So here we are again. Another chapter to begin.
Please forgive my impertinent perceptions, but please do not assume them
cruel deceptions!
It has come to my attention that I have found favor, so to spice all up
I've learned to add flavor.
Allow me to elaborate on this new intro; I have to inform you of all info.
A new ally has entered the picture with intentions of revenge; I promise
the details will not border on binge.
Our heroine will find a new interest; all will lead to boy chases girl
contest,
A certain brother will seek peace with his estranged sister; an extended
family's plan will blister.
Finally things will start to play in hand; I think this chapter may be
quite grand.
A bit of romance spices the mix; my little heroine will need new tricks.
However I leave up to you to decide, is our heroine's pursuer ready to
confide?
We will learn who HE may be, but just wait and read to see.
Now settle down and grab your popcorn quick, no bathroom breaks, but maybe
a pixie stick.
Read with interest and do not scorn, for this is not internet porn.
With a quick wit and a tart for a tongue no wonder our heroine's
counterpart is thoroughly sprung.
Enough of this blabbing. Let the show commence. You all are so lucky I
don't make you pay 5 pence.
CHAPTER 7: The Truth about Him and Me
"Kagome, I'd like to introduce you to Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's older brother." Kikyo finally managed to voice in a cracked tone.
'Oh, God, no. Sesshomaru!'
"I thought I'd slip away and ask a favor of the infamous man himself. Sorry I winded up startling you guys." A slyly familiar voice piped. Miroku stood trembling under the stern glares of a half way bemused Sango and a paling Kikyo.
Kagome stood further away trying to compose herself for the unavoidable confrontation she knew she was to have with the stoic tall figure shadowing the small contingent of girls. Sesshomaru held himself in a regal stance, never letting his eyes show emotion as they skimmed over every being in his path. Always observant, eyes seemingly knowledgeable at all times, he almost could be deemed a wise old man with suspicions or an undercover spy out to find a mole.
It didn't help that he was also a most appealing creature with his perfectly long flowing silverfish white hair that could only be compared to pure clouds spanned out on the sky by God himself. His eyes glowed a marvelous amber twice as enticing as Inuyasha's and, even though he showed so little emotion, they glared powerfully always getting his message across.
Though not completely visible unless one further inspected, Sesshomaru's body seemed fit, adorned with slim muscular appendages and a porcelain tint to his smooth skin. He wore a sliming deep gray suit with a loose buttoned up shirt and cravat giving his the appearance of a 19th century gentleman or a lord. His hair, though tidy in its appearance, was flowing wildly, as though he was a sprite, in the wind.
Kagome's eyes finally fell back on Sesshomaru's firm face capturing the deep molten gaze of the creature himself. She stared patiently trying to display only the cool calmness he seemed to plaster together so well.
'I can't let him see me budge. I gotta keep up my stance. If he sees me falter I know he'll think I'm just as weak as he makes others out to be. I won't let that happen.' Kagome had to be the bigger one here. She had to come out on top. If she didn't who knows how her life would turn, most definitely for the worse.
"Quit stalkin' us Miroku!" Sango finally yelled as the polished young man shuffled off to hide behind Kagome, budging her out of her deep stupor and drawing her eyes away from their handsome target.
"I wasn't stalking you, Sango. Stalking implies following you home, to school, to your bathroom and anywhere else you decide to be. I deserve naught of this treatment. It also hurts that you would accuse me of all those harsh perversions. What kind of monk in training do you take me for?" Miroku exclaimed swiftly avoiding a charging Sango as he spoke.
"Perhaps now is not the time to be discussing personal fetishes, Miroku. I believe we have much more important matters to attend to." Sesshomaru's deep voice vibrated in attracting the attention of all.
'I bet his voice does that all the time. The way he carries himself I'd say he commands a lot of attention and he needs a voice like that to give him more attention. Don't let it unnerve you, though. You gotta come out on top. No weaknesses.'
"I suppose we could listen for a bit." Kagome replied sullenly then turned to face him with a slightly arched brow and added inquisitively, "That is, if you have something of importance to say to us. We are in the market for a few out thrown ideas pertaining to... how I should say, a few unwanted incidents accosted to our families."
Turning all their attention to the two politely conversing persons Kikyo, Sango, and Miroku began to suspect an outgrowing tension and layback of emotion buried beneath Kagome's cool tones. This was it. The final countdown to the confrontation between two feuding families. Though Sango and Kikyo shared the burden with Kagome as her cousins they would never be able to comprehend the tension she specifically was forced to deal with. She was a direct decent of the feud, as were Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, which meant the battle was directed to her. This was her war by all means.
"Very well. Let us all find a more...suitable environment to commence with this...interesting tête-à-tête." Sesshomaru suggested in a haughty manner, his eyes not leaving Kagome's to acknowledge the others.
