Enchanted Orbs

Chapter 31 Confession

As Kagome slid open the door, Sesshoumaru scoffed. The scents from her world were caustic and very sharp in his nose, but he mocked Inuyasha for nearly fainting because of them.

Sesshoumaru stepped out of the wellhouse only to regret his previous thoughts.

Kagome held Rin's hand as she walked towards her house. Hearing a hollow thump behind her, she turned quickly fearing for her lord.

Sesshoumaru was still conscious, but he was leaning back against the wall of the shed, trying to overcome his vertigo. The smells were much worse than he predicted from inside the structure, and instantly, as he walked out of the shelter, he was attacked from all angles by the acidic scents and noises. The attack caught him off guard and he was forced into the wall behind him.

His body reacted violently to the fumes in the future. Smoke and chemicals assaulted his eyes and nose, while the noise pollution was merciless to his sensitive ears.

He felt as if his head was swimming, his eyes watered, and intense stinging plagued the sensitive skin inside his nose. He barely noticed Kagome and Rin's worried expressions before him.

Sesshoumaru felt Kagome's hand wrap around his, and she began tugging him somewhere.

"Come on, Sesshoumaru. Let's get you inside, the scents are more subdued in my house." Kagome said as she hastily tried to pull him towards the shrine.

He began walking at her incessant tugging, but he still could not see past the tears in his eyes. The tears were desperately trying to flush the toxins from the sensitive tissue.

A tug on Kagome's clothes brought her attention to the little girl beside her.

"What is wrong with Lord Sesshoumaru?" Brown eyes pleaded with her to tell her. Rin did not understand why her powerful protector was acting so strangely. The fear and worry caused Kagome's heart to clench.

"He will be fine Rin, we just need to get him inside. The air here is not as clean, and he is not coping with it well." Kagome explained but picked up her pace, rushing to get Sesshoumaru into the safety of her home.

Kagome reached the stairs, and began up them. To her horror, she felt Sesshoumaru stumble beside her. She quickly turned and tried to steady him, but he was too heavy.

He tried to catch his balance, but found the dizziness caused by the air here was still affecting his balance. Sesshoumaru heard Kagome's gasp, and felt her hands on his shoulders trying to reestablish his balance. But he still felt the air rushing by his face, signaling his fall.

Expecting the hard contact of the strange material beneath his feet, he was strangely surprised when his landing was soft, as if collapsing onto his futon.

Hearing a groan underneath him seconds after the fall, he realized that he landed on Kagome. Sesshoumaru immediately tried to stand up to relieve her of the pressure of his weight, but his eyesight was still partially blurred. It took quite some effort to regain his feet, as he blinked profusely to see to the miko.

Kagome was throbbing. She had dived in front of Sesshoumaru so he wouldn't hit the concrete steps, but she ended up landing with stairs clashing with her spine and colliding with her skull. She lay there for a moment, trying to breathe.

It hurt. Everything hurt.

Sesshoumaru blinked again, wondering if he was delusional. But when Rin gasped, he knew he wasn't.

"Kagome's glowing!" Rin exclaimed excitedly. Her worry for her lord and the nice lady in front of her momentarily disappeared with the strange glow Kagome radiated.

Sesshoumaru's thoughts railed. 'She threw herself in front of me. Why? I wouldn't have been harmed by such a trivial fall, but she got hurt in the process. Stupid girl.' But he couldn't help but feel warmth at her sacrifice.

She groaned. She wasn't sure what Rin was talking about, but she really didn't feel like thinking at the moment. She slowly rose to her feet and rubbed the back of her head, wondering why it didn't hurt now. 'I expected to feel that fall for at least a week.' She shrugged and continued with her plans.

She grabbed his hand again and began marching up the steps again. "Watch your step, Sesshoumaru." She warned him rather uselessly.

Only the bottom portion of his vision was blurred now, but he allowed Kagome to guide him. The soft skin of her hand was warm and felt pleasant against his.

They reached the top of the stairs after what felt like hours only to be assaulted by a rambunctious boy upon arrival at the house.

His senses cleared greatly as the outside disturbances were shut out.

"Kagome! You're back." Souta yelled as he paused his video game and hopped off the floor. "Mom! Kagome is home!" The alarm was sounded.

Sesshoumaru winced as his already sensitive ears felt like they would bleed at his pitch.

Souta stopped in front of Sesshoumaru. He took in his appearance and disposition then he saw that he and Kagome were still holding hands. A lecherous smile crossed his face, and Kagome quirked a brow at his weird behavior.

