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 Seventeen: Planting the Seeds
x . . . . x
Like all things that Sesshoumaru could not destroy, he ignored it and instead went to the prison to begin interrogation of the unfed, unwatered prisoner that had attacked the miko a week prior. He had to relieve some of his stress and for once didn't want to see the harem women.
The Taiyoukai of the Western Lands walked through his house silently as red droplets clung to his brilliantly spun silver hair and dripped from the deadly sharp claws upon his fingers. His golden gaze was as impassive as his stride was even - which it was infinitely so. The red droplets splattered here and there upon the polished floor leaving an obscene trail of red throughout the Western halls. Elfin shaped ears caught slight shuffling and the youkai turned behind him where Himeno appeared – her lips pursed into a grim line. She bowed lowly and made her way to the young lord. He raised a brow and held out his hand, palm up. The smaller youkai gave a slight sigh and she too held out her hand, something clenched tightly within her closed fist. Her fingers unfurled, dropping a small purple flower within his palm.
It reflected dark accents in the dim lights cast from lanterns that lined the walls and Sesshoumaru nodded his head, "Was it difficult to acquire?" he intoned slowly. The other inu-youkai shook her head.
"No, Sesshoumaru-sama, it was not. You have not needed this plant since you were a pup though – why do you once more call for it?" Sesshoumaru tossed her a disgruntled glance.
"It is not for me but rather the kitsune. He has nightmares – I can hear them from my own quarters. It keeps the miko awake at night which makes her disagreeable in the morning."
Himeno chuckled lightly. "Why Sesshoumaru-sama, I wasn't aware you cared."
Sesshoumaru paused and mulled over his next few words, staring at the other inu-youkai with a light glare, "Just as Mother said, they are mine. She is my Western Lady and he is her kit. Therefore I must take care of them to the best of my capability and I may have been lacking in that area."
"What brought this up?" Himeno inquired as she the two began to walk, her shuffling along beside him.
Sesshoumaru continued toward his rooms, lips pursed, disregarding her question, "What is the relation between the miko and her guard?"
Himeno gave him a startled look before she began to classify, "They are friendly. He takes care of her and she in turn allows it. She has a very inu-youkai outlook on pack most likely from your half-brother but I doubt he understood what it all meant which means I highly doubt she understands what it means."
"What, what means?"
"Grooming, petting, favoritism, touch, scent, etc."
Sesshoumaru arched a brow, "Are you saying they are inadvertently courting?"
Himeno cleared her throat, "Pardon me, Sesshoumaru-sama, but does it matter? You have your harem women and she may or may not have Takeshi depending on what they are doing."
The Western Lord glanced down at the smaller inu youkai and gave her a light sneer, "You over step your boundaries, woman. It is not whether or not it matters but rather the fact she may not understand her actions. After travelling with the hanyou and learning youkai habits you would think she learned inu or canine habits first considering her company kept."
Himeno inclined her head in apology, "She may have become so used to it that she does not realize what it means."
"Educate her, then." Sesshoumaru grunted in annoyance.
Himeno almost rolled her eyes, "Pray tell when? In the early mornings when she trains with you or Takeshi, or after breakfast when she is with your mother? Ahh – I know. She could skip her lunch hour so that she can spend time with Shippo-chan and then I can teach her. Sesshoumaru-sama, she has too much already on her plate. Without the training from yourself and Takeshi-san she has no hope of defeating the Obsidian Inu when she goes to fight for Takeshi-san. Without your mother, she stands no hope in besting the other Cardinal Ladies. There is a war she has to help prepare for and learn of military tactics – too much and too soon. Not to mention she still worries over her left behind pack – constantly listening for rumors of Shikon shards and Naraku –" her rambling did not cease and Sesshoumaru felt his irritation begin to grow more and more.
With a harsh growl he turned toward the older inu. Himeno paused and immediately bowed her head low, sensing the tension within Sesshoumaru and not wanting to push him further. She had already pushed enough. "I am lord here, Himeno. Not you – leave the girl, train her, I don't care. If she ends up mated to the fool of a youkai then it is none of my business. As long as she does her duties, then nothing else matters. Now leave me." He snapped angrily, golden eyes flashing.
Himeno straightened - her own orbs dark, "If there is one thing that Takeshi–san is not, it is a fool, Sesshoumaru-sama. Remember – it was you that brought it up, not I." That said, she turned away and headed down the hall. Had it been anyone else, then Sesshoumaru might have killed them then and there for their insolence but it was Himeno whom had been alive longer than he and around since he was but a pup. She had been his nursemaid back when times were easier yet not simpler.
He respected her and her opinion and so he allowed her some liberties… just some.
There was a quiet chuckle coming from his right and Sesshoumaru turned to meet ever changing crimson orbs and a smile that clearly read 'cat-ate-the-canary'. Sesshoumaru wanted tell the hellhound to leave him at once. Nothing good ever came out of long chats in the middle of the night and he just knew this was going to be another long chat.
"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Akihiro announced with a sing song voice that made him inwardly cringe. The Western Lord inclined his head in greeting signaling the creature to begin whatever it was that he came to pester him for and Akihiro did love to pester. "I couldn't help but over hear that Kagome-sama and Takeshi-san have a little thing."
Sesshoumaru arched a brow and looked faintly at his crimson covered fingers, "Clearly by over hearing you mean eavesdropping."
Akihiro chuckled as he took several steps toward the inu-youkai, "Oh you know – one or the other they both mean the same thing. Regardless, what will be done about it?"
"Nothing. Himeno was correct – I have the harem women and as such the miko is allowed her own liberties. We are not a mated pair."
Akihiro chuckled once more and shook his head lightly, "Really, Sesshoumaru-sama… sometimes I just don't know what to do with you."
"Oh? Elaborate."
