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((Castle))
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Despite the pain she felt in her leg and arm, she could only stare open mouthed at the massive building before her. She'd been inside the Feudal Era's human castles to help slay a demon for shelter. But this...this was something she could look at in awe and honestly say she'd never seen such a beautiful building. It towered multiple stories high and was a blinding white with red columns. The gently sloping roofs looked brand new, and the massive wall that surrounded it and its courtyards made it far more intimidating. From her viewpoint, she could even see some stables, where she was sure more demons like Ah-Uhn was sheltered.
Rin ran for the gates after sliding from the demon's back, laughing as she skidded to a halt right before some guards. They eyed her warily, sniffing intently until they deemed her safe enough to be the real Rin. "Welcome back, Lady Rin," one of them said warmly, reaching to playfully ruffle her hair. Rin giggled.
"Hello, Himitsu," Rin greeted excitedly. "Hello, Rokku! We're back!"
"I can see that," Himitsu said with amusement. His sharp green eyes sparkled as he bowed respectfully to Sesshomaru, black hair swinging to hang by his face. Rokku copied, his own cropped fiery red hair mussed from a breeze. "Welcome back, Lord Sesshomaru." Rokku murmured the same thing under his breath.
When both had straightened, Rokku turned curious deep blue eyes on Kagome. "Forgive my rudeness, but who is this?" He sniffed curiously. "Despite her washed off scent and illness and pain, she reeks of half-demon." He wrinkled his nose slightly.
Kagome forced herself to raise her chin proudly despite her pain. "I am Kagome Higurashi," she said clearly, "Protector of the Shikon no Tama and the miko that destroyed Naraku. My husband...or mate, whatever you want to call him, is the half-demon Inuyasha. Do you have a problem with it?"
Rokku jerked his head back in surprise. "Err-"
"No, he doesn't, it's wonderful to meet you, Lady Kagome," Himitsu interrupted cheerfully, beaming at the young woman. "Lady Rin has told us much about you." He glanced as Sesshomaru. "My lord, your, uh, mother is here."
That caught the demon lord's attention. His eyes narrowed slightly. "Himitsu, you are to escort the miko and Rin to Iyasu. The miko's arm was shattered and she reeks of infection. Jaken will take Ah-Uhn to the stables."
Kagome's jaw dropped in anger, but Himitsu merely smiled brightly at her and bowed respectfully to Sesshomaru. "Of course, my lord. Come along, Lady Kagome, Lady Rin. This way to Iyasu. She's the healer here-"
Kagome interrupted. "Sesshomaru, what about the message to Inuyasha? He'll want to know-"
"I will see to it personally," he said coolly, "But as of right now, I have far more important matters to deal with." And with that, he'd strode through the gates.
Himitsu stepped off to the side, allowing Kagome, Rin, Jaken, and Ah-Uhn in as well. "Follow me if you will, Lady Kagome. You, too, Lady Rin." When Kagome didn't slide down from Ah-Uhn's back, however, he blinked at her. She flushed, waving at her leg, and understanding filled his gaze. He bowed, glancing up at her. "May I carry you, my lady?"
"Please," Kagome said gratefully. She carefully slid down, stifling a muffled cry of pain as he caught her, careful of the armor he wore. He grimaced apologetically as he saw the state of her arm. "Thanks," she choked out.
He grinned, and Kagome found herself smiling in return, liking the demon before her. "Of course, Lady Kagome. Lead the way, Lady Rin." Rin giggled, sprinting off, and he followed at a slower pace. As they followed, he glanced at her, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled. "Hm...expecting a pup, too, eh? Your mate's bound to kill me..."
"I'll stop him if he tries," Kagome mumbled, touching her stomach, where the child was now beginning to make its appearance in her swollen belly. "Thank you, sir."
"None of that's necessary," he said, amused. "Simply call me Himitsu, my lady."
"Then just Kagome works for me," she replied.
"Alright, Kagome," he said with a grin. "I assume that I will be escorting you until your mate arrives. It will do good to be on friendly levels...ah, here we are. Oi! Iyasu! You in here- OW! Watch it, I have some cargo here!"
