A/N: Ok...I planned to update yesterday, but I decided to add an extra scene, which happened to be about 2000 words! Whew! So, this is a lot longer than I planned. But no problem, more for you all to read. I just kept having to add parts to fill in the gaps. This should answer a lot of questions brewing in your mind about my story. I know I left a lot of open questions without answers. Enjoy!
Friends in Unlikely Places
Kagome opened her door and as if she were moving in slow motion, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Her room looked normal except for the sitting room. The chairs were upturned and the desk shattered. Suddenly air escaped her lungs.
--The jewel! I didn't get to return it to Kikyo yet! Oh no, oh no, oh no, no, no, please be there!—
Kagome rushed to the left plush chair and searched below it, where a hidden plank had been placed. She'd spent the good part of one night prying it up and digging a small hole big enough for the jewel and the scroll concealing its power that lured demons.
Kagome wilted. It was gone. She'd tried so hard to get it and then to escape Naraku, just to bring it back to its protector, Kikyo. That's why she'd been in the west. The village lied on the borders of the South and the West.
--If I just hadn't gotten lost! That forsaken forest...—
She'd wandered hoping to find it. She didn't know its exact location. Then she'd run into that pack of rampant wolves destroying one village. She lured it away hoping to save some lives, then gotten herself lost.
--I was lucky I could hide my scent long enough to lose those hungry mongrels.—
It was then that Kagome's guard entered her room, suspecting something was wrong. He'd knocked, but when she didn't reply, he'd come right in and was now standing in her doorway aghast.
There she was, the once smiling young woman who'd introduced herself like she was an equal. Now she was sitting on the ripped carpet of her sitting room amongst the shambles that would be once considered furniture. She had a dismal look on her face, yet no tears were on her cheeks and none held in her eyes.
She looked at him now. Her eyes widened slightly, a sad glaze in her orbs. Her face was slightly paler and she was now biting her lip.
"I'll go get the master!" Her piped up unexpectedly, his voice appeared loud in the silent room.
She nodded and stood to try and right the damaged room. The left chair covering the plank had its legs ripped off and was casually thrown to the side. She knew who did this. Kagome could tell it was Goshinki by the disgusting, pungent aura left behind. Goshinki was Naraku's lap dog. He was a big, ugly, disgusting thing whose only use was his psychic powers.
Sesshoumaru's study
Sesshoumaru looked over the letter before him once again. It was written from Kieina. She had been sent to the south as a spy along with Suna (sue- na). Suna was his father's personal favorite of all his spies and she never failed on her missions. The two had been sent down deep into the heart of the south to discover the progress of the southern armies and supplies. His father would be returning in a matter of weeks. He would need to provide a full report of the south's progress.
Sesshoumaru placed the letter in a draw of his desk and locked it. He then rose from his chair. The jewel his taken from the demon Goshinki still invaded his thoughts. It bothered him that he knew nothing of its origin.
A half an hour later
Sesshoumaru was researching the object in his many scrolls of myths looking for information on the jewel. He was pacing back and forth in the room as he had been for several hours, book in hand. He had a pair of glasses on his nose. He normally had no use for them except for this.
The scrolls were all ancient and therefore written in a demon language. Only the lords knew of it and very few could still speak it, let alone translate. The letters were tiny, barely the size of an ant. This was because the scrolls spoke of dangerous magic, etc and the writers didn't want just anyone to be able to read its secrets. Sesshoumaru needed the glasses just to magnify the words enough to be able translate. This he would never admit out loud. If it wasn't for his in depth studies, he wouldn't know the language at all.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. He would have ignored it, per usual, when there was an unwanted intrusion. Except for the fact that the person outside the door, he recognized as the woman-child's guard. He growled. That woman gave him no ounce of peace, bothering him with her nonsense every second.
--If she's run off again...I'll send a hit out on her head, get rid of her. –
He threw open the door, scaring the guard to the extreme that he scooted against the wall of the hallway. Then dropped to his knees, with his hands squarely on the ground and head bowed, cowering.
"Pardon m-me, my lord. I did not..." The guard couldn't finish his sentence for Sesshoumaru interrupted. "What is it?" He finished harshly, a growl threatening to escape his chest.
"Raiven-sama's room...has been ransacked m'lord." He said his voice slightly stronger.
Sesshoumaru looked at the man over his glasses. He winced. That was his mistake; he hadn't even bothered to check her room before he left her there.