Slowly Kagome realized his challenge and was forced to look away to find a vicinity worthy of "his majesty". She wasn't about to let that get to her. With an air of immaculate prestige Kagome turned back to Sesshomaru and smirked.
She pointed to a small round table on the other side of the courtyard where she felt Sesshomaru would feel the most uncomfortable and indisposed. It was a bit dirty, if you call foot prints on the seats, bubblegum sticking to its underbelly and a putrid smell of urine frazzling it a bit dirty. Yes, Kagome felt it was perfect for his majesty. He'd just have to get used to it if he thought he'd be speaking to any of the Komodo family with peace.
"I was thinking more of a hospitable setting." Sesshomaru exclaimed coolly then added a blow to Kagome's barricade by pointing to his large black limo parked neatly near the curb, "My limo, perhaps."
Frowning inside, Kagome smiled with contempt and allowed Sesshomaru to lead the way to the vehicle. As the others drew themselves forward and allowed Sesshomaru to guide them inside the large black limo Kagome stood aside coolly watching her own reflection in the shining dark paint of the car. Letting her hair whip violently in the increasingly swift wind, Kagome looked herself over with dismay. How could she let herself be pulled in? Was this the wisest of choices?
'Jeez, two weeks ago I would have been content to go home and haplessly pester dad about goin' to a movie with my friends or somethin'. Now I've become a bona fide missionary...that is, on a mission for justice, for my family, where all else matters not! I've become Killer Kagome, fighter of the just and protectorate of the victims of their extended families-'
"Perhaps you will find it more suitable to continue your display of heroism in the vehicle, Ms. Higurashi." A stoic voice interrupted from beside Kagome rearing her into reality and the conscience fact that she was now standing in an all to familiar "I've just climbed Mt. Everest and now I'm the greatest" pose.
Blushing with spiteful chagrin, Kagome lowered her eyes to slits and fell in line after Sesshomaru to enter the limo, thinking all the while of ways to compensate for the stupidity she had so far exemplified. The way things were going; Sesshomaru was bound to be associating her with some dumb freckle faced human with nothing but air for brains. But alas, what more can one do?
"Drive on, Amori." Sesshomaru commanded his chauffeur once the door to the car was closed and locked tightly and everyone was seated, Kagome, Kikyo and Sango across from Sesshomaru and Miroku.
"We must get straight down to business; I'm sure you're aware?" Kagome finally exclaimed once a protruding silence had wound itself effortlessly into the car and remained there for what seemed to be 10 minutes. 'All eyes on me!'
"Very well I'll give you leave to speak first. I've little to go on at the moment." Sesshomaru said languidly.
Shifting uncomfortably in her soft leather seat, Kagome tried to find the most emotionless, straight forward way to talk to the impassive gentleman who sat before her waiting expectantly for her response.
"Well, for starters, we, as you know, have come into some disturbing knowledge pertaining to our less than likable extended family. As much as it has recently-," Kagome cut herself off and turned to Kikyo whose sudden bulging eyes made her almost wary to go on, but she had to continue.
"...Not so recently affected OUR lives, we also realize it has deeply affected your life and the lives of your family members...minus the extended. We...um...we wish to some how help or be helped in our own struggle to end this dispute, or at least push ourselves out of it."
Seeing that he didn't plan to intercede in what she had to say, Kagome went on. "We know you, like us, have suffered the loss of a parent. As it were, Miroku, obviously, believes our working together will assure a profitable outcome for both parties."
"And" 'So he could speak!'
"And...what? There is nothing else to it. We haven't the slightest idea where to begin, our minds are still reeling with realization, and personally I'm not too good at scheming or any of that." Kagome babbled on with a sudden flush to her cheeks brought on by an unexpected feeling of helplessness and anxiety.
"We're not exactly the type of people one would expect to find out all of this "interesting" information, Sesshomaru. You know as well as we do that we can be of some outward benefit to your... revenge." Kikyo interrupted in a lifeless tone, trying her best to protect a now almost cowering Kagome from the anxiety.
Turning his regal head lazily to look out the tinted window and into the sunshine of the day Sesshomaru smirked.
'Why's he smiling like that? Oh no, he's gonna say somethin' devilish. He's gonna lay it on us rough!'
"I believe, Miss. Higurashi, that you will be quite instrumental in all that I have planned, "Sesshomaru finally turned back to face Kagome with sullen eyes and explained, "However, I don't believe your emotionally ready for all that must be done."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Kagome spat out trying to reason with his response.
"You exude a certain mannerism. Your very essence is alight with fury my dear. I can see your every emotion and that will only detour my goal. You'd do well to learn from your cousin." Sesshomaru further explained pulling his eyes over to Kikyo who sat stiffly by her trying not to yell.
Looking down so her eyes were shaded by the dark shadows of her hair, Kagome ground out as civilly as her ire would allow, "Okay... so I've got emotion. Maybe I can contain that, but...," puling her head up abruptly and glaring fearlessly into Sesshomaru's molten orbs, "I'm not gonna hide it all forever! This isn't just about me, sir.
