A/N: Since no one decided if i should put the shikon no tama in this, ill
decide and you all can wait in suspense! Oh some said that sess was a
little OOC, that wasnt my intention i just wrote and whatever came out. I
was going for curious in the first chap and i hope i clarified my portrayal
in this chap.
Tortured Decisions
With Sesshoumaru just before dawn
Light poured in through the open balcony window highlighted his silver locks. He opened his eyes slowly so that his sensitive eyes could adjust to the sudden transformation from his darkened eyelids still heavy with sleep. He peered through the curtain of silver, that as he sleep had moved from behind him muscled shoulders to fan across his face, and growled softly at the annoyance. For once for had a chance to sleep peacefully without the interruption of fitful dreams. Sesshoumaru lifted himself elegantly from the warmth and depth of his monster of a bed. He slunk across the room the short distant of about ten to twelve feet to the object of his irritation. He stopped to lean against the window sill, which had become a habit of his and an unlordly one it was. He observed the plush pinks and deep violets sweeping across the horizon. The brilliant hues seemed to be gently tugged and pushed by the effervescent clouds. He sighed.
--And with the passing of yet another day the birth of another has begun. --
If only he had something he could look forward to. All that was on his schedule was papers, creating treaties with his allies for the upcoming war, and Jaken's annoying groveling. Ah yes....and that girl....the wind seemed to pull him. As if asking him to come out and enjoy the morning solitude if only for a brief moment because the second he was about to leave the wind whipped down tickling against his bare skin. (nice picture) His hair split at the base of his neck to create blinders on his side of his face hiding his stoic facade from the scenery. On the wind, he caught her scent. It seemed to be wrapped up and surrounded the chilly fall air. Like a child embraced in a mother's arms, her scent had snuggled between the streams of the gusts. His brow creased.
--She's up? I didn't expect her to rise until late in the afternoon. --
He turned and swept from the natural world he was at one time watching. While walking in he swiftly shut his opaque glass doors. Exiting his bedroom and entering an adjoining room in his personal wing of the house, he was joined by many familiar armoires. He opened the one he needed and deftly dressed himself in his white hakama and haori. He could have asked his servants to dress him, but in Sesshoumaru's mind they weren't worthy and they had other tasks to attend to. If he ever acquired assistance, he could always ask the human female. As payment for his hospitality. Sesshoumaru smirked. He could only imagine the female's reaction. Humans were stupidly modest creatures. He scoffed.
--Humans........ --
His face now only slightly contorted with a scowl, he turned to a locked cabinet towards the recesses of his dressing chambers. Pulling a key that normally was hidden in a slot in the wall. Pushing his finger on a knot on this already ruffed wall the indentation was created allowing his access to said key. He unlocked the cabinet. His armor had been placed on hooks, where he had hung it only the previous night. Right before his escapade into the woods. He easily strapped and tied his armor into place. Sesshoumaru wouldn't have normally worn his armor while in his own domain, but recently there had been many attacks on villages near his household and he suspected his soon to be enemy of the south. He was never unprepared.
Waltzing from the room he headed for the small cottage at the back of the cottage. Sesshoumaru wasn't worried for her safety since he placed wards and containment spells on her cottage. The woman-child wouldn't be able to leave. He did have a suspicion that she would try. Humans were always stupid like that, but that was what was so confusing. Her scent entangled in the wind while still enclosed in the cottage? Unlikely.
Unfortunately, his plans were spoiled by a large crash that left his eyes ringing. He stormed into the main hall. There he found Jaken hurriedly trying to stow a broken vase underneath an antique sofa. He just stood there, and almost in slow motion, Jaken turns eyes full of terror up to face his lord. His face flushes with dread and he falls to his kneels.
"P-pl-please forgive this impertinent, lowly servant...." Jaken screeched. Sesshoumaru growled, resisting the urge to slam the frog into the wall. He didn't want to further damage his household. Many items in this room were irreplaceable. His anger was not worth risking their harm. Some were older than his past father. Instead, Sesshoumaru let a small, fiendish smile grace his ivory features.
"Jaken...fix it." The mighty lord than turned on his heel and left the chamber. He was faintly aware of a clattering of a dust pan and brush. He paused and swiveled to see that his servant had followed him. Sesshoumaru also noticed the small folded document in his webbed hand. He raised a sculpted eyebrow. This seemed to snap Jaken out of 'caution- mode'.
"My lord...this arrived from one of your spies located in the south. There have been many rumors that the southern lord lost a valuable slave..." Jaken was interrupted by Sesshoumaru's hand whipping out to swipe the document and was already half-way down the hallway before Jaken could react.
Sesshoumaru changed his course to head in the direction of the study. He would deal with Jaken's clumsiness later. Upon entering Sesshoumaru's study one would notice that there were no windows. It was one of the only rooms in the entire residence. This room and most dungeons. He slid the door, not shoji screen, closed. He changed the door to allow more privacy to his personal sanctuary. Of all rooms, this was where he spent most of his nighttime and daytime hours, in solitude. Only Jaken could enter this place, and that was only if ordered or in case of major importance.
The room was fairly large. The first thing you would see upon entering is the large wooden desk. It wasn't scattered with papers or files, but was neat. All papers and documents were labeled and organized in a specific system. He despised messes. Someone who was unorganized was not worthy of their status. If they couldn't keep of few pieces of paper in line, then how could the person keep authority over others? To the right of the desk were two book shelves. One held books, mainly on strategy or philosophy for war and other military situations. There were also piled, relatively or as neatly as possible, on the bottom two levels. there were glass doors that contained the scrolls. This barrier kept them from sliding off onto the floor. The other book shelf was the complete opposite. It held many scriptures of ancient poetry and literature. Sesshoumaru prided himself on his well-rounded base of knowledge. There were myths, stories, and other pieces of literature stacking the wooden sills. There wasn't a chair in front or around his desk, anyone who wished his council would sit on the floor in front of his desk.
