Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or anything else, but my story ideas.
Chapter 5: New Friends
*growl* There's a stranger in my castle. (Me: Not your castle Sesshy! Sessh: It will be! Don't call me Sesshy. Me: No, it won't be your castle! And I can call you whatever I want, Fluffy. Sessh: Argh! *growl, snarl, hiss*)
Kagome followed the maid to the room. When she opened the door, she gasped in surprise. It was huge. Elegant.
"Miss, the spare wardrobe in the closet should fit you. Please feel free to call me at any need. Dinner is announced by the bell."
"Arigato, but there is no need for you to be so polite with me. I'm only a peasant. Call me Kagome. What's your name?" The maid blinked in surprise but recovered quickly.
"My name's Sora. (I think that means sky. I hope so.)" She's different. She's nicer. Maybe we can be friends.
"That's a nice name. Do you think we could be friends? I'm just so lonely." Sora nodded and then left, a smile on her face.
Kagome opened the closet and gaped. It was filled with kimonos of all colors and patterns. All were of expensive silks and other rare materials. They were her size too! Kagome looked around. She had nothing else to wear. Picking the simplest outfit, a long black kimono with red fringe, she entered the bathroom. It was many times bigger than her previous home. After gawking at the bathroom, she took a quick shower and dressed in the kimono. Looking at her reflection, she decided to tie up her hair in an intricate twist to do the dress some justice. Her eyes were sad; a sheen of tears rose when she thought of her parents. I will get revenge. Watch out Naraku. You have gone too far this time. You killed my parents. Her eyes sparkled with unleashed fury. Gaining control over her rage, she slipped out of her room.
She could feel presences everywhere. She knew she would because of the multitude of servants and residents that probably lived in the grand manor. Wandering the beautifully decorated halls, she absorbed every detail. Velvety, red carpet spilled down the long corridors to drift down spiral, wooden steps. Elaborate chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. Stair rails were carved intricately. Small details were engraved meticulously in everything. Not all of the halls were the same. There were the bright and cheery ones and the dark dreary ones. Door upon door greeted Kagome. After wandering around the floors for an hour, Kagome still couldn't find the main entrance. She had no desire to leave; she only wanted to know the layout of the place. Kagome stumbled upon a passageway leading to a darkly decorated set of tall doors. Far off, she heard the peal of what seemed to be a bell. Sensing only one presence, she endeavored to ask that person where the dining room was. The door swung open abruptly when she raised her hand to knock on it. Standing in the doorway was a youkai with silver hair, a half moon on his forehead, streaks on his cheeks, and red eyes. He had only one arm. His face was colder than ice. The figure stood menacingly and intimidating in front of Kagome.
Seeing the similar features of this youkai to the taiyoukai, Kagome bowed low and said respectfully, "Gomen naisi for disturbing you, -sama. I only wanted to ask if you would kindly show the way to dinner as I am lost." She toned her voice to be what she hoped was soothing, calming, and respectful. She remained in a bowed position, waiting for the youkai to give her permission to stand straight.
He's wandering my halls. He's at my door! How dare he! Father must know, so why does he allow him to enter, this intruder in our midst. He anticipated the kill. Flinging open the door, he stared at the sight that accosted him. It was a girl. Who is she? She's beautiful. "Stop bowing. Who are you, and what are you doing in my home?"
"Gomen, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kagome. I…well…Inuyasha brought me here. What is your name? If I may ask."
"Sesshomaru. And why would my idiotic little brother bring you here?"
"He mistook me to be a person named Kikyou, who I surmise is the lady he is courting and protecting. After saving me from a youkai, he delivered me home." Kagome paused; her voice wavered.
"And…"
"He killed my parents. That yarou (bastard) killed my parents. I could sense the evil aura of one of his minions there. He killed them." Kagome's voice had hardened and was as cold as a glacier. White-hot flames of wrath flickered in her brown eyes.
"My brother killed them!?" Sesshomaru uttered in disbelief. He'd kill that little half-breed.
