A Raging Storm
Chapter 14: Take care of my lands? ….
The group thought the world had ended when Sesshomaru started teasing Icis about hide and seek. InuYasha was downright mind blown as he stares at the two open mouthed as they argued about who was right.
"This is incredible, they knew each other when they were pups."
"Aw! I bet they were so cute playing together when they were little!" Kagome says looking down to Shippou trying to imagine Sesshomaru being so cute and fluffy but failing miserably, "Nope I just can't see it."
The argument had ended now and the two were looking one another over simply taking in the other.
"It has really been that long?" Icis asks looking to Sesshomaru sadly when he nods in the affirmative, "I heard about your father. It is sad but you never really cared for him. Is your mother still well?"
"She is well; she lives along the coast among the other poison youkai now in her family's old castle." Icis nods understanding the need to get away from a cheating husband and forget all the bad memories.
Icis looks to the group seeing them looking at them a bit lost and she blanches, 'They must not see this side of Sesshomaru. They are probably thinking he is actually the cold exterior he put on.'
"The court will not let you rule the East." Sesshomaru says suddenly and Icis nods, "I know, the laws have not changed much from when my father ruled. The court will assign another. I have been absent for far too long." Icis looks to Sesshomaru with the eyes he remembers as a child and his chest tightens.
"You will be sure the lands are cared for? They will not let some weak Tora have our lands?" Icis asks and Sesshomaru gives a nod making Icis's eyes soften with appreciation. "Thank you. And be sure that when the next castle is built it is not over my family tomb. I would hate to have to tear down another castle." Icis admits then turns to the small group her eyes warm, "I will leave now. If you ever require my help you know where to find me."
Kagome saw the pain in Icis's eyes and sighed, "I am sorry you do not get your land Icis-sama."
Icis laughs coldly, "These are not my lands the dragon destroyed my lands many years ago. This desert used to be a beautiful forest with many fat animals and happy humans and youkai alike." Icis turns and glances out toward a scar in the land, "That used to be my home. A large fortress made of living trees and stone crafted to remain one with the earth but protect from nature also. In the middle was a large garden my father had made for my mother. It was a very beautiful home." Icis turns back to the group and smiles beautifully making Miroku nearly faint, "It is best left in memories."
Kagome nods and Icis smiles at her happily, "Thank you for your help and if you require help in your battle with the hanyou Naraku I will give what support I can."
"Thank you Lady Icis-sama." Miroku says bowing and Icis nods then in a flash of purple was her large dog form and rocketed into the air leaving the small group silent.
"I do not think she wanted to rule, simply wanted revenge for her family." Shippou admits looking up at Kagome who smiles down at him, "Me too Shippou. She looked much happier than when we last saw her."
Shippou shudders, "I do not want to ever make her mad at me. Did you see how she ripped up that dragon like nothing?" Shippou goes wide-eyed remembering something, "And the way she crunched open his chest and started tearing things out!" Kagome felt sick just remembering and put her hand out to hush Shippou.
"I remember! You can stop now." Kagome groans holding her stomach feeling sick.
Sesshomaru watches after Icis for a while wondering why she didn't fight him any more for her father's lands. "Hey Sesshomaru, can Icis really not rule her lands?" InuYasha asks for once sounding more mature than one would have thought him possible.
"No little brother, the court will vote on an acceptable leader and will begin rebuilding the fortress." Sesshomaru informs.
"She's your friend can't you do something for her?"
"As much as this one would want to, Icis is a stubborn female and refuse any help offered."
"Not right now. She's all alone. Her entire pack was killed in this battle. Her entire village was massacred. She has nothing."
Sesshomaru glared at InuYasha determining if the hanyou was lying but seeing no deceit he looked back to the horizon in which Icis disappeared. "Why did she not tell this one?"
"She is in pain." Miroku supplies, "She would not want to need anyone so soon and be hurt again."
"She probably thought he wouldn't care." InuYasha sniffs but is glared at by Sesshomaru, "Unlike you half-breed the princess knows more of this one than you ever will." Sesshomaru informs then takes off in his ball of light.