Title: Love Is A Funny Thing
By: Youkai No Rin
Chapter 10: Love Or Hate
"Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition."-Alexander Smith
Inuyasha closed his eyes in defeat. He couldn't take it, he had to see Kagome to make sure she was okay and that she wasn't hurt. What had Sesshomaru done to her in the span of these last few weeks? Had he tortured her? Tied, locked in a cell, beat her? Images of what Kagome could be going through filled Inuyashas mind. Shaking his head Inuyasha tried to make those memories go away but they stayed hidden in the back of his mind, just waiting to emerge once more.
He had long since lost track of Sango, Miroku, Shippo and Kirara. It had been a day and a half since they left him sitting here in his tree brooding with his thoughts. A painful feeling continued to stab at his heart. And Inuyasha couldn't ignore it any longer. His sword, Tetsusaiga, lay by his side on a nearby branch. The beaten up sword glimmered dully in the fading sunlight. What was he to do? Give up his only remembrance of his father, or keep it only to give up Kagome? But what about Kikyo? He still hadn't seen her since the incident on the day so long ago.
Inuyasha's amber eyes traveled to the one thing that stopped Inuyasha from going to Kagome. It was only a sword, an item; something that Inuyasha could so easily replace right? No, he couldn't. It was an item he remembered his father by; he couldn't just let it go to the one person who wished to use it for killing.
Inuyasha turned his head away from the piece of hell, and banged his head back against the trunk of the tree. Silently cursing himself Inuyasha growled lowly. Re-opening his eyes Inuyasha gazed at the setting sun. It was weird but he thought the sun looked different tonight. It was like a new sun was being born although it was setting. A pull at his heart brought a sudden thought into Inuyashas head. This pain...it felt the same from when he had almost lost Kagome before. Had something happened to her? Was the sun setting on her life? No, Sesshomaru had more dignity then that to kill her before he got what he wanted.
Inuyasha knew then that he had to find her, he just had too. Standing up on his branch he bent to pick up the Tetsusaiga. Jumping down Inuyasha took a deep breath before bounding off into the growing dark towards the West.
I'm coming Kagome...
A resounding slap echoed through the trees as a loud female voice followed.
"HENTAI!"
Sango marched through the thick trees a noticeable scowl spread across her face. Shippo hurried after the fuming Sango.
"Sango!" Miroku begged from behind her. He ran to catch up to her, a large red handprint clearly shining on his face. A smile spread across his lips as he rubbed the red mark gently.
"Sango, my love forgive me for I can not control my wandering hands."
"Yeah well try harder Miroku." Sango shot back.
They walked in silence for a few minutes neither wanting to speak to each other. Sango was to mad and Miroku was afraid to talk, he didn't want to get slapped again. Shippo rode ahead of them on Kirara.
"These woods are getting darker, more magic and youkai power is around." Miroku whispered to Sango.
Sango nodded, gripping her large boomerang tighter to her. Miroku tensed up and he looked around quickly afraid to see two red eyes staring back at him from the dark trees. They continued walking in silence, as dusk began they reached the end of the trees and the beginning of a clearing. Sango gasped at what lay in front of them. A huge ancient castle made of bricks shot towards the sky, as green vines covered the exterior. A tall iron gate stood in front of the castle, closed and looked to be locked. The castle in self in the glowing sunset looked so menacing and threatening, Sango had the urge to turn around and leave, but she stayed put.
"So this is where Sesshomaru lives huh?" Miroku asked beside Sango.
"I believe so," Sango replied still in awe, "If this is just some Dukes house then I don't want to know what Sesshomaru's palace is."
"Scary..." Shippo whispered hopping off of Kirara and grabbing tightly onto Sango's leg.
"Well now what?" Miroku asked the one question on everyone's mind.
Semarumaru walked down the halls of his palace, alone. No hyper Rin, no annoying Jaken, and no beautiful Kagome. Rin was out in the gardens, Jaken was somewhere and nobody cared really, and Kagome...Kagome was asleep in HIS bed in HIS room in HIS palace. Yes everything seemed to fit.
Stepping out onto a balcony above the gardens Sesshomaru looked around. He could see Rin running around picking flowers and singing. Her childlike voice lifted to his ears making him lightly smile. The gentle wind blew towards him bringing him a disturbing scent. His light smile faded and a growl formed in the back of Sesshomarus throat. No they couldn't be here. They would ruin everything he had worked so hard to accomplish.
