Disclaimer: Own nothing but who I make up
Chapter 4 Suspicion
A sudden explosion rocked the earth underneath the soldier's feet. Yet, he continued to run. Dashing through the forest, swerving between trees and dodging branches. Another explosion and dread was curling up his spine. He knew exactly what was going on. They had walked right into an ambush from Yotumushi's men. They dropped out of the trees and took the small platoon of demon soldiers by surprise. They were retreating, as cowardly as it may seems it is the only way, they were too overwhelmed and outnumbered, they needed to live to fight another day.
His heart was racing and he could hear her blood pounding in his ears. It seems like he been running forever, his sword growing heavy in his hand as his adrenalin rush slowed. Finally he suddenly burst through the forest to a clearing skidding to a halt.
He heard the soldier behind him collapse to his knees in exhaustion, He wore the colors of the North, his kimono was mostly chocolate brown with burnt orange swirling designs at the sleeves and black sashinuki hakama with black boots. He had armor which covers his entire midsection and shoulders and one sword under his orange sash.
Tahoe looked to his brother, " Are you well?"
The younger demon was struggling to catch his breath, "Where the hell did they come from?"
Tahoe shook his head, " They were covered in some sort of paste, I didn't smell them."
The younger brother finally stood, trying to slow his heartbeat, " Where they learned that from?"
Tahoe shook his head, " We have to go and warn the Lord, someone is teaching these humans new tricks."
" You wont' be warning anyone."
The two brothers turned to the sudden voice, stepping out of the tree line was men dressed in all black, any visible skin covered in a greyish paste. They carried swords, coated with poison and the simga of Yutomushi.
Tahoe frowned, drawing his own weapon, how in the hell did they catch up to them, he wondered for a moment seeing them efficiently trap the demons in a circle. He heard his brother unsheathe his sword, he glanced to his sibling. " Tanto, on the count of three you will retreat."
The younger demon frowned, pressing his back to his brother's as the men slowly enclosed on them. " I will not leave you."
" I'm not giving you the choice." Tahoe mumbled before spinning in a circle, a wave of his dragon fire searing the ground, making the masked men jump back. He took the pause to turn and grabbed his brother by his collar. With all the strength he could muster up, he launched his brother into the air, sending him flying like a rock on a catapult.
He watched for a moment as his brother sailed through the sky before something in his brain told him to duck. He immediately dropped to the ground, dodging the blade that was aiming for his neck. He rolled with the impact, seeing more of the masked men jumping through his circle of fire. Getting to his feet again, he took a fighting stance as they closed in on him.
Efficient eyes took in his situation, they outnumbered him 3 dozen to 1, he knew what the outcome was going to be. But he'll be damned if he don't go down fighting. " I hope you're ready for this, I won't be an easy kill." he mumbled, his yellow eyes suddenly glowing and turning red, letting his demon take over.
Kagome was sitting on her futon Indian style her knee bouncing in agitation as Ayumi continued to chastise her about speaking to people out of her rank. She rolled her eyes and again cracked her knuckles, temptation to carve her name in the deer demon's throat rising higher and higher. It's been 2 days since she talked to Kanyto and Ayumi was still riding her ass about it. She really didn't have the patience for her crap today. She had one more day before her plans of attack and she needed all her focus on detail right now. She couldn't afford any mistakes once she strikes or it could mean her life and she really didn't feel like dying anytime soon, everything had to be perfect. She zoned back in to what Ayumi was saying.
"...Just because most demons tolerate humans doesn't mean we actually socialize with humans. Always remember your place."
Kagome rolled her eyes and stood, " Great to know, can I go to lunch now?"
Aymi frowned, crossing her arms, " You are dismissed but remember as a human you will never belong in a palace full of demons."
Kagome stared at her for a moment, frowning, " You know, at the end of the day, Ayumi, we both bleed red, so don't think your so much different than I am." with that said she left the room.
Ayumi stared at the closed door for a moment, frowning, " That bitch gotta go." she mumbled.
