B-M: Aha!!! (yelling triumphantly as she rips a bit of paper from her printer and storms over to Inuyasha, pointing to the writing)
B-M: See Inuyasha, you're wrong. According to the readers my story isn't boring. See!!!
Inuyasha: Keh, another dumb bitch who doesn't know what she's talking about. What do you expect from someone with a stupid name like rainthewolfdemon.
B-M: Ooh you're so rude you annoying hanyou! You need to be taught some manners.
Miroku: How about dog obedience school B-M-sama?
B-M: Why Miroku, what a fantastic idea!
Inuyasha: What?!!!
Naraku: Don't you think we have better things to worry about? Like one Jasmine Fields whose been sneaking into the office to look over your notes.
B-M: Mmm. You're right and I see her coming this way right now. Tell you what Naraku, how about you and Sess keep her busy in the bedroom while we take doggy here to the pound, oops I mean obedience school. Come on Miroku, he's getting away!!!
B-M and Miroku chase Inuyasha out the door, while Sess and Naraku hide, waiting as Jasmine Fields approaches.
Chapter 10: Briefing The Council
There was a bustle in the main foyer of the large castle as everyone rushed about, preparing for the day's activities. Kagome felt particularly happy this morning. Yesterday had produced some rather pleasing moments that lightened her heart greatly. She now had her brother and sister spirits with her as well as a new friend. She smiled at the faces that passed her, noting their awed and respectful expressions. She knew that talk of her deeds from the previous day was circulating throughout the palace. Sighing inwardly, she figured that there was no way around it. She felt discomfort, at the expressions of awe present on the faces of those surrounding her but could do nothing to stop it. She had tried several times to explain that she only did her duty when helping to revive Himari but her words fell on deaf ears. Everyone around her seemed willing to believe that she was some sort of goddess who should be honoured and revered. At the bottom of the stairs was a familiar face, smiling up at her.
"Good morning Kagome. I trust you slept well, for you are looking extremely radiant today. Though I must say I am surprised to see you up at such an early hour."
"Thank you Himari and you know what they say; the early bird catches the worm." As Kagome said this, she laughed. Himari joined her.
"This is another peculiar phrase from your time, is that correct?"
"Yes Himari, that is correct. It's just another way of saying that you will achieve nothing by laying in bed all day."
Himari offered Kagome his hand. "Would you do me the honour of joining me for breakfast this morning?"
"I'd love to." Kagome smiled warmly at the youkai as she took his proffered hand.
They turned to walk into the large dining area but stopped as they came face to face with Sesshoumaru. He stood in the doorway, looking at them with a blank expression. Before either of them had the opportunity to greet him he blinked, gave a curt nod and turned, leaving without saying a word. Himari smiled secretly as he watched his friend leave. 'Well it seems that we are off to a good start this morning.' He brushed his thoughts aside when he noticed the baffled and rather disappointed expression on Kagome's face.
"It seems that our Lord has much on his mind this morning." He smiled at her, hoping to see her happy face once again. He looked up as he saw Sango walking towards them.
"I see that all the beautiful creatures of Shiiyon are early to rise." He smiled warmly at her, earning a blush. "I trust you slept well Lady Sango?"
"Yes, thank you General." Sango found herself once again, affected by the youkai's presence. She busied herself in greeting her friend to hide her confusion. Kagome returned her affectionate embrace.
"I hope you will make me the happiest man Lady Sango by allowing me to escort you and Lady Kagome to breakfast. I shall be the envy of all the men."
Both girls laughed as they moved to stand on either side of the youkai, taking his hand and allowing him to lead them into the dining area. The large room was already filled with people.
"Take a look over there. Is that not a familiar sight Shyra?"
Kagome laughed as she looked in the direction that Sango indicated. On a bench at the farthest end of the room sat Miroku, surrounded by four females, who hung off his every word.
"Well, it seems that our dear Illiarkan stays true to form."
The three barely took their seats when Rin and Kikyou came to join them. Kagome introduced the pair to Himari. It seemed that they also found the distinguished officer appealing. The only thing that drew Rin's attention away was the arrival of Captain Tiyaku. Kagome almost giggled, as she looked about her at her sister spirits, thinking that they too, would benefit from training in self-control.
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Kagome had one hour to spare before the meeting in the Great Hall. She decided to visit the young boy, Shippou. She entered his room to find him still in bed. He appeared to be sleeping so she sat beside and looked at his face. His physical injuries, no longer troubled him. She knew that his grief was the reason he remained in his bed. She tried to speak to him, gently brushing the hair from his face.