In a swish of white cloth Sesshomaru disappeared back into his palace. All thought lost to him as he stormed towards his palaces entrance. Jaken appeared speaking words that went deaf on Sesshomarus ears. Servants scattered in front of their Lord no one daring to speak as he continued forward. Stopping before the grand doors of his palace he took a second to calm himself before facing those outside.
"Jaken."
"Yes Milord." The toad appeared by his side.
"Make sure that Kagome stays where she is until I return. Understood? Do not let her come outside no matter what." Sesshomaru ordered.
Jaken nodded before quickly leaving his lords side. He didn't want to be the ones standing outside his gates right now. When Jaken looked back to his Lord he was gone. Shaking his ugly green head he walked upstairs towards the sleeping human.
"How do we get inside?" Sango asked, examining the gate closer.
"I don't know, but if this is Sesshomaru's castle he should know we are here right?" Miroku said thoughtfully.
Sango nodded touching the Iron Gate carefully, nothing happened and she stepped back confused. "I don't know, but do you think we might be able to climb over it?"
Miroku shook his head and bent down to pick up a small rock. "No I think there's a shield up there."
His eyes met Sango's doubtful ones and then he tried to throw the rock over the gate, only it didn't make it. Just as it reached the air over the top of the gate a bright light appeared and destroyed the rock into a million little pieces.
"Nope we are definitely not going over the gate." Miroku said.
Sango looked from the sky to the palace once again. Her face was emotionless but soon her eyes watered as she continued to stare at the ancient palace. She felt a strong hand on her shoulder but didn't bother to move it.
"Oh Miroku we have to get in there. I don't know what's happening to my best friend. She could be dead Miroku!" Sango sobbed.
Miroku took the crying demon exterminator in his arms trying to calm her down. "She's alive Sango. It's Kagome we're talking about here. She's strong and brave; I know she's alive and well. You believe me don't you Sango?"
Sango nodded, and her crying quieted a little, "When I get inside I'm going to kill that Sesshomaru!"
"Is that so?" A deep voice said from behind them.
Sango broke from Miroku and gripped her boomerang tightly. Miroku placed his hand on his cursed one ready to tear the cloth to use his wind tunnel if necessary. Shippo hid behind Sango while Kirara transformed into her true form, sharp fangs bore.
Sesshomaru stood coolly in front of them a slight smirk on his lips. "I take it you are here for Kagome? Is that correct?"
Sango swallowed and nodded, "Yes and we will get her back."
"And how do you except to do that?" Sesshomaru asked.
"If we have to go through you to do it we will!" Miroku yelled.
Sesshomaru took a step forward and watched with humor as they quickly took a step back. "At this moment Kagome is sleeping but when she awakes, I will tell her you stopped by. Now leave my lands before I remove you myself."
Sango shook her head quickly, "No! Please just let me see her! I want to make sure she is okay."
"I assure you that she is fine." Sesshomaru said, moving to walk behind them.
"Please, Inuyasha is not here, only us. Please we won't be a burden and we won't try anything. Just let us see our friend." Sango begged.
Shippo started crying, "I want to see my mommy..."
An elegant eyebrow rose at the kitsune's remark, "How is Kagome the mother of this kitsune?"
"Kagome found him and he attached himself to her. His parents were killed when he was younger." Sango explained quickly.
Sesshomaru nodded, fighting the memories of when he had lost his own mother. No one had been kind enough to take him in, until his father found him. Even then Sesshomaru could not think of his father anymore as family after he took in a human as a mate. But wasn't that what he was doing now?
Sesshomaru opened his mouth to speak when a loud shout from behind him made hiut iut it quickly and turn around.
"Sango! Miroku!"
There was Kagome running down the grass towards them behind the gate. Her face had a huge smile stretched across it. Sango dropped her weapon and ran to the gate just as Kagome got there. She reached through and engulfed Kagome into a tight hug. Tears slid down each woman's face; smiles lighting their face.
"Kagome! I thought I would never see you again!" Sango cried.
"Oh Sango you now I would never allow that." Kagome said.
Sesshomaru broke their cries of happiness, "Kagome step away from the gate."
Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru. Miroku widened his own eyes when he saw no fear or hate at all in them She was actually smiling at him.
"No Kagome don't do what he says! Please don't!" Sango shouted as her best friend pulled away.
"It's okay Sango. I'm not going anywhere." Kagome assured her.
"If you would move woman I will open the gate." Sesshomaru coldly said.
