I do get highly annoyed with the whole "This Sesshomaru" BS, so it's extremely doubtful you will see any now. But I will try to keep up with the whole Japanese lingo... yeah... don't count on that much either...
As always,
Enjoy!
~Kyvena
1
Thigh long straight black tresses snapped wildly about within the wind and each step she took were slow and graceful strides. Blue eyes as bright as a cloudless afternoon sky were narrowed almost angrily and her brows furrowed. Carrying a black and pink duffel bag filled to the brim with clothes, that almost matched her athletic running shoes, pressed hard against her shoulder. She was near the family shrine, but did not want to get any closer. Kagome knew her father wanted something from her, such as money for alcohol and drugs. To say the least, her mother wasn't any better.
The only real reason she ever returned was due to her sixteen year old brother, whom was constantly abused as she was. Rage filled her entire soul, yet kept a very stoic mask held firmly in place. Placing an earbud within one of her ears, she pressed play on her upbeat music in the hopes to make her mood somewhat more relaxed and easy going. Just as she turned the corner, a large gust of wind brushed by her face, causing her eyes to widen as she quickly held her bangs down on her forehead to conceal her four tear drop shaped "birthmark" that if connected, resembled a cross... a holy insignia... from prying eyes.
She was a rare person indeed, one of the few within the lands to be a holy maiden, a priestess, a woman with sacred powers. At the tender age of four, she found out about her "powers" and happily went to show her mother and father so they would be impressed by her. However, the outcome was the reverse effect of what she thought would have made her parents happy. To this day, she can still remember the sadistic grin that her parents held as her father made the call for scientists to come in and test everything in the hopes of uncovering the truth... for a very large paycheck.
A rare gem she was... a prodigy... a child with far too many gifts to count. Her photographic memory, her quick analyzing capabilities, her calculating mind. It was as if she knew EVERYTHING before she had even been taught the subjects. She was a genius of all knowledge and due to this, she skipped many grades and even graduated college with honors by the time she was sixteen.
Glancing down at the ground as she slowed her pace to reach the temple that now had a bad reputation thanks to her parents, she continued to evaluate her life. Considering she had such a brilliant mind, she was an easy target with her gentle nature whenever it came down to a test of wits with upper-classmates. This created a monster with a hair trigger temperament and due to this, she picked up many fighting skills just to defend herself.
She was an expert in hand-to-hand combat, sword skills, archery, throwing knives - or wielding them as weapons; but in this day in age... she was excellent with using a gun - which she carried as of this moment. More importantly, she was an expert using her sacred powers. She had just finished training kids in hand to hand combat and was wearing her black sweats that were rolled up to her knees - her gun safely tucked in the back of her pants, a pink and gray sports bra, and a black and pink jacket that was zipped up to her bra so she at least had some sort of coverage to not look indecent in public.
Before she knew it, Kagome now stood at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to her family shrine holding a slight scowl. Not willing to go yet, she leaned her body against one of the pillars and texted her mother 'I'm almost there.' She hated considering this place as her home and the word home just held a bitter taste in her mouth. Sliding her phone into her bra, something immediately caught her eye, causing her head to snap up.
"You have to be kidding me..." Kagome thought to herself as she watched a male adorning battle armor from roughly one-thousand years ago, two swords were strapped to the sash he wore and one was attached to his back beneath all of that... what was that...? Her eyes slightly narrowed and realized it was a fur... cape? Blue face paint adorned his cheeks in jagged stripes and a dark blue crescent moon was painted on his forehead. Narrowing her eyes at the figure that now grew closer, she gaped, he was wearing red EYELINER?!
He had long silver hair pulled up into a high ponytail and she instantly scoffed inside her mind, "Seriously? What is a man of HIS ag-" Her thoughts came to a frozen halt once she noticed that this man... was young and beautiful. Her cheeks gained a red tint the moment he smirked towards her and she shot her head down. She could hear his gentle strides as he passed her and softly, Kagome heard his words, "I will see you soon... Kagome. However, I will not remember you, nor will you remember me."
Kagome's head snapped up almost instantly to see that no one was even there. "How odd," Kagome whispered as she finally pushed pause on her music the moment she heard a yelp coming from the temple. "SOTA!" She screamed within her mind as she snapped towards the stairs and bolted up. She knew her brother was not a child anymore, he was sixteen years old... but her parents never forgave him for not being as smart and capable as she was. In other words, they were angry because he wasn't bringing in millions like she unwillingly had.
Reaching the home as tears filled her eyes, Kagome slammed the door open to see her brother on the ground with a deep bruise on his cheek. Dropping her duffel bag, Kagome drew her gun and flipped the safety lock off. Her eyes were filled with rage as she looked at her father, whom had just punched her little brother while her mother sat there laughing at the teenager that was on the ground.
She finally snapped.
"SOTA! GET OVER HERE!" Kagome yelled in an angered tone, yet that anger was not directed towards him in any means. Sota darted his head to the side and scrambled to his feet before running to his eighteen year old sister, whom had her gun pointed towards her parents. He was taller than his sister, yet he hid behind her like he had done when he was a young child.
Kagome's parents then turned their head towards their daughter with a smirk as her father spoke, "Ah, Kagome. You should know better than to point your gun at the people who raised you and gave you everything you needed to survive." Snorting in an unladylike fashion, Kagome snarled out, "Oh, are you talking about how I already KNEW everything from the start and you USED me to get millions until I turned sixteen and graduated collage!? I knew how mad it made you when all of that money was instantly transferred to me once I was able to take care of myself!"
Pausing to wet her lips, she then deepened her scowl to continue, "I ALSO know how mad it made you when I gave half of it to Sota! How much have you leeched off of him for alcohol and drugs!? That money was for him to get into a good school so he had a future of becoming a famous soccer player!" Her parents then scowled deeply towards their daughter and took a step closer before Kagome yelled, "DON'T MOVE!" Turning her head slightly towards her brother, Kagome then smiled softly, "Run Sota... Go to my apartment and wait for me there..."
Her little brother's eyes widened immensely as he protested, "BUT SIS, I CAN HELP YOU!" He went to grab her sword and her head snapped back and scowled even deeper, "Don't touch my weapons, Sota... NOW GET GOING!" Turning around, she pushed him and he finally understood... she had already told him that his name was also on her lease when she gave him her key. She planned to fight until the bitter end.
Sota darted off down the shrine stairs and she now could breathe easier. Well, that's what she had initially thought at least. A rough slap rained down on her hand, causing her to release her gun and her eyes widened in horror the moment she witnessed her father holding it at her face. Holding her ground, she scowled deeply before she heard her mother gasp, "Darling, don't shoot her! If we don't get her bank account information, along with Sota's, we will NEVER have the money we need!"
Picking up her duffel bag slowly, she then grinned once she laced it over her shoulder and began backing away towards the old well house that had been sealed off. It was a good thing she was faster than her parents, even with her bag filled with a LOT of clothes and her extra weapons. Reaching the well house after dashing, she slammed the door shut and locked it before running down the steps to make her father's shot inaccurate.
Quickly pulling out her phone, she called her bank and transferred all of her money to Sota's account before calling her little brother and quickly explaining how he now held all of the money and to change his phone number the minute they hung up. He was also instructed to live in her apartment from now on due to the fact that their parents did not know where she lived and she would breathe easier knowing that he was safe. Hearing the gun shots now, Kagome's heart began to race within her chest. Most his bullets hit the top of the well until another shot fired and the lid shattered. Her breathing was panicked now as she heard Sota yell, "SIS, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT!?"
The moment of truth came. It was the last bullet within the chamber. Hearing the gun fire, her eyes widened the moment that bullet slammed into her left shoulder and she yelled at Sota, "JUST DO EVERYTHING I TOLD YOU! I love you Sota..." The phone then fell from her hand and the force of the bullet pushed her back into the well, the lid of the well now nonexistent thanks to her father's bad aim, and she waited for her back to slam to the ground.
Slamming her eyes shut, her face then relaxed and she released a soft chuckle, not even realizing that she should have hit the bottom of the well by now. "Well, my life has been nothing short of a badly told joke. Bad luck wherever I go, I suppose. I did have Sota to protect and at least the last thing I told him was that I loved him..."
Now realizing she had been falling for a LONG time now, Kagome opened her eyes to see the surging magical powers that lit up around her. Okay, she had to be dead. Everything seemed so magical as the twinkling blue aura began to slowly fade, she smiled sadly thinking this was the end as she closed her eyes. Suddenly her eyes flew open and coughed roughly, "What in the HELL was THAT!?" She looked towards the top of the well and saw a dark sky. Well that made sense, she had no idea how long her looney dream had been going on.
However, her eyes then widened as her ever-so-perceptive orbs witnessed the condition of the well. The wood was NEW and vines spilled over the top and into the well. "Well, this is new..." Kagome thought to herself before sitting up and the realization hit her as she winced when she used her her left arm to sit up. Looking over to her shoulder, blood ran down from her wound and spilled onto her arm and hand.
Standing up, Kagome realized that she needed to now confront her parents now that they were out of her bullets. Grabbing her duffel bag, Kagome began to climb her way out of the well, which was definitely a painful challenge considering her shoulder was wounded. "Well, at least the bullet didn't become lodged into my shoulder, that's a good thing," she murmured in an almost agitated tone before reaching the top and pulling herself over the ledge of the wood as she winced when she climbed out to take a breath to calm her pain. Opening her eyes, her blue orbs became distressed and mesmerized at the same time.
Okay, this was just weird. This IS where the temple was... right? Her shining blue orbs danced around the massive forest that laid in front of her. Turning her head, she witnessed lights and took off her jacket to tie it around her wounded shoulder before making her way towards it, only hoping that these people would understand as to why she was only wearing her sports bra. Her senses, sharpened and heightened at this point as if she might come under attack by a crazed father at any moment; picked up on many large dark auras. She had learned from her teacher that sensing something dark and malicious meant a demon and that's when she heard a bell being rang before hearing the screams.
Walking faster now, Kagome ended up breaking into a run as she heard the villagers yell, "A PACK OF DEMONS! LADY KAEDE!" Kagome blinked rapidly at this as she watched a young woman wearing an eyepatch run out wearing the traditional clothing of a priestess. A holy maiden... yet then Kagome realized, her sacred powers were extremely weak compared to her own.
"WHAT DO YE DEMONS WANT WITH THIS VILLAGE!?" The young priestess yelled with a scowl on her face. The demons smirked at the young lady that was the same age as Kagome and snarled out, "WE ANSWER TO NO ONE, PRIESTESS!" Readying her bow, Kaede released one of her "sacred" arrows and it bounced off of the demons coarse flesh, causing her to take a step back. Kagome released a huff and held up her hand in the form of a gun before she snarled right back at the demon, "LEAVE THESE PEOPLE BE OR MEET YOUR DOOM!"
They sensed her massive amounts of energy and took a step back, yet did not flee. Kagome then smirked as the tip of her finger created a sacred ball in the form of a bullet and with a flick of her wrist, released it; sniping one of the demons in the eye. The scream she heard was loud and anguished as he growled, "YOU BITCH!"
Game set and match... anger engulfed her eyes as she pulled out her sword, "RIGHT THEN! COME AND GET ME, YOU UGLY BASTARDS!" She had to lead these demons away from the village in case they decided to wreak havoc upon the lands. Ogre demons... fascinating. Kagome had always wanted to prove that demons had existed, but couldn't until today.
Channeling her sacred powers into her legs, she now moved as fast as a high ranking demon of noble blood once she darted into the woods. After she had departed with the ogre demons in tow, a massive dog landed before the young Kaede and laid down before her, "Kaede, have you seen any ogre demons as of late? They have been ripping human villages apart and eating all in their path." Kaede recognized the voice and deeply bowed, "Lord InuTaisho, welcome to our village once again. As for the ogre demons, yes, I have seen them. A girl wearing odd clothing, yet held massive amounts of sacred power lead them away from it to do battle."