To the left of the desk was a single shoji screen. It led into the adjoining room. Here the space was largely occupied by a fire place. Sesshoumaru never needed the warmth, but was often entranced by the blazing flames that would dance in front of his eyes. This entertainment often introduced the journey into his subconscious allowing him rest. The room had a low table and several cushions near it, but the majorities of said cushions were placed randomly, yet tastefully around the fire place. The walls adorned tapestries, etc, but nothing he thought was too eye catching. There was a secret chamber located in the recesses of the wall that no one, not even Jaken his faithful servant of centuries, knew existed. It contained his most prized possessions.
Sesshoumaru seated himself elegantly into his chair behind his oaken desk. Pulling out his letter opener, he delicately sliced open the seal. He was anxious to what information it could unfold to him. he had yet to place a strong foothold in the south that would allow him access to the lands. Not many people in that region welcomed the upcoming war, not even the peasants were blind to the tension building between the cardinal lords. The South was, unlike his territory, was mountainous. Where his lands had forests, there were lofty giants. The mountains were known for their severe temperatures. Even demons could freeze to death. Many believed it to be some curse. He cast this aside as nonsense and proceeded to open his letter.
Briefly reading the scrawled handwriting, he discovered several things. Most of which he already knew. There was a war brewing. The southern lord was creating weapons and such materials needed for military brutalities. Another issue that was surprising is that a small undercover group he sent it to gather information had been found and captured. They were said to be alive and being questioned, this was all said by the one male spy who managed to escape. The last issue was of a slave that had disappeared. He had heard these rumors. It was said that the southern lord was very anxious to have it returned. What he hadn't been aware of was the gender. Female- now known to him. Her appearance was said to be the darkest black hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes. He growled. Suddenly a motive popped into his mind about why the girl he found had been wandering around his forest late at night.
--hmm...this could be an advantage. She is obviously very dear to the southern lord and would most likely contain valuable knowledge. She will tell me, or I will use my less cordial methods of persuasion. I'll have to make sure her presence is unknown. I don't want a frontal assault by the south right before the winter months. --
He smirked. Sesshoumaru stepped from his study, having been there for just over an hour, he needed a walk...to stretch his legs.
With Kagome
Kagome had now discovered her dressing chambers, the bathroom of course, a small study lined with shelves of books on every wall, and eventually was led to a small sitting room in the front or what she assumed was the front of the residence. The room was beautifully decorated, albeit it was on the sparse side. She was facing the door and there were two windows to either side of her. Each window was like a niche in the wall and had a small cushion for someone to sit on. The curtains had been closed, so barely any light came into the room. Only what found its way through the thin material allowed her sight. Although she could use her senses to maneuver that was a waste of energy. She saved this for when it was needed. She could spread out her senses basing them on objects and her surroundings, her senses could touch and then recede back to show her obstacles. There were two large comfy chairs in the room, in an off white in color, facing sideways to the door. There was an ever bigger couch that was the palest of blues. Between these three pieces of furniture was an oak coffee table.
There weren't any pictures on the wall, but there was one long thin tapestry. Starting from the ceiling and falling all the way down to the floor. Observing this tapestry she found no words, but was amazed at the use of color and the brilliance of every single thread. On the top was a shadowed figure that appeared to be a dog floating amongst the clouds with the background of a raven black. Around him were twinkling stars and a silver crescent moon. Below perched elegantly on a steep cliff of a mountain was a man dressed all in elegant robes. Beside him was a younger man with a similar appearance, except he was dressed in all white robes. This male, most likely a son, only came to the other's chest, to reach the spikes on the man's armor. The older man also adorned red haori and white hakama beneath his thick armor.
They both stood gazing at the moon, while below them were two more figures. kneeling in the grass was a woman. Her long ebony hair cascading beautifully down the back of her kimono almost reaching the ground. Her kimono was a rich lavender and had a blood red obi. She had a gentle smile gracing her lips and her eyes seemed to rest, almost lovingly, on the figures above her. Next to her and slightly in front was a young male, who seemed to be only a child. Yet he held an arrogant smile and his legs were spread wide in his naive stance. His focus was also on the males above him. He wore red haori and hakama.
-- A fire rat kimono if I didn't know better....but why would a demon seek protection from one of those... --
Then she saw it and metaphorically slapped herself for not realizing this further. She prided herself in her observations, yet she missed something as obvious as the two dog ears on top of his head. She had to admit they were cute and lifted her hand to lightly stroke the fabric. Snapping out of her gaze she blushed at her stupidity. She turned from the striking piece of work and silently congratulated whoever created it. Kagome frowned. She had come across no one.
--Perhaps no one lives here? But then I can thank no one for their hospitality...but then again I can leave right away. --
She walked to the window and ushered the drapes aside. She gasped. Her eyes were met with a beautiful garden. She greedily observed the scenery. She longed to go outside.
--O wait...there's no one here to tell me I can't. No one can keep me from it this time! --
With that decided, she marched towards the door. Her reached towards the wooden door with the intent to fling it open! She wasn't so lucky. Instead, she was thrown back onto the floor as soon as her skin touched the handle. She was now laying on the floor her head was just inches from the coffee table. She released her breath that had been caught in her throat from surprise. She growled. No wonder she couldn't sense anyone around her. Even if there were the spells would block her from the outside spells....they are my life.... --
She stood up and this time approached the exit with caution. Placing her hands on either side she released a small amount of purplish energy. Kagome smiled when she heard that recognizable 'pop' as the wards were dispelled. Happily, she exited. Laughing gently at how easy it was.
--That wasn't so hard. Makes me wish they were all so easy...though whoever placed them obviously doesn't know who I am. Or the wards would have been stronger... seeing how I am a miko. --
Opening the door, a giddy smile across her face, she proceeded into the loveliness and coziness of the floral enrapture.
