Title: Bleeding Love
Author: Lolabunny1992
Fandom: Inuyasha
Rating: M
Pairing: Sesshoumaru x OC
Disclaimer: All characters and shows used in my fanfictions belong to the brilliant minds of the people who own and created them. I claim absolutely no ownership over any original content used in the fanfictions that I write. The stories I write here are for entertainment only. I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of these stories. I am very grateful to the original creators for their wonderful animes/creations, ideas, and creativity; they are extremely appreciated and loved. Without your wonderful contributions to the world, I would not have my fanfictions that were inspired by you. THANK YOU!
Note: Story title inspired from song Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis.
Inuyasha was created by and belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Good afternoon, and welcome back!
I'm happy to announce to you that Bleeding Love is back and improved, at least in my opinion. Hopefully, this new format is up to all of your standards, so be sure to leave a review to let me know what you think of each chapter from here on out. I'd also like to inform you that this chapter was reviewed by my good friend Lilraven88 who is also a writer here on this site. Feel free to head on over to her profile to read her on-going story, Bloodlust.
Please take great care, and I hope to see you again soon!
Visit my profile to check out links to my AO3, DeviantArt, Facebook, and Youtube. Can't wait for all of your reviews, favorites, comments, likes, questions and concerns.
WARNING! This story will contain dark/violent content and sensitive topics not suitable for everyone and may disturb some readers. Reader discretion is advised. If you choose to ignore this and continue regardless of this, you do so at your own discretion. WARNING!
It was yet another bright day. In a clearing, many demons were fighting one another within a vast forest. It seemed the "argument" was over territory that has been fought over between the two packs for a quite some time now. At the edge of this bloodied clearing appeared the Lord of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshoumaru. A truly strong Taiyoukai in his right as he stood tall and proud watching the brawl and sensing the one attracting his attention nearby. It had been brought to his attention of a powerful being killing demons on his lands. Even messengers that reported between his land and the others, though of course, that's not what interested him about this being. The rumor that caught his attention on the matter was that it was one mere human woman causing such trouble.
He looked by his side; there stood a young human girl by the name of Rin and an imp demon known as Jaken, who was well known as Sesshoumaru's servant. He was still unsure why he even kept the human girl around, nor why he even bothered to save her. She ended up being rather loyal, a very cheerful and chipper child. So filled with life as where Jaken was quite the stressed out babysitter. Always disciplining her on what she should or shouldn't do, calling her troublesome and a nuisance. He looked ahead at the demons fighting and thinking little of the beings he could actually see. He was more concerned about this mystery woman causing mischief on his land and felt he should wait for this person to come into view instead of seeking her out further. He could easily sense her presence closing in. However, the fighting demons sensed his presence, of course being unable to ignore it.
" It's the Lord of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshoumaru! " The first pack leader exclaimed. Every member of both packs stopped what they were doing and immediately looked over towards the godlike demon in surprise of his presence there. It wasn't for a few more seconds that the second pack leader spoke next.
" Killing him will give us the power over the Western Lands. " It was then that members of both packs began to advance towards the demon lord. He merely looked at them coldly, with eyes that could easily be described as golden ice. He moved so swiftly, all you had time to see was a streak of white and wisps of neon green. Sesshoumaru landed gracefully in the middle of the clearing as every demon fell, dead into the dirt, behind him. As Rin and Jaken began their senseless compliments towards him, he looked ahead of him towards the sky. His eyes followed a sacred jewel shard that was falling from what must have been a demon he himself had slain. He watched it glisten in the light before it was caught in the hand of a very beautiful woman as she stood there at the opposite end of the clearing he originally stood.
She looked at the shard while holding it up towards the sun before closing her eyes tightly as the sun shined in them mercilessly. Sesshoumaru observed the new arrival while her eyes were closed. She looked exactly like Inuyasha's dead wench; the woman even wore the same priestess attire. So the woman causing havoc was a priestess. That explained how she was able to kill so many demons. The question now was why this woman was in his territory; she wasn't one he was familiar with in any of the human villages that settled on his lands. She lowered her head to face his direction before opening her eyes, to look directly at him. He then became confused at the expression she gave him, though naturally being the prideful demon lord he was he didn't show it. She was smiling at him with a warm smile, but that's not what confused him or caught his attention the most. It was her eyes; they were a gorgeous pink as if they were the sacred jewel themselves, and they held kindness towards him, a demon.
