Ohayio!
I love Excel Saga. Just in case you wondered...
As a rule, I'll be answering all reviews, even when I'm drowning in the non- ceasing flood of homework... Oh, by the way. This is a Sess/Kag story, so if you're a hater of this pairing... Get-out-Now. Or stay, if you wish, I'm not gonna make you leave or stay...* kicks chains out of view *
I love ellipses...
Announcement: Inuyasha, Kagome, Kikyou, Fluff- oops. Sesshoumaru Sama and all the rest of the co belong to Rumiko Takahashi Kami-sama. And I don't claim them to be my own... * sigh* Though my characters are my characters! And they belong to mee... *Tugs on a chain around Haokos pale throat... * So... Lay off.
Chapter One.
"Ranting Ramen."
Warm sunrays flooded a small, messy room, making their way across it, flooding every corner and coming to rest on a young girls sleeping face, her black hair fanned out on the pillow, the dark crescents of her eyelashes were outlining her fragile features, making her slightly unhealthy look stand out. "Shaturday.No School." She mumbled, turning in her sleep and pulling the blanket over her head, but shortly jumping up. "Eeek!" She jumped out of the bed, pulled on her jeans and a t-shirt and hurried down the stairs, taking two at a time. She promised her friends she'll come back early in the morning today, with treats... Which she didn't have, she did buy them, but it was boring yesterday evening... So the treats were gone. She quickly stuffed all the food she could find into her bag, not forgetting the chocolate eggs, which she gladly didn't eat. Aborting the last attempt to stuff her physics book on top of all the things she prepared for her friends she sweatdropped. Ever since she met Inuyasha, she had to put the thing she needed or wanted on the end of 'To Do List'. Grabbing her backpack and pulling on her shoes she ran out of the house, waving her goodbyes at her family promising that she'll be back next week, wondering when would it really be... She stopped to catch her breath at the edge of the well, smoothing out her clothes and checking that her hair was all right, which of course wasn't, unlike Kikyous... She frowned for a second, but then smiled at the thought that she'll be seeing Shippou-chan, Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha... Maybe this visit would be less depressing than the last. Sighing, she jumped into the well, which connected her world to the Sengoku Jedai.
Squinting at the bright sun, she shrieked in surprise as Inuyasha pulled her out of the well. "INUYASHA!" She screamed at the grinning youkai. "I asked you not to do that!" She sniffed, trying to hold on to her angry mask, but animals and children were impossible to fool. They always sensed the correct emotions, and Inuyasha was both. He continued to grin at her in a weird, maniacal manner.
"Kagome-chan! You are finally back!" Sango cried, pulling Kagome in a tight hug. "S-Sango.. Air..." "Oh! Sorry-" "Kagomee!" Shippou was already perched on her shoulder, tugging on her hair. "Ok, every one! I was only away for a week!" Kagome laughed, stroking Shippou s silky hair. "I brought you gifts, like I promised!" She tugged on her heavy bag, and smiling at her friends eager faces. "Oh, Kagome-sama... You are so kind..." Drawled Miroku. "Let me give you a hug!" Kagomes smile evaporated, being replaced by a blush of fifty shades. "M-Miroku! Don-" She was interrupted by a loud * CRUSH * as Sangos Hiraikotsu collided with Mirokus everlasting skull, sending shivers up Kagomes spine. "Perhaps that was a little too much..." She said, turning to a heavily breathing Sango, who towered over an unconscious houshi.
***
About an hour later they were all sitting under a tree, contemplating Kagomes delicious food as fast as they could. Inuyasha snatched a chocolate egg from Shippou and popped it into his bottomless mouth, chewing it loudly. "Kagomee!" Cried Shippou, jumping unto Kagomes lap and crying as if the world had just ended. Kagomes eyebrow twitched slightly. "It's ok Shippou. You can have his then." She said, not taking her eyes off the chomping hanyou. He stuffed a biscuit into his already full mouth and turned to Kagome quickly. Pretending that she didn't notice a thing, Kagome produced a much bigger egg, in bright red foil from her bag and handed it to Shippou, smiling at the happy kitsune. "K-Kaggoommeee..." He said in his nasty, high voice, making her want to laugh out at his funny look, "what is it, Inu-chan?" she asked innocently. "B-But that's mine!!!" He shouted, jumping up. "Well, you ate his! So it was fair to give yours to him! And stop acting like a baby!" She shouted, scaring the little kitsune and startling everybody else. Kagome was shouting. That was something serious. Inuyasha wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked slightly scared. "Keh, not like I want it or anything." he said, grabbing another cookie and jumping up on the tree. Kagome just realized that she was standing up, and her friends were staring at her, sitting promptly down and blushed. Muttering "Sorry." She got up and trying to keep her face down hurried off into the wood. Shippou was going to run after her but Miroku grabbed him by his fluffy tail and plopped him down on Sangos lap. Shippou looked at him in question, with big eyes and his mouth smeared with chocolate.
Sango looked up onto the hanyou who was obviously oblivious to whatever was going on. "What?" He asked rudely. Miroku shook his head, "Are you really that dense?" He asked no one in particular. But then sighed and added quietly. "Why am I asking..."
Inuyasha growled and jumped down from the tree. "I heard that you monk!" Miroku glared at him, not cowering in fear as usual, "Then you'd better do something about it!
You half witted hanyou! You made Kagome-sama cry!" Inuyashas hand, which was about to hit the houshi on the head, froze in mid air. He lifted his head and sniffed, sure enough, he could make out the salty smell of tears in the air, faint but clear as a blade...