Brown eyes glanced around the small room, she had already searched it the second she put Kagome to work. Though she turned up nothing out of ordinary, she still knew Kagome was trouble. Since the day she got here, Ayumi had a bad feeling about the girl, there was something not right about a human with the features she had. Her skin was too soft for a worker, her eyes too different for a commoner. And yet Kagome has easily handled every assignment she gave her. And she has been making her do absolutely everything. There was a confidence in her walk that Ayumi didn't appreciate, as if she knew she as untouchable, unbeatable.
And she knew about the little meeting with her Lord the little wench had, that was one area Ayumi did not play in. Every servant in the castle knew she was madly in love with Sesshomaru and she self proclaimed him as hers. Though Lord Sesshomaru never returned any of her feelings, she still did not like the little hussie around her man.
She walked over to the basin in the corner of the room, staring at her reflection for a moment, she gathered saliva in her throat before spitting in the water. She had to get this bitch out her home.
Kagome made it to the servants cafeteria quickly, it was just a floor down from the servants quarters. The grand dining room was on the other side of the palace. The cafe was just a large room filled with tables and counters lining each wall. One filled with cold food to snack on, the other right in front of the kitchen filled with hot food.
Kagome went to the counter and picked up 2 apples. The food wasn't slope or leftovers, Lord Sesshomaru actually has rice, potatoes and vegetables delivered to the servants kitchen on a daily basis. Human chefs cooked for human servants and demons chefs cooked for demon servants. But being raised in the west had her particular with what she ate and she just couldn't get used to eating Japanese food again. And to be honest she never really liked fish anyways. She sighed as she stared at the 2 apples in her hands, what she would give for some smoked bacon right now.
" Hey Kagome! Over here!"
Kagome turned, seeing a small girl waving her hand frantically from a round table. Her first day here she made sure she introduced herself to some of the other staff members. Getting good with the staff was one of the reasons why her success rate for her kills was so high. Staff knew a lot of what others don't. They held some good information about the little things that people didn't notice. What steps to avoid because they squeak, what their master happens to be allergic to, what side of the bed to fold down because the master sleeps on his side. Tiny things like that made her so much more efficient doing her job. So she always made sure she played nice and made friends, the information they give her was always useful.
Kagome smiled as she walked over to a table mixed with demons and human maids. She took a seat beside the small female she met her first day here. A sweetheart named Mae. She was so tiny, barely reaching her shoulder, her short black hair always pulled up in a bouncy ponytail, her expressive brown eyes always shining.
Mae smiled as Kagome sat down, " Where have you been, your missing all the action. Jenika her.." she pointed with her thumb to the girl beside her, " Actually spoke to Lord Sesshomaru."
The red head fox demon blushed, " It was just in passing."
Tamillia, a taller human maid nudged her in the side, " Don't be modest, he stopped you and everything."
Kagome laughed as the shy fox blush reached the tip of her pointed ears, " What he say?"
" And do the voice." Made piped in.
Jeniko bowed her head and lowered her voice, " Girl." she said with as much ice as possible to mimic Sesshomaru's voice, " You dropped something."
The table howled with laughter, drawing all eyes for a moment, most of the female demon servants snarled and rolled their eyes, the others just ignored the group of friends.
Shinshi, a red hawk demon glanced over to the newest member of their circle, " So where were you Kagome?"
Kagome bit into her apple, " Being yelled at by Ayumi again."
Mae shook her head, " That woman is out to get you."
Tamillia agreed, " She's been working you like a demon ever since you got here."
Shinshi nodded, " Its because she's intimidated by you."
Kagome shook her head, " I don't know why I do everything she says."
" She's just jealous because your pretty." Tamillia stated.
Jenkio nodded, " And you do have an interesting scent."
The comment made a brow raise, " What do you mean I have an interesting scent?" Kagome asked.
Jeniko blushed again, making Shinshi laugh, " What she means is you don't smell like sweat, dirt and death like most humans." tangy orange eyes glanced to Mae and Tamillia, " No offense."
Mae frowned, sniffing her arm, " I totally take offense to that."
Tamillia nodded, " Agreed, I bath daily I have you know."
Kagome laughed, taking another bite of her apple, time to get some dirt, " Well I don't know what Ayuma problem is, she's working me down to the bone. I've been running all over this palace with no breaks, I think my knees might give out soon, do anyone know a short cut to the family wing from here?"
Shinshi nodded, " Yeah, run faster."
