Last time: Kagome approached the spot warily. The soul belonged to a young boy… to Souta.
Silent Companion Ch. 7
A Mother's Absent Love
Kagome stumbled to the spot and fell to her knees. She knelt staring at the empty soul of her brother. Kagome quickly realized that this Souta was nothing more than mist, a shadow of what he had once been. He floated above the ground. His face and lips were pale, his eyes vacant. Kagome felt that even a soft breeze would tear him apart, like blowing at smoke.
Kagome held out her arms, "Souta?"
The spirit lifted his head in Kagome's direction. Its eyes settled on Kagome and suddenly brightened. In that moment, Kagome saw Souta as he had been in life, cheerful and innocent. The boy smiled, "goodbye."
Sesshoumaru stood in the doorway of the garden staring at Kagome. He could swear he had just seen Kagome's brother, and he had distinctly heard someone say goodbye to Kagome. A male. Jealousy kicked in and Sesshoumaru found himself snarling at the thought of her meeting with another male without him knowing. His jealousy was forgotten when he smelled tears.
Kagome's vision refocused and she found herself looking at Kikyo's unconscious body. For a second, Kagome wondered if she had passed out; if Souta's death had been a dream. The ache in her heart, however, told her it was true.
Kagome bowed her head and sent a silent prayer to her brother in heaven. (what would the equivalent of heaven be for yasha and co.?) She would miss him and he knew it, but there was something in her that refused to give up. Something was telling her to keep going and keep fighting. With a sigh, Kagome stood up and turned around.
Kagome took in her breath when she found Sesshoumaru standing in her path. She hadn't sensed his presence.
Sesshoumaru masked his worry and smirked, "it isn't wise for you to let your guard down. You didn't even notice me."
He had meant his statement to be taunting, but it had come out sounding like a reprimand he might give Rin. 'Damn her.'
Kagome fell against him, "hold me…?"
Sesshoumaru paused a moment before he picked Kagome up and walked from the garden. He took his new charge to his bedroom and deposited her on the bed. His gaze traveled over her body searching for the wound he knew she had. His gaze came to rest on her ankle. The wound was bleeding heavily. Even so, the crimson stain did nothing to hide the white of a protruding bone. Sesshoumaru attempted to bite back his rage, 'that bitch will pay.'
"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked.
Sesshoumaru's attention snapped to Kagome at the tone of her voice. She had sounded sad, tired, and what worried him most, listless.
"Yes, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru answered.
"My sister Kikyo is outside. If you would please remove her from the grounds I would appreciate it."
Sesshoumaru nodded, "I'll be back."
Sesshoumaru turned and walked from the room, closing the door behind him. Kagome inhaled deeply and stood up. She winced at the pain in her ankle and sat back down. Kagome examined the wound closely. Although it looked hideous, it wasn't as bad as she had feared. The blade had seemingly carved its way down the side of her foot. Though the ankle bone was quite visible, it did not appear that any of the ligaments or tendons had been torn. Not that hard to heal, all in all, but Kami it hurt!
Kagome slid from the bed, folding herself cross-legged on the floor. She placed her hands on the wound and closed her eyes. She relaxed slightly and waited patiently for her body to repair itself.
Kagome began to glow purple, and as the purple light engulfed the room, the gash disappeared and Kagome's tired muscles relaxed. Kagome opened her eyes slowly. The purple in the room vanished immediately, but Kagome's eyes stayed violet. She blinked a couple of times and her blue-gray orbs returned.
Kagome crawled back up on the bed to wait for Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru walked from his chamber thoughtfully. 'Why doesn't she want Kikyo executed? Her own sister betrayed her. Can she really forgive someone who tried to kill her? What was the deal with her brother anyway?'
Sesshoumaru paused in the hall. His voice suddenly rang out, summoning his servant, "Jaken."
A green, wart-like toad (I do kind of feel bad that Jaken is always so ugly, but hey, he kind of is…) stepped forward from the shadows. "Yes, almighty Lord Sesshoumaru?" he wheezed out.
Sesshoumaru looked at the loyal, but incompetent toad in front of him. "You will accompany me," Sesshoumaru stated curtly.
The toad called Jaken followed his master down the hall stammering, "y-yes Lord Sesshoumaru. A-as you w-wish, Lord Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru entered the garden, his eyes scanning for signs of life, "Jaken."
The toad scuttled forward, "yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?"
Sesshoumaru frowned down at the toad cowering in front of him, "you will stay here Jaken. At the first sign of movement, you will alert me."
Jaken bowed deeply, his high-pitched voice stuttering and squeaking, "yes Sesshoumaru-sama. Wh-what am I looking f-for?"
"Anything," Sesshoumaru offered as he walked away.
Sesshoumaru arrived at his room to find Kagome sitting on the edge of his bed. She looked up as he approached. Sesshoumaru stopped in front of her and looked down at her.
