* Chapter 12: "Mysterious Dark Side of the Moon Pt II: Mind as Judgment."
The birds flew over the cave as Kagome slowly began to open her eyes. Everything from last night seemed to be crazy, but she sighed grateful that it was a dream. When she closed her eyes and laid back down against something hard and muscular she opened her eyes to notice she was still lying on Sesshomaru's chest. Sesshomaru was awaked just looking at her as she jumped in shock out of his possession pointing at him.
"Ah! It really wasn't a dream?" Kagome panicked blushing.
Sesshomaru looked at her confused, "Do not say foolish things human. Are your dreams so lively," he said standing up.
"Uh, hey Sesshomaru! Be careful your wounds..." said Kagome hesitantly.
Sesshomaru sighed boredly rolling his eyes, "The injuries from the night before have already healed. It only took a few hours."
"Well excuse me for worrying then geese!" snapped Kagome blushing.
Sesshomaru merely stood up and turned to her, "We should be leaving. Thanks to your oversleeping the time of the sun's highest point is near."
"What do you mean, 'thanks to your oversleeping?' why didn't you wake me up, or just knowing your character leave me?"
"Had you slept a few minutes more such would have been the result," he replied plainly.
Kagome gave a look of shock as though a block just fell on her head. "Why...you..." she growled angrily.
"Come human, this senseless argument will not get us any closer to our top priority at this point," he said leaving her.
"I suppose you're right," she said laughing sarcastically lingering behind him. She then snapped out of it, "But, you're going meeting them like that?"
Sesshomaru merely looked at her and she flinched back, "Like what?"
"Well you're top half is not covered, for battle and meeting the leaders is such appropriate?" she said.
Sesshomaru just stopped and looked at her cocking up one of his eyebrows like she was crazy. "You fail to remember human, whose responsibility is it for my top half not being covered?"
Kagome blushed high red, "It wasn't like that I don't know how many times I have to tell you that!"
Sesshomaru sighed, "You are such a human."
"If you're that annoyed why not let me free," argued Kagome.
"This Sesshomaru is not that generous," he replied simply.
"Then stop complaining geese. For an upper class demon you sure are a baby!" but before Kagome realized what she said she quickly covered her mouth.
Sesshomaru just stopped and looked back at her pulling out his green glowing claw of poison. But there was something strange about the green aura emitted around them; the color was so faint and pale. Sesshomaru then sighed closing his eyes remaining stretching his patience," If only I was serious enough to slice you in half for such a comment. I wonder if you will eventually say something to me that will really make me hurt you. I wondered if this would be the extent but apparently it isn't. I am not pushed to that extent yet," he lowered his claw and the glow stopped as he opened his eyes studying her for a moment. Then he said with a distinct bothered but plain tone, "You annoy me human. Because I don't know what it is about you, but I cannot act normal with you around me. It is very problematic and inconvenient." He then simply walked off leaving her behind.
Kagome was just awestruck, she was still alive? However, he was right. Once again she had spoken without thinking.
"Human," he called. Kagome snapped out of it and quickly followed him, "What was the situation concerning the two tribes when you left to come search for this Sesshomaru last?"
Kagome nodded. "Everyone's in the clearing waiting for you. It was a huge war but..." Kagome then froze thinking about the arrow she shot to stop the battle. She couldn't believe she'd taken so much charge back then. Would Sesshomaru believe it? What if he got upset, she was after all only human?
FLASHBACK:
FROM far atop a mountain stood Kagome along with Frey watching horrified as the battle became fiercer. A fire aura began to shine around her as she watches more and more of them die. Tears filled her eyes as she drew her hand across the bow as once a gain a new bow began to form as air formed around her hand. A purple electrocuting bow then formed with air still surrounding the arrow and her hand. She quickly then released the bow as she screamed, "STOP THIS!"
Her screams snapped Makato and the others out of it in time enough to see the attack.
"Shit!" the girls all screamed in unison at her awesome powers quickly flying out of dodge from it.
The arrow came faster than her usual arrows spinning like a bullet. The foxes and eagles didn't catch it until last minute as the arrow's power slid across the land exploding everything in its wake. The explosion was so huge that it knocked all the foxes on the side of their village and vise versa with the eagles on their side where their village was directed. When they all sat up they all seen the arrow stuck in the middle of the ground that still separated them from another as its power shinned immanently and powerfully.
"Damn!" hyped Nardisia excited, "What a blast!"
"That shut them up quick and in a hurry. Finally some peace," smiled Arielle relieved.
FLASHBACK OVER
Kagome took out her hand staring at it and found an emotion of uncertainty within her and Sesshomaru looked back at her confused.
"Does something bother you human?" he asked concerned.
Kagome snapped out of it and shook her head smiling, "Fine. Everything's been taken care of. Makato and the others have both sides held down to make sure the fight remain on even terms until you return. But we couldn't find you so they gave us until the highest point of the sun otherwise they'd continue."
"Keh, both of them are such fools," he sneered as they continued walking.
Kagome looked up at him and frowned. She then shook it off and asked, "Sesshomaru?"
"What is it?"
"Um, is there really a way to solve this whole thing? For who's at fault and the boundary?" she asked.
"Of course, that is why thanks to this Sesshomaru's father he made a fool out of them both. However, politically and economic wise, it was a smart move and this Sesshomaru will not change it," he said. Kagome looked at him confused and Sesshomaru smiled, "Do not concern yourself with trying to understand human. Please have more confidence in my abilities. This Sesshomaru knows exactly what he's doing, and he knows the perfect compromise as you will soon see."
Kagome nodded as they continued straying forward.
DEEP in the forests of the foxes and eagles even throughout the night had remained in their same positions. Both Lord Umasue of the White-Tailed Fox Tribe and Lord Frey of the Mungee Feathered Tribe were on their opposing sides merely meditating. The soldiers on both sides, such as Topais and Coryn, and Ami and Amu, were both antsy keeping their eyes focused on the sun's position looking back at one another.
"Damn it," complained Arielle looking around. "Where's Kagome and Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Yeah I'm a little worried myself, they're cutting it pretty close," admitted Nardisia looking around. "Do you think Kagome was able to find Lord Sesshomaru, Makato?"
"Hm, hard to say. It's better not to falter in confidence in her after she's gained the trust of both Lords which as a human is incredible for her. However, no matter what if they aren't back in time we need to find a way to extend the timing if possible for just incase. But I doubt they'll listen to us," said Makato folding her arms thinking. "It seems like other than Lord Sesshomaru Kagome was the only who had any influence over them."
Lord Umasue then stood up and looked up at the sun. "The human nor Lord Sesshomaru has yet to return," he said.
"Please, just a little while longer I'm sure they are almost here," stretched Nardisia.
"I don't want to hear it, they will pay for what they've done to my mate!" shouted Lord Umasue as the rest of the fox soldiers began to stand up and growl. Those of the eagle trial then stood up picking up their weapon preparing for battle.
"You're mate?" questioned Frey. "Do not forget that it was one of your kind whom struck one of ours to begin with."
"It was not done purposely and you know it. You lost your granddaughter due to that she stepped into our territory over the boundary line," argued Lord Umasue.
"It is our territory!" countered Frey pulling out his sword.
"This is getting bad Makato we have to do something," panicked Arielle.
"We're just going to have to stop them both," said Makato pulling out her sword. "Until Lord Sesshomaru and Kagome return."
"Enough of this nonsense," intervened a harsh voice, one that sounded like lightening putting them all to silence. Everyone stopped and turned to see coming unto the scene was Sesshomaru, along with Kagome walking not too far behind.
"Lord Sesshomaru! Kagome!" the girls cheered.
"Thank goodness you're here!" said Arielle relieved.
Nardisia then blushed, "Um, my lord your kimono top what happ-"
"This is not the appropriate time for such matters Nardisia, if anything question the human," he said walking past her.
Kagome blushed as Arielle and Nardisia gave her insinuating smiles putting Kagome in panic, "It wasn't like that!"
"Is that why you were so late," said Arielle suspiciously.
"So I see you and Lord Sesshomaru found boundaries that could make you agree with each other," teased Nardisia.
"Makato help me out here, you can read my mind and everything! You know nothing like that happened right!" Kagome said flustered.
"Kagome's fine girls, come on stop messing around. You're making a fool out of yourselves!" Makato reprimanded quietly.
"Sorry!" Naridisia and Arielle said ashamed.
"Saved," Kagome sighed relieved.
Sesshomaru walked in between Lord Frey and Lord Umasue and they turned to him.
"Ah, Lord Sesshomaru. I see the human was able to locate you. Would you please tell this bird that this portion of the boundary line is apart of our territory!" emphasized Umasue.
"This Sesshomaru will not say such a thing," he said simply.
"What!" Lord Umasue said taken aback.
"I told you that this was our territory!" shouted back Frey.
"That is not the case either," Sesshomaru said just as cold and simple.
"Huh?" everyone said confused. The villagers on each side began to murmur among each other in confusion creating small side conversations. But not just them, Kagome and the girls were also just as puzzled by his response.
"Lord Sesshomaru are you talking mad? You aren't making any sense, the boundary your father laid out to split clearly shows this spot as ours!" argued Umasue.
"So you're saying that this space belongs to no one, impossible!" exclaimed Frey.
"This Sesshomaru did not say such a thing. This territory does belong to someone but it is not either of you," Sesshomaru said calmly. Everyone was in pure silence as the wind blew. Sesshomaru then walked away from them, "Tell this Sesshomaru. While considering the geography of the area, was territory your only concerns? Did you pay attention to any of the geographic figures of this area?" He said looking around the area carefully smelling the air.
"The geographic figures?" Umasue said confused.
"There are plenty of mountains and cliffs in the area. Is there anything specific we were supposed to be looking for?" asked Frey.
"Yes. The Lord at the time himself," replied Sesshomaru turning to them.
Kagome gasped shocked realizing what he meant, "Don't tell me!"
"Drawing a boarder between territories requires a line. But if you take a look at this portion of land geographically, each of the others territory could not be split equally. The spot all of us are at now would cause the problem," Sesshomaru then continued to explain, "During the time period, you were all mortal enemies and the late King InuTaisho had to find a way to compromise. Giving one more land than the other because this area is geographically uneven, would make him appear as though he was unbiased. And that was not what this Sesshomaru's father aimed for. However, my troublesome father found another way."
Sesshomaru pulled out his Tokijin sword and it glowed red as Kagome watched, "He did it. He did it for the-" She thought silently.
"Umasue, Frey, out of the way if you value your lives," Sesshomaru warned. The two leaders quickly jumped out of the way as Sesshomaru sliced the bundles of trees side ways destroying a portion of the forest. He then put his sword back in his sash closing his eyes. "Come look."
Everyone ran over to the area and when Makato seen it her eyes expanded understanding. At the bottom was a village filled with humans. Children were playing together and the adults talked to one another. Some sold food while others tended to the fields.
"There is a village here," said Frey, "Of course there is. The village is nothing new."
"Lord Sesshomaru what is the purpose of this?" asked Umasue.
Sesshomaru looked back at them, "My father made you both into fools. This whole area is the boundary line cutting into the land. And the territory does not belong to either of you. But to the humans of the village down there."
The demons all went into an uproar and Nardisia chuckled, "That sounds like Lord InuTaisho alright."
"It's not fair that he did that to them though," Makato admitted troubled by the whole situation.
Kagome smiled, "I knew that was the case."
"Can you imagine how much of a tragedy it would have been if a war happened. All those lives dying for nothing and this portion didn't belong to either one of them. I almost really feel bad," said Arielle compassionately.
Kagome nodded remembering what Sesshomaru told her earlier. To 'trust' him, and now she understood why.
"That's absolutely ridiculous!" growled Umasue.
"You do not have to like it," said Sesshomaru turning from him walking off, "But that is what happened. If you recall, my father has taken a liking to humans. And that was the case well back then because he found himself smitten by one. He weakened himself by growing more concern for them as a whole. Where you two disregarded their presence there, my father did not. And territory wise, this village would be considered a biased place for a boundary to be."
"So what about my grand daughter? She died in vain because of this? Can you not just change how the territory is split now?" said Frey.
"This Sesshomaru could. But there are two things. One: Master Frey, as much of a tragedy of death your granddaughter Sora had, doing so would not solve anything nor would it bring her back to life," Sesshomaru then turned to lord Umasue, "It will not restore your mate's life either. And secondly: this Sesshomaru will not change how my father has split it."
"But you just said the humans-" but Sesshomaru quickly cut off Umasue's outburst.
"This spot is bias. As this Sesshomaru mentioned earlier about the geographic features of this area. For what you both want, this makes it uneven. Splitting even this portion will force this Sesshomaru to choose which tribe he's sided with. Which means this Sesshomaru would be choosing who was right. And in this case it is neither of you. For this decision although it sickens me that the humans benefit, this Sesshomaru will not change how it is split. It is only most unfortunate that my father did not make you aware that he'd done such a thing without your notification. Perhaps because he never thought you'd come this far out of your own territories, but for whatever the reason may be this is how it is now. For my father's foolishness this Sesshomaru apologizes," he then bowed.
"Tch, how pathetic," mumbled Umasue in spite. Everyone then took to his attention, "even after death King InuTaisho still protects these worthless beings."
Frey laughed content with the matter, "Perhaps, but they are not all worthless," he said eyeing Kagome specifically. She then blushed turning away. Sesshomaru then looked at her and she put the Artemis bow over her shoulder and shrugged as though nothing had happened.
Sesshomaru then closed his eyes sighing, "Master Umasue, this Sesshomaru fully agrees to that fact. But he does have a compromise. Master Frey."
"My Lord?"
