Calamity Tempest: Miko's Melody

by ForgettableFox

There is a tempest on the horizon. A plot to cause calamity throughout Japan all for the sake of revenge. At the center of it: a miko struggling with her identity and the consequences of her unwitting actions, a clan of Ningyo who have lost not one - but two Queens, a Lord who is preparing for the eventuality of war...and a Leviathan who lurks within the watery depths of the abyss

7. Sympathy

Chapter 7 – Sympathy

A/N: Lots of sadness this first half of the chapter. Things will get better, I promise.
The song for this chapter is:
Sympathy by Too Close to Touch
You can find the playlist on Spotify under the same name as the fic. I'll be updating the playlist as the chapters progress.

~oOo~

Inuyasha, Shippo, and Sango stayed in their huddle by the riverbank until the sun had set and Shippo's whimpers gave way to fitful slumber. Sango picked up the kit, her eyes swollen from the tears she had shed, and made her way silently back to her hut near the village.

Inuyasha, not wanting to leave Sango's laundry behind, went to the river and gathered everything back into the basket. He stared at his reflection; bloodshot golden orbs stared back. He thought about the way they had all held each other, keeping one another from tumbling off the ledge of their grief and into the gaping chasm which their pain had wrought. And he felt grateful. Grateful that he was so lucky to have a pack who could share their heartache with one another.

The thought added another layer of guilt to his already overburdened mind. How fucked up was he to feel grateful in their loss. He was pathetic. He thought of Kagome and how he didn't even go after her, about how he hadn't been honest with her about his true feelings, even after all this time. That's not what pack did – especially not the alpha. Pack was supposed to be honest. Pack was supposed to take care of each other in all aspects. He thought about what Miroku said around the campfire,

'Be honest and then work on mending that friendship. You may be protecting her physically, but it seems you are hurting her in all other regards.'

And now, he failed at protecting both of them. Inuyasha scoffed at his reflection. Maybe he wasn't cut out to being alpha of his own pack. He splashed cold water on his face in an attempt to wash away the evidence of his own sadness, then started behind the taijiya with laundry and yellow backpack in hand.

He followed the well-worn road from the river back to the village, then took a less beaten path which led to Sango and Miroku's home. The footpath was adorned with wild flowers on both sides that Kagome had excitedly brought back from her time in a large bag of seeds. She had pestered Miroku and Inuyasha to clear the area so that she, Shippo, and Sango could plant the seeds in late spring. Inuyasha remembered how he had griped and grumbled the entire time he was being put to work, but was secretly glad to be a part of the menial task. Seeing his friends working together always brought him joy, and he thought the flowers were pretty – even if he would never say so out loud. Now, cosmos, morning glories, poppies, and a multitude of other flowers that Kagome could cheerily name, had blossomed and acted as a reminder of the hard work they had put in and the friendship that they all shared.

It brought a sad smile to his face as he walked through them.

From outside of the hut, he could hear Sango laying Shippo down for sleep on his futon, then she walked to the fire pit and added a log to the almost extinguished flame. It was just enough to light the space and not enough to heat the already warm room. He knocked softly then walked in. Laying the basket and the bag down, he waited for Sango to indicate what she wanted to do next.

If she wanted him to leave, he would go.

If she wanted him to stay to talk, he would do the best he could.

He didn't have to wait long as nodded her thanks for the laundry and patted the floor beside her in front of the fire. Inuyasha padded silently over and sat, shifting Tessaiga to lay beside him.

Sango didn't miss a beat, "What are we going to do about Kagome?"

Inuyasha blew out a heavy breath and took a peek at the kit who was tucked in and fast asleep before saying, "I don't honestly know. I hadn't thought that far ahead."

Sango nodded and stared into the low-burning flames, "I think we need to go after her," she said simply. "You said that she had somehow turned into a demon and was out of control, there's no way that we can just leave her in that condition. We need to find her," she paused and shifted restlessly. "We need answers and she's the only one who has them." Then more quietly, "I – need answers."

Inuyasha couldn't deny the logic, but he had no idea where she might have gone or where to start looking and he said as much.

"Well, the two of us can pack up and start looking from where you left off. Given the situation there's bound to be news of a demoness on a rampage. We'll just ask Kaede if Shippo could stay with her in the meantime and – "

"I'm not staying behind!" the kit in question yelled throwing the covers to the side, "I'm going with to find mama!"

"We thought you were asleep runt, and you're not coming with, it's too dangerous."