Sango's expression went from anger to confusion to a large smile. She quickly stepped away from the gate and watched as Sesshomaru touched the gate and it sprang open. A split second later Kagome and Sango were hugging again, crying happily to be with each other.
Miroku walked over to the crying women and reached around to hug both. But both screamed a second later and Miroku walked away with two big hand marks on his cheeks. A deep growl made Kagome turn from Sango and towards Sesshomaru. A corner of his lips was turned up into a sort of threatening snarl, a sharp canine showing. Sango must have heard Sesshomaru growl also because she turned around too.
"Are you growling?" She exclaimed.
Kagome, seeing what was about to happen clapped her hands loudly gaining the attention of all her friends and Sesshomaru. She sent an innocent smile to her friends and a gentle glare to Sesshomaru. He slowly pulled his lip back down but continued with his death towards Miroku.
"Sango, Miroku, Shippo," She glanced to the little kitsune who had somehow latched himself onto Kagomes arm, before continuing on, "Kirara...It is so great to see you guys again. But please do tell me...where Inuyasha is."
Sango looked away from Kagomes gaze, and Miroku cleared his throat. The sun had long since fallen behind Sesshomaru large palace and night was starting to fall upon them. Faintly stars had begun to sprinkle the velvet sky. The bright half moon hung in the midnight sky; a hazy ring around it, predicting rain was to come soon.
"Where is Inuyasha?" Kagome asked again, catching Sesshomarus gaze. He didn't look happy yet in his eyes when Kagome looked hard she saw a small fire of love but at the same time a spark of sadness. Did he think she would leave him for Inuyasha?
"When we told him that we were leaving to come find you he didn't say a word he just sat up in his tree. He hasn't said a word to us since you left. He hasn't even gone looking for shards. Please Kagome, you have to come back, maybe if you do then he'll turn back to normal." Sango begged. "Please tell me why did you leave in the first place Kagome?"
Kagome shook her head and looked away. She could feel the tears form in the corners of her eyes but she fought them back in a weak hope to stop them. "He...and Kikyo...I saw them..."
That was it, Kagome fell to the ground and let the tears fall freely now. Shippo gripped tighter onto his adopted mother trying his hardest to comfort her. Sango ran to her best friend and embraced her, while Miroku could only place a caring hand upon Kagomes shoulder. Sesshomaru didn't know what to do, half of him wanted so badly to run to Kagome and comfort her in a way her friends could never do. But the other half told him to stay, and watch from a distance their actions. He knew this would happen one day. Kagomes friends would come and test her decision of staying with him. But why had it been so soon? Kagome was crying again over Inuyasha something Sesshomaru had tried to stop completely. Were her friends really going to destroy what he had worked so hard to build?
"Oh Kagome you didn't..." Sango whispered but she knew it was true. She held the crying Kagome tighter making soothing noises to try and calm her down.
"Yes I did...and he didn't care...if he did he would have come after me!" Kagome sobbed.
"Oh Kagome he was in denial, that's all. When you see him you two can talk it out and we can all be friends again. Okay?" Sango assured.
Kagome shook her head, "No Sango that was the last straw. I can't stand to be around him right now. I don't know if I even want to see him...anymore..."
Sango gasped, "Kagome I thought you loved Inuyasha! You have to finish looking for the jewel shards you can't give up on that. Naraku is still out there!"
Kagome nodded and smiled weakly, "Don't worry about that Sango, I know I have to finish searching and defeating Naraku. It's just I don't want to know if I want to do it with Inuyasha anymore."
"But who will protect us? The demons, we can't defeat on our own, and that's saying something." Miroku questioned.
"I will be your protection." Sesshomaru decided, making eye contact with only Kagome.
She smiled at him more strongly and quickly mouthed a thank you. Her eyes held more assured warmth in them something Sesshomaru always wished to see now.
Upon hearing Narakus name, Sesshomaru was interested. But when he heard that Kagome was planning to kill Naraku for his shard jewels he wanted to become involved. If she didn't want to travel with his half brother then he would go and be her protection. There was no way he would allow her to go alone and with no true help or guard. And what of Inuyasha? Yes Sesshomaru could faintly smell him but it would be another day at the most until Inuyasha reached his castle. That gave him more then enough time to talk to Kagome and find out her true feelings and what she planned to do about them. Kagome's heavenly voice brought him out of his thoughts and back to reality.
"Sesshomaru they have no where to go, please will you let them stay?"