The prince turned to enter his study. The guard looked up thinking the prince didn't care and was about to leave, when Sesshoumaru swept by. The book and glasses now absent from his person he shut his office door and proceeded to the girl's room. The guard followed obediently at his heels.
At Kagome's Room
Sesshoumaru entered Kagome's room and looked around to find her sitting down on one of the steps in front of him that led down into her room. Her head was resting in her hands, her hair falling over her shoulders. He could sense her exhaustion, not physically, but mentally.
His eyes flitted to the poorly resurrected sitting room. The girl didn't too badly of a job really with what she had left to work with.
"Sesshoumaru-sama.." Her voice was soft, with a sad twist to it. Sesshoumaru was intrigued as to why she would give him the proper title now? "Gomen nasai, for the furniture." She continued.
--She acts as if it is her fault...how could I not have sensed someone entering her room?—
"It was destroyed by a demon known as Goshinki, a servant to Naraku." Sesshoumaru caught the obvious distaste when she repeated his name out loud. Sesshoumaru still didn't reply. "He..was after something, an artifact actually. A dangerous one by the name of the Shikon no Tama," Kagome swallowed. "I should have told you it was in my possession at the beginning. I know that now. I wanted to return it to its protector. That..is why I was wandering around the western territories late at night." She sighed and rubbed her hands on her weary eyes. "What does this artifact do?" he asked.
By this time, the guard had left to request new chairs and table for the girl and was absent during this conversation. Sesshoumaru sent him off after the woman's first statement.
"It can increase a demon's power by ten. If Naraku gets it..." She stopped there to allow his imagination to act. Destruction, total destruction would be the effect. That or enslavement under Naraku's complete control.
"Where is this protector?" "A miko. In a small village on the border of the south and west." She replied automatically. "Follow me." He replied shortly and turned to leave the room.
Kagome remained where she was sitting, confused. She was trying to count how many mood swings he's had since she's known him. She lost track when she was hoisted up semi-harshly by a strong grip on her elbow.
After a few steps, Kagome wrenched her arm from his grip and observed the beginning of a nasty bruise on her pale, sensitive skin. She gave him an annoyed look, but he wasn't paying attention. Just looking ahead and leading them to who knows where.
A few minutes later in Sesshoumaru's Study
Kagome found herself being pushed through a large wooden door. She was standing in a normal office, or as normal as possible with stacks of scrolls and old, worn out books on shelves behind an oaken desk. There wasn't a rug or chair or anything, forcing the other person to stand or sit on the ground.
--Must not have many visitors...or knowing Sesshoumaru this is just to make himself feel more important. –
She snickered at the last comment.
Sesshoumaru had continued through this room and into an adjoining room, ordering her to stay where she was and to not touch anything. Kagome repeated this in her head giving Sesshoumaru a squeaky mock voice which made her giggle.
Sesshoumaru could hear the girl giggling in the other room, and he could only guess what would make her laugh. The woman changed moods so quickly it was hard to keep track, and she said he had mood swings...
He mentally scoffed. His unpredictability was a valuable asset.
The prince opened the secret niche in the wall of his reading room. He walked to the place where he'd hidden the mysterious jewel. Gathering it and placing it in the sleeve of his haori, he closed his private safe.
Kagome jumped at the snap of a shoji screen. Sesshoumaru was now seating himself in his chair behind the desk. Just to annoy him, Kagome sat herself on the empty corner of his desk. He looked at her with a hint of annoyance in his eyes, but Kagome missed it completely.
A pulse was sent through her, her lips parted slightly her breathing slightly faster. Her eyes glazed over.
--The jewel! It's close, if I can only pinpoint its location. It's hidden I can feel a fog around it clouding my senses.—
Sesshoumaru watched the girl with curiosity. She was sitting, her back ramrod straight, with a look of concentration on her facial features. Her hands periodically clenched and unclenched. Sesshoumaru reached out and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
The girl gave a squeak something of an 'eep' and ended up popping off his desk. She now remained standing facing him, holding a hand to her chest trying to slow her racing heart. She blinked a few times and looked at him.
He pulled the box from his sleeve and her eyes widened considerably. "The jewel! You...have it?" Her statement ended up as more of a question, to which he stiffly nodded. "You wish to return this?" The girl's visage brightened, a smile gracing her lips. She nodded enthusiastically. "Very well. We will leave in two days time and travel to this village." "Arigato! But...how did you come to possess it?" She asked tilting her head to the side in curiosity. "I killed Goshinki." He replied simply, seeing how specific details were unnecessary.
