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Description
Thanks for reading and enjoy the chapter.

IMPORTANT: For all purposes of this fic Kagura was a demoness before Naraku. She was absorbed and born again without her heart. This is an important element of the story and it also explains her disobedience and wishes for freedom. =^-^=

Disclaimer: Yeah right… Like Rumiko Takahashi would give me Inuyasha and Co. HA! You need therapy if you think so… I thought she might and look at me now! I can’t stop twitching and randomly shouting “FLUFFINESS”… well… maybe the whole shouting part is from Sesshoumaru… but you never know!

Chapter 3-Respect

Sesshoumaru sat behind a large desk, attempting to finish signing and answering the documents required of the western lands. He sighed as he reread a line for what seemed like the tenth time. ‘…annual ball will be held in the palace of the western lands. All lords and their guests will meet to discuss the renewal of the alliance…’ Amber eyes looked up abruptly when a small knock was heard at the entrance to his private study. “Enter.” A Kitsune youkai entered shortly followed by Kagome. Sesshoumaru stood and nodded at the servant who bowed deeply and scurried out of the large, circular room. He gestured to a set of overstuffed black cushions in the middle of the floor and Kagome sat down gracefully. Sesshoumaru’s fluffy silver tail slipped off his shoulder and wrapped around his waist as he sat cross-legged upon the second cushion.

“Good morning, Lord Sesshoumaru. My handmaiden, Kirei, said you needed to see me.” Sesshoumaru nodded and pulled a scroll from his haori. He handed it to Kagome and she opened it to reveal a list of names, stations and ranks.

“This is a list of the western army. You will be second in command and this Sesshoumaru would like you to be able to identify everyone of importance. I will call together the men that will be under your immediate command so you may meet them this afternoon.” Kagome’s gold eyes widened as Sesshoumaru explained her position.

“Are you positive putting me in second command is a good decision?” Sesshoumaru gave a quick nod and stood from his cushion.

“It would be a good idea to practice in the dojo before this afternoon. The men practicing there will see your skills and word will spread quickly. This will prevent any objections to your position in my army. Your handmaiden will show you to the dojo after you have eaten. This Sesshoumaru can hear your stomach’s growls a mile away.” Sesshoumaru smirked and walked out of his study down one of the many corridors of his palace. Kagome stood and dusted her kimono off as Kirei shuffled into the study and bowed.

“Milady, Lord Sesshoumaru requested I bring you to the kitchens to eat a morning meal. If you would please follow me…” Kagome followed Kirei down a corridor that lead to the northern wing of the castle. Smells of roasting meats, herbs and many different foods reached Kagome’s delicate nose as they neared the kitchens. Her stomach gave another anxious rumble and Kirei covered her mouth to stifle a small giggle. Kagome’s sensitive ears picked up the sound despite Kirei’s efforts and a giggle erupted from her as well. As Kirei lead Kagome into the dining area several servants bowed and began to bustle around the kitchen’s hurriedly. An old rabbit youkai walked to Kagome and gave a small bow. He motioned to the servants and they brought out several different meals for Kagome to choose from. After eating her fill and giving several cooking tips to a flustered kitchen staff Kagome once again on her way through the vast corridors of the palace of the west.

“Milady, when we reach the dojo I must announce you. If you need me at all you may use this to contact me.” Kirei placed a small, blue, crescent moon pendant upon Kagome’s neck smiled. “Just think about me and I will know you require my assistance.”

“How does it work?”

“Mine will pulse when you or Sesshoumaru Sama need to see me. Your pendant will work with other servants as well as Sesshoumaru sama.”

“Oh…” ‘It’s almost like a walkie talkie… Kagome frowned as unbidden thoughts of her previous home in Japan’s future rushed through her mind. Kirei sensed Kagome’s unease and she sighed.

‘I wonder what happened to Lady Kagome… her aura is filled with sadness…’ Kirei stopped at the door to the dojo and was sent stumbling forward as Kagome ran into her back.

“I’m s-sorry! I didn’t hurt you did I?” Kagome helped the kitsune stand and was relieved to find a smile upon her handmaiden’s face.

