.Shades of Silver.
Chapter 8: Change.
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When feelings become involved, everything changes. The options become limited. Someone will usually get hurt and nothing is ever the same again. Kagura mused as she stood quietly beside her maker. The hanyou watched, transfixed upon the smooth and polished mirror that Kanna held in front of him impassively. The scene that was pictured inside was of Sesshoumaru and Kagome, their hands gently intertwined as they spoke to one another, but no words were heard. Kagura dared to look at Naraku, whose lips were curved into a cruel smirk, "Lovely." he murmured, his dark tones breaking the heavy silence in the large, rather decorative room. True to her word, Kikyou had been truthful when she mentioned how gullible this fool was; already, he himself, was the Lord's adviser. Soon, he would eventually take over everything but for now, he decided to sit back and watch the drama unfold between his favoured people.
To his delight, it was quick to come and already a rift seemed to be building between Inuyasha's former 'group'. "Ah, Kagura. Wouldn't you say that Kikyou is very good at stirring things up?" he questioned of his first incarnation, who held back a look of disgust, "Yes, Naraku. It would seem she is." she replied after a moment, her rich voice showing nothing upon her inner feelings. Kikyou and Naraku were made for each other. With them working together, I'll never be free. Kagura's dark and heavily bitter thoughts were interrupted as Naraku rose from his seat upon the cushion on the floor, "Kagura, find Kikyou for me and bring her here. I need to speak with her on important matters." he ordered, walking past the wind sorceress to the window, where the late afternoon sun shined out over the plains.
"As you wish." Kagura shifted toward the door and left without another word, leaving Naraku to his own thoughts. They're like puppets, falling into every one of my hopes. This just makes everything much more amusing. He chuckled out loud, the cruel smile glued to his dark features as he watched Kagura lift herself up upon a large feather, flying away toward the West.
-
"Hnnphhh!" Kagome tumbled backwards, abandoning any chance of catching her breath as she quickly rolled to the left to avoid Sesshoumaru's dull, wooden blade as it cracked where she once laid. Leaping to her feet, she wasn't quick enough and was roughly slapped in the leg with the training sword. "Augh!" she panted, side stepping quickly despite the throbbing pain and quickly brought up her arm as the sword crashed down toward her face. Catching the blade with her hand, she roughly twisted it from his grip but Sesshoumaru snatched her wrist and bent it in a way that caused her to whimper. "Drop it." he commanded, but she set her face and refused despite the pain he inflicted upon her wrist. "Stubborn, aren't you?" he remarked with a straight face, but it sounded teasing to her.
"Yeah." she replied as she threw her side against his chest and ripped her arm from his grasp. Leaping blindly backwards, she tripped over her own feet and fell backwards, releasing the wooden sword. Sesshoumaru lurched forward, catching the hilt and pressing it firmly into her throat. Kagome froze instinctively and didn't move, though her chest heaved beneath the light tan training haori and hakama. Sesshoumaru held it there for a few beats of silence, before he lifted it and offered forth his hand to her. She took his hand gratefully and pulled herself up, more aware than before of the throbbing ache in her right leg, "That probably left a bruise, you know." she pointed out with a small groan, though Sesshoumaru merely grunted, "Would you rather I had been an enemy and cut it off?" he inquired, arching a thin white eyebrow at her.
Kagome sighed heavily, "Of course not! It just hurts. " she explained, exasperated as she rubbed the spot with the palm of her hand gently. "How was I?" she asked, a bit eagerly, as she looked up at him. The youkai Lord studied her, before carefully replying, "Rather good, for being a human." he moved over to the sword rack and placed the wooden sword on one of the shelves before shifting to look toward her quietly. Kagome smoothed out her hair, running her fingernails through it before she felt his gaze boring into her. "What?" she bent down, rolling one of the legs of the hakama up to her knee and examined her calf; no bruise as of yet, though there was a large red welt. Kagome listened as silk rustled against silk as Sesshoumaru moved toward her, "You've improved a lot." he noted, lazily scanning her calf; Just a red mark, nothing damaging the thought passed through him. "Whose miko power was in that vial?" the question made Kagome sigh heavily, a reaction he didn't expect.
