Author's Note: I wanted to quickly thank those of you who have given your support to this fiction thus far. I've received some questions about the time frame of this fiction. It is safe to assume this takes place post everything. You can expect normal updates weekly, I will, however, be out of internet range during the 7-14th of June due to familial circumstances. Thank you for your reviews. They are motivating. Without further ado, onto the story.
Disclaimer: All original characters are owned by Rumiko Takahashi. Any events taking place are of my own imagination. Any similarities to actual people or events are strictly coincidental.
Chapter Two: A Taiyoukai's Intrigue
The sun ignited the early morning sky casting hues of red, pink, orange, and finally light blue into the, once, darkened sky. The tai peered at his waking party. The miko had already risen from her slumber against his mount whilst Rin was currently awakening against AhUn's side.
The kappa was blearily moving about the camp grumbling incoherent utterances as he went speaking in low tones to himself of things Sesshomaru cared nothing for. It was the miko that held his current attention.
Upon awakening, she had subjected herself to an isolated side of the clearing and melded herself into a perfect lotus where she was meditating deeply. Amber eyes narrowed in mild interest. Was this how she had come to tame her power? He too would meditate at times, but it was mostly done to calm his alpha in a state of blood lust that caused his youki to rage wildly. On occasion, he would also meditate out of sheer habit seeing as he was taught the art when he was a mere pup.
A yawning ward caught his attention as she sleepily rose from the ground and made her way to his side.
"Ohayou, Lord Sesshomaru," she said quietly the huskiness of sleep still evident in her voice.
He inclined his head in greeting before the sound of her rumbling stomach reached his ears. Sustenance was required and as alpha of his pack it was his duty to provide for their needs.
Rising from his seated position with youkai grace, he glanced over at the meditative miko. She would require nourishment as well. Trusting she would protect Rin in the event that an attack were to occur, he turned to leave his pack, although, more hesitant than he had been in the past with the knowledge of the previous day's events in the forefront of his mind.
Rin watched Sesshomaru's departing figure until he was out of sight before she turned and started walking toward Kagome. Being as silent as possible, she knelt before the concentrated miko and waited patiently to be acknowledged. This was not something she was unaccustomed to as she had seen her protector performing this very ritual at times.
The young girl had started to pull at the grass on the ground around them, not use to sitting still for such a long period of time, when Kagome opened her blue eyes to see Rin before her. This immediately caught the young girl's attention and Kagome was rewarded with a bright smile.
"Ohayou, Lady Kagome," Rin chirruped happily.
"Ohayou, Rin," Kagome greeted warmly before she glanced around the camp.
She had sensed when Sesshomaru had passed through her barrier several minutes prior, thus she was not shocked to find him absent.
"Sesshomaru-sama has gone to find food," Rin supplied still smiling at her brightly.
"I see," Kagome replied as she smiled down at the happy girl before turning her head to take in the rest of their company. AhUn was slowly rising to his feet as he stretched his necks languidly while the kappa was muttering crossly at the youkai about 'being slow' and 'getting left behind by Sesshomaru-sama'.
The corner of Kagome's lips curved upward in an amused smirk at the kappa's antics. She could, fully, understand why he often drove the inuyoukai to acts of violence against his person.
Rin fidgeted slightly garnering Kagome's attention. Brown orbs shone expectantly as she voiced her barely restrained question, "Lady Kagome, can Rin braid your hair?"
Kagome blinked a few times taken aback by her abrupt request.
It had not been unusual for Rin to braid Kagome's hair while she gathered herbs when they both resided in Edo. Kagome had said it was good practice for her, but secretly she relished the feel of someone else taming her entirely too long raven tresses. It had been something her mother had done for her when she was a little girl. The action had brought a sense of familiarity to this world she now, permanently, resided in.
Kagome nodded once she regained her mind, "Of course, Rin."
The girl squeaked in joy as she scurried behind Kagome folding her knees beneath her as she took a handful of Kagome's tresses releasing the band that held them together.
Kagome closed her eyes but she was still on guard, pulsing her reiki in timed spurts sensing for any unwanted presences within or near her barrier. She was still on edge from the attack yesterday. The sensitive flesh of her mended wound came to mind at the thought. It may have been healed, but it was tender and would inhibit her movements in combat if she were to come to blows in the near future.
Future. A soft smile adorned her features as she bowed her head slightly, garnering a disgruntled sound from the very concentrated Rin, as her eyes saddened. How the meaning of that word had changed for her so many times in her relatively short lifespan.
At one time, future had meant 'home'. Five hundred years after the era she was currently in where her mother, her brother, and her grandfather lived and breathed, but all that changed when she decided to step back through the well with no certain possibility of return. Now 'future' simply meant what would happen here, in the feudal era, in a few days, months, or years time, and even that was more uncertain now that it had ever been before.
She returned to the present when a particularly sharp tug of her hair registered through her scalp. Kagome glanced back at Rin, in question, who was immediately apologizing. It was just as well. It did her no good to dwell on such thoughts.
A familiar, large youki passed through her barrier as, she assumed, Rin was finishing with the long ponytail braid that fell loosely down her back. Rin had just tied it off when Sesshomaru came into view.
"Lord Sesshomaru," the kappa sounded happily as his master came into his line of sight. His outcry of joy caused Rin to quickly rise from her position and greet her surrogate father.
