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What If? Chapter 14
The meeting ended soon after Kagome departed. An hour later another meeting was called, one the included the shard hunting group.
"What is this meeting going to be about?" Miroku questioned Kagome as they were escorted to the war counsel room with the others.
"It probably has something to do with the eastern royals." Kagome said as she proceeded to explain their strange encounter.
"That really is strange." Sango muttered as they entered the room. There was a table in front of them and the room was set up in a way that made Kagome think of the war room from 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' the only differences were that the table has legs with chairs all around it , there was no oversized map, and the room was a beautiful sky blue. There was still a throne but it was pulled up to the table and not spewing flames everywhere.
"Ah Inuyasha," Lady Lena said as the entered. Kagome watched as his ears went to his skull, waiting for the harsh words that were sure to come. Lena walked over to him and pulled him into a tight hug.
"I'm so glad to finally meet Sesshy's baby brother. Look at you. You have your father's eyes. Aww and your ears." She began to gush. Kagome giggled along with the others as Inuyasha's face became flustered and panicked.
"Lena dear, let the boy breath. We went over this. If Sesshomaru is not okay with you latching onto him and asking a million questions then I doubt someone you don't even know will be." Mordran started as he chuckled at his mate's antics, his red eyes shining with mirth. Lena released a flustered Inuyasha from he grasped and walked back to her mate with her lip stuck out in a pout. Sesshomaru cleared his throat, signaling for everyone to take a seat.
"This is Lord Mordran and Lady Lena of the East. They have come with warrior and information for the battle against Naraku." Sesshomaru informed the group. Everyone turned their attention to the two royals as Mordran stood up.
"As Lord Sesshomaru said I am Lord Mordran of the East and this is my mate Lady Lena. We are here to help take down Naraku but first we must inform you of a great prophecy spoken many years ago by the great Midoriko." The Lord spoke with confidence. He stuck his hand inside his Kimono and pulled out a browning piece of paper with writing on it, he passed the paper to Miroku who sat directly to his right before he continued his explanation.
"We were told this several years after our mating and just before our twins were born." He stated as the paper went from Sango, to Inuyasha, to Sesshomaru, and finally to Kagome. Kagome picked up the old paper and read what it said.
'Separated by time they will grow apart
One meant for light and the other dark
But even the darkest fate can end aglow
During the time when he is both strong and weak
The purebloods will rise as he falls in defeat'
Kagome handed the paper to Lady Lena who passed it back to her mate.
"This is good. That means that we will kill Naraku." Miroku exclaimed as Mordran put the prophecy away.
"Not necessarily," Kagome began," I have read many stories and heard many legends of great heroes who have died because they got their prophecy wrong. Take, for example, the story of Oedipus the Prince of Thebes in Greece. There was a prophecy that said the Oedipus' father would die by the hands of his son, who would then marry his mother, the king's wife.
The kind thought that by indirectly killing his first born son he would be saved from the prophecy. It was not so for when he placed his baby upon a hill he was ensuring his fate and the outcome of the prophecy. Oedipus was saved and adopted by a band of robbers. He later killed the king, his father, and took the queen, his mother, as his own.
You can neither evade nor understand a prophecy because while the past is clear the future is shrouded by mystery." Kagome finished. She mentally thanked herself and thanked any Kami out there that she loved Greek Mythology.
"So in other words what you saying is that the prophecy might not even be referring to us at all?" Sango questions as she looked at the others.
"Yes because it speaks of two people but we do not know if they are human or not" Kagome said.
"But it talked about purebloods. Like pureblood demons." Inuyasha said, confusion lacing his voice.
"Human who are royal and only marry other royals, are considered purebloods." Lena stated.
"There are also pureblood magic wielders." Sesshomaru shared.
"So what, do we ignore it?" Miroku questioned.
"I believe we should keep it in mind but not dwell on it." Mordran rumbled. They all nodded and continued to discuss several strategies for finding and fighting Naraku.
"I was a heavy heart to carry. My beloved was weighed down. My arms around his neck, my fingers laced to crown. I was a heavy heart to carry. My feet dragged across the ground. And he took me to the river, where he slowly let me drown." Kagome strolled along the garden path as she listened to her music through her tiny ear buds. She smiled as she listened to the lyrics.