Neither spoke. The air was tense and it seemed neither knew how to ease it.
Sesshoumaru brooded over his odd reactions to the girl, trying to figure out what place she held in his household. 'Rin adores her, thinking of her almost as a mother. It would seem that annoying kit, Shippou, gets along with her as well… Kagome acts different around the kids though. She always seems to be so happy around them. When she's alone, she… well, she's alone. She looses her spark and she seems so... Is it lost? No.' Sesshoumaru mentally shook his head, 'she looks drained. Tired. Sango seems to bring out some of the fire in her though. May be I should see to it that Kagome spends more time with her.' Sesshoumaru's thoughts then turned to the more troubling and darker aspects; to things Kagome had neglected to share with him. He pondered again over Kikyo's betrayal. 'May be what Kagome said about the corruption was true. But that doesn't explain her brother's appearance in the garden…'
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru said before he could stop himself, "what happened?"
Kagome's gaze, which had risen to Sesshoumaru's face, dropped to the floor.
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru probed, "I have to know." His voice was soft. Had it been anyone else, Kagome would have thought he was pleading.
Kagome exhaled, "Kikyo is Lady Pamela's daughter. Rei married her after my mother's death. My father favored and pampered me. I was taught to read and write. I learned what I wanted. Often instructors were hired to teach me anything from the basics of self defense to how to prepare a five course meal fit to serve even before you… Kikyo hated me for it. My step-mother did as well. When Rei die-," Kagome paused and took a deep breath. "When he died, my step-mother lost no time in stripping from me everything I had. Souta was my only comfort, and he eventually rebelled against his own mother, Lady Pamela. So when her loyalties changed, and the war began, she allowed him to be kidnapped. It was a tactical move designed to keep me in line. It didn't work and she was planning to kill me. Shiro-kun got wind of this and sent me into hiding. Away from the castle, I began searching for Souta. That's when I began to realize my step-mother's true intentions. She wants to take over, pure and simple. (pardon the pun) She made me live my life thinking I had killed Rei, and now she's done the same with Souta." Kagome's voice was bitter, practically dripping with venom. She glared up at Sesshoumaru without really seeing him, "She killed him! Don't you get it? Souta is dead!! She has control now. Absolute control and no heir. She controls the armies and with Naraku as an ally and Onigumo (two dif. ppl remember) in her bed, who's to stop her?" Kagome's voice cracked and she began yelling, "she's a hoe! A rotten, good for nothing, ass hole, who's been killing and manipulating her whole life. She made me watch him die!" Kagome's voice had cracked a second time. Her gaze dropped and she began murmuring to herself, "she made me watch… me watch him die…"
Sesshoumaru had watched in stunned silence as Kagome had let out feelings of hatred and malice. She was starting to frighten him in a way. He moved to shake her free of her inner demons, but paused to catch her renewed whispers.
"Why?! Why did she make me watch again?" Kagome moaned.
'Again?' Sesshoumaru wondered.
"Wasn't it enough that I killed Rei? Did she have to make me end Souta's life as well? Why wasn't it enough? It wasn't enough…" Kagome's broken thoughts ended and streams of tears began pouring down her cheeks.
Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru. Her eyes no longer seemed clouded with memories, but pain shone fierce in her gray orbs leaving Sesshoumaru to look upon the broken girl in front of him.
'No! She is not broken. Not yet.' Sesshoumaru thought furiously.
"Kagome?!" Sesshoumaru demanded, "Kagome!"
Kagome, who had stood sometime during her rant, toppled forward against Sesshoumaru and began crying harder.
Sesshoumaru looked down on the woman in his arms. 'Yes. Woman.' Sesshoumaru told himself, 'She is strong and beautiful, no longer a woman-child. Yes. Appearances are deceiving. She is strong, and she is mine.' Sesshoumaru tightened his hold around Kagome and lifted her up onto the bed. Using one arm to pull back the covers, he gently lay her down upon his bed.
When he tried to pull away, Sesshoumaru found that Kagome wouldn't let go. Sesshoumaru leaned over her slightly. His lips brushed across her forehead and he whispered against her cool skin, "let go, Kagome."
Sesshoumaru inwardly smirked when Kagome let go with a frown. He stood back and stripped from his outer haorii, leaving his pants on. Sesshoumaru slipped in beside Kagome and watched in amusement as she curled up against him. Sesshoumaru wiped an imaginary tear from Kagome's cheek, "sleep."
And Kagome did. Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist, a clawed hand resting against her back. Sesshoumaru kissed Kagome's nose lightly, "no one will hurt what is mine." Sesshoumaru frowned suddenly, 'did I just state she was mine? Why do I even entertain these thoughts? Its not like I have any feelings for the girl. (hey! Wot happened to her being a women, huh?) I have no feelings for her, yet,… I protect her. My respect for Lord Rei…? No longer can I say I only protect her for Rei. I think of her as mine,… but she is only a ningen! Why should I be so possessive? She should mean nothing. She should mean nothing.'
