Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Genre

: Romance/Angst/Hurt

Pairing

: Sesshoumaru/Kagome

Summary

: Little Rin has died and Sesshoumaru doesn't know what to do. He looses himself to his beast, lost in emotions he hasn't felt in hundreds of years. Kagome is called to subdue the raging beast and in the process binds herself to the taiyoukai stronger then her bond with Inuyasha. With Sesshoumaru's subduing comes the price of being Lady of the West and with the title comes all the downsides and perks of being ningen royalty among a youkai court.

A Demon Lord's Cry
Chapter Nine: Honor Demands

x . . . . x

Sitting atop the hut where the two were reunited, Sesshoumaru listened to her sobs and soft exclamations, Rin's words echoing in his head.

"Rin is proud of her Sesshoumaru-sama."

She couldn't seem to stop crying and running her fingers through the fur of Shippo's tail, as though to reassure herself that he was still there. Eventually the kit fell into a deep, comfortable slumber, content to be within his adopted mother's arms. She pressed soft, soothing kisses to the crown of his head, breathing in the earthy scent of her kit and sighed. She clutched him to her chest as though afraid that letting go would once again see him gone from her life forever. The very thought had her body slightly trembling and the kit, as though sensing her unease, burrowing closer.

Takeshi watched from across the room as mother reunited with child, his eyes calculating.

Sesshoumaru-sama had indeed been a busy inu-youkai if the child was sitting before his mother alive and whole.

There were no spells that could restore a person using a real body and their soul. Normally, they had to be brought back using clay shells of the person they once were.

His emerald eyes sharpened and he ran his claws through his obsidian hair, an almost nervous gesture.

He vaguely wondered what would happen now.

"Takeshi?" Kagome called softly. The inu's elfin tipped ears twitched and he arched an ebony brow in question at the young woman. She had sat up and was now staring at him curiously over the fire, her cerulean gaze bright but still haunted. She seemed to have aged in only a matter of hours with the dark circles that circled under her eyes.

"Hmm, Kagome-sama?" he murmured just as soft.

He watched the young woman stand, her cotton, light blue kimono standing out distinctly against the paleness of her flesh. She padded toward him silently, Shippo encased in her arms. He arched a brow at her curiously as she settled herself on her knees in front of him and handed her precious bundle to the youkai. Clawed hands tentatively reached outward and grabbed the young kit and settled him in his lap. He looked at her questioningly and she gave him a patient smile, filled with both sadness and laughter.

"Watch him for me?" she asked gently, her voice a bare whisper.

"Where are you headed?" he inquired as she grabbed the blanket from her bedding and wrapped bot he and the boy in it's lingering warmth.

"I am not simple-minded, Takeshi." she murmured as she touched the crown of her kit's head with her pointer finger. "I know Sesshoumaru brought him back. The dead don't come back to life often and when they do they are usually no more then shells to house a bitter, twisted soul." She looked him directly in the eyes and brought a dainty, pale hand to encase his own larger on. She held it tight and her skin felt soft against his the calloused fingers, rough with sword training and fights. He stiffened before she gave him a soft look that spoke of wonders the world had never seen and he relaxed almost immediately. "I know it took a lot for you to disobey Sesshoumaru, Takeshi, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for what you have done."

"You are my charge." he murmured with a shrug of his broad shoulders as though to say, 'it's my job'.

"You could have taken me back to the Western House instead of bringing me here, Takeshi. That wasn't your job but I appreciate it nonetheless." her eyes darted down to the hand that she held and soft laughter spilled from her lips as her eyes sparkled cheerfully. "Your nails are black and clear."

He tossed her a confused glance, "Yes, as they have always been."

"I guess I never noticed." she shrugged with a smile, thinking of the normal dogs back at home that had multi colored nails, as she stood and headed for the doorway.

"You never answered me, Kagome-sama. Where are you headed?" he asked a little more forcefully. She tossed him a look over her shoulder and then headed out into the bite of winter.