Cocking his big fluffy head slightly, he just had to inquire, "A human priestess?" Nodding her head slightly, Kaede's eyes glanced towards the direction the young woman had gone before looking back into the great lord of the west's eyes, "My lord, she is the most powerful priestess I have ever felt... I fear if you go to inspect using your true form, she will purify you with her holy powers." This was intriguing to say the least as he sniffed the air, to not only smell, but sense her massive reserves of sacred power. Turning back towards Kaede, he nodded, "You make a very valid point, Kaede."
Slowly, his form began to glow until it transformed into his humanoid appearance, "Your assistance has been very helpful, Kaede." Kaede then frowned and held her hand out, stopping InuTaisho in his place, "My lord, I fear the girl is already injured. She had a black and pink piece of clothing wrapped around her shoulder." She didn't have to tell him that, he could smell the sweetness that her blood held from where he stood. Not even his own mate's blood smelled this enticing.
Nodding at what she said, his piercing golden orbs then narrowed towards the direction that the so called "strangely dressed" holy maiden had lead the demons. "There are eight ogre demons... I am not so sure she can handle this on her own..." He thought before looking at Kaede and smiling before giving a respectful light bow for her position as a holy maiden, "I will go and assist the young lady. Please, have the village evacuate to a safe distance just incase I should need to use So'unga." Kaede gave a deep bow, she held high respect and admiration for the great dog demon, "Yes, my lord." With that, InuTaisho took off.
Skidding to a stop finally, Kagome grinned at the eight ogre demons in front of her that were enchanted by not only the scent of her blood, but her scent in general. Raising her blade in a composed fashion, Kagome took in a deep breath of the clean and crisp air that entered her lungs - yet realized that should she need to move freely, the jacket around her wound would have to go.
Pulling the jacket off just about sent the demons into a frenzy due to her sweet smelling blood, "NOW COME AND GET ME!" Raising her sword to her free hand, she sliced the smooth skin open and quickly clenched her fist as she began to cast a spell, "Oh gods of the heavens, take this blood as an offering to help protect those in need of protecting." Each drop of blood that fell, stopped and hovered within the air and began to glow brightly until there was no more droplets and she sent her sacred healing powers to seal the wound on her hand.
Opening her brilliant blue orbs, Kagome grinned, "LET'S GO!" With that, she raised her sword and slapped one of the orbs of sacred blood that would act like a fast acting poison to demons if it were to hit their skin. "I managed to get eight drops of blood, yet if I miss a target, I will have to fight them head on." The first orb hit the mark as she had calculated and the demon began to scream and howl in agony before completely purified and fell to ash.
The seven other demons eyes went wide with disbelief that a single drop of blood could do that much damage to one of their own. "DON'T GET DISTRACTED," she yelled as she began to run straight towards them before jumping up and landing on one of their arms and began running up with ease.
Jumping straight up once one of their hands came after her, Kagome smiled deviously before tapping another droplet of blood with her sword and purifying it. Before the demon crumbled, she used it as a spring board to land on the next. This continued until the very last demon and she was determined to win. Grinning at the last ogre demon, she then made a miscalculation and accidentally cut through the blood instead of lightly tapping it with her blade. "Well, fuck..." Kagome thought in annoyance as she back flipped away from an angry swipe of claws.
Landing, she began to parry the demons claws with ease until she stepped into a hole, losing her balance and her sword fell from her hand to regain the balance that had been lost. The ogre laughed hysterically, "All of you humans are so weak and tasty! However, you should be the tastiest of them all, priestess!" Piercing golden orbs watched in complete and total amazement at the entire battle. She was winning... and easily too. Once he saw her step into that hole and lose balance, he almost rushed to her aid, yet stiffened the moment he witnessed her devious smile.
Her balance regained, yet feigned that she was still off balance, the ogre went in for the kill and she sent a surge of sacred powers to her legs and jumped up to his shoulder and leaned her arm against his head, "Ya know... I don't know what's more pitiful. You, or the dirt beneath my shoes. However-" - "SHUT UP HUMAN BITCH!" The ogre yelled furiously at the human female.
The name calling instantly caused Kagome's eyes to cloud over with all too apparent rage as she shouted, "I CANNOT HELP THAT I WAS BORN A HUMAN THAT IS OBVIOUSLY STRONGER THAN THE LIKES OF YOU!" Flipping over his hand, Kagome reached out and gently pressed her right hand pointer finger against his broad and muscular shoulder, "Hear me divine light! Purify this tainted soul!" Her hand then flashed so brilliantly with such a great amount sacred light, that even InuTaisho had to squint.
Once the light died down, Kagome landed gracefully on her feet and grabbed her sword before pointing it in the demon lord's direction, "COME OUT!" She was tired, but could not let sleep take her just yet. InuTaisho was amazed... he had masked his aura and his scent, yet she still knew he was here. A gentle smile graced his face, "This one... she's perfect. Strong willed and cunning. Even my eldest would have a hard time against her."
Stepping into the moonlight, Kagome watched him with narrow and suspicious blue orbs that had now calmed down into their regular brilliant blue shade. InuTaisho froze momentarily and his breath hitched within his throat before clearing it roughly, "Those beasts had been threatening my lands and people for quite some time now, so, you have my thanks, mortal g-" before he could finish what he was going to say, she appeared before him with her blade at his throat, "Watch how you flatter me, demon..."
With her so close, InuTaisho blushed furiously due to the way she was currently dressed and the way her scent gave off a beautiful, yet delicate, scent of sunlight and the soft sweetness of peonies. It was a beautiful scent indeed. Clearing his throat slightly, Kagome glanced up to see the demon lord's flushed face and found this rather puzzling. Taking a graceful step back, InuTaisho then bowed his deep apologies, "Pardon my rudeness miss. I heard from the villagers that a lone girl was fighting a pack of eight demons all on her own. I could not stand by and allow harm to fall upon one who is protecting my lands in my stead."
"Protecting... HIS lands? Oh wait, I've read about this! NO WAY THAT THIS IS TRUE! THIS IS INUTAISHO!?" Kagome's mind was in a state of flux. From what she had gathered, she had noticed no tall buildings and it was mostly forest. She had somehow been saved from her parents by the mysterious well that was located in the shrine.
InuTaisho watched her facial expressions change at a rapid pace and found it rather cute and amusing. Clearing his throat once again, Kagome snapped out of her trance as he waited for her to name herself. Blinking rapidly, she knew he did not want to harm her, so she stuck her sword in the ground before bowing before him, "Forgive my rudeness, my lord, my name is Kagome." InuTaisho could not help it, this girl was well mannered, beautiful, and simply adorable. She acted as if she were from a prominent family of royal blood... but the way she dressed WAS odd.
Swiftly he brought her into his arms while chuckling softly, "Dearest Kagome, why are you- where are my manners. My name is InuTaisho, Lord of the Western Lands and alpha to the Crescent Moon Clan." He stood there gently stroking her hair until he noticed how incredibly tense she was. He could smell her fear... but what was she fearing? Him? No that couldn't be it.
Now it was his turn for the emotions on his face to change at a rapid pace. Yet, his arms were still securely locked around her tiny frame so that she could not escape. Her fear continued to grow rapidly as she thought, "He... he's a father. I can tell because my father never treated me this kindly..." The sudden change from fear to sorrow was then smelled as he could easily detect the salty moisture within the air. Glancing down, he witnessed Kagome's horrified face as tears streamed down her delicate skin. "I WILL NOT BE DECEIVED! NEVER AGAIN!" Kagome's sadness then turned to rage as she ripped out of his arms and grasped her sword before pointing towards him.
InuTaisho frowned immensely once he lost the close proximity of her scent and warmth, only to notice his attire was now stained by her blood. He had to do everything within his power to contain and calm his inner demon to claim her as his pup. She was so fragile, so broken, so hurt... yet immensely powerful. That's when he noticed it. The moment she wiped her eyes and forehead to rid the sweat building up, InuTaisho noticed the divine marking on her forehead that once belonged to his once upon a time best friend.
"It cannot be," he mumbled softly, yet loudly enough for her to hear. His golden gaze then snapped forward, piercing her with his gaze alone, "Kagome, where did you receive that mark on your forehead...? No... that is the wrong question to be asking. What I mean to ask is what clan did you belong to and what was your mother's name?" Kagome blushed immensely and quickly fixed her hair so that her odd "birthmark" could not so easily be seen. However, the moment he asked about her "clan" and her "mother", she casted her gaze down before replying, "She died a long time ago." It was the truth in her eyes.
He witnessed no lies within her eyes as she spoke and he instantly remembered his best friend speaking to him long ago, "InuTaisho, I have dreamed of her so often... a young girl with straight thigh long black hair, mesmerizing blue eyes, her true potential not even close to what it should be, and the same mark on her forehead as mine. I will bare no children, yet I can clearly see this beautiful young lady and say that she is my daughter. In the future, time will hold no restrictions... demanding that a wrong be reversed. Should you find whom I speak of, take her in as one of your pups and raise her with your mate. This is how I wish it to be... You will know it is her once you see her sword."
Slowly, InuTaisho peered towards Kagome's sword and his eyes widened. There was no mistake... that was Midoriko's sword. The inscriptions that was so distinctively carved upon the blade "pure at heart and soul" was not replicated, he had to see if this was the same blade. He HAD to go to the slayers village. Yet, he could not leave the lass here to fend for herself whenever she was clearly was worn out and injured. Yet, he could not heal her unless she was one of his pups.
"All right Midoriko..." he mumbled softly before his piercing gaze fell upon the young woman that resembled his best friend so much that it was almost terrifying. He then allowed his gaze to soften as he spoke, "Kagome, you are a powerful sacred maiden and I would like to offer my protection to you, for news of you will spread quickly and demons of all kinds will now come after you." Kagome began to back away slowly, "I-uh-I appreciate the kind gesture, however I lost my way to my village and am now on my way back. So, my lord, I will have to decline."
She was not making this easy for him as he watched her pick up her strange appearing bag and begin to walk away, though, truthfully... she just wanted to get away from this kind demon. He made Midoriko a promise and he intended to keep it, so he had to resort to drastic measures as he pulled out his sword that would do her no harm, but it would heal the nasty hole in her shoulder.
Hearing InuTaisho draw his blade, Kagome sighed heavily, "My lord, I know you do not wish to harm me... so please, allow me to leave in peace. I do not wish to purify an already pure soul..." This made InuTaisho gape at her words, "How in the HELL does she KNOW that I do not wish to harm her? Am I that easy to read? To no matter, I made a promise and will keep my oath." - "I WISH TO TEST YOUR SKILLS WENCH!" He already knew he was going to be in trouble for calling her names. For he had witnessed when those ogre demons had called her names, she became ruthless.
Hearing his claims, Kagome turned her head and smiled softly at him until hearing the name he called her and rage instantly took over her orbs. She knew she wouldn't survive another battle, so she forced herself to calm down and smiled softly and her eyes tilted towards the ground, "You wish to battle with a sword that heals, yet can do no damage... Lord InuTaisho, please allow me to leave." Well FUCK, she figured THAT out as well!?
InuTaisho then walked forward and instantly noticed the way she slightly flinched when he got too close to her and slowed his movements, "Kagome, there are many demons around here and they can smell your blood... please, come and allow me and my family to protect you..." - "Should you find whom I speak of, take her in as one of your pups and raise her with your mate. This is how I wish it to be..." - "I'm trying Midoriko, but she is just about as stubborn as you were." He mentally replied as her words continued to play within his mind.
Kagome was getting sick of this back and forth game as she secretly drew two twin daggers from her duffel bag before dropping it. Swiftly she snapped around as he brought his blade of healing down upon her and easily blocked his attack, completely surprising the demon lord and causing him to gain a slightly silly grin on his face as he continued his assault. Kagome was filled with rage at this point as she flared her holy aura, burning his skin slightly and causing him to flinch slightly. It was then that she noticed that he was attacking with the sword that could not kill and immediately felt bad as she lowered her blades before dropping them into her duffel bag and picked it up.