"Shippou? Can you hear me?"
There was no reply. Kagome stroked his cheek, continuing in the same soft voice.
"Look, you have a really nice breakfast here. Don't you want to try a little bit?"
She persisted for some time, trying to coax the boy out of his catatonic state, but he would not respond. This troubled her greatly. She knew the dangerous consequences of a soul lingering too long in such a state. She tried once more to reach him.
"Shippou, I know that you don't feel up to it right now, but you really need to eat something." Still there was no response. "Please Shippou, do it for me. You have no idea how devastated I'd feel if you were to just pass on, especially after all the trouble I went to help you."
She felt rather guilty about using this tactic but at that moment, she would anything in order to him to get him to eat. Relief washed over her when he finally turned his head. His face held no expression, appearing dead and lifeless. He made no move to feed himself. Sighing, Kagome picked up the spoon and brought it to his lips. He opened his mouth and accepted it, chewing on the food as if it were cardboard. She managed to get him to eat a few mouthfuls before he turned his head away. She made sure he had some drink and was sleeping peacefully then she left. As she walked down the corridor, she worried over the child's state of mind. She could not leave him this way. She had to help him or his soul would be lost.
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There was quite a commotion in the main office of the Great Hall as the many members of the Western Council settled themselves around the massive oval table. There were extra chairs today, to accommodate the Shiiyon Warriors. Sesshoumaru sat waiting, appearing more patient than he actually felt. The hubbub in the room was grating on his nerves. He wished that they would all just sit down and close their mouths but this morning, everyone was determined to converse.
He watched the Shiiyon warriors, making their way into the room. 'Well, at least they are more contained than my soldiers' he noted, looking at his officers with hidden disgust. He fought the urge to yell at them, instead turning his attention back to peaceful warriors. He noticed that a certain one was missing. 'She is probably flirting with some poor unsuspecting fool.' The bitter thought jarred his memory. He felt again the searing pain in his heart. He had spent a sleepless night recounting again and again the images that brought the intense feelings. By morning he was near to hating her, wishing to never lay eyes on her again. He laughed at the futile notion, remembering the encounter just this morning on his way out of the Dining Hall. He had felt again the painful emotions at seeing the two walking hand in hand toward him. There was nothing but for him to contain his reactions. His earlier resolve to avoid her came back with a vengeance. He would not allow himself to get into any more situations with her where emotions might accidentally flare. From now on, his approach would be formal and distant. He tried to block out the memory of her lips upon his as he restated his resolve. His heart started its steady race as the object of his imagination strolled into the room, wearing a thoughtful and troubled expression. He cursed inwardly as he turned away from her.
Sango approached Kagome in concern. "What is the matter Shyra? You look greatly troubled."
Kagome smiled at her friend. "Yes Horinaskia, something does weigh upon my mind, but now is not the time to discuss it. When this meeting comes to an end I will explain to you that, which troubles my heart."
Sango nodded and they both took their seats. Kagome noticed that the Western Lord carefully avoided her gaze but had little time to ponder the fact as the meeting began. To her surprise, it a very distinguished and older youkai chaired the conference.
"Gentlemen of the Council and esteemed warriors of Shiiyon, let us commence with this meeting." He waited until the room fell silent before continuing. "Members of Shiiyon, I am Councilman Hanankari. I will be heading the briefing. We will start with the matter of the South. News has arrived that our troops are in place, awaiting the Eastern armies as we speak. Lord Naraku is two days away from the borders. There is still no news as to the size of this force as they travel under some sort of cloaking spell. At present, this is all there is to the report. Does anyone here have more to add to this matter?"
Miroku stood and bowed before the members. "Gentlemen of the Council, I am known as Miroku son of Keiroku, Lord of Shaimon. Before arriving here, I travelled to the East, to Gadarva. I was trying to ascertain the location of five prisoners that I was informed were held within their walls. I happened to overhear the guards discussing the coming battle. The Eastern army is three thousand strong."
There were gasps all round the table, followed by hushed whispers. Kagome sat forward staring intently at Miroku.
"What of these prisoners you were trying to locate?" She had the feeling that they were in some way, important to their cause.
