Ch. 8

Shirokiba's Return- Sesshoumaru's Answers

Disclaimer: I don't own inu yasha and co. never have, never will…

Last time:

Kagome sighed, her shoulders drooped, and for a brief moment, Sesshoumaru saw Kagome as she felt, broken and alone. The moment passed and Kagome looked Sesshoumaru in the eye. "Shiro-kun is 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.

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Sesshoumaru stood waiting on the ground beneath his balcony, thinking. 'Shirokiba has a lot to answer for. He will not enter my home until I have spoken to him. Sesshoumaru sighed, 'the more time I spend with Kagome, the more questions I have. Not only has she attacked me with blackened ki and failed to explain why, she has nightmares I know not about what, and a brother who is dead?' Sesshoumaru inwardly groaned. He had no idea what was going on…

It was almost three hours before Shirokiba came within Sesshoumaru's sight. As Shirokiba came closer, Sesshoumaru noticed the young advisor and bodyguard was looking rather… bruised

Several gashes in Shirokiba's arms were bleeding profusely. His clothes were torn, his demeanor wary and tired, Shirokiba was in no condition to be questioned even on the most basic levels.

Yet, Sesshoumaru did anyway. "What are you doing here?"

Shirokiba looked wearily towards the Citadel, then back at Sesshoumaru. "I have news for Kagome-sama."

Sesshoumaru glared, but nodded, "you may see her after we have talked. You will follow."

Sesshoumaru turned and walked into the Citadel, Shirokiba trudging along behind. Sesshoumaru walked along the corridors to the chamber next to his, and across from Kagome's.

Sesshoumaru looked at Shirokiba. "This is where you will stay while you're here. Bathe, change you clothes, sleep; food will be provided when you wake."

Shirokiba nodded acceptingly, "thank you," then added sheepishly, "M'Lord, uh-m… when may I see K- Lady Kagome?"

Sesshoumaru glared, "when I tell you you can. You do not seem to realize I'm extending to you a courtesy. You do NOT have permission to be here. You are trespassing. However," Sesshoumaru paused a moment, his eyes softening, "… Kagome cares for you."

Berating himself for his latter comment, Sesshomaru excused himself and Shirokiba was left to contemplate the odd transformation in the demon Lord.

Slowly, Sesshoumaru made his way to the library. 'Damn it… Kagome, how do I help you? Do I let Shirokiba do it for me? Can he help you better than I? Am I useless…….?'

Sesshoumaru entered the library and was surprised to find Kagome waiting for him. "I wasn't expecting to see you…" Sesshoumaru let the sentence trail off.

Kagome, who was sitting on the plush leather sofa (they had those back in the feudal era, I swear!), indicated the space beside her and Sesshoumaru sat down.

Not 30 seconds after he sat down, Sesshoumaru felt Kagome's head come to rest on his shoulder. Her face tilted upward, her expression pained.

Keeping her gaze fixed on the ceiling, Kagome asked, "why do you hate Shiro-chan?"

The room stayed silent as Sesshoumaru contemplated his answer. It hadn't escaped his notice that Kagome had dropped the 'kun.' At length, he spoke, "he challenges the possession of something I believe is mine." The statement came across as fact, but Kagome misinterpreted its target.

"Shiro-chan doesn't want anything of your, Sesshoumaru."

"Are you so sure, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru asked, regarding the ceiling as well. "Do you truly believe you will not return home with him?"

Kagome answered immediately, her tone making it obvious she had already thought about it. "Yes, I will leave when I'm needed at home. Not now. Now, here, I can do more good than at home."

"How did you father die?" Sesshoumaru's change in subject was abrupt, but the question was something that all Kagome's unintentional clues hadn't enabled him to puzzle out.

Kagome sat up quickly.

Shirokiba cleared his throat in the doorway. "If you have questions My Lord, it is imperative you ask me. Upsetting Ka- Lady Kagome any further is not wise."

Sesshoumaru snarled, "your advise is not welcome. Nor is you presence. You were instructed not to see Kagome until I said you could."

Kagome raised an eyebrow.

"Go back to you quarters," Sesshoumaru ordered. "Make no mistake, I will be speaking with you further about this."

Shirokiba nodded and turned from the door.

Kagome shot Sesshoumaru a side-long glance before standing. "Excuse me," Kagome offered as she left the room as well.

Sesshoumaru snarled as he heard Shirokiba's steps fall into synch with Kagome's.

The moment Shirokiba thought Sesshoumaru couldn't hear them, he threw his arms around Kagome causing them both to stumble.