"You don't want her?" Akihiro finally asked plainly.
Sesshoumaru gave the hellhound a dead-panned stare, "No, I do not."
"She is not appealing to you?"
Sesshoumaru mulled the thought over, "For ningen, she is more than fair – I do not care for her if that is where you are going. She is my responsibility and Western Lady. We have nothing more than that."
"You try to make her happy." Akihiro pointed out.
Sesshoumaru shook his head, "Because it makes her agreeable."
"There is nothing than?" he finally asked, crimson orbs curious.
Sesshoumaru took a single moment and then responded, "Nothing. There is no base for anything more."
"Ahh – there may not be a base, but things happen out of the blue, Sesshoumaru-sama." Akihiro turned then and began to walk away, a smile curling his lips. The deed had been done. The thought had been planted. The Western Lord would have never had seen the miko any other way and he may never do so but now – now it was there whether Sesshoumaru would ever admit it or not. The thought would forever be in the back of his mind. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes upon the back of the hellhound and sniffed angrily as he began to head towards his room again.
He was new to this – this being having a Western Lady. There had been only person that had relied on him in life – truly relied on him and that had been Rin. He had his subjects, yes, but Rin – it was different. Now he had Kagome and Shippo. Kagome relied on him to be prepared and help her through her reign. They were a pair – not mated – but a pair nonetheless and …
Sesshoumaru sighed.
He didn't care for the miko.
Honestly.
He truly didn't – not in that sense at least.
But like Mizuki had said – Kagome was in a sense his just like she had been Inuyasha's.
Possession – that was all… and friendship in a certain light… if you squinted.
Himeno and Akihiro were both nosy and had no clue about anything as far as he was concerned.
The Western Lord entered his room, purple flower held loosely in his least bloodied hand. He looked at the flower for just a moment before placing it on one of the lower tables in the room. For another moment, he stared at the slightly bloodied flower and shook his head, "I must be losing my mind." He finally uttered to himself, "The miko is driving me crazy and she isn't even awake to bother me."
Which was basically how all love things start.
Sesshoumaru just didn't know it.
And he wouldn't know it for a very long time.
.
Kagome knew that Cerdwin hated her. She knew it and she understood it. As a woman of the harem she was the most likely candidate for a mate had Sesshoumaru been inclined to take one and had Kagome not been there then Cerdwin would have been the Western Lady in every sense of the title. Her being there pretty much took away the glamor of being Western Lady because until death and beyond, she would be the Head of the House. So yeah – Kagome understood the hate Cerdwin and the other harem women held for her but it did not mean she liked it and so she shared her thoughts with Mizuki during lunch when she saw Cerdwin pass by with another woman she had come to know as Setsuna.
"I don't like them, Mizuki-san! I don't like them at all. I always feel if I run into one of them alone – we'll end up fighting." Kagome gave a light frown at laughter the inu-youkai released. "I'm serious!"
"I don't understand why. Did you not take out one of my son's bitches before?" Mizuki inquired while she sipped at her tea, watching with keen hawk like eyes at Kagome's every movement, ready to smack her when she did something incorrectly. It certainly was fun to do – she had so little joy out of life now and days that whacking Kagome made up for it all, not that she'd tell the little miko that.
Cerulean orbs immediately darted away and Kagome shook her head, "I sparred her – Takeshi killed her."
"But you still subdued her and from what I heard she was second after Cerdwin."
Kagome rubbed her temples, "Cerdwin was revered as a Goddess once." She flexed her fingers anxiously as she nibbled her bottom lip, "A Goddess!"
Mizuki's smile was fierce, "And you are the Shikon Miko." It was said as though it was the answer to everything – to all her problems and Kagome couldn't stop the self-depreciating smile that graced her painted lips.
"Mizuki-san… I broke the jewel. Being the 'Shikon Miko' isn't as glamorous as the youkai seem to think." She murmured gazing at the woman that couldn't help but arch a brow at her.
"I don't think you understand enough. I do not give out compliments idly but you need to hear this. You may have shattered that accursed jewel but you travelled and located the shards and are participating in a battle with an adversary that has had some of the most powerful youkai of this time run for the hills. The raw power that dwells within you instills fear into those with evil lurking within their hearts and the love you carry brings peace to the ningen whose lives you briefly grace. The Shikon Miko is more than a glamorous title – it is truly befitting you." The smile the miko gave then was beautiful filled with its ningen flaws and insecurities and Mizuki found herself curious. Was it this very aspect that caused her mate to wander? Was it the fact that ningen had their ningen emotions whereas youkai didn't often show their own? Shaking her head the ex-Western Lady began to gather her things.
"Are you leaving? I thought we still had more to discuss." Kagome inquired, tilting her head to the side.
Mizuki shook her head, "No – Sesshoumaru informed me earlier that he would like you to meet him in the war room."
Kagome nodded her head and began to stand and Mizuki nodded lightly in approval. The movement had been graceful, posture perfect, and she was momentarily… proud of her accomplishment with the woman-child. Kagome bowed her head lightly before taking her leave, Takeshi materializing in a flurry of shadows a few steps behind her. Citrine eyes narrowed at the back of the obsidian inu. As though sensing her gaze on him Takeshi turned his head slightly back to her, a smirk curling his lips while he carried on a conversation with Kagome. Mizuki arched a brow as he turned his attention back to his charge. Cat like orbs narrowed further when he dared take a few steps closer to her.
Whereas the miko had smiled beautifully, Mizuki's was wicked when she laughed aloud, her words floating around her in the now empty room, "I have no clue what the pup thinks he is doing but no good can come of it."
.
