Memory's Shadow
To Fear
A/N: I'm so glad that people didn't find my last chapter boring! And darn, was Shemashoua really that obvious? Oh well. Anyway since I have now started school once more (groans) my updates would probably take longer. Sorry guys! Social life and all. Not to mention the grades your parents expect you to get…
Anyway, just want you guys to know that the Takkako in my story is NOT the Takkako in Pretear. The Takkako in Pretear is spelt like this anyway: Takako. And Takkako doesn't look like Takako at all. Okay? Just wanted to clear that up since I don't want you guys to mistake Takkako for Takako. Hehe… That was a tiny bit confusing wasn't it?
Alright, let's stop this chit chatter and let's start the chapter!
PS: I do not own Inuyasha. (I'll probably think up something witty next chapter. I don't feel witty right now since I just woke up… Suggestions would probably help. Thanks for reading folks!)
Dialogue:
O hayo (gozaimasu) - Good morning
Hai - Yes
Eto - Um
Gomen - Sorry
Nani - What?
Iie - No
Arigatou (gozaimasu) - Thank you
Ja mata - See you later
-x-x-x-x-x-
'Freedom is a word no one understands.
Because, sometimes, freedom could mean confinment in itself.'
-x-x-x-x-x-
"-... Just answer me one last question..."
"Yeah...?"
You know what's the funny thing about going to sleep? You don't know if you've fallen asleep or not. One second you're awake with your eyes open, the next second it's the morning of the next day. You ask yourself, what the heck happened? You just slept for maybe seven to ten hours and all you recall is this dull wallpaper coloured in black. Jeez. It's like missing apart of your life just lying there, not doing anything, resting while your body rejuvenates. I know sleeping is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but I wish it didn't go so fast. I mean, come on! Can't you see I need a little more sleep here? I only remember being asleep for two darn minutes! And in realty it was several hours or so.
Anyway, I have a reason about talking about that topic. Remember I fell asleep while Sesshomaru with me? Heh. That was a mistake. I wasn't meant to do that. I was just so tired, you know? With my nightmare about monkeys trying to kill me. And heck, it scared me like no other. And so, I felt extremely tired when Sesshomaru came and he was the only warm, not moist or wet with morning dew thing there.
Okay, so… what was I talking about again? … Oh yeah. I felt as if I had no sleep at all. In reality, I probably had four or five hours sleep. That was too soon for me but cheerful yells and bouncing on my futon couldn't be ignored. By me anyway.
"Kagome-chan, Kagome-chan, Kagome-chan!" an overly hysterical girl cried as she bounced on top of me. "Wake up, Kagome-chan! You're sleeping too much! Sesshomaru-sama says that's bad for you!" she informed me with a cheeky smile as she began to pry my precious, precious blanket away from me.
I groaned as if I was a walking zombie and tried to keep my blanket in place: over my body. But this was Rin and she was as reluctant to let go as I was. "Come on, Kagome-chan!" she squealed. If I weren't so sleepy, I would've found that unbearably cute.
"Ugh… Rin-chan…?" I managed to moan out. "Too… early…" I murmured as I dove under the blankets, trying to escape from her.
"No it isn't!" she said as she got off my futon. I released a sigh of relief but I immediately groaned when she pulled the blanket off me. I yelped in protest and tried to get my blanket back blindly but she had already pulled it away, out of my reach. "I've already had lunch!"
Sighing sleepily, I rubbed my eyes before I slowly opened them. I squinted them a little because of the sunlight but I slowly adjusted to it. One my eyes focused on the brightly smiling Rin, I smiled back softly, forgetting my drowsiness momentarily. I wouldn't mind being woken up by such a cute girl. Now, if Jaken did it, I would have probably screamed and kicked him through the walls. And if Sesshomaru did it, I'd probably be grumpy for the rest of the day. Not that he would really.
"O hayo gozaimasu, Rin-chan," I said sweetly, knowing it wasn't morning at all.