"It was mine." she admitted painfully. The throbbing in her leg was nothing compared to how Kikyou made her felt; how the knowledge of Kikyou succeeding in taking everything that was once hers. She yanked down the hakama roughly, and hissed as she dragged a nail firmly over her welt.
Sesshoumaru frowned slightly, "Elaborate."
Kagome shook her head and rose to her feet slowly with some effort, "When Kikyou was first resurrected, she needed something to keep her alive." she smiled slightly, "A piece of my soul. She was able to easily live off of the energy of my soul, which was once hers.. just a small part. Of course, with her bitterness and anger, she tainted it heavily." the smile faded and the girl looked at Sesshoumaru over her shoulder, "That was the piece within that vial. I purified it." she explained finally and Sesshoumaru slowly nodded, "I see." was his murmured reply.
Kagome nodded again, crestfallen as she attempted to pull herself out of such a dark and dreary mindset. Sesshoumaru sighed slightly, something he rarely did, "We have a few things in common, strangely. You see, as superior as I am to my worthless brother, he had always been a threat to me." he related faintly, so softly that Kagome strained to listen to him closely. "Even after my father passed, the Tetsusaiga.." he trailed off, flexing his fatal claws at his side, "Inuyasha had everything and yet worked for nothing." he went on, far more darkly. "How do you.." she bit her lip, and Sesshoumaru snorted softly at her half question, "I am not stupid, Kagome. I know bitterness when I see it." he regarded her with some mix of curiousity as Kagome plopped down unto the training mats they had earlier fought upon and hugged her knees to her chest gently.
"You're right." she whispered, her fingers tracing petite circles beneath her. Sesshoumaru kneeled next to her, before silently shifting to a sitting position directly next to her, "Kikyou has lost whatever pure ways she once attained. But even alive, she could not compare to the goodness in your heart." he consoled, the best way he could, but his honesty was constant and that was what made him an honourable lord. Kagome gave a little gasp of surprise, shooting him a look of disbelief openly, "Sesshoumaru.." her voice had a whimsical lilt to it, almost as if this were some kind of dream.
-
"Sango.. you're worrying yourself far too much. Kagome would tell us if Sesshoumaru was doing-- things, to her. Or if he was threatening her." Miroku comforted Sango rather tensely, the subject making him a bit concerned himself. Sango cast him a wary look, "But if she were worried for our safety.." she insisted, before blowing out a large sigh, "Miroku.. she defends him every time, why? I don't understand." she went on and Miroku placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder.
"The only thing I'm really concerned over is what we're supposed to do now. How long will we all stay here? What of Naraku? And how exactly will we be able to continue our quest without Inuyasha? I know we all are strong, but Inuyasha was undoubtedly our main strength." He was also our friend. Miroku continued in his thoughts sadly. Sango chewed upon her lower lip, she hadn't thought about that aspect-- atleast not too much, she was rather avoiding it like the plague. "I don't know, Miroku. Do you think Naraku has any part in this?" Sango queried and Miroku stiffened where he stood, "Perhaps, Sango, perhaps. But why? What would he get out of thi--.. " he trailed off slowly, and Sango seemed to grasp what he was thinking.
"Kikyou." she breathed, furrowing her brow, "Onigumo lusts after her.. but not only that, she has a good portion of the Shikon no Tama! Miroku.. I think this is worse than we thought." her and Miroku met their gazes worriedly.
"Ye shouldn't speak of such things!" a timid voice cut in hurriedly, and both taijiya and monk turned around abruptly to see a shaking servant. "There is rumour that a spy resides within the castle.. a spy of the man you speak of. If he hears of such talk-- ye both will be in great danger!" she warned in a whisper voice, already her eyes darted around fearfully. Sango exchanged glances with Miroku, "Thank you for the warning.. " the demon hunter ventured slowly, as the servant hurriedly nodded and ducked out of their room, disappearing down the hallway.
