CHAPTER 2: THROWING DOWN THE GAUNTLET
KAGOME raised her arm just as his whip was about to strike her. When it crashed against her arm, her entire body flashed pink and his whip disintegrated in front of them.
She smirked at him in triumph. It was going to take a lot more than that pitiful attack to hit her. She lowered her arm as she continued to stare at him.
"I have to admit, I have been feeling a little antsy the last few years. No one has been around to challenge me. No one even knew who I was. Until now. Thanks so much for that. Now I have to find a new place to live."
"Only a coward hides, human. This Sesshomaru did not take you as such."
"I wasn't hiding from anything. I just found a place to settle down. I am no coward."
"Miko, you have abandoned your pack. You hide your identity from all. This is a coward's way out."
"I do not need to justify myself to you, Sesshomaru. Now what the hell do you want?"
He raised his demon energy higher. She guessed this was his answer. Not in words, but in a challenge. He raised his powers again; poison was beginning to drip from his claws.
To any normal demon, his energy would have killed them already. A higher level might have passed out or fought back. That was the exact thing she was going to do. She was going to fight back. He was raising the bar so to speak, and she would answer his challenge. If he wanted to challenge her then he was going to get a few surprises. Bring it on!
Kagome's hue of pink increased exponentially. The slight pink became a burning vibrant hot pink. If she was still in the future Kagome would only describe it as going to a club with neon pink lights. Man, it had been so long since she had, essentially, powered up.
Her purity lashed out around her in anger, rising to the demonic energies surrounding it. Pushing at his energy, the two powers clashed between them – green and pink pushing against each other in a fight for dominance.
Their clothes billowed around them with the sheer forces of energy circulating throughout the area. Unnatural winds pushed against all who came near. She then sensed Sesshomaru's lackey approaching as fast as he could. She knew from earlier in the day that he could move a lot faster than this though. Their powers were so strong that he was not as mobile as usual. She found herself more than a little impressed with this general. Not many demons would come this close to this kind of power without being destroyed. It also spoke greatly to Kagome about the type of general he is and the type of lord Sesshomaru is. It seemed that the general was concerned about the welfare of his lord. If he wasn't loyal to his lord then he wouldn't have come so close to the very thing that could kill him in a few seconds if it so suited her.
Yes, she found herself impressed. But this did not mean that she was going to stop just yet. Sesshomaru was obviously testing her for something. What she didn't know, but her reputation was on the line. She wasn't the Shikon Miko for nothing. However, it went beyond this though. She wanted to prove herself to this demon. She wanted to prove her worth to Sesshomaru above all others. She did leave her pack behind. She grieved the loss of her kit. She learned how to defend herself and any that might in the future come into her protection. She wouldn't allow what happened to her son happen to any other that might come into her care. She would not be that weak pathetic reincarnation again. She was an extremely gifted miko with an enormous amount of spiritual power. She wasn't that nobody human Sesshomaru knew six years ago. She wanted to prove this to him anything else. She was someone worthy of his notice.
She pushed her powers harder. With each raise of energy, he followed parallel to her. If she could see this from Ichiro's perspective she would have seen the most amazing display of power. As she raised her energy she slowly forced his green demonic energy to retreat back toward him. Sesshomaru would then force her powers back and push on her.
This continued for a time. She couldn't tell how long this happened. She just stared at him, challenging him back. For what seemed like years, they continued in a stale mate. Neither gaining any ground, neither moving from their spot.
Crack!
Kagome watched as the ground beneath their feet began to crack between them. Some pieces began to rise off the ground, defying gravity, and then defied the laws of physics as they disintegrated right in front of all three pairs of eyes. She then began to notice the reddening of Sesshomaru's eyes. His true demon was starting to rise. This needed to end now. If they got into a physical fight there was no accounting the amount of damage they could both do. The city was not far from their location. An opponent like him would cause her to really work. She was not positive she would be able to beat him, but the city would most assuredly be destroyed in the process.
