AN: I intended 'The Trade' to be a stand-alone story, but since I got so many wonderful reviews and inspiration struck I decided to write a sequel. So, read and please review.
Consequences
By Oniko
Created by Rumiko Takahashi
"Sit." Kagome glared at Inu Yasha's crumpled form before walking off in a huff grumbling to herself. Once Inu Yasha was out of sight, she sat down at the base of a tree, buried her face in her hands and felt like she was going to cry. Ever since he gave up the Testusaiga to Sesshoumaru, he hasn't said a kind word to anybody, especially not her, for the past three, almost four, weeks. In fact his verbal insults were going past the simply insulting and into the abusive. Kagome was glad Kaede had cast those prayer beads around Inu Yasha's neck. Only now, she was afraid to leave him alone with the others for any length of time for fear he would lose his temper completely and she wouldn't be there to stop him from killing one of their friends.
"Lady Kagome if I may speak to you a moment." A small voice spoke up next to her.
"Myoga? Where have you been?" She asked the old flea demon while holding her hand out so that the tiny demon could stand on her palm. "Hiding again?"
"You wound me Lady Kagome." He said sounding hurt "I was speaking to some old acquaintances of mine on the nature of the Tetsusaiga. "When I heard the terrible news I rushed back as swiftly as possible."
"Uh-huh. Three weeks? Did you hitch a ride on a sloth?"
"Kagome, listen to me. We are all in terrible danger."
"The Tetsusaiga kept Inu Yasha's demon blood in check, without it he may become a full demon subject to all of a demon's reflexes, abilities and instincts."
"Without the Shikon no Tama?" Kagome asked excitedly, Myoga nodded "That's great, does Inu Yasha know? He'll be thrilled."
"My lady, you don't understand he can become a demon at the price of loosing his sanity. We must get the Testusaiga back from Sesshoumaru before that happens."
A demon's enraged roar echoed through the forest. Kagome jumped up and looked around. There, the glow of a shikon shard back the way she had come. Inu Yasha. An icy wave of fear washed over her. She had left him plastered to the forest floor. Without a second thought, she ran back to him.
She was so relieved to see Inu Yasha standing that she almost collapsed herself. When her eyes finally focused on the creature he was fighting she did. It was the biggest demon she had ever seen. Its stooped and twisted body just barely fit under the forest canopy that towered above them. Three curling horns protruded from its ugly brutish face with a shikon shard shining from the base of each one like evil diamonds in a hellish crown.
"Inu Yasha, the shards are at the base of the horns." She yelled. He didn't seem to hear her, but the monster did. It half turned and looked right at her "Uh-oh."
She barely had time to scramble out of the path of its fist. She was flung forward hard into a tree by the force of it slamming into the soft earth next to her. She fought to remain conscious and could only watch with a distant concern as the monster raised its hand for another strike. Suddenly a white streak flashed across the monster's throat ripping it open. Blood rained down onto the forest floor and Kagome. She could feel the warm droplets hitting her face and tried to raise her arm to shield herself but the effort made her too dizzy and she almost blacked out. When she could focus her eyes again, she saw that the shards had been removed and Inu Yasha was slowly walking towards her. She licked her suddenly dry lips.
"Myoga?" She asked her voice sounding distant and flat.
"Yes, Lady Kagome?" A trembling voice asked in her ear. She realized that this should surprise her but that would have taken more effort then she was capable of at the moment.
"Find the other's tell them they must get the Tetsusaiga back." Kagome felt tears forming in her eyes, blurring her vision but not her memory of a full demon Inu Yasha "You were right."
... ... ...
"And you just left her alone!" Miroku yelled at the flea demon. Myoga stood on the open palm that Sango held between them. Shippou sat perched on Miroku's shoulder looking scared and worried.
"Inu Yasha wouldn't hurt Kagome would he?" Shippou asked in a small voice.
"Of course he wouldn't." Sango hastened to reassure the fox cub, but the worried look in her eyes belied her confidant tone.
"I'm sure the lady will be fine." Myoga agreed "however we need to get the Tetsusaiga back from Sesshoumaru. I believe that once Inu Yasha is again in possession of the blade he will turn back into his normal self."
