Hello and welcome once again! You are about to see the latest installment of Demons Don't Cry! *claps* Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! *grabs a bucket of popcorn and gets comfy on her couch* -Stelmaria
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Chapter Four: The Deal
"That is LORD Sesshoumaru." he replied with disdain. "You..... you were human the last time we met." His voice took on an icy edge, hinting at some hidden anger. Kagome swallowed, trying to hide her fear.
"I was a companion of Inuyasha's" She managed to spit out. Noticing with pride that her voice didn't tremble. A terrible snarl wrenched through the air, making her flinch.
"Ah yes, my damn little brother. Finally got what he deserved. Dragged to hell by a human mortal..... what a pitiful fool! It was about time, too! He always was a weakling."
"Stop it! Just stop it, you horrible hurtful monster. You knew absolutely nothing about your brother! You have no right to say such things about him!"
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened slightly. Her sudden outburst had taken him quite by surprise. He growled in annoyance. Best to get what he came for and ditch the wench. However, a little voice nagged at the back of his head. 'But you need her.' Snarling in denial, he answered the wench.
"No right? He took my arm and stole my inheritance!" Sucking in a heated breath, he willed himself to calm down. "You should be careful how you speak to your Lord. Not all are as lenient as I, the Great Sesshoumaru. Now, hand over the Tetsusaiga!" He demanded harshly. Kagome let out a scornful snort.
"You have never been lenient in your entire LIFE! Besides, why would I hand it over to you anyway?" She closed her eyes trying to keep up her courage. She had to do this for him, to honor his spirit. "It was Inuyasha's, as it always will be!" She said with all the defiance she could muster.
Sesshoumaru tried desperately to keep his burning rage in check. The only reason he hadn't killed her was the fact that she was an Inu-youkai demoness, one of his own kind. As such, she had to be given a certain amount of respect. However, his patience was wearing dangerously thin. Suddenly, an idea sparked in his mind. A triumphant grin spread across his features.
"I have a deal to propose to you, wench." He murmured through clenched teeth.
Kagome raised her eyebrows. Sesshoumaru had a deal, for her? Why didn't he just kill her and take the damn sword? Her eyes narrowed. 'He must need me for something.' "All right," she said carefully "I'm listening."
"Obviously, you have some knowledge of the Tetsusaiga and it's uses."
"Yes I do, why?" Kagome replied suspiciously.
Sesshoumaru paused. He seemed to be studying her. She felt a little self-conscious under his piercing glare. Narrowing her eyes even farther, she boldly met his gaze.
"If you come with me and teach me how the wield the Tetsusaiga....... I will bring your friends back to life." Kagome let out a startled gasp. Hope soared wildly through her spirit. She would be able to save her friends! A huge smile lit her face. But it died just as quickly as a thought flashed through her mind.
"W-What about Inuyasha, c-can you s-save him?"
Sesshoumaru was surprised at the trembling emotion he heard in her voice. It was strange for a demoness to express her feelings so blatantly. But she had not always been a demon, Sesshoumaru realized. That must be the reason, he supposed. He cocked his head to the side, it made her seem oddly vulnerable. He felt his protective instincts kick in, to shelter his own kind. His voice seemed to get softer and smoother on its own accord.
"When the Miko took my brother's body, she also stole his soul in the process. Even IF I wanted to, there is no way Tensaiga could call back his spirit." He heard his voice soften even more. What was the matter with him? "He has passed to the other world. No one can return from that place."
Kagome hung her head in despair at his words. Her hanyou was truly gone. She couldn't help the stream of tears that poured down her cheeks. How she had loved him so... What would she do now that he was gone? A gentle voice that sounded so much like Inuyasha's yet so different broke through her grief.
"Miko, you are weak to show such emotion," Sesshoumaru paused. "If you are to live among us, then you must learn this, demons don't cry."
Kagome hardened at his words. How could he just stand there? His own brother had just died and he didn't even care! No emotions ever seemed to pass across his stoic face. If he ever actually smiled, Kagome thought, he might really be handsome. Softly she sighed in resignation, she would give in to his request. She had to save her friends.
"All right, I'll do it!" She said in a haughty voice, quickly rubbing away her tears. Sesshoumaru growled. What was wrong with her? Her fear was obvious in her sent, yet she didn't act afraid. He surmised that she was either very stupid or very brave. 'Stop it! Stop it! Why does it matter? You're just using her for the Tetsusaiga. What she thinks or feels is isn't important to you.' With a small grin of admonishment, he stalked over to her companions, laying in heaps on the ground.