"Shut up Inuyasha! I have to come, to protect her!" fat tears had started to cascade down his cheeks.

"You won't have to worry about protectin' anybody, I'll be there to take care of her."

Shippo's face turned angry, and he pointed a shaky finger at the hanyou, "You were there with her last time and you didn't stop any of this! It's your fault this happened! It's your fault Miroku's dead and mama's gone!"

Sango gasped her own grief rising back to the surface, "Shippo! Apologize! You know you don't mean – "

But before she could finish her statement, Shippo was already gone, the door flap shaking at his hasty retreat into the night.

Inuyasha looked dejectedly at his hands in his lap, the kit hadn't said anything he hadn't already thought himself. It was his fault. He had failed. Failed everyone. Sango pawed at her eyes with the heel of her hand, wiping the fresh tears on her kimono.

"Inuyasha, you know he doesn't mean it. He's just worried and upset. We all are. He's just taking his hurt out on you."

Inuyasha nodded absentmindedly before saying quietly, "No, he has a point."

Sango didn't know what else to say, her own sorrow too raw to help anyone else out of their own. They sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The flames bit into the fresh log, popping and spitting within the fire pit.

"Sango, you're right, we need to find Kagome, but I'm going to go alone. You're in no condition to be trekking through the wilderness and I couldn't forgive myself if you got hurt," he said sympathetically. "Shippo will stay too."

She wiped more tears, "I figured you would say that, no way for me to convince you otherwise?"

He shook his head in the negative, "None. I won't stop until I find her and change her back."

"And if you can't?"

He met her gaze with determination, "I'll do whatever it takes, I swear it."

"I figured you'd say that too," she said joylessly.

Inuyasha stood and picked up his sword, "I'm going to go find Shippo."

As he reached the door, Sango's quiet voice stopped him, "Be gentle Inuyasha. He's feeling so much and he's so young. He's lost a lot too."

"I will," he walked through the door.

Sango readied herself for bed, the mindless routine giving her some comfort. She washed her face and brushed her teeth with the supplies Kagome had brought for them, dressed into her sleeping yukata, then climbed into her prepared futon. Once alone, the fire burning down to coals once more, she began to tremble. Wretched sobs wracked her as she cried uncontrollably into her pillow. She felt like her tears would never stop; that she would drown in a salty ocean of her own making. A helpless keening sound like a wounded animal reverberated around the room and Sango stopped crying momentarily, not recognizing that the mournful sound had escaped her own lips. It felt like a sickness was living inside her, tearing her apart at the very seams of her being.

She thought of Inuyasha's sympathetic eyes when he told her that Miroku was gone for good. About how she didn't want to believe a word that came out of his mouth. How her first thought was – liar. Now she knew that those paper-thin words of his would haunt her dreams for the rest of her life.

'I'm all alone,' she lamented, 'It's so unfair. Miroku's gone and I'm alone.'

She was beginning to hyperventilate and the room spun dizzily around her and she squeezed her puffy eyes shut in the hopes of regaining control and she could hear the blood rushing in her ears. It was all too much. She was feeling too much. Panic started to overwhelm her and her mind raced with thoughts of Miroku's death. She felt like she was dying.

'Can you die of a broken heart?'

Sango had lost so much – her family, her friends and that heart ache hurt too. And if someone would have asked her that question she would have said no – you learn to live with the pain and time heals all wounds. Now – well, now she wasn't so sure anymore. She'd never felt pain like this before, it was a gaping wound in her chest jagged and raw. How could she rebuild a broken heart after such a terrible loss? How could she survive another moment without him in it?

How?

How?

How?

Thump thump.

Sango inhaled loudly, the movement in her belly bringing her out of her brief panic. She caressed the swell of her stomach, feeling the baby shift to a more comfortable position. A tiny hand or foot pushed against her own hand in what Sango took to be a sign of hopeful solidarity.

'Not alone,' she gave a watery smile, 'I have a part of Miroku here with me.'

The thought gave her some small comfort and she tried to close her eyes and fall into restless sleep, arms wrapped tightly around her middle. She tossed and turned, trying to reconstruct a fragment of her broken heart– just enough so she could survive another second in this living nightmare where she was haunted by thoughts of lecherous hands and warm laughter, violet eyes and a love now lost.

It came as no surprise to her when two lonely howls grieved openly to the night sky.