She giggled and hugged me around the waist. I automatically hugged her back. "O hayo, Kagome-chan!" she replied childishly before she detached herself from me. She knew it was already afternoon. She was just humoring me.
I stood up and stretched, yawning slightly and I heard her laugh beside me. "What are we going to do today, Kagome-chan?" Rin asked me with a toothy grin. "Can we go play tag with Jaken-sama again?" she asked.
I nodded and softly guided her towards the door. "Hai." I told her. "But first I'll have to change into a proper kimono. You wait out here and I'll be out in a sec, 'kay?" I asked her.
She nodded in excitement and left the room, sliding the doors behind her to give me some privacy. In less than five minutes I had changed from my wrinkled clothes to a plain blue one with a darker blue obi. I slid the doors open and found Rin patiently waiting for me outside. "Ready?" I asked with a smirk.
She grinned back at me devilishly. "Hai! Let's go look for Jaken-sama!" she said with her finger pointed to the ceiling. I nodded at her seriously and we marched through the castle, looking for the little green toad-like… thing.
I haven't really seen Jaken much. Whenever I did, he tends to ignore my presence entirely or throw needless insults about me being human. Humph. Like he could do better. All he had was a staff that spat fire at you. Actually, that was pretty dangerous but since it was in Jaken's hands, I didn't worry too much.
And that's when I saw it. A green blob thing mixed with a light brown. "There he is!" I exclaimed as I pointed to the green and brown creature walking away from us.
The said green and brown creature turned around and his yellow eyes almost bulged out of his head. Well… more so anyway. Rin gave an excited squeal and began to chase the poor thing. The poor thing named Jaken squawked (I didn't even know that was possible) in fear and began to run like the wind away from her. "Rin! Halt this madness at once!" I heard him say as we chased him up and down the castle.
But said human child only laughed and continued to chase him with me lagging behind. As they turned to a corner, I swiftly turned and I hit something. Hard. I fell with an 'oomph' on my behind and I winced as I felt the contact. "I think I broke my tailbone." I murmured to myself, still not looking up.
"I see that your lack of proper manners hasn't improved." Some cold, jerky voice said above me, acting all high and mighty once more.
But for some odd reason, I didn't get angry with him. All I did was stiffen and blush, remembering the things I did and said early this morning. Gulping nervously, I stood up and brushed myself off of imaginary dust. "Oh, eto, gomen, Sesshomaru." I said quietly, my gaze downwards. Without meeting his eyes, I glanced behind him and found Rin and Jaken had already gone. I couldn't believe it. They abandoned me with this stoic lord? "I, uh, got to go look for Rin-chan and Jaken." I told him hastily as I stepped aside and began to walk away rather quickly.
"Are you afraid of me, miko?" his voice pierced my brain. Ha. That was a nice way to put it.
I halted and I felt my blush deepen. As hard as it is to admit it, I was afraid of him. Even before I watched him fight, he always had that predatory look on his face. That intimidating look that said 'Say one word against me and I'll insert poison into your bloodstream'. Sucking up all my courage, I turned around and looked at him straight in his golden eyes. He had that inquiring look that was pointed directly at me. "Well, yeah. Kind of." I said truthfully. My pride just flew out the window.
He stood there in silence but I saw the… satisfaction and triumphant look in his eyes? What the heck was he so cocky about now? Slowly, I felt my blush fade as I narrowed my eyes at him. Especially when I saw his lips curve up slightly in a smirk. "What are you smirking about?" I snapped. "I have good reasons to be scared of you! You've tried to kill me more than once and I saw how you fought that demon a few days ago!" I yelled at him. "And that demon was huge!" I exclaimed, flailing my arms around me for emphasis.
His smirk was still in play after that. "And yet, even though you fear me, you still have the nerve to yell and shout at one like myself?" he asked me emotionlessly. "Is that courage or just a spineless temper?" he smirked.
