The cast of IY & The Mystic Scroll gather in the office for the big event. They're all standing or sitting around watching Inuyasha & rainthewolfdemon who are flexing their claws, ready for battle. Naraku stands, guarding the computer with his life. The two foes are about to attack one another, when suddenly there's a knock on the door. All heads turn to look at the door, in irritation. Naraku reluctantly leaves the computer, all the while keeping a wary eye on Inu & rain. He opens the door and there stands mrs sesshy. She walks in and smiles at everyone.
mrs sesshy: Hi, I have a date with Sesshoumaru.
B-M: (whispering) ooh, this is gonna be good.
rain suddenly turns and growls at mrs sesshy.
rain: Stupid wench, he's mine!! Prepare to die!!!
Inu plonks himself on the lounge next to B-M as rain jumps on mrs sesshy. B-M offers him some popcorn, while her eyes stay glued to the fight.
Everyone: (jumps at once) Ooh!!
Kagome: Oh, that was a nasty hit. stuffing more popcorn in her mouth
Everyone: Ouch!!
Himari: That's gotta hurt. (grabbing another handful of popcorn and handing some to Jasmine Fields)
They continue to watch the girls rolling around on the floor, smacking and slapping each other, until suddenly...
Tiyaku: Oh shit, look out the window.
Everyone runs to the window and looks out. A crazed mob of women is rushing toward the office door yelling.
Crazed mob: Sesshoumaru, Sesshoumaru. We love you!!!
B-M: Oh boy, this is way too much fun for me. I'm outta here. (she rushes out the back door.)
Naraku quickly grabs the computer and runs out after her. The cast of IY & Mystic Scroll look at the crowd of women again before running out the back door after them, leaving rain and mrs sesshy to kill each other on the floor.
Chapter 12: Emotions In Turmoil
The three Shiiyon warriors stepped back, simultaneously. They blanched at the sheer anger projected from Lord Sesshoumaru's gaze. They all mumbled something at once and turned hurriedly to leave, stilling at his curt command.
"Stop!!!"
Kagome cringed as she heard the footsteps coming closer behind her. She did not want to turn but felt rather ridiculous, now that Inuyasha and Kagura had. She stood, facing them as they looked over her shoulder with worried eyes. She mouthed her word 'help' at them but they only looked back at her with a look of apology. Taking a deep breath she slowly turned to face her accuser.
Sesshoumaru took one look at Kagome and blanched in horror. When he first heard his brother's words, he could not see her properly as she was partially behind Inuyasha and had turned before he could inspect her. He was now stunned as he stared in disbelief at her bloodstained uniform and the mangled mess that used to be her hair. His eyes travelled over her armour and up to her face, also covered in the dried substance. He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he looked from one to the other.
"Would you care to explain this?" his tone was deadly quiet, causing the three warriors shift nervously on the spot.
They all stepped back, remaining silent as they stared at the ground, like a bunch of guilty children. Sesshoumaru's patience reached its limits. He stepped directly in front of Kagome, bending his head close to hers, in an intimidating manner.
"Explain yourself." He forced the words through his clenched teeth as he struggled to maintain composure.
The flustered Shiiyonian was at a loss for words. She looked into his eyes, only to look away when she saw the anger in their depths. Feeling rather helpless, she raised her left hand to push a few strands of hair away from her eyes and gasped as Sesshoumaru yanked her arm away from her body.
Sesshoumaru's heart was beating rapidly in his chest as fear raced through his body. He held her arm away up as he looked at the wet patch of uniform, just above her armour.
"You are hurt." His voice sounded strained, even to his ears.
Kagome looked down in surprise. "Oh it's nothing, probably from one of the beasts."
"This is your blood and this wound is still fresh." He was starting to feel more worried by the moment. She was losing too much blood. He started dragging her toward the back door of the castle.
"Hey, where are you taking me?" she tried to pull against his hold, to no avail.
"Your wound must be treated before you pass out from loss of blood."
They disappeared into the castle, leaving Inuyasha and Kagura standing with odd looks upon their faces. Kagura turned to her friend.
"Was that not rather odd?"
Inuyasha was still staring at the door as if he could not quite believe his eyes. "Was that my brother? At first he seemed normal, but then..."
He was stunned by Sesshoumaru's over-reaction to a mere flesh wound and surely, that had to be concern on his brother's face. He might even say fear, had it been any but his brother.
They turned suddenly, to the sound of voices behind them and found the other Shiiyon Warriors coming toward them.