"Enough!" she yelled. As if reading each other's minds, they both sucked their power back into their respective bodies.
"Are you satisfied, Sesshomaru? Did this human prove her worthiness to be in your mere presence?"
SESSHOMARU was taken aback by this confident, independent miko standing in front of him. This human would never have spoken to him in such a way without having his half-breed brother standing on the sidelines. Flashing forward, almost at the speed of light, he stood a few feet from this strange resilient creature. He could feel the energy just slightly raised above her skin. Ah, she had put up an almost invisible barrier. For a human, she was remarkable self-controlled. The woman before him was not the girl from years past.
He found himself oddly impressed with her audacity. No one stood up to him. No one. Not even his half-brother bothered to challenge him anymore. If he was being honest, Sesshomaru would admit to himself – if only silently – that he missed a challenge. This unique human might be able to provide some entertainment while she was in the west. She would be in the Western Lands very soon. Failure to acquire the presence of the miko was not permitted.
"You have improved, human."
The girl only glared at him. "I have not even started."
"This Sesshomaru would expect nothing less from his greatest ally."
The miko looked at him in shock. "What did you just say?"
"Miko, you will accompany this Sesshomaru to the Western Lands. The presence of the Shikon Miko is required."
KAGOME did not know what to make of this new development. She took a short moment to contemplate this news. Sesshomaru admitted to needing her help. He threated a child in front of her, knowing what her reaction would be. He wouldn't do that under normal circumstances though. He, above all others, would understand such a bold move to make with her of all people. She was insanely protective of any child, no matter the race, species, or gender. Sesshomaru had a child of his own to look after. A human female as a matter of point. Rin would be in her mid-teens now… Maybe fourteen or fifteen… But onto other matters.
She knew he had goaded her into revealing herself. But why go about it so harshly. He should have been able to use her scent to track her if he was looking for her. Plus, there were the added political ramifications that his stunt would cause with Lord Hajime. The Lord of the South was known for protecting his people. He would not easily ignore such an act upon one of his people, no matter the intentions.
So with all these factors there remained one question. What would cause Sesshomaru to seek out his half-breed's old companion while simultaneously possibly causing a war between two regions?
It hit her! Sesshomaru was known for a few things, the first and foremost was being the strongest of the cardinal lords as well as the coldest. He didn't invite humans into his lands, like Hajime, but he also did not forbid them from settling in his territory. There were only two things Kagome could think of that would cause Sesshomaru to act like this. The first was Rin. She might have been born human, but Sesshomaru treated his ward like a daughter at times. He might not be a touchy feely dad, but he was a dad nonetheless. She didn't think it was that though. Rin would not necessitate her involvement. The second was the west. That had to be it. His protection of his lands, his heritage, was unparalleled.
"So the rumors are true." she whispered. She looked up to look him straight in the eyes. She noticed a slight widening of them. So she was right. She also took him by surprise.
"So why don't you inform this miko of what would make you call upon her?" Kagome asked. She just had to add in a little mocking in her tone. "Why do you need me?"
"You have heard the rumors."
"I have heard hearsay. What is the truth?"
Sesshomaru didn't answer immediately. He stood immobile in front of her. Not blinking, not moving a muscle, and barely breathing. If she didn't know any better she would think him paralyzed. But she knew better. Sesshomaru was a dog demon like no other. He might seem calm and relaxed; however, she knew from experience that it was a mask for what was really happening. He is smelling the air, feeling the dirt below his feet, sensing all life around his person, and calculating all possible outcomes in his warrior mindset. He could just as easily cut someone's head clear off right now as he could elegantly settle on the ground.
"An unknown creature is attacking the territories excluding the land you reside in. This Sesshomaru requires a powerful miko as an ally. You will assist this Sesshomaru in the destruction of his enemy."
"Do you know what it is?" she asked.