"Kago…me," Shirokiba breathed.

Kagome fell sharply against the wall as Shirokiba's unconscious form slumped against her.

Lowering Shirokiba to the floor, Kagome surveyed his wounds. There were several deep cuts along his arms and a scratch on his left cheek.

'At least none of these are serious,' Kagome thought.

Then her gaze fell upon the magenta stain spreading across the stomach of Shirokiba's kimono. Paling with fright, Kagome drew a dagger from her kimono sleeve and began to cut away at the obstructing material. Pushing the cloth aside, Kagome found that Shirokiba's stomach had been run through.

"Oh Kami… Sess… SESSHOUMARU!! SESSHOU!" Kagome cried out.

Kagome gasped slightly when Sesshoumaru kneeled instantly in front of her.

"What's wrong?" Sesshoumaru asked, not noticing Shirokiba's condition as he attempted to find cause for Kagome's distress and the tears now pooling in her gray orbs.

Kagome's gaze slipped from Sesshoumaru's grasp as she turned her attention back to Shirokiba. "Shiro…"

Sesshoumaru too turned his attention to the bodyguard, critically eyeing the mortal wound. "There is nothing I can do. He should have gotten help, not traveled miles to arrive here. He knew very well he would die. Leave him be, Kagome."

When Kagome made no response, Sesshoumaru stood silently. 'The wretch,' Sesshoumaru thought. 'Coming here just to die at Kagome's feet. And he talks of my upsetting her!' Sesshoumaru broke from his thoughts, sensing the resolve that laced Kagome's sent just before her ki gathered. Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome's hands began to glow pink. Her ki spread across Shirokiba's body, healing the wounds. Yet when the pink light receded, Shirokiba did not stir. Desperate, Kagome began pounding against his chest, willing him to take breath.

"Wake up! Wake UP!"

Sesshoumaru secured his arms around Kagome, pulling her from Shirokiba's body.

"He's dead Kagome."

"NO! No! Wake up!" Kagome began thrashing against Sesshoumaru's hold. "It isn't fair! You can't leave me here!" Her screams of rage and pain halted and Kagome went limp in Sesshoumaru's arms. Gently, Sesshoumaru lowered Kagome to the ground.

"…you can't leave me…," Kagome whispered. "Please don't leave me…" The tears began to stream helplessly down her cheeks.

Sesshoumaru felt a pang in his chest. 'This isn't right,' Sesshoumaru thought angrily. 'Kagome doesn't deserve to loose all those she loves.'

Sesshoumaru looked down at Tensaiga, startled by its sudden response to the situation.

(it is tensaiga? Right? There are so many diff. spelling all over, but you all know what I'm talking about so w/e)

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru stated firmly, though not unkindly.

Kagome lifted red-hazed eyes.

"Kagome, move aside," Sesshoumaru commanded softly, drawing Tensaiga from its hilt.

Kagome stood shakily, staring at the sword. "Tensaiga…," Kagome dared breath. Her eyes lit with hope. Turning to the sword's master, she asked softly, "you'll save him?"

Sesshoumaru met Kagome's gaze. 'You were never mine, were you?' Sesshoumaru asked silently. 'I never even had a chance, for he already held your heart and your trust.' Sesshoumaru broke eye contact to look at Shirokiba. 'If it makes Kagome happy…'

Tensaiga came down in an arc. Its grace as it cut through the air reminded Kagome of Sesshoumaru's own lithe movements. Then, before Kagome could see Tensaiga reach its target, Shirokiba's chest was healed. She blinked, sure she had seen his chest rise and fall with the expansion of his lungs.

"There! Look! He's breathing," Kagome exclaimed, overjoyed. Instantly she was kneeling at Shirokiba's side on the floor. "Shiro…," Kagome called, "Shirokiba." Smiling warmly, Kagome watched as Shirokiba's eyelids fluttered open.

"Welcome back, Shiro-kun," Kagome greeted.

Shirokiba looked surprised, "Kagome?"

"Shhh..," Kagome hushed, laying her head to rest upon Shirokiba's chest. "It's okay now."

Shirokiba wrapped his arms loosely around Kagome and closed his eyes. His content voiced itself gently, "Kagome."

Sesshoumaru stood watching the couple's precious moment. Then, as Kagome contented herself in Shirokiba's arms, silently left.

A few moment later Kagome lifted her head. "You know, you really should thank Sesshoumaru."