Turning and walking away, that's when she heard his cry of pain. Her aura had seeped into his pores and was slowly purifying him alive. Gasping, she snapped around and ran to him before placing her hand on his face to absorb her aura. To be honest, she could only think that his face was too pretty for that kind of punishment. That's when she witnessed him fall face first to the ground and realized... some had reached his heart. "No... don't let me be a monster like my parents!" Her inner self cried in pain.
This would be her first attempt at this and hoped it worked as she softly mumbled her spell once she turned him over, "Light of the heavens, bless me with the breath to heal all ailments..." Leaning down, she placed her lips to his and released her breath that cleared his body of all of her purification aura. At this point, she was now pushing her luck with her powers as she finished the breath. Her vision growing blurry, the world began to spin and she fell unconscious on his chest.
It was now the middle of the night whenever InuTaisho awoke feeling cleansed of her purification. He scowled softly and swore at his deceased friend, "Damn you, Midoriko..." - "What? I find this rather amusing, InuTaisho." Golden orbs snapped open to see the spirit of his deceased friend, "Midoriko, how is this so damn funny!?" - "Well, my daughter saved your life. She witnessed your pain and once you collapsed, she used her breath of cleansing to save a demon's life." - "SHE KISSED ME!? ALL HELL IS GOING TO BREAK LOOSE ONCE I GET HOME!" - "Do not worry, my friend. I have already informed Sutekina of what has transpired and that she will soon have another pup to love. She seems rather ecstatic."
He glanced at the sword that once belonged to his best friend and noticed that was how she was appearing to him, "Am I dead Midoriko...?" A soft chuckle was released from Midoriko as she shook her head, "Why don't you look down and answer that question yourself, old friend." InuTaisho rapidly blinked his golden orbs before tilting his head down to see Kagome across his chest, unconscious. Looking to Midoriko, he frowned, "I promise to keep your pup safe from all harm and raise her as one of my own, but, I have to ask... is she going to be okay?" Midoriko instantly noticed the sadness held within his tone as she glanced towards her daughter, "I suppose that question was bound to be asked..."
InuTaisho now felt slightly uneasy before Midoriko continued, "If you speak of her powers, then yes... I have stabilized her holy aura and she will be completely fine after some much needed rest." That was not what he meant, and she knew that all too well as she darted her eyes to the side as if unwilling to fully give the answer he sought. InuTaisho instantly released a gentle growl, "Midoriko, where did she even come from!? Also, why is my new pup so scared of me!?" Midoriko sighed gently, "You shall be brought into the light once Kagome feels she is ready to open up to you. Allow her to tell you everything and keep an open heart and mind, for she is your pup now."
Nodding his head lightly, he looked at the young girl before him and smiled softly. She would make some handsome and strong pups one day... but, before any of that, she needs to feel loved. Lifting Kagome into his strong and capable arms, Midoriko then cleared her throat, causing InuTaisho to look her way with a puzzled look upon his face. Sighing heavily, she supposed he was still just as dense as ever, "The family crest, InuTaisho... if you take a human into your stronghold, she is bound to be attacked viciously. Also... you must go to the slayers village to merge my sword with her own. Though they are the same, two should not exist. Now... my time is up. I must bid thee a farewell for now, old friend."
As Midoriko vanished, he bowed slightly to her as she smiled softly and spoke one last thing, "Please, take extra care of my daughter InuTaisho. I am counting on you to mend what is broken..." InuTaisho's eyes softened considerably, "Of course, my friend." With that, she felt at peace for the moment and vanished to continue her raging war. Lifting Kagome's right hand, he gently bit the top of the soft skin and his family's crest was quick to appear, claiming Kagome as his pup. No one would dare harm someone of the royal family... not in his presence anyway.
With that task done, he leaned over and grasped Kagome's blade and placed it into the strange bag she had before lifting it onto his shoulder. Lifting his claws, he was careful to not stab her forehead as he placed a sleeping spell on the descendant of Midoriko before his tail wrapped around her small body to keep her warm as they traveled to the village of the slayers on foot. He wanted time to gain a mental link with his new pup as he lifted her right hand to press the crescent moon symbol she now held on the back of her hand, causing both to glow brightly and connect. With that... he witnessed some of the horrors she had lived through.
"DADDY, NO MORE TESTS! PLEASE IT HURTS SO MUCH!" Kagome's tiny voice cried out until a sound of shock escaped her lips, along with the rough sound of her being slapped to the floor. The trembling and fear she felt was immense as she sobbed and the man she called "daddy" just screamed at the tiny little girl, "STOP CRYING, YOU LITTLE BITCH! I WILL STOP THE TESTS ONCE WE ARE RICH! THEN WE WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING EVER AGAIN! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ONE MORE COMPLAINT, AM I CLEAR!?" More sobbing was heard as she cried out, "Y-Yes sir... I-I'm sorry for asking the impossible... I-I'll be a g-good g-girl from now on..."
"DAD STOP HITTING SOTA!" Kagome's slightly older voice could be heard as she rushed to her younger brother's side and held him to her chest, a bruise already adorning one of her eye sockets. The drunk and extremely high male then replied, "Ka -go - WHO ARE YOU, YOU BITCH!?" A rush of footsteps could be heard before the all too familiar sound of a fist slamming against flesh could be heard. Kagome's body was flung to the ground as tears leaked out of her swollen eyes as her younger brother ran to her, "SIS! SIS, ARE YOU OKAY!?" The sound of blood being coughed up was then heard as the little boy panicked, "DAD! KAGOME'S COUGHING UP BLOOD!" All that could be heard was a snarky "Tsk... who cares..."
Tears filled InuTaisho's golden orbs before they spilled onto his cheeks, he continued to hold her crescent moon to his as he continued to watch her life unfold right before his very eyes. It was filled with so much pain and suffering that InuTaisho had to rip his new pup's hand away from his forehead and tenderly place it on her stomach before he pulled her close to him in a loving embrace filled with warmth that a father should be showing their child.
He had to hold back his inner demon at that point, whom was now crying and in a fit of rage at the same time - wanting to murder this man where he stood for harming his own pup. No... that man was no father and this beautiful girl he held was no pup of that evil man. He may be a demon, but his pups were his entire world and he treated them with love and compassion. No, she was HIS pup. HIS PUP. HIS RESPONSIBILITY. He would have it no other way. He would show his pup what a father's love could actually accomplish and achieve in the long haul.
InuTaisho felt all of his pup's misery that had been bottled up for so long. This was just cruel... like kicking a dog whom had already been severely injured. As he walked, he noticed Kagome's small hand clasp the front of his kimono tightly as tears slid down the corners of her eyes before she mumbled, "D-Daddy... n-no m-more... I-I'm s-sorry..." This broke the great dog demon's heart as he raised Kagome up to his neck and tilted his lips to her ear to whisper softly, "It's all right Kagome... daddy is here... I will keep you safe, I promise."
He watched as her arms wrapped around his strong neck and she buried her face into his neck as her tears fell to his delicate skin, her tone was now soft and sweet as she whimpered, "Thank you daddy... I love you..." His heart broke further, yet warmed at the same time as his tail and arms slightly tightened around her tiny body further as his claws ran ever so gently through her long locks to show her comfort.
InuTaisho didn't know how long he had been walking now while fighting his inner demon at the same time to calm down - yet fully understood as to why his inner self was so upset. Kagome was now his pup and he would see to it that she would never be harmed by family ever again. She would be loved. He knew that Sutekina had always wanted a daughter, so she would definitely be spoiled by his darling mate. Inuyasha would adore her and come to her for safety after pranking his elder brother.
Right there came the challenge of the century. His eldest, Sesshomaru was wicked in mind, body, and soul. He would be a tough nut to crack. However there was a possibility that he would fight her and end up desiring her for her power. InuTaisho looked up at the sky and released a huff that blew his bangs up off of his crescent moon baring forehead.
Not paying attention as to where he was going at this point, he heard yelling, "My lord, what a magnificent surprise!" InuTaisho quickly used his tail to lightly cover Kagome's face and now all that could be seen was a mass amount of long, straight black hair cascading down his arm. "Well, this doesn't look suspicious in the slightest." He internally mused.
He had never realized he was walking up to the slayers village in the first place. The head of the village walked out and instantly knelt down and bowed his head in respect for the demon lord, "Lord InuTaisho, welcome to the village of the demon slayers. How can we help you?" Nodding and motioning for them to rise, InuTaisho then spoke, "Midoriko's spirit has come to me and has asked me to take her sword. It is her will." Suddenly Midoriko's voice rang out within his head, "You must take the jewel as well. Kagome shall be its protector." - "She has also told me to take the Sacred Jewel to the Western Castle for added protection. We have a powerful sacred maiden there that is to be its guardian and protector."
Their eyes widened, knowing that the Lord of the West had no such need for a trinket as powerful as that, making the tale he told more believable. The head of the village then tilted his head to notice the massive amounts of long black hair cascading from the sleeve of his white kimono before speaking, "Err... Lord InuTaisho? Do you have a female with you that needs a place to rest or reside at?" InuTaisho quickly bared his fangs and growled, "No, this is one of my pups! Do not ask again!"
Everyone then took a step back and nodded ever so slightly as the head of the village spoke in a slightly nervous tone, "Uh... right then! Shall we be off then? Sango, please assist us." A female demon slayer was quick to nod as she stepped forward and a fire cat demon quickly hopped onto her shoulder, knowing that this presence felt all too familiar as she stared at the mass of black hair cascading down the western lord's arm. Once the five began to walk towards Midoriko's cave, InuTaisho then spoke softly, "So, who is the girl?" The leader of the demon slayer then slightly chuckled, "Ah, that is my daughter, Sango."
The head of the village chuckled softly, "We cannot find a man that is suitable for her liking. So she is just a normal demon slayer." InuTaisho took this into consideration before nodding his head ever so gently, "Right, I am going to ask you a favor and you are fully capable of declining my suggestion. I would like Sango to be my sacred maiden's bodyguard." The leader of the village grasped his chin before nodding ever so lightly, "Hm... yes, I think it would be great experience for her! Ah, we are here!"
The entrance of the cave shimmered slightly from the barrier now keeping it off limits to those who desired the jewel and their intentions dark. InuTaisho then stepped through the barrier holding Kagome tightly as it allowed him to pass with ease. The leader of the village was so curious as to whom the western lord was holding and just HAD to know what she looked like as he took a step forward, only for the barrier to reject him. Sango managed to step through the barrier, along with Kirara, with much ease as she followed her new lord.
InuTaisho then came upon the body of his old friend and his face became slightly twisted with pain as he stared silently at her. All too quickly, Midoriko appeared, "Ah, Lord InuTaisho, it is good to see you again. I must also welcome thee, Sango." InuTaisho became slightly shocked as he turned around to face the female demon slayer, whom bowed politely; causing Midoriko to softly chuckle before speaking, "She must know the truth of whom she is protecting, dear InuTaisho. Now, please hand Kagome to me."
This shocked the demon lord slightly as he rose an eyebrow, "Midoriko, won't she fall if I hand her to you...?" This made the maiden chuckle with amusement, "As protective of your pups as always, InuTaisho. However, to answer your question... no, she will not fall." Everyone believed that Midoriko had been a high priestess, but InuTaisho knew better. The first time he had met her, she looked no different than an ordinary human with mass amounts of sacred powers.
Midoriko then stepped forward once her daughter was in front of her, yet still in the protective hold of InuTaisho, and placed a single finger in the midst of the same crest she wore on her own forehead before chanting, "Awaken, sacred light within to guard this land from all of the evil that it should hold. Fight with justice, honor, and with the grace of light." The tip of her finger gave off a brilliant glow before she reached and grabbed her own sword that laid to rest on a single pillow before taking Kagome's and held them together, only for a bright flash of light to occur so suddenly.
Grabbing the sacred jewel, Midoriko then made a circle as a chain appeared to connect to the purple tinted glowing jewel before it landed around Kagome's neck. Midoriko then smiled softly at the young woman in front of her. InuTaisho, determined that his pup had been away from his warmth for too long and brought her close to his body again, only to feel something... odd... on his pup's back.
