Ello everyone!
Welcome back to our new scheduled programming. This chapter focuses solely on the trial, sorry I couldn't get more out for y'all. With that said, lets move on to shout outs!
Missy the Cat: The power is too great to ignore! :D
Regiane zanon: Hahaha Fico muito feliz que voce goste e esteja tao engajado! muito obrigado! Espero que goste do capitulo! Além disso, me perdoe se minha tradução estiver errada
Dreaming Haven: Thank you! I'm hoping that I've made the gradual transition between how he acted before to how he acts with Kagome now believable, cause it is very different lol. I def plan on having Kagome stand out quite a bit (the reasoning for the current comparison for Izayoi will be shown in the next chapter). In the meantime... I think you'll really enjoy this chapter.
BeneathyouIcrunch: YAY! Yes, be hooked! Be very hooked! :D
One2Handcuff: I lot of things, unfortunately, and it all kinda got me very discouraged. However, I think the new set up I have in mind is gonna help out. Won't lie, not getting everything I want in a chapter also brings me down but the fact that I'm posting boosts my spirits so, yeah :) I'd really like your opinion on this chapter based on your previous review if you're up for it, please and thank you! Some more information will be revealed in the next chapter (hopefully, anyways, might be delayed to other chapters) that gives more substance to what has happened. Also, just to avoid confusion it is the northern lord (Hinotori) who is preventing the scholars from going into his lands (where the castle might be at). He's the phoenix guy, usurper and the one with slaves. Usamah is from the southern islands, lion dude of impure blood, judge of noburugyaza, Lord to Jiga, and opportunist. Yay! I'm glad you're a happy reader! thank you for your patience!
Kouga's Younger Woman: I know! And I wanted it to be longer. Sigh
Okay! That's all the shout outs!
Before we move on to the chapter, I wanted to mention the discord real quick. I do have one, I mentioned it before, but I kinda suck and don't know what I'm doing lol. However, I'm going to post the character sheets I made prior to writing the story up on there (I feel like I'm having a sense of deja'vu and that is baddd). Spoilers will be avoided. I'll post the new share link in the next chapter
Okay! On to the chapter!
Chapter 102: Once Missing
Boriyu was waiting for them down the hall of the meeting room, knowing ahead of time that Sesshomaru would want to speak to him. He bowed as they approached.
"My Lord. My Lady." Kagome grimaced as Boriyu referred to her in such a way. She had half a mind to believe that he did it on purpose to irritate her. I wouldn't put it past him, she thought, but the air was palpable with the severity of what was about to transpire. She chose to not remark on her discomfort for the moment.
"Boriyu. Tell me what you know of the leopard's magic." Sesshomaru handed him the broken piece of glass, and Boriyu rubbed his thumb along the bottom ridge. Upon his skin, nearly unnoticeable. was a dull, transparent gray. He took a sniff of it. His brows furrowed, confused, and he began to rub the residue between his thumb and forefinger. "I don't know what the substance is, however, it's similar to fox powder. Useless on its own but when combined with the owner's jaki, it causes a reaction. I've only ever known this method to be used for invisibility or temporary armor. A poison would be… extremely difficult to make."
"And you're certain it was poison he attempted to give Kagome."
"Lady Tsutsuji and I both smelled the scent of it coming from Lady Kagome's glass, and I sensed it reacting to Jiga's jaki. But I cannot confirm the specificities."
"I see."
"My Lord, leopards aren't known to be proficient in magic."
"I'm aware."
"They will use this fact against our claims-
"More importantly, he has somehow learned that which leopards cannot do."
"What are you thinking?" Kagome asked, latching onto his sleeve as her thoughts followed his.
"The goddess."
"You think he got in contact with her?"
"Hn. The in'ei's residue was there as he said it would be, yet the area seemed clean. The disarray was too predictable."
"Staged."
"Precisely."
"But, if Lord Usamah told him not to do anything-
"My mate, when I said few demons would turn against her, I meant you have found the few that would."
Kagome went silent. A party of four demons and a half breed teaming up with a handful of humans. That was all they would get without deceiving others. She had known this to be true prior, yet she had held out hope. Hope for more. Hope to unite. They were not enemies to her- she vowed to do what she could to save them- but if they went with the goddess irregardless… Her mind went in circles. What would they do if she were able to save them but kill the goddess? Would she only try to save those that sided with humans? How cruel is that?! She shook her head, clutching the cloth over her heart. Deep in her internal turmoil, she scarcely noticed the rest of her friends finally reaching them- Shippo left behind with Aimi in a secure room per Sango's pleas- nor did she hear the subtle closing of the meeting room up ahead.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken quickly rushed to them before taking a bow. "My Lord. The other lords are there now. They are waiting for you. Eh- Except for Lord Ethreil. He has yet to return, my lord."
Sesshomaru's brows briefly rose. "And the reason for his delay?"
"There is none, my lord. We haven't heard from him since he left with the rest of his wolf tribe."
Amellis gasped. "My mother. Cousin, the leopard. I believe he met my mother and that she is lurking nearby-
"We've discussed this." He gave a short nod to Kagome and Boriyu.
"If you're aware then what should we do?"
Sango spoke up immediately. "I should go with Kirara.-
"No."