Sesshomaru narrowed his golden orbs at the four surrounding his Kagome. The demon exterminator seemed to be no threat since she looked to be a close friend of Kagome. The monk Sesshomaru made a note to himself to keep a close eye on this one. The small kitsune was surely no threat and he knew Rin would love to play with him and maybe become friends. The cat demon had done no harm to Kagome or himself yet and looked to be attached to the one called Sango so why not? They were friends of Kagome were they not?
"I see no reason why not. I will have the servants show them to their rooms." Sesshomaru said coolly.
Kagome smiled at Sesshomaru and really wanted to get up and hug Sesshomaru but decided to not do it when her friends were there; and they knew nothing of what was going on. Sango stood releasing her grip on Kagome. Miroku bowed to Sesshomaru saying his thanks. Kagome walked over to Sesshomaru and quickly looked up into his eyes and mouthed a message to him. Sesshomaru nodded and turned back towards the gates.
With the others following Kagome and Sesshomaru all walked across the darkened courtyard and to the grand front doors of his palace. Jaken ran to his lord quickly when they entered, groveling on his knees.
"Please forgive me Milord, I tried to stop her but she would not listen. Please find forgiveness for a lowly servant like me."
Kagome looked to Sesshomaru and pleaded with her eyes to let him forgive Jaken. Sesshomaru nodded and looked to Jaken. "You are forgiven Jaken but do not let it happen again, understood?"
Jaken nodded quickly and looked around Sesshomaru and Kagome to look at who stood behind them.
"AH! My lord please tell this humble servant why you have brought more humans into your palace!" Jaken exclaimed.
Sango glared daggers at the toad while Miroku looked on with an amused expression. Kirara growled and Shippo scooted closer to Kagome frightened. Kagome looked at Jaken like he was crazy, thoughts of what was about to happen in her head.
"Jaken if you value your pathetic and worthless life you will shut your ugly mouth and show our guests to their rooms; is that clear?" Sesshomaru threatened.
Jaken swallowed and quickly turned to scurry towards the stairs leading to the second floor. Sango and the others hurried after the toad demon but Sango glanced back at her best friend, a questioning look on her face.
Kagome nodded and sent an assuring smile back to Sango as they disappeared into a side hall. Kagome waited a few seconds before she felt a strong hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"For what Kagome?" Sesshomaru asked.
"For letting them stay. I didn't realize how much I missed them until now." Kagome continued to stare at where her friends had disappeared. Suddenly two arms pulled her to face their owner. Kagome lifted her gentle sapphire gaze to meet Sesshomarus intense golden one.
"Kagome I would do anything you ask of me; as long as it does not put you in danger." Sesshomaru whispered.
Kagome nodded and leaned into Sesshomarus warm chest. In engulfed her into a tight embrace and took a deep breathe. Her scent was heavenly and he vowed to never get enough of it. Kagome sighed and Sesshomaru pulled away slowly.
"What is the matter Kagome?" He questioned.
"I...well what will I do Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked looking up at him.
"Do what?"
"When...when Inuyasha comes...what will I do? I can't face him...I'm...I'm not ready..." Kagome stuttered.
She started to shake and tremble and Sesshomaru embraced her once again. His hands smoothing back her silky soft black hair; he enjoyed the feeling of her hair against his bare skin. Once again Sesshomaru buried his sensitive nose in the crook her neck taking a deep breath of her divine scent.
"Kagome what happens please promise me that you will make the right decision?" Sesshomaru whispered in her hair.
Kagome tried to pull away but the hand on her waist surprised her and kept her from going anywhere, "What do you mean Sesshomaru?"
"Just promise that you will."
"Okay Sesshomaru... I promise..." Kagome said softly.
"Kagome did you mean everything you said and done in the past days?" Sesshomaru asked still not relenting his grip on her small frame.
Silence...
Then a giggle...
"You know Sesshomaru when I first met you I believed you to be a cruel and evil youkai, who had no respect or dignity for innocent human beings." Kagome whispered and upon hearing a low growl in Sesshomarus throat qui quickly continued. "But you know I was scared and alone after what Inuyasha did and I thought you to be even meaner when you made that deal with Inuyasha. But now Sesshomaru I don't know you seem so open and loving. I have feelings for you Sesshomaru yes I'll admit but I want to know if you feel the same for me."
Kagome felt Sesshomarus grip on her loosen and she took the opportunity to pull away from him. His head was cast down to the floor, his beautiful silver hair falling around him like a cascade of water. Kagome had never seen him like this before. He had his head bowed to her! Kagome reached forward but he jerked away and turned his head back up.
