Chapter 28
The OutsiderThe young Miko had made her way back to her rooms in record-breaking time. Upon reaching her room she promptly threw the door open and stepped in then forcefully shut it behind her making the shoji screen shake violently in its frame. Continuing on her tyrant she proceeded into her room, winding her way through all of her things that had been scattered about her room she disappeared behind her personal shoji screen. Promptly she laid down on her bed and let out a loud huff since she was the only one in her room and really she could care less whether or not she was being 'Lady' like. Frankly she was tired of being 'Lady' like, it got her no where, not like she was a very violent person but sometimes you really couldn't do anything but hit someone.
Letting out another small sigh, her anger quickly left her and in its place she felt painfully tired; her temples pulsed dully creating a headache that swept through her entire body. Pulling her blankets out from under her Kagome situated them on top of herself, rolling over to her side so that she could look upon Goshinboku, which decorated the shoji screens papery surface. Her eyes began to drift close but sleep still was further from her reach then she would have liked for it was still lighter outside then her internal clock would have liked for her to fall asleep with.
Placing her arm around the top of her head Kagome pulled the sleeve of her haori over her eyes, which effectively cut out the obtrusive light of the setting sun. As she was consumed by darkness the weightlessness of sleep over took her loosing, her in a world of dreams.
Slowly the pulls of consciousness began to tug on the forefront of her mind demanding her attention into the real world. Reluctantly she obliged to its rude call shifting slightly in the warm cocoon of her bed she immediately regretted the action for it placed press upon her full bladder. Groaning slightly the young Miko shifted back to her previous position but too late the damage had already been done. From her movements soft silk fluttered across her face, opening her eyes languidly Kagome stared into the pure white depths of her haori as she continued to stare at it her befuddled mind was struck with curiosity.
'I don't have a white Haori. Well I do but not this fine of silk.' She thought absently to herself. Looking down the sleeve to its base she found it to be dyed blood red with white plum blossoms, blinking several times Kagome began running the style through her fabric identification system. Then, like lightening, realization dawned upon her that she was still wearing Sesshomaru's haori. Sitting up abruptly she began examining the neck of it, there again was the traditional splash of crimson and the contradicting white of the plum blossoms. Letting out a tired sigh Kagome laid back down on her mat, the light of the morning gleamed through the thin papers of the shoji screens bathing her room in a soft yellowish light that eluded to more warmth then it actually gave. Not wanting to face the day quite yet she placed her arm over her eyes effectively blocking out all light, breathing deeply she tried finding the rhythm of sleep once more.
'At least he smells nice.' Kagome thought fleetingly; though as fate would have it just as she was about to drift off into slumber land the sound of the shoji screen being opened scratched abrasively through her sensitive ears. Grinding her teeth in response Kagome gave up trying to sleep, sitting up once more she began to scratch her head but found that her nails were dulled more then normal. Pulling her arm back down to examine her hand she found that it was lost with in the mass of silk that was her sleeve. Pawing uselessly at the inside of her sleeve she began trying to find the exit but it seemed futile. Lifting her other hand she began pulling the sleeve up, after several moments of passing silk over silk she finally found the exit, pulling her hand free from the masses of silk. Turning over to her other hand she quickly freed it from its silken entrapment, finally with her hands free she ran her fingers through her hair.
Yawing quietly she stood and made her way around her shoji screen to see who had entered into her domain. Though the only one there was none other then Hotaru, she was seated at the low table with breakfast. Her ears twitched slightly as she heard the soft padding of feet. Looking up Hotaru saw her lady standing before her, a smile spread across her lips as she saw Kagome wearing her Lords haori.
"Good morning my lady." Hotaru greeted.
"Morning." Kagome replied as she seated herself at the table across from the Kitsune.
"Please eat my lady." Hotaru encouraged as she pushed the food towards her. Looking from the food to Hotaru and back again Kagome gave in inaudible sigh as she took hold of her chopsticks and began eating. Not feeling very hungry Kagome picked at more of her food then she actually ate it. Giving up on the effort Kagome placed her chopsticks back in the tray, bringing her hands together she gave a quick prayer of thanks for the food. Placing her hands back in her lap Kagome began looking over the haori, picking it up in her hands she began closely scrutinizing each strand.
"O No!" Kagome declared loudly, dropping her sleeve and looking up to Hotaru, her eyes wide in surprise.
"What is it?" Hotaru asked.
"My things! I forgot them in the bath." She explained as she rose to her feet. "I'll have to go get them."
"There's no need Lady Kagome." Hotaru informed her before she could leave the room.
"What?" Kagome asked as she came back and sat down at the table once more.
"I retrieved your things last time," Hotaru explained as she pointed across the room towards her things. "See." She finished with a smile. Looking over to where she had indicated Kagome saw her yellow bag sitting on the other side of her shoji screen.
"Thank you." Kagome declared with a smile. "But I suppose I should really be returning Sesshomaru's haori or else he'll be wondering around here without a shirt."
