Two weeks later…..
Things were progressing slowly for Kagome, but there were subtle differences between a few weeks ago, and now.
She sat, legs crossed, arms relaxed in her lap, eyes shut. As she exhaled, her mind remained cleared, not even her beast disturbed her these past few days. For that, she was grateful. SesshouMaru was kind enough to explain that meditation helped a lot when trying to control her beast. And in fact, it did.
Slowly her eyes opened, blinking from the brightness of the forest. Shippou was swimming by the shoreline with Sango. Now that Naraku was gone, everyone was still traveling, trying to help the villages that were destroyed by the crazed spider demon.
It was a nice day, and everyone was taking a much needed break. Kagome had tried to go through the well, unfortunately, it wasn't letting her. The thought of never returning back home had left a permanent ache in her heart, but she wouldn't cry.
After all, what good would it do?
The salt from her tears would aggravate her nose anyways. 'So much for meditating.' That was something that wouldn't ease the pain of loss she felt.
Instead she forced herself to look to the future, and to the things that would come. Kagome shifted her gaze from the people that were laughing, even InuYasha was finding it hard to remain gruff.
The splashing continued, while Kagome sun bathed in the afternoon rays, the summer breeze help keeping her cool. It was so peaceful.
" I spy, with my little eyes, something very unique." Came a sultry purr.
Everyone paused in their playing, staring at the figure that emerged from the shadows. Kagome's nostrils flared, inhaling the scent of jasmine and rain. She sat straighter, a growl rumbling in her throat.
The woman stepped out into the view of the taichi, grinning. A clawed hand was placed on her jutted hip, pale blue hair billowing behind her with the wind. The clothes she wore were something no one has ever seen before. Even Kagome was a bit awed by the woman.
The long silk dress stopped at her ankles, the shades of green complimented her ivory skin. It was something that women from Japan never wore! The frog buttons black, the high, mandarin collar covered her swan like neck. The A-line skirt shifted from a pastel green to a much darker, richer one.
Booted feet stepped closer to the water, before they stepped on it. Clearly not sinking into it. InuYasha growled, earning an amused glanced from the woman. Her eyes were a nice shade of chocolate, the same shade that was originally Kagome's.
" What do you want?" Kagome asked out of curiosity, even when her beast was demanding to challenge the woman.
'Not yet'
The woman glanced back at Kagome, grinning cheekily. " What makes you think I want anything?" She teased, batting those sinfully long lashes at Kagome.
Sango shifted, before the demoness' eyes landed on her, forcing the slayer to pause.
" Be still. I do not wish to injure your friend." Came that sultry voice. Miroku shifted in front of Kagome, out of habit, but it didn't go unnoticed.
" Perhaps, but the question still stands." He said as politely as he could.
"Speak wench! We ain't go all day. If you ain't after any of us, what the hell are ya doin' here?"
InuYasha's abrupt snarl earned a small glare from the unknown being.
"Very well. My name is Mei Ling. I am from the continent. "
" No shit!"
"Silence, half-breed, even there we do not do most, but tolerate your meaningless existence. " Her gaze shifted back to Miroku, and Kagome. "Move aside, or be forced to. I have come with good grace."
" It's okay Miroku, she's not lying." Kagome coaxed Miroku, by gently nudging aside her friend, allowing room for Mei Ling.
" Again, what do you want?"
The woman stepped close to Kagome, then moved to circle her. Claw digits prodded Kagome, causing her to squeak, and jump.
"Hmm…interesting." She mused, before stepping close, pressing her front to Kagome's back. Kagome tensed, while the others shuffled in their seats.
"H..Hey! What-eep!" Mei Ling nuzzled her nose into Kagome's neck, sniffing her deeply, fingers combing those long raven locks. A hand found its way to her hip, causing Kagome to stumble away, and into SesshouMaru's arms.
"SesshouMaru!" Came her surprised squeak. Everyone was shocked they didn't noticed him in the clearing sooner, all their eyes were trained on Mei Ling and Kagome.
"Mei Ling."
"Lord SesshouMaru. How pleasant, as always." She replied with a wry glance.
"Um-"
"What are you doing here in this SesshouMaru's lands?"
" Is that how you treat an….old acquaintance." She purred in response, dodging his questioning glare.
"Oi! Get your damn hands off Kagome!"