Kagome headed in any general direction, knowing that she wouldn't find the inu-youkai if he didn't want to be found... especially in all the snow. She knew he would blend almost perfectly into his surroundings and it was both a frightening aspect and an awe-striking one as well. Her lips were pursed as she thought about what she would say to him when she found him, 'thanks for saving the child that you practically kidnapped me from' or something along the lines of 'hey, asshole, I appreciate you saving my son though he died because you wouldn't let me go to him and take him home'.

In all honesty, she didn't really even know what she had thought about him at this point and time.

Once she would have said he had honor and another time she would have said he was great but now, after all of this?

She had nothing to say.

Her emotions were so jumbled.

She wanted to hug him in thanks, knowing he would most likely behead her for the action.

She wanted to make him suffer for making her suffer.

She wanted - wanted -

He didn't have to bring her child back . . . but he did and that was all that mattered.

Her feet, as though moving of their own accord, brought her to the Goshinboku. She breathed a soft sigh, a cloud of hot hair slipping pass her lips, and approached the tree. The clearing was blanketed in snow, filling the space with an almost magical splendor. The tree itself was bare of leaves but it took nothing away from the majestic beauty. As she walked toward it, her feet leaving small imprints in the snow, her dainty hand out stretched in order to caress the worn bark. She steadily crawled on the gnarled roots and settled herself in a small little ball against the bark.

Minutes passed as she watched the stars twinkle above her and basked in the moonlit shadows, lost within her thoughts.

"Miko." Kagome jumped as her calm was interrupted and she moved her eyes along the clearing. Seeing nothing, she shook her head, and a soft 'hn' caught her attention. She raised her gaze up in the trees and was surprised to see a shot of silver and red amidst all the white of the snow that caught in the branches above. She blinked as she saw Sesshoumaru, back pressed against the bark, one leg slung over the side of the branch he sitting upon, the other drawn up, cradling his arm, the other arm draped over his waist.

She hadn't noticed him up within the branches, moonlight shining brightly off his silvery locks. Sesshoumaru looked down at her, his eyes glowing within the night, reflecting what little light the moon gave.

"Sesshoumaru-sama." she greeted softly, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Sesshoumaru breathed easy.

In truth, he had been... apprehensive about the miko.

Now that he realized what he had done was more or less wrong... he had let her child die and even though he did bring the child back, she might never forgive him. That, of course, was unacceptable seeing as she was the Western Lady. Regardless of whether or not he needed her [and he didn't] the West needed her. It did not matter that it had done fine without her many times before and functioned without a Lady of the House. All that mattered she was there now and she was needed. Needless to say, he did not want to have kidnap her if he didn't have to.

"What brings you here to the cold?" he asked, voice showing no influx as he moved his eyes along her kimono clad form.

"I was searching for you." she answered truthfully.

He looked back at the moon rather then her, a soft "Hmm." fall from his lips.

"I wanted to say thank you." she murmured.

Sesshoumaru said nothing but merely nodded his head and Kagome expected nothing more or less.

"We have to speak of what has happened, miko." he stated slowly as though unsure if this topic was approachable. He heard her sigh softly and answer with a meek 'I know'. He then continued, "I realize that I approached the situation in the... wrong manner before and would not like to do so again. I am Lord of the Western Lands and regardless of what has happened, you are still the Lady of the Western Lands until death takes you. I have duties that must been handled and you do now as well. Your largest issue before was the child. He is no longer ill and he is alive. What other issues do you have?"

"I have a quest to find jewel shards. I also have a family I need to visit periodically." she answered.

"Then we will compromise." he answered, the word 'compromise' stated as though had never really used the word. "You are needed in the Western Lands. It is your home and that is non debatable. However, if I were allow you a monthly weak release from the West to do your duties and visit your family, would that be acceptable?"

"Inuyasha would never get anything done!" she sputtered.

"I cannot spare you more." he responded, not looking at her once again. "No other can see these 'jewel shards' of yours?"

Hesitantly she answered, "Kikyo can but I don't trust her!"

"Inuyasha, though as immature as he is, is an adult." Sesshoumaru growled. "You are making this more difficult then it needs to be."

"You don't understand, she wants to take him to hell!"