"But how? We can't just attack Sesshoumaru. Inu Yasha was the best fighter we had and he barely survives an encounter with his brother." Shippou asked.
"That is true." Miroku agreed "So we are left with only one option open to us. Begging'
"You really think that will work?" Sango asked.
"Not really but what other choice do we have?"
"How are we going to find him?" Shippou asked.
"I know where he is." Sango said. Miroku raised and eyebrow at the demon exterminator. "My people kept track of all the powerful demons' movements. Sesshoumaru's palace isn't far from here, we can get there on Kirara."
"My dear you are truly a ray of hope in this dark world." Miroku said grasping Sango's hand, inadvertently squishing Myoga. Sango just glared at him suspiciously and snatched her hand away.
"Back off!" She snapped at him. "Kirara, let's go."
The hours it took to travel to the demon lord's domain crawled by, Sango thought she was going to break down and scream or cry or something. Nevertheless, finally they entered the immaculately trimmed grounds that surrounded the beautiful palace. Kirara turned back into her smaller form and wound herself around Sango's legs worriedly "Mmmmrph?"
"Shhh. I'm sure it'll be fine." Sango whispered looking around a bit nervously herself.
"Well lets get going." Miroku said leading the way to the front entrance. He rapped on the solid door with his staff, the rings chiming lightly. Within moments, the door creaked open and Jaken poked his tiny head out the door.
"Whatever it is we don't want. . . " Jaken paused as he recognized Miroku. "You. . .you. . ."
With an undignified squawk, he leapt back in and slammed the door shut. Miroku pounded on the door again with his fists this time "Hey let us in we need an audience with Sesshoumaru."
"Feh. Stupid humans don't get audiences with the great lord Sesshoumaru now go away before we feed you to the ogres."
"Hey! You little shit! Open the door!" Miroku yelled and continued pounding, but there was no further reply.
Sango collapsed on the stairs near tears, Shippou and Kirara jumped into her lap trying to comfort her. "Now what are we going to do? Kagome could be hurt, or. . .or. . . what are we going to do?"
"Kagome?" a soft voice whispered. "Where is she?"
"Huh? Who said that?" Shippou asked fearfully.
"Careful." Miroku advised "I sense a strange presence."
"My name is Minako." Said the soft voice and much to their surprise a young woman appeared before them. She was very beautiful in a traditional way, dressed all in white with long pale tresses and perfect skin. She looked at them with concern, her eyes the deepest black Miroku had ever seen. "You said Kagome was in danger?"
"Who are you? How do you know the Lady Kagome?" Miroku asked stepping forward to stand between the ghost and Sango. Much to Sango's annoyance.
"She is my friend. I served her when she lived here. Please, tell me what's wrong?" She begged.
"Kagome might be in danger. Our friend, Inu Yasha needs the Tetsusaiga back to protect her." Sango told her. "Can you help us?"
Minako looked thoughtful, then nodded "You wish to speak to Lord Sesshoumaru, correct? I can do that. Come."
The walked forward gliding gracefully between them and walking through the door, as she did so there was an audible click from the lock. Miroku pushed the door open to find Minako waiting for them on the other side. She turned and led them down the halls. The inside of Sesshoumaru's palace was as elegantly beautiful as the sculptured gardens outside. The home was lavishly decorated and Sango found another reason to slap Miroku's fingers, he kept trying to snag small valuables. "Stop it! We want to be on Sesshoumaru's good side remember!"
"He has one?" Shippou whispered to her.
"I hope so." She whispered back and fell silent as they entered the receiving room. It was as beautifully decorated as the rest of the rooms. Their guide appeared to have vanished though Sango could have sworn the girl walked before them into the room.
Sango and Miroku bowed respectfully to the demon lord, though it was obviously uncomfortable for both of them. Sesshoumaru glanced over the two humans with a bored look on his face. "I have little patience for my brother's humans. State your business and get out."
"Lord Sesshoumaru." Began Miroku in his most soothing and charming tone, "We've come to speak with you about Inu Yasha. It appears that without the Tetsusaiga his demon blood, inherited from your honorable father, come to the fore when his life is in danger. This had an unfortunate side effect of completely overruling Inu Yasha's own personality. In short, he is insane. Additionally, he is currently holding a young lady captive. I believe you've made her acquaintance. Lady Kagome?" Miroku paused and Sesshoumaru inclined his head to indicate he knew the girl. "Well, we have come to the conclusion that, perhaps with the Tetsusaiga Inu Yasha might have his sanity returned. . ."