"We need to find Kagome." Sango urged, whilst Miroku nodded to her words. They both twisted around to face the door, but were shaken from their solemn air by a musical laugh-- one that was familar with Kagome. Blinking and quite confounded, Miroku was the first to turn toward their single window, pushing past the mahogany drapes and staring out to see the form of Kagome running around in a lush field of flowers with the little girl Rin chasing her. Sango came to stand beside him, also peering out; the two laughing figures weren't alone, for not even 10 feet away from them was the imposing figure of Sesshoumaru, his bone dyed hair rippling like silk in the strong wind that passed. "Well.. we found her." Miroku joked lightly and Sango managed to smile a little at his words, "Yes, it seems so. Can you find us a way out there?" she inquiried, turning to face him as he thoughtfully paused. "I believe so. Follow me, my dear Sango." he bowed slightly, before moving toward and out the door.
Sango followed behind him with a quick roll of her magenta orbs, but despite the lighter atmosphere, she couldn't help but wonder about earlier questions, What will happen now? I'm not sure if Kagome is aware of what we have found out-- but we need to talk to her and tell her about this. Plus, I know there's a lot she's keeping from us.. but why? shaking her head, Sango focused on keeping up with Miroku's brisk pace through the castle.
-
Rin tackled the older girl with a breathless giggle, sending them both tumbling down into the cushion that the long and unbothered tall grasses and flowers of a multitude of colours. Kagome tickled the girl mercilessly once they had fallen and caught their breath, causing the girl to squeal loudly and thrash about in laughter. Kagome laughed along with her, before leaping to her feet and stretching out, "Hey, Rin-chan? Why don't you make a pretty flower crown for Jaken? He's looking lonely over there by the tree." she pointed out slyly, motioning toward the large oak tree that Jaken sat beneath, his staff folded within his grasp. Rin grinned and nodded quickly before dashing off to the thickest patch of flowers to begin constructing the gift for Jaken.
Kagome smiled to herself, before breathily striding over to Sesshoumaru's side, whose golden eyes watched her carefully, "You have such beautiful lands here, Sesshoumaru.. I could just lie and bask forever here." she spoke with a wistful tone, smiling up at him as she went silent. His features softened slightly, "I am grateful to hear that you are happy." he expressed as he lightly brushed away a stray strand of hair that had fallen across her eye.
The gentle gesture made her heart swell. "Why are you here so little?" she broke the brief silence, looking out over the vast field, occasionally seeing Rin chasing Jaken into her line of vision. Sesshoumaru, too, looked out over his lands, "Avoidance to obvious problems, I suppose." he admitted grudgingly, "I tired of being hounded after at each waking moment." his wide sleeves billowed out in another great gust of wind, and Kagome shielded herself slightly as loose weeds kicked up in the wind. His arms came down around her lithe form, cupping her frame to him gently and Kagome voiced no disapproval to his touch, instead she leaned back against him with a soft exhale of her breath.
"Kagome.. " he breathed, clenching his eyes shut tightly. What was he to say? You make me weak, You make me want to remain forever where we stand.. Instead, he fell silent and pressed the side of his pale face into the darkness of her hair. Kagome's breath caught at this weak, raw moment of his and gently intertwined her fingers within his. Something about him utterly destroyed her, moved her to such a feeling she couldn't describe and awakened a part of her she didn't know existed. Sesshoumaru.. you forever hide yourself to everyone. You are who you are, but there is more.. isn't there? I can see it in moments like this. Kagome thought, biting her lower lip.
I love the way you're fragile in my arms his grip around her tightened slowly, I love the way you breath and move. Is it rational for me to think such? Is it.. a mistake, yet to make itself known? Have what I believed in been false, atleast, until I set eyes upon her? Such a weakness, such an indulgence.. Sesshoumaru breathed lightly against her ear, causing her to give little shivers within his arms.
Suddenly, he froze in his position against Kagome. A snarl bubbled in his throat, and he knew Kagome could feel the beginning vibrations, for she shifted with confusion. An unfamilar gasp sounded loudly, as if they were in a small, silent room. Kagome froze as well now, and inched her gaze to the side a fraction. Sesshoumaru didn't need to move, their unwelcome stench had reached him long before the gasp had alerted Kagome. Something about their presence angered him immensely, to the point of where his control was flickering but he didn't dare lash out, for fear of harming the girl within his arms. Why hasn't she jerked away? Surely, in front of her companions she would be embaressed and shamed.