"Sesshomaru-sama," she said quietly as Kagome turned to take in the tai's countenance. He had a medium sized deer slung over his shoulder as he extended his right hand to rest on Rin's head in acknowledgement.
His gaze lifted briefly to her and she inclined her head in greeting, "Sesshomaru-sama."
The tai set his kill down near Rin. "Jaken, start a fire," were his only words before he resumed his spot by the tree. Irritation bubbled in Kagome's chest before she shoved it back down. She was in no shape to be picking fights with taiyoukai of all beings. Sesshomaru least of all.
Rising from her spot on the grass she made her way over to the deer and began to skin it with a dagger Rin retrieved from AhUn's pack making short work of it. She began to gather a few pieces to roast over the fire for Rin before cutting some off for herself.
The tai watched her with mild interest as she served the girl before herself. Her strong maternal instincts presenting themselves once more. He had sensed the heated tone lacing through her gardenia scent a few moments prior before it was doused just as swiftly as it had appeared. This emotion from her was not new, in fact, he had experienced it several times specifically involving his half-brother. Irritation. His eyes narrowed slightly as the consistent state of confusion associated with her returned.
Were all ningen onna this unpredictable? If so he was surprised the human race had lasted thus far. However, that question lead to the rest of which he had pondered the entirety of the night: Why wasn't she with Inuyasha? If she had, why was she returning? Now, he had another, less pressing, question to add to the sequence: Why was the onna angry? He could feel the annoyed growl forming in his chest and choked it down instantly. He would not display such emotions especially in her presence. She wasn't acknowledged. His alpha's words sounded logically in his mind. Was it that simple? If we were not greeted, would we not also be angry? This Sesshomaru is no pup. He understands the basic of social customs and would not let such a trivial thing affect him. He snapped at his alpha. Even so, you have not had to act upon them for the majority of your life. Nor have you had to contend with a female before. They are quite different than us. His thoughts immediately flashed to Rin, but he knew that was not a true example. She was still but a pup. He closed his eyes inwardly scoffing. It matters not. It is no concern of this Sesshomaru. With those thoughts he actively silenced his inner inu, disallowing further discussion of the current topic.
He had relaxed himself against the tree when scuffled movements caught his attention. Only sensing the aura of his ward, Sesshomaru opened his eyes to see Rin kneeling before him a cloth holding several large pieces of raw meat in her hands. Curiously, Sesshomaru glanced up at his ward waiting for her to speak.
"Lady Kagome said it was polite to offer you some of the meat since you hunted it before we ate," Rin spoke with a smile.
Amber orbs skirted to the miko whose back was turned to him as she watched the meat cook diligently. He knew she felt his gaze on her, and it wasn't long before she turned her head to regard him.
This was an inu custom. The 'alpha' of the pack would always be served the best pieces of meat and were always served before the rest of the pack would touch their meal. While it was within Rin's capability to do so, he had never enforced this custom. He had never seen reason to. Even more puzzling, how would the miko know such information?
However, as their eyes had connected it was clear: she did know.
"This Sesshomaru does not require sustenance at this time. You may eat Rin," the girl looked slightly discouraged but she obeyed as she moved back to the miko's side.
Sesshomaru felt his inner inu stir within his chest. While he outwardly was unaffected by the submissive display it had pleased the inner inu that resided within him. The left corner of his mouth twitched momentarily in an upward direction. The miko was full of surprises. Full of surprises indeed.
Soon after, Kagome and Rin finished eating. Dousing the fire with some water from a nearby river, Kagome turned back to Rin who was already perched upon AhUn's back with the kappa standing nearby. The tai was off to the side seemingly waiting for Rin to say her goodbyes.
The brown eyed girl looked hesitant to see Kagome go but she put on a bright smile as the miko neared her. Kagome was, however, not fooled.
She laid her hand on top of Rin's head smiling at her warmly, "I am sure we will see each other soon," she comforted as she ran her fingers through Rin's dark tresses.
"Yes," Rin said happily before she glanced over to the tai who was watching the scene.
Kagome withdrew from Rin before turning toward the Western Lord.
Amber orbs appraised her figure. She stood tall. Seemingly confident and strong. His eyes strayed momentarily to the weakness of her left shoulder before meeting her gaze. Her sapphire orbs held a certain measure of ferocity he had neglected to notice before yet they were calm. They reminded him of the intense storms that occasionally graced his lands. They appeared calm until they were upon you tearing through any and all in their path. It was fitting.
His eyes nearly widened as she folded her body into a deep bow before him; her hair cascading around her face hiding it from view. It was deserving of his station as a Lord, however, unexpected. "Goodbye, Lord Sesshomaru," she said quietly as she rose from her bow pausing for a moment.
To say he was caught off guard was an understatement. The miko had been training in more than just her abilities it seemed. Once more, the ningen onna intrigued him.
Inclining his head slightly he responded in kind, "Miko."
Seemingly satisfied she turned walking away from his tachi and toward the East. Toward Edo.
Amber eyes followed her steps as a cold breeze rippled through his sea of silver. His eyes narrowed slightly as his instincts picked up on something he couldn't yet know.
Something is wrong. Sesshomaru didn't directly reply to his alpha as he watched the miko go. It was a tingling sensation that once would have raced up his spine and set his teeth on edge. The malintent was evident in the air. Something was about to happen. Entirely focused on the information passing through his senses he replied distractedly. I know.
