B-M walks into the office to find it completely empty.
B-M: Hello? Is anybody there?
Baffled she starts looking around, opening the doors to other rooms to see if they're there. She hears a strange noise coming from the closet. She walks over and very slowly opens the door. SUDDENLY a bunch of ugly monsters jump out at her roaring. Screaming at the top of her lungs she falls to a dead faint.
The IY crew takes off their animal masks and look at her in shock.
Kagome: Oh shit, what are we gonna do?
Miroku: (Running for the door) I don't know about you lot but I'm getting out of here.
Everybody rushes out after him leaving B-M passed out on the floor.
Chapter 7: Earth's New King
The early morning air hung damp and chilly, clinging to the cape of the lone figure as he crossed the darkened courtyard. Sesshoumaru had not been able to sleep, his mind full of the previous day's events. He was striding briskly toward the Shiiyon Temple, having remembered something. He nodded to the bowing soldiers on the high wall above him, before mounting the steps to enter the tower room. It was so still and quiet, especially after the chaos of the previous day. He shook his head, refusing to allow any thoughts of that troublesome woman to enter his mind. He had spent the entire night in his study attending to the paperwork that was piling up on his desk, hoping to find the focus he had lacked previously. Unfortunately his mind had other ideas, constantly wandering back to the annoying creature time and time again. Eventually he managed to finish, but not until his frustration had reached its peak. Now in the tower room, he made his way toward the black leather book sitting on its stand, forgotten. In all the excitement yesterday, it had not occurred to anyone to see what it revealed. Sesshoumaru took the lamp from the wall and with a quick spell the room was bathed in light. He moved to the book, noticing that it lay open to reveal the new writing.
'This hope came in the form of the Shiiyon Warrior spirits, born into the bodies of eight earthly creatures. These beings would sleep until a day when the coming of the chosen Shiiyon warrior would be upon them. They would then be awakened to bring peace and balance, and restore the Earth once more to its former glory.'
Sesshoumaru's eyebrow rose as he stared at the offensive book, suddenly disgusted with the whole Shiiyon scroll nonsense. 'What the hell is the purpose of this stupid thing? To tell a tale of which I am already aware? This whole damned business is as frustrating as hell.'
He turned away quickly, before he gave in to the urge to hurl the offensive object out the tower window, instead opting to return to his suite. Maybe he could get a couple of hours sleep before he had to deal with that irritating woman again. Groaning inwardly, Sesshoumaru cursed himself once again for eliciting thoughts of her in his mind, trying desperately to block out the images that played there. He walked for several minutes, so lost in his thoughts that he paid no attention to where he headed. Suddenly he stopped, looking around him and feeling baffled. In surprise, he realised that he was in the West Wing and her door was but two feet away from him. He cursed again, calling himself every kind of fool as he fought the urge to enter the room. As if having a will of their own, his feet moved closer to the door. He stood quietly, listening for any indication that she might be awake. All was quiet. Sesshoumaru was astounded to find his hand reaching out to turn the doorknob. He kept telling at himself to get the hell out of there, but to no avail. Before he knew it he stood beside her bed, staring at her peaceful, and utterly beautiful face.
'Why am I doing this?' he asked himself as his body began to react. His heart was pounding heavily, causing his breath to come in ragged bursts. His chest tightened unbearably as his stomach knotted in reaction. He turned away, unable to withstand the intensity of his emotions. 'Why have I come here and why does this keep happening to me? Why does she affect me this way?' He kept telling himself to leave, that his presence served no purpose other than to destroy his equilibrium. He wanted no part of her, and definitely none of the sensations that she caused. He didn't even want to think about what it all meant. He just wanted to be rid of her, so that all may return to normal. 'Why the hell did the fates send her?'
"We were meant to be."