Kagome entered the war room and was surprised to see Sesshoumaru alone, looking over maps and agreements. She inclined her head at him and he ignored it in favor of pouring over the documents. She turned to Takeshi and offered him a swift dismissal, "You may leave, Takeshi, Sesshoumaru-sama and I will be fine on our own." Takeshi nodded before the shadows swallowed him thoroughly up. She made her way to one of the many fine and intricate pillows before settling herself into it and watching the man before her make a noncommittal grunt here and there as his eyes swept of pages, scrolls, parcels, determination shining bright within them.
Moments passed and she remained silent, not shifting nervously as she would have done in the past but rather she sat there, refined, waiting to be addressed. She did not have to wait much longer for the Western Lord turned citrine hues on her, guarded, and cool. He inclined his head and she in turned inclined hers, "Hello, Sesshoumaru-sama!" she greeted lightly, a smile curling her lips. She hated being kept waiting, honestly but she didn't know what he was doing and didn't want to ruin whatever he was looking over. "You called for me?"
"Indeed I did. I interrogated the boy that attacked you." Immediately he saw her undergo a shift. Her countenance was cooler and she looked almost adult like rather than the child that had sat there just a moment before. It was a moment where he was torn with being proud of her or hating himself for the transition she had to undergo in order to accommodate her new status. He chose proud, of course, because she had done what no ningen had done. She had become fit of wearing the title Western Lady.
"Oh? What did you find out?" Kagome inquired, leaning forward ever so slightly in curiosity.
"The boy was nothing more than a low end piece of the game but we have found out details on the pawn and two main players. The pawn is a minor lord and the main players are a Cardinal Lord and most likely Naraku. The boy kept saying 'spider' so that is who we are assuming."
Kagome's eyes narrowed lightly, "Naraku?" she asked slowly. "In a way that doesn't make sense. This doesn't help him in his search for the Shikon."
"I agree but with Naraku – who knows? He is as much a lose canon as any other insane person in this world." It was a notion that Kagome had to agree with.
"So what will be done?"
"The Cardinal Ladies will be here the day after tomorrow and I would like you to see if you can find out anything from them. I understand we have not trained you in the arts of subterfuge but I will instruct Cerdwin to give you a quick course tomorrow."
Kagome pursed her lips and she thought about not saying anything but a moment later and her silly mouth betrayed her, "I actually just spoke to your mother about her – Sesshoumaru-sama, I don't think she is fond of me."
Sesshoumaru's lips actually quirked upward in the corners, "Of course she isn't."
"Then why must she train me? Why can't Masato-san do - "
Sesshoumaru cut her off with a wave of his hand, "Masato has little patience for those new to this particular art and has the tendency to lose his temper. Cerdwin, though she dislikes you will train you with little problems because I demand it of her. Masato has issues with taking orders and I have no desire to punish him should he fail or upset you in any way."
Kagome huffed lightly and turned to Sesshoumaru with a cool gaze, "I am not as naïve as I was when I first entered your court, Sesshoumaru. Honestly – I have grown into myself and position and though it will pain me, if she attempts to hurt me I defend myself... and when it comes down to it – if I must I will end her."
There it was again – that feeling.
Torn between proud of her and disgusted with himself for changing her.
"Hn. You? Kill her? Do you have what it takes, miko?" he asked swiftly.
She paused for a moment and he watched the insecurities slide through her eyes before once more she was 'The Western Lady' again and not just Kagome. A quick nod of her head and she brought her right hand before her, watching as a silver light engulfed the palm. Silver seeped into the azure of her eyes, making them almost electric blue, and the emotion that flashed was confidence. Her power seeped along his flesh, a pleasant warmth that could turn deadly in a moment's notice filling his being. Her smile was quick and she nodded her head again, "Yes Sesshoumaru-sama, I do have what it takes."
All at once her power faded and left the room and he arched a brow in her direction, "Have you been practicing on you own?" Though he trained with her in the mornings – he and Takeshi were youkai and she was a miko and their powers though similar in theory were vastly different and she hadn't advanced that far. What she had displayed was not something that she had the ability to do when she had first appeared.
Total control.
"A little. I do not want to disgrace you or our people. When I found out the Cardinal Ladies wanted a tea time - " at that she rolled her eyes and he found himself hiding a snort at the display, " – I knew that in the event things went south or that I had to resort to a physical display of power I needed to be able to exhibit as much control as possible. It didn't take long. Remember when I told you that miko's gather power directly from the Earth?" Sesshoumaru gestured a 'yes' and for her to continue. "Because of this I needed to center myself with the Earth. Don't look at me like that!" Sesshoumaru shrugged his shoulders lightly, "When I say 'center myself with the Earth' I kind of let my power become one with nature because that is what miko's are. We are daughters of nature."
Though he understood the concept it was still odd to hear and so he merely nodded his head at the young woman before continuing forth, "Then I agree. If she attacks you are within your bounds to kill her."
"Are we done here then?" she inquired.
"I have one more order of business to address with you – though we are preparing for potential war I understand that Yasumoto has not been replied to. You do realize that this must happen soon."
Kagome frowned and her brows creased in confusion, "But with so much happening how could I possibly travel to compound and partake in this battle?"
"Despite the issues that are surrounding us life cannot come to a standstill. We must continue with our everyday lives and regardless of how irregular this request may be it must be done. They will take him, Kagome… by force and you will have no hope of taking Takeshi back."
Kagome blanched as she looked over at Sesshoumaru, cerulean gaze widening slightly, "But they can't just march in here and take him!"
"Actually they can. Per our contract with them should we not uphold our end of the deal and have a new master fight for him then they can come at any time that they see fit, march in, and take him. Should they harm anyone or steal then we can attack them. As long as Takeshi remains their main target then nothing can be done." Kagome's eyes were wide as she stared at the taiyoukai.
"How much time do I have?" she asked quickly, already standing to take her leave.
