A/N: Hey all! I love you all for your reviews and emails! They encourage me really...the more you bug me, amazingly the faster the chapters will be updated. Before this chapter, a little background of the two souls in Kagome!
ATTENTION IMPORTANT: Ok so I've been confusing myself a little bit with the soul inside Kagome and wanted to clear it up. Kaekei and Yukila are one soul that a group called the council tried to destroy. They had only meant to send the soul to the underworld. The full soul had a different name, but in that being's life the person split their own soul into two parts. Each part, or personality (not in an insane way) chose a name for themselves. The soul was split unbeknownst to the people around, even the council, so they didn't know that the good and bad were always separated.
The council had to transfer the two parts to a chosen miko, Kagome, because the spell they cast went awry. The council wanted to send all evil to the underworld to therefore purify the being, but they only sent the evil part. But the two parts couldn't be separated with one in one world and one in another. (the living and underworld)
So basically the soul is in two parts, but is one soul and can be reunited. One part can also be brought in the fore front, as Naraku did by using a certain spell that was thought long lost. In the original being, the spirit Kaekei was in control. So because the council was not aware of the splitting of the soul, they thought that the soul of the being was completely evil. Kagome is normally in control, but is connected to the other two parts, that are now bonded to herself, mentally.
. Whew...that's a lot of info! Hope I didn't fry your brains... Truly... oh...right enjoy this chappie!! .
Darkening Truths
At Naraku's Castle
A swift heat coursed through his body setting his nerves on fire. A gleam of sweat shined and clung to his ashen skin. His heavy pants echoed through the nearly empty room. It was unfurnished like most in his inner domain for they were used for mainly one reason. The male's thick, luxurious ebony locks stuck to his back and neck as he released his seed within the withering woman below him.
The woman gasped in surprise, but had otherwise remained soundless throughout the entire exchange. She only responded because it was instinct of her body even if it was human. The man had stroked her flame and she shamelessly reacted to his touch. Her innocent form so unused to such attention and it seemed he gained more elation because of this fact. The man grinned. To think that such a pure being could give him such pleasure.
Red eyes were even now clearing of the blurring film of red that seem to color his sight as he was in the heat of the moment delved deep into his instincts. Naraku smirked down at his now claimed mate with an expression that for once was free of evil malice.
The woman opened her dull, truly emotionless brown orbs to look at the man still covering her body with his own. Her eyes were distant before, but now they empty completely. Naraku almost wished she showed as much fire as Kagome. The two were so alike in appearance, but so different in personality that Naraku felt that Kikyo was almost...lacking.
--But she was only a replacement trapped under his will that would remain until what was his returned.--
Naraku rolled to the side grabbing the discarded yukata as he did so. The woman shivered instantly noticing his absence and warmth that had efficiently been blocking the night's chilly air. The quick temperature difference caused her to quickly sit up and pluck the covers from their forgotten and quite messy position at the foot of the futon.
Wrapping them around herself she took it upon herself to look around the somewhat cluttered room to find her clothes strewn helplessly about the chamber in no orderly fashion at all. It also seems that in her master's haste he had ripped her silken robes in some places. Still, the young woman, just barely passed her teens, rose to collect her things, but paused in her actions at the silky masculine voice.
"Sleep Kikyo, we have all the time in the world."
Kikyo nodded and answered, "Yes, Shujin-sama."
Her face was the epitome of calm, but inside was a completely different story. Her mind screamed to be released and her miko senses so used to being free were cramped in their trapped enclosure deep within the girl's soul. Inside she was blazing with anger, but all that showed were silent crystal orbs streaking down her smooth pale cheeks.
Naraku revealed the dark smirk that constantly drifted across his lips to show his true nature.
--Soon all will be mine. And not even that Western hound and his imprudent puppies will be able to stop me.--
Naraku laughed a maniacal cackle as he walked lazily down the halls at his own favorite nicknames of his competition. That is before he found a servant girl carrying laundry. She carelessly dropped one towel of her large load. Resting the basket down she bent over to pick up the rebellious cloth as her master watched resting against the corner of the hallway behind her, without her knowledge.
His crimson eyes glowed heatedly with the increase of his body temperature as he watched the girl bent over. The girl was most likely fourteen or fifteen which is the perfect age to him.
--I could use another child to do my bidding.--
Naraku's gaze slithered down the smooth lines that were somewhat constructed by the layers of her yukata. The sunny yellow fabric held white flowers in a few places that gave innocence to the girl... soon to be woman.
A thin waist shown by an expertly tied blue satin sash that shined in the afternoon sun. The cloth clung to her thin hips and as she bent her knees gently, half way bending over, a round bottom was produced generously to his meticulous eye.
The girl had a light brown hair that was uncommon in this area that was what caught Naraku's eye. So he bought her from her family which was deeply in debt and being the loving child that she was, he knew she wouldn't refuse her family's pleas.
Smooth hands glided over her hips to rest on the top of her inner thighs when she was fully standing. Said hands pulled her thin, innocent body against a large arousal causing a gasp to escape her lips. But as a lock of black hair fell over her shoulder, she realized who it was behind her. She knew this would happen eventually.
--Darn my family! Selling me off like that...even if they did need the money...--
Naraku buried his nose in her hair and noticed the light smell of the oils on her body. The soft rose and eucalyptus, his favorite, tantalized his nose. All servants use this scented oil, so that if chosen to be bedded by their master he would agree to their smell. The male growled softly in her ear before turning the small girl in his arms and licking away her tears.
Then the two abandoned the basket of freshly washed clothes by entering the nearest shoji screen. Naraku carried the girl in his arms since the room was at the end of the hall. Even though the girl hated to admit it, her master was charming in a creepy way and it was pleasant being in his arms that were quite more muscular than she realized.
--Not that I was looking...--
But the girl timidly looked up at the male carrying her and was startled to find him staring intently at her. A blush of embarrassment rose on her apple cheeks followed by a triumphant smirk from Naraku as he shifted his gaze forward. Every servant, who normally weren't allowed to look in their master's eyes, would have been curious.
The girl was surprised by how handsome the man actually was. She could only wonder why he didn't have women chasing him and also why he chose servant girls over others. These thoughts were hushed with the click of the shoji screen.
After a few minutes another servant came by and effortlessly picked up the basket, now one adorned each hip. This older servant more in her thirties was one of the only working in Naraku's service that had no family outside his home.
Her name was Urasue and was also the only one who never shared his bed. Not that she could ever be considered pretty to the eye. But seeing as how she worked for his father and was very knowledgeable on things other than cleaning, he kept her around.
This woman thought nothing strange about the lonely basket left in the hall. This was the norm and no one thought anything of it. It was their master's wishes and they could not disobey, no matter how much they desperately wanted to, if they wanted to live. Even hope for a better future was waning like the morning hours to the afternoon sun.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru
Kagome sighed comfortably for the first time in a few days. They had stopped for a rest and were resting in high field finally reaching above the western slopes that were now makeshift waterfalls. These slopes were simply steep inclines that surrounded the plateaus of the west and introduced you to the heart of the lands. Not many could reach this without help from someone who already had.
Passed the slopes were a few fields, then the forests began again except they were extremely thick since they were much older than the first woodlands you would encounter. This made the west one of the most protected naturally.
It was now night time and they would reach the fortress in the morning. Kagome could tell Sesshoumaru was anxious to get back. She wasn't sure why, but that was the reason that she didn't complain when he ordered her to get up so they could leave. After all she was rested, sort of. The miko had a good three hours of sleep, which wasn't a lot to most people. But Kagome was shocked when Sesshoumaru, also known as the 'Slave driver,' allowed her the luxury of three whole hours by herself.