"I believe you know where your room is, human. Find it and stay in it until dinner is called." He said coldly, his voice foreign to Kagome ears. Kagome reached out again towards Sesshomaru back to try and stop him from being so strange, to tell him that everything was okay.
But he walked away. Just like that he walked away from her. He didn't even look back as he disappeared up the stairs and into a different corridor that she knew lead to his study. Kagome felt like the world was coming to an end right there. Like nothing would ever save her, as she was pulled into the darkness of her own world.
Hot tears burned in Kagomes eyes as she ran up the stairs and down the hall towards her room. Why had he gotten all defensive and cold again? She had only wanted to know the truth! Was it that hard to get out of him? So many questions grew in Kagome's mind; so many they were causing her a growing headache. Why couldn't he tell her how he felt? Didn't he love her?
Then a new thought struck Kagome. What if he was using her to his advantage? To the point where Inuyasha would give up his sword just to get her back with him. Was he playing with her feelings, toying with her, using her like a puppet? No he couldn't. Could he?
Kagome found herself in front of the doors to Sesshomarus study. Her hand reached for the knob but she immediately pulled it back against her chest, as if the knob was a head of snakes. Shaking her aching head Kagome turned and continued on down the hallway away from the one person she had felt like she could trust. She didn't want to see anyone, not even her friends down the hall from her. She wanted; no she had to be alone right now. If not then she would give in and fall.
Kagome fell onto her soft bed and let the tears fall freely. They fell burning a streak down her cheeks and staining the sheets she cried upon. Never in her life had she felt so lost and alone. This pain was new to her. It wasn't the kind she felt when Inuyasha betrayed her; no it was different and hurt much worse. Her lungs tightened allowing little breath, her heart beat faster then before causing her pain. Her eyes burned with salty tears from her pain, her throat ached and her growing headache throbbed to be relieved. But underneath all the physical pain she bore, Kagome felt a blinding pain in her inner heart. Not the heart that beat life into her, this was the heart that had been broken, repaired and now broken again.
Kagome wished with all her might that the tears would just wash away her pain but she knew inside it couldn't. Never would any tears wash away the pain she felt inside. Kagome had loved Inuyasha, loved him with all her might but he had betrayed her and not even bothered to come and find her. She felt deceived, murdered, lied to, used, and trampled on. This wasn't the Kagome she knew. The Kagome she once was, was a happy, hyper, healthy 16-year-old girl. Back then Kagome knew no problems, no Inuyasha, no Shikon Jewel, and no stubborn youkais to worry about. But that was then and this was now. Here was the new Kagome, alone, crying, in pain, and tired.
Why did she go through so much of this when she got nothing in return? Kagome had thought she did but he turned his back and walked away, leaving her to wallow in self-pity. Why had he done and said all those things if he didn't love her? What if he was using her for some crazy plan of his? No. If he was, then why had he kissed her and made her feel wanted and belonged? All Kagome wanted right now was to hear him say the words that she ached to hear. The words that could, she knew mend her broken heart if he said them true. Was it that hard to say three little words? Obviously it was for him. Kagome wished to be with him so why couldn't he do the same?
If he hadn't felt something for me then why did he kiss me? He was the first after all to make the first move. Kagome thought bitterly.
Sighing Kagome pinched her eyes trying to stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks even more. She took as deep of breathes as she could, slowing her heartbeat once again. After awhile the tears stopped coming and she could breathe normally again. But it still didn't stop the throbbing pain in her head and the stabbing ache in her true heart.
A sudden knock sounded on Kagomes door.
"Yes?" Kagome managed to say, not bothering to sit or stand up.
"Dinner has been called miss, the Lord calls for your presence."
Kagome slightly smirked at light amusement, "Thank you but please do tell your Lord that I am not hungry and do not wish to eat with him."
"But he says he requires-."
"Well I require to be left alone and tell him that too. Now please leave." Kagome said agitated.
The servant said nothing but Kagome knew she had left when she heard the light footsteps heading away from her door. Sighing in despair and tiredness Kagome rolled onto her stomach and stared at the distant wall. Darkness slowly filled Kagomes vision as her eyelids grew heavier. Sleep; yes maybe that was best for now.
Forget dinner Sesshomaru, be mad all you want but I'm not coming.
TO BE CONTINUED!
Rin: Please review!