~oOo~

Inuyasha sniffed the air as he left the hut and easily found the trail of salt, yuzu, and warm summer grass that identified Shippo. He followed it, not bothering to hide his presence so the kit would have fair warning of his intrusion. Down the footpath he went, past the riverbanks, through the woods, and back to Goshinboku. There he found Shippo crying quietly, nestled within the roots of the sacred tree, cradling the basket of herbs he had abandoned earlier that afternoon.

Shippo sniffled pitifully and wiped his arm across his eyes, hiding his face in his sleeve, "Go away Inuyasha, I have nothing to say to you."

Inuyasha sighed and settled himself beside the kit, resting his back against the large trunk, "I know runt, but I'm not goin' anywhere. You have every right to be mad at me, but that doesn't mean you get to worry Sango by takin' off alone into the night. What would Kagome say if she saw you actin' like that."

Shippo glared angrily, "I can take care of myself! And you have no right bringing up Kagome!" He rumbled a tiny fox growl, "I'm going to find her and protect her myself! She'll tell me that you're wrong, that she didn't kill Mirkou – that you're just dumb and confused!"

Inuyasha studied him sadly; the kit was quaking with his anger and his grief, small hands clenched in tight fists, green eyes ablaze with certainty that there was no way his adopted mother killed their friend and packmate.

"I'm sorry Shippo," he looked up into the starry sky, feeling a quiet kinship with the distant lonely stars that gleamed there, "It was Kagome. I wish I could tell you otherwise or tell you that I ain't sure…but I can't…and I am. And I know saying sorry isn't good enough. I wish I could go back and fix everything. Stop this hell from happening, but – I can't do that either. All I can do is tell you that I'm going to find her and bring her back to us. I promise."

Shippo let out a choked cry before setting his basket down and crawling miserably into Inuyasha's lap. Inuyasha, not used to comforting anyone with their grief, yet having done so now twice in one day, tentatively wrapped his arms around the fox. Feeling the embrace made Shippo cry harder, the emotion welling up in his throat until he couldn't hold it back any more – he threw his head back and released a tiny yipping howl into the night. Instinct overwhelmed Inuyasha and he too tipped his head back, silver hair spilling over his shoulders, and threw his voice into the darkness.

Each knew that given their long lifespans they would eventually lose the humans in their pack; they both had accepted that notion long ago as an undeniable truth. Yet neither of them had thought or were prepared for it to be this soon. Inuyasha thought of his mother, of Kikyou, of Miroku – each taken well before their time because he wasn't capable of saving them.

'I'm a failure,' he thought unhappily, 'What's it all for if I can't keep the people I care about safe.'

The two howls echoed through the woods. Prey animals desperately scurried for cover while predators gave the demons a wide berth. In a language that neither dog nor fox truly understood, running purely off instincts ingrained deep within their genome, they sang:

To live in this world
you must be able
to love even that which is mortal;
to hold it against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,
Where no storm or night or pain can reach you*

Their melancholy voices lingered between the trees before fading into oblivion.

A quiet murmur barely caught by sensitive dog ears, "I'm sorry too."

He laid his chin on the kit's head, and whispered, "I know kid, I know."

Quiet whimpers and snuffles turned to rhythmic puffs of breath against Inuyasha's neck while the warm summer night pressed around the two demons contentedly. An owl hooted warily in the distance. Looking back to the celestial heavens, the dog kept watch over the sleeping fox cradled to his chest. Red-clad arms wrapped around the tiny kit securely in hopes of lending some semblance of safety and comfort, at least for one night.

Tears dripped silently into unruly red hair, his own quiet murmur, "We'll get her back. I'll fix this, I promise."

~oOo~

Kagome couldn't move. She was bound in thick chains which were tightly wrapped around her arms, legs, and wings, making it impossible to escape. A heavy piece of mooring rope acted as a gag; she tried her best to bite through the material but even her sharp demon teeth couldn't make any headway on the copious amount of rope stuffed between her jaws. It stretched her mouth uncomfortably.

She peered around her surroundings and crinkled her nose in disgust. It appeared she was on a human atakebune, a type of warship that occasionally patrolled along the Ningyo coastline. She was tied to a large wooden post on the deck and could hear the sound of oars pushing them swiftly through the water.