--I love flowers...they are my weakness...I should go and replace the herbs I'll need. --
A light bounce in her step, she perused the nature for the necessary herbs she wanted. Her smile faded. The garden although magnificent and huge, if was heavily overgrown with weeds. Kagome kneeled and began removing the pesky persistent meddlers. Suddenly a song came to her mind. Humming away the happy tune that her mother used to sing while gardening, her smile returned. Although it was now hidden by her long hair that was gracefully flooding and passing over her thin shoulders.
With Sesshoumaru
When he reached the back area of his mother's garden, he was inwardly surprised when he saw the girl. Not only had she broken the wards, but had done it efficiently. He could tell by the remains of the magic in traces of the air.
--Well no wonder. She is a miko. I hadn't noticed before, but I had felt a twinge of power from her. It was one of the reasons I picked her up and brought her back here...among other reasons...--
The woman was now picking the weeds out of his garden. A strange occurrence. No one had bothered before. He had often thought of it, but never could spare the time. And slowly after many years, his mother's beloved treasure was warped into such distress. He lofted into a nearby tree. He had cloaked his aura and his scent making sure no trace was left. Sesshoumaru wasn't sure why he masked his scent seeing as how it was only a human, but he had obviously underestimated her before. One of the first times and to a human female no doubt. He scoffed and leaned back into the shade of the many branches of the sakura tree he was now in.
The young woman seemed to be enjoying herself. Her dexterous fingers working quickly and expertly to heal the sickness it had acquired. She was even singing a song. It was a wonder, and slightly ironic, how happy she seemed while singing such a somber tune. He could even see a secret smile hidden enfolded in the curtain of tresses that flowed down to contrast with the front of her yukata. He was slightly puzzled because the words were in a language foreign to him, yet if you could see his shaded face, the stoic features would reveal nothing. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and rested his head against the bark of the tree. Listening to the flow of musical sadness floating on the wind.
--I'll let her enjoy this and only because she is doing me a favor. Then my questions will be answered and she will no longer be an annoyance to me--
She gained his attention by adding a little more volume to her voice as she repeated the once softly spoken verses.
isa nisei-
beh miya tos sakatsuke tama deka kuromagni
pioro meisei quila tos tasa saiiya
miyazaki plusir mereis
vivres quowa siyii meisa doshi
tasa amameillami ala montou tos expiriei
tos teisa beh sythe eitetei
meisei deka ala bea pour teisa
jiri meisa eysa beh mai oksha
isa saiikei-
beh jiami meisei qua
nac maikuma tasa blui beh kisamiagi tos xiayem
ukiwa beh nacou turo cou meisei qua
soi naturai ala idaisonma cou
wakamiis teisa coutakas ithew tasa amameillami
seky meisa- meisei yuyaga
beh nacou mool saya cou
soi paikasa eew gisa teim aoshite
beh gisa sei cou ka teisa lullasi
ginseiin cou tos chkrei
goiuiioin cou ka meisa maji
tama ala meisa luka coumonei
meisa luka gistei tos cou
lazuli lukaishi annukami
As is the song finally came to an end, he could spot a lone tear sparkle down her cheek to disappear beneath her chin.
--Such weakness...despicable. My questions are going to be answered now. No more stalling. --
Sesshoumaru leapt from the tree with an evil glint in his normally passive gaze. He allowed his aura to be unconcealed and he smirked inwardly at the height she jumped once he did so. The girl turned frightened and startled eyes to his. Sesshoumaru now towered over her, only a few feet away.
With Kagome
--Was that it mother...you gave your life for me? Your death was so sudden, I always wondered. This song is the only thing I have from you. Is that what you mean by eternal lasting memory? (AN: last lyric) frustrated sigh I hate it when I cry! This always happens....--
A lone tear spread down her cheek and she didn't even try to stop it this time. It had been so long since she had allowed her sadness to leak through. Kagome's eyes widened. An aura, a dangerous one, suddenly screamed at her senses. She cursed her foolishness. She could have sensed the concealing spell that's used to hide such things, but she had been distracted...again...
Kagome stood and faced her enemy, but was shocked at the unnatural beauty of the creature before her. He literally towered over her, by at least a foot and a half. His face at first glance was passive, almost bored. Though at closer inspection, his golden gaze seemed to be on fire, hitting and melting her at the core. Fear struck like a chord throughout her body. The male, obviously youkai, had long silver hair that cascaded down to mid- thigh. Kagome couldn't tear her eyes from his, as if an attraction had occurred locking her gaze with his that was slowly increasing in intensity.
Both
"Disrespect is not permitted here, human." Sesshoumaru practically growled, pronouncing the last word 'human' with particular disgust and laced with venom. Kagome, at first, was startled by the deepness of his voice, but soon whipped back to reality as his words sunk in.
"Well excuse this human. I didn't mean to step on your toes. And this human has a name! Ka-go-me! Kagome- use it." Kagome gritted back. Sesshoumaru smirked at her brazen nature. Her aura flared and almost sent his senses reeling. He growled low in his throat.
"You should acknowledge your station. Do not take my hospitality for granted, for it is not free." he retorted. With that he grabbed Kagome by the collar and, for the lack of a better word, began dragging her across the grass. Her protests were in vain, she knew, but still she continued. If anything she could make his life misery.
--Even if he did rescue me from the woods, give me a place to stay, bind my wounds....................... okay, so I'm being childish...--
She bowed her head in defeat and allowed herself to be taken in this barbaric manner. Sesshoumaru smirked at his victory and the girl's shame that was now laced in her aura that surrounded her body. He noticed this by his senses and also when he glanced back and noticed the olive green tint that swarmed the normal violet.