"It is the belief of this Sesshomaru that it is not of this world. It destroys all life. Entire villages in this one's territory have been destroyed overnight. None have survived."
"Do, do you mean like a god?" Kagome was hesitant in asking this particular question. She didn't know if she wanted to know the answer.
"This Sesshomaru does not know."
Kagome was stunned. She could not imagine what could cause this damage. It sounded unworldly. Like this creature wasn't real. What could kill an entire village in a single night? Well, besides, Sesshomaru or any cardinal lord or her. If it was a demon village she could hypothetically take out a demon village.
"Are you sure it isn't human?"
Sesshomaru stared at her, saying nothing in words, but he didn't have too.
"Okay, stupid question. I wonder why it hasn't attacked the south? What would cause it to stay from here? Could it be saving here for last or did it want no one alive to give backup? What if it can't move that fast or take on all four territories at once?" Kagome muttered. She began to pace back in forth in front of him.
"It sounds like the jewel, but that's impossible. What could have this kind of power and go unnoticed before? If it is from somewhere else where did it come from?"
"Miko," Sesshomaru said. She continued to mutter back and forth in front of him.
"Miko, we depart immediately."
She stopped in her tracks. "What?"
"This Sesshomaru will not repeat himself."
"I will help you, Fluffy, but I need to get my affairs in order. I need at least a day or two. I will catch up to you later."
"This Sesshomaru will not leave without your presence, miko."
"And I am telling you that I need a little time. I will meet you at the western citadel. I know where it is. I have been there before, Sesshomaru."
His eyes narrowed at her.
"Oh, please. Who do you think took care of Rin when she became a woman? Don't tell you me that you actually thought your servants knew the biological workings of a human child, Sesshomaru? I was in and out before you even got home with a healer."
"You have entered this one's palace without permission, miko?"
"Entered where?" she asked with an angelic look on her face.
She smiled at him one more time before walking back to the city.
"I will see you at the palace in two days, Lord Sesshomaru. You have my word. General, have a good trip home."
"SHALL I follow her, my Lord?" Ichiro asked. He was rather astonished with this curious miko. Her powers were incredible. Like nothing he had ever seen before. He had heard rumors of the Great Midoriko, but based on observations he could only guess that she was stronger than the strongest miko ever recorded. There was also the manner in which she approached his Lord. No other being, including himself, could speak to Lord Sesshomaru in such a way and live to tell the tales. They could defeat this thing.
"No, the miko will not break her word. We return to the west."
Turning away the two demons swiftly left the area.
LIFE wasn't fair. Kagome knew this better than most. After all, not many people could tell someone they were stuck in a different time not their own. Not many could say that the once love of their life chose a corpse over them. Not many could say they were inadvertently responsible for their child's death. It wasn't her fault, she could say that now with certainty, but that does not ignore the facts. But she has had a pretty amazing life though. No one but her could say they came from the future. She knows some pretty amazing humans, half-humans, and demons. She could drop by to see the eastern lands with a warm welcome. Or any land really. She had helped so many people, she had learned so much, and she had made a great many friends along the way.
So life wasn't fair, but that was life. Her peaceful days were over, but a new journey had just started. A new chapter in her life had just started. She just knew it. She didn't know what was going to happen or if she could win, but she knew that from this moment on her life would never be the same again. Maybe that was why she was stuck in this time still. Maybe this was the unfinished business she needed to accomplish before returning to her family. She did not know at this point, but she decided to remain optimistic. An unknown evil was destroying her country. She could not ignore a call like that. Even if Sesshomaru had not come to her she would have found out eventually. Lord Hajime was no doubt going to help the surrounding lands in their time of need. And in doing so any volunteers would be recruited to help the defenders. She knew without a shadow of a doubt she would have been right behind them. Her identity wasn't kept a secret deliberately. Ok, that was a lie. She liked the quiet life. But the times have changed again. No longer could she remain in the dark, ignorant of the happenings outside her peaceful home. It was time to step up and live again. And it seemed that the time had finally come.