“I’m surprised you didn’t run into something else, milady. You were so distracted you practically ran into a statue in the gardens.” Kagome blushed heavily and suddenly found the pebbles on the path to be quite interesting. “I will announce your presence, but then I must see to my duties. Do not show weakness to the men if you are to be second in command. They will challenge your rights to the position if the men deem you unworthy.” Kagome nodded solemnly and waited patiently as Kirei stepped inside the dojo. Moments later she watched as a very disgruntled kitsune emerged from the enormous building holding what appeared to be a broken piece of armor. “You may enter milady.” Kirei bowed quickly and shuffled off to perform everyday tasks.

Kagome took in a deep breath and walked confidently into the expansive dojo just as she’d been instructed. Her entry was met with silence and she glanced at the many youkai within the room. Most were looking at her with a deep sense of respect, but to her disappointment several disdainful stares were sent in her direction as well. Her golden gaze landed on the wall of weaponry and she approached it with awe. Weapons of every kind covered the wall from floor to ceiling and they sparkled with well taken care of intensity. With one last look at the youkai soldiers within the room she began to search. Every weapon had its own abilities and she could easily sense the pure from the evil. An ivory bow caught her immediate attention and she removed the weapon from its place carefully. Testing the string she found it to be perfectly balanced and the correct size for her small form. Just as she was reaching out to return it a tiger youkai appeared at her side.

“Milady. You may keep the weapon if you desire. Very few have enough skill to wield this bow. It was the bow of the angel demon, Kiyoshi. It has been many years since the bow accepted anyone’s skills…” The tiger youkai turned and everyone in the room resumed training. Kagome ran her fingers over the smooth wood and she noticed small scripture upon the bow. The scripture was in no language she knew, but she shrugged the thought off and removed the quiver and arrows that matched the bow from the wall. The quiver appeared to have the same scripture written in silver and each arrow was tipped with a solitary mark. She carefully removed her old quiver and arrows and replaced them with the strange new ones.

‘I better test these out…’ Kagome walked to the end of the dojo and turned to face the targets. ‘This distance is longer than I usually shoot…’ She shrugged and moved into a perfect firing stance; letting loose her first arrow she stood mesmerized as her youki energy swirled with the miko abilities she still possessed. The shimmering white arrow hit the target and with a loud shock the target burst into white and blue flames. Shocked, Kagome gazed at her new bow only to see it glowing brightly. She raised her gaze and noticed all eyes had returned to her once more as she took stance again. The second arrow hit its mark with the same incredible speed and power as the first. She replaced her bow upon her back and gracefully started to walk and retrieve her arrows. She stopped short as the two arrows whizzed from the targets and came to a surprising halt two feet in front of her. Kagome grabbed the arrows quickly and returned them to the quiver perplexed by the increase in her own powers and the abilities the bow and arrows seemed to have.

“Impressive, Lady Kagome. I wonder if you’re that good with a sword as well.” Spoke a lean, dark haired, ookami youkai. He smirked as he smelt a small amount of anger seep into her pleasing scent. Kagome’s golden eyes studied him for a moment before she looked into his green gaze.

“Choose your weapon.” Kagome drew her twin katanas expertly as the wolf youkai pulled a long spear from the wall. She leapt at the ookami, gracefully spinning in a downward strike with her katanas. He sidestepped quickly but he underestimated her speed and deep cut bled freely on his left arm. The wolf youkai growled low and jumped at the phoenix as the rest of the room looked on curiously. ‘This is no time to play, Kagome! Just beat him instead of dragging this out…’ Kagome sent her youki and miko powers into her twin blades making them vibrate with power. She smirked at the surprised expression upon the frozen youkai and quickly brought her blades to land on each side of his neck. She stopped before drawing blood and looked into the ookami’s terrified eyes. “Do you submit?”

“H-Hai!” His scent was filled with fear and Kagome shook her head as she resheathed her katanas.

“Everyone back to your training.” Kagome said as she began a series of complex attacks and defenses with the spear the ookami had been using. He nodded as she told him his faults during their sparring match, and ways to improve his judgment of other opponents.

The rest of the soldiers returned to their tasks as their lady requested, but a pair of bulbous yellow eyes watched safely from the door. Maybe having the phoenix around wasn’t as bad as they’d thought. Their lord sure knew a good fighter when he saw one…even if she was one of the forbidden…

TBC

Well there ya have it folks! I know it isn’t all that long, but the next one should be longer… There was some important stuff in this chapter, and if you didn’t read the author’s note at the top please do so…
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to review and rate!

