Inside the mansion Kagome, Miroku, and Sango were brought to the lord of the compound. He sat much in the same way her own father had in his own as the head of the household.
Beside him was a younger woman, whether it was his wife or daughter Kagome couldn't say, with guards flanking all sides of the room and other lords sitting on either side.
"Lady Higurashi." Kumuyra greeted as they knelt and bowed respectfully. "It is good to see that you escaped harm."
"Thank you my lord. It was only by divine grace, the loyalty of my servants, master Miroku and lady Sango that I was able to be kept safe these past years." Kagome said.
"Where exactly have you been in this time?" He questioned.
"Master Miroku took us to his monastery for a time. Lady Sango and I have taken many pilgrimages and have devoted our lives to others in the wake of what happened to our compound." Kagome said.
"How admirable." Kimuyra said sounding unimpressed. "Do you know what became of your family?"
"Rumors, nothing more. My father was killed that night and my mother escaped is what I have heard." Kagome said.
"And what of the young lord who was there, Naraku?" Kimurya said.
"Naraku was a half-breed whom forced himself upon me and raped me. It was only with the assistance of master Miroku and the demon Sesshomaru that I was able to escape his vile hands." Kagome tried to remain composed but felt her scowl take form.
"Enough my lord." The lady said sitting beside him. "These women have escaped an atrocity and now have come to us as refugees. With all due respect, it is not your place to accost them."
"Ah, lady Kikyo. Firm as always. Very well. Master Miroku I would have you meet with my advisors and the other lords."
"Yes my lord. It would be my honor." Miroku said.
"My lady if you would show Lady Higurashi and the Lady Sango to suitable quarters." He requested of her.
"Thank you my lord." Kikyo said with a small bow. "My ladies.." Standing she motioned for them to do the same.
"Thank you lady Kikyo." Kagome said as they both stood and followed her out. "Are you the lady Kimuyra of the household?"
"Heavens no. I am the same as you both. My sister Kaede and I came here to seek asylum after our compound was brought down and our demons mutinied." Kikyo said as she led them down the hall.
"I am terribly sorry for your great loss." Kagome responded.
"It was only a matter of time, do you not agree?" Kikyo questioned. "For centuries our people have subjugated a much more powerful species. It was due to happen, just so that it was with in our lifetimes."
"I suppose." Kagome replied. Was Kikyo testing her? Could Kikyo be trusted as an ally? Glancing at Sango she could tell she was thinking the same thing as she raised a brow slightly.
"Here are your quarters my ladies. If you need anything my sister and I are across the hall." Kikyo said. "I will let you settle in."
"Thank you lady Kikyo." Kagome said gratefully.
"Feel free to join us for a meal once you have made yourself comfortable from your travels." She said. "I feel you and I have much in common."
"It would be our honor." Kagome bowed as she shut the door. Blowing air out from her cheeks she looked around the room. It wasn't terribly unlike the one she had grown up in albeit a bit smaller and minus a balcony.
Walking closer to Sango she whispered. "What do you make of her?" Sighing and shaking her head slightly Kagome nodded. "We will get a feel for her and take it from there."
Giving a small nod Sango agreed. Knowing that she would be asked if the accommodations were to her liking she instructed Sango to inspect one side of the room as she investigated the other.
Checking for any indication that the 'walls may have ears' she found no immediate evidence of such but knew it would be smart to keep her mouth shut and stick to the plan.
Sitting upon the futon she closed her eyes to focus. Kagome searched out the demonic seal that was enslaving the demons who came to the compound.
Shortly after they had arrived at the monastery Sesshomaru, Koga, Ayame, and the others had allowed themselves to be branded with a mark that would negate any demonic seal.
It had yet to be tested, now where they were this was the test. A trial by fire Kagome supposed much to her chagrin. Hoping it worked and that Sesshomaru and Koga were allowed to use their energy still she felt it.
It was not just one seal however, it was over a dozen with differing power levels and points of energy. Opening her eyes she placed a hand to her head.
No wonder it had been so difficult to dismantle. All of the other compounds had brought their seals as well to subjugate all of the demons they brought with them.