" Good afternoon." Her gentle voice called out to him. Sesshoumaru simply looked at her coldly. Her voice was certainly beautiful, a bit like the dead priestess' voice, but kinder and with a sweeter tone. " I hope you didn't have interest in this jewel shard. " He looked at the shard in her hand then back at her as she continued to smile warmly at him. He heard Rin speaking to Jaken in whispers though of course, they thought that he could not hear them.
" Master Jaken, that lady is so pretty. " Rin's tone was filled with admiration before Jaken responded with a voice indicating he was brushing off the young girl's stupid remark.
" She is nothing compared to a demon woman." Sesshoumaru looked the woman over again and then at her eyes. Clearly, this human was not Inuyasha's dead priestess, so then who was she? She didn't have the scent of graveyard soil, but it was undoubtedly a fragrance he's never come across before. The closest similar scent was Inuyasha's living wench, the girl from another time, mixed heavily with cherry blossoms.
" No, I did not. " He spoke with a stern yet cold tone. She smiled a little more brightly which he didn't understand how it was possible. She was certainly a pure being though he was certain that her being a priestess usually meant she should be ready to kill every and all demons. Something wasn't right about her.
" Good, I'm glad. I was worried I'd have to fight you for it. " She said as she took out a small jar and placed the shard inside with the other shards she had collected. So she was collecting jewel shards, was that her reason? Her smile turned less bright and to a more kind and gentle smile. Just as he was about to ask her who she was, a familiar group appeared to the side of the clearing. Both he and the woman looked towards the group to see Inuyasha and his pesky little friends.
" Sesshoumaru! " Was the first thing Inuyasha had said with caution in his voice. He glared at Sesshoumaru with distrust and looked ready for a fight until he saw the woman opposite of Sesshoumaru. His eyes went wide in confusion at her appearance which told Sesshoumaru that Inuyasha knew nothing of this woman either. The woman looked at the group with a curious look, until she saw the young girl and became alert. The girl looked at Sesshoumaru, then at the woman, and her eyes widened in recognition. The woman, seeing the younger girl's reaction, winced.
" K-Kioko? " Kagome said slightly above a whisper while staring at the young woman in disbelief. The woman looked at Kagome blankly, bearing a polite smile on her face. Sesshoumaru watched as she smiled with force at the girl from the future.
" Hello, Kagome. I see you've grown quite a bit though that's to be expected after years of not seeing you. " Kioko spoke clearly as Kagome at Kioko with confliction as the group she came with looked at the woman in confusion. Inuyasha took a step closer to Kagome and spoke in a comforting tone.
" Kagome, you know her? " Kagome nodded, then smiled a sad smile at the woman before her, now certain that it was who she thought it to be. She was taller, older, and her hair, but her eyes can't be imitated. No matter what trickery was out there.
" Yes, her name is Kioko Higurashi; she's my older sister. " Kagome then revealed to those around the Higurashi sisters. Everyone in her group looked shocked, looking from her to Kioko as Sesshoumaru did the same, minus the look of shock. He supposed it was possible, then again, it was rather a small world if it were true. Sesshoumaru, however, could tell that the woman wasn't very thrilled to see Inuyasha's wench. The woman's smile slightly fell as she looked at Inuyasha, thinking of her best friend.
" Inuyasha, right? Kikyo has spoken of you. " Kioko said with a small laugh. Everyone became more intrigued by the remark and even more shocked that Kagome's sister was even associated with Kikyo.
" Kioko, you know Kikyo? " Kagome spoke with a voice filled with surprise as her face showed slight worry. Kioko simply stared at Kagome with a blank expression, the smile she once had now gone. The young woman's voice spoke distinctly as she gazed into her younger sister's eyes.
