AN: I decided to take Eiri out of the running since he was trailing so far
behind. Sorry this chapter took so long, but it just didn't want to be
written. Well here's how the votes stand at the moment:
Sess/Kag: 62
Inu/Kag: 42
Last chapter:
"You want to know what's going on, don't you?" Kagome said knowing that though he would never say it Sesshoumaru was greatly curious of all the conflict that seemed to be going on. Sesshoumaru didn't give a response and Kagome let out a small sigh. "Come on, have a seat and I'll tell you what you wanna know."
Sesshoumaru was surprised at how well she was able to read him. He nodded and stepped inside. They sat across from each other. Sesshoumaru watched Kagome fidget for a few minutes and then she took a deep breath. "Okay well, most of the conflict started when my real father found me..."
CH: 6 Past Catches Up
Sesshoumaru listen intently as Kagome told her tail. "Okay well, most of the conflict started when my real father found me. I was about seven at the time. I was just randomly traveling since I had nothing else to do, but wander and stay alive. I didn't have anywhere to go." Kagome's eyes saddened.
"My father had been out hunting and I had been close to the kami land. He came across me and actually tried to make a meal of me at first. I ran and when he caught me I did all I could to fight. He bit me, but then pulled back immediately after tasting a bit of my blood. He recognized the blood of a kami even if I was only half. He sniffed at me a bit and I just remember being frozen in fear. He then brushed back my hair and saw my insignia and was shocked to see it matched his own." Sesshoumaru was wondering at that point how her father could have been such a fool as to not recognize his own daughter.
"He told me I was his daughter. I hadn't known that the father I had before wasn't my actual father. I tried to deny it, but the proof was too much. He then told me to follow him back to his home. I refused and he hit me hard enough to knock me to the ground. I found out later he didn't get disobeyed much." Her tale was making Sesshoumaru's anger flare. His father had been hard on him as well, but her father seemed just cruel. "I pulled myself to my feet and reluctantly followed him. He said I was family and I had to follow."
"When we got there all hell broke loose. Hiko, my father's real mate and Kamui and Ryuuichi's mother began to scream about my father bring such a 'filthy little thing' into her home. She yelled about what the others would think with me being there. Kamui only stared at me with contempt. Ryuuichi wasn't born till a few months later. Kamui detested me and my father would often get into drunken rages in which I would try to protect Ryuuichi and even Kamui and ended up bloody and bruised the next day. I'm pretty sure I don't really need to tell you how I was treated by the others, do I?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head. 'I can only assume she was treated worse than a hanyou.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself.
"Well, I trained hard to keep people from thinking I was just a pathetic half breed." Kagome's eyes got shiny as she held back tears. The same tears that she had been holding back for too long. Sesshoumaru noticed this and wished he could do something. "Anyway, Itami is a kami and an incredibly strong one at that. He was of the mind set that the kami should purify the world and destroy all other life such as youkai and ningen. When I was nineteen, many followed him and soon a war started because of it. Even though many kami such as Kamui think of those other than the kami as dirt deep down he still knows that they are needed in this world. I'm sure you've heard the legends of the battle that took place. It was hell though it lasted only a few days."
Kagome cringed as she remembered how much blood was spilt in those few days. "The kami were a large race and now compared to what they were there is only a handful left. Enough to make another big bloody war though. The battle came down to one determining point and that was when our father fell. Itami then went for Ryuuichi. Kamui and I only agreed on one thing and that was that Ryuuichi is...was a very...good...person. We came to a silent agreement to help him and it took all three of us hours to finally take Itami down. I could have sworn he was dead..." Kagome voice caught as she held back sobs, thinking about how she would never see Ryuuichi again.
"Any questions?" Kagome finally asked when she was able to speak again.
Sesshoumaru had watched her throughout her story and could only wonder at how strong she was. He admitted to atleast himself that if he had been in the same situation he didn't know if he would have been able to hold together as she had. He couldn't understand how she could still hold such a warmth in her to take in the two children.
"What of your life before the kami?" He finally asked what he had been wondering. She hadn't spoken of her mother and she had mentioned a father before her real father coming to get her.
"I'd rather not talk about it. That subject is even more painful." She said with downcast eyes.
Sesshoumaru couldn't help, but move to her side and wrap his arms around her. He pulled her to him and she gave no resistance. 'He's so warm and soothing. I can't remember the last time I felt so...comforted.' Kagome though and snuggled further into his embrace.
Sesshoumaru was feeling very unfamiliar emotions as he held Kagome. He felt his heart warming as she snuggled closer to him. He also felt strangely soothed even though he was the one who was giving supposedly giving the comfort. 'Her scent is so sweet.' Sesshoumaru thought as he lightly nuzzled her hair.