He swept through his halls, passing few servants who at once bowed at his feet. They didn't rise, to Kagome's amazement, until he turned the corner. or she assumed they did anyways. He entered a stairwell that was all slate black stone. He descended down several floors, they passed many wooden doors. Until he came to a wide hall with many doors lining the walls. The two entered the room at the very back, right corner. He tossed her nonchalantly into it and she landed with an ungraceful "oomph". He closed and locked the door, mentally clicking the lock, that was on the outside, into place from the inside. He turned to find a pouting female. The wench was sitting on her butt with her kneels pulled up to her chest. Her arms rested on top of her legs. Her head was turned stubbornly to the side, refusing to meet his gaze. He smirked, she obviously didn't like his treatment of her.
--Don't worry...it will only get better...(he thought with a malicious grin)--
Kagome sensed the change in his aura. It went from mad to vicious in two seconds flat. Still, she refused to meet his gaze, seeing that there wasn't much she could do.
--If only I could control my powers....--
The woman seemed to be very annoyed with herself, but Sesshoumaru just stalked closer to the distracted girl. He grabbed, not too gently, and yanked her up against the wall by the neck. A stunned Kagome released a startled noise that sounded similar to an 'eep'. Sesshoumaru growled. The girl seemed to be caught in her own thoughts...as if her attention span was that of a sparrow. Always flitting around.
--How do I get myself into these things? First I'm wandering through the forest, then I'm chased by wolves..............................--
Kagome snapped out of her thoughts as the pressure upon her throat increased and her eyes began to cloud. Black spots hazed her vision, but slowly dissipated.
"Why were you in my lands?" Sesshoumaru stated, his stoic mask in place and his previous anger forgotten. "I was lost." Sesshoumaru growled, no one lied to this Sesshoumaru. He wouldn't allow it. He lifted his hand an swiftly brought it down. Kagome stared. She hadn't even seen it coming. "Where are you from?" "I am from nowhere." The wench answered with an almost bored tone, as if this was...routine. He would change that. This would not be like her other past experiences. "Your insolence is your downfall." And with that the ever-feared prince of the west slammed the girl against the adjacent wall. Her delicate frame fell heavily.
Sesshoumaru, turning on his heel, exited the room by unlocking the door with his psyche. A few minutes later a gruff man, with oily black hair that was pulled into a rat tail at the base of his neck entered the chamber. He was very overweight and smelled like rotten eggs. Kagome practically gagged, but her body was already aching from the taller man's free-throw. (as if she were a basketball) The revolting male grinned and hoisted her over his shoulder. His rough hands grabbing her roughly, most likely bruising her sides. "Dun worry pretty lass, Randei will take care of ya" His voice was even more horrid. It was raspy and stung her ears. She didn't have a good feeling about this. The man took her into yet another chamber, yet this was different, very different.
The main focus point were two shackles hanging in the center. There was light coming from a light bulb that was still swinging from its recently pulled string. She could hear rats scurrying around upon there entrance. A wooden chair sat to the left of the door and cattycornered to the containment devices. On the far left wall, though it was almost completely shaded in shadow, she could see several torture gadgets. The ones she could make out are a few different types of whips, daggers, and what looked like a bamboo walking stick (solid, not hollow).
The man locked her into place in front of him. He walked to the door and pressed a hidden button on the wall. The stone slid downwards revealing a crank. He turned it, and she felt her shackles lowering. The noisy squeaks and creaks sounded until her knees resting on the cold stone, making her shiver. He then released the crank and the wall slid back up into position. Randei turned to Kagome with a sympathetic look in his eyes. "Me sorry, young lass, but Randei cannut disobey orrrders..."
The man slurred his s's and r's in a great lisp. It made her sick that such a ghastly creature would give her pity just before torturing her. As if her mind was read, the slightly hunched figure's faced contorted into a grimace. Then a crooked, fiendish smile crossed his overly large lips. If possible making him even more disgusting. He walked to the left wall and grasped a leather whip that had a metal handle. The metal clanking with his plane gold ring that he wore on his decrepit pinky finger, the knuckles large and distorted. The ring was most likely his favorite treasure, she'd guess, not that that it would ever come off. She sneered, a ugly gesture, marring her gentle features.
--Oh, this should be fun. (she thinks sarcastically) --
She started shaking slightly, despite her tries not to. This was going to be like all the other times.
Hours later
"The girl iss in 'er cell massterr....like you asked." Randei then bowed and turned to leave.
Sesshoumaru returned from the main underground dungeon hall to his secluded office. He entered his haven, but passed through the first front room to enter into his private reading room.
--So the human faired better than expected...several wounds and techniques were applied....but not one scream, not one single sound....I'm impressed. Humans, the disgusting creatures they are, usually beg for mercy. Perhaps there was a reason I decided to bring her here, that is besides a lapse in judgment. If there is a way I can gain her trust perhaps she will pledge loyalty to me. She would be a valuable asset when attacking the south, if she means that much to the Southern Lord Naraku. --
He grinned. Now all she would have to do is survive the wounds she'd received. His smile faded into seriousness. If she couldn't even do that then she wasn't worth his time. His thoughts turned toward the lord of the south and his future demise. Sesshoumaru left his reading room to begin plans for the future war.
- to be continued -
Extra! Thanks to all who reviewed! This my first fic so it helps me, and yes I have a problem with paragraphs. My english teacher yells at me all the time for it. Sorry! I tried to split it up with more thoughts and dialogue. Also making one idea per paragraph then starting a new one. Is it better? I write to please! Oh, the song in this fic was one that I wrote, in a language that I created. I wasn't sure if I should just write it in English or not...but I decided it would add a twist. Most of you would probably want lyrics, so here they are!