" Indeed I do. She's my best friend, and I'm wandering the countryside in search of the jewel shards for her. " Kioko explained while Inuyasha looked at Kioko in surprise, as Kagome didn't know what to say. Kioko looked back at Sesshoumaru and flashed him a kind smile. " Now then if none of you mind, I must be on my way. It was nice meeting you. " Was all Kioko had the chance to say before Sesshoumaru quickly darted for her, and stopped once he was standing in front of her. He quickly reached out his right hand to grab her neck until she jumped back, barely quick enough to get out of his reach and away from him. The group looked at them both with guarded expressions at the sudden actions. Kioko stood up straight again and looked up at him with a confused expression. " Did you have unfinished business with me? What is it I may do for you... Sesshoumaru was it? " She then asked the demon lord who was quite obviously taller than herself. Jaken began yelling at Kioko, which Sesshoumaru ignored, keeping his eyes on the woman before him. She managed to evade him; that's certainly no easy feat, especially for a human.
" HOW DARE YOU?! HE IS LORD SESSHOUMARU TO YOU, GIRL! " Jaken squawked in a rather animated demeanor. Kioko's expression turned to one of surprise before her kind smile returned, her eyes not once looking away from the Taiyoukai. She would admit the man was stunning. She had indeed heard of him amongst her travels and from Kikyo, but what they forgot to tell her was he was unquestionably handsome. She'd even go so far as to call him beautiful. His long silver hair, amazing stature, and a very handsome face, but the most astonishing were his pure gold eyes. They were like nothing she's ever seen before.
" So you're Lord Sesshoumaru. Lord of the Western Lands, a true Taiyoukai. It's certainly an honor to meet such a strong demon. " Kioko made sure she spoke calmly as her smile grew more gentle. Sesshoumaru's expression remained cold, refusing to show the confusion this woman was causing him. Why was she praising him? She was a priestess; she had no business complimenting him. It was then that Kioko noticed his left arm missing once a small breeze kicked up, moving her empty sleeve about with it. " It's a fight you want, correct? If so, before we start, would you like for me to repair your arm first? " Sesshoumaru stood there unmoved and untelling of a response. What was this woman playing at? Kioko took a couple of steps towards him slowly, showing her hands to him in a defensive posture. " I know I must be very mysterious, and I don't expect you to trust me, but I wouldn't feel right about fighting you otherwise. " She then told him with a gaze that showed him no malevolence. His gaze simply turned glacial in his warning her to tread lightly. How could a human regenerate a demon's arm? It must have been some sort of trick, but he wanted to see her actions. She highly intrigued him, and so he allowed her to stand so close to him; he sensed no threat from her after all. She looked up at him and smiled before rolling up his sleeve delicately to see where his arm had been removed. Inuyasha's angry voice carried across the clearing, reprimanding Kioko for what she was about to do.
" What are you doing you, idiot?! Don't fix his arm; he'll just kill you! " He yelled out towards the two in question. She looked back at Inuyasha and smiled politely. He was certainly as energetic as Kikyo had described him, but seemed somewhat annoying to her at the minute.
" I assume this was your doing? He can try to kill me if he desires. " Kioko responded before turning back to Sesshoumaru, who looked at her unchanged. The others watched Kioko, amazed and confused. She was certainly a different kind of person to just walk up to Sesshoumaru with no fear at all only to then smile at him as if he were a kind man. Sango began whispering to Miroku, which the rest of the group could hear.
" I know he hates humans, but don't you think he seems a bit different with her standing so close? " Miroku looked to see the woman observing Sesshoumaru's arm and how the two looked while standing by one another. Miroku became instantly curious by the sight also and responded with a gossiping tone.
" Are you suggesting he is having a tryst with her? " Sango looked at him with a blushing anger, then punched him in the back of the head before she responded with an annoyed voice.
" No, you idiot! " Sango scolded. Kioko ignored the noise behind her while looking at the lack of Sesshoumaru's arm with a slightly sad smile. It must have been extremely painful by the looks of how it healed and scarred. Kioko looked at Sesshoumaru with a curious expression, wondering how he could have possibly tolerated it and came to the conclusion that being a demon must have had its perks. Looking back down at the arm, she retrieved a pouch from her right kimono sleeve and pulled out a purple cherry blossom. Gazing up at Sesshoumaru again, with a sympathetic expression, she spoke with a voice to match.