Mae laughed, "Shut up Shinshi." She then turned to Kagome, " Cut across the ballroom, shaves like 2 minutes off the trip."
Tamillia nodded, " Yeah, I take the servants alley through the bathing quarters, cuts the time in half, nobody's ever in there anyways."
Kagome nodded with a smile, " Good to know." you can always trust the staff.
The sun was up beautifully shinning high up in the sky, a woman was walking silently along a forest path enjoying the peace and calm. She was of average height for a woman about 5'7 with brown eyes and long dark brown hair. She wore pink eyeshadow and her long hair, though usually tied loosely with a ribbon, was up tight in a high ponytail.
Her normal travel wear was a traditional plum and plush woman's kimono, over this she usually wore a green long skirt and a simple pair of sandals. But not today, this morning she had a job in a near by village. So now she was currently donned in a black skin-tight jump suit with pink armor plates made of demon parts. There was a red sash around her waist that use to belong to her father and her Hiraikotsu strapped to her back with a wakizashi sword at her waist.
Sango was one of the best demon slayers fighting with the rebellion, a group of demons and humans who didn't believe in this war. A gang of people that was trying to stop the fighting on both sides and trying to protect the innocent that is being harmed in the way of unnecessary violence. Rallying villages to stop Yutomushi's men and the demon lords men from doing any more damage to their home lands, while taking exterminator gigs for rouge demons or malicious soldiers on the side.
A small breeze blew, sweeping Sango bangs out of place, she giggled lightly. She learned long ago to enjoy the simple pleasures of the world and they always made her happy. Others wouldn't believe how a simple forest can be so beautiful.
The air blowing the trees, bending the branches, twisting the leaves in an exotic dance. Small woodland creatures running along in fear looking once more for their peace and quiet. It was amazing to her. Spectacular. Many were just in too much of a rush to enjoy it.
She was headed back to base, hoping her brother had something good brewing on the fire. As much as she loved the silence and peace of the forest, her stomach was rumbling so loud she was sure the animals thought a demon was passing through.
Breaking the tree line, Sango stepped into a clearing, eyes taking in her surroundings. It was a rather large clearing, wildflowers scattering the green grass, making rainbows of color on the ground. Kuhoku would love this when he was kid, she thought, sad for a moment, knowing her younger brother was not a child anymore. But she knew one day he would grow up, sooner than later after there father died but he was still a good kid.
She stretched her arms over her head, sighing in content for a moment as she began to cross the clearing. She suddenly stopped, senses on high alert, everything was suddenly too quiet. A second later, a large snake demon slithered into the clearing, crushing beautiful flowers under it's heavy body.
It's glowing green eyes looked lone warrior, " Ssssurrender." It hissed, rearing a quarter of its 50 foot body of the ground, towering over the young female.
Sango was tempted to roll her eyes, she was really in no mood right now. A sudden thought crossed her mind, what kind of snake had spikes on its tail? She shook the random thought away, her hand touching the hidden pocket on her waist, gripping the steel ninja stars she kept there. Eyes concentrating, she watched carefully as the snake hood fanned out for intimidation.
She stayed completely still, watching, waiting for the perfect moment. Patience was a virtue she learned long ago. So she waited. Quiet, patient, watching as it hissed angrily at her, coiling its tail before lunging forward….. There! Her hand quick, focus perfect.
The star sliced throw the air, striking the demon right in the forehead with a low thud. The distraction was all she needed as the snake missed his target by a mile, hitting the ground face first. Sango ran forward at full speed, touching the handle of her sword. The snake reared back again, trying to recompose its position. Sango jumped, pulling metal from sheath, green eyes were looking for its prey on the ground, not seeing Sango sailing through the air with perfect form.
The slice was silent as it glided easily through the neck of the demon. She landed in a crouch, turning to watch the head of the snake drop to the ground. She stared as it convulsed and squirted blood all over the once beautiful field of flowers.
Waiting another moment to be sure it was dead, she walked over, pulled a small blade from her sleeve, kneeled and stabbed it into the side of the demon.
" What are you doing?"
