Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Hi everyone! The responses from the last chapter were prompt and encouraging. Thank you all and especially my anon. reviewers: beth, aya harashino, kik lover and nicole. To Z.M. - thanks for the correction.
Chapter 8: Preparation
Jadoku backtracked to the rear of the castle to meet with the priestess. He walked slowly; the snake youkai was opposed to another encounter with the woman, but Sesshomaru had insisted.
Originally reluctant to come here, Jadoku felt himself caught up in the intrigue that surrounded the taiyoukai's realm. Without Mouko as his partner, he would have refused, or at least tried.
Although an elder himself, one did not refuse an assignment from a senior elder. Totousai had hand picked both him and the tiger youkai for this mission. His reasons, the old coot kept to himself and that made Jadoku suspicious. However, Mouko's enthusiasm had sealed their acceptance.
He and his tiger comrade were different from night and day, but it was an asset when they worked together. They met at the battle of 'Housen-roujou' and had been allies ever since. It was also the last time the power of the Gokeiken was used to defeat their foe.
Rounding the corner, Jadoku saw the priestess standing a few feet away. He could understand Mouko's infatuation with the woman; after all, she did bear a slight resemblance to another that was lost to his friend over a century ago.
"Lady Kikyou," Jadoku said and bowed.
Her face was a stoic mask, but it could not hide the excitement in her eyes as she turned to him and bowed her own greeting.
"I am told to inform you of the tunnel we discovered, priestess."
Kikyou only nodded, she would not make this difficult for the snake youkai. If he would simply provide her the information, she could research on her own.
"Come with me," Jadoku requested and turned on his heel.
"Jadoku-san," Kikyou began. "There's no need…"
"Come!" he interrupted.
Were all demons this arrogant? Swallowing a retort, she followed behind him.
As they walked, Kikyou noticed a few threads attached to the snake youkai's clothes. Increasing her pace to get a better look, she reached out to pull one of the threads.
Suddenly, Jadoku's head lifted from his body, whipped around and he stretched his neck until his face pressed into Kikyou's.
"What… are you doing?" he hissed.
"You have material clinging to your clothing, I was only trying to examine it," Kikyou said unperturbed.
Jadoku's head swiveled around and inspected his own back. There were indeed several strands attached to his keso. Retracting his head, he stood still as Kikyou plucked one of the silken strands.
Turning it over in her hands, she saw it was similar to the ones from Airasetsunyo's attack. "Moth silk," she said and extended her hand.
"It must be from the tunnel. It appears we are dealing with the same species of youkai," said the snake elder.
"Yes," Kikyou responded. "However, this one has yet to pupate."
"Hence the need to go underground," Jadoku said.
Kikyou already knew what her next step would be, but she felt under the circumstances to allow the snake youkai that privilege. "What do we do now, Jadoku-san?"
"I am sure you have a suggestion," he smirked.
"Come," Kikyou stated, but allowed her youkai cohort to lead. "Let's find its cocoon."
xXxXx
Although deep in discussion, both Sesshomaru and Mouko were aware of Kurokuma's presence before he reached them. The taiyoukai gave an elegant sniff and the tiger's facial muscles worked furiously to suppress a smile at Sesshomaru's reaction.
Kurokuma was a large hulking figure. He stood approximately two heads taller than the inu youkai. His bronze skin stretched taut across massive shoulders and a big barrel chest encased in armor. Strapped to his back, he carried the famed axe blade of his ancestors.
"Sesshomaru-sama." Kurokuma bowed in greeting and received a slight nod from the taiyoukai. "It is my understanding that preparations are being made for Jaken's departure," he addressed the elders. "May I be of assistance in any way?"
"No." Sesshomaru was abrupt.
Sensing the bear's tension from the curt reply, Mouko intervened. "The arrangements have been made, Kurokuma-san," the tiger informed him. "But… thanks for the offer."
Ignoring Mouko, Kurokuma pressed Sesshomaru. "Is it only the chosen few that you allow into your confidence, my lord? I thought all council members are to be trusted."
Sesshomaru turned to the bear youkai. "Only a fool would think that," he said. "Trust is usually earned, Kurokuma, and some… will never be trusted," the taiyoukai said and seemed to smile.
