Ainz watched silently, his mind whirling dizzily. In the four days since, the small group had returned with nonother than Sesshomaru, Lord of the West. He was still in awe at meeting characters from an anime and manga he enjoyed as a young man. However, Ainz wondered just how the two were both similar and different from what was portrayed in the storyline.
"No one needs you to mother hen!"
Silence descended upon the throne room. Ainz was sure they'd be at his hairline if he had eyebrows. Yet he had no clue to whom Kagome was referring. And from the way Demiurge and Sesshomaru were staring at her, they also didn't know. But Ainz knew things were going to escalate further.
"Enough!" Ainz bellowed. The moment he spoke, all three had turned to look at him.
The first night the group returned, a pecking order was immediately established. Who was the strongest and able to hold their own?
Sesshomaru couldn't hold a candle to himself. Albedo, Shallteare were beyond him. Demiurge a bit above Sesshomaru. At the same time, Sesshomaru was on par with Cocytus, Aura, and Mare. In comparison, he outstripped Victim and Gargantua. However, it had been no surprise where Victim was concerned.
Ainz had been happy when Sesshomaru accepted everything with the grace and dignity of a Demon Lord. Though hKagome had openly outed at not getting to test herself for the pecking order. Everyone (himself included) had shouted no!
"I think you all should give each other space to calm down," Ainz spoke. "Especially you, Kagome. Your power is deadly to all in Nazarick."
As he spoke, Ainz saw the embarrassed flush appear like a red stain across Kagome's face. She looked down sheepishly as she nodded her head.
"So, who were you referring to as Mother Hen, Kagome?" Aura asked innocently.
The heavy silence that had been hanging in the air became a bit more oppressive as Ainz looked at Kagome. He, too, wanted to know. Aware that the others were also waiting for an answer. So when Kagome muttered just loud enough to be heard, "Both of them" before turning and marching stiff-backed from the throne room.
00000
She was furious. Kagome was sure that if she didn't do something physical, her powers would explode. They were tied to her emotions, which were bubbling over. So not stopping or slowing down, Kagome made her way to the Arena. It should be empty at this time of day. So doing a light bit of exercise should be beneficial.
Kagome knew when she'd brought Sesshomaru back; he'd not be the top of the power structure. The impromptu battles to determine where he fit into the current power structure amongst the Guardians and Ainze had been spectacular. And Crush Lulu had gotten to test the new skills Kagome had helped her learn. But everyone, Crush Lulu and Ainz included, had given a resounding no to her getting to partake of the fighting. Talk about a blow to her pride in multiple areas.
Then came hell for the past three and a half days. Between Demiurges smug preening at being stronger than Sesshomaru and his normal dickish tendencies toward her. And then Lord Fluffy's doggish need to protect a packmate. Kagome had no respite. From waking up to bedtime had begun to wear Kagome down, especially her patience. And Kagome liked to think she had patience. But as a human, no person, and female, there was only so much she could take.
And for the life of her, Kagome did not know why both felt the need to stalk her and borderline harass her practically. Every. Single. Day! It wasn't like she was unaware of being a demon magnate in the first place. And one that tended to attract only assholes and immature brats. Shippo being the exception. Now with a nice side of adorable Aura and Mare.
Today had been the final straw as both had groused over her head in the throne room. They'd all been talking about Emperor Jircniv. The limit for the allotted time was coming. And then there were the Religious morons who had summoned Sesshomaru and 'collared' him, which had been the thing Demiurge had chosen to needle Lord Fluffy about—causing the latter to lose it and pull Kagome to his side.
This action furthered. Demiurges need to belittle Sesshomaru about being overprotective and saying that he made Kagome look weak. And that he couldn't do his job correctly to make sure she was okay. Not that Demiurge gave two fucks about her anyways other than to torment her and see where her damn breaking point was. Meaning Ainz would intervene, and she'd be lectured. Talk about a roundabout, two-faced duche!
Kagome gave a loud and very rude snort through her nose as she walked into the empty Arena. She had done so when Demiurge had first said something about her like this before. The ass really didn't care; he badgered her like a spoiled child who was insulted because he could get away with it. His level of paranoia was ridiculous to boot. Yet Kagome found his need to smother her the same as Sesshomaru did. Of course, she snapped, saying what she had. Enough was enough!
Taking a deep breath as she came to a halt in the center of the Arena. Kagome exhaled slowly and shifted her legs shoulder-width apart, getting into the basic Tai chi starting stance. Both seemed to want to act like jerks, crowding her. Whether to agitate or protect, it was boorish and childish all in one go. She was not a helpless babe!
Kagome let her lips curl into a smile as she felt her Horiki begin to circulate freely through her body. Then slowly, she began to go through the Tai chi kata before shifting it into an old, traditional Japanese fan dance. And though she didn't have a hand, Kagome let her moves flow smoothly and swiftly. Each flick or roll of her wrist was precise, allowing her emotions to dissipate with each motion. Soon Kagome felt the smile become softer and warmer as a sense of peace flooded her mind. Bringing with it tranquility she craved and much needed.
00000
An audience had gathered quietly, watching as Kagome danced in the middle of the Arena. Her body haloed in her holy powers' beautiful but deadly silver light. They saw her face relax and warmth seep into the smile she wore. None dared to speak for fear of breaking the moment they were watching. All knew she was powerful, even if she didn't realize how powerful she truly was.
This was not the first time since she had arrived, falling like a star from the sky; those of Nazarick had seen this sight. It left them in awe of the peace and calm she exuded. While making each crave for the power that was kept hidden in her petite body. At the same time, one of them looked on proudly at the young woman's control and movements. Knowing full well just how far she had come since he first met her, inadvertently trying to kill her.
TBC!