"During the transfer of leadership, you are no longer able to come to this spot to avoid such tragedy again. The white-tailed fox," he said turning back to Lord Umasue, "will be the same to keep things fair. This Sesshomaru suggests a grave dedicated to both sides. This way you will both remember this war, this boundary, and your allies. One cannot turn back the hands of time to return death; rather one was killed purposely or not. However, it cannot be ignored that both of you have suffered even grounds of lost, especially of the ones that were lost, were supposed to be what carried ones tribe over. This territory issue is resolved," he turned away looking back down at the human village that lied at the bottom, "Do not come back to this spot once the grave commemorating the lost of both sides are built. This Sesshomaru is notifying you both that this area of land is biased ground."
"Man he looks cool out there!" praised Arielle inspired.
"That's our lord for ya," bragged Nardisia smiling broadly.
"Huh, he's changed a bit," said Makato thinking aloud.
"What do you mean?" asked Kagome walking over to her.
"I can't put my finger on it but somehow he's changed," Makato paused for a moment and then smiled with pride, "But I think…King InuTaisho would be quite proud of him. Compared to some of the other political and economic crises in the western lands he's dealt with, I think this made him grow up just a little." Makato winked at Kagome.
Kagome reacted with a smile of pride turning back to the scene, "yeah I guess he does look like a Lord out there huh?"
"I will not accept this!" Umasue sneered angrily.
"It cannot be helped Umasue and even you know that," said Frey turning away from him, "fighting a war over territory is meaningless if it was neither of ours to begin with. I fully accept Lord Sesshomaru's decision. If your intent is to never deal with us again that is fine. But this boundary will remain as it is always had."
"Lord Frey are you sure!" asked Ami.
"Yeah humans don't count for anything!" argued Amu. Sesshomaru flinched a bit at the comment and Kagome sighed heavily. Man segregation of species sucked, why was she there again?
"You children are foolish," said Frey, turning back to the village below them. "It's humans that changed everything. If they wouldn't have counted then this boundary would have belonged to one of us at least. Apparently King InuTaisho took them into consideration even though we did not. For issues such as this I feel that such is fair."
Kagome was impressed. "What's gotten into you Lord Frey? You sound as though you're standing up for the humans?" asked Topais.
"I don't know if I'll go that far but," he then turned to them shrugging, "Don't they give you a different perspective? Their existence cannot be completely insignificant now can it? They're here, we cannot change that. And even more they coexist with us. Why not make the best of it."
Sesshomaru said nothing taking in what he said and Kagome smiled nodding and away from the scene.
"Heh, I suppose a war would have ensued if King InuTaisho hadn't done what he did. Fine," Umasue sighed finally giving in, "I do not like it because Lord Sesshomaru has already decided, so resentfully I will agree with his compromise."
"Very well. Unless a biased agreement is to be placed here by both sides, then no one is to come back here. Is that understood?" ordered Sesshomaru. Everyone nodded. "Very well."
Umasue and Frey looked at one another untrustingly but sighed walking over to each other. "We may still need each other for something in the future," said Umasue.
"I was thinking the same thing. But only for special cases!" cut in Frey.
"Very well you old bird, whatever," Umasue sourly pulled his hand out.
Frey smiled and took his hand and shook it. When they let go Umasue then stepped back from him and pulled off his fox cloak from around his body. He then placed it at Frey's feet and bowed down to him. Umasue's tribe members gasped.
"White-Tailed Foxes, bow now," he commanded. Without question all of them immediately got on the ground bowing with their leader. "Master Frey of the Mungee Feathered Tribe. You have suffered a great lost due to one of my subordinate's ignorance of your culture. Though what we did was unforgivable, we express our deepest pleas for you to forgive us by offering our most sacred coat of our tribe. The white tailed fox cloak. Though we cannot bring her back, this is the best way for us to express to you our deepest sympathy. In the correct way."
"Nice to see this will work out eh Kagome," said Nardisia. She then looked around confused, "Hey has anyone seen Kagome?"
"Uh ugh," Arielle said shaking her head.
"She's not too far," said Makato, "I just talked to her telepathically she said not to worry about her. She's probably tired from all the human bashing they've been doing."
"Oh I see," Arielle said sadly.
"I suppose I'd leave too then, she must feel so out of place. This wouldn't be so bad if Kagome wasn't human though," said Nardisa sadly.
"Don't talk foolishly Nardisia that's impossible," said Makato. "Besides if we want her to break the curse, she needs to be just as she is. We shouldn't want her to change." Arielle and Nardisia both nodded and agreed.
Tears came from Frey's eyes as he smiled and took off his leader's feathered hat. His tribe members both came behind him and in sync all bowed to Umasue.
"We have forgiven you and accept your apology. We too apologize for purposely taking a life from you when in our case it was not done on accident. We ask that you accept the most noble of pride in our village. The Eagle feather leader tribe hat," Frey took off his chief hat and placed it at the feet of Umasue and smiled content, "No one can replace a mate, she is one that leads the future of the village. Hindering that future in our anger and grief is more unforgivable than your crime. We are more than mournfully and deeply sorry."
The wolves then howled and the birds took flight into the air flying in circles. Sesshomaru merely watched and then walked over to Makato, Nardisia, and Arielle nodding. "Well done. This was quite successful."
"You were incredible my Lord," bowed Naridisia.
"Yes because of you they could compromise, your father and Lord Gininji would be thrilled in your abilities right now," said Arielle just as impressed.
Sesshomaru then looked around, "Where is the human?"
"She's gone. Should I fetch her?" asked Arielle.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and turned from them, "Such action is unnecessary. For now leave her be. This Sesshomaru is not concerned however, her behavior towards me since our arrival has been strange. Is she well Makato?"
Makato tried to suppress a laugh with how quick he contradicted himself, "No my Lord. I should have used my abilities but when she was about to tell us this came up," she shrugged, "so I'm not sure."
"This Sesshomaru understands. Perhaps it is something trivial. It's not his business however so he will not occupy his mind about it further," he said walking off.
Makato then smiled smugly.
"I thought he wasn't concerned," smiled Nardisia.
"Shhh," Makato smiled with her finger. "If he doesn't notice it then we won't either."
IT was dawn, the sun was set. A large totem pole with a fox and eagle were both on them to commemorate Umasue's mate and Frey's grand daughter Sora, along those that fell in the war. Both tribes were at the border line partying and dancing with a large bon fire. And there were already a few stars in the sky. In front of the bon fire were Sesshomaru, Frey, and Umasue drinking sake as everyone continued to celebrate with one another.
"Lord Sesshomaru?" called a voice. Sesshomaru turned over to see it was Umasue, "does something ail you? You seemed a bit distracted."
"This Sesshomaru is not," he said quickly putting down his sake, "excuse my rudeness."
"You have much to be proud of young Lord, there is no need to wear such a face in the mist of such a celebration," said Frey.
"Your appreciation is satisfying enough," nodded Sesshomaru.
"You have quite the soldiers with you as well and so quickly. I believe it took your father quite some time to find those so loyal to him. Speaking of which," said Frey looking from his sake through the crowd, "Where is the human?"
Sesshomaru flinched, "Should it matter?"
"Well for me it does," he said leaning back to relax more comfortably. Sesshomaru looked at him shocked.
"That's true; she showed quite some leadership skills. I underestimated her because she was human, but to have her as one of your retainers with such strength I understood your reasoning," complimented Lord Umasue. "It's different but I think you'll grow well in becoming the Lord these next couple of centuries to come."
"That human is amazing. She really knows you well. I could trust her with my life no problem. During the war that had started, did she tell you she was the one who single handedly stopped it?" said Frey.
Sesshomaru was taken back, "Really now? She said that the others took care of it but no, she failed to mention that portion to this Sesshomaru."
"No they had their hands full I was there. She used that bow, and what a power it had. She's very strong willed and loyal to you. I had time to get to know a bit about her myself and I am curious. She will be a great investment," he said calculative.
"That human has many faults, she is...how one would say, 'difficult' to handle," commented Sesshomaru.
"That's a huge fault however it was that 'difficultness' that saved us all. She even went to find you and accomplished doing so. Had I not known better, besides Makato, I would have thought she was your main bystander of command in your absence. She handled herself quite affectively during the battle," said Umasue.
FLASHBACK:
FROM far atop a mountain stood Kagome along with Frey watching horrified as the battle became fiercer. A fire aura began to shine around her as she watches more and more of them die. Tears filled her eyes as she drew her hand across the bow as once a gain a new bow began to form as air formed around her hand. A purple electrocuting bow then formed with air still surrounding the arrow and her hand. She quickly then released the bow as she screamed, "STOP THIS!"
Her screams snapped Makato and the others out of it in time enough to see the attack.
"Shit!" the girls all screamed in unison at her awesome powers quickly flying out of dodge from it.
The arrow came faster than her usual arrows spinning like a bullet. The foxes and eagles didn't catch it until last minute as the arrow's power slid across the land exploding everything in its wake. The explosion was so huge that it knocked all the foxes on the side of their village and vise versa with the eagles on their side where their village was directed. When they all sat up they all seen the arrow stuck in the middle of the ground that still separated them from another as its power shinned immanently and powerfully.
"Damn!" hyped Nardisia excited, "What a blast!"
"That shut them up quick and in a hurry. Finally some peace," smiled Arielle relieved.
FLASHBACK OVER
Sesshomaru then turned back to the crackling fire, "This Sesshomaru sees, so that is what happened."
"She carried quite an aura of power; I admit that after that I was a bit afraid. Even to defy her," laughed Frey merrily.
"So when you mentioned humans giving you a different perspective you were really talking about that human in particular," pointed out Umasue spinning the concoction of his sake in a cup.
"Correct. Whoever trained her, they've taught her well. For the future I would hope to see her again whatever the circumstances are for why she is traveling with you," said Frey. He then took a gulp of his sake and sighed from the refreshment it gave him.
Sesshomaru turned to him and looked back into the fire. Umasue then stretched and stood back up and looked at Sesshomaru. "My Lord, later tonight we will have an even bigger party with the vixens," he winked. "Why not dismiss your retainers and spend the rest of tonight to relax yourself."
"What party now?" smiled Frey craftily jumping in.
Sesshomaru then stood up and turned to him. "As tempting as the offer is right now. I must decline. There is somewhere else I'd rather be right now given the time. Please excuse me," he said walking off.
"That's peculiar," said Umasue more intrigued then shocked.
Frey laughed, "Perhaps not. That is King InuTaisho's son," he then placed his cup against his lips watching him continue his walk ahead and nodded, "He may grow to be just like him in so many ways."
Umasue then smiled contently drinking his sake, "I see. Well no need to distract him then," he then turned to Frey, "Shall we?"
Then walked off leaving the festivities going to their own private matters.
KAGOME was in a dark forest near the waterfall. She looked up into the night sky looking at a flower as the wind blew. Fire flies glowed all around her as the leaves danced. Kagome took a deep breath and sighed thinking about what the others said.
FLASHBACK:
"Tch, how pathetic," sneered Umasue. Everyone then took to his attention, "even after death King InuTaisho still protects these worthless beings."
"Yeah humans don't count for anything!" argued Amu. Sesshomaru flinched a bit at the comment and Kagome sighed heavily. Man segregation of species sucked, why was she there again?
"You children are foolish," said Frey, turning back to the village below them. "It's humans that changed everything. If they wouldn't have counted then this boundary would have belonged to one of us at least. Apparently, King InuTaisho took them into consideration even though we could not. For issues such as this I feel that such is fair."
Kagome was impressed. "What's gotten into you Lord Frey you sound as though you're standing up for the humans?" asked Topais.
FLASHBACK OVER
"What am I doing here," Kagome mumbled depressed as she placed her head on top of her knees.
Demons hated humans with such a passion. So why was she in a world where she didn't even belong? She should consider herself grateful she was alive and well off as she was. But it did make her feel disheartened. The whole entire trip she had to prove herself to become even decently respected just because she was human. She felt alone, everything was dealt with the demon world and their matters. Matters she felt perhaps she'd never understand. Yet it was King InuTaisho who wanted to protect the humans of their demon world's lands once he fell in love with Inuyasha's mother. Kagome then thought about Sesshomaru. Compared to before and how he treated her, she did notice the drastic change in him compared to when they first met.
Would Sesshomaru change if he could learn to love a human? She wondered if the feat within itself was even possible. She then sighed laughing to herself at such a silly thought. Doubt it. He always thought lowly of his father because he had chosen a human to taint their clans' name, and perhaps Sesshomaru would never forgive him for betraying their high status. However for him to be so determined not to be like his father in that way, was the reason she wondered why he hated humans so badly. She remembered what he said earlier in the conversation about not changing the boundary line. That, 'For this decision although it sickens me that the humans benefit, this Sesshomaru will not change how it is split ' Kagome frowned. If as a species she was that useless, why he would torture her by keeping her there. Unless this was the torture. For her it really wasn't fair.
There was rustling in the forest and when Kagome turned around she seen Sesshomaru come out. She smiled and then turned back to the flowing river destroying the flower in her hand and letting it flow off. He then walked over to her looking around.
"You were here this whole time?" he asked returning his attention back to her.
"Yeah, it looked like it was going to work out anyway. Congratulations," she stuttered in her voice. She then caught herself. A tear came out and she laughed, "Sorry I don't know what's wrong with me it must be allergies."
Sesshomaru looked at the river, "Human. You are a terrible liar." Kagome said nothing and Sesshomaru sat next to her.
"Why are you here anyway? Makato and the others left not too long ago and said there was a party back at the boundary line," said Kagome wiping her tears away.
"Because you need the company," he said plainly. Kagome blushed and Sesshomaru turned to her, "You are bothered because of the conversation earlier are you not?"
"Oh was I that easy to read through or did Makato tell you that," she said guilty rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly.
"You are quite easy to read," he replied.