-Narria

Description
Thanks for reading and enjoy the chapter.

IMPORTANT: For all purposes of this fic Kagura was a demoness before Naraku. She was absorbed and born again without her heart. This is an important element of the story and it also explains her disobedience and wishes for freedom. =^-^=

Disclaimer: Yeah right… Like Rumiko Takahashi would give me Inuyasha and Co. HA! You need therapy if you think so… I thought she might and look at me now! I can’t stop twitching and randomly shouting “FLUFFINESS”… well… maybe the whole shouting part is from Sesshoumaru… but you never know!

Chapter 3-Respect

Sesshoumaru sat behind a large desk, attempting to finish signing and answering the documents required of the western lands. He sighed as he reread a line for what seemed like the tenth time. ‘…annual ball will be held in the palace of the western lands. All lords and their guests will meet to discuss the renewal of the alliance…’ Amber eyes looked up abruptly when a small knock was heard at the entrance to his private study. “Enter.” A Kitsune youkai entered shortly followed by Kagome. Sesshoumaru stood and nodded at the servant who bowed deeply and scurried out of the large, circular room. He gestured to a set of overstuffed black cushions in the middle of the floor and Kagome sat down gracefully. Sesshoumaru’s fluffy silver tail slipped off his shoulder and wrapped around his waist as he sat cross-legged upon the second cushion.

“Good morning, Lord Sesshoumaru. My handmaiden, Kirei, said you needed to see me.” Sesshoumaru nodded and pulled a scroll from his haori. He handed it to Kagome and she opened it to reveal a list of names, stations and ranks.

“This is a list of the western army. You will be second in command and this Sesshoumaru would like you to be able to identify everyone of importance. I will call together the men that will be under your immediate command so you may meet them this afternoon.” Kagome’s gold eyes widened as Sesshoumaru explained her position.

“Are you positive putting me in second command is a good decision?” Sesshoumaru gave a quick nod and stood from his cushion.

“It would be a good idea to practice in the dojo before this afternoon. The men practicing there will see your skills and word will spread quickly. This will prevent any objections to your position in my army. Your handmaiden will show you to the dojo after you have eaten. This Sesshoumaru can hear your stomach’s growls a mile away.” Sesshoumaru smirked and walked out of his study down one of the many corridors of his palace. Kagome stood and dusted her kimono off as Kirei shuffled into the study and bowed.

“Milady, Lord Sesshoumaru requested I bring you to the kitchens to eat a morning meal. If you would please follow me…” Kagome followed Kirei down a corridor that lead to the northern wing of the castle. Smells of roasting meats, herbs and many different foods reached Kagome’s delicate nose as they neared the kitchens. Her stomach gave another anxious rumble and Kirei covered her mouth to stifle a small giggle. Kagome’s sensitive ears picked up the sound despite Kirei’s efforts and a giggle erupted from her as well. As Kirei lead Kagome into the dining area several servants bowed and began to bustle around the kitchen’s hurriedly. An old rabbit youkai walked to Kagome and gave a small bow. He motioned to the servants and they brought out several different meals for Kagome to choose from. After eating her fill and giving several cooking tips to a flustered kitchen staff Kagome once again on her way through the vast corridors of the palace of the west.

“Milady, when we reach the dojo I must announce you. If you need me at all you may use this to contact me.” Kirei placed a small, blue, crescent moon pendant upon Kagome’s neck smiled. “Just think about me and I will know you require my assistance.”

“How does it work?”

“Mine will pulse when you or Sesshoumaru Sama need to see me. Your pendant will work with other servants as well as Sesshoumaru sama.”

“Oh…” ‘It’s almost like a walkie talkie… Kagome frowned as unbidden thoughts of her previous home in Japan’s future rushed through her mind. Kirei sensed Kagome’s unease and she sighed.

‘I wonder what happened to Lady Kagome… her aura is filled with sadness…’ Kirei stopped at the door to the dojo and was sent stumbling forward as Kagome ran into her back.

“I’m s-sorry! I didn’t hurt you did I?” Kagome helped the kitsune stand and was relieved to find a smile upon her handmaiden’s face.

