Author's Note: hey! I really hope you all enjoy this chapter. Anonymous reviews are accepted now. I'm starting to run into writer's block, so any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Disclaimer: I don't own squat!
Painful Beginning
Sessho's Lady
Chapter 3
"My children are gone!"
Everyone in the hut stared at Kagome, surprised by her sudden display of emotions.
"Did you hear me? Sota and Shippo are missing!"
Sango was the first to snap out of her daze.
"Uh, Kagome, are you sure they're not just playing with the village kids?"
"Yes. I looked all over the place. They're not here."
Inuyasha went to the spot where the boys had slept. The boy's scents were fading, suggesting that they'd been gone for a few hours. Mixed with their scent was the scent of a male demon. It didn't seem that the boys had woken up during their kidnapping.
"Sorry, Kagome, but they've been gone for a long time."
Kagome stopped crying and her face turned cold, causing Inuyasha to shiver under her gaze.
"Let's go."
Kagome grabbed her bow and quiver, turned on her heels and left the hut. Iuyasha ran out and grabbed her wrist.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"To find my kids."
"We have more important things we need to do."
"If you're so worried about that damn jewel, you should definitely want to help me find them. Shippo has my shard bottle, and Sota still has my necklace."
Inuyasha loosened his grip but didn't let release her.
"All the more reason to continue the shard hunt. The person is obviously after the jewel. If we get enough of the shards, they'll come to us."
"There may not be time for that. If you're not gonna help me, I'm not gonna help you."
Kagome jerked her hand back and walked away.
"Sit, Inuyasha"
"Lord Sesshomaru! Lord Sesshomaru! I have terrible news!"
Jaken was running around in circles, screaming his head off. Sesshomaru took the staff of two heads and caused Jaken to have quite a few new bumps and bruises.
"Silence yourself, Jaken. Stop your nonsense."
Jaken stopped running and shut his mouth.
"Now, what is your news?"
"Rin is missing, my lord!"
Realizing that he had shouted once again, Jaken clamped his hands over his mouth. He watched as Sesshomaru's eyes flashed red. Fearing for his life, Jaken scampered away as fast as his stubby legs would carry him.
Sesshomaru paid him no mind. Someone had kidnapped his ward from right under his nose. This did not please the great Lord of the Western Lands.
'When I return her, a guard will be assigned to watch Rin day and night.'
Sesshomaru left his castle in search of his dear ward.
Kagome had effectively ditched Inuyasha, but she became lost in the process.
'Just great. How can I locate my sons if I don't know where I am?'
Kagome could sense a demon watching her, but could tell by the aura that they had no intention of attacking.
"I know you're there. Show yourself or be purified."
A female demoness dropped down out of one of the trees. Kagome noted that the demoness had a red star on her forehead with three black stripes running down each cheek. Her outfit was also very much like Sesshomaru's, except the shirt was cut off just below her chest.
"Who are you? What business have you on my land?"
"Your land?"
Kagome stared at the demoness, contemplating if she should ready her bow or not.
"State your business, wench."
"My name is Kagome, not wench, and my business is my own."
Kagome decided that the demoness was no threat and began to walk away.
The demoness became offended. She grabbed Kagome's wrists, turning her in the process.
"How dare you turn away from me?"
"Don't make me hurt you."
The demoness laughed.
"You? Hurt me? You are a mere human wench. I am Kaori, Lady of the Southern Lands."
"You can still be hurt."
Kagome began to glow pink. Kaori hissed in pain and release Kagome's wrists'.
Kaori's palms were burnt. Kagome had just slightly purified her. Slowly, Kaori's hands healed.
"You are a miko?"
"Yes."
"Are you the powerful miko who travels with the fool of a hanyou, Inuyasha?"
" I travel with him no more."
Much to Kagome's surprise, though she kept a cold face, Kaori bowed low in respect.
"Excuse my earlier actions. If I ad only known who you are."
"What are you doing?"
Kaori stood straight and looked into Kagome's eyes.
"I would like to ask for your assistance."
"With what?"
"One of the lord's ward was kidnapped. He has offered an award to anyone who can find her. I'll let you keep it and give you my own award if you would assist in the search of my friend's ward."
Kagome turned away.
"I'm in search of my own children. Your friend is on his own. I've no time to help.
Kagome walked onward, doing her best to ignore her nagging conscience.
Kaori was determined to get Kagome to agree.
"Miko!"
She jumped into the trees and dropped down in front of Kagome.
"Miko, I will not take 'no' for an answer."
"You will call me Kagome."
Very well. Kagome, did you stop to think that the same person who took my friend's ward might have also taken your children? To help the Lord could, in turn, help your kids.
Kagome thought for a moment before nodding her head.
"Very well. I'll help."
She looked up through the tree to the night sky. She looked at her surroundings and decided to make camp.
"I will be here until morning. If the Lord wants my help, have him meet me here when I wake."
Kaori smiled.
"Whatever you say."
She bowed and left Kagome to find her friend.