"Are? (Huh?) Oh! Inuyasha-san didn't kill them. That bastard Naraku did." Kagome drifted off into thoughts of vengeance. Sesshomaru studied the girl as a myriad of emotions flickered across her face.
"Come. I'll lead you to the dining hall."
"Arigato Sesshomaru-sama." Sesshomaru smiled (not literally) at the fact that the wench assigned him a title with more respect than that of his brother. They headed for the dining hall, Kagome two steps behind the inu-youkai.
They entered a large room. In the center sat a humongous table; a grand piano was positioned in the far corner of the room. Inuyasha and his father sat at the table. Sitting beside the taiyoukai was a little boy with a big orange tail. He looked shyly at Kagome when she entered but quickly dropped his gaze when he saw Sesshomaru. Kagome found herself seated between the little boy and Inuyasha. Sesshomaru sat on the other side of his father. I wonder where their mothers are. They have different mothers. And this frightened little boy. He seems to be alone.
"Hello, I'm Kagome. Who are you?" Kagome asked the frightened kit in a low whisper. She didn't want to disturb the rest of the people at the table who had already begun to eat.
"I'm Shippou, a kitsune." Shippou mumbled as he tried not to draw the wrath of Sesshomaru upon himself. Sesshomaru hated Shippou and disliked speaking at the dinner table. When he spoke, Sesshomaru glared at the kitdune with eyes that promised punishment. Shippou's terrified eyes were downcast, and he refused to speak again. Kagome saw this and frowned at the inu-youkai. Using her mind, as she had noticed that those around her had a very keen sense of hearing, she sent a message to Sesshomaru. *Sesshomaru-sama, I implore you, please refrain from terrifying this little boy any longer. He's obviously petrified by you. There is no excuse for scaring a child!* Anger laced her message. The others at the table felt a spurt of power flow from the miko. They quickly deduced that the girl had sent a message to Sesshomaru because he was sitting with a look of death on his face. He obviously disliked what the girl had told him.
Kagome leaned over the terrified boy and whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear, "Don't worry, the big scary dog won't get you. I'll protect you. Come with me after dinner, so we can play." Shippou looked into her kind, sincere eyes and knew he could trust her. His small hand clamped onto hers when she offered it. The rest of dinner passed silently. Sesshomaru regarded Kagome warily. She was troublesome. The Taiyoukai sat absorbed in his thoughts. Inuyasha stared at Kagome as she smiled kindly at the runt.
As they finished the main courses, dessert was about to be served. Kagome politely declined and stood up. Sesshomaru was about spew cold words to tell her that she hadn't excused herself with permission from the taiyoukai. Kagome shot him a sharp look. She then walked over to where the taiyoukai sat. Bowing, she asked quietly, "Tai-sama, may I earn my keep by providing some entertainment tonight? My parents taught me never to accept gifts without returning them. I am not in the least good at singing, but I would like to."
"Do as you wish." The taiyoukai responded.
"Arigato Tai-sama." Kagome strolled to the piano and situated herself. The others looked at her with stares that clearly showed their thoughts: She can play the piano? Kagome adjusted the bottom of her kimono and began to play. Each key rang through the room, sad, flowing. It was soon joined by her beautiful, melodious voice. The meaning behind the song captured them all. Loss, pain, grief. Rescue from the grasps of depression. Kindness of others, shielding from the cruel world. Thanks. As Inuyasha listened to her lovely voice singing with such sorrow and saw the tears well in her eyes, he once again felt the overpowering need to protect and shield her. As the last note hung in the air, Kagome stopped playing and got up. She walked back to her seat. They all praised her, except Sesshomaru, although Inuyasha's praise was short indeed. "If it's okay, Shippou and I would like to be excused." The taiyoukai nodded.
Kagome picked Shippou up in her arms and ambled out. Somehow, she found that she knew the way around now. Perhaps the taiyoukai did something. "How did you get here Shippou-chan?" Kagome immediately attached the term of liking to his name.