"They are the five monks of the High Order of Tanmar. It is a holy village in the South, where the most powerful monks in the lands reside. The five in the tower are the oldest and by far, the most powerful. They were captured three weeks ago whilst travelling to the holy temples of Shrai. Somehow, a magical collar of some sort was created that can contain their powers; that must be how they were overcome. They are now held within a high tower that has but one heavily guarded entrance. I have no idea as to the purpose for the capture."
Miroku took his seat and Councilman Hanankari stood. "Does anyone else have more to add to this matter?"
When silence greeted him he continued. "Then I will move on to the matter of the refugees. It has been brought to my attention that the numbers we are receiving are too great for the accommodations.
Sesshoumaru's curt reply came instantly. "Then have the problem resolved Councilman. Get every available hand for the job. Make these people work too. If they wish to be housed this winter then they can participate."
"Yes Sire."
Kagome was taken aback. Not only at Sesshoumaru's gruff tone but also at the fact that he bothered with people he found detestable. Once again, she found herself puzzled by this strange enigmatic man. She wondered, in fascination at what other secret sides lay hidden beneath his cold exterior. As she studied him intently, he turned, locking her in his heated glance. Her heart stilled as their gazes held then suddenly, he turned his head as if disgusted by what he saw. For some inexplicable reason, Kagome felt as if he stabbed her in the heart. She looked away, confused at his reaction and met with another pair of eyes. Himari smiled at her warmly. She smiled back, heartened by the warmth on his face, though a lingering sensation still sat within her chest. She decided to avoid looking at the cold youkai, instead turning her attention back to the Councilman.
"Let us move to the next matter. There have been several reports of ships sailing near the coastline of our western borders. There have been no attempts made as yet, to penetrate our barriers. It seems that the intruders are content to merely sit and spy on us."
"Yes Councilman, I have seen them these beasts of carnage." Inuyasha sat forward looking suddenly fierce as he spoke. There were several shocked gasps and whispers that were silenced as the Councilman raised his hand. He looked at Inuyasha in astonishment.
"You mean to tell me that you have seen these creatures with your very eyes? How is this possible? There is much too great a distance to discern a figure correctly, even for the youkai sight."
Inuyasha ignored the questions and continued to speak in the same fierce tone. "These creatures must surely be born at evil's hands, for they have not soul. They are abominations. Their grotesque forms are confirmation of the blackness within. They are covered with rotting skin and possess rows of poisonous fangs."
"Sire, that is exactly like the beasts we encountered." Tiyaku sat forward, looking worriedly at Sesshoumaru. The Western Lord merely nodded while his mind raced through all these new facts. He was careful not to reveal the extent of his worry. Before he could reply, Rin stood and bowed to the council.
"If you would permit me to cut in, I also have something to add to this."
"Very well" replied the Councilman, taking his seat once more.
"I am Lady Rin of the city Dassaiki, in the Northern Lands. My uncle is Lord Dakoni."
Rin hid her amusement at the influence her Shiiyon status afforded her. Had she been plain Lady Rin, the attention she received here would be the same as it had been at her uncle's court. She looked around at the attentive faces before continuing.
"Whilst travelling to my uncle's castle I too saw such beasts. I had my trackers follow them. They told me that they tracked the creatures for days, right to Draglygin, a mountainous region in the East. Apparently, the beasts disappeared into a mine. They could not get close enough to determine the purpose for the mine's existence. However, they did report seeing the creatures carrying a very strange stone that was black of colour, but seemed to hold a strange red mist."
"No!" Rin stopped speaking at Kagome's outburst. "It can't be!" 'Then that means a dragon clan has died'.
"What is it My Lady?" one of the youkai officers enquired, concerned by the look of dread on her face.
Kagome pulled back from her mind, collecting herself as she faced the questioning stares around her. Somehow, she had to explain the situation to them without putting fear into their hearts. She warned her Shiiyon counterparts by speaking through their telepathic link. 'Please brothers and sisters, do not react at what I am about to say. We will discuss it quietly later.' To the council members she said, in her steadiest voice
"When Earth was founded, the Shiiyonians were sent to help establish its settlement. We brought with us pieces of Shiiyon, to aid in the creation of life on this planet. One of those pieces came in the form of a powerful rock from our life source, Bahzsharaal. The reason for this was to provide the earth with the vegetation it needed to sustain the new children who would soon live there. The stone held life of it's own. When the land divided into four parts, we split the stone, so that one part lay hidden deep within a cave, in all of the four regions. Each stone gave birth to two protectors, in the form of dragons. As time went by, these dragons multiplied but continued to live within the caves, coming out only when needed. I fear that they may have been slain while protecting the stone." This was all Kagome was willing to say, though a sense of urgency was filling her as she spoke.