Kagome was awed. The demon before her, she once thought as arrogant and believing himself better than everyone else.
--Perhaps he is. If he could defeat Goshinki and act so casual about it..he must be strong. –
Sesshoumaru was slightly perturbed by her expression. Her eyes shown with admiration and she was smiling. She'd never smiled at him before, like that anyways. Her next statement startled him even more. "I am most grateful to you Sesshoumaru-sama," She then followed said words with a deep bow. "Good night then." She then smiled once more and left the office, leaving a speechless Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru was never speechless. His stoic mask revealed his puzzlement only by then slightest widening of his eyes. He blinked. Then sat to return to the book he was reading before the interruption. He wanted to know more about this Shikon no Tama.
The next day
Kagome stirred from her sleep. Her eyelids still heavy. She opened her eyes squeaked when her brilliant blue eyes met warm chocolate brown. The person moved back surprised when Kagome 'eep'ed. (weird word) The stunning brown eyes belonged to a small child.
The girl grinned sheepishly. "So it is true!" She chirped. "What is?" Kagome asked, getting over her shock. "People say if you stare at someone long 'nough they look atcha." The girl replied.
She was now sitting on her rump on the edge of Kagome's bed. She was wearing a yellow and orange checkered kimono with bubbles decorating the fabric that stopped at her knees. The child was a human female with shoulder length black hair that was pulled into a side pony tail. The child laughed was a bubbly sound that seemed to constantly leap from her throat.
Kagome smiled at her warmly. "I'm Kagome. What's your name?" "Rin's name is Rin!" The happy child chirped.
Kagome reached over and tweaked the child's nose replying, "Wanna play?" The child's eyes brightened immeasurably and she nodded enthusiastically. Kagome raised herself from her bed to change. "Wait here. Let me go change really quick."
Kagome raced into her dress chambers. She then changed into a simple pale blue yukata with a dark blue obi with plain flat sandals on her feet. She liked this color blue because it brought out the color of her eyes about three shades, or so it seemed. She also liked it because it could get dirty and be easily cleaned.
She then walked out into her main room, but Kagome was shocked to see that Rin had disappeared. The older woman searched her room. Her head turned in one direction and she stifled a laugh. She headed to the window beyond the sitting room at the far back corner. It was possibly the farthest spot from the bathroom door. Kagome could hear Rin giggling from behind the cloth.
Kagome put up a fake routine. She waltzed around the room looking behind the furniture and in the closets. She eventually collapsed on her stairs with her head in her hands. "Oh! Woes me! Where can she be?" Kagome said in an overly dramatic voice. "Kagome-sama! I'm right here!" Rin said as she jumped put from behind the curtain.
Kagome looked at her with fake tears in her eyes. This expression was then replaced by an evil smirk. The older woman than pounced on the younger. Kagome grabbed Rin by the waist and lifted her into the air. Kagome then spun around in a circle with Rin at arm's length, causing the child to laugh.
Rin pulled herself from Kagome's grasp and ran from the room. Charging down the hall, she called over her small shoulder, "Can't catch me!" "Is that a challenge?" Kagome laughed and followed, except much slower of course.
Kagome slinked down the hallway opening the shoji screens looking for Rin. She was surprised that every room was decorated differently.
--Is every room in this joint specialized! –
Kagome laughed. Tai was wearing off on her.
--I wonder where Tai is now..last time I saw him, we were both in Naraku's castle. He was the one who helped me escape, I owe him big. He turned against Naraku just to help me.—
She then heard Rin's cheerful voice just around the corner. She smirked and began creeping to the adjoining hall. Once reaching the end she leapt out expecting to land on a little girl.
Instead she jumped into a much larger body. Arms wrapped around her to help her stand up. "I'm very sorry, I-" Kagome paused when she looked up at who it was she ran into. There stood the ice prince Sesshoumaru.
--Hold on a second! Is..is that a smile?—
As if Sesshoumaru read her thoughts, the slightest hint of an upturn twitch of his lips disappeared. "You should be less careless. What if I were an enemy? I'm sure they wouldn't help you back up to your feet." "Ok, ok! I got it! I said I was sorry..." Kagome muttered the last part and crossed her arms across her chest. Suddenly Rin piped in. "Sesshoumaru-same, Kagome-sama and I were playing tag! Do you wanna play too?"
The young girl had a hopeful look in her eyes, her hands were clasped under her chin. It made Kagome knees weak. Only one thought was in her head as she observed the girl's puppy dog eyes.
