believe so, yes," Kagome answered, switching from vertical to horizontal as Kilik looked on.

"I'm glad," Kilik told her. "Because that's all you'll be doing for the next hour."

*

Kagome stood in the middle of her room inside a large basin filled with water. She sighed heavily, running the cold water over her sore body quickly as she replayed the events of the morning. 'Who would have thought there would be so much to fighting,' she said to herself, running a little of the water over her head to wash her hair. 'I hurt all over. But it's worth it to be able to protect my people. Speaking of such, I wonder what Sesshoumaru-sama does in a day.'

She blushed instantly, the rosy hue spreading to her toes as she thought of the frigid lord. 'Perhaps he's only that way because he thinks that's the way he's supposed to be,' she reasoned as she stepped out of the tub and dried off. 'He's just so, what did Inuyasha call it…ah yes. I think he said 'sub-zero' toward others.' Kagome sighed again, neatly folding the drying cloth on the nearby chair and stepping into what Nassirudden told her were 'panties'.

'This century is so strange,' Kagome thought to herself as she wrapped the breast band around her chest and shrugged into another training gi, this one better fitting than the one she wore this morning. 'That's right, Nassi said that my clothes would be here when I arrived. No wonder this gi feels better than the last.' She pulled on the boots and gloves, finding them to be more her size as well.

'Now what to do about my hai-'

"Hello Kagome!" Nassirudden chirped as she came into the room. She shoved the tub into the hallway with her foot, then turned to Kagome with a pair of scissors and a comb. "Let's do your hair. Sesshoumaru-dono said he wants it cut to suit you better, and I'm sure you can do without it dragging along behind you like a tail. I've always hated that myself."

"But I do not wish it to be cut," Kagome argued, stepping away from the youkai. Nassirudden sighed in long-suffering, taking a seat in the nearby chair. "It's Sesshoumaru-dono's wish that it be trimmed. I tell you what; I won't cut more than I have to. That way you'll keep you're length, but it won't be a hindrance on you when you dress."

"Alright then, if you must." She held still as Nassirudden trimmed, wincing at each sound of the shears.

"What's the matter Kagome?"

"Nothing," Kagome answered sadly. "It's just that, in my kingdom, a woman's beauty is considered by the length of her hair."

"Totally ridiculous!"

"Excuse me!" Kagome exclaimed, whirling around to face her. "Who are you to judge my people's belief?"

"I'm not judging," Nassirudden defended, holding her ground despite Kagome's growing temper. "I'm saying that it shouldn't matter how long your hair is. Beauty is more than that. Hair grows back, but some people will never be as beautiful on the inside as others. You don't have to worry Kagome. Your spirit makes you beautiful."

Kagome sighed and turned back around, lovingly caressing her armlet for comfort. "I'm almost finished," Nassirudden said after a moment. "Then we can have lunch and start our afternoon lesson."

*

Kagome stood beside the stable with Nassirudden, her fingers reaching from underneath her brown cape to twiddle with the now calf-length braid that draped over her shoulders. 'I suppose it's not bad,' Kagome comforted herself as Kilik and Keni'Chi strolled toward them. 'It is still long enough for my pride, yet short enough to work with by myself. I suppose Nassi is right however. Maybe it is the inside that is important.'

"Good afternoon Kagome," Keni'Chi greeted as he and Kilik bowed before them. "Are you ready to begin you're riding lessons?"

"I suppose-"

"Never suppose," Nassirudden interjected. "Either you're ready or you aren't. Which is it?"

"I'm ready," Kagome said after a moment. Nassirudden nodded. "Good. Today Sesshoumaru-dono has granted permission for you to use his horse," she said as Kilik led Alabaster out of the stable.

"Alabaster!" Kagome greeted, hugging the horse affectionately. The others around her smiled as the horse nudged her stomach gently, each finding the scene too cute for words.

"How are you, my friend?" Kagome asked softly. Alabaster whinnied softly, then nudged her left hand. "I have something for you," she said, holding out her hand to reveal an apple she saved from lunch. Alabaster munched it gratefully, then whinnied again as Kilik stepped forward and grasped his reins.

"To lead a horse Kagome," he began to explain as Nassirudden and Keni'chi disappeared inside the stable. "All you have to do is grab the reins and gently pull. He'll know what it means." He handed the reins to her. "Now you try."

Kagome did so easily, remembering times when she hand to lead her father's horse to him when she was a child. 'This is not so hard,' Kagome said to herself as Nassirudden and Keni'Chi lead three horses from the stables. Kilik grasped the reins of a brown one, leaving a black/white spotted on with Nassirudden and a gray one with Keni'Chi.

"Follow me," Kilik said, taking the lead of the little group. They followed him to the entrance to the northern garden, Kilik stopping so the others could stop beside him.

"Now for the next lesson," Nassirudden said as she stepped forward. "Mounting a horse is harder than it looks, but you can do it if you're patient. All you have to do is put your left foot in the stir-up-" she demonstrated for Kagome, waiting until she was sure to continue. "Then you grasp the horn on the top of the saddle and pull yourself up-" she pulled, swinging her right leg up and over the saddle to Alabaster's right side, where she placed her foot in the waiting stir-up. "Got it?"