"Rin," he said turning toward his ward as his youki cloud formed beneath his feet. "We are leaving."
"Yes, my Lord," she said gripping onto AhUn's rein as the kappa scrambled to climb onto the dragon's back.
Seconds later Sesshomaru shot off into the air with his tachi in tow. Whatever his alpha had picked up on was not something he wanted to encounter with his tachi so shortly after the incident with Rin. Flying would cut down the time it would take them to reach his Shiro. To reach safety. As an alpha with a pack that was his top priority.
His eyes narrowed as the sensation intensified. Something foul was afoot. Glancing back the way his party had come his thoughts landed on the miko.
She is in danger. His alpha sounded semi-concerned in tone as he stated what Sesshomaru already knew. There was an extremely vague sensation in his chest, but he ignored the catch contributing it fully to his ward's connection to the onna. Nothing more. She was not 'pack'. There was no reason for him to be concerned with her safety.
Realizing where his train of thoughts had lead him, he replied with the only word that he deemed to fit the situation. Ridiculous.
Kagome had made it back to the clearing and retrieved her forgotten katanas. The bodies were entirely gone either by slow purification or scavenging animals she wasn't sure nor was she particularly keen on knowing which.
What she had been focusing on, for the past hour, was the eerie sensation that had travelled up and stayed in her spine since she had departed from the Western Lord's presence. Her reiki flared out every minute sensing the area for the source of her disease as her body remained tense. On edge. The air was foreboding. It was like the environment was trying to warn her of something. But what?
Glancing over her shoulder again her hand tightened on her bow that was, once more, slung over her left shoulder. She could see nothing, but that didn't mean the statement rang true.
The next three hours of travel were like that. Constant vigilance, continuous pulsing of her reiki, and routine glances behind her. Every time she expected to pick up on or see something but didn't.
It wasn't like she was the untrained miko she had once been. Her confidence in her abilities was sound. Whatever tailed her did so just out of her immediate range. The fact that whatever followed her knew her range disturbed her.
Night was closing in swiftly setting the miko on even higher edge. Normally, she would travel through the night, but she wasn't so sure that would be the best considering what she'd been travelling with all day. However, if she stopped there was no guarantee that whatever was following her would keep its distance.
She was debating her situation when she felt it. Stopping short her eyes widened instantly. It was barely there for half a second, but she had sensed it. Dragons. They had followed her all the way to the border of Edo. Right into the heart of his lands. Well within his jurisdiction to do as he pleased.
Her breath caught. If she went any further, they would realize her connection to the village then they all would be in danger. Images of her friends, who were awaiting her arrival, flashed in the forefront of her mind. She clenched her teeth as her fist tightened by her side. They all had families now. She couldn't force them to bare her danger like she had before. She was different than she was then. Changed.
Closing her eyes, Kagome inhaled slowly and deeply to calm her hammering heart. She would be useless in a fight if she were so wrought with emotion that she couldn't think clearly. It was like a game of chess. The calmest, most collected player normally won because they were in a state of mind to outthink and outmaneuver the other. It had been a theory taught to her by her sensei, and, after observing Sesshomaru for years, she had proof to support it.
Calmly she drew her katana turning toward the forest behind her. The aura been on the edge of her senses, but it was distinctly in this direction.
Her human eyes scanned the darkness inept at deciphering the shadows that stained cascaded across every visible surface. Pulsing her reiki once more she concentrated on expanding it now that she was immobile. Her eyes widened as five signatures of substantial youki registered to her senses, and they were coming straight for her.
Her eyes hardened as she cast her reiki into the twin katanas instantly. She spun one in her hand in anticipation as she tracked their movements. There was no distraction. There was no diversion. It was a head on assault. Her eyes narrowed as a slight twinge in her left shoulder made itself known. There was no guarantee she would survive this.
Her reiki rose of its own accord as a glint of silver appeared in the moonlight. A blade. Within seconds they were upon her. Several youki raged around her threatening to oppress her reiki that raged like an inferno in her defense.
Kagome raised the katana in her left hand to parry the blade of a youkai she could barely see. She caught a glimpse of dark, ocean blue hair as her attacker bounded off of her blade. She barely had time to twist her body out of the way of another offending blade that she batted away with the other katana.
This was madness. She could barely see much less fight the youkai that swarmed her. She barely had time to form the barrier as several blades bared down upon her. She pulsed her reiki once sending them all flying in varying directions. She distinctly heard a tree trunk snap upon impact of one of their bodies.
Barriers were great defenses, but they were a purely defensive maneuver. She could not attack from within one or move from the spot she had cast it. She could stay in the barrier until her reiki ran dry, and if it was a weak oni that had just wandered upon her intent on taking an easy meal...it could work. These youkai, however, were assassins sent with the specific objective of acquiring her death..with any means necessary. They would wait her out in order to obtain their goal.
Kagome grit her teeth as several youkai approached her barrier their outlines faint in the lavender glow of holy energy. She closed her eyes momentarily thinking of her words to Rin earlier that day. A smirk overcame her features. It looked like that wouldn't be coming true.
"Miko," one of the youkai growled garnering an icy stare from sapphire hues in the process, "give up already. We can wait you out if necessary, and we all know that legendary power of yours has to end somewhere."