Kagome knew flying would have been faster, but he didn't want to carry her. She didn't want him to carry her either, especially since it's always with her over his stupid shoulder. Besides this gave her a great chance to familiarize herself with the territory she was engorged in. So in case she needed to make a quick exit, she wouldn't get as lost.
Jisuai however had to travel around the forest since his build would have been too bulky to pass through the brush. But Kagome was certain the male would meet them at the edge. Even though he had to go around, he could canter or trot until his heart was content. In other words he would either meet them or beat them to the fields beyond this forest.
Sesshoumaru walked easily through the tight trees often having to turn sideways through two trunks that grew too close. Breathing in deeply he could smell home. The castle never felt like home after she died, so he spent most of his waking hours in this forest. He was one of the few people who could walk through it and never get lost, even if he was blind. The trees would tell him where he was. Even his father, the Great Inutaisho would fly over instead of going through.
Kagome somehow successfully maneuvered through the terrain. It was then that she realized she wasn't even close the first time she traveled. She had just reached passed the first, not as dense woodlands the bordered the territory. Kagome hadn't even reached the inner heart.
The girl had new found respect for the west. Perhaps she could live somewhere hidden in this deep, forgotten nature. When she was free, if she could find some way to avoid Sesshoumaru or rather deal with him somehow...
--Then maybe I can find happiness.--
Kagome smiled, her smoky cobalt eyes shimmering with hope and a longing for the future. Part of her mind persistently spoke of the fact that she would never be free of the chains attached to her very soul.
--If what Yukila said is true...than I am really two spirits combined, but one is split in half. But who am I? I feel like I'm missing something. I know Naraku wants Kaekei and Yukila only wants to help me... but help with what?--
Kagome held firm suspicions that Yukila knew more than she spoke. The pure spirit wanted to help her in any way she could. The kind female had attempted to calm Kagome's fears of her internal occupants, but it wasn't very effective. There was something she was missing. Yukila knew of whatever it was. It was almost like a nagging feeling at the back of Kagome's thoughts. Although the three were connected, they still had separate thoughts. Some would or could be combined, but others, if pressed, could be contained and kept secretive.
An example of this is the very existence of Yukila. The spirit had remained inside Kagome's soul without the miko's knowledge until Yukila chose to reveal herself. But Kagome felt that there was something that awakened her and that it wasn't the spirit's choice. Too many questions and no answers...Kagome sighed.
--Well, at least no Shikon to worry about!--
Despite herself as well as her location, Kagome cracked a cheeky grin and increased her speed to walk closer to Sesshoumaru. The space between them had lapsed a little too far.
--And heaven knows HE won't slow down!--
At Naraku's castle
The dark Southern lord stalked the shadowed corridors of his abode. It was long after midnight and time to return to his chambers on the lower levels of the place he called home. Many thought it strange that he preferred to sleep in what would be called the basement or dungeons. Only certain servants were allowed to clean these levels and Naraku was a stickler to that particular rule. No other personnel were to even enter the stairwell connecting to these rooms.
The male was comforted by the cobbled stone flooring and if he was ever frustrated the prisoners were near. The floor plan of the lower levels consisted of two floors that were the same size if not slightly larger than the upper, above ground levels. The first level was where most of his quarters resided. This included his bed chamber, a sitting room, an overly large bathroom, a training room, and a zen garden. The dry garden was used for his personal use only and was used mainly for meditation.
Naraku's office was on the first or primary level of the entire layout. This first level was the coldest and most often you could see your own breath in a soft gray wisp when breathing. The very first part of this level was the dungeons and everything that went along with that.
The second half was Naraku's offices. This wasn't an attempt at intimidation seeing that these were the first things one would come to upon entering the first ground level before reaching Naraku's study. The man just didn't have enough room for his office and library on the above floor.
The office was moved when he decided to install a zen garden. And being as how the rooms used as a dungeon were already used to the extent as irremovable, he had the office furniture placed further behind them with a sigh. But this often managed to allow him to get his way with more accuracy so he wasn't about to complain.
Pulling passed his office doors which were two thick wooden openings created from the blackest of trees that were said to be cursed from the devil himself, Naraku felt along the stone walls with the pads of his fingers. Finally feeling the slight almost unnoticeable indentation in the grey, greatly shadowed corridor, the dark lord placed his palm against it flat.
Naraku's fingers were splayed out in a relaxed fashion and calling a small tidbit of his aura to the surface of his skin he pressed against the hidden opening. The door, that wouldn't have been detected by any who didn't already know of its existence, swung open stopping at a ninety degree angle.
Entering this sanctuary as candles were automatically lit by a spell cast by none other than Urasue, the only other who knew of the cave system below the castle. Naraku followed the dimly lit passageways with ease turning every now and then as the halls split in several directions until he reached a deep cavern.
It took the male several months if not a year to familiarize himself with the exits and entrances as well as the tunnels in this underground masterpiece. Naraku entered his beloved treasury were upon the wall was his first achievement in this scheme of his. The tensaiga hung on metal perches that were covered by a soft, crushed felt. This immaculate blade was a healing sword that was stolen from the western palace by Naraku's favorite female.
Though he very much doubted the girl truly knew what she was doing or the potential of this weapon when she snatched it for him. Indeed it was she who started this very war with one simple action that was commanded by him of course.
Next to the glimmering metal was the Shikon no Tama in an intricate glass case. The glass was angled so that the Shikon was not visible when you looked into the encasement, but all that was seen was a reflection. So it was meant to be seen, but not touched. This beauty was delivered by his beloved Kikyo personally.
Naraku studied the jewel. The power rippled below the watery glass as a charcoal core tempted the hanyou's very soul with its deepness. The very heart of the Shikon called to him, coaxing his inner demons to push the surface. The male's hand rose to the temptation until Naraku snapped back to attention.
"Soon...my precious Shikon. Soon all will be ours."
--Once I reclaim Kagome and entrance her darker self back to the surface, than she will lead the others to battle. My victory will be guaranteed.--
Naraku left without another word, besides a chuckle and an evil gleam in his blazing crimson irises that promised deception and evil to behold the future.
At the Western Palace
Kagome trudged into her room. A servant had taken her things to be washed while she removed her horse's tack and brushed his coat clean. The horse had said his goodbye as a deep snort and nodding his nose against her cheek as a signal to leave. So the weary traveler had high tailed it out of there.
The miko somewhat clumsily undressed in her changing room dropping the heavy fabrics in the laundry basket designated for dirty clothes. Kagome plopped onto the large bed and sighed as she sank into the comfortable mattress.
Just as her tired eyes were closing with intent to fall into a soft, blissful slumber, the blue orbs snapped back to reality with a muted click of a shoji screen. Realizing it was her own, she sat up on her elbows and slipped sideways from underneath her covers with a light swish of fabric.
Creeping carefully around the changing screen that separated her bed from the rest of the chamber, she peered around the corner. Just as she was about to walk passed it she bumped into a small body and on instinct Kagome grabbed the person as she fell with a thump to the floor.
Kagome hovered over the being and with wide, slightly frightened eyes that seemed surreally blue in the moonlight cast from the uncovered window. The woman-child's mouth opened in a silent 'oh' when she saw who her trespasser was.