This is about my family, those I've come to care for. And, yes, maybe it's a little odd that I've come into this knowledge, this state of mind, so easily. Yes, I've embraced betrayal, harshness, the loneliness, and, yes, I'm more of a woman, emotions and all, for it, but don't count me out so quickly. I'm much more capable of destroying them than I am of destroying your "hard work"."
"Think what you will about my emotions clouding me, distracting me, but let me ask you this, sir," Kagome frowned in consternation and determination with tears of pure hatred and anger burning her clouded eyes, "when you first discovered you'd lost everyone, that you were alone, save those who believed in what you did, didn't you feel the rage, didn't you just wanna cry? I mean...you're not human, but like every creation under the sun, you're not perfect."
His own ire rising to the brink of violence, Sesshomaru straightened himself stiffly and continued to glare at the girl with contempt. Who did she think she was trying to move him?
He was more than capable of seeing what she felt. God, she displayed it openly to the world, but hell if he knew why she had to damn well and go say he was less than perfect. If there was a slap a human could place on his ego that was it, and the repercussions would be less than beautiful or subtle.
"God...you can't even answer me. What do you think you are, Sesshomaru, immune? The world is not yours and it's not everyone else's fault all the time. Did you ever, in your entire fucking life, think you'd be sitting, here, with all of us, talking about this?" Kagome continued to prod trying to get a reaction out of the stone faced, pale youkai.
Before she could continue with any more insulting antics on Sesshomaru's grace, or lack there of, Kikyo cut in bitterly to end the discussion with all its tension, "I believe it is time for you to stop this frivolous badgering, cousin."
All eyes were now focused on the usually emotionless and quiet girl, seemingly emphasizing the shock of her very abrupt and blunt statement.
"This has gone on long enough, I believe. I won't stand for it anymore. Emotions, quarreling, must this continue? Must we fight at every turn, with all bitterness? I expect more from you, cousin, however I believe you are of correct opinion when you state the obvious, " Kikyo turned to Sesshomaru, deadly cold eyes masking all her thoughts," you're not perfect. You're just confused. Your emotions are just as vulnerable as the rest of us. Kagome assumed you'd lack rage, you'd fall victim to heartless personas, and eventually continue in a life of unappreciated adoration by some and heart wrenching pain from others."
"But you are wrong, cousin, friend." Kikyo exclaimed as she turned back to Kagome to direct her new glare sparing no anger for the car's other more alarmed occupants. With out another glance Kikyo turned to press a button to call on the driver and commanded him to stop the vehicle so they could exit while her own rising grief could stay hidden under the impenetrable yet startlingly familiar masked eyes hereditary to the Komodo family.
Kikyo was the first to exit, Sango and Miroku following in like, as was expected. However Kagome sat very still in expectance staring with befuddlement at her hands which were now grasping each other on her lap in nervous tension. 'What the hell is she talkin' about?'
"Kagome, we better go." Sango interrupted from outside the car's open door, looking to Sesshomaru for no defiance.
"Right...we...go." Kagome whispered not able to do anything but stare down at the ground as if unaware of what she was doing. Sango reached out a long smooth hand to assist, Kagome grasping it firmly for support and pulling herself out of the car and onto the roughened side path all the while still staring at the ground.
The car door closed softly behind the pair, the car pulling away in a rush, its occupants flushed, one in sheer anger and defiance, and the other in disbelief at the conversation overheard.
Sango surrounded Kagome's shoulders with her arms, pulling her into a tight hug of reassurance. It was a hug returned with full pressure, if not more. Stepping back as if to examine the hushed Kagome, Sango smiled and rubbed Kagome's arms in a motherly fashion to comfort.
"Today's been one big shocker, 'Gome. Don't let it get to you!"
"She isn't. She's just confused...about what transpired between Sesshomaru and I." Kikyo explained coldly her back facing the small group left alone on the walk.
"What exactly did transpire between you two, Kikyo? It seems you failed to mention a few...slight details." Kagome demanded, raising her eyes in a frown to the unaffected back of her impassive cousin.
"Love is a dangerous thing, my dear cousins..." Kikyo began turning her head just enough for tears to be seen flowing freely down her creamy cheeks, "my dear friend Miroku. Love can make you blind to the truth...it can fool you even when you're the cleverest, the most logical."
Kagome moved to stand beside the weeping female; eyes alight with concern and curiosity. "Is that what happened, did you fall in love with someone...with...him?"
"If I lie you'll know..." Kikyo replied turning her head just a bit more to look with grief at Kagome, tears now streaking her face more visibly, her hair falling in wisps about her face as the wind began to blow more swiftly and the cold of the air began to prick the smooth skin beneath the hair.