Kagome murmured in her sleep and buried her head in the crook of Sesshoumaru's neck.
Sesshoumaru once more focused his gaze on Kagome. A small ghost of a smile formed on Kagome's face and Sesshoumaru was relieved to see that for the first night since Kagome's arrival, she would, it appeared, not be plagued by her dreams. Sesshoumaru ran his fingers through Kagome's hair, which had fanned out on the pillow. 'Yes,' Sesshoumaru thought, 'she is ningen, but she is strong-willed, powerful, and intelligent. She deserves to be protected… protected and cherished.'
Sesshoumaru glanced down at Kagome. He secured his grip and allowed his body to relax against her. No one was there to see the smile that graced his lips as he drifted off to sleep.
Kagome woke to the well-toned, ivory chest of a certain youkai Lord. Tilting her head to the side, she was able to see Sesshoumaru's face. Kagome stared in awe at the peaceful look his features portrayed. She smiled and brushed a stray bang back in place. At the contact, Sesshoumaru's arm pulled Kagome closer. Kagome blushed at the thought of exactly what 'it' was, that she was now being pressed against. Kagome blushed harder and turned her head to pay attention to other things.
Kagome looked out the window, noticing with a start that it was daylight outside, and judging by the amount of light, had been for a while.
Kagome turned back to Sesshoumaru and smiled at the thought of the stoic Lord sleeping in. A soft laugh escaped Kagome's lips.
The laughter halted, and Kagome's happy thoughts crashed down around her. Throwing Sesshoumaru away from her, Kagome leapt from the bed, turning to face a very awake, startled demon Lord.
"Don't touch me," Kagome hissed.
Sesshoumaru stood and stepped towards Kagome, his voice cool, "I will touch what is mine."
Kagome held her ground, her body beginning to glow black, "get away!"
Sesshoumaru smirked, "no."
Kagome glared, her aura became darker and began to spread. Her voice was soft, "wrong answer." Kagome's eyes turned black.
A bolt of black energy temporarily pinned Sesshoumaru to the wall. Once released, Sesshoumaru growled and charged, moving past Kagome and coming up behind her. Kagome whirled, the edge of her knife glancing across Sesshoumaru's left shoulder.
Sesshoumaru hissed, the air passing through his lips was the only sign of his pain.
Kagome smirked, "binding spell."
Unable to move, Sesshoumaru just glared.
A sudden look of anguish flickered over Kagome's features. Her eyes closed. She blinked, and blinked again, her eyes once more their traditional gray. The black aura changed to purple and spread over Sesshoumaru. There was a moment of pain shared by both, then the aura turned pink, receded, and faded.
Kagome kneeled beside Sesshoumaru, "you okay?"
Sesshoumaru glowered, "what the hell happened?"
Kagome smiled sympathetically, "my mother."
Sesshoumaru opened his mouth to say something, but Kagome had already stood and held out her hand. Sesshoumaru silently reprimanded himself when he took her hand and gave it a little squeeze.
Sesshoumaru stood gracefully, though Kagome knew he could still feel the sting of her blow. 'My mother's blow, not mine,' Kagome reminded herself.
"Would you mind explaining?" Sesshoumaru demanded.
Kagome turned without answering and approached the balcony. Sesshoumaru following behind. Kagome placed her hands on the railing and looked out to the horizon. Kagome was startled to see that the sun had already set. The fight had only lasted a few moments, the after effects however, had wasted away the day. In the darkness, Kagome could barely make out the mountains in the distance, the mountains that had once been her home, and the mountains in which Rei had died.
Kagome exhaled deeply, "after Rei died, my step-mother prohibited everyone from teaching me to control my powers. They had only recently resurface and Rei was thrilled. Kikyo had always had miko powers, but the teacher Rei employed, Kaede-baachan, said they would have to develop some more before they could be shaped. So Kaede-baachan started teaching me instead. It was only a few months before Rei died, I had only enough time to learn how to keep myself balanced, my powers in check. I had no knowledge of how to protect myself and my step-mother wanted it to stay that way. Kaede was forced to leave, but she left some books about spells, chants, and herbs with Shiro-kun. As time passed, my step-mother became satisfied that I had lost the ability to control my powers. It was then, that Shiro-kun began to teach me."
"He started with physical training, increasing my flexibility, stamina, and speed. He taught me hand to hand combat and how to disarm opponents when I, myself, was weaponless. Oh, and he always, always, made sure to wear me down physically before we faced off. His point in doing this was to make sure that, should my body become too drained to channel my ki any further, I would still be capable of beating my opponent." Kagome turned and grinned at Sesshoumaru ruefully, "if I'm tired enough that I can no longer fight using my miko energy, I'm one whipped puppy."