"I think it's about dinner time." Kagome finally said though she wanted to stay in Sesshoumaru's arms she was sure that Rin and Shippou would awake soon and need to eat. Sesshoumaru nodded and stood with her still in his arms. Kagome didn't know what to think. When they had first met she had been sure that he had just wanted her because of her looks and because she was in heat. Now, however, he was making efforts to be nicer to those he thought were below him and he was being just so...'perfect,' Kagome thought.
Shippou made a small noise as he stirred awake and Sesshoumaru reluctantly drew his arms back to his side. Kagome went over to the two small children on the bed and sat next to them. Shippou opened his eyes and smiled when he saw who was watching over him. Then his stomach growled. Kagome giggled at the sound and decided to wake Rin so she could take the children to eat.
Kagome lightly shook Rin and she cracked open an eye. "Is it time to wake up, Kagome-neechan?" Rin asked sleepily.
"Hai, Rin. It's time to eat dinner." Kagome said and she picked the still tired girl up. Rin yawned cutely and hooked one arm around Kagome's neck. Shippou had sat up and slid of the bed. He stood and took Kagome's hand which she let him hold. She turned and looked at Sesshoumaru over her shoulder and her followed her as she left the room.
They walked down the hall to the where they had been told the dining room was. Kagome couldn't remember the layout of this castle anymore. She remembered playing here as a child, alone, but noticed many things had changed. 'Well, I was gone for a long time.' She told herself.
"Kagome, can I speak with you?" Kagome turned to see Eiri coming down another hall to the right.
"I was going to take them to eat." Kagome said referring to Rin and Shippou.
Eiri was about to relent, but Sesshoumaru spoke first. "I'll take them." Kagome turned and looked at Sesshoumaru with unhidden surprise.
"Are you sure?" Kagome wanted to make sure he really wanted to do this. Catching food was one thing, but to keep them company was something different. Sesshoumaru just nodded and Kagome smiled. "Sesshoumaru is going to take you two to go eat while I speak with Eiri, okay?" Shippou and Rin nodded.
Kagome handed over Rin to Sesshoumaru and he awkwardly held her in his arms. "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru." She said to the youkai lord and then turn to the two children. "I'll see you guys later. And go easy on him, he's new to this." Kagome told Shippou and Rin referring to Sesshoumaru. They both swore to themselves that for Kagome's sake they would be the best behave children ever.
Kagome turned and followed Eiri down the hall he had been coming from while Sesshoumaru stood still and watched them walk away. 'Is he someone close to her? A possible future mate perhaps? He doesn't hide his intentions and I'm sure she notices this as well.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself, but then felt a small tug on his hakama.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the little kitsune kit. Shippou wondered if he should really ask what he wanted to because of the intense gaze Sesshoumaru had that made him feel incredibly intimidated even though he knew the youkai lord wasn't even trying. Kagome seemed to think he was alright though, so he guessed he could try to think the same way. "Can I-I hold your hand?" He asked. Kagome had always let him hold hers when he wanted to as they traveled.
Sesshoumaru arched a brow at the kitsune's request. He supposed it wouldn't hurt anything. He gave a small nod and held out his hand a bit to which Shippou immediately grabbed onto. They continued to walk down the hall.
"Sesshoumaru-sama is really nice. Is he going to marry Kagome-neechan?" Rin asked.
These two children seemed to continually confuse and surprise him with their actions. "Perhaps." He answered the small girl. He strangely didn't feel as odd as he thought he would for taking care of the two children for Kagome.
"Hontou?" Shippou said sounding a bit excited. "I think Kagome deserves someone really great. She needs to smile more." Sesshoumaru couldn't help but agree. "I hope she doesn't end up with any of those kami guys. Even thought that Eiri guy seems kind of nice, I don't thin he really like me and Rin too much." Shippou continued.
They finally made it to the dining room and Sesshoumaru let go of Shippou's hand in order to open the door. Shippou walked in and Sesshoumaru followed with Rin still in his arms. Normally the youkai lord would have been insulted for someone walking in front of him that was below him, but strangely the kitsune kit and the human child in his arms didn't bother him as he had thought they would.
He wondered if he had just been blind to the fact that all children were like this. He brought up memories and decided that wasn't the case. He then considered the two children were just very unique. He silently wondered if that was why Kagome tolerated them or if they were so different because they had been with her.
"So what Sesshoumaru, being a father now?" Inuyasha asked from the table. He had been eating with Sango and Miroku when he had been shocked into almost choking by the sight of Sesshoumaru walking in with the two children. He was also slightly miffed that Kagome had obviously trusted Sesshoumaru enough with her two companions.
"Is Sesshoumaru-sama going to be our tousan?" Rin asked not understanding Inuyasha's sarcasm.
Sesshoumaru gave Inuyasha a glare and set Rin down in one of the chairs without answering her question. Shippou lightly tugged at the youkai lord to have him sit next to her and he sat on his right so that Sesshoumaru was between the two children. He was greatly confused as to why the two children were acting so attached.