'Would Sesshomaru let me drown?' she wondered. She shook her head, trying to forget those thoughts. She had only been back a couple of days and she could not get Mr. Killing Perfection out of her head.
"Excuse me." She heard a man question from behind her. She turned and removed her ear buds with a smile.
"Yes?" she asked him. He was tall with inky black hair, like hers, and his eyes were a slight gold color.
'Not as golden as Sesshomaru's.' Her mind supplied. She mentally shook herself thinking 'Shut up and pay attention.'
"You seem to be the source of the strange sounds that my demon legion and I have been hearing." He informed her.
"Oh gosh I'm sorry I'll turn it off. I forgot that Lady Lena and Lord Mordran brought troops. I am so sorry." Kagome apologized, fumbling to turn off her music. The unnamed man laughed at her antics as the music was shut off. Kagome quickly dropped into a bow, then straightened to introduce herself.
"I'm Kagome, guest to Lord Sesshomaru" she informed as she shoved her iPod into her pocket.
"I am Dameon of the fifth demon legion of the East." Dameon replied with a bow, "May I say that you are the most beautiful guest of Lord Sesshomaru that I have ever met. Are you two courting, if it's not to rude to ask." Dameon questioned.
"Oh no, just a guest. He is actually courting Lady Shira of the North." Kagome informed. The demon smiled softly, looking down at her petite form.
"Yes the Lady if the North. She is quite a pain." He muttered. Kagome nodded; glad to meet someone that shared her opinions and was not afraid to voice it.
"Shall we walk?" Dameon suggested, gesturing to the path in front of them. Kagome nodded and began to walk beside him. They strolled along discussing simple things like how they met Shira, their education, and their families.
"My father is and expert swordsman. He taught me everything I know." Dameon informed her, "I make it a point to teach my legion the many techniques of the sword."
"Really? I have been meaning to look for a sword teacher. Unfortunately there are not many where I come from and none of them are any good." Kagome said.
"You should come by after practice tomorrow and I will teach you some. I am no expert like Lord Sesshomaru but I am very good." Dameon offered.
"Are you sure?" Kagome questioned, "I don't want to impose." Dameon shook his head and smiled.
"No I insist. Anything to help a rose like you." He said. Kagome laughed, causing Dameon to join in. Their mirth was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat.
"Lady Kagome, Lady Sango is requesting your presence" Yumeto informed Kagome as the duo turned.
"Okay thanks. I will see you tomorrow by the training field." Kagome told Dameon as she left with a wave. He smiled, showing off his pointed teeth, and waved in return. As she walked away Dameon shook his head and laughed as he turned back towards the barracks.
Kagome made her way to Sango's room and knocked on the door. The door slid open and revealed Sango, who smiled and waved her friend in.
"Kagome I have something important to tell you." Sango said as the two girls sat on the bed.
"What is it?" Kagome questioned, beginning to worry for her friend. Sango took a deep breath and smiled.
"You know how Miroku and I promised to marry after the war with Naraku is over?" Sango questioned. Kagome nodded, fearing the worst. Sango assuaged her fears by holding up her left hand, showing off a small band wrapped around her ring finger. Kagome gasped and pulled the hand closer to her with a smile.
"Oh my gosh where did he get it?!" Kagome squealed at her friend. Sango laughed at her friend as Kagome's eyes teared up a bit.
"Oh Kiara lost a claw in the last battle. He picked it up and asked the blacksmith here to make it into a ring." Sango gushed, the happiness evident in her voice.
The two women continued to talk about how sweet Miroku could be when there was a knock at the door. Sango opened it and the servant outside bowed and informed them that dinner would be ready soon. Sango thanked her and the duo shared a look. They then agreed to meet at the hot springs in a few minutes.
Sango and Kagome arrived at the same time and entered the steaming bath house. It was a separate building just outside the castle, built around one huge spring. Said spring was split in two by a huge wall that sectioned off the male and female side. There were hooks lining the stone walls, allowing people to hang their bags with their spare cloths and towel. There were images of howling dog demons engraved in the stone, signifying that this was indeed the house of the western dog clan.