Gaining an almost annoyed look on his face, the great dog demon then gave his old best friend a look of slight annoyance, "Midoriko... did you happen to forget to mention anything to me during our last meeting?" Midoriko glanced to the side before looking up in a teasing manner as she placed her index finger against her chin, "Oh, did I? Well, I may have glossed over one or two minor details." InuTaisho growled softly as he replied, "YOU EXPECT ME TO TAKE A CELESTIAL BACK TO MY HOME!? A HOME OF DEMONS! WILL SHE EVEN BE SAFE!?"
Tapping her chin lightly, she then chuckled, "Hmm... probably not!" Midoriko's eyes then narrowed slightly, "She will need your help controlling her newly awakened power, old friend. Also, should a Celestial pup a Demon's child, the child would become full blood of whichever race the mates agree on. Celestials have a sacred duty to not judge anyone for what race they were born as, for they cannot help how they came to be in this world."
InuTaisho looked towards the ceiling of the cave and released a heavy sigh. Tilting his head back down, he then noticed Midoriko's rapidly blinking orbs that were not directed at him and slightly turned his head to see the female demon slayer on one knee for the respect she held for the three highly powerful individuals. Clearing his throat, InuTaisho then chuckled softly, "Sango, please rise." Sango quickly shook her head before replying, "I cannot do that, my lord. Celestials are praised within my village and we must show that we hold deep respect for their kind due to keeping us safe from any harm."
This caused Midoriko to begin laughing softly as she spoke, "Sango, dear child, please rise. Celestials are, for the most part, extinct due to the bloody war between them and the race of demons, though, there are still some of out there... you would never know because most of our kind pose as holy maidens or monks and hide their true capabilities. Most Celestials also mated with humans... that is how the line of holy maidens and monks were created. We deserve no such praise."
Speaking freely caused Midoriko's spirit to begin to slowly vanish as she quickly snapped her head towards InuTaisho, "InuTaisho, please protect my daughter and help her find a mate. For if she does not, I fear the light within her that burns so brilliantly will begin to fall from grace." InuTaisho then growled softly, "She is now MY pup. Do not forget that." Midoriko then smiled softly and nodded, "Duly noted, dear friend. Protect your pup with all of your might. Now, I must be going. Please inform Kagome, when you are ready to that is, but do inform her that she may call for me any time she wishes."
Nodding slightly, he then gave a slight bow, "I promise to keep your pup safe and raise her as my own. However, did you inform Sutekina that our new pup is a Celestial...?" Midoriko sweat dropped slightly, "I must be getting forgetful with old age! I will inform her now, do not worry." With that Midoriko leaned down to Kagome and kissed her child's forehead, "As a Celestial, you will live as long as the demon race will... do not let this startle you, my daughter. You must inform her of this as well, InuTaisho. She is not immortal... but her soul is so strong that it will cling to her body, as my spirit clings to my own, the jewel, and my sword. Now you must go."
A soft mew then came from the, at the moment, tiny fire cat; causing Midoriko's eyes to slightly widen and turn her gaze to the fire cat demon that she had once owned before her eyes softened, saying one last thing before she vanished entirely, "Kirara... please stay by my descendants side as you once did for me. Protect her with all of your might. She will need your strength when her powers are exhausted. I am truly sorry to ask this of you considering you have a new mistress already, but I cannot protect my own pup as of now. So please, protect my daughter..." The fire cat demon mewed at her former master's wishes and hopped onto Kagome's chest before curling up into a ball.
Sango appeared shocked at this turn of events and wondered what Midoriko had spoken to her about. The only conclusion she could come to was that Kirara had once been Midoriko's partner and was now being asked to protect the celestial that now laid in a deep sleep within the demon lord's arms. Smiling, Sango then nodded, "Kirara, I release you as my partner to protect Lady Kagome." This made Kirara happy that she had the okay from her former mistress as she snuggled into the celestial's chest.
Exiting the cave of Midoriko, InuTaisho now had a REALLY difficult time hiding what he was carrying, no thanks to his best friend. White angel wings now hung down to his toes and he now had to make sure to be careful to not step on her wings because there were bones and muscles that the newly found Celestial had never used before and she was not even awake to be made aware of the changes that had just been made to her body as of yet.
Before the head of the village could say anything, InuTaisho bowed slightly, "I thank you, friend, for allowing me to enter the sacred cave. Sango, my pup, and I must be going now." The head of the village had a slew of questions that were quickly silenced as the demon ruler grasped Sango's arm gently and formed his golden orb to quickly escape this sticky mess he was now in the center of thanks to his new pup's "condition".
The western palace quickly came into view and he passed through the barrier protecting his lands before landing at the top of his home. Sango was slightly dizzy from the fast pace they had been moving at to quickly escape all of the questions her father had for him concerning his new pup, yet before she had the chance to lose her balance, her arm was gently grasped by the western lord to help her regain her lost balance.
InuTaisho could feel his mate rushing towards them all too quickly. Once she arrived, Sutekina witnessed the long angel wings cascading between her mate's arm and chest as he held her arms out to him before demanding, "Give me my pup, mate!" He was NOT going to argue with her and at this point in time. He was well aware that Midoriko had let his mate know that her new pup was a celestial just like the friend they had once had. InuTaisho chuckled softly and held the celestial maiden out towards his mate, whom quickly snatched the female from her arms.
Looking at the top of Kagome's right hand, she then held a puzzled look, "Mate, why did you not place her mark on her forehead like the rest of us!? That is such an insult! She is my pup and she will be NO different than my two boys!" InuTaisho quickly sweat dropped before sighing in defeat as he gently grasped the Celestial's hand and removed the mark with his fang before parting her bangs and placed the mark on her forehead. The crescent moon now surrounded her mark as a high ranking celestial. He knew all too well that he would have to hide that mark from his eldest son.
He was not happy that he had to peak inside of her mind again to gain a mental link as he gulped harshly, which did not go unnoticed by his mate or Sango. Sutekina tilted her head slightly as her long silver hair blew in the wind, "InuTaisho...?" InuTaisho was hesitating to touch his forehead to his pup's before slowly pressing his crescent moon to her own, gaining a whole new sad and miserable mental image within his mind as his inner demon whimpered at such a miserable life.
Sutekina instantly noticed the moment tears began to slide down her mate's cheeks the longer he held his forehead to his new pup's forehead and had to wonder what he was seeing. Leaning up after a period of time, he took Kagome back into his arms and cried on her chest the moment Kirara moved down to plop down on the celestial's stomach. Sutekina had never witnessed her mate cry so hard and it worried her as a slight frown graced her features, "Mate...? What ails you...?" InuTaisho finally gained his composure and lifted his head to show his mate his puffy red eyes before he spoke softly, "When you go to mentally link with her, you will see what her life had been like before she came to us."
Nodding her head softly, she glanced down towards the beautiful young lady and quickly noticed the odd way she was dressed. Shaking the thought out of her head, Sutekina approached her new pup and raised her hands to brush Kagome's bangs out of the way before placing her forehead against her new pup's. The mental images flooded her mind and tears quickly filled her eyes.
"Mommy... we don't have anything to eat," the voice of a child whimpered as her stomach growled heavily. An adult voice then snarled at the child, "WELL, I WONDER WHO'S FAULT THAT IS, KAGOME! YOU NEVER STOP EATING!" The child then took a step back as her shaky voice projected softly, "B-But mommy... I-I haven't eaten in three days..." A rough slap was then heard, followed by the miserable sounds of sobbing that could be heard.
The child voice never vanished as she cried out, "Mommy! I don't like the scientist! They poke and poke at me! It hurts so much! Please make them stop!" The sound of the young girl being shoved to the floor and being pinned down could be clearly heard, along with the sound of panicked squirming, "MOMMY, LET ME GO!" The so called "mother" to this precious child then began a bloody assault on the child while yelling furiously due to the lack of drugs within her system, "YOU UNGRATEFUL CHILD! DIDN'T YOUR FATHER ALREADY BEAT THE LESSON INTO YOU!?" The tiny voice of Kagome began to sob, "I-I'M SORRY M-MOMMY! I-I'LL BE A G-GOOD GIRL, I P-PROMISE!"
Sutekina slowly pulled away with a mortified facial expression before taking the celestial girl from her mate's arms and repeated the same process as he had, crying on her chest. The trembling voice of Sutekina then cried out in misery, "NEVER AGAIN WILL MY PUP BE HARMED! NEVER!" She continued to sob into the young woman's chest as InuTaisho went to wrap an arm around his mate to comfort her, yet was stopped cold in his tracks by the warning growls she sent his way.
"Mommy is here... you will forever be safe in my arms, my dear Kagome..." Sutekina nuzzled the celestial's long black locks with her nose and released a comforting purr to relax the young woman held within her arms. In her state of sleep, tears slid down Kagome's face as she nuzzled the demoness's breasts, "Thank you mommy... I love you..." InuTaisho remembered Kagome doing the same thing to him and slightly became choked up all over again. This was now their pup... and they had to help her fight the internal demons she held deep within her mind and heart.
Sango watched all of this and slightly frowned. The mental link they had made with the celestial must have been heartbreaking to bring two of the highest ranking demons within the western lands to tears. She could see the conviction and sincerity held within their eyes as they held their new pup and felt slightly jealous. Her father had never been the nicest to her and she had always wanted to be loved the way these demons were now cherishing this young celestial girl.
Sutekina sniffled one last time before regaining her composure and looked towards her mate, "Come mate, I already have a room ready for her." Turning to look at Sango, the demoness then gave a soft smile, "Fret not, I have a room ready for you as well. You will be right next to my new pup so that you can guard her properly. Midoriko has already made me aware of everything." Sango smiled softly and bowed deeply, "Thank you, Lady Sutekina."
They began to walk with InuTaisho in front of his mate that now clung to this celestial maiden with all of her love and compassion that she could give as her tail slowly coiled around Kagome, yet there was no way of hiding those angel wings or her power unless they were to wake the sleeping maiden up. The two quickly got Kagome to her new room and InuTaisho hurriedly released his pup from his sleeping spell.
Kagome's sky blue orbs slowly came to focus as she noticed one of the most beautiful female's she had ever seen sitting beside her. Smiling softly, Sutekina brushed Kagome's bangs to the side, "Kagome, my pup, I need you to quickly suppress your celestial aura so that your wings will vanish." Her mind, foggy as of now, tried to piece together what had just been asked of her as she mumbled one word, "Wings...?" The beautiful demoness that held sterling silver hair that reached her ankles nodded, "Correct, wings."
She didn't know what this demoness was even talking about until she felt fluttering beneath her, causing her eyes to widen immensely as she then shot up and looked behind her. Now all she could do was think to herself, 'I... have ANGEL WINGS!?' She had read about this before. Long ago, there were three races that governed the earth... the humans, the demons, and the celestials. There were not many records on these celestials and it was almost as if they had just become extinct after the war they had raged against the demons.
"Kagome, my pup, you MUST conceal your aura NOW!" Sutekina frantically spoke now as she felt her eldest son rushing towards where she was. Closing her eyes, Kagome then suppressed her aura to make her seem as if she were a normal human being. Sutekina then released a sharp breath the moment her eldest child stopped pursuing the strange aura that was near his mother and then began to pace back and forth anxiously. The beautiful demoness then tilted her head up at her mate as he placed Kagome's odd bag on the ground within her new room before being shooed out by his mate.
InuTaisho then smiled at Kagome softly, causing her to remember what had transpired that one night. She didn't know how many days she had now been asleep, but she could still remember how tense he had made her. Sutekina instantly noticed how tense her pup now became and snapped her head towards her mate before wrapping her arms protectively around her pup and giving off a warning growl for him to leave.
Stiffening at his mate's warning growl, he knew better than to get in-between his mate and her pups as he turned his piercing golden gaze towards Kagome and softly spoke, "Welcome home, my pup." Kagome instantly relaxed and looked around before questioning, "Um... excuse me, my lord and my lady, but where am I...?" She could only guess that this female was what they called a "mate" which was equal to what humans called a husband or wife.
