CHAPTER TEN: The Room of Mirrors
Within a period no greater then seven minutes, Rin came into the room Kagome and Shippo resided in. Her bubbling spirit had no effect on Kagome's dreary interior. She smiled though, keeping up a front for the two children. Shippo and Rin began to play a bit roughly. A few moments later, Rin stood, knocking Shippo aside. The little girl faced Kagome.
"Ri-I almost forgot!" She got a serious face, as if she was preparing to mock someone. "Sesshoumaru-sama says: "Send Kagome to the library. Now. I mean it Rin. Stop fooling around!" That's exactly how he said it too!" Kagome laughed, she mimicked Sesshoumaru's voice almost perfectly.
Kagome left quickly. The halls were still as confusing as always. She knew that if he called his name he'd most likely be there in an instant. But feeling especially stubborn at that moment she decided to find the library herself.
Breathing in deeply through her nose, she caught the scent she was looking for. Kagome's heart beat quickened. She would get to the bottom of this. Whatever Sesshoumaru's plan, she would find out what it was. She slowed her pace. There was no rush. Kagome didn't want him to think that she was desperate to find out the inner workings of his mind.
Kagome reached the room she was searching for. Inside, just beyond the doors was the person who she had pledged to hate just a while back. But here she was, about to burst into a room that held him.
She put her hand up to the doorknob. Before she could turn it, it was suddenly ripped from her hand as someone else opened the door from the other side. Sesshoumaru stood there, his gorgeous hair in disarray, robes a wrinkled chaos, and dark circles bordered the bottom of his eyes.
"My, what a mess you are Sesshoumaru. I wasn't aware that demons could have bags under their eyes." Kagome said softly yet frigidly.
His lips parted, as if he were about to say something, but he then stopped himself. He backed out of the way, so that Kagome could enter the vast library. She could not hold in her quiet gasp as she let her eyes trail around the room, taking in the thousand upon thousands of book bindings that illuminated the shelves.
"Please," Sesshoumaru began. "Take a seat." Kagome complied, and sat down in a chair closest to the door. Sesshoumaru sighed, this obviously was going to be a difficult task. But she was here, and he was very grateful. He turned back, and closed the door.
"I know I saw you just last night, but I missed you." Sesshoumaru said.
"Why did you visit me?" Kagome asked quietly. Her angry eyes never left his face.
"Last night..." he started. "Last night I never meant to see you. But you were there. On my lands. And I couldn't keep myself away. I would have explained everything then, but you were too surprised and too angry to listen. So I decided to let you come here on your own accord. And I'm very happy that it was so soon."
Kagome raised an eyebrow, and nodded her head a bit, motioning for him to continue. Sesshoumaru sat on an arm of a chair. He held out his hands, palms facing the ceiling, and stared at them.
"You see, I never meant to hurt you. Stupidly, I felt that you had your mission, and it was not in my place to make you stray away from it. So I made you leave. I could not let you be forced into a decision, just because there was only one sitting in front of you. You need to see both lives. And decide for yourself which one you wanted.
I believed that making you angry would keep you away from me. My plan was to come back to you one day, after your mission had been completed and explain everything. You would choose to love me and stay with me, or you would leave, never to speak to me again. I do not want the latter. But it is your choice. And there is nothing that could make me take that freedom away from you." He lifted his gaze from his hands, and looked longingly at Kagome. Begging for a response with his eyes.
"How am I to know, that this isn't another part of a plan to ruin my life?" Kagome said slowly. She would not let him fall into forgiveness so easily. She needed proof. Somehow.
"I know what you want...and I can give you that proof. I can show you that my actions are pure, and there is no hidden agenda. Will you let me show you? Please, I'm begging you..." His eyes were not masked. His sorrow was not hidden beneath a cool demeanor. Neither was his fear.
Kagome nodded and took a deep and steadying breath. Sesshoumaru stood slowly, a look of hope dusted his gold eyes. He opened the door and waited patiently for Kagome to stand and walk through it. Sesshoumaru then followed, and closed the door behind him. Quickly he walked down the corridor. He spoke no words as he turned down many halls that made up the maze of his home.
She tried not to think. Only for a couple seconds could she not think about anything. So Kagome then began to count, taking deep breaths to rid the tension that was flowing through her body.