One day
I want to leave this life behind
Fly my way to the moon
Across many oceans
Lives would pass me by
The world is mine to explore
To you I give everything
My life is all for you
Forget me when I am gone
One night
I hope my child
Can reach the sky I longed to touch
Wish I could take you my child
But destiny has stolen you
Weighted your shoulders with the world
Forgive me- my baby
I couldn't save you
But perhaps we will meet again
I will see you in your dreams
Singing you to sleep
Holding you in my arms
This is my last lullaby
My last gift to you
Eternal lasting Memory
Tortured Decisions
With Sesshoumaru just before dawn
Light poured in through the open balcony window highlighted his silver locks. He opened his eyes slowly so that his sensitive eyes could adjust to the sudden transformation from his darkened eyelids still heavy with sleep. He peered through the curtain of silver, that as he sleep had moved from behind him muscled shoulders to fan across his face, and growled softly at the annoyance. For once for had a chance to sleep peacefully without the interruption of fitful dreams. Sesshoumaru lifted himself elegantly from the warmth and depth of his monster of a bed. He slunk across the room the short distant of about ten to twelve feet to the object of his irritation. He stopped to lean against the window sill, which had become a habit of his and an unlordly one it was. He observed the plush pinks and deep violets sweeping across the horizon. The brilliant hues seemed to be gently tugged and pushed by the effervescent clouds. He sighed.
--And with the passing of yet another day the birth of another has begun. --
If only he had something he could look forward to. All that was on his schedule was papers, creating treaties with his allies for the upcoming war, and Jaken's annoying groveling. Ah yes....and that girl....the wind seemed to pull him. As if asking him to come out and enjoy the morning solitude if only for a brief moment because the second he was about to leave the wind whipped down tickling against his bare skin. (nice picture) His hair split at the base of his neck to create blinders on his side of his face hiding his stoic facade from the scenery. On the wind, he caught her scent. It seemed to be wrapped up and surrounded the chilly fall air. Like a child embraced in a mother's arms, her scent had snuggled between the streams of the gusts. His brow creased.
--She's up? I didn't expect her to rise until late in the afternoon. --
He turned and swept from the natural world he was at one time watching. While walking in he swiftly shut his opaque glass doors. Exiting his bedroom and entering an adjoining room in his personal wing of the house, he was joined by many familiar armoires. He opened the one he needed and deftly dressed himself in his white hakama and haori. He could have asked his servants to dress him, but in Sesshoumaru's mind they weren't worthy and they had other tasks to attend to. If he ever acquired assistance, he could always ask the human female. As payment for his hospitality. Sesshoumaru smirked. He could only imagine the female's reaction. Humans were stupidly modest creatures. He scoffed.
--Humans........ --
His face now only slightly contorted with a scowl, he turned to a locked cabinet towards the recesses of his dressing chambers. Pulling a key that normally was hidden in a slot in the wall. Pushing his finger on a knot on this already ruffed wall the indentation was created allowing his access to said key. He unlocked the cabinet. His armor had been placed on hooks, where he had hung it only the previous night. Right before his escapade into the woods. He easily strapped and tied his armor into place. Sesshoumaru wouldn't have normally worn his armor while in his own domain, but recently there had been many attacks on villages near his household and he suspected his soon to be enemy of the south. He was never unprepared.
Waltzing from the room he headed for the small cottage at the back of the cottage. Sesshoumaru wasn't worried for her safety since he placed wards and containment spells on her cottage. The woman-child wouldn't be able to leave. He did have a suspicion that she would try. Humans were always stupid like that, but that was what was so confusing. Her scent entangled in the wind while still enclosed in the cottage? Unlikely.
Unfortunately, his plans were spoiled by a large crash that left his eyes ringing. He stormed into the main hall. There he found Jaken hurriedly trying to stow a broken vase underneath an antique sofa. He just stood there, and almost in slow motion, Jaken turns eyes full of terror up to face his lord. His face flushes with dread and he falls to his kneels.
"P-pl-please forgive this impertinent, lowly servant...." Jaken screeched. Sesshoumaru growled, resisting the urge to slam the frog into the wall. He didn't want to further damage his household. Many items in this room were irreplaceable. His anger was not worth risking their harm. Some were older than his past father. Instead, Sesshoumaru let a small, fiendish smile grace his ivory features.
"Jaken...fix it." The mighty lord than turned on his heel and left the chamber. He was faintly aware of a clattering of a dust pan and brush. He paused and swiveled to see that his servant had followed him. Sesshoumaru also noticed the small folded document in his webbed hand. He raised a sculpted eyebrow. This seemed to snap Jaken out of 'caution- mode'.
"My lord...this arrived from one of your spies located in the south. There have been many rumors that the southern lord lost a valuable slave..." Jaken was interrupted by Sesshoumaru's hand whipping out to swipe the document and was already half-way down the hallway before Jaken could react.
Sesshoumaru changed his course to head in the direction of the study. He would deal with Jaken's clumsiness later. Upon entering Sesshoumaru's study one would notice that there were no windows. It was one of the only rooms in the entire residence. This room and most dungeons. He slid the door, not shoji screen, closed. He changed the door to allow more privacy to his personal sanctuary. Of all rooms, this was where he spent most of his nighttime and daytime hours, in solitude. Only Jaken could enter this place, and that was only if ordered or in case of major importance.
The room was fairly large. The first thing you would see upon entering is the large wooden desk. It wasn't scattered with papers or files, but was neat. All papers and documents were labeled and organized in a specific system. He despised messes. Someone who was unorganized was not worthy of their status. If they couldn't keep of few pieces of paper in line, then how could the person keep authority over others? To the right of the desk were two book shelves. One held books, mainly on strategy or philosophy for war and other military situations. There were also piled, relatively or as neatly as possible, on the bottom two levels. there were glass doors that contained the scrolls. This barrier kept them from sliding off onto the floor. The other book shelf was the complete opposite. It held many scriptures of ancient poetry and literature. Sesshoumaru prided himself on his well-rounded base of knowledge. There were myths, stories, and other pieces of literature stacking the wooden sills. There wasn't a chair in front or around his desk, anyone who wished his council would sit on the floor in front of his desk.