"I don't know," Kagome answered truthfully as Nassirudden jumped down.

"Are you willing to try?" Nassirudden asked, smiling at Kagome's nod. "Good. Then try. Remember what I said."

"Alright." Kagome placed a shaky foot in the stir-up, silently thanking Alabaster when he bent his knees for her.

"Don't do that!" Nassirudden commanded, startling both horse and Kagome as she shook her head. "You won't have time for your horse to accommodate you in battle. You must make due with what you have. Now try it again."

Kagome sighed irritably but tried again, this time with Alabaster at his full height. He glanced over his shoulder at her apologetically, but Kagome merely patted his head and placed her foot in the stir-up. She grasped the horn and was in mid swing when she lost her balance and fell.

Nassirudden caught her before she could hurt herself, helping Kagome to her feet as Kilik and Keni'Chi asked about her health.

"I am fine, thank you," Kagome commented, straightening out her gi before turning to Alabaster once again.

"Perhaps we should try again tomorrow," Kilik suggested, wincing at Kagome's and Nassirudden's frown.

"It was just a suggestion."

"I know I can do this, right Nassi?" Kagome asked, smiling when Nassirudden and Keni'Chi nodded in agreement. "Then I'm going to do it." She tried again, this time making it to the saddle with success. The others followed suit, and soon it was Keni'Chi's turn to help with her lessons.

"Youkai horses understand words, so you merely need to tell them to go or stop and they will. However, mortal horses don't, so that's how we'll train you. To get a horse to walk, simply take the reins in your hands and squeeze you're legs together once. He'll take that as a signal to walk."

Kagome did so, marveling at the simplicity of it all as Alabaster started forward on a gentle walk. "Very good Kagome," Keni'Chi said as he and the others rode beside her. "Now to turn, just pull the reins in the direction you want to go. Turn to the right."

Kagome tugged the reins gently, Alabaster following the silent command as the others did the same. "You're a natural," Keni'Chi told her, the others nodding in agreement. "Now, to stop, no matter what, just pull back on the reins."

Kagome did as she was told again, gently tugging back on the reins. Alabaster slowed to a stop, earning a pat of thanks from Kagome and the others as Nassirudden scratched his ears. "Very good you two. How about a stroll through the garden?"

Each agreed, finding that it would be a wonderful place for Kagome to work on her walking commands. They rode through the gardens silently, Kagome simply amazed by the flowers that were still in bloom despite the frigid temperature. She pulled her hood on her head, as did the others as Nassirudden showed Kagome how to ride side-saddle. Kagome soon learned that too, adjusting to the different nudges that were required to make the horse walk and stop as they traveled the garden.

Soon they came to a grove of sakura trees, with a lone statue in the middle of a female inu youkai made of white marble. Her head was tilted toward the sky, a peaceful smile on her face as her hair fell to the ground around her in curly ringlets.

"How beautiful…" Kagome whispered, stopping Alabaster to take a closer look. "Who is she?"

"That is Sesshoumaru's mother," InuTaisho said as he entered the clearing. Nassirudden, Keni'Chi and Kilik kneeled immediately, with Kagome giving a respectful bow as he stopped in front of the statue.

"Forgive us InuTaishou-sama," Kilik replied. "We didn't mean to disturb you."

"Do not concern yourselves," InuTaishou replied, gazing lovingly at the figure before him. "Kagome asked a question." He turned to Kagome, motioning for her to stand beside him as he caught one of the sakura petals that floated past him on the breeze.

"She loved to come here at night," he admitted softly. "She used to say that the scent would comfort her when she felt lonely. She would sit and gaze at the moon until sunrise." He sighed heavily, then looked down at Kagome. "Do you not remember her?"

"I…" Kagome paused, then shook her head. "I do not. I apologize."

"Do not trouble yourself. It is me that should apologize. You were but a star in your mother's eye when we allied your kingdom. Of course you would not remember her. Sesshoumaru barely does."

"What happened to her?" Kagome asked quietly, her eyes softening when InuTaishou lowered his head.

"She died." He turned then, and walked back the way he came, his golden eyes clouded despite his regal stride. Keni'Chi and the others stood moments later, mounted their horses and led Kagome out of that part of the garden.

"I…" Kagome paused when everyone turned to her. "I…he asked me if I remember her. Why?"

"Lady MinYina did not pass until Inuyasha's childhood years," Kilik explained. "But you never met her."

"You were here during that time?" Kagome asked, awed into silence when Kilik nodded. 'Amazing,' she thought to herself. 'I wonder how old Kilik really is…'

"Nassi and Keni'Chi had yet to arrive in this kingdom," Kilik continued. "They're arrival was shortly after Inuyasha's mother passed away."

"What happened to them?" Kagome asked. "Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru-sama's mother, I mean."