"If Inuyasha wants to go then there is nothing that can be done. If she tries to take him by force there are two other companions that can prevent that from happening. It does not have to be you." The truth stung her and she blinked back tears because he was right. Her romantic feelings had faded for the hanyou but he was still her friend and she didn't want him to leave her. "One man or thousands?" he inquired.

"Pardon?"

"I do not repeat myself."

She pursed her lips and sighed softly. "I would save thousands before I would save one man."

"That is what you will be doing. You have been told that the Western Lands are a reflection of you and I. You have fled and I have followed and now our lands could be seen as weak unless you return. Others will believe the strain of being ningen has become too much for you to bear and now? Some might challenge that." He looked at her once again. "These are the repercussions of the actions you have taken though I cannot begrudge you. Had it been me, I would have disposed of all that stood in my way."

"I know."

"This time around, I will allow the child to come along but he will have his own duties." he stated in a voice that broke for no argument. "When... Rin was alive... she was schooled and I expect nothing less your kitsune, understood?"

"Actually, I teach Shippo normally." Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed at the woman.

"Teach?"

"Yes!" she excited chirped. "He can read some as well as write. He knows basic mathematics and geography."

"You are educated?" he inquired and she nodded her head. "Who has taught you?"

And so began the long explanation of Kagome's time travelling adventures.

.

When Kagome returned to the village, Sesshoumaru was right beside her, and Inuyasha was waiting outside of the hut Takeshi and Shippo occupied. Sesshoumaru said not a word as he entered the hut and left Kagome and Inuyasha to talk outside. His amber orbs looked at her expectantly and she offered him her hand. "Walk with me?" she asked gently, a smile tugging her lips. Inuyasha gripped her hands in his without a second thought because they had since long ago held hands while talking. It was a natural thing... like Kagome riding his back.

"What is it, wench? You have this look." he grumbled. Kagome sighed as they walked through the village.

"I want you to find Kikyo." she responded and he looked at her as though she were crazy.

"Kikyo?" he asked, confusion marring his features. "What the hell for?"

Kagome stopped and Inuyasha looked down at her, "As you have been told, I have been made Lady of the Western Lands. I have a duty to my- my people." she answered, swallowing thickly.

"People that will never accept you for who you are!" he growled angrily. "You have a duty to me! To us! You promised us!"

"I know I did and I take my promises seriously, Inuyasha. Kikyo can help you find the shards! I would rather it be me but, Inuyasha, people could die and be hurt if I don't accept my station!"

"People are dying now, Kagome! In case you didn't realize this is Sengoku Judai! The warring states era!"

"I can prevent some of that though." she whispered. "I can't do both!"

"Then why are doing what he wants?"

"Because it's my duty." she shrugged.

"So is finding shards!"

"Inuyasha..." she murmured. "Kikyo will be an asset. I still can't control my powers and Kikyo can. In the West I will have more information at my fingers on different shard rumors and I can learn how to be a real miko! There are so many benefits!"

"You promised to say by my side." he finally growled, looking at their entwined hands. Kagome brought her free hand to cup his cheek and she sighed softly, giving him a brief smile.

"Inuyasha, I'm not leaving to my time. I'm here just not with you at all times like before and I will gladly come running if you ever need anything from me."

"Is this what you want?" he asked, amber eyes searching cerulean.

"Not really, no - but this must be done."

"If you had said 'yes' and lied to me, I would have fought you on this until you saw it my way." he answered truthfully. "But you told me the truth."

"Inuyasha... you're my best friend, my first love, my protector, my everything in this world where I know nothing about about anything. I would never want to leave you." Tears rose in her eyes and she wanted to curse because she had never said so many tears in her whole life then she did in the past week.

With that said, Inuyasha pulled the young woman into his arms and held her as close as he could.

He said nothing as Kagome cried the last of sorrows into his chest and she pretended as though she didn't feel the few tears he shed trickle into her hair.

.

Telling Sango and Miroku had been easier then telling Inuyasha even though Sango ranted and threw a fit.

