Chapter Thirty-Six
From the moment Sesshomaru arrived in Edo to begin negotiations, he and the Shogun hid themselves behind closed doors so that they might come to some form of agreement.
And being as he'd become the proverbial mouthpiece for the other youkai factions, there was a great deal to go over. It seemed as though messengers were running back and forth constantly between them and the other lords, relaying the Shogun's demands and returning with the youkai Lord's agreements or counter offers.
Out of all the Lords, the Southern lord was the most irritable to deal with for both of them. And by the fifth day he was all but demanding he be permitted to attend the meetings to ensure he wasn't swindled out of anything important.
Sesshomaru wanted to refuse, but the Shogun felt differently and conceded to meet with him. So they agreed to put the meetings on hold until the snake youkai arrived.
"Please feel free to come and go as you please while we wait." Tokugawa said. "Think of my home as your home."
"Your hospitality is appreciated." Sesshomaru said.
After that Tokugawa excused himself to take care of other matters while Sesshomaru sent a messenger off to the West to ensure everything was still running smoothly. Once his business was concluded, he headed for the one place where there were bound to be few humans, and the air was guaranteed to be fresh.
While walking along one of the paths, Sesshomaru had to concede that whoever had designed Tokugawa's gardens had done an impressive job. They were nowhere near as attentive as Rin was when it came to the flowers though, and for a moment he found himself wishing he was at home instead of stuck here dealing with such inanities.
After a time though, he found himself corrected when he came to a small alcove where the flowers had been immaculately tended to. A second glance told him that whoever cared for these flowers was indeed very fond of them, so fond in fact that there wasn't so much as a wilted blossom to be seen.
"I think I learned my gardening lessons well, wouldn't you say?" An all too familiar voice asked from behind.
Sesshomaru couldn't help but take in a deep breath as he straightened to his full height before turning around. A part of him was almost convinced he was hallucinating while the rest was all too eager to prove he wasn't.
The larger part of him won the moment he spotted her, standing not more than four feet away. And though she was clad in the finest of silk kimono, while her hair had been piled on top of her head in some strange confection, her brilliant blue eyes sparkled mischievously yet knowingly at him.
"Indeed and where did you learn such talents?" He asked as he drank the sight of her in. Feelings or no, he would have to be blind in order to not appreciate the vision she provided.
"You'd be amazed what you can learn when you take the time to simply observe." She winked before smoothing her features out as she bowed at the waist. "You must be Sesshomaru-sama."
"I am, and you would be?" He asked while reminding himself that he was not supposed to know her.
"I am Kagome."
"One of Tokugawa's daughters," He noted. "I believe he mentioned that you were absent due to illness."
"Yes, but it was nothing serious." She said as she straightened. "Have you concluded your business with my father?"
"Not as of yet, there have been complications." He said as he scanned the area to find that there was a guard stationed not far off, no doubt to ensure her safety.
"Yes well I'm sure that's to be expected with such things." She said as she gave him a cautious look. "I must say though, that I truly hope you can come to some form of agreement for I believe it would benefit both of our peoples."
"Oh, you possess some knowledge on these dealings?"
"Of course not, I am not worthy of knowing such things." She said as she dipped her head. "But I still have eyes and ears."
"And those are perhaps two of the better senses to possess, for a human that is."
"I would not argue with you on that My Lord." She said as she lifted her head and smirked at him.
"Princess it is time for dinner." The guard said as he bowed.
"Already," She asked in surprise as she glanced at the position of the sun to find it was well on its way to setting. "My, my, it is isn't it?"
"So it would seem." Sesshomaru mused.
"Would you permit this lowly one to walk with you My Lord?" She asked as she bowed her head again.
"That would be acceptable." He said as he offered her his arm.
"Thank you." She smiled up at him as they made their way back to the castle.
As they walked, Sesshomaru couldn't help but study her out of the corner of his eye. Now that she was alive once more, she seemed to glow with an inner light, and all the pain and sorrow she'd carried around for so long was no longer evident.
He knew better to think that it was gone completely, being as she'd dealt with it for so long and would continue to do so in the future. He also knew it would never go away. But, remembering how resilient she had been in the past, it made sense that she would be able to push it deep within herself so that she might thrive once more.
