Chapter 19: The Castle

Sesshoumaru and Kagome landed in the forest near the outer battlements. Although they were still several hundred yards away the white stone walls towered over them like a giant. It spanned far as the eye could see, bathed in the golden glow of the late afternoon sun. It was beautiful, but rather intimidating.

Sesshoumaru gave Kagome a once over. "Do you have a kimono?"

Kagome lowered the bag from her shoulder thoughtfully. "I do." She said. "Although it's probably a bit wrinkled by now."

Sesshoumaru plucked the bag from her hands before she could begin rummaging through it and led them further into the woods. She followed him curiously wondering why he was taking them away from the castle instead of towards it. When he rounded into a small clearing and stopped she discovered the reason for their strange detour.

A very nice natural hot spring lay before them. Kagome's bottom lip almost trembled in joy as she took in the billowing steam and smooth comfortable looking rocks.

Sesshoumaru set her backpack down by her feet. "Refresh yourself and hang your kimono by the spring. The steam should remove the creases." He then politely turned to leave.

Kagome eagerly complied and grabbed her things, but managed a quick thank you before he left the clearing.

Once he was gone she wasted no time in hanging her kimono, slipping out of her clothes and into the warm waters. She sank in up to her chin with a blissful sigh. Heaven. After weeks of washing up in icy streams it certainly felt like it. She rolled her stiff muscles and let the heat loosen the knots in her back.

As she relaxed into the spring her mind began to wander. The last few weeks had been very eventful and it felt good to have a few moments alone. Lulled by the soothing waters, her thoughts meandered lazily from this to that. She thought of her friends and hoped they were faring well. Three months was a long time to be apart, but she took comfort in knowing they'd be even stronger when they reunited. Her impending quest briefly trespassed on her peaceful mood, but she quickly pushed it away. She didn't want to undue Sesshoumaru's efforts of getting her head straight. He probably didn't make a habit out of giving pep talks. Sesshoumaru…they had come a long way since their infuriating beginnings. Kagome felt that their friendship was coming along rather well. She even dared to venture that he might actually respect her. She released a pleased hum at the thought and dipped even further into the spring.

As the water lapped gently against her lips, her fingers found their way to her mouth quite on their own. They touched where Sesshoumaru's fingers had rested just a few hours ago. Her brow pulled down thoughtfully as she remembered the sensation. The brief contact had sent a bolt of something through her. Perhaps because it had been so unexpected? Aside from the two innocent kisses she had shared with Inuyasha, no man had ever really touched her face before. She understood that he had been trying to silence her, but that didn't change the lingering impression it left behind. His hand had been warm and gentle, not rough. Even though he had been scolding her, he was still careful with her. It left her feeling a bit strange.

Before the foreign emotion could fully seep in her conscious reminded her that she shouldn't dally. She could stay in there for hours, but it would be rude to keep Sesshoumaru waiting too long. Besides, he seemed like the type who might come and collect her if he became impatient. With that rather alarming thought in mind she took one last recreational dip and hastily began washing her hair.

Sesshoumaru leaned against a tree as he waited for the miko to finish. The spring was within earshot and he could easily hear her contented sighs and soft splashing as she washed up. She even hummed little songs every now and then. He was glad that she seemed to enjoy bathing. Most humans seemed to have an aversion towards proper hygiene.

While her fastidiousness was pleasing, as was her apparent joy over something as simple as a bath, the true purpose behind his request had been more practical. Bringing a grown human woman into his castle would raise enough questions. He didn't need to fan the flames by bringing her there covered in his scent.

Although the citizens of his kingdom were of varied race, almost all of them had keen noses. They would have easily detected that her arms, hair and even her face smelled of him. That last part he was sure would have fueled some particularly salacious gossip. It implied a level of intimacy between them that would've been hard to dismiss. While there was some truth to increasing degree of casualness between them, he didn't want to subject himself or the miko to that nuisance. It was best to avoid it.

As the miko emerged from the woods, freshly scrubbed and damp hair tied into a low braided bun, he was pleased that only her scent came through. She smelled bright and clean with no traces of his deeper scent remaining whatsoever.

"Well I feel a million times better." She said with a grin. Her skin was still dewy and slightly flushed from the springs. It made her blue eyes shine even brighter. Dressed in a pale green kimono with a simple forest design running up the hem, she looked very neat and respectable.