"Sango," Kagome started hesitantly, "can I tell you something?"
"Of course you can" Sango assured a few feet to Kagome's right.
"I just…it's hard to explain. I can't get Sesshomaru out of my head." Kagome said as she pulled her knees to her chest, sitting on the natural ledge the spring provided.
"What do you think about?" Sango questioned.
"Just, random things. I see a flower and I think about him." Kagome breathed out in annoyance.
"Maybe you like him," Sango suggested, "That's how I was with Miroku." Kagome grimaced as she fell silent. Sango walked over to her friend and put a hand on her shoulder.
"The way I see it you have two options. Tell him or ignore it. It's gonna be hard but your strong. You always have been. I know you can do this." Sango stated, pity and wisdom in her voice. Sango returned to her seat as Kagome shook her head.
"Anyway…" Kagome began, wanting to change the subject. The women began to talk about lighter topics as they bathed and, in a matter of minutes, were out and headed to their rooms to dispose of their dirty cloths. The duo met at the stairs, Kagome being a level higher and descended the stairs.
Dinner zipped by, leaving everyone to sleep and rise with the sun. Kagome made her way down to the training fields and was surprised to Sesshomaru standing there with Mordran and Lena. She watched as the part of the Eastern army whirled around, throwing strike after strike, causing their metal swords to gleam in the mid-day sun.
"Okay everyone that's it for today." Kagome heard Dameon yell from the other side of the field. She glanced over at the royals and saw Sesshomaru giving an oblivious Dameon his signature death stare.
'I wonder what he looks like with a smile on his face as opposed to a glare. He probably looks incredibly handsome.' Kagome thought to herself as the demons on the field dispersed. She mentally shook herself, getting rid of her train of thought, as Dameon came over to her sporting a huge smile.
"Lady Kagome." Dameon said with a slight bow as he kissed her hand, causing Kagome to laugh at his antics. Some distance away Sesshomaru caught himself glaring at the demon that was encroaching on his territory. He shook his head and felt his eyes narrow as the duo walked off to one of the dojos.
"Okay Kagome lets go over the basic steps. First we are going to work with some Bokken so all we can get is a few bumps and bruises." Dameon explained as he pulled two wooden swords off the wall. He tossed one to Kagome and they began to go over the basics, unaware of the silent figure that stood in the shadows.
Sesshomaru stood in the shadows for hours, watching Kagome be taught by that filth Dameon. He could smell the desire on him miles away. Why does she always have to attract the dog demons of all things? Not that he was attracted to her or anything.
Sesshomaru's demon whined at him as it looked on. It appears as if the arrival of Kagome in the castle made him better. It had only been a few days and already he looked like his usual pristine self WITHOUT the illusion.
Sesshomaru was yanked from his inner musings by a growls from hos youki. He looked to see Dameon with a hand on Kagome's shoulder.
"You're really good you know that?" he heard the demon compliment, "Maybe we should try real swords. Normally I wouldn't move you so fast but you have skill." Kagome nodded her assent and he grabbed two weapons off the wall. Sesshomaru watched as Kagome slipped into a fighting stance once the sword was in her hand, he couldn't help but be impressed by Kagome's prowess with his favorite weapon.
"Good mate material." his demon not so subtly mentioned.
"Shut up." he snapped, using the course words that Kagome often used on Inuyasha when he was being loud or rude. He watched as Dameon continued to teach Kagome the art of the sword.
'Why did she not come to me?' he asked himself.
'Cause you're an ass.' his demon thought back. Sesshomaru mentally growled at that thought, causing his demon to mutter 'well it's true' as it sank back into its corner. Sesshomaru ignored his youki in favor of returning to his spying session.
The duo continued to go through set after set of moves. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed as he noticed Dameon using any excuse possible to touch Kagome. He watched as the demon once again 'put the moves on her' as he had heard Kagome say.
"That's not right." Dameon informed, walking over to fix Kagome's stance.