Kagome sighed and turned away from Sesshoumaru again. She tilted her head, "it's warm out this evening."
Sesshoumaru, startled at Kagome's sudden change in subject, moved forward and turned her around. It irritated him that, although she was giving him information, Kagome had not yet explained why she had attacked him, and Sesshoumaru wanted to know. Hooking a finger beneath Kagome's chin, Sesshoumaru forced her to look him in the eye. He prodded, "Kagome?"
Kagome's voice was barely a whisper, "he didn't want me to get hurt.." '..again,' Kagome added mentally.
Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome, still trapped in his hold, "you were hurt before."
Kagome flinched, her body jerking free of his grasp. She quickly turned her face away, "yes."
Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around Kagome once again, pulling her back to his chest and clasping his hands in front of her. He nuzzled the spot between Kagome's neck and shoulder. "What about the books, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru asked, his voice light and curious.
Kagome relaxed slightly, tilting her head in response to Sesshoumaru's persistent nose. "After I had beaten Shiro-kun in hand to hand combat, he gave me the books." Kagome shrugged, "I taught myself."
Sesshoumaru inhaled Kagome's scent once more before pulling back, his arms staying around her. "How?" He was curious now, no longer concerned with the cause of their earlier skirmish. He would ask her later. For now, Sesshoumaru was content to learn how she had managed her powers. 'She's so powerful. How is it she's never been trained?'
"Well," Kagome started, "I already knew how to ground my power, so-"
"Ground?" Sesshoumaru interrupted.
Kagome laughed softly, turning in Sesshoumaru's arms to face him. "I'm not sure I can really explain it." She smiled, "it would be easier just to show you. Hold on." With that as her only warning, Kagome leaned off the back of the balcony, pulling Sesshoumaru with her.
Sesshoumaru instantly tightened his grip, preparing to end their fall, but Kagome smiled and shook her head. A cloud of pinkish-purple ki plumed beneath them. Suddenly Sesshoumaru found himself on the ground with Kagome in his arms. She smiled again as the pink glow diminished and then disappeared.
Sesshoumaru stared.
Kagome grinned, "when my ki ebbed and then disappeared, that was grounding."
Sesshoumaru continued to stare and Kagome picked up where she had left off. "I already had a basic knowledge of how one would ground their powers, but I had never called on enough power to try it. The books were of simple chants and spells I could practice. They were useful and not only helped me learn to ground my powers, but more so learn to call it."
"The books focused on using my miko abilities. I quickly moved on. Since Shiro-kun had no access to more difficult material, I played. I was wary though," Kagome grimaced. "Rei's death had taught me what I was capable of doing if I ever used my powers to harm. I was afraid to delve deeper within myself for fear someone would get hurt."
Sesshoumaru's face had slipped back to its normal, unemotional state. "So you in truth, cannot control you ki." Sesshoumaru's voice advertised disgust, "and this is the reason you would give for attacking the Lord of the Western Lands?"
Kagome frowned, "my miko abilities? I have very good control over them. They are my means for survival."
Sesshoumaru opened his mouth to say something, but stopped, sniffing the air. He growled, "Shirokiba is in my territory."
Kagome nodded, "yes."
Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome, who took a step backward.
Sesshoumaru looked fiercely at Kagome, his voice dripping with venom, "why?"
"He'll have felt my change in…," Kagome floundered for a moment, "..spirit? body? Anyway, he'll know my mom got to me again."
Sesshoumaru glowered, "and why is he coming here?"
Kagome sighed, her shoulders drooped, and for a brief moment, Sesshoumaru saw Kagome as she felt, broken and alone. The moment passes and Kagome looked Sesshoumaru in the eye. "He's coming because the last time my mother got to me, Rei died."
Kagome turned on her heel and walked back inside the Citadel. Sesshoumaru realized he probably hadn't begun to uncover why Kagome had attacked him. At the moment, it wasn't looking to good for finding out. Sesshoumaru had the distinct feeling that he wouldn't be seeing Kagome again until after Shirokiba had been to see him.
Gofer- welcome to the wonderful thing called summer! Hope you're having fun. Hope you enjoyed the Ch. too. Thanks for always reviewing!!
Drow Goddess- it doesn't appear as though I'll be changing the pairing. No reason to feel sheepish either, it's my fav. pairing too! Sorry it took me so long. Enjoy!
Stacerue- glad you're like it. Hope you enjoyed this Ch.
TroubledSkye- for the time being, Inu Yasha will not be appearing in this fic. Miroku may play a minor role later. I'm glad you like the pairing, I do too!! Thanks for reviewing I really appreciate it!
LightAngel- I'm soo glad you love my story. My apologies for taking so long. Thanks for reading. Enjoy!!
Hi! Wow, it took me forever to update. Ugh! Don't have a reason. Just didn't feel like it and nobody gave me a hard time soooo… you guys feel free to yell at me if I don't update. Anyways, this is Ch. 7 folks. Thanks for reading!!!