"So what is the story with this Itami?" Miroku asked.
"Big, evil, incredibly powerful." Inuyasha said each word between eating.
"How can he be so powerful as to stand up to the kami?" Sango asked. She had heard stories about the kami since she was a child.
"He is a kami." Sesshoumaru said and everyone looked at him oddly.
"Itami is one of the kami?" Miroku repeated. "I guess they're not the perfect race they make themselves out to be."
"Weren't there supposed to be others here also?" Inuyasha asked.
"Perhaps they weren't hungry." Miroku said. "Or more likely there are other dining rooms"
"Can we go play outside now?" Shippou asked since everyone had finished eating. He looked up at Sesshoumaru.
"Why are you guys asking him?" Inuyasha asked not knowing how anyone could be attached to Sesshoumaru.
"Kagome-neechan said Sesshoumaru-sama would watch us while she was gone." Rin said. "Will Sesshoumaru-sama take us outside?" Rin said also turning to look at the youkai lord.
Sesshoumaru had never really dealt with children before although he should have considering he should have gotten a mate a few decades ago. Sesshoumaru gave a small nod and the children cheered. Sesshoumaru stood and Rin tugged at his hakama. He looked down at her and she held her arms up. Sesshoumaru got the hint and picked up the small girl, shocking everyone in the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So what did you want to talk about?" Kagome asked as she and Eiri walked down the hall.
"You...and those children." Eiri said. He wasn't exactly how sure to tell her what he knew he needed to say.
"What about them? I think their really cute." Kagome said with a smile.
"Yeah, but Kagome, they're...they're not like you...like us." Eiri said.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, her smile fading.
"You have the blood of the kami and you know they would never fit in here. You have to let someone else take care of them. Leave them with the youkai lord or something."
"What makes you think I can't take care of them?"
"They won't be accepted here." Eiri stated. Kagome knew he was right about that, but she wasn't planning on staying and told his so. "How can you not be planning on staying? This is where you belong, Kagome." Eiri told her.
He brought his hand up to her cheek and lightly stroked it with her thumb. "You belong here...with me." Eiri said in a softer voice.
Kagome didn't know what to say. She had always known how Eiri felt, but had always been relieved that he never spoke of his feelings. She never wanted to hurt him. "I don't belong here Eiri. I know how you feel about me, I've always known, but I-I just don't feel the same way." Kagome said and gently pulled his hand away from her face.
"All because of that inu youkai." Eiri accused. He had known she didn't feel the same, but he had hoped he could make her see where she really belonged.
"This has nothing to do with him." Kagome said.
"It has everything to do with him. I've seen the soft looks you give and how you try to make him more approachable. He's only a youkai Kagome." Eiri took both her hands in his. "We're kami, this..." he gestured between the two of them. "This works Kagome. We make sense."
"You don't know what you're talking about." Kagome said and tugged at her hands, but he wouldn't let go. "Let go of me, Eiri."
"You don't get it Kagome. We were meant to be together. You're father betrothed you to me." Eiri said.
"That's because you're one of the few kami that would even consider taking me as a mate. I will not be told who to love, Eiri." Kagome said and wrenched her hands free from his grip. "I'll see you later." Kagome told him and then walked away.
'I can't believe him.' Kagome thought to herself as she followed the scent of Rin and Shippou. 'He was always so accepting of others. Perhaps this whole attraction has gone too far.' She felt saddened that she had to speak to him in such a manner.
Kagome finally found the children running around outside with Sesshoumaru watching them. She smiled at the scene and silently wondered if Eiri had been right about the way she was treating Sesshoumaru. She walked over and the two children instantly ran over to her.
"Kagome, do you want to play with us?" Shippou asked as he took one of her hands and pulled her further into the field. Rin grabbed her other hand.
"Sesshoumaru-sama would only watch." Rin said.
Kagome turned and looked at the youkai lord. "I'm sure it's only because Sesshoumaru doesn't know how to play your games." She said and smiled at him. "Did he take good care of you?" Kagome asked.
"Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama took really good care of Rin and Shippou." Rin said and Shippou nodded. "Rin wants Sesshoumaru-sama as a tousan." The small girl said. Kagome was slightly shocked and even Sesshoumaru tensed.
Kagome wondered if she should do as Eiri said and give the two children to Sesshoumaru. It would make it easier for her to travel again after this war. If she survived this war. "I'm sure Sesshoumaru would be pleased to have pups as wonderful as you two."
Sesshoumaru watched Kagome and the two children as she began to play some stupid game with them. 'She cares nothing of what others think of her.' Sesshoumaru considered. She looked foolish playing their games, but she also looked...happy. He was finding he greatly liked the way her eyes were light up as she smiled.