The person was wearing a guilty expression and a somewhat still shocked face. However upon seeing who was hovering over her, the intruder lifted herself off the ground and wrapped her cabbage patch arms around the older girl.
Kagome sighed once again, a bad habit she was falling into, as she sat back on her knees and dragged the warm bundle into her arms in a loose hug. Rin pulled back from her with a wide smile lighting up her small face.
"Rin missed Ka-chan!"
A small smile from Kagome as well as tightening her arms around the child was a good enough answer for the petit child. Rin buried her head against Kagome's neck her face resting towards her neck, but slightly resting on her upper chest.
"Can Rin sleep with Ka-chan?"
Kagome couldn't resist such a simple request. After all she was gone over a week and all that the girl wanted was someone to hold her to 'shoo away the monsters' as Rin had said it during their time together in the garden. Rin wanted company, human company which was rare in the demon castle and Kagome could give it, so she was determined to give all that she could.
"I'd like that Rin-chan."
But the words fell on deaf, or rather dormant ears, as the adorable child was already fast asleep tucked against Kagome's side.
A beautiful smile warmed the woman's features and it was the one of the only ones free of sadness or guilt. It was a truly blissful action that was truly unlike her daily smiles, but instead elegant in its appearance. In that one moment the miko child grew into a graceful woman. Kagome became a woman whose face held all the grace and demand for respect in her delicate features.
Sliding gently beneath the layers of the pale blue and pristine white Kagome tugged herself as well as Rin onto the bed and promptly sunk into the soft mattress. Kagome placed Rin beside her as the girl unconsciously snuggled to fit close to her elder. Kagome raked her fingers through Rin's hair and was awaiting tomorrow's activities with a lackluster laziness.
The miko yawned and shifted her cerulean orbs closed while wrapping the soft bundle cuddled against her side in a warm embrace. Kagome drifted to a vegetative state with the hope that the approach of the following eve could be less stressful. Not that she minded being active, but dealing with Naraku as well as a certain silver-haired prince was beginning to grate on her optimism and her nerves.
The next morning
Sesshoumaru rose early per routine, but still dreading the mounds of paperwork no doubt piling on his desk he turned his course towards the dojo. It was just beginning to lighten from night to day. The sky was a pastel pink that was dashed with a brighter, more intense rose that was a striking sight.
The demon had dressed himself simply in a white haori and cream hakama tied together with a white sash that knotted at his waist. This replaced his normal sash whose ends flared and cascaded down to about his knees. This silken tie was much shorter and was meant to not get in the way. Sesshoumaru looped his long locks back into a loose ponytail on the crown of his head. His metallic colored bangs framed his face, but did not hinder his sight as he strode towards the weaponry room.
Sliding open the simple shoji screen with a quiet click, the demon prince stepped into the silent room. Then with practiced ease he jumped from the floor just before it collapsed below his feet. This was a gesture that caught many who were not supposed to enter this room. A smirk crossed Sesshoumaru's features when he remembered the first time the woman-child entered the room.
Flashback
Sesshoumaru walked in the opposite direction away from the space where Kagome was currently standing. Noticing the growing distance, the miko jogged to catch up to the prince's long strides.
"Hey!" the girl all but yelled.
Sesshoumaru's shoulders tensed at this action almost immediately before turning to the speaker of the overly loud voice. The demon sent her an icy glare that stopped Kagome in her tracks.
Kagome bowed her head.
"I'm sorry...I forgot about youkai's sensitive hearing."
Kagome spoke much more softly and her voice was slightly muffled, the result of her chin resting on her chest. But when she raised her eyes to Sesshoumaru's he found such sincerity in those orbs that he'd rarely seen a human express and it was never at his expense. The demon nodded or rather inclined his head an inch before continuing on his way.
--The girl apologizes for such trivial things. It wouldn't have made a difference as long as she shuts up and remembers for next time.--
It was then that the floor gave out and with a softened squeak; surprisingly she remembered not to screech. Just as she was about to plummet into the extended version of the dungeons below Sesshoumaru reached out at the last second possible, not that he was rushed, and grabbed the back of Kagome's shirt collar.
Sesshoumaru lifted a wide-eyed girl out of the darkened abyss. The prince had no doubt she would have broken her legs in the fall of about a hundred or so feet. The miko lowered her head in embarrassment and Sesshoumaru could only smirk at her discomfort. But then a blush crossed her features and for the life of him, he didn't want to even ask why she was blushing once again.
--She's been doing that a lot lately.--
End Flashback
Sesshoumaru let out an inaudible growl because he was once again pondering the source of her blush. Sesshoumaru wasn't oblivious; he knew it had something to do with being in his proximity. But most women he'd ever met would either try to seduce him in their awkward, inefficient ways or would simply balk and be intimidated by his very presence. Some would flush, but only because they were uncomfortable or really nervous.
--Curse this female...--
Sesshoumaru brought his mind to another issue. He had forgotten to warn her about the trap. He had to be more cautious seeing as how she'd never been in there. The girl should be notified when to have extra precaution in certain areas. This method was common, within the castle, as a safety measure. As well as being either not lighted or dimly so.
To prevent their weapons from being stolen the floor drops and the intruders fall into a corridor that isn't lit. Mainly because most who enter this far are youkai and the western lord wouldn't waste his wealth or oil for the lamps, even if it doesn't matter. The lord of the west is tied for wealth wise in status with the eastern lord.
This particular dark corridor leads then to the dungeons where they would be met by Randei. Randei is the caretaker of the prison cells and all of its inhabitants, though very few last through the first week. Randei also carries out most of the 'visiters' activities unless his lord or prince wished to take it upon themselves to do it personally.
The demon prince than proceeded to follow through with intricate katas full of thrusts, kicks, and dodges. His normal routine was begun.
In Kagome's room
Kieina released a shining grin at the couple curled deep into the softness of the mattress. She had entered with the intent to wake the sleeping miko, but came across a strange scene. Instead of the slumbering miko who normally hugged one of the many extra pillows close to her body, it was she who was the pillow.
It seems young Rin awoke sometime after Sesshoumaru and Kagome's arrival. Then the lonely child sought out her older counterpart. Now the young girl was hugging Kagome around the waist in a loose grip that tightened ever so slightly as the elder stirred. Kieina frowned at this action. No doubt Rin was lonely, but the girl is seemingly attached and will indefinitely be depressed should Kagome leave.
Just the action of Kagome trying to turn over in her sleeping trance causes the child to cling with a more possessive nature. The servant watched as Kagome, who she was to call Raiven, soothed the child's tense state by unconsciously tightening her hold momentarily in reassurance that she wasn't going anywhere. Then the elder girl slackened her embrace and rested her hands loosely around her junior's small shoulders.
--I swear that girl is a youkai.--
Many felt that the young girl, Rin, had a youkai soul trapped within her human body. This was mainly because how she treated her savior, Sesshoumaru, as more of a father figure. The girl would become jealous when the demon spent too much time in his office or speaking with his father when he could be spending time with her.
It was sincerely innocent and fit in with an inuyoukai pup's selfish and possessive behavior. A pup will always search out their parent's attention and Rin was all too good at achieving this sought out goal. But Kieina knew she just picked up on a few things from the youkai around her, other than the normal instincts a child has with its mother.
Besides Sesshoumaru was all she had. Rin didn't say much to anyone, but of course she kept her cheery and trusting attitude to everyone except those with wolf blood. The very fact that the girl was so easily attached and comfortable enough to seek security with Kagome was amazing. The girl wasn't cautious, but she tended to keep her distance.