"I shouldn't be there. I shouldn't be here," she shrugged trying to be nonchalant but her depressed expression took over, "Sesshomaru why do you intend to keep me when I clearly don't belong here. Overall demons despise humans with a passion. These are all demon matters, even if they wanted my help they'd never take it."
Sesshomaru looked back over the outskirts of the night as the wind gently blew his hair back, "Although what you speak is the truth, I can't answer why I'm keeping you with me. Much less alive. This Sesshomaru never knew the reasoning from the beginning. However, due to circumstances he knows at this point he's not letting you go."
"Huh? What do you mean? I've caused nothing but trouble for you and everyone in the castle. Everything's disruptive. I've tried to stay to myself but I even messed that up when I tried that during your Inaugeration party," she held her head frustrated shaking her head and shrugged saying sadly, "You and everyone else is perfect compared to me."
"As Lord of the castle human," Sesshomaru began as he looked out over the river, "It is my duty to keep not only my castle in order. But this western country as well. Do you understand?" he turned to her to confirm his opinion, "The child in the castle and the majority of the servants there has taken a liking to you. If this Sesshomaru should kill you, especially now, the castle would be off balance. And this Sesshomaru would be too irritated about it to run the rest of the country. If I cannot take care of home then I shouldn't run the rest of the country. So the object of running a whole domain is to be sure that everything is within its balance at all times."
"But-"
"I am not finished," Sesshomaru cut her off, "You have caused much trouble for the castle, but at least it is never dull. I do not understand you human. Your ways and everything about you is not easy for me to grasp. Though I hate humans and seek no interest, I do look to you in a way to at least try to understand what it was my father even seen in one, much less enough to mate with. And I do not have to like the answer but understanding it would at least satisfy me."
"Did you ever figure it out?" asked Kagome.
"Keh, with just you I still have no idea," he shrugged turning from her.
"Hey what's that supposed to mean!" Kagome blushed insulted.
Sesshomaru then became dazed watching the river flow as a gentle wind washed over them again, "I suppose that even after a while and with your annoyance you grow used to it. Perhaps that's what's not going to change. And that growing used to it, over time you eventually learn to love it. To fall for a human does not happen over night for a demon. Although you're seeing the results of what my father tried to do to help your kind. Believe you me; he hated humans as much as any other demon did. It's hard to imagine he flipped the pages on every creature in our four domains just that simply." Kagome smiled looking up at him and Sesshomaru turned to her, "What?"
"It sounds like you understand your father's feelings to me," she smiled suspiciously. Sesshomaru turned his head from her blushing. He was blushing? Sesshomaru cursed to his father. "Are you okay, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you embarrassed."
"Do not be stupid I do not get embarrassed," he pouted in denial.
"Excuse my mistake then my Lord," she pretended to gasp out derisively as though she were truly sorry.
"It irritates me that you do that so sarcastically," he mumbled aggravated. Kagome laughed and Sesshomaru closed his eyes patiently continuing, "However even though humans are useless, you are not the case."
"What?" Kagome said confused.
"You being here mattered human. Master Umasue and especially Master Frey stretched everything that you've done throughout the whole war. Including when you stopped it by yourself using the power of the Artimis Bow," he said looking at her.
Kagome gasped blushing turning from him, "So they told you about that huh?"
"Indeed, so it is true," he faintly chuckled ironically, "That disturbs me. You had everything under control. Yet when I asked the status of both villages," his facial expression then became seriously concerned, "you failed to mention that you had done such a thing. I would have never known had they not told me. Why would you hide such a great achievement?"
"I thought you'd get mad," she frowned looking at the grass, "After all I am a human, wouldn't it look bad that your best warriors who are demons couldn't handle something like that and a mere human girl could? I screamed at them without thinking, and disrespected all of them just so that we could avoid a war and it happened anyway. People...demons I mean, still died."
"That was not your fault. You are used to traveling with Inuyasha but I will be frank: traveling with me you will not be able to save everyone. The best thing should be to save as many lives as possible, but it is inevitable, no one can save everyone. That is the first and foremost you need to understand," he said straightforwardly, he then closed his eyes, "Besides, though I never understood why it was I kept you alive back then, at this point now I still need you for purposes that have yet to be carried out."
"But why me?" Kagome asked.
Sesshomaru merely shifted his sleeve to cover his face as though embarrassed to lower his pride in such a manner. He then turned back to her and then looked back out to the site in front of them and in a low voice mumbled only what she could hear, "Because. I do not hate you... as much as I had originally." Kagome was shocked, she couldn't even say anything. "I can trust you from what Master Frey and Master Umasue were trying to stretch to me. Having another strong ally makes me relieved. Therefore, you have my grad-" he then rephrased, "Thank you, Kagome."
Kagome was shocked, that was the first time he ever said her name and frankly, it was out of his character.
"And another thing, though humans are hated here. You should not let it bother you," he said standing up as his bangs covered his facial expression. He then walked off.
"Ah! Wait, Sesshomaru!" Kagome grabbed his right hand trying to stop him.
As a reflex Sesshomaru quickly pulled her off the ground against his chest and looked down at her. Kagome froze; his eyes looked totally different, soft and gentle. Was he vulnerable now? His eyes took her breath away as though she was hypnotized. They both looked into one another's eyes as the wind blew across the field.
"What is it," he asked gently.
Kagome's heart began to race; both of them were entranced into one another as neither of them said anything. Sesshomaru then slowly lowered his head going closer towards her. Kagome panicked; was he going to kiss her?
The full darkness of the moon then appeared into the sky and Sesshomaru froze, feeling a pulse go throughout his body as he began to shudder. Quickly he threw Kagome over at the ground and tried to move far away from her falling on the ground.
"What the-?" Kagome said confused. "Sesshomaru are you okay!"
Sesshomaru began to growl, his eyes turning jet red, his claws extending. Damn, it was too late. He totally forgot about the New Black Moon. Kagome tried to run over to him and Sesshomaru turned to her growling at her in warning.
"Don't come near me!" he snarled panicked.
Kagome quickly stepped back startled. She remembered him looking a bit like that to some extent but this time she could tell it was worse. Much worse. The crescent moon was fully blue and his eyes were red with green-blushish pupils. And he had the red marks across the cheek bones of his face. Sesshomaru began to scream in pain breathing hard.
"Sesshomaru!" cried Kagome trying to run towards him.
"STAY BACK I SAID!" he screamed signaling her to back up by placing his hand out to block her away from him. Kagome immediately stopped. He began breathing faster, "Leave. Get out of here and run before I kill you."
"What's happening to you?" asked Kagome.
"I don't have time to explain that. Tell Nardisia and the others I'll be gone for a long while. Address the leaders my apologies and leave. I will not be returning to the castle until later," he said in a more forceful growl voice.
"But Sesshomaru-" pleaded Kagome.
"I'll be fine," he said simply. He then jumped off running as far as his legs could take him before his hormones completely took over him turning into a beast.
"What's happened to him?" Kagome asked worriedly. She then thought about when he almost kissed her and she blushed. Why? Why didn't she try to stop him? Did she want him to? But then, the curse mark shocked her. Kagome immediately touched it but it was fine.
She then ran back to the camp fire to see Nardisa and the others laughing hitting it off with Ami, Amu, Topais, and Coryn.
"There you are, it's about time you joined the party," said Nardisia.
"You guys this is bad, something's wrong with Sesshomaru!" panicked Kagome.
"What do you mean something's wrong!" panicked Arielle as she and Nardisia stood up.
"Where is he?" asked Makato.
Kagome then cried, "I don't know he ran off somewhere! I couldn't do anything. He said if I got closer to him he'd kill me and ran off."
"What? Why would he say such a thing," asked Amu.
"Kagome calm down," reasoned Makato coolly, "Tell me what happened exactly."
"We were together for a moment and then something went wrong. His eyes went red and his crescent on his forehead was fully blue. His voice got all husky like he was possessed or something I don't know," Kagome panicked.
Makato panicked and looked up at the sky to see the full black moon. "Shit," mumbled Makato.
"Makato what's wrong?" panicked Nardisa.
"What's wrong with Lord Sesshomaru!" asked Arielle just as concerned.
"Shut up hold on," panicked Makato. She then touched her mind trying to locate him telepathically and cursed, "He's long gone." She then turned to Kagome checking her head and body, "Are you alright?"
"What are you doing all of this for what are you talking about?" Kagome said confused.
"Girls, it's as we've feared it's that time," panicked Makato turning to Nardisia and Arielle.
"What do you mean?" asked Arielle still a bit lost.
"Look at the moon damn it!" Makato said pointing at it behind them.
Arielle and Nardisia both turned to it and immediately, their eyes expanded in shock panicking.
"Oh my gosh," Nardisia said unable to believe it.
"Kagome I'm surprised you're okay he must have really been holding back," Arielle said going towards her combing through her hair. "Are you alright?
"Would you all just stop it," Kagome pulled away from her looking at them all like they had gone crazy, "What's going on and where is Sesshomaru? He said he won't be back for a long while what does that mean?" Kagome panicked.
Makato sighed, "What else did he say."
"Does that matter, we have to do something!" Kagome said alarmed.
"Kagome please!" Makato begged closing her eyes, "What else did he say?"
Kagome looked at her shaking and gave in. "He wants us to go without him. That he'll meet us later."
"Of course he will," sighed Nardisia rubbing her head frustrated.
"We have to help him!" argued Kagome.
"We can't," sighed Arielle.
"What?" Kagome said shocked.
"She's right," said Nardisia. "We can't help him it's totally out of our hands."
"So we're just gonna let him go!" screamed Kagome.
"That's smart since there's nothing we can do and no one wants to be a victim," said Makato sternly.
"You're all too calm about this. Don't tell me, don't tell me this has happened before?" asked Kagome.
Makato and the others nodded, "Kagome he'll be fine but if you or any of us go after him we will not. Especially you; you could die."
"Makato what should we do?" asked Arielle.
"We'll leave in the morning first thing. Lord Sesshomaru had a special 'emergency' case. It would be ill-suited if all of us just left unannounced," said Makato.
"Even though he's like that you're still going to be able to sleep?" Kagome questioned in shock.
"Kagome please, I know how it sounds right now. You absolutely don't know anything at this point. I swear, but please trust us. We will tell you. But not right now," pleaded Makato.
"When?" begged Kagome. "I'm surrounded by nothing but secrets and it keeps coming in my face all the time when are you going to tell me I'm a big girl now what is it? At least if I know I'd feel better!"
Nardisia's bangs covered her eyes and she smiled resentfully, "Is that what you think?"
"Nardisia calm down, you shouldn't tell her. It'll worry her even more," said Makato.
"Tell her," argued Nardisia.
Makato looked at Kagome and back at Amu and the others. "Please excuse us," she said grabbing Kagome's hand walking out with Arielle and Nardisia following behind her.
"I hope everything works out," said Coryn concerned.
"Yeah, especially for their lord," agreed Ami.
"Huh," thought Topais aloud biting an apple. "Hey Coryn,"
"Hm?" he replied.
"Are you thinking the issue is what I think it is" said Topais examining his apple nonchalantly.
"Yeah. Perhaps that's why Lord Umasue wanted to do that after party, I was wondering why when they appeared his scent was off."
"Oh so you guys know already, care to share," asked Amu curiously.
"No way, it's a dog demon thing," said Coryn leaning up against a tree.
"Sorry guys. It's a S-E-C-R-E-T," said Topais who took a bigger bite into his apple.
"How cruel," whined Ami.
"Yeah," agreed Amu.
MAKATO pulled Kagome to an opening inside of the forest and sighed as Kagome waited. Naridisia and Arielle standing next to her. Though Kagome wanted to know, with how serious the situation was, she had to admit: she was scared.
Makato turned to her, "Are you familiar with the biology of humans and dogs and what not?".
"Yeah why?" asked Kagome hesitantly.
"Nardisia you do that part," said Makato.
"Fine. Okay here's the thing," Nardisia began, "A long time ago, before dogs diverged into demons, wolves, foxes, domesticated animals, anything, there was an original ancestor."
"Are we talking evolution here?" asked Kagome.
"What's that?" asked Nardisia.
Kagome blushed forgetting she was from the future, they didn't know about Darwin and evolution yet. "Never mind, ignore me keep going."
"Anyways, there was an original ancestor before there was a split in different species. One day the dog had been suffering from loneliness and found a female human. She was a princess, but she was an evil princess. A witch per say. The dog fell in love with her beauty and followed her everywhere. The dog became one to protect the evil princess. One day though, the dog saw her bathe and couldn't help himself. He threw himself at her and raped her until he was satisfied. The evil princess was disgusted, angry even. So she killed the dog and she felt she was made a fool out of. Because of this, she cursed all dogs around the world that they would suffer from their thoughts and foulness of desecrating her, what she wants to call 'innocence.' The whole dog line was placed under a curse to experience a period of time where they would go crazy and suffer for their untamed hormones that it would even almost drive them insane. That period is called: Heat."
Kagome gave them questioning looks, "Heat? Are you joking?"
"We are not," said Arielle firmly. "Every demon diverged from a dog that's full blooded has that enigma. It happens to all of them. But the periods of when they have heat and how often does depend."
"So what does this mean for Sesshomaru?" asked Kagome.
"To be frank, what happened with Lord Sesshomaru was his process of going into "heat". This usually happens to him around certain periods when there's a black new moon," explained Makato pointing at the sky.
Kagome looked up and gasped, and then she remembered it all. She really was in danger back when they were in the cave, and she was ignorant not to even know it.
Flashback:
"Don't come near me!" he panicked huskily raising his right arm to push away, this action totally startled her into a freezing stop. He then smiled evilly, "You don't even know the danger. Just stay put until I decide what I need to do," he said turning from her as his bangs concealed his facial expression.
Kagome looked at him confused, "Danger? Need to do?"