Brown eyes turned, glancing behind her, similar brown eyes stared back. Kuhaku looked so much like his sister, though his heart shaped face was loosing its childish chubbiness for the more chiseled features of a man. His hair longer, down his back in a low ponytail.
Sango glanced at the uniform on the 18 year old that was much like her own, then turned back to what she was doing, " Demon snake scales make the best nail files." she finally answered, prying one free.
Kuhaku rolled his eyes, girls, he thought. " Kaede is looking for you." he said delivering the message he was sent to give.
Sango stood after stashing the scale in one of her many hidden pockets, Kaede was an advocate to the rebellion, helping whenever she can with food or supplies and always giving any information she thought was worth knowing. And she was like the grandmother to them all. " What's wrong?"
Kuhaku just shrugged and turned away, Sango frowned, the older he got the less they seemed to interact. " Wait, where are you going?"
Brown eyes glanced over his shoulder, " None of your business."
Sango frowned, " Kuhaku."
He turned, walking backwards, then grinned, it was charming, disarming, and reminded her of the times when they were kids. When they were best friends. " She's making stewed rabbit and I'mma get the last bowl." he finally said before turning and taking off down the worn path.
Sango laughed, smiling as she gave chase, he was still such a kid at heart. " Get back here, I'm getting that bowl!"
Kagome sat on her cot hating the stiff material, after living in the west she became accustomed to risen beds. She was going over her plans one more time, studying the copy of her blueprints that was laid across her bed. She wanted to do a test run tonight so she was carefully copying her route to the family wing on a smaller piece of parchment she can carry in her hand. With 3 specifically picked escape routes, just in case things went south.
Finished, she stared at her handy work for a moment, softly blowing on the wet ink to help the drying process. Gently she set her map on the bed before standing, stretching her arms over her head. She was satisfied with her progress in the difficult task set for her. No one else would have gotten this far without being discovered, she was going to be known as the greatest assassin ever after this kill. Now it was time she contacted her benefactor.
She walked over to the sliding door and pressed an ear to the wood, closing her eyes, she carefully opened her senses. It was like a vision walk as she silently scanned the hall for any near by auras. Sensing nothing she smirked, stepping back from the door. Almost giddy from excitement she made her to the basin of water in the corner of the room. She frowned, immediately sensing the impurity of the water. Ayumi, she thought with a roll of her eyes. She was lucky she wasn't the one on her hit list or she would have been turned up missing but she just might take care of the damn deer for free with the way she was getting on her nerves.
Getting back on task, she bent by the basin of water, ever so gently she called for the thinnest line of her power to come forth and touched the rim of the basin. The water glowed with a soft pink hue as it purified. She felt a few auras further in the palace thicken in response to the small amount of purity in the air. She quickly drew back her powers, knowing there had to be some powerful demons in this palace if there subconscious was able to react to her powers from so far away.
Mentally shaking her head she regained her focus, touching the sides of the basin she stared into the water intensely, softly mumbling the incantation under her breath. In moments her staring reflection started to change, swirling rapidly while ripples danced on the surface of the water.
A few seconds after that another face took form, Kagome watched a lean but broad shoulders come into view. Long black hair cascaded around his shoulders, fiery crimson eyes gleaming in the darkness. It was striking to see the differences between the two when they were facing each other. Like a large bulldog against a small feline. Naraku's ivory, ethereal flesh alongside Kagome's sun kissed skin. Honey and milk, night and day, heaven and earth, they were opposites in everything. The only distinguishable similarity in appearance would be the glint of evil that shimmered in their eyes. Crimson red eyes against moonlit snow, smoldering, mesmerizing, it was a trait they shared. A need to cause mayhem. It was almost seductively in a way, encountering another being who needed destruction like a drug.
" I was starting to worry you were unsuccessful." Naraku finally spoke, that deep some what rough alluring voice capturing her attention.
Kagome stared at him, he was smiling, an oh so sexy smile. A smile as seductive as the reflection of the moon on a dark, rippling pond. She smirked, a warm tingle starting in her tummy, a warmth that wanted to cause pain.
" I never fail." She whispered, her soft voice carried on an invisible breeze, almost caressing Naraku's face.
An almost visible shiver slithered down his back, the seductively evil tone of the female sending heat to his lower groins, he smiled, " So it seems you successfully infiltrated the westerns lands."
