Tender Rebel by ruuruu-chan

The Miko General

Tender Rebel

By: Aurora Collins

Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^_^

Ch.1 The Miko General

The dreary sky threatened rain and the thunder could be heard reverberating through the heavens. The first drop hit the window of a large pristine castle that belonged to a great Inu demon. He is the lord of the western lands, Sesshomaru, son of the great Inu-Taisho. Inside the study Sesshomaru was reading a scroll and it seemed to preoccupy his mind so vastly that he didn't even smell the new change of weather. Within the scroll was impending news that he received from one of his scouts recently, and it disturbed him greatly. He would have to call a council and have the demon lords gather to make the best course of action available to all who were involved.

What was taking place would affect all of them and the decision would lay within the council and himself. Sesshomaru sent out urgent messages to the four corners of Japan, to all the other great Inu demon lords. Once Sesshomaru was done writing the missives he called upon his most loyal vassal.

"Jaken..." Sesshomaru said in a monotone voice.

Within a moment Jaken, the toad, appeared in front of his lord.

"Yes my lord?" Jaken answered obediently.

"Jaken send the missive out to the other lords, and quickly."

"Yes my lord... right away my lord."

Jaken took the scrolls and immediately went out to accomplish his task. Over the years Jaken learned to not question his lords motives. He was quick to please his lord and do his bidding with out complaint, even if it was to watch Rin, the human child. Once Jaken left, Sesshomaru rose from his chair and away from his desk. He gazed from out his window and at that moment, realized the weather made an abrupt change. He wondered why he didn't notice the pitter patter of the rain hitting his window, or the smell that accompanied it. The rain was now pouring from the sky in great sheets and it hit his window mercilessly. His thoughts came back to the initial problem and he snarled in reaction.

His land, home, and people were in danger and he had a need to protect it all. After Naraku was vanquished he was able to continue his role as lord of the western lands, like his father before him. Unfortunately he neglected his duties while he was away and was spending the last year fixing everything. He still had a lot to do and even more after that. Sesshomaru had already spent hours upon hours behind the very desk where he just sat, signing documents, passing laws, and the expenses started to wear on his purse. Sesshomaru had to right the wrongs he did though, but he did recall leaving someone in charge during the years he was gone. Trying to kill Naraku and his evil and to purge the half demon from his lands.

His advisor seemed incapable of keeping everything in order while he was gone and so the demon was let go from the job, and taken literally out of the castle. The demon was so old that he served his father and he wondered how the advisor lasted as long as he did. Maybe his father felt bad for the demon, but Sesshomaru was not so soft hearted as his dear departed father. He had no qualms about getting rid of someone that just set him back and made more work for him. He couldn't even recall the name of the demon that served him and usually just ignored the old bantering man. The only reason why he could even conjure up the demon was because he was the root of all his current problems with his estate, people, and lands. But he had only himself to blame for putting the advisor in charge when he should of known better.

He would not make the same mistake again. His point was that he had something to fight for and to try and keep his territory from going under again. He didn't want to fail his subjects again, but this new threat seemed to be even bigger than what Naraku ever was, and that disturbed him greatly. Naraku was indeed a strong opponent and he could barely be beaten and now something else that was stronger emerged out of thin air.

Sesshomaru had to find out how this army came to be and why they are here. Maybe if he found out who the leader was he could negotiate a treaty of some sort. Although he knew the outcome would come to war one way or the other. With that distasteful thought planted deeply within his mind he set out of his study. He would await the councils arrival and get immediate answers so that he could take action. Until than Sesshomaru would keep himself occupied with the tasks that still needed to be done. He had a long list to fulfill and it grew larger now with the councils arrival.

The castle had to be cleaned, rooms prepared, and finish the paperwork that plagued him so diligently these past few months. Sesshomaru sighed, something he hardly ever did as he walked down the hall. He looked down the long corridor and there running towards him was his young ward, Rin. She smiled towards him and firmly latched onto his leg with a jump. Sesshomaru stood firm because such a little girl wouldn't be able to budge him.