--Awwwww...--
But these thoughts were broken as another vein of thinking came into her mind.
--Man, no one can refuse that...not even Sesshoumaru.—
Kagome chuckled, a view of Sesshoumaru chasing the little girl around a field popped into her head. Just the thought of it made her laugh harder.
Sesshoumaru gave the girl a threatening glare. "Another time Rin, I have work to do." "Will you read me a story tonight before bed?" The girl asked somewhat discouraged. "Hai." (yes) At his answer the girl's happiness suddenly burst full force into view. "Come Kagome-sama! I'll take you to the garden! We can play hide and go seek!"
Rin then grabbed the older woman's hand and dragged her in the opposite direction. Sesshoumaru watched them tear away back down the hall. At the sight, a grin just slightly more pronounced than a smirk graced his lips. He always knew how lonely the child became with only Jaken to play with.
--Perhaps this woman has another practical use.—
With that her turned and continued on his way to his study as he was before Rin had stopped him to converse.
An hour later in the garden
Kagome was laying in a field on her back, her eyes closed enjoying the warmth of sun of her skin. Rin lay at her side. They were both exhausted from playing an intense game of tackle hide and go seek. Rin put her head on Kagome's shoulder, waking the older woman from her light doze.
"Ka-sama...how do you know Sesshoumaru-sama?" "Well Rin-chan, he found me out in the forest unconscious. I was injured and he brought me back here."
--That's not exactly a lie. He did do those things..among others. She seems to love and idolize him so much, I can't ruin that.—
Rim eyes widened and she hugged Kagome's stomach. "Sesshoumaru-sama saved Rin too!" The child exclaimed, though her voice was slightly muffled against Kagome's stomach. The vibration tickled and caused Kagome to laugh.
"I didn't know that Rin-chan!" "Yea!" Rin's voice was lower now and held a sad twist, "Rin was lost in the woods and these wolves attacked Rin! Rin was so scared!" The memory obviously still haunted the young girl because she trembled and Kagome embraced her in a motherly hold.
"But then Sesshoumaru-same swooped down and saved Rin from the mean wolves!" The child was now sitting up and punching the air with her fists while making sound effects. The previous slave couldn't have but smile.
--I always seem to smile around her. I can't help, but laugh around her. She reminds me..of Leina.—
Normally the thought of her passed away apprentice saddened Kagome because she was like a daughter to her, but this time all the happy memories returned.
--Perhaps Rin...can help me to mourn and get passed this.—
Kagome smiled and pulled Rin into her arms. The woman walked over to an oak tree, its branches pregnant with sparkling green leaves. Sitting down in the shade, Kagome placed Rin into her lap. Rin snuggled into the woman's comforting hold and fell asleep a few minutes later.
Kagome leaned her back against the rough bark of the tree. She rested her head back and closed her eyes. She would dream of Leina, but this time the memories would not be painful. She would meet the a bubbly child with bright turquoise eyes, long black hair coming down to her waist pulled back into pigtails, and wings in her dreams. Kagome would dream of her bird hanyou apprentice and all the times they spent chasing each other in the fields beneath a shining sun.
Later that Night
"Jaken, pack my things for I will be leaving for a week." "Of course milord." Jaken replied deeply bowing.
Jaken then left the study and rushed to Sesshoumaru's chambers on the upper level of the castle. The office is on the first floor and his bedroom right above it. In Sesshoumaru's reading room, there is a secret stair well that leads to this room, but only Sesshoumaru can use it. Such a luxury would not be allowed to be used by a servant.
Jaken entered Sesshoumaru's personal chambers and walked to his changing room. The prince had his own wing of the house; it was towards the back and the nearest to the gardens.
Jaken pulled a bag down from one of the closets in which to pack Sesshoumaru's things.
--Where would my lord be going? I can't help, but be worried with the war about to begin. All the villages and towns in the west are scrambling to prepare. Every smith has been given orders to make weapons. The warriors are restless. The entire country is waiting. The south is silent, like a hunter circling its prey. With my lord leaving, the castle won't be as protected and my lord will be out in the open.--
Jaken had no doubts that his master wouldn't be able to overcome any obstacle. Quite the other way around, he had strong faith in his master. But even a servant will worry. In fact, as Sesshoumaru's closest relation, he would be in more danger than Sesshoumaru himself.
As the prince's servant for centuries, Jaken would know the most about him. If Jaken were to be captured, he promised himself not to utter a single word of him master on pain of death. This oath is ironic because if he didn't satisfy the southern lord he would be killed.