Sesshoumaru's heart stopped beating, his breath held. His head swung around to look at the woman, lying on the bed. His eyes narrowed as he took in her peacefully slumbering features. He had definitely heard the quietly whispered words. His mind reeled with shock at her reply. He had not spoken aloud and could not figure out how she would know the thoughts in his head. His body was riddled with the strangest emotions as her words played over and over in his mind. He wanted leave but his legs would not respond. He struggled with himself for several minutes before finally regaining control and moving to the door with the speed of a desperate man. He stood outside, leaning against the wall as he steadied himself. With the distance between them he was better able to make sense of the situation. Obviously she was dreaming, and was probably talking to some lover she from her time. Sesshoumaru couldn't understand why that particular thought bothered him so, but it created a tightness in his chest that was much more unpleasant than the one caused by her. 'Damn it,' he cursed inwardly, 'I want nothing more to do with her than is absolutely necessary.' With this thought, he abandoned his original idea of seeking slumber. He needed to release some of the excess energy that was now running through his body. He would take one of the dragons out and survey the lands.
-------------------------------------------------------
Kagome walked briskly down the long corridor, deep in thought. She had several things on her mind this morning but one thought dominated all. Since waking, she had experienced feelings of helplessness and despair, reminding her of her brief excursion in the dungeon. After fasting, she decided to pay a visit to the gloomy building to investigate. She hardly noticed the gloriously sunny day as she crossed the courtyard. The feelings inside her were intensifying with every step. By the time she reached the doorway, she was almost suffocating with the pressure that built up in her chest. Something was definitely amiss. She frowned when she reached the bottom of the stairs, pausing briefly to nod to the two guards. Both men looked at her uncertainly, knowing that their liege would not approve of her presence there. She smiled at them as they watched her nervously.
"I owe you both an apology. I'm sorry for putting you to sleep yesterday. I hope I didn't get you into too much trouble." Kagome spoke with sincerity, as she had worried for the two since the incident. With the wrath of their lord, the punishment was sure to be great. They looked at her in surprise, wondering why the beautiful creature would care for their plight. Kagome's smile broadened as she stepped closer to them.
"My Lady, I really do not think that you should be here. Lord Sesshoumaru would not approve." The brown-eyed guard looked very concerned as he spoke. Kagome gave him a reassuring smile.
"You needn't worry," she told him in a soothing voice. "It's all part of my job; to see to the comfort and welfare of all who reside on Earth. And that includes people in prison cells. They too have feelings and needs. Now you wouldn't stop from doing my job, would you?"
Kagome didn't lie. Being Shiiyonian meant she had an inane love for all the creatures that dwelt here. Unfortunately, the guards were not convinced. They looked at each other in doubt.
"I really do not think that Lord Sesshoumaru would approve," one said to her.
"You leave Lord Sesshoumaru to me." With that, she stepped past, looking at them expectantly. After a moment's hesitation they reluctantly opened the door. Upon entering, a wave of intense pain hit her, making her gasp and double over. The two guards jumped to her side, one holding each arm.
"My Lady, are you not well?" one asked in concern. With some effort, she straightened and sent them a tight smile.
"I shall be fine," she managed to reply. 'I just need to find the person who bears this incredible pain.'
She continued into the large room, passing the cell she previously occupied. Surprisingly all the cells in this part of the dungeon were empty. She would have thought that a brut such as he would keep a prison full. At the very last cell she stopped, suddenly overwhelmed by pain and despair. She peered down at the small shivering form curled up in the corner of the cold floor. Her heart broke as she realised that he was no more than a child. Crouching down in front of the bars she called out gently,
"Little one, can you hear me?" There was no reply. Worry filled her as she waited for any sign of movement. She tried calling to him again.
The boy thought he heard something, but he was too tired to look. He just wished he were dead. What was the point of living now? He knew he had failed, failed to save them. Now there was nothing left. How long until he would die? He did not even know how long he had been there and did not care. Even the excruciating pain he felt was of little consequence. He just wanted it all to end. Then he heard it again. It was soft like breeze, shivering over him. With great effort he rolled his head to the side and opened his eyes. He gasped when he saw the vision, blessing the Lord above. Finally an angel has come to take me away. He smiled, sighing with contentment before his eyes closed and he lost himself to the unconscious world.
Kagome stood up, frowning as she looked at the crumpled form. She felt anger wash over. Who would do this to a mere child?
"Open this door!" she barked out angrily, continuing to stare at the boy.
"They will do no such thing," came the imperious reply.