Sesshoumaru studied her intently. He realised that she was keeping something from them. He had noticed the quickly exchanged glance between her and the other warriors and wondered if there was any point in confronting her. He decided to leave it for now. His mind was already reeling with so many issues that he did not see himself dealing with more. He turned his attention back to the meeting. Kouga was now standing and addressing the council.
"My pack happened to pass the dragon caves in the South, the one I think they refer to as the Seven Caves. It was under attack, by beasts of your exact description."
Kagome had a desperate need to get out of there fast. "Gentlemen, if you would excuse us, we have something rather urgent to attend to."
As she spoke all the Shiiyon Warriors stood and started moving toward the doors. Sesshoumaru bit back the urge to yell at them. He had lots to keep him occupied here with the arrangements to counter all these new threats. He turned dismissively from the group.
Kagome looked away from him, ignoring the slight niggling sensation in her belly and spoke to the council. "If it's possible, I would like to speak with you all again today. There are many decisions to be made now but first I need some time to gather more information."
"Very well My Lady" Councilman Hanankari stood to take charge of the meeting once more. "Is it suitable to all members of the Council, to meet at the sixteenth hour?"
He scanned the sea of faces taking in the affirmative nods before ending the meeting. "Very well, we shall conclude these talks at such time."
With that, everybody rose to their feet and left the room to return to their duties. Sesshoumaru stayed seated, not quite sure what had just happened. 'Did that woman just dictate to us all her expectations and expect us to comply?' The worse part of it was that they had. He sat in his seat, feeling rather miffed. It was foreign to his nature to obey other's commands. Since her arrival, he felt that he was losing his authority. His men seemed more willing to listen to her, than to act as they should.
He was brought out of his thoughts by a voice beside him. "What is it, that causes you to scowl in such a manner my friend?"
Sesshoumaru's scowl only deepened as he turned to look at Himari. He was his friend since childhood but right at that moment, he wanted to strike the man so hard, especially when his grin widened in a knowing manner.
"So what ails you? Or would you rather not speak of it?"
Sesshoumaru stood abruptly and stalked out of the room, without answering his friend. Himari laughed. He had caught the expression on his friends face when Kagome entered the room. As fleeting as it was, he had not failed to notice the heated look in his eyes.
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Kagome found a room at the end of a small corridor, attached to the Great Hall. There was a large table in the middle, surrounded by chairs and nothing else. She gestured to the others to sit but remained on her feet. She was too restless to be still and took to pacing the small length of the room. They watched her in silence, knowing she would speak when she had her thoughts collected. Finally, she turned to them.
"I do not want the Ierteinlehz (Earthlings) to know of what we speak." There were nods all round the table. She paused for a moment to whisper a spell that would stop prying ears from hearing their conversation.
"I am gravely concerned for the welfare of the dragons."
"Obviously, they are connected with the Stone and it's continuance."
"That is correct Rin. If the dragons die, the stone's life force will eventually fade. If that happens then the land guarded by that stone would also die. The people would starve because nothing would grow from the soil."
"Does this not mean that the North is already in peril?" Kohaku thought of his family and friends. There was already little to eat but at least the soils did produce something. Now there would be nothing, not even to feed the few animals they kept.
"Yes I'm afraid so Kohaku. Now that the stone has been removed the land will eventually deteriorate into nothing."
Sango felt her brother's concern. "Then we must make haste in removing all from these lands."
"That is obviously one of our main concerns but before we see to this, it is absolutely imperative that we search the Dwyalinai Caves. I can only pray that one of the Red Dragons remain."
"Shyra" Miroku's silky voice filled the room. "We also need to remove the monks from Gadarva. I know not of the reasons for their capture but I am most certain that they will not survive long in that place."
"Yes I agree with you Illiarkan. I have a feeling that these monks are important to us, somehow. Tell me more about this tower in which they're held."
"As I mentioned at the meeting, the tower has only one door which is heavily guarded. If we were to try gaining entrance there, an alarm would rise and we would find ourselves swarmed in no time. There are windows to the tower rooms but they are all barred with a heavy metal that could prove rather difficult to penetrate without raising suspicion."
Kagome sat pondering this, trying to piece together some plan to recover the five monks.
