A/N: Set just slightly after Naraku releases Kagura from her prison in the castle basement (see Volume 22).
Different Kinds of Dead
"Kagura," Sesshomaru droned. "You are dead, are you not?"
The wind witch cringed at the searing truth in his words. Still the defiant sneer wasn't wiped away completely. "What the hell do you mean by that?"
Sesshomaru pursed his lips. "If you go through with your intended treason, Naraku will undoubtedly kill you. One squeeze of that heart he holds ought to suffice." He examined unusually long, white nails. "Now, if you opt to live in servitude, Naraku will simply dispose of you when you outlive your usefulness."
A tick started in Kagura's jaw. "Well, if you know all this why won't you, a great demon, help me gain my freedom?!"
He stood still for a moment, only his hair whipping about from the howling wind. "You are none of my concern. I don't help creatures that are already dead."
"In that case" – she tore the feather from her hair – "I don't see how we're any different!"
Even after he was alone, Sesshomaru still stared at the starlit sky for a long time.
Scarcely over a week ago she had sought him out and fired off the most absurd plea. Release her from Naraku? Was this woman asking to be saved? Ridiculous, this was no feudal fairytale where valiant warriors go and rescue damsels in distress. Sesshomaru had warned her. If Kagura wasn't prepared to go it alone, she should have not contemplated treason. It certainly wasn't any of his concern. Diplomatically, for the Western Lord to throw in his lot over a mere female meant absolute ruin. Sesshomaru personally knew predecessors of the same mistake.
He lengthened his stride, trying to outpace his racing mind.
She lumps me with her? How?
Sesshomaru stalked over to a pond. His reflection quivered in the ripples. A corporeal dog-demon, complete with a pulse, stared back – and just stared.
Amber eyes with slit pupils, but bottomless without feeling or passion. Did one need a pulse for passion? Could a drowning sea of scarlet harbor life?
"Ridiculous."
Pivoting on heel, Sesshomaru left - light-whip snaking back to his talons and the reflection scattered.