Kagome ran as fast as she could, not being able to hold back her tears. "Baka!" She sniffed, sitting down on a root of a giant tree and looking up, to see that it was the tree that she first saw Inuyasha pinned to. Tears running down her red cheeks, she got up and kicked the tree as hard as she could. But her pain didn't go away, instead, her toe now hurt badly. Weeping she fell down on the grass and curled into a tight ball, her body rocking with sobs. Why did she have to meet the hanyou? Didn't she have enough troubles on her own? That accursed baka. She liked him a lot, usually when he wasn't around, because then she could remember him as handsome, caring hero. But in reality he was naught but a spoiled brat... She hugged her knees to her chest even harder. The pose was far from comfortable, in fact the knees that were pressed into her chest felt like they were about to break it. But the pain inside was much, much worse... She didn't know why she was crying now. He used to do stuff which was much worse. She shuddered and sighed, it had just probably bottled up. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Probably Sango. She was a true friend; she always helped her and comforted her. "Can you please leave me alone?" She asked, sniffing. "I don't want to see anyone Sango-chan, and tell Inuyasha I'm just feeling sick." The hand flinched but remained where it were. "Ano... "Said a deep, but unsure voice. Kagome opened her eyes to see that Inuyasha was lying down next to her, looking confused and blushing slightly. He cleared his throat, and moved his hand lower, to rest on her waist, his touch caring and intimate at the same time, but it didn't make Kagome feel any better. On the contrary, she felt angry. First he makes her cry and then comes up, snuggling. "Go away. I don't want to see you." She said, closing her eyes and curling even tightly into her defense position. Inuyasha had no idea how to deal with crying girls, but he had to try. He moved closer, draping his arm around her, breathing in her sad scent. He kissed her on the tip of her nose, "I'm sorry Kagome..." He whispered silently, barely enough for her to hear. Her eyes snapped open. Did she just hear right, or was she starting to hallucinate? He looked away, 'Damn. This is the first and I hope, the last time I had to say that word.' Kagome looked at him, her slightly red eyes and shining cheeks not making her less pretty. "A-are you?" Inuyasha snorted. "Baka, why would I say something like that when I don't mean it?" Kagome smiled, this was probably the most romantic thing she ever heard from him. Sniffing, she put her arm around him, sighing; this is all she's ever wanted.
Is it?
The pain in her chest was not willing to subside. She felt someone else's presence, snapping her eyes open, she saw Inuyasha stare behind her. Fearing the worst, she slowly turned around and saw red. And white. And black. She closed her eyes and almost cried out when a white-hot pain seared through her heart. 'Not HER...' 'Oh kami... Save me...'
Inuyasha jumped up, letting her arm fall on the ground, hitting it painfully, he ran up to Kikyou, who surveyed them with pain in her brown eyes... So much like Kagomes... "Its not what you think!" He cried desperately, trying to come up with an excuse. "I don't believe you, Inuyasha!" She cried, almost crying. "You are always with the girl! You care for her, you protect her! Tell me." Kikyou looked at him sadly. "Do you love her?"
Inuyasha just stood there, unable to utter a sound. Kikyou looked at him expectantly. "Well?" She demanded, tears shining in her beautiful, sad... Dead eyes. "Do you love her now? Do I no longer matter to you?" She asked taking a step closer to him. "So you lied when you said you love me? You lied when you said you want to marry me?" She was once again in control of her emotions, but her voice shook slightly, even Kagome, whose heart threatened to burst any time now, could feel her grief. It was simply endless, deep and all consuming, mingled with hate, anger and regret.
"No!" Cried Inuyasha, taking Kikyous small, sad form into his arms. "I didn't lie! I love you Kikyou..."
It seemed that the time has stopped for everything. Except pain.
After a while, Inuyasha turned to Kagome. "We'll wait at Kaede s." He said, leaving into the night. 'Wait. Night? Is it really that late?' She got up, stretching her sore limbs and stumbled off into the forest, not thinking where she was going, maybe she'll get lucky and stumble upon some youkai that will end her suffering...
Kagome felt sick, she stumbled over a twig and landed on her fours, not being able to hold it back, she vomited. And again. And again, she vomited until her sides ached and her head throbbed. Her heart was beating a violent tattoo against her chest. She gathered all the strength she had left, which wasn't much at all, and got up, clutching her stomach, she stumbled a good distance of about twenty meters, determined to get away as far as possible from them. Feeling that she couldn't move a millimeter more, she collapsed. And there she lay, exhausted, ill and broken; face down in the wet grass.
* * * * * * * * ** * * * * * *(In the Morning)
It was still. The sun beat down, hot and bright. All the vomiting had left Kagomes throat feeling like it had been sand papered. She needed a drink. She picked herself up and looked back at her shadow, which stretched far out behind her, at its end laid the gloomy forest from where she came from. The forest seemed deserted. Yet there was life. With every step Kagome took, clouds of wood midges flew up and buzzed round her. They landed on her face, her arms, her legs and where they landed, so they bit. "Get off! Get away!" Kagome cried as she slapped at the voracious insects. "If its not one thing, its...YOUCH!" Slap "...another!" Slap. Slap. Slap. Kagome started to run. The wood midges flew with her, like satin sheets flapping with the wind. Faster. Faster. Past the bony skeletons of dead trees, out of the desolate place, back to somewhere she could survive. Finally her senses were coming back. Kagome smelled them before she saw them. The loamy soil, the luxuriant foliage, the succulent fruit- familiar scents that sent her heart clopping faster than ever. The wood midges were less impressed as she ran out of their moist and dark domain, and unto a small clearing. They abandoned their quarry and returned to the deeper wood, where the air was pungent and sour. Kagome trudged onwards and onwards. The tall grass wrapped itself around her like a vast, green quilt. When she came to a stop, she heard water. Peering over the grass, and there, babbling along over a bed of pebbles, was a stream of crystal clear water. 'Thank Heaven!' Kagome rasped and fell to her knees. She cupped her hands and dipped them in the ice-cold water. She took a sip, and swallowed, and felt the cold liquid coursing down inside her body. It tasted good; earthy and sweet. She drank more, and more. She drank until her stomach was full and her thirst was quenched. Then, with a grateful sigh, Kagome dropped down into the stream with a splash. And there she lay. The water ran over her, soothing the wood midge bites, cleaning her clothes and hair. She remained there until every trace of mud and vomit had been washed away. 'Clean again.' She said, and pulled herself back unto her knees. All at once, a flash of orange darted across the water. Kagome froze. Head still bowed, Kagome raised her eyes and peered nervously through her lank and dripping hair. Crouched down behind a rock on the far side of the stream was a girl, in an orange haori. She had large, chestnut eyes and a shock of black hair. 'That's the girl that travels with Sesshoumaru...' Thought Kagome, now looking at the girl directly. The girl noticed that she was discovered and stood up slowly. "Konnichiwa!" She said in a voice like an angels, bowing slightly. Kagome just smiled at the child sadly, the pain still holding her heart like an iron Catherine's wheel. The girl straightened out and dipped one of her tiny feet into the pool, only to pull it backwards as fast as she could, shaking. "Brr! The water is too cold for Rin!" She chirruped, getting in and walking towards Kagome slowly, her lips a tight line, and goose bumps covering her little body. She took one of Kagomes frozen hands and tugged. "Get up, Lady! You're going to get sick!" Kagome stared at the child's fruitless attempts, Rin tugged again, but her little fingers slipped on Kagomes cold, wet hand and she fell down into the water with a splash. "Brr! Now the lady and Rin will get sick!" She whined. "What will Sesshoumaru –sama say? Get up! Rin doesn't want the lady to get sick!" Kagome didn't want to distress the little girl any further, or get her sick, so ignoring her throbbing head and aching limbs, she picked up Rin and got up, carrying the surprised girl out onto the clearing, which she now noticed was covered in pink, yellow and lilac flowers.