" - I'll kill him for you, Kagome! Then you won't have to go! How dare that pompous bastard try and take you away against your will and - " As Sango screamed and cursed, Miroku sat beside Kagome and patted her hand reassuringly.

"You promise that this you are alright with this, Kagome-sama?" he asked, a genial smile curling his lips.

"I am." Kagome nodded.

" - Western Lady my ass! That youkai won't know what hit him when I get him - "

"You will visit us, correct?" he inquired as his hand pressed along the small of her back.

"Don't be silly! Of course I will!" she smiled, his hand going further south.

" - and I just don't know how I will - will - " Sango burst into tears as she through herself at Kagome, pushing Miroku aside, dislodging him from his goal. He pouted because he was so close that time, too.

"Oh Sango, it'll be okay." Kagome murmured as she hugged the older girl. "I'm practically a princess now." she smiled, trying to put her friend at ease and it it worked. Sango quit her sniffling and patted Kagome's cheek and nodded her head.

"That's right, you'll be safer." she smiled through tears. "That, if anything, is a good thing."

Kagome just nodded her head and continued to hug the tajiya as tight as she could because even though she would see them often, they rarely parted unless she went home. This was her comrade, her sister in arms, her family, and it was something she didn't enjoy leaving. "Come on, let's go to the hot springs." she said gently and Sango agreed. Kagome had left her supplies at the Western House but thankfully always kept spare items at Kaede's hut.

They gathered their bathing supplies and headed to bathe where girl talk was inevitable and welcome. When they came upon 'the spot' [as Kagome called it], both girls stripped and leaped into the water to ward off the cold.

Immersed in the hot water Sango began to speak.

"Do you forgive him?" she asked as she scrubbed her cheeks of the tears she had shed prior.

"No... " Kagome answered truthfully. "I cannot forgive him but I can understand him in some ways. I hate what he has done but Sango, he didn't have to bring Shippo back and he did. Had Shippo remained dead... " Kagome's cerulean eyes darkened considerably as she collected her thoughts. "I would have fought him the moment he came close to me and I was coherent."

"Then why are you going with him?" Sango inquired desperately, trying to understand. Kagome, whether she had known it or not, saved her on many occasions where she wanted to end her own life, unable to live with the guilt and pain of what happened with her family by simply being there with her. Sango, no matter how strong she was physically, wasn't quite as strong as Kagome mentally and had come to rely on the girl as though she were her rock.

"Sango... " Kagome began patiently. "His people need me, whether they know it or not. After being named the Lady of the West, it became a widely known thing and without me there the West could be attacked."

"With you there it could also be attacked." Sango tried to reason.

"Yes but I am leader now, no mattered how much I want to deny it. When the leader vanishes then the group as a whole is more susceptible to outside influence and attack and I can prevent some of that. Do you understand?" Kagome asked, wanting her friend to know where she was coming from.

"I understand though I do not like it." she sighed before brightening. "Couldn't you just hide away in your time?"

"I would be running away from my duties, Sango, and I could never do that." she whispered.

"I know... it was just a thought." she responded sheepishly and Kagome couldn't help the laugh that followed. Her almond eyes sparkled and she continued, "That guard of yours, Takeshi, is fairly attractive."

Kagome choked on her laugh and sputtered.

It was Sango's turn to laugh at the blush that blazed along Kagome's cheeks.

.

Takeshi was currently bent over one knee, crouched in the snow, head bowed as Sesshoumaru looked down at the guard.

"You realize that what you did was unacceptable, correct?" Sesshoumaru inquired, face a cool mask of indifference. "You kidnapped the Western Lady and took off into wild lands with her as though she were a bitch in heat. You turned your back on me which means you turned your back on the Western Lands. What reasons do you have?"

"Sesshoumaru-sama, she is my charge." Takeshi spoke tentatively. "You entrusted me with her safety. Safety comes in many forms both physical and mental and her mental state was deteriorating... fast." he responded. "I took action."

"Your actions could have had disastrous results." Sesshoumaru growled. "You could have been attacked - "

"I would have protected her." he rumbled, eyes, though cast downward at the snow, glowing a slight crimson.