"Harkinia, you have returned." Rin came to their side, bouncing gleefully as she grabbed Kagura's hand. "Where is Shyra?"
Kagura exchanged a quick glance with Inuyasha before answering. "She is inside, changing."
"We had best go to the meeting. It is almost the sixteenth hour. I am certain that Shyra will come, when she is ready." Kouga led the group away.
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Sesshoumaru leaned against the wall of the corridor, waiting. Now that Kagome was receiving treatment, he felt calmer and more capable of logical thinking. He knew he had overreacted but even now, he felt fear at the thought of her injury. He struggled once more with his emotions, trying to remember his resolve. Unfortunately, his need to see her far outweighed his logical reason. He waited impatiently for the treatment to end. It was several more long minutes before the door finally opened and a servant walked out.
"Is she dressed?" he asked as he stood straight and faced the door.
"Yes sire" the young female youkai replied before bowing and taking her leave.
Sesshoumaru opened the door and entered. He looked at the woman across the room, now completely at a loss for words. His emotions raged back and forth, from fear to anger then finally, to helplessness. He knew he could nothing to stop her from further endangering herself.
Kagome watched him warily. She attempted to guess at his emotions, unsuccessfully. As the seconds passed, she became painfully aware of him and she could feel her heart start the same erratic beat it always played whenever he was near. It stopped when he started walking towards her. She turned away to hide the telltale reaction.
Sesshoumaru stood behind her, still struggling with his emotions. One part of him wanted to shake some sense into her, to yell at her stupidity. However, the other wanted to take her in his arms and hold her tightly to him, to beg her to never scare him again.
"Why do you insist... on putting yourself in danger as you do?"
Kagome's breath caught. His tone was one she had never heard before, so soft it was almost a whisper yet it sounded hoarse with emotion. She longed to turn and see his face but was too frightened. She could feel him close behind her and fought the urge to lean back into his warmth. This scared her even more. Whenever he was near, she longed for his touch and when alone, thoughts of him plagued her constantly.
"I... I have no desire to fight with you Kagome. I..." he could not go on, suddenly feeling choked with emotion. 'I what?' His mind was blank as he stared at her back, completely forgetting the words he was about to utter.
Kagome's heart jumped violently at his words. She wished desperately that he would continue but he remained silent. She almost gave in to the urge to turn, so great was her curiosity.
Sesshoumaru took a deep, silent breath as he steadied his nerves and was pleased to find himself speaking in a much more normal tone.
"We should make haste, the meeting is sure to have commenced."
What he really wanted was to stay there with her, to hold her and convince her to be sensible. 'You also want to feel her lips on yours and the caress of her sensual tongue.' The thought inflamed him instantly and he turned to the door before she noticed.
Kagome swallowed the feeling of disappointment and turned, keeping her eyes averted as she followed him. They walked in silence down the long corridor, both wishing they were still in the room.
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Councilman Hanankari chaired the meeting once more. The two Shiiyon Warriors relayed all that they had seen at Gadarva. They told of the red dragons, now safe in the Seven Caves with the white, despite the fact that they were constantly under attack.
"With their combined powers they can withstand the attacks for now but eventually the red dragons will fade. It is absolutely imperative that we recover the Shiiyon Stone. If we do not, the red dragons will fall and eventually the others will share their fate. I suggest that we make the retrieval of the stone our first priority."
There were nods and murmurs of agreement all around. Councilman Hanankari lifted his hand, quieting the group.
"I would like at least a day of training before we strike Draglygin. I thought that the morning after the morrow, a most fitting time to leave. If possible, I will need an accompanying army."
Sesshoumaru gave a curt nod, his face calm with its usual emotionless mask. He was pleased that at least this time, she spoke of her plans.
"How many soldiers do you require?" A feeling of trepidation came over him as she returned his gaze with a deadly serious look.
"There is something I should first mention. We have new information from the dragons." She paused as several whispers and gasps came from the youkai sitting around her.
One of the officers called out in a startled voice, "You mean to tell us that the dragons speak?"
"Yes, that is correct." Kagome turned back to Sesshoumaru and continued. "They informed us that the stolen Shiiyon Stone is being used as an energy source to create the hideous creatures that we spoke of earlier. We came across some of these creatures when we first arrived at the Seven Caves. They were trying to break in, obviously to steal another stone. If they manage to obtain that stone too they will be able to create creatures of far greater strength than the ones we have thus far encountered."
