AN: Hey there everyone! I have to thank you all for your great support. I can't say much else because I haven't even posted the chapter before this yet. I'm actually writing ahead of postings! I have a few things to clear up. I'm sorry if I misspelled anyone's name in the review responses. I will no longer do review responses. Sorry, they just take up too much time and effort, but I want you to know that I appreciate your reviews sooo much and I do read them and take them to heart! Well, on to the next chapter. The beginning is a varied part of the last chapter, so don't freak if it looks familiar. If you can't tell, the last chapter was a flashback so....
Disclaimer: Yes, I own Inu Yasha and all other characters......did you believe me? What?! You didn't?! Then why do I even need to write a disclaimer? But, Maki and Kaji are mine.
A TWIST OF FATE*~CHAPTER 12
"Well, now. I knew you were bad, but that was just plain evil."
The human. She was walking slowly up the hill towards him.
"He was aggravating." the demon lord replied, commenting on the toad that had just been at his side.
"I can't argue, but still, that was evil." Kagome couldn't help but grin a little bit. Ever since she had seen Jaken attempting to "dance" she had used his new nickname to annoy the little toad whenever he pestered her.
"I am by no means a saint."
"Although you sure seem to think you are sometimes." she mumbled under her breath. It was true too. Well, at least it seemed true quite often.
"You are aware that I can hear your little remarks."
"Yeah, otherwise, I wouldn't say them." She had gone back to her normal, quick-witted self for the last day after resolving to not change into what Kikyo had become.
"Then you must like baths, I presume." He was also quick. But he gave his snide responses in the most lethargic way, as if bored. It seemed to Kagome that he thought everything boring and tedious. Not worth his while. He had a way of making people think that about themselves, too.
"And that..that was pure evil too!" She still hadn't gotten completely over her sudden bath quite yet, it was true, she was holding a slight grudge.
"I assume that is what you came to talk to me about."
"Well, yes and no..there's something else too, but....that was wrong, ok! You-if you ever try anything like that again, I'll-" She attempted to find something that would be really threatening to Sesshoumaru. Threatening to Sesshoumaru. Yeah right.
"You'll what." Suddenly, Sesshoumaru's nose was inches from hers.
"I'll-I'll-well, I-"
Kagome could just barely make out a small smirk on the demon lord's face. He took a step closer, looming over her, and she took a step back.
"You'll what." he repeated, in a more drawling, lazy tone. His voice. His voice was...
"I'll-I'll-" Kagome continued to stammer, stepping back more. I must look like a complete idiot! Kagome, you idiot! He'll think you're weak! She scolded herself. "I'll make you regret that!!"
"And just how will you do that?"
"Well, I- I, I don't know, FLUFFY!" with a flip of her raven hair, she turned to walk away.
"Wrong answer." Within the amount of time it took him to finish the last word, he was in front of her. He had a knack for doing that super speed thing. "Never talk to me in that manner, insult me, or ever call me by that..."
"..pet name?" Kagome offered. Sesshoumaru growled.
"Listen well, woman, I am very busy at this moment. My lands are being taken over on the eastern border. I do not have time for your foolish human games. State your business and be gone."
Very busy! That must be why he was just standing there, looking at the scenery.
"Fine. In fact, I wanted to talk to you about your land."
Sesshoumaru gave an indignant "heh". "What does a human woman know about the matters of estate and land."
"Very much, thank you! In fact, I could tell you exactly how land ownership, feudalism, all that stuff will go for the next five hundred years! So don't give me that!"
Sesshoumaru had no clue whatsoever what the girl was ranting on about.
"But that's not the point. What I really wanted to know is, well, what are you going to do about it?" Kagome remembered how Jaken had explained to Sesshoumaru what was happening. From what Kagome could gather, there was some kind of revolt or something on the eastern edges of Sesshoumaru's land. Many people were being slaughtered. She didn't get much else because Jaken had pulled Sesshoumaru to the side, much to her indignation, and had continued to talk in a hush, very fast and panicky voice. Kagome remembered Sesshoumaru standing there, as stoic as ever, looking as if he personally couldn't give a rat's ass. But, she later was slightly wrong...
"What I do about my land and people is not the business of a slovenly, imprudent human such as yourself."
"I am staying here, I should know what's going on. If I have a chance of being beheaded when I wake up or something, I would sure like to know about it. Plus, anytime people are being slaughtered, it's my business. And if it's not, I make it my business."
The girl is indeed foolhardy. She has not the faintest clue as to what she is getting herself into.
"You are a fool. You would be easy prey in a battle."
"So, you're going to go fight at the eastern front? And I am not an easy prey, thank you! Do I have to remind you that I've gotten past you numerous times."