Sesshoumaru shrugged his shoulders, "I honestly do not know but you had a week to respond to them. It has been a week and several days. You worry for your guard that much?" he inquired, watching her carefully.
Kagome paused, "Takeshi is my friend, Sesshoumaru-sama, and he does not want to go back. I will ensure that he doesn't."
"Then I suggest you send your letter immediately for they could be on their way right now prepared to take him." Kagome bowed her head and quickly left the room in a flurry of ribbons and silk, her scent lingering in the room. He huffed and set back to work – his mind turning and thinking of everything that had happened in the course of a few months.
And the silly little miko he was more or less stuck with.
.
To the Current Obsidian Clan Head,
I apologize for the delay in response and offer no excuses to you. Just know that I will fight for Takeshi and should you take him despite his protests then regardless of your contract with the deceased General I will go and take him back.
Understand that in two weeks time I will travel to the compound and I will fight for his freedom whether you have taken him or not.
I know how this battle will run and take place and I assure you – to the death is fine.
Please note that should I win I will be requesting a new agreement be drawn up.
Should I lose then you gain Takeshi - I do not plan on loosing.
Respectfully,
Kagome
Lady of the Western Lands
.
Kagome looked down at her handy work with a critical eye and pursed lip as she melted the wax that was a color that rivaled the deepest blue of the night. She rolled the scroll, tilted some of the wax on the paper in a small puddle and gathered the official stamp of the Western Lady. Whereas she had been told Sesshoumaru's was a crescent moon on its back, the symbol for "west" was larger atop it, hers was the crescent mirroring Sesshoumaru's horizontally also with the symbol for "west".
Taking a deep breath Kagome whispered, "For Takeshi." In her time as the Western Lady she had been taught by Takeshi and Sesshoumaru both that she would do things she didn't want to or agree with but she would do them nonetheless to protect those she cared about. Youkai dealt with things in terms of 'mine' and 'yours'. Whether it be in relation to a person, an object, power, it belonged to them or it did not and if it belonged to them then it was theirs to take care of. Takeshi was hers and she was beginning to learn what that meant as far as youkai were concerned. She didn't want to hurt anyone but if she had to – for Takeshi – she would. She stood from her desk and went to the shoji screen door, lips pursed and to one of the maids that was stationed outside the door. She slid the door open and watched the nameless maid bow to her deeply. "Ensure this gets to the courier and reaches the Obsidian Clan Compound as soon as possible."
The maid did not look up as she held her hands out and Kagome placed the scroll in her hands. The maid backed up a few steps still bowed before she turned, stood straight, and retreated. Kagome watched her go with tired eyes. Being Western Lady had changed her… once she would have told the maid she didn't need to bow to her but now she allowed the action as though it were natural.
And now it was.
She pursed her lips as Shippo scampered up to her and then quickly offered a smile. He leapt into her arms the moment she opened them and pressed a soothing kiss to his temple. Shippo sighed and nuzzled lightly against her chest. "You alright, Shippo-chan?" she inquired lightly.
The child was silent for a moment before he nodded his head lightly, "I'm fine." He turned luminous turquoise eyes up at her and she ruffled his bangs lightly. "The question is, Mama, whether you're fine." Shippo moved up her arm and sat lightly on her shoulder, pressing his cheek against hers.
"I am." She responded, surprised to note that it was true and she was doing alright. "Yes, I am." Despite the change, she had grown into herself as a woman. She was different, sometimes, but she was still Kagome and that was all that mattered. She loved easily, fought for those she cared for, and wanted to help people and now she had the power to do all those things and more. "It's warm out today – and I don't have anything pressing to attend to. Do you want to write a letter to our friends? Maybe draw them a few pictures. My mama packed some crayons for you away the last time I went."
Shippo's face was bright as he smiled at her and her heart soared, "Mhm! Is there any candy left?"
He was sheepish when he asked and Kagome brushed his bangs from his eyes with a light laugh, "We'll take a look, alright?" Shippo nodded as the two headed toward their bedroom, Shippo chattering easily about his day, Kagome listening intently to his every word.
.
"Train the miko in subterfuge? A single day, Sesshoumaru-sama? That is all I have?" Cerdwin inquired tightly, through narrowed obsidian orbs. Sesshoumaru gazed at the mermaid through a bland gaze.
"Word play, Cerdwin, word play is all she needs to know. Information gathering. The Cardinal Ladies arrive the day after tomorrow and it is vital that she be able to gather information without being obvious." Sesshoumaru intoned, strumming clawed fingers on his desk lightly in irritation. The damnable woman continued to question, question, question.
Cerdwin huffed, barring her sharp teeth in cruel smile, "You ask of me the impossible. I don't even like the girl Sesshoumaru-sama. Not a treasonous statement, just an observation and you want to pit me with her an entire day? Put years' worth of training into a single day? Even I am not that good."
"She is an apt pupil. She entered my house with little to no control over her miko powers and now she shows nothing but total control with only two youkai as her teachers."
Cerdwin laughed lightly, the sound holding a hint of the seaside tides, "Ningen are stupid creatures and this miko is mostly like the others. They wouldn't know word play if it bit them in ass."
A silvery brows arched in her direction, "You only get vulgar when you are angry, Cerdwin. What holds the attention of that legendary temper of yours, Goddess Divine?" he inquired, blatantly baiting her. It was a sore subject – as she was a Goddess no longer.
She almost hissed, "You want me to train the very woman that takes what is rightfully mine?"
Citrine eyes narrowed, "That is the problem with the harem whores – a problem that was shared with Reika as well. Each of you believe that the title of Western Lady belongs to you. Nothing has ever been set in stone. You are the strongest from the harem of that there is no doubt and would have been a likely candidate strength wise but politically you are a disaster. You have your words but you have a past. A heavy past. You attempted to kill me and you lost your station and followers when you were revered because someone better then you came along and cast you from your throne. That is a terrible public image."