Kagome grinned and licked her lips, she wanted to taste that smirk, the evil inside of it looking so delicious, " As planned. I'm currently a maid inside of Lord Sesshomaru's palace."
Naraku leaned forward, seeing the small pink appendage dart out to moist plump peach lips. There was a sudden want to taste them, to devour them, " And when will I have his head?" he asked.
Kagome smirked, " Tomorrow. The night of the new moon."
Naraku nodded, thinking it over, it was smart planning, the new moon would give a great cover of night. " Is everything in place?"
Kagome flicked a strand of hair over her shoulder, " I wouldn't be contacting you if it wasn't."
Arousal at the sinister speaking bubbled in his chest, there was a heat growing between them, a heat he knew she felt. A heat for flames. For everything to burn. " How will you do it?" He wanted to know, needed to fill a craving for destruction.
Kagome smiled, knowing what he was looking for, knowing he just wanted to hear about the gore that was soon to come. She bit her lip, that tingling in her tummy turning to a swirl, Destroy. That deep voice in her head whispered, she shivered at the thought, closing her eyes for a moment. Almost able to feel the kill before it happened, she let out a soft moan at the thought before finally opening her eyes again.
She suddenly grinned, eyes hooding with the look of malevence." I'mma take his fucking heart out."
Naraku grinned, fighting a shiver at the devilish female before him. He had to fight the need to just go get her and take here where she stood. Something about the woman drove his senses crazy. " You have my blessings." he finally answered.
Kagome simply grinned and broke eye contact, her spell immediately breaking. Naraku sat back in his room of his borrowed manor, trying to slow his heart beat. The girl had an aura about her, a presence that screamed deadly. It was so frightening and yet so seductive, he didn't know whether to fuck her or try to absorb her. The way she talked about death and pain left him in tingles. He stood, staring at the water basin for a moment longer, the girl was to be his, he decided. But until then, he glanced to the door, " Kagura."
He was able to her the soft annoyed sigh drift out the wind demoness month as she answered his call. He watched, entertained by the demoness hatred of him, as she opened the door and stepped in the room. She slid it shut before gliding open one of her fans, " Yes Naraku."
He watched boredom and aggravation roll across her eyes, it made him smirk, " Gather the other 500 thousand pounds by tomorrow night and be ready to move out on a moments notice."
Kagura blinked, did the grey ghost really complete her mission or did she still have time to warn Lord Sesshomaru of the pending attack? How much time did she have? She shook her head softly, realizing her boss and creator was watching her. She quickly bowed her head, " Yes Naraku." turning away to do what was asked.
" Kagura."
She paused at the tone, there was a sinful cheerfulness to his voice and she knew what the meant, she turned around slowly, " Yes Naraku."
He grinned, knowing she knew what was about to happen next and knew she would hate every moment of it. " Before you go." He raised a brow and glanced down, " Come please your master."
Kagura eyes watered for a quick a moment, a hatred running over her face at the thought, a sadness and devastation creeping in her skin as she dropped to her knees. Naraku laughed as shaking hands reached forward, " That's a good girl."
Kagome stood after Naraku's face finally faded, there was something about the hanyou got her blood boiling, she had to admit she was excited. If she pulled this off her name would be remembered for eons to come. She suddenly turned to the door. An aura was approaching the steps to the servants quarters. An aura that was trying very hard to pull itself in to be discrete.
Kagome frowned, warning bells humming in her stomach. Quickly she moved to her bed, sliding her blueprints and handheld map into the hiding place under her floorboard. She picked up a pair of chopsticks she took from the cafe and slid under the covers. She leaned over to blow her candle out but thought against it. She would need to see just in case the demon coming down the hall meant her harm. She couldn't use her powers to see in the dark because her eyes will glow gray, compromising her situation.
She turned, facing the wall as the aura stopped outside her door. The wood slid back and she clutched her chopsticks tighter, taking slow, deep breaths to assume she was sleeping. The door slid closed and a shimmer slithered over her body, barrier she thought, probably to prevent sound. Her palms became a bit sweaty, was she scared? No. She was almost shaking with anticipation. She was hoping the demon would attack. It felt like years has passed since her last kill. She needed blood on her hands. She bit her lip as the floor creaked under the weight of the demon. Please make my day, please. She thought.