"It needs to be more like this." he said as he adjusted her sword hand and several other parts of her body. Sesshomaru stepped out of the shadows and released the hold he had on his aura and youki as Dameon's hands wandered a little too much.
"You re dismissed soldier." Sesshomaru informed coolly. The young demon looked as if he wanted to protest but bowed anyway.
"I will see you at a later time my Lady." Dameon boldly informed as he turned to leave. Kagome and Sesshomaru watched as he left. As the door to the dojo slid shut Kagome rounded on the ice prince.
"What was that about?" Kagome hissed frustration clear in her voice. Sesshomaru stood there silently, almost as he was at a loss for words.
"Whatever." Kagome said throwing her hands up, forgetting about the sword she was holding. It swung high in the air, coming down point first at Kagome. Sesshomaru shot forward, pulling Kagome to him and jumping back just as the sword landed with a thunk, sinking into the floor with ease.
Kagome was gripping onto Sesshomaru's one arm tightly, with her other arm wound around him in a vice like grip. She looked up slowly to find Sesshomaru looking down at her with a strange look on his face. Kagome felt his chest rumble as he began to speak.
"From now on you will train with me and my men. Come to the fields at sunrise for your first class." Sesshomaru informed before he released her from his constricting hold. Kagome gave a small nod of recognition before he swept from the dojo. Kagome stared at the sword protruding from the floor and shook her head. She grabbed her jacket from the floor and left, making her way to Sango's room, feeling the need to have a nice long chat with her friend.
10 minutes. That's all it took to make Kagome start panting like a dog.
1 minute. That's all it took for Kagome to feel like garbage.
They were first ordered to do ten pushups. No big deal. That is until Sesshomaru in all his better fitting than normal pants and REALLY tight wife beater decided he was going to 'suggest' putting weights on everyone as they did the pushups. The lead demon practically ran to do his Lords will. Kagome was in the start position with 10 pound weights on each shoulder and 20 pounds attached to her waist. It took Kagome a minute to do all the pushups and in that time the demons around her threw insult after insult at her.
"Your weak you filthy nigen. Go back inside where it's warm so your pathetic system doesn't crash.
"Go inside wench no one wants you here."
When she finished she stood shakily, feeling funny, she removed the weights. Her vision blurred for a second before returning to normal.
'What was that?' she thought slowly.
"Alright next we run. Men grab you running weights and make sure your ropes are secure; we don't want a repeat of a few weeks ago. Miko you won't need any weights. Hopefully that will help you keep up." the head demon shouted from beside Sesshomaru, "Okay one mile, ten weighted sit-ups, and then another mile." Kagome gave a small scowl as they all took off running. Mori, who had been with her thus far, began to pull ahead with the others as Kagome's breath became more and more labored.
'What is going on? I am good at running. It should not be thins hard.' Kagome thought as she began to worry. She finished the mile in five minutes, sweating lightly.
"All nigen are weak and pathetic. Stop trying"
"Stupid wench"
Kagome tried to block everyone's words as she glanced at Mori. As her eyes met his she recoiled. His eyes showed pity and even sadness or regret.
Kagome looked down as she went to grab the weight that she would be holding as she did her sit-ups. She completed her set in two minutes and put the weight back, breathing heavily.
"Alright lets go" the demon at the front shouted. They were around a quarter of the way done when the incident occurred.
Kagome was breathing heavy, sweat rolling down her back, when a loud snap and a sick crunch sounded.
Kagome shouted in pain as a single one pound weight snapped off of the demon in front of her and landed on her foot, breaking it.
It hurt, very bad. It shouldn't hurt that much. She had once had a gaping hole in her stomach and it had been nothing but now a few broken bones were undoing her. Kagome muffled further shouts as her vision swam, causing her to fall. Mori's concerned face came in and out of focus as she lay there.
"You go get Mitsukake." Kagome heard Sesshomaru order as she slipped into sleep.
"Demon training Sesshomaru. Are you crazy!? I don't care if she is the Shinkon Miko, she can't keep up with you guys. Hell I'm surprised she lasted 10 minutes…"
'Mitsukake? Why is he mad?'
"I'm gonna kill Sesshomaru, use his stupid sword to bring him back, then kill him again."