"Pretty." He remarked inwardly. She was very pretty. He supposed that fact alone would result in gossip, but there was nothing for it. At least the damage would be minimized now that she smelled only of herself.

"So, what now?" She asked, bringing his attention back to her.

"We will continue to the citadel."

Kagome followed him across a field towards the middle of the great wall. After yards of endless white stone they finally came upon the front an enormous of wooden gate. The doors were adorned with a large, square shaped crest. Kagome tilted her head with interest when she saw that the border of the crest was the same chrysanthemum design Sesshoumaru wore on his haori. A crescent moon and a rampant dog demon were intricately carved inside of it. She sensed a strong barrier radiating from it.

Sesshoumaru lifted his hand and released his youki. The lines of the engraving glowed briefly before the gate began to creak open. As the large doors swung slowly inwards with a groan, Sesshoumaru looked over his shoulder and issued some quick instructions.

"Stay behind me and do not speak." He said discretely. "Keep your head up and your eyes forwards. Do not show fear."

Kagome nodded and stood up straight as the doors finished opening. A long corridor lined with guards awaited them as they took a few steps in. Kagome did as she was told and kept her gaze forward despite her urge to lean past Sesshoumaru and take it all in. The guards lining the hall straightened to attention as Sesshoumaru passed, each greeting him with a respectful "Milord". From her periphery she could see their eyes widen when they caught sight of her, but they quickly corrected themselves and refocused their attention forward. They were well disciplined but it was clear they were curious as to why their Lord was being trailed by a strange human woman. Kagome stood up even straighter and focused on Sesshoumaru's back to quell the nervous beating of her heart.

As they reached the end of the corridor it opened into a large market place. Booths selling different wares –some recognizable to Kagome, some not – filled up the busy avenue. Youkai of all species bustled around, browsing and haggling and trying to get in their last minute sales before the sun went down. It made for a very lively atmosphere.

Sesshoumaru led them down the wide path that curved through the center of it all. Any youkai nearest to them stopped with hushed murmurs before bowing to their lord as they passed. However once the youkai were behind them, safe in the anonymity of the crowd, their whispering only increased. Kagome caught words like "human" and "consort", all of which were said with surprise and none of which were said in a very respectful tone. Sesshoumaru must have been able to hear them, but he seemed content to ignore it. Kagome agreed that it wasn't worth making a fuss over.

However, when the word "whore" floated to her ears, she decided that perhaps she was not above responding after all. Without turning from her path she let out a small pulse of reiki, one that would surely tingle the skin of any youkai within a 15 foot radius. Kagome tilted her chin up in satisfaction as the nasty comments ceased and the crowd quickly turned back to minding their own business. Sesshoumaru looked back at her with a quirked eyebrow and Kagome merely lifted her chin even higher in response. He returned his gaze to the path ahead with a small smirk. It seemed she was over her fear of accidentally hurting someone.

The town soon tapered off until it turned into pretty forested area. They passed through it, over a bridge and across a lawn until they eventually came to yet another wall. This one appeared to lead to the inner castle and the homes of the nobility. The guards walking along the parapet quickly announced Sesshoumaru's arrival and the heavy gates swung open a moment later.

The entrance led to an expansive courtyard surrounded by beautiful Japanese gardens. Multi-tiered pagodas peeked here and there above the treetops and the sound of trickling water babbled in the distance. It was at once tranquil and incredibly grand.

As Kagome took in her surroundings, she came to realize they were not alone. In the center of the courtyard there stood a tall slender male with long black hair. He appeared to be not much older than Sesshoumaru and had a very poised, yet relaxed bearing. Beside him was a petite middle-aged looking demoness in a modest brown kimono. Her soft brown hair was swept up into a tidy bun, showing off the streaks of grey that ran through it. Several more servants waited behind them discretely, keeping their gaze lowered. As Sesshoumaru approached they all bowed in greeting. The dark haired male came forward first and welcomed them in a smooth voice.

"Lord Sesshoumaru. You have returned." He said respectfully.

"Hisao." Sesshoumaru greeted back with a small inclination of his head. "This is the ally I informed you of," he motioned for Kagome to step forward, bringing the other male's attention to her, "Lady Kagome, the Shikon Miko."

Hisao turned towards her and bowed with graceful formality. "Lady Kagome. It is an honor."