Very contemptible that was. I should have killed her the first time we met.
"Do you have an army? Are you going by yourself? Will you-"
"Shut that mouth of yours, human." Sesshoumaru turned from Kagome and started to walk away, only to stop to tell her, "And you will watch over Rin in my absence." and continued walking, making it perfectly clear that he was done with the conversation. Unfortunately, Kagome wasn't.
"I wouldn't be so sure." The defiance in her voice made his veins pulse. She dared defy him...again?! Using his super speed yet again, he was at her side, a large hand gripping her wrist powerfully. Kagome stared down at the striped hand.
"And why would you think that, human."
"Because, I'm not staying here while innocent people are being slaughtered, your people, none the less."
"You, human, will learn your place now or die now." Kagome winced as Sesshoumaru's powerful hand squeezed hers. "I could crush these bones this very instant." he mused terribly. "So frail...so pathetic, you humans are." Kagome was now attempting to squirm her hand out of his death lock. Suddenly, anger flared in her blue eyes along with pain.
"Kagome nee-chan! Rin wants to pick flowers!"
Perfect. Sesshoumaru thought. Now Rin has taken her as her sister.
"If you hurt me, you'll make Rin sad." Kagome flexed her wrist slightly in his hand. "Just a minute, Rin! I'll be right there!" she called to the child. Kagome looked pointedly down at her hand. "So..."
Damned wench! I should never have brought her here! Sesshoumaru loosened his grip and let his hand slide down to his side. He turned away, yet again, and began to leave.
Kagome decided to get back to the point.
"Now, I told you already, when people are dying pointlessly, it's my business and I will try to fix it whatever way I can! I'm a miko! Do you think I would let just you take care of it?! If I left it to you, who knows how many would die! They are your people, Sesshoumaru! Even if they are pathetic, weak humans, they are living beings! They don't deserve to be massacred in some stupid revolt! Do you know how many have died?! Have you bothered to ask?! You don't care about the people! Someone defies you, and you want revenge! To teach them who's stronger! You could care less about others' lives! You're just as bad as Naraku! Just as heartless and just as evil!!!"
How dare she compare me with that detestable half breed!
"Yes." Sesshoumaru stated plainly.
"Wha..." Kagome lost her steam. "What?" The last thing she had expected was a reply like that.
"You are correct. I do not care about humans. They mean nothing to me. As for me being evil..." By now he had turned to face her. He walked slowly back up the hill to her, this time excluding the demon speed. It was unnerving, how calm he always was. It didn't seem right to Kagome. He gazed intently at her, while walking closer and closer. He circled her and soon he was behind her, chuckling in her ear. A deep, threatening chuckle. "....Is evil the best you can do? You have no clue what I have done. I have done worse things than you could ever imagine." His words sent chills up her spine. Kagome wished with all her heart that he would move away from her, closing her eyes. Sesshoumaru ran a claw on her neck, making a small slice, barely visible, but still painful. With that, he turned away, continuing on his first course.
"Sesshoumaru....I want to help."
Sesshoumaru was, very slightly, shocked. He was amazed before at how she could care about people she had never met, but this was simply....he didn't know how to put it.
"Let me help. Please."
She does not even begin to perceive what she is saying!
"Fool." But he had stopped again. "Answer me this, human. Why should you care how I rule my land. Again, it is not your business. You have never met the people that you are so willing to risk your safety for. How stupid are you really. How smart do you think your actions are."
"Since I've been here, I know it's only been a little while, but, to tell you the truth, I feel useless." It was true. And she hated feeling that way. It made her feel vulnerable when she wasn't helping others or focused on finding shards. She didn't like that feeling.
"I just...want to help, that's all. Will you let me?" Sesshoumaru had continued to walk, and Kagome had ran to catch up to him, placing herself in front of him, for once.
"Sesshoumaru....I want to do this. I need to do this. What if it is only a little skirmish? I would be, Kati knows, infinitely better at helping settle small disputes than you." An annoyed look. "Well, it's true. At least I don't have a kill-first-ask-questions-later policy. That's gotta be worth something." There was a strange look in her eyes. It wasn't pleading and it wasn't fear, both expressions that Sesshoumaru knew too well. She truly wished to help him, although he did not accept her reason as being true. He shouldn't let her go. She could get in the way. But, then again, she had proved skilled in the fights he had seen her in.
Maybe I shall let her go, give her a taste of this country. She will be...pleasantly surprised, I believe. If she is a decent fighter, than she will aid me. If she dies, than so be it. I am rid of another hold back. Yes, this will be beneficial, either way, in the long run...