The last thing Kagome remembered was the ship gliding near the rocks where she had spent the afternoon sunbathing. She preened as the men caught sight of her, in awe of her beauty, and cupped her exposed breasts salaciously while throwing a flirtatious wink at the sailors who ogled her. She sang to them sweetly, her melodic command beckoned them to come join her for a swim causing several men to eagerly leap into the icy depths. They were swiftly bashed against the rocks by the strong current which resided there.

Kagome had laughed as they shrieked to their comrades for help before drowning.

She heard the captain of the ship, a stern looking man wearing full military regalia, order that they shove off as quickly as they could before the siren lured more men to their untimely depths.

'But we're not done playing yet!' she called merrily, launching herself in the air to pursue the ship and its crew.

Kagome landed gracefully on the starboard side and briefly marveled at the intricate designs engraved throughout the ship. A great carved wooden dragon resided at the bow, roaring its displeasure at the quaking sea below. It truly was a piece of work. Who knew humans had this level of creativity, she thought. Walking along towards the helm, she ran her clawed hands over the railing, so caught up in the craftsmanship of the atakebune that she hadn't heard the footsteps which walked confidently up behind her.

'Demon! I demand that you leave my ship at once, you've taken enough of my men for one day.' said the stern-faced captain.

She turned to appraise him and decided that up close, he was handsome enough – for a human.

'I've never taken a human male as a lover before,' she purred, stalking slowly towards the captain. 'I suppose you have the same equipment, but do you have the stamina?'

The captain's face flushed bright red and he stuttered, 'F-foul t-temptress! Vexatious whore! Be gone! Take your cursed-self back to the watery depths from whence you came!' he spat at her feet.

Kagome stood there with a confused smile, no one had ever called her whore before, was he seriously denying her request? If anything, he should feel honored to be the first human she took to her bed! Humans were so terribly rude and inconsiderate!

While she pondered the outrageous decree of the captain, she was once more caught unaware by the men silently sneaking up behind her on bare feet, chains and rope in hand. Before she had a chance to escape to the sky or sea, the men had jumped her, using their numbers to overwhelm her, and quickly stuffing the mooring rope into her mouth so she couldn't command them away. Once bound they bashed her upside the head repeatedly, knocking her out.

That was afternoon, the sun was low on the horizon now casting a pink and orange glow across the ships railings.

Kagome heard a scream, then another. Men carrying pikes and swords began rushing across the deck past her to the stern of the ship. She heard more yells and half of a man was tossed in front of her. The stern-faced captain looked less handsome without his bottom half, she mused.

There were a few more minutes of fighting and screams of dying men and Kagome began to grow impatient. Several splashes indicated that some of the sailors would rather jump ship and brave the current and cold waters then fight whatever it was they were up against.

There was a final thud, then silence. Heavy footsteps made their way over to her from behind and began to remove the gag.

Kagome worked her aching jaw when it was removed and said, 'It took you long enough, I thought you were supposed to be protecting me. That is literally your only job!'

An annoyed scoff as chains were snapped easily and tossed to the other side of the deck, 'You know, I'd have an easier time of it if you'd quit hiding from me whenever I'm on duty. I've spent the last few hours searching for you until I found bodies along the rocks. Since no one else bothers the humans, I figured it must be you.' He helped her up roughly, 'Lo and behold I find you captured on a human vessel being carted off to who knows where for Kami knows why!'

Kagome brushed nonexistent dirt from her arms and turned to her irritated savior, grinning widely, 'Kaito! Is that anyway to talk to your princess? And after all the trouble I went through to get you this wonderful ship!' she said with mock outrage, hands on hips.

Kaito rolled his slate grey eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose to stave off the headache he knew was coming, 'Do you even hear how ridiculous you sound? I swear your sister got all the sense out of the two of you.'

Kagome huffed before sideling beside him, running a hand up his chiseled abs and between his defined pecs. He refused to look at her, taking a step away and crossing his arms grumpily. Kaito was the epitome of male vitality. With the body of a Greek god and the personality of a wet blanket; he was a natural pessimist who lived by a code of duty and honor which his station called for. Kaito had been tasked as Kagome's guard six months ago when her mother deemed her to wild to be left without an escort. Kagome begrudgingly accepted and as an act of defiance decided she would do whatever it took to annoy her new companion into quitting. Little did she know the self-imposed challenge would be harder to fulfill than originally anticipated. Pride at the task of guarding the princess apparently overruled being constantly annoyed. The only thing she found remotely effective was to flaunt her sexuality, which she did with abandon.

Kagome tsked before scooching back over to him, the height difference put his chest right at her eye level and she flicked a tongue over an exposed nipple causing Kaito to shiver at the contact.