"That is not the point." Sesshoumaru growled back. "She could have been hurt nonetheless. She is your charge, yes, but she is the Lady of the Western Lands first and foremost. You can either put your compassion for aside her or I will get rid of you all together."

"There is no compassion, Sesshoumaru-sama." Takeshi intoned coolly.

"Whether it be a debt you feel you owe her or misplaced priorities, it does not matter. You will be cast from her side. You are too valuable a resource to disregard entirely." Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. "You chose your Lady over your Lord and for that you cannot be as trusted as you were once before. You are to remain her guard but you are no longer a general at my side for I will not have you stabbing me in the back. You no longer are my concern but hers instead. Report to her for daily duties or anything she might need."

Takeshi looked up as though alarmed, "Sesshoumaru-sama, you can not do this! She is ningen!" he practically hissed. "My clan! They will destroy her!"

"You chose her as your savior." Sesshoumaru turned away and was prepared to walk off but stopped just before he reached the shadows of the trees. "It is not personal, Takeshi. If I were to keep you under my protection after what has happened and others were to find out... I cannot be seen as weak or compassionate in any way, shape, or form."

With that he blended into the surrounding snow and seemingly disappeared.

Though he did not care for what others thought about him and he knew he was by far one of the strongest youkai in existence at this time, he was not cocky nor was he conceited.

He was practical.

Practicality demanded that he realize what he had going against him.

One: He was the youngest tai-youkai in existence and though it screamed he was ruthless enough to keep his throne, it also gave the elder youkai to believe him weak due to his young age. Two: He had been bound by a miko and though she was powerful, she was ningen and that was acceptable. Three: He was currently mate-less and heir-less, though by choice, elder youkai felt it meant he was ignorant for not ensuring he had an heir the moment he ascended the throne.

Three very good reasons he sought to make himself stronger.

As he walked away, Takeshi could only stare at his back, understanding his reasonings but feeling bitter about them nonetheless.

Kagome had been thrown to the dogs, literally, and the miko didn't even know it yet.

.

When the night became morning and the sun barely rose over the trees, Kagome was headed to West on a cloud of youki, having already said her farewells. Shippo was tucked into her arms, sleeping soundly, aware of the situation considering she had awoken him for his own farewells. She had never thought she'd see the day where Shippo had run up onto Inuyasha's shoulders and hugged the hanyou around the neck. Inuyasha had reluctantly patted the child on the head and gave him a half hearted, gruff smile. She didn't want to know what had happened to bring on the change but it was far more welcome then their usual fights.

"You need me, Kagome, and I'll be there in a second." Inuyasha rumbled softly as she was encased in his arms.

Her eyes stung with tears but she held them back because she knew she'd miss him.

She looked along the ground and saw Takeshi running in time with the pace they were keeping, moving effortlessly as he weaved through the trees. She had been surprised to learn that the youki cloud was not something all inu-youkai could make and it was unique only to white inu-youkai. The Western House came into view and her breath caught in her chest like the last time she had seen it and she was in awe of it's beauty. They flew over the gates and walls and landed in the courtyard. The moment she touched ground she moved away from Sesshoumaru and bowed.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama." she murmured and he nodded his head.

"Today is yours to do with as you wish. Take your kit and allow him to become familiar with the halls and I will find him a tutor. Tomorrow, I want you in my study right after breakfast. We have matters to discuss about your guard." Sesshoumaru walked away without so much as a second glance toward Kagome and she merely shrugged her shoulders though she was curious as to why they had to discuss anything about him. Part of her wondered if he was going to try and punish him again, something she knew she would not stand for.

She sighed and and pushed it to the back of her mind to be thought about and mulled over later.

Her stomach rumbled and she headed toward the kitchens, knowing that her two favorite cooks would happily whip something up for her to eat.

The clanking of bowls and pots were heard as she entered the kitchen and Miwa was humming a soft, sad little tune as she sluggishly began making food, her neko ears pressed back against her skull.

"Oi! Put your back into it and quit moping!" Akio shouted gruffly.

"But Kagome-sama is gone!" she wailed.