Silent Companion Ch. 7
A Mother's Absent Love
Kagome stumbled to the spot and fell to her knees. She knelt staring at the empty soul of her brother. Kagome quickly realized that this Souta was nothing more than mist, a shadow of what he had once been. He floated above the ground. His face and lips were pale, his eyes vacant. Kagome felt that even a soft breeze would tear him apart, like blowing at smoke.
Kagome held out her arms, "Souta?"
The spirit lifted his head in Kagome's direction. Its eyes settled on Kagome and suddenly brightened. In that moment, Kagome saw Souta as he had been in life, cheerful and innocent. The boy smiled, "goodbye."
Sesshoumaru stood in the doorway of the garden staring at Kagome. He could swear he had just seen Kagome's brother, and he had distinctly heard someone say goodbye to Kagome. A male. Jealousy kicked in and Sesshoumaru found himself snarling at the thought of her meeting with another male without him knowing. His jealousy was forgotten when he smelled tears.
Kagome's vision refocused and she found herself looking at Kikyo's unconscious body. For a second, Kagome wondered if she had passed out; if Souta's death had been a dream. The ache in her heart, however, told her it was true.
Kagome bowed her head and sent a silent prayer to her brother in heaven. (what would the equivalent of heaven be for yasha and co.?) She would miss him and he knew it, but there was something in her that refused to give up. Something was telling her to keep going and keep fighting. With a sigh, Kagome stood up and turned around.
Kagome took in her breath when she found Sesshoumaru standing in her path. She hadn't sensed his presence.
Sesshoumaru masked his worry and smirked, "it isn't wise for you to let your guard down. You didn't even notice me."
He had meant his statement to be taunting, but it had come out sounding like a reprimand he might give Rin. 'Damn her.'
Kagome fell against him, "hold me…?"
Sesshoumaru paused a moment before he picked Kagome up and walked from the garden. He took his new charge to his bedroom and deposited her on the bed. His gaze traveled over her body searching for the wound he knew she had. His gaze came to rest on her ankle. The wound was bleeding heavily. Even so, the crimson stain did nothing to hide the white of a protruding bone. Sesshoumaru attempted to bite back his rage, 'that bitch will pay.'
"Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked.
Sesshoumaru's attention snapped to Kagome at the tone of her voice. She had sounded sad, tired, and what worried him most, listless.
"Yes, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru answered.
"My sister Kikyo is outside. If you would please remove her from the grounds I would appreciate it."
Sesshoumaru nodded, "I'll be back."
Sesshoumaru turned and walked from the room, closing the door behind him. Kagome inhaled deeply and stood up. She winced at the pain in her ankle and sat back down. Kagome examined the wound closely. Although it looked hideous, it wasn't as bad as she had feared. The blade had seemingly carved its way down the side of her foot. Though the ankle bone was quite visible, it did not appear that any of the ligaments or tendons had been torn. Not that hard to heal, all in all, but Kami it hurt!
Kagome slid from the bed, folding herself cross-legged on the floor. She placed her hands on the wound and closed her eyes. She relaxed slightly and waited patiently for her body to repair itself.
Kagome began to glow purple, and as the purple light engulfed the room, the gash disappeared and Kagome's tired muscles relaxed. Kagome opened her eyes slowly. The purple in the room vanished immediately, but Kagome's eyes stayed violet. She blinked a couple of times and her blue-gray orbs returned.
Kagome crawled back up on the bed to wait for Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru walked from his chamber thoughtfully. 'Why doesn't she want Kikyo executed? Her own sister betrayed her. Can she really forgive someone who tried to kill her? What was the deal with her brother anyway?'
Sesshoumaru paused in the hall. His voice suddenly rang out, summoning his servant, "Jaken."
A green, wart-like toad (I do kind of feel bad that Jaken is always so ugly, but hey, he kind of is…) stepped forward from the shadows. "Yes, almighty Lord Sesshoumaru?" he wheezed out.
Sesshoumaru looked at the loyal, but incompetent toad in front of him. "You will accompany me," Sesshoumaru stated curtly.
The toad called Jaken followed his master down the hall stammering, "y-yes Lord Sesshoumaru. A-as you w-wish, Lord Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru entered the garden, his eyes scanning for signs of life, "Jaken."
The toad scuttled forward, "yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?"
Sesshoumaru frowned down at the toad cowering in front of him, "you will stay here Jaken. At the first sign of movement, you will alert me."
Jaken bowed deeply, his high-pitched voice stuttering and squeaking, "yes Sesshoumaru-sama. Wh-what am I looking f-for?"
"Anything," Sesshoumaru offered as he walked away.
Sesshoumaru arrived at his room to find Kagome sitting on the edge of his bed. She looked up as he approached. Sesshoumaru stopped in front of her and looked down at her.
Neither spoke. The air was tense and it seemed neither knew how to ease it.