AS she came to the edges of town she noticed the scattering population. Deciding to avoid the bulk of scrutiny, Kagome took the back alleys to her hut. She did not feel like being on display for all to gossip. Now she remembered why she kept her identity a secret. She took back what she thought before; Sesshomaru was going to pay for this. Revenge was a dish best served cold. And she would get it too. Somehow, someway, she would get him back for this. Ten minutes later she entered her hut as discretely as possible. She knew this city like the back of her hand so the knowledge came in handy in this particular situation.
She pulled a brown leather-like satchel from under some baskets in the corner. Methodically moving about her hut she placed herbs, clothes, and food in various handmade compartments. It wasn't as big or as intricate as her old school backpack, but it was the upgraded Feudal Era version she came up with. She had long since given up her modern technological advancements of the future for the current century's ways. This didn't mean that she had to live with their ways though. She tried to update a lot of her items to resemble something similar to what she was familiar with. She also refused to follow common hygiene or medical practices. She knew better. Staying clean would help extend her life, not lower it. Stupid old wives tale.
Pausing in her musings, she glanced at her hands. She spent a lot of time out in the sunshine, gathering herbs and playing with the local children. But no traces of imperfections were etched in her skin, no scars from scrapes were present, or any callouses appeared on her palm. She brushed her fingers through her wavy dark tresses in contemplation. She was twenty-four years old now, but she had noticed no remarkable changes in her facial or body structure since she was eighteen. She hadn't changed since Naraku was destroyed, since the jewel disappeared back into her body. Inuyasha had been oddly understanding of this fact, but she had never actually wished on the jewel before it was absorbed into her chest. She could only postulate that she had become the new guardian of the jewel. What better way to protect it than to have it in her chest. No one knew it was there, it remained in a constant state of purity, and there was no way to shatter it. It was a win-win situation for her. She did wonder though what the affect the jewel had on her body. These questions would have to be addressed later. She had more work to get to before the second general of the southern lands made it to her door. She felt his approach towards her hut just then.
Placing her bow across her chest for it to rest on her back, she responded to his knock before he could speak.
"I know what you are here for, Goro. I'm surprised your brother allowed you out from under his wing." Kagome smiled in teasing as she turned to look at the Second General of the Southern Lands.
Goro was the fifth son born in his family; he was also the youngest child in his family. His oldest brother, the first born son, Junichi, was the First General of the Southern Lands. The two brothers were so alike and yet so different. They reminded her of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha in many ways. Junichi was very serious when working. He was driven to always be better and never be second best to any but his Lord. No room for error was allowed when the royal family was in his care. He spoke his mind to his lord when permitted and held his tongue when his voice was unneeded. Goro, on the other hand, was much like Inuyasha in mindset. He fought like his brother, but his temper was not always contained when he felt his point of view wasn't heard. He had no quarrel in speaking his mind at the most inappropriate times. She had heard horror stories of his antics. That was another thing. He was a fantastic fighter, only being beaten for first general by his brother. But Junichi and Goro were most similar not in their ability to defend against an enemy, but in their tricks. The two brothers were both tricksters by nature, the stereotypical kitsune demon.
When the two brothers had joined the Southern Land ranks many had questioned Lord Hajime's judgment or so she had heard. This was over three hundred years ago after all. But they were certainly close friends of hers. She loved playing with them. She would never forget when Yoshiro, Yuka, and herself pulled the best prank on both brothers. It was spectacular in its simplicity. She dulled the children's energy signatures before letting them race around the palace, making sure to instruct them to double trace multiple paths and crisscross their steps. The two brothers ended up tracking the three of them to the throne room. As soon as they burst through the double doors berry juice poured on top of them with flower petals falling just after. Both foxes had to return to their rooms as the laughing stock of the castle. When Kagome and the two royal children were brought in front of the lord and lady for punishment, they were met with laughter. Kagome still laughed at the memory. Lord Hajime had taken one look at them before placing a small object in his mate's hand.