Shirokiba blinked, "Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"Mm-hm," Kagome responded absentmindedly. "It was he who saved you. Right Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked as she looked over her shoulder. "Well," Kagome looked back at Shirokiba, "he was right behind me."

Kagome stood, and Shirokiba rose gracefully after her. Kagome looked towards Sesshoumaru's suspected direction of exit. "I really should find him and thank him," Kagome stated anxiously. "I mean, well, he didn't have to save you and all."

Shirokiba nodded, "yes. I would like to thank him myself though." He smiled at Kagome, "it is my life after all."

Kagome looked at Shirokiba completely horror stricken. "You two? In the same room? Thanking him? You must be kidding! It's you and Sesshoumaru! Shiro, you've never trusted him and you don't like him and-"

Shirokiba chuckled, overwhelmed with mirth at Kagome's childish antics. He'd been too far from her for too long.

"Kagome." Shirokiba placed his hands on Kagome's shoulders. "I would like to thank Lord Sesshoumaru personally."

Kagome nodded, but sighed as though resigned to watch the two of them quarrel like kittens.

Shirokiba looked at Kagome, the passing moments stealing the happiness from him. "I will thank our host," Shirokiba said in all seriousness, his face once more taxed with worry and stress. "Then, I must speak with you. There have been… developments."

Kagome's eyes widened. She opened her mouth to speak, but Shirokiba gently pressed a finger to her lips. Shirokiba smiled softly, "I know you want to discuss this now, but at present, there is no fact, only rumors. Any action that is to have a positive effect will need much consideration. It can wait a few minutes."

Shirokiba brushed back the bangs from Kagome's forehead, smiling when the unruly strands fell back into disarray. He turned then, and walked down the hall.

Kagome stood silently, straining to hear Shirokiba's stealthy footfalls. Just as Shirokiba reached the corner, Kagome made out the slight thumping. She shook her head and began heading in the direction of her room.

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Sesshoumaru sat quietly at his desk sifting through papers. His anger at seeing Kagome in another man's arms had taken him unawares and he had quickly sought out the many distractions his Lordship provided. Yet, for all the distractions of the coming war, Sesshoumaru could not keep from thinking of Kagome. Images flitted through his mind. The night in he garden, watching as Kagome had dipped her fingers into the cool water. Kagome smiling at him as they fell from his balcony. Kagome defying Lady Katrina in the company of other Lords. Then, clear and crisp and painful, Sesshoumaru watched through his mind's eye as Kagome rested her head against Shirokiba's chest, content and smiling. 'Kagome…'

Sesshoumaru came tumbling out of his reverie when a knock sounded at the door.

"Enter, Shirokiba."

Shirokiba closed the door behind him, and proceeded to approach Sesshoumaru. When he came to the center of the room, Shirokiba dropped silently to one knee.

Sesshoumaru regarded Shirokiba with same stony expression as always. His mind, however, was reeling with thoughts and emotions. 'Is Kagome leaving? Am I no longer found worthy to protect her? Has the war begun in earnest? No? I don't know… Shirokiba's respect was often forced. Why give it so freely now? Did Kagome ask him to? Kagome! Is she leaving?!' Sesshoumaru's thoughts circled in on themselves, repeating and badgering him mercilessly.

The length of silence between the two grew longer, and Shirokiba became even more nervous. He had expected a reprimand, or dismissal, or threat, or something. The silence was grating on him. He was beginning to question why he was there. 'Do I really want to pay my life debt by doing homage? To serve Sesshoumaru as my Lord? I was given free reign when I worked for Lord Higurashi. I was employed. Am I willing to give that up to be Lord Sesshoumaru's servant?' Shirokiba answered himself without really considering it. 'Yes. I owe a life debt. I will pay that debt and retain my honor. Retain my honor and Kagome's.'

His resolution once more firm, Shirokiba spoke, "My Lord?"

Sesshoumaru responded warily, "Yes, Shirokiba."

Shirokiba lifted his gaze and continued, "My Lord, I offer you my servitude as payment for my life debt." Shirokiba once again lowered his gaze, awaiting his new Lord's orders.

Sesshoumaru, if he had been capable, would have looked incredulous. His was something he had not expected. 'Well then…,' "Your request is denied."

Shirokiba looked up sharply, but Sesshoumaru continued. "Your life means nothing to me. For the little I respect you, I thought not of you. If you wish to pay your debt, offer you servitude to Kagome."

Shirokiba opened and shut his mouth, 'Kagome?'

Sesshoumaru turned back to his desk, "You're dismissed."