Sessomaru said nothing and Kagome only grew a bit upset. Maybe she shouldn't have touched his hair and he was picky about it.
"Keh," he grumbled. But the remark only pissed Kagome off even more; the pride was really killing his character. "Answer me this human." Kagome looked at him to notice a strange foreboding and corrupted smile, "Why is it that you went to such lengths to undress me."
Kagome blushed; "I know how it looks but I swear it wasn't like that!"
Her curse mark then electrocuted her and he chuckled, "It seems you're being untruthful. You're making it hard to convince otherwise." He looked up at her and his bangs covered half of his showing off a dark expression across his face.
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, you were unconscious and you didn't look like you were breathing so I was trying to see if you were breathing and...and..." She blushed.
"You placed your head on my chest to check my heart rate...how sweet. So...human of you," he chuckled with hidden intension. "And innocent..." He nipped a bite against one of his knuckles and moved his tongue deliciously around his fangs to Kagome's oblivion.
"The intention was innocent from the beginning!" she screamed blushing.
"I see," he smiled shooting a studied look at her and then closed his eyes turning his head away, "Tell me human, what color were my eyes just now?"
"They were completely red a few moments ago. Are you sure you're going to be alright?" Kagome asked concerned. But somehow, her instincts for some reason were telling her to run. And suddenly she felt uncomfortable, somehow…unsafe. A rise in tension that was so thick she could hardly breathe as fear crept across her back somehow.
"You're asking the wrong person that question," he said simply trying to control his breathing.
"What do you mean?" Kagome said hesitantly.
FLASHBACK OVER
"I was so unaware," Kagome stuttered falling to the ground, "I didn't know."
"Of course not. He's usually gone for up to about two weeks. The Sesshomaru you know is now gone. He's just a sex addict beast at this point. He's not thinking with his mind anymore but with what he needs. He tends to be really rough to. I can smell your innocence, and with how rough from what I can understand dog demons can be during that period of time, you wouldn't survive it," said Makato.
"I think," said Kagome, "he really wanted to protect me."
"Huh?" the girls said confused.
"He had signs," she said darkly crying, "Last night I seen them. I didn't know what it was but though I wanted to help him. For some reason, I had an animal sense to just run. That I was endangered and I didn't even know why. And because I wouldn't run. He ran away from me instead."
"Kagome," called Makato. "Lord Sesshomaru is headed to a place not too far from the castle but far enough away."
"Huh? Will I still be able to-"
"No!" Arielle cut in sternly.
"She's right, you mustn't go there I can't stretch that enough," said Makato. "He's there probably by now and he's gonna be there for a while until he can return and it's out of his system. When the Lord was younger I was told by another servant that served under King InuTaisho that in his first experience of heat he would rape many of his servants for years. I don't think Lord Sesshomaru wants to admit it, because he's putting up the pride of not wanting to let anything control what he does, but I think he really felt bad about it after a while. And to protect us he decided being away from the castle would be better."
"And if you seen his eyes like that last night, then perhaps his behavior were signs of him coming into his heat cycle," said Nardisia.
"We'd just have to be careful for next time since we're so new at this. Play it by ear," suggested Arielle.
All but Kagome nodded. She was completely sad. Perhaps all that stuff he said earlier he didn't mean. And the fact that he held her in the cave and that he nearly kissed her. Were they affects of him being in heat? It shouldn't matter, she should be relieved that that's the case and it wasn't anything real. The act of his real feelings. But why, why does thinking that way not relieve her? Why, did it bother her so much?
Although Makato read her mind, she didn't respond to it and walked over to her putting her arm around her. "I'm sorry Kagome. We should have told you."
"So when would you have!" she snapped shooting up. Makato quickly jumped away from her. "Did it have to take me becoming a victim instead of nearly becoming one for you to tell me?" Tears came from her eyes. "And now he has to suffer and there's nothing anyone can do."
"Come on Kagome cheer up," encouraged Arielle.
"He'll be back. And trust me, he'll go back to being the old Lord Sesshomaru we all know and love or your money back guaranteed," winked Nardisia.
"Don't lie, he's always irritated about it for the first couple days and then he laxes out of it later," said Arielle.
"True," chuckled Nardisia nervously scratching her head.
"Are you sure he'll be okay like that alone," asked Kagome concerned.
"He's managed before we got you," smiled Makato in reassurance. "Please don't concern yourself. He's Lord Sesshomaru come on."
Kagome laughed, "I guess you have point," she said wiping her tears. "I just want him to be okay." Makato looked at her and Kagome returned it with an expression of confusion. Kagome then looked around to see Nardisia and Arielle giving her the same look. "What?"
"You're so different now," said Makato impressed.
"Wha—what do you mean," asked Kagome nervously.
"When it comes down to Lord Sesshomaru. It's none of our business but, did something happen prior to this?" asked Nardisia.
Kagome blushed panicking as the nearly kiss crossed her mind, "No! You got it all wrong; I think you're totally overanalyzing the whole situation here!"
"Makato?" smiled Nardisia craftily.
Makato smiled, "I'm not gonna do it."
"What!" Arielle complained.
Kagome looked at her impressed. "You're no fun," complained Nardisia.
"If it did it's none of our business. Besides we really might be over analyzing the situation," she said winking at Kagome. Kagome growled to herself, Makato had read her mind for herself. She then smiled, oh well as long as no one else knew it'd be fine. "Come on everyone, let's go to bed."
They all went back to the forest and Kagome frowned looking at the black moon. "What irony how connected Inuyasha and Sesshomaru are. The white new moon forces Inuyasha to become a human for a night. And a black new moon forces Sesshomaru to be in a crazed 'heat'. How strange." She then walked off and they all took shelter going to bed.
BACK AT Sesshomaru's castle, Aridon sat in her bed looking at the dark moon smiling. "Don't worry Lord Sesshomaru. All of your pains...all of your needs. I will fulfill them to the utmost," she then laughed getting out of her bed. She then opened her room window and escaped.
When Symphony walked past the room she gasped, "What the-?"
Geisha and Chuzunna then walked up behind her. "Hey what's wrong?" asked Geisha. They then looked inside and gasped.
"Shit! Aridon's gone!" panicked Chuzunna.
"She was just here not too long ago when you and I checked on her Chuzunna!" panicked Geisha.
"Quick, someone informs Master Jaken, now!" ordered Symphony. "This is really bad, after that vision I had, I don't like it one bit!"
Geisha and Chuzunna nodded and quickly ran off as Symphony went into the room opening the window to look outside but found nothing. She then jumped on the roof to look around but still found nothing.
"I don't like this. She wouldn't just leave the castle. I doubt she'd give up on Lord Sesshomaru like that as much hell as she's gotten from him worse than this," she said thinking aloud. "Kagome," she mumbled worriedly.
Geisha quickly ran into Gininji's office out of breath. Gininji turned to her alarm and walked over to her, "Geisha what's wrong?"
"There's trouble: Aridon, she's gone," she said.
Gininji then became stern and looked outside to see the dark new moon. "This isn't good. If we don't find her, Kagome will die. Have the others returned yet?" asked Gininji.
"No my Lord I'm afraid not. Chuzunna's going to inform Master Jaken now. We don't know how long she's been missing but she's gone my Lord," said Geninji.
"Inform the servants, find her," ordered Geninji.
"Yes Lord Geninji!" bowed Geisha running off pulling out her weapons.
"WHAT?" panicked Jaken in shock, he then fainted.
"Hey you stupid toad get up!" exclaimed Chuzunna angrily shaking him to snap him out of it.
"I can't believe Aridon escaped again. Lord Sesshomaru will surely kill me!" he dreaded.
"That's why you need to help us find her so you can save your own ass, let's go!" said Chuzunna.
"Fine," Jaken said snapping out of it fixing his collar. "Inform every servant and guard, this instant, finding Aridon is the top priority!"
Chuzunna nodded and ran off. From the outside of the window Aridon smiled and turned away escaping into the direction of the dark storm clouds heading their way.
"I will take back what was originally mine in the first place. And Kagome, tonight she will die. And I-I will be victorious. It will be a glorious anniversary for us, right my Lord?" she grinned evilly running towards the direction of the tower.
THE NEXT MORNING then passed as Makato, and behind her, Kagome, Ah-Un, Nardisia, and Arielle all bowed to Frey and Umasue and their tribe members.
"Please excuse our Lord in his absence. Things have sadly come up and was out of his control so he had to take an emergency leave," apologized Makato.
"That is not an issue right now at this point my dear girl, I am well aware from what my subordinates Coryn and Topais have told me," said Umasue, "I invited him knowing such was the case, his scent told it all. However he did not accept it. To be honest I thought he had a secret relationship with this human and she was only used for such a purpose."
"Hey!" Kagome barked insulted.
"Not in that way human please forgive me, I only meant that I thought you were his lover-mate," he bowed.
"Lover-mate? Isn't that like the same thing?" Kagome said confused.
"Well, just so that you're aware, here it isn't," said Nardisia.
"Yeah, when you're only used as a sex toy, you're considered more so a lover. A mate is more commitment. It's what you humans would call marriage pretty much. A lover-mate means that there's interest between the two and one or the party isn't necessarily ready to commit so they love one another, and continue sexual activity, they just haven't necessarily mated with one another yet. But being a lover-mate has quiet a status, it's almost like the human fiancé thing a bit but not quite you see?" explained Arielle.
"Not really but it's its enough to keep up. It's definitely kind of confusing," mumbled Kagome, she then blushed, "but no Master Umasue that isn't our relationship at all."
"Even still young lad, good luck with everything. I wish for your Lord's safe return," said Frey.
"Thank you all so very much. You've treated us so kindly. And we hope both your loved ones rest in peace," said Makato bowing.
"Yes, please give our greetings to Lord Sesshomaru for us when he returns," said Umasue.
They all waved and Kagome got on Ah-Un as Makato, Arielle, and Nardisia then flew off flying into the air. Flying back was quiet and awkward, no one said anything. Kagome on Ah-Un was lingering behind. She was still really sad.
"Sesshomaru," she thought worriedly. She then remembered his face and how cool and complacent he was, then compared it to the possessed expression he had of struggling to be taken over by his heat before he left her.
Makato and the others frowned.
"Will she be okay?" asked Arielle in a whisper.
"You can tell she's really worried about our Lord," whispered Nardisia compassionately.
"This is good, however there's still nothing we can do about it," said Makato.
"What part of this situation is good exactly," said Nardisia confused. She quickly looked back at Kagome but she was too deep in her own world and wasn't paying any attention.
"Well think about it. If she's really worrying about Lord Sesshomaru that means she cares a lot about him right? It'll be our luck if she starts to fall in love with him," said Makato, "As far as I'm concerned she needs this period."
"Yeah I know, and then the curse is broken which I have no problems with. But it won't matter if Lord Sesshomaru is continuing to be this stubborn. It's like he's fighting not to love her, it makes everything that much harder," said Arielle lowly in distress.
"That is true. But she has to mean something if she was in danger twice before during his heat cycle and he spared her enough for her to come out of it alright without scratches. Had it been either of us we wouldn't have survived," said Makato.
"Scary but true," admitted Nardisia shuddering.
"I guess either one of them beginning to give in to one another is better than neither," sighed Arielle.
"She has feelings for him anyway that's she's disregarding as unimportant. But I just think like Lord Sesshomaru she's not trying to accept it," said Makato.
"Is this really okay though," asked Nardisia, "What about Inuyasha. She does still seem to think about him."
"Well he's dead and he died a tragic death. Only time will heal with that," said Arielle.
"Unless he comes back to life," mumbled Nardisia sarcastically.
"That's not even funny don't jinx it!" snapped Makato.
"Geese sorry just joking. As if it'd really happen," ridiculed Nardisia nervously.
"Besides look at Kagome, I really think that's the last thing she needs right now," mumbled Makato sadly.
They all then looked back at her and Makato beckoned them to follow her back. They all slowed down matching Kagome's pace and she looked over at all of them.
"Don't worry Kagome it'll be alright," reassured Makato.
"So don't worry your pretty little face off," smiled Arielle.
"I just wonder," mumbled Kagome depressed.
"Huh?" the girls said in unison.
Kagome didn't say anything for a moment and looked into the sky. "I wonder if Sesshomaru's really changed or if he's always been like this? Because if he had, I only wonder why he and Inuyasha never got along. They have so much in common including the phases of the new moon."
"Master Inuyasha gets like this too?" asked Nardisia.
"Not in 'heat' no. And not the new moon when it's black. But the new moon when it is completely white. He'd turn completely human. Just dealing with this again but instead with his brother though, is still kind of deja vu for me. Even if the phases of the new moon are the only thing that's different," frowned Kagome.
"That's right, half demons do have a period when they turn into humans, and his was the light of the new moon," recalled Arielle.
Kagome sighed lying on Ah-Un's neck, "I don't really know anything when I should have. I think before this whole thing Sesshomaru and I was talking about the dark side of the moon and he was asking me strange things but I didn't really catch it."
"What? He tried to tell you something that personal himself?" Nardisia said shocked.
"I suppose. I don't know what's wrong with him he won't talk to me straight he always has to say what he means in a riddle. I don't know whether to take it as his pride because I'm human and he's a royal class demon or if he's really shy and protective when it comes to his emotions," smiled Kagome faintly.
Makato smiled, "Maybe it's both."
Kagome returned her outlook, "He's so difficult, maybe it is both." Kagome then flinched holding her neck as her mark began to spark a bit.
"Careful Kagome," said Arielle concerned trying to steer her body up to stop from falling.
"Geese, even if I worry about him just a little? This curse mark is strict," complained Kagome holding her neck.
"Kagome are you alright?" asked Nardisia.
"I don't know. My heart's beating kind of fast. I really don't feel well," said Kagome nauseated.