My fists clenched at my side as my eyes narrowed even more, if that was even possible. But he did have a point. I was scared of him, yes, but I wasn't scared to snap or argue with him. Heck, I wasn't even scared if I got onto his bad side. And yet, somehow, I was still scared of him (contradicting myself, I know. I'm confusing myself as much as I'm confusing you) but I didn't fear him in such a large way. I managed to sleep on his shoulder without any problems. Maybe it was just awe for his strength or something. Only a fool would not fear Sesshomaru. I was no fool… right?
"I can't really explain it." I managed to bite out. "I know I should be scared of you…" I said with a growing smirk of my own. "But I guess I'm not taking those feelings into heart." I told him.
His smirk faded and I wanted to applaud myself for it. Even though he was wearing his expressionless mask, I saw the slight confusion stirring in his eyes. I knew it was stirring in my eyes as well. I feared him and yet… I felt… safe when I was near him. Odd huh?
"Kagome-chan! Sesshomaru-sama!" a small girlish voice called out. I wanted to hug her just then. Saved by the girl! Laugh out loud.
Glad for the distraction, I turned and faced Rin with a bright smile. "Rin-chan! Did you catch Jaken?" I asked her with a grin.
"When I found that you weren't following me, I went back to find you!" she said with a toothy smile. She ran past me and stopped in front of Sesshomaru. "Hello, Sesshomaru-sama!" she greeted merrily. "Do you want me to pick you some flowers today?" she asked thoughtfully.
I faced him and lifted an eyebrow. Ha! Now take a taste of your own medicine! But he didn't glance at me. He only gave a curt nod at Rin's direction and she giggled happily. It surprised me really. Not Rin's giggling but Sesshomaru's agreement. I thought he would be annoyed with all the constant flowers Rin kept offering him. I smiled softly. Maybe there was more to this angst driven lord than a bad past and a bad attitude.
"Yay! Come on, Kagome-chan!" Rin started as she grabbed my hands. "Let's go find Jaken-sama first and then we'll go pick flowers for Sesshomaru-sama!" she laughed.
I laughed lightly with her and let the child drag me to where she thought Jaken was. I glanced behind me and saw that Sesshomaru was watching us blankly. He was just standing there, staring. It was kind of freaky. I waved a small goodbye with my free hand before he disappeared from my view.
-x-
I watched as they parted hand in hand. I was slightly surprised when the miko waved at me before she went. Really, she confused me like no other. She talked in ridiculous riddles that did not make sense. She did not make sense as a whole.
Making my way towards the stream, I passed no one… yet. It was deathly quiet, the sounds of light crickets and birds reaching my ears. As well as the loud pleas I heard Jaken pitifully scream. It always amazes me that I always tend to keep that worthless demon. He may be weak and helpless but he gets the job done… usually. He also seems to be great entertainment for Rin.
On my way, I passed some of the servants in my home. I heard them talking before they noticed me.
"Hai. I saw Kagome playing with Rin-sama and Jaken-sama a little while ago." A demon woman with black hair and green eyes said. She laughed softly. "Although, I don't think Jaken-sama is really enjoying it."
"I hear you." Another demon woman with long braided lilac hair and gray eyes. "Kagome-san seems to be enjoying it though. Poor Jaken-sama." She laughed.
Since I had superior hearing, they did not notice me until I was a few meters away. They quickly postured themselves and stood near the wall to let me through. I stopped in front of them and they bowed lowly. "Good after noon, Sesshomaru-sama." They said simultaneously with formal voices.
I did not move from my spot and they did not raise their heads. "Rise." I commanded them coldly and they did exactly that. With narrowed eyes, I addressed the taller one. The one with the long braid. "Would you enlighten me why you have gone against my orders?" I asked her coldly. I felt her fear rising.
"N-Nani, Sesshomaru-sama?" she stuttered.
My glare intensified before I fixed my glare onto the other demon. She was young, younger than the other was at least. I do not remember meeting her. "Did I not order all residents of this castle of lower station to address the miko respectfully at all times?" I reminded them icily. She didn't flinch. "Such disorder I cannot tolerate."