"The wisest course would be to see the fortress firsthand. Then we would have the knowledge of all that stood before us." Rin's words brought Kagome from her thoughts.
"Yes of course Rin, you're right. The sooner we tend to this the better." She turned to Kagura. "Harkinia, you will accompany me."
Kagura nodded. "When do we leave?"
"As soon as it is safe to do so. I do not want anyone knowing of our departure, is that clear?" She looked at all of them before continuing. "If you are asked of our whereabouts, be vague. Say that you saw us strolling in the garden last or something of the sort."
Again, they all nodded, none questioning their leader's decisions. They all trusted that she knew best. Inuyasha walked over to stand behind her, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Have no worry of my brother Shyra, I know very well how to distract him."
Kagome smiled at him, showing her amusement. "I find it rather ironic that you of all the Guardians, were chosen as his brother."
"You may find it amusing but I find it incredibly frustrating." Inuyasha smiled, having always had a soft spot for this particular Shiiyonian.
"Well, that is what we call poetic justice." Kikyou's silky reply brought an instant frown to the youkai's smiling face.
He sent her a glare, which only served to heighten her amusement. Finally, he turned away from her in disgust. Kagome watched the pair, smiling. She enjoyed their bickering. The truth was, she thought they were hilarious. Madinjah would always manage to make poor Ibaanyah so mad that he would bluster and whine like a child; getting angrier still when everyone laughed at him. In the end though, he always managed to find a way to make the other spirit pay. It was all very funny to Kagome.
Kouga stood and faced Kagome. "I think it best if I take a stroll. I may be able to locate an appropriate place for your departure."
"That's a good idea Roohan. Actually, I think it wise if we all split up and do the same." Kagome stood as she spoke. The others all followed her queue and made to leave. She released the spell and they all filed out of the room.
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Servants and soldiers bowed at their passing lord but he barely noticed. He had just left his office after meeting with his ranking officers. He still could not believe what he had done. He had broken a golden rule and lost control in front of his men. He felt great shame for his actions and blamed her. After all, the mention of her name was what set him off. He blanched as he remembered the anger that had suddenly overtaken him, completely shattering his calm veneer.
He had arrived at his office, to find his soldiers waiting. His mood was still as dark as it had been all morning. He was unaware of the fact that his usually unmarred features wore a troubled frown. His mood worsened when he looked upon Himari's grinning face. Again, he resisted the urge to strike the youkai. He placed himself firmly in his chair and focused on the papers in his hand. He made pretence of reading them as he wrestled with his emotions. He was trying to rationalise his reactions to his friend, to no avail. There was no explanation for his feelings. After a few minutes, when he thought he had himself sufficiently under control, he had begun to brief the officers on the new situation with the Southern Lands. He assigned them to their new duties, some to prepare their men for war. Sesshoumaru had cursed inwardly at having to do this. There so much to do here and he needed every available hand as it was.
The officers had started leaving as soon as they received their instructions. There was only Himari, Tiyaku and three older soldiers. Sesshoumaru had avoided looking at his friend, hoping he would leave without conversation. Unfortunately Himari did not. He stood before his desk, waiting until he looked at him.
"My Lord, do you not think it wise to inform Lady Kagome of this decision?"
Sesshoumaru's eyes hardened as he answered in a cold voice. "I do not need my decisions verified by a woman who does not belong here!"
He knew that his words were harsh but he could contain his anger.
"With all due respect, that is not what I implied. I simply meant that Lady Kagome could be of assistance."
Tiyaku sat in his chair, behind Himari in shock. He had never seen Sesshoumaru lose his temper with one of his soldiers and he could not believe that Himari bore the brunt of it. He was puzzled about the animosity that the man projected at his friend. Himari took it well though. Calmly, he tried to explain his reasoning.
"My Lord, if you would just hear me out then I will explain..."
Sesshoumaru's angry voice cut through Himari's words. "You may choose to pander her every whim General but do not expect me to do the same!!!"
He stormed from the room, leaving five shocked youkai looking at one another in amazement.
He now walked in the garden at the rear of the castle. He asked himself the same question, repeatedly. Why did I lose control like that? Suddenly he felt her presence. He turned quickly to see her making her way along the path, on the opposite side of the garden. She looked about her, scanning the area. As he felt his heartbeat race, he reminded himself of his earlier resolve. He started turning away but stopped suddenly unable to move. His gaze travelled back to where she stood, peering through the bushes. 'Leave' his head told him, only to be ignored. Another voice was coming up with a plausible reason to stay. 'You should find out just what the wench is up to. And besides, were you not thinking to question her on the matter of the Shiiyon Stone?'