"I think it best they tell you," Kilik commented, Nassi and Keni'Chi nodding in agreement. "For it is their tragedy, even though the entire palace mourned them both."

"Alright then," Kagome replied quietly, lagging behind as the others began to continue forward. 'But…InuTaishou-sama seemed so sad, as if he felt a deep guilt within him…'

*

Kagome and Nassirudden lounged in different hot springs, each enjoying the hot water's rejuvenating effects.

"I could stay here forever," Kagome sighed as Nassirudden climbed out and dried off. "But I feel as if every muscle is on fire."

"That is just the effects of today's training," Nassirudden told her as she placed a towel by Kagome's side. "That will pass as you get stronger. Now come out so we can get dressed."

Kagome climbed out reluctantly, wrapping the drying cloth around herself as Nassirudden began to dry her hair. "Sesshoumaru-dono has asked that we dress you in one of the current styles for this evening," Nassirudden told her, guiding Kagome to a nearby vanity. "And that's what we shall do, starting with your hair."

Kagome watched as Nassirudden pulled her hair into a high pony tail, then fastening individual strands to her head in pin curls. She looped them one on top of the other, with a few in the back fastened to the nape of her neck. "It's lovely," Kagome commented when she finished, grasping a hand mirror to see the back of her head.

"I'm not through yet," Nassirudden told her, reaching onto the vanity table for a few hairpins and some pearl beads. She pinned the pearls inside Kagome's hair, the iridescence whiteness of the pearls dramatically contrasting with the darkness of her hair.

"There," Nassirudden finally said when she pinned the last pearl in place. "That's done. Now," she reached for one of the many small pots that rested on the table, opening one and nodding enthusiastically. "This will do nicely." She showed the inside of the pot to Kagome, revealing some sort of pink cream. "This is just your color. Take a bit and put it on your lips."

Kagome did as she suggested, wiping her finger across the surface and dabbing the makeup over her lips. "Perfect, just like I though it would be," Nassirudden preened, turning Kagome toward the mirror. The pink shimmered on her lips, leaving a sort of sparkle to allow her lips' natural color to shine through.

"Now scoot so I can get ready," Nassirudden told her, moving to sit beside Kagome on the bench. She did her hair quickly, in a style similar to Kagome's except hers had a few braids pin curled into her ponytail and simple blue stones where Kagome's pears resided. She opened another pot, this one filled with a reddish cream. She did just as Kagome did with her cream, dabbing the stain onto her lips before turning to Kagome with a smile.

"What do you think?" she asked, her smile widening at Kagome's approval. The red pot left Nassirudden's lips with a pretty but blood-stained, dark look that opposed the innocence Kagome's gave her. She filed the location of the red pot into memory, leaving a note to herself to try it someday. Nassirudden closed the jar and returned hers and Kagome's back to the edge of the table before wiping her hands on a nearby cloth and walking toward a nearby closet.

"Because you're new to this style, I suggested something a little modest for you," Nassirudden said as she opened the closet and reached inside for something white.

"Put these on first," Nassi said, tossing Kagome a white breast binder and a pair of panties. Nassirudden dressed in something similar, hers a dark blue as Kagome waited patiently. "Then we have this," she said, pulling free a white smock of sorts. "This is called a full slip. The skirt is made to stand out a little, so it might be a little uncomfortable at first." She helped Kagome pull it over her head and adjusted it so it fell around her hips and to her ankles, the many layers underneath making it stand out like a bell. She turned Kagome around and laced up the back, tying it as tightly as she could without hurting her.

"Ok, that's the hardest part. I need you to do the same for me." Kagome nodded meekly, the tightness of the slip leaving her a little breathless as Nassirudden jerked her slip over her head and pulled it on. Kagome laced and tied the ribbons in the back, noting how it seemed to straighten her back as Nassirudden thanked her.

"The lacing and tying is called corseting," Nassirudden explained as she rummaged some more. She handed Kagome a pair of black ankle boots, motioning for her to sit down so she could help her put them on. "It's a style meant to create a certain attractive look, but to me it's like torture."

"Then why wear it?" Kagome asked, paying attention to what Nassirudden was doing just in case she ever had to do it herself. Nassirudden laughed to herself, giving Kagome a sunny smile as she tied the last bow of the last shoe. "That's a good question. Me, I wear it because I like the look. You may not like it, but it's one of the many styles people are wearing."

"Oh, I see." Kagome watched as Nassirudden put on her own shoes, a pair of boots identical to Kagome's, before reaching inside the closet. She pulled out a pale yellow dress, presenting it to Kagome before heaving it over her head.

"This one is a bit modest, which should be a comfort to you," Nassirudden explained as she pulled the dress down and turned Kagome around once again. The silk skirts of the dress dragged the floor slightly, with an empire waist and a high neck made of white lace. The sleeves were loose and voluminous, leaving Kagome with enough room to place her hands inside them if she so wished. Nassirudden buttoned the tiny pearl buttons in the back of the dress, the last one at the base of Kagome's skull before tying the large yellow ribbon at her lower back into a bow.