Kagome barely registered a set of emerald orbs glaring at her through the darkness. She decided to not dignify the taunt with a response and instead opted for open interrogation.
"Isamu sent you, I assume," Kagome stated evenly relaxing her posture slightly in the process.
"What of it," the same gruff voice replied.
"Nothing. Just confirming that Lord Sesshomaru, indeed, had the right serpent in mind when he rains down hell upon your lands," Kagome answered coldly.
"Keh, that dog has no idea what's coming to him," the youkai growled lowly.
"Oh," Kagome replied raising an eyebrow, "Then please do tell me."
There were a low couple of growls before the same youkai spat, "What difference does it make? She's going to be dead soon anyway."
Kagome waited silently searching her reiki stores in the process. She had a lot left to throw around if necessary, and this little 'ask-and-tell' session was buying her time. She began subtly gathering some at her core in case she could dispel another reiki pulse.
The youkai glanced back at her, "Lord Isamu is going to declare war at the Cardinal Meeting this year to be held at the Western Lord's Shiro in the coming week. It will be," the youkai said pausing as his tone took on an underlying sadistic tone, "dramatic."
Kagome's eyes widened. "Rin."
The youkai continued without waiting for her to ask, "In the wake of his weakness' death, he will be too impaired to respond adequately to a declaration of war."
Kagome's eyes closed before a smirk overtook her features, "You underestimate the inutai," she said coldly her gaze full of mirth, "if you were to, somehow, manage to kill Rin, in his own home, revenge will be swift and merciless from "The Killing Perfection" of the West. Your deaths would be immediate," she finished, "with the intensity of suffering the likes of Japan has never seen before or after."
The youkai snorted seemingly unamused nor terrified by her bold words. "You act like you know him."
Kagome nearly had enough energy gathered now to perform a pulse. She just needed the opportune moment to use it.
"Personally, no," she said lowering her katana slightly which put the youkai around her on edge. "But I do understand his bond with Rin. I know what lengths he would go to for her."
Her eyes softened at the memory of Rin reciting the tale of her second death or what Jaken had told her of it. Sesshomaru had nearly cried. She didn't doubt that he loved the little girl, and as each year passed every time she saw them...it was only further affirmed in her mind. Nothing foul would ever befall her while she was under his protection.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw her barrier failing. The youkai with green eyes smirked, "It seems your time is up miko."
Kagome had to hide her smirk. The barrier faltered only because her concentration on gathering reiki to her center left it weak. However, she went along with his observation and raised her katana once more. She'd have to create an opening.
"Time to die miko," he chided as they all raised their weapons readying for battle. Kagome's eyes narrowed in preparation as the moon, that had been hidden amongst the clouds, shed its light on the ground around her igniting the youkai that had been shrouded in darkness. This would only work to her advantage. Kagome smirked.
Dispelling her barrier, Kagome lunged at the one with green eyes slashing her katana at his torso. The blade barely grazed his skin before he leapt back another youkai charging her in his place. Kagome grimaced as two youkai bared down on her. Her arms quivered behind the katanas that momentarily held them at bay. She was no youkai and the reiki she used to fight was slightly waning. She wasn't invincible.
Deftly deflecting the blades around her the spun her body out of harms way only to be met with a red-hot sensation slicing down her back. Kagome released a soft growl as she swung her blades out around her causing an indecipherable youkai to jump back instantly. She could feel the hot liquid running down her back. The, now, shredded kimono completely open in the back. She grit her teeth enduring the pain for the moment.
Green eyes flashed before her wearing a smug expression his black locks shining in the moonlight. Oh how she wanted to wipe that look off of his face. They had given her a moment to steady herself after the initial attack for some unknown reason. That was their mistake.
Stabbing her katana into the ground, Kagome fell to her knees pressing her palms into the ground before her.
These youkai. Her eyes lifted to take in their appearance. They were nothing like the ones she'd faced the previous day. They were not on her caliber nor were they to the level of the inutai. Individually, she could have handled them easily, but together like this she knew she was no match.
She was about to release her pent up energy when it happened. She sensed the youki too late as the familiar bite of steel tore through her skin from the back to the front. Kagome looked down as silver protruded from her chest the obvious red taint of crimson, of her blood, glittering like gems in the moonlight.
They had been a diversion.
Kagome gasped as she clamped her hands around the blade that was crudely wrenched from her body. Undirected, the reiki in her body rushed forth in the form of a wave severely wounding each youkai within radius.
Kagome raised her right hand pressing it to the hole, now located in her torso, that was placed just two inches to the right of her heart. It was still a fatal blow. Blood seeped out of her mouth painting her lips and face as she turned her head to glance at the youkai who had felled her.
His eyes reminded her of deep blue oceans while his hair was painted of red fire. It was his eyes, however, that caught her attention. They looked almost sorrowful.
Kumo gazed at the miko who gazed at him from her knees. It really had been an unfair fight. He felt no honor in this killing. The miko had been at half strength when they had stalked her from the Western Lord's side. It was why he had staved off their attack until now hoping that she would regain some of her reiki. However, like most human functions, it did not regenerate as fast as their youki did.
