Pick and Choose
Sango stood holding the letter she had found on the bed. She had been asked to play along with whatever Kagome did. When Kagome had told them the plan she never said anything about her leaving the castle. Sango wasn't sure she liked the idea of Kagome being alone like she was, even if she could take care of herself. She hoped her friend knew what she was letting herself in for.
The plan she had was seductive and dangerous, but somehow they didn't think Sesshomaru would mind it very much. In fact they were sure he would enjoy it for the most part. Sadly she wasn't doing it because she cared for him, but instead as a way to upset the other two. Hopefully to the point they would leave. Then she would simply leave Sesshomaru's castle. After all he was not a demon who would chase after a women. He was to proud for such a thing. At least that is what Kagome had told herself, but Sango wondered if that was the real reason.
A hush fell over the dinning room when Sango walked in alone. Sesshomaru wanted to growl out of irritation when he saw she was carrying a note. He had no doubts that Kagome had done something foolish yet again. So what Sango said when she stopped at the table was no real surprise. " Kagome's gone and she left us a note."
Glancing around the table she looked each person in the eyes. Sango and Miroku could see the men in the room didn't seem very happy about Kagome's absence. As she read the note a loud she was laughing inside at what Kagome had planed. In a way she was glad to be involved and would be there to see their reactions. Sango and Miroku both looked forward to seeing how Sesshomaru would react.
Greetings,
According to demon law I have the right to challenge any who show interest. I invoke those rights and set forth 4 test for each of you. You will find me on Lord Sesshomaru's land, by the lake, where the yellow flowers grow. You may not come alone. Sango, Miroku and the children must come with you. If they do not, you all forfeit your rights. I await your arrival.
Kagome.
Sango didn't bother looking around as she took her seat. Miroku wasn't surprised that he could see no emotions coming from Sesshomaru, but it was a much different story with Fayou and Kain. Kain left out a low growl of annoyance. Fayou sat back softly shaking his head and closed his eyes. Miroku wanted to laugh as he listened to both of them softly mumbling to themselves.
Sesshomaru had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. He was however glad Kagome had the good sense to at least stay on his land for whatever she had planned. Finishing his meal Sesshomaru left the room only stopping at the base of the stairs. He had heard the soft sounds of her chasing after him. " Rin you will finish your meal before we leave." With a smile and a nod she ran back to finish eating.
As they prepared to leave the castle, Kagome was very busy by a distant lake. One hour went by then two. Finally she stepped back and looked at her hard work. She was glad she had thought of taking the things she had. Standing at the entrance she looked over the cave making sure everything was done.
As the meat slowly cooked Kagome grabbed her pack and headed for the hot spring for a well deserved soak. She sighed with contentment as the warm water engulfed her giving her all the comfort it had to offer. Even though she was enjoying the peace she had finally found, she felt lonely with no one to talk to. With knowing her friends were on their way she shrugged it off and leaned back smiling.
Her mind drifting in thought and she wondered how long it was going to be before they would arrive. She thought it strange when a vision of Sesshomaru flashed before her eyes making her smile. She almost felt bad for what she had planned, but it was the only thing she could think of doing. Still somehow the idea of using him felt wrong. Kagome told her self time and time again, if it were Sesshomaru he would do the same thing. With this set firmly in place, she pushed it all out of her mind.
After a short time of soaking Kagome felt a strange aura approaching her. Quickly dressing she puzzled where she had felt it before. Her question was soon answered when Shanglou stepped out of the trees. She had not given him a second thought after he had left Sesshomaru's castle. The look she saw in his eyes was almost that of Hojo's, except his was much more serous.
The idea he was someone who didn't take no for an answer didn't surprise Kagome. One hand on her hip the other on her sword she watched him carefully as he walked toward her. When he stopped they stared at each other until he finally spoke. " I apologize for my actions. I humbly ask for you to reconsider your decision."
Kagome didn't bother answering him as she turned and started walking back to her camp. She could feel his aura closely following her. Even though his voice sounded sincere she was having a hard time believing he really meant it. As the last tree reached her arm Kagome stopped and turned to him. " I stand by my decision and I meant what I said. Please leave."
A few miles away the small group was finally getting close to the end of their journey. A vision of Kagome in trouble flashed in Sesshomaru's mind and he growled. Without warning Sesshomaru vanished in a flash of white. In only moments he entered the camp and saw Kagome holding Shanglou in the air by his throat. Thin lines of blue Miko powers moved from her body wrapping around his.
Sesshomaru charged toward them in hopes of stopping her. He knew how she feared losing her control and even more so the way she had killed Inuyasha. Shanglou went flying through the air and she saw him hit a tree. Something grabbed Kagome pinning her hands behind her back. A loud menacing growl bellowed from deep inside her as she looked toward what had her. When her red eyes meet his golden ones her growl grew silent.
Sesshomaru leaned in close, letting his chest lay against her. His cheek softly touched Kagome's as his lips drew up her neck and he whispered in her ear. " You must control yourself Kagome. Life has enough regrets already. I know you do not wish to kill anyone else." His soft whispered words soothed her anger, like she had often felt when she was upset and would talk to her grandfather.