Shirokiba paused, but held his ground. "There are rumors that an attack will be made on the village near where Kagome was born. She does not yet know. However,… she will have to act." Shirokiba stood in the doorway, "if it pleases you, your counsel? We will be in the library."

Shirokiba left and Sesshoumaru was left alone to think. 'My counsel… on war strategy and tactics, presumably. Yes, I suppose I will hear the truth of this war after all.'

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Kagome stood silhouetted in the window of the vast library. Her fingers trailed he bindings of old, dusty volumes. Shafts of sunlight glanced across her form, illuminating the pale green kimono adorning her figure. She inhaled deeply, her eyes closed.

Sesshoumaru stood watching, entranced. Presently, he entered the room. Kagome opened her eyes, allowing them to readjust to the light, and offered Sesshoumaru a warm smile.

Sesshoumaru took in the radiance of Kagome's countenance, feeling the swell in his chest. "Kagome," Sesshoumaru greeted, bowing formally. Straightening, he was amused to see Kagome returning his gesture with a mock bow of her own.

"Sesshoumaru."

Kagome looked up and grinned before welcoming Shirokiba, who stood in he doorway.

Sesshoumaru noticed a swift change in Kagome's mood the moment Shirokiba entered. The severity of the situation hung heavily in the air, thick and threatening.

"You got something else to wear?" Kagome asked Shirokiba cheerfully, undoubtedly trying to lighten her spirits.

Shirokiba played the game, following the train of thought. "Yes, a servant supplied me with a fresh kimono."

Kagome nodded. "Well, that's good," Kagome said more to herself than the others. She walked back to the window and stood, her forehead pressed to the glass, staring at the hills in the distance. 'I'm ready for this,' Kagome thought. 'I can handle whatever it is that Shirokiba has to say. This is what Rei brought me up to do. Not to run, hide, or fight, but to protect, lead, and enlighten my people.' Turning away from the window, Kagome inquired as to the current news. "Shirokiba-sama, you came with reports on my mother's recent activities. You realize, I am sure, that this information is classified and will not be discussed without my approval until such time as I inform you otherwise." Kagome looked Sesshoumaru in the eye, making sure to assert her higher authority on this point. She once more addressed Shirokiba, "Tell me everything that has happened."

Author note: Kagome, though her personality is cheerful, was raised to be a leader. She's a strategic planner and a respected diplomat in some situations.

(try to imagine her as such now, sorry its not that convincing)

Shirokiba had taken note of the change. He slipped into formalities, "Lady Pamela (Kagome's step-mother remember?) has sent orders for Kikyo-sama to enter and destroy the town of Forsithe. This much is fact. From Kikyo-sama's actions we can assume-"

Kagome cut in, "what actions?"

Shirokiba answered obediently, "Kikyo-sama made sure to inform Miroku-sama and me of her orders. She is to "act as a decoy in your place long enough to enter" the barrier you set up. She will have no problems getting inside. She is a miko as well. The barrier will accept her, and no one will be able to tell the difference between he two of you until it's too late. You know this, m' Lady."

Kagome nodded, "continue."

Sesshoumaru stood silently, watching. It hadn't escaped his notice that Kagome had changed. her blue-gray orbs had transformed to gray slate. Her face showed no emotion, though her expression might be interpreted as being thoughtful. He had observed her carefully as Shirokiba had told her of the attack. Nothing. Not even her scent allowed him to sense her true feelings. 'And what is with the formality between these two?' Sesshoumaru asked himself.

Shirokiba nodded, "therefore we can assume-"

"Infer," Kagome corrected.

(picky picky- 'assume' has bad connotations, at least 'infer' alludes to thought processes taking place)

"We can infer, Lady Kagome, that the intent is to draw your followers into and around the village in an attempt to protect the villagers. There, they will be ambushed and killed. Until the youkai Lords and Lady decide whether or not they will enter this war, you are Lady Pamela's only enemy."

Kagome processed this, silently debating. She had no doubt really. To take action against her mother though… once she began down such a path, she wouldn't be able to turn back. "Is there news of the Shikon?"

"No," Shirokiba responded to his Lady's question immediately.

Kagome shoved the feeling of helplessness aside and began her answer. "You know, Shirokiba-sama, that any move I make against my mother will be seen as treason. I still need access to Rei's domain."

Shirokiba blinked, 'she's calling her father Rei again?!'

Kagome continued, ignoring Shirokiba's wide eyed expression. "So therefore, I will not make any move at all. Kikyo-sama will be allowed to enter without restraint."

Shirokiba's expression was one of pure shock, "B-but… m' Lady?" he sputtered.