" This may hurt a bit, but I assure you, it's no trick. So, please try to bear it. " Kioko told him in warning of what he might experience. Sesshoumaru merely looked at her, unfazed by her words, causing her to smile more kindly at him. Her attention returned to the task at hand and placed the cherry blossom at the end of his arm. Suddenly it began to shine with a blinding purple light. Sesshoumaru's eyes looked to the woman in suspicion as the pain began within his left limb, but she didn't once look away from the cherry blossom as her expression showed concentration. In its continued glow, Kioko could see Sesshoumaru's arm slowly regenerating, and he too witnessed it with his eyes widening. The Inu-gang stared in both shock and wonder as they watched Sesshoumaru's arm begin to manifest.
" She's doing it, but how? " Sango asked in disbelief with a tone filled with amazement. Rin, who had been standing back under Jaken's orders had watched the scene in excitement as well, with poor Jaken staring in shock. Rin's bubbly voice did not go unnoticed by Sesshoumaru as she spoke loudly towards her demon lord.
" Lord Sesshoumaru your arm is coming back! " After another moment passed, his arm had fully materialized, the cherry blossom now disintegrating upon completion. Kioko looked at Sesshoumaru kindly yet with caution. Using her right hand, she touched his forearm to feel if the muscles were responsive. The touch caused a spark to flow through them both from the contact, surprising the two of them. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened at his currently sensitive arm being able to feel Kioko's touch and immediately out of surprise and reflex went to hit her. Luckily for her, she ducked, then jumped back in surprise only to smile at him. Her voice coming out with clear amusement at his reaction.
" Better, huh? " Kioko asked him as Sesshoumaru simply looked at his new arm, examining it. Inuyasha and the others looked at Sesshoumaru in awe, as Sesshoumaru turned his gaze to the woman with a cold smirk and eyes of vicious intent.
" YOU IDIOT! " Inuyasha yelled in slight panic as he went to rush over to Kioko to protect her until Kioko turned a stern stare his way which made him freeze where he stood. Her eyes piercing right through him, and all she did was look at him.
" Stay away; I don't need your help. " She told the half-demon only to turn her pink colored hues to the demon man again as she observed him. She could feel excitement in fighting him, especially after hearing so highly of him. She grabbed her pouch and pulled out two black cherry blossoms. One turned into a black bow that looked exactly like Kikyo's and the other into a black quiver with matching black arrows. She pulled out an arrow from her quiver and aimed it at the demon lord, as her expression turned emotionless. " I'm ready when you are, Lord Sesshoumaru. "
Kioko stood there watching him, waiting for him to move. Lord Sesshoumaru. He was certainly a demon who expects respect to his mere presence, and she couldn't help but wonder why he would even be interested in fighting her. She didn't recall causing him any ill-will. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru lunged forward with a bright neon green glow around his hands. She shot her black arrow at him which he easily evaded. She quickly moved, and his hand went past the left side of her head and in that moment she looked into his eyes up close, and he did the same. In that very instant, time seemed to have been in slow motion.
His eyes were gorgeous pools of gold that she almost hesitated to lose sight of as where he looked into hers. He didn't understand how a human's gaze could be so beautiful and hold such depth. He recalled only seeing such eyes in the wisest of demons that have lived for centuries, something he was certain she was not. She ducked and stood on her hands to kick him in the stomach, but he took a step back making her miss. Flipping back, away from him, Kioko quickly retrieved her pouch of cherry blossoms and took her priestess shirt off to reveal a wrap encircling her body down to her waist. The wrap being the only thing blocking her chest from view. Her kimono top hung from her hips as the sleeves were tucked into the kimono as not to get dirty from dragging on the ground. She then tied the pouch of cherry blossoms to her right hip as to be able to access them much easier.