Putting the girl down in the sun she collapsed next to her, holding back the tears, which threatened to spill any moment now. Rin was lying next to her, watching her intently. "Why is the lady sad?" She asked earnestly. Kagome smiled with her eyes still closed, "The lady isn't sad, Rin." Rin jumped up, her mouth forming an 'o' "How does the lady know Rins name?!" She cried in surprise. Kagome chuckled and turned over to rest on her stomach. "Oh, I'm a miko, mikos can read minds" She smiled to herself at the child's innocence. "Ooh..." Came an awed response. "Sesshoumaru sama can do anything! But he cant read minds.." Kagome turned to face her little rescuer, partly grateful for this encounter; at least she will have someone nice to accompany her. "Rin, why are you not with Sesshoumaru anyway?" "Sesshoumaru-sama." Corrected Rin, and looked down, blushing slightly. " Rin ran away." She said quietly. Kagome lifted an eyebrow. "Why did you run away? Was he nasty to you?" Rin shook her pretty head in protest. "No-no, Sesshoumaru sama left, and left Rin with Jacken Sama!" She pulled a face. "Jacken sama is nasty to Rin. Doesn't let Rin play or go where she wants." Kagome sweatdropped. She believed Rins every word about Jacken, having had the pleasure to meet the toad personally a couple of times. But why would some one made from ice, like Sesshoumaru would want to keep this little flower around... She wondered.
Rin was busy making a flower chain, completely engrossed in the procedure. "RIN!!! This Jacken will beat you to death! You miserable human whelp!" Cried Jacken as he stumbled out of the forest. Rin looked up from her flower chain "Eeek! TAIHEN JACKEN SAMA!!! IYEE!!!" She cried, running over to Kagome, whose presence was obscure to Jacken up to now, Kagome picked the child up and glared at Jacken who looked at her angrily. "You human wench! Put down that pup or else I'll burn you!" Kagome made no move, scowling at Jacken. He suddenly looked terrified, Kagome smirked. "So there! And you-" "Wench. What are you doing?" Came a low, cold voice behind her. 'Oh. That's why Jacken was terrified...' Kagome turned to face the Taiyoukai. "W-Who? ME? Oh, I wasn't doing anything!" She cowered, but then the picked up her courage, remembering what she was actually doing. "How can you leave Rin with Jacken?" She shouted at him, causing him to lift an eyebrow, he opened his mouth to say whatever he was thinking on her case, but was interrupted by Kagomes new outburst. "Jacken was shouting at her! And said that he will beat her to death!" Kagome was breathing heavily. Sesshoumaru slowly turned to his cowering servant. "Jacken." The toad lifted his small, green head, "H-hai Sesshoumaru sama..." Sesshoumarus eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is what the human wench saying true?" "Iye! She's making it all up! She is!" he stammered. Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome, his eyes now dangerous slits. Rin looked at Sesshoumaru with huge eyes, holding her little head "Sesshoumaru-sama! Jacken-sama was shouting at Rin, and beating her! And he called the nice lady bad names!" But Sesshoumaru was already towering above Jacken, obviously not interested in what Jacken called the 'Nice Lady'.
Jacken lay covered in huge bumps, groaning. Sesshoumaru turned to Rin. "Rin. Iguzo." (Sp) Rin looked at him with those puppy eyes of hers which would melt anyone's heart. And Sesshoumarus patience.
"Can the nice lady come with Rin?" She asked hopefully. "She is much better at looking after Rin then Jacken! And she could look after Ah-Un!" Kagome sweatdropped inwardly, the girl will grow up like a very good ruler she will... Sesshoumaru eyed Kagome up and down. "Iguzo." Rin beamed at Kagome happily, and pulled her hand so she would follow them. Kagome realized that she was ill. Badly. Her throat was hurting badly, like she had just swallowed a hedgehog, her vision was blurry and her skin burned. But she staggered on stubbornly, it's not like she had a choice or anything. Her vision became more blurred. It became harder to breath. Sesshoumaru turned back to her, his brow furrowed. Her knees gave way and she started falling down, face forward, everything in a blur. Rins troubled face, sky. Green gr...
Kagome opened her eyes. The ceiling was unfamiliar. Where was she? She looked around, but everything was still just a blur. She moved slightly, so she her burning face was on a cooler part of the pillow. She sighed as the truth sank in. She was in Sesshoumarus castle.