"Lord Sesshomaru, this Rin missed you" She said with enthusiasm. Sesshomaru just looked down at her and peered into her chocolate brown eyes. She continued "You have been gone for hours and Jaken said that Rin couldn't disturb Lord Sesshomaru." Sesshomaru gently unlatched Rin and said "I'm done for the evening." "So does that mean Lord Sesshomaru will have dinner with Rin?" She asked in a hopeful tone. Sesshomaru gave her a curt nod and in response he got a loud, rambunctious little girl. He didn't mind her being happy, loud, or enthusiastic. He found Rin to be an intriguing girl, and somewhat like the daughter he never had.

Even in his darkest moods he came to find out that he couldn't deny Rin anything, nor be cross with her. But Sesshomaru still couldn't bring himself to play her games and as lord he had to set an example to the people he ruled over. His thoughts soon left his head when he was led down the corridor to the dining room.

After several days of waiting the demon lords appeared, one right after the other. They were greeted and allowed some time to get into their rooms and get settled in to their new arrangements. The council was soon called together, with Sesshomaru in the lead. Although Sesshomaru was considered a young demon, because of his parentage, he was not questioned about his authority. Not to mention the undeniable rumors that spread that he played a large part in the defeat of Naraku. So he had the attention he needed and the respect to follow with the council.

"Today I call this meeting to discuss about this new threat that not only invades my lands but yours as well. It seems that this threat is an army and they are named the Gates of Hell because of their look and demeanor. They are described to be completely black, with glowing red eyes, and where ever it goes, only destruction and chaos is in it's wake" Sesshomaru explained this as he stood at the front of the table.

Rykutso the demon of the North, Biatsu the demon of the South, and Zetsumie the demoness of the East all nodded their heads in understanding of what was said.

"Yes we understand the threat very well Lord Sesshomaru, but now is the discussion of what we will do about it" Biatsu said with irritation.

"I agree. We need to do something..." The demoness Zetsumei replied.

Rykutso stood up and slammed his hand on the table "We need to do more than just something Zetsumei. Have you no brains woman!"

"You, you callous swine. I outta challenge you!" Zetsumei barked out.

"Sorry bitch but I would decline such a challenge from a whelp like you..."

Zetsumie snarled and it looked like she was about to jump over the table to get to Rykutso.

Sesshomaru stared at all them icily and cleared his throat impatiently to gain their attention. "If you are done lords I would like to move on. I do in fact have a plan and I feel there is no need to cut throats over a decision".

"Well, out with it pup" Biatsu said.

Sesshomaru growled at him and said "You dare call this Sesshomaru a pup?" His eyes slanted and his claws were already radiating a green hue color. "No one dares to talk to this Sesshomaru like he were some peasant. I'm the main leader of all four tribes and you better remember that Biatsu or next time I will have your head for you insolence." Biatsu gulped down and said "Yes lord. Please continue..."

Sesshomaru straightened himself up and said "I'm gathering my generals and sending them out to the most well known, prestige tribes and gather the most intellectual, strongest warriors. These chosen warriors will be made into trainers to get the weaker demons trained in a fashion so that I can lead them into battle with The Gates of Hell. Once that feat is accomplished we will set forth and vanquish our foes and go on as if this little issue were nothing more than an irritating flea demon."

"I'm also setting up defenses around the castles on the four corners of Japan. I will have refugees camped out here at my castle as well as all yours. In order to keep our territories alive, we need our vassals and serfs to keep them for us. So is our bargain of offering protection for the weaker ones that can't be trained. But if we have to we will even send children in to fight. Do I hear any objections to this plan?" Sesshomaru asked.

They all shook their heads no and agreed to the terms. They would hold one more meeting to decide which tribes would be dispatched and after that the lords would go home to protect their lands. When the time would come they would gather once more with all four armies and destroy the Gates of Hell.