"If not me then Miroku-
"None of you shall go." Sesshomaru said with aggravation. Though he attempted to keep himself composed, red began to rim his eyes.
"Sessh?" Kagome wrapped her hands around his arm, the jaki in the air prickling against her skin. A muffled curse left his lips.
"We mustn't forget Inuyasha has not returned either," Miroku stated, much calmer than the rest. "Perhaps they met up together. Inuyasha had said he wanted some time away from the palace. He may be the one delaying Lord Ethreil."
"Perhaps," Sesshomaru responded and the scarlet red around his eyes dulled into a light pink. "We will finish the trial quickly. Then we will decide what shall be done."
"We should hurry. The other Lords are irritable as it is."
"Go. Kagome and I will be in shortly."
"Uh- are you certain, my lord? This is not customary-
"Are you questioning me, Jaken?"
"N-no! Of course not! I simply-
"Then take the others in now! We will follow once we are ready." Sesshomaru practically growled, causing the imp to jump before scurrying away. As Sango, Miroku, and Amellis left, they eyed Sesshomaru and Kagome suspiciously, with Boriyu and Jaken following the order dutifully. As the door to the meeting room closed softly, Kagome immediately turned harshly towards Sesshomaru.
"What the heck is going on? Are you seriously that upset about this trail? Or that Ethreil is late?"
He barked a laugh, exasperated with a harsh rage beneath the false merriment. "YES!"
Kagome flinched. Though it was the last thing she wanted, her eyes began to water and a lump formed in her throat. Sesshomaru shut his eyes tightly, grinding his teeth as he did. An expression like pain crossed his face, and, gently, he wrapped his arms around a frozen Kagome, pulling her into his hold.
"Forgive me. I am not myself."
She couldn't speak. She feared if she did, she'd end up crying, but she raised her arms to hug him back. A soft kiss was placed on top of her head, and again she heard the soft whispers of his apology.
"I…" she began once her voice returned, though shaky as it was. "I just don't understand."
"It is not I, my mate." Kagome's brows furrowed, confused, and another pained expression touched his features. "Do you remember the temple?"
"Yes. Of course I do." He sucked in a breath through his teeth, and he held Kagome tighter, using her as a support. "Sessh, what's wrong?"
"Damn…" He cursed with a hiss before taking a step back. "You are unaffected, at least. And it seems I can sense it more readily."
"You're not making any sense. Can you please tell me what is going on with you?!"
Softly, almost cautiously, he placed his hands beneath Kagome's ears, allowing his thumb to gently trace patterns on her skin. The rim of his eyes tinted red again but his touch remained soft and his features did not change.
"My mate," he said affectionately, but there was an edge in his voice. "I can sense her influence."
Bitter ice coursed through her. It dripped down from her heart into her stomach, crystalizing the lining, flowing into her bloodstream, shaking her breath. A single phrase echoed in her mind as if she were in a concert hall waiting for a crescendo of panic. The goddess. The goddess. The goddess.
Sesshomaru pulled her in again, for she had been trembling. "This one will not harm you," he whispered. As if the thought of it had even crossed her mind- that was a nonexistent worry.
"Where is she?" Kagome's eyes darted around them and Sesshomaru placed a kiss on her head.
"I doubt she is near."
"But-
"She is not attempting to control. Her intention is to manipulate."
Kagome relaxed marginally, but she bit her bottom lip in contemplation. Manipulation. Just as what happened in the temple. Only Kagome didn't feel any different. Her emotions weren't as high strung as they were just before they had found Jimmu. But Sesshomaru's is… the thought unsettled her, but even more so, this fact showed the intent from the goddess. Unlike the temple where they had been influenced by her residual presence, the goddess was actively doing this, and in her action, it appeared she could only influence demons at this time. Why now though? What could she be trying…
"The trail," Kagome blurted, and Sesshomaru's jaw tightened. He hadn't thought of that. Then again, he was currently battling with keeping a clear mind. "How are you feeling?"
He smirked, and exhaled through his nose. "Her influence is weak. As long as I focus, it won't affect me."
Kagome smiled faintly, her worry for Sesshomaru causing her chest to constrict. She placed her hands around his neck with her head on his chest, and prayed that, somehow, the effect could ease away from him. His arms found their way around her waist and he hummed into her ear.
"That is helpful."
Kagome opened her eyes. Unbeknownst to her, for it was so subtle and involuntary, her reiki had begun to swirl, dancing along his jaki. "Does it ease her influence?"
"Hn."
She smiled widely now, and nuzzling against his chest, Kagome poured more of her reiki out. But there was a gnawing uncertainty in her. "What about the other lords?"
"They will be afflicted the same. Whether they will notice it as an outside force, I cannot say, though I hesitate to say they will."
Her breath was shaking. Usamah already carried a disfavored outlook on the trail. Who wouldn't when their own vassal was on the line? This is why she's doing this now. She knows we need Usamah. Dammit, it's like she's in the palace- she knows so much. "We… we can't have him question it then."
"He won't."
"Sessh…"
"You will do fine."
"If I hurt him-
"You have found a way to not harm me."
"But he's not you. And frankly, after trying to kill me, I don't exactly have the care to not hurt him."