'So that is where she received the wound.' Sesshoumaru thought, as he looked her over. She had obviously done all the fighting, as the other girl had been unsoiled. Again he felt the strange feelings well inside him as he pictured her, surrounded by beasts and slashing away for her very life. He was wondering how he could prevent this occurring in the future, when he noticed that the meeting was continuing. He turned his attention to the speaker.
"Do the dragons know the precise number of the beasts?" Councilman Hanankari questioned the Shiiyon leader.
"No sir but they did mention that their numbers would be close to four thousand."
Again, the murmur of voices rose, quieted once more by Councilman Hanankari. "How many soldiers do you require Lady Kagome?"
"I thought if you could spare one hundred that would be sufficient."
"One hundred plus nine to fight thousands? Not likely." Sesshoumaru could not imagine what the woman was thinking. She certainly liked to play against the odds.
"I do not think that all the creatures remain there. I am sure that most are already out in use. There should only be a few guards plus those that work the mine. I am certain that one hundred is more than sufficient. Besides, you need all available soldiers to fight in the South."
Sesshoumaru remained quiet, understanding the logic of her words but still not liking the idea of it, not one bit. Again, he felt helpless as he acknowledged the fact that nothing he could do to stop her.
"There is one more thing I wanted to mention. You need new weaponry for your soldiers. The weapons you hold are of the highest quality but they will not stop the beasts. We have swords that are made of Shiiyonian steal. Only with these, can you kill the creatures."
"Have you sufficient weaponry to arm the entire Western army?" Tiyaku asked, wondering where they were all hidden.
"Yes" was Kagome's confident answer.
Councilman Hanankari stood and addressed the members. "Does any have more to add to this matter?"
They moved on to the next issue, which happened to be the captive monks at Gadarva. Kagura gave a brief account of all they had seen. Talk started up around the table when she completed recounting the tale. Kagome watched the frown on Sesshoumaru's face at the mention of the sizeable army within the Eastern city. She sympathised with him, imagining the weight of the great responsibility he now held. She was overwhelmed with a desire to hold him and take away his burdens.
Sesshoumaru had sat the entire meeting, attempting to ignore the disturbing presence that consumed his every waking thought. He struggled to keep his eyes from straying her way. He repeated his resolve, over and over in his mind. 'I will have no more to do with her than is absolutely necessary.' His resolve had stayed firm until he felt her attention turn his way. He closed his eyes as he doubled his efforts to keep them averted, cursing at her profusely in his mind. He deliberately stared at Himari, bringing into his head a picture of the pair in an intimate position. This preoccupation did not serve him as he intended and he cursed his stupidity as he felt a wave anger swell in his chest. As hard as he tried to ignore her, he could not. 'Why does she persist in staring at me?' Finally it became too much for him to bear. He turned to her with a look of anger.
Kagome was so lost in her sympathetic thoughts that she was totally oblivious to his hostility. She was also unaware of the fact that her face expressed every thought in her head.
Sesshoumaru swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He struggled to contain his reactions as that certain expression that enflamed him, now graced her features. He wanted to look away but her gaze held him captive. Everything seemed to stop, all the voices fading as they stared, lost in each other's eyes. He almost jumped as he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He turned to see Jakken standing behind him.
"Sire the ambassador of the Southern Lands has arrived. He is currently in your office."
Sesshoumaru nodded to his retainer and stood to follow, glad of the distraction.
Kagome watched him walk to the door, admiring his regal bearing. She wished desperately that she could figure him out then wondered why. The more she thought about the man and her strange feelings towards him, the more confused she felt. She was not sure if she wanted to be near him or as far away as possible.
"Shyra!" She jumped, turning at the sound of Kagura's loud call. She looked inquiringly, from one face to the other as they stared at her with a strange expression.
"What?" she asked defensively.
Kikyou laughed at her strange speech. "We have been attempting to gain your attention for almost five minutes now. Does something trouble you Shyra?"
Kagome frowned, turning away. "No."
They all looked doubtful, except Inuyasha, who was studying her carefully. He had noticed the look that passed between Kagome and his brother. He thought back to earlier, when Sesshoumaru had shown more concern than warranted at Kagome's welfare. A tiny smile played about his lips as he wondered how deeply these feelings ran. One thing was certain; Inuyasha certainly enjoyed watching his brother's cold mask cracking. Somewhere beneath all that ice was a heart and it looked to be finally working.