The southern lord had a horrible reputation. He was seen as deceptive and manipulates people into doing his bidding. He uses threats and pain as persuasion, only. No talking, no diplomatic way of handling things.
It was even said that he tortured his own men, to find their weaknesses to be able to control them better. Also that if any even made so much as a gasp, his torturing would be doubled. Any screams would be silenced forever.
The southern territory was known for its beauty and thriving wildlife. Now it was a barren wasteland. Some sort of poison kept the flowers wilting. Every time a new bud would poke its head through the earth, it crumbled to dust. The atmosphere was poisonous to all creatures, not just the flowers.
The livestock would get sick as well as young children. Children seemed more susceptible to it. They would be fine one day, playing in the fields. The next they can barely breathe, come and go from unconsciousness, and have deadly high fevers. Many babies have died from just the fever.
If that wasn't bad enough, when the victims were awake, they'd scream of red eyes. They scream about evil red eyes that haunt their dreams and are going to come after them. Villagers became afraid that they were possessed by the devil. Others believe it is a premonition of the future. Their lord had horrifying red eyes that could chill anyone's blood.
Lord Naraku's dealings were a secret. Only rumors swarmed his activities. No one was sure. A cloud of mystery surrounded him. These villagers believed that Naraku would kill them all.
Jaken sighed. The man was a mystery. If he was even a man, he was called evil incarnate. Jaken continued his task. He packed a week's worth of haori and hakama outfits with sashes to match.
In a separate and much smaller bag, he placed his lord's toiletries, such as soap, a salve to wash and condition one's hair, a brush, etc. He then placed the smaller bag inside the larger one. He then carted it out and down the servant's quarters to wait until morning when it would be loaded.
The Next Morning
Streams of light poured into the windows that filled her room with the morning sun. The heavenly streams traveled to a large four poster bed where sleeping beauty lay. The girl's long, ebony tresses fanned across the pillow and slightly hanging off the edge of the bed. Her skin held a healthy sheen to it, even in its regal paleness. Her eyelids still closed, tapered off to thick, dark eyelashes that batted slowly open.
Kagome squinted in the unwelcome brightness. She'd forgotten to close the drapes...again. Kagome groaned. It was still early morning. She turned over and sighed.
--Just a few more minutes...or hours. What a sec..Am I forgetting something? Wasn't there something I had to do today?—
Kagome bolted up straight in bed, the covers falling to her waist. She jumped out of bed, her head racing. She'd also forgotten about her trip with Sesshoumaru.
--My trip with Sesshoumaru...hmm maybe I'll get to know him better...--
Kagome stood in the middle of her floor halfway to her bathroom door in a daze. Suddenly she shook her head and snapped out of it.
--Baka! This is no time for...that...--
Kagome blushed at her romantic thoughts of the demon lord. This was new for her. She'd never had such thoughts for another person since she was a young child of around eight or nine. She laughed at her foolishness, perhaps she still was a child.
The woman then rushed into her bathroom, washing herself thoroughly, but quickly. She changed into men's clothes. She wore deep blue hakama and a pure white haori. On her feet she wore flat sandals. She retraced her thoughts.
--A white shirt? I'm going to get this so filthy...but...it's the only one I see. Oh well! No time to be picky!—
She tied a light blue sash, whose ends held a simple white design, (think Sesshoumaru's except different design and color, but that basic look) around her waist. She grabbed a bag and threw in a few yukatas as well as more men's clothes. Kagome made sure to pack a pair of boots, as well as a pair of getas in case the situation called for it. Grabbing a few necessary toiletries, she leapt from the bathroom.
She jumped from surprise when she practically ran into Sesshoumaru who was now standing in the middle of her floor. In her rush, Kagome missed the presence of his youki. For once Sesshoumaru wasn't concealing it.
Sesshoumaru smirked at the girl. She was panting from her rush and hadn't even realized his arrival. It obviously caught her off guard.
The girl smiled at him before passing by him to the desk. She grabbed a book she'd found in the library while waiting for Inutaisho to arrive, nearly a month ago. Time sure does pass by.
Kagome then turned to him, her bag in hand. "Ready?" She chirped. Sesshoumaru said nothing, only took the bag from her hands. It was surprisingly light for a woman. Of what he knew women had to take several bags wherever they went. This puzzling one only took one small bag that was about the same size as his.
Kagome tilted her to the side in confusion.