Sesshomaru smiled. Then, bending down, he kissed her lips delicately. Kagome's eyes fluttered closed, the worries that burdened her gone the moment their skins touched. Why can't we just have this? She pined just as the kiss ended. "You will do fine."
Looking into his eyes, Kagome felt all the trust he had for her. Not a single portion of him held doubt in her abilities, the complete opposite of how she viewed herself.
"Come." Sesshomaru took her hand into his and guided her to the meeting room. Kagome followed, squeezing her fingers around his. The jitters inside her were unbearable, and when they entered the room, all eyes were upon them.
The room had changed. The large table was no longer there and instead the room was sectioned off as if there was about to be a performance. Each of the lords had their section, them and their men sitting in their usual fashion, with only two long tables opposite of each other on the platform. In the middle of that platform was Jiga. Sitting on his knees, his wrists were bound by chains that connected to the floor. He scowled at Kagome, something akin to the desire of murder in his eyes.
"It is about time," Usamah practically roared, and the uneasiness in Kagome ramped up. His eyes were already rimmed red. This isn't going to be easy, she thought and she quickly scanned the others.
Lady Tsutsuji sat upright, but her own gaze was glazed over as if she were ready to take a nap. She blinked, her lids crinkling with forced pressure before shooting them open again. At least she seems aware that something's off.
Looking at Lord Hinotori, Kagome shivered. She couldn't pinpoint why. He was utterly relaxed, leaning with one elbow on his knee while his fist was propped up his chin. His avion men sat behind him in descending order, with a space left open for the vacant vassal, and they as well seemed perfectly calm. These were the men who had been scurrying around in the shadows, poking and prodding at doors they weren't meant to while at the same time appearing to be doing so without an actual goal. Yet something was off. Something she couldn't quite explain. When Lord Hinotori's gaze met hers, she swiftly looked away, but for that small instant, it felt as though he had looked right into her thoughts.
Lord Usamah stood at the table, his mate sitting behind him. She was fearful, alarmed and dismayed. To take a guess, Kagome would say ShiShi was close to screaming, her eyes pinned to Jiga.
"Kagome?" Sesshomaru called, drawing her attention. They had arrived at their section. Of course, their section was the one with the other table.
Releasing his hand, Kagome went to sit beside her friends. Boriyu, standing at the very back of the group, pointed to Amellis with his chin. I guess I'm supposed to sit next to her. Kagome did this, and as the Lords began their session- Usamah bellowing into a rage as soon as the accusation was stated, Hinotori laughing up a storm, Tsutsuji struggling to stay focused and Sesshomaru, the only one with a clear head, silencing them with intimidation- Amellis's voice sang in her head.
Kagome. Are you alright? You seem nervous.
Of course I'm nervous! I… I know what Sesshomaru wants but I don't know if I can do this.
Yes, it is… a strange request to say the least. At least for a priestess. But you have been able to train your reiki to not harm Sesshomaru-
Yeah, but that's different. I love Sesshomaru. Jiga… well I'd be fine with him being hurt a little.
Amellis stifled a laugh. You'll do it. For him.
Kagome's eyes lifted to Sesshomaru. His eyes were tinted red but he remained calm as he spoke. Pressing her lips together, Kagome discreetly channeled a small stream of her reiki to him. He shut his eyes for a brief moment, a ghost of a smile on his face, and when he opened his eyes the tint of red was gone. Within, she thanked her power for abiding by her wishes. For him. For Sessh. I think you're right, Amellis. If I do it for him, I think I can do it.
I'm glad, Amellis smiled sweetly.
Boriyu was called up, and as he explained what he had witnessed, Usamah grew angrier and angrier. Even Sesshomaru was growing irritated, but Kagome understood that easily. In any other case- if we didn't have to worry about the goddess- he'd just cut Jiga down and deal with the consequences. Having to do things this way must be dreaming him mad. Recognizing this, she pushed a bit more of her reiki, pleading for it to comfort him. She smiled when she noticed his back muscles relax, but Usamah, whose mouth had been set in a permanent snarl, was becoming more erratic. His eyes flashed red, and Kagome gulped. Yet in that moment, he became silent, and covered his face as he took a step back.
What was that? Amellis asked.
Your mother, Kagome responded blandly, for her mind was focused on Usamah's reaction. The lion, quickly regaining control after the short slip up, appeared confused. More than that. With the way his eyes darted, scanning the room, he was startled and uneased.
My mother?! What about my mother?!
Distracted, Kagome almost slipped, nearly speaking out loud as she turned to Amellis. Seeing Amellis with an emotionless expression staring forward, she stopped herself, but when she returned to looking forward, Usamah's gaze was fixated on Amellis.
Shit.
What? What is it? Why is he staring at me?
He thinks you're the one messing with his emotions.
His em- my mother is trying to manipulate them?! No, no, no this is bad, Kagome.
I know. I'm surprised you didn't know though.
This isn't how she normally does it. She prefers to use her presence- it's easier for her that way. What she's doing now is using her ties with them to enhance their natural tendencies. She's trying to amplify their emotional natures.
And that means?
It's difficult for her as it is, so her power won't be as effective. Not only that, but three out of the four lords here are of her preferred; beings made with her purest form of power. They have a stronger capability of denying her.