"Yes, that would be best." Hotaru agreed as a sly smile crept across her features. Eyeing her skeptically Kagome brushed it off, standing she went to her bag and began shifting through its contents in search of her underwear and bra. It was the only thing she couldn't live with out, not wearing it just made her feel so naked and improper; she was simply too much of a twenty first century girl. Finding her desired particles of clothing she went behind her screen and slipped them on, Hotaru then came around and quickly dressed her into three kimonos the one that she wore on top was of simple design. It was light blue with soft white wisps denoting clouds and simple blooming flowers across the sleeves and neck that were white and blue, along the bottom was more of an array of the blue and white flowers along with several red ones. Tying it with a pale silver green obi Hotaru eyed her over critically; nodding her head in approval she picked up her Lords haori and began folding it.
"Maybe…" Kagome began hesitantly as she smoothed out the front of her kimonos and followed Hotaru around her folding screen.
"Yes?" Hotaru prompted as she turned to give her a reassuring smile.
"Well I was thinking maybe I should write a haiku." She explained, keeping her express blank but at the way the fox's eyes alighted and her mouth twisted in a grin she got the feeling that she was blushing. Averting her eyes Kagome scratched thoughtfully at her chin as she came around and seated herself at the low table. Pushing her tray of food away from herself Kagome began ruffling through the pieces of paper that were scattered across it. Finding several pieces of blank paper she placed them before herself then began searching for her ink stone. Not finding it on the table she began shifting through papers and other objects that had found its way under the table. Searching blindly her hand came into contact with something hard, wrapping her fingers around the object she pulled it out and placed it on the table. Lifting the lid off the box she situated it just to the left of her papers.
"Now I just need some water and a brush." She thought aloud, but before she could begin her search Hotaru had placed a shallow cup of water and a brush on the table. "O thank you Hotaru." Kagome smiled as she picked up her brush she brought it to the water about to soak its tip but stopped, bring the bamboo brush to her mouth she began to chew on it as she thought. A small smile crept over Hotaru's features as she watched Kagomes eyebrows bunch together in thought. Tapping her fingers together she counted the syllables of her words, finding that they fit she placed her brush in the water then added it to the ink stone. Holding her sleeve back with her left hand she began writing, her strokes were broad and quick giving it a look of water. Reading over her words she smiled 'it would have to do.' She thought to herself. Blowing softly on the paper she folded it up gently and handed it to Hotaru who placed it atop of the Kimono then wrapped it in a thin rice paper.
"I'll take this to Lord Sesshomaru, I'll be back in a moment." Hotaru informed her as she picked up the tray of food and left the room. Looking over to her backpack Kagome quirked an eyebrow as a mischievous smile spread across her lips; o yes her boredom was just about to be banished for the time being.
"…The Great Lords have become anxious Lord Sesshomaru, they wonder if you are ever going to cast the Miko out." Asked a young youkai that sat across from him, her eyes glowed electric blue as they stared intently at the ground.
"We are still in the midst of winter, to turn her out now would be sending her to her death. She will leave at the first sign of spring." Sesshomaru replied curtly his attention focused on the child like youkai but he knew all too well that she was centuries older then he.
"The Great Lords will be very pleased to hear of this from you." She informed him as she prostrated before him her golden hair fluttered around her as light as air.
"Tell me Nariko, do the Great Lords distrust me so?" Sesshomaru inquired.
"O, it is not that they do not trust you My Lord, it is they simply fear you are more your Fathers child then any of us may have realized." Nariko stated as she sat up; her electric blue eyes clashed with Sesshomarus own golden orbs, a delicate smile spread across her lips.
"I see." Sesshomaru commented nonchalantly.
"Though, if I may be frank My Lord," Nariko begun then fell silently as she awaited her Lords approval; once more she cast her eyes down.
"Yes." Sesshomaru prompted.
"Even though Lady Taree is Inu youkai, I fear she is not fit to be Lady of the West. Never has the Sun and the Moon been able to sleep comfortably under one roof; Also," Nariko prompted but paused once more as she awaited Sesshomaru's approval to keep going. She was after all a woman and these were dangerous territories she was traversing.
"Continue." Sesshomaru encouraged.
"Even though Lady Kagome is human, I believe she is fit to be Lady of the West, if My Lord so chose. Though Miko, she possesses the needed strength to both be feared and respected. She is like the first star in the night sky and the last star to fade by the light of dawn." Nariko finished.
"Your words borderline treason." Sesshomaru warned lightly as he shifted ever so slightly in his seat.
"Forgive me My Lord, it was not my place to say such things." Nariko responded as she prostrated herself once more before her Lord. Sesshomaru was about to speak but a soft rap on the door cut him off, shifting his eyes to the door he eyed it precariously then turned his attention back to the demon before him.
"Rise." He ordered. "This discussion is over."
"Yes My Lord." She replied. Standing she went to the shoji screen, kneeled before it and pulled the screen open.
"O Nariko, hello, what a surprise." Hotaru greeted as she gave the lightning demon a small smile.
"Hello, Hotaru, yes this is indeed a surprise." Nariko replied as she returned the smile. Both demons stood, switched spots simultaneously and once more sat down on the tatami mats as was customary.