The meeting came to its conclusion and everybody started leaving the room. The warriors remained seated, waiting for the room to empty. Finally, when the last soldier disappeared through the doorway, Kagome spoke to the group.
"Freeing those monks from Gadarva will not prove an easy feat. We must formulate a plan. A direct attack will prove ineffective; in fact it could mean a quick death for them all."
"Have you a plan Shyra?" Miroku was certain that she did.
"We have to find some way to gain entrance, some pretence that will allow us to walk about freely. Maybe we could pretend to have some sort of business there."
"Ooh, are we to play a game of pretence?"
Rin's excitement bubbled over. Her black curls bounced around her face as she danced gleefully in her chair. Kagome frowned, deep in thought as she mumbled absently in reply.
"Yes something like that." Her eyes suddenly cleared as she looked at Miroku. "You became acquainted with the soldiers of Gadarva, is that correct?"
Miroku nodded and waited for her to continue.
"Can you think of any reason for us to be there?"
Miroku thought for several moments before smiling. "I can think of one that is very appealing to me but, more than likely will be distasteful to you."
Kagome raised an eyebrow at his smug grin. "Regardless, I would like to hear it."
Miroku sat up, suddenly serious. "Firstly, we will not all be able to enter the gates. The soldiers will be highly suspicious at the presence of another youkai. Ibaanyah, Roohan and Harkinia will have to remain outside while the rest of us enter."
Everyone nodded and waited for him to proceed. "They will allow me entry to the city without suspicion. I will tell them that you are the entertainment that I take to my city."
"Entertainment?" Kagome's eyebrow lifted as she wondered exactly what this meant.
She received her answer from Sango, who wore an expression of distaste. "They are street women, who dance to survive."
Kagome's mouth twitched in amusement as she took in the expressions on all the girls' faces. 'These poor old fashioned girls' she thought as she laughed at them.
"So, does this mean that we will need dancing lessons?"
Her laughter burst forth at their horrified faces. She was actually looking forward to this particular assignment. The meeting ended with all agreeing to an early start for training next day. They left the room, heading their separate ways.
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Kagome breathed in the crisp evening air as she strolled through the courtyard. She smiled, bowing her head at the passing soldiers before making her way inside. She had many things on her mind but one thought dominated all, her concern for the little youkai named Shippou. After the meeting concluded, she had taken Sango, Kohaku and Rin to see him. Rin had bounced about the room excitedly, chatting endlessly about nothing. At first, Kagome thought their attempt to rouse the boy from his catatonic state was all in vain. After some time however, she noticed that the glazed look had left his eyes and he was actually looking from Rin to Kohaku, who sat on the bed beside him. The dead expression slowly left his face as a look of curiosity began to take its place. They stayed for almost an hour, only leaving when the boy fell asleep. Although he had not stirred from the bed or shown much enthusiasm, Kagome was still delighted with the little progress he made. It was a start and tomorrow they would try again. She was determined to save the boy's soul, no matter what she had to do.
After they left Shippou's room, it was time to arm the soldiers and open the portal to the South. She had unsealed the room that housed the large crates. Inside them were hundreds of Shiiyonian swords. After the removal of the crates, Kagome resealed the room and joined the other warriors in the courtyard. They combined energies and opened a huge portal that allowed the Western soldiers to pass through, bearing their new weapons. With the task complete, the exhausted Shiiyonians dropped to the floor, releasing the spell. Kagome smiled as she remembered the deadly looks from friends when she asked if they wanted begin training immediately.
She now strolled along the corridor, to the King's private suites. From the moment she became aware of her purpose in these lands she had felt an overwhelming need to do something but until today she had not realised what that was. Now she did. She looked about anxiously before opening the door and entering. She knew that she should have asked for permission from Lord Sesshoumaru but with all the strange emotions that were between them, she had no desire to have another confrontation with him. Her lack of control, where he was concerned troubled her greatly. Besides, the man was so impossible that she was sure he would decline her request regardless. She decided that this was the only way. 'Anyway, I do nothing wrong' she thought her actions were justified and wondered why she felt guilt. She walked quickly across the large foyer, led by the strange force that pulled her along. She was glad that she had a guide as she had no idea of where she went. She sighed with relief when she eventually found herself before the door she sought. Looking about once more she opened it and slipped in.
Back At The Office
B-M: Hey everyone, I really hate this chapter. No matter how much I re-write the bloody thing it still sucks. Ah well, I guess these things happen. We all have a crappy chappie or two. Anyway I'll survive. Oh look who's here to join me.