Kieina sighed and crossed the pathway to the bed up the two small steps that led the way.
--Kagome will leave one day should she survive passed my lord and prince's plans for her. And Rin will lose another mother. Indeed it would be a sad day.--
The servant walked beside the bed and with a gentle shake woke the two. Kagome's cyan eyes opened to the rising sun that lighted up the room with a glowing yellow and a soft blue that complemented greatly, but created a contrast making the sight all the more lovely.
Rin sat up and yawned, tilting her raven head back. The girl's hair was still attempting to remain in its ruffled ponytail that slanted off the right side of her head. Black hairs stuck out in several places giving her a youthful and slightly humorous opinion.
Kagome turned her head from the window and with laughter sparking in her eyes waltzed back to the canopy mattress. The elder girl scooped the smiling child up to cradle her in her arms and tipped her head forward to Kieina, crossed the room with the intent to enter the bathing quarters of her grand, but temporary abode.
In the Dojo
Sesshoumaru had finally ceased his elegant, swaying movements as he sensed the aura of someone who was impossible to confuse with anyone other being. The ambience of this individual was so irregular that no other soul, but the toad servant Jaken could own it.
With lengthening patience, the prince waited for his retainer to enter the fighting arena. And he was not disappointed or kept waiting, as the ugly abhorrence soon scuttled into the open area training facility. With the grace of dying animal, Jaken fell to his knees in front of his chosen prince.
"My l-lord, Sesshoumaru-sama, your father's advisor and messenger await your gracious presence in the library."
Jaken surprisingly unwavering voice and serious tone caught Sesshoumaru's attention. For once the ever loyal beast wasn't squawking, but used a deeper, more intelligent voice. It was quite unusual and the demon prince could only wonder what brought it on, since he only rarely used it. And when the toad youkai did it was serious and of the greatest importance.
The youkai's amber eyes narrowed when Jaken turned his head just the tiniest bit to the side revealing a large, yellow tinted eyeball. Sesshoumaru's lips thinned to an indecipherable line as he stepped to the side quietly. Unsheathing his sword, the prince swept the glistening blade across the exposed flesh of the supposed Jaken's neck.
A swish resounded followed by the dripping of fluid. As soon as the skull was separated from the body, the beast changed back into his original form. Sesshoumaru stepped back to a place where his light clothes wouldn't be bothered by the blood. The crimson liquid was flowing in rivulets and streaks across the stone flooring.
There in front of the heir of the west was a pig-like creature with a talisman made out of paper sticking to the forehead of the runaway head. With the snap of his fingers a servant appeared and began to clean up the mess.
A fluttering paper caught his eye as it was crinkled beneath the fallen corpse. Picking it up and reading its contents, the prince folded it back up crisply. Then the demon strides his way to the library where he could feel the presences of the advisor, Miroku, and the messenger demon child who remained nameless in his mind.
Sometime in his absence Jaken had been captured and replaced. To his ever increasing annoyance, Sesshoumaru no longer held any doubts that there were traitors among the inhabitants of the palace. Even with Naraku's unrealistic creativity and skill, there is little possibility that he could switch his personal servant without anyone being the wiser.
That is unless someone was assisting him, which Sesshoumaru had felt sincerely possible for quite sometime. He just never had any actions to prove this thought until now.
The heat in Sesshoumaru's body doubled to an impossible amount. And the fact that it came from the cool, collected youkai sent servant's to drop the objects in their hands and press their backs flat against the wall in fright as he passed them by. His youki was now almost tangible in the air surrounding his body, but still his face was the perfection of calm and foreshadowed the darkness carefully hidden below, waiting to be released.
In the Dining room
Kagome ushered Rin through the doors of their usual dining room. The small girl laughed happily as she clasped her two hands around Kagome's.
"Do you think Rin and Ka-chan can gather flowers today?"
Rin spoke in an excited voice per usual and Kagome could only nod in agreement. The pair sat down at the plain oak table that had been set up decorated with the breakfast china.
Kagome had found this room during one of the games of hide-and-seek before she left for Kikyo's village. It was empty and according to Kieina it had been for quite some time. If you were to open up one of the three shoji screens located in the room, specifically the one in the far left corner, you would find a direct passageway to the back garden.
This garden was Kagome's favorite. It was the very first one she had come across in the beginning of her stay at the western palace. Since she'd been living here, she had tended to it whenever she could spare the time. As a result, the carefully laid shrubs and bonsai trees were practically glowing with vigor and strength.
This garden, unlike the landscaped format of the main gardens, was cozier and looked home made. Now least to say it was still designed by a master craftsman in Kagome's opinion, but it gave a loving and less stiff approach. The garden plan was more sporadic and based generally on aesthetic appeal than categorizing the plants into groups for a colorful affect.
Also Kagome noticed that the garden was arranged for the best appreciation scent wise. Though Kagome was human, she could still fully comprehend the wafts and blended torrents of scents that set her senses tingling and her body wanting with an unexplained yearning for more. But also she could appreciate the wonder and splendor of the colors that mixed sensually together to form a creative masterpiece.
One thing was for sure; whoever designed and took care of this garden had great tastes as well as a meticulous eye for detail. But Kagome could feel that whoever it was was no longer here. The master of this greenery wouldn't let it toil away with overgrowth.
But it was also more of a feeling in the miko's heart and soul. It was like their very soul was placed in this spot and protected it from the wintry seasons and the often droughts of deadly summer. Even that wasn't enough to keep it completely intact. Kagome would never be able to give it a full recovery and rebirth it back to its original potential.
--I'm no green thumb, but I won't let it rot away with weeds either.--
It was more like she couldn't. Something in the very roots of the plants, every petal, every leaf, called to her. While she was here she would tend to it. There wasn't anything that could prevent her from doing so. It was an activity she enjoyed in and was also yet another, slightly less tiring way, to spend time with the ever exuberant Rin.
Speaking of whom was at the moment spilling her tea. Kagome reached over and lifted the cup to the child's lips with ease. After that was accomplished and an embarrassed thank you from the child, Kagome rose to fish in the closet. This was the second shoji screen, besides the entrance and the passage to the garden, in the small, yet homely chamber.
"Ah hah!"
Kagome left the closet with a triumphant air with a small floor cushion in hand. The closet screen closed with a muffled click and the miko dropped the pillow with a plop on the floor next to a confused Rin. The child looked up expectantly, confusion in her cinnamon depths.
Kagome snatched Rin off the floor by lifting her beneath her arms with her fingers splayed across Rin's thin ribcage. Then scooting the cushion into position, Rin was lowered back down. The girl's belly button was now level with the low table and she could reach the contents held on its surface wit ease. Happiness engulfed the brown orbs warming them like melted chocolate.
Kagome flashed her own brilliant smile, but it was one that could only dream to rival the happiness contained in Rin's eyes.
"Is Ka-chan okay?" Rin was now concerned.
For even one so young as she could sense the sadness if her motherly figures eyes. Kagome's face faulted as she delved down into her own mind.
--Should I tell her? She reminds me so much...of her.—
The miko looked up at the girl whose full focus was now on her instead of the forgotten food steadily cooling as time continues to pass. Kagome sighed and made her silent decision.
Blah Blah
A/N: Ok...so I hope all of these 'flashbacks' I'm sticking in don't confuse or annoy you readers. They give me a chance to add more depth and other scenes I hadn't originally thought of to write in previous chapters. Also I keep skipping around like 'two weeks later' or 'two hours later.' But this way you know what actually happened in that lapse of time. So if you hate them, tell me and I'll limit my use.