Sutekina was the first to reply, "Kagome, my dear; your mother, Midoriko, has asked that we take charge over you and claim you as one of our pups. You have no need for such formalities any longer. You may address me as your mother and you may address my mate as your father." Kagome's face instantly scrunched up in clear confusion, "Midoriko? You mean the most high ranking celestial that ever lived? How could she POSSIBLY be MY mother!?" Sutekina was about to answer whenever Midoriko appeared, "Kagome, my darling daughter." White angel wings fluttered and flapped behind the young appearing celestial before she landed on the ground gracefully with the tips of her toes.
Kagome's eyes widened immensely at this and was too baffled to even speak. The moment she witnessed the same odd "birthmark" on this woman's forehead, she knew it had to be true as she slowly stood up and reached towards her. Midoriko's eyes softened considerably as she laced her fingers between her daughters, "My daughter, do not fear these demons; for they are not like the rest... but you seem to have already realized this. You have had such a hard life and I am so sorry that I could not manifest for you sooner."
Blue orbs watched this heavenly woman before her very eyes as she continued to speak, "When I was still very much alive and well, I met InuTaisho and his mate Sutekina. I had so many prophecies of you that I lost count. Once I became very close with the honorable rulers of the west, I gave him my will concerning you. He swore to keep his promise to me and raise you as one of his own pups. Since I cannot physically be here for you for long periods of time, I ask that you open your tightly guarded heart to those whom will love you unconditionally. As celestials, we show the most love and compassion out of the three great races. We do not judge those born of a different race."
Midoriko knew that her time was almost up due to using so much energy the past few days and released a gentle breath, "Kagome, take pride that you were born a celestial. You will never return to such painful times, but to comfort you some, I can assure you that you will live to see your brother again. He may not recognize you... but you will be one of the few to govern the world and pass judgment. Now, as I was saying before... InuTaisho and Sutekina were chosen directly by me to raise you and act as your parents in my stead. Do you understand me?"
Kagome could barely catch her breath at this point as she slowly nodded, "Yes mother, I understand completely what is required of me. I will live to love, not to judge. I will show compassion without falter. I will ease the pain and suffering of those whom must pass. I will show no mercy to those who dare to harm my family without fail. This, mother, I promise."
Midoriko gave a gentle smile as she looked towards InuTaisho and Sutekina with a saddened facial expression as she spoke softly, "I envy the two of you so much... I envy your love, I envy your compassion for others, and mostly... I envy that you get the honor of raising my daughter in my stead..." Sutekina frowned softly as if she understood all too well as to what she meant, "Midoriko, please, rest easy. I will train Kagome to handle her new found powers and help them grow. My pup will surpass not only you, but myself as well." This put Midoriko at ease as she nodded in approval before vanishing from sight.
"Kagome, my pup, let us bathe and then afterwards we will begin your training." The lady of the west spoke softly and tucked a stray strand of her pup's long ebony locks behind her ear. InuTaisho got the notion right then and there that he was to leave immediately. Bowing deeply towards his mate and pup, he then grinned in a cheeky manner, "Have fun my dearest ladies." It was not ever said, but InuTaisho had longed for a daughter that he, too, could spoil and adore.
Sutekina scoffed at her mate, but gave him a nuzzle under his chin. Right as he turned to leave, Kagome spoke softly, "Thank you... father..." InuTaisho could not help it as his inner beast frolicked at the name his pup had just called him and rushed to her before scooping her up in his arms and give off relaxing rumbles within his chest as she shakily reached up and paused. Gaining her courage and taking a deep breath she reminded herself that she would finally be loved for who she was, the Celestial maiden wrapped her arms around his neck and held on for dear life.
InuTaisho instantly noticed the way that his new pup now held onto him and lowered his head into her neck before giving a soft nuzzle with his nose in a playful manner to her neck. The giggle he heard escaping her lips warmed his heart as he continued to tickle his precious new daughter. Kagome couldn't help it as she began to giggle uncontrollably as Sutekina smiled softly at the picture in front of her very eyes. She was not daft, nor a fool. The lady of the west was well aware that her mate had WANTED a daughter to spoil as much as she had.
"All right you two." Sutekina clapped her hands together lightly to gain her mate's attention. The moment he gave off a pitiful whine and whimper, she placed her hands on her hips; letting her mate know that they had work to do. He reluctantly released the loveable angel within his grasps and she gave him the biggest hug in the world, "Thank you for keeping me safe... daddy..." InuTaisho basically melted as he wrapped his arms around the young lady firmly and planted a kiss to the crescent moon on her forehead, "Go to your mother now, my pup."
Nodding happily, Kagome rushed to the beautiful demoness's side and the two then entered Kagome's private hot spring for a bath. The demoness and the celestial washed their bodies quickly, yet efficiently, before entering the spring to relax their muscles. Once done, the two toweled off and Kagome went to her bag that held a good amount of her clothing before pulling out a black sports bra with light blue stripes and matching underwear.
Sutekina tilted her head at the outfit that her pup was placing on her body and blinked rapidly, "Kagome? What is that type of clothing?" Kagome instantly froze once she was finished rolling up a pair of sweats to her knees that matched her sports bra and instantly made an excuse, "These are the types of clothing that my village wears. Would you like to try some mother?" Sutekina didn't know whether to accept or decline due to how much skin it showed, but figured she would give it a try since her pup was wearing the clothing, "I will try some, my pup."
Kagome was now thanking the gods that her excuse had been bought as she fished through her duffel bag and found something perfect for Sutekina. The blue eyed celestial was also thankful that her new found mother was roughly the same cup size as her as she handed over an entire matching set of gray with golden stripes sweats, underwear and sports bra.
The demoness eyed the clothing, not entirely sure how to put any of this on at all. Hearing Kagome chuckle, Sutekina then looked up at her pup as the celestial took the clothing and placed it on her bed before taking hold of the underwear and helped her mother step into them before pulling them up her smooth skin. Kagome then turned and grabbed the sports bra and politely asked her mother to raise her arms, which she complied with... yet Kagome found she was far too short and stood on her bed to get the garment over Sutekina's head and pulled them over her breasts. At least her mother figured out how to put the pants on considering they were very much like hakamas.
Sutekina was amazed at how freely she could move and she liked it as her eyes began to sparkle, "Oh, my pup, these are WONDERFUL!" Kagome chuckled lightly as she grasped the light sports jacket that matched the outfit her mother was wearing and pulled it over her shoulders before zipping it up to her bra to not seem too indecent for the lady of the western lands. Kagome then grabbed her matching jacket and zipped it up to the same level.
The demoness had never felt so non-restricted by clothing before and it was marvelous! The glow that she held on her face practically boasted at how contempt she felt in this clothing as she turned towards her pup, "I will have more clothing made just like this! I cannot even describe how light and easy this clothing is to move around in!" Giggling at her mother's words, she was happy to know that she could give something as simple as clothing from a different era to make her beyond joyous.
Just as the two made it outside to the training field, a servant ran up to the lady of the west urgently requesting her presence within the castle; making the demoness frown slightly as she turned to her pup, "All right Kagome, I have some urgent business to tend to. While I am gone, I need you to sit down and meditate. Do not use your powers though, am I clear pup?" Kagome rapidly blinked and nodded, "Of course, mother. Please, do not rush on my accord." With that, Sutekina left the training field and headed back into the castle.
'Don't use my powers... right. I need to learn to focus on sensing auras without it...' Kagome thought to herself as she took her jacket off and sat down before her crystal blue orbs slowly closed to meditate. The breeze easily pushed her thigh long ebony locks with little to no effort as wind begun swirling around her body until her meditation was interrupted by a child that looked to be no more than the age of eight years of age swiftly ran behind her, cowering in fear.
The moment small hands were placed on her shoulders, Kagome slowly opened her eyes and placed her left hand over one of this child's smaller hands. Smiling softly, she turned her head to see a child with long silver hair, golden orbs, two smooth dark blue stripes on each side of his face, red markings above his eyes, and a crescent moon adorning his forehead. She knew immediately that he was one of her father's bloodline as she spoke in a soothing tone, "What's wrong?" Terror filled this child's orbs as he quickly stole a glance at whom he was hiding behind before shouting, "HE'S GOING TO KILL ME!"
She could sense it easily without using any of her powers. The massive dark aura that was filled with rage and hatred. It was an aura that WANTED to kill. All she could hear was... "WHERE IS THAT BASTARD!? I'M GOING TO KILL HIM WHERE HE STANDS!" 'That's a bit harsh...' Kagome thought as she stood and the young boy tightly held onto her pants, still shaking in fear as one of the most beautiful men she had ever seen in her entire life appeared before her with rage filling his golden orbs.
Kagome looked over his regal features and noticed that he, too, adorned long silver locks that reached down to his knees. Red markings were graced over his eyelids, had two magenta stripes adorning his cheeks like her mother's color of stripes, and a crescent moon on his forehead. He stared at the young boy angrily and lifted his hand to show his sharp fingernails that were now dripping with corrosive poison to show two more magenta stripes on his wrists. It was so obvious... the two were brothers.
Scowling now, Kagome huffed angrily, "Why are you chasing this poor boy with the intent to kill him?" The handsome, yet furious, male then growled at her in obvious anger, "Step aside you WEAK human!" She then noticed his hair and clothing were dripping with water and that made her sigh heavily as she turned around to face the young boy before kneeling down, "I'm going to assume that mister grumpy there is your older brother, am I right?" The young boy nodded his head timidly as Kagome tucked a stray piece of her long locks behind her ear before speaking again, "Did you do something to make him upset?"
The young boy then nodded again before spilling it, "Sesshomaru has been in such a bad mood lately and I just wanted to cheer him up... but it didn't work..." The celestial blinked rapidly, "So, your brother's name is Sesshomaru? Can you tell me your name?" The little boy then looked up, "My name is Inuyasha..."
Nodding her head, she committed the two names to her memory as she released a light sigh before giving a sweet smile, "Now, Inuyasha... I'm going to guess that you knew that your brother would get very upset at this, so I ask this... Why would you do it? If you are so scared of him hurting you, why would you pull a prank on him in the first place? I would like to think that you have something to say to your older brother." Inuyasha then looked down as if completely ashamed of his actions as he looked into his brother's eyes before timidly speaking, "I-I'm sorry, big brother... will you please forgive me?"
As soon as Inuyasha apologized, Sesshomaru growled and yelled, "NO! THIS TIME I WILL KILL YOU!" Kagome couldn't BELIEVE the temper on this man as she huffed angrily, "THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO COME THROUGH ME TO GET HIM! IF YOU CANNOT ACCEPT AN APOLOGY WHEN IT IS GIVEN, THEN YOU ARE MORE OF A CHILD THAN HE IS!"
Rage was all Sesshomaru felt as yelled, "MOVE, YOU HUMAN BITCH!" He then dashed towards his little brother, only to freeze dead in his tracks the moment Kagome stopped suppressing her powers and her angelic wings appeared. Sesshomaru then growled hatefully, "You are a CELESTIAL!?" Those piercing blue orbs then caught his attention rather quickly as her long locks fluttered in the wind.
The stalemate between the two was short lived as he dashed towards her with full intentions of killing her, yet she was beyond furious at this point as she vanished to appear behind him and roughly kicked the back of his skull so that he was sent flying. She couldn't sustain this form for very long and she knew that all too well. She had no practice with her celestial powers, so it would drain her rather quickly.
Kagome watched the demon heir to the west pull himself out of the ground before snarling and snapping at her. Her eyes then became saddened, "You only think of killing..." Her hair fluttered within the wind beautifully as Sesshomaru appeared right in her face and his corrosive poison dripped from his long and sharp nails as he slashed her chest with such a forceful impact that she crashed through the castle wall. She was becoming very dizzy and she knew she had been poisoned due to her body going numb as she stood up. Before he could appear in her face again, she pressed off of the ground and slammed a single foot into his face, only for her ankle to be grasped and twisted, causing her to cry out in pain.
She wasn't going to lose. SHE REFUSED! She had just gained information on how to use her powers, so she used it to her advantage as her hands snapped up before her, making the sign of the cross, "NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST! MAY THE HEAVENLY STARS BRING DIVINE JUDGMENT UPON YOU!" The afternoon sky then turned to that of the night sky as the stars twinkling began to shower down divine light of retribution and purification.