'I think I'll ignore your rudeness and instead choose to reward your valiant deeds, oh noble sentinel.'

She slid a hand down between them, reaching for his member. A quick hand stopped her before she could make any more leeway. Kagome pouted, 'You never want to have any fun with me. Is it because you don't think I'm pretty? Am I not your type?'

Kaito blushed, the action warming his grey colored skin handsomely,'We don't have time for this, Shinkai.' He released her and took another step back, 'Come on we better get you home before Queen Minato starts to worry.'

Kagome hesitated, "Who's Shinkai?"

Kagome blearily opened her eyes. She was laying on her back on a cold stone floor, and seemed to be bound and gagged. Her wings were tucked painfully beneath her as if someone had subdued her quickly then chucked her here on the ground with no regard to her wellbeing.

She tried desperately to break free but was unable to budge the tight chains, 'Am I still dreaming?'

Kagome had a splitting headache and she found that if she moved her head too quickly, her vision would swim and fierce nausea would overtake her.

'I think I have a concussion,' she blinked slowly and tried to focus. 'Where am I?'

Gathering up her courage, she rolled herself to her side causing her head to pound terribly at the motion. She was in a dark cell; a flickering torch was mounted on the wall opposite her which helped her eyes adjust. The bars of her cell were made from thick iron while the walls looked to be carved out of stone, the smell of mold permeated the air. She tried once more to wiggle free, but her chains held tight.

Time passed slowly within the cell. With no window leading to the outside world, she had no idea what time it was or how long she had been held captive. Unable to fight the pounding of her skull, she decided she'd try her best to get some rest. In her experience of being captured, no one just left you in a cell to rot. Someone would come eventually and when they did, she would need her strength.

She closed her eyes and resigned herself to a long wait.

And wait she did.

There were no sounds other than her own ragged breathing and beating heart. No one came to see her. No one brought food or drink. Just her and her dark thoughts.

Time seemed to have gone still around her. Moments were passed either asleep or deep within her own grief. An aching hunger which she had come to dread, began to make itself known. The madness was creeping in. Not fully, but it was there; constantly lingering behind every thought. The symptoms of her concussion seemed to have lessened some, but she still felt a nagging nausea whenever she attempted to move too much.

Kagome was slowly coming to the conclusion that maybe she was wrong. Maybe whoever captured her was going to leave her in the cell to die. Right as fear was starting to set in, she heard a heavy door open and a murmur of voices so faint she couldn't make out what they were saying. Footsteps echoed off the stone walls and she couldn't tell which direction they were coming from. Her muscles tightened in dread. The panic of being alone turned into the panic of the unknown. It rolled off her in waves.

"Ah, I guess you are awake then." came a gruff voice.

Kagome watched as a tall demon stepped into the torch light. He wore black boots, a dark blue hakama with matching hankimono, and a red sash was tied around his narrow waist. Two spiked pauldrons adorned his broad shoulders and across his chest was strapped a metal cuirass embellished with a blue crescent moon. Black hair was tied neatly into a top knot. Along his neck Kagome noticed a thick jagged scar, as if someone tried to unsuccessfully cut his head off. A matching scar ran down the right side of his face on either side of his right eye, giving him a battle worn appearance. She looked over his roguish face and recoiled at his piercing violet eyes.

'They look exactly like Miroku's…' she thought miserably.

The demon smiled wolfishly down at her, violet eyes glinted like hard steel, "You put up quite a fight there, pup. Even managed to kill a few of my troops. If it wasn't for the Lord's orders, I would have cut that vile tongue right out of your mouth myself." He patted the blade at his hip.

"I've been ordered to take you to him. Are you going to put up a fight?"

Kagome, still gagged, shook her head no.

"Good. He just said I had to fetch you, didn't say what state you had to be in, if you catch my meaning."

Kagome nodded; the motion made her nauseous once more.

The demon pulled out a set of iron keys from his pocket and opened the creaking door. He eyed her warily before picking her up and throwing her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes; one hand rested on the backs of her thighs, the other on her rump. The room spun as she was jostled and she felt like she was going to throw up.

"No funny business, got that pup."

He slapped her on the behind to punctuate his point and Kagome squeaked, flushing red. Not noticing or not caring, the demon made his way down the hall, passing empty cells as he went, and walked casually up the stairs. At the top, he knocked twice and the large wooden door swung open on heavy hinges. The bright light caused Kagome to squeeze her eyes shut as they walked into the outside world. The door which was set into a mountain side, closed behind them.