To Kagome's surprise, it was a young looking female twin of the demon carrying her. The female crossed her arms with a cross look on her face. "Thank you for scaring me half to death, Himitsu." She turned her gaze on Kagome, who nervously tightened her grip on Himitsu's breast plate. "Hm...who's this?"
"Kagome." Himitsu's response was quick and curt; if Kagome wanted to tell more to the demon, she could do it herself. "Kagome, this is my sister, Iyasu." Well that explained the likeness.
"Nice to meet you, Iyasu," Kagome rasped.
"Likewise. What happened? Lay her over there, Himitsu," Iyasu ordered, waving to an empty futon on the ground. Kagome was reminded of a hospital, and she found herself smiling slightly.
"Got swept away in the flood further to the south," Kagome replied softly, "I got knocked out and somehow swept ashore where Rin and Jaken later showed up. A tree was knocked over and landed on 'em. Lucky it wasn't my whole body, as Jaken was happy to point out."
"Oh my," Iyasu murmured, "Lay down, would you? Thank you...let's see what I can do..." She sniffed intently at each injury, then sat back, brow furrowed. "I'm going to have to knock you out to fix up your arm," she said with a sigh. "Rin-"
"I remember which ones," little Rin said cheerfully before running off to fetch them.
"Now, your leg. If you want to get rid of the infection, you're gonna need to get it cleaned." Iyasu became blunt now. "Cleaning it with water isn't good enough. Now, dog demon saliva would be best. And as Himitsu and I are not only the last of the black dog demons, but the only ones with healing abilities since Lord Sesshomaru's father and the half-demon he sired aren't here-"
"Lord Inuyasha is her mate," Himitsu piped up helpfully.
Iyasu rolled her eyes. "I can smell, ya know. Would you mind if one of us cleaned up your leg, my lady? I can do it myself, and while you're asleep if it makes you more comfortable."
"...these herbs of yours won't hurt my child, right?" Kagome said warily, protectively wrapping an arm around her middle.
"Heavens, no," Iyasu reassured with a grin. She winked. "Our mother used it on the Lady Izayoi when she was pupped with Lord Inuyasha. Have no worries, miko. Your child is safe."
"Good, then drug me up," Kagome joked weakly, flopping back with a groan. She peeked open an eye, hesitating before saying softly, "Thank you, Iyasu, Himitsu. For your help."
"Of course," Iyasu said with a warm smile, and her brother nodded his agreement. She paused. "May I check on the health of your pup, Lady Kagome?" Kagome blinked curiously but nodded, and Iyasu closed her eyes as she leaned closer to sniff lightly. A grin spread across her face. "Lord Inuyasha will be proud, my lady." She cast a sparkling look at the frowning woman. "He will have a strong son and heir to take care of."
Kagome closed her eys again, giving a bright smile. "Knew it. Knew the second that people started talking..." My little Shiro. She desperately wanted to see him in the modern times now, see how he turned out.
Ask him for details about her and Inuyasha's deaths.
Iyasu exchanged amused looks with her brother as Kagome muttered to herself. "I guess infections make humans crazy or something," she said with a shrug. Rin reappeared then and the demon healer took the herbs.
"Um...Iyasu? Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." Iyasu began to examine the leaves.
"Why is nobody angry that I'm here? I'm a human at the Lord of the West's home..."
"Let's just say those not tolerant of humans were...sent away when Rin showed up," Iyasu said with a dry smile. "And, surprisingly enough, Lord Sesshomaru's mother helped him pick out the un-loyal ones. Besides. You are the mate of Lord Sesshomaru's half-brother, anyone could smell that once they recognize his scent. Now...let's get you some of these herbs... Himitsu? Go get my tea things if you don't mind...Rin, sit down and help me, and then you can go see how Lady Kimi is..."
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A/N: New chapter introducing the wonderful and suddenly important for no reason Iyasu and Himitsu! I love them already. XD I hope you enjoyed and thanks, my precious reviewers!