"Falling in love can be dangerous, I knew that. I knew that when I thought I loved Inuyasha, even more so when I let myself fall for Sesshomaru." Kikyo finally began drawing the other two wayward teens towards her with the mention of Sesshomaru. "He was it, he was my first love.
I let myself believe in dreams, in fantasies. Things I knew were so unreal. He didn't even lead me on, but he was kind, caring, and full of life and determination. All the things I wanted from Inuyasha I found in him."
Kagome stepped back, realization hitting her hard in the chest as the pain of Kikyo's words finally sunk in. "H-he b-beat you because of i-it...d- didn't he?" Kagome managed to stutter out as new explanations began to flow into her bemused head. "He beat you...and you let him...because you thought he loved you, too. You thought it was all about you two. You let him humiliate you in front of his brother, in front of your friends!"
"Why? Why would you do that, Kikyo? He was never worth it. Never-" Sango screamed but was cut short by the stinging slap of Kikyo's commanding hand.
"Shut up, Sango! You haven't the slightest idea what I'm feeling, what I felt! I'm not stupid so don't speak to me like a child who disobeyed her mother! I know damn well what the fuck I did and I don't need you to remind me!" Kikyo retaliated then turned to Kagome who stood back, stunned at Kikyo's behavior.
"Don't look at me like that, Kagome! I'm not a child, I wasn't then and I'm not one now. I made the decision, foolish as it was, but I made it. And no, I will never regret it. Yes, I took a beating, yes I thought that damned youkai loved me, I wished he loved me more than life, but I never stopped loving him after what he did to me. No... this..." Kikyo stopped to look at her hands in disgust and glared evilly," ...this rage, this hatred, it only started when I grew a little more."
"Two years can really change a person...a person can finally see the light. In fact it set me free. I don't hate Inuyasha, I don't hate his family, I hate that damned youkai! I hate everything he stands for!" Kikyo screamed dropping to the ground, sobbing violently and covering her ears in pain.
"No you don't. You never hated him, Kikyo." Kagome replied settling herself next to Kikyo's trembling form and pushing her so she could lay her head on Kagome's lap. "You never even loved him."
Miroku stood still, rage, fear, and pain pouring into him at the truth he'd never known. It was all too surreal.
"You wanted the care, the love, the happiness you thought Inuyasha was too scared to give. Hell, you probably thought that since he was the eldest, Sesshomaru wouldn't be so fearful of giving you those things, he could provide the security you needed when you knew your own family was more dangerous than a drive by shooting." Sango surmised settling down next to the distraught Kikyo and poignant Kagome.
"He never did give you any reason to believe...did he?" Miroku finally inquired staring with concern at the calming Kikyo who huddled closer to Kagome for warmth.
"To be honest, no. I guess it was all a façade my mind had created, something to protect me." Kikyo wailed between stifled sobs.
"It was all about them, about the extended family. First you saw Inuyasha as the kind genteel best friend who was handsome and loving; he'd take you away from the pain. Then came Sesshomaru, he wasn't afraid because his defiance is what made him him.
When you saw that Inuyasha was too afraid to give your relationship a chance, when you finally saw the fear he had of making your pain go away, you thought you'd turn to the source of his fear, his caring older brother." Kagome exclaimed, piecing together the unsolved portions of the explanation Kikyo had discontinued.
"And then you realized he was afraid, too. That love isn't what you were bound by, it was fear and protection. Then you gave up and just let him hurt you because...if you didn't his family would kill you, or worse...him." Sango added still looking away with her jaw set firmly and a frown marring her pristine face.
"And he knew. You all were just lookin' out for each other. It was an understanding...none of you wanted to hurt anyone else." Miroku realized as Kagome smoothed back Kikyo's flailing dark hair.
Sitting up abruptly Kikyo wiped her eyes and smirked with inner happiness. Now they all knew. No more lies, no more secrets. They were her closest companions now, they were her rocks, her foundation. Her troubled mind could be eased and her bitter soul could stop the lies, could believe in better days. Nobody was gonna stop her this time.
All may not have gone quite as planned, but this new chapter was quite
grand. With new light shed on the situation the characters are blooming, growing
with realization.
Though Kikyo is sad at first, her happiness is soon disbursed.
Kagome is finally starting to mature, her understanding true and pure.
Sango has added a thought or two, livening the stage with concern that's
true.
Miroku I'm glad, is a friend of sorts. He's learned the truth, now he must
court.
Sesshomaru has emotion, though hard to tell, his thoughts are not of
cruelty but of Kagome's enraging spell.
She taunts him with her truth and emotion, calling him imperfects, careless
of devotion.
Mayhap next chapter we shall see how affected he is by this, what glee.
Inuyasha did not appear in this, but fear not...I'm not insane, tsk tsk
tsk.
Next time you'll see, he may be there, the love we'll see, he'll give with
care.
But just you wait for next I write. You'll love every scrumptious bite.