"We will be leaving tomorrow morning. I have a small army at my leave. If I need of them, I will call on them. You want to go, you say. Then fine. you will come. Perhaps it will teach you to stay put when you are told."
Kagome looked up at him with her big blue eyes, amazement filling them. She looked so much like Rin...
"Thank you."
"There is no reason to thank me. You will, perhaps be going into battle. You may thank me when you come running back my home." Kagome sighed, deciding to leave this one at peace (she had gotten what she wanted, anyways and from Sesshoumaru, most undoubtedly an uncommon thing) but smiled at him anyway. She began walking to Rin's little area of flowers where the small girl had been occupying herself with putting the flowers in a slightly disgruntled Shippo's hair.
"I like flowers, Rin, but do we have to do all of this girly stuff?" Shippo pleaded. Rin just giggled, putting a daisy behind the kitsune's ear. Kagome laughed. Those two were great together.
"Kagome-onesan! Come pick flowers with Rin and Shippo!"
"I'm coming Rin-chan!" Kagome settled down in a patch of grass next to the small girl and began making a flower chain. Out of the corner of her eye, Kagome watched Sesshoumaru walk slowly past, talk to a guard then Jaken and make his way up the small hill again, returning to surveying his land. Kagome didn't know what he saw with his youkai eyes. He could probably see the border where things were happening. Maki's words came back to her. I wonder if he really does care at all. What does he see? What is he feeling...if anything...
"Kagome-onesan?"
Kagome's attention snapped back to the little girl. "Yes, Rin-chan?"
"Is Kagome-onesan going to stay Rin's onesan?"
"What do you mean, Rin-chan?"
"Well..." Rin fiddled with her kimono. "..Rin likes having an onesan...Rin likes her sister...but Rin wants a mommy. Are you going to be Rin's okasan? Rin asked Sesshoumaru-sama if Kagome-onesan was going to be Rin's mommy, but he wouldn't tell Rin." The small girl had the most innocent and bothered look, that Kagome couldn't help it. She pulled the small child onto her lap and Shippo jumped on her shoulder.
Something pulled at her senses. Kagome could sense something. She could swear she was being watched, but decided to ignore it.
"I don't know, Rin-chan. I don't know." The small girl sighed a heart-wreching sigh. " But as long as I'm here, I'll be your okasan if you want me to." Kagome stroked the small child's hair.
"YAY!! Rin has a MOMMY!!" Kagome saw an instant transition in the child's mood. Rin hopped out of her lap and clapped her hands, beaming at Kagome. "Does this mean Kagome-okasan is gonna marry Sesshoumaru-sama so Rin can have brothers and sisters?!!" Rin was absolutely beaming now.
"Well....I-"
"Hey! What about me?!" Shippo hopped off Kagome's shoulder. "Don't I count!"
"Of course, Shippo. You can be Rin's big brother for now."
"Cool!! I have a new family too!"
"You've always had a family with me, Shippo."
"I know! But now I have a sister!!" With that, the two went running off to play some more. Kagome watched after them. They're so... Kagome stopped dead. She could feel eyes on her again. It was beginning to creep her out. Sesshoumaru! This is too much! If he's going to stare at my back all day, he should say something! Kagome was just about to turn around when.
"You should not fill their heads with such nonsense."
Sesshoumaru.
"It's better than anything you have to offer them. It makes them happy."
"It will not last."
"I know, but they should be happy as much as they can, for any amount of time. They are just kids after all, are they not?"
"We are leaving tomorrow. You know that."
" I'll tell the children that we are leaving, tomorrow, in the morning."
Sesshoumaru turned and walked away, towards his home. Kagome sighed after him. What have I gotten myself into?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Inu Yasha growled once more.
"What is it, Inu Yasha?" Miroku stepped up beside him.
"We'll be entering Sesshoumaru's forest in a little while. Stay on your toes."
"Of course, Inu Yasha." Miroku nodded.
So far, their trip had taken them very far west. Now they were about to enter the land of Lord Sesshoumaru, and none of them were very pleased with the thought. Sango and Miroku had never been anywhere near this area and Inu Yasha would not share much, so they continued on in silence. As they entered the forest, Sango and Miroku could feel a more powerful aura. This forest was different. In Inu Yasha's forest, the trees were big and green. Here, they were taller than those of Inu Yasha's forest and darker colored, all in all they looked older, wiser, and more powerful. They gave one a humbling feeling.