To the left of the desk was a single shoji screen. It led into the adjoining room. Here the space was largely occupied by a fire place. Sesshoumaru never needed the warmth, but was often entranced by the blazing flames that would dance in front of his eyes. This entertainment often introduced the journey into his subconscious allowing him rest. The room had a low table and several cushions near it, but the majorities of said cushions were placed randomly, yet tastefully around the fire place. The walls adorned tapestries, etc, but nothing he thought was too eye catching. There was a secret chamber located in the recesses of the wall that no one, not even Jaken his faithful servant of centuries, knew existed. It contained his most prized possessions.
Sesshoumaru seated himself elegantly into his chair behind his oaken desk. Pulling out his letter opener, he delicately sliced open the seal. He was anxious to what information it could unfold to him. he had yet to place a strong foothold in the south that would allow him access to the lands. Not many people in that region welcomed the upcoming war, not even the peasants were blind to the tension building between the cardinal lords. The South was, unlike his territory, was mountainous. Where his lands had forests, there were lofty giants. The mountains were known for their severe temperatures. Even demons could freeze to death. Many believed it to be some curse. He cast this aside as nonsense and proceeded to open his letter.
Briefly reading the scrawled handwriting, he discovered several things. Most of which he already knew. There was a war brewing. The southern lord was creating weapons and such materials needed for military brutalities. Another issue that was surprising is that a small undercover group he sent it to gather information had been found and captured. They were said to be alive and being questioned, this was all said by the one male spy who managed to escape. The last issue was of a slave that had disappeared. He had heard these rumors. It was said that the southern lord was very anxious to have it returned. What he hadn't been aware of was the gender. Female- now known to him. Her appearance was said to be the darkest black hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes. He growled. Suddenly a motive popped into his mind about why the girl he found had been wandering around his forest late at night.
--hmm...this could be an advantage. She is obviously very dear to the southern lord and would most likely contain valuable knowledge. She will tell me, or I will use my less cordial methods of persuasion. I'll have to make sure her presence is unknown. I don't want a frontal assault by the south right before the winter months. --
He smirked. Sesshoumaru stepped from his study, having been there for just over an hour, he needed a walk...to stretch his legs.
With Kagome
Kagome had now discovered her dressing chambers, the bathroom of course, a small study lined with shelves of books on every wall, and eventually was led to a small sitting room in the front or what she assumed was the front of the residence. The room was beautifully decorated, albeit it was on the sparse side. She was facing the door and there were two windows to either side of her. Each window was like a niche in the wall and had a small cushion for someone to sit on. The curtains had been closed, so barely any light came into the room. Only what found its way through the thin material allowed her sight. Although she could use her senses to maneuver that was a waste of energy. She saved this for when it was needed. She could spread out her senses basing them on objects and her surroundings, her senses could touch and then recede back to show her obstacles. There were two large comfy chairs in the room, in an off white in color, facing sideways to the door. There was an ever bigger couch that was the palest of blues. Between these three pieces of furniture was an oak coffee table.
There weren't any pictures on the wall, but there was one long thin tapestry. Starting from the ceiling and falling all the way down to the floor. Observing this tapestry she found no words, but was amazed at the use of color and the brilliance of every single thread. On the top was a shadowed figure that appeared to be a dog floating amongst the clouds with the background of a raven black. Around him were twinkling stars and a silver crescent moon. Below perched elegantly on a steep cliff of a mountain was a man dressed all in elegant robes. Beside him was a younger man with a similar appearance, except he was dressed in all white robes. This male, most likely a son, only came to the other's chest, to reach the spikes on the man's armor. The older man also adorned red haori and white hakama beneath his thick armor.
They both stood gazing at the moon, while below them were two more figures. kneeling in the grass was a woman. Her long ebony hair cascading beautifully down the back of her kimono almost reaching the ground. Her kimono was a rich lavender and had a blood red obi. She had a gentle smile gracing her lips and her eyes seemed to rest, almost lovingly, on the figures above her. Next to her and slightly in front was a young male, who seemed to be only a child. Yet he held an arrogant smile and his legs were spread wide in his naive stance. His focus was also on the males above him. He wore red haori and hakama.
-- A fire rat kimono if I didn't know better....but why would a demon seek protection from one of those... --
Then she saw it and metaphorically slapped herself for not realizing this further. She prided herself in her observations, yet she missed something as obvious as the two dog ears on top of his head. She had to admit they were cute and lifted her hand to lightly stroke the fabric. Snapping out of her gaze she blushed at her stupidity. She turned from the striking piece of work and silently congratulated whoever created it. Kagome frowned. She had come across no one.
--Perhaps no one lives here? But then I can thank no one for their hospitality...but then again I can leave right away. --
She walked to the window and ushered the drapes aside. She gasped. Her eyes were met with a beautiful garden. She greedily observed the scenery. She longed to go outside.
--O wait...there's no one here to tell me I can't. No one can keep me from it this time! --
With that decided, she marched towards the door. Her reached towards the wooden door with the intent to fling it open! She wasn't so lucky. Instead, she was thrown back onto the floor as soon as her skin touched the handle. She was now laying on the floor her head was just inches from the coffee table. She released her breath that had been caught in her throat from surprise. She growled. No wonder she couldn't sense anyone around her. Even if there were the spells would block her from the outside spells....they are my life.... --
She stood up and this time approached the exit with caution. Placing her hands on either side she released a small amount of purplish energy. Kagome smiled when she heard that recognizable 'pop' as the wards were dispelled. Happily, she exited. Laughing gently at how easy it was.
--That wasn't so hard. Makes me wish they were all so easy...though whoever placed them obviously doesn't know who I am. Or the wards would have been stronger... seeing how I am a miko. --
Opening the door, a giddy smile across her face, she proceeded into the loveliness and coziness of the floral enrapture.