As he arose, their eyes met briefly. Kagome was caught by the peculiar irises for a moment before remembering that she needed to return the sentiment as well.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Hisao-san." Kagome said. As she arose from her bow she stole a second glance at his deep gold eyes. They were rimmed with red and black in a variegated pattern that very much resembled flames. Their intense look was a stark contrast to his tranquil demeanor. She found herself very curious over what kind of demon he was. She had never seen eyes like his before.

Sesshoumaru interrupted her thoughts as he waved the other demon over to be introduced. "This is Yuri. She is the head house keeper."

"Kagome-sama." She said as she bent respectfully at the waist. Kagome smiled and returned the greeting.

"Yuri," Sesshoumaru said after the necessary introductions were over. "See to it that a room is prepared for the miko in the family wing. Send Etsuko there immediately."

"Yes Milord."

Yuri turned to fulfill her task but found the younger servants frozen in their spots. Clearly they were shocked by their lord's order to have a human stay in the family wing. A stern look from the older female was all it took to spur them into action. They bowed low before hastily departing to perform their duties. One even managed to relieve Kagome of her backpack before scurrying off. Yuri trailed after them at a much calmer pace leaving Kagome, Hisao and Sesshoumaru alone in the quiet courtyard. Kagome almost jumped when Sesshoumaru's voice cut through the silence.

"The miko is to be recognized as a formal ally of the West." Sesshoumaru said, gaining his vassal's attention. "The Cardinal Lords will need to be summoned for the ceremony."

A brief look of surprise passed over Hisao's face, but he quickly regained his calm demeanor.

"As you wish, My Lord."

"There is more, but it shall be discussed later." Sesshoumaru continued. "Go to my study and prepare the necessary documents. I will meet you there after I have escorted Lady Kagome to her quarters. That is all for now."

Taking that as his dismissal, the tall youkai bowed with a final "Lord Sesshoumaru, Lady Kagome" and then disappeared down one of the many paths leading from the courtyard. Once they were alone again, Kagome raised an accusatory eyebrow toward Sesshoumaru.

"You didn't tell me there was going to be a ceremony while I was here."

Sesshoumaru sighed internally. He should have known she would catch that. He'd hoped she would hold her questions until later, but he supposed she couldn't help her nature. The miko was nothing if not curious.

"It is a necessity." He replied. "The acceptance of the ruling lords will give legitimacy to your status. The ceremony is merely a tool to make it known to the public."

Kagome's lips pressed together and she nodded resolutely. "What will be expected of me?" She asked. If this was something she had to do, she at least wanted to be prepared.

Sesshoumaru was about to answer but stopped when he noticed the dark circles forming under her eyes. Her shoulders sagged marginally as well despite no longer being burdened by the weight of her backpack. She was tired. Although she was recuperating well from her battle with the Osoroshii, it was clear that the day's journey had taken its toll on her. She would need to rest or she might relapse. He decided that adding to her growing list of responsibilities could wait.

"It will be explained to you tomorrow after you have regained your strength." He said. "Come. I will lead you to your room." Kagome nodded and followed him out of the courtyard.

The castle grounds became even more beautiful the further they went in. The main path occasionally veered off into smaller lanes that curved and disappeared into the manicured landscape. A stone bridge arched elegantly over a lily laden koi pond with large willow trees overhanging the shore. Their long, drooping branches dipped into to the waters peacefully as they shared the bank with cherry blossom trees and Japanese maples. The gardens here didn't seem to be as affected by the early chill. The leaves and foliage still retained the fiery hues of autumn and the ornamental grass hadn't died off. Kagome wondered if it was due to their proximity to the coast, or if demon gardeners somehow knew how to stave off the effects of winter. Regardless, it was beautiful. The whole place reminded Kagome very much of the Kenroku-en Gardens she had visited once as a child.

They wound their way through until the path curved into the third and final layer of the castle. The distant sound of waves crashing on the cliff side indicated that they were on the ocean side of the peninsula. Kagome supposed it made sense to put the family wing against a natural barrier. It was the most secure choice.

They passed through the archway which opened into the family compound. Tranquil sand gardens lay on either side and were bordered with neat lawns and shade trees. The sand was combed into intricate patterns that no human hand could replicate and was complimented by artfully arranged stone sculptures and fountains. It was very simple, very elegant, and very much looked like a place Sesshoumaru would live.

