.Shades of Silver.
Chapter 4: Light.
Kagome leaned back upon lush, satin pillows depicted with curling floral patterns. Her head lolled lazily toward the side, as her animated gaze flickered across the details of the room, 'Must have been a woman's room.' she thought before turned her head toward the thick silk flap-- used as a door, as it moved open. Surprised, she found herself looking at Sesshoumaru's intimidating figure, which loomed above her as he moved to the side of her futon. "The healer told me that you wished my presence." he stated in familar monotone.
"Yes." she replied at once, her voice low. Her arms ached, throbbing weakly as she laid there, surrounded in the scent of medicinal herbs. "Thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru, for saving me in your courtyard." she sighed out, before offering a tiny smile, of which was completely genuine before her eyes averted from his.
Sesshoumaru inclined his head slowly, unsure gaze hidden behind years of stoic silence. It was odd how this girl, Kagome, was so polite and flawlessly formal when needed be. The regal way in which she addressed him, and the avoiding of his eyes. There was no mistake, she knew what she was doing. Were all humans like this? No, he assured himself, I have confronted lords of lands and none have shown what this girl has. "Are you feeling well? These healers are my best, I was comfortable handing your health into their hands." and indeed, this was true. He had seen that she was well treated for the protection she offered Rin.
Not to mention, he mused in a pleased manner, the warning her powers would show to the lowly lord that dare send him a spy. Although this would put a very large strain on what little thread kept the war from happening soon.
Kagome noticed the sudden strain on Sesshoumaru's normally relaxed features and inwardly she panicked, 'Oh, great.. did I do something wrong?' another thought occured to her, 'Maybe I'm causing him a lot of trouble.' her own features became slightly darker as she shakily pushed herself up slightly. "Y-yes, I'm doing much better. In fact, I'm sure I coul--" she cut off suddenly as she collapsed back onto the bed, a little short on breath.
Sesshoumaru started, coming back to the present day in a mere second, "You are much too weak to be attempting to get up, foolish girl." he reprimanded with a low growl, before ordering a healer to tell him of her progress. "The wounds on her arms are very vulnerable, she shouldn't place any strain on them-- also, she is weak and needs to eat something a bit more solid." the healer explained while making Kagome comfortable in bed once more.
A guard suddenly bustled inside loudly, his armour clanking loudly, "My Lord, forgive this sudden intrusion but we have trouble." his words came fast, within one heavy breath. His face showed the features of a man whom was much younger to Sesshoumaru but the two mirrored the same serious glint within their eyes.
It was at that moment that Kagome herself heard the distant yelling and harsh orders from outside the castle. A pang of fear slid into her chest as she moved her head to watch Sesshoumaru attentively. His own gaze met hers and he bowed his head slightly, "Kagome, you needn't concern yourself. Hikotsu." he ended with a sharp inquirie toward the young man before him. The adolescent youkai stiffened and came to attention immediately, "Yes, my Lord?" he replied.
"Lead me." was the stoic command and all that needed to be said. The youkai under-rank quickly led away Sesshoumaru, leaving the few silent healers and the worried Kagome behind. Once they were gone, the healers all released a massive breath that they had been holding. Kagome had noticed that these healers feigned speechlessness around all but their patients and amongst each other when they became incredibly talkative.
"Miss, did you see the way Lord Sesshoumaru was so informal with you?" one of the timid rabbit youkai gushed, her large mahogany eyes blinking animatedly, "It was most shocking!"
Kagome nodded slowly, too fatigued to speak at the moment but thought to herself how odd it was. Somehow, the soft chatter of the healers and the minty smell of herbs was soothing enough to lull her into a deep sleep.
-
"Stop!" Jaken screeched, his nasal voice causing both Sango and Miroku to cringe the least bit. Their attention was then casted toward the short, quivering youkai whom was pointing madly to the North-- the direction in which they had been traveling for the longest amount of time. There, in the distance, was the minimized version of a battle outside the great, towering ivory castle that belonged to Lord Sesshoumaru himself.
Miroku gave a startled jerk, the golden rings of his aged staff tingled aloud, "What is happening?" he asked the air, shock laced into his words. Sango mimicked a similar reaction with fewer words. Jaken began to bawl beside them, stamping his feet and swinging around his staff, "Ooohhh! That Lord Banktsu! Sniveling little-- he's attacking us! Even with these old eyes of mine, I can see the black and yellow emblems upon his soldiers." he spat vehemently.
Miroku cast a puzzled glance at his temporary companion, "Lord Banktsu? Isn't that.." he paused in thought, before continuing, "The Eastern lands! He's their lord, isn't he? His father passed recently-- I thought the East and West were allies?" he inquired of Jaken, who was turning a shade of red.
Sango began to catch on to the situation, "Wait-- let me guess, the old lord's son isn't too fond of the West? Once father passed.. he caused some trouble?" she furrowed her hazel eyebrows. Jaken made a noise in the back of his throat, "The little brat decided that he wanted more land and turned onto the West, trying to take it with his greedy hands! Lord Sesshoumaru, our most noble lord, refused and was threatened with war." he ground out, frustrated, "We must make haste to the castle! You care about that girl of yours, don't you?"