Life was something he himself had always taken for granted. He supposed being gifted with near immortality would do that to a person in the end. And since as he was a warrior, perhaps the best Japan had ever seen, it was so easy for him to forget how tenuous it really was.
Of course, it probably didn't help that Death herself had told him he had quite a ways to go before he met his end. Thinking about it now made him realize that having been told that probably wasn't for the best, in fact it could be downright detrimental.
"You certainly seem to be thinking hard about something." She said, pulling him back to the present.
"I suppose I am." He mused as he glanced down at her.
"I find that speaking your thoughts aloud can help in shedding some light on them." She said. "Of course you don't have to if you don't want to."
"I was thinking that people do indeed take life for granted." He watched as she blinked in surprise before her peach colored lips took on a wry twist.
"I'm sure your quite right about that My Lord." She murmured as she turned her gaze to the greenery around them. "I myself have felt the same way from time to time. It's such a tenuous thing really."
"Indeed it is."
"But what can one do about it hm?" She asked as she tilted her head to the side in thought. "Far be it for us to meddle in other people's lives, even if it is for the best."
"Hn," He grunted as they entered the palace and headed for the dining hall.
"May I ask about your family?" She asked after a short lull.
"I have four human wards and a kitsune ward that live in my shiro." He said. "As for blood relatives, I have a half-brother that resides on the outskirts of Edo with his mate and pups."
"Oh have you had a chance to go and visit them since you arrived?" She asked as her eyes alit with something akin to excitement.
"As of yet, no." He said. "The talks with your father have kept me occupied."
"Well why not go and see them after dinner?" She asked. "Or do you and my father plan on reconvening?"
"We are awaiting the arrival of the Southern Youkai Lord." He said then arched an eyebrow when she tensed. "Is something the matter?"
"Of course not, I just wasn't aware that any of the other Lords were coming," She said as she relaxed and smiled up at him.
"It was an unexpected change in plans."
"I see." She said. "Well then since he most likely won't be here till sometime tomorrow, why not go and spend some time with your brother?"
"Perhaps I will." He mused as they neared the dining hall.
That night, Sesshomaru couldn't help but observe how Kagome interacted with the rest of the Tokugawa line. It was plain to see that she was not biologically related to them, what with her eyes and bone structure.
Not only that but the way she behaved around them was somewhat stilted, even though she was obviously trying her best to conform herself to fit in better. The strangest thing of all though, was that not a single one of them seemed to notice her struggle at all, in fact they barely registered her presence.
He supposed part of it was because women, and especially the female children, were meant to be seen and not heard. Those of the effeminate sex were given little attention to begin with, and the rest he surmised could be attributed to Amaterasu's spell. It was altogether intriguing yet mystifying.
"If you like I can arrange for some entertainment for you once dinner is done Sesshomaru-sama." Tokugawa said as they neared the end of their meal.
"That will not be necessary."
"Oh, did you have something in mind?"
"I have family in the vicinity." He said after a moment of thought. "And as it has been some time since I last spoke with them, I find it necessary to pay them a visit."
"Ah I see; will you require an escort?"
"I will find my own way." He said as he inclined his head. "The offer is appreciated however."
"Of course," He said with a wave of his hand.
"Forgive me My Lord, but may this lowly one please be excused?" Kagome asked as she bowed her head. "I find I am still feeling a little under the weather."
"Do as you must." Tokugawa sighed as he shot her a displeased look.
"Forgive me My Lord." Kagome said as she bowed to Sesshomaru.
"There is nothing to forgive." Sesshomaru murmured as he inclined his own head; thoroughly surprising his host.
Tokugawa narrowed his eyes in speculation as his daughter bowed once more then rose to her feet and headed for the exit; they narrowed even further when he realized that Sesshomaru's eyes followed every one of her movements.
For finding humans distasteful it would seem he has found an interest in my offspring. Perhaps I can use that to my advantage. He thought as he smoothed out his features before the Inu could catch on. Either way, it bears thinking on, but only once I am alone. I can't have the demon catching on just yet.
xXx
Knowing she wouldn't be checked on for the rest of the night, Kagome shed the mask of life and once more became Death's Mistress. It felt strange to say the least, after having spent the last handful of days as a living being, but it was necessary.