"Sure you don't want to play Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked the youkai lord who was just standing there watching them. Sesshoumaru shook his head not quite ready to ruin his image. Kagome made a small pout that made Sesshoumaru smirk.
"There is a meeting being held about the war, follow me." Kagome and Sesshoumaru turned to see Kamui looking at them.
"Shippou take Rin back to my room and you two can play there, okay?" Kagome asked the little kit. He nodded and grabbed Rin's hand and led her inside.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru followed Kamui inside after the children had left. 'A ningen girl and a kitsune kit playing together?' Kamui had never seen such a thing. Sure humans and youkai intermated at times, but those mating were usually just one night thing as had been the case with their father and Kagome's mother. 'I still do not understand how everyone can love Kagome. Her blood is tainted, she tore our family apart.' Kamui did have to admit to himself that he knew she was not truly to blame for destroying their family, his father was. He also knew that she would rather have never been born than have gone through all the things had happened. He, however, could not yet find it in him to accept her as Ryuuichi had. 'Perhaps though with Ryuuichi's death it is time things changed between the two of us.' Kamui thought as he silently led Kagome and Sesshoumaru down the hall.
'He didn't say anything.' Kagome thought incredulously. She had expected Kamui to say something about her childish behavior or her choice in friends, but he hadn't said anything. She could not remember any time when Kamui had passed up a chance to insult her. 'Perhaps he's maturing.' Kagome thought hopefully.
She had secretly always admired Kamui. She hated the way he treated her, but she never hated him. He was strong and Kagome considered him to be one of the few in the kami society who actually ever did anything instead of sitting around and talking. She knew that if they had met under different circumstances their relationship would be very different. Perhaps they would have even been close friends.
They reached a set of large white door which opened on their own as they approached. Inside there was a large table where many were sitting around. Kagome recognized many of the kami and a few of the youkai who sat at the table. Sesshoumaru looked around. The kami had indeed gathered the greatest fighters of the youkai world. He recognized all of them, some having been met as enemies others as allies. He also recognized the kami that had greeted them at the door and Eiri.
He wanted to glare at the red headed kami for the way he was staring so intently at Kagome. 'What am I thinking? The first time I met her I thought of taking her as a mate because she was the first female to ever make my blood feel ablaze. Now I want her because she's the only female to make me feel warm...in my heart. To think she's the only one who's ever gotten pass the icy barriers I put up.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself as he took a seat next Kagome.
Kagome sat on the youkai side of the table. They'd never be able to tell that she was not fully youkai. She smiled at Sesshoumaru as he took the seat next to her. 'For some reason when he's around I feel safer, even though I know I would probably beat him in fight. He just gives me a sense of safety I don't ever remember having before.' Kagome thought to herself.
"First off I would like to thank you all for joining us here." Shorin started. "We have gotten word that Itami and his allies are planning to attack in two days. We must be able to have a counter attack by then."
They came up with plans and much to Kagome's distress she was put into a group with Kamui. 'I hope we can fight together better than we fight each other.' Kagome thought and looked down at her hands. She could also pick up the whispers at the far end of the table about the disgraceful creature who had returned. She had to hold back from hurting them for some of the things they had said.
Everyone left the room when plans had been made. Sango watched Kagome's expression and felt sorry for her new friend. She watched as Kamui walked off and went after him. Even if she was just a weak human she was going to give him a piece of her mind.
Kamui walked into a study and finally turned around. "Why are you following me?" He said in a tone that resembled Sesshoumaru's unemotional voice.
Sango walked into the room and went straight up to him, much to his surprise. "I want to know what you have against Kagome-chan. She seems really nice to me, but she's hurting because of what you and all those other kami say."
"It is not of you're concern, ningen." Kamui said in a degrading tone.
"Kagome is my friend and I'm making it my concern." Sango stated not about to back down. Kamui was actually surprised at her courage. There were few kami let alone ningen who would stand up to him. He actually smirked as he saw the determined look in her eyes.
'I suppose even humans can grow a backbone.' He thought. "She's the reason our family fell apart. The reason my mother killed herself." Kamui stated still in a bored tone. He watched for Sango's reaction and was surprised when he actually saw sorrow.
"Gomen. I didn't know." Sango said remembering how it had felt when she had lost her mother to a youkai. She didn't know how she would have felt knowing that she had killed herself. Sango left Kamui without saying anything further. She just didn't know what to say, let alone how to stay angry, after hearing something like that. 'Poor Kagome-chan to be blamed for all that. Kamui also must have gone through a lot.'