Sesshomaru loosened his hold when felt her body start to relax. Still he refused to release her as she stood in his arms. When her eyes returned back to normal. He softly caressed her cheek as his fingers traced her jaw. " Did he harm you?" As he softly spoke he gently lifted her chin. The concern she saw him his eyes scared Kagome and yet it her body reacted to his gentle touch.
Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink and she quickly turned away so he wouldn't see. " He just........ No I'm fine." She said with more confidence than she really felt. Neither Sesshomaru or Kagome had realized the others had finally arrive and just in time to see their tender moment. When Kagome turned she froze mid-step as she looked at the smiling faces of her friends.
Realizing they had seen what just happened she quickly started walking. Her eyes stayed glued to the ground as she did her best to not see the smiles or the angry glare she was receiving. She swiftly moved across the camp, but stopped just before stepping into the cave. Her body jerked around as the realization of something struck her. How did Sesshomaru know there was trouble? What does he mean by regrets?
Her eyes momentarily locked with his before she vanished into the cave. What he had seen in her eyes angered Sesshomaru. He didn't know what had happened before he arrived and he didn't care. He had every intention of hurting Shanglou as he turned around. When he looked to the tree he had knocked Shanglou into to, he was nowhere to be seen. It seemed he did value his life after all and escaped while he could.
Sesshomaru growled angrily with not being able to hurt the one who had distressed Kagome. Kain and Fayou turned and walked toward the area they would be camping, but Sesshomaru did not. He didn't look back as he headed into the woods in search of his prey. He would kill the one who dared to try to touch what was his.
As Sesshomaru swiftly moved through the woods Kagome sat in the cave her mind swirling with questions. For so long she had always thought of Sesshomaru as a cold blooded killer and a heartless demon. But when he touched her his touch was so gentle, so warm and caring. Could it be she had been wrong about him? That everything she had ever been told was a lie? Was he more than just a cold killer?
When he looked at her his eyes always held so many emotions, even though his face didn't. Again the thought of using him crossed Kagome's mind and she started to wonder if she could really go through with it. Her head went to her hands as she told herself over and over there was no other way for it to work.
A light breeze carrying the scent of cooked meat slipped into he cave and under her nose. Kagome did the best she could to put her own questions out of her mind. She knew she couldn't allow herself to be distracted as she put her plan into action. With a smile on her face she joined the others, but those who really knew Kagome could tell something was wrong.
Rin and Shippo played by the waters edge while Sango and Miroku helped her. They were all surprised when Fayou stepped up to help to. The fact Kain remained seated didn't escape any ones attention. It only took Kagome a few seconds to realize Sesshomaru was nowhere to be seen and she could stop herself from wondering where he was. What bothered her was she hoped he came back soon.
Kagome and Sango were pleasantly surprised when both children gave them flowers. Rin giggled as Kagome took her simple gift and smelt of them. " Thank you both for the lovely flowers." Giving them each a hug in return Kagome and Sango took their flowers into the cave to be placed in water. By the time they returned Miroku had finished placing things out for their meal.
Hours past as they waited for Sesshomaru to return. Kagome sat silently by the lake watching Rin and Shippo playing in the water. She was already annoyed with the way Kain and Fayou were constantly trying to keep her attention. It seemed things were going to be harder than she had originally thought they would.
Rin noticed the sad far away look that seemed to stay on Kagome's face. After sitting quietly for a few moments she decided to speak. " Kagome can I ask you something?" The unexpected voice so near her caused Kagome to slightly jump, but her eyes remained on the rippling water of the lake.
" Sure Rin. What is it?" She expected her to want to talk about flowers or some childish thing as she always did. But what she got instead was something she wasn't looking for.
" Have..Have I done something wrong or bad?" She paused looking at Kagome with sad little eyes. When Kagome looked at her Rin finished what she wanted to say. " Is that why you don't want to be my mother?" Kagome could hear the pain in Rin's voice and it ripped at her heart.
Kagome was stunned. Oh Rin. How could you think something like that?She thought as she stared at the little girl beside her. " Rin you have done nothing wrong. It's Sesshomaru, not you. It's complicated." She wished there was a way she could be a mother to Rin, but it would never work with the way Sesshomaru was. She knew she could never be happy with a mate that couldn't love her.
Rin remain quiet for a few minutes with a strange look on her face. When she looked to her feet she finally spoke again. " Compacated. That is what Lord Sesshomaru said when I asked him why they was trying to make him not be a Lord anymore. What does compacated mean Kagome?"
Kagome's eyes went wide when what Rin said sunk in. Sesshomaru? Not a Lord anymore? " Rin who is trying to make him not be a Lord and why?"
" The other Lords. They said......" A loud voice stopped their conversation in mid sentence.
" Rin!" Both Rin and Kagome jerked around to the owner of the voice to see none other than Sesshomaru glaring at both of them.
" Lord Sesshomaru..." Squealed Rin over joyed to see her Lord and she took off running toward him. " I am happy to see you are back My Lord." She knew she had done something wrong with the look she was getting from him.