"Just continue to lay on Ah-Un and when we return to the castle you can rest," said Arielle.
Kagome began to get sleepy and sweat, Makato flinched. "I don't like this something's wrong," Makato said alarmed.
"Yeah no need to tell us, she looks a bit purple and her skin is pale," said Nardisia approaching her closer.
Her curse mark began to spark again and Makato's face turned stern, "Aridon's doing something. God knows I don't want to know what but it's affecting Kagome too."
"So she is alive," said Nardisia, "I don't like this Makato I don't care if it is your sister. You remember the vision Symphony had."
"I know, I know," stressed Makato rubbing her head frustrated.
"We have to hurry to the castle we're still a ways off from it. Even for Makato to telepathically contact anyone at the castle," said Arielle.
They began to speed up checking on Kagome every once in a while. Kagome was half asleep as she began breathing hard. "Why? Why does this feel so foreboding? Something's wrong; I mean really wrong. I don't know what it is but I'm really scared right now." Kagome shut her eyes tighter, "Sesshomaru, I wish you could save me since Inuyasha can't anymore."
Immediately, an electric wave from the curse mark went only through her, unaffecting Ah-Un. Makato and the others quickly turned around alarmed as Kagome fell off, steam emitting from her body.
"Kagome!" the girls exclaimed in unison. All of them, including Ah-Un, quickly shot down after her.
"What the hell is going on!" cursed Nardisia panicked.
Ah-Un quickly sped past them quickly retrieving Kagome by catching her with his back. They all flew over to her.
"Kagome are you alright!" Makato called alarmed. But Kagome was now unconscious.
"Symphony's vision must be happening. Whatever Aridon's doing-" said Arielle.
"It's ultimately slowly but surely killing Kagome," Nardisia finished.
"We don't have time for this, everyone we're stretching our wings. We have to quickly get back to the castle; it wouldn't be to my surprise if Aridon's missing. She wouldn't do this knowing there'd be creatures so close by to stop her," said Makato.
"You know your sister better than us but I do agree," said Arielle.
They all nodded agreeing and shot off with greater speed than they had originally.
"I wonder what's causing the curse mark to act like this. There's only few conditions to it for it to act this way isn't it?" asked Nardisia.
"Well it's my sister so who knows. We don't even know the extent of Kagome's curse mark. We just found out recently she could control it to hurt her at will when her mark went to level two remember?" said Makato.
"Your sister is being difficult with Kagome, I think the curse mark reacts only if she starts to feel any kind of attraction to Lord Sesshomaru," said Arielle.
"Maybe, but who knows if there's more to it than just that," Makato said with fear. "When she came from those shrines and while our castle attacked. She told us that King InuTaisho's prophecy would never come true. Whatever that means, I'm guessing its affecting what's now. And I don't like it…I don't like it at all."
AT THE DAWN HOURS outside of the castle in a tree sat Taikin smiling, "My, she sure can start an uproar," he then chuckled, "Doesn't matter. Her plan will fail." He then turned around and disappeared.
"What do you mean!" came a familiar squabble from inside the castle that only belonged to Jaken.
"We haven't found her yet," mumbled Chuzunna with an unfortunate tone.
"Please tell me you're looking beyond this castle right!" panicked Jaken.
"Calm down," said Geninji. They were all in the entrance hall, the clouds were b grey and lightening hit as rain began to pour heavily from the sky. "I don't like this. I'm getting a really bad feeling."
Geisha then spoke up, "We're checking outside the castle as we speak and on castle grounds. So far no luck."
"Lord Sesshomaru will kill me if she's headed towards the eastern part of the western lands!" whined Jaken. Symphony then walked in, she was soaked breathing hard.
"I still can't find her. I don't like this; it's starting to look like my vision a bit. It was raining just like this," said Symphony panting.
"Until Lord Sesshomaru and the others return, I don't think we'll be able to stop her vision from happening," said Chuzunna.
"What exactly was your vision, Symphony?" asked Geninji.
"I'm not really sure. I seen Lord Sesshomaru, he was relaxed. And then I saw Aridon torturing Kagome. She was dying, I mean really dying. It was raining, just like this. And then I think she was saved at the last minute, maybe. But all I know was that Aridon was next to Sesshomaru and they were talking to all of us, we were shocked, and Kagome. It was like I was her, she felt so hurt, so betrayed. She ran off and the event of whatever they said, split the castle for how we all thought of him," explained Symphony.
Geninji frowned, "I see. Then Jaken, you may be saved," he said turning around.
"What do you mean?" asked Jaken.
"Because I don't think-" but immediately, Geninji was interrupted with Makato, Ah-Un and the others busting through the door soaking wet. Makato was holding Kagome who was breathing harder, electricity sparking from her curse mark.
"What the hell happened to you guys!" panicked Geisha running over to them.
"And where is Lord Sesshomaru," asked Symphony.
Nardisia looked up at them breathing hard, "He's not coming."
"What?" all but Geninji questioned.
"Just as I thought," Geninji mumbled and sighed with frustration, "Oh dear."
"We're fine but please try to help Kagome," begged Makato.
Chuzunna and Geisha nodded and quickly took her heading off towards her room direction.
"What happened?" asked Symphony.
"That doesn't matter right now," said Nardisia.
"She's right. Please tell me Aridon is here," said Arielle.
Geninji and Symphony gave them sad looks and they gasped.
"She's been missing since last night," Symphony informed.
"Symphony is your vision-!" panicked Nardisia.
"Is so far happening right now? Yes," answered Symphony. "Where is Lord Sesshomaru?"
Makato and the others frowned, "He's in heat right now," Makato replied.
Geninji and Symphony's eyes both expanded.
"Just as I feared," mumbled Geninji.
"I don't like the fact that he's gone God knows where, and Aridon has disappeared along with him," growled Symphony.
Makato and the other girls panicked.
"This may have been how Kagome's gotten sicker and why her curse mark's been acting up," said Arielle.
"This is bad. If Aridon's plan is to take Lord Sesshomaru while he's vulnerable this could be bad for Kagome, even kill her," said Symphony.
"Are you sure?" asked Makato.
"According to my vision it could, and from what you're telling me it all makes sense to me," said Symphony in a serious tone.
"I don't see how," said Nardisia.
"Yeah I thought Kagome's only affected unless Aridon controls it or she gets too many positive feelings towards Lord Sesshomaru," said Arielle.
"Aridon may have done something else, but from the curse mark I've read on Kagome's neck it also causes her to suffer if Sesshomaru is delighted in any way; in other words if Sesshomaru is pleased by Aridon in any small means. As strict as him thinking her hair looks nice in the sun or a good job; Kagome will pay for it," explained Geninji.
Makato and the others gasped.
"Oh my god," Makato said stunned.
"And if she has sex with him while he's in heat and that's what he needs..." Arielle said just as speechless.
"The rise of his ecstasy will kill her!" panicked Nardisia.
Geninji turned to Symphony, "This must have been apart of your vision."
"Yeah I've seen bits and pieces that didn't make sense but after this I'm pretty sure that's what's going on. We have to find and stop them," said Symphony.
"But we don't even know where they are!" panicked Arielle.
It was then they heard echoing all around the castle, a tragic scream of pain and suffering. They all froze and turned to upstairs.
"Kagome!" they all shouted in unison alarmed.
They all ran up the stairs going to the Western Wing where Kagome's room was. When they arrived there they saw Geisha and Chuzuuna unconscious against the wall.
"You guys!" panicked Arielle running to them both.
They both then woke up and turned to them.
"Quickly, what happened?" asked Geninji alarmed.
"Kagome," Geisha said weakly pointing inside, "There's really something wrong with her curse mark. I'm afraid for her."
"Yeah it's like it's killing her, she's being tortured. Be careful going in there," warned Chuzunna.
They then heard Kagome scream again as they ran inside gasping. Kagome squeezed the bed sheets with one hand and hanging on to her chest with the other. She was sweating and breathing hard, and she had scratches and injuries all over her. Her mark was glowing an ominous purple power as she received a large amount of electric jolts from the curse mark, tears streaming from her eyes.
"Shit!" cursed Symphony running over to her. But quickly, the electricity hit her and she was pushed back into the wall.
"Symphony are you alright?" panicked Nardisia running over to her.
"Fine," said Symphony dizzily rubbing her head. Her attention then turned back to Kagome, "this is really bad."
"It wasn't this bad earlier," mumbled Arielle.
"Which means..." thought Nardisia aloud.
"She found him..." Makato said confidently with a serious tone.
Symphony stood up, "I don't need to tell you guys what has to be done. Kagome's only human; I don't know how much more of this she can take. Go!"
Makato, Geninji, Nardisia, and Arielle quickly ran off, only Jaken remaining. Sparks flew off of Kagome as she was trying to breathe. She then got electrocuted again.
Jaken sighed, "Damn Aridon, I just don't understand why this human doesn't kill her to get rid of this curse already. Now Lord Sesshomaru's being taken advantage of."
"Aridon is Makato's sister and Makato and her are close. So I can imagine how much of an uneasy thing that must be for her," said Symphony.
"But even if she dies, Lord Sesshomaru can use the Tensaiga to bring her back," said Jaken.
"That is true. However, I'm still panicked about her dying even once. And besides, if Kagome is the human to break the curse, with Lord Sesshomaru's time limit winding down quickly, who knows if just using the Tensaiga to bring her back to life will even be as simple as him bringing you or I back to life," said Symphony sadly.
"I see," Jaken said looking at Kagome.
"Jaken. Please don't tell Rin about this," she said.
"You don't have to tell me that I'm no fool I know!" he snapped.
"Good," said Symphony.
LIGHTENING and rain continued to ensue as Geninji, Makato, Nardisia and Arielle continued running outside.
"Do we even know where we're going?" asked Arielle.
"Yeah," said Makato. "Every time the Lord is in heat he always goes to the west tower."
"How do you know this?" asked Geninji.
"He told me, he said he didn't want to be too far incase the castle was attacked but he wanted to be far enough where he wouldn't have to be tempted enough to come back in his condition after any of his servants," she replied.
"The West tower isn't terribly far so it's fine," said Nardisia.
"No it isn't," grumbled Makato.
"Uh oh, what is it that's not in our favor now," panicked Arielle.
"Well you see..." said Makato nervously.
REWINDING TIME A BIT BACK TO WHEN THE STORM STARTED: ARIDON AND SESSHOMARU'S POINT OF VIEW
Lightening clashed as it began to rain as Sesshomaru began to approach the west tower. Only Kagome's face in his mind for how scared she was. Deep in his mind, he felt terrible. What was it that she thought of him now? And he couldn't even control his urges. Even now, he was so hot; he pulled of his armor and top kimono breathing heavily. He then screamed in pain for his relief. When he finally reached the West tower door he opened it roughly and slammed the door closed running up to his chamber through the spiral stair case on the top floor. He closed the door which automatically locked and he fell on his knees to the floor.
The room was the same design, dimly lit candles and a single bed that was bolted to the wall and the floor. There were scratch marks all over the room. Sesshomaru dug his nails into the floor as the pain from his erection and needs began to over power him as he screamed. His hair draped the floor as sweat dripped across his body. Then, there was a small chuckle and Sesshomaru froze looking around the room.
"Who's there," he said roughly looking around.
Coming out of the wall in a corner of darkness was Aridon, Sesshomaru's eyes expanded in shock and he growled angrily.
"Get out," he warned coldly.
"Come now my dear Lord, for what you suffer that's not exactly how you talk to someone whose here to help you," she smiled.
"This Sesshomaru would rather suffer from this enigma than take your worthless help!" he growled baring his teeth.
Aridon laughed, "Oh? But that's not what you said before. Don't you remember Lord Sesshomaru? This specific crow moon night was when we first made love with one another. I would call this an anniversary, and it cannot be celebrated without the other guest of honor."
"Stay away from me," he growled, "Of course I remember and I've regretted it ever since. I've told you then and I tell you now, I don't want you and I don't need you!"
He then flinched falling to the ground screaming trying to hold himself down and Aridon walked over to him.
"You make that sound so convincing right now, really," she said sarcastically. "I must admit I had a hard time finding the West Tower. You must have made my sister create the pentagon marry-go round ability. To your fortunace it looks like I figured out where the real one was." Sesshomaru cringed back angrily, "Look at you Lord Sesshomaru. You look pathetic right now. It amazes me you can even talk like this, that you can think to an extent when you're like this. But it's too bad it wasn't like this before when I did reject," she stated darkly, her bangs covering her face. She then raised her head smiling optimistically, "Not that I regret it love."
Sesshomaru scooted back from her trying hard to breathe fighting his sexual urges. He cursed to himself; this was her plan all along. And he just couldn't let her succeed to take advantage of him. He had to fight harder before he lost all control.
"Leave me be," he warned huskily shuddering.
"Now surely I know you don't mean that. You can't scare me off Lord Sesshomaru. You must remember I've seen you at your scary points and dealt with you on your heat cycle before. Nothing you say will convince me to leave, will convince me from having you, will convince me that you don't need me, and when you do have me, what'll be so becoming is that because of your predicament you're gonna like it and want more of it. Even well from here I can see your erection crying out to be relieved. And though I never thought I'd see it but it turns me on even more, I can tell through the back of your eyes how scared you are," she smiled craftily touching his shoulder.
Sesshomaru flinched, "You bitch," he snarled angrily releasing himself from her hold.
"What caused you to change Lord Sesshomaru, hm?" smiled Aridon as she slit her kimono open to show over her nicely shaped navel and parts of her nicely B shaped round breast. The rest of her nice thick thighs and the rest of her bottom half visible. Sesshomaru began to pant harder turning his head away, his body shuddering uncontrollably, his bangs covering his face as he felt his erection comb so powerfully he thought it would burst through his hakama. He was completely pissed at how much control this heat had over him, and because of that, how much control Aridon had gained. But none the less he didn't answer her question. Aridon just shrugged, "Don't tell me that it's for that human's sake."