Kagome met the shocked gazes of Miroku and Sango, poorly hidden as they awkwardly stood there. Ah-- this will be difficult to explain, since I barely understand myself she thought to herself, flinching inwardly. Well, I'm not going to hide it. They've already seen us, besides.. I don't want to send the wrong message to Sesshoumaru. she smiled happily at her companions, who seemed to have settled down from their surprise, "Hey guys.." she called lightly, squeezing Sesshoumaru's hand; she could feel him vibrating with what must be anger He must be angry at them for-- I guess intruding. she assumed slightly.
Sango hesitantly smiled in return, feeling wary in the presence of Sesshoumaru, who glanced at them darkly from his position with Kagome. What in the hell is going on? This-- this can't be what I think it is, this doesn't seem possible. she felt as if she had swallowed a bag of dirt, a heavy pit within her stomach made itself known. Kagome tilted her head curiously at them, "What's up? You guys look a bit worried..?" she ventured, frowning a bit. Miroku stepped forward, nodding his head slightly, "We've heard some.. well, unsettling rumours. We would like to talk to you privately--" Kagome interrupted him softly, "Why can't we talk about it here?" she questioned, frowning now.
Sango and Miroku didn't dare speak and Kagome knew by their slightly guilty looks that they didn't want to speak in front of Sesshoumaru. She sighed, beginning to get frustrated, "Look.. I know we all were enemies at one time. But things can change, can't they? I would really like it if we could all drop our guard in front of each other.. please, just trust me." she pleaded with them, before looking up at Sesshoumaru with the same pleading glance.
Sango chewed her bottom lip carefully, before slowly nodding. "There is word of a spy, within the castle. Not just any spy, however.. one of Naraku's. We believe that Kikyou may be in this with Naraku.. something, I don't know, some kind of deal." he announced quietly and Kagome immedietly stiffened, "That's not good." she murmured, eyes wide with a sudden dawning-- it all made sense to her now, but what would Kikyou want with Naraku..? "Where did you hear such a thing?" his deep tones broke the silence, speaking for the first time since Sango and Miroku arrived. Menacing claws flexed against Kagome's arms, "How is it that a simple monk and taijiya know more of my castle than myself?" he inquired in somber tones, but he knew the answer within himself already I have been avoiding things then, merely to enjoy Kagome's company. he mused with nonchalance.
"A servant, actually. We were discussing our thoughts on the situation, among other things, when she appeared and gave us a warning of the spy. She seemed very frightened.." Sango answered softly, folding her hands across her stomach uneasily. Miroku glanced over at Sesshoumaru, to study his exact reaction. Sesshoumaru had no expression, however, and seemed very empty about the situation, "I see." he released Kagome slowly and moved back a pace, before casting a dark gaze toward his castle, "I will have to address my people, then." he expressed softly, before looking to Kagome, who seemed a bit faint, "What ever you do, do not go off alone-- I mean it, Kagome." he stressed when he saw her about to protest, "Stay with your companions, or myself if possible." he ordered strictly before calling to Jaken and Rin, who had purposely kept their distance.
"Y-yes my l-lord?" Jaken inquired nervously as he bowed low at Sesshoumaru's feet. Sesshoumaru ignored this submissive display, "Announce that I require an audience of the residents of the castle. Assemble any and all guards presently off duty. Now." he demanded in even tones, before turning to the fidgeting Rin, "Rin, stay with Kagome." was his final word before he turned heel and left them standing there. Jaken had long since departed, scurrying upon short green legs toward the castle.