" Rin come." Was all he said as he started walking away. She didn't question his orders as she followed him, looking at the ground. Kagome watched them closely and strained her ears trying to hear. " Rin did we not agree that was a subject you would not speak of to anyone?"
" Yes My Lord. I'm sorry I forgot. I just wanted to know what the word compacated meant that is all." At the moment Sesshomaru bent down to one knee speaking to Rin. As hard as Kagome tried she was unable to hear what was being said. She knew they were talking about her when Sesshomaru looked her way.
After a few minutes Rin ran back to play with Shippo, but Kagome's eyes were watching Sesshomaru. She had many questions going through her mind and she knew the only way to get the answers was to ask him. That was something however she was not ready to do. It would only make things harder. Turning her attention back to the water she watched the children play as she tried to figure things out for herself.
Seeing how the sun was starting to give way to evening she stood and walked toward the others. Through out the day she had told Kain and Fayou many things about herself. Told them stories and listened to theirs in return. Now it was time to see if they had listened. Clearing her throat she waited till she had all threes attention.
" I have set forth 4 tests for each of you. It is time for one of them. In the time I am gone at the hot spring you each will enter the cave." She pointed to the cave. " In this cave you will see all my possessions. One at a time you will each go in look at them then come back out here. By this time you will have seen all I hold close to me. When I return you will tell me what you think I care the most about and why. The one who tells me the correct answer, if anyone, will receive a kiss and may join me for a moonlight walk."
Kain and Fayou stared at each other confused. They had expected such challenges as fighting and hunting not something like she was doing. Sesshomaru simply smiled inside. He already knew the answer. Gathering a change of clothing Kagome and Sango headed to the hot spring. Kain and Fayou each took their turns, but Sesshomaru remained where he was. When asked why he simply replied there was no need for him to enter. Kain took that as a sign he was not going to pursue Kagome's hand and smiled to himself.
She dreaded the idea of being at camp as they walked in and everyone looked at her. Might as well get it over with. Doubt anyone will get it right anyway. " Fayou you may go first." Kagome said with a smile that she really didn't feel like having. Everyone watched as he walked into the cave and returned with a piece of paper.
" I have chosen this note from your mother. Because you said you could not go home and you might not see her again." All the demons could smell her used tears as she took the note from his hand.
The smell of her tears were very unpleasant to Sesshomaru and he spoke before he could stop himself. " In time you will see her again Kagome." She swallowed hard as she looked at him and softly smiled. She was sure he was right and she would again be reunited with her family on the other side of the well. Until then she could only wait and remember them.
" Kain you may go now." He was sure he was right with what he had chosen. After all a demons weapons and armor are the one thing they guard and depend on the most.
" I have chosen your bow, arrows and armor. You are a warrior who defends all she has and a demon is nothing without them." She wanted to laugh as he proudly handed them to her. The smug look in his eyes was almost to much and she had to look away to stop herself. Still she had to admit he was right about her defending what she held dear.
She had been wondering what Sesshomaru would chose and now it was time to find out. " Lord Sesshomaru I save you for last not out of disrespect, but instead as a way to try to make it fare for them as you have known me longer. Would you like to take your turn please?" When he made no move to stand everyone wondered if he had given up. If he was not even going to try.
" What you hold dearest is not in that cave. Family and friends are the most important thing in life. The children and your friends need you as much as you do them. You and I both know this to be true. They are my choice." As Kagome stared at him he raised an eyebrow as if to dare her to say he was wrong.
She looked to Sango as if to ask if she had told him. Only to see Sango shrug her shoulders and smile. As she looked to Kain and Fayou she spoke. " What you two chose were every good items, but I am afraid you were both incorrect." Looking back to Sesshomaru she had no choice, but to admit it out loud he was right.
" Lord Sesshomaru you are correct." After only taking two steps the sound of a low growl was heard. Kagome stopped and turned to its owner. " May I ask why your growling?"
" You said it was in the cave not that it could be a living person." Stated Kain angrily.
" Did you not see her friends or the children before and after the cave? Did she not say by the time you come out of the cave you will have seen all she holds close to her?" Challenged Sesshomaru as he stood beside Kagome. Kain knew he couldn't argue the point. He had been tricked and it had been his own fault.
She didn't think anyone who guess the answer, but she was wrong. Now she was sorry she had said anything at all. Kagome swore it was a mistake she wouldn't make again. She hoped he would force the kiss she had promised, but she knew she would have to go for the walk. Leaving the group she headed to the cave with her things. She hoped he would forget about it, but she was wrong.
Sesshomaru's eyebrow raised as he watched her walk away. Does she think she is going to deny me what is mine? I think not. Tonight Kagome you will understand you belong with me. He thought as he sat back down under his tree. His mind was already thinking of what he needed to do and how to do it. She didn't know that Miroku had spoken to Sesshomaru alone and because of that he knew everything she wanted.
He would to be what she wanted, at least for the time being. He had waited, watched and protected her. Now he needed his mate more than ever.