Inu: Hi, thought I could help you answer reviews today.
B-M: Cool, I was just about to start.
Inu: Can I do the first one? (B-M hands him review) Oh wow, it's Tonomi. I was wondering where you were. She says she's been on holidays. Hey, you wanna take me next time!
B-M: (laughing) No! Don't take our Ibaanyah please!!! Seriously though, thanks for the review and it's great to hear from you. Got some interesting stuff coming up. The warriors are going to be very busy.
Inu: Hey Sleek Wolf, you wanna know what's up with my brother? He's a dumb ass who's always trying to prove...
B-M: Ah Inuyasha I think that you should be nice. Sleek Wolf I'll explain. You see Sesshoumaru has lived his whole life totally in control of everything from his emotions to the people around him. And he also scorns people who do display their feelings. So when Kagome turns up and all of a sudden he's filled with...oh my goodness, EMOTIONS!!! Well he just can't deal with it, plus she's a challenging creature and often rubs him the wrong way, so he over-reacts. And remember, he's really jealous of Himari right now.
Inu: Hey Jasmine! I saw what you were doing!! You ain't comin near me with that thing. If you do I'll tell Kagome you stole our notes again.
B-M: Hey Inu, what exactly went on between you two anyway.
Inu: Feh! As if I'd tell you.
B-M: I'll find out, sooner or later. Anyway on with the reviews. Gothic-Slytherin, interesting name eh? I promise I'll continue, right to the very end. And thank you for saying that you found nothing to pick at. That's just such a nice compliment. Oh and I love French. And don't worry sweetheart. I have plenty more cliffies for you. Oh by the way, keep up with your story; "The Return Of Hiten" I think it'll be great.
Inu: I hope mrs sesshy is ok; we had to take the poor woman to the hospital. rain, you crazy she-wolf you need to be locked up. You're a menace.
B-M: Ah Inuyasha, I don't think it's wise to get her going again, ok? All right, Sesshy'snumber 1 fan, thanks so much for the review. You know it's really challenging doing someone like Sesshoumaru for romance fics. You have to show his emotions while keeping him the cold arrogant SOB that he really is. So I'm glad someone thinks that I've managed to do this. And while I'm on that note, this is also the reason why I can't rush the lemons with him, that and also the fact that it's only been A COUPLE OF DAYS YOU HENTAIS!!!! (calms herself again) now on with the reviews.
Inu: blackhoodedangel, I'm really glad someone sees what a prick my brother is...
B-M: Inuyasha!!! Watch your mouth.
Inu: Keh, it's the truth. He's the one who's horrible to Kagome and everyone thinks I am.
B-M: (sighs) Ok, on with the reviews, next is...demonfox!!! Wow it's good to hear from you. You are my very first reviewer on this animespiral, and you're still with me. (weeping) So dear to my heart. (sobbing loudly).
Inu: Oh for crying out loud, would ya pull yaself together woman!!!
B-M: (wiping tears away) Sorry, I just get a bit emotional sometimes.
Inu: hey fallenangel, Kagome wanted me to ask you how your date with Naraku went. She wants to know if you think he's good in bed too.
B-M: (looking shocked) Inuyasha!!! I don't think Kagome meant for you to ask in public.
Inu: Oh, she didn't say so. Anyway it's done now. So fallenangel, want to go out on a date with me?
B-M: Ugh!!! Is there no end to this?!!
Inu: Ok! Calm down will ya?
B-M: (glares at him) I've only just managed to clear my office and here you are about to invite more trouble on my head, AND YOU WANT ME TO CALM DOWN! I DON'T THINK SO!!! ARGHH!!!
Inu: Keh, I'm outta here!!! (stalks off)
B-M: Fine then!!! Good riddance to you!!! (crosses arms and pouts) hmm!! (begins to think and starts to feel bad) aww. Poor Inu. I really shouldn't have spoken to him like that. He's been so good lately. (looks at the retreating hanyou thoughtfully) oh! (sighs) I better go after him. See ya guys. (runs out the door) INUYASHA!!! WAIT UP!!!
Sesshoumaru sneaks into the office laughing. He gestures behind him and rain appears.
Sess: Come on rain they're gone; we've got the whole place to ourselves. (looks around the room thoughtfully) Now where haven't we done it yet?
rain: (laughs) I know one place. (points to the computer desk)