Chapter 10- Thoughts, Plots, and Conversation
Kagome woke the next morning slowly. She felt warm and extremely safe. Her head was pillowed on something soft with a firmer base and she was surrounded by a soothing smell and aura. Her eyes snapped open and the realization that she was using Sesshomaru's shoulder and tail as a pillow brought a bright red flush to her cheeks. She leaned up and was witness to a rare very sweet smile from said pillow. She blushed deeper as he swept his fingers across her forehead, brushing back bangs and tucking loose strands behind her right ear.
"Good morning." He whispered.
"Morning." She said, burrowing her face against his chest to hide her glowing cheeks. She heard and felt him chuckle, while a hand smoothed down her back.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked. She nodded and asked him the same thing. "Yes, I slept quite well." He murmured. Bravely, she peeked up at him. He was looking at her, his expression relaxed but not stoic. In fact, his eyes were warm and gentle, his aura content. He seemed to glow within a ball of happiness and it made Kagome's breath catch. She'd never seen him like this, never thought he could be so blissful.
"You seem different." She whispered not wanting to break the mood.
"Do I?" He asked but then nodded. "I suppose that is possible. I feel different, more in harmony with my beast. He is happy that I am giving into my attraction for you, happy that I am not fighting it and happy that I am actively pursuing you."
"Do you talk often?"
"It is a more common occurrence these days than in previous years."
"That's my fault isnt it?" He paused considering his words carefully.
"I would assume that yes, it is. His obvious desire of you is what made him so desperate to be heard."
"Sesshomaru, do you really want to be with me?"
"Haven't I said that I do?" Kagome shifted and sat up more, letting her fingers idly play with the fur on his tail. She didn't notice his sigh of pleasure as she petted it.
"You did but I can't really believe you would want a human. It's hard to think you want me when all you've ever done is ignore me or try to kill me."
"I am sorry about that." He said a look of worry on his face. She smiled bright and quick and spoke.
"Oh no, it's okay, I forgave you a long time ago. It's just well..." She froze wondering how to word it.
"Well what?" He prodded.
"Why?" She said. "Is it just because your beast wants me?" He seemed a little taken aback by her question because he spoke almost instantly.
"Yes, I suppose that is a large factor of my desire for you."
"Oh.." Her gaze dropped, her voice displaying a large amount of disappointment in that one sound.
"But that's not the only reason." He said quickly. "Kagome you must understand that my beast is me. We may seem separate but we are the same. What I want is usually the right or more reasonable thing but what he wants is what I secretly want. What I usually shouldn't want and though my desire started with him it is still me. Do you understand?" She looked confused but seemed to be trying to work that through.
"I'm a little fuzzy on the details but basically your beast wanted me because secretly you were attracted to me but now because you know it you're both still attracted to me but it started with you despite him saying he liked me first?" He smiled and laughed softly.
"Yes. It is quite remarkable how you were able to puzzle through that. It is hard to explain one's beast to someone who doesn't have one." She giggled.
"Oh, I have one alright. It may not actually speak to me but it's there. Like the devil on your shoulder whispering about the fun, dangerous thing you should do while the reasonable angel on your right shoulder is screaming at you to do the proper thing." He smiled at that and while her reference of angels and devils was odd it was still endearing.
Inuyasha hugged Kikyo tighter to him, having listened to Sesshomaru and Kagome's entire conversation. It was strange to be feeling so jealous of his brother for a reason that didn't involve demon blood. It was disconcerting listening to Kagome speak to Sesshomaru as if Sesshomaru was a decent guy and a friend. How could Kagome do that? Why couldn't she see how weird it was for Sesshomaru to be acting that way? Why couldn't she see he was probably just using her for a greater scheme?
'Don't worry Kagome,' He thought. 'When the time comes, I'll protect you.'
Kikyo lay quiet in Inuyasha's arms. Even when he held her closer and stayed tense as the Demon Lord and her reincarnation talked she lay as if asleep. She couldn't help but feel bitter at Inuyasha being upset from their conversation.
'It'll be over soon.' She thought. 'Soon my reincarnation will be out of the way.'
