Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or any other character belonging to the series, the plot, and original characters are all mine.
A/N: Hey guys I wanted to thank everyone who has added The Key as an alert or as their favorite story!
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Kagome took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. The gardens in the western palace were beautiful and helped to calm her troubled mind. They had gotten back from their trip late last night and all this morning everyone had been in a meeting with Inutashio. She was a little upset that she was not invited, since they were no doubt talking about her, but decided that she would let it pass when Inutashio said he would speak with her that afternoon in person.
She walked under a large apple tree; it was apple season meaning winter wasn't far off. She reached up and picked a ripe red apple and sat on the bench under the tree and looked at the pond. She closed her eyes as she ate her apple and took in the nature around her; she could tell the guard that was to look after her while Kisho was in the meeting was not far off giving her a sense of comfort, and annoyance. Would everyone here treat her like a helpless child?
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"Enter" came Bankotsu's voice as the shoji screen opened to revile a young man in a dark grey uniform, the symbol of the western lands on his back.
"I have the information you requested" he said.
"Go on" was Bankotsu's response.
"You were right she must find a new protector and it will be her protector's choice weather or not Naraku will be sealed permanently or be released from the spells hold." He said
"I see" said Bankotsu
"I also overheard them taking about a bond. It seems that the girl and Naraku are bonded together in a way, when she dies so does he. This is why the god granted her eternal life, so she could always protect the mirror and so if Naraku was freed he could not kill her without killing himself I suppose" the young boy explained.
"He is far too smart for his own good" Bankotsu said bitterly.
"That's not the most interesting news though" came the young mans voice.
"You have my attention" said Bankotsu; raising an eyebrow.
"She must form a blood bond with her protector as well; he must mark her like a mate would only instead of marking her on the junction of her neck it has to be on her shoulder. Then she has to take some of his blood and the bond will be complete." He said.
"How convenient" Bankotsu smirked.
"How ever" the boy continued, "the protector must be of demon blood in order for the bond to be established"
"What?!" exclaimed Bankotsu, his smirk disappearing along with the thoughts of taking Kagome's innocence. "How are we to release Naraku when I am not a demon?" he said slamming his fists on the table. Yes he was human brought back by Naraku's evil sorceress and living off the souls brought to him by his soul collectors, as were the other remaining band of seven. He had eternal life, as long as he maintained the souls of the dead, but a demon he was not. He needed to find a demon on his side someone who hated the Inu as much as he did to release Naraku then he could have Kagome to him self.
"Very well, you are dismissed. We will see you on the night of the new moon, do not forget our plan." He said dismissing the young man.
"Yes sir" he replied; bowing as he left to return to the western palace.
As the door shut Bankotsu let out a sigh, now to find a demon under his control to mark Kagome. Well there was Manten, but he was far too ugly to lay hands on Kagome. Who else? Well his brother Hiten but he was so irrational and hard to control no he needed someone easily manipulated, someone Naraku could continue to control and that would think that her staying with Naraku kept her safer that with the western lord.
That's when it hit him, the perfect demon. He was strong but defiantly under Naraku's control. Yes even though he was a strong demon he could be easily made into a mindless puppet by Naraku without a second thought. Plus he hated the Inu clan, yes he would be perfect.
"Get me Kouga" he said to his guard, an evil smile gracing his face.
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"Are you sure this is what you want my son?" asked Inutashio.
"Yes father" came Sesshoumaru's velvet voice
"Very well, I will go and speak with her. Do keep in mind though that it is still her decision. I will come and talk to you once Kagome and I are done." He said leaving the room in search of the girl. He expanded his senses and located her in the gardens.
As he made his way over to the gardens he pondered on the discussion he just had with his son. It seems that he is taken with the girl, how ironic; he thought to himself. Sesshoumaru had said for years, well since the birth of Inuyasha, that he would die before he would ever be with a human woman and there he was basically demanding that he and no other become her protector; meaning, of course, that he would have to be with Kagome. Yes how ironic indeed.
He smiled as he looked out at the garden, there sat Kagome on a bench under his favorite tree, apple in hand. Her eyes were closed but he could tell she was wide awake. As he got closer she sat up straight and looked at him. She smiled and started to stand when he spoke.
"Please, sit. We will talk under the apple tree" he said with a warm smile. She simply nodded and he sat next to her.
The two sat on the bench in a comfortable silence until he spoke.
"I planted this tree for Sesshoumaru's mother years ago. She loved apples" he said with a sad smile.
"If you don't mind my asking, what happened to her?" Kagome asked.
"She was killed in an attack on the castle years ago. We found out later that it was lead by Naraku, but by that time he was no where to be found. I assume he was in your mirror by then." He said patting her hand gently.
"Oh." She whispered "I am sorry. It seems his ternary knows no end."
"My dear, he is an evil being one that must be sealed away in your mirror forever." He responded.
"I take it you were told about what Kaede said?" she asked.
"Yes, and your foolish attempt at being noble." He said smirking at her slight blush.
