Anything

Anything

Chapter Thirteen: Don't Kiss and Tell

Light green eyes observed the scene before them with feline curiosity. "Good Afternoon Koi," Heiji greet with a fanged grin. He had already spotted the Kai boy and was pleased to find him beside Sesshomaru's seat. It would be fun to observe their mannerisms around each other. He was curious, however to the black and white fox…thing perched on his shoulder. It whined a greeting as it floated, were those wings on its back, from Kai's shoulder.

A sharp bark answered back and Heiji was shocked to see a black and white pup leap from Sesshomaru's shoulder and run to the other. They greeted each other like they had been apart for eons, licking each others muzzles and rubbing flanks. Sesshomaru did nothing but take his spot beside the table while Kai chuckled softly.

Heiji shook his head before sitting at the head of the table. Mouko sent him a questioning look but he could only shrug in answer. He had been with Sesshomaru all day and he had never noticed or smelled the pup. It had been ridding on his shoulders hidden by his hair and tail.

Kai seemed to know the pup very well, and swept both of them into his lap and played with them as quietly as possible. Only when the food was placed out did he release them, but the pups, as Heiji would have expected, did not go for the food but instead moved behind Kai and curled up against his back.

"When shall we head for the meeting?" Mouko suddenly asked, jerking Heiji from his observations.

"Oh, we have to leave in an hour actually, because of the delay the other lords may already be in the west," Heiji spoke up once he collected his mind. It had taken him a moment to realize his mate was speaking of the monthly meeting of the lords at one of their castles. This month was the west the next would be the south. They really did not need to meet so frequently but it minimized wars and kept all up to date. It would be bad for Sesshomaru to be late to his own meeting; they would have to move with energy clouds. What shall he do with the boy? Leave him here or ask him to follow as quickly as can be, Heiji pondered.

Mouko was quite interested in observing her young friend and his new charge together. Unlike her mate, she had yet to see them together. It was stranger, to say the least, to watch them now. The two animals with them were just as strange. They had greeted each other in a manner similar to intelligent creatures and their auras- which were quite stronger then any animals their size should have- matched their owners perfectly. Sesshomaru had remarkably gentle energy that swirled around him like a cool summer breeze with the same acid green color of his whip. Kai's energy, which was an impressive size and had been the reason for her cold tone in the hallway, was even more gentle then his master's and swirled around him so whimsically it was impossible to trace its patterns. The light blue almost white color of it gave away the boys innocence.

A strange pair indeed.

Severus hardly paid attention to anything other than the food before him. Of course he was curious with the man that had played with him, and the silver haired Inuyoukai was an interesting addition, but he had seen a bunch of interesting additions over his short life.

Lunch came and went as a silent affair, something Kagome was immensely grateful for. It was afterwards when things stated moving quickly. She was nearly pushed upstairs by Sesshomaru and told to pack quickly -which she considered strange seeing as she only had a few items thank you very much. She packed her small bag anyways and moved down to the front entrance of the castle to wait. She knew she had awhile, but it was nice to look out the windows at the brilliant light and feeling the wind on her face.

Kagome had began to doze off when she heard approaching footprints. She looked up to see Mouko, Sesshomaru, Heiji, and Severus coming up the hall. Severus grinned up at her and waved as they passed and Kagome quickly fell into line at Sesshomaru's side. Outside the group clustered and Severus quickly leapt into his mother's arms.

Heiji smirked and held out his hand to the west, "Lead the way Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru merely nodded and motioned Kai over. Kai, used to the treatment by now, moved close to his side and was quickly swept on to his developing jyaki cloud. Licen's quickly hoped aboard and without pause they lifted into the air and were off.

Heiji looked astonished. "I can't believe he actually…"

"Go dear or we'll be late," Mouko prodded as she rose upon her own cloud. Internally, however, she too was interested in the human Sesshomaru called his pet.

Together the tiger youkai followed after Sesshomaru to a meeting that would be remembered for a very long time.

Sesshomaru was far enough away and fast enough to make it to his home and land with out detection. He knew Heiji and Mouko would land in front of the entrance to be polite, giving him enough time to talk with Kagome. "Kai," he spoke the name softly to avoid any wandering ears.