She heard a snarl as the demon moved closer. " General Hampton whooped my ass in training because of you."
Kagome smirked, immediately knowing who it was. A very upset bull demon. The hand holding her chopsticks slid under her pillow as she rolled over to look at him, her face trying to feign surprise. However she immediately started to laugh when she saw his face. Detomi had a makeshift brace on his nose to keep the broken bone in place as it healed. It immediately reminded her of the wicked witches in ghost stories they would tell in the west. Like his nose was long a croaked like the beak of a deformed flamingo.
She laughed so hard she forgot about her weapons she was holding, needing to clutch her stomach because of the pain. Detomi frowned at the insulting woman. Pride already wounded, his eyes flashed red for a moment, " Shut up!" he yelled, pouncing on the female.
Kagome rolled just as the bull demon hit the bed, taking the covers with her to the floor. She continued to laugh as she stood, wiping tears on the blanket as she rolled it up in a ball.
" Detomi, what the hell are you doing?" she snickered as he got off the bed, " And what the hell is that on your face."
Detomi frowned, anger rising, " You shattered my nose! This is going to take days to heal!"
Kagome just giggled, " Your voice sound clogged."
He balled his fists, " You fucking bitch! I'mma rip your head off!"
Kagome pinched her nose and mimicked the bull demon, " You fucking bitch, I'mma rip your head off."
Eyes bled red, that was last straw. Kagome watched as horns began sprouting from his forehead. Fuck. He was turning into his demon, she had to stop him before he finished the transformation, this room was not big enough to fight a fully grown bull demon. She threw the blanket she was holding, nailing the angry demon right in the face. It brought back a bit of focus, red eyes blinking, she then turned, jumping off the wall and hit the Detomi dead on in the nose, again, with a fierce superman punch.
He immediately dropped to the ground like a bag full of rocks. She frowned, staring at the unconscious demon, watching what little transformation that took place return back to normal. Well that was anti-climatic. She sighed, she was really looking for a better fight, more blood, getting physical. Crossing her arms, she kicked at the dead weight, what do she do with him now?
Maybe she should just kill him, he didn't have any rank, he wouldn't be immediately missed. She was totally sure she could get away with dumping his body in that washing pond she used before to clean Lord Sesshomaru's drapes. She sighed, that sounded like a lot of work and she really wanted to focus on her test run she was planning on doing tonight.
She huffed, tapping a finger on her arm, what to do, what to do, she wondered. She suddenly smirked. She had a brilliant idea. An awesome, evil, brilliant idea.
Kohaku sat in the small yet homey hut, greedily slurping up the last of his soup, he groaned as he liked his lips, " Kaede, you make the best rabbit stew in the entire village."
The older woman smiled, " Thank you child, I am glad you enjoyed it."
Sango frowned as she stared at her brother, " Did you have to enjoy it so loudly?"
Kohaku glanced at her and grinned, " Jealous I got the last bowl?"
She huffed, arms crossing, " Shut up."
Kohoku just laughed, setting the bowl on the ground before standing. Sango watched him, he was getting so tall, his body toning nicely into that of a warrior. " Where you going?"
He stretched his arms over his head, " Me and some of the guys are going to do a perimeter sweep."
A hand immediately reached for hiraikotsu, " I'll go with you."
Kohaku rolled his eyes, picking up his kusarigama, the weapon muck like a traditional Japanese sickle on a metal chain with a heavy iron weight at the end. " I'm not a baby Sango, I don't need a chaperon."
Sango frowned, watching him go, she didn't treat him like a baby, she just didn't want to see him get hurt. She wanted to protect him, he was all the family she had left.
" Here child."
Sango turned, seeing Kaede offering her a freshly made bowl of stew. Sango smiled, " Thank you Kaede."
Kaede just nodded, " Protecting villages from evil men and rogue demons is sure to bring a large appetite."
Sango nodded, already digging into her food, Kohaku was right, Kaede made the best rabbit stew. Kaede cleared away empty bowls, setting them to the side to be washed later. " He has a point you know. You can not shelter him from everything."
