Shayril: Well, here's the next chapter of Tarnished Armor. It's actually
not as angst-filled as I thought it'd be. At least, I don't think so.
Kalika: And you should know angst the way your life is right now.
Shayril: (Glares at the leprechaun and speaks in a voice dripping sarcasm)
Thank you sooo much for that reminder. I really needed that.
Aliri: (Smacks her cousin in the back of the head) Great going, idiot!
Kalika: Sorry.
Shayril: Okay, well, on to the chapter. I was actually in a pretty good
mood and was gonna say some more stuff, but that's been ruined. It wasn't
important anyway. Enjoy.
Tarnished Armor
Awakening
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The three men, Inuyasha had joined Hyouga and Sesshoumaru, immediately turned their attention to the door as it opened. Lady Kaede stood with a grim look on her face. None of the men liked it very much.
"Well," Inuyasha demanded.
"I've done all I can," she said. "It's up to Kagome now. All we can do is wait."
Inuyasha growled in frustration, his older half brother silently concurred. The three males all entered the room and took up positions around her to await the results of ritual.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She wasn't sure how long, but she sat in the Dreamscape looking back over her life. As each memory came to mind it played in the white expanse. She watched as her life played through, reliving all of the emotions up until this very moment. Carefully she weighed her decision, her mother's words playing in the forefront of her mind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A groan from the prone figure in the bed drew everyone's attention. After a moment a pair of sapphire eyes blinked open. The first sight that came to those blue orbs fell upon was the tall imposing figure of her betrothed. His amber eyes stared back at her and she saw a flicker of some emotion, possibly concern, pass through them. Kagome tamped down rising fear.
She swallowed. "P... Please leave," she said to him. "Please."
He looked like he was about to argue, but seemed to think better of it. "Very well. I am relieved you have returned. I will destroy him. Kagome watched him leave with sad eyes."
"Oi, wench!"
"What do you want, dog-face?"
"He didn't do it to you. He was with me when the guard came to report it. He had only just got back and we were arguing as usual."
Her eyes turned to him. "You're only trying to protect him."
Inuyasha scowled. "Why would I do that? You know I can't stand Sesshoumaru. I enjoy anything that makes his life a living hell. As long as it's true." Kagome turned away. "Think about it, wench."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once everyone was gone Kagome rose out of bed and crossed over to the mirror. She stopped just short of seeing her reflection, dreading the sight of the scars left from that day. Taking a deep breath, she stepped in front of it. A gasp of wonder escaped her.
"That can't possibly be me," she said into the empty room.
She had somehow changed over the past two or three days. Her hair now reached the back of her knees with a white streak down each side. Her black ears now had a dusting of white over the fur and her blue eyes had gold flecks in them, kind of like lapis lazuli. She examined herself carefully, finding no sign of her recent injuries. Her brow furrowed in confusion.
"You're a full youkai now."
Kagome spun around to see the Western Taiyoukai standing in the doorway.
"How?"
"Sesshoumaru shared his blood with you. It was the only way to save your life. You're half wolf, half inu youkai now," Inu-Taisho explained. "He used more blood than necessary too and wound up passing out and didn't wake up for almost a full day."
"Why would he do that?"
"Because he cares for you either than either one of you know and it was the only way to save your life."
Her voice was scathing. "Then he shouldn't have done that to me."
Her future father-in-law sighed. "Kagome, come with me please. There is something I want you to see." Kagome had a hesitant look on her face. "Please."
"Very well."
"I'll wait outside while you get dressed."
Kagome crossed over to her closet and began looking through her clothes for something to wear. Everything she owned seemed too revealing to her, even the emerald she had worn when she first met Inuyasha. Closing her closet door she went over to the door connecting her room to Yisu's and knocked.
"Come in, Kagome."
Kagome entered the room to see her friend curled up in an armchair by the window reading a book. "What are you doing inside? I would have thought you'd be tormenting Inuyasha."
Her friend shrugged. "I decided to give him a break today. What do you need?"
"I need something to wear."
Yisu gaped at her. "With all the clothes you brought along you have nothing to wear?"
"Th... They're too revealing. I want to wear something more modest."
Understanding instantly filled the other female's eyes. "Of course, feel free too borrow anything in my closet. They're mostly Japanese style kimonos..."
"Perfect."