Kagome looked up surprised and blushing from their close proximity.

"As my pet you will attend the meeting in absolute silence," he stated seriously as if giving orders. Kagome's shoulders slumped, feeling she had lost her friend for good but he sensed her distress and placed a warm hand on her shoulder. "Afterwards we can talk, and you can tell me what this has all been about," his voice was softer and in it Kagome could hear her Seisho.

"Now come," he called before she could say anything in response. Kagome fallowed after him faithfully keeping three steps behind him and always on his right, like a good dog heeling for their master.

As they neared the meeting room, Kagome felt a shiver creep up her spine. Ever since she was little she had the ability to sense things. It was her ability that had led her to Sesshomaru all those years ago, and now she could sense powers of such strength that she felt faint. What sort of demon's could be in this room?

The door was opened for them by a servant and Kagome followed closely behind Sesshomaru. She did not realize the sort of vision she made standing close Sesshomaru's arm, practically clinging to him like a child. The other lords watched with smug grins as the youngest lord, known for his hatred for humans, enter with one practically on his arm.

Sesshomaru ignored their looks. He sat calmly at his place beside his father and looked out at the other demons with the same stoic expression he always wore for these meetings. He was please to notice Kagome sitting behind him and slightly to his right. She played the part of pet well, but it bothered him to sense her anxiety.

"Lords and Ladies forgive my tardiness, we encounter a few obstacles on the way to the East. Without further delay let us begin the proceedings," Sesshomaru started, not sounding apologetic.

A few of the lords gave a chuckle and then the boring part began. They argued about every issue under the sun from planting rights to territorial skirmishes. Even Kagome felt her eyes growing heavy. Sesshomaru hardly spoke but his warm presence in front of her created a sort of shield that warded off the immense powers that had been making her nervous. After thirty minutes or so of droning she slipped into a deep sleep, still sitting up.

It was another thirty minutes before anyone became award of Kagome's state. Ryuuzaki, the dragon lord of the North, had been keeping an eye on Kai since he had walked in. He was curious by nature and humans had always held some fascination for him. Kai's strange aura also added to interest. He was surprised, however, when he looked over during the meeting to find the small samurai slumbering quietly.

"Well, Sesshomaru, it seems we have bored your little pet," Ryuuzaki commented with a deep chuckled.

Sesshomaru's brow actually scrunched in confusion for a moment before he looked over to see Kai with his head on his shoulders, breathing slowly. The position looked highly uncomfortable.

"Kai," he called trying to sound stern but failing.

Kai shifted a bit, snuggling into his own shoulder. "Mrm, Sesshomaru," he murmured as he blinked his sleepy eyes.

All the lords held their breath, shocked that the human would use no honorific, but Sesshomaru did not explode in anger as they expected. Instead he sighed and remarked, "If you are so tired, you may go outside and wait."

That must have been the special phrase because Kai shot up and looked around wildly as a bright blush conquered his face. "Sumimasen, sumimasen," he mumbled frantically. His small form jetted across the floor and out the door, still followed by more apologies.

Ryuuzaki burst into laughter, his whole body shaking with mirth. "An interesting little human you have Sesshomaru," he commented with a smirk.

Sesshomaru did not respond to the batting, but neatly shuffled the papers in front of him. "Let us continue," he ordered softly, but the atmosphere was still light with humor.

Kagome leaned against the wall outside of the room, still blushing hard. 'I can't believe I just fell asleep in the middle of a room full of Demons. Kami Sesshomaru must be disappointed,' she thought.

'It was boring no reason to beat yourself up over it. Lets go to the gardens,' Licens remarked pleasantly.

Kagome shrugged, liking the idea. Together they went out to the gardens to admire the flowers in bloom. Licens tumbled and frolicked in the grass and flowers while Kagome watched. She held the arrow that her wand had changed into in her lap. It was pure white and brimming with power. Just like in her wand she could feel the strength, the magic, just beneath the surface.

'I wonder if it will still work? It would be awesome if I could transform into a fox again,' she pondered. She could still feel the wind through her fur, the sharpness of the world through animal eyes, the feel of the ground beneath her paws. Even as she thought about it she could feel the magic building, wrapping around her body, transforming it.