Servants bustled quietly along the polished wooden walkways that spanned the parameter of the buildings. They went in and out of various shoji screens, obviously preparing for their unexpected guest. They only stopped to bow respectfully to their lord before disappearing yet again into unknown parts of the compound.

As they continued towards the main building, a servant opened the large shoji screens allowing Sesshoumaru and Kagome through. The doors shut behind them with a click leaving them alone in the quiet hallway. Kagome only had time to steal glances at the beautiful artifacts and tapestries that lined the walls as he wound them up several flights of stairs. When they reached the top floor it opened into a beautiful sitting area with amber hued tatami mats and luxurious silk cushions. The window screens were open allowing the soft hush of ocean waves and seagull calls to roll in. Kagome turned towards the window as a crisp breeze brushed against her face. She paused for the first time since their walk began as she took in the breathtaking view.

Sesshoumaru halted when he felt she was no longer following him. He turned to see her looking out at the ocean peacefully. The setting sun cast a warm light on her skin and the steady breeze caused an errant lock of hair to blow gently against her cheek. She tucked it behind her ear absentmindedly with a small smile. Sesshoumaru observed her thoughtfully. He realized that it had been quite some time since someone other than a servant had roamed these halls. Perhaps it was his pack sentimentality getting the better of him, but it was relaxing to see another person enjoying the view. She must have felt him looking at her because she quickly caught herself. Sesshoumaru straightened as they made eye contact feeling like he had been caught soaking up the tranquility of the moment. She gave him a quick smile, not seeming to notice his short lapse, and made ready to follow him again. He said nothing as he turned and led them down the hallway.

It wasn't long before they reached the bedrooms. They arrived to find the doors to her quarters already open with a young demoness with bright red hair and emerald green eyes standing inside.

"She looks just like Shippo." Kagome thought to herself. Sure enough when the demoness bowed to them three fluffy red tails swayed behind her. They twitched back and forth subtly as she peeked up from her bow. Even if Kagome hadn't seen the tails, the spark of happy curiosity in the female's eyes surely would have given her away as a kitsune. Kagome liked her instantly.

"This is Etsuko." Sesshoumaru offered, calling the demoness closer. "She will be your attendant."

Kagome and the fox demoness greeted each other respectfully and smiled as they arose from their bows.

"It will be my pleasure to serve you Kagome-sama." Her voice was high and clear. There was energy in it, as if she were restraining a natural exuberance.

"It's nice to meet you, Etsuko-san." Kagome said.

"The castle grounds are large." Sesshoumaru continued. "I suggest that you take Etsuko whenever you venture out."

Kagome nodded and turned her smile back to the fox. Sesshoumaru sensed that he had chosen her attendant wisely. The kitsune's natural curiosity was well paired with the miko's friendliness. They had hardly exchanged two sentences, but the two already seemed to have a natural affinity developing.

"I will leave you to get settled in." Sesshoumaru said. "Your training will begin tomorrow. Etsuko will see to it that you are ready in the morning."

Sesshoumaru turned to leave and Kagome realized she didn't quite know how to treat him while they were in the castle. Should she call him Milord? Sesshoumaru-sama? She almost succumbed to the urge to curtsey.

She managed an awkward bow and said "Goodnight Lord Sesshoumaru," in an overly respectful tone.

Sesshoumaru merely looked at her strangely. She had never addressed him by his formal title and it showed in her poor execution. A small giggle escaped Etsuko before the kitsune could smother it with her hand. Kagome flushed and rose up with a look that said I did my best. Brushing it off as yet another of the miko's idiosyncrasies, Sesshoumaru turned and left the two females to get acquainted.

Authors Note:

Oh my God! Finally! This chapter was a beast. I apologize for taking so long, but it took me forever to get it how I liked it. It underwent many, many revisions. Plus I had a bunch of personal things going (good things, my sister and my best friend both had babies!) that ate up a lot of my free time. I'm sorry for the big delay, I hope I still have followers ^_^;; For those who are still with me, thank you for your patience. I've started the writing the next chapter. It should be a little more exciting because Kagome starts training! You're also going to get to know Hisao better. He's my OC so I might be biased, but I think you guys will like him. Action chapters are easier for me to write than the setup chapters, so hopefully I'll get it out faster. Thank you again for reading! Hope you enjoy :)