ATTENTION IMPORTANT: Ok so I've been confusing myself a little bit with the soul inside Kagome and wanted to clear it up. Kaekei and Yukila are one soul that a group called the council tried to destroy. They had only meant to send the soul to the underworld. The full soul had a different name, but in that being's life the person split their own soul into two parts. Each part, or personality (not in an insane way) chose a name for themselves. The soul was split unbeknownst to the people around, even the council, so they didn't know that the good and bad were always separated.
The council had to transfer the two parts to a chosen miko, Kagome, because the spell they cast went awry. The council wanted to send all evil to the underworld to therefore purify the being, but they only sent the evil part. But the two parts couldn't be separated with one in one world and one in another. (the living and underworld)
So basically the soul is in two parts, but is one soul and can be reunited. One part can also be brought in the fore front, as Naraku did by using a certain spell that was thought long lost. In the original being, the spirit Kaekei was in control. So because the council was not aware of the splitting of the soul, they thought that the soul of the being was completely evil. Kagome is normally in control, but is connected to the other two parts, that are now bonded to herself, mentally.
. Whew...that's a lot of info! Hope I didn't fry your brains... Truly... oh...right enjoy this chappie!! .
Darkening Truths
At Naraku's Castle
A swift heat coursed through his body setting his nerves on fire. A gleam of sweat shined and clung to his ashen skin. His heavy pants echoed through the nearly empty room. It was unfurnished like most in his inner domain for they were used for mainly one reason. The male's thick, luxurious ebony locks stuck to his back and neck as he released his seed within the withering woman below him.
The woman gasped in surprise, but had otherwise remained soundless throughout the entire exchange. She only responded because it was instinct of her body even if it was human. The man had stroked her flame and she shamelessly reacted to his touch. Her innocent form so unused to such attention and it seemed he gained more elation because of this fact. The man grinned. To think that such a pure being could give him such pleasure.
Red eyes were even now clearing of the blurring film of red that seem to color his sight as he was in the heat of the moment delved deep into his instincts. Naraku smirked down at his now claimed mate with an expression that for once was free of evil malice.
The woman opened her dull, truly emotionless brown orbs to look at the man still covering her body with his own. Her eyes were distant before, but now they empty completely. Naraku almost wished she showed as much fire as Kagome. The two were so alike in appearance, but so different in personality that Naraku felt that Kikyo was almost...lacking.
--But she was only a replacement trapped under his will that would remain until what was his returned.--
Naraku rolled to the side grabbing the discarded yukata as he did so. The woman shivered instantly noticing his absence and warmth that had efficiently been blocking the night's chilly air. The quick temperature difference caused her to quickly sit up and pluck the covers from their forgotten and quite messy position at the foot of the futon.
Wrapping them around herself she took it upon herself to look around the somewhat cluttered room to find her clothes strewn helplessly about the chamber in no orderly fashion at all. It also seems that in her master's haste he had ripped her silken robes in some places. Still, the young woman, just barely passed her teens, rose to collect her things, but paused in her actions at the silky masculine voice.
"Sleep Kikyo, we have all the time in the world."
Kikyo nodded and answered, "Yes, Shujin-sama."
Her face was the epitome of calm, but inside was a completely different story. Her mind screamed to be released and her miko senses so used to being free were cramped in their trapped enclosure deep within the girl's soul. Inside she was blazing with anger, but all that showed were silent crystal orbs streaking down her smooth pale cheeks.
Naraku revealed the dark smirk that constantly drifted across his lips to show his true nature.
--Soon all will be mine. And not even that Western hound and his imprudent puppies will be able to stop me.--
Naraku laughed a maniacal cackle as he walked lazily down the halls at his own favorite nicknames of his competition. That is before he found a servant girl carrying laundry. She carelessly dropped one towel of her large load. Resting the basket down she bent over to pick up the rebellious cloth as her master watched resting against the corner of the hallway behind her, without her knowledge.
His crimson eyes glowed heatedly with the increase of his body temperature as he watched the girl bent over. The girl was most likely fourteen or fifteen which is the perfect age to him.
--I could use another child to do my bidding.--
Naraku's gaze slithered down the smooth lines that were somewhat constructed by the layers of her yukata. The sunny yellow fabric held white flowers in a few places that gave innocence to the girl... soon to be woman.
A thin waist shown by an expertly tied blue satin sash that shined in the afternoon sun. The cloth clung to her thin hips and as she bent her knees gently, half way bending over, a round bottom was produced generously to his meticulous eye.
The girl had a light brown hair that was uncommon in this area that was what caught Naraku's eye. So he bought her from her family which was deeply in debt and being the loving child that she was, he knew she wouldn't refuse her family's pleas.
Smooth hands glided over her hips to rest on the top of her inner thighs when she was fully standing. Said hands pulled her thin, innocent body against a large arousal causing a gasp to escape her lips. But as a lock of black hair fell over her shoulder, she realized who it was behind her. She knew this would happen eventually.
--Darn my family! Selling me off like that...even if they did need the money...--
Naraku buried his nose in her hair and noticed the light smell of the oils on her body. The soft rose and eucalyptus, his favorite, tantalized his nose. All servants use this scented oil, so that if chosen to be bedded by their master he would agree to their smell. The male growled softly in her ear before turning the small girl in his arms and licking away her tears.
Then the two abandoned the basket of freshly washed clothes by entering the nearest shoji screen. Naraku carried the girl in his arms since the room was at the end of the hall. Even though the girl hated to admit it, her master was charming in a creepy way and it was pleasant being in his arms that were quite more muscular than she realized.
--Not that I was looking...--
But the girl timidly looked up at the male carrying her and was startled to find him staring intently at her. A blush of embarrassment rose on her apple cheeks followed by a triumphant smirk from Naraku as he shifted his gaze forward. Every servant, who normally weren't allowed to look in their master's eyes, would have been curious.
The girl was surprised by how handsome the man actually was. She could only wonder why he didn't have women chasing him and also why he chose servant girls over others. These thoughts were hushed with the click of the shoji screen.
After a few minutes another servant came by and effortlessly picked up the basket, now one adorned each hip. This older servant more in her thirties was one of the only working in Naraku's service that had no family outside his home.
Her name was Urasue and was also the only one who never shared his bed. Not that she could ever be considered pretty to the eye. But seeing as how she worked for his father and was very knowledgeable on things other than cleaning, he kept her around.
This woman thought nothing strange about the lonely basket left in the hall. This was the norm and no one thought anything of it. It was their master's wishes and they could not disobey, no matter how much they desperately wanted to, if they wanted to live. Even hope for a better future was waning like the morning hours to the afternoon sun.
Kagome and Sesshoumaru
Kagome sighed comfortably for the first time in a few days. They had stopped for a rest and were resting in high field finally reaching above the western slopes that were now makeshift waterfalls. These slopes were simply steep inclines that surrounded the plateaus of the west and introduced you to the heart of the lands. Not many could reach this without help from someone who already had.
Passed the slopes were a few fields, then the forests began again except they were extremely thick since they were much older than the first woodlands you would encounter. This made the west one of the most protected naturally.
It was now night time and they would reach the fortress in the morning. Kagome could tell Sesshoumaru was anxious to get back. She wasn't sure why, but that was the reason that she didn't complain when he ordered her to get up so they could leave. After all she was rested, sort of. The miko had a good three hours of sleep, which wasn't a lot to most people. But Kagome was shocked when Sesshoumaru, also known as the 'Slave driver,' allowed her the luxury of three whole hours by herself.
