I blame the damned dream.

[bloodsong1]

It had been a very surreal hour. Shippo had hustled her family out the door as soon as she was dressed, looking very cross. He had banged on two doors on the way to the elevator, which resulted in a very grumpy Inuyasha, a bemused looking Kagome and Lord Fluffy looking unperturbed as always. Sarah was still goggling over the wakizashi, tucked into the waistband of her skirt and making the demons visibly uncomfortable, and the three suitcases she and the kiddos were trundling behind them. Becca was very pleased with her hot pink Hello Kitty suitcase. Marc wasn't awake enough to care about his red Power Ranger suitcase, but she expected he would like it in an hour or so. Hers was a dark blue Samsonite with multiple pockets. She was very curious about what was inside. Kagome informed her all three were packed with seven outfits, two pairs of shoes, enough underwear and socks for a week, and toiletries. Hers also held the family medicines and she had stuffed the bracelet bag into the top pocket with the intention of finishing the last two bracelets on the plane.

As they piled into the elevator, Sesshomaru pulled her against the wall and turned them both so they were facing the paneling.

"There is a new development," He said softly. Sarah's fingers tightened on her suitcase handle.

"How so?"

"You were seen leaving Hikawa Shrine with Shippo by a red haired woman. I have a picture." Sesshomaru reached into his inner jacket pocket and withdrew a 4x6 color photo. Sarah took it and couldn't help flinching.

"Kaolinite," Sarah whispered.

"You know her." Sarah nodded and handed the picture back. Her heart was cold and her guts were twisting.

"She is an enemy?" Sesshomaru persisted. Sarah closed her eyes, sighed and nodded again. The elevator dinged and opened.

"As discussed," Sesshomaru announced. Inuyasha and Kagome guided Marc and Becca out of the elevator and towards a Nissan Pathfinder with black windows. Sarah left the elevator with Shippo and Sesshomaru, watching her children closely.

"Mommy! Come with us!" Becca called, turning back. Sarah shook her head.

"You go with Kagome, Cuteness. I'll see you at the airport."

"But but but I want you to come!" Becca protested. Sarah left her suitcase behind and hurried over to hug her daughter.

"Rebecca, who's the boss?" She asked.

"You are," Becca replied.

"That's right and you need to go with Inuyasha and Kagome. It will be much more fun!" She made her voice chipper through a tight throat. Inuyasha sniffed a few times and looked worried. Kagome stepped in and took Becca's hand.

"I really wanted you to come with us, Becca-chan. You were such a good helper last night, I was hoping you could help me again," She said cheerfully. Becca looked at Sarah, who nodded.

"Okay, Ka-go-me," Becca agreed. The girls headed for the Pathfinder. Marc hugged Sarah.

"What's wrong?" He asked softly.

"Added precautions, that's all. You're perfectly safe with Inuyasha and Kagome," She answered. Marc let go and locked gazes with Sarah. She nodded, he nodded and sprinted to the Nissan. Inuyasha patted her shoulder nervously

"I'll keep them safe. Please don't cry."

"I'm trying very hard not to," Sarah pressed her palms against her eyes, shook her head, blinked several times and nodded. Inuyasha nodded. They parted ways and Sarah rejoined Shippo and Sesshomaru. Shippo refused to let her have her suitcase, so she snatched the bracelet bag as they walked to a BMW 740il, also with tinted windows.

"The Tensaiga is with us," Sesshomaru informed her as he unlocked the doors. Sarah nodded.

"Um, could I please have the front seat so I don't get carsick?" She asked. The demons nodded immediately. Sarah slid into the front seat, twisting the bracelet bag in her hands while Shippo loaded her suitcase in the trunk and got in behind her. Sesshomaru took the driver's seat and the two cars left the parking garage five minutes apart, going different ways to the Narita Airport.