Seeing him standing over Sango and Miroku, Kagome had her first chance to really study him. He stood tall and regal, shrouded in all the splendor a great demon lord could possess. Gorgeous white hair cascaded down his back in a waterfall of silk. Satin bangs framed an ageless face lit by glowing golden eyes. Red stripes lined his features and an indigo moon marked his brow, saving him from being beautiful. Instead, it gave him a masculinity that revealed him as rather handsome, if Kagome was any judge. His body was lean and strong. She could see his muscles rippling under his haori. His arm had also grown back, she noticed, in the four years since he had lost it.
Her thoughts were jarred back to reality when Sesshoumaru pulled out a giant sword and held it threateningly above her friends.
"What are you doing?" She cried out in alarm.
"Relax," he growled back at her "It's Tensaiga, this sword will only heal."
"Just be CAREFUL." She replied in a threatening tone.
Sesshoumaru sighed. "Like you could hurt a inch worm." He mumbled just loud enough for her to hear. She only snorted derisively. Shaking his head, he quickly concentrated, bringing Tensaiga down upon Sango and Miroku. Kagome tensed. She only had Sesshoumaru's word that he would not harm them. Relief flooded through her body as she heard slight moans coming from her dear friends. Letting out a joyous howl, Kagome rushed foreword to be at their sides when they awoke. He did it, he had kept his word! Her friends were alive again! All seemed right with the world, at last.
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as he took in Kagome's passing form. Before, she had been hunched over on the ground, tears and mud hiding her from his eyes. Darkness had shrouded her features and form. Now, his breath caught in shock. She was magnificent! Surely, her beauty had no rival. She moved with a fluid grace that seemed effortless, something no human could ever attain. As she brushed by him, he got a whiff of her power. It was deep and strong. This woman had no traces of human at all. She was indeed a youkai. His attention was drawn back to her companions as they began to stir. He supposed he would have to help her with them... Humans always disgusted him.
"Your friends will still be very weak, they will need rest for several days. Death is never an easy thing," Thinking quickly, he asked "Do you have someplace to take them?"
"Yes." Kagome answered, "There is a small village next to Inuyasha's forest. A Miko I know there will take good care of them."
Sesshoumaru nodded silently, and sighed with relief. At least they would not have to stay in HIS palace. Then he bent over and picked up the monk, slinging him unceremoniously over his shoulder. The stench of death, blood and human invaded his delicate nose. Trying to keep his voice emotionless, he murmured. "We will leave, now. Pick up the woman and follow me." His tone booked no argument, instead hinting at an underlying threat. Kagome sighed, there was no going up against a demon lord. Carefully, she bent to pick up Sango. As she did so, she gagged back in reflex.
"Ugh, she smells horrible!...."
"Hurry up, demoness!" Came the ice cold reply. Swallowing nervously, she picked up Sango bridal style and proceeded to follow Sesshoumaru.
It had taken them only a few hours to reach Kaede's hut. A journey that usually lasted a week. Kagome didn't even feel tired. Being a demon definitely had its perks. When they entered the village it had been in silent slumber. Not a single light blazed anywhere. Quietly, she had snuck (is that a word?) into Kaede's, setting Sango and Miroku side by side on a spare futon. Careful not to wake Kaede or her companions, Kagome quickly wrote them a note. Using her demon eyes to see in the dark, she explained all that had happened. Then she told them of her deal with Sesshoumaru and warned them not to worry. Last, she asked them to take good care of Shippo while she was away. She knew the little kitsune would miss her, as she would miss him. Silently, if a little regretfully, she signed the note and left it beside a snoring Kaede. Then she went outside to join Sesshoumaru where he stood like a guardian, framed in the moonlight, silent as the stars.
The only thing Kagome could hear was the quiet whistling of wind whipping by her face. The rains had stopped, leaving a clear sky and a chill in the air. She studied the stars shining so brilliantly above her. How her life had changed in the blink of an eye! But tonight, the stars held no answers for her, desperate as she was. Sesshoumaru's tail was wrapped tightly around her as he flew silently towards his castle. Kagome's own tail was fluttering behind her, a banner of gently waving silver fur. The warmth of his soft tail and the gentle rocking motion of flying slowly took over her senses. Before she knew it, she had slipped into the deep dreamless sleep of exhaustion.
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Well, there ya go! But reviewers be warned! This IS a Sess/Kag fic. Yes Inuyasha MIGHT come back, (consider that a hint) but Sess and Kagome are still going to be together. *grins* Hey! There isn't even a cliffy this time! You guys should be thankful! *Swallows as she receives evil glares* Heh, heh..... yeah.
Thank you, all my WONDERFUL reviewers! *hugs them all with a death grip*
MoonGoddess66
Girl-who-sings-the-blues (I am soooo sorry I didn't mention you, slow update!)