Sesshomaru said nothing for a moment and then responded brutally, "This Sesshomaru has not changed, and if what you see is a change then it is because he chooses so, nothing can influence his decisions." He then weakly stood up; his only hope was to try to escape before he gave in to his instincts that he couldn't help control.
Aridon chuckled, "Tell me anything. You Lord Sesshomaru are on a completely different level. You can tell if you smell her scent that she is inexperienced. There is no way someone like that can even hope to satisfy the needs you crave for," she then pushed him to the wall trying to stop him from escaping and whispered seductively in his ear, almost desparate under an evil smile, "Let me satisfy you."
Sesshomaru quickly pushed her away from him trying to get to the door but Aridon quickly arrived there first kicking him. Though she missed he jumped back keeping him inside the room. Sesshomaru cursed to himself. What was he going to do?
Aridon laughed pulling her kimono down to her shoulders to show them off making Sesshomaru's body pulse. "It's really not healthy for you to deny what your body needs, you could get sick. And you've denied it for so many years my Lord while you were in this position. You want me, it doesn't matter that you don't want me but your body does. And you will have me, and when you remember what I was like, then you will come to love me."
Sesshomaru smiled, "I am not a person that loves." He then froze, immediately when he said that Kagome's face popped into his mind. Why? Why was he thinking about her right now of all times and when he said that? He can't love, can he?
Aridon smiled and mumbled, "Well while you're trying to figure it out."
Quickly while Sesshomaru was distracted in his own thoughts Aridon pushed him back to the wall and before he could resist she kissed him deeply. Her gentle hands lightly caressed his lower abs up to his chest as she extended her tongue deeper into his mouth. Sesshomaru quickly grabbed her hand squeezing it, his body shuddering. She then pulled off the rest of her kimono pushing her chest up to his. Sesshomaru's body melted as he gave in, letting her hand go and used that same hand to cup her breast kissing her back. The angry growl he once had from the kiss now becoming moans of relief and satisfaction.
Aridon combed her fingers through his locks with one hand and continued caressing his stomach as they kissed one another wildly battling for dominance. Sesshomaru's breathing began quicken as he released himself from her lips and went down to sucking on her neck. Aridon moaned gently and moved her hand down lower to the prize she sought as she smiled with victory.
"I win, human," she thought cockily.
Sesshomaru growled lowly as Aridon made it pass his kimono pants and began stroking him. He moaned deeply, and his body shuddered dangerously. Aridon smiled and got down to her knees massaging his tip a bit. She then pulled her tongue out licking the very tip of it. Sesshomaru gasped as cum immediately escaped from him erupting to her face. Aridon chuckled and then put the whole thing in her mouth as he howled in relief. Aggressively he grabbed her head pushing her towards him to force her to swallow the whole thing. And Aridon without complaint obliged as he moaned deeply breathing harshly. Aridon moaned just as deeply taking his whole size going faster. She then stopped and came up kissing him deeper than earlier.
Sesshomaru then pushed her onto the bed fondling her breast. His hair draped around her body as he released from her kiss suckling hard on her nipples. Aridon moaned lightly as he nicked them a bit with his fangs. Aridon placed her hand through his perfect locks as he caressed the rest of her body down to her inner thigh. While sucking her breast he then smiled going to the next one. Aridon then moaned deeply moving around as Sesshomaru placed two of his fingers inside of her pulling in and out.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" she moaned.
He lightly bit her nipples continuing and went between her breasts licking her down from her in between her mid breasts going towards her stomach, one of his hands still grasping her breast. Aridon went crazy as he came down her body going down to her inner thigh as his fingers continued to pump inside her. He then used his tongue to lightly flick her clit and she gasped harder. He then placed his whole mouth over it sucking it. Both of them moaned in unison, Aridon already near her climax as Sesshomaru went faster. Finally, without being able to take it anymore, he pulled out his fingers and roughly pushed himself inside. Both of them moaned in relief as Sesshomaru began to drive into her harshly and fast, his whole body pulsing and shaking being overtaken by nothing but pleasure...
BACK AT THE CASTLE WHILE THIS IS NOW GOING ON
"AAAH!" Kagome screamed out in shear pain that electricity jumped off inside of the room. The room was practically destroyed by the electricity fired off in the room. Even the glass windows in the room were now destroyed. Symphony and Jaken were merely outside trying to use their arms to block as much as they can.
"Damn it what are Makato and the other's doing!" cussed Symphony.
"Yeah, at this point the human will die. And maybe even destroy this castle!" panicked Jaken.
"We have to do something, it doesn't look like this is gonna stop anytime soon!" panicked Symphony.
"Are you sure your vision said she lived because if that's the case, Lord Geninji and the other servants are gonna be really cutting it close!" complained Jaken.
"Shut up I know that! I just see what happens not how okay," Symphony then began to cry. "We really can't do anything can we," Symphony mumbled hopeless.
"AAAAHHHH!" Kagome's yell of pain struggling to hang on to life. Kagome then thought in the mist of her suffering, "No. I can't die yet. I can't let Aridon kill me like this. But there's nothing I can do. What can I do!"
Tears began to flow out of her eyes as she nonstop continued to get electrocuted. Geisha and Chuzunna then came by and watched in shock themselves.
"What's Aridon doing to her!" panicked Geisha.
"Right now," said Symphony standing up. "She's doing what she wants to her."
"If this keeps going though your vision will come true!" panicked Chuzunna.
Symphony then cried, "I know that. The only ones we can count on at this point are Makato, Lord Geninji and the others."
"Quick, where's Rin!" panicked Jaken.
Geisha frowned, "I had thought about it and didn't want to go above the Lord's rule. But I told her that Aridon was missing and for her and a few other servants to check the village outside of the castle."
"Are you crazy, thanks to you three people broke the rules of the castle that Lord Sesshomaru said NOT to do!" snapped Jaken.
"Who's going to tell," warned Chuzunna threateningly. Jaken then calmed down, "I certainly will not. Lord Sesshomaru will be gone for a few weeks and he will not know."
Jaken then calmed down and nodded turning back to the ever suffering Kagome. "This is a tragedy; she's fighting for her life in there. I can understand why you did it. Rin wouldn't be able to handle her suffering like this. We barely can," said Geisha sadly.
"Yeah. It's really hard to watch," agreed Geisha.
"What are Makato and the others doing right now, they need to hurry. Please," begged Symphony crying.
"SAY WHAT!" Nardisa, Geninji, and Arielle said in unison unable to believe it.
"Is that why we've been going into 3 out of the 5 different West towers that were fake?" asked Arielle.
"We're loosing time, Kagome's probably dying right now!" panicked Nardisia.
"Be quiet. Don't you think I know that by now?" Makato said frustrated. "I didn't think this would happen but Lord Sesshomaru ordered me to do it. What was I supposed to do?"
"Just explain to us what exactly you did and its purpose. Why are there five different west towers," asked Geninji.
"The move I used is called the 'Pentagon Merry-Go Round.' I don't know why Lord Sesshomaru wanted me to use it. He said that he's been paranoid that one of the servants may find him incase someone had a bad sense of direction when cleaning the buildings outside of the castle. So he ordered me to recopy and create 4 more of the west towers. Sesshomaru could be in the real west tower while the rest were fakes. To up security about it even more every time there was a black new moon, rather it would be around the time Lord Sesshomaru was in heat or not, the towers would all switch positions," explained Makato.
"I see," mumbled Geninji.
"Man, your sister is a beast. Out of the five towers that were fakes she still managed to find Lord Sesshomaru? She's quite tenacious, I have to admit I'm a bit intimidated," said Nardisia.
"Don't be," responded Makato sternly, her bangs covering her face. "Don't forget that Aridon is my twin sister. She's very familiar with my powers; I know the tricks to her abilities as she does mine."
"In other words she might have gotten the first tower wrong but once she realized it was a fake, she automatically knew you were involved and managed to find the real one," said Arielle.
"Pretty much," she replied her eyes then turned red, she was filled with so much anger.
"We have to hurry and hope that this next tower is the one we're looking for. If it isn't Kagome will die. We can't hope; we have to be realistic, obviously by now they're going at it by now. This is our last chance, if it's not it, Kagome is good as dead," said Geninji sternly.
"Yeah we know," growled Nardisia, "We don't like it but this is realistic. What are we going to do when we get there even when we do find them?"
"Aridon is mine," Makato said undoubted, her eyes turning redder.
"I think I'll be able to handle Sesshomaru just fine own my own. But Arielle I may need you to reason with him. Your voice is gentle enough and I'm pretty sure if you explain to him what he's been doing his senses may temporarily overpower his 'heat' condition," said Geninji.
Arielle blushed, "Then leave the rest to me."
"Sweet that means I get to help Makato kick Aridon's ass!" cheered Nardisia excitedly.
"Please," Makato said darkly, "I can handle her myself. Do not get in my way."
Nardisia looked at Makato's death look and her face became stern as they continued forward as she then responded, "I will not allow you to kill Aridon and Kagome's life is already endangered. You could kill Kagome too Makato if you get mad enough to let the situation take over you like this. I will not stop you, but if you go too out of place where she is dying and Kagome is already weak, expect me to interfer," said Nardisia unmoving.
"Fine, have it your way," Makato resentfully agreed. Makato then froze sniffing the air. "Here we go guys this is the right tower I found their scent."
"Yeah me too," said Geninji.
Everyone nodded going deeper into the forest as loud echoes of moans and screams erupted throughout the area.
Makato flinched and Nardisia growled angrily, "She's gonna pay for this! Aridon's going to pay for trying to take advantage of our Lord while in his most vulnerable position."
Everyone then increased in speed to the point where they were flying at high speed. Before they knew it the tower was in front of them and Geninji quickly got in front of them pulling out his sword prepared to break the down the doors as they soon approached the tower ready to attack.
KAGOME continued to scream in pain from the bolting electricity of the curse mark. Even the mark itself was beginning to turn purple from the over exertion. The tears that Kagome had once shed was completely dry from being fried from the electricity. But no longer, no longer could she really feel the pain anymore. It was all numb, and her vision, her whole consciousness began to blur out. She couldn't believe it; her mistake of letting Aridon go was finally coming back on her. This was it; she was really going to die. She was going to die and there was nothing she could do about it. What would happen to Rin after this? Who would care for her?
Inuyasha! Inuyasha! Is whose name she wanted to call out. But she knew that he would not come. And because Sesshomaru was suffering just as well, she knew that he would no longer come either. The whole irony of it all seemed funny to her. Three months ago she wouldn't have cared and would have easily let Sesshomaru killed her when he wanted to. But now, this time it was different. She wanted to live now more than anything, and it broke her heart that she couldn't. Aridon had won, if she could cry more from hopelessness she would, but the electricity was all too powerful. She couldn't believe that she was going to die like this, and she knew she would die this time because she felt the life force leaving from her.
Immediately, the electricity around her stopped, and slowly Kagome fell back into her bed, one last tear falling from her eyes, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Sesshomaru. I tried." She then heavily fell on her bed and Symphony and the others gasped.
"Kagome!" they all cried running into the room.
"What happened?" panicked Jaken.
"Kagome!" cried Geisha.
"I don't know what's going on. Either Lord Sesshomaru stopped his acts on his own or Lord Geninji, Makato, and the others found them instead," said Symphony. She tried to approach Kagome but a shock immediately sparked at her hands and she stepped back.
"Are you alright?" asked Chuzunna.
"Yeah. She's suffered so badly. To be perfectly realistic, she may not even make it if they arrived too late," said Symphony sadly.
"Don't say that!" cried out Chuzunna, "I don't want her to die."
"But it's still possible. Don't forget with all those bolts for it to be so long, Kagome is still human. The only thing she has left to hold her down is her own strength," Symphony said a bit more coldly.
The whole mood in the room turned morbid and depressed. Symphony then tried getting closer to Kagome again, this time she was not electrocuted as she placed her hand over Kagome's lips and mouth and she flinched.
"I can't feel any breath from her body," she said. Everyone gasped in fear as she laid her head on Kagome's chest and she sighed sitting up. "She has a really faint pulse right now."
"Wait! The Artimis Bow, maybe that could help!" suggested Geisha.
"Quickly, give it to me," ordered Symphony holding her hand out.
Geisha quickly went to the corner of the room grabbing the Artimis Bow and handed it over to Symphony. Symphony nodded her thanks turning back to Kagome and placed the bow in her hand. But nothing had happened.
"Nothing's happening; this is really bad," panicked Symphony.
"What! No!" cried Chuzunna.
"Isn't there something else we could do?" asked Jaken in panic.
Symphony sighed turning to them, "I'm afraid as far as Kagome living goes. That there's not much else we can do, and it's going to be up to her own strength if she makes it or not. I'm sorry."
Geisha and Chuzunna turned away from them as tears slowly fell from their eyes as Symphony turned to Kagome, "Please Kagome, please. For the sake of us all," a tear fell from her eyes, "LIVE."
SESSHOMARU ran as fast as he could through the forest towards the castle at high speed in the pouring rain as lightening continued to clash. He wore his kimono pants, and his fangs were bared, but he was still shirtless. His marks on his face were still there and his crescent moon was still full and his eyes had not changed its color. However, their expression was much different. In his eyes were fear and hesitation, a feeling he never knew he could feel.
"How?" he growled roughly, "How could I have lost control of this situation to have let this happened? To have let it gotten this far, why?"