Kagomes eyes became accustomed to the curious shifting shadows, she found her self in a vast hall, and she sat up, swaying slightly, when a voice piped up from her right. "You would better remain in bed, my lady." Kagome swung around to see an Asakana youkai. Her eyes were eerily gray, she had full, light blue lips and a shock of white hair cascaded down her back. She sat on the wooden floor with her legs folded and her hands resting on her lap, she was simply looking at Kagome without blinking. "Ano..." Began Kagome. "Lie down, my lady." Repeated the youkai, pushing a few bangs that strangely resembled water out of her pale face. "Sesshoumaru sama ordered that you remain in bed." She said simply. Kagome swallowed. "Are you a doctor?" The youkai smiled and shook her head. "No, my name is Haoko. I was to watch you while you are asleep." She got up; her hair stretched so it remained on the floor, but shortly took its original shape, slightly past her waist. I will now doctor." She said leaving the room. Kagome sighed deeply. Now she was troubling all these people, when she wanted to die... The door slid open silently and then closed. Facing her, stood the most intriguing creature she has ever seen, well, she couldn't really see the creature it self, but its clothing was most obscure. It was squat, dressed in a heavy overcoat and heavier boots. His head was hidden beneath a large pointed hood whish extended down over his chest. Two round glass panels allowed him to see out. He did not speak. Kagome sweatdropped. Perhaps she wasn't the weirdest looking creature in Sengoku Jedai after all... The youkai walked towards her, closely followed by Haoko. "This is Kana. He will be attending to you. And I am here to help, for... He can speak none." Kana got out all sort of bottles and bags, mixing them together in a bowl, and handed it to Kagome, who eyed it suspiciously, but then drank it, wincing as it burnt her throat a little. Haoko smiled, bowing her head to one side. "How do you know it's not poison, my lady?" She asked jokingly. Kagome handed the empty bowl back to Kana, who put it away in the bag he brought with him. "I wish it was, Haoko sama, but obviously my life is in the hands of those who do not wish for it to end..." She said as she fell asleep, as the medicine was taking effect on her.
Haoko lifted an eyebrow and left, leaving Kana in charge of the sleeping miko. Kana watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling slowly... Her face was peaceful. But not at all happy or content. Perhaps the girl was as scarred and broken as he was... He sighed and collected all his bottles and medicine. He sat there whole day, watching her, thinking thoughts that no one would ever hear... The door slid open for a second time, Kana turned around, to see the Lord of the castle enter, without hesitation, he picked up her bag and bowing, left.
Sesshoumaru watched the sleeping miko. Finally, her heart beat quickened and her eyes opened. "Sesshoumaru!" She cried, sitting up and immediately clutching at her sore throat. He lifted an eyebrow. "Why are you not with my brother, wench?" He asked her. He noticed that her features hardened at the mentioning of the hanyou. She turned away from him. "Please don't speak to me about ...him...." She turned back to him. "And my name is Kagome. Not 'wench'." "Hn." He was going to say something I wouldn't want to repeat, but stopped when he saw a tear run down the mikos cheek. Her eyes were closed, and she was trying desperately not to cry, but failed miserably. Sesshoumaru didn't like her crying. Not like he cared though. He got up to leave, when Kagome sprang up. "Wait-can you please light the lamp for me?" she asked sheepishly. "I'm kinda scared..." she admitted guiltily. "Me?" Sesshoumaru gulped and, for a split second Kagome saw fear- raw and blind- flash across the stoic youkais face. The next moment, he was in control once more. "Light the lamp?" He asked jauntily. "Yes, I can do that." Kagome looked at him closely. Even in the shadows, his skin was glistening with sweat. "If it's too much trouble, don't bother," She said meanly. "Haoko-sama will do it when she comes back." "Hn." He took the tongs, which hung, above the fireplace. His heart was thumping. His legs felt like lead. Out of the corner of the eye, he thought he saw something glinting scuttle across the floor- though when he looked, there was nothing there. On the other side of the room, Kagomes brow furrowed with concentration. For whatever reason, Sesshoumaru was clearly petrified of fire. Perhaps she'd gone too far. Suddenly, she found her self shouting at him. "It doesn't matter! Sesshoumaru, leave it!"
But by then, Sesshoumaru was already pulling a length of burning wood from the fireplace. His sweaty hands were shaking so badly he could hardly maintain his grip on the tongs. And when Kagome cried out, her voice gave him such a jump that he let go of them completely. The tongs clattered to the floor. The burning log fell after them, half burning, half smoldering. Mesmerized, he stared in horror, unable to move. Fire! He could see the white-hot flames, coming closer. He could feel them getting hotter. He could smell that terrible stench once again. Burning hair, burning flesh. The screaming, screaming, screaming...
'No! I mustn't let it happen again!' He thought desperately, and before Kagome knew what he was doing, he had reached forwards and seized the burning log in his right hand. "Sesshoumaru!" She shrieked. "What are you doing? Don't be a..." Sesshoumaru thrust the log back into the fireplace. Kagome swallowed. "...a fool." She finished weakly. At the same moment the door behind them opened. Kagome spun around guiltily. Haoko was standing in the doorway, a laden tray in her hands. "I thought you might be hungry, my..." Her brows lowered. "Sesshoumaru sama?" she asked suspiciously. "Hn." He said and practically ran out of the room. Haoko smelled the air. Her pale nose twitched. "Burnt floor...who's burned themselves?" she said sharply. "Come on, show me." Kagome bit into her lower lip. "Haoko-sama, it was Sesshoumaru." Haoko almost dropped her tray. "Sesshoumaru sama?!" she asked surprised. "What was he doing?" "He tried to light a lamp for me." Kagome mumbled quietly. Haokos wide eyes were now even wider. 'First he brings the small human, now this woman, then...He was meddling with the fire for her...' She sighed. 'Never thought I'd live to see the day..' Kagomes voice brought her back to reality. "Haoko sama, why was he so scared?" Haoko looked at her sharply, "Sesshoumaru sama is not scared of anything." She put the tray down in front of Kagome. "Ask him yourself. I have to leave you now." Kagome decided not to repeat the fire experiment again. Maybe they all have a 'Fire Phobia' here.' She thought with a sweatdrop. Haoko paused in the doorway. "And, yes. Yasunoru will be here shortly." Kagome lifted her eyebrows. "Yasunoru?" "Yes. He will be your guard during your stay here."
Kagome had wished to go home soon, but if Sesshoumaru gave her a personal guard... 'Oh, how could've I forgotten? He only took me because Rin wanted a new nanny.' She thought. "Ooh. I'm a nanny...Great."
"Lord Sesshoumaru had instructed us all to treat you like a guest. I do not know why you think you are merely a servant." Came a voice like vanilla ice cream...
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Well, this is it. The chapter turned out a bit longer than I expected, so I'm pretty satiated with it.
Oh. NB- This Kamashii does not thrive for nasty comments. And since Kamashii samas wishes are the most important wishes... You'll make sure it's the way he likes. Its not like you have a choice... Really...