The Generals finally came to a small human village at the just the outskirts of Sesshomaru's land. It wasn't known for being hostile but they kept up their guard because the person they wanted was said to be strong. The Generals though had no reason to worry because they were dispatched by Lord Sesshomaru and they had immunity to whatever previous treaties or agreements were signed. As soon as the Generals thought that a band of warriors came from the trees above and attacked the trespassers. The humans assailed them with swords and staffs and were trying to beat the demon Generals.

"W-wait! STOP!" the general yelled out "We come in peace! We were sent by Lord Sesshomaru!" Once the lords name was spoken they all stopped their useless attacks. "We come here to seek a certain warrior from your village to fight against a threat... can we speak to the one in charge." The humans gave them a look like they couldn't care less but they feared the outcome if they were to attack the messengers of Sesshomaru again. One came up to them and said "Follow us into the village and we will introduce you to our leader." They led the way further, deeper into the woods where the trees intertwined above and the roots mangled with themselves below. If the person wasn't careful they could easily lose their way and never find their way out again.

Soon they came to the village and it was small and quaint. It looked like there wasn't much to it at all and only a handful of inhabitants seemed to be there. The Generals wondered what could of happened to the small village to make it so desolate. When they were led through the village the people stopped and gasped and there weren't many of them to even defend themselves against even the smallest of demons. The lead General wondered what great warrior could Sesshomaru want from the human village they were in now. They came to a hut and the one leading them stopped. "Wait here. I'll go get our leader..." he than vanished and was gone inside the hut.

"My lady we have visitors..." Kujo said as he kneeled before her. Kagome scowled at him and said "Didn't I say to make sure no one found this village. If we ever had an attack we would perish and die, then our village would be as if we never existed. How could you allow something like this to happen Kujo?" Kujo bowed his head and said "My apologies mam, but they said they were sent by Lord Sesshomaru and we had to stop." Kagome's eyes brows slanted and gave a look that could kill. She threw down the scrolls she was looking at and actually growled out like some animal. "What...? That dog dares to have his men come here... after what he did..." "More like what he didn't do my lady" Kujo said. "Don't mock me now Kujo. I'm now in a foul disposition" Kagome said with a dangerous tone attached to her voice.

"What about our visitors?" He asked in a low tone. Kagome stiffened and replied "I'll go see them now." With that she left Kujo and went outside to see who the people were. Once she set her feet outside she saw that the male demons were large and from what she could tell were part of some wolf tribe. These, she mused, were not messengers at all, but warriors. They had the scars of battle and the stink of something fierce. Kagome tried hard not to wrinkle her nose at them while she was in their presence. She had a blank look on her face and the Generals looked at one another to see if they saw what they really saw. The leader apparently was a woman and she was probably the most beautiful human they had ever seen. She had her crystal blue orbs that stood out like crescent waves in her eyes and her raven black hair was like that of an abyss. Her skin was so pale that it could of been mistaken for snow, her figure was exquisite, petite and perfect. The one thing they noticed initially were that her breasts were not overly large but that wouldn't be considered a bad thing.

Kagome tapped her foot and noticed that they were staring at her. It wasn't something new though because that is what happened whenever someone new came into the village. "Did you want something or did you come here to stare at people?" Kagome said without patience. The Generals snapped up straight and the leader said "You're the leader?" "Yes I am and I would like to know what you want so that I can send you on your way" She said as her tapping from her foot increased. The Generals burst out laughing "You! A mere woman! A leader! You're lying human!" Kagome gritted her teeth and said "You better tell me what you want now or I will be forced to boot you from MY village. Don't test me on this and I hope you don't because I would hate to show you what I showed to Naraku." The demons shut themselves up and asked "You fought Naraku?"

"Yes I did."

"And you won?"

"It was hard."

"But did you win?"

"Yes, but the casualties were massive."

"So Lord Sesshomaru sent you. What business is it to me? He is not my lord" She said as she began to get irritated once more. "We don't know why he wants you either but as per your village's agreement with him, he would protect you and in turn you give him your services..." The General stated.