"General, are you sure that you do not wish for me to accompany you?" said another black-haired demon. This one dressed similarly to the general, except he bore no pauldrons and his sash was green instead of red. He glared murderously at Kagome with cool blue eyes.

"I said there was no need Captain. This one agreed she wouldn't cause any more trouble," he jostled her once more before strolling along casually, like every day he carried around hogtied women across the property. And perhaps he did. It's not like Kagome had never met him before. Maybe this was his hobby, hauling around mildly cooperative women like tussled luggage at his lord's behest.

The captain continued to glare at Kagome, hate radiating from him in thick waves. "But sir, what if she breaks free and wreaks the same havoc as she did in town within the castle walls? We can't afford to let any more of our people to be killed by her," his voice dripped with malice.

'Havoc? Me? Oh no, what have I done now?'

Tears rolled down Kagome's nose to drip in a steady trail as they walked. The captain looked at her with disgust. The general stopped walking and sighed heavily, "Kiba, enough. I have my orders and you have yours. You're supposed to be helping the remaining injured in the infirmary."

"Akiko's taking care of it."

"So be it, then you are relieved for the day. Go home and grieve captain. She will be held accountable for her actions, I assure you. When have you ever known our lord to shy away from righteous punishment?"

The captain growled low in his throat before turning angrily away.

The general continued on, a hard edge entered his voice as he said, "You'll have to forgive his outburst. The captain is understandably upset – you did kill his intended mate after all."

Kagome stiffened, 'No, this can't keep happening.'

Servants of all types stopped what they were doing to watch curiously as the general made his way through the shiro. After catching another pair of whispering servants peeking out from behind a door, the general had had enough, he yelled gruffly, "Get back to work before I have you all flogged!" which set everyone in the vicinity scurrying to complete their assigned duties post haste.

After making their way halfway through another large court yard, Kagome heard a commotion behind them.

"Kagome! Let my woman go!" A voice shouted angrily. There was a sound of a brief tussle and another shout of, "Hands off bastard, do you have any idea who I am?"

Kagome looked up and was shocked to see Kouga being restrained by two guards. Ginta and Hakkaku standing nervously behind. She almost didn't recognize him. Gone was the armor and wolf pelts; in its place Kouga wore a formal kimono. The outermost layer was ice blue which matched his eyes perfectly, and embroidered with a detailed mountain scene. Green trees spread in an endless forest around the hem. A dark green obi with small brown wolves running across it tied the outfit together.

"Lord Kouga, this is not a matter that concerns you," said a guard. "We beg that you return to the council chamber and await our lord's return."

"Kagome! Don't worry!" the wolf prince called, "We'll figure this out. I won't let anything happen to you!"

He shrugged out of the guard's grip and stormed back the way he had come. His two loyal companions gave her a sad look before following their leader.

"My my, so the plot thickens. I was not aware that Lord Kouga had proposed to any female, let alone a rouge demoness."

Kagome just hung limply over his shoulder.

The general finished crossing the courtyard and entered a door on the far side. He passed through a hallway lined with more doors and tasteful decor, then climbed up a flight of stairs. This final hallway had only three doors, one on either side, and the third at the very end. He knocked gently on the third door.

"It's Tadashi."

"Enter."

The general slid open the door and unceremoniously dropped Kagome on the floor. Kagome moaned feebly behind her gag and prayed that she wouldn't vomit as she tried to steady herself, eyes held shut as the room spun.

"Leave us."

The general looked at the girl at his feet once more, a questioning look in his eyes, before leaving. The door shut with a snick behind him.

Kagome had finally managed to settle herself when she opened her eyes. She was in a lavish study, the walls covered in shelfs full of books, scrolls and trinkets, while a large desk dominated the far end of the room. Kagome could see someone sitting cross-legged on a cushion behind it and looked up.

Startled cerulean eyes met angry citrine.

"Miko, you will tell this One how you came to be in this form and for what reason you attacked my lands," he said coolly.

'I'm in the west. I found Sesshomaru.'