Seijitsu-Girl1
Please forgive my impertinent perceptions, but please do not assume them
cruel deceptions!
It has come to my attention that I have found favor, so to spice all up
I've learned to add flavor.
Allow me to elaborate on this new intro; I have to inform you of all info.
A new ally has entered the picture with intentions of revenge; I promise
the details will not border on binge.
Our heroine will find a new interest; all will lead to boy chases girl
contest,
A certain brother will seek peace with his estranged sister; an extended
family's plan will blister.
Finally things will start to play in hand; I think this chapter may be
quite grand.
A bit of romance spices the mix; my little heroine will need new tricks.
However I leave up to you to decide, is our heroine's pursuer ready to
confide?
We will learn who HE may be, but just wait and read to see.
Now settle down and grab your popcorn quick, no bathroom breaks, but maybe
a pixie stick.
Read with interest and do not scorn, for this is not internet porn.
With a quick wit and a tart for a tongue no wonder our heroine's
counterpart is thoroughly sprung.
Enough of this blabbing. Let the show commence. You all are so lucky I
don't make you pay 5 pence.
CHAPTER 7: The Truth about Him and Me
"Kagome, I'd like to introduce you to Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's older brother." Kikyo finally managed to voice in a cracked tone.
'Oh, God, no. Sesshomaru!'
"I thought I'd slip away and ask a favor of the infamous man himself. Sorry I winded up startling you guys." A slyly familiar voice piped. Miroku stood trembling under the stern glares of a half way bemused Sango and a paling Kikyo.
Kagome stood further away trying to compose herself for the unavoidable confrontation she knew she was to have with the stoic tall figure shadowing the small contingent of girls. Sesshomaru held himself in a regal stance, never letting his eyes show emotion as they skimmed over every being in his path. Always observant, eyes seemingly knowledgeable at all times, he almost could be deemed a wise old man with suspicions or an undercover spy out to find a mole.
It didn't help that he was also a most appealing creature with his perfectly long flowing silverfish white hair that could only be compared to pure clouds spanned out on the sky by God himself. His eyes glowed a marvelous amber twice as enticing as Inuyasha's and, even though he showed so little emotion, they glared powerfully always getting his message across.
Though not completely visible unless one further inspected, Sesshomaru's body seemed fit, adorned with slim muscular appendages and a porcelain tint to his smooth skin. He wore a sliming deep gray suit with a loose buttoned up shirt and cravat giving his the appearance of a 19th century gentleman or a lord. His hair, though tidy in its appearance, was flowing wildly, as though he was a sprite, in the wind.
Kagome's eyes finally fell back on Sesshomaru's firm face capturing the deep molten gaze of the creature himself. She stared patiently trying to display only the cool calmness he seemed to plaster together so well.
'I can't let him see me budge. I gotta keep up my stance. If he sees me falter I know he'll think I'm just as weak as he makes others out to be. I won't let that happen.' Kagome had to be the bigger one here. She had to come out on top. If she didn't who knows how her life would turn, most definitely for the worse.
"Quit stalkin' us Miroku!" Sango finally yelled as the polished young man shuffled off to hide behind Kagome, budging her out of her deep stupor and drawing her eyes away from their handsome target.
"I wasn't stalking you, Sango. Stalking implies following you home, to school, to your bathroom and anywhere else you decide to be. I deserve naught of this treatment. It also hurts that you would accuse me of all those harsh perversions. What kind of monk in training do you take me for?" Miroku exclaimed swiftly avoiding a charging Sango as he spoke.
"Perhaps now is not the time to be discussing personal fetishes, Miroku. I believe we have much more important matters to attend to." Sesshomaru's deep voice vibrated in attracting the attention of all.
'I bet his voice does that all the time. The way he carries himself I'd say he commands a lot of attention and he needs a voice like that to give him more attention. Don't let it unnerve you, though. You gotta come out on top. No weaknesses.'
"I suppose we could listen for a bit." Kagome replied sullenly then turned to face him with a slightly arched brow and added inquisitively, "That is, if you have something of importance to say to us. We are in the market for a few out thrown ideas pertaining to... how I should say, a few unwanted incidents accosted to our families."
Turning all their attention to the two politely conversing persons Kikyo, Sango, and Miroku began to suspect an outgrowing tension and layback of emotion buried beneath Kagome's cool tones. This was it. The final countdown to the confrontation between two feuding families. Though Sango and Kikyo shared the burden with Kagome as her cousins they would never be able to comprehend the tension she specifically was forced to deal with. She was a direct decent of the feud, as were Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, which meant the battle was directed to her. This was her war by all means.
"Very well. Let us all find a more...suitable environment to commence with this...interesting tête-à-tête." Sesshomaru suggested in a haughty manner, his eyes not leaving Kagome's to acknowledge the others.