It seemed that this retaliation for a previous prank pulled by the two foxes was expected and anticipated by the Lord and Lady of the South. Kagome was soon dismissed with a smile and well wishes. She later found out from Lady Kumiko that she won a new pair of jeweled earrings to match a necklace she already possessed. She never found out what Hajime would have won if the tables had been turned. But she guessed that from the secretive look on the Kumiko's face when asked that she really did not want to know. There were just some things she did not want to know. TMI was a real thing.
"WHY did you not tell us, Lady Kagome?" Goro asked, hurt in his voice.
Her eyes softened. "I did not want what I am going to face as soon as I step out of this hut. You have already started to change in front of my very eyes."
Goro stared at her. "Lady Kagome, nothing would have changed. This entire city was built on tolerance."
"See, right there. You called me Lady Kagome. You have never been so proper with me before. This is what I wanted to avoid. I just wanted to be known as Kagome. Not as the Shikon Miko. Not as someone to fear or revere. Just Kagome. Because that is who I am, Goro. I am just me. No more, no less. Can you understand that?" She choked up at the end, turning away from his betrayed eyes.
Goro was one of her closest friends. She didn't know what she would do if he abandoned her because of this. She didn't want her friendship to end.
Goro stepped up behind her. He seemed to pause in contemplation before she felt a cold gel-like substance fall on her head.
"Call this payback for keeping such a big secret." Goro laughed at her. He flashed out the door in a frenzy of laughter. If he wasn't so old she would think of him as her annoying younger brother. She moved her bow onto her futon before running in pursuit.
"Goro, I'm going to make you pay for this!" She raced after him, laughing in relief. She was forgiven.
GORO ran toward the palace at a slow pace to make sure she could catch up to him. He laughed at her laugh because that was who Kagome was to so many. She was just like Kagome said. She was just herself. She didn't try to be anybody else. Thinking on it, Goro couldn't recollect any moment when someone asked her about her low-leveled powers. Everyone, including him, just assumed she was just Kagome. No one asked her if she was more powerful than she seemed. Kagome had always been known as Kagome in this place. She didn't pretend to be anyone she was not. She didn't confront anyone; she had no enemies, only friends, and a list of admirers as long as the palace. Junichi and he both had strong feelings for this little miko. It often resulted in many sparing sessions together. Neither came on top simply because Kagome had shown no interest in either of them. Kagome treated them like everyone else.
She was perfect. Thinking about it, he knew her deceit had no impact on his true feelings for her. He had loved her from the moment he met her. Junichi had said the same. Kagome was pure light in a dark world. She shined with life and love for all. If he asked any person in the area who was the most loved person in the south the answer would be the same. It was Kagome. She wasn't known just for her herbs anymore. She was known for her caring nature, loving personality, and radiant light. Finding out her true name was nothing to him in the end. He just thought she would have told him. But Kagome was just Kagome he guessed. It was who she was. She didn't like to be pampered or coddled by anyone. And these things were just some of the reasons why he, like so many others, loved her. She didn't know it yet, but she had her pick of mates a kilometer long. Men would line up to just look at her. And Junichi and he would be at the front of that line.
"Goro, you can't run forever!" shouted the woman who owned his heart.
THE Shikon Miko rushed up the steps to the palace in a huff. Where had that darn kitsune gone now? She brushed her hand through her hair again only to be reminded of her ire. It would only figure that he would use a gel for burned skin. She made this formula only last week. Fires would become very possible in the near future. The south had the worst heat waves during the summer. Sometimes an ignorant merchant would light a fire only to have it get out of hand. She had several cases last summer and wanted to be prepared. This particularly large batch she made was actually going to the chief healer in the palace. Thankfully, Goro only used a little of her supplies. Most of it was still setting in her workroom. This small amount she was going to set aside for her own use. She had been burned more than once in her work. She always helped with these types of things.