Kagome raided her best friend's closet, finding an amethyst colored kimono decorated with phoenixes embroidered in silver and gold thread. It was tied at the waist with a dark blue and black obi. Half of her hair was pulled up in a bun, held in place by a pair of black hair chopsticks, the rest left to hang in soft waves down her back. Inu-Taisho stood outside her bedroom door, waiting as she exited her room.
She followed him out of the castle, at which point he took off using his youkai speed. Not wanting to be left behind, she picked up her speed. It wasn't until they came to a stop that she realized where he was taking her. Her eyes immediately filled with terror as she stared at the guard tower. On trembling legs she tried to back away, but the Western Taiyoukai gently took hold of her arm.
"Kagome, you are safe. No one will hurt you," he said soothingly. "There is something you need to see. Do you trust me?"
The Northern Princess turned her lapis eyes to him. "I... I'm not sure I trust anyone anymore, but I w... will go in there with you."
Inu-Taisho gave her a small smile as he gently guided her into the tower and up the stairs to the room where everything happened on that dreadful day. Pain filled her eyes as she stood within the room, her sight draw to a dried bloodstain on the floor.
"It's not yours, Kagome. All of your blood was cleaned away, but that stain there could not be removed."
"I don't understand," Kagome said. "Why did you bring me here?"
"That stain is from your rapist's blood," he explained. "Smell it. Tell me who you smell."
Confused and with a skeptical look in her eyes, the younger youkai crossed over to do as he instructed. Her nostrils flared delicately as she sniffed the stain. The corner of her lip curled in a snarl as the familiar, putrid scent of Naraku filled her nose. She was filled with a sudden desire to gag. Swiftly rising to her feet, Kagome swept out of the room, unable to stand it any longer. Inu-Taisho headed after her, catching up just outside the tower.
"I thank you for what you're trying to do. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to be left alone. There are some things I must think about," she said without turning.
"Certainly. Might I suggest that you allow me to escort you back to the castle first."
Kagome nodded.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sesshoumaru watched from the training grounds as his father and Kagome returned to the castle. He had seen them leave earlier and from the direction it wasn't difficult to figure out where they had been going. His eyes narrowed and he was inexplicably angry at his father for taking her to that godforsaken place. She should never have to see its walls again. He was seriously considering having the place torn down and rebuilt with brand new materials, the stones and beams of the original structure burned and crushed so that nothing remained of the place where that bastard Naraku had hurt her so badly. Upon realizing exactly what it was that he was thinking, the Western Prince shook his head slightly to dispel the thoughts. Why should he care? It was just a building like any other. That didn't change because of one evil deed performed within its confines. Still, he was again filled with the urge to order the end of the tower's existence as the look of fear and distrust in Kagome's eyes flashed through his mind. Naraku would pay for putting that look into her eyes. NO ONE harmed what was his!!!!
As his eyes followed his betrothed into the castle a voice inside him said that it was not mere possessive pride that fueled his thoughts. He didn't like the idea of her in pain. He had known it from the moment of their impromptu meeting after Inuyasha had made her cry the day the stupid hanyou was to spend with her. From that first moment he was protective of her. When she had announced that he was her choice of mate at the masquerade ball he had been shocked as hell, but he had also vowed that as his future mate he would let no harm come to her. He had long ceased trying to blame it solely on the fact that she was his betrothed. Then again, a voice from inside him whispered. Maybe that's exactly the reason, but not because you view her as a possession.
Shayril: Well, there you go. I know it's another short chapter, but I'm still getting into the swing of writing this story. Bear with me. Kalika: Hey, where did all that guys go??? Navi: (Rolls eyes) Weren't you paying attention the last time she updated Shards and Cards? Kalika: No. Why? Aliri: (Groans) She kicked them all out, nimrod! They're not going to be around for a while. Kalika: But why are the guys gone? Shayril: Because I'm not in the mood to put up with any part of the male population right now. Kalika: Okay. When will you be? Shayril: (Thoughtfully) When one of them professes their undying love for me and actually means it. Kalika: Really? I have work to do. (Dashes out the door) Navi: Where is she going? Aliri: (Rolls eyes) She's probably off to play matchmaker. Shayril: Whatever. Anyway, there are two reasons this chapter is named Awakening. The first is that, obviously, Kagome woke up from her coma. And the second is that Sesshoumaru's understanding of his feelings for his fiancé are awakening. (Chorus of 'Oooooooooh' s come from some unknown place.) Shayril: Not that you didn't already catch that. I mean, you're all smart people. So anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter, I'll try to make the next one longer, please review, and see ya next time.