"No." Sesshoumaru interrupted flatly.
Miroku blinked at him in surprise "Pardon?"
"No." He said "I will not give you the Tetsusaiga to save my brother's worthless hide or the little bitch that follows him around."
Sango lost her temper and burst out "How can you say that he's your brother! And Kagome said-" She cut off suddenly before repeating her friends words and blushed. She bowed "Forgive my outburst. But please. . ."
"No." Sesshoumaru said rising to his feet. "I have been more then generous with my time and you have your answer. Now leave before your lives are forfeit."
"Thank you for your time Lord Sesshoumaru." Miroku bowed briefly before dragging an angry Sango out of the room. Minako awaited them in the hall and led them back out the way they came. Her last words were a whispered apology before disappearing back into the palace.
Sango sat down on the ground and cuddled Kirara. "What now Miroku your great plan didn't work."
"Great plan? My dear lady that was merely the distraction." Miroku said absently as he examined a few small pieces he pocketed on the way out.
"What?" She asked looking up. Then the realization struck. "Where's Shippou?"
... ... ...
Kagome woke up with a blinding headache. She squeezed her eyes shut tight as the dim light sent daggers into her brain and tried to make sense of what was going on. She appeared to be lying on the cold stone floor with sharp little rocks digging into her already bruised body. Did I say 'little' the damn things feel like boulders. And there was a heavy weight lying on top of her crushing her to the hard ground. She was hot. No, it was hot. What ever was on top of her was uncomfortably warm. She tried to move, hoping that some minute change would ease the discomfort. Pain shot up her back and flashed behind her eyes, involuntarily she let out a hoarse sob that burned her throat. Tears coursed down her face as the pain slowly subsided. When she could once again focus on something other then the pain she found that the weight on top of her had shifted slightly and the light was no longer shining directly in her eyes. She blinked at the figure over her. Golden emotionless eyes stared down at her and a curtain of silvery hair cascaded down around them blocking the light. She gasped "Inu Yasha?"
He smiled down at her without saying a word. The smile frightened her, it was cold, cruel and never touched his eyes, his demonic eyes. "Inu Yasha?"
He lowered his head and kissed her gently. Just like before his kiss was soft and sweet. She slowly relaxed and the throbbing pain gradually ebbed away. He broke off the kiss and lowered his head to rest on her shoulder. He pressed his lips against her neck, his breath hot and moist against her skin. He shifted again this time resting his weight back on her. She closed her eyes against the light and whimpered slightly as the headache came back with a vengeance. The rocks grinding against her back were not helping her situation either, she needed him off. Carefully she brought her hands up and pressed against his chest. Okay, that doesn't hurt too much more. "Inu Yasha? Can't breath."
He raised himself up a little, changing his position. She relaxed and turned her face away from the light. Everything hurt. I suppose getting slammed into a tree does that to a person. She thought to herself wishing she could get to a hospital. A nice hospital with nice soft beds and lots and lots of painkillers. I think this definatly rates morphine. She was startled out of her thoughts by something soft and moist against the base of her throat. huh? Inu Yasha's still here? She opened her eyes and squinted through the light at some movement right in front of her nose. It took her a little while to focus on it; an ear twitching slightly with the movement of her breath. Then she noticed other details. Like Inu Yasha gently licking at the salt and blood on her neck and shoulder. His hands were sliding up her thighs his claws leaving red welts that burned. She pressed her hands up against him. "Inu Yasha! Stop!"
He slowly raised his head looked at her then down at her hands. A soft growling sound came from his throat and he lowered his head back onto her shoulder. His hands moved up from the hem of her skirt to roam across her body.
"I mean it! Stop!" She cried. Adrenaline dulled her pain somewhat and she found the strength to force him off her. She raised one hand and slapped him hard enough to numb her palm. He snarled at her baring bloody teeth and slammed her hand to the ground with bone shattering force. He lowered his head to her shoulder again and she could feel his fangs tear through her skin as he bit her. She tried to continue fighting, but with any movement he bit harder causing agony to wash over her body. Finally, she lay perfectly still with salty tears coursing down her cheeks.