Sango rounded on Kagome with an incredulous look, "Kagome, what's going on with you and Sesshoumaru?" were her first words, bursting from her as if it were a breath held for many minutes. Kagome flushed darkly and avoided looking at them for the time being, "W-what do you mean by that?" she asked softly. "I mean-- why are you acting like-- like you have feelings for him?.." her voice had progressively gotten softer, as if speaking the words were too much for Sango. Miroku shifted his wait, unsure as to if he should be shocked or highly amused. Kagome nervously rotated to face Sango with blushing features, "Well, I-.. I don't know, okay?" she admitted before looking over at the curious Rin. "Rin-chan! Did you have fun with Jaken?" Kagome burst forth happily, before Sango could utter another word, and Rin smiled widely, "Yes! Jaken doesn't like flowers, he says.. but I think he does truly!" she whispered to Kagome, who smiled in return.
"Did I introduce you to my very close friends?" Kagome questioned curiously, while Rin hastily shook her head in a negative. Kagome turned to the side and motioned toward Sango, "This is my best friend, Sango-chan. That guy over there--" Kagome motioned toward Miroku, who modeled a dazzling smile, "Is Miroku-sama. We've been traveling together for quite a long time." Kagome explained to Rin, who smiled shyly at them.
"Hi! Rin's name is Rin!" the little girl chirped cheerfully, causing the girls to giggle. Miroku stepped forward and bowed deeply, "It is a pleasure in meeting such a fi--" he broke off with a whine of pain as Sango smacked him upside the head, "Little too friendly there, Miroku!" she warned while Kagome attempted to stifle her laughter.
"Are you jealous, Sango? Because you know I--" once again cut off, Miroku clutched at his head in agony after Sango graciously punched him. Kagome couldn't hold it in and began to laugh.
-
"Jaken, send one unit of flying youkai to patrol the Western province and surrounding areas. Additionally, I want Tsukage's soldiers on guard this evening." Sesshoumaru moved along his bedroom walls, seemingly searching for something as Jaken murmured an affirmative. Finally, he found a spot on the wall and grasped a small little nook, pulling back part of the wall to reveal two gleaming blades, "Tensaiga.. Toukijin.. " he murmured as he took said swords and attached their hilts to his waist calmly.
Keen hearing allowed him to hear the commotion buzzing within his castle. Hasty footsteps were made to his main throne room, where he rarely held audiences; the residents: warlords from lower branches of royalty and their mates, assorted cousins from his own bloodline, healers, servants, assorted ladies of the court who often entertained and were there in case a visiting Lord should like to take a mate-- or even in other cases, mistresses. The residents of his castle, he could clearly hear, were already bursting with the latest rumours as they quickly moved to their destination.
He adorned his shoulder and chest armour with ease; all Lords would wear their armour, and whatever key weapons they desired, when in the time of war. And indeed it is such a time. he moved with grace, even when doning heavy armour and skilled weapons, toward the window where he delicately pushed back crimson drapes to peer outside. On a rare show of emotion, his golden gaze widened a bit; outside, he saw a flurry of isolated snow moving rapidly next to another figure-- this one resembling a-- his studious gaze broke off and he turned to the door of his private quarters, swiftly striding out just as Jaken stumbled in, "My-my lord! It is the--" he was cut off by a sharp 'I am aware of that, Jaken.' as his Lord brushed past him.
Sighing deeply, Jaken turned and scurried after him.
-
"Agh.. why do I have to wear this?" Kagome protested, as a girl younger than herself fitted her with a gorgeous looking kimono. Slipping the garment over Kagome's shoulders, the young servant patiently slipped her arms into the wide hanging sleeves, "Miss, the Lord requested personally that you wear this for tonight. It is a very formal meeting, in which someone as close to Lord Sesshoumaru as yourself must dress accordingly." was her answer, causing Kagome to blush slightly and remain silent. Buttoning the two silk covered wooden buttons toward the top and then tying the rich silver obi around her waist snugly, it complimented the smooth onyx silk kimono beautifully. Kagome protested strongly at her hair being up, instead opting for a pearl clip to hold her hair back instead of up.
Sango and Miroku had been sent to their own room to dress in the formal kimono's they were given. Kagome wondered what they might look like-- she was sure they would enjoy dressing up in something new for once. I wonder what Sesshoumaru is up to. she mused, as she stepped down from a small stool and slipped on her simple wooden sandals.