Realizing that she was still in SesshouMaru's arms, Kagome jumped away, clearing her throat, cheeks flaming red.
'Oh what's going on! '
Her beast glanced up, before sniffing, and turning away. If there was no immediate threat, she wasn't needed.
'Fine! Be that way.'
SesshouMaru remained cold, unmoving, with the only small narrow of his eyes to reveal his agitation.
Huffing, Mei Ling crossed her arms. " I wanted to see your new pet, since you have not visited lately. I can clearly see why. She is….most -"
"I am NOT his pet!" Was Kagome's sudden outburst. " And what was with the groping and sniffing! Don't you know anything about personal space! "
The demons in the area flinched, minus SessouMaru, and blinked in surprise.
" I had assumed you became a dutiful pet, considering that you emanate a powerful aura. Something like that must not go unclaimed. However, I can also tell you are untrained in your powers."
"Wha-"
"Silence."
Both girls went quiet, while they all cast a curious glance at SesshouMaru. " Mei Ling. Why else have you come."
"Hmpf. So much for pleasantries." Sighing, she sat on the grass, gracefully, much to Kagome's sudden resentment. Dainty claws gleamed in the sun, while everyone remained tense but seated.
"Amatsu Mikaboshi knows of the woman." Mei Ling paused. " Sources say he is preparing himself for battle to come claim the woman.
"Whoa..whoa. Hold on! A battle. For what woman?" Kagome asked outraged at the idea, but dreading the answer all the same.
Mei Ling flashed Kagome a small, sad smile. "You."
" All is going according to plan?"
" Yes."
"Good. I will not tolerate failure Feng. You are captain for a reason." Amethyst hues glared menacingly at the tense tiger.
A curl lifted in response, but nothing was said, save for a nod.
" Failure is not a option Lord Mikaboshi."
" Go. Ready to the troops. We leave in three months time. "
Feng bowed, before walking out, aware that those cold eyes of the half demon, half god was on his person. Silently, he shut the screen, before padding down the hall.
"Insufferable bas-"
"Feng!"
Gold, cat like eyes blinked as they noticed his twin brother coming through. " Jin?"
"Feng…" Jin puffed, bowing a bit to get his breath. "Feng rushed to his twin, clearly concerned for him.
"What's wrong? What is it?"
" W…what did Lord Mikaboshi want? Are we leaving?" Blue eyes glanced up at his older sibling, eager for the adventure to begin.
Feng shook his head, clearly amused, and annoyed at the same time. " No. Three weeks. " He opened the door by the round handle, and slid inside, his brother close behind.
" Feng! You are not excited? We are finally leaving this place, for somewhere new, somewhere that has riches, and glo-"
" Those are not needed for a happy life, Jin." Scolded Feng.
Jin looked sheepish, casting a sad glance. " You know our parents would be proud."
"Heh! If they didn't try to eat us, I would like to assume so."
Jin laughed a bit and, ran his fingers through his hair. "True, but…"
"No buts. This will end badly. I know it." Feng said, staring off into the pits of the fire. He took a poker, jabbing the coals, sparking it to life once more. Growling in frustration, he cast a glance to Jin, who was staring at the armor that was in the corner.
"You are a Captain. Don't you feel proud of that?"
Feng paused, before glancing down, his amber pig tail falling over one shoulder. "Sometimes. Other times, I wish I was not. I was foolish. Thinking that I would have everything. Glory, women, honor-" Feng paused. " A family."
Jin flopped onto the mat, blinking up at his sibling. " Family? You were with Chiyo, what happened with that?"
Hands curled into fists, claws puncturing his palms. Jin caught the scent of blood, and frowned at his brother. " I let her go. "
" Huh?" This was news to Jin. Even he didn't know about what happened to his brothers love interest.
" Yes. I had to. The choice was stay with the army, have honor, or be disgraced..for a woman." He spat.
Jin stood, placing a hand on his brothers shoulder. Feng shrugged it off, and stood straighter. " Go make sure the men are preparing for the battle. Inform them that we leave in three months time. "
Nodding, with a heavy sigh, Jin slipped out of the room. Feng listened to the soft click of the door, before releasing a sigh himself. He glanced at his reflection, staring at the black, jagged stripes on his cheek. Reaching up, he tugged the ribbon that held his hair, allowing his amber hair to fall just below his shoulder blades. " What am I doing?" He whispered, gritting his teeth.