As a rule, I'll be answering all reviews, even when I'm drowning in the non- ceasing flood of homework... Oh, by the way. This is a Sess/Kag story, so if you're a hater of this pairing... Get-out-Now. Or stay, if you wish, I'm not gonna make you leave or stay...* kicks chains out of view *
I love ellipses...
Announcement: Inuyasha, Kagome, Kikyou, Fluff- oops. Sesshoumaru Sama and all the rest of the co belong to Rumiko Takahashi Kami-sama. And I don't claim them to be my own... * sigh* Though my characters are my characters! And they belong to mee... *Tugs on a chain around Haokos pale throat... * So... Lay off.
Chapter One.
"Ranting Ramen."
Warm sunrays flooded a small, messy room, making their way across it, flooding every corner and coming to rest on a young girls sleeping face, her black hair fanned out on the pillow, the dark crescents of her eyelashes were outlining her fragile features, making her slightly unhealthy look stand out. "Shaturday.No School." She mumbled, turning in her sleep and pulling the blanket over her head, but shortly jumping up. "Eeek!" She jumped out of the bed, pulled on her jeans and a t-shirt and hurried down the stairs, taking two at a time. She promised her friends she'll come back early in the morning today, with treats... Which she didn't have, she did buy them, but it was boring yesterday evening... So the treats were gone. She quickly stuffed all the food she could find into her bag, not forgetting the chocolate eggs, which she gladly didn't eat. Aborting the last attempt to stuff her physics book on top of all the things she prepared for her friends she sweatdropped. Ever since she met Inuyasha, she had to put the thing she needed or wanted on the end of 'To Do List'. Grabbing her backpack and pulling on her shoes she ran out of the house, waving her goodbyes at her family promising that she'll be back next week, wondering when would it really be... She stopped to catch her breath at the edge of the well, smoothing out her clothes and checking that her hair was all right, which of course wasn't, unlike Kikyous... She frowned for a second, but then smiled at the thought that she'll be seeing Shippou-chan, Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha... Maybe this visit would be less depressing than the last. Sighing, she jumped into the well, which connected her world to the Sengoku Jedai.
Squinting at the bright sun, she shrieked in surprise as Inuyasha pulled her out of the well. "INUYASHA!" She screamed at the grinning youkai. "I asked you not to do that!" She sniffed, trying to hold on to her angry mask, but animals and children were impossible to fool. They always sensed the correct emotions, and Inuyasha was both. He continued to grin at her in a weird, maniacal manner.
"Kagome-chan! You are finally back!" Sango cried, pulling Kagome in a tight hug. "S-Sango.. Air..." "Oh! Sorry-" "Kagomee!" Shippou was already perched on her shoulder, tugging on her hair. "Ok, every one! I was only away for a week!" Kagome laughed, stroking Shippou s silky hair. "I brought you gifts, like I promised!" She tugged on her heavy bag, and smiling at her friends eager faces. "Oh, Kagome-sama... You are so kind..." Drawled Miroku. "Let me give you a hug!" Kagomes smile evaporated, being replaced by a blush of fifty shades. "M-Miroku! Don-" She was interrupted by a loud * CRUSH * as Sangos Hiraikotsu collided with Mirokus everlasting skull, sending shivers up Kagomes spine. "Perhaps that was a little too much..." She said, turning to a heavily breathing Sango, who towered over an unconscious houshi.
***
About an hour later they were all sitting under a tree, contemplating Kagomes delicious food as fast as they could. Inuyasha snatched a chocolate egg from Shippou and popped it into his bottomless mouth, chewing it loudly. "Kagomee!" Cried Shippou, jumping unto Kagomes lap and crying as if the world had just ended. Kagomes eyebrow twitched slightly. "It's ok Shippou. You can have his then." She said, not taking her eyes off the chomping hanyou. He stuffed a biscuit into his already full mouth and turned to Kagome quickly. Pretending that she didn't notice a thing, Kagome produced a much bigger egg, in bright red foil from her bag and handed it to Shippou, smiling at the happy kitsune. "K-Kaggoommeee..." He said in his nasty, high voice, making her want to laugh out at his funny look, "what is it, Inu-chan?" she asked innocently. "B-But that's mine!!!" He shouted, jumping up. "Well, you ate his! So it was fair to give yours to him! And stop acting like a baby!" She shouted, scaring the little kitsune and startling everybody else. Kagome was shouting. That was something serious. Inuyasha wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked slightly scared. "Keh, not like I want it or anything." he said, grabbing another cookie and jumping up on the tree. Kagome just realized that she was standing up, and her friends were staring at her, sitting promptly down and blushed. Muttering "Sorry." She got up and trying to keep her face down hurried off into the wood. Shippou was going to run after her but Miroku grabbed him by his fluffy tail and plopped him down on Sangos lap. Shippou looked at him in question, with big eyes and his mouth smeared with chocolate.
Sango looked up onto the hanyou who was obviously oblivious to whatever was going on. "What?" He asked rudely. Miroku shook his head, "Are you really that dense?" He asked no one in particular. But then sighed and added quietly. "Why am I asking..."
Inuyasha growled and jumped down from the tree. "I heard that you monk!" Miroku glared at him, not cowering in fear as usual, "Then you'd better do something about it!
You half witted hanyou! You made Kagome-sama cry!" Inuyashas hand, which was about to hit the houshi on the head, froze in mid air. He lifted his head and sniffed, sure enough, he could make out the salty smell of tears in the air, faint but clear as a blade...