"You look very lovely!" the servant awed over her, smiling in delight while Kagome shyly modeled it for her, "You really think so?" Kagome inquired curiously, while the servant hastily nodded her head, "Yes! There is not a doubt in my mind. Lord Sesshoumaru will be very pleased." the younger girl gushed while Kagome flushed a light pink, "Now, just walk down this hallway and you'll be in the main hall, from there you'll probably meet up with Lord Sesshoumaru-- well, go on now!" the servant shooed her out of her room and Kagome hesitantly walked down the hall, where eager female youkai-- dressed up lavishly, pushed past her as they rushed forward. Will Sesshoumaru really think I..? Oh, geez.. this is silly, stop thinking about it Kagome! she admonished herself internally as she finally made it out into the main hall.
She saw Sesshoumaru standing, facing the main entrance to his castle and slowly approached him; there was no need to call to him, he knew her scent.. right? As she moved closer she heard quiet conversing and furrowed her brows, Who is he talking to? she wondered before coming to a slow stop as the talking faded.
Sesshoumaru slowly turned, and as he did she could see the faces of the two men he had been talking to. But, her gaze met only Sesshoumaru's, whose golden orbs roamed over her lithe form; such attention caused her heart to flutter and by the lightly surprised and amused glances exchanged between the two men standing on the inside of the entrance way. Shifting her weight, she crept forward until she was only about a foot away from Sesshoumaru's looming form. A light smirk flickered across his lips teasingly, "You look lovely, Kagome." he complimented truthfully as he took her hand lightly within his own and turned to face his guests. "This is Lord Kakashu of the Southern territories. Lord Kakashu, this is Kagome, whom is the appointed miko of the Western territories." he introduced calmly, and Kagome started at the regal title she was given before she bowed low to the man he indicated toward, "A pleasure in meeting you, my lord." she murmured before rising.
Lord Kakashu was a very widely built man. Dressed richly with a deep mahogany yukata and a large long bow strapped across his back, he bowed to her in return and replied with a deep tenor voice, "And you, Miko Kagome." and then he rose upward, towering a good couple of inches above even Sesshoumaru. "Lord Kakashu is one of the Western Land's allies, and he normally resides in the rich hunting land of the Southern forests. " Sesshoumaru went on after a moment with a voice that clearly remained empty of any emotion. Again, Lord Kakashu inclined his head as if to agree with his words. Kagome offered a timid smile to him, but he merely remained staring ahead. Sesshoumaru then lifted a hand to motion toward the second man, who animatedly looked over Kagome with extreme interest, "This is Lord Sutaka of the Nothern territrories. Lord Sutaka, Kagome--" interrupted was Sesshoumaru, by the eager Lord Sutaka, whom smiled toothily at Kagome, "Miko Kagome, I have heard of you before." his voice was impressively lighter and far more friendly than either Youkai near them.
"You have..?" she arched a black brow upward in surprise, before hastily bowing to him, "By the way-- it is a pleasure in meeting you, Lord Sutaka.." she added with an equally hesitant smile. "You can call me Sasuki, if you wish. May I call you Kagome? Kagome, it has been a long time since I have seen you." he went on, and Kagome suddenly noticed the wispy white strands of a tail flickering behind him. "W-what? The name sounds familar but--" she tried to think of where she had seen him before, but he didn't seem that familar. He whistled a low tune, "It was many months before now, you didn't see me as this, of course--" he indicated to his human form before elaborating at her confused glance, "I am a fox youkai." he nudged and he saw something flicker in her gaze.
"Wait--.. Northern territories.. fox youkai.." her eyes glazed over and a flash back caught her.
Snow landed softly across the already white mountainous path. Kagome rubbed her arms repeatedly, blowing out little puffs of air, "It's still a ways off." she pointed out with a little sigh, and heard her companions give little sighs or murmurs as well. They had been traveling up the steep path for half the day and already the sun was drifting low to the horizon. Inuyasha, however, insisted they keep following the sense of the shikon shard that Kagome could feel was ahead of them, up the winding path. Soon it had begun to snow, as this certain mountainous area was known for random snow falls.