~oOo~

Sesshomaru boredly sat gazing out the window listening to the cardinal council bicker over supplies and trade routes. The council met for an entire month once every five years, rotating the pleasure of playing host between the four lords. Unfortunately for Sesshomaru, it was the West's turn to graciously receive the council members and this year the itinerary was especially full. Since the end of Naraku's reign of terror, damages needed to be repaired, a census of youkai in each land needed to be completed, supplies needed to be accounted for and redistributed, as well as bringing back order to the lands as wild youkai fought for any power they could get their claws on. The cardinal council was already a week into their discussions and were making very little headway in terms of decisive actions.

It was all very tedious.

The responsibilities of his station weighed heavily against the Western Lord. On rare occasions, when he allowed his mind wander aimlessly, he wistfully thought of all the freedom he had while Naraku was afoot. He missed the freedom of endlessly patrolling his lands, fighting with both claws and swords, and defeating all obstacles the Kami put in front of him. It brought him joy. Now, the only things that the Kami put in front of him was paperwork. What he wouldn't give to have that freedom back. At this point, he would have even considered giving up his newly regrown left arm if it meant freely walking the wilderness once more. He missed the beautiful scenery of the west and the company of his small band of misfits that followed him everywhere.

One could say he still got to see landscapes in his everyday life – mountains of scrolls, endless seas of letters, bottomless canyons of responsibility…all while being surrounded by flocks of youkai that all needed something from him. Being Lord of the West wasn't just sitting on a throne and smiting your enemies. It was alliances and correspondences, building a surplus and avoiding a deficit, keeping the peace. It was long days and sleepless nights ensuring his people had a future.

It was exhausting.

A warm summer breeze filtered in through the open window bringing with it the fragrant scent of flowers. Sesshomaru took a deep breath and catalogued the swirling scents which assaulted him.

Hydrangea from the garden below. Sweat from the soldiers on guard. Warm summer sun and…he inhaled deeply once more – a robust earthy scent mixed with a faint touch of ozone.

A storm.

His brow crinkled slightly. 'How unusual,' he thought, 'the wind is blowing from the east. The mountains typically prevent any storms from passing into the valley from that direction.'

A raised voice mildly drew his attention back to the table.

"Lord Kouga, I understand that you are new to the council and leading the northern lands, but I cannot in good conscience open my borders for trade so readily – not without some type of compensation! In this case, a small unit of your wolves should suffice."

Kouga scoffed, "If you think I'm going to send my men to the east to help you eradicate the humans there, you're more bird brained than I originally thought."

The Lord of the East squawked indignantly, "Never in all my days have I been so insulted! Lord Sesshomaru, surely the north could send a better representative than this – this beast!"

Sesshomaru slowly shifted his gaze from the window to land squarely on the young lord. At the receiving end of the inudaiyoukai's full regard, the sea eagle swallowed nervously.

"Lord Haruto," Sesshomaru intoned flatly, "do you wish to give this One absolute control over the Cardinal Council? If so, be assured that the North would not be the first with a new nomination…" Understanding the implication, Lord Haruto shook his head in the negative. "Then this One suggests you make due."

"Now now everyone, let's not come to any hasty conclusions," said the Southern Lord raising his hands amicably, "I'm sure that everyone here values one another's opinions and we can come to some type of resolution."

Kouga laughed mockingly, "Not sure what type of compromise we can come up with Lord Sumihiko. The wolf clans have spent the last six months taking inventory and rebuilding the best we can. Supplies are low and we're all gonna be in rough shape come winter. The easiest path to our home dens with the supplies you've promised is through the east pass. They won't make it in time any other way. And I'll be damned if I send any of my men to the east to cover their hands in unnecessary blood."

"The vermin have been ignoring the border treaties that have been in place for generations! They continue to move out of the territory which my forebearers so graciously set aside for them and negotiations with the chiefs consistently fall through. I have come to the conclusion that eradicating the human scum from my lands is justified – to stop the spread and teach them a lesson about trying to rise above their betters." Lord Haruto sneered; his red eyes full of zealous conviction as he peered down his large hooked nose at the rest of the table.

"If this is any indicator of how you negotiate, it's no wonder you're not gettin' anywhere."

"Then why not use your own men?" inquired Lord Sumihiko, pouring himself another cup of tea, and shooting a mildly annoyed look at the wolf.

"Not all of our lands were as lucky as the south in terms of Naraku's scourge. We lost many youkai protecting the east and our assets and are currently in the process of training new recruits. It will be quite a while before they are ready and I do not want to waste any more time on this matter." He turned to face Kouga, "I do not understand why you are making this so complicated – you have the troops I need and too many mouths to feed. Why not let me use their skills and in return you'll have my borders open to run supplies to the rest of your pack well before the first snowfall."

