That was it. The fight was over. Naraku was defeated. Her heart and soul were hers. Her body free to do with as she pleased. Though, how she was still alive had been a mystery, until she turned and saw Sesshomaru above her, staring off into the distance. The sun radiating his body in a way that brought heat to her face. She quickly cast her gaze downward, hoping he did not detect her sudden embarrassment. It was a weak hope, for this was the great Lord Sesshomaru. He's probably noticed the change in her pulse before she had.
Her thoughts quickly changed, not quite towards panic but merely unease at the realization that she had nothing, no one, and nowhere to turn to.
Kagura looked up as Sesshomaru turned from her suddenly, taking a few steps away before speaking, "Get up."
Kagura's body gave an instinctive twitch, almost causing her to rise to her feet. But, she caught herself, straightened her posture, and let out a firm, "No."
Sesshomaru went rigid, just for a moment, remaining silent, but not leaving her. He tossed a glare over his shoulder, his eyes demanding she bend to his will, "What was that?" came his cool response.
"I said no. I have my soul back, finally. I am free. No man, or woman will ever tell me what to do again."
His next words practically knocked all determination from her, "You will recover fully and figure out what you will do next at my fortress. I will not extend the offer again."
"You did not extend it the first time!" Kagura shouted at him, never having been one to fear him, certainly not now with his poor show of manners and decorum. Did he honestly think commanding her to get up was the same as extending an invitation. Though, it seemed he was serious about not repeating himself as he began to stalk away from her. Would he honestly just leave her here, "Well, I see your poor manners know no limits. I've only just returned from the dead and you can't give a girl a moment to gather herself. What if I - aahhh."
Kagura's rant was cut short as Sesshomaru scooped her up in his arms and began carrying her away, in what she assumed was the direction of his castle. Her body was flush against his, the feel of his hard chest once again bringing heat to her cheeks. She looked away, grumbling lowly, "I wasn't serious. I am perfectly capable of transporting myself."
"You weren't even capable of standing only moments ago."
Her eyes went wide, was he teasing her?! Though stoic as ever, his words bordered on sarcasm, "I am a goddess of the wind! I could command it to carry me should I desire. Put me down."
He was ignoring her! How dare he. Kagura seethed in his arms, ready to move her hands and have the winds carry her into the sky. As if he could read her thoughts, his grip on her tightened, his claws lightly pressing into her skin. She fought the wince, determined to show him no more weakness. As she sulked, his voice came to her again.
"You speak of ill manners, yet make no show of gratitude for restoring your life. Perhaps it is not I who needs the lesson." he stated, causing her eyes to rest on him before sulking. The rest of the journey was travelled in silence.
Kagura wasn't sure when she had fallen asleep, only that she no longer felt Sesshomaru's strong arms engulfing her. In their place were the softest sheets she had ever felt. Then again, had she ever felt sheets? Been allowed to rest? Had a man? Her eyes flew open as that last thought ended with a flash of Sesshomaru in her mind's eye; standing above her, a primal look in his eyes. The feeling of arousal that followed had her shoot straight up in the bed. It was dark, but her demon eyes took in her surroundings all the same.
A grand room, decorated in red and gold, a table with a large mirror stood against a wall, a large wardrode to the right of it. Large couches with plush cushions helped fill the space. She swung out of the bed, her feet resting on the softest, thickest mats she'd ever experienced. She stood and walked over to the large balcony window carved into the wall. The moon illuminated the vast castle grounds, reflecting off the lake that helped separate the palace grounds from the villages surrounding. The sight was beautiful. Everything seemed to sparkle. She had never been able to appreciate the beauty of the world before now. It was a pleasant feeling; one that could only be magnified by the rush of the air as she took it in from the sky. Nothing felt better to Kagura than floating above the world, free as the wind itself, letting it carry her where it desired.
She needed to get outside and touch the skies. Just as she moved to open the window there came a knock at the door. She turned around to find a demon (clearly a servant girl) waiting by the door, eyes cast down at the floor.
"Apologies. My lord requests your presence." the girl said meekly. Kagura gave one last longing look out the window before making a noise of agreement and following the servant girl. She was led through several corridors before they finally stopped at a set of large wooden doors.
"My Lord awaits you." the girl said, giving a gentle bow before leaving Kagura to her own defenses. Kagura paused a beat before entering the room. She stopped short. A dining hall?
This room was quite grand. Much larger than the table that now rested in the center; though she suspected many longer ones lay hidden somewhere for when necessary. The more pressing thought was why Sesshomaru had requested she meet him here. Or was this just where he happened to be when he had summoned her? Her eyes fell upon him seated at the table, never once acknowledging her presence. She could've kicked him. He called her here only to ignore here. She turned to go when the ever familiar bass tone stopped her.