She swung around her anger swelling at the sight of the Western Lord, standing arrogantly with folded arms, staring down his nose at her. Her eyes narrowed as she pierced him with a deadly glare.
"How could do you monster? He is but a child!"
"And he is a thief!" Sesshoumaru was also, in high temper.
He had just arrived back from his patrol to see her walking determinedly toward the dungeons. His suspicions had risen instantly. 'What is she up to now?' he had wandered, deciding to follow. He had mentally summoned the guards to silence of his presence. He did not want her aware of him. His temper had flared, as he listened to her manipulating them. He had waited until she was at the cell before stepping quietly into the room. She did not even notice him, so caught up in her fascination with his prisoner. He watched her carefully, feeling as always the familiar reactions she set off within him. Upon hearing her angry demand, his temper flared.
"How I run my castle is of no concern to you, is that clear?" he snapped angrily at her. She opened her mouth to reply, but he cut her off. "You are never to interfere in matters that do not concern you! You do not belong here, and the sooner you remember that the better!"
Kagome was shaking with rage. Her hands clenched at her sides as she tried to control her temper. Unfortunately his cold smirk was her undoing. "You are nothing but a cold hearted, arrogant, pig-headed basta..."
A rough hand suddenly closed about her neck, pushing her into the wall and cutting off her words. She stared wide-eyed at the man's irate face, before a wave of anger hit her.
"Get your hands off me!!" she lashed out at him with her fists and feet, to no avail, her blows merely bouncing off him ineffectively. The hand tightened, making it difficult for her to breath. "Aah!! What is wrong with you! Is this the way you treat women?"
"YOU ARE NOT A WOMAN!!!" he roared. "You are a harridan sent from hell!!!"
This actually surprised Kagome into silence. She looked at the man in shock then looked past him frowning. 'Is that what he really thinks of me?' she wondered in astonishment, realising that it bothered her. No one had ever spoken to her in that manner and for some reason it sat heavily on her heart. She was not a bad person. To be honest, she could not understand her behaviour toward this man herself. Usually, she was in control, her manner of dealing with people being patient and friendly. However, with him it was different. He made her feel things she had never felt before and she was not sure if she liked it. Now though, she did not have time to think about it. Once again she glanced at the boy. There were more important matters at hand; this was not the time to fight with him. She would have to convince him that the boy needed help, but how? He was so stubborn that he would probably just ignore her. Still, she had to try.
"I'm sorry My Lord, that you think this way of me. I guess I can't blame you. I haven't exactly been myself lately." Kagome's eyes fell to the floor, with a look of shame. "I know I have angered you, but that truly wasn't my intention. I only want to help the boy. He's in great pain."
Sesshoumaru breath lodged in his throat. Damn her and her unpredictable reactions. He had expected her anger, but not this. She stared up at him with pleading eyes, her face softened with a new expression. He felt his heartbeat escalating. His hand relaxed around her throat as he continued to stare into her eyes.
Kagome was not sure if she was getting through to him and decided to try again. She placed a hand on his chest and her eyes pleaded with his. "Please Lord Sesshoumaru, please let me help him. I can feel his pain and sadness as if they were my own. I cannot ignore it."
Her gentle voice sent shivers over his skin, compounding with the sensations caused by her hands. He wanted to tear them away from his body but stood frozen, unable to move. He found himself caught in her spell once more.
She could not figure out what had gone wrong. One moment she was pleading her case and the next she was staring breathlessly into his eyes, lost to a myriad of sensations. A thousand butterflies fluttered inside her making her body flush with warmth. 'What is happening to me?' she wondered as she felt a stirring movement on her neck. It caused her heart to beat erratically.
Sesshoumaru was so lost in her eyes that he did not notice his thumb caressing her skin. He felt a shiver run through her as an audible gasp broke from her lips, drawing his attention. The luscious pink swells parted beckoningly, enticing him to taste them.
Kagome stared transfixed, as his head moved closer to hers. His thumb, rubbing gently on her skin was creating havoc with her senses, causing strange warmth to spread through her entire body. He stared at her lips like a starving man, making her ache to feel them touch with his own. She moved closer to him, then suddenly stopped as a sharp pained stabbed at her side. She doubled over and almost fell to the floor, but Sesshoumaru quickly grabbed her, holding her against him.