Kamui just watched her leave, no emotion showed on his face. 'What a strange human.' He thought to himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay sorry for the late chapter. And I don't think it's that great, but please send reviews anyway. I didn't proof read and I don't have a beta reader so I apologize for any mistakes I made. ^_^
Japanese translations:
Ningen: human
Tousan: Father
Kitsune: Fox
Arigatou: Thanks you
Gomen: Sorry
Hai: Yes
~*Shichan
Sess/Kag: 62
Inu/Kag: 42
Last chapter:
"You want to know what's going on, don't you?" Kagome said knowing that though he would never say it Sesshoumaru was greatly curious of all the conflict that seemed to be going on. Sesshoumaru didn't give a response and Kagome let out a small sigh. "Come on, have a seat and I'll tell you what you wanna know."
Sesshoumaru was surprised at how well she was able to read him. He nodded and stepped inside. They sat across from each other. Sesshoumaru watched Kagome fidget for a few minutes and then she took a deep breath. "Okay well, most of the conflict started when my real father found me..."
CH: 6 Past Catches Up
Sesshoumaru listen intently as Kagome told her tail. "Okay well, most of the conflict started when my real father found me. I was about seven at the time. I was just randomly traveling since I had nothing else to do, but wander and stay alive. I didn't have anywhere to go." Kagome's eyes saddened.
"My father had been out hunting and I had been close to the kami land. He came across me and actually tried to make a meal of me at first. I ran and when he caught me I did all I could to fight. He bit me, but then pulled back immediately after tasting a bit of my blood. He recognized the blood of a kami even if I was only half. He sniffed at me a bit and I just remember being frozen in fear. He then brushed back my hair and saw my insignia and was shocked to see it matched his own." Sesshoumaru was wondering at that point how her father could have been such a fool as to not recognize his own daughter.
"He told me I was his daughter. I hadn't known that the father I had before wasn't my actual father. I tried to deny it, but the proof was too much. He then told me to follow him back to his home. I refused and he hit me hard enough to knock me to the ground. I found out later he didn't get disobeyed much." Her tale was making Sesshoumaru's anger flare. His father had been hard on him as well, but her father seemed just cruel. "I pulled myself to my feet and reluctantly followed him. He said I was family and I had to follow."
"When we got there all hell broke loose. Hiko, my father's real mate and Kamui and Ryuuichi's mother began to scream about my father bring such a 'filthy little thing' into her home. She yelled about what the others would think with me being there. Kamui only stared at me with contempt. Ryuuichi wasn't born till a few months later. Kamui detested me and my father would often get into drunken rages in which I would try to protect Ryuuichi and even Kamui and ended up bloody and bruised the next day. I'm pretty sure I don't really need to tell you how I was treated by the others, do I?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head. 'I can only assume she was treated worse than a hanyou.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself.
"Well, I trained hard to keep people from thinking I was just a pathetic half breed." Kagome's eyes got shiny as she held back tears. The same tears that she had been holding back for too long. Sesshoumaru noticed this and wished he could do something. "Anyway, Itami is a kami and an incredibly strong one at that. He was of the mind set that the kami should purify the world and destroy all other life such as youkai and ningen. When I was nineteen, many followed him and soon a war started because of it. Even though many kami such as Kamui think of those other than the kami as dirt deep down he still knows that they are needed in this world. I'm sure you've heard the legends of the battle that took place. It was hell though it lasted only a few days."
Kagome cringed as she remembered how much blood was spilt in those few days. "The kami were a large race and now compared to what they were there is only a handful left. Enough to make another big bloody war though. The battle came down to one determining point and that was when our father fell. Itami then went for Ryuuichi. Kamui and I only agreed on one thing and that was that Ryuuichi is...was a very...good...person. We came to a silent agreement to help him and it took all three of us hours to finally take Itami down. I could have sworn he was dead..." Kagome voice caught as she held back sobs, thinking about how she would never see Ryuuichi again.
"Any questions?" Kagome finally asked when she was able to speak again.
Sesshoumaru had watched her throughout her story and could only wonder at how strong she was. He admitted to atleast himself that if he had been in the same situation he didn't know if he would have been able to hold together as she had. He couldn't understand how she could still hold such a warmth in her to take in the two children.
"What of your life before the kami?" He finally asked what he had been wondering. She hadn't spoken of her mother and she had mentioned a father before her real father coming to get her.
"I'd rather not talk about it. That subject is even more painful." She said with downcast eyes.
Sesshoumaru couldn't help, but move to her side and wrap his arms around her. He pulled her to him and she gave no resistance. 'He's so warm and soothing. I can't remember the last time I felt so...comforted.' Kagome though and snuggled further into his embrace.
Sesshoumaru was feeling very unfamiliar emotions as he held Kagome. He felt his heart warming as she snuggled closer to him. He also felt strangely soothed even though he was the one who was giving supposedly giving the comfort. 'Her scent is so sweet.' Sesshoumaru thought as he lightly nuzzled her hair.
"I think it's about dinner time." Kagome finally said though she wanted to stay in Sesshoumaru's arms she was sure that Rin and Shippou would awake soon and need to eat. Sesshoumaru nodded and stood with her still in his arms. Kagome didn't know what to think. When they had first met she had been sure that he had just wanted her because of her looks and because she was in heat. Now, however, he was making efforts to be nicer to those he thought were below him and he was being just so...'perfect,' Kagome thought.