"Kagura. Sit."
She swung around to face him, though his face still turned away from hers, "I thought I made it clear that I would not be commanded by anyone, and that includes you."
Finally, Sesshomaru turned his head and let his gaze fall upon her, annoyance evident in his eyes. His intense look sent a heat rushing through her unrelated to her ire.
"You have been asleep for several hours and have not eaten anything for quite some time before that. The servants are merely waiting for you to take your seat so they may bring food. Join me and hinder them no more."
She looked at him silently, wondering if she should accept his feeble attempt at asking instead of commanding. His earlier words about her seeming ungrateful came to mind and she mentally scolded herself. He was right. She should have thanked him. And here he was offering more generosity and all she could see fit to do was question it. It seems her years under Naraku's servitude had made her more distrustful than she knew.
Kagura's eyes found Sesshomaru's again and almost widened at what she found. For the briefest of moments his eyes did what his words had failed to. They asked. It softened her substantially.
"hmm." she agreed before making her way to the table. She knew of Sesshomaru's disdain for others and preference of solitude, and so opted for a place at the opposite end of the table.
"I would request you sit across from me."
For a minute, she let the surprise of not only his words but his desire for her to be near him invade her mind. She chalked it, and all of the generosity he'd shown her thus far, up to his honor and an attempt at the manners she'd mentioned before. Possibly another taunt towards her as well. Speaking of manners.
"Sesshomaru." she began, drawing his attention toward her. For reasons beyond her, she could never hold his gaze long. Averting her eyes she pressed on, Sesshomaru once again very aware of her unease, "You were correct in my lack of manners earlier. I am often inclined towards feelings of mistrust in the intent of others due to….well, regardless, I would offer my gratitude. I am within your debt."
She bowed slightly to him to solidify her show of respect. There was a pause before Sesshomaru finally made a sound of apparent approval. Kagura lifted her head, keeping her eyes trained on the table. The servants quickly brought out the meal. Well meal was putting it lightly. It was just shy of a feast. Did he always dine this way? Was this for her benefit? No, this was Sesshomaru. He wasn't that generous.
They ate in silence. It was awkward and yet it wasn't. He never looked at her, though he would have to be a lesser demon to not feel the occasional glance she threw his way. The rest of her time was spent letting her mind wander to anything but Sesshomaru. The food was excellent, but then, what else would you expect in the home of the great lord?
When they'd had their fill and the table was cleared, Sesshomaru stood, Kagura following and exiting the room behind him. The same servant girl was waiting outside seemingly for her.
"Mara will attend to your needs." he stated before turning his back on them and starting off down the hall.
"Mara, is it?" she tried to keep the harsh tones out of her voice, "Take me to a door that would lead me outside."
Mara's head popped up, her eyes whipping back and forth between Kagura and Sesshomaru's still figure just a few feet from them. Kagura too took notice of the halt in his steps.
"Do you mean to leave?" he asked, not sparing them so much as a glance.
"Yes, I -
He turned to her then, reaching her in quick strides, "Have you somewhere to go? Someone to turn to? All of your maker's other creations are dead. Did I not tell you to remain here and gather yourself?"
"Yes, but I merely -
"And what if the enemies of your former leader should choose to seek their revenge on you now that he is gone?"
"Sess-
"You will not leave my protection only to potentially be killed in my territory. You will not leave this castle unless I see that you are fit to do so."
Kagura was livid. For a moment, she forgot that he was the great demon lord as her instincts tried to take over. She began to emit large waves of demonic power, causing the servant girl to cower even more than she already was, and a few soldiers to come flying around the corner, fearing their lord was in danger. Sesshomaru held out a hand to stop them. But they stood, hands poised to grab their weapons if necessary.
Kagura reined in her emotions. Closing her eyes and counting for a few breaths, she calmed herself before staring pointedly into Sesshomaru's eyes; having the unfortunate desire to compare him to a captor. To Naraku. She put as much hate as she could muster into her words.
"As you wish Lord Sesshomaru. Come Mara, guide me to my prison cell." Kagura brushed past Sesshomaru, no desire to be in his presence a moment longer for fear of how she might lash out at him and not in the mood to have to dispose of his minions. Sesshomaru said nothing and she never turned back. After a moment, Mara scurried along to lead Kagura back to her room.