The group continued on until they reached a stream by which they decided to rest and make camp. According to Inu Yasha, at this pace, it would take them two or three days to get through the forest (it was quite extensive) and the whole group had already not slept for two days. Kagome had been gone for four. Sango couldn't help but think of her kind friend while she placed her boomerang against a tree. Kagome was the heart of the group. Without her, nothing was as happy and Inu Yasha...was just a pain in the ass. Sango missed her friend dearly and wished to see her as soon as possible, hopefully, fully intact. Sango had already run through the infinite possibilities and horrific things that could had happened to Kagome and did not like any of them.
The sooner we find Kagome, the better.
Inu Yasha sat high in a tree above their camp, sitting there. He hadn't slept a wink. Where is Kagome? Stupid girl! Always getting herself into trouble! Is it really my fault? Inu Yasha had been plagued by thoughts of Kagome and Kikyo ever since leaving Kaede's village. Damn it, Sesshoumaru! You're not gonna get away with this!!!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dinner had been uneventful. Rin and Shippo chattered tirelessly while Kagome listened to them. She was like a mother to the kitsune. She cared much for Rin too, and Rin cared for and enjoyed the human woman just as much, he observed. Kagome had promised to tell Rin and the kitsune a bed time story after they were cleaned up and had left after them.
Sesshoumaru walked to his room. He rarely spent any time at his home, but he believed that Rin enjoyed it there, and he had to admit, it was a nice change from traveling around constantly. He also had a limited amount of privacy here. Much more than he had when traveling with Rin and Jaken. And now there was the girl and the kitsune. What had he gotten himself into? He could easily take the tetsusaiga from his weak brother. But the girl's words rang in his ears. He had fought with Inu Yasha a number of times now, yet he had not succeeded in gathering the sword. In fact, he was worse for it and had lost an arm in the process, while his half brother still held the sword. But, that was just a miscalculation on his part. He would not let it happen again. He would see to it. His taking in the girl and kitsune...No, I did not take them in, I allowed them to accompany me... was risky, he admitted that. But if the girl did not back out on the pact they had made, it would be very beneficial for him. This girl, of her own accord, would collect the jewel shards, not allowing his brother to become a full demon, even though it would be less of an insult to their family's reputation. She would also, hopefully, deliver the sword into his hands. There was no doubt in his mind that he could take the sword himself, but to have Inu Yasha's wench steal it from under the hanyou's trusting watch would be most desirable and very pleasing to witness.
Why Sesshoumaru had given her leave to accompany himself to the border of his lands, he still was not sure of. Yes, if she died, it would not matter. He would just be deprived of seeing an even more shocked Inu Yasha if she were to take his precious fang. No huge loss. Although it would be very rewarding. Yes, it matters not. If she dies, I will be rid of the burden. If she lives, I can use her to my advantage. With that settled, Sesshoumaru called a servant to his door.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?"
"Ready our things. We leave tomorrow."
"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama."
"And send for Jaken."
"Yes...Sesshoumaru-sama.." With that, the servant was gone.
Sesshoumaru sat down at a low table in his room. He had barely made out some of what was taking place on the eastern border, from his vantage point earlier that day. The humans were slowly being picked off. He did not care for the humans, he told himself, but someone attempting to take control of part of his land, he would not stand for.
"Sesshoumaru-sama. You called for this Jaken?"
"You will watch Rin and the fox child while I am gone. Go to the human girl. Tell her that we are leaving at sunrise tomorrow. She will be ready or I will leave her here."
"Wha-you are taking the human woman with you?"
"Yes."
"B-but w-why?!"
"Need I explain myself to you, Jaken."
"N-no. Of course not, mi'lord."
"Good. Now go."
"Yes, Sesshoumaru." Jaken bowed and scurried away as fast as his little toad legs would take him.
This whole experience just might prove eventful after all.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kagome had tucked in Shippo and Rin who were now sharing a room. As she had promised, she had told them a story, then, kissing each of them goodnight, had blown out the lamps and walked to the doorway.
"Kagome-okasan."
"Yes, Rin?"
"Rin is glad Kagome is her okasan."
"Thank you, Rin. That means a lot to me." Kagome had slid the door closed then and walked to her room, but with a bit of difficulty (even though her room was only a hall away, the house was very confusing to the poor girl). She entered her room.
Kagome had been given a room that was close enough to Rin and Shippo that she felt comfortable. And quite comfortable the room was. It was, like the rest of the house, elegant in its beautiful simplicity. There was a large bed that was quite comfy, a painting and scripture hanging on the wall, and an old, beautiful set of drawers which, she had discovered much to her shock, was full of gorgeous kimonos of all colors and patterns. But the most amazing tribute of the room was, undoubtedly, the view. Kagome could see the entire eastern part of the grounds of the so-called castle and she had the most amazing view if she could wake up early enough in the morning to witness the sunrise. If she didn't miss her friends and family, this would be a very nice place to stay, exempting the whole Sesshoumaru side effect that came as part of the package.