Sesshomaru's eyes grew wide at the high level spell she was casting and attempted to dodge all, yet was not safe from it all as one pierced his thigh, bicep, and shoulder; shredding his kimono top in the process. The darkened sky turned from dark to the blue of the afternoon skies once again. The demon heir to the west fell to his knee as he now internally battled his inner beast that roared its wants and needs for the celestial female as his mate. Kagome couldn't keep her celestial form any longer as her eyes rolled into the back of her head and slowly, she began to cascade down towards the earth, but was caught by Sesshomaru.
He held the celestial being close to his body, yet that spell was beginning to act like a poison to his body as he then, too, collapsed with Kagome securely held within his grasps. InuTaisho and Sutekina were now rushing out onto the battlefield as they witnessed their son with a non-existent kimono holding the celestial maiden securely to his bare chest as if the two had been lovers for centuries.
"Holy HELL! What happened here!?" InuTaisho yelled out as Sutekina went into mother mode and her eyes began to bleed a dark crimson coloration. Rushing to both of her injured pups, she then realized her eldest son was holding onto the celestial maiden tightly as if to guard her from any impending danger. Slowly, Sesshomaru's aura got rid of all of the purification within his body, yet it left him worn out as he sat up and turned Kagome over within his arms so that she now faced him.
Just as the western heir went to remove any poison from her body, his father growled spitefully at him, "Son... release her! NOW!" Sesshomaru's eyes began to bleed red as he snarled at his father, "I REFUSE!" This shocked both parents as their son continued, "I will mate her! She has proven herself to be a strong and desirable mate! You will NOT touch her!"
InuTaisho then snarled again, "I WILL SAY THIS ONCE MORE. RELEASE KAGOME NOW! SHE WILL BE MATED WHEN I SAY SHE IS READY! NOW, DO YOU WISH TO CHALLENGE THE ALPHA FOR THE RIGHTS TO MATE HER!?" Sesshomaru's eyes then widened slightly as his inner demon backed down with its tail between its legs, "N-No... forgive me father..." Reluctantly, Sesshomaru then handed the celestial over to his father with narrowed eyes. InuTaisho glared daggers at his son, yet was also amazed that one encounter with the celestial maiden had forced Sesshomaru's frozen heart to begin to thaw at a rapid pace.
'Interesting...' InuTaisho thought to himself as Sutekina huffed at her son before scolding, "Now, care to explain what in the hell had you two attempting to KILL one another!?" Sesshomaru was about to answer until he witnessed his father licking the celestial maiden's wounds and extracting the poison from her body, causing him to give a low and dangerous growl aimed towards his father to stop touching what was his.
Sutekina rapidly blinked at this show of aggression her son now held towards his father as she spoke to her mate through their mental link, "Mate... either I'm going crazy or Sesshomaru is actually serious. One encounter... that was all it took." InuTaisho glanced towards his mate and sighed heavily before replying, "I know, it is amazing how quickly he chose her whenever he has basically sealed his heart shut. However, suitors for the right to mate him will be arriving within one year. He will not be pleased, just as he has not been pleased the four completely separate occasions we have scheduled for him to meet suitors for mating rights."
InuTaisho then slightly slumped his shoulders before shaking his head and standing tall, "I am going to take Kagome back to her room to rest. Most of her celestial force has been drained due to that fight and I cannot blame her for that." Sesshomaru listened eagerly as his father continued, "Before we met she believed that she was just a normal human priestess. She has incredible strength and fighting capabilities, but once her true form took hold of her, she no longer knew how to control that much power at once."
With that, the Lord of the West turned and returned inside the castle, only to place Kagome within her bed and pull the covers over her weakened form. Turning towards Kagome's personal maid, InuTaisho then scowled slightly, "Have Kagome up and dressed by dinner time, am I clear?" The servant then bowed deeply, "Of course, my lord."
Hours began to pass as InuTaisho sat outside training his son until he held up a pausing hand, halting Sesshomaru as he spoke, "Come, it is almost meal time and we must be presentable." Bowing towards his father as a thanks for the training, Sesshomaru then sighed heavily as his gaze was then directed towards the heavens, "So... her name is Kagome. She didn't even know that she was a celestial being until recently. I will also have to help her. She must know how to fight with a sword..."
InuTaisho heard his son's comments to the heavens and smiled softly, "Oh, Sesshomaru? Tomorrow, I am going to test her swordsmanship against yours." This comment caused Sesshomaru's pointed ears to twitch slightly as his mind began to race wildly, 'Does she even know HOW to use a sword in combat!? What if she doesn't and I end up harming her...?' InuTaisho then smirked due to his son, for once, not keeping his thoughts to himself, "I suppose you will find that out tomorrow!" Sesshomaru's cheeks instantly began to burn slightly in embarrassment as he turned and walked inside to bathe and get dressed.
Dinner was ready to be served and all made their way down to the table to have their evening meal... minus one. InuTaisho and Sutekina were first to make it to the table, soon followed by Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. All sat down waiting for Kagome, yet, she did not show. After a period of time, InuTaisho released a heavy sigh and took a bite of food to allow the rest of the family to begin eating. He did not need a starving and weakened family. The one who worried him the most was the newest pup and the only celestial within the castle whom he had sworn to take in and raise as one of his own.
Sutekina stared at her plate, worried sick about her newest pup that had not come down to the dining hall to eat her evening meal with the rest of the family. She should have been more diligent in making sure that all arrived at the dinner table when dinner was served. She should have checked on her newest pup to make sure she was getting ready for dinner in the first place, but she hadn't. Suddenly, InuTaisho's head snapped up in an alarmed fashion, causing all of his family members to snap their heads in his general direction.
Up the stairs before dinner had even begun, Sango pressed her hands against the angelic being, "Kagome, you should be getting ready for dinner!" Kagome's servant then rushed towards her and tried her hardest to drag the newest addition to the royal family back into her room, "Lady Kagome, you must be getting ready for this evenings supper!" Kagome would hear none of this as she grabbed her duffel bag and yelled out, "KIRARA!" The fire demon cat then hurriedly jumped out of the window before transforming into her true form.
The moment the demonic feline transformed, Kagome jumped out of the window and landed on the feline with ease before petting the two tailed fire cat and looking forward, "Kirara, head towards the well in the forest!" It was almost as if the feline knew what she was talking about as she headed in the correct direction.
It was too odd. During the battle with Sesshomaru, Kagome had felt something warm and loving; it was something unfamiliar to her very being and it almost scared her to acknowledge the feelings that she had experienced towards the dog demon that was the heir to the western lands. Shaking her head of the thought, Kagome's sky blue orbs twinkled ever so slightly with determination that had been set in stone.
Noticing a barrier, the celestial being figured once she had gone through it, the caster would be notified immediately; so the angelic being yelled out, "KIRARA! GO AS FAST AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN! MAKE HASTE!" She didn't want to second guess herself and chance looking back at the castle where something inside of her was trying to drag her back so that she would inevitably be stuck.
Right as the celestial maiden passed through the barrier, InuTaisho snapped his head towards his eldest son, whom he knew was faster than he was in his true form before yelling out, "SESSHOMARU! KAGOME HAS LEFT THE SAFETY OF THE CASTLE'S BARRIER! GO AND RETRIEVE HER THIS VERY INSTANT!" All the father could see was his eldest son slightly going out of control and losing to his inner demon before he rushed outside and transformed into his true form. Releasing a howl, the earth slightly shook before he darted off into the skies above to catch the castle's escapee with much haste.
Hearing the howl, Kagome's head snapped back to look behind her, only to see a massive white dog quickly catching up to her. Swearing under her breath, Kagome's angelic wings appeared before jumping off of the demonic feline and darting as fast as she possibly could. Yet, in a weakened state, she was not going as fast as she had hoped considering she witnessed the massive white canine had almost caught up to her.
Sesshomaru witnessed the female jumping off of the fire feline and allowed her wings to spread. In his eyes, she appeared beautiful underneath the cover of the full moon, which made him faster and stronger. He had felt something when the two were going at it toe-to-toe in a ferocious battle of wits and strength. It alarmed him to no end, but no female had ever made him feel this strange. He also knew for a fact that she had felt this as well and she was trying to run away from destiny... and destiny is something that you can never outrun no matter how fast you were.
Catching up to the celestial maiden quickly, he opened his mouth slightly and held back any corrosive poison that he had within his saliva glands before nipping at the back of her jacket that she had put on and held her still, causing her to rant and fume. Unlike Kagome, Sesshomaru knew how his inner demon worked in and out, while she had just now come to figure out that she even was a celestial in the first place. Now that he had put a halt to her great escape plan, he was not so willing to let her leave his sight... no matter what the condition was in the first place.
The moment the back of her jacket had been lightly nipped, causing her to forcefully halt within the air; Kagome began to swear profanities at the massive male, "STUPID MUTT! LET ME GO, DAMN YOU!" He all so suddenly whirled her around so that the two were now face to face and he witnessed the celestial maiden softly gasp at his true form. Sesshomaru began thinking that she was repulsed by his true form until he heard her mutter, "So cute..." He then internally smirked and let his pride go to hell for once before leaning his massive snout into her stomach. All Kagome could to was stare at him in awe, causing him to open his eyes in shock the moment he felt her hands upon his silky fur.
Kagome's anger instantly dissolved and her eyes softened as she stared at this fluffy, yet massive, puppy. She now needed to pet him, she honestly couldn't help it. Here she was... face to face with a massive puppy whom looked too adorable to NOT pet. Raising her hands slowly, Kagome began to stroke the silk based fur that he held as he made a rumble of satisfaction within his chest before opening his red orbs with blue irises to simply stare at her beauty as she lavished his fur with her gentle and loving touch.
A demon and a celestial coming together without peril or conflict in mind. Kagome then approached his cheek and made the great attempt to wrap her tiny arms around him while lovingly pressing her face to his fluffy cheek. After some time, the celestial maiden backed away with the use of her wings and approached his nose before her face softened further and whispered softly, "Sesshomaru..." His name coming from her lips just sounded all too natural and loving as she leaned down and pressed her lips to his cold nose.
"Kagome..." Sesshomaru's mental link to her spoke softly and gently as she gained a shocked facial expression towards the massive puppy. She hadn't even known that they had gained a mental link as of yet. Sesshomaru whined softly and nuzzled the side of her face before speaking in a tone he did not think he even held in the first place, "Please come back home..." Kagome slightly faltered to even reply to him as her angelic wings flapped ever so softly. Biting her lower lip gently, Kagome then smirked, "Only if you take me on a ride first." - "Deal." To be honest, she was tired and he looked so soft and fluffy.
Hovering towards the demon dog, he then nudged her butt with his snout to get her on the back of his head a bit faster. To be completely honest, Kagome was too exhausted to even feel offended at the fact that he had even touched her butt in the first place. Slowly, the celestial landed on the back of his head and instantly got herself comfortable by lying down on his large cranium, her angelic wings still present as she curled up and reached her hand out slightly to stroke his large head with tenderness.
Sesshomaru never thought he would be doing this... he never allowed anyone to ride his true form, yet here he was... going in a slow pace within the air to allow the celestial maiden to rest up comfortably and regain her strength with much ease. As she slept peacefully, Sesshomaru's thick fur covered her body to keep her warm as her wings fluttered gently within the wind while her hand mindlessly stroked his fluffy white fur, that was not covering her exhausted form, within her peaceful state of dreams.
Noticing that the sun was beginning to rise, he lifted his red and blue orbs to peer at the sleeping angel on the top of his head. Sesshomaru felt as if he had died and gone to heaven while he continued to simply stare at her resting form. He felt like he had fulfilled his end of the bargain as he passed through the barrier, not even noticing that the fire cat had transformed into her lesser form to curl up against his sleeping celestial maiden in the process.
InuTaisho was becoming more and more paranoid by the moment until he heard the mental link of his eldest child, "Father, I have retrieved Kagome. She fell asleep on the top of my head and seems very peaceful sleeping in my fur, so I will continue until morning." A gentle smile graced the great dog demon's face as he spoke back mentally, "Very well, son. I know that you will keep her safe, so just bring her home at sunrise." - "Very well."