Kioko looked at Sesshoumaru emotionless and in thought as Miroku and Inuyasha stared at her, completely shocked at her revealing so much skin. Sesshoumaru looked at her in observation; she had no marks on her. Peering into her eyes revealed to him nothing which inwardly surprised him. If she had killed and harmed as many demons as he's heard, then, of course, there would be scars or injuries on her body, but as far as he could see, there were none. Kioko, noticing his eyes scanning her body, held in her embarrassment and instead spoke to him in a teasing manner.
" Don't tell me you're easily distracted by the mere body of a woman. I didn't hear of you being such a lowly perverse being. " She said coaxing to provoke the silver-haired demon further. Sesshoumaru looked at her sternly at the remark. He will admit she certainly had a body any woman would beg for, demon or otherwise, but he wasn't distracted by it. Kioko reached towards the ground for her bow and an arrow, her eyes never leaving him. She slowly stood straight again and aimed her next arrow at him. She knew full well he wasn't observing her as a woman, but as an enemy, for any abnormalities or weaknesses. However, she just couldn't help but want to rile him up a bit. She was a human after all, though not uncommon for demons to use human women for their bodies, she could tell by his mere mannerisms that he had no interest in doing such a thing.
" Get her, me lord! Show this human wench what for! " Jaken began yelling from the sidelines in a cheer like fashion. Kioko glanced over at Jaken, then the little girl by his side. The moment she did, however, Sesshoumaru launched forward again. Kioko looked at him in time to shoot her arrow and grazed his right shirt sleeve. The arrow landed beside the first, a distance of three feet between them. He went to use his poison whip on her, but she used her bow to evade it, causing her bow to melt. He began attempting to slice her with his poisonous claws, but she continued to dodge them, being unable to do much of anything else. She looked at him and smiled kindly then used her right hand to reach into her pouch of cherry blossoms and pulled out a dark blue petal. She used her left hand to push him back as hard as she could against his chest, causing him to slide back a good yard or two. He was wide-eyed, surprised at her strength as he heard his armor crack. From her scent he could sense she was human so how did she hold enough power to make him skid backwards? She began to glow purple as she used her purifying aura on the blue cherry blossom in her hand. Everyone watched her, entranced by what she'd do next until they saw a rosary come from within the small petal, but not just any rosary. Sesshoumaru glared at her, threatening and daring her to even try to use it on him. Kioko's voice then spoke to him gently upon seeing his reaction.
" From your expression, I take it you know what this is. " She should have expected as much, seeing as how Inuyasha had the same sort of rosary. Though, the one in her hand had dark blue beads instead of purple, giving it a slightly different effect on the recipient than Inuyasha's. She knew even attempting this on him might have been a wasted effort, but for some reason, she felt she was now responsible for him after restoring his arm. She could hear the group whispering, unable to make out a single word. However, Sesshoumaru could, but he didn't let his eyes leave from the woman before him.
She closed her eyes and quickly began her chant, the beads beginning to glow in response and in that instant he sped forward ready to take her head. The beads shot forward at him as he began to zigzag, getting closer by the moment. She then opened her eyes to look at him, and he felt himself freeze, hesitating at the last second. He saw something in her eyes that made him stop though he didn't understand why it would at all faze him. Loneliness and pure hopelessness. He looked at her with his normal cold expression as the beads began connecting around his neck. She simply gazed at his left arm that was outstretched towards her, his clawed hand an inch away from her throat, ready to kill.
He then felt pain around his wrists and ankles before he looked to see black shadow like shackles around his wrists that glowed with her purifying aura. Connected to the shackles were chains that led behind him, which his golden eyes followed to see that they were coming from the two shadowy arrows fifteen feet behind him that missed him from earlier in the fight. The rosary beads had now connected together around his neck, and she looked back into his eyes when he turned back at her. Her expression was empty, and her eyes were soft and gentle towards him, which made him even slightly angrier than he was. He stood up straight, causing the chains on his ankles and wrists to disappear, and looked to her coldly but couldn't help feeling curious. She smiled at him, and her pink hues gazed at him in apology, which he immediately disregarded. Her voice coming out softly as she said the command she'd use against him.