Sesshomaru then thought back to what happened:
FLASHBACK:
Sesshomaru kissed Aridon hungrily, both of them moaning in satisfaction. Aridon then rolled him over smiling cockily as her hand traced up from his abs down to his stomach as she engulfed his member inside of her mouth. Sesshomaru moaned not knowing how much more he could take before he exploded again. Aridon took him in deeper using her tongue to massage his member while in her mouth, gently sucking him down softly. Sesshomaru moaned louder clasping her head pushing her down faster. She moaned louder and quickly rose up from him and got on top placing his member inside of her.
They both moaned again as she slowly began to ride him, Sesshomaru pumping inside of her. He lightly moved his hand up her body to cup one of her breast as she rode him. As she continued he felt himself reaching his climax, soon his ultimate orgasm would be reached as she put more motion into her bounce. And he didn't want her to stop either. He then sat up and began pumping inside her fast, Aridon also reaching her climax as they neared their ultimate ecstasy.
Then at random, all they could hear was something being destroyed downstairs. But they ignored it, too busy into their own world. But then, their door was broken down and immediately Nardisia and Makato charged into Aridon pushing her off him and crashed through the wall falling outside.
"WHAT?" Sesshomaru screamed aggravated about to go after them for being interrupted. His eyes shining a deeper crimson.
"Enough, Sesshomaru," came a wise voice entering the room.
Sesshomaru then turned over, "Geninji? Arielle? Why are you here?" he hissed.
"This has to stop Sesshomaru, I know you can't hear me when you're in your heat stage but trust me, Aridon is not what you want," warned Geninji.
"Maybe not but for the time being she's all I need. I can't stand suffering like this! You don't know anything, and she just flails herself at me, what do you expect me to do!" he growled possessively.
"Exactly what you're doing now, that's why we're here, Sesshomaru you don't know what you're doing," reasoned Geninji.
"This Sesshomaru knows exactly what he's doing," he said turning away from them and back to the hole, "I'm going to get her back, and if any of you try to interrupt or stop us during this period of time this Sesshomaru will not hesitate to kill any of you. Go back, and that is an order."
"Please Lord Sesshomaru what about Kagome!" exclaimed Arielle.
Sesshomaru then froze and turned to the side and answered without looking at her, "What about her? Am I supposed to care?"
"Yes you do!" cried out Arielle passionately.
"I do not intend to fulfill that prophecy and you know it Arielle. That human is my servant and nothing more!" he snapped whip lashing his body back about to jump out of the hole.
"You're wrong she's also our ally!" shouted Arielle back. Sesshomaru then froze and hesitated. "You can flail about how much you hate humans all you want but you at least do care about her. You don't hate her Lord Sesshomaru not anymore. Not as much as you claim! And that's why you're scared that you'll love a human! That's why you're fighting to get close to her!"
Sesshomaru growled angrily and snapped pushing her back with his green poisonous whip from aggravation, "Don't talk like you anything about me!"
"We traveled with you," said Arielle poisonously. She then looked at Sesshomaru meaningfully, "and you said that you chose us because you trusted us. And Kagome, as a human, was in that group. You're letting your pride eat you alive, so get off your high horse and admit you feel more than what you're letting on. It doesn't even have to be love but you don't hate her. I refuse to believe by action you could hate her so deeply."
Sesshomaru gave her a sharp and cold stare. Then Arielle spoke compassionately, "Lord Sesshomaru, you are in heat and I understand that. If you want to take me, Nardisia, or Makato to substitute and take over as an order I don't care fine. But you cannot take Aridon," she then cried, "Don't you see that because you've been continuing with her like this that you're killing Kagome!"
Sesshomaru's face immediately faltered catching his attention, his eyes had then stopped glowing, "What are you talking about?"
Arielle cried in panic, "Aridon's plan wasn't just to come here to take advantage of you. That's child's play; this was only a camouflage for what she really had in mind. She wanted to kill two birds with one stone. If Aridon made you feel pleasure or made you think anything positive of her whatsoever, it doesn't even have to necessarily be sexual, but if it happens, Kagome gets affected by it. Her curse mark enacts and she gets electrocuted."
Sesshomaru's eyes expanded as panic overtook him remembering everything that had taken place as Geninji continued, "So if any thought you felt was sexual, think about how that affected Kagome. Every pleasure you felt, she was electrocuted for. Had you reach your point and had an orgasm, it could have finished her off. If we weren't too late already."
Sesshomaru's bangs covered his face and quickly he punched the wall next to him, creating another hole, baring his fangs as he hissed in frustration. He was truly angry.
"Please for Kagome's sake don't continue with this," begged Arielle.
"What state is she in health wise?" he asked gruffly. Geninji then smiled, Sesshomaru's normal senses were taking over his heat senses.
"I don't know, we were trying to find you but depending on what's happened and for how long; only you can really estimate her condition. She's back at the castle now. Huh?" Arielle said thrown off.
Sesshomaru put his pants back on and walked past them.
"Sesshomaru where do you think you're going?" asked Geninji visually following his every move.
Sesshomaru stopped and picked up his Tenseiga, "Back to the castle," he replied simply.
"Are you sure, in your condition-" but Sesshomaru quickly cut Genenji off.
"It is my responsibility," he said coldly. They all froze and his bangs covered his expression, "I have more than let her suffer for my mistakes because I could not control the situation. For her, it is not fair. That is something that species has no control over, it's still wrong. Besides, if what you say is true; if I don't hurry she will die on my account due to lack of controlling the situation on my part. I failed by letting it get this far out of control. I cannot let her suffer for that, I will not." He then turned to Geninji and Arielle as they all heard the battle between Makato, Nardisia, and Aridon from outside. Sesshomaru then turned his attention back to them placing the Tenseiga at his waist. "Bring Aridon back to the castle, I will deal with her and establish a very violent punishment for this when she returns."
Sesshomaru then left.
FLASHBACK OVER
Sesshomaru continued running as the castle came to his site. He then increased his speed bursting through the front corridors running up the stairs.
"What was that?" Symphony said alarmed.
"Prepare yourself," said Geisha pulling out her weapon.
Then for the moment, it became really quiet, Jaken gulping preparing his staff of heads. They then heard slow footsteps and gasped. Coming to the doorway of the room leaned against it tiredly was Sesshomaru.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" everyone said shocked blushing at his form.
Symphony then gasped, "Stay back, he's still in his heat form!"
They all got in a defense position to protect Kagome. Sesshomaru then chuckled and opened his eyes now giving them a serious look.
"Do not bar your weapons at me. Despite my disposition that is not what I have come for, out of my way if the human's life is what you seek," he said holding up the Tenseiga, the others flinching back, "Now allow me to see her."
Hearing him in first person, though they did not trust it, they were more assured that he was serious about what he had said. Resentfully they all stepped back as he walked through. His eyes were taken aback and grew really sad for the scene he had to witness, she looked as though she were fried. The others all watched, really nervous and scared at the same time. They all held their breath as what they then saw, they couldn't believe. One tear drop had actually fallen from his eyes down his cheeks hitting her body.
Before Jaken could squabble in shock, Chuzunna and Geisha quickly grabbed him to muffle him quiet.
"What is her condition right now?" he asked turning to them.
"She wasn't really breathing at all. And her heart beat is really faint," Symphony explained.
"I see," he said. He then sat on the bed next to her and pulled out his Tenseiga, its aura glowing a powerful green aura. He then sat it next to her heart as Kagome's body began to be overtaken by the green aura. Everyone watched in anticipation all hoping for the best. Sesshomaru merely watched, his face complacent and unchanging. From the outside, it was hard to tell what he was expecting, what he hoped for, and even more...what he was feeling about the whole situation.
It was then that Kagome's chest began to slowly move, her breathing coming to. And following in sync, did the Artimis Bow began to glow purple and pulse overtaking Kagome's body to heal as well. Everyone in the room cheered reassured, Sesshomaru only smiled in relief, then his face went back to normal turning more serious.
"She should be fine at this point, please return my Tenseiga to the library. I can no longer stay here at this point since I do not know how soon my heat trance will return," he then sighed turning to them, "This Sesshomaru more than trusts her in all of your care. Two weeks from now he expects her back to normal when he returns."
"Yes my Lord!" they all said in unison.
"Thank you my Lord, thank you!" cried Geisha, everyone nodded agreeing.
Sesshomaru merely looked at them and turned from them prepared to leave when he heard the door bust open in the front. Everyone in the castle, who heard it, quickly went down stairs at the front to see a badly beaten Aridon halfway dressed carried by Makato and Nardisia, Arielle and Geninji following behind them.
Symphony then looked around and began to panic, all the servants in the castle with the exception of Rin, all came to the hall to watch. Everyone was whispering and talking lowly among themselves. Symphony then flinched; it was all beginning to look like the other portion of her vision.
"Aridon how dare you show up here you no good little tramp!" Chuzunna shot off angrily about to attack.
Geisha quickly held her back, "Come on, she's not worth it. She's already had her work cut out for her. Anymore danger and all of our works and hopes to keep Kagome alive will be in vain stop it!" warned Geisha.
"She only used Kagome as a safe guard because she knew we'd hold back!" screamed out Chuzunna crying, "We almost lost her because of her pettiness!"
"Indeed," said Sesshomaru in a warning like tone. He walked up to her and within a blink of an eye he slapped her across her face. "And that doesn't even touch how upset This Sesshomaru is. How long do you expect to make a fool out of him by going over his head when clearly I am the ruler of this household and the Western country to continually let you pass by? We just cannot let you see death to affect the human, but she should still be fine as long as this Sesshomaru does not kill you." He gave her a threatening glare.
Aridon then began to chuckle and then her chuckles turned into hysterical laughter as they all looked at her like she had gone crazy. "Oh my, my Lord. Look whose acting all tough in front of his servants."
"My limit has far outreached you Aridon, when the human wakes, by now she will want to kill you and I will grant that request," he said definitely.
"Kagome this, Kagome that. Since when have all of you become friends of a human? At this rate, all of you will become just like King InuTaisho," she mumbled disgusted, "such soft beings."
Sesshomaru quickly pushed Nardisia and Makato to the side holding Aridon up in the air by her neck, "I will not have you disrespect my father's name by no means."
"But it's only fair that you have? Oh that's right you have a different relationship with your father about why it's okay. However, while all of you see me as a bad guy, I only took what I had anyway," she laughed.
"What are you talking about?" asked Geninji.
I slept with Lord Sesshomaru long before this," Sesshomaru quickly then threw her on the ground and turned away from her.
"Aridon don't be stupid. Is this one of your stupid wishful fantasies, Lord Sesshomaru would never touch you of his free will. You had to do what you did now, exactly what you did now, to get what you want!" accused Makato.
"Shut up!" Aridon snapped, tears coming out of her eyes looking at all of the servants in the halls, "Shut the hell up! Don't any of you know anything!" She then began to cry, "For your information I was innocent at one time. He took my innocence, he took all that I had without question!" she screamed almost heatedly towards Sesshomaru, his face was stiff, he said nothing. Aridon was breathing heavily and turned back to them, "so as far as I was concerned, I returned the favor."
Nardisia laughed, "Come on Lord Sesshomaru tell us this isn't true she's lying right?"
But Sesshomaru remained silent, his bangs covered his face frowning, "She is not. What she speaks is…the truth."
Everyone gasped in shock as Aridon continued, "I hadn't always had interest in Lord Sesshomaru. I was much high spirited about my freedom, just as that human once was. Tonight, tonight was our anniversary where I found the West Tower and it all happened."
Makato gasped, "That was years ago I told you to stay away from the West Tower!"
"Well unfortunately at that time I had a bad sense of direction," Aridon replied callously.
Makato flinched back feeling a bit betrayed looking at Sesshomaru, "So that's why," she said, her voice hesitant, "that's why you wanted me to create those extra towers using the Pentagon Merry Go Round ability, incase someone had a 'bad sense of direction', meant more so Aridon didn't it?"
Sesshomaru continued not to say anything; everyone then turned their heads to the side, upset and embarrassed of him.
"It wasn't just that night. We found a relationship that day, and for that whole two weeks he was in heat gone, I was there with him. We had established a form of a relationship, even when he was out of heat. He hated humans, not that I didn't understand why. And I began to hate them just as well. Then he told me, that because I understood him, that I would suffer to win his love, that his feelings for me were already there. That I shouldn't worry about what he says and how he treats me, "she then began to cry, "But that he'd come back to me."
"Enough!" snapped Sesshomaru bitterly turning back to her. "I will cut you off there. That much, I did not promise."
"Do not deny me Lord Sesshomaru!" argued Aridon.
"I haven't thus far, but now when it is getting untruthful is where I cut you off. You were nothing to me but what you were tonight, a thrill," he growled, "And you were perpetrating a fraud by hating humans, you grew to hate them but you could never fully hate them. I asked to never see you again and apologized for ruining your innocence but still..." he frowned turning his eyes away from everyone and Makato intervened.
"I apologize for interrupting my Lord," Makato spoke in a shaky voice, "But I wish you had told me. Otherwise this would have all been avoidable. You see, when our crows mate we do so by performing the first sexual intercourse and we imprint. You were bound to be her first love. Had we gotten it during that time immediately, we could have broken that imprint, because of the years that it's all build up too, it's impossible to break her imprint with you now. No wonder you were all she seen."
Sesshomaru then inwardly grew pissed at himself; it could have all been avoided had he said something to her earlier? And then Kagome could have not been affected.
There was then commotion in the back of the crowd as everyone turned around including Sesshomaru to see that there hanging on to her bow was Kagome. Though his face expression didn't show it, he did prefer she didn't know about that, much less this way. Although he didn't understand why was it he should care about what she thought, seeing her face had probably just reminded him.
Her face was angry and embittered, she slowly then climbed down the stairs weakly and Chuzunna ran over to her.
"Kagome you're still too weak you shouldn't be up!" soothed Chuzunna.