"What is the matter?" The worry in his voice surprised him. He held her close, wondering at her distress.
"It is the boy," she panted the words. "He awakens."
Sesshoumaru turned his head to see that the boy had indeed regained consciousness and was now shivering violently. He frowned as he looked from the small dirty body back to the woman he held.
"Please, you have to let me help him," Kagome begged him in a strained whispered voice, struggling against the affects of the pain.
"Very well." Sesshoumaru mentally summoned Jakken, before calling to the guards to open the door. Kagome attempted stand alone, with some difficulty while waiting for the boy's removal from the cell. As soon as the guard tried to lift him, she cried out as an incredible pain brought her to her knees. Sesshoumaru was beside her instantly, lifting her off the ground and holding her close once more.
"What is wrong?"
"He's in too much pain. I'll have to heal him here first before we move him."
This surprised Sesshoumaru, as he had no idea that she held the power to heal. He nodded, "Very Well."
He helped her to the boy's side and down to the floor. Kagome gasped as she saw the state of the poor creature. He was covered in dirt, which was matted up in thick crusts through his hair. She couldn't even make out his features under all the filth.
"Would it be possible to have him washed after I heal him?" she turned to Sesshoumaru with that pleading expression that caused him to melt. He could not think when she looked at him this way, so he opted for a short nod. Immediately she turned and lifted her hands, resting them gently on the boy. She closed her eyes and after several seconds, a strange light covered his body. Her frown deepened as she concentrated her energy on his broken form. After what seemed an age, she sighed with relief and sat back looking tired.
"It is done." She looked at the boy, satisfied that he no longer suffered from pain. Now there was only his heartache. She sighed as a guard took his body from the cell. Sesshoumaru explained to Jakken what he required for the boy. He turned to find her still kneeling on the floor deep in thought. He walked to her side and bent down, gently grabbing her arm. She came out of her daze and stared up him, then smiled as he helped her to her feet.
"Are you able to walk?" he asked watching her closely. She looked very tired. She did not respond immediately; instead, she looked at him, her smile broadening. Finally she replied,
"Yes thank you, I'll be fine. It takes a little while to recover from healing and unfortunately the boys was quite badly hurt. I had to apply more energy than usual." Kagome had a sudden thought that caused her to frown. She looked at him with worry in her eyes.
"Please tell that this was not the work your men."
At any other time that remark would have rankled his nerves but as he looked down into her sad eyes, Sesshoumaru found himself wanting to reassure her.
"No, we are not barbarians. I am most certain that the boy was already in this state when my officers detained him."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult you. I just had to know." She looked to him for understanding and he gave it, nodding his head.
"Perhaps you would like to rest for a while," he suggested.
She smiled and shook her head. "That really isn't necessary. The affects will wear of soon, honestly. I was actually hoping to go into the city I saw yesterday. I need to purchase some clothing, since I didn't get much time to pack before I left home."
For some reason Kagome was feeling happy. She smiled broadly at the man beside her, eliciting a small gasp from him. She guessed that he was surprised by her sudden friendly manner and could fully understand why. She had not been her friendliest self since arriving and the words he spoke earlier, floated through her head. She decided that she did not want him to think of her as a harridan and vowed that she would make more of an effort to get along with him. 'Besides, I have no choice in the matter.' she reasoned. 'We must work together to restore Earth.
Sesshoumaru could not work out if he liked this new change in her attitude. He was actually wishing that she would turn back into a hellcat. He struggled to keep his emotions under control. Each time she graced him with that alluring smile his chest would tighten painfully. Why did she have this affect on him? He noticed that she was looking at him expectantly, awaiting his reply. Pulling himself together, he opened his mouth to answer, but did not get a chance.
"Sire, I am sorry to interrupt, but I thought that you would be most anxious for this." They both turned to find a young officer standing beside them.
"Yes Captain Valasca. What is it?" Sesshoumaru was actually glad of the interruption. The officer reached into his tunic and produced a pouch. Sesshoumaru thanked him and took it, turning the temple. He looked at the woman beside him and asked, "Shall we go and see what is revealed?"