"That treaty must have been made before I became leader of this village, but it makes no difference to me either way. I haven't seen him here protecting us and we've been attacked several times. Most of the people died before Naraku was vanquished... where was he then! I'm sure he's just being lazy at his castle now anyway!"

"But he sent us here to retrieve the most powerful fighters to vanquish an army that is tormenting the land."

"Well I'm not going, and neither are any of my people. We are few, and they need me here."

"But the agreement is..."

"NULL AND VOID! The agreement is just that since he didn't keep his end of the bargain!"

"We can't go back without someone from here milady. Just pick someone to take your place and we will..."

"Not in your life... I would never send anyone with you..."

The General sighed "But we need someone or your village won't have the protection we offer now." "And what pray tell would that be?" She asked, now interested. "The army 'Gates of Hell' will come here sooner than you think and we offer refuge at the castle now. We will have a barrier set up to where all evil will stay out. Please reconsider."

Kagome cursed under her breathe and said "I don't believe you but I will go with you so that I can talk to your lord because your all too pigheaded to listen to what I have to say. Besides I have a bone to pick with that dog. We leave within the hour Generals," With that she left them without another word. She went back into her hut and began to gather her belongings. Kujo came up to her and asked "So what happened Milady?" Kagome didn't look up from her task as she said "You're in charge Kujo. I'm going to see Lord Sesshomaru and see what he wants. If all goes well I will send a missive to have you all come to the castle." "Yes my lady" Kujo said obediently. He knew better than to question her. Kujo knew she was a good kind lady and she had always their best interests at heart. Although sometimes he found her to be a tad bit monotone and bland. Like the only thing she knew how to do was be a leader, but he knew she wanted more out of life. The Gods had another plan for her and now their plans changed once again. He hoped for the better.

Kagome had her things packed and ready to go in the time limit she set herself with. She said her goodbyes to her village and set out with the Generals. Once they left the forest the Generals had to go another way but they pointed her in the right direction to the castle. They still had some more villages to visit before they could return home themselves, so they gave the woman a piece of paper stating her business in the castle, as well as the lead General's signature on the document. She would have safe passage through the gates and report directly with the lord and that was when she decided she would get her answers. She deserved at least that for all the trouble and heart ache she had gone through.

Within a couple days worth of traveling she was ready for a bath, some good food, and rest. She was beyond dirty because there was hardly a suitable water sources to keep herself clean. She knew she looked the wreak and with her almost white skin it made her look even dirtier, like some beggar. The mottled cloak she wore didn't help matters either, which covered her body. She was far too embarrassed now to show anything but her face. Kagome hoped she would be able to get cleaned up first but she highly doubted it. No, she would just go in there and talk to the lord about what issues she had with him. Kagome decided to continue forward because the sooner she got inside the castle to get her business sorted out the sooner she could go home, and she wanted to be home again soon... she already missed it.

Once she got close to the gates she was stopped by the guards that were standing on the towers and walls above. "Halt! Who goes there!" one of the guards asked. "I am Kagome, leader of Kaeda's village! I came here as per request from Lord Sesshomaru himself!" She replied loud enough so that the guard could hear her. "We will send a guard down to retrieve your missive now."

Kagome stood there and waited as the gates opened and a pitiful excuse for a guard came down. He took her missive and read it over. He nodded his head to the tower guards and he handed the paper back to her. "Go ahead. We will notify Lord Sesshomaru that you have arrived." Kagome nodded to him and continued on. She noticed that the guard didn't stare at her but she figured it was her dissarray that deterred them away and she knew she stank to high heaven. Kagome was actually starting to get embarrassed by her state, but she would be damned if she would ask of anything. She didn't want to owe the lord anything that would bind her to his services. She was smarter than that.