They reached a large door. Sesshoumaru placed his hand on a pearly mass that was framed on the door at eye level. While keeping his hand there, he turned the doorknob. He did not remove his hand until Kagome had entered the darkness in front of them. When he did, the door slammed shut behind him. Kagome didn't even jump, she was trying to adjust her cat eyes to the darkness. Had she been human, her efforts would have been in vain. She would have seen no shapes, just black. She heard Sesshoumaru take a step forward, and hundreds of candles suddenly lit all around the room.
"The Room of Mirrors." Sesshoumaru stated plainly. The room was quite simple. It was medium sized, and did not hold the elaborate decorations that the rest of the castle had. The walls were stone bricks. Gray and dull, but like encrusted jewels in a sword were dozens of mirrors built right into the walls. Each mirror had a golden plate on a small table below it. A plain, dark green, room length rug lay on the floor. There were no chairs and no pillows to sit on. This room was not meant for comfort, but for serious tasks that did not require hours of presence.
"Explain." Kagome stated simply. Her voice echoed in the room.
"These mirrors have been here since the castle was first built. Long before my father and his father. They will answer all questions. They do not lie but some hide truths. You can see your future, your past, and your present. You can ask what will happen if you do something, and the mirrors will show you." Sesshoumaru leaned against the door. He would be patient.
Kagome glanced at Sesshoumaru for a moment, then began to walk forward. As she looked into ever mirror, she could see images come to life. She saw Inuyasha and her fighting. She saw Shippo and the Thunder Brothers. She saw the world in her time if Naraku survives. And also the one that she knew. She saw her father in the future. And felt the pain when she found out about his death.
She could feel Sesshoumaru's eyes on her. Kagome stopped in front of one mirror and the watery look of a dream surrounded the image. She saw a child. Not far away, two figures stood holding each other as they watched the little boy play with two older youths. One black haired girl, and one with orange and a tail...
The figures let go of each other, and one ran over to the children. She recognized this person as herself. The other, began to walk towards the four of them. She recognized this person as well. The small child, she knew was their son. Whitish blonde hair, blue cat eyes...It could only be their child.
Kagome slammed her eyelids shut. She turned away and opened them again, looking lost, she raised her eyes to Sesshoumaru.
"What is this supposed to prove Sesshoumaru? That I would be happy with you if I were to forgive you? That we would have a beautiful child and that Shippo and Rin would grow up in a caring family? Is this supposed to make me feel guilty for being angry with you and wanting to not love you anymore?" Kagome could feel the tears longing to be shed. But she held them back. She did not wish to look weak.
Sesshoumaru pushed himself from against the wall. He walked quickly towards her. His hand was held out as if he wanted to pull her to him. To make her understand that his intentions were good.
"Gods no, Kagome! I did not know what the mirror would show you. To each person, the visions are different. I hoped that it would show you my love for you. I suppose it did in a way...but I do not want you to feel guilt. That is not what I was looking for. Kagome..."
Kagome collapsed to her knees. The stone flooring was cold, but she did not care. Sesshoumaru knelt apprehensively close to her. Kagome's hands covered her face and her body shook silently. His hand hovered for a moment above her shoulder, almost scared to touch her, but he rested it there to offer comfort.
"What would you have me do...? You have played with my feelings so much in such a short time, what would you do in a year? In fifteen years? I don't know if I can bear the agony..." Kagome lifted her face from her hands and looked Sesshoumaru in the eyes.
Suddenly he took her into his arms. He embraced her like she was his only salvation.
"Kagome, it pains me to say this, but it is your own decision to make, and if you will not love me as your mate...then maybe you can love me as a friend at least. I could not bear it if you were to shut off all communication with me. Even though I have hurt you so."
(AN: Jeez! I can't just find a good place to stop!! It just keeps going! I'm the freaking Energizer Bunny!!!!!)
Kagome gasped when he hugged her. She began to pry herself from his firm grip, and Sesshoumaru let go reluctantly. His sadness was evident in his eyes, and the great demon lord was slouching as if he had already given up all hope.
"Sesshoumaru, I...You..." She strained for the words. "You're Cube. Not an impossible puzzle to figure out. But very difficult because there are so many different ways to solve you." Sesshoumaru's puzzlement was very clear. (AN: HAHA! Catch the pun?!)
"You don't know what that is, but it doesn't really matter. All that does matter, is that I have a long time to figure you out, and that you are never going to lie or hide things from me ever again." Kagome sighed deeply. The vision she saw in that mirror was one that she could live with. The people she loved were happy, and she was as well.