That was a bad sign, thought Mouko. He was informed that if Sesshomaru ever smiled that meant trouble. It was not a real smile, more the baring of a fang. The tiger also noticed Kurokuma's large fist tightening by his side.
"Everything will be revealed at the meeting later, Kurokuma-san," Mouko laughed to ease the tension. "Don't be so impatient."
The bear youkai's gaze never wavered and neither did the Sesshomaru's. Mouko refrained from saying more, but readied himself in case the bear youkai was stupid enough to attack.
The standoff continued for several seconds, then suddenly Kurokuma relaxed and bowed deeply to them both. "I will wait," he said, abruptly turned and strode off.
With another sniff, Sesshomaru turned in the opposite direction and headed down the corridor.
Mouko stood and continued to watch Kurokuma's retreat. His eyes narrowed as he contemplated what had just occurred. It seemed the bear youkai was a bit unbalanced. To challenge, no matter how subtle, the taiyoukai in his home was an offense in itself. He was surprised Sesshomaru allowed him to get away with it, but then… who knew what went on in that calculating head.
He had learned little about the Lord of the Westernlands since his arrival. The inu youkai was clearly aloof and had no clear method of dealing with issues. Although, one could not accuse Sesshomaru of being impulsive in his actions, it would be unwise to underestimate him that way. He seemed aware of everything that went on here; however, he only revealed what he knew when it was advantageous to him.
It was fortunate for Kurokuma that, whatever his reason, Sesshomaru was feeling generous today. It would be best to keep watch of the bear youkai's actions; his eyes had held a delirious gleam as he left. Yes, it was a good idea to keep an eye on that one.
xXxXx
"Is it okay, Idzuna-chan?" Rin asked her friend as she referred to the human food before her.
"Anything from Yoippari-sama is fine," said the kitsune. It had become their ritual that Idzuna would sniff Rin's food before she ate. Her friend was still wary because of the poisoning and she would do anything to put her at ease.
Rin dug in with enthusiasm, she had always had hefty appetite. Now that she was no longer ill, it had voraciously returned.
"Slow down, child," Yoippari said. "There's more where that came from."
The two girls looked up to see the owl youkai standing in the window. She had her back turned to them and appeared focused on something outside. Her form was completely still; she looked like a statue.
"Does she have eyes in the back of her head?" Rin whispered.
"Some say she does," Idzuna whispered back. "Yoippari-sama sees and knows everything, I'm told."
The topic of conversation listened with half an ear to the children's chatter. The other ear, along with her other senses, were busy sending a telepathic message to her associate.
In her minds eye, Yoippari visualized flying over mountains, rivers and villages. She traveled miles, to the far reaches of the perimeter to a stark, dreary place. Once there she sought her contact.
Entering their abode, they connected minds.
"Greetings, Yoippari-chan," her contact responded. "I hope all is well."
"Everything is as foreseen," the owl youkai transmitted. "One plot has been thwarted and the other is yet to be revealed, but the best news of all… the awakening has begun."
"Excellent," the contact beamed their approval. "Keep me updated."
"Of course." Yoippari retracted her mind to begin the journey home.
xXxXx
Kikyou and Jadoku returned to the castle. The priestess was elated by the results of their search; they were one-step closer to finding the accomplice.
On the outskirts of the castle grounds, an empty cocoon was found. A lot of foliage in the area was damaged; the moth larvae could be destructive in its quest for food. She and the snake youkai had set a trap; Jadoku would check periodically to see if the culprit would fall into it.
"Would you like to inform Lord Sesshomaru of our findings, Lady Kikyou?"
"No!" she said quickly. Recovering from her outburst, she continued on a calmer note. "I mean… I think you should inform him, Jadoku-san."
"Very well," he responded, giving no indication of her sudden display of emotion. "I will report to him before the meeting this evening." He bowed abruptly and turned in the other direction.
Kikyou watched him go, then turned and entered the castle. The first person she saw was Jaken. The demon toad sat alone in one of the empty corridors, looking despondent. Walking over, she sat down beside him.
"Greetings, Jaken-san," said the priestess. "Is there a reason you are not with your master or the girls?"
"I am mentally preparing myself for an important mission tomorrow," he informed her. "Sesshomaru-sama has entrusted me to carry a message to the southernrealm. Ah-un and I leave in the morning."