"It seemed like the best solution Lord Inutashio." She said looking into his eyes "If I am no longer of this world, than neither is he. I don't understand why you guys don't see that."
"Kagome, that solution is the easiest one, yes, but not the most logical." He said giving her a warm smile "and please just call me Inutashio child. You are now a ward of the western lands and my friend; I would like you to treat me as such."
She nodded and smiled back.
"Lor…Inutashio?" she asked.
"Yes"
"Since ending my life is not a solution to you, what is it you plan on doing?"
"Well Kagome, first you need to pick a protector." he said.
"That's easier said than done" she replied blushing, "how do I ask someone such a thing?"
"Well, I know Kisho or Haru would be honored to assist the western lands in such a way." He said chuckling and her slight scowl.
"You make it sound like no big deal Inutashio" she said blushing darker with every word. "They would be stuck with me until I die, and I would have to…well…err…you know."
"Yes child, I know" he laughed.
"It's not funny" she shot back.
"Well if Kisho and Haru are not suitable for you, there is always Sesshoumaru." He smirked "and if neither of them are to your liking you always have me."
At that remark she turned as red as the kimono she was wearing, she thought of Inutashio as a friend, a father figure if you will, she couldn't sleep with him. No it would either be Haru, Kisho or Sesshoumaru.
"Who would you suggest?" she asked
"Hum…" he said rubbing his chin "let's think this out together. Haru is an excellent warrior and would protect you till his last breath, but he does keep to himself a lot."
"Yes, I do believe he has said less to me than Sesshoumaru" she giggled.
"Yes my son is not much of a talker either, until you get to know him." He laughed back.
"Yes I learned that too" she said blushing again.
"Next his Kisho, now there is an excellent guard, my best infact. He would make a good protector, and you seem to get along well with him" he said.
"Yes but he is interested in courting Adara. I can not stand between them" she said quietly.
"Oh I see. Well that leaves either Sesshoumaru or myself" he said.
"Inutashio, I don't think I could…well what I mean is…your like a father to me and well…um" she stumbled.
"It's alright Kagome, I understand. Truth is I feel the same way" he smiled.
"Well I guess that leaves Sesshoumaru, but do you think he would truly be alright with my decision or do you think he will do it strictly because he sees it as a duty he must fulfill for the western lands?" she asked.
"Kagome, my son is a complicated creature. He doesn't wear his emotions or feelings out in the open, but if you can truly read him like I can then you would know that he would see you as much more than a duty to his lands" he said.
"Read him, you mean his eyes don't you?" she asked.
"Well, yes" he replied surprised, "How did you come to that conclusion?"
She smiled and remembered the night at the hot springs and the look he gave her from a cross the fire. "Just a lucky guess, they say ones eyes are the door into their soul if you know how to read them right."
"You should talk to him Kagome; take some time to think about it." He said standing "Just don't take too long child, for I fear time is not on our side." He said as he headed towards the castle.
She stood and followed him; she would think about it and talk to Sesshoumaru tonight after dinner.
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The wolf price walked through the long halls of the newly "acquired" castle and made his way to the study, curious as to what Bankotsu wanted from him. Once he reached the doors he knocked. "Enter" was heard from the other side so he made his way into the room.
"You called for me?" he asked.
"Yes Kouga, I have a job for you." Smirked Bankotsu "I want to you become a miko's protector and form a blood bond with her."
"What you mean like mate with her?" Kouga clarified.
"Exactly, accept you will mark her on the shoulder and then we will finally be able to release Naraku." He answered,
"Why give me such an enticing job. Why don't you do it?" he questioned.
"Because I am not a demon and only a demon can mark her" he replied bitterly.
"I see, and why me?"
"I thought you would be the best for the job, you are still wanting revenge on Sesshoumaru for killing your comrades aren't you?" he asked the wolf demon before him.
Yes it was another of Naraku's brilliant plans. For years the wolves and the Inus lived in peace and this made things hard for Naraku. Alone the wolves were easily defeated, but with the support of the western lord and his army they were undefeatable. So Naraku had conjured up a plan to separate the two forces and bring the wolves under his control. He had sent Kagura to attack the large wolf camp near the western boarder. She left no survivors. Naraku then enchanted the camp so any sent of Kagura or himself was gone and replaced with the stench of dog…primarily Sesshoumaru. When Kouga arrived he was near a blood rage. That's when Naraku appeared, the two decided to become allies. To signify their alliance they signed a treaty in their own blood. That was Kouga's downfall. Naraku then used a dark miko to place the wolf under his control using the blood on the contract. Yes Naraku was far too brilliant.
He was brought out of his thoughts when the wolf spoke, anger evident in his tone "Nothing would give me greater pleasure."
"That's good then, because she is currently a ward of the great western lord, and I hear that Sesshoumaru is…fond of her. What better insult is there than to take the western lord's ward and bed her before the great Sesshoumaru can?" he asked.
"I agree" said Kouga.
"Good here is our plan in retrieving her" started Bankotsu.
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A/N: please review if you can suggestions are welcomed : )