Sesshoumaru looked confused for a moment, then his eyes began to glow and sparkle. The largest grin that Kagome had ever seen before now was placed on Sesshoumaru's face. She smiled, and threw her arms around his neck. She could hear Shippo and Rin playing outside the door, and Jakin's yelling. But right next to her ear, she could hear Sesshoumaru muttering over and over,
"I'm sorry, I love you, I love you so much. So sorry..."
THE END
-Thought Speaky Section of Jui's Happiness Part II-
(Atheraine walks into the living room, disk in hand.)
"OH MY GOD! The blasted thing is FINALLY over."
(Sesshoumaru is lying on the couch with his head supported by his hands.) "'Bout damn time too!"
"Hey! I'd like to see you write something like this! And overcome five million times of writer's block!"
(Inuyasha pounces into the room while being followed by Kagome and Sango.) "What happens to me? I'm supposed to be the main character. The entire series is about ME you know!"
(Kagome hits him on the head.) "Inuyasha! This was the romantic and angsty tale between Sesshoumaru and me! You're just a part of the backdrop!"
(Sango sits down on the floor.) "Ather, what happens to Kagome? And what about Shiho and Sakati? Does she reclaim the eastern lands? Do Sesshoumaru and Kagome get married? What about Kagome's family in the future?"
(Atheraine's jaw drops and she collapses onto the ground.)
(Sesshoumaru sits up and looks over the back of the couch to see her passed out and smoke coming out of her ears.) "Umm...Sango, don't ask Atheraine so many questions. She told me, and I quote,
"I'll write a damn epilogue when I want to! It'll happen though! Stop rolling your eyes Sesshoumaru!!"
So there you have it..."
(Inuyasha looks around.) "Hey, where the monk? And where did Sango go?"
(Sesshoumaru rolls his eyes.) "Idiot. They have to have a kid so that their offspring can give me an interview in, "Surface of the Twilight". Atheraine's newest story."
(Shippo enters the room.) "That's propaganda Sesshoumaru!"
(Sesshoumaru grimaces.) "Why'd I have to go and teach the kit about the elections...?"
Umm...So yeah, that's my story! Hope you liked the craptastics of it all! Please review! LOVE YOU!!! Ciao! )
Within a period no greater then seven minutes, Rin came into the room Kagome and Shippo resided in. Her bubbling spirit had no effect on Kagome's dreary interior. She smiled though, keeping up a front for the two children. Shippo and Rin began to play a bit roughly. A few moments later, Rin stood, knocking Shippo aside. The little girl faced Kagome.
"Ri-I almost forgot!" She got a serious face, as if she was preparing to mock someone. "Sesshoumaru-sama says: "Send Kagome to the library. Now. I mean it Rin. Stop fooling around!" That's exactly how he said it too!" Kagome laughed, she mimicked Sesshoumaru's voice almost perfectly.
Kagome left quickly. The halls were still as confusing as always. She knew that if he called his name he'd most likely be there in an instant. But feeling especially stubborn at that moment she decided to find the library herself.
Breathing in deeply through her nose, she caught the scent she was looking for. Kagome's heart beat quickened. She would get to the bottom of this. Whatever Sesshoumaru's plan, she would find out what it was. She slowed her pace. There was no rush. Kagome didn't want him to think that she was desperate to find out the inner workings of his mind.
Kagome reached the room she was searching for. Inside, just beyond the doors was the person who she had pledged to hate just a while back. But here she was, about to burst into a room that held him.
She put her hand up to the doorknob. Before she could turn it, it was suddenly ripped from her hand as someone else opened the door from the other side. Sesshoumaru stood there, his gorgeous hair in disarray, robes a wrinkled chaos, and dark circles bordered the bottom of his eyes.
"My, what a mess you are Sesshoumaru. I wasn't aware that demons could have bags under their eyes." Kagome said softly yet frigidly.
His lips parted, as if he were about to say something, but he then stopped himself. He backed out of the way, so that Kagome could enter the vast library. She could not hold in her quiet gasp as she let her eyes trail around the room, taking in the thousand upon thousands of book bindings that illuminated the shelves.
"Please," Sesshoumaru began. "Take a seat." Kagome complied, and sat down in a chair closest to the door. Sesshoumaru sighed, this obviously was going to be a difficult task. But she was here, and he was very grateful. He turned back, and closed the door.
"I know I saw you just last night, but I missed you." Sesshoumaru said.