Almost immediately after they'd arrived in her room she dismissed the servant girl. Mara meekly explained that there were clothes for her in the wardrobe and that she would be within hearing range. Kagura need only whisper her name if she needed her. She offered to show her the hot springs in case she wished to refresh herself, but Kagura declined. She wouldn't risk running into Sesshomaru whilst in the halls.
She desperately wanted to at least change out of her own clothes, but refused to accept anything else provided by Sesshomaru. She paced the room for a while, looked around, taking in all that had been provided to her. The bed, the soft floor, cushioned benches for sitting, and a table with a vanity mirror and hair brush.
Kagura made the mistake of opening the wardrobe with the intentions of just looking. When her eyes rested upon the array of beautiful silk kimonos and robes, she just couldn't resist. She quickly discarded her clothes and slipped on a magenta robe, tying it firmly around her. She sat at the table and took her hair down, letting it tumble to her waist and brushing through it while staring at her reflection. Eventually she wasn't looking at herself but right through herself. Her existence flashing before her eyes. From the day all those years ago when Naraku had first created her, to all of the wicked tasks she'd been ordered to perform. All the times she'd been reprimanded for his plans falling through even though she'd played her part correctly. The feeling of never living for herself. Of never having love or desire for a man for herself. Until….until there came along the one man she'd ever felt anything for. And here he was ordering her around as if she were a child. As if he controlled her. How could he treat her the same as the very devil he had just fought so hard to destroy?
Enough of this. All of these smothering emotions came from the suffocating feeling of being trapped inside for so long. It was well into the late hours of the night by now. Kagura stood and strode to the large windows, flinging them open and stepping out onto the balcony. She pulled one of her hair feathers down and enlarged it, kneeling onto it as it floated up into the sky. She glided a little ways away from the castle, still well within the grounds, but high above it all where the cool air beckoned her. The sky was alight with the twinkling stars; one of her favorite sights. And what better place to view them than to be practically among them. Kagura fell onto her back and stared up at the sky.
Her gaze did not move, even when she felt the presence of the person she wanted to see least, although she had known he would come. However, it was her turn to ignore him, knowing how he hated it. His pride demanded he be acknowledged. She would not cave. He would learn to address her correctly. They floated in silence, Kagura continuing to stare at the stars, needing a little more will power to hold her gaze straight up every time she felt the piercing golden gaze upon her.
She was sure she would grow frustrated enough to speak first, if only to bark at him to leave her be. To her surprise, it was Sesshomaru's gentle voice that broke the silence.
"I thought I made my request for you not to leave quite clear." he stated rather than asked. Almost as if he wanted to scold her.
"Request?" she questioned. He chose to ignore her question and posed one of his own.
"This is where you desired to go when you attempted to leave earlier?"
"I wasn't trying to leave. You refused to let me speak." she responded, exasperation slightly evident in her tone, "I was simply tired of being indoors. I only needed a moment in the wind. In the sky."
There was a long silence, though she could feel the conversation was far from over. And then she realized that she had something to say. She sat up and looked directly at him. He must have looked away as she rose for she was sure she had felt his gaze upon her only moments ago. Not this time you don't.
"Sesshomaru." she called, forcing him to pay attention to her and forcing herself to hold his gaze once she had it, "You cannot expect for us to co-exist if you intend to treat me as Naraku did."
He reacted as she knew he would. His face hardened and he became defensive, "You would dare compare me to that fiend?"
"What would you have me do? Forceful command with no say in how I manipulate my own body is all I have ever known. And just when I think I am free, you send me back into the depths of someone having control over me. If I must fight you to get away then so be it, but I would rather take my chances in a world intent on regarding me with hate and thoughts of vengeance than stay here if all you intend to do is force me to bend to your will."
The two stared at each other in silence for a long time, the only sounds coming from nature and its creatures. Fearing it was hopeless to change Sesshomaru's mind and attitude (and mentally preparing herself to put thoughts of his beauty aside to fight him) Kagura looked away.
"I shall make an effort to listen next time you are trying to tell me something."
Kagura's eyes flew upward, amazed that he had not only listened to her, but conceded to her wishes. However, Sesshomaru was no longer before her. He had moved so that he was facing his castle, his back toward her. He was making his way back but stopped a short distance away from her, never looking back as he spoke.
"That color suits you,"
And then he was gone. Thankfully so, for Kagura felt the intensity of the blush only he caused double if not triple. A compliment? It wasn't merely the words that had caused her reaction, or that he liked the color on her. No, it was the fact that he was pleased with her appearance in a color that so perfectly matched his demonic markings. One of his most defining and notorious features. She needed to get her lustful reactions under control if she were truly going to stay here for a while.