"My parents got killed by a youkai named Kagura. Okaa-san told me to run and hide, so I did. She killed them in one sweep." Shippou began to cry. Kagome held him close and stroked his back. "Inutaiyoukai found me and let me stay here. My room is near Inuyasha's. How did you get here?" Kagome told her tale without crying. The little kitsune was still sobbing gently into her kimono, and she didn't want to upset him more. Carrying the now-sleeping kitsune, she entered his bedroom, noting that there were no toys. She carefully tucked him into bed and left the room to venture back to her own. Sitting on her bed, she decided to meditate and try a new idea she had. Closing her eyes, she focused her power and tried to bring herself into the bathroom instantaneously. She succeeded. (She's sitting on the bed and then she teleports is that what it is? herself into the bathroom.) Her eyes popped open when her feet met the cold tiled floor. She was amazed. Bringing herself back to her bed, she decided to open a bond with the kitsune. Gently opening his mind as she had with Kohaku, she created a link from his mind to hers. Feeling tired, she laid back and drifted to sleep, still fully clothed.
Kagome launched herself out of bed. It was around one AM. Using her newly mastered technique, she teleported herself into Shippou's room, or so she thought. Her aim and accuracy still needed to be fine-tuned. Instead of arriving at Shippou's bedside, she'd dropped in right on top of a sleeping figure. At her abrupt arrival on top of him, he woke. Before his mind processed who or what it was, his hands flashed up and captured her arms roughly. His claws nicked her flesh and beads of blood pooled as she winced. He wondered how he could of missed her presence coming, even though he was sleeping. Quickly letting go of her when he realized who it was, Inuyasha blushed and then blurted out, "What are you doing here?!" Without answering, Kagome pushed herself off the bed and dashed to the next room. Inuyasha laid, dumbfounded for a moment before he growled, "Stupid wench!" and tore after her.
Kagome blasted the door with a spurt of power. Rushing into the room, she took on a fighting stance. When she had formed her bond with Shippou, she had meant it to be a way she could know if Sesshomaru did anything to him. It proved useful as Shippou's terror shook her from her sleep. Shippou cowered in a corner of the room as a big youkai towered over him. "Leave him alone." Kagome spoke in a voice dripping with cool anger.
Chapter 5: New Friends
*growl* There's a stranger in my castle. (Me: Not your castle Sesshy! Sessh: It will be! Don't call me Sesshy. Me: No, it won't be your castle! And I can call you whatever I want, Fluffy. Sessh: Argh! *growl, snarl, hiss*)
Kagome followed the maid to the room. When she opened the door, she gasped in surprise. It was huge. Elegant.
"Miss, the spare wardrobe in the closet should fit you. Please feel free to call me at any need. Dinner is announced by the bell."
"Arigato, but there is no need for you to be so polite with me. I'm only a peasant. Call me Kagome. What's your name?" The maid blinked in surprise but recovered quickly.
"My name's Sora. (I think that means sky. I hope so.)" She's different. She's nicer. Maybe we can be friends.
"That's a nice name. Do you think we could be friends? I'm just so lonely." Sora nodded and then left, a smile on her face.
Kagome opened the closet and gaped. It was filled with kimonos of all colors and patterns. All were of expensive silks and other rare materials. They were her size too! Kagome looked around. She had nothing else to wear. Picking the simplest outfit, a long black kimono with red fringe, she entered the bathroom. It was many times bigger than her previous home. After gawking at the bathroom, she took a quick shower and dressed in the kimono. Looking at her reflection, she decided to tie up her hair in an intricate twist to do the dress some justice. Her eyes were sad; a sheen of tears rose when she thought of her parents. I will get revenge. Watch out Naraku. You have gone too far this time. You killed my parents. Her eyes sparkled with unleashed fury. Gaining control over her rage, she slipped out of her room.