Once she got inside the castle she saw servants left and right cleaning and other tasks that would keep the castle in working order. Her ears twitched at all the noise and she happened to hear a conversation down the hallway. It was two female demon servants and they were chatting away like some birds in a cage. "Oh my look at that..." "Look at what?" the one asked as she turned her head towards Kagome. Her face flushed as the servant turned away quickly. "So handsome, although a little dirty, but not bad for a human" the servant said. The other servant smiled broadly and said "Well Remi I think we may have some fun with this new guest here. But maybe we should order a bath for h...i..."

Before Kagome could listen to anymore she noticed that they stopped and went on their way with the faces as pale as anything she saw on a living person. She turned her attention forward and was greeted by a short little green toad. The green toad was looking down the hall at the two ogling servants that just now scampered away. He than turned his attention on the new guest "My name is Jaken and I was informed that you just arrived. I will bring you to Lord Sesshomaru's study so that you may talk in private with him." Kagome realized that Jaken didn't even recognize her, but then again she didn't want to hear the green creep squawk about like some demented bird. Kagome nodded once more at the toad and followed him down the endless halls and whenever she passed a girl servant she heard a giggle or a shocked gasp. She had to wonder what everyone's problem was. Was she so dirty that everyone had to make fun of her or gasp from her stench.

Within minutes they were down the last hall and went inside a rather large room. It was filled with shelves of books and scrolls and there were huge fur rugs that covered the floor. A fire place towards the end of the room with pillows and short chairs surrounding it. On the other end of the room were large windows and a desk facing the middle of the room. When she saw the occupant of the chair behind it she let out a gasp of her own. Sesshomaru was even more handsome than she recalled all those months ago. His long silver white hair around his face and his markings were that rich magenta color. His eyes, she thought were a bit duller than hers though. That was something she could mark against him. So maybe the Lord wasn't so perfect after all. She stepped forward towards the desk and Sesshomaru glanced at her and his face showed nothing that he was thinking. He raked her body up and down and she could tell he was smelling her by the way his nostrils flared.

He was quick to recover and she knew he was appalled by her and maybe wouldn't wish to speak to her right now. Other than that he said and did nothing. She quickly dug in her pocket and handed him the paper that the General gave to her. He took it and read it over and said "Ah, now I see, you're part of one of those human villages. I heard many good things about it, but..." "But what? I'm here as per your request. I'm the leader of my village and I thought it fitting that I should be the one to deal with the situation" Kagome said as she spread her legs and put her hands on her hips like some boy. Obviously Sesshomaru didn't recognize her either and she wondered what could of kept them from knowing it was her. Sesshomaru for a moment had a shocked look on his face. The human before him had a very small, feminine voice and it didn't match his body or dirty face at all. "My apologies sir, now down to business" Sesshomaru said as he wanted to deal with this thing quickly. He had other, more pressing things to attend to than to pamper some little boy who thought he had an ounce of class.

Kagome could feel the hair on the back of her neck prick up. She scowled at him and said "Sir! SIR! Do I look like a boy to you!" Kagome than opened her cloak and her breasts bobbed forward of their own accord. "Do these look like they belong on a man?" She asked now pointing at herself. "My body screams woman! Is your nose broken?" Sesshomaru stood up from his desk and said "Well maybe if you didn't wreak and cover your body then I would be able to distinguish what gender you are. Wait a minute... you're..." "You finally get it! Yes I'm Kagome if you ever cared to look! As for me being dirty... well for goodness sake I've been traveling for days and with no real water source... what do you expect me to do!" Kagome said, getting more frustrated by the minute. Now she knew why those servant girls giggled and gasped at her. They all thought she was a man.

She groaned to herself now knowing that small fact and it got her irritation to double. "Listen Sesshomaru..." "That's Lord Sesshomaru to you wench" Sesshomaru retorted back before Kagome could finish. Kagome clenched her fist and said "You're not my lord and the name is Kagome. That is why I came here, to discuss this lord business with you, but you... you... keep taunting me and making me hate you even more. I should just challenge you and be done with it. " This perked Sesshomaru's interest "Now why wouldn't you accept me as your lord and keeper?" "Why do you think Sesshomaru? You let Inuyasha die during the final battle with Naraku! Not only that but since Kaeda passed away I've been the one protecting my village, not you!"