Kagome was actually amazed that he had asked instead of demanding. She beamed a radiant smile at him that took his breath away. 'Yes, I will definitely try a lot harder with you,' she thought, as she followed him to the temple.
Once inside he handed her the piece of scroll and followed her to the table. She stood as before, closing her eyes and holding the paper in front of her. The table vibrated and set things in motion. The paper left her fingers and joined with its partner to form the newest piece of the puzzle.
'Nen imbowan piniah Shyra, tun uruquoy corahabin ter Shiiyon, tun appolan mor sitahn tun enwa kiinahn ter Ierten.
Kagome smiled as the meaning of the words penetrated her mind. 'And bestow upon Shyra, the Ultimate Guardian of Shiiyon the power to anoint the new King of Earth.' The words themselves said very little, but they unlocked a series of memories. Turning, she looked with new eyes at the man before her.
Sesshoumaru looked at her, wondering at the meaning of this latest expression. It looked to be respect, but with her he was never sure. 'And besides,' his mind reasoned, 'why would she respect me now, all of a sudden?'
Kagome turned back to the table, reaching out to grab the talisman. As soon as she removed it, the encircling light it went out and the scroll stopped spinning, sitting suspended in the air. She walked to the black wall, placing the golden base against it. She slotted it into one of the gold stars, watching the blackness shimmer and melt away to reveal another room.
Sesshoumaru ogled in amazement at this new section in the tower room. It was very bright, lit with some unseen light. He puzzled over this, wondering how a room this size could possibly fit into the tower. Reading his thoughts correctly, Kagome answered.
"It's done with magic. This is a hidden room; it's not really here. I guess you could say, it exists in another dimension."
Sesshoumaru turned from her to study the contents of the room in fascination. It was full of the most amazing assortment of weaponry, made from a metal he had never seen. It held everything from bows, to knives and swords. There was also armoury, made of the same metal but much finer. From the back of the room, something grabbed his attention and beckoned him. Slowly, as a man entranced, he walked towards the two swords, embedded in a large shiny white stone. He held out his hand and touched the hilt of one, feeling a surge of power run through his hands. The swords pulsed with energy, shining twin lights throughout the room.
Upon hearing his amazed gasp, Kagome stepped forth and spoke. "The swords are blessed with great power, but that power can only be released by their true owner."
Not fully understanding this, Sesshoumaru turned his attention back to the sword he favoured. He tried removing it from the stone, but it would not budge. He frowned, then looked up questioningly as one of her hands covered his, halting his actions.
"The sword can be removed by none but me." She looked into his eyes as she spoke.
Sesshoumaru became quite aware of her body. Warmth flowed through him, starting where her hand covered his. Swallowing, he released his grip on the sword and stepped back, trying to put some space between him and her disturbing touch.
Kagome looked at the sword he released and a smiled in amusement. Seeing this, Sesshoumaru looked at her questioningly.
"I find it surprising that out of the two swords, you would choose this one."
Again, his look was questioning but this time she did not respond. Instead, she turned to place one hand on each sword. He heard her whispering, but was unable to distinguish the words. A bright light flared suddenly through her hands and into the swords. Sesshoumaru heard the cool swish of the metal as they slid from the stone. A second later Kagome turned, holding two beautiful Shiiyon swords. She stepped forward, looking at Sesshoumaru in the eyes with great respect. She bowed deeply and stood before lifting the two swords to rest them, one on each of his shoulders.
"I Shyra, warrior of Shiiyon, with the power and the spirit vested in me by my fathers, do anoint you Sesshoumaru, Prince of the Western Lands as the new King of Earth."
Back At The Office
Hi all. I forgot to mention last chapter, and you may or may not have noticed that Sesshoumaru does not have his usual bangs. I've portrayed him with hair that sits straight back from his forehead. If you know the movie Lord Of The Rings just think of Legolas the elf. Ooh I like that elf, mmm yummy yummy. Anyway, my Sesshoumaru will have hair like that. But if you prefer him with his wispy bangs then by all means feel free to imagine him so, I promise I won't be offended. I'm just slightly obsessed with one said elf.
Anyway, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Till next time, adios amigos. Babs