Kagome ran as fast as she could, not being able to hold back her tears. "Baka!" She sniffed, sitting down on a root of a giant tree and looking up, to see that it was the tree that she first saw Inuyasha pinned to. Tears running down her red cheeks, she got up and kicked the tree as hard as she could. But her pain didn't go away, instead, her toe now hurt badly. Weeping she fell down on the grass and curled into a tight ball, her body rocking with sobs. Why did she have to meet the hanyou? Didn't she have enough troubles on her own? That accursed baka. She liked him a lot, usually when he wasn't around, because then she could remember him as handsome, caring hero. But in reality he was naught but a spoiled brat... She hugged her knees to her chest even harder. The pose was far from comfortable, in fact the knees that were pressed into her chest felt like they were about to break it. But the pain inside was much, much worse... She didn't know why she was crying now. He used to do stuff which was much worse. She shuddered and sighed, it had just probably bottled up. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Probably Sango. She was a true friend; she always helped her and comforted her. "Can you please leave me alone?" She asked, sniffing. "I don't want to see anyone Sango-chan, and tell Inuyasha I'm just feeling sick." The hand flinched but remained where it were. "Ano... "Said a deep, but unsure voice. Kagome opened her eyes to see that Inuyasha was lying down next to her, looking confused and blushing slightly. He cleared his throat, and moved his hand lower, to rest on her waist, his touch caring and intimate at the same time, but it didn't make Kagome feel any better. On the contrary, she felt angry. First he makes her cry and then comes up, snuggling. "Go away. I don't want to see you." She said, closing her eyes and curling even tightly into her defense position. Inuyasha had no idea how to deal with crying girls, but he had to try. He moved closer, draping his arm around her, breathing in her sad scent. He kissed her on the tip of her nose, "I'm sorry Kagome..." He whispered silently, barely enough for her to hear. Her eyes snapped open. Did she just hear right, or was she starting to hallucinate? He looked away, 'Damn. This is the first and I hope, the last time I had to say that word.' Kagome looked at him, her slightly red eyes and shining cheeks not making her less pretty. "A-are you?" Inuyasha snorted. "Baka, why would I say something like that when I don't mean it?" Kagome smiled, this was probably the most romantic thing she ever heard from him. Sniffing, she put her arm around him, sighing; this is all she's ever wanted.
Is it?
The pain in her chest was not willing to subside. She felt someone else's presence, snapping her eyes open, she saw Inuyasha stare behind her. Fearing the worst, she slowly turned around and saw red. And white. And black. She closed her eyes and almost cried out when a white-hot pain seared through her heart. 'Not HER...' 'Oh kami... Save me...'
Inuyasha jumped up, letting her arm fall on the ground, hitting it painfully, he ran up to Kikyou, who surveyed them with pain in her brown eyes... So much like Kagomes... "Its not what you think!" He cried desperately, trying to come up with an excuse. "I don't believe you, Inuyasha!" She cried, almost crying. "You are always with the girl! You care for her, you protect her! Tell me." Kikyou looked at him sadly. "Do you love her?"
Inuyasha just stood there, unable to utter a sound. Kikyou looked at him expectantly. "Well?" She demanded, tears shining in her beautiful, sad... Dead eyes. "Do you love her now? Do I no longer matter to you?" She asked taking a step closer to him. "So you lied when you said you love me? You lied when you said you want to marry me?" She was once again in control of her emotions, but her voice shook slightly, even Kagome, whose heart threatened to burst any time now, could feel her grief. It was simply endless, deep and all consuming, mingled with hate, anger and regret.
"No!" Cried Inuyasha, taking Kikyous small, sad form into his arms. "I didn't lie! I love you Kikyou..."
It seemed that the time has stopped for everything. Except pain.
After a while, Inuyasha turned to Kagome. "We'll wait at Kaede s." He said, leaving into the night. 'Wait. Night? Is it really that late?' She got up, stretching her sore limbs and stumbled off into the forest, not thinking where she was going, maybe she'll get lucky and stumble upon some youkai that will end her suffering...
Kagome felt sick, she stumbled over a twig and landed on her fours, not being able to hold it back, she vomited. And again. And again, she vomited until her sides ached and her head throbbed. Her heart was beating a violent tattoo against her chest. She gathered all the strength she had left, which wasn't much at all, and got up, clutching her stomach, she stumbled a good distance of about twenty meters, determined to get away as far as possible from them. Feeling that she couldn't move a millimeter more, she collapsed. And there she lay, exhausted, ill and broken; face down in the wet grass.
* * * * * * * * ** * * * * * *(In the Morning)
It was still. The sun beat down, hot and bright. All the vomiting had left Kagomes throat feeling like it had been sand papered. She needed a drink. She picked herself up and looked back at her shadow, which stretched far out behind her, at its end laid the gloomy forest from where she came from. The forest seemed deserted. Yet there was life. With every step Kagome took, clouds of wood midges flew up and buzzed round her. They landed on her face, her arms, her legs and where they landed, so they bit. "Get off! Get away!" Kagome cried as she slapped at the voracious insects. "If its not one thing, its...YOUCH!" Slap "...another!" Slap. Slap. Slap. Kagome started to run. The wood midges flew with her, like satin sheets flapping with the wind. Faster. Faster. Past the bony skeletons of dead trees, out of the desolate place, back to somewhere she could survive. Finally her senses were coming back. Kagome smelled them before she saw them. The loamy soil, the luxuriant foliage, the succulent fruit- familiar scents that sent her heart clopping faster than ever. The wood midges were less impressed as she ran out of their moist and dark domain, and unto a small clearing. They abandoned their quarry and returned to the deeper wood, where the air was pungent and sour. Kagome trudged onwards and onwards. The tall grass wrapped itself around her like a vast, green quilt. When she came to a stop, she heard water. Peering over the grass, and there, babbling along over a bed of pebbles, was a stream of crystal clear water. 'Thank Heaven!' Kagome rasped and fell to her knees. She cupped her hands and dipped them in the ice-cold water. She took a sip, and swallowed, and felt the cold liquid coursing down inside her body. It tasted good; earthy and sweet. She drank more, and more. She drank until her stomach was full and her thirst was quenched. Then, with a grateful sigh, Kagome dropped down into the stream with a splash. And there she lay. The water ran over her, soothing the wood midge bites, cleaning her clothes and hair. She remained there until every trace of mud and vomit had been washed away. 'Clean again.' She said, and pulled herself back unto her knees. All at once, a flash of orange darted across the water. Kagome froze. Head still bowed, Kagome raised her eyes and peered nervously through her lank and dripping hair. Crouched down behind a rock on the far side of the stream was a girl, in an orange haori. She had large, chestnut eyes and a shock of black hair. 'That's the girl that travels with Sesshoumaru...' Thought Kagome, now looking at the girl directly. The girl noticed that she was discovered and stood up slowly. "Konnichiwa!" She said in a voice like an angels, bowing slightly. Kagome just smiled at the child sadly, the pain still holding her heart like an iron Catherine's wheel. The girl straightened out and dipped one of her tiny feet into the pool, only to pull it backwards as fast as she could, shaking. "Brr! The water is too cold for Rin!" She chirruped, getting in and walking towards Kagome slowly, her lips a tight line, and goose bumps covering her little body. She took one of Kagomes frozen hands and tugged. "Get up, Lady! You're going to get sick!" Kagome stared at the child's fruitless attempts, Rin tugged again, but her little fingers slipped on Kagomes cold, wet hand and she fell down into the water with a splash. "Brr! Now the lady and Rin will get sick!" She whined. "What will Sesshoumaru –sama say? Get up! Rin doesn't want the lady to get sick!" Kagome didn't want to distress the little girl any further, or get her sick, so ignoring her throbbing head and aching limbs, she picked up Rin and got up, carrying the surprised girl out onto the clearing, which she now noticed was covered in pink, yellow and lilac flowers.