Kagome knew flying would have been faster, but he didn't want to carry her. She didn't want him to carry her either, especially since it's always with her over his stupid shoulder. Besides this gave her a great chance to familiarize herself with the territory she was engorged in. So in case she needed to make a quick exit, she wouldn't get as lost.
Jisuai however had to travel around the forest since his build would have been too bulky to pass through the brush. But Kagome was certain the male would meet them at the edge. Even though he had to go around, he could canter or trot until his heart was content. In other words he would either meet them or beat them to the fields beyond this forest.
Sesshoumaru walked easily through the tight trees often having to turn sideways through two trunks that grew too close. Breathing in deeply he could smell home. The castle never felt like home after she died, so he spent most of his waking hours in this forest. He was one of the few people who could walk through it and never get lost, even if he was blind. The trees would tell him where he was. Even his father, the Great Inutaisho would fly over instead of going through.
Kagome somehow successfully maneuvered through the terrain. It was then that she realized she wasn't even close the first time she traveled. She had just reached passed the first, not as dense woodlands the bordered the territory. Kagome hadn't even reached the inner heart.
The girl had new found respect for the west. Perhaps she could live somewhere hidden in this deep, forgotten nature. When she was free, if she could find some way to avoid Sesshoumaru or rather deal with him somehow...
--Then maybe I can find happiness.--
Kagome smiled, her smoky cobalt eyes shimmering with hope and a longing for the future. Part of her mind persistently spoke of the fact that she would never be free of the chains attached to her very soul.
--If what Yukila said is true...than I am really two spirits combined, but one is split in half. But who am I? I feel like I'm missing something. I know Naraku wants Kaekei and Yukila only wants to help me... but help with what?--
Kagome held firm suspicions that Yukila knew more than she spoke. The pure spirit wanted to help her in any way she could. The kind female had attempted to calm Kagome's fears of her internal occupants, but it wasn't very effective. There was something she was missing. Yukila knew of whatever it was. It was almost like a nagging feeling at the back of Kagome's thoughts. Although the three were connected, they still had separate thoughts. Some would or could be combined, but others, if pressed, could be contained and kept secretive.
An example of this is the very existence of Yukila. The spirit had remained inside Kagome's soul without the miko's knowledge until Yukila chose to reveal herself. But Kagome felt that there was something that awakened her and that it wasn't the spirit's choice. Too many questions and no answers...Kagome sighed.
--Well, at least no Shikon to worry about!--
Despite herself as well as her location, Kagome cracked a cheeky grin and increased her speed to walk closer to Sesshoumaru. The space between them had lapsed a little too far.
--And heaven knows HE won't slow down!--
At Naraku's castle
The dark Southern lord stalked the shadowed corridors of his abode. It was long after midnight and time to return to his chambers on the lower levels of the place he called home. Many thought it strange that he preferred to sleep in what would be called the basement or dungeons. Only certain servants were allowed to clean these levels and Naraku was a stickler to that particular rule. No other personnel were to even enter the stairwell connecting to these rooms.
The male was comforted by the cobbled stone flooring and if he was ever frustrated the prisoners were near. The floor plan of the lower levels consisted of two floors that were the same size if not slightly larger than the upper, above ground levels. The first level was where most of his quarters resided. This included his bed chamber, a sitting room, an overly large bathroom, a training room, and a zen garden. The dry garden was used for his personal use only and was used mainly for meditation.
Naraku's office was on the first or primary level of the entire layout. This first level was the coldest and most often you could see your own breath in a soft gray wisp when breathing. The very first part of this level was the dungeons and everything that went along with that.
The second half was Naraku's offices. This wasn't an attempt at intimidation seeing that these were the first things one would come to upon entering the first ground level before reaching Naraku's study. The man just didn't have enough room for his office and library on the above floor.
The office was moved when he decided to install a zen garden. And being as how the rooms used as a dungeon were already used to the extent as irremovable, he had the office furniture placed further behind them with a sigh. But this often managed to allow him to get his way with more accuracy so he wasn't about to complain.
Pulling passed his office doors which were two thick wooden openings created from the blackest of trees that were said to be cursed from the devil himself, Naraku felt along the stone walls with the pads of his fingers. Finally feeling the slight almost unnoticeable indentation in the grey, greatly shadowed corridor, the dark lord placed his palm against it flat.
Naraku's fingers were splayed out in a relaxed fashion and calling a small tidbit of his aura to the surface of his skin he pressed against the hidden opening. The door, that wouldn't have been detected by any who didn't already know of its existence, swung open stopping at a ninety degree angle.
Entering this sanctuary as candles were automatically lit by a spell cast by none other than Urasue, the only other who knew of the cave system below the castle. Naraku followed the dimly lit passageways with ease turning every now and then as the halls split in several directions until he reached a deep cavern.
It took the male several months if not a year to familiarize himself with the exits and entrances as well as the tunnels in this underground masterpiece. Naraku entered his beloved treasury were upon the wall was his first achievement in this scheme of his. The tensaiga hung on metal perches that were covered by a soft, crushed felt. This immaculate blade was a healing sword that was stolen from the western palace by Naraku's favorite female.
Though he very much doubted the girl truly knew what she was doing or the potential of this weapon when she snatched it for him. Indeed it was she who started this very war with one simple action that was commanded by him of course.
Next to the glimmering metal was the Shikon no Tama in an intricate glass case. The glass was angled so that the Shikon was not visible when you looked into the encasement, but all that was seen was a reflection. So it was meant to be seen, but not touched. This beauty was delivered by his beloved Kikyo personally.
Naraku studied the jewel. The power rippled below the watery glass as a charcoal core tempted the hanyou's very soul with its deepness. The very heart of the Shikon called to him, coaxing his inner demons to push the surface. The male's hand rose to the temptation until Naraku snapped back to attention.
"Soon...my precious Shikon. Soon all will be ours."
--Once I reclaim Kagome and entrance her darker self back to the surface, than she will lead the others to battle. My victory will be guaranteed.--
Naraku left without another word, besides a chuckle and an evil gleam in his blazing crimson irises that promised deception and evil to behold the future.
At the Western Palace
Kagome trudged into her room. A servant had taken her things to be washed while she removed her horse's tack and brushed his coat clean. The horse had said his goodbye as a deep snort and nodding his nose against her cheek as a signal to leave. So the weary traveler had high tailed it out of there.
The miko somewhat clumsily undressed in her changing room dropping the heavy fabrics in the laundry basket designated for dirty clothes. Kagome plopped onto the large bed and sighed as she sank into the comfortable mattress.
Just as her tired eyes were closing with intent to fall into a soft, blissful slumber, the blue orbs snapped back to reality with a muted click of a shoji screen. Realizing it was her own, she sat up on her elbows and slipped sideways from underneath her covers with a light swish of fabric.
Creeping carefully around the changing screen that separated her bed from the rest of the chamber, she peered around the corner. Just as she was about to walk passed it she bumped into a small body and on instinct Kagome grabbed the person as she fell with a thump to the floor.
Kagome hovered over the being and with wide, slightly frightened eyes that seemed surreally blue in the moonlight cast from the uncovered window. The woman-child's mouth opened in a silent 'oh' when she saw who her trespasser was.
The person was wearing a guilty expression and a somewhat still shocked face. However upon seeing who was hovering over her, the intruder lifted herself off the ground and wrapped her cabbage patch arms around the older girl.