"Jaken, regretably, is correct. We need to get moving-- right now." Sango stated grimly, pulling Hiraikotsu more tightly around her frame as Kirara growled and shook her twin tails agitatedly atop her shoulder. Miroku gave a nod, and looked down toward Jaken, "Lead the way, we shall follow." at those words, the green youkai began at a fast pace toward the battle with the two humans behind him.
-
A musical giggle echoed, fingers entertwined within the white locks, running through them like a net through calm, cool streams. She moved up his body, much like a serpent as he laid back, once pale flesh now flushed with heat as she pressed supple lips against his. His clawed finger tips confidently traced up her arms, gripping her shoulders as he gently crushed her to his own lanky frame. A sigh, soft and quiet against his furred appendage, "Oh, I---
A sharp intake of air, expelled as a loud and shrill scream as Kagome jerked herself awake, throwing herself forward on the lavish futon. A wave of dizziness caused her to tumble forward on her knees upon the thick comforter, as nausea gripped her stomach like an iron lock. A moan tore from her throat as she weakly sank forward on her stomach, "Oh gods." she whispered, squeezing her eyes shut.
Two guards burst through the door flap, weapons drawn taut and healers came bustling to her side in concern. "Who was it?" a burly guard demanded loudly, with stubble on his chin and cheeks and age lines around his teal eyes Kagome could tell he was probably one of the more advanced guards. "K--ki-.." she stammered, digging her nails into the futon as a sudden and intense pain held her chest. She choked, eyes suddenly fluttering open and bright.
Sesshoumaru pushed past the crowd gathering around her, furious as he dropped to his knees beside her bed, "Kagome. Kagome, listen to me." he demanded in his smooth tones, his golden gaze narrowed sharply.
Kagome shook, tears leaking weakly out of the corners of her blue-grey eyes as the pain fell away from her body, leaving her moreso pale and weak looking. "Sesshoumaru-- sesshoumaru." she tried, looking at him with panic. Something was building within her, fighting away at something that was worming it's way inside her, she was losing control-- she could feel it. Kagome felt it pulling at her muscles, the opening of her wounds-- knitting together swiftly, the light was illuminating her eyes-- her entire form was becoming swallowed. "Kikyou." she said at last, suddenly grabbing Sesshoumaru's empty silk sleeve.
Sesshoumaru tilted his head at these events happening before him, "Kikyou. The woman, the priest-- your incarnation." he clarified after she spoke, placing his other and only pale and graceful palm upon her own as he offered some sort of comfort-- but her hand was hot, it was burning away at him. He hissed softly, but did not dare move his hand, "Kagome. What is going on?" he implored forcefully, hiding all visible forms of discomfort.
The light exploded in a silent blast. A pink shield rose up, higher than the highest tower, enveloping Sesshoumaru-- and every being within his castle, including the soldiers on the battle field. Kagome let out a cry at last, as the attacking soldiers with their black and yellow emblems were burned to ashes, and finally the shield fell away as she collapsed forward, eyes glassy as her last breath fell away.
Sesshoumaru's golden orbs became wide before he felt the sensation of healing-- of flesh repairing and knitting at an amazing rate, faster than even the healing pace of a full youkai. Flicking his gaze down, his lost arm was repairing itself-- fully, completely with the cresent marks of purple upon the wrist. Lost in his utter shock at this odd happening, he was pushed from this dazed state as Kagome went limp.
"Kagome?" he uttered, furrowing his pale brows. His nostrils flared, the scent of life was slowly drifting away from her. Sesshoumaru stood suddenly, adrenaline gripping his lean body, "Suitka, get Tensaiga." he ordered tensely.
Suitka remained standing there, struck with awe at the way he was spared from one of the most powerful miko blasts of power he had ever heard of in his many centuries of living.
"Suitka! Get Tensaiga right now." Sesshoumaru snarled, turning on the guard with a firm look.
The guard nodded quickly and whipped around, leaving with his inhuman speed. The other guard quickly followed in turn.
The healers huddled away in a far corner, all of their eyes were wide and unblinking as they dared not breath in their lord's presence. When the golden gaze of their master fell on them, they nearly passed out. "Stay with her. Do not move her at all. I will return soon." he murmured softly, before turning and disappearing into the long halls.
-
Sango and Miroku halted immidiately in their steps. Jaken did as well, soon after them and began to sputter in shock, "What in the-- what is that light!" he screeched. Sango gripped her hands over her heart, "Oh my go--.. That's Kagome, Miroku!" she turned quickly to her companion, whose eyes watered and hands shook, "Sango-- it's coming this way, hold onto something." Miroku uttered with urgency, staring out at the castle. Sango whipped around, to see the glowing pink light sweeping swiftly across the fields, "Miroku!" she gasped as it came upon them.
It shook them, knocking them to their feet but filling them with such a relaxing warmth and giving life beneath them. Colourful flowers burst forth, surrounding them and brushing against their exposed skin. Jaken clutched his own staff, fear gripping his heart still as he laid there, expecting to have turned to ash at the second it washed over him.
"W-what just happened?" Sango whispered, clutching to Miroku's arm as they tried to regain their footing.
"What happened? Oh, it's quite simple taijiya, Kagome just died."
-
Next Chapter: Zero.