... ... ...
Sesshoumaru paced the hallways of his palace. He found himself filled with restless energy since the two humans told him of his brother. He snarled at himself in frustration when he realized that he was actually worried about his brother's bitch. All she had been was a means to an end, wasn't she? Yet, since she left he found himself thinking of her when he should be doing other tasks. Several times, he caught himself going to the window just after the noon hour expecting her to be playing in the gardens with Rin. And he found that he missed having her gentle scent in his home. Damn. He growled again at finding himself attached to another human female. Only this one came with more complications then the little foundling that had already entered his guarded heart.
He came to a stop before a simple display table in his private chambers. The table held a sword rack with a simple leaf pattern painted on the sides, the motif was echoed by a vase next to it. The sword rack held two swords that looked as different as night and day, the Tensaiga and the Tetsusaiga. Sesshoumaru had found that he could not draw the Tetsusaiga, even with Rin's presence, but the blade tolerated him to carry it sheathed. He reached out to take the swords and hesitated. He should just leave it. She was Inu Yasha's bitch and not any of his concern. But you wish she was yours don't you? A traitorous little voice asked. He grabbed the blades and stalked from the room, too absorbed in his own thoughts to notice the vase a breath away from the Tetsusaiga was sweating nervously.
The moment the door slid shut Shippou collapsed, tumbling from the table to the floor with a small poof. The little kitsune lay gasping from the effort it took to hold the illusion for so long. He looked up at the empty sword rack and burst into tears, trying to muffle them "Sorry, I'm sorry. I tried."
Myoga patted the cub's head affectionately, "I know Shippou, lad, it was a good try. Come on, let's get back to the others. We'll come up with some plan I'm sure."
... ... ...
Inu Yasha, predictable as always, my brother, Sesshoumaru noted as he stepped into the shallow cave. He wrinkled his nose at the scents, sweat and fear, blood and lust. Sesshoumaru's sharp hearing picked up Kagome's whimpers before his eyes focused on his brother's form crouched over her. Sesshoumaru drew the Tetsusaiga from his belt, sheath and all. "Inu Yasha!"
With a snarl, Inu Yasha looked up at him Kagome's blood trickled down the corner of his mouth. Sesshoumaru stared into the golden eyes that didn't recognize him. The humans were right; this creature was completely insane.
"It would probably be better to put you out of your misery." He told the creature, Sesshoumaru couldn't bring himself to call this thing 'brother.' He paced forward slowly, "I told Father that, but he never listened to me. Thought he could keep you safe with his magic and his precious fang. And look where it got you."
The creature lunged up at him. Sesshoumaru swiftly brought the pommel of the Tetsusaiga up in a practiced move that slammed into the creature's jaw sending it spinning into a wall. And most importantly away from Kagome. Sesshoumaru leapt forward and pinned the creature against the wall with the Tetsusaiga pressed against its throat. Now all there was to do was wait. When the creature attempted to struggle Sesshoumaru applied more pressure to the sword, cutting off its air. Slowly the demon scent faded from his brother's blood and Inu Yasha glared back at him. Sesshoumaru stepped back and watched as Inu Yasha collapsed on the floor gasping for breath. He then dropped the Tetsusaiga as if it were worthless.
"Keep your damn crutch, mongrel." Sesshoumaru snarled as he turned back toward Kagome. She lay where they left her, her blood stained uniform did even less then usual to cover her body. Sesshoumaru frowned over the claw marks and bruises that marred her body. He knelt down beside her and felt a strong urge to rip his brother heart out when she flinched from his cast shadow. As carefully as he could, he brought her hands across her chest and picked her up. She whimpered and shied back from his touch but was too hurt to really stop him. As he turned to leave his gaze fell on his brother. Inu Yasha knelt leaning on the Tetsusaiga breathing hard. He looked up when he felt Sesshoumaru's eyes on him. Inu Yasha stared at Kagome in surprise, as if he hadn't seen what happened to her, as if he hadn't caused it. He stood and glared into Sesshoumaru's eyes, "What did you do to her, you bastard?"