"Why did you visit me?" Kagome asked quietly. Her angry eyes never left his face.
"Last night..." he started. "Last night I never meant to see you. But you were there. On my lands. And I couldn't keep myself away. I would have explained everything then, but you were too surprised and too angry to listen. So I decided to let you come here on your own accord. And I'm very happy that it was so soon."
Kagome raised an eyebrow, and nodded her head a bit, motioning for him to continue. Sesshoumaru sat on an arm of a chair. He held out his hands, palms facing the ceiling, and stared at them.
"You see, I never meant to hurt you. Stupidly, I felt that you had your mission, and it was not in my place to make you stray away from it. So I made you leave. I could not let you be forced into a decision, just because there was only one sitting in front of you. You need to see both lives. And decide for yourself which one you wanted.
I believed that making you angry would keep you away from me. My plan was to come back to you one day, after your mission had been completed and explain everything. You would choose to love me and stay with me, or you would leave, never to speak to me again. I do not want the latter. But it is your choice. And there is nothing that could make me take that freedom away from you." He lifted his gaze from his hands, and looked longingly at Kagome. Begging for a response with his eyes.
"How am I to know, that this isn't another part of a plan to ruin my life?" Kagome said slowly. She would not let him fall into forgiveness so easily. She needed proof. Somehow.
"I know what you want...and I can give you that proof. I can show you that my actions are pure, and there is no hidden agenda. Will you let me show you? Please, I'm begging you..." His eyes were not masked. His sorrow was not hidden beneath a cool demeanor. Neither was his fear.
Kagome nodded and took a deep and steadying breath. Sesshoumaru stood slowly, a look of hope dusted his gold eyes. He opened the door and waited patiently for Kagome to stand and walk through it. Sesshoumaru then followed, and closed the door behind him. Quickly he walked down the corridor. He spoke no words as he turned down many halls that made up the maze of his home.
She tried not to think. Only for a couple seconds could she not think about anything. So Kagome then began to count, taking deep breaths to rid the tension that was flowing through her body.
They reached a large door. Sesshoumaru placed his hand on a pearly mass that was framed on the door at eye level. While keeping his hand there, he turned the doorknob. He did not remove his hand until Kagome had entered the darkness in front of them. When he did, the door slammed shut behind him. Kagome didn't even jump, she was trying to adjust her cat eyes to the darkness. Had she been human, her efforts would have been in vain. She would have seen no shapes, just black. She heard Sesshoumaru take a step forward, and hundreds of candles suddenly lit all around the room.
"The Room of Mirrors." Sesshoumaru stated plainly. The room was quite simple. It was medium sized, and did not hold the elaborate decorations that the rest of the castle had. The walls were stone bricks. Gray and dull, but like encrusted jewels in a sword were dozens of mirrors built right into the walls. Each mirror had a golden plate on a small table below it. A plain, dark green, room length rug lay on the floor. There were no chairs and no pillows to sit on. This room was not meant for comfort, but for serious tasks that did not require hours of presence.
"Explain." Kagome stated simply. Her voice echoed in the room.
"These mirrors have been here since the castle was first built. Long before my father and his father. They will answer all questions. They do not lie but some hide truths. You can see your future, your past, and your present. You can ask what will happen if you do something, and the mirrors will show you." Sesshoumaru leaned against the door. He would be patient.
Kagome glanced at Sesshoumaru for a moment, then began to walk forward. As she looked into ever mirror, she could see images come to life. She saw Inuyasha and her fighting. She saw Shippo and the Thunder Brothers. She saw the world in her time if Naraku survives. And also the one that she knew. She saw her father in the future. And felt the pain when she found out about his death.
She could feel Sesshoumaru's eyes on her. Kagome stopped in front of one mirror and the watery look of a dream surrounded the image. She saw a child. Not far away, two figures stood holding each other as they watched the little boy play with two older youths. One black haired girl, and one with orange and a tail...
The figures let go of each other, and one ran over to the children. She recognized this person as herself. The other, began to walk towards the four of them. She recognized this person as well. The small child, she knew was their son. Whitish blonde hair, blue cat eyes...It could only be their child.
Kagome slammed her eyelids shut. She turned away and opened them again, looking lost, she raised her eyes to Sesshoumaru.