Shippou made a small noise as he stirred awake and Sesshoumaru reluctantly drew his arms back to his side. Kagome went over to the two small children on the bed and sat next to them. Shippou opened his eyes and smiled when he saw who was watching over him. Then his stomach growled. Kagome giggled at the sound and decided to wake Rin so she could take the children to eat.
Kagome lightly shook Rin and she cracked open an eye. "Is it time to wake up, Kagome-neechan?" Rin asked sleepily.
"Hai, Rin. It's time to eat dinner." Kagome said and she picked the still tired girl up. Rin yawned cutely and hooked one arm around Kagome's neck. Shippou had sat up and slid of the bed. He stood and took Kagome's hand which she let him hold. She turned and looked at Sesshoumaru over her shoulder and her followed her as she left the room.
They walked down the hall to the where they had been told the dining room was. Kagome couldn't remember the layout of this castle anymore. She remembered playing here as a child, alone, but noticed many things had changed. 'Well, I was gone for a long time.' She told herself.
"Kagome, can I speak with you?" Kagome turned to see Eiri coming down another hall to the right.
"I was going to take them to eat." Kagome said referring to Rin and Shippou.
Eiri was about to relent, but Sesshoumaru spoke first. "I'll take them." Kagome turned and looked at Sesshoumaru with unhidden surprise.
"Are you sure?" Kagome wanted to make sure he really wanted to do this. Catching food was one thing, but to keep them company was something different. Sesshoumaru just nodded and Kagome smiled. "Sesshoumaru is going to take you two to go eat while I speak with Eiri, okay?" Shippou and Rin nodded.
Kagome handed over Rin to Sesshoumaru and he awkwardly held her in his arms. "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru." She said to the youkai lord and then turn to the two children. "I'll see you guys later. And go easy on him, he's new to this." Kagome told Shippou and Rin referring to Sesshoumaru. They both swore to themselves that for Kagome's sake they would be the best behave children ever.
Kagome turned and followed Eiri down the hall he had been coming from while Sesshoumaru stood still and watched them walk away. 'Is he someone close to her? A possible future mate perhaps? He doesn't hide his intentions and I'm sure she notices this as well.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself, but then felt a small tug on his hakama.
Sesshoumaru looked down at the little kitsune kit. Shippou wondered if he should really ask what he wanted to because of the intense gaze Sesshoumaru had that made him feel incredibly intimidated even though he knew the youkai lord wasn't even trying. Kagome seemed to think he was alright though, so he guessed he could try to think the same way. "Can I-I hold your hand?" He asked. Kagome had always let him hold hers when he wanted to as they traveled.
Sesshoumaru arched a brow at the kitsune's request. He supposed it wouldn't hurt anything. He gave a small nod and held out his hand a bit to which Shippou immediately grabbed onto. They continued to walk down the hall.
"Sesshoumaru-sama is really nice. Is he going to marry Kagome-neechan?" Rin asked.
These two children seemed to continually confuse and surprise him with their actions. "Perhaps." He answered the small girl. He strangely didn't feel as odd as he thought he would for taking care of the two children for Kagome.
"Hontou?" Shippou said sounding a bit excited. "I think Kagome deserves someone really great. She needs to smile more." Sesshoumaru couldn't help but agree. "I hope she doesn't end up with any of those kami guys. Even thought that Eiri guy seems kind of nice, I don't thin he really like me and Rin too much." Shippou continued.
They finally made it to the dining room and Sesshoumaru let go of Shippou's hand in order to open the door. Shippou walked in and Sesshoumaru followed with Rin still in his arms. Normally the youkai lord would have been insulted for someone walking in front of him that was below him, but strangely the kitsune kit and the human child in his arms didn't bother him as he had thought they would.
He wondered if he had just been blind to the fact that all children were like this. He brought up memories and decided that wasn't the case. He then considered the two children were just very unique. He silently wondered if that was why Kagome tolerated them or if they were so different because they had been with her.
"So what Sesshoumaru, being a father now?" Inuyasha asked from the table. He had been eating with Sango and Miroku when he had been shocked into almost choking by the sight of Sesshoumaru walking in with the two children. He was also slightly miffed that Kagome had obviously trusted Sesshoumaru enough with her two companions.
"Is Sesshoumaru-sama going to be our tousan?" Rin asked not understanding Inuyasha's sarcasm.
Sesshoumaru gave Inuyasha a glare and set Rin down in one of the chairs without answering her question. Shippou lightly tugged at the youkai lord to have him sit next to her and he sat on his right so that Sesshoumaru was between the two children. He was greatly confused as to why the two children were acting so attached.
"So what is the story with this Itami?" Miroku asked.