Sesshoumaru merely raised an eyebrow and stared back at his enraged sibling. "Nothing, Inu Yasha, nothing at all. You have only yourself to blame for what you see."
Inu Yasha shook his head in denial, but froze as fuzzy memories came to his mind. "Oh, gods, no. Kagome?"
She didn't speak a word but her flinch as he said her name was answer enough. Inu Yasha collapsed against the stone wall and slid to the floor. "No, I didn't mean. I wanted. . .oh, gods."
Sesshoumaru turned and carried the injured girl back to his home without a single backward glance at his brother crying in the cave.
... ... ...
Kagome slowly recovered under Minako's tireless vigil. After a few weeks, she was allowed out of her rooms and escaped to the gardens outside. Often she would stay out until late into the evening with Minako a pale shadow. On one such night, she stayed out stargazing.
It was something she had always enjoyed to do as a child and even when she was with. . . She frowned as her mind shied from completing that thought, she shook her head. Tonight is too beautiful to waste on worries. It was a warm night with a refreshing cool breeze that carried the scents of the night-blooming flowers. She looked up and could see some stars coming out but leaning back soon gave her a headache. She looked around the gardens for something to lie down on. She would feel bad laying down on the immaculately tended flowers, and the garden path didn't look very comfortable. Ah, there we are. She hurried over to a wooden bench off to one side of the path. It was too short for her to stretch out fully so she made do with propping her feet up on one armrest and laying her back flat against the bench seat. After a few moments of adjusting her yukata she was moderately comfortable, if not exactly modest, and ready for a night of stargazing. That was when Sesshoumaru found her.
"What are you doing?" She looked over to see Sesshoumaru gazing down at her from a few feet away. She pointed upwards with her good hand, his eyes followed her direction up to the sky.
"Watching the stars." She explained and lowered her hand back down to cross over her stomach. After a few moments of watching the stars glimmer in the darkness Sesshoumaru knelt down next to her bench and leaned over her, blocking her view.
"Kagome, they're not doing anything." Sesshoumaru said, and she giggled.
"Must they be doing something to be interesting?" She asked "They're beautiful."
Sesshoumaru leaned back and watched the sky for a few more minutes before turning back to her. "True, but I'd rather be watching something else that's beautiful and interesting." he said as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
She blushed lightly and sat up to get a better look at him. His golden eyes were as unreadable as ever. He reached over and re-adjusted her yukata that had come open when she swung her legs down from the armrest. She blushed harder and clasped the yukata shut over her breasts. A small smile tugged at his lips. Sesshoumaru reached up and rested a hand against the side of her face, running his thumb along her jaw line. She gasped at the shiver that simple action sent down her spine. His grip was strong and gentle, holding her still as he leaned forward and kissed her. He licked her lips with swift strokes and pressed his mouth hard against hers. Her eyes opened wide in shock at his actions and her back stiffened but slowly she relaxed into his kiss and closed her eyes. He broke off the kiss and hugged her close, pressing her body hard against his. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her scent.
"I'm sorry." he whispered, almost to soft to hear.
She rested her chin on his shoulder "Why?"
"I know that you're Inu Yasha's." Sesshoumaru pulled back and looked into her blue eyes. His own eyes looked almost sad. "He loves you. . ."
Kagome felt tears spill down her cheeks. "No he doesn't. If he cared he wouldn't have said any of those horrible things, or. . .or. . ."
She trailed off not wanting to speak of or remember the events that occurred in the cave. She let Sesshoumaru pull her down to him, she rested her head on his shoulder and cried all the tears she had been holding back for the past two months. He held her and stroked her hair as she cried, whispering softly to her. It was a long time before her sobs quieted down and she could understand what he was saying. She pulled back and looked up into his golden eyes. "You. . . what?"
He brushed a claw gently across her lips to silence her "I love you and will never let him hurt you again."
"I-" She rested her head against his shoulder drawing comfort from his warmth and strong arms around her. "I love you too."
He smiled down at her and picked her up. She wrapped her good arm around his neck as he carried her into his bedroom. He admired her soft lines under the yukata for a moment before blowing out the small flame that illuminated the room. It was a long time before either of them got any sleep that night.