And the one that isn't?
That would be… Lord Usamah… he is highly susceptible to her will.
Kagome squeezed her hands into fists. Usamah's eyes were still focused on Amellis, the rims sharply red. Does he have a chance to fight against it?
That would depend on how skilled he is in controlling himself under high pressures, but regardless it will be harder for him than it is for the others.
Fuck. Of course, it would be the one guy we need to convince.
My mother is very clever in that way.
Tsk. I wish when she was out of commission, she'd actually BE out of commission.
Take heart in knowing that in her weakness, she won't be able to do this for very long. It's the very reason why she waited for this moment…
So she was waiting for this… At the corner of her eye, Kagome saw Amellis give a short nod. If there was any doubt before, there wasn't any now. Jiga had met the goddess.
"Priestess!"
Kagome jolted as Usamah called to her with a loud shout. Had they been calling her before while she was distracted, or was that simply Usamah's anger causing him to yell at her like he did? She looked to Sesshomaru, who sneered at Usamah, chiding him for speaking to her in such a way. The resulting snarls were not something she wanted to be a part of, so she turned her attention to Sango who was standing beside Sesshomaru and Boriyu. Kagome wished she could speak to her as she could speak to Amellis, but she knew Sango well enough to understand what the subtle movements of her eyes, brows, or tilts of her head meant. Following the wordless directions, she bowed as she stood, walked up to the table that resembled a great deal like one found in a courtroom, stood on the farthest side beside Sango, and bowed again. I'm going to go crazy having to deal with all these lords. Kami, I think I'll end up hating this more than Sessh.
With all eyes on her, Usamah demanded she tell her side of the story. This resulted in Sesshomaru once again belittling the lion, and in their short spat, Sesshomaru questioned Usamah's validity as judge. Conflict of interest, he said, and it was such a modern concept to Kagome that it almost jarred her out of the seriousness of the situation, her mind immediately going to her desires to be at home. Home with her family, her childhood friends. Sesshomaru and her free from scrutinizing eyes.
Closing her eyes, she locked the desires away, vowing to take a short vacation with him to her time once they had succeeded. Once centered in the situation, she coiled her reiki around Sesshomaru, asking for him to let the argument with Usamah go. After all, the lion was struggling to control himself as it was.
Kagome explained what happened as best she could, from her reasoning to speaking to Jiga to the moment Sesshomaru arrived. Hinotori, comfortable as he was and enjoying the spectacle, laughed at her incompetence as she was unable to tell what happened during the squabble, unable to confirm the scent of poison. "What a lady of the west she is. Weaker than a youngling- that fox kit would do better! Heh. Lord Sesshomaru, choosing that human has only ensured her death." It was difficult for Kagome to ignore him.
Lord Usamah on the other hand, disregarded her entirely. "The priestess is unable to confirm your stories, and all you have given is hearsay. As expected, you have no grounds for this trial."
"Did you presume this Sesshomaru would ask for a trial without evidence? Perhaps your impatience has blinded you."
"You have brought no evidence forward."
"Wrong. You, as judge, have not asked for the evidence, Usamah."
The lion growled, baring his fangs, but when his eyes nearly went completely red, he leaned back. "Fine. What is your evidence?"
Taking a bow, Sango presented the piece of glass Sesshomaru had brought with him to Usamah.
"There is residue from what Jiga used."
"Tsk. All this shows is that Lord Sesshomaru keeps dirty glass."
"At this point your attempts of belittlement are below even your standards."
"Then perhaps declaring that this is not evidence will suffice, Lord Sesshomaru!"
"That temper of yours is embarrassing, lion. Control yourself."
Usamah flinched back, his gaze briefly falling to Amellis again, but then he shook his head with a snarl. "My anger is explainable. You've accused my vassal of an egregious act with no credible reason-
"Once more I must question your validity as a judge. The witnesses to the act have clearly stated the residue was activated with his jaki-
"Magic! My clouded leopard knowing magic?! Ha! What a farce. Clouded leopards are incapable of magic!"
"If you're certain then let us prove it here. If your leopard's jaki doesn't activate the residue then this trail is over."
Usamah took a deep breath through his nose. Composing himself, he looked to his vassal. Once more, Jiga looked at him pleadingly. It was such an odd expression for Kagome to attribute to Jiga. For a moment, she felt pity for him.
"Jiga?"
"No, I refuse."
"His denial is evidence enough," Tsutsuji called, bringing a laugh out of Usamah.
"It is not. Lord law states that we shall not be compelled to do something we have no interest in doing-
"Yet Jiga is not a lord," Sesshomaru countered, and the lion fell silent. Hinotori, continuing to not contribute to the trial, howled a laugh.
"He's got you there, Usamah!"
The lion shot a glare at the phoenix, and Kagome sympathized with Usamah. Despite being the eldest lord, his bloodline left him open to disrespect.
"Lord Usamah?" She knew when she spoke his name, she was out of turn. Sango immediately whipped towards her, bereaved, while Sesshomaru, though unnoticeable to others, stiffened. It was his fingers that gave it away, the way they flexed birthing a sliver of space between each digit as they curved into a claw. Usamah, with his infuriated yet perplexed gaze merely stared at her. Eventually the nerves were too much. Desperate for something to happen, some kind of response, Kagome bowed.