When everyone woke and got ready to eat and continue hunting, Kikyo left the camp, letting them assume she left to gather souls. Inuyasha promised to wait for her and she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek for his kindness. She was a little surprised by it but the warmth she felt from the small act of love did nothing to smother her need to own every inch of Inuyasha's love. With that in mind Kikyo summoned her power, masked her scent, and traveled out quickly by her soul stealers carrying her. When she reached a good distance away she used her power to call out. Her call was answered and minutes later, Lord Lear and a western lands warrior, her accomplices arrived.
The warrior bowed to Kikyo, while Lord Lear rolled his eyes. Kikyo smiled indulgently at the warrior, inwardly sickened by the adoring expression on his face. In truth, Kikyo was regretting her decision to seduce the man.
'You need him.' She thought. 'Without him you won't have the necessary supplies to frame the Demon Lord.'
"My lady we have come at your call, what would you have of us?" The warrior asked his voice naive and love struck. Once again Lord Lear rolled his eyes and gave her a sweet smile.
"Yes lady Kikyo what do you need?" Said Lord Lear, his voice, words, and expression a mockery of the warriors reverence. The warrior didn't seem to notice. Kikyo sneered at him and like the atress she was put on the loving facade to keep the warrior in her trap. She moved sensuously towards him, letting her hand trail over his arm.
"Akane, you came so quickly, I can not express how your loyalty to me has made me feel." She murmured warmly. Akane puffed up and lightly brushed the sleeve of her shirt.
"Always." He whispered, his voice aching with love. Once again Kikyo felt sick but she pushed on.
"It is time we plan Kagome's downfall." Kikyo said. Akane looked a little uncomfortable at that but Kikyo touched his hand and she watched as his resolve hardened. "Akane you must proceed with Kagome's kidnapping soon. I'll inform you when she goes home. She always goes alone so you'll have your chance then." Akane nodded. "Once you have her you'll bring to the outskirts of Kaede's village. There you will kill her with a western land sword and leave it and her body there."
"What about Lord Sesshomaru?" Asked Akane. "If he's there at the camp then they might not suspect him." Lord Lear smirked and spoke.
"Leave Sesshomaru to me, a little mischief at the palace will bring his retainer to him. When his retainer comes, Sesshomaru will feel obligated to leave and then of course it'll be suspicious his leaving right after the girl and right before she shows up dead." Akane nodded while Kikyo grinned evilly. It was perfect. "Of course, I do require an added incentive to do my part." Kikyo narrowed her eyes at him.
"What else do you want Lord Lear?" She asked keeping the tone of her voice polite but cold.
"The jewel shards." Kikyo blinked in surprise but then smirked.
"Why Lord Lear I didn't know you wanted them. I didn't know that you were a Demon Lord weak enough to feel the pull of the jewels false power." Lord Lear opened his mouth to protest but Kikyo carried on quickly. "But if that is your price for what you need to do then of course I shall give you the shards." Lord Lear gritted his teeth but he didn't say anything, knowing nothing he could say would correct Kikyo's statement. Lord Lear suddenly smiled and bowed to her sarcastically.
"By your leave lady Kikyo." He said before turning and leaving.
'Kikyo it is a shame we can not continue this partnership but with the shards it'll be easier using the woman Kagome as a puppet to do my bidding. It is too bad I will have to kill you and the warrior.' He thought as he left.
Kikyo sneered at his back. She looked back to Akane and gave him a reassuring smile. He smiled back at her and spoke.
"What of us?" He asked. She smiled softly and touched his shoulder.
"I will find a way to make Inuyasha go to hell. I have a spell that will keep me on this plain so we can be together." She said. He stepped closer to her, his face anxious and hopeful.
"Truly?" She nodded. Suddenly he smiled brightly. "I can not wait to be with you my love. I count the days until you call me." She kissed him softly and with flesh rewarded him for his unknown gullibility.