"Good day Nariko." Hotaru smiled as she bowed to her.
"Good day Hotaru." Nariko replied giving a smile as well and with that Hotaru slid the screen shut.
Standing Hotaru made her way further into Sesshomarus study, taking a seat on one of the supplied cushions she placed her package beside her and bowed deeply to her Lord.
"What is it Hotaru?" Sesshomaru asked his voice bored as he eyed the package curiously.
"I have come to return My Lords haori." Hotaru answered as she picked up the package and placed it on his desk. Sesshomaru looked down at the package, his eyes narrowed sternly as he replayed the memory of finding Kagome naked in the hallway.
"I see." Sesshomaru stated as he turned his attention to Hotaru. "What exactly was Kagomes reasoning for wandering the hallways naked?"
"I do not know My Lord, she did not tell me nor did I ask." She replied, but as she looked up to gauge his reaction all she saw was his eyes narrow dangerously; clearing her throat she continued. " Although, when I returned to the bath to retrieve her possessions I noticed the sickening sweet smell of Honeysuckles."
"Lady Taree." Sesshomaru mused.
"Yes I believe so Sesshomaru-Sama." Hotaru agreed.
"Did I not tell her to refrain from doing such activities that could impugn my honor?" Sesshomaru asked rhetorically.
"Yes you did," Hotaru agreed. "That is why, I believe, she was found in the hallway naked." she added thoughtfully.
"Explain." Sesshomaru ordered.
"Maybe it was Lady Taree who some how made Lady Kagome leave the baths unclothed and instead of retaliating, like I'm sure she would have preferred, she accepted it so as not to, as you say, impugn your honor." Hotaru answered.
"Hmm." Sesshomaru muttered to himself.
"My Lord?" Hotaru questioned.
"That is all Hotaru you may leave." Sesshomaru dismissed her; bowing she stood and exited the room leaving him to his thoughts. Looking back down to the package before him lifting his hand he unfolded the rice paper from his haori but as he did so he noticed a slip of paper. Setting the haori on the ground Sesshomaru unfolded the paper and noticed it was another haiku from Kagome reading it quickly his eye brows came together slightly.
"A thousand pardons
For the shirt upon your back
Which saved me much shame"
Sesshomaru read aloud, it was a fine haiku but one that didn't need a reply and for that he was grateful. He was never really good at Haiku's he only had to learn to right them because it was expected of him; being the heir to the western lands. Letting out a sigh he folded the haiku several times and placed it on his shelf next to the other scrolls.
"You should have seen her! She is such a disgusting creature." Taree explained with a bout of malicious laughter.
"Yeah she was; scars every where! I'm surprised she's still alive!" Kaida added.
"Wow, I wish I could have gone." Riko whined softly as she fumbled with her sleeve.
"No man will ever want her with all those scars so there's nothing to worry about!" Nami commented.
"What's that suppose to mean Nami?" Taree asked her eyes dangerously narrowed.
"Uh…well…umm what I meant was uh." Nami fumbled with her words as she searched the ground below her.
"I believe she meant that Lord Sesshomaru would only want someone as perfect as himself for his chosen mate and that of course could only be you my lady." Miho appeased as she gave Taree a gentle smile. Having her ego stroked with Miho's words she smiled to herself.
"Yes of course you're right." Taree agreed as she smoothed her kimono. Nami let out a sigh, turning to Miho she mouthed her thanks but the Leopard demon only gave her a look that clearly told her to watch her tongue, feeling abashed the water demon blushed softly and lowered her head.
"I don't see what's so wrong with scars, doesn't that mean she is a great warrior?" Sakura asked softly, her forefinger placed at the corner of her lips as she thought.
"She might be a warrior but no man wants to have a woman who is as strong as himself." Kaida explained, as she gave Sakura an incredulous look.
"But Kagome isn't as strong as Sesshomaru, she is only human after all. So why wouldn't he want her?" she asked innocently.
"She's human that's why!" Nami declared.
"Is that why we have to be so mean to her?" Sakura wondered.
"She asked for it, the way she assaulted us the other night." Taree explained.
"I suppose, but we were mean to her as well. Always talking behind her back, its karma." The sparrow demon admitted softly as she affixed her eyes to the ground not wishing to displease her Lady too much.
"Don't worry Sakura, all will be well in the end." Miho replied trying to soothe away her worry.
"Your too gentle with her Miho, she'll never become stronger if you keep babying her." Nami advised
"Yeah, shouldn't you be trying to eat her? I mean you are a leopard and she's a sparrow." Kaida pointed out.
"You wouldn't do that Miho would you?" Sakura asked, her brown eyes wide, filling with tears.
"No, of course not Sakura. I would never." She reassured her friend. "Well, if you go by your logic then shouldn't you two be mortal enemies, you Nami being a water demon and Kaida being a fire demon?" Miho pointed out. Unsure, the two looked at each other and narrowed their eyes as the sized up the other. Then they shrugged it off.
"Naw, we're equal." Kaida admitted.
"Yeah, if we started fighting it would be a draw." Nami concluded.
"And thus you would gain nothing, same applies to us all." Miho replied.