Kagome sighed once again, a bad habit she was falling into, as she sat back on her knees and dragged the warm bundle into her arms in a loose hug. Rin pulled back from her with a wide smile lighting up her small face.
"Rin missed Ka-chan!"
A small smile from Kagome as well as tightening her arms around the child was a good enough answer for the petit child. Rin buried her head against Kagome's neck her face resting towards her neck, but slightly resting on her upper chest.
"Can Rin sleep with Ka-chan?"
Kagome couldn't resist such a simple request. After all she was gone over a week and all that the girl wanted was someone to hold her to 'shoo away the monsters' as Rin had said it during their time together in the garden. Rin wanted company, human company which was rare in the demon castle and Kagome could give it, so she was determined to give all that she could.
"I'd like that Rin-chan."
But the words fell on deaf, or rather dormant ears, as the adorable child was already fast asleep tucked against Kagome's side.
A beautiful smile warmed the woman's features and it was the one of the only ones free of sadness or guilt. It was a truly blissful action that was truly unlike her daily smiles, but instead elegant in its appearance. In that one moment the miko child grew into a graceful woman. Kagome became a woman whose face held all the grace and demand for respect in her delicate features.
Sliding gently beneath the layers of the pale blue and pristine white Kagome tugged herself as well as Rin onto the bed and promptly sunk into the soft mattress. Kagome placed Rin beside her as the girl unconsciously snuggled to fit close to her elder. Kagome raked her fingers through Rin's hair and was awaiting tomorrow's activities with a lackluster laziness.
The miko yawned and shifted her cerulean orbs closed while wrapping the soft bundle cuddled against her side in a warm embrace. Kagome drifted to a vegetative state with the hope that the approach of the following eve could be less stressful. Not that she minded being active, but dealing with Naraku as well as a certain silver-haired prince was beginning to grate on her optimism and her nerves.
The next morning
Sesshoumaru rose early per routine, but still dreading the mounds of paperwork no doubt piling on his desk he turned his course towards the dojo. It was just beginning to lighten from night to day. The sky was a pastel pink that was dashed with a brighter, more intense rose that was a striking sight.
The demon had dressed himself simply in a white haori and cream hakama tied together with a white sash that knotted at his waist. This replaced his normal sash whose ends flared and cascaded down to about his knees. This silken tie was much shorter and was meant to not get in the way. Sesshoumaru looped his long locks back into a loose ponytail on the crown of his head. His metallic colored bangs framed his face, but did not hinder his sight as he strode towards the weaponry room.
Sliding open the simple shoji screen with a quiet click, the demon prince stepped into the silent room. Then with practiced ease he jumped from the floor just before it collapsed below his feet. This was a gesture that caught many who were not supposed to enter this room. A smirk crossed Sesshoumaru's features when he remembered the first time the woman-child entered the room.
Flashback
Sesshoumaru walked in the opposite direction away from the space where Kagome was currently standing. Noticing the growing distance, the miko jogged to catch up to the prince's long strides.
"Hey!" the girl all but yelled.
Sesshoumaru's shoulders tensed at this action almost immediately before turning to the speaker of the overly loud voice. The demon sent her an icy glare that stopped Kagome in her tracks.
Kagome bowed her head.
"I'm sorry...I forgot about youkai's sensitive hearing."
Kagome spoke much more softly and her voice was slightly muffled, the result of her chin resting on her chest. But when she raised her eyes to Sesshoumaru's he found such sincerity in those orbs that he'd rarely seen a human express and it was never at his expense. The demon nodded or rather inclined his head an inch before continuing on his way.
--The girl apologizes for such trivial things. It wouldn't have made a difference as long as she shuts up and remembers for next time.--
It was then that the floor gave out and with a softened squeak; surprisingly she remembered not to screech. Just as she was about to plummet into the extended version of the dungeons below Sesshoumaru reached out at the last second possible, not that he was rushed, and grabbed the back of Kagome's shirt collar.
Sesshoumaru lifted a wide-eyed girl out of the darkened abyss. The prince had no doubt she would have broken her legs in the fall of about a hundred or so feet. The miko lowered her head in embarrassment and Sesshoumaru could only smirk at her discomfort. But then a blush crossed her features and for the life of him, he didn't want to even ask why she was blushing once again.
--She's been doing that a lot lately.--
End Flashback
Sesshoumaru let out an inaudible growl because he was once again pondering the source of her blush. Sesshoumaru wasn't oblivious; he knew it had something to do with being in his proximity. But most women he'd ever met would either try to seduce him in their awkward, inefficient ways or would simply balk and be intimidated by his very presence. Some would flush, but only because they were uncomfortable or really nervous.
--Curse this female...--
Sesshoumaru brought his mind to another issue. He had forgotten to warn her about the trap. He had to be more cautious seeing as how she'd never been in there. The girl should be notified when to have extra precaution in certain areas. This method was common, within the castle, as a safety measure. As well as being either not lighted or dimly so.
To prevent their weapons from being stolen the floor drops and the intruders fall into a corridor that isn't lit. Mainly because most who enter this far are youkai and the western lord wouldn't waste his wealth or oil for the lamps, even if it doesn't matter. The lord of the west is tied for wealth wise in status with the eastern lord.
This particular dark corridor leads then to the dungeons where they would be met by Randei. Randei is the caretaker of the prison cells and all of its inhabitants, though very few last through the first week. Randei also carries out most of the 'visiters' activities unless his lord or prince wished to take it upon themselves to do it personally.
The demon prince than proceeded to follow through with intricate katas full of thrusts, kicks, and dodges. His normal routine was begun.
In Kagome's room
Kieina released a shining grin at the couple curled deep into the softness of the mattress. She had entered with the intent to wake the sleeping miko, but came across a strange scene. Instead of the slumbering miko who normally hugged one of the many extra pillows close to her body, it was she who was the pillow.
It seems young Rin awoke sometime after Sesshoumaru and Kagome's arrival. Then the lonely child sought out her older counterpart. Now the young girl was hugging Kagome around the waist in a loose grip that tightened ever so slightly as the elder stirred. Kieina frowned at this action. No doubt Rin was lonely, but the girl is seemingly attached and will indefinitely be depressed should Kagome leave.
Just the action of Kagome trying to turn over in her sleeping trance causes the child to cling with a more possessive nature. The servant watched as Kagome, who she was to call Raiven, soothed the child's tense state by unconsciously tightening her hold momentarily in reassurance that she wasn't going anywhere. Then the elder girl slackened her embrace and rested her hands loosely around her junior's small shoulders.
--I swear that girl is a youkai.--
Many felt that the young girl, Rin, had a youkai soul trapped within her human body. This was mainly because how she treated her savior, Sesshoumaru, as more of a father figure. The girl would become jealous when the demon spent too much time in his office or speaking with his father when he could be spending time with her.
It was sincerely innocent and fit in with an inuyoukai pup's selfish and possessive behavior. A pup will always search out their parent's attention and Rin was all too good at achieving this sought out goal. But Kieina knew she just picked up on a few things from the youkai around her, other than the normal instincts a child has with its mother.
Besides Sesshoumaru was all she had. Rin didn't say much to anyone, but of course she kept her cheery and trusting attitude to everyone except those with wolf blood. The very fact that the girl was so easily attached and comfortable enough to seek security with Kagome was amazing. The girl wasn't cautious, but she tended to keep her distance.
Kieina sighed and crossed the pathway to the bed up the two small steps that led the way.