"Big, evil, incredibly powerful." Inuyasha said each word between eating.
"How can he be so powerful as to stand up to the kami?" Sango asked. She had heard stories about the kami since she was a child.
"He is a kami." Sesshoumaru said and everyone looked at him oddly.
"Itami is one of the kami?" Miroku repeated. "I guess they're not the perfect race they make themselves out to be."
"Weren't there supposed to be others here also?" Inuyasha asked.
"Perhaps they weren't hungry." Miroku said. "Or more likely there are other dining rooms"
"Can we go play outside now?" Shippou asked since everyone had finished eating. He looked up at Sesshoumaru.
"Why are you guys asking him?" Inuyasha asked not knowing how anyone could be attached to Sesshoumaru.
"Kagome-neechan said Sesshoumaru-sama would watch us while she was gone." Rin said. "Will Sesshoumaru-sama take us outside?" Rin said also turning to look at the youkai lord.
Sesshoumaru had never really dealt with children before although he should have considering he should have gotten a mate a few decades ago. Sesshoumaru gave a small nod and the children cheered. Sesshoumaru stood and Rin tugged at his hakama. He looked down at her and she held her arms up. Sesshoumaru got the hint and picked up the small girl, shocking everyone in the room.
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"So what did you want to talk about?" Kagome asked as she and Eiri walked down the hall.
"You...and those children." Eiri said. He wasn't exactly how sure to tell her what he knew he needed to say.
"What about them? I think their really cute." Kagome said with a smile.
"Yeah, but Kagome, they're...they're not like you...like us." Eiri said.
"What are you talking about?" She asked, her smile fading.
"You have the blood of the kami and you know they would never fit in here. You have to let someone else take care of them. Leave them with the youkai lord or something."
"What makes you think I can't take care of them?"
"They won't be accepted here." Eiri stated. Kagome knew he was right about that, but she wasn't planning on staying and told his so. "How can you not be planning on staying? This is where you belong, Kagome." Eiri told her.
He brought his hand up to her cheek and lightly stroked it with her thumb. "You belong here...with me." Eiri said in a softer voice.
Kagome didn't know what to say. She had always known how Eiri felt, but had always been relieved that he never spoke of his feelings. She never wanted to hurt him. "I don't belong here Eiri. I know how you feel about me, I've always known, but I-I just don't feel the same way." Kagome said and gently pulled his hand away from her face.
"All because of that inu youkai." Eiri accused. He had known she didn't feel the same, but he had hoped he could make her see where she really belonged.
"This has nothing to do with him." Kagome said.
"It has everything to do with him. I've seen the soft looks you give and how you try to make him more approachable. He's only a youkai Kagome." Eiri took both her hands in his. "We're kami, this..." he gestured between the two of them. "This works Kagome. We make sense."
"You don't know what you're talking about." Kagome said and tugged at her hands, but he wouldn't let go. "Let go of me, Eiri."
"You don't get it Kagome. We were meant to be together. You're father betrothed you to me." Eiri said.
"That's because you're one of the few kami that would even consider taking me as a mate. I will not be told who to love, Eiri." Kagome said and wrenched her hands free from his grip. "I'll see you later." Kagome told him and then walked away.
'I can't believe him.' Kagome thought to herself as she followed the scent of Rin and Shippou. 'He was always so accepting of others. Perhaps this whole attraction has gone too far.' She felt saddened that she had to speak to him in such a manner.
Kagome finally found the children running around outside with Sesshoumaru watching them. She smiled at the scene and silently wondered if Eiri had been right about the way she was treating Sesshoumaru. She walked over and the two children instantly ran over to her.
"Kagome, do you want to play with us?" Shippou asked as he took one of her hands and pulled her further into the field. Rin grabbed her other hand.
"Sesshoumaru-sama would only watch." Rin said.
Kagome turned and looked at the youkai lord. "I'm sure it's only because Sesshoumaru doesn't know how to play your games." She said and smiled at him. "Did he take good care of you?" Kagome asked.
"Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama took really good care of Rin and Shippou." Rin said and Shippou nodded. "Rin wants Sesshoumaru-sama as a tousan." The small girl said. Kagome was slightly shocked and even Sesshoumaru tensed.
Kagome wondered if she should do as Eiri said and give the two children to Sesshoumaru. It would make it easier for her to travel again after this war. If she survived this war. "I'm sure Sesshoumaru would be pleased to have pups as wonderful as you two."
Sesshoumaru watched Kagome and the two children as she began to play some stupid game with them. 'She cares nothing of what others think of her.' Sesshoumaru considered. She looked foolish playing their games, but she also looked...happy. He was finding he greatly liked the way her eyes were light up as she smiled.
"Sure you don't want to play Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked the youkai lord who was just standing there watching them. Sesshoumaru shook his head not quite ready to ruin his image. Kagome made a small pout that made Sesshoumaru smirk.