"I did no such thing. He's the one that pushed me out of the way before I could deliver the final blow. He's the one that wanted to be the hero in that whole endeavor and this happened over a year ago" Sesshomaru said in his defense. Kagome stamped her foot down "Even if that were true, it still doesn't explain about the village."

"I see... it looks like my Advisor was lax in that area too."

"What do you mean?"

"I was away from my estates for a while and left one of my vassals in charge."

"What could of been so important than you had to leave."

"To defeat Naraku of course."

"That was before Naraku. I'm talking about now and I just think you're lying to cover your own tracks" She bit out. Sesshomaru shot by her side and glared down at her "You dare accuse this Sesshomaru of lying." "If the shoe fits" She said casually. "I assure you my lady that I never lie. After we defeated Naraku I had to come back and fix my lands from what my Advisor did" Sesshomaru stated as his glare deepened. Kagome cringed back a bit as she saw that his stare was more intense. "Alright I believe you..." She said quickly. She didn't like him so close to her and with his cold stare piercing through her eyes. He was an intense demon and one that had an anger issue obviously, because in the past he did try to kill her a couple of times. He pretended to be indifferent and monotone to all emotions but his anger was something fierce and it could be triggered so easily. How she made this deduction, she couldn't say. "So what is it to be wench?" Sesshomaru said as he walked away from her. "It's Kagome and I feel that you were still in the wrong in both areas... an apology or and admittance would do greatly to improve the current situation."

"An apology? I don't think so. I will however make a new contract with you..." He couldn't finish because Kagome punched at the desk so hard that it left a hole. Her fist glowed pink as she took her fist out of the wood, her Miko powers flaring. "You will apologize because it was your fault for not being there. You can't blame others for what should of been your responsibility. You're suppose to be Lord over these lands and people, and that also means admitting you're wrong when you know you are. I know you're trying to fix everything now and trying to get things settled with this new threat, but I don't think my village will be a part of it, if their lord can't even do something so simple as apologize. I'll protect my village" Kagome would of continued but Sesshomaru turned his back on her at this point.

"Are you quite finished?" He asked as he turned around and rose one eyebrow. "Listen milady, I am trying to make this right and you need to understand that I don't apologize for anything and I mean anything. Inuyasha could of attested to it a long time ago. Now with this new contract you will agree to train my armies and reside at this castle until I state otherwise. In return your village will be provided with supplies, guards, warriors, and anything else they need. Soon when the threat becomes more obtrusive than I will allow them to come and stay at my castle until the threat is dealt with." "And if I don't agree?" she asked, feeling like she was being pushed in a corner. "If not then your village will just have to fend for themselves completely and you won't be able to come back here again to ask for help, nor any of the other lords in Japan. You will become outcasts. So I suggest as a leader yourself, you need to decide what is best for your people and not what you want."

Kagome bit her lower lip and sighed "It seems I have no choice but one of these days Sesshomaru I will have you apologize for what you did. You can count on it." "That I highly doubt...and that would be Lord Sesshomaru now" He stated in his usual monotone voice. Kagome huffed out as she signed the contract. The last thing she wanted to do was call him Lord but now that she signed the contract and had his protection she had that obligation now. Kagome thought that she must be going mad though for even agreeing to any of this but she did promise Kaeda on her death bed that she would take care of the remaining people. Kagome also wouldn't let Miroku and Sango down because before they left to start a family they made her promise to take care of herself. She would fill all obligations.

She finished signing it and laid the quill pen down. She stepped away from the desk and said "I would like to send a missive to my people to let them know what is going on, and I would like a copy of the contract made so that they can see what they must do as well." "It will be done in time. It will be a few days to get someone to the castle to copy the contract and notarize it for me" Sesshomaru stated as he sat down once more behind his desk. He was about to start writing when he said "Oh and you wench can have the pleasure of fixing my desk on your time off from training my warriors. It seems you made a fine mess of it in your fit of rage." R-rage...! I'll show you..." she stopped herself and breathed in deeply. "Yes it will be done..." "Lord?" Sesshomaru added because he had yet to hear her say it.