Tarnished Armor
Awakening
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The three men, Inuyasha had joined Hyouga and Sesshoumaru, immediately turned their attention to the door as it opened. Lady Kaede stood with a grim look on her face. None of the men liked it very much.
"Well," Inuyasha demanded.
"I've done all I can," she said. "It's up to Kagome now. All we can do is wait."
Inuyasha growled in frustration, his older half brother silently concurred. The three males all entered the room and took up positions around her to await the results of ritual.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She wasn't sure how long, but she sat in the Dreamscape looking back over her life. As each memory came to mind it played in the white expanse. She watched as her life played through, reliving all of the emotions up until this very moment. Carefully she weighed her decision, her mother's words playing in the forefront of her mind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A groan from the prone figure in the bed drew everyone's attention. After a moment a pair of sapphire eyes blinked open. The first sight that came to those blue orbs fell upon was the tall imposing figure of her betrothed. His amber eyes stared back at her and she saw a flicker of some emotion, possibly concern, pass through them. Kagome tamped down rising fear.
She swallowed. "P... Please leave," she said to him. "Please."
He looked like he was about to argue, but seemed to think better of it. "Very well. I am relieved you have returned. I will destroy him. Kagome watched him leave with sad eyes."
"Oi, wench!"
"What do you want, dog-face?"
"He didn't do it to you. He was with me when the guard came to report it. He had only just got back and we were arguing as usual."
Her eyes turned to him. "You're only trying to protect him."
Inuyasha scowled. "Why would I do that? You know I can't stand Sesshoumaru. I enjoy anything that makes his life a living hell. As long as it's true." Kagome turned away. "Think about it, wench."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once everyone was gone Kagome rose out of bed and crossed over to the mirror. She stopped just short of seeing her reflection, dreading the sight of the scars left from that day. Taking a deep breath, she stepped in front of it. A gasp of wonder escaped her.
"That can't possibly be me," she said into the empty room.
She had somehow changed over the past two or three days. Her hair now reached the back of her knees with a white streak down each side. Her black ears now had a dusting of white over the fur and her blue eyes had gold flecks in them, kind of like lapis lazuli. She examined herself carefully, finding no sign of her recent injuries. Her brow furrowed in confusion.
"You're a full youkai now."
Kagome spun around to see the Western Taiyoukai standing in the doorway.
"How?"
"Sesshoumaru shared his blood with you. It was the only way to save your life. You're half wolf, half inu youkai now," Inu-Taisho explained. "He used more blood than necessary too and wound up passing out and didn't wake up for almost a full day."
"Why would he do that?"
"Because he cares for you either than either one of you know and it was the only way to save your life."
Her voice was scathing. "Then he shouldn't have done that to me."
Her future father-in-law sighed. "Kagome, come with me please. There is something I want you to see." Kagome had a hesitant look on her face. "Please."
"Very well."
"I'll wait outside while you get dressed."
Kagome crossed over to her closet and began looking through her clothes for something to wear. Everything she owned seemed too revealing to her, even the emerald she had worn when she first met Inuyasha. Closing her closet door she went over to the door connecting her room to Yisu's and knocked.
"Come in, Kagome."
Kagome entered the room to see her friend curled up in an armchair by the window reading a book. "What are you doing inside? I would have thought you'd be tormenting Inuyasha."
Her friend shrugged. "I decided to give him a break today. What do you need?"
"I need something to wear."
Yisu gaped at her. "With all the clothes you brought along you have nothing to wear?"
"Th... They're too revealing. I want to wear something more modest."
Understanding instantly filled the other female's eyes. "Of course, feel free too borrow anything in my closet. They're mostly Japanese style kimonos..."
"Perfect."
Kagome raided her best friend's closet, finding an amethyst colored kimono decorated with phoenixes embroidered in silver and gold thread. It was tied at the waist with a dark blue and black obi. Half of her hair was pulled up in a bun, held in place by a pair of black hair chopsticks, the rest left to hang in soft waves down her back. Inu-Taisho stood outside her bedroom door, waiting as she exited her room.