"What can be accomplished by taking this woman!" Snarling, Feng slammed his fists into the mirror. Shards of glass fell to the ground, reflecting his figure in broken pieces. He hissed, pulling back his fists, ignoring the shards of glass in his hands.
" This will end badly. If not that woman, for us."
Kagome couldn't help but gnaw her thumb, frowning in thought. 'This is not happening. This is not happening.'
"How can this happen! We finally get rid of one of the most EVIL men, only to have another one come back. But this time for me!"
Everyone in the group glanced around uneasily at each other, before Sango spoke up. " It'll be okay Kagome. Mei Ling offered to train you. We'll all help." She coaxed, patting her friends leg.
"How Sango? How will it be okay?"
Struck speechless by her best friends outburst, Sango glanced to Miroku, and InuYasha for help. Though none was received.
" See? Even you don't know that! What if he's worse then Naraku?"
Mei Ling sighed. Stomping towards the distraught woman, she snarled. " Quiet woman! You are complaining about something that has yet to happen! If we begin training, perhaps you will stand a chance. "
" How!" Kagome stood with a snarl. He's half god!
Mei Ling growled in frustration as well, eyes glowing a soft blue. "You are so insufferable. Are you not the miko that once possess the shikon jewel?"
"Yes but-"
"Are you not the miko that had helped your taichi take on the four war gods! The one who travels time through ancient wells?"
" Yes, how did-"
" Enlighten everyone then, why you have easily given up? Why you think you have finally reached the impossible?" Mei Ling growled out, her small hands curling into fists, as she stood toe to toe with Kagome.
Before Mei Ling could even say another word, Kagome snapped. " How the hell do you know about me!"
Smirking, the demoness' stood back, and hummed thoughtfully. "Your travels have reached even the continent. Do not be so surprised."
Glaring at the woman, Kagome huffed and turned away. "Im going to the hot spring. "
"I'll come with you." Sango said, standing up, grabbing their things before following her friend.
"Mei Ling."
Turning her head, blinking at SesshouMaru, she turned and followed the western lord. They had traveled a few yards away, making sure no one heard.
" Explain."
A finger ran down his chest, Mei Ling purred in delight. " My dearest SessouMaru, could I allow harm to come to you?"
Ignoring the finger that was on his chest, SesshouMaru glared at the woman. " Do not presume to think that this SesshouMaru was in need of your assistance Mei Ling."
"I wouldn't presume a thing." She replied.
"Hn." He moved away from the woman, intending to do make his rounds around his boarders. " Do what you will with the other woman. However, if you try to upsert her place, I will dispose of you."
Never one to look back, and only keep going, SesshouMaru ignored Mei Ling's huff.
"You dare to presume that I would attempt something on her life? Ridiculous dog!"
She gasped, and grunted at the impact of the hard bark behind her back. SesshouMaru's claws digging into her slender neck. Mei Ling shuddered as he glared down at her, teeth glinting dangerously.
"Know this, I am allowing you to live, for the sole reason to help the wench become accustomed to her powers. Insult my person once more, and I will end your miserable existence, regardless of our past." He squeezed her neck for emphasis before releasing her and strolling off.
Mei Ling slid to the floor, huddling in on her self. Her fingers caressed her neck, feeling the small puncture wounds, before letting out a shaky breathy. Pale blue strands were brushed aside, her heart breaking just a bit at the thought of SesshouMaru being with another.
'Have I lost you?'
She glanced up, and inhaled deeply. 'We shall see. I will help her, but it does not mean I will hand over what is MINE so easily.'
With that final thought in mind, Mei Ling stood to walk back to the camp. Much had to be done, and there wasn't a lot of time.
A/N: Okay I will be honest, I was having a bit of trouble with this chapter. I wanted to introduce Mei Ling of course, and give Kagome a bit of competition, even though there may not be one.
Secondly, I had some serious writer's block considering that school had taken up most of my time when the story was published. HOWEVER, since it's pretty slow now. I am taking full advantage and updating this story on a weekly basis. I am so sorry that you had to wait. As a result I am already working on another chapter, and plan to post it up tonight or tomorrow.
Please forgive the inconvenience. This story is not over, in fact, its only just beginning LOL