--I love flowers...they are my weakness...I should go and replace the herbs I'll need. --
A light bounce in her step, she perused the nature for the necessary herbs she wanted. Her smile faded. The garden although magnificent and huge, if was heavily overgrown with weeds. Kagome kneeled and began removing the pesky persistent meddlers. Suddenly a song came to her mind. Humming away the happy tune that her mother used to sing while gardening, her smile returned. Although it was now hidden by her long hair that was gracefully flooding and passing over her thin shoulders.
With Sesshoumaru
When he reached the back area of his mother's garden, he was inwardly surprised when he saw the girl. Not only had she broken the wards, but had done it efficiently. He could tell by the remains of the magic in traces of the air.
--Well no wonder. She is a miko. I hadn't noticed before, but I had felt a twinge of power from her. It was one of the reasons I picked her up and brought her back here...among other reasons...--
The woman was now picking the weeds out of his garden. A strange occurrence. No one had bothered before. He had often thought of it, but never could spare the time. And slowly after many years, his mother's beloved treasure was warped into such distress. He lofted into a nearby tree. He had cloaked his aura and his scent making sure no trace was left. Sesshoumaru wasn't sure why he masked his scent seeing as how it was only a human, but he had obviously underestimated her before. One of the first times and to a human female no doubt. He scoffed and leaned back into the shade of the many branches of the sakura tree he was now in.
The young woman seemed to be enjoying herself. Her dexterous fingers working quickly and expertly to heal the sickness it had acquired. She was even singing a song. It was a wonder, and slightly ironic, how happy she seemed while singing such a somber tune. He could even see a secret smile hidden enfolded in the curtain of tresses that flowed down to contrast with the front of her yukata. He was slightly puzzled because the words were in a language foreign to him, yet if you could see his shaded face, the stoic features would reveal nothing. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and rested his head against the bark of the tree. Listening to the flow of musical sadness floating on the wind.
--I'll let her enjoy this and only because she is doing me a favor. Then my questions will be answered and she will no longer be an annoyance to me--
She gained his attention by adding a little more volume to her voice as she repeated the once softly spoken verses.
isa nisei-
beh miya tos sakatsuke tama deka kuromagni
pioro meisei quila tos tasa saiiya
miyazaki plusir mereis
vivres quowa siyii meisa doshi
tasa amameillami ala montou tos expiriei
tos teisa beh sythe eitetei
meisei deka ala bea pour teisa
jiri meisa eysa beh mai oksha
isa saiikei-
beh jiami meisei qua
nac maikuma tasa blui beh kisamiagi tos xiayem
ukiwa beh nacou turo cou meisei qua
soi naturai ala idaisonma cou
wakamiis teisa coutakas ithew tasa amameillami
seky meisa- meisei yuyaga
beh nacou mool saya cou
soi paikasa eew gisa teim aoshite
beh gisa sei cou ka teisa lullasi
ginseiin cou tos chkrei
goiuiioin cou ka meisa maji
tama ala meisa luka coumonei
meisa luka gistei tos cou
lazuli lukaishi annukami
As is the song finally came to an end, he could spot a lone tear sparkle down her cheek to disappear beneath her chin.
--Such weakness...despicable. My questions are going to be answered now. No more stalling. --
Sesshoumaru leapt from the tree with an evil glint in his normally passive gaze. He allowed his aura to be unconcealed and he smirked inwardly at the height she jumped once he did so. The girl turned frightened and startled eyes to his. Sesshoumaru now towered over her, only a few feet away.
With Kagome
--Was that it mother...you gave your life for me? Your death was so sudden, I always wondered. This song is the only thing I have from you. Is that what you mean by eternal lasting memory? (AN: last lyric) frustrated sigh I hate it when I cry! This always happens....--
A lone tear spread down her cheek and she didn't even try to stop it this time. It had been so long since she had allowed her sadness to leak through. Kagome's eyes widened. An aura, a dangerous one, suddenly screamed at her senses. She cursed her foolishness. She could have sensed the concealing spell that's used to hide such things, but she had been distracted...again...
Kagome stood and faced her enemy, but was shocked at the unnatural beauty of the creature before her. He literally towered over her, by at least a foot and a half. His face at first glance was passive, almost bored. Though at closer inspection, his golden gaze seemed to be on fire, hitting and melting her at the core. Fear struck like a chord throughout her body. The male, obviously youkai, had long silver hair that cascaded down to mid- thigh. Kagome couldn't tear her eyes from his, as if an attraction had occurred locking her gaze with his that was slowly increasing in intensity.
Both
"Disrespect is not permitted here, human." Sesshoumaru practically growled, pronouncing the last word 'human' with particular disgust and laced with venom. Kagome, at first, was startled by the deepness of his voice, but soon whipped back to reality as his words sunk in.
"Well excuse this human. I didn't mean to step on your toes. And this human has a name! Ka-go-me! Kagome- use it." Kagome gritted back. Sesshoumaru smirked at her brazen nature. Her aura flared and almost sent his senses reeling. He growled low in his throat.
"You should acknowledge your station. Do not take my hospitality for granted, for it is not free." he retorted. With that he grabbed Kagome by the collar and, for the lack of a better word, began dragging her across the grass. Her protests were in vain, she knew, but still she continued. If anything she could make his life misery.
--Even if he did rescue me from the woods, give me a place to stay, bind my wounds....................... okay, so I'm being childish...--
She bowed her head in defeat and allowed herself to be taken in this barbaric manner. Sesshoumaru smirked at his victory and the girl's shame that was now laced in her aura that surrounded her body. He noticed this by his senses and also when he glanced back and noticed the olive green tint that swarmed the normal violet.