"You are saying I would not have been the prime candidate for your Western Lady?" Cerdwin asked angrily, her voice gaining volume.
He gazed at her evenly and nodded, "That is what I am saying. The best candidate would have been Mioka."
"Mioka?" she almost screeched. "She is but fifth in rank!"
"But she is quiet. She understands politics. She is submissive. She is powerful. Her past is unblemished due to her rank as a minor lord's eldest child. Her father is also a Lower Court member. She has alpha instincts and was bred to lead." He answered with a lazy gesture of his hand as though to say, 'what more is there needed?'. She gaped angrily, unable to speak. "Assumptions get you nowhere, Cerdwin. The miko is Western Lady and you will respect that or you can leave the Western Lands."
She stood from her seat, the pearls and beads of her outfit whispering against one another as she placed her hands on his desk and leaned over it, "You forget who I was."
"You forget who you are." He informed loftily, "No longer are you that Goddess you once were."
Lips pursed for just a moment, her obsidian gaze gleamed.
Her lips parted and Sesshoumaru's elfin ears twitch when he heard the beginnings of her vocal cords starting to hum. His hand shot out and wrapped around her throat quickly, "You know the rules. Rethink what you are about to do, woman." He gazed at her through narrowed orbs, his hand squeezing lightly. "You are forbidden to sing and I will lay waste to you where you stand should you try."
Her onyx gaze searched his and she found nothing in his own hues.
No sympathy.
No caring.
Just the simple fact that he would kill her and feel nothing in regards to her death.
Her lips pursed and she ground her teeth together angrily.
She was silent.
Sesshoumaru released her.
"I will train her." She murmured petulantly, "But not because you threatened me. I will do this out of honor for the years we have shared as comrades and as lovers." She turned then, her long hair whipping around her wildly. "You never do for yourself, Sesshoumaru-sama. You always do what is expected or what is good for the West." When her back was turned, she walked from the room, her obsidian gaze sliding close to hold back her tears.
As the door shut behind her, she ran from the room, moving like the water that had once been her home. She cried once in her life, only once, and that was when her family had been slaughtered like pigs leaving only a younger sister alive. She vowed to never cry again as it was a weakness she could not afford. She was in a sense no better then Ástridr. She fought tooth and nail to be at the stop so that if Sesshoumaru had chosen a mate then it would have been her and now she found that it would have never have been? Her past being the reason?
It was a slap in the face.
And it killed her.
Because maybe, like Ástridr, she loved Sesshoumaru just a little bit too.
.
Citrine eyes narrowed lightly as Sesshoumaru gazed at the empty room.
No guard.
No kit.
No miko.
He had already been to the gardens. He scented the bathing chamber. He visited her own office area. He checked with his mother [bad idea; the woman wanted to have an hour long conversation on his days as child]. The three were missing and it was beginning to grate on his last few nerves. How could three people just vanish in thin air? Lips pursed into a thin line, Sesshoumaru was making his way to the Southern dojo when an elfin ear twitched.
He tilted his head to the side and closed his eyes.
His ear twitched again and he turned toward the one place he had not ventured to of his own accord since his pup-hood.
The kitchens.
Her scent was on the air – clean and electric. She reeked of power and she smelled like a storm. The moment right before lightning filled the sky. It was odd but it was hers. A moment later he scented the kit who's scent was intricately intertwined with miko's yet decidedly unique filled with sweets and the rolling hills of summer. The final scent was the guard's and Sesshoumaru knew it anywhere. If darkness had a scent he would have known it to Takeshi's. It was a frigid thing, cold, and absent of life. It reminded him of the snow.
The three were together and Sesshoumaru took off toward the sounds and smells.
Nostrils flaring he paused at the kitchen entrance watching as Kagome hummed while baking.
Shippo was seated beside her as she kneaded a sweet smelling dough and Takeshi was off to the side, eyes closed but aware of any potential threat or danger. It was an oddly domesticated scene for the warrior to be privy to and in a sense apart of and there was no doubt that Takeshi was a warrior. Kagome giggled lightly while smearing flour onto her cheek when she wiped it with the back of her hand and her hair which was always done in an elegant knot of sorts was in lose bun.
She was rarely dressed out of station since Himeno had always instructed her otherwise. Even whilst training her clothes were elegant although they fit her like a glove. Her make-up though lightly done was a constant but now her face was bare of the light colors and he found he preferred her this way. There was a spark of childish glee in her eyes that matched the glow on her kitsune's face. Tilting his head to the side he observed the elegant sweep of her cheeks flushed with her current actions and the smile that curled her lips.
And something in him purred content to see those it deemed as his happy around him.
And it showed through his eyes.
Takeshi gazed curiously at the random change.
Because he was inu as well… he knew.
Possession was only the first step.
His own inner youkai rose up within him and growled internally at the light in his former master's eyes. It didn't matter that he was the number one warrior in the West… Sesshoumaru had more or less owned him despite the freedom he was given. He had fought for him and won in blood.
The Western Lord's eyes narrowed as though contemplating his own thoughts and feelings.
Takeshi watched as he took a single step forward.
… then he took a single step back …
Another.
And another.
Until Sesshoumaru was gone from the kitchens.
Takeshi smirked to himself, gazing at the miko, because the taiyoukai was too emotionally stumped to realize the potential life the miko could offer him had he the inclination.
Sesshoumaru may have been stumped but Takeshi?
Takeshi was not.
And goodness knew… Takeshi wanted the miko and wanted her something fierce.
.
Night found Kagome in Sesshoumaru's office – clad in a pale blue sleeping yukata and nibbling her bottom lip. It amazed him on some level or another how she could seem fierce Western Lady in one moment and then another she would be that same bumbling young woman in his halls that couldn't walk straight if her life depended on it. Takeshi was not with her, no doubt told to stay behind considering she was only going to Sesshoumaru's office.