" Heel. " The beads began to shine, and suddenly he felt an immense amount of pain as the beads surged through him a immobilizing aura. As it shocked him with purifying energy, a foot long dark blue shadow chain appeared. Attached to the rosary, it became extremely heavy, causing Sesshoumaru to be forced to the ground enough for the chain to touch the dirt. Kioko couldn't help but feel bad knowing that the man's pride had to be hurting to be lowered to her feet, bowing in submission to her by nothing more than force. She bent down to crouch in front of him, looking at him with apologetic eyes and no smile on her face. Her tone now gentle." With this around your neck, whenever I say that word, this will be the result. I promise not to abuse such power, and that as soon as I see fit, I will take it off. If you don't feel like waiting, you're more than welcome to try and kill me to take it off yourself. What you do from here is up to you. " He looked up at her, with a glare she was sure would be paired with neon colored claws if not for his current position. Kioko stood and turned her attention to the little girl and imp demon then at the group further away from her. Her gaze instantly locking with Kagome's; Kagome looked back at her with an emotionless expression.
" She did it! " Was all Sango could manage to say in astonishment. Only to hear Inuyasha speak next with a sneering demeanor.
" Keh, Sesshoumaru hesitated. " Miroku, who was continuing to oggle Kioko's state of dress, spoke with a distracted tone.
" Question is why? " It was then that Sango punched him again causing the poor monk to fall into the dirt, now dizzy. Kagome began walking slowly towards Kioko, and the others watched her as Sesshoumaru's rosary finally calmed, allowing him to rise and look at the woman with a deadly icy glare. Kagome stopped in front of Kioko, observing the older Higurashi's face.
" You've been gone a long time. " Kagome spoke first, with a tone that told Kioko she was affected by Kioko's sudden appearance. Kioko couldn't help but feel a little guilty at Kagome's statement for five years certainly was a long time.
" Indeed I have. It's been five years; you should be fifteen by now. " She started to say but found she didn't know what else to say. " I'm sorry to say this but, it's time for me to go. I still have a lot of ground to cover before nightfall. " Kioko told Kagome looking at her little sister for an extra moment before she went to return to where she came from. Only she was stopped when she felt her wrist being grabbed. She immediately looked to see Kagome was the one who stopped her, with the girl's right hand grabbing Kioko's left.
" Wait, why not travel with us? " Kagome asked hurriedly. Kioko's eyes widened at Kagome's sudden request before softening at the girl while a stern expression masking her face as she stood there looking into Kagome's conflicted gaze. Kioko's question came out with a guarded tone.
" Are you sure that's what you want Kagome? Do you realize what you're asking? " Kioko took back her wrist almost coldly, and that's when everyone could feel the awkward tension between the two sisters. Hesitantly, Kagome nodded at Kioko with a fake smile that Kioko could see right through. Unable to deny her little sister, even after five years had passed since Kioko last laid eyes on her. " If you're certain, then I don't see the harm, but I think it's best to talk to your friends. I don't think it's right just to have me tag along and not discuss it with them first. " Kagome looked back at her friends then at Kioko again before nodding her head in agreement. Kagome went back to her group as Kioko stood there watching after Kagome with an empty expression.
Kioko then instantly remembered that Sesshoumaru was behind her, yet she hadn't moved to look at him. She had to imagine he was angry and if he wanted to take her down, now would be the time to do so. Yet, he just stood there waiting and watching the situation. That's when the little girl and imp demon of Sesshoumaru's party came up to him, and the girl was looking at Kioko with wonderment. Kioko looked at the girl who stood at her left only to smile a beautiful and warm smile. As much as she had heard about Sesshoumaru, it was a mystery to see him with a little human girl as company. She looked over her left shoulder at Sesshoumaru with a kind smile as he simply stared at her.
" What will you be doing, Lord Sesshoumaru? You're welcome to join me if you see fit. " Kioko offered. He just glared at her in threat of her speaking any more than she already has to him and she felt a bit uneasy but was confused as to why. She looked back at the little girl only to smile warmly again and bent down to her level. The girl almost reminded Kioko of Kagome when they were younger. " I'm sorry, I haven't caught your name. I'm Kioko. " The young woman greeted the small child. The girl seemed to beam and spoke loudly in excitement at Kioko acknowledging her.