She turned away from him and said just before leaving "The day I call you a lord and admit it willingly will be the day that you apologize to me and my people. I can be just as prideful Sesshomaru... just watch me." Before she could see what she did she quickly left the study and all she heard behind the closed door was wood cracking. She smirked as she mused that he finished breaking the rest of the desk. Maybe she wouldn't have to fix it after all.

Kagome was led to her room by one of the servants of the household and they still had the assumption that she was a man. But she dared not reveal herself because she felt that might embarrass herself even more and people might make the wrong accusations about her upbringing, not to mention her mother would be appalled if she ever saw her daughter now. As one of the regiment leaders she had to have some authority from the start. She got to her room and couldn't believe the large room she was given. The bed was bigger than her own in the hut that she resided at. She could tell that the humongous mattress was full of down and she recalled hearing that down was a very soft cushion, but since her mom couldn't afford something so nice she had to do without. Kagome also saw that the floor was marble and drapes of velvet hung from the tall windows. There was a fire place and even a bath connected to her room. Kagome heard from a traveler once that the castle of the West had so much but she could of never guessed how magnificent it really was.

She heard that the castle had hot running water from an old spring that laid not far from the castle grounds. With the help of magic and technology they were able to devise a way to have fresh water available to the castle daily. She thought that was something special all on it's own. Maybe she was being a bit aggressive but she might as well take what she can get now and think about the laters some other time. Kagome set her belongings down and noticed that the servant girl was still there. Kagome's eye brows arched up and she asked "Can I help you with something?" The girl fumbled with her dress and a blush ran across her face. The servant bowed before Kagome and said "My name is Lucia and I was sent to carry out your every need. Is there anything that I can get for you my lord?" "I just need my bath ran and perhaps some food. I know it's late but I had a long journey" Kagome said as she found a dresser to put her clothes in.

The girl's blush deepened further and she said abruptly "And what about tonight sir...? I was assigned for more than just..." The poor girl couldn't finish because Kagome just busted up laughing. "Hahahaha! Sorry, I don't mean to be rude but I'm far from a man. Don't worry even your great lord made that mistake too, along with everyone else in this damned castle" Kagome said now getting serious. "Our Lord Sesshomaru made that mistake too? But he never makes mistakes" Lucia said. Kagome smirked and said "Well ain't that a dandy illusion you have. Did you share his bed too?" The girl's face reddened and said "N-no... he never shares his bed with anyone." "I see... well it doesn't matter anyway. I'm tired and need my things taken care of, so if you please" Kagome gestured as she began to get her things out of her bag. "Oh yes I will get on it right away!" Lucia said and ran off to do her mistresses bidding. Kagome shook her head wondering why she even asked that horrid question.

Kagome sighed already having more than a long enough day to last her a lifetime. Maybe she should of taken that vacation back home to her time and actually finish her associates degree in college, but than again Kagome has to wonder what the point would be.

The servant finally left and Kagome was alone. The first thing she did was go into the bathroom and there she was equally amazed as the decadence of the room as she was with the rest of the castle.

The whole room was tiled in what looked like pearl and the tub was so big that it could of been mistakened for a pool. There was a mount inside the tub and it held up a platter for bath oils, soaps and other cleaning materials. On one side of the bathroom were mirrors and they covered the whole wall. It made the room look twice it's size and it made the elegance of the room more appealing. There was also a small window that was slightly opened to let all the steam out so it didn't fog up the mirrors to badly. By the steps of the tub were a small pile of towels and a bath robe that were there for her disposal.

