Cowardice
Cowardice: fear that makes you unable to do what is right or expected
A heavy atmosphere loomed upon the people in Touga's study room. The room consisted of Asako-sama, Kaede-sama, Kagome, Sesshomaru, Izayoi, and Touga. Kagome suggested talking about the theory behind their auras after the ceremony ended. So, right after the wedding, everyone gathered at Touga's study. Silence filled the air as each one pondered upon what words to say.
"Kaede-sama," Touga said breaking the silence, "Are you sure that Kagome's spiritual powers are controlled by her emotions?" Seeing Kaede-sama nod her head, he asked, "Tell us how you found this out."
"When I train mikos, we begin by meditating on finding our powers. So when I asked Kagome to meditate on her ball of power, she told me she found none. To my surprise, Kagome can only control her power when she meditates on her emotions." Kaede-sama explained.
"Then if Kagome's power is based on her emotions, she could manipulate her powers to her will?" Touga asked.
Kaede-sama nodded her head again and added, "I have seen her emotions control the power within her several occasions. Even Sesshomaru-sama's experience in her barrier would testify to that."
"If Kagome's powers are controlled by her emotions, and both Sesshomaru and her aura do not harm each other," Touga looked towards his son and said, "Son! This means you can mate Kagome!" With a smile he turned to look at his wife who was already in tears with relief.
"No" Touga heard Sesshomaru say. Turning his attention back to Sesshomaru, he widened his eyes in shock.
"What do you mean no? You do not wish to mate her!?" Touga said beginning to raise his voice. He could not believe his son would change his mind!
A growl came from his son before hearing, "I will not risk losing her because of a mere theory" Sesshomaru voiced, stressing that everything was still a theory and did not hold enough proof. Touga remained silent, knowing that his son's words were true.
"But Sesshomaru, what if your youkai ki will not affect Kagome badly?" Izayoi asked softly.
"And what if it does? I would rather have her with me as long as I can than risk her leaving me any sooner." Touga heard Sesshomaru state while clenching his hand tightly.
"Surely, Kaede-sama's words are proof enough to try-" Touga began to persuade his son, but was soon cut off.
"Risk her life on the insights of a human's knowledge? I think not." Sesshomaru said with his voice laced with coldness.
"You are a coward." Touga bit out at his son's action. There was more of a chance that the mating would be successful, yet his son was being foolish.
"If a coward is to choose the safest path for her, I do not mind the title." Sesshomaru said dripping with malice as he left the study room. He watched as Kagome sent him a sad smile, "I will speak with him, Inupapa" she said while following after Sesshomaru. Touga let out a sigh, while his wife grasped his hand.
"My dear, Sesshomaru will not choose a path that has the slightest risk of harming Kagome." Izayoi softly whispered to him. Looking to Asako-sama, Touga asked, "What are your thoughts on this, Asako-sama?"
A small smile appeared on her face as Touga heard her say, "I believe Sesshomaru will choose the best path for my daughter Touga-sama."
The moment Sesshomaru left the study room, the pain that he endured began to strangle him. He made his way to the balcony in hopes that fresh air would help. The pain of crushing his hopes that began to bloom from that human's words was unbearable. He would not even try to mate her. The thought of her dying by his youkai ki sent waves of fear down his body.
No, the pain of crushing his hopes did not even compare to the thought of losing her.
"Sesshomaru," he heard her approach him whispering his name softly. He saw Kagome walk towards him onto the balcony. Already night, Sesshomaru saw her glowing in the moon's reflection. Wanting to touch her, he reached out his clawed hand to touch her cheeks. Only allowing her to see his emotions, he let the pain, fear, and sorrow reveal in his eyes. Placing her hand on top of his, she made the pain lessen. Looking into her eyes, he saw determination. Fear began to crawl back into his stomach.
"Do not make me do it, Kagome." He said trembling as his throat tightened.
"My love," She whispered while leaning into his touch, briefly closing her eyes shut.
"You must." She said.
"No." He said with his voice coming out broken.
"You fear the risk of losing me, but I fear the risk of losing you to time." Tears welled up in her deep blue eyes as she said her part.
"So…You would risk leaving me sooner?" He said while slipping his hand away from her cheek and her hold.
Grabbing for his hand that began to slip away, she captured it in her two small hands. Pulling his captured hand towards her, she placed her lips upon his hand. Meeting eyes with him, she sent him a smile.
"My powers are controlled by my emotions, Sesshomaru. My body, my soul, my mind, and my heart all already trust you, so what is there to worry about?" She looked to him trusting that her powers would accept him and his powers would not harm her. Her words calmed his fear, filling him with love; love for her.
Truly,
She was an angel.
Had Kagome not persuaded him, he knew he would have crushed his hopes and not even consider trying to mate with her. He didn't mind being called a coward, if it meant her safety. Never has there been a situation that made him feel so, until it came to her.
Her blue eyes that always unveiled utter trust,
He loved them.
A tidal wave of affection slammed against the fear that gripped his heart.
With the clawed hand that was captured by her hands, he pulled her towards him. Placing his other hand around her waist, he seized her lips with his.
Author's Note: The author releases a squeal. 'I hope this chapter made you feel fuzzy inside!'
Thank you for reading.
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