"Did you need something?" Sesshoumaru called lightly and Kagome nodded her head quickly. There was a moment of silence and he stifled a sigh. "Well?"
"I know right now is a really bad time but I need one of your men." Kagome responded quickly. A brow arched and disappeared into silvery bangs as Sesshoumaru gazed at her through curious eyes.
"You need one of my men." He repeated lightly. Kagome nodded her head almost violently and Sesshoumaru's brows furrowed in question, "For?"
"Inuyasha needs help and I can't help him right now. I have the resources to offer aid from a distance. I would like to send a man out to visit different towns and areas to see if any shard rumors have been heard. A youkai will travel much faster than my group could." Kagome stated lightly, her cerulean hues imploring, "I know we need every bodied male at this time but if we can gather all the last few remaining shards then Naraku would no doubt show his face must sooner than whatever he has planned."
Sesshoumaru observed the fidgeting young woman and could practically taste her nerves in the air. He continued to stare at her enjoying her moment of discomfort and the way her face flushed crimson. It was a little moment, almost petty, but no doubt fun. He did enjoy teasing the miko in any way that he could. She was always at her most amusing when nervous. He allowed another few moments of fidgeting before he nodded his head and responded lightly, "Go visit with Akihiro. He will provide you with what you need."
Her cerulean hues brightened immensely and she nodded her head and with a thanks and a farewell she bolted from the room excitedly.
Had Sesshoumaru known he was sending her to lion's den, he may have decided to go with her.
.
She had to ask the maids where Akihiro's room was and was surprised that he lived within one of the houses, fairly similar to the harem house, on the property. It wasn't too late, but the moon was high in the sky and Kagome's shadow leapt on the snow that still covered the ground. The silvery glow made her ghost like in the evening and her excitement spurred her on to her destination. She was ghost in the night, only her feet crunching ever so lightly in the snow.
The house came into view and she was just about to step onto the first few stairs to get onto the porch but paused when something flickered out of the corner of her eye. She looked up through narrowed cerulean hues confusion marring her brow. It porch was enshrouded in darkness except for a small orange-red ember. It took her moment to realize that the ember was coming from a pipe. A second passed and dual crimson hues opened and she almost leapt back startled.
Those hues changed from crimson to gold or orange and back swirling with the colors of fire. She parted her lips, calling out lightly, "Akihiro-san?"
There was a smooth chuckle before his baritone silken voice slid over her smoothly, "Yes, Kagome-sama. What brings you to my home so late this night?" he called out, leaning forward into a shaft a moonlight that emphasized the lack of color in his skin. His feathered darker than shadows hair fell around his face enticingly and a smile curled his lips upward. Her heart leapt in her chest at his smile for it clearly read, 'cat-ate-the-canary'. A brow arched and disappeared into his bangs as his smile grew wide, "Are you here for a late night rendezvous, perhaps? Some nefarious reason?" he inquired smoothly, 'nefarious' coming out softer and sounding all the more scandalous.
Her cheeks flamed crimson immediately and she shook her head almost violently, "That is most definitely not why I'm here."
He sighed sadly and leaned back, "Pity. I'm sure you'd be fun no doubt."
If possible her cheeks flamed further, "Akihiro-san!"
She shrugged his shoulders in the darkness and now that her eyes had adjusted to the lack of light she was able to see the gesture, "Can't blame a man for trying, no?"
Now Kagome was used to some lewdness, some jokes, and being hit on. She had scampered around in Sengoku Judai in a skirt for goodness sake and Miroku had been her travelling companion! But it was not something that had happened since she had become Western Lady and didn't think she'd have to get used to it again. It seemed as though she was wrong in that assumption considering how Akihiro spoke. She sputtered incoherently at him and she internally cursed her lack of propriety at this moment.
He smirked, "Cat got your tongue? Oh – wait, in this instance it would be 'hound'. Hound got your tongue?" he chuckled at his own joke. "Mmm, how I wish that weren't just a figure of speech!"
Kagome narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms under her chest, "You are awful. You are toeing the line between flirting and harassment, you know?"
Kagome jumped and almost screeched when she felt warm breath curling along her ear lobe, sending shivers along her spine, "As long as I am toeing I see no harm in it." He purred softly. Kagome turned her head and the man was gone from beside her and lost in the night. She heard chuckling from above and turned her head upward to see the hellhound lounging on his stomach like a cat in a tree, breathing out a puff a smoke. "You're no fun, Kagome-sama. All business and no play and I do play nice." He made every word longer softer and more intimate then they should have sounded. He made a move faster than her eyes could follow and he was suddenly on his back, looking at her through hooded hues, "What can I help you with, Kagome-sama?"
She cleared her throat and licked her lips, standing tall and almost tense, "I have come for a favor."
He chuckled smoothly and took another drag of his pipe, "Ooo, Kagome-sama, favors require some sort of payment."
Kagome almost growled, "Then I am not asking for a favor – I am demanding this of you as Lady of the West."
There was an arch of his right brow and a curl of lips, "I like demands."
"You're a little demented, aren't you?" she inquired lightly.
"And cruel. And fun. And fast – don't forget fast." He was gone again and this time he appeared in front of her, leaning down so that they were eye to eye, lips a breath from one another. "And so very strong. But mostly cruel." He pulled away and stood straight, "No – tell me of your demand, lover."
"You will address me as Kagome-sama or not at all." She stated loftily, though inside was trembling. He moved faster than her powers could detect and she found he was possibly faster than Sesshoumaru.
He chuckled again and shook his head of short, feathery hair, "Tell me of your demand, Kagome-sama." He made even her name and title sound lascivious at best!
"I need a man- "
"I volunteer."