"How interesting," Kikyou responded. "But… why do you look so sad, Jaken-san?"
"What do you mean sad, woman!" He rounded on her. "I told you… I'm mentally preparing myself."
"Oh… my apologies." The priestess was untroubled by his outburst. "I was only going to say that if you were worried, there was no need to be."
Jaken turned to her, wide-eyed. "Well, not that I'm worried or anything, but if I were… but I'm not, mind you," he emphasized. "But… if I were; what were you going to say?"
"It appears you are very important to your master," she said, as if giving it some thought. "He seems to allow you to handle the more important and delicate issues; he must trust you immensely. Therefore, I can't see Sesshomaru putting his most valuable asset in any danger."
His master had offhandedly indicated the same the other night in the study, however, it sounded different coming from this woman. Kikyou made him and his venture appear heroic and noble.
"Well, of course." Jaken stuck out his chest. "That is why the master chose me. There was one occasion where I helped my lord to…" he began his tale to Kikyou, but stopped when she stood abruptly and started down the corridor.
"Uh… wait! Lady Kikyou!" He sped after her. "Wouldn't you like to hear how I helped Lord Sesshomaru out of a difficult situation?"
"I do not think I would be able to stop you, Jaken-san." The priestess responded tonelessly and continued on her way.
That was enough encouragement for the demon toad. He followed behind Kikyou spouting his tales as she searched for the children. She wanted to find them quickly; their chatter was the only thing that could overpower Jaken's.
xXxXx
The council room was full. Sesshomaru sat at the head with Mouko to his right and Jadoku on his left. They faced the congregated elders and other council members.
Everyone was informed of Jaken's departure tomorrow, his final request to Shishi and the hopes that the Southern realm would respond before having resort to war.
"If this does not work, Lord Sesshomaru…" The elder was silenced as the taiyoukai raised his hand.
"We all know what the result will be, Chinjuu-san," said Sesshomaru. "Whatever the outcome, one should always be prepared for battle."
A murmur went through the crowd and the majority nodded, vigorously, in agreement.
"Once my vassal returns with Shishi's response, we will proceed based on that," Sesshomaru continued. "Ah-un will depart by the 'Seinansei' route. It is the quickest way into the southern valley."
Mouko's head snapped up, but refrained from looking at the inu youkai. Why would he give away Jaken's route and into a room filled with youkai? Sesshomaru had just said himself, not everyone was to be trusted.
The tiger's jade gaze roamed the room until he spotted Kurokuma. The bear was lounged against the wall with his arms folded across his chest. Staring intently at his target, Mouko did not realize his fangs had bared and a deep growl emanated from his chest.
"Is there a problem, Mouko-san?" the taiyoukai asked.
"No… no problem," the tiger kept Kurokuma in his sights. The bear was planning something; he could sense it.
Damn this meeting, he thought. He could be investigating other things right now. His agitation only increased as he saw Kurokuma slide, inconspicuously, from the room.
"Mouko…"
The tiger youkai turned to Sesshomaru's summons.
"If you have more important matters to attend, I suggest you do so," the inu youkai said meaningfully. "Jadoku and I can handle the councils' questions and the adjournment."
With an impatient bow, Mouko stood to exit the room.
Jadoku watched his friend go and his lips tilted slightly at the corner. That was the closest semblance of a smile the snake could produce.
Although, Mouko moved with the slow, natural grace of any feline predator, the snake could sense the impatience underneath that relaxed veneer. Once his friend keyed in on a prey, the tiger had a one-track mind and would not be satisfied until confrontation.
Sliding a glance to Sesshomaru, Jadoku could see the inu youkai also watched Mouko's departure. Seeing the gleam in the taiyoukai's eyes, the snake realized that yet again, Sesshomaru was one-step ahead.
"Very resourceful, my lord," Jadoku could not help but say.
"It is called 'delegating responsibility'," Sesshomaru quoted Kikyou from their conversation earlier.
"Strategic move," Jadoku said. "However, you could have informed Mouko-san beforehand."
"There is no need to tell him what he already knows," said the taiyoukai and turned back to the remaining council in the room.
"By the way, my lord. Lady Kikyou asked me to give report of our findings today."
"I will allow her to tell me," Sesshomaru stated.