Inuyasha grunted before slipping off his crimson haori, halting to place it over Kagome's shoulders gruffly, "Put this on, you're shivering." he muttered, before striding ahead of them all by a few feet. Kagome had smiled then, the affection she held for him growing, "Thanks, Inuyasha." she called softly, and his ears merely gave a flick of acknoweledgement. Sango gave her friend a knowing smile and Miroku had looked like he was going to say something perverted-- however, a stern look from Sango quieted him with a sheepish smile.
Kirara stiffened and a low growl was issued forth. Sango worriedly looked at the shivering fire cat, before shooting her gaze ahead of them; but the snow was coming faster now, and their sight was impaired by the rapidly falling snow. Inuyasha shook his head, growling in irritation, "Damnit. Whatever it is, it's upwind from me. I can't smell a thing." he snapped out, his clawed hand settling on the hilt of Tetsusaiga, "Kagome! Is it a demon?" he demanded, but she was quiet, "Kagome!" he snarled, looking back at her.
Kagome was frozen in her spot, clutching herself rather nervously, "Yes, Inuyasha! It's a demon-- a very strong one, it--" she paused, as if she were recieving some internal reading on the youkai, "It's blending in. I can't tell where it's at!" she bit her lower lip in slight panic. Sango braced herself, grasping her Hirakotsu with anticipation while Miroku held his staff tightly, biolet eyes searching the whirlwind of snow. Suddenly, the wind shifted and blew furiously, causing them all to shield themselves from the flurry of snow that covered them. Inuyasha, however, sent Kagome a shocked look, "Kagome! Get away from there right now!" he demanded, unsheathing Tetsusaiga swiftly and advancing toward her slowly. Kagome blinked hesitantly and then she felt something odd, a light touch of warmth against her neck. Her eyes widened and she froze, her hands shaking as she slowly inched her gaze behind her.
Sango gasped and took a step back, while Kirara hightened the pitch of her growling upon the demon hunter's shoulder. Miroku fumbled with his robes without taking his eyes off of the scene.
Kagome met two vibrant icy orbs, staring at her with a strange emotion. In front of those eyes was a long ivory muzzle, with the blackest nose she had ever seen. The creature loomed above her by at least a foot, his tail swishing, but no sound was heard outside of the howling of the wind. "A--ah-ah.. " she whimpered, slowly turning to face the large canine; she was able to recognize what it was now-- a fox, a very large fox youkai. He leaned forward to regard her curiously, growling softly before he let out a startling snarl of anger; strong, padded feet pushed him upward as he launched himself over both her head and Inuyasha's.
"What--.." Sango saw that the youkai was now staring something down in front of it, snarling quite loudly and warningly. A loud roar sounded now, loud enough that Inuyasha flattened his ears in anguish, "Fuck!" he shouted, before leaping forward next to the fox youkai, who spared him an indifferent glance, before he launched forward to attack the beast that had a humanoid upper body with a snake looking head and atleast four arms, with the body of a tiger. An odd beast, Kagome thought to herself as she approached the scene hesitantly, knotching an arrow on her bow. The fox youkai snarled and with a methodical approach, leaped onto the beast and tore at one of his arms, which flailed animatedly. Inuyasha wasn't sure what he should do, but finally decided on something and sheathed his sword, "Let me know where the shard is, Kag." he rarely ever used such a nickname with her, and it surprised her enough to become alert. "Right!" she shouted to him, her eyes squinting as she watched the squirming and brawling beasts, "In-- in his tail! At the base!" she directed and Inuyasha rushed forward.
His claws caught the tiger like creature in the thigh, while the fox youkai succeeded in tearing off his second arm with ease. Blood dotted the terrain heavily, oozed from the canine's mouth. The tiger creature's tail swung around heavily, before catching the snowy fox in the side; the hit was something that would have been fatal to a lower class youkai. Sango gaped as the fox tumbled backwards painfully, snarling in agony no doubt, and nearly fell off the side of the rather small path to his death had Kagome not thrown herself forward to catch his upper body within her arms. He protested, snarling at her threateningly but she held onto him and pressed a hand against the side of his chest where she could feel several ribs broken. She focused on her hand, clenching her eyes shut and her hand began to glow a bright blue. The light sunk into his chest, healing him fully.
