Chapter 26

** DREAM SEQUENCE **

The room was dark and quiet, too dark for Kagome's liking.

"Priestess," a voice called out.

"Who's there?" Kagome said, not sure whether to be frightened or angry.

"It matters not. Priestess, Naraku is coming for you, and not just for the shards. You must stay with the dog brothers at all times," the voice said.

"For me? Why? What for?" Kagome asked, creeping out.

"He lusts for you. He wants you," the voice answered.

"No! He can't have me," Kagome growled. "Why should I believe you? Who are you?"

"I am an ally who has been forced to do his bidding. This is as much as I will say. I have no more time, but I hope that you heed my words. Naraku wants the Jewel of Four Souls and the priestess who protects it. You are the only one that can purify it and he has set his eyes on obtaining you," the voice faded, leaving Kagome alone in the dark.

Kagome did not recognize the voice, but it left her with a very cold and eery feeling. It did not sound full of malice or seem to be deceiving. The message given was very disturbing that she panicked, willing herself to wake up.

** END DREAM SEQUENCE **

"No!" Kagome bolted out of bed.

She was in Sesshoumaru's bed once again, but alone. After reflecting about her dream, it dawned on her that she did not remember finishing her bath and someome had for her. She looked out towards the window and found it evening, and cursed herself for sleeping in. She was suppose to eat in the dining hall and she had totally stood both Sesshoumaru and InuYasha up. She mulled over one last time how she got to Sesshoumaru's room and then finally rose from the silken sheets.

'Maybe it was Izumi,' she guessed

Her stomach growled. Kagome giggled and then quickly made her way to the dining hall.

"I trust you slept well, " Sesshoumaru greeted her.

"We found you sleep in the bath house," InuYasha laughed. "Typical Kagome."

"Yes, I slept well, you dorks, and now I'm practically starving. Whomever bathed and dressed me, please tell them I send my thanks," she said, sitting down.

"You're welcome," Sesshoumaru replied coolly.

Kagome paled, 'Oh no! It wasn't Izumi! It was them!'

She had not expected them to take on the task and although she was thankful, she was mortified.

"We didn't do anything bad. Just bathed you," InuYasha said, then mused. "However, we did find you flawless. I like the little mole right above your left breast."

Kagome covered her blazing red face. She could not believe InuYasha had said that. He was acting like Miroku, but even worse.

Sesshoumaru chuckled, however it was like a deep rumble in his chest.

"Naughty puppies," Kagome lightly scolded, her face about ten shades of red as she dug into her meal. "You're lucky I'm not Sango or that she is here. I would've probably asked her to use the Haraikotsu, or asked to borrow it so I could use it."

InuYasha had been clobbered by Sango's weapon a few times for his taunting, and quickly scowled as Kagome. She stuck her tongue at him in return.

"You know, I need to go back to my time and salvage what things are left. There is a guest room in another building on the shrine grounds that I can prepare for myself. The City of Tokyo will rebuild the main house but I need to show up to verify ownership. My mother once told me what to do after they passed away from old age, but that time has come prematurely. Since while I'm here or when I attend the university, I'll need to hire a priest or priestess to keep things running," she stated, determined not to cry.

She had cried earlier and if she did again, she would be embarrassed as the guards, Jaken, Rin, and other servants were in the dining hall.

"I'll go with you and help. It'll be faster and knowing Sesshoumaru, he'd prefer it," Inu Yasha said. "If Kikyo comes through, I'll kill her."

Sesshoumaru nodded in agreement to Inu Yasha knowing his wishes.

"I'd prefer you to come with me. I had a disturbing dream while I was napping. Apparently Naraku wants me for a mate. So, if you don't mind, I will be sticking close to one or both of you as much as possible," Kagome shuddered at the thought of Naraku wanting such a thing.

"I don't mind that a bit," InuYasha smiled, then it dawned on him what she had said. "That would disturb me too."

"I will look into it. I am not surprised if it is indeed true. To have both the jewel and the priestess guarding it, would make him powerful. He would try to manipulate you using a larger part of the jewel instead of a few smaller shards as used on you in the past," Sesshoumaru concluded.

"The dream was more like a voice in a dark room. I believe that is was a message sent as a dream. It was cold and eery," Kagome explained.

Sesshoumaru thought for a moment and replied, "A void demon could enter dreams, but they have to be in contact with the person they are sending the dream to."

InuYasha growled, "Shit! Kanna was in your room, Sesshoumaru. She is a void youkai. She tried to take Kagome's soul before, and I recall she said she had felt that way when her soul was being sucked away. Luckily Kagome's soul was too large to be absorbed and the fuckin' bitch left."

"First thing in the morning, you both can go. Come, I've asked Rin to play us a tune in the library," Sesshoumaru requested, then left as Kagome and InuYasha followed.

Kagome took InuYasha's hand in hers as they walked behind the taiyoukai. InuYasha looked down at their entwined hands, his eyes softening, and then he looked at her smiling. She smiled back and squeezed his hand.

Rin was already tuning her pipes when the three arrived. She was losing some of her other baby teeth, so her already infectious grin drew Kagome closer.

"Ooh! I see you lost another tooth, Rin! Did you put it under your pillow for the Tooth Fairy?" Kagome asked, setting Rin on her lap.

"Oh yes, Kagome-neechan. I got two gold pieces for it," Rin beamed.

Kagome laughed as Sesshoumaru and InuYasha exchanged confused looks.

"It is a tradition in my era. Come on Rin, play us a tune," Kagome insisted.

Rin nodded and put the pipes to her lips. A lilting song permeated the room as Kagome stroked Rin's hair very gently, closing her eyes to enjoy the sweet music.

"She will make a great mother some day," InuYasha sighed, only loud enough for Sesshoumaru to hear.

"Yes, that she will," Sesshoumaru agreed, placing a hand on Kagome's shoulder.

Kagome briefly looked up and smiled at Sesshoumaru, then returned to enjoying Rin's music.

Rin played a few songs, the notes softly echoing through the palace. It was Rin's speciality, a true virtuouso of the instrument.

"Inu-chan, Lord Sesshoumaru, I think Lady Kagome fell asleep. Gomen," Rin said meekly.

InuYasha chuckled and replied, "She sleeps in strange positions."

"Take her to bed. I'll be there after I put Rin to bed," Sesshoumaru instructed as he picked Rin from Kagome's lap.

InuYasha complied, picking up Kagome bridal style. He made his way to Sesshoumaru's room. He kept glancing down at Kagome until he set her in the middle of the bed and then changed her kimono to a light sleeping wear. He stripped to his pants, and laid her back so he could hugged her to his chest, burying his nose in her hair, and letting her scent lull him to sleep.