"What is it you want, human?" The final word carried such heavy venom. There was no mistaking the ease he would have in killing her. Kagome was thankful that, for the moment, he was indifferent to committing such an act.
"I, um," Kagome stammered. Kami, she was so nervous she could barely think. She stood up straight, taking a breath. Can't back out now. Dammit girl, come on. It's not that hard, just say the words. You've already used his title. Just keep it respectful.
"In order to have this trial come to an end," She said, attempting to sound steady. It was no Sesshomaru, and it paled in comparison with Tsutsuji, but it was better than she expected. "Your vassal, Jiga, must prove he was not involved. To absolve himself, he simply needs to use his jaki-
"No!" Jiga snapped. "I refuse!"
Usamah's brows furrowed as he looked to Jiga, perplexed. And then his eyes flashed red. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he shut his eyes.
"Lord Usamah," Kagome tried again. His eyes shot open, angry as his gaze flicked to her then Amellis. Yet it flicked back to Kagome, pink over taking red, and something- a thought unknown to her but visible in his expression- passed through his eyes and he turned his back to them.
"You have my approval-
"Lord Usamah!-
"Silence, Jiga!"
"No! No, I refuse this. I don't care if you demand it of me. I won't do it."
"You dare to go against me?!" Usamah snarled, not from anger alone but from shock as well.
Jiga set his jaw tight, balling his fists as he glared up. "Aye. Do as you will but I will not follow this command."
"Jiga-
"Silence, ShiShi!"
The lioness closed her mouth abruptly, but her chest heaved and her bottom lip quaked as if she were about to cry. It was faint, but Kagome swore she heard a small and meak "please," right before Usamah roared at her. Despite her natural dislike to the lioness, Kagome found herself pained by her sorrow as well.
"If the leopard refuses, you'll be stuck with that stain of doubt on your honor, Lord Usamah," Hinotori smirked, slighting him by sarcastically using his title. "I suggest you find a way to force him."
"I don't care what you do, Lord Usamah. I will not bend to that human's needs."
Usamah was silent as he contemplated, and throughout it, he kept his back to them. "I will not coerce him."
"Then we shall."
Usamah growled at Sesshomaru. "You will not harm my vassal!"
"We won't," Kagome blurted before Seshhomaru could respond. This time his golden gaze fell onto her, displeased. When his jaki intertwined with her reiki, it pleaded for her to fall back. Worry was his motivator, she could sense it between the jaki's tremors. But she was all in now. I need- no, we need Usamah to see me as something more than just another human. If he's going to be on our side- even if it'll be through deceit- I need him to trust me as an equal.
"I swear to not harm Jiga. And if I do, then I accept the punishment that will follow."
"Pah. Are you even aware of what law you would break?"
"I'm not. But I know enough of the yokai world to assume I will be inflicted with the same damage as was dealt."
"A fight to the death would follow."
"I understand. I accept these terms."
"Kagome!" Sesshomaru shouted, breaking his stoic mask.
"It's alright. I won't harm him. You said so yourself." She smiled. She had hoped her words would console him, hinting on the fact that she trusted her abilities just as much as he trusted her. But this was not the expression he held.
At the glimpse of shame, she surged her reiki to tightly wind around him. Let him know my confidence, she prayed to her reiki and his jaki latched onto it. It whispered to her be careful, and the moon on her shoulder echoed the sentiment. Kagome blushed gleefully, happy to have a portion of him constantly with her, to feel him right beside her though they stood apart.
I will be, she hummed to herself and placed a hand over his mark.
Usamah's gaze narrowed. Trepidation stirred inside her, thinking he would deny her. To her surprise, he spoke clearly, "Do it."
"No! I refused this!"
" Silence! You did this to yourself, Jiga. Priestess, get this over with."
"Oh! R-right!" Kagome rushed to sit in front of Jiga who squirmed and snarled. As Boriyu lifted the shard of glass, Sesshomaru stopped him, taking the piece into his hand and sitting beside Kagome.
"I will be beside you," he said as he settled. Kagome mouthed "thank you", her nerves somewhat calming with him there, but her hands continued to tremble. Please, my reiki- yo- whatever you want to be called… Please don't hurt Jiga for Sesshomaru's sake.
Kagome lifted her hands cautiously, and Jiga hissed at her, baring his teeth. "You touch me and I'll rip your arm off with my teeth-
Jiga yelped as Sesshomaru grabbed him by the back of the neck, forcing him to look upward.
"Don't hurt him!" Kagome urged before Usamah retaliated. Sesshomaru didn't respond but his gaze flicked to the lion. Stepping back, Usamah grimaced and behind him ShiShi covered her face. This was painful for them to watch. They weren't even bothering to hide their emotions. "I'll do this quickly," Kagome promised them, and then she placed her hands on Jiga's face.
With Sesshomaru holding him back, and his arms chained to the floor, JIga couldn't retaliate. His shoulders moved side to side, but nothing else could be done. Kagome cupped either side of his face. The sweat that collected on his skin felt strange on her palms and his eyes looked at her with more fright than she had ever expected to see from the leopard. She shut her eyes, and poured her reiki into him.