"But…"
"She will tell me, Jadoku-san," the taiyoukai said firmly, putting an end to the discussion. "Now… let's get this meeting over with."
xXxXx
The sun had set and cast the western valley in shadow. On the outer perimeter of the castle grounds, a large figure loomed over the trap laid earlier. Leading with its nose, it leaned in for a closer inspection. It then reared back and stared at the layout from each angle.
The form inched around the snare and then slowly backed away. Raising its head in the air, it slowly surveyed the area. Taking one last look at the food conveniently left, it turned and slunk back into the shadows.
xXxXx
"He didn't come," Rin pouted.
"He is very busy," Kikyou said.
"I know," the child sighed as the priestess pulled the hadagi over her head.
Kikyou was getting the girls ready for bed and she looked down as Rin's small head popped through the opening of her nightwear. Although she put up a brave front, the priestess knew the little girl was missing her guardian's company
"You don't think he missed his supper; do you?" Rin asked, concerned.
"I'm sure he did not," Kikyou said, trying to soothe her fears.
"Yoippari-sama took him a tray, Rin-chan," Idzuna added. "I saw her before I left the pantry."
"You see." The priestess gave her an 'I told you so' look. "He has plenty of staff taking care of him; you have no need to worry, little one."
Rin nodded and finally smiled. The fact that Lord Sesshomaru was a strong and able youkai, did not mean she would not worry about him. If only he had stopped by so she could say goodnight to him.
Idzuna slid her futon next to Rin's and lay down next to her friend. Tousling both their heads, Kikyou tucked them under the covers. "Now… you two get some sleep," the priestess informed the children.
Kikyou moved to sit in front of the hearth. Removing the ribbon from her hair, she ran her fingers through its length, smoothing the strands. The day was full of activity; dealing with the children, the encounter with Sesshomaru and the elders, she and Jadoku's discovery and helping Jaken get over his depression. Yes, one could say she had been very productive today.
Suddenly, that unbidden thought came to mind. She had avoided remembering Sesshomaru's kiss until now. Sitting here alone, she recalled the feel of his lips upon hers.
She hated to admit that she enjoyed the feel of his silken tongue mingling with hers; she did not know it was possible to kiss in such a manner. Was it even considered decent? She had never experienced anything so exquisite, not even with Inuyasha.
Her encounters with the hanyou were a slow and a simple grazing of lips. Neither knew, at least she did not, that there was anything more. Their method was pleasing, but did not stir the sensations that Sesshomaru's did.
Was it possible that she was attracted to the taiyoukai? No! She shook her head vehemently. That could not possibly be right; could it?
"No, Kikyou," she said to herself, but aloud. "It's… it's just something new, that's all."
"Humans that speak to themselves, are said to be unstable."
The object of her thoughts stood a few feet away from her and Kikyou jumped to her feet. Her cheeks burned at being caught unawares and for her thoughts. Thank goodness, that with all his other abilities, he could not read minds.
"I am no more unstable than you are considerate," Kikyou countered. "Would it be feasible to ask you to make your presence known when you enter a room?"
"So… I am to announce my presence to enter 'my own' rooms?" Sesshomaru said with a smirk.
"If you are not the one occupying them… then, yes!" she said through clenched teeth.
"Ungrateful wench," he continued in a low monotone. "I adhere to your request and what do I get in return?" He raised an eyebrow as he approached and then stopped a short distance away.
"What do you expect that I should bow down and kiss your feet?"
"Interesting." He looked to give it some thought and saw her eyes narrow to slits. "But… somewhat degrading; would you not agree?"
Kikyou took a moment regroup; she breathed in and out slowly, trying to compose herself. Having restrained her temper, she formally asked, "Why are you here Sesshomaru? Rin has already fallen asleep waiting. She was most disappointed that you did not arrive at meal time or later that she could tell you good-night."
"There are many occasions when that will occur," he told the priestess. "It would be best that she learn to accept it."
"I have pointed that out, however… she still worries for you."
Sesshomaru turned his gaze to Rin's sleeping form. He would see her tomorrow. The next few days would keep him busy; he surmised he would be unable to spend sufficient time with the girl.