Sesshoumaru brooded over his odd reactions to the girl, trying to figure out what place she held in his household. 'Rin adores her, thinking of her almost as a mother. It would seem that annoying kit, Shippou, gets along with her as well… Kagome acts different around the kids though. She always seems to be so happy around them. When she's alone, she… well, she's alone. She looses her spark and she seems so... Is it lost? No.' Sesshoumaru mentally shook his head, 'she looks drained. Tired. Sango seems to bring out some of the fire in her though. May be I should see to it that Kagome spends more time with her.' Sesshoumaru's thoughts then turned to the more troubling and darker aspects; to things Kagome had neglected to share with him. He pondered again over Kikyo's betrayal. 'May be what Kagome said about the corruption was true. But that doesn't explain her brother's appearance in the garden…'
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru said before he could stop himself, "what happened?"
Kagome's gaze, which had risen to Sesshoumaru's face, dropped to the floor.
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru probed, "I have to know." His voice was soft. Had it been anyone else, Kagome would have thought he was pleading.
Kagome exhaled, "Kikyo is Lady Pamela's daughter. Rei married her after my mother's death. My father favored and pampered me. I was taught to read and write. I learned what I wanted. Often instructors were hired to teach me anything from the basics of self defense to how to prepare a five course meal fit to serve even before you… Kikyo hated me for it. My step-mother did as well. When Rei die-," Kagome paused and took a deep breath. "When he died, my step-mother lost no time in stripping from me everything I had. Souta was my only comfort, and he eventually rebelled against his own mother, Lady Pamela. So when her loyalties changed, and the war began, she allowed him to be kidnapped. It was a tactical move designed to keep me in line. It didn't work and she was planning to kill me. Shiro-kun got wind of this and sent me into hiding. Away from the castle, I began searching for Souta. That's when I began to realize my step-mother's true intentions. She wants to take over, pure and simple. (pardon the pun) She made me live my life thinking I had killed Rei, and now she's done the same with Souta." Kagome's voice was bitter, practically dripping with venom. She glared up at Sesshoumaru without really seeing him, "She killed him! Don't you get it? Souta is dead!! She has control now. Absolute control and no heir. She controls the armies and with Naraku as an ally and Onigumo (two dif. ppl remember) in her bed, who's to stop her?" Kagome's voice cracked and she began yelling, "she's a hoe! A rotten, good for nothing, ass hole, who's been killing and manipulating her whole life. She made me watch him die!" Kagome's voice had cracked a second time. Her gaze dropped and she began murmuring to herself, "she made me watch… me watch him die…"
Sesshoumaru had watched in stunned silence as Kagome had let out feelings of hatred and malice. She was starting to frighten him in a way. He moved to shake her free of her inner demons, but paused to catch her renewed whispers.
"Why?! Why did she make me watch again?" Kagome moaned.
'Again?' Sesshoumaru wondered.
"Wasn't it enough that I killed Rei? Did she have to make me end Souta's life as well? Why wasn't it enough? It wasn't enough…" Kagome's broken thoughts ended and streams of tears began pouring down her cheeks.
Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru. Her eyes no longer seemed clouded with memories, but pain shone fierce in her gray orbs leaving Sesshoumaru to look upon the broken girl in front of him.
'No! She is not broken. Not yet.' Sesshoumaru thought furiously.
"Kagome?!" Sesshoumaru demanded, "Kagome!"
Kagome, who had stood sometime during her rant, toppled forward against Sesshoumaru and began crying harder.
Sesshoumaru looked down on the woman in his arms. 'Yes. Woman.' Sesshoumaru told himself, 'She is strong and beautiful, no longer a woman-child. Yes. Appearances are deceiving. She is strong, and she is mine.' Sesshoumaru tightened his hold around Kagome and lifted her up onto the bed. Using one arm to pull back the covers, he gently lay her down upon his bed.
When he tried to pull away, Sesshoumaru found that Kagome wouldn't let go. Sesshoumaru leaned over her slightly. His lips brushed across her forehead and he whispered against her cool skin, "let go, Kagome."
Sesshoumaru inwardly smirked when Kagome let go with a frown. He stood back and stripped from his outer haorii, leaving his pants on. Sesshoumaru slipped in beside Kagome and watched in amusement as she curled up against him. Sesshoumaru wiped an imaginary tear from Kagome's cheek, "sleep."
And Kagome did. Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist, a clawed hand resting against her back. Sesshoumaru kissed Kagome's nose lightly, "no one will hurt what is mine." Sesshoumaru frowned suddenly, 'did I just state she was mine? Why do I even entertain these thoughts? Its not like I have any feelings for the girl. (hey! Wot happened to her being a women, huh?) I have no feelings for her, yet,… I protect her. My respect for Lord Rei…? No longer can I say I only protect her for Rei. I think of her as mine,… but she is only a ningen! Why should I be so possessive? She should mean nothing. She should mean nothing.'