--Kagome will leave one day should she survive passed my lord and prince's plans for her. And Rin will lose another mother. Indeed it would be a sad day.--
The servant walked beside the bed and with a gentle shake woke the two. Kagome's cyan eyes opened to the rising sun that lighted up the room with a glowing yellow and a soft blue that complemented greatly, but created a contrast making the sight all the more lovely.
Rin sat up and yawned, tilting her raven head back. The girl's hair was still attempting to remain in its ruffled ponytail that slanted off the right side of her head. Black hairs stuck out in several places giving her a youthful and slightly humorous opinion.
Kagome turned her head from the window and with laughter sparking in her eyes waltzed back to the canopy mattress. The elder girl scooped the smiling child up to cradle her in her arms and tipped her head forward to Kieina, crossed the room with the intent to enter the bathing quarters of her grand, but temporary abode.
In the Dojo
Sesshoumaru had finally ceased his elegant, swaying movements as he sensed the aura of someone who was impossible to confuse with anyone other being. The ambience of this individual was so irregular that no other soul, but the toad servant Jaken could own it.
With lengthening patience, the prince waited for his retainer to enter the fighting arena. And he was not disappointed or kept waiting, as the ugly abhorrence soon scuttled into the open area training facility. With the grace of dying animal, Jaken fell to his knees in front of his chosen prince.
"My l-lord, Sesshoumaru-sama, your father's advisor and messenger await your gracious presence in the library."
Jaken surprisingly unwavering voice and serious tone caught Sesshoumaru's attention. For once the ever loyal beast wasn't squawking, but used a deeper, more intelligent voice. It was quite unusual and the demon prince could only wonder what brought it on, since he only rarely used it. And when the toad youkai did it was serious and of the greatest importance.
The youkai's amber eyes narrowed when Jaken turned his head just the tiniest bit to the side revealing a large, yellow tinted eyeball. Sesshoumaru's lips thinned to an indecipherable line as he stepped to the side quietly. Unsheathing his sword, the prince swept the glistening blade across the exposed flesh of the supposed Jaken's neck.
A swish resounded followed by the dripping of fluid. As soon as the skull was separated from the body, the beast changed back into his original form. Sesshoumaru stepped back to a place where his light clothes wouldn't be bothered by the blood. The crimson liquid was flowing in rivulets and streaks across the stone flooring.
There in front of the heir of the west was a pig-like creature with a talisman made out of paper sticking to the forehead of the runaway head. With the snap of his fingers a servant appeared and began to clean up the mess.
A fluttering paper caught his eye as it was crinkled beneath the fallen corpse. Picking it up and reading its contents, the prince folded it back up crisply. Then the demon strides his way to the library where he could feel the presences of the advisor, Miroku, and the messenger demon child who remained nameless in his mind.
Sometime in his absence Jaken had been captured and replaced. To his ever increasing annoyance, Sesshoumaru no longer held any doubts that there were traitors among the inhabitants of the palace. Even with Naraku's unrealistic creativity and skill, there is little possibility that he could switch his personal servant without anyone being the wiser.
That is unless someone was assisting him, which Sesshoumaru had felt sincerely possible for quite sometime. He just never had any actions to prove this thought until now.
The heat in Sesshoumaru's body doubled to an impossible amount. And the fact that it came from the cool, collected youkai sent servant's to drop the objects in their hands and press their backs flat against the wall in fright as he passed them by. His youki was now almost tangible in the air surrounding his body, but still his face was the perfection of calm and foreshadowed the darkness carefully hidden below, waiting to be released.
In the Dining room
Kagome ushered Rin through the doors of their usual dining room. The small girl laughed happily as she clasped her two hands around Kagome's.
"Do you think Rin and Ka-chan can gather flowers today?"
Rin spoke in an excited voice per usual and Kagome could only nod in agreement. The pair sat down at the plain oak table that had been set up decorated with the breakfast china.
Kagome had found this room during one of the games of hide-and-seek before she left for Kikyo's village. It was empty and according to Kieina it had been for quite some time. If you were to open up one of the three shoji screens located in the room, specifically the one in the far left corner, you would find a direct passageway to the back garden.
This garden was Kagome's favorite. It was the very first one she had come across in the beginning of her stay at the western palace. Since she'd been living here, she had tended to it whenever she could spare the time. As a result, the carefully laid shrubs and bonsai trees were practically glowing with vigor and strength.
This garden, unlike the landscaped format of the main gardens, was cozier and looked home made. Now least to say it was still designed by a master craftsman in Kagome's opinion, but it gave a loving and less stiff approach. The garden plan was more sporadic and based generally on aesthetic appeal than categorizing the plants into groups for a colorful affect.
Also Kagome noticed that the garden was arranged for the best appreciation scent wise. Though Kagome was human, she could still fully comprehend the wafts and blended torrents of scents that set her senses tingling and her body wanting with an unexplained yearning for more. But also she could appreciate the wonder and splendor of the colors that mixed sensually together to form a creative masterpiece.
One thing was for sure; whoever designed and took care of this garden had great tastes as well as a meticulous eye for detail. But Kagome could feel that whoever it was was no longer here. The master of this greenery wouldn't let it toil away with overgrowth.
But it was also more of a feeling in the miko's heart and soul. It was like their very soul was placed in this spot and protected it from the wintry seasons and the often droughts of deadly summer. Even that wasn't enough to keep it completely intact. Kagome would never be able to give it a full recovery and rebirth it back to its original potential.
--I'm no green thumb, but I won't let it rot away with weeds either.--
It was more like she couldn't. Something in the very roots of the plants, every petal, every leaf, called to her. While she was here she would tend to it. There wasn't anything that could prevent her from doing so. It was an activity she enjoyed in and was also yet another, slightly less tiring way, to spend time with the ever exuberant Rin.
Speaking of whom was at the moment spilling her tea. Kagome reached over and lifted the cup to the child's lips with ease. After that was accomplished and an embarrassed thank you from the child, Kagome rose to fish in the closet. This was the second shoji screen, besides the entrance and the passage to the garden, in the small, yet homely chamber.
"Ah hah!"
Kagome left the closet with a triumphant air with a small floor cushion in hand. The closet screen closed with a muffled click and the miko dropped the pillow with a plop on the floor next to a confused Rin. The child looked up expectantly, confusion in her cinnamon depths.
Kagome snatched Rin off the floor by lifting her beneath her arms with her fingers splayed across Rin's thin ribcage. Then scooting the cushion into position, Rin was lowered back down. The girl's belly button was now level with the low table and she could reach the contents held on its surface wit ease. Happiness engulfed the brown orbs warming them like melted chocolate.
Kagome flashed her own brilliant smile, but it was one that could only dream to rival the happiness contained in Rin's eyes.
"Is Ka-chan okay?" Rin was now concerned.
For even one so young as she could sense the sadness if her motherly figures eyes. Kagome's face faulted as she delved down into her own mind.
--Should I tell her? She reminds me so much...of her.—
The miko looked up at the girl whose full focus was now on her instead of the forgotten food steadily cooling as time continues to pass. Kagome sighed and made her silent decision.
Blah Blah
A/N: Ok...so I hope all of these 'flashbacks' I'm sticking in don't confuse or annoy you readers. They give me a chance to add more depth and other scenes I hadn't originally thought of to write in previous chapters. Also I keep skipping around like 'two weeks later' or 'two hours later.' But this way you know what actually happened in that lapse of time. So if you hate them, tell me and I'll limit my use.