--Is he offering to carry my bag? Weird...—
She shook her head, tossing her hair behind her shoulders and followed the silent as ever prince out the shoji screen.
Outside the Castle
Sesshoumaru stood slightly to the front left of Kagome. He handed her bag to Jaken who placed it next to his master's to be loaded onto the horses. The two of them wouldn't be traveling by carriage; it would cause too much commotion and would bring unwanted attention to them.
Sesshoumaru's steed was beautiful. It had long muscular legs and brilliant silver mane. Its body was covered by a dark charcoal gray hair. It had searing, ice blue eyes. Sesshoumaru's bag was placed on the back on the horse, on top of a saddle bag that lay across the horse's hips.
Sesshoumaru turned his head to Jaken expectantly. Then turned his gaze in Kagome's general direction and then looking at Jaken again. This was only a smooth turn of the head that no one would have noticed. But Jaken, knowing his master's body language, stepped forward and bowed. "My lord..there is a problem with Raiven-sama's horse." Jaken replied.
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, allowing Jaken permission to continue. "The mares are heavy with colts and the geldings have all been sent out to graze. It is the early spring wanderings..." Jaken finished.
Every spring, early, just after the snow has melt, the mares were released into the mountains and fields to mate. The stallions are always left free to wander. The geldings were sent out as well, but just to graze over the western territories. Some of the mares mated early of course and those were the ones that remained on hand. They always return for they were obediently trained. Of course some failed to return, that is very plausible, but a servant would go out in search for them. This was normally Inuyasha's duty, but in his absence a servant would find the missing.
"There is one my lord..." Jaken trailed off. By this time, Kagome had realized they were talking about her and was listening. "Show me." She replied. Jaken stuttered, "But it's wild and untrained! I don't suggest you ride this horse Raiven-sama."
Jaken didn't like giving such status to a human, (the '-sama' suffix) but if she was worthy for his lord's company then her must.
"Please?" It was a question and Jaken looked into her deep blue, imploring eyes. He looked to his lord and Sesshoumaru only nodded. Jaken sighed and led her to the stables. The stables were on the eastern side of the castle, but at this time only a few minutes walk.
--This horse is nuts! Only Prince Inuyasha was bold enough to ride and even then he was bucked off after a few minutes...I don't know what she hopes to achieve. --
When they reached the stables, Kagome was shocked. She had pictured small burn-like structure, in her head it was even painted red. But no, this structure was the size of 3 small houses. It was a wood structure, not painted but stained allowing the natural color of the wood to the shine through.
Inside the horses each had their own stall. The stalls themselves were quite large.
--These dumb horses have stalls that are bigger than my room with Naraku! Man...kind of wish I was a horse right now...--
Kagome laughed at this. But it was true. Her room at the southern palace was the size of a broom closet. She couldn't even properly lie down. (That's right, smaller than Harry Potter's room)
She followed Jaken to the very last stall. As the two approached, Kagome could hear hoof pawing and a rough scratching. Kagome wasn't scared, she was curious. Jaken probably had a bad run in with this horse because his knobby knees were knocking like crazy. It was actually getting on Kagome's nerves.
Kagome couldn't take this crawling pace. Jaken had slowed down considerably. Kagome pushed passed him and ignored his squawking cries for her to stop. Kagome turned the corner and peered in the stall. She was surprised when her shoulder hit something. She backed up a few steps.
There towering over her was a beast that made her seem tiny. It had sleek black hair that shined healthier than Kagome thought a horse's hair could. The horse seemed to have a glow around it. It had long ebony mane that fell just above the end of the neck. The hair practically hid its muscular neck from view.
The wild stallion was fierce and obviously untrained. He had piercing and unnatural green eyes. The animal's seemed to paralyze her and passed straight through to her soul, as if it were judging her character. Kagome could only stare frozen. After a minute or two the stallion snorted its approval. The male backed up to allow her entrance into its stall, which had to be larger than the others due the horse's size.
Jaken jaw was hanging so low it was if it would comically hit the ground any second. The girl seemed to have silently communicated with the animal or something.
The girl entered the stall, grabbing a small cloth to place between her and the horse. Jaken peered in the stall cautiously and saw the horse lower its neck to allow access to its back. The girl was so small compared to the beast that Kagome had to climb up. The next thing Jaken knew he was running from the prancing steed. The horse exited its stall, Kagome in stow. Kagome had to lay flat against its back to avoid hitting her head.