Jiga screamed.
"What are you doing to him?!" Usamah roared. She heard the pounding of someone falling to the floor. The summoning of Sango's weapons. The gentle tone of Amellis trying to explain that Kagome hadn't done anything.
"Ignore them," Sesshomaru said to her, his voice clear through the madness. Kagome nodded her head.
The instructions she had been given were vague for her part. "Use your reiki as you do when we train," Sesshomaru had explained before on their way here. "But make sure you do so as you have done with me". She couldn't hurt him. Thus far she hadn't hurt Jiga, but she hadn't used her reiki as a weapon yet. Don't hurt him. Don't hurt him. Don't hurt him, she prayed, but she could feel the biting purity waiting to rush out.
Then, from her shoulder, came a soothing warmth. Her mind and body knew him so well that when the jaki bloomed inside her skin she could feel his touch from memories alone. It comforted her; calmed her into a state of serenity. For him.
The bite from her purity subsided, pulled back by a desire to join the jaki within her. Kagome's eyes shot open, and in that moment, she forced her reiki out through her palms, digging deep within her core to expunge as much non-lethal force as she could.
"Frighten him so he retaliates," Sesshomaru had explained.
"And if it doesn't work?"
He had looked down at her, knowingly. "You know not what you're capable of doing, my mate."
Make him as weak as a pup. That's what Sesshomaru said...
"My jaki?! What are you doing to it?!" Jiga roared, terrified. It was working. The more she pushed, the more he fought. The chains dug into his wrists, he hissed through his teeth, spit falling from his mouth, and his eyes turned a deep red. "You BITCH! I won't let you take it!"
An arm quickly wrapped around her waist and pulled her away. The movement was so quick, an instant come and gone. Where she was once before a demon ready to attack her, the markings on his face becoming jagged and his already long fangs growing, she now was protected, facing the armor of her love as his arms draped around her, hiding her from the room. Yet the silence- the heavy, oppressive silence brought with new knowledge- was conspicuous. It ticked on never ending, waiting for someone to break its bough.
She dared, though carefully, to pull away from Sesshomaru and peek around him. Those attending were frozen in place, their gazes fixated on one. A table had been broken. Miroku and Sango stood with their weapons drawn, their stances defensive. Boriyu sat up from the floor, clutching the wound Jiga had given him outside with Amellis gently cradling him. The wound had been stretched open, and his blood covered Usamah's hand that held onto a weeping ShiShi's wrist. Usamah himself, with a sickening sweat on his brow, eyes wide with distraught, the adam apple on his throat quaking with his quick shallow breaths, seemed close to vomiting. Jiga, the center of everyone's attention, was no better.
"She… She was stealing my jaki…"
"Jiga," Usamah breathed, "What have you done?"
"Lord Usamah, please. Listen to me. That priestess-
"The lady of the west. The one whom you attempted to poison! Kami, Jiga!"
"There must be another reason. Something that we're missing-
"You be quiet!"
ShiShi yelped as Usamah threw her back, her feline reflexes saving her from falling backwards or slamming into a wall. Covering his eyes, Usamah attempted to hide the deep scarlet they had become, but Kagome had seen it, and those with better senses obviously knew.
"The goddess," Kagome muttered. Exuberant in her success, her mind conjured the idea of aiding Usamah from the goddess's influence as she could do with Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru held her close, however, preventing her from leaving his hold as he peeked at Usamah from behind his shoulder. The lion's head tilted towards them, not enough to show them his face but enough to let them know he had heard her. "Sessh-
"What is it you want to do?" He asked in a low hum while watching the reaction of the others.
"Ease her influence." She said confidently, meaning for all but with her attention pointed to Usamah.
"I hold no objection to this," Sesshomaru said, looking to the other lords. As Tsutsuji gave her approval, Kagome smiled up at him. He didn't react but he saw her gratitude, and that hint of softness that touched his eyes was enough for her.
"Lord Usamah, don't listen to her!" Jiga begged, once again his eyes pleading in a manner so oblique to his character. "That woman- that priestess!- her powers are unnatural!"
"Hold your tongue, traitor." Usamah lurched, his clawed hand poised to the strike high in the air. And there it remained unmoving, their years of camaraderie planting hesitation. Unwilling to look upon his vassal any longer, he turned his back to Jiga and looked to Kagome with desperation. "I had assumed it was the young deity girl until I realized the influence was targeted against you. I will not lie. It compels me to enemize you. I'd like nothing more than to tear you apart…"
As he said the words his eyes turned red and lips curled upward. Simply mentioning his vicious desires set him on edge, but with a gurgling cough, a verbal choke, Usamah fought against his boiling jaki.
"Do it. Do it now before I can no longer fight against it."
A jolt of urgency rushed through Kagome, and she reacted off of instinct. Focusing on her reiki she first compressed it inside her, building up as much of the energy as she could before forcing it out of her as if she were creating a filled barrier. She sent it to each groove and corner of the room, and the air pulsed with the energy. There was a shift in tone, the atmosphere crisp with her reiki, and with a hand to his head Usamah relaxed, the color in his eyes returned to normal. The same followed for Tsutsuji, who now carried herself with more energy, and even ShiShi, who, despite her tears streaming down her face, was calmer. Silently, ShiShi walked back to her space and sat down. This time she refused to look at the leopard.