"Forgive us, Sesshomaru-sama." The demon spoke. "But Kagome has announced that the command was not necessary."
My eyes narrowed. I was about to tell her otherwise until I felt a familiar relative appear almost magically behind me. "Now, now, Sesshomaru," she started in a scolding voice. "Surely you're not going to punish these dear children because they were following another's orders?" she asked with a smirk as she stepped beside me.
The two demons bowed once more and rose after a couple of seconds. "Greetings, Shemashoua-sama." The braided one spoke. "It's an honour to be at your presence once more."
"The pleasure's all mine, Aaya-san." My aunt told her. She turned towards the other woman child. "And to you too, Takkako-san." She nodded.
Said demon smiled briefly before it disappeared. I turned to my aunt with a sharp glare. When I was about to speak, she beat me to it. "Now, you mustn't get angry at them. In fact, you shouldn't get angry at anyone," she told me. "It was true that Kagome requested to be treated like an equal in this household. I should know since I was the one who had spread her request."
"But her word does not overrule mine." I told her plainly. "Did you not inform her of that?" I asked coldly.
She only smirked at me, a devilish look in her eye. "I have told her that and she decided to ignore that fact." I rolled my eyes mentally. What else did I expect from her? "But the reason why her request has been acted out is because she had given her protection." She said with a small wink.
My eyes slightly widened. I turned to the other two, Aaya and Takkako, and gave them a dismissal wave. "Leave us." I stated flatly. They bowed once more and left, quietly like all the demons I have hired should. I turned back to my devilish aunt. "Have you informed her of the seriousness of those actions?" I asked seriously.
"I believe so." She answered me lightly. My eyes slightly narrowed. My aunt was playing at something. My instincts were telling me that. "She was the one who offered her protection freely first, after all. I only gave her the details before she truly accepted."
"And how thoroughly did you explain it?" I asked her, slightly cautious.
If it was even possible, her smirk grew. "Well, if she didn't understand it properly the first time, I'm pretty sure that she'll understand today once you accept the challenge."
I studied her warily. I had to accept the challenge. If I didn't, it would show as weakness or cowardliness to my people. That, I cannot do. "Bring her to the area by the fountain stream." I told her lowly. "And also tell her to bring her bow and arrow."
-x-
"Am I just another replacement for -?"
"How many times do I have to say it, wench? You are not her replacement!"
"Takara-san? Where are we going?" I asked curiously as she led me through the castle.
I was in the middle of playing a game with Jaken and Rin when she showed up. She said it was urgent and that I must attend. For some odd reason, she had given me my bow and arrows. What? Was there another demon here or something? I didn't sense any. Rin and Jaken had stayed behind, by the request of Takara. She said Sesshomaru told her to announce it. Weird. What was going on?
"We're going to the stream, Kagome." she told me calmly as we continued to walk. "You remember our conversation the first time we met?" she asked me randomly.
I thought about it for a moment. When was that? Ah… less than a couple of weeks ago maybe? "Um, hai… I guess." I told her sheepishly.
"Well, it's about your pact that gave us your protection, Kagome." she informed me. For some odd reason, I felt a soft twisting in my gut. Wait, maybe light's the word. Soft doesn't seem to fit. "Sesshomaru-sama has called upon it and has accepted your challenge to his authority. You are now to meet him by the castle stream." She said.
My facial expression was one of confusion. So, we were finally going to have an argument about that now? Well, that was kind of late. And why did she bring me my weapons again? I decided to voice that question out. "You will see once we get there," she said patiently. My frown deepened.
We arrived at said location after a few silent moments and I saw Sesshomaru standing there with his back facing me. I immediately remembered why I was so nervous around him in the morning and blushed lightly. As I walked towards him, I looked back and saw that Takara wasn't following me. She just stood there, watching.