She followed him out of the castle, at which point he took off using his youkai speed. Not wanting to be left behind, she picked up her speed. It wasn't until they came to a stop that she realized where he was taking her. Her eyes immediately filled with terror as she stared at the guard tower. On trembling legs she tried to back away, but the Western Taiyoukai gently took hold of her arm.
"Kagome, you are safe. No one will hurt you," he said soothingly. "There is something you need to see. Do you trust me?"
The Northern Princess turned her lapis eyes to him. "I... I'm not sure I trust anyone anymore, but I w... will go in there with you."
Inu-Taisho gave her a small smile as he gently guided her into the tower and up the stairs to the room where everything happened on that dreadful day. Pain filled her eyes as she stood within the room, her sight draw to a dried bloodstain on the floor.
"It's not yours, Kagome. All of your blood was cleaned away, but that stain there could not be removed."
"I don't understand," Kagome said. "Why did you bring me here?"
"That stain is from your rapist's blood," he explained. "Smell it. Tell me who you smell."
Confused and with a skeptical look in her eyes, the younger youkai crossed over to do as he instructed. Her nostrils flared delicately as she sniffed the stain. The corner of her lip curled in a snarl as the familiar, putrid scent of Naraku filled her nose. She was filled with a sudden desire to gag. Swiftly rising to her feet, Kagome swept out of the room, unable to stand it any longer. Inu-Taisho headed after her, catching up just outside the tower.
"I thank you for what you're trying to do. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to be left alone. There are some things I must think about," she said without turning.
"Certainly. Might I suggest that you allow me to escort you back to the castle first."
Kagome nodded.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sesshoumaru watched from the training grounds as his father and Kagome returned to the castle. He had seen them leave earlier and from the direction it wasn't difficult to figure out where they had been going. His eyes narrowed and he was inexplicably angry at his father for taking her to that godforsaken place. She should never have to see its walls again. He was seriously considering having the place torn down and rebuilt with brand new materials, the stones and beams of the original structure burned and crushed so that nothing remained of the place where that bastard Naraku had hurt her so badly. Upon realizing exactly what it was that he was thinking, the Western Prince shook his head slightly to dispel the thoughts. Why should he care? It was just a building like any other. That didn't change because of one evil deed performed within its confines. Still, he was again filled with the urge to order the end of the tower's existence as the look of fear and distrust in Kagome's eyes flashed through his mind. Naraku would pay for putting that look into her eyes. NO ONE harmed what was his!!!!
As his eyes followed his betrothed into the castle a voice inside him said that it was not mere possessive pride that fueled his thoughts. He didn't like the idea of her in pain. He had known it from the moment of their impromptu meeting after Inuyasha had made her cry the day the stupid hanyou was to spend with her. From that first moment he was protective of her. When she had announced that he was her choice of mate at the masquerade ball he had been shocked as hell, but he had also vowed that as his future mate he would let no harm come to her. He had long ceased trying to blame it solely on the fact that she was his betrothed. Then again, a voice from inside him whispered. Maybe that's exactly the reason, but not because you view her as a possession.
Shayril: Well, there you go. I know it's another short chapter, but I'm still getting into the swing of writing this story. Bear with me. Kalika: Hey, where did all that guys go??? Navi: (Rolls eyes) Weren't you paying attention the last time she updated Shards and Cards? Kalika: No. Why? Aliri: (Groans) She kicked them all out, nimrod! They're not going to be around for a while. Kalika: But why are the guys gone? Shayril: Because I'm not in the mood to put up with any part of the male population right now. Kalika: Okay. When will you be? Shayril: (Thoughtfully) When one of them professes their undying love for me and actually means it. Kalika: Really? I have work to do. (Dashes out the door) Navi: Where is she going? Aliri: (Rolls eyes) She's probably off to play matchmaker. Shayril: Whatever. Anyway, there are two reasons this chapter is named Awakening. The first is that, obviously, Kagome woke up from her coma. And the second is that Sesshoumaru's understanding of his feelings for his fiancé are awakening. (Chorus of 'Oooooooooh' s come from some unknown place.) Shayril: Not that you didn't already catch that. I mean, you're all smart people. So anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter, I'll try to make the next one longer, please review, and see ya next time.