Slowly Kagome realized his challenge and was forced to look away to find a vicinity worthy of "his majesty". She wasn't about to let that get to her. With an air of immaculate prestige Kagome turned back to Sesshomaru and smirked.
She pointed to a small round table on the other side of the courtyard where she felt Sesshomaru would feel the most uncomfortable and indisposed. It was a bit dirty, if you call foot prints on the seats, bubblegum sticking to its underbelly and a putrid smell of urine frazzling it a bit dirty. Yes, Kagome felt it was perfect for his majesty. He'd just have to get used to it if he thought he'd be speaking to any of the Komodo family with peace.
"I was thinking more of a hospitable setting." Sesshomaru exclaimed coolly then added a blow to Kagome's barricade by pointing to his large black limo parked neatly near the curb, "My limo, perhaps."
Frowning inside, Kagome smiled with contempt and allowed Sesshomaru to lead the way to the vehicle. As the others drew themselves forward and allowed Sesshomaru to guide them inside the large black limo Kagome stood aside coolly watching her own reflection in the shining dark paint of the car. Letting her hair whip violently in the increasingly swift wind, Kagome looked herself over with dismay. How could she let herself be pulled in? Was this the wisest of choices?
'Jeez, two weeks ago I would have been content to go home and haplessly pester dad about goin' to a movie with my friends or somethin'. Now I've become a bona fide missionary...that is, on a mission for justice, for my family, where all else matters not! I've become Killer Kagome, fighter of the just and protectorate of the victims of their extended families-'
"Perhaps you will find it more suitable to continue your display of heroism in the vehicle, Ms. Higurashi." A stoic voice interrupted from beside Kagome rearing her into reality and the conscience fact that she was now standing in an all to familiar "I've just climbed Mt. Everest and now I'm the greatest" pose.
Blushing with spiteful chagrin, Kagome lowered her eyes to slits and fell in line after Sesshomaru to enter the limo, thinking all the while of ways to compensate for the stupidity she had so far exemplified. The way things were going; Sesshomaru was bound to be associating her with some dumb freckle faced human with nothing but air for brains. But alas, what more can one do?
"Drive on, Amori." Sesshomaru commanded his chauffeur once the door to the car was closed and locked tightly and everyone was seated, Kagome, Kikyo and Sango across from Sesshomaru and Miroku.
"We must get straight down to business; I'm sure you're aware?" Kagome finally exclaimed once a protruding silence had wound itself effortlessly into the car and remained there for what seemed to be 10 minutes. 'All eyes on me!'
"Very well I'll give you leave to speak first. I've little to go on at the moment." Sesshomaru said languidly.
Shifting uncomfortably in her soft leather seat, Kagome tried to find the most emotionless, straight forward way to talk to the impassive gentleman who sat before her waiting expectantly for her response.
"Well, for starters, we, as you know, have come into some disturbing knowledge pertaining to our less than likable extended family. As much as it has recently-," Kagome cut herself off and turned to Kikyo whose sudden bulging eyes made her almost wary to go on, but she had to continue.
"...Not so recently affected OUR lives, we also realize it has deeply affected your life and the lives of your family members...minus the extended. We...um...we wish to some how help or be helped in our own struggle to end this dispute, or at least push ourselves out of it."
Seeing that he didn't plan to intercede in what she had to say, Kagome went on. "We know you, like us, have suffered the loss of a parent. As it were, Miroku, obviously, believes our working together will assure a profitable outcome for both parties."
"And" 'So he could speak!'
"And...what? There is nothing else to it. We haven't the slightest idea where to begin, our minds are still reeling with realization, and personally I'm not too good at scheming or any of that." Kagome babbled on with a sudden flush to her cheeks brought on by an unexpected feeling of helplessness and anxiety.
"We're not exactly the type of people one would expect to find out all of this "interesting" information, Sesshomaru. You know as well as we do that we can be of some outward benefit to your... revenge." Kikyo interrupted in a lifeless tone, trying her best to protect a now almost cowering Kagome from the anxiety.
Turning his regal head lazily to look out the tinted window and into the sunshine of the day Sesshomaru smirked.
'Why's he smiling like that? Oh no, he's gonna say somethin' devilish. He's gonna lay it on us rough!'
"I believe, Miss. Higurashi, that you will be quite instrumental in all that I have planned, "Sesshomaru finally turned back to face Kagome with sullen eyes and explained, "However, I don't believe your emotionally ready for all that must be done."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Kagome spat out trying to reason with his response.
"You exude a certain mannerism. Your very essence is alight with fury my dear. I can see your every emotion and that will only detour my goal. You'd do well to learn from your cousin." Sesshomaru further explained pulling his eyes over to Kikyo who sat stiffly by her trying not to yell.
Looking down so her eyes were shaded by the dark shadows of her hair, Kagome ground out as civilly as her ire would allow, "Okay... so I've got emotion. Maybe I can contain that, but...," puling her head up abruptly and glaring fearlessly into Sesshomaru's molten orbs, "I'm not gonna hide it all forever! This isn't just about me, sir.