"What is this supposed to prove Sesshoumaru? That I would be happy with you if I were to forgive you? That we would have a beautiful child and that Shippo and Rin would grow up in a caring family? Is this supposed to make me feel guilty for being angry with you and wanting to not love you anymore?" Kagome could feel the tears longing to be shed. But she held them back. She did not wish to look weak.
Sesshoumaru pushed himself from against the wall. He walked quickly towards her. His hand was held out as if he wanted to pull her to him. To make her understand that his intentions were good.
"Gods no, Kagome! I did not know what the mirror would show you. To each person, the visions are different. I hoped that it would show you my love for you. I suppose it did in a way...but I do not want you to feel guilt. That is not what I was looking for. Kagome..."
Kagome collapsed to her knees. The stone flooring was cold, but she did not care. Sesshoumaru knelt apprehensively close to her. Kagome's hands covered her face and her body shook silently. His hand hovered for a moment above her shoulder, almost scared to touch her, but he rested it there to offer comfort.
"What would you have me do...? You have played with my feelings so much in such a short time, what would you do in a year? In fifteen years? I don't know if I can bear the agony..." Kagome lifted her face from her hands and looked Sesshoumaru in the eyes.
Suddenly he took her into his arms. He embraced her like she was his only salvation.
"Kagome, it pains me to say this, but it is your own decision to make, and if you will not love me as your mate...then maybe you can love me as a friend at least. I could not bear it if you were to shut off all communication with me. Even though I have hurt you so."
(AN: Jeez! I can't just find a good place to stop!! It just keeps going! I'm the freaking Energizer Bunny!!!!!)
Kagome gasped when he hugged her. She began to pry herself from his firm grip, and Sesshoumaru let go reluctantly. His sadness was evident in his eyes, and the great demon lord was slouching as if he had already given up all hope.
"Sesshoumaru, I...You..." She strained for the words. "You're Cube. Not an impossible puzzle to figure out. But very difficult because there are so many different ways to solve you." Sesshoumaru's puzzlement was very clear. (AN: HAHA! Catch the pun?!)
"You don't know what that is, but it doesn't really matter. All that does matter, is that I have a long time to figure you out, and that you are never going to lie or hide things from me ever again." Kagome sighed deeply. The vision she saw in that mirror was one that she could live with. The people she loved were happy, and she was as well.
Sesshoumaru looked confused for a moment, then his eyes began to glow and sparkle. The largest grin that Kagome had ever seen before now was placed on Sesshoumaru's face. She smiled, and threw her arms around his neck. She could hear Shippo and Rin playing outside the door, and Jakin's yelling. But right next to her ear, she could hear Sesshoumaru muttering over and over,
"I'm sorry, I love you, I love you so much. So sorry..."
THE END
-Thought Speaky Section of Jui's Happiness Part II-
(Atheraine walks into the living room, disk in hand.)
"OH MY GOD! The blasted thing is FINALLY over."
(Sesshoumaru is lying on the couch with his head supported by his hands.) "'Bout damn time too!"
"Hey! I'd like to see you write something like this! And overcome five million times of writer's block!"
(Inuyasha pounces into the room while being followed by Kagome and Sango.) "What happens to me? I'm supposed to be the main character. The entire series is about ME you know!"
(Kagome hits him on the head.) "Inuyasha! This was the romantic and angsty tale between Sesshoumaru and me! You're just a part of the backdrop!"
(Sango sits down on the floor.) "Ather, what happens to Kagome? And what about Shiho and Sakati? Does she reclaim the eastern lands? Do Sesshoumaru and Kagome get married? What about Kagome's family in the future?"
(Atheraine's jaw drops and she collapses onto the ground.)
(Sesshoumaru sits up and looks over the back of the couch to see her passed out and smoke coming out of her ears.) "Umm...Sango, don't ask Atheraine so many questions. She told me, and I quote,
"I'll write a damn epilogue when I want to! It'll happen though! Stop rolling your eyes Sesshoumaru!!"
So there you have it..."
(Inuyasha looks around.) "Hey, where the monk? And where did Sango go?"
(Sesshoumaru rolls his eyes.) "Idiot. They have to have a kid so that their offspring can give me an interview in, "Surface of the Twilight". Atheraine's newest story."
(Shippo enters the room.) "That's propaganda Sesshoumaru!"
(Sesshoumaru grimaces.) "Why'd I have to go and teach the kit about the elections...?"
Umm...So yeah, that's my story! Hope you liked the craptastics of it all! Please review! LOVE YOU!!! Ciao! )