Sesshomaru, already bored with the conversation, turned back to the window and watched as the warm summer afternoon light was lost behind heavy grey clouds. The patter of rain started slowly before the sky opened up fully and began to drench everything beneath it. A great boom of thunder sounded followed immediately by a crackle of forked lightning. The gentle breeze had turned into an aggressive gale, slanting the rain as it pummeled the castle grounds.

The storm had traveled quickly from the mountains into the valley.

"What say you Sumihiko, care to offer some of your troops? In return I'm sure we can find someone from my convocation willing to mate that half-blooded niece of yours," the Eastern Lord's lip curled with distaste. "It's still unbelievable that you put a hanyou in the line of succession – how vile."

The Southern Lord narrowed his lilac-colored eyes and paused from sipping his tea, "I will have to politely decline, Shiori will find a mate within our colony when she is ready. And I would appreciate if you kept your opinions to yourself. The south's line of succession is of no concern to you"

"It's a concern to everyone at this table! First, we allow uncouth wolves, then half-breeds – what's next, hmm? Shall we allow a human to sit at the table as a cardinal lord? To this I would think not." The sea eagle snarled, his white and black wings ruffling in revulsion. "You don't see Lord Sesshomaru bringing in his family's mistake to court, let alone in line to rule. Ha! The mere thought is absurd."

The substantial aura emanating from Sesshomaru became a tangible green presence – it churned across the floor like a sentient mist. Thick and viscous with his unspoken anger, it sprawled across the room pressing oppressively against all who resided within the confines of the four walls. The darkened sky and explosive thunderclap acted like a nightmare backdrop to the council members. They all recoiled at the blatant display of power that the Western Lord wielded and an unwelcome whine tried to force its way out of Kouga's throat. A thin sheen of sweat began to form on the Lord Sumihiko's brow and his teacup clattered on its saucer within his hands.

Realizing his mistake, Lord Haruto quickly tried to backtrack, "Lord Sesshomaru, I meant no offense –"

There was a disturbance and heated voices could be heard outside of the council chamber's large double doors. Before the Eastern Lord could finish his apology, Sesshomaru's lead advisor opened the doors, recoiling at the angry aura, and crossed the room determinedly to whisper into his lord's ear.

Sesshomaru stood hastily and crossed the room in several long steps, taking his oppressive youki with him, "The meeting is adjourned for today." And with a swish of silk, he disappeared down the hall.

With power no longer pushing against them, the three lords and the advisor breathed a sigh of relief.

Clearing his throat and steadying his trembling hand, "Itazura, what is the meaning of all this?"

The kitsune schooled his features, the previous worry melting away as he put on his politician's smile, "Nothing to worry about my lord. Lord Sesshomaru merely had some business he needed to attend, nothing more. However, until said business is complete, we ask that you limit your movements to here in the northern wing of the shiro, my apologies for the inconvenience." He bowed low, long black hair falling over his shoulders as he did so. "If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to ask myself or any of the servants. We are happy to assist."

There was another explosive thunderclap in the distance and lightning struck the ground violently somewhere outside. The earth shook with the impact. The three lords looked at each other uncertainly.

"If there is nothing else my lords, I have a few other obligations I must attend." Itazura bowed once more and made a speedy retreat, closing the great doors behind him.

Breaking into a run he hurried down the hall, passing confused servants and sentries, all seven of his black tails tipped in white fanning behind him in his haste. He was a blur as he made his way to the eastern tower which overlooked the walls. The large demon village sprawled through the valley before butting up against the fortress's stones walls. From his vantage point, Itazura could barely make out the commotion on the far side of the village towards the mountains. He used his fox magic to enhance his vision, bright green eyes gaining a neon hue.

He watched as a small winged demon raised its hands to the sky and a blast of lightning destroyed a swath of homes. Motionless bodies littered the ground and there was screaming coming from all directions. Villagers were being directed through the eastern gate to find safety behind the walls. Another explosion of lightning and a booming clap of thunder, rain drenched the landscape.

Itazura, rubbed his chin thoughtfully, black tails swishing anxiously behind him, "Who could this be knocking at the western stronghold so boldly?"

~oOo~

A/N: Thank you so much for your comments, your kudos, and reading! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!

* Modified poem by Mary Oliver – In Blackwater Woods and John O'Donohue – On the Death of the Beloved