Once she was in her Shinigami form, she pulled her clothing out of its hiding place and quickly donned it before pulling the voluminous hood up as she felt her neck to ensure the scythe shaped pendant was still attached to the chain her goddess had given her. She had to admit that the newest trick of being able to shrink her scythe then attach it to a chain around her neck was most helpful indeed. With it in its miniature state, she could carry it around at will while keeping it hidden in the folds of her kimono.
After a quick glance to ensure she'd donned everything necessary, she extended her senses to find that Sesshomaru was already well on his way towards her friends home. Bearing that in mind she made sure the door to her room was barred then took to the night on silent feet.
She hadn't planned on speaking to Sesshomaru in this form at all, but the moment she discovered that the Southern Lord was coming, she knew she had no choice. Ankoku wasn't supposed to be a part of this plan, and an unexpected element could tip the scales out of their favor.
And Sesshomaru has no idea that he was the one to steal the Tenseiga since I refused to tell him. She thought as she slipped through the village that was rapidly on its way to becoming the great city known as Tokyo. If I don't play my cards right, things could get very messy indeed.
xXx
"Oi, what are you doing here?" Inuyasha asked the moment he emerged from his hut to find his brother approaching.
"Still brash as ever I see." Sesshomaru intoned. "Will you never learn Inuyasha?"
"Keh my attitude's not the point here." The hanyou muttered as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You still haven't answered my question."
"I am currently on recess from negotiating the continuation of our race with the human ruler." He said dryly. "And since I am in the vicinity I felt it necessary to ensure you were still among the living."
"Whatever, I'm sure out of anyone, you'd be the first to know if I were dead or not thanks to your connection to you know who." He snorted, all the while ignoring the dirty look given in response.
"You would think after all these years, you two would learn to get along." A third voice said, causing them to both go on guard. "Really, if I wanted you dead, you would be."
"Well, well speak of the devil herself." Inuyasha snorted as their intruder stepped into the light.
"I assure you Inuyasha; if I were the devil, this conversation would be less than pleasant." She said dryly.
"What brings you here?" He muttered as his ears flattened, he knew it was futile to get into a verbal sparring match with her of all people because he would most certainly lose.
"There is much that needs to be discussed." She said, giving Sesshomaru a pointed look. "And there are a few things you need to be made aware of as well Inuyasha."
"Oh yeah, and why's that?" He asked suspiciously.
"Because certain events are taking place that I have no control over, nor was I made aware of them." She said without taking her eyes off of Sesshomaru. "And if we aren't prepared for it, things could get very sticky, very quickly."
"Well great." He sighed as he darted a glance at his brother to find he had a dark look on his face. "Well come on inside already, this is hardly the place to have this kind of conversation."
"I think that would be for the best." She said then held up her hands to show that they were un-bandaged. "And before you ask, don't worry I'm not here to take anyone with me. My touch will not harm."
"Yeah unless you want it to," Inuyasha muttered under his breath as he spun on his heel.
She couldn't help but smirk. "You do realize I heard that right?"
Sesshomaru snorted when Inuyasha froze in place then hunched down, he then turned his gaze to Death as she chuckled and shook her head while approaching the hanyou.
"Ah don't worry about it Inuyasha, I'm not going to pull out the retribution card simply because you have no control over your mouth." She smirked as she slapped him on the back, effectively freaking him out even more.
"This is hardly the time for games." Sesshomaru said pointedly.
"You're right." She said as she slipped into business mode once more. "We have a lot to discuss and very little time to discuss it in."
"Well then let's get to it." With that the three entered the hut so that they could get down to business.
xXx
A/N: Alright that's all your getting out of me til either later tomorrow night or friday night cuz i got work. I hope it's enough to tide you over for awhile lol. and please R + R so I know what ya think, that and it helps the rebellious muse, she's still not quite where she's supposed to be just yet. To that effect, THANK YOU SO MUCH SHADOW for all your help and for putting up with me and my issues in getting these past few chapters out, btw it's all thanks to her that these chapters are even getting put out to begin with since she's been srsly cracking the whip on my muse lol. 333