Kagome murmured in her sleep and buried her head in the crook of Sesshoumaru's neck.
Sesshoumaru once more focused his gaze on Kagome. A small ghost of a smile formed on Kagome's face and Sesshoumaru was relieved to see that for the first night since Kagome's arrival, she would, it appeared, not be plagued by her dreams. Sesshoumaru ran his fingers through Kagome's hair, which had fanned out on the pillow. 'Yes,' Sesshoumaru thought, 'she is ningen, but she is strong-willed, powerful, and intelligent. She deserves to be protected… protected and cherished.'
Sesshoumaru glanced down at Kagome. He secured his grip and allowed his body to relax against her. No one was there to see the smile that graced his lips as he drifted off to sleep.
Kagome woke to the well-toned, ivory chest of a certain youkai Lord. Tilting her head to the side, she was able to see Sesshoumaru's face. Kagome stared in awe at the peaceful look his features portrayed. She smiled and brushed a stray bang back in place. At the contact, Sesshoumaru's arm pulled Kagome closer. Kagome blushed at the thought of exactly what 'it' was, that she was now being pressed against. Kagome blushed harder and turned her head to pay attention to other things.
Kagome looked out the window, noticing with a start that it was daylight outside, and judging by the amount of light, had been for a while.
Kagome turned back to Sesshoumaru and smiled at the thought of the stoic Lord sleeping in. A soft laugh escaped Kagome's lips.
The laughter halted, and Kagome's happy thoughts crashed down around her. Throwing Sesshoumaru away from her, Kagome leapt from the bed, turning to face a very awake, startled demon Lord.
"Don't touch me," Kagome hissed.
Sesshoumaru stood and stepped towards Kagome, his voice cool, "I will touch what is mine."
Kagome held her ground, her body beginning to glow black, "get away!"
Sesshoumaru smirked, "no."
Kagome glared, her aura became darker and began to spread. Her voice was soft, "wrong answer." Kagome's eyes turned black.
A bolt of black energy temporarily pinned Sesshoumaru to the wall. Once released, Sesshoumaru growled and charged, moving past Kagome and coming up behind her. Kagome whirled, the edge of her knife glancing across Sesshoumaru's left shoulder.
Sesshoumaru hissed, the air passing through his lips was the only sign of his pain.
Kagome smirked, "binding spell."
Unable to move, Sesshoumaru just glared.
A sudden look of anguish flickered over Kagome's features. Her eyes closed. She blinked, and blinked again, her eyes once more their traditional gray. The black aura changed to purple and spread over Sesshoumaru. There was a moment of pain shared by both, then the aura turned pink, receded, and faded.
Kagome kneeled beside Sesshoumaru, "you okay?"
Sesshoumaru glowered, "what the hell happened?"
Kagome smiled sympathetically, "my mother."
Sesshoumaru opened his mouth to say something, but Kagome had already stood and held out her hand. Sesshoumaru silently reprimanded himself when he took her hand and gave it a little squeeze.
Sesshoumaru stood gracefully, though Kagome knew he could still feel the sting of her blow. 'My mother's blow, not mine,' Kagome reminded herself.
"Would you mind explaining?" Sesshoumaru demanded.
Kagome turned without answering and approached the balcony. Sesshoumaru following behind. Kagome placed her hands on the railing and looked out to the horizon. Kagome was startled to see that the sun had already set. The fight had only lasted a few moments, the after effects however, had wasted away the day. In the darkness, Kagome could barely make out the mountains in the distance, the mountains that had once been her home, and the mountains in which Rei had died.
Kagome exhaled deeply, "after Rei died, my step-mother prohibited everyone from teaching me to control my powers. They had only recently resurface and Rei was thrilled. Kikyo had always had miko powers, but the teacher Rei employed, Kaede-baachan, said they would have to develop some more before they could be shaped. So Kaede-baachan started teaching me instead. It was only a few months before Rei died, I had only enough time to learn how to keep myself balanced, my powers in check. I had no knowledge of how to protect myself and my step-mother wanted it to stay that way. Kaede was forced to leave, but she left some books about spells, chants, and herbs with Shiro-kun. As time passed, my step-mother became satisfied that I had lost the ability to control my powers. It was then, that Shiro-kun began to teach me."
"He started with physical training, increasing my flexibility, stamina, and speed. He taught me hand to hand combat and how to disarm opponents when I, myself, was weaponless. Oh, and he always, always, made sure to wear me down physically before we faced off. His point in doing this was to make sure that, should my body become too drained to channel my ki any further, I would still be capable of beating my opponent." Kagome turned and grinned at Sesshoumaru ruefully, "if I'm tired enough that I can no longer fight using my miko energy, I'm one whipped puppy."
Kagome sighed and turned away from Sesshoumaru again. She tilted her head, "it's warm out this evening."