Putting the girl down in the sun she collapsed next to her, holding back the tears, which threatened to spill any moment now. Rin was lying next to her, watching her intently. "Why is the lady sad?" She asked earnestly. Kagome smiled with her eyes still closed, "The lady isn't sad, Rin." Rin jumped up, her mouth forming an 'o' "How does the lady know Rins name?!" She cried in surprise. Kagome chuckled and turned over to rest on her stomach. "Oh, I'm a miko, mikos can read minds" She smiled to herself at the child's innocence. "Ooh..." Came an awed response. "Sesshoumaru sama can do anything! But he cant read minds.." Kagome turned to face her little rescuer, partly grateful for this encounter; at least she will have someone nice to accompany her. "Rin, why are you not with Sesshoumaru anyway?" "Sesshoumaru-sama." Corrected Rin, and looked down, blushing slightly. " Rin ran away." She said quietly. Kagome lifted an eyebrow. "Why did you run away? Was he nasty to you?" Rin shook her pretty head in protest. "No-no, Sesshoumaru sama left, and left Rin with Jacken Sama!" She pulled a face. "Jacken sama is nasty to Rin. Doesn't let Rin play or go where she wants." Kagome sweatdropped. She believed Rins every word about Jacken, having had the pleasure to meet the toad personally a couple of times. But why would some one made from ice, like Sesshoumaru would want to keep this little flower around... She wondered.
Rin was busy making a flower chain, completely engrossed in the procedure. "RIN!!! This Jacken will beat you to death! You miserable human whelp!" Cried Jacken as he stumbled out of the forest. Rin looked up from her flower chain "Eeek! TAIHEN JACKEN SAMA!!! IYEE!!!" She cried, running over to Kagome, whose presence was obscure to Jacken up to now, Kagome picked the child up and glared at Jacken who looked at her angrily. "You human wench! Put down that pup or else I'll burn you!" Kagome made no move, scowling at Jacken. He suddenly looked terrified, Kagome smirked. "So there! And you-" "Wench. What are you doing?" Came a low, cold voice behind her. 'Oh. That's why Jacken was terrified...' Kagome turned to face the Taiyoukai. "W-Who? ME? Oh, I wasn't doing anything!" She cowered, but then the picked up her courage, remembering what she was actually doing. "How can you leave Rin with Jacken?" She shouted at him, causing him to lift an eyebrow, he opened his mouth to say whatever he was thinking on her case, but was interrupted by Kagomes new outburst. "Jacken was shouting at her! And said that he will beat her to death!" Kagome was breathing heavily. Sesshoumaru slowly turned to his cowering servant. "Jacken." The toad lifted his small, green head, "H-hai Sesshoumaru sama..." Sesshoumarus eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is what the human wench saying true?" "Iye! She's making it all up! She is!" he stammered. Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome, his eyes now dangerous slits. Rin looked at Sesshoumaru with huge eyes, holding her little head "Sesshoumaru-sama! Jacken-sama was shouting at Rin, and beating her! And he called the nice lady bad names!" But Sesshoumaru was already towering above Jacken, obviously not interested in what Jacken called the 'Nice Lady'.
Jacken lay covered in huge bumps, groaning. Sesshoumaru turned to Rin. "Rin. Iguzo." (Sp) Rin looked at him with those puppy eyes of hers which would melt anyone's heart. And Sesshoumarus patience.
"Can the nice lady come with Rin?" She asked hopefully. "She is much better at looking after Rin then Jacken! And she could look after Ah-Un!" Kagome sweatdropped inwardly, the girl will grow up like a very good ruler she will... Sesshoumaru eyed Kagome up and down. "Iguzo." Rin beamed at Kagome happily, and pulled her hand so she would follow them. Kagome realized that she was ill. Badly. Her throat was hurting badly, like she had just swallowed a hedgehog, her vision was blurry and her skin burned. But she staggered on stubbornly, it's not like she had a choice or anything. Her vision became more blurred. It became harder to breath. Sesshoumaru turned back to her, his brow furrowed. Her knees gave way and she started falling down, face forward, everything in a blur. Rins troubled face, sky. Green gr...
Kagome opened her eyes. The ceiling was unfamiliar. Where was she? She looked around, but everything was still just a blur. She moved slightly, so she her burning face was on a cooler part of the pillow. She sighed as the truth sank in. She was in Sesshoumarus castle.