'Why are Inuyasha and Sesshomaru fighting this time?'
"Hopefully they will get over themselves and confess don't you agree? With the way he is acting it's a wonder everyone hasn't figured it out already and she told me she feels something Miroku.
'Sango?'
"I wish she could remember us. It is shocking how much she resembles her brother. Hopefully she will awaken soon.
'Who is that?'
Kagome blinked her eyes open and looked around blearily. She saw Rin and Shippo curled up on the bed next to hers. She let out a groan as she sat up, her muscles screaming in protest.
"Kagome," Mitsukake said as he came over from his desk, "What are you feeling?" Kagome tried to speak but all that came out was a croak. Mitsukake snapped then went back to his desk, grabbed some water, and brought it over to her. She slowly sipped the glass before he tried to speak again.
"I ach everywhere, my lungs hurt, my head is pounding, and all in all I feel like a piece of shit on the dog walk of life." she groaned. Mitsukake nodded, as if he had expected that.
"That would be the poison working its way out of you system." He stated matter of factually.
"Poison!?" Kagome exclaimed.
"Yes. The demon training regimen focuses them to fight the effects of a different poison every training session. Unfortunately today's selection happened to be highly toxic to humans, which is why you were preforming at a subpar level." Mitsukake explained. Kagome blinked slowly before she, somewhat, exploded.
"You mean to tell me that Lord ass hat told me to go to a training session that had deadly poison!?" she whispered furiously, causing Shippo to stir from a flair in her aura.
"Where is he? I will kill him myself!" she demanded, trying to get out of bed. Mitsukake pushed her back into bed with a small smile on his face.
"Lay back down before I drug you." He said with humor in his voice.
"Why should I?" she asked angrily while she complied, sitting back.
"Because it's not his fault." Mitsukake replied.
"What?" Kagome asked after a moment.
"I think that, sometimes, Sesshomaru forgets that you are just a human," he explained slowly, "Now rest more. The poison will be out of you system in a day or so." Kagome lay back in her bed and though about what Mitsukake said. After a few minutes she drifted off to sleep, thinking of a silver haired Taiyouki.
Kagome had been discharged for three days and no one had seen much of her. She spent her time locked in her room, allowing only Rin, Shippo, Yumeto, and Sango in.
It was dinner on the third night when Kagome made an announcement.
"I decided that I am going to take a leave of absence for a short while." Kagome informed during a lull in the conversation.
"What? Why?" Inuyasha questioned sadly.
"I am working through some things right now and I need some time alone." She said solemnly.
"You are not to go alone." Sesshomaru's voice cut through the tension. Kagome looked at him, her eyes showing mixed emotions at his less than guarded ones.
"As you wish my Lord. I will bring Yumeto with me." Kagome decided. Lady Lena watched as Sesshomaru's eyes went from open to closed off the second Kagome said 'my Lord'.
"When will we expect you back? Plans are not yet complete and you have been a great asset during the meetings." Lord Mordran informed, pulling Lena's gaze from Sesshomaru. Kagome gave a small sigh and looked around.
"Honestly," she began tiredly, "I don't know. I will be no longer than a few months. I just…I have this feeling like something important is about to happen." Lena and Mordran exchanged a small look that did not go unnoticed by Sesshomaru and Miroku. Shira scoffed from the right of Sesshomaru, who flicked his youki at her in response before he spoke.
"You may leave Miko, but if needed you must return if you are summoned." Sesshomaru consented icily. Kagome bowed her head, signaling the end of all conversation for the rest of the evening.
Kagome went around saying her goodbyes to everyone, giving Rin and Shippo a huge hug, and then she was gone. The castles walls dimmed as the normally cheery Miko left, unknowingly taking a demons affections with her.
I'M ALIIIIIIIIVVVVEEEEEE. Anyway sorry about the HUGE gap. between writers block and school i had no time but with a week break from school i got to cracking on this story again. Feed back is always wanted but not always deserved so tell me what you think if it suits your fancy. Again sorry about the long wait and THANK YOU to everyone who has stuck with me through the long and short. I appreciate all of you!
The Band of Thieves