"Yes" he spoke in a harsh whisper. "By the Gods, I will find out what she hides from me."
He walked quietly into the garden, coming up close behind the unsuspecting girl.
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Kagome stared through the bushes, at the soldiers training on the other side. At first she had thought this a good spot from which she and Kagura could depart but now realised that there was no way to leave here undetected. It seemed that all the recent events had sparked a hive of activity within the castle walls. Now there was scarcely a spot in the palace that wasn't occupied. She sighed as she moved back from the bush, only to stiffen as she bumped into something solid and warm behind her. She cursed herself for being lax with her senses.
"What exactly, are you doing?"
The ominous tone unnerved Kagome, causing her mind to blank. She tried to think of a reply but her thoughts kept wondering to the firm body pressed against hers. She wanted desperately, to move away from him but her legs refused to work. She felt warmth spread through her as her awareness heightened by the second. His voice revealed his frustration, at her lack of response.
"Answer me wench. What are you up to?"
Kagome, finally brought out of her lull, pulled away from him before replying.
"I simply stroll in your garden and you think I am up to no good?"
"Do not attempt at innocence wench, for you conspire to things that are secret. Now turn and face me!"
Sesshoumaru could feel the firm hold on his anger slipping. She continued to stand with her back to him, ignoring his command. He growled menacingly as he moved close behind her. His voice dropped to a low silky tone, seductive yet deadly with promised retribution. "I will not repeat myself again girl, do as I say and turn around right now."
Although the words were spoken in a soft voice Kagome sensed the anger behind them. She shivered with a combination of fear and excitement as she felt his breath caressing her neck. She turned, stumbling a few steps back in reaction to his close proximity. Lifting her head, she averted her gaze as she mustered up her dignity.
"I think it would be best if we continued this conversation when you are feeling more civilised."
She tried to walk past him and let off a shocked gasp when grabbed her arm, pulling her roughly against him. His face was inches from hers as he snarled, his angry words coming from between his clenched teeth.
"What are you hiding?"
Kagome reached in her mind for a plausible answer but found none. He was too close, making it impossible to think. His lips were but a breath away from hers and she craved their soft caress. She closed her eyes. She had only to move forward just so...
Back At The Office
Wow, another never-ending chapter. This is actually just part of what was to be chapter 10, but I couldn't cut it down enough and still let you know the necessary facts. So now I've split it into two chapters instead. Now one or two things to clear up, firstly
Jasmine Fields: Keep your bloody mitts off my notes, oh and off my youkai too. The girls are getting seriously pissed at you.
TearsoftheInnocents: Cuss to your heart's content. Compared to the shit I hear in this office, it would be a welcome relief.
Enchanted Picture: I have one thing to say to you girl. BEWARE. I have the Western soldiers at my disposal and I ain't afraid to use em. Even as I speak Himari and Tiyaku are riding out in search of you. They will come with their swords drawn... psst (whispers) and if you're a really good girl, they might just give you a treat. Ahemm (clears throat and resumes in threatening voice) And when they find you, they will bring you back here, where I will teach your sorry ass all about old fashion speech. We will begin with the Cambridge On-line Dictionary. I'll teach you to mess with my grammar wench.
rainthewolfdemon: You depraved little hentai. Get your mind from the gutter girl. As if I would tar my fic with such trash. Sex in my story? What an abomination!!!
AN: Come on guys, you didn't believe me just now did you? I mean really , how could you? Didn't you read Kagome's dream? Did you really think that after a dream scene like that there would be no follow up? I mean, I'm a tease but not that much of one. No, I'll give you all the sex that you crave... after I've tormented you endlessly with one breathless moment after another.
Now, on a serious note, you will have noticed that this story has a very old style feel about it, and that is done deliberately. I'm trying to create a kind of Knights of the Round Table atmosphere. You know the grand old king and the courts era. So, the speech is going to seem very old fashioned, because it's supposed to. You will also notice that Kagome will jump back and forth between old and modern speech. This is deliberate as well. She is essentially the Shiiyon warrior and their speech is the oldest style of all. This you will discover in coming chapters. But because of her life in the modern era she will tend to lapse into modern speech frequently, especially when she's excited or angry or emotional, yadda yadda yadda. Ok? So, we got that all cleared up? Good now on with the show.
See ya, Babs