Turning back, his golden gaze settled again on Kikyou. She was alluring with her hair unbound. The raven tresses turned obsidian as they reflected the firelight from the hearth. She was sheathed in a simple hadagi that had shifted as she stood abruptly. It laid low off one shoulder, exposing it and a hint of the creamy swell of flesh beneath. He took satisfaction in seeing her in something other than the priestess attire.
From this angle, he could see her curvaceous profile as she stood before the fire. He had vowed earlier never to touch her again, but that was getting damn near impossible with her looking so tempting. Not even her waspish tongue could alleviate his arousal, however, this time he remembered to suppress his aura.
Kikyou warily watched Sesshomaru. He had stopped a few feet away; from where she stood his face was hidden in shadows. He did not advance on her and the priestess was torn between relief and disappointment.
"Have you made any progress with the tunnel?" Sesshomaru asked abruptly.
"What?" Kikyou was startled from her musings. "Oh… yes," she said and her wariness evaporated. "Did Jadoku not report to you?"
"No."
"Oh… well; let's see…" The priestess gathered her thoughts and took a seat. "Won't you sit down?" Kikyou indicated the spot across from her. At first, she thought he would refuse, but then the taiyoukai gracefully took a seat.
The priestess replayed the events of finding the moth silk on Jadoku's keso, their trek back to the tunnel and surveying the area outside of the castle grounds. She told him of the empty cocoon, the damaged area and about the trap that she and Jadoku had lain.
"What bait was used?" the taiyoukai asked, after listening without interruption.
"We came to the conclusion, based on the heavy damage, that the foliage was the best choice. Certain shrubs and plants were mauled more than others."
"That does not indicate that the plants are its main food source," Sesshomaru responded.
"We understood that, but with neither of us knowing what that source was… we had to use what we had," Kikyou informed him.
"At least," she continued on a smug note, "we know it is the same species as Airasetsunyo."
"That means nothing," he returned smoothly. "The demoness was an evolved species of youkai, like Mouko, Jadoku or I for that matter. Although part of the moth clan, the accomplice we seek could be more primitive."
"I… I see," Kikyou said distantly and turned to the fire. She had not considered that; she was expecting a youkai with a human form. Instead, they should have focused on an underling akin to the ones Naraku had used.
Sesshomaru silently watched her brow furrow as she absorbed and recalculated the information given. It would be interesting to see how she would proceed. With her penchant for getting into trouble, it was a good idea to assign Jadoku to protect her.
His head jerked back, at the thought. He had not sent Jadoku to protect her; had he? As he sat there watching her, emotions warred within. He hated this weakness; is this how his father felt with Inuyasha's mother, Izayoi? This thought had him rising to his feet.
So deep in thought, the taiyoukai was halfway to the engawa before Kikyou noticed. "You're leaving?" she inquired, rising also.
"Yes." His reply was curt.
Walking behind him, she placed a hand out to restrain him. "Before you go…" she began. "I want to thank you for allowing me to do this and for your input. Rin is healing nicely and once this accomplice is caught you can finally rid yourself of my presence."
"That is acceptable," he said and continued walking.
Her laughter caught him unawares and he stiffened on hearing it. Turning slowly to face her, he saw her covering her lips as she tried to stop herself.
"Forgive me, Sesshomaru." She smothered another husky eruption. "I was wondering how long it would take the olive branch to wilt."
"As I was wondering when you would display the empty headedness of your kind," he sniffed.
"For someone of noble birth your manners are truly atrocious," she baited him. "Is it habit to insult your guest?"
"I do not particularly care for guest," Sesshomaru said, moving forward, but maintained a distance from her. He had a strong urge to curb that sassy tongue again. Redirecting his thoughts, he asked abruptly, "You do not fear me; do you, priestess?"
Kikyou noticed, once again, his face was cast in shadows, but sensed a hidden meaning to the question. "No… no I don't," she said simply. "My life was offered to you once and you refused. I doubt you would trouble yourself now."
"Correct; I would not," Sesshomaru said haughtily. "Death is easy, priestess. The living are left to suffer the atrocities. You are once again an incarnate being; it would be wise to learn to fear something… even wiser to fear me."
Kikyou could only stare at him and tried to decipher his meaning. Suddenly, Rin stirred in her sleep. The priestess tore her gaze from his to look over at the sleeping child. When she looked back, Sesshomaru was gone.
To be continued…