He glanced at the katana in his right hand that was now stained with her blood. It had been a simple coup. Distract her with a head-on assault, then once she was sufficiently weakened he would end her life in one fell swoop. However, at the last second he'd gained a sense of sentimentality. He'd give her a few minutes after in order to say her goodbyes to the world. He was a youkai, but not all of them were cruel.
"Conserve your energy, miko," he said quietly as he sheathed his blade, "your time left is limited," he paused before turning from her, "I suggest you say your goodbyes."
Kagome watched as he retreated into the darkness before the green eyed youkai called after him, "You're just going to leave her?"
He turned back and looked at her. Kagome saw what looked like remorse in his gaze before he replied quietly, "Come. She's already dead."
Kagome barely registered the receding youki of her attackers as the pool of blood at her knees grew darker. She felt nothing. Her body completely numb from either blood-loss or shock. She wasn't sure which. Faintly, thoughts of giving up filtered into her mind.
Her eyes softened as Rin's face flooded back to her mind. Then there were those of Sango and Miroku, Kaede, Shippou, and even Inuyasha before a lasting image of Sesshomaru pulled to the forefront of her mind.
She wasn't sure why. Glancing to the sky she took in the expanse of the stars. At least it wasn't cloudy and she could look upon them properly. Slowly her gaze settled to the full moon in the sky. It was breathtaking. Thoughts of the moon brought her once more back to the inutai. Her mind clouded as she suddenly felt the strong urge to warn him of something.
Coughing she held the wound over her chest. She faintly registered the fact that she should be pouring reiki into the gaping mass and so she did. Feeling light headed, she tried to organize her thoughts. Isamu, Sesshomaru, Cardinal Meeting, one week, and Rin.
Rin. Isamu was going to kill Rin.
Her mind seemed to tear itself from the haze at that thought. Looking alarmed she staggered to her feet only to fall back down on one knee. In a rush, reality came crashing back down upon her followed by intense, searing pain. She cried out into the night in agony as her breathing became labored. She had to warn Sesshomaru.
She tried once more to clamber to her feet before falling, and, for the first time, she cursed her humanity. Sweat broke out on her brow as she faintly sensed it. Three youki signatures. Three familiar, friendly youki signatures...that were screaming toward her position.
Kagome's vision blurred as she registered movement around her.
"Kagome?" A soft baritone sounded.
Kagome barely registered someone kneeling before her steadying her with hands on her shoulders.
"K-kou-ga?" She asked gasping for breath.
"Yeah," he responded in softly, "what happened to you? Where's muttface?"
Kagome smiled softly. She could sense the worry rolling off of his youki in tremulous waves. Although he was mated to Ayame now, he still cared for her. It was sweet.
"Dra-gon. East. Mu-st war-n Se-Sesho-maru. Ta-ke me. Pl-ea-se," she managed.
"Kagome," he said softly, "you wouldn't survive the trip," he said quietly.
She could feel the sorrow in his youki. It was thick with remorse that nearly choked her. Ginta and Hakkaku mirrored his emotions off to the right. She couldn't pinpoint where exactly at this point.
"I-he-al. Re-iki," she said pulsing her reiki faster into her wound to stifle the bleeding.
Kouga had been patrolling his borders when he had scented her blood. It was so strong even from there that he had been surprised she was still alive when they got there. He had been determined to save her body from the desecration of whatever had managed to put her down. Avenging her death was also on the forefront of his mind. No matter what, she would always be pack to him. Finding her alive had been a blessing, but as he looked at her...he wasn't sure how much longer she'd make it.
He gritted his teeth in pain. Her wound was stitching together. That was no longer concerning to him. What had him worried was the pool of blood at her knees, subsequently now, his as well.
"Kagome, I," he started gazing into her clouded blue orbs.
"Please.." the begging undertone in her voice is what sealed the deal, and possibly her fate.
Sky blue eyes commanded obedience as he looked to his beta and friend who had been silent during the exchange.
"Go back to Ayame, tell her what happened. I have to take Kagome to Sesshomaru," he said decidedly as he rose to his feet.
"But Kouga," Ginta started taking a few steps forward.
"Won't she," Hakkaku continued but the look they received from Kouga silenced their protests instantly.
A breeze rippled through the area making his charcoal tresses glint in the moonlight making him look as intimidating as Sesshomaru in that moment, "It is her," he paused staring at the miko before him, "her last request. I cannot deny her this," he said kneeling before the miko.
Kagome felt his proximity and reached to wrap her weak arms around his neck as he stood wrapping his arms around her legs. He glanced back at Ginta.
"Watch over the pack. I'll be back in two days."
He left no more room for conversation as he shot like a dart from the area pushing his muscles harder than he had ever before in the hopes she would still be alive upon their arrival.
Kagome had sealed the wound, but the damage remained on the inside. She was too weak to expend any more energy on her recovery. In surrender, she laid her head against his back. The wind howled in her ears reminding her of the ookami currently carrying her.
A soft smile etched into her features as she was glad in this moment, with every fiber of her being, that she'd met him. "Thank you Kouga," she whispered softly. Her words would have been lost to anyone else with the wind, but her words of gratitude did not fall on deaf ears. No, they were heard and cut the ookami to the core as his heart already grieved the loss he knew would soon follow.
Sesshomaru touched down on the outskirts of his shiro early the next morning. AhUn appeared at his side seconds after bearing a sleeping Rin and kappa.