She ignored him and continued as though he hadn't spoken, " – to help locate shards and listen for shard rumors. He must be quick."
"Quick like a bunny!" he exclaimed almost joyfully.
She gave him a dead panned stare, "Will you be serious?"
"I am being serious, love. Quick like a bunny – we have one. The oddest creature I have ever seen but she is by far one of the fastest people I know."
"There are bunny-youkai?" she inquired almost disbelieving.
Akihiro shook his head, "She is a humanoid being of sorts. To be honest I don't know if she is youkai. They aren't native to Japan and she prefers to be called a hare."
"Can she fight?"
"Like a man!" he stated lightly, taking another drag from his pipe.
"Then I would like her to help Inuyasha and my friends."
Akihiro looked down at her and nodded his head once, "I believe we can make that happen. She'll be gone by noon tomorrow. She has a poor sense of smell but her ears make up for that."
"Then that was all I needed. I appreciate your help." Kagome began to bow but a hand with black and crimson claws touched her shoulder and stopped her mid-motion. "Is there something you need?"
He took a closer step and hooked a finger under her chin, keeping her in place. His lips curled into a smirk that bordered on cruel, "Just a question, Kagome-sama… what do you feel for Sesshoumaru-sama? He says you are desirable for a ningen but that is all. He says you are a responsibility – that is all. What of you, Kagome-sama? Is he a responsibility, is he not desirable?"
Akihiro leaned down and whispered each word a soft caress along her ear and Kagome?
Kagome stood there and didn't know what to say.
.
Takeshi paced his room, ears alert for the sound of Kagome entering her own room.
She had been gone longer than he anticipated and was beginning to worry. Emerald hues darkened as his concern grew. He knew that Sesshoumaru wouldn't hurt Kagome but what if something happened on her way back? Knots tightened in his stomach and he closed his eyes tight as he stopped his nervous pacing. His hands were held into tight fists as he refrained from growling. Urges he had never experienced welled deep within him.
Sighing he took a seat on his futon.
Takeshi was a warrior of the Western Lands and he did not do confusion.
He once hated her species. He thought them weak but she proved him wrong. She was continuing to prove him wrong. She was an exception to the rule and he wanted her but she was in no position to accept a courting suit. None at all. And who would he ask? Sesshoumaru? Inuyasha? Her family was 500 years in the future. Too much was happening now but his inner self screamed against it. Screamed against his excuses and craved her. He sighed and buried his head in his hands. Was it hypocritical of him? To want something he once detested? She had protected him, was going to fight for him, and she provided him with all the warmth of the sun within her smiles.
She didn't treat him like Takeshi the Western Warrior.
She treated him like a friend.
She cared for him.
It was peculiar but he had grown used to it. He had grown to see her ningen frailties as something beautiful and to be guarded and protected. Did he love her? Not yet – but he could. If she would continue to smile at him like she did every day he could fall in love quite easily.
He shook his head and cast his eyes out the window, the moonlight casting glows and shadows upon his porcelain flesh. His pupils grew almost cat like, slitted, glowing green as his inner self rose to the surface. Fangs lengthened and his heart beat pulsed slowly. He could taste her on the wind, around his room, so close – not close enough – and Kami he needed her. But he could not have her – not yet, not yet. Too much was happening. Too soon. She would not be able to reciprocate feelings of his or anyone else's for a long time coming but he would be there. He would hang in the background until he could make his feelings known. Not now, not on the brink of war with an unknown enemy.
He heard her shoji door open and close. Ears trained he picked out her soft footsteps and light sigh. He was out of his own room in a second, gaining control quickly. He knocked one her door, the slitted pupils returning to normal, the glow of hunger gone from his eyes, his fangs and claws normal once again. There was a clearing of her throat followed by a gently, 'come in' which he did so with pleasure. Upon entering he noticed the almost shell shocked expression on her features and he frowned, entering quickly, quietly, and making his way to her.
She was seated in front of her vanity upon a pale violet pillow, her lips pursed as she gazed into the mirror but did not see anything there. Rather her mind was not on this moment now but somewhere else further and far away. He took a seat beside her and his brows furrowed lightly. He touched her skin and found her cold to the touch and fear filled him quickly. Was she sick? Was she going to die like Rin?
"Kagome-sama! Your skin is like ice." He stood and darted toward the futon, gather several blankets and returning to her side, ensuring that he did not disturb the sleeping kitsune and kept him covered. He returned to her side and covered her with the blankets and ran his hands along her arms in an effort to warm her quicker. "You know better!" he almost cursed, furious with her.
She turned to him then and her own brows furrowed, "I'm fine, Takeshi. It's only a little cold." Her eyes were an onyx that matched her hair and he inhaled deeply, scenting sulfur, fire, and wild things upon her flesh.
"When were you with Akihiro?" he inquired, continuing to attempt to warm her.
"Hmm?" she questioned distractedly.
"Akihiro." He responded, curious about her current state and worrying all the more.
Akihiro had a reputation with women. A pleasant one – but undesirable one. He was a ladies man at best. And at worst? At worst there was no word for the man. His lips curled unpleasantly at her struck expression and nearly cursed himself.
He should have been with her.
"Interesting fellow." Kagome murmured as she turned her back to him and offered him her brush. "I'm ready for sleep – brush my hair, please?"
"Kagome-sama, what happened – "
Kagome cut him off abruptly, turning her head, and sighing, "Takeshi - I am ready for sleep. Please assist in brushing my hair."
Takeshi realized then Kagome did not want to talk about what occurred and despite her harsh tone, he still wanted to know what had been spoken.
"Of course, Kagome-sama, my apologies." He bowed his head lightly and took the brush, running it through her silken locks.
His eyes narrowed at the back of her head, gaze flickering out of the window.