As he left an hour and a half later Kikyo waved and thought of betrayal. She wasn't going to give Lord Lear the shards. She may be a tainted priestess but she was a priestess nonetheless and as such she wouldn't give something as powerful as the jewel shards to a demon of Lord Lear's caliber. She needed to get rid of him and the only way to do that would be through Lord Sesshomaru. She frowned.
'How can I do that though?' She asked herself. Minutes later a vicious smile replaced the frown on her face as she realized exactly what she could do to get rid of Lord Lear and how Akane would be useful in her endeavor.
Kagome was trying very hard not to get mad. Inuyasha had been harping at her to get breakfast done and quit frankly she was getting really ticked off by it.
"Hurry up, your being slow."
"I can only make it so fast so Inuyasha!" She said exasperated.
"Well make it faster woman, can't you even boil water." Kagome looked down and felt her eyes fill with tears. Suddenly Inuyasha yelped and Kagome looked up to see him holding his head while Sesshomaru was slowly walking towards her, having finished hunting.
"What the hell did you hit me for you bastard!" Sesshomaru gave him a cold look.
"You will speak with respect towards Kagome or you will not talk to her at all." Sesshomaru said. Inuyasha glared and continued to rub his head but said nothing else realizing he'd been a little harsh. Sesshomaru looked at Kagome and watched her give him a grateful smile. He nodded, giving her a tiny smile in return, before sitting down upon her sleeping bag. He couldn't help but feel warm at the memory of their conversation earlier that morning. It was oddly comforting to him to know she accepted his relationship with his beast. At this thought his beast slid into his consciousness.
'She's wonderful isn't she?' His beast asked. Annoyed but unable to disagree he inwardly nodded. 'She will be a perfect mate.' Once again he agreed. 'I'm glad you listened to me.' And for the first time Sesshomaru agreed to that too.
Kikyo came back to the camp right as the group finished eating and packing. Inuyasha was glad to see her and couldn't help but pull her to him and nuzzle her hair. He sniffed her gently and though her scent was familiar it still wasn't comforting. He pulled away, smiled at her, and began the search. At the front of the group, Inuyasha did something he normally didn't do. He reflected about his life and his decisions. Kikyo used to smell like fresh forests and pleasant sweet smelling herbs but ever since she'd risen from death she'd smelt like grave dirt and bitter medicinal herbs. He'd never admit this to anyone but the smell almost made him sick. He could barely stand it and would often inhale a strong potpourri that knocked out his sense of smell so as not to offend Kikyo.
He loved her so much and hated that something about her repelled him but unfortunately that wasn't the only thing that did. She acted different than before. Sometimes she'd talk of life and her voice would be so filled with bitterness it almost made him wince. She would often even be cold or act angry towards him like he did something wrong. He didn't seem to know her anymore and though he was once told that it wasn't Kikyo in that body he'd never believed until now. He loved her though, until he thought he'd burst with it but he found himself wondering what would happen in their future. She couldn't bear his children and he doubted she had visions of flowers and white dresses. He was actually quite afraid that she wanted him to go to hell with her again.
'Could I do something like that for her?' He asked himself. Did he love her enough to do that? Even worse, what if she wanted him to become human? Would she really want to take away part of who he was?
'Will I ever be enough for her?' He thought. He closed his eyes and pictured acceptance form Kikyo about his demon side. He felt a twinge in his heart at what he pictured. 'And why, every time I think of true love and acceptance, does Kagome's smile come to mind?'
Authoress Corner: I updated! YEAH!! I have a little explaining to do... For one sorry about the wait. Number two is about the story itself. I put in a cute scene between Sesshomaru and Kagome and also placed in little scenes that show why Kikyo is jealous. I also put in things to show what Kikyo is planning and who she's planning it with. I also wanted to put in a scene where you see how protective Sesshomaru is of Kagome. And the last scene is Inuyasha reflecting on everything. I put this in because I wanted a little bit of his perspective. What I didn't put in I plan to put in the next chapter... For example: You didn't meet a new Lord in this chapter but I have it mapped out to meet him in the chapter (yes it's a him). Thanks for reading and please tell me if you liked this (I hope it's not a disappointment).
Person Of A Strange Origin