Amber orbs softened infinitesimally before they hardened once more as he strode quickly toward the main gate that opened immediately for him. Two soldiers greeted him that he ignored. Amber orbs trained to a tori with black hair and red eyes that strode toward him purposefully, Hayate, the captain of his guard.
"Sesshomaru-sama," he greeted bowing deeply.
"Hayate double the guard around the shiro and assign a detachment of men that you trust to Rin. Wherever she goes they go. She will be in their sights at all times," his cold tone left no room for error or misinterpretation.
"It will be done my lord," he said rising from his bow quickly as she strode away to have his will be done.
"Jaken," Sesshomaru bit successfully awakening the kappa.
"Ye-yes mi'lord!" He trilled terrified witlessly from his slumber as he glanced around with wide eyes.
"See to AhUn's needs then report to my study," the tai commanded curtly before ascending the stairs that lead to the main level of his shiro.
The shiro was entirely made of a deeply, dark stained wood that was reinforced with youkai magic. It was traditional. Rice paper walls and sliding doors, rooms that overlooked countless gardens groomed to perfection, koi ponds that were placed strategically as epicenters and accenting features of the surrounding cultivated land. It was entirely tailored to his tastes: simple, practical, and refined. Lavish enough for entertaining guests of varying degrees of power that presented his own in the most intimidating yet beautiful way imaginable.
It was built into the side of and trailed up a mountainside. Protected from harsh winds and storms that surged into his lands from the south. The fortress was reinforced with impenetrable stone walls and a moat that had to be traversed by a bridge in order to reach the shiro's grounds. It was strategically and tactically sound.
Sesshomaru flared his youki allowing his displeasure to seep through enough to warn other youkai away from him. He was in no mood to entertain cavorting onna or soliciting politicians today.
Your mood is particularly foul today. Sesshomaru did not dignify his alpha with a response as he rounded the corner of the wrap-around walkway that lined the building. He stopped only once he reached his study sliding the door open harshly before slamming it closed. The room was rather large signifying his position as a lord. Although it was made simply it was grand enough to be befitting of his station and of his caliber as a taiyoukai.
Crossing the tatami quickly he gracefully sat himself down on the cushion behind his low-laying desk that was littered with papers of varying sorts. Picking up the nearest one he attempted to lose himself in his work much as he had any other time; however, for whatever reason that ability seemed to now escape him.
Growling softly he released a document about treaties that slowly fell to the table. You are worried. His alpha observed once more. This Sesshomaru is not worried. He growled daring his inner inu to challenge him. For what reason do you keep glancing toward the East. He pried mildly agitated with Sesshomaru's behaviour. We are currently being attacked by the East. It should be natural for this one to glance in such a direction. All was silent for a moment and Sesshomaru thought his alpha had given up speaking for the day. However, as he picked up another piece of parchment that hope was dashed. You think of the miko. The savage growl that ripped from his throat was no longer muted. The foolish onna is no concern of this Sesshomaru. Are you so dishonorable? She saved our ward. In this moment, Sesshomaru realized he'd let his inner inu get the best of him. Amber hues closed as he breathed deeply attempting to quell the raging inferno within. He realized these feelings of anger were not his own but his alpha's.
Once calm he addressed his alpha. The onna chose to leave the safety of our pack. She is no longer our concern. He sensed a scoff in the recesses of his mind before his alpha fell silent once more.
His eyes narrowed. Ever since laying eyes on the miko his alpha had been restless. It was unsettling and yet intriguing.
Pushing those thoughts from his mind for now, he focused back on the task at hand: ruling the Western Lands. However, before digging into the mountainous pile of paperwork before him he cast a wary glance toward the East not caring to admit a certain raven-haired, stormy-eyed miko flited across his consciousness before he lost himself to work entirely.
15 hours later…
A blur of brown, black, red, and white sped through the forest at an alarming rate. A light film of sweat had formed on Kouga's brow as he pushed himself further. He had long since entered the Western Lands and was racing toward the heart: the Western Shiro.
Glancing back at his companion he took in the thready beat of her heart that had been exponentially declining in the recent hours. How she had held on this long he wasn't sure. The state of her heartbeat concerned him. A soft whine subconsciously escaped his throat and he charged forth with renewed strength.
"I-t's ok-ay Ko-ug-a," she sounded her voice raw from something only he could guess at.
"I know you're fine," he said easily slipping into the bravado he practiced as an alpha, "I know you won't die," he said nearly scoffing.
'Yet.'
Kagome smiled weakly at his antics. She was nearly dead but she could still feel the uncertainty swirling in his unconcealed youki.
Her body ached and she knew that the skin she had stitched over her wound was easily broken. A slight touch would have her bleeding again. She had managed to heal some of the inner trauma. Only enough to allow her enough life to relay her warning.
She laid her head back down against him conserving her energy. She could feel the inutai's youki off in the distance. They were close, and she'd have to use every bit of her conserved energy to relay her information. Information that may save Rin's life.
Kouga felt her collapse against his back and grit his teeth.
'Hang on Kagome, almost there.' He thought desperately as he flared his youki wildly. He may be doing her a favor but arriving unannounced to anyone's 'den' especially a youkai lord's was a death sentence. One he'd like to avoid if at all possible.
An hour later, Kouga found himself closing in on his destination. He smirked as he glanced back at the Kagome whose heartbeat, by now, was extremely weak.