She could feel presences everywhere. She knew she would because of the multitude of servants and residents that probably lived in the grand manor. Wandering the beautifully decorated halls, she absorbed every detail. Velvety, red carpet spilled down the long corridors to drift down spiral, wooden steps. Elaborate chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. Stair rails were carved intricately. Small details were engraved meticulously in everything. Not all of the halls were the same. There were the bright and cheery ones and the dark dreary ones. Door upon door greeted Kagome. After wandering around the floors for an hour, Kagome still couldn't find the main entrance. She had no desire to leave; she only wanted to know the layout of the place. Kagome stumbled upon a passageway leading to a darkly decorated set of tall doors. Far off, she heard the peal of what seemed to be a bell. Sensing only one presence, she endeavored to ask that person where the dining room was. The door swung open abruptly when she raised her hand to knock on it. Standing in the doorway was a youkai with silver hair, a half moon on his forehead, streaks on his cheeks, and red eyes. He had only one arm. His face was colder than ice. The figure stood menacingly and intimidating in front of Kagome.
Seeing the similar features of this youkai to the taiyoukai, Kagome bowed low and said respectfully, "Gomen naisi for disturbing you, -sama. I only wanted to ask if you would kindly show the way to dinner as I am lost." She toned her voice to be what she hoped was soothing, calming, and respectful. She remained in a bowed position, waiting for the youkai to give her permission to stand straight.
He's wandering my halls. He's at my door! How dare he! Father must know, so why does he allow him to enter, this intruder in our midst. He anticipated the kill. Flinging open the door, he stared at the sight that accosted him. It was a girl. Who is she? She's beautiful. "Stop bowing. Who are you, and what are you doing in my home?"
"Gomen, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kagome. I…well…Inuyasha brought me here. What is your name? If I may ask."
"Sesshomaru. And why would my idiotic little brother bring you here?"
"He mistook me to be a person named Kikyou, who I surmise is the lady he is courting and protecting. After saving me from a youkai, he delivered me home." Kagome paused; her voice wavered.
"And…"
"He killed my parents. That yarou (bastard) killed my parents. I could sense the evil aura of one of his minions there. He killed them." Kagome's voice had hardened and was as cold as a glacier. White-hot flames of wrath flickered in her brown eyes.
"My brother killed them!?" Sesshomaru uttered in disbelief. He'd kill that little half-breed.
"Are? (Huh?) Oh! Inuyasha-san didn't kill them. That bastard Naraku did." Kagome drifted off into thoughts of vengeance. Sesshomaru studied the girl as a myriad of emotions flickered across her face.
"Come. I'll lead you to the dining hall."
"Arigato Sesshomaru-sama." Sesshomaru smiled (not literally) at the fact that the wench assigned him a title with more respect than that of his brother. They headed for the dining hall, Kagome two steps behind the inu-youkai.
They entered a large room. In the center sat a humongous table; a grand piano was positioned in the far corner of the room. Inuyasha and his father sat at the table. Sitting beside the taiyoukai was a little boy with a big orange tail. He looked shyly at Kagome when she entered but quickly dropped his gaze when he saw Sesshomaru. Kagome found herself seated between the little boy and Inuyasha. Sesshomaru sat on the other side of his father. I wonder where their mothers are. They have different mothers. And this frightened little boy. He seems to be alone.
"Hello, I'm Kagome. Who are you?" Kagome asked the frightened kit in a low whisper. She didn't want to disturb the rest of the people at the table who had already begun to eat.
"I'm Shippou, a kitsune." Shippou mumbled as he tried not to draw the wrath of Sesshomaru upon himself. Sesshomaru hated Shippou and disliked speaking at the dinner table. When he spoke, Sesshomaru glared at the kitdune with eyes that promised punishment. Shippou's terrified eyes were downcast, and he refused to speak again. Kagome saw this and frowned at the inu-youkai. Using her mind, as she had noticed that those around her had a very keen sense of hearing, she sent a message to Sesshomaru. *Sesshomaru-sama, I implore you, please refrain from terrifying this little boy any longer. He's obviously petrified by you. There is no excuse for scaring a child!* Anger laced her message. The others at the table felt a spurt of power flow from the miko. They quickly deduced that the girl had sent a message to Sesshomaru because he was sitting with a look of death on his face. He obviously disliked what the girl had told him.