"Shush you over-emotional brat! She has to come back! This is her home." the older youkai grumbled while the neko continued wailing.

"Oh, Miwa. No need to cry." Kagome teased from the doorway. Miwa turned, her crimson ears standing straight and twitching in her direction. A bright smile lit her lovely features and she practically skipped toward the miko.

"Kagome-sama! You're back! Where did you go?" Miwa asked as she bowed, wiping her cheeks. "I thought you were gone forever." she gushed.

"I had to get someone." Kagome confided. Akio ambled over and looked at the young woman curiously.

"Who?" she inquired, allowing her elderly curiosity to get the better of her.

As though knowing he was going to be fussed over and talked about, Shippo poked his head out from under the blanket he was curled in and blinked sleepily at the two youkai in front of him, emerald orbs tearing up as he yawned.

"Hello." he greeted softly before turning to Kagome. "Mornin', Mama, are we there yet?"

The cooks immediately began gushing and squealing [rather Miwa was gushing and squealing while Akio poked the bundle of fur and blankets with a wooden spoon].

.

Nalia purred as she approached Sesshoumaru once she heard he had returned, her cocoa flesh glistening with sweat she had accumulated from training.

"Sesshoumaru-sama." she greeted with bow. "Did you bring her back?" she inquired.

He gave her a look that stated, 'clearly' and she nodded her head rapidly. "Gather the other two and meet me in my study in one hour. We are headed to the prison to see how Sakumo fares. We also have to discuss several issues regarding the obsidian inu-youkai, Takeshi, and Reika."

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama." she stated with another bow. As she righted herself she tossed him a confused glance, her delicate feline features scrunched with confusion. "I scent kitsune kit on you."

"Yes, the kit is the miko's."

"The miko is pure though... " Nalia responded, eyes narrowed in concentration.

"We will discuss that as well."

Nalia merely nodded her head and skipped down the hall. She looked behind her and watched as Sesshoumaru continued on to his rooms and she darted in the opposite direction, curiosity getting the best of her and wanting to know what he meant about the kit and the miko. Along the way she quite literally bumped into Ichiro who steadied the tora-youkai.

"Where are you headed so fast, kitty?" he inquired.

"Kagome-sama has a kitsune kit." she whispered conspiratorial.

"Impossible! She is pure!" he answered as though she were a young, incompetent child.

"No, it's true! I heard from Sesshoumaru-sama and I scented the kit on him!" she insisted.

"Are you positive?" she nodded her head. "Where are you going now?"

"To find her, of course!"

Several of the maids had over heard the whispered conversation and so began the rumors of Kagome's lack of honor and her harlot ways.

Which of course reached Reika who then had slow, cruel smile along her pretty, pouty lips.

She had heard the miko had run which she had taken as a positive sign for her but when she saw the miko return with Sesshoumaru she flew into an immediate rage but the new she had just received was absolutely perfect.

Sesshoumaru had once stated that she was 'as pure as they come' but the child she supposedly brought with her stated otherwise.

Once the other women that vied for Sesshoumaru's attention caught wind of that, the challenges would be endless and she would be the first in line.

.

.

.

'Gome Yuki:: AIGHT! SO, this is what I brought you guys! :3 Sesshoumaru isn't forgiven but Kagome understands his reasons. Kagome is going to go along with Sesshoumaru because he is right. Thousands now counted on her. I don't believe Sesshoumaru should be seen in this story as cocky or conceited but he should be practical. Now you know why he is so bent up on not being seen as weak. Some of you are going to wonder what the heck is up with Takeshi and what Sesshoumaru meant by what he said but that will be explained later. Next chapter we'll see what happened with Sakumo and see what Reika is up to. Some of you are going to be like, "she's dumb because obviously once they see Shippo they'll realize it's all bullshit" BUT I enjoy tormenting Kagome and repercussions of this rumor are going to be awesomeeeee.

FYI: I normally upate within a week or two when I received the amount of reviews asked for so just about 30-40 and I am happy :D When I don't then it usually takes me about a month! You all did famously with reviews hence the reason this chapter here! Love you guys!