He couldn't get over at how his eldest son had sounded so at ease at that moment... especially with the statement he had just made. Yet his mate, Sutekina, was about ready to have a heart attack until she heard her eldest speaking to her directly, "Mother, do not worry. Kagome is sleeping on my fur right now. She seems so much at peace in the air, so I will be home at sunrise as father has directed." Sutekina's mouth dropped wide open at that moment as she spoke back, "All right Sesshomaru, please just be careful." - "You do not have to worry, mother." Glancing over to her mate, the lady of the lands was truly baffled.
InuTaisho then chuckled softly, causing Sutekina's head to snap to the side as he spoke, "I was thinking the same thing, mate." She hadn't said a word to her mate, nor had she made a mental link with him for him to know what she was thinking. Laughing out loud now, he then smirked deviously, "He never allows anyone to ride, let alone sleep, on his true form. It is quite perplexing, yet amazing." Sutekina then glanced off into the distance, "InuTaisho, I have a great belief that our son is falling in love."
Hearing this did make sense. Sesshomaru never allowed anyone to ride his true form, much less sleep on it. He was far too stoic and completely unreadable for anyone to ever manage or handle. He never allowed anyone to get that close to his caged off heart. He made it physically impossible for anyone to reach that far into his heart with such a warmth that his frozen heart began to steadily beat again.
The moment Sesshomaru landed in his true form, both parents approached their son, whom gave off a slight growl of warning for the two to keep their distance from the sleeping angel that he currently carried. InuTaisho then narrowed his eyes dangerously at his son before the massive white dog's ears flattened further than they already were before he transformed back into his humanoid form and slowly handed Kagome's sleeping form over to his father.
Once the celestial maiden was handed to InuTaisho, her blue orbs snapped wide open as demons known as soul collectors and soul pipers attempted to make their way into the great dog demon's barrier, only to perish upon contact. Kagome slowly wormed free of InuTaisho's grip before slowly cascading down to the tips of her toes and glanced back at her father, "Father... allow them temporary passage..."
Noticing the softened facial expression on his pup's face, he opened a small part within the barrier. Watching all of the orbs of light enter through the opening within barrier, Kagome's celestial wings opened up fully as the soul piper came forward first. Smiling softly as she looked at the souls of the deceased children, Kagome then tenderly held out her hand, "Are you young ones ready to go to a much more beautiful place?" Many of the children nodded as she held one child's hand before smiling beautifully, "Be at peace now, my darling..." The child smiled brightly as the celestial maiden quickly opened a hole in the top of the barrier for the soul to begin its quick ascend towards the heavens.
The next child soul took Kagome's hand in complete awe, "You are a celestial, are you not, my lady?" Kagome smiled gently, putting the child at ease as she nodded, "Yes, little one. There is no time for questions now, for it is your turn to go to that beautiful place I spoke of. Be at peace now, my darling..."
The demons surrounding the celestial watched as she asked for nothing from these children as so many other celestials would have. They had seen it far too many times to count at this point in their lives. If the soul had nothing to offer, the celestial would become sour and intentionally hurled the child into the burning pits of hell. Kagome was different though... her tenderness made no room for gifts or treasures, for she desired neither.
Now almost finished with all of the children that were ready to pass, she heard the soul piper speak to her about one of the children, "My lady, this one child is bitter from his death. I have continued to warn him that if did not cease his actions, then he would end up in the fires of hell. What would you have me do, my lady?" Shifting her sky blue orbs towards the child that was giving off a disturbing red aura that even made the demons uncomfortable, Kagome then tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ears as she approached the child and knelt down before taking his hand within her own.
The soul piper's eyes widened slightly as he shouted to her, "NO, MY LADY! IT IS FAR TOO DANGEROUS! SHOULD THE CHAINS OF HELL TAKE THE CHILD, THEN YOUR PURE LIGHT WILL FOREVER BE TAINTED!" The celestial before him then turned towards the demon and smiled softly, "Your concerns are duly noted. However, should my light become tainted, then it was only due to my own ignorance that took me down that path."
Glancing back towards the child spirit that held a scornful and hateful expression, Kagome then smiled softly, "Please tell me what is making you so angry, sweet child, and maybe then we can find a solution to your problem together." The child glared at the celestial maiden before tears of rage flowed down his face, "DEMONS KILLED MY MOTHER, FATHER, AND SISTER! I WILL NEVER REST UNTIL EVERY DEMON IS DEAD!" Kagome frowned slightly and begun to stroke the child's hand in a soothing manner, "Well, that does sound quite awful and heartbreaking, sweet child. However, just like humans... not all demons or celestials are created the same. Each possess their own mind, heart, and soul."
Taking a gentle breath, Kagome then glanced into the child's deep brown eyes, "You have already realized this though... have you not...? There are demons surrounding me, yet they have not interfered with me. They also have not taken up their weapons to attack neither you, nor me." Right as she said this, the young boy's eyes widened slightly at hearing this celestial's words as the small demonic feline hopped onto Kagome's shoulder before rubbing her face against the celestial's with love and compassion.
The young boy then frowned slightly as he looked at all of the demons surrounding the celestial and immediately realized what she was saying was true. Looking into her beautiful sparkling orbs, the young boy then asked softly, "Can I know your name...?" Smiling softly, Kagome nodded gently, "Of course, young one. My name is Kagome, daughter of the supreme celestial, Midoriko." The young boy's eyes widened immensely, "You are Midoriko's heir? Lady Kagome, I apologize for such rudeness!"
Frowning slightly now, she now had to ask the child, "Sweet boy, I now have a question for you. Are you going to continue harming innocent demons that have done you no wrong?" The child scowled slightly and almost said yes, but even to his own surprise... his answer changed the moment he glanced into Kagome's shimmering blue orbs. Shaking his head slightly, he then replied, "No, lady Kagome. I now see how foolish I have been. I have torn so many families apart and wish to do no further harm."
Just as this was said, the young boy's aura shifted from the red coloration to now adorn a pure white aura. Smiling now, she held her hand out, "Are you ready to rest in peace?" The young boy smiled happily and nodded as tears flowed from his eyes, "Yes, lady Kagome!" His smile was payment enough for the celestial maiden as he placed his hand within her own as she spoke out, "Divine light, protect this child." His pure white aura then gained a sparkle of protection so that he could not turn back on his word once he had passed on. Nodding, Kagome then held the child's hand slightly tighter as she spoke in a tender voice, "Be at peace now, my darling..."
The soul piper was simply amazed as he looked around and noticed that he no longer had anymore children with him. Glancing towards the celestial, he then smiled, "Lady Kagome, you are a blessed young celestial that possesses the powers to sway even the strongest of hearts." Smiling brightly, Kagome then gave a soft reply, "Oh, please think nothing of it and do keep up the good work." With that, the soul piper bowed and left.
Each adult soul she now went through attempted to offer her money, precious jewels, or lands. One of the spirits tried to even convince her to bring him back to life. She had the power to do so, yet once a life had met its end... it was time for them to move on. Young or old, all were sent to the heavens... minus one.
It was the last soul of the morning and Kagome was tired again. All she could think about was going back to sleep on Sesshomaru's true form and this made her a tad cranky. The last male approached her, "Would you look at that... if I had known that celestials were so easily TAMED, then I would have done so long ago. How much do you want to bring me back to life babe? Maybe then I can tame you to keep me alive for all eternity and then we can marry and you WILL bless me with many children, but I do expect the first child to be a male heir."
His list went on and on and Kagome was right at the edge of her patience with how arrogant this man was. His aura was already tainted a deep crimson coloration and she knew once it was that color, they could not be saved. What pushed her over the edge was the moment Sango ran outside and his eyes snapped towards her, "Would you look at that, a female demon slayer! I will DEFINITELY make her one of my bodyguards and a trusted concubine to satisfy my needs while you are with child. So hurry the hell up and revive me, bitch."
Sesshomaru's eyes began to bleed red with anger at how this spirit was speaking to Kagome. Even HE knew better than to speak to a celestial that was bound to guide your soul into an everlasting bliss by using that kind of wicked tongue. Kagome noticed at how Sesshomaru was about to bolt towards the male and instantly held her arm up to stop him. Orbs that usually sparkled so brilliantly were now clouded over angrily as she growled out, "You have had your chance to redeem yourself for everlasting harmony... but now I see that it is futile."
Holding up a single finger, she swiftly swiped it down and created a passageway to the deep depths of hell before snapping her orbs towards this bastard, "I regretfully inform you that your soul is not pure, nor clean enough for the pure light that the gods have to offer! Your punishment is to spend your afterlife within the pits of hell!" Pointing her finger at him, his body began to glow once she captured it and pushed it through the crack held within the ground before instantly sealing it.
She was exhausted now and just as she turned, Kagome's eyes rolled into the back of her head and then Sesshomaru bolted forward and caught her with ease as she passed out. Transforming into his true form, Kagome was now resting on the top of his skull as the miniature demonic feline jumped up and curled up against the celestial that so desperately needed her rest. About to take off into the skies, he quickly heard his father clear his throat and Sesshomaru released a soft whine, yet lowered his body to the ground before speaking to his father, "Just allow her to rest on me..."
InuTaisho instantly blew his bangs up towards the heavens in an 'I give up' fashion and nodded, "Fine. Just keep her safe and bring her to breakfast. Break this promise to me and you will not see Kagome for an entire year." Sesshomaru didn't know just how serious his father was, yet nodded as he lifted his head to force the celestial and the demonic feline to slide down to his stomach before his tail lifted to cover the angel that now rested peacefully upon his body once again.
Sesshomaru refused to admit it... he couldn't swallow his own pride to allow anyone to know that he, too, was weakened from using his true form all night long to allow Kagome to gain some rest. He knew breakfast would be served within the next hour or so, but his eyelids were growing heavier and heavier by the moment. The celestial's warm body was not helping his case in the slightest as he curled up and gently placed his head on top of the sleeping maiden as a means to protect her exhausted state of mind.
Before he could drift off, Kirara opened a single orb and spoke to the dog demon heir, "Sesshomaru, are you truly intending to court Kagome to see if you can win to mate her...? There have only been a few instances that I can remember of when a demon and a celestial have courted and mated one another." Releasing a heavy snort through his nose, the heir to the west replied honorably, "Yes, feline demon. I have full intentions on mating Kagome."
Kirara then released a gentle huff of her own, "For what reason though...? You should be well aware that celestials are bound to their emotions, much like humans. You rarely show emotions, friend. So do you honestly believe you are the best choice for my true mistress's daughter?" That reply got Sesshomaru thinking deeply before he could give a remark that disgusted the fire feline, "Do not patronize me, fire cat. I will mate her because she is the strongest female I have come across as of yet. Even if the offspring we produce are half demon and half celestial, they will still prove to be stronger than Kagome and myself one day."
Narrowing her blood red orbs at the dog demon, she then hissed slightly, "Insolent PUP! You know NOTHING of celestials and how children between demons and celestials work, do you!?" This peaked Sesshomaru's interests entirely as he stared at the feline, "Just what do you mean CAT?" Kirara released another hiss towards the dog demon before giving a catty reply, "Pups born from a demon and celestial mating will be of PURE blood! It is up to the mates to decide on what race the child's blood will be pure of! I will make this as clear as I possibly can to an ignorant pup such as yourself... DO NOT FORCE MY MISTRESS'S HAND INTO MATING YOU! IF YOU DO FORCE HER, THEN I SHALL BE CROSS!"
After that last statement, Kirara turned away from the dog demon's face and into her new mistress's stomach. After a cat fight like that, Sesshomaru was now entirely drained. It was almost as if the demonic feline was purposely attempting to drain the remainder of his strength and he had allowed her to win the battle. He tried his hardest, but in the end, Kagome's body heat lured him into a peaceful state of sleep. His true form released soft rumbles of delight as he slept with a deep sleep filled with emotion packed dreams.