Kagome leaned over the terrified boy and whispered, just loud enough for the others to hear, "Don't worry, the big scary dog won't get you. I'll protect you. Come with me after dinner, so we can play." Shippou looked into her kind, sincere eyes and knew he could trust her. His small hand clamped onto hers when she offered it. The rest of dinner passed silently. Sesshomaru regarded Kagome warily. She was troublesome. The Taiyoukai sat absorbed in his thoughts. Inuyasha stared at Kagome as she smiled kindly at the runt.
As they finished the main courses, dessert was about to be served. Kagome politely declined and stood up. Sesshomaru was about spew cold words to tell her that she hadn't excused herself with permission from the taiyoukai. Kagome shot him a sharp look. She then walked over to where the taiyoukai sat. Bowing, she asked quietly, "Tai-sama, may I earn my keep by providing some entertainment tonight? My parents taught me never to accept gifts without returning them. I am not in the least good at singing, but I would like to."
"Do as you wish." The taiyoukai responded.
"Arigato Tai-sama." Kagome strolled to the piano and situated herself. The others looked at her with stares that clearly showed their thoughts: She can play the piano? Kagome adjusted the bottom of her kimono and began to play. Each key rang through the room, sad, flowing. It was soon joined by her beautiful, melodious voice. The meaning behind the song captured them all. Loss, pain, grief. Rescue from the grasps of depression. Kindness of others, shielding from the cruel world. Thanks. As Inuyasha listened to her lovely voice singing with such sorrow and saw the tears well in her eyes, he once again felt the overpowering need to protect and shield her. As the last note hung in the air, Kagome stopped playing and got up. She walked back to her seat. They all praised her, except Sesshomaru, although Inuyasha's praise was short indeed. "If it's okay, Shippou and I would like to be excused." The taiyoukai nodded.
Kagome picked Shippou up in her arms and ambled out. Somehow, she found that she knew the way around now. Perhaps the taiyoukai did something. "How did you get here Shippou-chan?" Kagome immediately attached the term of liking to his name.
"My parents got killed by a youkai named Kagura. Okaa-san told me to run and hide, so I did. She killed them in one sweep." Shippou began to cry. Kagome held him close and stroked his back. "Inutaiyoukai found me and let me stay here. My room is near Inuyasha's. How did you get here?" Kagome told her tale without crying. The little kitsune was still sobbing gently into her kimono, and she didn't want to upset him more. Carrying the now-sleeping kitsune, she entered his bedroom, noting that there were no toys. She carefully tucked him into bed and left the room to venture back to her own. Sitting on her bed, she decided to meditate and try a new idea she had. Closing her eyes, she focused her power and tried to bring herself into the bathroom instantaneously. She succeeded. (She's sitting on the bed and then she teleports is that what it is? herself into the bathroom.) Her eyes popped open when her feet met the cold tiled floor. She was amazed. Bringing herself back to her bed, she decided to open a bond with the kitsune. Gently opening his mind as she had with Kohaku, she created a link from his mind to hers. Feeling tired, she laid back and drifted to sleep, still fully clothed.
Kagome launched herself out of bed. It was around one AM. Using her newly mastered technique, she teleported herself into Shippou's room, or so she thought. Her aim and accuracy still needed to be fine-tuned. Instead of arriving at Shippou's bedside, she'd dropped in right on top of a sleeping figure. At her abrupt arrival on top of him, he woke. Before his mind processed who or what it was, his hands flashed up and captured her arms roughly. His claws nicked her flesh and beads of blood pooled as she winced. He wondered how he could of missed her presence coming, even though he was sleeping. Quickly letting go of her when he realized who it was, Inuyasha blushed and then blurted out, "What are you doing here?!" Without answering, Kagome pushed herself off the bed and dashed to the next room. Inuyasha laid, dumbfounded for a moment before he growled, "Stupid wench!" and tore after her.
Kagome blasted the door with a spurt of power. Rushing into the room, she took on a fighting stance. When she had formed her bond with Shippou, she had meant it to be a way she could know if Sesshomaru did anything to him. It proved useful as Shippou's terror shook her from her sleep. Shippou cowered in a corner of the room as a big youkai towered over him. "Leave him alone." Kagome spoke in a voice dripping with cool anger.