This is about my family, those I've come to care for. And, yes, maybe it's a little odd that I've come into this knowledge, this state of mind, so easily. Yes, I've embraced betrayal, harshness, the loneliness, and, yes, I'm more of a woman, emotions and all, for it, but don't count me out so quickly. I'm much more capable of destroying them than I am of destroying your "hard work"."
"Think what you will about my emotions clouding me, distracting me, but let me ask you this, sir," Kagome frowned in consternation and determination with tears of pure hatred and anger burning her clouded eyes, "when you first discovered you'd lost everyone, that you were alone, save those who believed in what you did, didn't you feel the rage, didn't you just wanna cry? I mean...you're not human, but like every creation under the sun, you're not perfect."
His own ire rising to the brink of violence, Sesshomaru straightened himself stiffly and continued to glare at the girl with contempt. Who did she think she was trying to move him?
He was more than capable of seeing what she felt. God, she displayed it openly to the world, but hell if he knew why she had to damn well and go say he was less than perfect. If there was a slap a human could place on his ego that was it, and the repercussions would be less than beautiful or subtle.
"God...you can't even answer me. What do you think you are, Sesshomaru, immune? The world is not yours and it's not everyone else's fault all the time. Did you ever, in your entire fucking life, think you'd be sitting, here, with all of us, talking about this?" Kagome continued to prod trying to get a reaction out of the stone faced, pale youkai.
Before she could continue with any more insulting antics on Sesshomaru's grace, or lack there of, Kikyo cut in bitterly to end the discussion with all its tension, "I believe it is time for you to stop this frivolous badgering, cousin."
All eyes were now focused on the usually emotionless and quiet girl, seemingly emphasizing the shock of her very abrupt and blunt statement.
"This has gone on long enough, I believe. I won't stand for it anymore. Emotions, quarreling, must this continue? Must we fight at every turn, with all bitterness? I expect more from you, cousin, however I believe you are of correct opinion when you state the obvious, " Kikyo turned to Sesshomaru, deadly cold eyes masking all her thoughts," you're not perfect. You're just confused. Your emotions are just as vulnerable as the rest of us. Kagome assumed you'd lack rage, you'd fall victim to heartless personas, and eventually continue in a life of unappreciated adoration by some and heart wrenching pain from others."
"But you are wrong, cousin, friend." Kikyo exclaimed as she turned back to Kagome to direct her new glare sparing no anger for the car's other more alarmed occupants. With out another glance Kikyo turned to press a button to call on the driver and commanded him to stop the vehicle so they could exit while her own rising grief could stay hidden under the impenetrable yet startlingly familiar masked eyes hereditary to the Komodo family.
Kikyo was the first to exit, Sango and Miroku following in like, as was expected. However Kagome sat very still in expectance staring with befuddlement at her hands which were now grasping each other on her lap in nervous tension. 'What the hell is she talkin' about?'
"Kagome, we better go." Sango interrupted from outside the car's open door, looking to Sesshomaru for no defiance.
"Right...we...go." Kagome whispered not able to do anything but stare down at the ground as if unaware of what she was doing. Sango reached out a long smooth hand to assist, Kagome grasping it firmly for support and pulling herself out of the car and onto the roughened side path all the while still staring at the ground.
The car door closed softly behind the pair, the car pulling away in a rush, its occupants flushed, one in sheer anger and defiance, and the other in disbelief at the conversation overheard.
Sango surrounded Kagome's shoulders with her arms, pulling her into a tight hug of reassurance. It was a hug returned with full pressure, if not more. Stepping back as if to examine the hushed Kagome, Sango smiled and rubbed Kagome's arms in a motherly fashion to comfort.
"Today's been one big shocker, 'Gome. Don't let it get to you!"
"She isn't. She's just confused...about what transpired between Sesshomaru and I." Kikyo explained coldly her back facing the small group left alone on the walk.
"What exactly did transpire between you two, Kikyo? It seems you failed to mention a few...slight details." Kagome demanded, raising her eyes in a frown to the unaffected back of her impassive cousin.
"Love is a dangerous thing, my dear cousins..." Kikyo began turning her head just enough for tears to be seen flowing freely down her creamy cheeks, "my dear friend Miroku. Love can make you blind to the truth...it can fool you even when you're the cleverest, the most logical."
Kagome moved to stand beside the weeping female; eyes alight with concern and curiosity. "Is that what happened, did you fall in love with someone...with...him?"
"If I lie you'll know..." Kikyo replied turning her head just a bit more to look with grief at Kagome, tears now streaking her face more visibly, her hair falling in wisps about her face as the wind began to blow more swiftly and the cold of the air began to prick the smooth skin beneath the hair.