In the castle, InuTaisho and Sutekina arrived within the dining hall with Inuyasha quick on their heels. Inuyasha was in a chatty mood today considering he did not have an elder brother there to glare at him any time he spoke, "Mother, father, where is Kagome!?" Sutekina chuckled softly and the three sat at the table for thirty minutes until a dark and deep growl was released from InuTaisho's mouth, "THAT ARROGANT AND INSOLENT PUP! HE WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME!" Sutekina frowned slightly and remembered what her mate had proclaimed to their son after he had been in his true form all night long, wondering if he had actually meant what he had said to their first born.
InuTaisho shoveled his meal down his throat as quickly as possible and his mate followed suit so that she could follow him to where her first born son was currently located. She was hoping that she could wake her first born and her newest pup before their father arrived on the scene. Standing up, Sutekina bowed, "Thank you for the meal!" Before InuTaisho could even tell his mate to not think about going, she was already gone.
Sutekina rushed outside to find her first born, along with Kagome and the fire cat all asleep. Quickly rushing up to her son, she roughly shook his exhausted form, "SESSHOMARU, YOU MUST WAKE UP! HURRY BEFORE YOUR FA-" Sesshomaru's large orbs slowly opened to see one pissed off father standing in front of him with his arms folded across his chest.
Snapping his eyes open as if shocked that he had ACTUALLY fallen asleep, he quickly made a mental link with his father, "Father, please understand! I was in my true form all night without rest! I was all-too exhausted to wake for the morning meal!" InuTaisho growled his deep displeasure towards his first born before replying, "I would have fully understood if it had been your brother, but you!? SESSHOMARU, YOU ARE HEREBY BANNED FROM SEEING KAGOME OR EVEN MAKING CONTACT WITH HER ALONE FOR ONE YEAR! YOUR MOTHER, MYSELF, SANGO, OR KIRARA MUST BE PRESENT IF YOU WISH TO SPEAK WITH MY PUP!"
Sutekina watched as her mate's eyes went from golden to blood red. She watched as he tightly clenched his fists tightly in anger and frowned deeply. She knew now was not the time to speak up on her son's behalf and merely watched as her mate stormed forward and ripped her pup away from her son's protective hold on her. Kagome squirmed uncomfortably within her mate's arms as he clamped down on her skin rather tightly... too tightly, causing Sesshomaru's now golden orbs to widen immensely.
Bruising was now left on her porcelain doll skin and the moment Sutekina witnessed her mate drawing blood from their newest pup, a sharp gasp emitted from her throat, "INUTAISHO! STOP!" By this point in time, the damage had already been dealt and Kagome was awake. Blue orbs filled with tears before spilling onto her cheeks as her body began to shake uncontrollably with fear.
Sutekina instantly ripped Kagome away from her mate and softly began to make gentle rumbles within her chest as if she were soothing a terrified pup that had just awoken from a haunting nightmare. The moment his mate yelled at him, his senses sharpened... only to find the familiar scent of fear and salt water radiating from his pup's body. Snapping towards his new pup, pain filled InuTaisho's orbs, "Kagome... I-I am so sorry, my pup. I allowed my displeasure for Sesshomaru's actions to be taken out on you. I know that is no excuse due to what you have been through within your life, but nonetheless, I deeply apologize."
All too swiftly and suddenly, the rough sound of a slap echoed throughout the entire courtyard and Sutekina's hand now stung painfully. She was pissed at that point and her eyes had taken on the blood red coloration to show the displeasure and anger she now felt. Snapping at her mate, Sutekina was quick to yell out, "HOW DARE YOU HARM MY PUP AND FEMALE BETA OF OUR CLAN! IF I WERE NOT MATED TO YOU, I WOULD HAVE TORN YOU TO SHREDS ALREADY!"
Kagome curled into a ball against her mother's chest and began to release a sob that would bring any man to their knees as the pain of what InuTaisho did became all to apparent on his facial expression. His body now trembled with sorrow and tears escaped his golden orbs as his mate began to lick her pup's wounds to make them vanish as she walked inside of their home while she continued the rumbling within her chest to calm her mortified pup.
Sesshomaru transformed into his humanoid appearance by that time and once Kagome, Sutekina, and the feline were out of sight; InuTaisho snarled at his son before slamming his fist to his first born child's face, hurling him to the ground as he stared at the ground with blood dripping from the seams of his mouth while gasping for air. As Sesshomaru stared at the grassy floor beneath him, he heard his father growl out, "I mean it Sesshomaru, you will not have any alone time with my pup for one year straight!"
Sango sat outside of Kagome's room for two weeks straight, noticing she would never exit her bed chamber unless she went to the training field with her mother to allow her control over her powers to strengthen at a snails pace due to never giving her body any nourishment to help sustain any of that control for too long. The female demon slayer would watch as Sesshomaru exited his room each and every day before passing by the celestial's room without giving it a single look.
Kirara laid in Kagome's bed, now weakened by never eating due to the fact that her mistress never ate. The fire cat stared at her mistress's body as of now, noticing that she had grown considerably thin and it began to worry her as she exited the room silently and headed straight towards Sutekina. Once she witnessed the lady of the west simply staring out of a window mindlessly, Kirara hopped beside her and began to speak, "Lady Sutekina, my mistress is growing weak and fragile. Even if she is a celestial... she will die if she does not eat."
The lady of the west scooped Kirara up in her arms and began to stroke her fur gently as she mentally replied, "I am aware Kirara... but I cannot force my pup to do anything that she does not wish to do. My pup has been harmed once again by the person she calls her father and I am unsure of what to do now. I suppose I could cast a high level spell to control Kagome, but I do not wish to break the trust she has given me the way my mate has already broken her trust. To make matters worse, within one year's time, female's from all over the land will be showing up to confess their undying "love" for my son so that they have the rights to be named the next Lady of the West."
This was frustrating to think about. Saying that Kagome was the most logical mistress would be a new found lie. The fire feline was extremely happy to no longer be serving under the demon slayer due to the fact that Midoriko's heir had finally surfaced, but Kagome was used to living as a human still and that was slightly frustrating to say the least. Her mistress was hard headed, emotional, and held no logic when she was not in her healthiest state of mind. However, Kirara understood Sutekina's logic all too well and was at a loss as well until it dawned on her...
Kagome would only leave her room to train with Lady Sutekina, "Lady Sutekina, if I may speak freely then I might have an idea on how to get my mistress back on schedule. It will take three things though. Before you go with my mistress to train in the morning, force her to eat so that she is capable of sustaining her celestial force for longer periods of time. Also, I would advise making my mistress train three times a day to get three meals in. Then, once your training is done for the day, call upon my true mistress to speak with her daughter. Lastly, convince your mate that you are in need of supplies for the castle and send my mistress out with Sesshomaru to retrieve them."
Pausing momentarily, Kirara then continued, "Now, I do not dare suggest that you send my mistress and Sesshomaru out on their own. Send myself or Sango along with them and either of us can report everything to you or Lord InuTaisho of what the two have spoken of... if they even do speak to one another that is. I also know that a human festival is quickly approaching the nearest settlement. That would be a golden opportunity to send my mistress and Lord InuTaisho to reestablish their obviously broken bond. My mistress will not allow Lord InuTaisho to get too close to her in fear that she will be harmed again by someone she loves and admires."
At this current moment, the fire cat seemed like a genius in Sutekina's eyes as she lifted the fire cat happily in the air before lowering her lesser form to her face and kissing her nose softly, "KIRARA, YOU ARE A GENIUS!" The Lady of the West beamed, now entirely thankful that she had the fire cat's council on the matter concerning her pup. Noon was rolling around and Sutekina smirked, "All right Kirara, time to put this plan into motion!"
Standing up gracefully, Sutekina walked down the hall to near her pup's room until she witnessed her eldest son walking in the opposite direction with an all too stoic facial expression once again. She missed seeing his emotional side when he had the short period of being graced by Kagome's presence. Ignoring her son's obvious distress right now, she reached her pup's room before knocking and entering, "Hello my pup! I have decided to increase how many training sessions you have a day! I will be training you in the morning, afternoon, and evening!"
Kagome turned with an almost dead expression until she heard her mother's declaration of training three times a day. She didn't know how to respond to her mother due to the simple fact that she grew weaker and weaker each and every day. The Lady of the West was not going to hear "no" as an answer and the celestial merely nodded softly in agreement, "As you wish, mother."
Sutekina smiled softly as the two walked out of her pup's bedroom and suddenly heard her stomach growl, "Well, first let's get something to eat so that we are full of energy when we go to train!" Her mother sounded so chipper and adamant about her decision that she could only nod in agreement. Following her mother to the dining hall wearing her training gear, the two entered the dining hall only to be greeted by InuTaisho, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Sango.
InuTaisho had been sulking for two weeks straight now and it didn't make him very productive or effective as a leader. Hearing the dining room doors open, he slightly turned his head for a look of surprise to grace his facial features as his mate and his pup entered the room. The only issue was that he instantly detected the fear and anxiety radiating off of the celestial. The great dog demon and his eldest son stood up, only to pull out the chairs for both females.
The moment Kagome sat down, Sesshomaru pushed her seat in and InuTaisho mirrored his actions for his mate. Inuyasha couldn't take the silence anymore and blurted out, "KAGOME! DID MISTER GRUMPY SAY SOMETHING TO HURT YOUR FEELINGS!?" Kagome could still remember the day that she had graced Sesshomaru with that nickname very clearly and ended up laughing hysterically the moment the eldest of the two brothers scowled at the name given to him by his younger brother.
Wiping a tear of sheer joy from her eye, Kagome snickered a bit before answering honestly, "No, no, Inuyasha. It was the fact that you're such an adorable dummy that I had to hide!" Inuyasha instantly puffed his cheeks out cutely whenever Kagome witnessed a very gentle, yet snarky, smile of pure 'PAYBACK' crossing Sesshomaru's lips.
Sesshomaru still refused to speak to the celestial and would rarely ever look at her, but that smile graced upon his lips allowed for her stiff shoulders to relax slightly before she began to eat. Sutekina could not help but mentally scream her thanks to Kirara as she witnessed her pup begin to eat the food that she had been so graciously served.
The moment the celestial maiden finished her meal, her blue orbs widened slightly as she felt her body gain more and more control over the powers she had been graced with. Sutekina watched her pup's eyes widen and nodded to herself slightly in joy that her pup finally was gaining control over her powers. It was almost amazing that it only took something as simple as a meal to help push her down the correct path. Once they had all finished with their meals, Sutekina trained Kagome on how to manifest and hold much more power than she was used to possessing.
Once Kagome returned to her room, Midoriko dropped by to have a long, yet scolding chat with her pup; telling her that if she wanted to control the light of grace, then she needed to keep a routine which would also include meals. Kagome grudgingly accepted what her birth mother had told her and began joining the family each and every time meal time was presented to them.
Sadly, Sesshomaru's impending day of torture was rapidly approaching and this always made him stress out. The two were granted more time together with supervision, of course, however... neither would speak during their trips beyond the castle and once the commoners festival came, she spent the entire day with InuTaisho. The two ended up mending the bond that had been torn by pride and were now comfortable within one another's presence once again.
One problem still posed a major issue though. InuTaisho had to make Kagome's presence know to the three other demon lords and the lesser houses that were housed within each governing land. All had to witness this celestial, so InuTaisho took over Kagome's afternoon training session to give her more combat experience. He wanted the beta female to feel as if she belonged within the demon society when the time came to it. In the morning, she would train with Sutekina to strengthen her celestial might, in the afternoons she would battle it out with InuTaisho, and at night she was back with her mother to practice the customs of being apart of the royal family just incase she should have to take over one day.
Kagome came to one single conclusion. She would no longer allow anyone to push her around... demon lord of the governing lands or lesser houses, she would not be intimidated or allow her family's name to go up in smoke to allow demons of lesser houses to oppose her father's standing as the Lord of the West. Kagome would make herself seem more desirable and powerful in their eyes if it was the last thing she ever did. She refused to tarnish the reputation of the Crescent Moon Clan... not while she was alive and well... not while she could still put up a decent fight.
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