"Now mine is a little more of what you'll see." She retrieved another dress, this one a dark blue velvet with a regular waist and a square neckline. Her sleeves puffed out at the shoulders and tightened at the elbow, the cuffs made of white lace. Nassirudden turned around, waiting patiently as Kagome struggled with the tiny blue buttons. "I know it's hard Kagome, but it'll be easier with practice."

Kagome nodded, fumbling one last time with the last button before smiling. "I believe I have it."

Nassirudden turned and looked in the mirror, nodding to herself. "Yes, I think you did. Clever job Kagome. Now come here." She positioned Kagome in front of the mirror, peering over her shoulder when

Kagome gasped. "Is that me?" she asked, pointing to the mirror.

Nassirudden nodded impishly. "I told you the look was worth the headache," she replied, watching Kagome's face as it lit up like a child's. Kagome nodded in agreement, her hands running down the skirts lovingly. True to Nassirudden's word, Kagome loved the look, it making her feel like a princess from a foreign land.

"Sesshoumaru-dono is going to love this," Nassirudden whispered, smiling at Kagome's blush. "Now, for the last parts." She tossed Kagome a furry black cloak, motioning for her to put it on as she wrapped a similar one around her shoulders. "This is one of the three cloaks you'll receive," she explained as she tossed Kagome a cylinder tube of fur. "This is your formal cloak. The brown one from earlier is for your training, and you'll receive another one for the daytime."

"What of the green one Sesshoumaru-sama gave me?" Kagome asked, turning the furry cylinder around curiously. Nassirudden closed the closet and turned to her with a shrug. "I don't know really. All Sesshoumaru said was to make sure you get those three, plus some daytime clothes for when you're not training." She giggled at Kagome, finally registering the lost look on her face as she huffed at the furry tube.

"What is that?" Kagome asked.

"It's to keep your hands warm." Nassirudden grabbed the cylinder in the center and motioned for Kagome to put her hands in either end. "See?"

Kagome nodded, watching Nassirudden do the same before following her out of the hot springs and toward the main part of the eastern wing. 'It would seem as if every wing has its on spring, or I would see more than just Nassi and myself,' Kagome reasoned as Nassirudden held a door open for her. She waited for her to lead the way, then followed her down one of the many hallways in the eastern part of the castle.

"The main dining hall is here," Nassirudden explained, tapping a door where a loud ruckus seemed to be coming from. "That is where the soldiers eat. Don't enter there without one of us or Sesshoumaru-dono."

"Alright," Kagome replied softly, watching as they passed another set of doors before turning down another hallway. 'This place is like a labyrinth,' she bemoaned. 'One could be lost in here forever without a guide.'

"And here we are!" Nassirudden chirped triumphantly, standing before a pair of gilded silver doors. "Now, a lady enters a room quietly, allowing her simple presence to light up the room. Keep your back straight-"

'As if I had a choice,' Kagome complained good naturedly.

"And your head high. Understand?" Kagome nodded, and without another word they entered the room. Kagome watched as the others in the room stood, looking to Nassirudden for an explanation.

"When a lady enters the room, the gentlemen all stand, regardless of their stature. It's called chivalry."

"Oh," Kagome whispered back, she and Nassirudden bowing to the others as servants stepped forward to take their cloaks. Kagome noticed moments later that other than Kilik and Keni'Chi, the only other person at the table was Inuyasha.

"Where are lords Sesshoumaru and InuTaishou?" Nassirudden asked. Inuyasha growled softly as everyone sat down. "They're likely still arguing."

"Still?" Kagome asked with a soft gasp. "But why?"

"That's what they do," Inuyasha said with a shrug. "But today I believe it had something to do with a book of some sort. I'm not sure. I didn't stay long enough to find out."

"Then that means they will not be joining us?" Kagome asked, her discontent evident in her voice.

Inuyasha nodded.

"Yeah, that's pretty much what it means."

*

Kagome followed behind Keni'Chi and the others quietly, having bid Inuyasha good night at the end of a quiet dinner. 'I wonder if all dinners are like that for Inuyasha,' Kagome said to herself as they turned onto the northern wing. 'It must be terribly lonely for him, sitting there by himself. I wonder if his lunches are like that too.' She remembered finding him absent at the table earlier that afternoon, but forgot to inquire about him when Kilik informed her of her afternoon lesson.

"Kilik-san-"

"Kilik, if you please," Kilik interrupted, falling into step beside her. "Now what troubles you?"

"Does Inuyasha-san always eat alone?"

Kilik scratched his head thoughtfully, then shrugged. "I'm not sure Kagome. Why the sudden interest?"

"I just think that he must be lonely, to eat by himself while Sesshoumaru-sama and InuTaishou-sama do whatever it is without him. I am wondering if he could, maybe, eat with us on occasion."

Kilik smiled, as did Nassirudden and Keni'Chi unseen. "I will be sure to ask him for you," Kilik replied as they entered the throne room. "I'm sure he'll be flattered that you asked."