She looked toward the throne room. Without even checking, she knew instinctively that the higher ups would be waiting for her in that room. But she wouldn't be her without causing a little trouble for Goro. This was her pay back. She walked in the opposite direction, going toward the indoor hot springs. She typically didn't use them, but she would make an exception in this case. She was not going to face them with burn ointment in her hair and dirt all over her. She would need all the confidence she could get and a nice soak would cheer her right up.
"Good afternoon, Lady Kagome? The Lord and Lady are expecting you in the throne room." Aiko greeted her. It was her job as head servant to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible. She worked directly under Lady Kumiko. Lady Kumiko told her everyday what needed to be done, and it was Aiko's job to see it done.
Aiko was especially valued above all when Kumiko was pregnant with her first child, the heir. She still remained a focal point in the palace, everyone coming to her if any questions or needing more assistance.
"I'm going to take a quick bath. Goro decided that my meeting with Hajime and Kumiko could wait. Tell them I will be with them in thirty minutes." Kagome respectfully said to Aiko. You don't piss off Aiko; it just wasn't good for your health.
"Very well, Lady Kagome, I will inform My Lord immediately."
"Thank you, Aiko. You are just the best."
She soon found herself soaking in a hot spring, nestled on an unnatural rock shelf. She had immediately immersed herself, cleaning off all dirt and gel before resting against the edge. Her front was facing the entrance, but her eyes remained closed in relaxation. A light caress on her senses alerted her before the door was slowly opened then closed. She heard a rustle of cloth falling to the floor then gentle steps coming toward the spring.
"It feels so good in here." she muttered in bliss.
"I told Hajime when we mated this was a must. I would not move here without a hot spring."
"And if I remember the stories correctly, he started construction the very next morning. He would do anything for you. But you have to keep him and the kitsune's in line while I'm gone. Who knows what trouble the general's will get into without me around."
The Southern Lady giggled. "Kagome, you cause more trouble than they do!"
"I represent that statement." She couldn't help but laugh with her. It was the truth. Kagome instigated just as much pranks as the brothers did. She was just better at not getting caught. The children just didn't come up with their antics on their own either.
They laughed in shared humor for a few moments before it abated.
"How," she stumbled. "How mad is everyone?"
"A few of them are admittedly a little angry. For you to keep so much of yourself unknown while learning everything about them…" She drifted off. "Well, you can understand some of their anger. And some are a little scared, Kagome."
She opened her eyes for the first time to look at Kumiko since she entered. She didn't know what to make of that last little bit. She was the same now as she was before that stupid mutt ousted her. It was his fault. That jerk!
"But I'm the same as I was before. I just don't have to hide my identity anymore. I can help more than ever now. I am still me. Nothing has changed…"
"Kagome, you misunderstood. Hajime finally told our people what has been really going on. I am sure Lord Sesshomaru has already told you about it. And they all know that you are going to leave for the west. It is said the west was the worst off. Many are afraid for your safety, Kagome."
She ignored that last bit. "Kumiko, Sesshomaru didn't tell me much about what was really going on. But that is typical Sesshomaru. He just mentioned that entire villages were being destroyed overnight and land was being sucked of all life."
"Yes, but that is just the beginning. Demons and humans are turning against each other, slaughtering each other for survival. Priestesses and monks are eradicating all demons that come in their path. Crops are dying, animals diseased or already dead. The land just dirt. No life. Hajime visited last month and Lord Sesshomaru said it was getting worse. Mass hysteria is everywhere and there is no stopping it."
"How long ago did this start?" she whispered.
"Three months. Sesshomaru said it started in the western shores, but has since infiltrated the surrounding land. The only place untouched is –"
"Here," Kagome interrupted. Kumiko nodded.
"And what about you, can you forgive me?"
"Kagome, we always suspected there was more to you than meets the eye. You will find no resentment from us."