Crystal Sapphire
watergoddesskasey
Moosy Dude (love the name)
Riku the Evil
Divine-Heart
the hitokiri battusai himura
LADY SAIKO
blue moon gurl
White Deer
Jennifer
DemonLady1
Lil'misao
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Chapter Four: The Deal
"That is LORD Sesshoumaru." he replied with disdain. "You..... you were human the last time we met." His voice took on an icy edge, hinting at some hidden anger. Kagome swallowed, trying to hide her fear.
"I was a companion of Inuyasha's" She managed to spit out. Noticing with pride that her voice didn't tremble. A terrible snarl wrenched through the air, making her flinch.
"Ah yes, my damn little brother. Finally got what he deserved. Dragged to hell by a human mortal..... what a pitiful fool! It was about time, too! He always was a weakling."
"Stop it! Just stop it, you horrible hurtful monster. You knew absolutely nothing about your brother! You have no right to say such things about him!"
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened slightly. Her sudden outburst had taken him quite by surprise. He growled in annoyance. Best to get what he came for and ditch the wench. However, a little voice nagged at the back of his head. 'But you need her.' Snarling in denial, he answered the wench.
"No right? He took my arm and stole my inheritance!" Sucking in a heated breath, he willed himself to calm down. "You should be careful how you speak to your Lord. Not all are as lenient as I, the Great Sesshoumaru. Now, hand over the Tetsusaiga!" He demanded harshly. Kagome let out a scornful snort.
"You have never been lenient in your entire LIFE! Besides, why would I hand it over to you anyway?" She closed her eyes trying to keep up her courage. She had to do this for him, to honor his spirit. "It was Inuyasha's, as it always will be!" She said with all the defiance she could muster.
Sesshoumaru tried desperately to keep his burning rage in check. The only reason he hadn't killed her was the fact that she was an Inu-youkai demoness, one of his own kind. As such, she had to be given a certain amount of respect. However, his patience was wearing dangerously thin. Suddenly, an idea sparked in his mind. A triumphant grin spread across his features.
"I have a deal to propose to you, wench." He murmured through clenched teeth.
Kagome raised her eyebrows. Sesshoumaru had a deal, for her? Why didn't he just kill her and take the damn sword? Her eyes narrowed. 'He must need me for something.' "All right," she said carefully "I'm listening."
"Obviously, you have some knowledge of the Tetsusaiga and it's uses."
"Yes I do, why?" Kagome replied suspiciously.
Sesshoumaru paused. He seemed to be studying her. She felt a little self-conscious under his piercing glare. Narrowing her eyes even farther, she boldly met his gaze.
"If you come with me and teach me how the wield the Tetsusaiga....... I will bring your friends back to life." Kagome let out a startled gasp. Hope soared wildly through her spirit. She would be able to save her friends! A huge smile lit her face. But it died just as quickly as a thought flashed through her mind.
"W-What about Inuyasha, c-can you s-save him?"
Sesshoumaru was surprised at the trembling emotion he heard in her voice. It was strange for a demoness to express her feelings so blatantly. But she had not always been a demon, Sesshoumaru realized. That must be the reason, he supposed. He cocked his head to the side, it made her seem oddly vulnerable. He felt his protective instincts kick in, to shelter his own kind. His voice seemed to get softer and smoother on its own accord.
"When the Miko took my brother's body, she also stole his soul in the process. Even IF I wanted to, there is no way Tensaiga could call back his spirit." He heard his voice soften even more. What was the matter with him? "He has passed to the other world. No one can return from that place."
Kagome hung her head in despair at his words. Her hanyou was truly gone. She couldn't help the stream of tears that poured down her cheeks. How she had loved him so... What would she do now that he was gone? A gentle voice that sounded so much like Inuyasha's yet so different broke through her grief.
"Miko, you are weak to show such emotion," Sesshoumaru paused. "If you are to live among us, then you must learn this, demons don't cry."
Kagome hardened at his words. How could he just stand there? His own brother had just died and he didn't even care! No emotions ever seemed to pass across his stoic face. If he ever actually smiled, Kagome thought, he might really be handsome. Softly she sighed in resignation, she would give in to his request. She had to save her friends.
"All right, I'll do it!" She said in a haughty voice, quickly rubbing away her tears. Sesshoumaru growled. What was wrong with her? Her fear was obvious in her sent, yet she didn't act afraid. He surmised that she was either very stupid or very brave. 'Stop it! Stop it! Why does it matter? You're just using her for the Tetsusaiga. What she thinks or feels is isn't important to you.' With a small grin of admonishment, he stalked over to her companions, laying in heaps on the ground.
Seeing him standing over Sango and Miroku, Kagome had her first chance to really study him. He stood tall and regal, shrouded in all the splendor a great demon lord could possess. Gorgeous white hair cascaded down his back in a waterfall of silk. Satin bangs framed an ageless face lit by glowing golden eyes. Red stripes lined his features and an indigo moon marked his brow, saving him from being beautiful. Instead, it gave him a masculinity that revealed him as rather handsome, if Kagome was any judge. His body was lean and strong. She could see his muscles rippling under his haori. His arm had also grown back, she noticed, in the four years since he had lost it.