"My thanks, Kilik." Kagome stopped mid stride, looking around her before casting a confused stare at the others. "Why are we here?"

"This way is the only way to get to the main library, which is where you're going to have your last lesson of the day," Keni'Chi answered as Nassirudden and Kilik ascended a set of stairs in the far right hand corner of the room. Keni'Chi offered Kagome his arm, which she hesitantly took before allowing him to lead her up the stairs.

Books.

For as far as Kagome could see, books surrounded her from all but one side, where a hallway and a banister separated her from the throne room below.

"On the other side," Nassirudden pointed out, gesturing to the set of double doors on the other side of the hallway. "Are InuTaishou-sama's and Inuyasha's chambers. This is the library, which he requested you be allowed to use."

"Then I must remember to thank him," Kagome reminded herself as she sat down behind a desk in the middle of the room. Nassirudden, Keni'Chi and Kilik sat on the other side, each seemingly to be discussing something among themselves.

"Can you read Kagome?" Kilik asked, smiling at her nod.

"What about arithmetic? Are you well versed in numerals?" Keni'Chi asked, earning another nod.

"Well then. That just means that you have no knowledge of current society and youkai, correct?" Kagome nodded again.

"OK then. Nassi," Keni'Chi soundly clapped her on the back. "You're first."

A few grumbles escaped the female, and more than a few had violent tendencies toward her fellow youkai before settling before Kagome. "Alright then Kagome. I think that, since you are surrounded by inu youkai, that is what you should be taught first."

"But Nassi-"

Nassi raised her brow expectantly. "Yes?"

Kagome fidgeted a little, but soon continued with her question. "About the Great Taiyoukai. I do not understand. Why is it so abnormal for Sesshoumaru-sama to be Great Taiyoukai?"

"She's an observant one," Kilik replied with approval as Keni'Chi wiped a mock tear from his eyes. "I know," he sniffed. "Our little one is growing up so fast."

"Enough of that you two," Nassirudden rebuked jovially. "She asked a serious question, and she deserves a serious answer. Kilik, how about you field that one?"

"Of course." Kilik pulled his chair a little closer to Kagome, leaning back as he attempted to recall the information she wanted. "Ah yes, I remember now. Long ago Kagome, there was no Great Taiyoukai. The taiyoukai of the four lands kept to themselves, only coming to alliance when there was a major threat to their respective kingdoms. Even in these alliances, there were alliances against other lands, resulting in anarchy of the highest order. Soon everyone tired of it, and it was then that the idea of a Great Taiyoukai spawned.

"The Great Taiyoukai is like a mediator, designed to not only bring the lands together in time of crises, but to also keep one ruler from gaining enough power to overthrow the others. He keeps the peace and approves any alliances between providences."

"Up until now," Kilik said, watching Kagome to make sure she was paying attention. "The Great Taiyoukai has always been one with lands, such as a taiyoukai who already ruled a certain amount of land. The tournament to become Great Taiyoukai is only open to the taiyoukai of the four regions and their heirs, though the heirs aren't exactly expected to fight."

"So imagine their shock when Sesshoumaru-dono decides to participate," Keni'Chi interrupted, ignoring Kilik's scowl. "It was a sudden decision, one that InuTaishou-sama thought he would regret. Sesshoumaru-dono defeated all four taiyoukai, then healed each with the Tenseiga."

"What is the Tenseiga?" Kagome asked, this being the first time she'd ever head the name.

"The Tenseiga is one of the two swords Sesshoumaru-dono carries," Nassirudden explained. "The other is the Toukijin, which you should never touch. Is that understood?"

Kagome nodded, then pressed on about the issue at hand. "So the reason Sesshoumaru-sama is so special is because he has no lands?"

"Correct, sort of," Kilik said, finally regaining control over the conversation. "So each taiyoukai is now expected to build a separate wing to their lands for the Great Taiyoukai for his visits. There is a castle in the center of Japan that serves as neutral ground. That castle and the lands around it are the Great Taiyoukai's until he resigns or dies."

"So Sesshoumaru-sama has lands, just not a lot of them?" Kagome asked, smiling when Kilik nodded. "And an army?"

"He could build his own if he so chooses, but for now he only has the western army at his disposal."

"When Sesshoumaru-dono inherits the western kingdom, the symbol for both the western providence and the Great Taiyoukai will be branded into the battle armor," Nassirudden told her.

"I see," Kagome said after thinking a moment. "Oh, but continue with the youkai lesson. I am most curious."

"As we're sure you are," Keni'Chi replied as he passed Kagome a book. He flipped it to a certain page, then stepped back as Kilik began the lesson.

"Again, we will teach you inu youkai first. For every mortal animal, you have two youkai classes and an oni class. The higher level youkai will have humanoid forms like Sesshoumaru-dono and InuTaishou-sama, with a youkai form."

"A youkai form? What is that?" Kagome asked.

"A youkai form is a youkai's true form. They can be as small as their mortal cousins, or as large as this castle, depending on the level of control and the amount of space in the area," Keni'Chi explained.