Sesshoumaru, startled at Kagome's sudden change in subject, moved forward and turned her around. It irritated him that, although she was giving him information, Kagome had not yet explained why she had attacked him, and Sesshoumaru wanted to know. Hooking a finger beneath Kagome's chin, Sesshoumaru forced her to look him in the eye. He prodded, "Kagome?"
Kagome's voice was barely a whisper, "he didn't want me to get hurt.." '..again,' Kagome added mentally.
Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome, still trapped in his hold, "you were hurt before."
Kagome flinched, her body jerking free of his grasp. She quickly turned her face away, "yes."
Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around Kagome once again, pulling her back to his chest and clasping his hands in front of her. He nuzzled the spot between Kagome's neck and shoulder. "What about the books, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru asked, his voice light and curious.
Kagome relaxed slightly, tilting her head in response to Sesshoumaru's persistent nose. "After I had beaten Shiro-kun in hand to hand combat, he gave me the books." Kagome shrugged, "I taught myself."
Sesshoumaru inhaled Kagome's scent once more before pulling back, his arms staying around her. "How?" He was curious now, no longer concerned with the cause of their earlier skirmish. He would ask her later. For now, Sesshoumaru was content to learn how she had managed her powers. 'She's so powerful. How is it she's never been trained?'
"Well," Kagome started, "I already knew how to ground my power, so-"
"Ground?" Sesshoumaru interrupted.
Kagome laughed softly, turning in Sesshoumaru's arms to face him. "I'm not sure I can really explain it." She smiled, "it would be easier just to show you. Hold on." With that as her only warning, Kagome leaned off the back of the balcony, pulling Sesshoumaru with her.
Sesshoumaru instantly tightened his grip, preparing to end their fall, but Kagome smiled and shook her head. A cloud of pinkish-purple ki plumed beneath them. Suddenly Sesshoumaru found himself on the ground with Kagome in his arms. She smiled again as the pink glow diminished and then disappeared.
Sesshoumaru stared.
Kagome grinned, "when my ki ebbed and then disappeared, that was grounding."
Sesshoumaru continued to stare and Kagome picked up where she had left off. "I already had a basic knowledge of how one would ground their powers, but I had never called on enough power to try it. The books were of simple chants and spells I could practice. They were useful and not only helped me learn to ground my powers, but more so learn to call it."
"The books focused on using my miko abilities. I quickly moved on. Since Shiro-kun had no access to more difficult material, I played. I was wary though," Kagome grimaced. "Rei's death had taught me what I was capable of doing if I ever used my powers to harm. I was afraid to delve deeper within myself for fear someone would get hurt."
Sesshoumaru's face had slipped back to its normal, unemotional state. "So you in truth, cannot control you ki." Sesshoumaru's voice advertised disgust, "and this is the reason you would give for attacking the Lord of the Western Lands?"
Kagome frowned, "my miko abilities? I have very good control over them. They are my means for survival."
Sesshoumaru opened his mouth to say something, but stopped, sniffing the air. He growled, "Shirokiba is in my territory."
Kagome nodded, "yes."
Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome, who took a step backward.
Sesshoumaru looked fiercely at Kagome, his voice dripping with venom, "why?"
"He'll have felt my change in…," Kagome floundered for a moment, "..spirit? body? Anyway, he'll know my mom got to me again."
Sesshoumaru glowered, "and why is he coming here?"
Kagome sighed, her shoulders drooped, and for a brief moment, Sesshoumaru saw Kagome as she felt, broken and alone. The moment passes and Kagome looked Sesshoumaru in the eye. "He's coming because the last time my mother got to me, Rei died."
Kagome turned on her heel and walked back inside the Citadel. Sesshoumaru realized he probably hadn't begun to uncover why Kagome had attacked him. At the moment, it wasn't looking to good for finding out. Sesshoumaru had the distinct feeling that he wouldn't be seeing Kagome again until after Shirokiba had been to see him.
Gofer- welcome to the wonderful thing called summer! Hope you're having fun. Hope you enjoyed the Ch. too. Thanks for always reviewing!!
Drow Goddess- it doesn't appear as though I'll be changing the pairing. No reason to feel sheepish either, it's my fav. pairing too! Sorry it took me so long. Enjoy!
Stacerue- glad you're like it. Hope you enjoyed this Ch.
TroubledSkye- for the time being, Inu Yasha will not be appearing in this fic. Miroku may play a minor role later. I'm glad you like the pairing, I do too!! Thanks for reviewing I really appreciate it!
LightAngel- I'm soo glad you love my story. My apologies for taking so long. Thanks for reading. Enjoy!!
Hi! Wow, it took me forever to update. Ugh! Don't have a reason. Just didn't feel like it and nobody gave me a hard time soooo… you guys feel free to yell at me if I don't update. Anyways, this is Ch. 7 folks. Thanks for reading!!!