Sango glanced up to the elder, then frowned, knowing what she was talking about and knowing she was right. She sighed heavily, looking into her soup, " He's all I have, I just want to make sure he's safe."
" Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. Growing up is a process we all must face, instead of protecting him, show him how to protect himself."
Sango frowned, eyes furrowing in thought, Kaede made a good point. She would never be able to be there for him at all times. He had to be a man, be able to protect himself and some day his wife and kids. Maybe she should loosen the reigns a bit, let him live just a little more freely of her always watchful gaze.
Kaede took a load off, sitting by the warm fire. It wasn't particularly cold this night but she had a chill she couldn't get rid of.
Sango immediately picked up on the sudden change in the room. Everything became stifled, as if the walls has secrets. Gently she put the bowl down, concern now on her face, " Is everything alright Kaede?"
A brown eye glanced at her then back to her hands. They were old but firm, strong with years of working and fighting to keep others safe. She frowned at her current thoughts, still conflicted with the decision she was about to make. If she is to do what is right, it might mean the death of one of her most strongest students she ever trained. If she was to ignore her duty, it could mean the death of one of the strongest demon lords of these lands.
Sango watched her elder, never seeing so many upsetting emotions play on her face. Something was seriously eating at the woman, " Kaede.."
She looked up, the severity of the stare made Sango voice catch in her throat. The look was intense with determination. Her voice thick with a hard emotion, as if she was building a wall to block out the aftershock of what she was about to say. She glanced down once again at her hands for a moment and pulled a rolled up parchment out of her sleeve.
She did not look p as she spoke, " I asked you to come here today for a reason. I am about to ask a great deal of you child. But if this treachery is not brought to the light, many may suffer because of my own emotions."
Sango felt a chill, a slight flicker of fear tingling under her skin, " What's going on Kaede?"
Kaede finally looked up and Sango was almost shocked to see actual tears running from the elder's brown eye. " This letter needs to be delivered to Lord Sesshomaru's palace in the western lands as quickly as possible."
Sango frowned, confusion on her face, " Kaede, what's going on, why are you crying?"
She simply shook her head and stood, letting out a heavy breath, " With this letter I may be sealing the fate of someone very dear to me. But I can not allow her plans to proceed."
Sango stood, completely lost to what was going on, " What, who fate are you sealing? What does this have to do with Lord Sesshomaru? What are these plans that are taking place? What is going on?!"
Kaede pivoted, quite quickly for someone of her age, an urgency in her tone, " The details to the situation are unimportant! All that matters is what I am telling you now. Thousands of lives are at stake if this letter does not reach Lord Sesshomaru now. I need you Sango. I need you to place this letter into his hand."
She grabbed the younger girl's arms in a firm grip, staring into chocolate brown eyes, " Can I trust in you to do this for me."
Sango blinked, never have she seen Kaede so aggressively demanding, this must be bigger than she thought or knew about. Slowly she nodded her head, " Yes. I'll do it."
She suddenly frowned, " But as a demon slayer I'll never get past the gates of the demon palace."
Kaede placed the letter in Sango's hand before touching her collar. She pulled a string she kept tucked away in her inner shirt. " Show the guards this." pulling out a small stone that was attached tot he string, " They will let you through."
Sango frowned, staring at the small black pebble, it looked like one of the rocks her and Kohaku use to skip across lakes. She was not convinced it would get her in the palace but she took it anyways. Trusting Kaede's work he placed it around her neck and tucked it into her collar.
Kaede nodded, " You will reach the palace quickest with Kirara."
Sango agreed, her demon companion and loyal alley was usually made to stay with Kohaku for better protection but she would need the fierce cat for this mission. " I will take my leave now then."
Kaede touched her shoulder as she turned to the door, " Child. Do not let anyone stop you from giving him that letter."
Sango nodded, " I give you my word, he will receive it." then quickly made her way out the door to prepare for her trip. She had a lot to do in a little amount of time.
Kaede stood there for a moment, watching the hay of her screen sway as it settled back in front of her entryway. If Sango hurried, with little stops, she would reach the palace in about a day and a half, maybe sooner. She just hoped it was enough time to warn him, she just hoped she wasn't too late.
Here's another chapter. Working on more. tell me what you think!