This was going to take longer than she thought.
The next day as Sesshomaru prepared to follow the other demons to perform whatever task they found him suitable for he was stopped by two human males.
They spoke to one another as if he were not present about him.
"This is one that the Lady Higurashi brought with her. Strong, good muscle tone. Yes. Take him back to stud." The elder man said to the younger.
"Shouldn't the Lady Higurashi be consulted seeing as it's her property we are dealing with?" The younger one asked.
"It's not a womans place to discuss business matters as this. Now do as I say Kohaku."
"Yes sir." This Kohaku said. Sesshomaru found the entire situation incredibly amusing but kept his face still keeping it to himself. He doubted Kagome would find it as amusing though when she found out.
Being led to a hut he stopped looking down at the human. "Go on demon. You heard master Bankotsu."
Entering Sesshomaru closed the door behind him and scoffed. "They certainly do not waste any time here, now do they?"
"No." Kagura answered smirking. "Can't say I am disappointed." Looking him up and down she offered him a seat. "Come on big boy, I'll get you some sake."
"No thank you." Glancing back at the door he knew the human was on the other side. Waving his hand in front of it Kagura saw it ripple as a bluish aura surrounded it.
"What…?"
"The human will hear what he wants to hear allowing us to speak freely." Sesshomaru said.
"You used demonic energy. How did you do that?" Kagura asked dumbfounded.
"With this." Lifting his short kimono sleeve she saw the brand on his bicep that practically glowed as if imbued with power. "This allow me to use my energy with in the barrier of any demonic seal."
Sitting down hard she stared up at him. "Who are you?"
"I am Sesshomaru, Lord Sesshomaru formerly of the western lands. I was taken to the Higurashi compound after the war and stayed there for many centuries as a slave." He explained. "With help we liberated the demons of the compound."
"And…here…now?"
"We have come to do the same. Koga, myself, Miroku, Sango, and Lady Kagome." He watched as she took the small jug of sake with trembling hands and poured it into a saucer.
Drinking it down she stared at him again. "You are completely serious."
"It is the truth."
"You expect me to believe that humans just, what? Decided to help us all of a sudden?" Kagura almost demanded. "That doesn't happen."
"I know, that is why you need to take a chance. Put your trust in to us. It is not easy and you will question everything in your life but believe me; if all goes well Kagura what is waiting on the other side is very much worth it."
"Trust you, I don't know you. You really expect anyone else here to follow you blindly on good faith?" She scoffed out. "Talk about disillusioned."
"I do not expect the others too, no. They will need someone to help them understand what is happening and to prepare themselves for when it does. That person is you, Kagura." Sesshomaru said.
Laughing bitterly she shook her head. "Me? I am a breeder, I am nobody." Seeing the tears form in her eyes she moved to her and knelt down in front of her.
"Then become someone." He said holding her stare with his.
"I-I can't even remember what it was like before. I can be free?" Her voice came out meekly.
"Yes." Still shaking her head she wiped at her eyes quickly. "Tell me, what type of demon are you?"
"Elemental. Wind." She sniffled. "My mother was a powerful sorceress of the wind. We were free and we could go wherever took us." Sobbing she hid her face from him in her hands.
Pouring her some more sake he took her hands from her and pressed the saucer to her palms.
"We will do what we can but you need to help yourself and your people." Sesshomaru said standing. Kagura watched him as he stood. "I will see myself out. Thank you Kagura for entertaining this one."
"Right." She said sipping the alcohol. Going to the door he released the barrier he had placed over it and went outside.
"That was quick." Kohaku said casting an eye at Sesshomaru. "I at least hope you treated her like a lady."
Sesshomaru heard the jealousy behind the humans words and the tension in his body. He knew immediately that this Kohaku had feelings for Kagura. Wondering if they were in a relationship of sorts he turned to the other male.
"Yes I did." He assured.
"Come on. I will take you to the blacksmith, see what he wants to do with you." Kohaku said still sounding upset. Perhaps the young man could prove useful as well.