"There is a meeting being held about the war, follow me." Kagome and Sesshoumaru turned to see Kamui looking at them.
"Shippou take Rin back to my room and you two can play there, okay?" Kagome asked the little kit. He nodded and grabbed Rin's hand and led her inside.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru followed Kamui inside after the children had left. 'A ningen girl and a kitsune kit playing together?' Kamui had never seen such a thing. Sure humans and youkai intermated at times, but those mating were usually just one night thing as had been the case with their father and Kagome's mother. 'I still do not understand how everyone can love Kagome. Her blood is tainted, she tore our family apart.' Kamui did have to admit to himself that he knew she was not truly to blame for destroying their family, his father was. He also knew that she would rather have never been born than have gone through all the things had happened. He, however, could not yet find it in him to accept her as Ryuuichi had. 'Perhaps though with Ryuuichi's death it is time things changed between the two of us.' Kamui thought as he silently led Kagome and Sesshoumaru down the hall.
'He didn't say anything.' Kagome thought incredulously. She had expected Kamui to say something about her childish behavior or her choice in friends, but he hadn't said anything. She could not remember any time when Kamui had passed up a chance to insult her. 'Perhaps he's maturing.' Kagome thought hopefully.
She had secretly always admired Kamui. She hated the way he treated her, but she never hated him. He was strong and Kagome considered him to be one of the few in the kami society who actually ever did anything instead of sitting around and talking. She knew that if they had met under different circumstances their relationship would be very different. Perhaps they would have even been close friends.
They reached a set of large white door which opened on their own as they approached. Inside there was a large table where many were sitting around. Kagome recognized many of the kami and a few of the youkai who sat at the table. Sesshoumaru looked around. The kami had indeed gathered the greatest fighters of the youkai world. He recognized all of them, some having been met as enemies others as allies. He also recognized the kami that had greeted them at the door and Eiri.
He wanted to glare at the red headed kami for the way he was staring so intently at Kagome. 'What am I thinking? The first time I met her I thought of taking her as a mate because she was the first female to ever make my blood feel ablaze. Now I want her because she's the only female to make me feel warm...in my heart. To think she's the only one who's ever gotten pass the icy barriers I put up.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself as he took a seat next Kagome.
Kagome sat on the youkai side of the table. They'd never be able to tell that she was not fully youkai. She smiled at Sesshoumaru as he took the seat next to her. 'For some reason when he's around I feel safer, even though I know I would probably beat him in fight. He just gives me a sense of safety I don't ever remember having before.' Kagome thought to herself.
"First off I would like to thank you all for joining us here." Shorin started. "We have gotten word that Itami and his allies are planning to attack in two days. We must be able to have a counter attack by then."
They came up with plans and much to Kagome's distress she was put into a group with Kamui. 'I hope we can fight together better than we fight each other.' Kagome thought and looked down at her hands. She could also pick up the whispers at the far end of the table about the disgraceful creature who had returned. She had to hold back from hurting them for some of the things they had said.
Everyone left the room when plans had been made. Sango watched Kagome's expression and felt sorry for her new friend. She watched as Kamui walked off and went after him. Even if she was just a weak human she was going to give him a piece of her mind.
Kamui walked into a study and finally turned around. "Why are you following me?" He said in a tone that resembled Sesshoumaru's unemotional voice.
Sango walked into the room and went straight up to him, much to his surprise. "I want to know what you have against Kagome-chan. She seems really nice to me, but she's hurting because of what you and all those other kami say."
"It is not of you're concern, ningen." Kamui said in a degrading tone.
"Kagome is my friend and I'm making it my concern." Sango stated not about to back down. Kamui was actually surprised at her courage. There were few kami let alone ningen who would stand up to him. He actually smirked as he saw the determined look in her eyes.
'I suppose even humans can grow a backbone.' He thought. "She's the reason our family fell apart. The reason my mother killed herself." Kamui stated still in a bored tone. He watched for Sango's reaction and was surprised when he actually saw sorrow.
"Gomen. I didn't know." Sango said remembering how it had felt when she had lost her mother to a youkai. She didn't know how she would have felt knowing that she had killed herself. Sango left Kamui without saying anything further. She just didn't know what to say, let alone how to stay angry, after hearing something like that. 'Poor Kagome-chan to be blamed for all that. Kamui also must have gone through a lot.'
Kamui just watched her leave, no emotion showed on his face. 'What a strange human.' He thought to himself.
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Okay sorry for the late chapter. And I don't think it's that great, but please send reviews anyway. I didn't proof read and I don't have a beta reader so I apologize for any mistakes I made. ^_^
Japanese translations:
Ningen: human
Tousan: Father
Kitsune: Fox
Arigatou: Thanks you
Gomen: Sorry
Hai: Yes
~*Shichan