Kagome flopped down on the bed. She felt anxious about tomorrow. Something just wasn't quite right. That was one of the reasons why she had insisted on going. It bothered her. Something stood, pulling at the back of her mind, and she couldn't figure out what it was. She could feel something around her. No. I shouldn't worry about these things. We're staying in the castle of the lord of the western lands. If any place is safe, than this is it. Calm down, Kagome. I know! I'll take a bath. That always helps!
So Kagome opened one of the chest drawers and took out a splendid looking robe. She placed it on the bed and peeled off her shoes (She had opted for wearing her old uniform, as it had been cleaned and repaired by Kaji). Still....something is just not quite right. She concentrated, trying to figure out just what it was, pulling of her socks and shirt, throwing them on the bed. I wonder if I should mention anything to Sesshoumaru? Kagome glanced out the window into the pitch black knight that was sprinkled with stars. Aww..forget it, Kagome. You worry too much. Remember, you promised yourself that you would try to be more content. Now's a good time to-
"Sesshoumaru-sama has sent me to tell you, human, that-"
"AIIEEEE!!!! HENTAI TOAD!!!" Kagome screamed, clutching at her shirt to cover herself.
"Ack! You-"
"AAIIEEEE!!!"
*~*
He had heard the screams all the way from his wing of the house. Sesshoumaru stepped casually to the side as a small toad demon was hurled through the door and into the wall on the opposite side of the hall. The toad slumped to the ground in a mess. Sesshoumaru stepped past the pile of Jaken and into the room of the human that had thrown his servant.
Kagome looked up, surprised to see the demon lord. But her look of surprise quickly gave way to anger.
"You-you too! You're a pervert too!" Kagome scrambled to put her shirt on. Sesshoumaru was amused, looking at the shade of pink she had turned. He enjoyed her embarrassment tainted with fear. It was slightly attractive. It made him smirk. She was embarrassed, he could see easily, but did not understand. She had been wearing garments under her clothes. "You can stop staring anytime now!!" Kagome growled through gritted teeth while pulling her shirt over her head. "Stupid demons. Who do they think they are, they can just come prancing in without knocking!" she mumbled under her breath.
"I saw nothing."
"For seeing nothing, you sure were staring a whole lot! Just thought you'd take in the sights, did you?"
"Calm yourself, human. I saw nothing Nor would I wish to see anything." He narrowed his eyes. " I have come to you to speak of matters that are important for tomorrow."
"Oh yeah...do tell."
"The bow and arrow is your weapon, is it not. Do you possess any at this time."
"No...I lost them while fighting that first demon."
"I will have one found for your use. Do you have proper attire for fighting."
"Well....I.." Kagome had always just worn her school uniform. "I..never really thought about it before."
"I see. We leave tomorrow at sunrise. You will be ready, in the courtyard."
Kagome nodded. "Um..Sesshoumaru...would you please tell your servants to knock before entering?"
Sesshoumaru stared at her, taking in her form.
"Jaken. You will knock before entering this room."
"yefmarord."
Kagome was shocked to hear a small sound except the mound of green on the floor before it passed out again. Sesshoumaru walked back to the doorway.
"In turn, you will not throw my servants into the hallways." Sesshoumaru stepped over the green glob in the hallway. "Good help is not easy to find these days."
Kagome nodded. Sesshoumaru disappeared down the hall, dragging a very lopsided Jaken behind him.
Kagome, making sure that she was alone this time, undressed, put on the robe, and headed for the hot springs. She needed some more time to think. She had sensed the problems occurring on the eastern border of Sesshoumaru's land. She could sense the death, and...very slightly...she could sense a shikon shard.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
AN: Not even a cliffy! Wow! That was a gigantic chapter! 4,500 words! That's like 2000 more than normal! Man, you guys better be happy. Was it repetitive? It took me forever to write. And the funny thing is, not much happened. Talking about a major filler! Well, ya know, had to work on the characters some more. Show their motives an all that good stuff. Character development .A.K.A. lousy excuse for me to write a lot of crap. Well, next chapter, Kagome and Sesshoumaru have their first fight against the evil creepy stuff. (haven't decided what it's gonna be yet. Wanna help?) Well, I hope you like the chapter. A lot of effort went into it. I had no clue what to write, but I think it worked. The next chapter is going to take a while. Sorry. I can't write fight scenes. But I promise it will be long. Please review and send any suggestions! (as in what the big creepy should be..hint hint) See ya all later!