Concern marred his face as he flared his youki once more before stopping short of the main gate. He waited patiently before the gate slowly opened and he dashed across the bridge. He slowed as he reached the other side greeted with armored guards. A black headed tori with red eyes held his gaze as he slowly walked up to them.
"State your business," he said coldly eyeing Kouga up and down with his arms crossed before his gaze moved onto the woman he currently held on his back.
"An audience with the Western Lord," Kouga said his gaze unwavering from the tori's intense stare. He was unintimidated, "The miko has information for him."
"I see," Hayate replied, "the girl only then."
Kouga glared at him before nearly growling out, "She's barely alive. You expect her to walk?"
"If she cannot walk," Hayate replied cooly, "How do you expect her to properly address our Lord?" He shot back smirking slightly.
"Listen here asshole," Kouga growled bristling, "she was attacked by dragon youkai not even a day ago. Had me drag her out here, for whatever reason, shortening her existence that much more to warn the Western Lord of kami-knows-what, and now you question her strength to stand before him?"
Hayate's gaze immediately travelled to the miko whose chest was barely rising and falling. He nearly opened his mouth when the sound of a small voice shocked them out of their heated debate.
"Kagome-nee-chan?"
Hayate's eyes widened as he turned toward his lord's ward, "Rin-sama?"
However, the young girl's attention would not be spared on anyone else, "Kagome-nee-chan!" She said running down the steps and toward the miko. Hayate moved to block her path from the intruders, but she protested struggling against him as tears formed in her eyes.
"Kagome-nee-chan! What happened," she cried looking between Hayate, two other guards, and Kouga who felt his tail droop slightly.
All was quiet for a moment until her frail voice responded.
"Rin."
Hayate's gaze travelled back to the onna and in his distraction Rin broke free of his hold. He drew his weapon as did the other two guards beside him.
Kouga growled softly at the affront to his person and cargo as he backed away slightly as Rin neared him.
"Move to harm her wolf, and we will kill you," Hayate's merciless tenor sounded.
Kouga growled softly as he knelt to the ground allowing the ningen girl access to Kagome.
Rin's eyes were watery with tears as she took in Kagome's appearance. She could see the braid that she had put in her hair had come loose, there were copper colored stains, that she knew were dried blood, on her kimono, and the pallor of her skin told the story of her pain. She was dying.
Rin took her hand that weakly squeezed her own in comfort before the tears began to fall. She collapsed against Kouga's side burying her face in Kagome's shoulder as she sobbed earnestly.
None of the youkai surrounding the display dared to speak. The sorrow rolling off of the young girl was enough. This person had been precious to her. Kouga's eyes fell to the floor, no longer concerned about the threat of youkai around him, as his sky blue eyes deepened in sorrow.
"I-t's ok-ay Ri-in," Kagome started weakly.
The girl only continued to sob. Kagome managed to turn her head to peer at the dark-headed girl and her eyes softened. She was beyond pain. Death for her was imminent. The only thing tying her to this world was her objective.
"Ri-in," she started trying to get the girl's attention with a squeeze of her hand, "I-I ne-need you to g-et Se-Sessho-maru-s-sa-ma for me."
Rin's head shot up immediately. Her thoughts were not on what she could say to him, or why she had held on so long. No, her thoughts were on the blade. A blade that could not cut nor kill any living thing. Tenseiga.
Rin nodded hurriedly turning to race to her lord's side when she spotted the inutai descending the stairs in quick strides.
"Sesshomaru-sama," Rin addressed quietly as every being present turned to take in his visage.
Sesshomaru had scented her blood from his study. It had been strong, but he had not expected the sight that his amber eyes now beheld. His ward was in tears and his men with drawn arms. However, that is not what captivated the tai. The ookami knelt before them all, to his ward's height he mentally noted, cradling gently a barely living ningen to his back. The miko.
She's not dead. Amber eyes narrowed as he approached glancing his hand over his ward's head comfortingly as he passed. It was a subconscious movement. His footfalls halted before the ookami who wisely kept his gaze down.
Her wounds, even now he could see, had been horrendous. The blood loss was evident as copper stains coated her once white kimono. He could faintly hear her heartbeat. It was thready.
She is strong. His alpha commented somberly. He quickly disregarded him analyzing her state.
He didn't think her capable of movement until she shakily raised her arms on the back of the ookami to raise herself from him. Her voice was barely audible even to his ears as she spoke.
"Kou-ga p-put me do-wn," her tone was raspy and uneven.
The ookami seemed reluctant as he eased her down as gently as possible.
She immediately clutched onto his arm to steady herself as she barely moved around him. She released his arm as she stood before his person. Her once fierce gaze was muted, but he could see the fire burning as embers. Even in death it was not fully extinguished.
Sesshomaru watched as she forced herself into a deep bow. His amber orbs narrowed as crimson fell from her body staining the ground below her.
"L-o-rd Se-Sesho-maru," she greeted quietly.
"Miko," he answered evenly.
Straightening herself painstakingly she started,"You mu-st," before she fell to her knees and gritted her teeth and the jarring sensation as it shot pain through her entire body. New blood poured from a wound in her torso painting one of the only white spaces left on her kimono a deep crimson red.
"Lady Kagome," Rin cried rushing to her side.