Hinotori appeared no different than before, yet he stood, with his men following suit.
"Well, as interesting as this has been, I formally excuse my men and I. This trail has a clear conclusion. My witness is no longer needed."
"You're leaving now, Lord Usamah?"
"Please try to hide your enthusiasm, Lady Tsutsuji. This whole pointless dribble has become quite boring to me now. I'll be in my little squabble of a room should anyone need me."
None remarked as the phoenix and his men left, but his odd demeanor and sudden desire to depart nagged at Kagome. She already didn't like him as it was but his behavior during the trail had her on edge. When the time was right, Kagome would ask that they rearrange some of the guardsmen to focus solely on Hinotori alone.
"He is right," Tsutsuji said, breaking the silence. "The trial has concluded. You asked for evidence and were given it, Lord Usamah. Your vassal is guilty as charged."
"Yes… I agree," Usamah responded dejectedly, his fists balled up but his shoulders slouched. Kagome could sense it in her reiki, see it with her eyes; the lion was broken. He could barely hold himself up, using the good table to prop himself up. A moment ago, he had expressed his desire to kill her. Despite this, Kagome's heart shared in his pain now, echoing what she saw and feeling sympathy for him.
"Lord Usamah-
"Do not speak, traitor."
"But-
The heel of Usamah's sandal found Jiga's lower jaw, a resounding crack and yelping cry piercing the calm.
"Gah! Damn…" Jiga spoke, his words slurred from his injury.
"Not another word." Almost dragging his feet, Usamah stepped away from Jiga, despair in his eyes. ShiShi, unable to watch, had shut her eyes.
"Judgement should go to Lord Sesshomaru."
"I can judge my own vassal."
"The crime was against the west-
"Only more of a reason I should judge-
"You are blinded by your grief, Lord Usamah."
To this, Usamah didn't counter.
Sensing her distress, Sesshomaru linked an arm around Kagome's waist, supporting her. She melted into his hold, trying to maintain a stoicism on her facial features but needing the comfort.
"We shall be the ones to judge, Lord Usamah," Sesshomaru said, and the word we caused Kagome's ears to burn. "You have my word that we shall be just."
Usamah snorted a laugh. "Just? There is only one thing to be done…"
His face scrunched, his nose wrinkling as his brows curved upward. Kagome had never imagined that she'd see the southern lord express so much pain.
"Do as you will."
"Hn."
Immediately, Jiga's eyes flew to Kagome, a rage beyond description painted on his face.
"I'm to be judged by a human? Preposterous!"
"How many times must I tell you to be silent?" Usamah muttered, unable to stir the energy needed to forcibly command.
"Lord Usamah, please! It is not as it seems-
"Not as it seems?!" He roared. "The evidence is there, Jiga! You attempted to poison her when I instructed you to treat her as a noble! You aggravated the west and you turned your back on the south! Better it be them to judge you. The shame you've brought upon our lands is inexcusable as it is!"
"You don't have to do this!"
"You've done this, Jiga!" Usamah snapped, jabbing his finger towards the leopard as he spoke. It was the angriest he had been since arriving at the palace, despite his eyes being clear. "You've done this to yourself! There is nothing I can do for you! Lord Sesshomaru." He turned abruptly, looking at Sesshomaru and Kagome with desperation. "Cast your judgement now, that I and the south be rid of this stain."
Regardless of the chaos before them, Sesshomaru remained dispassionate as if Usamah had calmly remarked on the weather instead of practically breaking down in front of them. Kagome was looking up at him, waiting to see what he'd say. To her surprise, he chose to look down at her.
"His actions have angered me greatly. As I am, my preference is execution. But I leave the decision to you, my mate."
Kagome gasped. "Me?"
"You are the victim of this situation. Tell me, what retribution do you require?"
She didn't have words. This was too much for her. Looking at Usamah and ShiShi gave her no direction either. They were both simply miserable, neither one caring to object at this point; only waiting to hear what she said and ready to accept it. And I'm supposed to condemn their vassal- their friend!- even though their already hurting? I can't do that. To ask for retribution… I don't want retribution! She looked up at Sesshomaru, expecting him to disapprove her decision, yet, before she said a word, his gaze spoke of support for her decision. Kagome swallowed, forcing herself to speak clearly.
"Let him go."
It was strange how, in silence, there was a notable tonal shift with the shock of her statement. No one gasped but they might as well have with the way their heads rose and lips parted. Only Sesshomaru remained consistently calm as if he already knew what she would say.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. I don't require retribution. And I don't want to be a source of pain. Just let him go."
A wide grin spread across Jiga's features, utterly pleased with her verdict, and ShiShi shared in this merriment.
"You mean it?" ShiShi asked, jubilant and relieved. Initially she had never shown Kagome favor until that moment. Now her eyes gleamed with happiness and she smiled to Kagome with such content and gratitude that they alone whispered her thanks.
"I do."
"Do you hear that, Usamah? Jiga has been forgiven!" She exclaimed, turning to her mate. However, unlike Jiga and ShiShi, Usamah appeared displeased.