Kagome released him and stumbled backwards dizzily but the fox youkai came around her, steadying her before bounding back to the battle, where Inuyasha struggled to stay standing. Sango and Miroku rushed forward, helping her walk back over to the safest spot they could find. "The tail! The tail! Tear it off!" Kagome shouted and the tiger youkai whirled around, spotting her behind the snow drift; her breath caught, as did Sango's. Inuyasha lurched forward, digging his claws into the creature's neck, where blood suddenly gushed forth, "Get your eyes off'a her, bastard!" he threatened, before being slammed off his feet by the long, thick appendage that housed the shard.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome cried out, but Miroku held her back, "Kagome-sama.. don't get yourself in danger!" he pleaded and she slowly fell back a little, her eyes worriedly watching the scene.
The fox youkai advanced the tiger like youkai slowly, his icy eyes carefully following the attention of his enemy. The tiger like youkai approached Inuyasha, who struggled to rise to his feet and breathed raggedly. The fox youkai suddenly leapt forward, his jaws enclosing over the end of the opposing youkai's spine, tearing off the tail with ease. Inuyasha pushed himself forward and grabbed the severed limb, throwing it weakly to Kagome who pointed out where the shard was so that Miroku could extract it. The fox youkai towered over the tiger like youkai, which hissed in anguish; showing no mercy, his jaws clamped upon the creatures already gushing neck and tore it completely open, officially killing it off.
Kagome had long ago ran to Inuyasha, and had healed at least most of his serious wounds, "Are you o-okay Inuyasha?" she breathed, suddenly feeling heavily fatigued. Inuyasha nodded and took hold of her in his arms, helping her to rise, "Come on, Kag. Don't get all tired on me now." he said gruffly and she smiled up at him. Turning her head, she saw the fox youkai wandering over to her slowly, "Hey." she called to the youkai, reaching out a hand to him, which he gently nudged with his muzzle, "Don't you have a human form? I'm-- sure you do, I can sense that you are full youkai. And very strong." she added softly.
The fox regarded her with amusement, inclining his head before turning away from her, "Sasuki." he breathed into her mind and she watched him trot away in surprise.
"How odd." Miroku noted, with Sango nodding in agreement. Inuyasha shrugged mutely, "Eh, who cares? We got the shard, let's get the hell out of here." with no one voicing any protests, they all began their journey home.
Kagome smiled, her eyes closed before she opened them to regard the patiently smiling man before her, "Yes, I remember you, Sasuki. You were such a cute little fox." she admired, with Sesshoumaru exchanging glances between the two of them, "You encountered the Nothern Lord? Do you have any idea how seldom it is that anyone ever places eyes upon his other form?" he inquired and Kagome slowly shook her head, "And cute? You thought he was cute?" he asked with a hint of incredulity while Sasuki laughed out right and bowed once more to Kagome, "Why, thank you Kagome!" he returned with high amusement while Lord Kakashu snorted at that.
Kagome scratched the back of her neck shyly, "Well, yes." she admitted, before slipping an arm around Sesshoumaru's gently. He softened slightly, and turned to the other two lords, "I must put forth my gratitude for having the support of both the Nothern and Southern territories support in a time of war." he bowed his head slightly, before turning away, "Come, it is time to go now. I must make my speech and filter out whomever the filthy traitor is." he growled softly, before schooling his expression into one of indifference as he motioned for them to follow him as he walked into the main throne room where they were confronted with an uproar of voices; questions and rumours made the room lively, not to mention the sight of the Western territories allies and the human attached to Lord Sesshoumaru's arm.
"Silence."
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Next Chapter: Within.
Note: Thank you, thank you all so much for the very kind and encouraging reviews. It has really helped me through this chapter and I am very happy to say that this chapter will be the longest of them all thus far, just because I strived extra hard to reward everyone for their kindness. Thank you again for your suggestions and encouraging truth, I deeply hope you will enjoy this chapter!