Kagomes eyes became accustomed to the curious shifting shadows, she found her self in a vast hall, and she sat up, swaying slightly, when a voice piped up from her right. "You would better remain in bed, my lady." Kagome swung around to see an Asakana youkai. Her eyes were eerily gray, she had full, light blue lips and a shock of white hair cascaded down her back. She sat on the wooden floor with her legs folded and her hands resting on her lap, she was simply looking at Kagome without blinking. "Ano..." Began Kagome. "Lie down, my lady." Repeated the youkai, pushing a few bangs that strangely resembled water out of her pale face. "Sesshoumaru sama ordered that you remain in bed." She said simply. Kagome swallowed. "Are you a doctor?" The youkai smiled and shook her head. "No, my name is Haoko. I was to watch you while you are asleep." She got up; her hair stretched so it remained on the floor, but shortly took its original shape, slightly past her waist. I will now doctor." She said leaving the room. Kagome sighed deeply. Now she was troubling all these people, when she wanted to die... The door slid open silently and then closed. Facing her, stood the most intriguing creature she has ever seen, well, she couldn't really see the creature it self, but its clothing was most obscure. It was squat, dressed in a heavy overcoat and heavier boots. His head was hidden beneath a large pointed hood whish extended down over his chest. Two round glass panels allowed him to see out. He did not speak. Kagome sweatdropped. Perhaps she wasn't the weirdest looking creature in Sengoku Jedai after all... The youkai walked towards her, closely followed by Haoko. "This is Kana. He will be attending to you. And I am here to help, for... He can speak none." Kana got out all sort of bottles and bags, mixing them together in a bowl, and handed it to Kagome, who eyed it suspiciously, but then drank it, wincing as it burnt her throat a little. Haoko smiled, bowing her head to one side. "How do you know it's not poison, my lady?" She asked jokingly. Kagome handed the empty bowl back to Kana, who put it away in the bag he brought with him. "I wish it was, Haoko sama, but obviously my life is in the hands of those who do not wish for it to end..." She said as she fell asleep, as the medicine was taking effect on her.
Haoko lifted an eyebrow and left, leaving Kana in charge of the sleeping miko. Kana watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling slowly... Her face was peaceful. But not at all happy or content. Perhaps the girl was as scarred and broken as he was... He sighed and collected all his bottles and medicine. He sat there whole day, watching her, thinking thoughts that no one would ever hear... The door slid open for a second time, Kana turned around, to see the Lord of the castle enter, without hesitation, he picked up her bag and bowing, left.
Sesshoumaru watched the sleeping miko. Finally, her heart beat quickened and her eyes opened. "Sesshoumaru!" She cried, sitting up and immediately clutching at her sore throat. He lifted an eyebrow. "Why are you not with my brother, wench?" He asked her. He noticed that her features hardened at the mentioning of the hanyou. She turned away from him. "Please don't speak to me about ...him...." She turned back to him. "And my name is Kagome. Not 'wench'." "Hn." He was going to say something I wouldn't want to repeat, but stopped when he saw a tear run down the mikos cheek. Her eyes were closed, and she was trying desperately not to cry, but failed miserably. Sesshoumaru didn't like her crying. Not like he cared though. He got up to leave, when Kagome sprang up. "Wait-can you please light the lamp for me?" she asked sheepishly. "I'm kinda scared..." she admitted guiltily. "Me?" Sesshoumaru gulped and, for a split second Kagome saw fear- raw and blind- flash across the stoic youkais face. The next moment, he was in control once more. "Light the lamp?" He asked jauntily. "Yes, I can do that." Kagome looked at him closely. Even in the shadows, his skin was glistening with sweat. "If it's too much trouble, don't bother," She said meanly. "Haoko-sama will do it when she comes back." "Hn." He took the tongs, which hung, above the fireplace. His heart was thumping. His legs felt like lead. Out of the corner of the eye, he thought he saw something glinting scuttle across the floor- though when he looked, there was nothing there. On the other side of the room, Kagomes brow furrowed with concentration. For whatever reason, Sesshoumaru was clearly petrified of fire. Perhaps she'd gone too far. Suddenly, she found her self shouting at him. "It doesn't matter! Sesshoumaru, leave it!"
But by then, Sesshoumaru was already pulling a length of burning wood from the fireplace. His sweaty hands were shaking so badly he could hardly maintain his grip on the tongs. And when Kagome cried out, her voice gave him such a jump that he let go of them completely. The tongs clattered to the floor. The burning log fell after them, half burning, half smoldering. Mesmerized, he stared in horror, unable to move. Fire! He could see the white-hot flames, coming closer. He could feel them getting hotter. He could smell that terrible stench once again. Burning hair, burning flesh. The screaming, screaming, screaming...
'No! I mustn't let it happen again!' He thought desperately, and before Kagome knew what he was doing, he had reached forwards and seized the burning log in his right hand. "Sesshoumaru!" She shrieked. "What are you doing? Don't be a..." Sesshoumaru thrust the log back into the fireplace. Kagome swallowed. "...a fool." She finished weakly. At the same moment the door behind them opened. Kagome spun around guiltily. Haoko was standing in the doorway, a laden tray in her hands. "I thought you might be hungry, my..." Her brows lowered. "Sesshoumaru sama?" she asked suspiciously. "Hn." He said and practically ran out of the room. Haoko smelled the air. Her pale nose twitched. "Burnt floor...who's burned themselves?" she said sharply. "Come on, show me." Kagome bit into her lower lip. "Haoko-sama, it was Sesshoumaru." Haoko almost dropped her tray. "Sesshoumaru sama?!" she asked surprised. "What was he doing?" "He tried to light a lamp for me." Kagome mumbled quietly. Haokos wide eyes were now even wider. 'First he brings the small human, now this woman, then...He was meddling with the fire for her...' She sighed. 'Never thought I'd live to see the day..' Kagomes voice brought her back to reality. "Haoko sama, why was he so scared?" Haoko looked at her sharply, "Sesshoumaru sama is not scared of anything." She put the tray down in front of Kagome. "Ask him yourself. I have to leave you now." Kagome decided not to repeat the fire experiment again. Maybe they all have a 'Fire Phobia' here.' She thought with a sweatdrop. Haoko paused in the doorway. "And, yes. Yasunoru will be here shortly." Kagome lifted her eyebrows. "Yasunoru?" "Yes. He will be your guard during your stay here."
Kagome had wished to go home soon, but if Sesshoumaru gave her a personal guard... 'Oh, how could've I forgotten? He only took me because Rin wanted a new nanny.' She thought. "Ooh. I'm a nanny...Great."
"Lord Sesshoumaru had instructed us all to treat you like a guest. I do not know why you think you are merely a servant." Came a voice like vanilla ice cream...
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Well, this is it. The chapter turned out a bit longer than I expected, so I'm pretty satiated with it.
Oh. NB- This Kamashii does not thrive for nasty comments. And since Kamashii samas wishes are the most important wishes... You'll make sure it's the way he likes. Its not like you have a choice... Really...