Weird. I guess she had to stay out of it… for some odd reason. Once I was a few meters away from him, he turned and his hard golden eyes met mine. The heat in my face disappeared once I saw the seriousness and blank look in his eyes. Wait, was I contradicting myself in that sentence? Oh well. I was just saying what I thought was in there anyway.
"Eto, you called me for something?" I started rather nervously. I did not like that look in his eyes. Not one bit at all.
"I presume that your escort has informed you of what is to happen?" he asked, colder than I was used to.
"Y-Yeah." I stuttered. "Listen. I just told them that I didn't want to be called 'Kagome-sama' all the time, all right? It isn't that big of a deal! We don't need to argue about this." I said nervously.
His gaze never wavered. "You have challenged my authority and I cannot just let that go by. I accept your challenge." He said icily as he started to shift in a battling position. My eyes widened a fraction.
"Nani?" I started as I stepped back slightly. This afternoon, heck, a couple of hours ago, I told him that I wasn't really afraid of him. Well, at this moment, while he glared at me and looked as if he'd attack if I even moved, I feared him. "What are you doing?" I asked with a gulp.
"If you give your protection to someone, it means you battle their battles." He told me plainly. "Since I was going to punish them, I now have to punish you and spare them." he said. Without further warning, he leapt at me, claws extended.
I barely dodged the claw that threatened to slice my entire arm off. What the hell did he just say? That's what giving someone's protection means? So did Takara lie to me? No. She didn't. I suddenly remembered her words exactly. Giving your protection to us is like giving your word. If we do as you say and the lord gets angry at us, it will be you who defends us and stands up for the command you had given us.
Arg! It was so simple! Why didn't I notice the meaning behind that sentence before? I felt so stupid. "W-Wait!" I suddenly said, waving out my hands. "I-I didn't know it meant that!" I told him loudly. To my surprise he actually stopped and stared at me, probably searching for any signs of deceit. Luckily, I didn't have any.
He then glanced behind me and I followed his gaze. It led back to Takara who just stood there, watching just like I expected. He then glanced back at me, a confirmation in his eyes. "Very well then." he said plainly. "Your duty has been revoked seeing as you did not know all the conditions. And since that is so, you'll have to excuse me. I have servants to take care of." He said coldly as he began to walk away.
My eyes widened. Oh no. What had I done? Now Sesshomaru was going to harm my friends because they listened to my request. That just wasn't fair. And so, before I knew it, I had notched an arrow and shot it at the ground right in front of him. He stopped and turned, meeting my determined glare. I wasn't about to get my newly made friends in trouble because they were staying loyal to me. If I said I gave them my protection, then I'll give them my protection no matter what. I wasn't about to go back on that.
"Hey, you can't just revoke another person's word like that." I told him seriously. "It's only my chose if I rebuke it or not. And right now, I'm not. I gave them my word. It wouldn't be fair if I retracted it at the time when it really counts."
He stared at me a moment longer. Something flitted across his face but I couldn't identify what it was. And then, as my heart continued to beat a mile per minute, he nodded in acceptance. I gulped nervously and nodded. As I notched another arrow, I saw Takara appear before us, standing in the middle. My eyes widened in surprise.
"Hold on." She said calmly. "Seeing as Kagome has the disadvantage, I will make it fair." She said as she glanced between Sesshomaru and me. "You only need to strike the opponent once. The first to draw blood will be defeated. Once this match is over, the defeated person's command will be forgotten by the servant's. Do I make myself clear?" she asked seriously. At that small speech, I saw her authoritative voice come into play.
Sesshomaru thought about it for a moment before he nodded in yet another agreement. I was more than shocked and stared at Takara. She smirked at me and winked before she left to her previous post. I thought she was just another servant. But if she was, why would Sesshomaru allow all the things she did?
But before I could ponder on these thoughts more, I saw Sesshomaru move and I immediately lifted my guard. He wasn't attacking though, he was just moving around. Well, running in circles around me anyway. My eyes narrowed. He was going easy on me, isn't he?