The horse ducked its head and exited the structure. A servant approached very slowly and lifted a bridal to Kagome. Kagome refused. She simply nudged the horse, rewarded when the male walked to the side of the barn, scattering servants tried to avoid the thing as much as possible.
Kagome grabbed a small robe and looped it around the horse's neck and tied the ends into a knot. This was just in case she needed it. She doubted it though, this horse wasn't trained, yet, but it was intelligent. The male just had to like you. It had magical powers, she knew that now. The animal searched your soul and if you were worthy it would allow you to ride on its back.
Sesshoumaru heard clattering hooves, and lifted his head to see a smiling, proud Kagome riding the largest horse he'd ever seen. He recognized that horse. His father had captured it in the region near the ancient volcano. There were rumors that it had magical powers. This interested his father into keeping it. But no one had been able to ride it, for the exception of Inuyasha and that wasn't even for a sufficient amount of time.
The girl was gripping the beast's mane lightly to help to keep balance while it trotted along. The creature's head was low and relaxed, but its eyes flitted around obviously aware of everything.
When Kagome stopped she stroked the male's mane slightly, earning a happy snort. She was then handed her saddle bags and her extra bag containing her clothes. She held them across her lap, hesitating. She patted the horse's neck asking for permission to add the extra wait to his back. The horse nodded his head in a slightly jerking manner, showing his approval.
The very action shook Kagome and she grabbed mane to keep from falling. Then with a small laugh she laid the saddle bags and her luggage behind her, tying it loosely. Then grasping a small amount of mane again, she looked expectantly at her guide, Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru nodded and kicked his horse gently in the side. Kagome followed nudging her new found friend onward.
A few hours later
Sesshoumaru was puzzled once again by the girl he was now traveling with. She had barely said a word since they left. Actually she hadn't said anything at all. He was actually enjoying the silence and her company for once and he wasn't going to spoil it.
Glancing at her, he saw her sitting on her horse smiling as they walked along. She was twiddling the black mane still grasped in her hands, but much looser now. She was looking out ahead. She smiled when she saw two birds they just passed by started flying and singing. Her eyes were wide with interest at the surrounding area and her lips held a gentle smile of contentment.
He turned his gaze forward again. He focused on then woods around them for potential trouble. Even in daylight there were raids and there were even some demons in these forests foolish enough to attack him. He was never caught off guard and unprepared.
Kagome chanced a look at Sesshoumaru. He'd been looking at her again. He had done so several times over the past several hours.
--I wonder what he's thinking about...his face is more relaxed. It's always passive, but the muscles aren't as tense as they usually are.—
Kagome was enjoying this. She loved being out doors, always has. She used to travel around and actually preferred to stay in the woods then imposing upon the hospitality of others. Some people though wouldn't let her refuse, but still. Of course, this was all before Naraku.
Just the sun shine and the singing birds was enough to lift her spirits. The flowers were in bloom; their lovely, light scent permeated the air giving it a pleasant twist. Petals fluttered to the ground showering them in a maze of pink, white, and pale yellow. It was over all one of the best times she'd had in a very long time.
--It's just like it was...back then with Leina. –
Kagome swallowed hard. She felt that inevitable lump grow in the back of the throat as guilt pervaded her heart. It was her fault Leina died. She sighed.
Sesshoumaru glanced over at his companion. He sensed a dramatic shift in her aura. She went from happy and content to guilt and a deep sadness. His brows knitted in concentration. There was something else there. A hidden emotion he couldn't quite perceive. It was foggy and deep within her heart.
Kagome's horse spooked to the side, rubbing against Sesshoumaru's horse. The sudden jolt of movement snapped Sesshoumaru from his thoughts in time to catch Kagome from falling the few feet to the ground.
The horse jerked his head forward, efficiently alerting Sesshoumaru. He could sense it. A hush fell over all the creatures in the forest. Sesshoumaru's nose was suddenly useless. He couldn't even smell the woman beside him or the horse beneath him.
Sesshoumaru's eyes flitted in every direction. He growled when he caught sight of the demon wearing a kimono of blue and red.
Sesshoumaru's growl startled Kagome. She could practically feel the vibration. She whipped her head to the front of their caravan where his gaze laid. Her eyes fell on a demon. The woman had scarlet eyes and black hair tied into a tight bun. She was gently waving a fan in front of her face and sitting in a low branch of an oak tree. The branches above where she sat cast dappled shadows on her skin.