"Lower level youkai have only one form," Kilik said next. "As do oni. Oni are the most dangerous, because they tend to be mindless once the scent of blood is in the air."

"And all youkai have sensitive noses," Kagome said. "That is what Sesshoumaru-sama told me."

"That's true," Kilik said as the others nodded beside him. "All youkai have a heightened sense of smell, but there are degrees of scent."

"Such as?"

"Well, kitsune such as Keni'Chi here-" Nassirudden poked the youkai in the side "have strong noses, but his nose isn't as strong as Sesshoumaru-dono's. However, ookami youkai have stronger noses than inu youkai."

"And what of Inuyasha?" Kagome asked. "What are his senses like, since he is a hanyou?"

"His senses are somewhere between Sesshoumaru-dono's and Keni'Chi's," Kilik explained.

"And Nassi's?" Kagome asked again. "You've said nothing about her."

"I'm…" Nassirudden scratched her head thoughtfully. "Complicated. But my sense of smell is nearly as strong as Sesshoumaru-dono's, and my hearing is better than an ookami youkai."

"But you do not have ears. How is that possible?"

"Um, most kencho youkai don't have ears. I just happened to luck out."

"oh."

"Most importantly, inu youkai are more likely to be hereditary youkai. Hereditary youkai are youkai that receive their powers through their bloodlines. I'm sure you've noticed the differences between the stripes on InuTaishou-sama's face and the one's on Sesshoumaru-dono's."

"I have."

"Good. Stripes represent the kind of poison an inu youkai is capable of." Keni'Chi flipped a few pages in Kagome's book, then stepped back. "Read what it says if you please."

"Alright." Kagome scanned the material, then said "Higher level inu youkai are easily identified by the markings on their faces, which are passed on from their mothers. Normally there are a pair of a single color underneath each cheek, though it is possible for multiple poisons to reside in one youkai. These represent the poison that is contained in glands inside their wrists."

"Continue," Nassirudden said at Kagome's pause, waving her hand expectantly.

"There is four types of poison, which can be used either as a projectile or manual delivery into the opponent's bloodstream. Magenta stripes represent an acid user, one who can melt objects with a mere touch. This is a corrosive, normally used either as a projectile or allowed to merely drip onto the opponent." 'My goodness,' Kagome thought as she turned the page. 'Is this what Sesshoumaru-sama is capable of? It sounds painful.'

"The second is green, which is injected into the blood stream along with yellow and orange. Green poison affects the nervous system, numbing the opponent and leaving him paralyzed in a matter of seconds. Yellow affects the respiratory system, stopping the lungs capability of bringing air to the body. The opponent drowns in his own blood in a few moments.

"The last is orange, which affects the circulatory system. It affects the heart, stopping the blood from circulating before creating massive, painful seizures that destroy the heart in minutes. Of all the poisons, this one is without a cure."

"There's no cure?" Kagome whispered, horrified that such a thing would exist without a way to give help for it. Kilik nodded somberly. "Those with that capability never allow another to study the poison's effects, so an antidote has never been made."

"That's horrid…"

"That may be, but that is the way things have been. Now, to continue the lesson, turn the page…."

*

Kagome sat a little away from the statue of Sesshoumaru's mother an hour later, information buzzing inside her head like a hoard of angry bees. 'So much to learn,' she moaned to herself, pulling the dark cloak around her as a chilly wind blew past. 'I do not believe I will be able to understand it all.' Kagome sighed sadly, her hand reaching underneath her left sleeve to caress her armlet.

'Worst of all…I miss my family. Mother…' A single star twinkled above her, reminding Kagome of the way her mother's smile seemed to brighten a dreary day. 'Father…' Another star twinkled, and Kagome smiled back.

'I miss you terribly. But…' she remembered how angry her father was the last time she saw him, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. "Do you miss me?"

~

InuTaishou walked the garden around him, the index finger and thumb of his right hand massaging his temples as he tried to ward off a massive headache. 'Why is Sesshoumaru so stubborn?' he wondered to himself as he gazed from plant to plant in a daze. 'All I said was that all creatures deserve respect, and he becomes irate. He believed that I spoke of his ningen, but she deserves the same respect regardless of what she agreed to.'

He stopped at the statue of Sesshoumaru's mother, gazing lovingly at the curly haired inu youkai before sighing heavily. "He has your temper, MinYina," he whispered with a laugh. "But someday that temper will be his undoing. I cannot, in good conscience, leave my kingdom to someone with such a hot disposition. It's almost as if becoming Great Taiyoukai has consumed him, despite his lack of alliances or military resources. He has cruelty in him, love, of that I am sure you can see."

He reached up to caress her face, the cool marble a reminder of what he could no longer touch. "Perhaps his heart would soften if it had a reason," he said aloud as he gazed into the statue's unseeing eyes. "But where would a reason be?"