Aiming my arrow carefully, I tried to follow his movements. He was going too fast. I couldn't land a signal blow even if I tried. It would just be a waste anyway. And then he made his first move. He dove towards me, claws extended, and I barely dodged it. The tip of his claws nipped my kimono sleeves and I watched in slight horror as it dissolved with his poison.
He was back to running circles around me. He was playing with me, wasn't he? But, the real question was, did he really want to hurt me? I was pretty sure I didn't really want to hurt him. Even though he was a real stick-up-the-ass jerk, he was still… nice. For lack of a better word. But I had to do it. Or else Aaya, Takara, Kaya, Sekiko and Takkako will pay for my mistakes. I was not going to make that happen. Besides, I could always say it was payback for the time he gave me bruises.
Seeing a small opportunity, I took it and shot my arrow. I was still an amateur on the thing so it was natural that I missed. He only sidestepped slightly and my arrow didn't hit him at all. I've been practicing, kinda. You can't expect a girl to be a master of the bow in a few days, right?
So, as quickly as I could, I shot three arrows at his direction. Of course, I was aiming blindly. I wasn't that skilled… yet. But luck was on my side as I saw one go straight through his clothes. It didn't draw blood but at least it was close. And no, I did not put in any spiritual powers in them. Didn't want to kill him right? Right.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Takara smirking with amusement. She really was a mystery, wasn't she? Turning back to my current problem, I noticed that Sesshomaru had stopped. I quirked an eyebrow at him. He just stood there, staring at me with the boredest (that isn't a word but meh. I'm using it) expression upon his face. It thoroughly peeved me off.
Well, if he wanted to stand like a duck, then so be it. I notched and arrow and stretched it back, aiming for his leg. Didn't need to seriously hurt him, just graze him or something. So, aiming very, very carefully, I tensed the string further.
A silence befell us. And I shot. In a blink of an eye, he moved out of the way so quickly that I didn't even notice it until he was suddenly in front of me. He had maneuvered his body so that he was not at all touching me or the bow. And yet, he was so close that I felt his breath upon my face. And before I could register anything, I saw his deadly claws speed forwards to strike and I flinched. He was planning to melt my face off, wasn't he?
A second past. Two seconds past and I finally opened my eyes. Slowly. Once they were completely open, they were met by golden hues. He was staring at me with such intensity that I suddenly felt smaller. His claws, dripping with poison, were mere centimeters from my face, the liquid falling down to the grass below, melting it almost instantly.
I stared up at him with slightly awed eyes. He had not harmed me. Why didn't he harm me? "You don't fear me." he said quietly, so even Takara couldn't hear. "Even now, I see no fear in your eyes." he said with a voice as hard as stone.
Continuing to stare into his lovely golden eyes, I answered just as quietly. "Maybe that's because you haven't hurt me." I whispered silently.
A sly smirk suddenly appeared on his face as his eyes portrayed an emotion I could not identify. "Haven't I?" he asked lowly.
My eyes widened slightly as a small gasp found its way from my lips. On my cheek was a small stripe, a drop of blood escaping from my skin. I lifted a hand and touched the tiny wound that would surely heal in no time. Even for a human. I retracted my hand and stared at the small amount of red liquid. "How…?" I started to ask in wonder.
I yelped slightly when he neared me even more, leaning close to my ear. I only remembered then that he was so close to me. So very, very close. I felt his hot breath on my ear and I involuntarily shivered slightly. "Sometimes, Kagome, both the human and demonic eye cannot see such fast and ample movements." He whispered. For some odd reason, I knew he was still smirking. "Especially when your eyes have closed just before impact." He smirked.
Even at such close distances, I managed a frown and a scowl. "I still have a bow and I'm not afraid to use it." I threatened emptily.