"Kagura." Sesshoumaru gritted out. Kagome wasn't sure if it was a good thing that Sesshoumaru knew the demoness or that he held her in such disgust. Kagome could sense an evil aura around her being and if that wasn't enough she knew her as well. But not by name for she, like Goshinki, also worked for Naraku. The southern lord called them his children, she never knew why.
Kagura was a wind sorceress. Kagome had seen her in action. She'd kill and then resurrect the dead with her fan only to turn them against their companions. Kagura rarely ever attacked an enemy herself, not very honorable in Kagome's eyes.
"I have a message for you." The woman's silky voice was directed towards Kagome. Sesshoumaru could see the disgust in Kagome's eyes. She obviously felt the same way he did for the woman, though he doubted it was for the same reasons.
"If you will return willingly to Naraku and you will become his mate..." Kagura paused, more for effect. Kagome's lip twitched up in repulsion. She was screaming insults on the inside and wanted to throw up just from the idea, but she remained calm and collected on the outside. Her stoic exterior practically mimicked Sesshoumaru's.
"Then Naraku will return the property that belongs to Lord Inutaisho and the war can be avoided." Kagura finished.
Kagome knew this was a lie.
--Naraku would never give up a chance to play games and plan strategies when his life isn't on the line. He would sit back and watch the battles for entertainment. If he returned whatever property stolen from the west, was another issue. The war would occur. If I knew I could save the lives of the southern and western armies and villages, I would sacrifice myself, without hesitation. He would mark me, trapping me as his for eternity, and then proceed with the destruction. –
Sesshoumaru watched with fascination. He could see the battle the girl was having.
--I knew this much of Naraku. He is deceptive and can't be trusted. Even if he gave his word and signed a binding document, he would break it eventually. He has no honor or morale. Naraku would hold onto that sword like his life depended on it. Tenseiga would have to be pried from his dead, cold fingers. –
Yes, this war all began when one of Naraku's lackeys stole the treasured sword Tenseiga. Sesshoumaru, though, never saw a use for the blade that couldn't kill. But it was obvious that Naraku treasured it enough to start a war over it and then sword couldn't remain in his possession. Naraku wasn't worthy enough to be able to decide between life and death.
So a war began to retrieve it. His father had expected to win the sword over within one season, the one just passed, but the west had greatly underestimated the south's resourcefulness. Therefore it had been put off for an intermission during the winter months only to begin again once winter fell to spring. Of course there had been small encounters during the winter, but nothing more than a raid or a spy being captured.
--But it will all begin again soon. A few weeks and we will head out to battle—
Sesshoumaru shifted his full attention to the scene before him. Kagome and Kagura had been staring each other down and Kagura was the one to break. She whipped her fan letting loose three glowing blades in the shape of crescent moons at the two companions.
Kagome's horse reacted, jolting to the side, throwing Kagome flat against his neck. Kagome clasped her fingers, sufficiently securing her to the strong neck. Sesshoumaru pulled hard to the left, easily dodging the energy attack since his horse was quite agile.
While the pair was occupied, Kagura easily pulled one of the feathers decorating her hair from its place and threw it into the air. The feather transformed, leaving a much larger feather in its place. She stepped into the boat-like structure and lifted into the air before either Sesshoumaru or Kagome could react.
The demoness disappeared from view into the cumulus clouds of the cerulean sky, leaving the pair to watch her disappear from the ground.
Sesshoumaru cursed himself for not attacking the woman from the beginning. He turned to look at the girl. She had a grim look across her features, marring her beauty.
--Beauty? Where did that come from? Granted she isn't bad for a human, but she is still a human.--
Kagome was slouching on her horse. She was deep in thought that she didn't notice the prince's attention on her this time.
--If I can make a deal with Naraku...maybe I can stop this war, like he can only attack if an enemy attacks first. sigh No, he'd find a way around it...like usual. Plus if I become his mate...I won't be able to see Rin again. I wouldn't be able to see Sesshoumaru again...hold up. Where did that come from? No...I must stop this war, it's partly my fault anyways. It's the least I can do. After all, I was the one who stole the sword. Or was forced to anyways and for what? Leina was killed anyways...--
-to be continued-
Extra!
To all other reviewers, though there are few, enjoy! (.)
(o) hellooooo! (--) snooore
-) are you sleeping again! ('.) uh no...
(.) guess what! (.) not again...
(0.0) I saw a ghost! Oooo (-' uh...ghosts aren't real, go to bed
) but I don't wanna go to bed! (--) I hate babysitting you