A power surge interrupted his thoughts, making the fine hair on the back of his neck stand on end. 'What is that?' he wondered to himself, following the unknown power to the right and a little away from him to another set of sakura trees. "Impossible," he whispered at the sight in front of him. "It cannot be…."

Kagome sat, her gaze still to the stars as a pink glow emanated from her form. She seemed happy for a moment, her aura fluctuating between her rapidly changing moods as InuTaishou stood unnoticed. 'Her mother was a miko, of that I am sure, but never have I felt such raw power. Is she aware of what she is doing?'

"Do you miss me?" Kagome said out loud, her sadness swirling around him as the sakura trees bent toward her in sympathy. InuTaishou watched the scene, then stepped forward at the scent of her tears.

"Kagome?"

Kagome started instantly, jumping up at the sound of his voice and bowing apologetically in a swirl of silk skirts. "Forgive me InuTaishou-sama," she said hurriedly. "I didn't mean to disturb you."

"Of that I am aware of little ningen. Please, sit back down. There is much I wish to discuss with you."

Kagome sat down obediently, her fingers nervously twitching as he seemed to stare through her. Finally he spoke, making her jump once again.

"Do I make you nervous Kagome?" he asked softly, his hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder. She nodded slightly, then frowned at his laugh.

"What is so amusing?" Kagome asked as InuTashiou laughed harder. "I would think that it would be honor-less to frighten a defenseless woman!"

"My dear Kagome, if you have to be anything, it would not be defenseless!" he exclaimed, his laughter ringing out into the garden around him. Kagome scowled good naturedly, then decided to let him have his fun. Plus, the endearing way in which he said her name touched her some, making her see him in a trusting light.

She waited until he calmed, then asked "What do you mean by me not being defenseless?"

InuTaishou sat back up, dusted the bits of grass from his haori, and sighed. "Were you not taught about ki my child?"

"No," Kagome said with a shake of her head. "What is ki?"

"Ki is spirit energy. Everything has spirit energy, just some have more power than others."

"So I have a 'ki'?" Kagome asked skeptically. InuTaishou nodded. "Yes, you do and it is powerful too, if you do not mind me saying."

"But what is ki used for?"

"Ki can be used to create shields, cure injuries, and even cause a few if you are strong enough," InuTaishou explained as an idea came to him. "Would you like to see your ki Kagome?"

Kagome nodded eagerly, InuTaishou once again chuckling at her eagerness as he began her fourth 'lesson'. "First you must concentrate. Close your eyes and look deep within yourself."

Kagome concentrated, though on what she wasn't sure as InuTaishou erected a sealing spell around the area.

"Now look for a glowing part of your heart. That's you're ki. Reach out and touch it." InuTaishou knew she found it instantly as she began to glow a soft pink again. "Very good Kagome. Open your eyes and look at your hand."

Kagome did so, a startled gasp ripping from her throat as she held her hand closer. "Amazing…" she whispered, turning her hand over to see the other side. "You said that it could be used to create shields. How so?"

"Well…" InuTaishou thought a moment, deciding instead to try something else. "Focus your ki into your hand. Think about it protecting you, strengthening you from all that would harm you." He waited for her nod, then said "Open your hand."

Kagome did so reluctantly, the pink glow slowly fading to her hand as InuTaishou flexed his right hand. Kagome's eyes widened as blue poison oozed from his fingertips, her fear paralyzing her instantly.

"Do not be afraid, or this will not work. Just think of your ki. It will protect you." Kagome nodded, chanting to herself some nonsense about guardian angels as InuTaishou dripped a little of the poison into her hand.

It hissed upon contact, rolling angrily around her hand before seeping into her skin. 'It wasn't supposed to do that!' InuTaishou gasped to himself. He reached for Kagome, picking her up and sprinting across the garden toward the infirmary in one quick motion. 'I should have waited! Me and my infernal curiosity! Sesshoumaru will be furious! There will be no talking to him after this!'

InuTaishou burst though the infirmary, carrying a nearly unconscious Kagome to the nearest cot. "Miroku!" he thundered, the houshi appearing beside him moments later. "Get me the antidote for my poison!"

"At once my-"

"InuTaishou-sama," Kagome whispered weakly. "I feel…strange. Warm…What's going on?"

'Warm?' "What do you mean Kagome?" he asked her as he and Miroku stepped closer to her. Kagome shrugged sleepily. "I don't know. I just feel…" her hand slipped into his, becoming cold a moment before a black sludge oozed from her palm.

Miroku's eyes widened, as did InuTaishou's as the ooze fell from her hand and into the taiyoukai's. "What was that?" Miroku whispered, glancing from the sludge to a now slumbering Kagome. InuTaishou shrugged. "I do not know, but I do not smell the poison in her system any longer. Perhaps it is a miko's affect."

"Is she a miko?"

"An untrained one, yes, with an extraordinary power. Would you be willing to train her?"

"Of course," Miroku said with a bow. "I would be honored to spend some time with this beautiful young woman."

"Watch your hands," InuTaishou warned. "Sesshoumaru is quite attached to her."