"Kai," the sharp voice jolted her and the magic fell away.

"Sesshomaru," she greeted, smiling. "That didn't take to long," she commented.

His eyebrow twitched as it sometimes did when he was confused. "It's been another three hours."

Kagome blinked. Had she really been out there that long? It only felt like a few minutes. Perhaps that magic had confused her sense of time. She shrugged it off with a laugh and patted the bench she was on.

Sesshomaru took the invitation and sat down beside her.

"I'm sorry I feel asleep," She murmured, blushing.

Sesshomaru shrugged it off as he turned and looked at her. "I told you we would talk."

'That sounds ominous' Kagome though as she looked at his serious face. "Yes I remember, and you wanted to me to tell what this was all about," Kagome sighed heavily. "Do you remember when my father died. You sent me a letter."

Sesshomaru nodded solemnly. How could he forget? He had searched the battle grounds for her father and had felt like the greatest failure when he found his cold, dead body. He had taken the sword and sent a messenger off before he could even think about raising suspicions.

"You saved me with that note and sword Seisho," Kagome commented, feeling tears well in her eyes. "I left home when I got it, intent on finding you, but then I decided as I headed for the west that I wanted to make you proud when you saw me. I wanted to be strong and smart and capable, so I turned around and began training. I learned the art of the sword and the bow. I learned to read and write and even basic arithmetic. When I learned of the test to be in the human army of the west I knew I had to go there and win. I had to show you how I have changed, but then that stupid boy would not forfeit and you had to save me from the rain." At the end of her speech Kagome did cry, feeling as if all the stress and pain of her life had come crashing out at once.

Sesshomaru pulled her to him. His hold comforting and warm as she snuggled into his chest and just let the tears fall. "I am proud of you," he said when she stopped crying.

"You are?" Kagome asked, sniffling.

"Very proud," he repeated before kissing her cheek, it was wet and salty, but still somehow sweet. Ever so gently Sesshomaru moved down and kissed her on her lips.

Inutashio stretched and yawned as he looked around outside the meeting room. Watching the other lord's reaction to Kai had been interesting, but the meeting had been boring. "Where is that little samurai anyways," he pondered out loud.

"He was an interesting thing wasn't he," Sakura commented with a chuckle as she approached her old friend and one time mate. Though she did not agree with his meddling, even she could see the changes in her son's actions and words. He seemed gentler somehow, more at peace.

"Interesting indeed, but perhaps you could help me find him," Inutashio offered. He did not need the help, but he always enjoyed a walk with his friend.

"Certainly, and perhaps Izayoi would like to come as well," Sakura said.

Izayoi blushed lightly as she came away from the corner. She hadn't really expected to stay hidden from two dog demons, but that did not stop her from being embarrassed. "I want to meet him, " she shrugged. Sesshomaru had been sent away so quickly before that she had not gotten a chance to meet his 'pet'.

Inutashio chuckled warmly as he pulled the two women in his life along in search for the little blue-eyed human. They found themselves in the garden after awhile. Kai's strange aura was easy to follow. At the sound of voices, Inutashio placed a finger to his lips in silence and quickly cast a scent-masking spell. He was not the most proficient spell caster, but he had been a master of scent masking since his days as a pup.

They snuck up on the two men with the silence of a hunter. Of course when they reached the clearing it would have taken a good deal more then rustling leaves to summon Sesshomarus attention.

Izayoi stifled a gasp at the sight before them. Sesshomaru was sitting suspiciously close to Kai on one of the garden benches. They were talking in low voices and it looked as if Kai had been crying. His eyes were red and his petite frame was shaking. Sesshomaru seemed to be trying to console him, holding him close and running his dangerous, clawed fingers through his hair. Kai gave a weak smile as Sesshomaru moved closer. Seshsomaru whispered something in Kais ear and with a small smile on his lips, he kissed him gently.

With wide eyes, Inutashio grabbed Izayoi and ran quickly from the Garden, Sakura followed swiftly behind. When they were safely in the confines of the castle the three starred at each other with wide eyes.

Inutashio was the first to open his mouth. "Well…That was certainly unexpected."