" My name is Rin! It's very nice to meet you, Lady Kioko. " Kioko couldn't help but give a small laugh, and it made Rin brighten up, even more.
" Just Kioko is fine, Rin. You're a lovely and pretty young lady. How old are you dear? " Rin slightly blushed, which caught Sesshoumaru's attention. He's never seen that expression on Rin's face before, and he was inwardly surprised as he listened to his human ward respond to the woman.
" I am eight years of age! " Rin told Kioko excitedly. Kioko melted at the young girl's bright and bubbly personality. ' Definitely cuter than when Kagome was a child. ' Kioko thought.
" My my, aren't you quite the big girl? I'm a mere ten years older than you " Kioko responded. Sesshoumaru found the bit of information interesting as his eyes shifted from watching Rin to watching the woman speaking to her.
" Really!? I hope I grow up to be as beautiful as you by then, Kioko. " Rin blurted out, almost making Kioko feel rather embarrassed, even though she had not shown it. Kioko put a hand on Rin's head and smiled kindly with her eyes closed.
" Thank you, Rin. That is very sweet. I'm sure you'll be far more beautiful than me when you're my age. " Kioko told her before standing up, taking her hand back from Rin's head and looked down at Jaken still smiling." I can only assume you're Jaken? " Jaken huffed at her with a scolding expression almost making Kioko laugh at him, but she held it in.
" That's Master Jaken to you, human wench! " Her kind smile didn't falter. Meanwhile, her eyes turned devious before she spoke with a teasing tone.
" We could always fight for you to earn that title rolling off my tongue, imp " She offered tauntingly. His skin seemed to have turned a paler green, and his eyes turned to saucers at her devious offer. Sesshoumaru couldn't help but find it secretly amusing of her making Jaken squirm. Kagome finished talking with her friends and turned to make her way over to Kioko. Kioko's hair was down so you couldn't see much of her body from behind which Kagome noted grimly as she got closer towards her older sister. Kioko turned to face Kagome, sensing her coming closer as her back now faced Sesshoumaru again. Kagome stopped a foot away from Kioko and smiled another fake smile as Kioko merely looked at Kagome with a polite smile of her own.
" They agreed to allow you to join us. So will you? " Kagome questioned while staring at the beautiful young woman. Kioko honestly wasn't expecting the group to agree to her presence. She didn't know how she felt about the matter but could feel the others staring at her as she looked down at her little sister. So Kioko merely closed her eyes while her smile didn't falter with her reply.
" Very well, if your friends are okay with me joining, then I don't see a problem. " Kagome nodded with what seemed like strained excitement. Kioko looked over her left shoulder again, a far kinder and sweet smile revealing itself to the demon lord behind her. He looked down at her with his normal expression, composed." I'm interested to know what you will do from here, Lord Sesshoumaru. It was an honor to meet you; I hope to see more of you. " With that, Kioko faced the Inu-gang and walked towards them with a feminine stride as she passed by Kagome, who followed her. She stopped before the group and smiled kindly at them as they looked at her with expressions of their own. They all looked behind her at Sesshoumaru and his party for a moment before turning to head out and get back to their travels with Kioko now joining them.
Sesshoumaru watched Kioko getting further and further away. With the rosary around his neck, he was slightly connected with this mysterious woman, yet it didn't prevent him from doing as he wished nor did she have the intention of forcing him to linger near her. From what he could tell she was merely trying to make sure he didn't cause any trouble and though she just met him she seemed to trust he wouldn't. If she was walking away, allowing him to make his choices as if he were truly as free as he was not too long ago, then she obviously had no intentions of controlling him as Inuyasha's living wench did with Inuyasha. She didn't seem to be performing any trickery towards him or his party.
He looked down at Rin, who was also watching Kioko walk away. It certainly surprised him how reactive she was to Kioko. Rin was usually very cautious with other humans yet went right up to Kioko as if she was familiar with the woman. He looked back at the retreating group and felt it was best to follow his instinct's decisions. One foot after the other he began following the group, following her. Rin and Jaken followed behind him confused on his decision to follow after the group ahead.