"No." He whispered with despair.
"What? What do you mean no?"
"The west forgave. For that I am grateful. But the southern lands… this is a verdict we cannot accept."
This time there was a gasp. ShiShi cried, begging Usamah to reconsider while Kagome stood in absolute shock. When she turned to Sesshomaru, he seemed equally confused.
"You know our laws, ShiShi. Now be still as I carry out the judgement."
ShiShi didn't bother hiding her tears, crying as she covered her mouth, her body hunched over herself. This wasn't what Kagome wanted. She wanted less pain not more.
"Sessh…" She pleaded to him, hoping he could do something.
"Lord Usamah, the west has forgiven the south. Your honor is intact. There is no reason for you to carry out this judgement."
Usamah chortled, though his laugh was weighted by sadness. "The south does not accept traitors. Am I to take him back when he betrayed the Lord of the south?"
"Then exile him," Kagome said, still hoping to find a way to relieve their pain. Usamah looked at her with pity.
"And allow another to find him? Allow him to be interrogated or to join another land where he will share the secrets of the south? Secrets that could decimate us? Secrets akin to those your own lands hold no doubt."
Kagome gulped, thinking not only of the labyrinth, but also of Tobuyoru. The traitor she had let go.
"These are the things you must learn, Lady Kagome. This pain you wish to avoid is integral to our world. And if you are to be considered a valid leader, you best learn it quickly."
Sesshomaru squeezed her side, pulling her in tightly.
"There is nothing we can do, Kagome," he whispered to her. "This is his decision alone."
As Usamah approached Jiga, unsheathing his sword with sparks of blue coming from it, Kagome tucked her face into Sesshomaru's chest. Pinching her chin, he drew her back up.
"You are a witness, my mate. You mustn't look away. I am sorry."
"I have to watch?!"
Bitterly, he confirmed she would. "Hn."
It dawned on Kagome that this was why he was willing to accept her judgement. He had been hoping to spare her from this.
The sword was slammed into the ground, splintering wood as Usamah held it up right, standing to the side of Jiga. In a moment, that sword would come down over his neck.
"Lord Usamah-
"Jiga," Usamah started, his face tight as he looked down at his vassal. "You have been by my side for many years. Since before the fires that ate our homes. If it hadn't been for you, many of us would have been lost… I would have been lost."
For a moment, his mask faltered, the hard line of his lips curving downward as he looked down at his hands. His voice cracked, and the more he spoke, the more his mask began to break.
"If you hadn't convinced me to leave, I and my pride would have stayed. We would have died… It was you, and your bloody tales of this land that persuaded us to leave and come to this foreign place. It was with your aid that we united the prides and carved a portion of this land for ourselves. Dammit Jiga… I may have been given the title Lord but in the beginning, it was you everyone looked to."
"Then don't do this! When we return home, we can explain-
"There is nothing to explain." Usamah clenched his jaw and tightened his hands around the hilt of his sword. "You… you have turned against us."
"My Lord, my reasoning-
"Accounts for nothing. I'd know no more now if you were lying. Kami, Jiga. You've already lied to me twice since your return! First with that creature, that in'ei- do you believe Lord Sesshomaru and I to be so dense to not see how you arranged the scene?! And then to have you go against my orders. I can hold no trust in you. Whatever happened to you when you left, whatever you saw… returned you with your tail to this one."
To himself, he whispered, but given the silence of the room and the way sounds echoed in this place, it was easy to hear. "I lost my friend and ally the day you went missing."
Kagome couldn't help it. Hearing those words made her choke. A tear teetered on the edge of her eye. It was wrong to be a witness to this. To see such raw emotions coming from a Lord that was usually so cold and apathetic. This was not the Usamah she had perceived the day they had met. This was what she wasn't meant to see; the lion behind the mask. And ShiShi… Kami, Kagome mourned. The lioness was so tucked into herself she practically laid on the floor, her short hair laying against the posh wood with a puddle of tears below her face. Why then, when they were so emotive, did the pleading expression upon Jiga's face fade to that of insouciant?
"There is no way that I may change your mind?" Jiga asked placidly.
"None." Usamah answered, stating it boldly but unable to hide the break in his voice.
Jiga smirked, stretching his hands as he looked up to the others in the room. "Then there's no point in hiding it any longer. Lord Usamah. Heh. I was never your friend."
A cold shiver ran down Kagome's spine. Usamah and Shishi's eyes grew in surprise and hurt. In their silence, they struggled to convince themselves that they had heard right.
"Truth is I've despised the both of you for quite some time. It was I who should have been chosen to be Lord, but you damn lions with your pride laws. I knew you'd never entertain the idea of a leopard taking such a position. Well?! Go ahead and cut off my head. If you think this is the last of me, you're blind. I'll be brought back," Jiga snarled, his attention immediately snapping to Amellis. "She will ensure it."
With a scowl upon his face, brought upon by a greater sense of betrayal, Usamah raised his sword with a roar. A second later, it cut through Jiga's neck.
Alrighty that's the end of that chapter. I managed to write it with an ok end. The next chapter will either be 1 or 2 weeks from now. Probably gonna keep it for wed night/ thurs morning just for consistency.
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