She looked directly in her eyes as if to look into her soul. She found what she was looking for.
"Thank you. I will go see Hajime and then depart as soon as possible."
She heaved herself from the spring, bypassing the handmade steps, quickly dried off, and put the new clothes Kumiko had brought for her. She smiled a little at the sweet gesture. It was so like her to do something like this. Everyone knew how much she prided herself on being clean. She was teaching the children that cleanliness was a good thing, it would keep them healthier. And healthier meant more play time. What child didn't follow that logic?
"Kagome," Lady Kumiko said before she left. She glanced back midway out of the large double doors.
"Yes, My Lady?"
"Keep yourself safe. My mate and I would be very unhappy if we had to find a new caretaker."
Kagome smiled. "I will do everything I can to return. Besides, I haven't shown them the hidden passage into the kitchen or the one to listen in on private conversations in Hajime's study."
Slipping through, she closed the door behind her. She could hear the exasperated shouts from Lady Kumiko threw the doors.
"Kagome!"
Snickering, she left for the aforementioned study.
KNOCK, knock.
Kagome knocked on the lord's study door just before letting herself in. She had never before asked for permission to enter so she saw no reason to start now.
"Lady Kagome, I see you have finally joined us." Lord Hajime said at her entrance.
"Blame Goro. It was his fault."
"Of course it was. I take it you have spoken to my mate?"
"Yes, I will be leaving for the west as soon as possible. Sesshomaru is expecting me in two days."
"Do you always refer to him so informally?" Junichi asked.
"I have never been very good with titles. Besides, if he becomes too Sesshomaru-like I just call him Fluffy. He would rather his name that the latter."
Junichi looked like he was going to pass out. "You speak to Lord Sesshomaru in such a way frequently?"
"Trust me, Junichi-chan, he gives as good as he gets."
The first general didn't look convinced, but wisely chose to stay silent on the matter.
"Lord Hajime, may I ask for a few things before leaving?"
"Of course, Lady Kagome. Anything you need is at your disposal."
"See this is why I didn't tell you about me. I hate all this Lady crap. It is just Kagome, Ka-go-me. If I wanted to be a lady I wouldn't have any fun."
"As you wish, Kagome."
"Okay now that that is cleared up, I need a Miku to get the medicine from my home. I have already put it in boxes by the door. All she has to do is take it here. I need extra arrows for my bow and more string. I would also like to request my hut be closed off. I don't need any curios children getting into trouble. Some of the mixtures in there could kill if consumed."
"It will be done. I would also like to request something of you, Kagome."
"Yes?"
"Take Goro with you."
"What?"
"Kagome, I know you can protect yourself. You have proven as much earlier this morning. However, my mate and children would be very upset with me if you go without a companion. Just in case you could use the help. He has already volunteered his services and Junichi consents his approval."
"Well, it doesn't sound like I have a choice in the matter."
"Kagome, you can decide to keep him with you or he can follow you everywhere you go. It is up to you."
"Nice. Lots of choices here. Wait a second, let me think about this. Hmm," She put her index finger to her chin and turned her head to the side.
After two seconds she said in the most sarcastic voice possible. "Okay, I'll take him!"
Chuckles rang out in the office. It was a nice sound, Kagome thought. Laughing was a nice way to leave for what could only be described as war. War…
Kagome was going to war. Laughter was going to be a thing of the past very soon.
GLOSSARY:
Ichiro – first general to Sesshomaru
Hajime – Lord the Southern Lands, hawk demon
Kumiko – Lady of the Southern Lands, hawk demon
Yoshiro – heir to the Southern Lands, hawk demon, older brother to Yuka
Yuka – second child to the Southern Lands, hawk demon, younger sister of Yoshiro (group of five)
Goro – second general to the Southern Lands, younger brother to Junichi - fifth son born
Junichi – first general to the Southern Lands, older brother to Goro, first son born
Aiko – head servant at the palace of the South
Miku – chief healer at the palace of the south