After reviewing the room she got in her bath and lingered in it until the hot water almost became cold. She washed herself over and over again until she knew she was clean and that all the dirt was scrubbed from her hair. She even ate her evening meal while she was bathing, which she found was a luxury all in itself. When she towel dried all the water off and she looked in the mirror she smiled gracefully at herself. She looked perfect to say the least and her skin was the same white color she remembered and her hair glittered and shined like onyx like it was suppose to be. Kagome glowed with the radiance she knew she possessed and was happy with herself being clean at last. She got dressed in her pajamas and literally hopped on the bed.

She sunk in the soft mattress and smiled broadly at the luxuries she never had the chance to experience. But when she thought of that she began to think of her village and what they must be suffering. She wanted to send her note to them as soon as she was able to get a copy of that contract. She wanted them to see it and see that she made the right choice and stay by her side. Kagome already missed them and hoped that they would remain safe until the promised soldiers could go and make sure that they were protected this time. She wanted to trust Sesshomaru but she was having a hard time with it. There was also something else that happened to intrude on her mind tonight and that was the conversation she had with the servant girl, Lucia. Why did she even ask about Sesshomaru's bedmates? What made her be so concerned or interested in that particular subject? She dug her head in the pillows and moaned to herself as she shook her head and tried not to blush. She wasn't concerned, or interested... she was just trying to get ammunition so that maybe she could use it against the great Taiyokai.

Yes, that is exactly the reason she decided. If she was going to make Sesshomaru's life a living hell she might as well get what dirt she can about him. After all he deserved everything he got from her, and her words she knew could be the most lethal thing about her. Kagome giggled as she recalled how she got the oh so great lord to break his own desk to where it was beyond repair. She could just imagine his face now and that amused her greatly to the peak of satisfaction. She snuggled in the pillows and sighed with that last thought in mind.

Sesshomaru was in his chambers after he made sure that Rin was taken care of for the night and was going through some last papers before he called it quits. He knew that his work would never be done and for that whole day he found it hard to concentrate. After that meeting with that Miko he has been for the most part disgruntled and inside furious. But his face never showed what he was really feeling and he wondered why he was steaming all day. Maybe for the fact that his desk was in ruins and that woman was the cause of it. Sesshomaru couldn't fathom why he allowed her to keep talking to him the way she did. He didn't feel guilty or the need for the tongue lashing, as the one he got that day. He also had to contemplate for that moment on why he wasn't in a fury during the first few minutes she spoke. Sesshomaru knew he should of struck her down, but maybe there was something blocking the canine in him. He wondered if summoning her was the best choice, but now that he had a contract with her it could not be reversed. Not like she was anything to look at and he would have to make sure that the scamp was at least clean before she decided to take on her duties.

That Miko looked more like a dung heap and he wondered how he could control his overly sensitive nose from her horrendous stench. He even conceived the notion that she was a man, but her breasts told a different story. The woman was so vulgar and not at all like the leader type as he was himself. Sesshomaru grunted to himself as he stripped from his clothes for the day. He found nothing he could say would be a redeeming quality about her and he probably had more work to do now. Sesshomaru mused that he would have to keep and eye on her to make sure that she wouldn't screw up. He would come up with a special assignment for her to where she would be assigned a regiment, but one with young warriors that he felt wouldn't even be ready for battle, even after years of intense training. Sesshomaru would test her to see how she would fair and if she didn't meet with his expectations than he would release her from the contract she loathed so much.

Of course though he did hear from his generals that she did protect the village almost all by herself and he knew that for a human, against a demon, was great indeed. So maybe his assumptions and worries were nothing to be troubled about, but he would come to her room early in the morning to make sure that she at least made a good impression. She would be clean and not assault his sense of smell again. He laid in his bed and turned on his side as his mind was still racing with the days events.

Author's Notes:

I decided to take this story down and revamp per chapter because I realized how bad my spell checking was on it, but then again that's what I get for trying to post my story late at night! ^^;

So I hope this format is easier on the eyes and that the grammar is more up to par with what everyone wants. Please review when you're done reading so that I can make this story better with each passing chapter. Until then, have a good day! ^_^