Sesshoumaru was surprised as well, miffed as to why she would let her people be killed.

Kagome looked blankly at Shirokiba. "You mistake my mother's intention. Those people still loyal to Rei and to me are few in number. They pose no threat as scattered as they are. Her intention is not to kill them, nor to draw them to meet in Forsithe."

Shirokiba was obviously trying to understand Kagome's meaning. Then his eyes flashed with realization, and his face hardened. "Then her true target is…

you."

"Me." Kagome stated at the same moment.

"They can't hope to beat you. Kikyo-sama isn't as strong and Lady Pamela has no control," Shirokiba stated defensively.

Kagome smiled knowingly. "Shirokiba-sama, I am not myself in the mountains," she said softly, reminding him.

"What is it that you are planning?"

Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru, "nothing."

Sesshoumaru lifted a silver brow, "can you really stand by and watch those you care about die?"

Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru. Long seconds passed in the silence. Then Kagome spoke bluntly, "better than killing them myself."

"I don't understand the transition," Sesshoumaru responded.

Kagome shook her head, "you wouldn't. It's a long story."

"I have time."

"It's complicated, Sesshoumaru-sama," Shirokiba added.

"Kagome has time."

Kagome stood still and silent. At length, she turned back to the window, returning her gaze to the hills.

"I was born in a hut at the peak of that mountain," Kagome began, indicating to which mountain she was referring with a slight movement of her head.

Sesshoumaru joined Kagome at the window. "I am familiar with the place of which you speak. I once traveled there with Lord Rei. However, record has it that you were born in the palace."

Kagome smiled, "there was no palace. Rei had not yet won the war when I was born. Despite popular belief, I was three days old when the Thunder Brothers surrendered to you army."

"That would be why Lord Rei was so eager to leave then," Sesshoumaru mused.

"Possibly," Kagome replied amiably. "I was born with exceedingly rare and powerful miko abilities. When I was only two months old, however, a fever nearly killed me. The abilities I had been born with became bound so that Rei believed I had lost them completely. I recovered quickly once the fever broke and my life proceeded happily enough. When my mother died, Rei was careful to nourish and enlighten me. He played every role imaginable, from mother, father, constant companion and mentor, to magical creature and imaginary friend."

Kagome paused, drawing a deep breath.

Sesshoumaru began to feel, rather than sense the changes Kagome was undergoing. She had assumed the role of a proper Lady, but the moment for that personality was over. Kagome's expression, however, had not changed; it remained emotionless, blank. Kagome was attempting to guard herself from painful memories. Sesshoumaru could feel the terror and agony in her scent. He began to regret ever asking her to explain.

Steadied, Kagome picked up the story. "My father remarried when I was eight, four months prior to my birthday. In that time, the Rei I loved deteriorated. He attempted to keep things between us as they had been before, but he was constantly ill. Our activities ceased. I spent my days in Rei's room, reading to him."

Trying to ensure that Sesshoumaru understood, Kagome explained another point- her usage of 'Rei'. "Rei was too many things to me. I found it restrictive to call my best friend, daddy. Henceforth, I began calling him by his first name."

"You have to understand that his marriage to Lady Pamela was not an act my Rei would have committed. The marriage was the obligation of my father- the ruler- the politician. Needless to say, I didn't-don't like Lady Pamela. As far as I was concerned, my Rei should have married Lady Tomika, for it was she that Rei cared for."

"In time, the marriage no longer concerned me. I was too preoccupied by Rei's illness to care. My worry for Rei increased to an extent hat the powers I had bound recently after birth broke free. At the time, I had no reason to fear Lady Pamela. I healed Rei instantly, and unfortunately, in Lady Pamela's presence. It was the perfect birthday present, having my Rei back. In the few weeks left before my birthday, Kaede-bachan tutored me. The eve of my birthday, Rei and I hiked up into the mountains. We were to reach Forsithe, the village not 200 yards from that hut, midday on my birthday. The true birthday present was to arrive here that same afternoon and be presented to you."

Kagome's fingers rested on the glass. Her index finger tracing the ridges of the mountains she could spot on the horizon. Her hand dropped back to her side.

They hadn't known who was watching that day. How could they?

Thanks for reading. I realize I dropped off the face of the planet, approx. 7 months actually, but I do intend to finish this story.

Thank you for reviewing!!!

Sorry, but if you wanted to be emailed when I update, you'll need to say so in a review so that I can rewrite the list. I'm afraid I lost it some time in the past months.

Hope you all enjoyed! Ja Ne!!