He swept through his halls, passing few servants who at once bowed at his feet. They didn't rise, to Kagome's amazement, until he turned the corner. or she assumed they did anyways. He entered a stairwell that was all slate black stone. He descended down several floors, they passed many wooden doors. Until he came to a wide hall with many doors lining the walls. The two entered the room at the very back, right corner. He tossed her nonchalantly into it and she landed with an ungraceful "oomph". He closed and locked the door, mentally clicking the lock, that was on the outside, into place from the inside. He turned to find a pouting female. The wench was sitting on her butt with her kneels pulled up to her chest. Her arms rested on top of her legs. Her head was turned stubbornly to the side, refusing to meet his gaze. He smirked, she obviously didn't like his treatment of her.
--Don't worry...it will only get better...(he thought with a malicious grin)--
Kagome sensed the change in his aura. It went from mad to vicious in two seconds flat. Still, she refused to meet his gaze, seeing that there wasn't much she could do.
--If only I could control my powers....--
The woman seemed to be very annoyed with herself, but Sesshoumaru just stalked closer to the distracted girl. He grabbed, not too gently, and yanked her up against the wall by the neck. A stunned Kagome released a startled noise that sounded similar to an 'eep'. Sesshoumaru growled. The girl seemed to be caught in her own thoughts...as if her attention span was that of a sparrow. Always flitting around.
--How do I get myself into these things? First I'm wandering through the forest, then I'm chased by wolves..............................--
Kagome snapped out of her thoughts as the pressure upon her throat increased and her eyes began to cloud. Black spots hazed her vision, but slowly dissipated.
"Why were you in my lands?" Sesshoumaru stated, his stoic mask in place and his previous anger forgotten. "I was lost." Sesshoumaru growled, no one lied to this Sesshoumaru. He wouldn't allow it. He lifted his hand an swiftly brought it down. Kagome stared. She hadn't even seen it coming. "Where are you from?" "I am from nowhere." The wench answered with an almost bored tone, as if this was...routine. He would change that. This would not be like her other past experiences. "Your insolence is your downfall." And with that the ever-feared prince of the west slammed the girl against the adjacent wall. Her delicate frame fell heavily.
Sesshoumaru, turning on his heel, exited the room by unlocking the door with his psyche. A few minutes later a gruff man, with oily black hair that was pulled into a rat tail at the base of his neck entered the chamber. He was very overweight and smelled like rotten eggs. Kagome practically gagged, but her body was already aching from the taller man's free-throw. (as if she were a basketball) The revolting male grinned and hoisted her over his shoulder. His rough hands grabbing her roughly, most likely bruising her sides. "Dun worry pretty lass, Randei will take care of ya" His voice was even more horrid. It was raspy and stung her ears. She didn't have a good feeling about this. The man took her into yet another chamber, yet this was different, very different.
The main focus point were two shackles hanging in the center. There was light coming from a light bulb that was still swinging from its recently pulled string. She could hear rats scurrying around upon there entrance. A wooden chair sat to the left of the door and cattycornered to the containment devices. On the far left wall, though it was almost completely shaded in shadow, she could see several torture gadgets. The ones she could make out are a few different types of whips, daggers, and what looked like a bamboo walking stick (solid, not hollow).
The man locked her into place in front of him. He walked to the door and pressed a hidden button on the wall. The stone slid downwards revealing a crank. He turned it, and she felt her shackles lowering. The noisy squeaks and creaks sounded until her knees resting on the cold stone, making her shiver. He then released the crank and the wall slid back up into position. Randei turned to Kagome with a sympathetic look in his eyes. "Me sorry, young lass, but Randei cannut disobey orrrders..."
The man slurred his s's and r's in a great lisp. It made her sick that such a ghastly creature would give her pity just before torturing her. As if her mind was read, the slightly hunched figure's faced contorted into a grimace. Then a crooked, fiendish smile crossed his overly large lips. If possible making him even more disgusting. He walked to the left wall and grasped a leather whip that had a metal handle. The metal clanking with his plane gold ring that he wore on his decrepit pinky finger, the knuckles large and distorted. The ring was most likely his favorite treasure, she'd guess, not that that it would ever come off. She sneered, a ugly gesture, marring her gentle features.
--Oh, this should be fun. (she thinks sarcastically) --
She started shaking slightly, despite her tries not to. This was going to be like all the other times.
Hours later
"The girl iss in 'er cell massterr....like you asked." Randei then bowed and turned to leave.
Sesshoumaru returned from the main underground dungeon hall to his secluded office. He entered his haven, but passed through the first front room to enter into his private reading room.
--So the human faired better than expected...several wounds and techniques were applied....but not one scream, not one single sound....I'm impressed. Humans, the disgusting creatures they are, usually beg for mercy. Perhaps there was a reason I decided to bring her here, that is besides a lapse in judgment. If there is a way I can gain her trust perhaps she will pledge loyalty to me. She would be a valuable asset when attacking the south, if she means that much to the Southern Lord Naraku. --
He grinned. Now all she would have to do is survive the wounds she'd received. His smile faded into seriousness. If she couldn't even do that then she wasn't worth his time. His thoughts turned toward the lord of the south and his future demise. Sesshoumaru left his reading room to begin plans for the future war.
- to be continued -
Extra! Thanks to all who reviewed! This my first fic so it helps me, and yes I have a problem with paragraphs. My english teacher yells at me all the time for it. Sorry! I tried to split it up with more thoughts and dialogue. Also making one idea per paragraph then starting a new one. Is it better? I write to please! Oh, the song in this fic was one that I wrote, in a language that I created. I wasn't sure if I should just write it in English or not...but I decided it would add a twist. Most of you would probably want lyrics, so here they are!
One day
I want to leave this life behind
Fly my way to the moon
Across many oceans
Lives would pass me by
The world is mine to explore
To you I give everything
My life is all for you
Forget me when I am gone
One night
I hope my child
Can reach the sky I longed to touch
Wish I could take you my child
But destiny has stolen you
Weighted your shoulders with the world
Forgive me- my baby
I couldn't save you
But perhaps we will meet again
I will see you in your dreams
Singing you to sleep
Holding you in my arms
This is my last lullaby
My last gift to you
Eternal lasting Memory