"Oh, so this is the female everyone is talking about," Miroku replied. "I'll take special care with her. When would you like her training to start?"

"Tomorrow afternoon, right after her riding lesson. I think six hours for such a lesson is ludicrous, don't you?"

"Of course my lord," Miroku said with a grin. "But what of the lady for the moment?"

"I will send Keni'Chi to fetch her and return her to her room. Until them, do not touch her."

"My lord," Miroku replied as he walked InuTaishou to the door. "I am saddened that you do not trust me-"

"If Keni'Chi catches your scent on her with anything but good intentions, he has permission to toss you into the dungeon…again."

Miroku gulped and bowed once again. "No harm will come to her. I will see to that."

"See that you do. Good night Miroku. Oh, and do not inform Sesshoumaru of her new lessons, nor of this night." InuTaishou stepped into the night air, retracing his steps to the garden deep in thought.

'She…neutralize my poison. It nearly killed her, but she did it. With a little help, she could become stronger with time.' He walked past Sesshoumaru's mother's statue, stopping for a moment as he remembered something. With questioning eyes, he gazed up at her, then to the stars above.

----

SF: Before I get 1000 emails telling me about how wrong it would be for me to write an InuTaishou/Kagome romance, let me get you straight: This is NOT a Kagome/InuTaishou romance! There!

Sango: But it seems like it.

SF: But it's not. InuTaishou will slowly start to see Kagome as a daughter, as will Kagome see him as another father figure. They'll come to respect each other. Remember, this is a Sesshoumaru/Kagome romance people!

Kagome: Dresses for this chapter are from the Victorian era. Now before you ask SF what Victorian style dresses were doing in Feudal Era Japan, don't. There will be a lot of era jumping, some even done by Inuyasha himself!

Inu-chan: Besides, she wouldn't tell you anyway.

Silver Fox: That's part of the many surprises of this fic. Miroku's made an appearance, but Sango and the others-

Shippou: Including me!

Silver Fox: won't be here until at least 10 chapters from now. Kagome still has to get through her training, and Sesshoumaru must make another trip without his little human. Plus we're trying to convince Sesshoumaru to let Kagome go home for a few days. She misses her family, as you can see!

Sango: Stages for the fic are as follows: The library-Rafael's board (SCII). That's pretty much it.

Kilik: Oh, and the weapons in this chapter are from 'Soul Caliber II' as well. The tonfas are Talim's and the small Chinese sword is Xiangua's. Don't worry, fighting styles are coming up soon. The responses are below.

SF: And for those that think that InuTaishou can protect Kagome from Sesshoumaru's intentions for long, then you obviously don't know me vewy well. Muhahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*For a really cool pic of Kilik, check out wizardofpurelight here on Mediaminer!*

Responses:

Abunai Mori: I do remember you! How are you? Here's you're cookie. {::hands over manhole cover-sized cookie::} I just love Kilik! If you ever need to know when I update, check on Fanfiction for my bio page. I update it weekly, so the schedule's always fresh. I should update this story again in two weeks. Remind me if I don't and I'll get on it.

1: The reason why you see so many reviews from myself is because that's the only way I can see them. See, my computer is about the equal of electronic dirt, so I can't see my reviews normally. Youkai Yume gave me the idea, and I use it since it works. Go figure huh? So it's not a power thing, it's just necessity. Sucks I swear. Oh, anyway, thanks so much for reviewing, even thought I wish you'd left you're real name. You like A Role Reversal? Cool! I didn't think anyone did! I even thought about taking it down, but I'll let it ride since you like it!

Mystical Angel: I know! {::giggles too::} He's so pissed about that! He'll be fine though. I think Sesshou needs some discipline, don't you? And InuTaisho's such a great guy! Thanks for the love, and more's coming soon!

Precious: Sesshoumaru wanted to hide her as a surprise. He wanted to show her off, so to speak, but only when he wanted to. I think he should have picked something less hot, but he doesn't listen to me. Sesshoumaru's ego in the beginning of this story prevents him from thinking like that. He's a tad OCC for a couple of chapters, but he's learning how to become like his normal self from InuTaisho. You'll see what I mean come the next chapter.

Page50: Thanks so much! I'm coming with more as soon as possible.

Cryxxy: Yes, I get the hint. Second Chance won't be updated again until January 18th, when Kagome and I celebrate my birthday. That way I won't forget, and it can be like a birthday present for you guys! I had no idea Kilik was on the first SC. I love the second one though! If you ever get lost or wonder what the fighting stuff is about, check out the game. Oh, and here's you're cookie! {::hands over manhole cover-sized cookie::} Great guess!

Youkai Yume: You're a fine one to talk! I'm green over here with you're 'ForgetMeNot'. There's no way this is better than that! You go girl!

Miyumi: Have I kept you waiting long? I don't mean to. If you ever need to know when I update this story, check my bio page on Fanfiction. There's a schedule somewhere underneath the rambling that is my attempt to be funny. Thanks for the love for this fic and I'm coming with more as fast as I can!