Kagome just shook her head and held her hand up for her to step over to the side as she walked over to Sesshomaru standing her ground breathing evenly. She was not only upset from hearing the whole entire story, but she was hurt.
"That whole thing is just...despicable," she mumbled digusted.
"Your input on it was not asked, it has nothing to do with you," he said dryly.
"Of course not, not the past, but the result for when I came in has everything to do with Sesshomaru!" she snapped, "This girl literally hated me because of you! Because of that imprint!" she then stopped catching her breathe and breathing heavily, her body shuddering.
"Human, I am well aware of the fact that I am at fault. You needn't overexert energy you do not have to give for trivial matters such as this," he said plainly.
"Is everything in this castle a lie?" snapped Kagome crying, "I mean really. There is nothing but secrets in this castle that I'm not allowed to even know and if they're all like this I suppose I can see why. This whole time I thought you were someone that's strong with leadership skills, I was starting to believe you were actually descent. And I was actually beginning to believe you were as amazing and high and mighty, dependable, and trustworthy as everyone in the castle believed you were. In all that I can see," she then looked at him giving him a sharp look of hatred and said icily, "But you still have the same faults as any other male demon, you're just as loose as all the rest of them I see. And she was so young too, who cares about culture where's the respect in a prince in that?"
Sesshomaru flinched his eyebrows crossed at the insult, "That is not your judgment; perhaps this Sesshomaru did get off on the wrong way that weren't necessarily the right or the best ways. Especially since he had foreshadowing leadership. However as I am aware at least my lovers were always reachable and I did not have to compete and loose against a dead priestess made from clay."
Kagome froze in shock crying as he continued poisonously and without mercy, ridiculing her, "Yet even now you are still faithful, when he cannot help you, when he cannot save you. So I'd rather not be judged or reproached by a resentful human priestess when a meager half demon prefers what's dead better than you. He chose his past instead of moving on to that priestess reincarnation which would have been you. Perhaps you could have taken notes by just taking what you wanted like I had."
"Bastard," Kagome mumbled icily. Without Kagome even realizing it before she could even stop herself out of grief and anger she slapped him across the face, tears falling down her face. "I'm not like you and I never will be!" Everyone gasped shocked covering their mouths in shock at the scene, Kagome's eyes holding on to her tears but still escaped, "You two timer, I don't care what you're trying to accomplish. It will all fall into rubles, you don't have what it takes to control a country. You can't even control your situations here. You will never out due King InuTaisho! Ever! You cold hearted, over prideful creature!" she quickly ran off.
Sesshomaru's heat mode was now completely off, his face now normal, his eyes back to gold. However he was more than pissed off mad. Quickly shot his poisonous whip at her that Kagome quickly blocked with the Artimis Bow by slapping it to the side. She then turned to him, her eyes now more hurt than angry.
"I hate you. Who can respect such a prince now," she said frigidly, and then walked off. Everyone then looked at him, some in disgust walking off, and their hearts cold. Symphony frowned, her vision, all of it had came true. Sesshomaru's bangs blocked his facial expression as he turned from everyone and walked off for a moment. Even Arielle and Nardisia was a bit in disgust for the whole situation.
"Arielle, Nardisia," called Geninji, "Take Aridon to the dungeon. Symphony's vision has already come to pass, and there is no way that Lord Sesshomaru will deal with this situation at this point. Do you understand?"
"Aye my Lord," they all said lowly and took her off to the dungeon in the basement.
Now the only ones in the room were Makato and Geninji and she cried. Geninji then walked over to her and bowed, "Sesshomaru will probably already do so later, but for him and in his place, I do apologize for everything that he has done to cause you and your sister such pain and heartache. I am more than sorrowfully sorry Makato. If you are betrayed, if you even feel hatred towards our Lord then I do understand."
Makato laughed whipping her face, "Yeah I should be feeling hate and everything else. It's no wonder she loved him so much," she then sighed trying to take a deep breathe to calm her hysteria down, "So many servants around the castle hate him now because of it, including Kagome. So many have inwardly lost respect for him but will keep respect in tact for who he is. But now, no one really likes him, more so even before Kagome arrived here. Yeah I should be feeling hatred." Makato then smiled, "But if I did that I'd only be helping Aridon, giving her what she wanted. As bad as it hurts, I will show her, I will not betray Lord Sesshomaru no matter what even though the whole thing isn't completely his fault. And I will not betray the hope that the prophecy can be broken by Kagome. I'm sure even if Kagome forgives him, because she has so much influence over the castle, it'll help, even if it's just a little."
"I thought you'd say as much," said a voice. Geninji and Makato turned around to see Symphony, Nardisia, and Arielle.
"He'll be too prideful to say it, but he does need allies, I'm with him too," said Symphony, "Because no offense, it has nothing to do with me. And as a Lord, he did try."
"I won't lie, I was a bit disgusted at first but looking at it from those points of view you're right," said Nardisia crossing her arms, "And I refuse to give Aridon that satisfaction."
"I am too, once the prophecy is fulfilled I'm sure this whole thing will be resolved just as quickly," said Arielle nodding.
Geninji smiled, "All of you have my utmost gratitude, and I thank you. You really are his most faithful servants. Quickly Symphony, what can we do from here," asked Geninji.
"They're both hurting really bad. They said things to each other that probably should have stayed kept to themselves. However, we can do something to kind of help bridge them together for an understanding," said Symphony.
"How are we gonna do that?" asked Nardisia.
Just then Rin entered the hall humming the same music that Kagome had sung to her earlier, "Hey everyone. What's going on, did you find Aridon yet?"
"Rin? You've been gone this whole time?" asked Arielle shocked walking over to her.
"Yeah, we couldn't find her in the village, is Kagome alright?" she panicked.
Nardisia smiled and kneeled down to her, "Kagome is alive yes, but she's really injured and sad right now thanks to her battle. But we did find Ardion and she's imprisoned now so you are safe."
"Thank goodness now I can sleep tonight!" she smiled.
"That's it!" said Makato striking an idea. They all looked at her, "It'll take a minute to bridge them together right? I think I know a way to start the process for them to make up, it'll be stupid but it just may work depending. That beat, the one that Rin's been humming, Kagome sung that song earlier yesterday."
"Song?" Nardisia said confused.
"Yeah I'm with her, what are you talking about?" asked Symphony just as lost.
"Yeah that's right," Rin replied to Makato, "Kagome said every time she gets really upset she sings that song. But watch out, it'll make you fall asleep," smiled Rin innocently.
"We don't know the song, but if it's singing do you really think it'll help both of them?" asked Geninji skeptically thinking aloud.
"It will, but Rin will have to go to Kagome and sing it, you guys will go with her. I think for obvious reason, I'll handle Lord Sesshomaru," said Makato.
"Are you sure Makato?" asked Nardisia.
"Yeah can you handle it," said Arielle hesitantly.
"I'll be fine," Makato assured, she then turned to Rin and kneeled down to her, "Rin you have something very important to do concerning the prophecy. Aridon helped make things really bad for Lord Sesshomaru and Kagome."
"Really! That meanie, that's why I can't stand her!" pouted Rin angrily crossing her arms.
"We have to help make them make up, I'll handle Lord Sesshomaru, but if we want anything to come out of it for Kagome, do you remember that song she sung to you yesterday?"
"Yeah, I was humming the beat earlier just before I came here," said Rin.
"Perfect," smiled Makato. "Sing that song to her, the others will join you. I think if you do, she'll stop being mad and look at the bigger picture of things. So what do you say?"
"I'm ready Makato just tell me what to do!" Rin said enthusiastically nodding.
KAGOME sat out in the beautiful rose garden crying looking out into the river. "What a jerk. Why should I care about what he and Aridon did in the first place?"
She then tried to hold herself together, but the more she tried, the more tears seem to flow. Did she really care? If she didn't, then it wouldn't hurt so badly, why? Why did it hurt her so bad? To chew him out like that in front of the rest of the servants to make him look like a fool? Then her thoughts began to flow even more freely. What was up with choosing both brothers, and both of them had women in the past that they couldn't let go? They always popped up somehow when she came around. She dealt with it from Inuyasha up until he died, and would be damned if she had to see it again. That was when Sesshomaru's harsh words came back to her and she cried even harder.
"He didn't have to say that, or be so cold about it knowing how sensitive the subject is," she mumbled sadly. She then beat the grass again, "Why! Kagome why do you keep doing this to yourself, why? Why does this keep happening to you," she said frustrated. She then froze, crying like this, being alone and slapping him, it was just like the feeling of what happened every time Inuyasha had seen Kikyo. Was it possible that she was actually falling for him? Her mark then began to spark and Kagome covered it. "No," she dreaded, "No it can't be. How can I?" She then frowned, "I don't. And I won't."
Rin then came in and Kagome turned around smiling weakly trying to wipe her face.
"Don't waste it I understand," comforted Rin running over to her.
Kagome immediately then hugged her and began to cry wholeheartedly, "I'm so sorry Rin."
SESSHOMARU sat on the roof, the wind blew through his hair. What a day, or a night. It all had seemed to be a nightmare as the sun finally began to rise, ending the long first night of the new black moon. Although he felt regular now, he knew the powerful curse enough to know that he would have to leave sooner or later. He then sighed, "Of all people; This Sesshomaru is shocked to see you here. If it is revenge you seek in your sister's name this Sesshomaru can understand but he'd rather deal with it later."
Makato then walked up from behind him with a hand on her hip shook her head, "No, it's not that. Although the castle may see you in a new perspective to the point where they disrespect you my perspective of you has not change Lord Sesshomaru. You are still my Lord, my prince, and my future king of this Western Domain and I will not abandon you. Nardisia, Arielle, Symphony, Geniniji, and though she's upset right now, Kagome too I'm sure, will always stand by you. When you're right, and when you're wrong."
"Keh," Sesshomaru commented under his breath turning from her ashamed. He then opened his eyes, "That human hates me at this point, beyond everything she said that she should have died for, disrespecting me in front of the rest of the servants, her saying she hated me perhaps is the only thing that bothered this Sesshomaru really. Besides that, he can disregard everything else she said. She doesn't know anything," he dismissed stubbornly.
Makato smiled, "You know, Kagome is used to getting mad at you, she even made a song to help her feel better in the daily tribute of it" she said walking beside him.
"What's your point," he said coldly.
"It's better when she sings it, so if she sings it and it helps her feel better, it may be able to help you too," she smiled.
"If this is a way to cheer me up, as a request please do not attempt it," he said plainly. Makato then sighed and prepared her voice.
IN sync to what was happening; Rin prepared her voice too, as they both began to sing the song at the exact same time.
"~Sometimes we make each other cry: Sometimes we're locked inside the prisons of our pride (Sesshomaru then immediately turned to her remembering the melody being hummed somewhere inside the castle earlier the day before. So it was the human singing it. At the same time, Kagome began to wipe her tears looking at Rin as she continued the song) Sometimes we break each other's hearts with the words we say. Let our anger get in the way, too many times but always after all~ Love is all that matters: After everything, one thing remains the same, one thing we cannot change (Arielle, Nardisia, and Symphony all entered the room as Kagome turned to them crying as Symphony carried Sesshomaru's Tenseiga over handing it to her. A tear then fell from Kagome's cheeks down to the sword. In the mean time, Sesshomaru turned out to the sky as the wind slowly began to blow, and he closed his eyes continuing to listen to the words of the song) ~We all have one heart: And one heart needs another. Cuz love...love is all that matters, love is all that matters it matters after all~"
Kagome then sighed and picked Rin up holding her, she sniffled a bit, but her crying had really stopped. She then smiled, "You remembered my song. Fully; and I only sung it once," she said touched. Though she hated to admit it, the song did make her feel a whole lot better. She looked into the slow sunrise and in doing so to see the ceiling of the glass, found Sesshomaru staring right down at her. Their eyes met for a moment, he then closed them and stood up and turned to Makato.
"This Sesshomaru will be absent for a while, not only due to the heat cycle I'm in, but it appears everyone needs a break from the whole night," he said examining his claw.
"Not a bad decision my Lord," nodded Makato.
Sesshomaru began to walk past her and then stopped turning to her, "I do apologize for all of this Makato. Your loyalty to me, is more than full of my gratitude for it, though I do not deserve it."
"Serving you is innate for me Lord Sesshomaru, I've done so for centuries and will continue to do so for many more," she said loyally bowing.
Sesshomaru then nodded and looked at the sunrise, "The song was nice Makato. Perhaps if the human and I learned to understand one another better. This Sesshomaru would be content if he heard her sing it since you say she does so better."
"Worry not my Lord, for I am more than positive that the day you and Kagome will meet each other on common grounds of understanding, will be soon enough and have its own proper time," said Makato.
"Perhaps, but it is not as though it is a top priority even if it does not," he said walking away.
"But you would be better content with the situation," said Makato.
Sesshomaru stopped and sighs turning to her from the side and answered, "Yes, I would be better content."
He then walked off and Makato nodded.
KAGOME then sighed, he's probably leaving. She wished that maybe she could attempt to talk to him; she did not want to leave things between them as they were, but she supposed it could not be helped. She only hoped that one day; they would come to a common ground of understanding. Until then, until the problem could be resolved for them to find that common ground, she would just have to await his two week return and pray for his safe trip back.
Next Time On I'd Rather: Sesshomaru and Kagome are still a bit upset with each other, words were exchanged and some will never be easily forgiven or forgotten. But jumping into this scene seems to be Kodoichi and it seems it's at the wrong time. Apparently he's there to request Sesshomaru's permission to court Kagome! What will she do as she's trying to fiddle out her feelings of what she does and doesn't feel for Sesshomaru? During this, Taikin enters and it seems that Typhon is finally prepared to make his move on Sesshomaru and the castle as he attempts to attack the capital. Next update of I'd Rather: Chapter 13-Lord Kodoichi's Surprising Visit!