Her thoughts were jarred back to reality when Sesshoumaru pulled out a giant sword and held it threateningly above her friends.
"What are you doing?" She cried out in alarm.
"Relax," he growled back at her "It's Tensaiga, this sword will only heal."
"Just be CAREFUL." She replied in a threatening tone.
Sesshoumaru sighed. "Like you could hurt a inch worm." He mumbled just loud enough for her to hear. She only snorted derisively. Shaking his head, he quickly concentrated, bringing Tensaiga down upon Sango and Miroku. Kagome tensed. She only had Sesshoumaru's word that he would not harm them. Relief flooded through her body as she heard slight moans coming from her dear friends. Letting out a joyous howl, Kagome rushed foreword to be at their sides when they awoke. He did it, he had kept his word! Her friends were alive again! All seemed right with the world, at last.
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as he took in Kagome's passing form. Before, she had been hunched over on the ground, tears and mud hiding her from his eyes. Darkness had shrouded her features and form. Now, his breath caught in shock. She was magnificent! Surely, her beauty had no rival. She moved with a fluid grace that seemed effortless, something no human could ever attain. As she brushed by him, he got a whiff of her power. It was deep and strong. This woman had no traces of human at all. She was indeed a youkai. His attention was drawn back to her companions as they began to stir. He supposed he would have to help her with them... Humans always disgusted him.
"Your friends will still be very weak, they will need rest for several days. Death is never an easy thing," Thinking quickly, he asked "Do you have someplace to take them?"
"Yes." Kagome answered, "There is a small village next to Inuyasha's forest. A Miko I know there will take good care of them."
Sesshoumaru nodded silently, and sighed with relief. At least they would not have to stay in HIS palace. Then he bent over and picked up the monk, slinging him unceremoniously over his shoulder. The stench of death, blood and human invaded his delicate nose. Trying to keep his voice emotionless, he murmured. "We will leave, now. Pick up the woman and follow me." His tone booked no argument, instead hinting at an underlying threat. Kagome sighed, there was no going up against a demon lord. Carefully, she bent to pick up Sango. As she did so, she gagged back in reflex.
"Ugh, she smells horrible!...."
"Hurry up, demoness!" Came the ice cold reply. Swallowing nervously, she picked up Sango bridal style and proceeded to follow Sesshoumaru.
It had taken them only a few hours to reach Kaede's hut. A journey that usually lasted a week. Kagome didn't even feel tired. Being a demon definitely had its perks. When they entered the village it had been in silent slumber. Not a single light blazed anywhere. Quietly, she had snuck (is that a word?) into Kaede's, setting Sango and Miroku side by side on a spare futon. Careful not to wake Kaede or her companions, Kagome quickly wrote them a note. Using her demon eyes to see in the dark, she explained all that had happened. Then she told them of her deal with Sesshoumaru and warned them not to worry. Last, she asked them to take good care of Shippo while she was away. She knew the little kitsune would miss her, as she would miss him. Silently, if a little regretfully, she signed the note and left it beside a snoring Kaede. Then she went outside to join Sesshoumaru where he stood like a guardian, framed in the moonlight, silent as the stars.
The only thing Kagome could hear was the quiet whistling of wind whipping by her face. The rains had stopped, leaving a clear sky and a chill in the air. She studied the stars shining so brilliantly above her. How her life had changed in the blink of an eye! But tonight, the stars held no answers for her, desperate as she was. Sesshoumaru's tail was wrapped tightly around her as he flew silently towards his castle. Kagome's own tail was fluttering behind her, a banner of gently waving silver fur. The warmth of his soft tail and the gentle rocking motion of flying slowly took over her senses. Before she knew it, she had slipped into the deep dreamless sleep of exhaustion.
###########################################################################
Well, there ya go! But reviewers be warned! This IS a Sess/Kag fic. Yes Inuyasha MIGHT come back, (consider that a hint) but Sess and Kagome are still going to be together. *grins* Hey! There isn't even a cliffy this time! You guys should be thankful! *Swallows as she receives evil glares* Heh, heh..... yeah.
Thank you, all my WONDERFUL reviewers! *hugs them all with a death grip*
MoonGoddess66
Girl-who-sings-the-blues (I am soooo sorry I didn't mention you, slow update!)
Crystal Sapphire
watergoddesskasey
Moosy Dude (love the name)
Riku the Evil
Divine-Heart
the hitokiri battusai himura
LADY SAIKO
blue moon gurl
White Deer
Jennifer
DemonLady1
Lil'misao