He finally distanced himself away from me and I released a relieved sigh. But even then, his feet did not move from their spot and neither did mine. His smirk was gone and was covered by a mask of indifference. "You shouldn't be afraid to wield it." he stated blankly. I couldn't read him this time. "If you are afraid to use your own weapon, both the wielder and the weapon are useless." He stated flatly.
My eyes narrowed at him. "Why I 'out a…" I started to grind out but was interrupted.
Takara was now standing before us, a bemused smirk on her face. "Well, that settles that then." she started, interrupting us. Unconsciously, we both stepped further away from each other. This only seemed to amuse her more. "Since Kagome has failed to defeat Sesshomaru, her right will be-"
"No." Sesshomaru interrupted rather rudely. "All her rights will stay in tact, as well as all the duties she had accepted." I was stunned but Takara looked smug. Why was that? "I accept her request with the addressing of her own name. No one will be punished further since she has already proven herself." His eyes bored into mine. "Seeing as you stayed loyal to your word, you have kept in tact your honor. For that, I will revoke my own command."
I stood there, mouth opening and closing like a fish. Just like before when I was about to meet Sesshomaru for the very first time and Rin left me. As his words sunk into my mind, I almost leapt with joy and hugged him. Luckily, I had self-control and forced the urge to leap up in victory down. I bowed lowly to him. "Arigatou gozaimasu, Sesshomaru." I told him gratefully as I straightened up.
He nodded once in acknowledgement before he turned to Takara. "Shemashoua. I would like to warn you to fully explain the consequences of such decisions to someone before the actual day of its conditions." He told her rather coldly. "I will not tolerate this."
My eyes almost popped out of my head. "Wait, wait, wait…" I said as I stared oddly at Sesshomaru. He quirked an eyebrow at me. "Her name isn't Shemashoua. Her name is Takara. You better get the names of your servant's right, Sesshomaru. It'll look bad on your image." I warned.
At my words, I clearly saw his eyes widen in surprise. Beside me, Takara smirked. "I believe you are the one who is mistaken." Sesshomaru said calmly, slipping on his mask once more. "She is not a servant of my household, she is my relative that is currently residing here. This is Shemashoua, my mother's sister." He told me calmly.
This time, I had no doubt that my eyes were like giant dinner plates. My head whipped around and stared at Takara. "Is that true?" I asked in disbelief. "Your name is really Shemashoua? You're really Sesshomaru's aunt?"
She nodded and I immediately began to ask questions. "Then why'd you tell me your name was Takara? Was Takara someone who used to live here? Why did you trick me? Is this entire thing a whole joke?" I asked hysterically. Great. Someone I thought was named Takara was really a very powerful demon named Shemashoua. I didn't know whether to be embarrassed, angry or even betrayed.
And she did the oddest thing. She laughed. My jaw hit the ground. Not literally though. "Gomen, Kagome." she said lightly. "But it was just too interesting to pass up." She told me with a warm smile. "I didn't mean to trick you child, just wanted to get to know you. Certainly you'd act differently if you knew who I really was."
I quickly closed my mouth (before a fly flew in) and bowed deeply. "Gomen, Ta- eto, Shemashoua-sama!" I started nervously, an embarrassed blush on my cheeks. So, all along I was spending my time with a royal demon that didn't act like such a jerk? I felt oddly honored. It was weird though. I thought I would be angry with her or something. And yet, I didn't. There was just something about Shemashoua that you just couldn't be angry with. Odd.
She laughed once more. "You don't need to bow, Kagome." she started and I straightened myself up. "While I'm with you, you may address me as Takara. But in the presence of noblemen and important demons, you will call me by my real name. Understand?" she asked seriously.
I nodded vigorously. "But why…" I started. "Do you still want to be called Takara?" I asked her.
She gave me a grin. "I guess I like that name." she said truthfully. "I would like it very much if you continued to address me with such a wondrous name. I grew quite fond of the name" she winked at me. "And don't act differently around me now you know who I really am. That's a direct order." She said, feigning strictness.