Kagome fought the urge to lose herself. Not when she was so close. Forcing air into her lungs, she pointedly ignored Rin holding her gaze to the inutai who stood before her. She had to relay this.
"Isa-mu," she said causing Sesshomaru's eyes to narrow, "co-up. Du-ring th-e Car-din-al Me-eting. De-cl-ar-ation of w-war," she stopped coughing as blood poured from her lips, "Ri-in," she finally said glancing up at him once more.
Understanding passed across the taiyoukai's face.
"I see," he said evenly.
Kagome turned her attention to the girl at her side and smiled softly raising her right hand to lay against her face comfortingly. "It's-g-goin-g to be ok-ay," she reassured.
"No it's not," Rin cried tears pouring down her face as she knelt by her adoptive sister, "Rin knows it's not."
"Rin," Sesshomaru sounded. She glanced back at her surrogate father a thousand messages passing between them before she collapsed against the miko's thigh crying.
Kouga turned from the scene growling softly as his own heart ached. He couldn't bear to see her like this. The woman so far from the one he'd known. Broken.
Kagome knew her death would be long-suffering since she'd prolonged it. She would die from asphyxiation. She'd just never counted on an audience.
Glancing at Sesshomaru, she relayed her silent request. Being a youkai of honor he understood instantly.
"Leave us," he commanded.
Hayate who had gone silent in the exchange bowed before going to retrieve Rin. With wide eyes she looked up at Sesshomaru who nodded. Her brown eyes returned to Kagome's deep blue storms.
"I love you nee-chan," she said quietly her voice trembling with emotion.
It dug at Kagome's heart. Unable to speak any longer she ran her fingers through the girl's dark tresses comfortingly hoping it would portray what she could not say.
"Ookami," Sesshomaru addressed causing Kouga to turn. "You are welcome to a guest room to recover your strength."
Kouga's stared was closed off as he nodded, "Right," he glanced back at her once before walking away hurriedly too overtaken by grief to do or say anymore.
Moments later, he was left alone with the dying miko. A strange sensation overcame him as a pain resonated within his chest. His alpha was stirring within his chest seemingly pacing back and forth in his cage. He could feel it growling in uncertainty.
Amber eyes took in her labored breathing as he addressed the cause of his own distress. What are you doing? Of all the times to be silent this was the moment his alpha chose.
Kagome gasped again as her body lurched forward spilling more of her blood onto the ground before her. She felt trapped in a cell with rising water. It was filling to the top with no escape. It was as if there were barely inches of oxygen left and she was gasping trying to fill her lungs with what she could while she could, but while she inhaled weights pressed against her chest forcing out what she took in simultaneously. It was terrifying.
Tears fell from her eyes and she kept her head bowed to hide from him. She trembled knowing she could no longer inhale. This was the end.
She glanced up at the inutai one last time. Drinking in his molten amber orbs that had hidden so much yet spoke so little. She saw an emotion flash across them unbidden, but in her suffering she couldn't recognize it.
Panic began to overtake her as her chest started to burn. She tightly gripped her hakama in her fists willing her body not to thrash about like a fish out of water as she slowly drowned in her own blood.
Seeing her suffering did something to the tai like no other's suffering had before. He had known her very little other than his half-brother's wench, but observing her character as he had been able to the past day. He deemed her honorable.
He crouched before her offering her his arm which she took without hesitation in her panicked state. Her previously hidden trembling became apparent. She was fighting it even now. Amber eyes narrowed more as she coughed retching blood that spilled freely in a large pool around them. The red liquid reached his boots which he disregarded.
"Miko," he said evenly through the torrent of foreign feelings made that a feat, "you died an honorable death."
It was the last thing she registered as her body convulsed her hands never left his arms until her body finally stilled against the ground.
Amber eyes began to rim red as his alpha raged inside of him. Sesshomaru rose swiftly thrown off by such a potent reaction. Growling softly he glanced away from the scene demanding an answer from his alpha. What has you distressed. Answer this Sesshomaru. Indecipherable whimpers and growls all melded into this raging noise that thundered inside of his head nearly driving him insane. KILL. The response sounded more animalistic than his alpha had ever spoken before. The single word ripped through his being like a command setting off his blood lust.
Red rimmed the Western Lord's gaze. He could feel his inner inu breaking through his legendary control. Why? It was the only question that came to mind.
He was close to true transformation when he felt a pulse at his side.
Blood red orbs trained to Tenseiga that glowed a brilliant blue. Crimson eyes faded, jagged marks returned smooth, elongated fangs and claws abated as he nearly tore the sword from its hilt. Holding it before the miko he saw the pall bearers of the underworld attempting to contain her overbearing soul. An unbidden snarl ripped from his chest as he sliced his sword seemingly into thin air. Then he waited.
His eyes narrowed when she did not awaken instantly. Minutes passed before the rise and fall of her chest resumed as normal. All of her wounds sealing and mending themselves. He was not satisfied, however, until her strong heartbeat rang in his ears.
She was alive.
For minutes he studied her trying to piece together the chain of events that had taken place inside of him due to her untimely death. Each scenario he ran was more unlikely than the next until he came upon a very unlikely conclusion. One that had his alpha answering his forgotten question from moments before. An answer that had the inutai's breathing halt as the world seemed to crash down upon him: She's our mate.