One way or another he would find out what had transpired between the two and why she had gone in the first place.
.
Morning dawned bright and early and Kagome was already seated in within her private sitting room, breakfast of various fruits and meats being brought before her. Shippo was sleeping in and Mizuki was setting the final touches on the menu for the next day. She took several breaths and soon she was the image of cool. Cerdwin would appear shortly and they would begin for the day. Word-play. She almost huffed. She could do it! Honestly! Sesshoumaru didn't think so. He thought she was too honest and wouldn't detect the subtle jabs or be able to make them in necessary.
She nibbled on a strawberry vaguely wondering where the hell they got strawberries in the winter.
There was knock on the wood of the shoji screen door and she pursed her lips, calling a low, "Come in."
Cerdwin appeared in all her glory, the fire from the lanterns licking her pale flesh and giving her skin a fiery glow. The sun had not yet risen so the lanterns burned lowly in the dark morn. Her obsidian orbs reflected crimson and her ever changing hair looked almost green in the dim lighting. Her lips were curled into a frown. Her outfit for today was see through and she was able to see dark, pointed nipples through her the sheer white material.
Kagome gestured for her to have a seat and her cheeks flamed lightly. Obviously the lack of modesty did not bother Cerdwin and she seemed to delight in her crimson cheeks if her smile was anything to go by. No words were spoken – Cerdwin merely took a seat before her, her head cradled within her hands. Her smile grew and then a sensual laugh escaped her lips and Kagome found it hard pressed not to shiver.
"You certainly are a shy one, Kagome-sama." She made the 'sama' sound almost mocking and Kagome frowned, her cerulean hues narrowing lightly.
"Not shy, Cerdwin – I just have more sensibilities then the others around me." Kagome would have smiled at the frown that painted the mermaid's lips for Kagome had just implied that whereas she herself had sensibilities, Cerdwin had none.
"And Sesshoumaru believes that you will need help surviving the Cardinal whores tomorrow – obviously he has not been on the receiving end of that silver tongue of yours." It was a low jab – meant to imply that she would share the title but never his bed [not that Kagome wanted to though Cerdwin would never know].
"No – but he's obviously been on the receiving end of yours." It was said with a bright smile and almost innocently.
Cerdwin narrowed her eyes.
It would be a long day.
.
Kohaku was a killer.
Just like his sister.
Just like his mother.
Just like his father.
He didn't know it – but it was true.
Kohaku had been born to kill. It was what he did and he did it with efficiency.
Naraku gave him orders and he carried them out because Naraku was his master – Naraku was God.
He had no memory of what he was and where he came from but Naraku gave him purpose when he had none and that was that. Sometimes when he felt a job was something that would be too much, he would awake covered in blood and with no memory of how he came to be but he knew. He knew that somewhere someone was dead and it was because of him. Yet – it was natural. It was part of life. It was his life. He took it – he did not preserve it.
Ningen – killing them hurt… just a little. Was it something that he did prior to the loss of his memories? Did he kill women, men, children? And if he did, why did he do it? Was it something that he had enjoyed? Kohaku didn't lose just his memories one day long ago… Kohaku had lost himself in every sense of the word. He didn't know what he liked once before and what he disliked compared to now. Kohaku could speak and even read a little but he was honestly just a baby again when it came to memories and the first face he saw when he was born again was Naraku's.
Naraku was Father.
Naraku was God.
And like a child Kohaku had his secrets from his Father [occasionally his God] and his biggest secret was Rin.
She was innocent and in a way that was entirely too adult and too mature for his baby memories, Kohaku loved her. Which was fine and all because this was Sengoku Judai. Children married all the time. Twelve years old and you could be a hardened whore on the street. Rin was not though. She was innocent and sweet and when he was with her Kohaku's blood stained hands didn't seem so red and his incomplete memories didn't seem to be a black abyss. So when Naraku [whom of course knew all about his infatuation with Rin] found out that Rin had passed away from darling little Reika, just to cause a stir, he told Kohaku.
So Kohaku shut down and not in sense that he didn't move, eat, or sleep but rather Kohaku ceased to exist and all that was left was his pain. When all there was nothing but pain – Naraku leaned down and whispered in the boy's ear…
" – and it was the miko's fault. She was too late to save her, too bitter to care because her own child was ill; she has Sesshoumaru wrapped around her little finger. Rin has died because the Western Lady did not act in time."
And for Kohaku? That was enough. His scarlet hands picked up his weapon, brown eyes dulled, as he trekked from latest castle Naraku had dragged them too.
Naraku was evil and Kohaku knew it just like Kagura did.
But Naraku was Father.
Naraku was God.
You did not fight your Father and you did not fight your God – you did their bidding to keep your life and took their truths because Father would not lie – God would not tell you a falsity because the truth always caused more pain.
The little tajiya left their miasma filled home – unable to cry, unable to feel – and he hunted down the Western Lady.
.
.
.
'Gome Yuki:: Yo! SO - yeah. I shook things up with Kohaku! I bet you guys didn't see that one coming. Sorry it took FOREVER! I had a brain fart and my work load at work is ridiculous. Alright - so. Now - the question is, will the obsidian inu take Takeshi regardless of her letter or no? What's up with Akihiro? What did they talk about? :3 SO MUCH AND SO LITTLE. A lot of people love Takeshi and I swear on ALL THAT IS BEAUTIFUL that there will be some Takeshi x Kagome romance but this is first and foremost a Sesshoumaru x Kagome. Speaking of which - Akihiro is planting romantic thoughts into people. Curiosity. Hunger. And Sesshoumaru? Possession is making it's way through him. Takeshi knows what he wants. Next chapter we'll have more Sesshoumaru x Kagome interaction. After the ladies visit they'll spend the day together or something silly. Akihiro turned out to be different then I imagined. Let me know what you think?