I laughed a little and nodded in agreement. "Hai, Takara-san!" and when I turned, I realized that Sesshomaru was already walking away. I guess he found the whole ordeal slightly boring. "Ja mata, Sesshomaru!" I called. If he heard me, he didn't give out any signs that he did.
As his figure disappeared, I touched my cheek once more. It had already stopped bleeding and was beginning to heal. My eyes softened ever so slightly. "What he did was a really rare act, you know." Takara said beside me.
I looked towards her, stunned. "What do you mean?" I asked curiously.
She grinned at me, her canine teeth showing brightly. "I've known Sesshomaru ever since he was a baby." She told me. "I'd never seen him let someone off the hook so lightly before." She stood in front of me and cupped my uninjured cheek. She turned my head and inspected the cut. "He didn't even give you any poison." She mused. "You must mean at least something to him if he willingly did all those thoughtful things for you. And believe me, you deserved it." she smirked. "No one had gone up against Sesshomaru like you had."
She let go of my heated face and sighed. "I've known for a long time that not all humans were monsters and self-centered," she told me with a soft smile. "But Sesshomaru hasn't learned that yet. I only wish that by this experience, he had learned something or two."
I smiled back at her and glanced at the area where I last saw said demon lord. I guess it was nice of him to do all those things to me. I thought he'd slash my arm beyond repair or melt my face clean off but he didn't. A soft smile touched my lips. Maybe we were finally getting to like each other. Maybe.
-x-
Okie dokie! All done for chapter 9! Yay! Thanks to all those who reviewed again! We past 100! I just can't get over that fact. Anyway, I'm just dying to get to the part where Sesshomaru takes Kagome back to Inuyasha's gang. Although I hate the fact that they'll be separated, I have this awesome, extremely twisted idea that's just bursting to be written down! I can't wait! The idea's AWESOME if I don't say so myself. But then again, I'll let you guys be the judge of that.
Anyway, remember a few chapters ago when I said I was going to ask a question but forgot it? Well, I remember now! As of now, there will be a poll. The question is: Should Kikyo take part in my story or not? You have to answer a yes or a no in your review or else it won't be accounted for. So, the poll starts now!
Thanks to:
kittyb78, Twist in fate, AnimeFreakGirl777, mangadreams, Callie-yue Sesshy's Plaything, Seishi suru, Kagome2691, Kazuhime, Sesshoumaru'swife123, Whispering Lillies, Twist in fate and to those who I have missed. If so then sorry!
Various Review Replies:
kittyb78 – Thanks for all your reviews! Your always almost all the time the first person who reviews! Thanks so much!
Twist in fate – Lol. Thanks so much! That really assured me! It's just when I was typing that last chapter, it went… slow. Lol. For lack of a better word.
AnimeFreakGirl777 – Lol. Yeah. I've seen those kinds of authors that don't update. If they do, it's like hardly. It really upsets me ya know? Because most of the time, the people who don't update their stories are the good ones. Sigh… oh well. Got to go on through life ne? lol.
Seishi suru – Wow, really? I didn't think they were that behind though. ;p Well, if they didn't really know that then we'll say it's actually another dimension! XD Can't be bothered to look up what they called amnesia in the past. :p And I don't think you're a dork (well, I haven't really met you yet but meh). You're just smart!
(Hmm… I just realized that there were two people that called themselves Twist of fate. One of them was anonymous though. Just wondering if they're the same person)
And to the lucky people who get a free imaginary cookie!
AnimeFreakGirl777 – Congratulations! Free cookie for you!
Calli-yue Sesshy's Plaything – Congrats! You also get an imaginary cookie! Eat it well! Lol
Whispering Lillies – Yeah! You get the last imaginary cookie! Hope ya enjoy it!
Thanks everyone! Don't forget to review and answer the poll question! I'll catch ya later.
Thanks everyone! Don't forget to review and answer the poll question! I'll catch ya later.
Should Kikyo take part in my story? Poll results (the start):
Yes - 0
No - 0