"Falling in love can be dangerous, I knew that. I knew that when I thought I loved Inuyasha, even more so when I let myself fall for Sesshomaru." Kikyo finally began drawing the other two wayward teens towards her with the mention of Sesshomaru. "He was it, he was my first love.
I let myself believe in dreams, in fantasies. Things I knew were so unreal. He didn't even lead me on, but he was kind, caring, and full of life and determination. All the things I wanted from Inuyasha I found in him."
Kagome stepped back, realization hitting her hard in the chest as the pain of Kikyo's words finally sunk in. "H-he b-beat you because of i-it...d- didn't he?" Kagome managed to stutter out as new explanations began to flow into her bemused head. "He beat you...and you let him...because you thought he loved you, too. You thought it was all about you two. You let him humiliate you in front of his brother, in front of your friends!"
"Why? Why would you do that, Kikyo? He was never worth it. Never-" Sango screamed but was cut short by the stinging slap of Kikyo's commanding hand.
"Shut up, Sango! You haven't the slightest idea what I'm feeling, what I felt! I'm not stupid so don't speak to me like a child who disobeyed her mother! I know damn well what the fuck I did and I don't need you to remind me!" Kikyo retaliated then turned to Kagome who stood back, stunned at Kikyo's behavior.
"Don't look at me like that, Kagome! I'm not a child, I wasn't then and I'm not one now. I made the decision, foolish as it was, but I made it. And no, I will never regret it. Yes, I took a beating, yes I thought that damned youkai loved me, I wished he loved me more than life, but I never stopped loving him after what he did to me. No... this..." Kikyo stopped to look at her hands in disgust and glared evilly," ...this rage, this hatred, it only started when I grew a little more."
"Two years can really change a person...a person can finally see the light. In fact it set me free. I don't hate Inuyasha, I don't hate his family, I hate that damned youkai! I hate everything he stands for!" Kikyo screamed dropping to the ground, sobbing violently and covering her ears in pain.
"No you don't. You never hated him, Kikyo." Kagome replied settling herself next to Kikyo's trembling form and pushing her so she could lay her head on Kagome's lap. "You never even loved him."
Miroku stood still, rage, fear, and pain pouring into him at the truth he'd never known. It was all too surreal.
"You wanted the care, the love, the happiness you thought Inuyasha was too scared to give. Hell, you probably thought that since he was the eldest, Sesshomaru wouldn't be so fearful of giving you those things, he could provide the security you needed when you knew your own family was more dangerous than a drive by shooting." Sango surmised settling down next to the distraught Kikyo and poignant Kagome.
"He never did give you any reason to believe...did he?" Miroku finally inquired staring with concern at the calming Kikyo who huddled closer to Kagome for warmth.
"To be honest, no. I guess it was all a façade my mind had created, something to protect me." Kikyo wailed between stifled sobs.
"It was all about them, about the extended family. First you saw Inuyasha as the kind genteel best friend who was handsome and loving; he'd take you away from the pain. Then came Sesshomaru, he wasn't afraid because his defiance is what made him him.
When you saw that Inuyasha was too afraid to give your relationship a chance, when you finally saw the fear he had of making your pain go away, you thought you'd turn to the source of his fear, his caring older brother." Kagome exclaimed, piecing together the unsolved portions of the explanation Kikyo had discontinued.
"And then you realized he was afraid, too. That love isn't what you were bound by, it was fear and protection. Then you gave up and just let him hurt you because...if you didn't his family would kill you, or worse...him." Sango added still looking away with her jaw set firmly and a frown marring her pristine face.
"And he knew. You all were just lookin' out for each other. It was an understanding...none of you wanted to hurt anyone else." Miroku realized as Kagome smoothed back Kikyo's flailing dark hair.
Sitting up abruptly Kikyo wiped her eyes and smirked with inner happiness. Now they all knew. No more lies, no more secrets. They were her closest companions now, they were her rocks, her foundation. Her troubled mind could be eased and her bitter soul could stop the lies, could believe in better days. Nobody was gonna stop her this time.
All may not have gone quite as planned, but this new chapter was quite
grand. With new light shed on the situation the characters are blooming, growing
with realization.
Though Kikyo is sad at first, her happiness is soon disbursed.
Kagome is finally starting to mature, her understanding true and pure.
Sango has added a thought or two, livening the stage with concern that's
true.
Miroku I'm glad, is a friend of sorts. He's learned the truth, now he must
court.
Sesshomaru has emotion, though hard to tell, his thoughts are not of
cruelty but of Kagome's enraging spell.
She taunts him with her truth and emotion, calling him imperfects, careless
of devotion.
Mayhap next chapter we shall see how affected he is by this, what glee.
Inuyasha did not appear in this, but fear not...I'm not insane, tsk tsk
tsk.
Next time you'll see, he may be there, the love we'll see, he'll give with
care.
But just you wait for next I write. You'll love every scrumptious bite.
Seijitsu-Girl1