“I’m surprised you didn’t run into something else, milady. You were so distracted you practically ran into a statue in the gardens.” Kagome blushed heavily and suddenly found the pebbles on the path to be quite interesting. “I will announce your presence, but then I must see to my duties. Do not show weakness to the men if you are to be second in command. They will challenge your rights to the position if the men deem you unworthy.” Kagome nodded solemnly and waited patiently as Kirei stepped inside the dojo. Moments later she watched as a very disgruntled kitsune emerged from the enormous building holding what appeared to be a broken piece of armor. “You may enter milady.” Kirei bowed quickly and shuffled off to perform everyday tasks.

Kagome took in a deep breath and walked confidently into the expansive dojo just as she’d been instructed. Her entry was met with silence and she glanced at the many youkai within the room. Most were looking at her with a deep sense of respect, but to her disappointment several disdainful stares were sent in her direction as well. Her golden gaze landed on the wall of weaponry and she approached it with awe. Weapons of every kind covered the wall from floor to ceiling and they sparkled with well taken care of intensity. With one last look at the youkai soldiers within the room she began to search. Every weapon had its own abilities and she could easily sense the pure from the evil. An ivory bow caught her immediate attention and she removed the weapon from its place carefully. Testing the string she found it to be perfectly balanced and the correct size for her small form. Just as she was reaching out to return it a tiger youkai appeared at her side.

“Milady. You may keep the weapon if you desire. Very few have enough skill to wield this bow. It was the bow of the angel demon, Kiyoshi. It has been many years since the bow accepted anyone’s skills…” The tiger youkai turned and everyone in the room resumed training. Kagome ran her fingers over the smooth wood and she noticed small scripture upon the bow. The scripture was in no language she knew, but she shrugged the thought off and removed the quiver and arrows that matched the bow from the wall. The quiver appeared to have the same scripture written in silver and each arrow was tipped with a solitary mark. She carefully removed her old quiver and arrows and replaced them with the strange new ones.

‘I better test these out…’ Kagome walked to the end of the dojo and turned to face the targets. ‘This distance is longer than I usually shoot…’ She shrugged and moved into a perfect firing stance; letting loose her first arrow she stood mesmerized as her youki energy swirled with the miko abilities she still possessed. The shimmering white arrow hit the target and with a loud shock the target burst into white and blue flames. Shocked, Kagome gazed at her new bow only to see it glowing brightly. She raised her gaze and noticed all eyes had returned to her once more as she took stance again. The second arrow hit its mark with the same incredible speed and power as the first. She replaced her bow upon her back and gracefully started to walk and retrieve her arrows. She stopped short as the two arrows whizzed from the targets and came to a surprising halt two feet in front of her. Kagome grabbed the arrows quickly and returned them to the quiver perplexed by the increase in her own powers and the abilities the bow and arrows seemed to have.

“Impressive, Lady Kagome. I wonder if you’re that good with a sword as well.” Spoke a lean, dark haired, ookami youkai. He smirked as he smelt a small amount of anger seep into her pleasing scent. Kagome’s golden eyes studied him for a moment before she looked into his green gaze.

“Choose your weapon.” Kagome drew her twin katanas expertly as the wolf youkai pulled a long spear from the wall. She leapt at the ookami, gracefully spinning in a downward strike with her katanas. He sidestepped quickly but he underestimated her speed and deep cut bled freely on his left arm. The wolf youkai growled low and jumped at the phoenix as the rest of the room looked on curiously. ‘This is no time to play, Kagome! Just beat him instead of dragging this out…’ Kagome sent her youki and miko powers into her twin blades making them vibrate with power. She smirked at the surprised expression upon the frozen youkai and quickly brought her blades to land on each side of his neck. She stopped before drawing blood and looked into the ookami’s terrified eyes. “Do you submit?”

“H-Hai!” His scent was filled with fear and Kagome shook her head as she resheathed her katanas.

“Everyone back to your training.” Kagome said as she began a series of complex attacks and defenses with the spear the ookami had been using. He nodded as she told him his faults during their sparring match, and ways to improve his judgment of other opponents.

The rest of the soldiers returned to their tasks as their lady requested, but a pair of bulbous yellow eyes watched safely from the door. Maybe having the phoenix around wasn’t as bad as they’d thought. Their lord sure knew a good fighter when he saw one…even if she was one of the forbidden…

TBC

Well there ya have it folks! I know it isn’t all that long, but the next one should be longer… There was some important stuff in this chapter, and if you didn’t read the author’s note at the top please do so…
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to review and rate!

-Narria