His sister followed his gaze to see her hand linked with the taiyoukai's elegant fingers. She blushed and quickly released him.

Sesshoumaru watched the silent display between siblings, and found Kagome's behavior amusing. His amusement faded when she ripped her hand from his as if she had been burned.

"Inuyasha isn't bringing that other chick this time, is he? She wasn't very fun." Souta changed the subject quickly to refute the temptation of embarrassing his sister.

Kagome shook her head. "He's not coming to my knowledge. Souta, this is Lord Sesshoumaru. My lord, this is my brother Souta."

"You're a lord? Cool." Souta said with dropped jaw. Sesshoumaru had to stop himself from rolling his eyes.

Kagome's mother and grandfather came down the stairs at this time, but she was distracted.

Something brushed against Kagome; she turned to she Rin hiding behind her lord. "Rin, do you want to meet my brother?"

A smile crossed the little girl's face as she nodded enthusiastically. Souta watched as a little girl in a bright kimono stepped out from hiding.

"Rin, I'd like you to meet my brother Souta." Souta caught a glare from his sister and immediately knew to be on his best behavior.

The manners taught to him by his mother and usually forgotten kicked in and he bowed to the girl. Rin giggled at him.

Kagome's mother cast her a warm smile. "Welcome home, honey. Are you and your guests staying for dinner?"

A nervous glance was cast to her grandfather who stood very tense at the bottom of the staircase, staring at the demon lord, hand slipped inconspicuously into his haori. Kagome paniced.

"Grandfather!" She said a bit too excitedly and high pitched; Sesshoumaru had to refrain from wincing. The addressed jumped and looked at his granddaughter, effectively distracted. "I'd like you to meet my friend, Lord Sesshoumaru and his ward Rin." She stressed the word 'friend' for all she was worth, hoping against hope his hand would release the ofudas she knew he was holding.

Mrs. Higurashi placed a hand on her father's shoulder, and both hands became visible. Sesshoumaru had closely watched the elder man, but did not sense a threat from him. He had little spiritual power from what he had gleaned. But his guard was never slack.

Kagome smiled to her mother. "I need to talk to you and grandfather. Souta, would you mind showing Rin the meadow beside the shrine?"

Souta sulked a bit. "But what about my game?" He cast a longing glance to the television.

She sighed. "You wouldn't be able to play it anyways because we'd be in here talking. Unless you would rather stay in here and listen to our discussion." Kagome said with a grin.

"No thanks. Come on, Rin. Let's go play outside." With that the two children scurried out the door.

Sesshoumaru watched them leave and turned to Kagome. She read his silent inquiry. "They will be fine outside alone. You have my word, milord." Kagome placated.

He nodded and turned back to her guardians.

"Mom, grandpa, Lord Sesshoumaru, his generals, and I have to go on a journey to regain his title. It was my fault he lost it, and I promised to help retrieve his lands. There is one drawback; Rin will be in danger. We cannot properly protect her, and Lord Sesshoumaru does not trust any besides those traveling with him to protect her. Would it be alright if Rin stayed here while we were gone? I know that she would be well taken care of here." Kagome added the last line to attempt comfort to the demon lord beside her.

"Of course, dear. We'd love to keep, Rin. It would be no problem at all." Mrs. Higurashi said warmly.

Sesshoumaru took this time to speak his piece. "I have not consented to this arrangement. I will explore this place before making my decision." He declared with no room for argument.

Grandfather Higurashi snorted, but both females knew that the harsh statement exhibited the care he took in protecting the child.

"That is to be expected, Lord Sesshoumaru. I'm sure my daughter would be more than happy to escort you wherever you wish." She spoke softly but with dignity.

Kagome nodded. "Yes, milord." She answered thanking her mother silently for broaching the sensitive subject of whether or not he could go alone. In her opinion, most definitely not.

"I do not require an escort." Sesshoumaru spoke.

"Please allow me to, Lord Sesshoumaru. There are many sights I would like to show you, and I'm sure you would wish explanations of certain things." Crossing her fingers, Kagome hoped he would accept her company.

He nodded. Huge smiles conquered two feminine faces.

Kagome's mother reasserted her previous question. "Would you like to stay for dinner? It is almost ready, and then you two can scour the lands for Lord Sesshoumaru's approval.

Refusal could be considered extremely rude, so the youkai consented, and thus it was agreed. Souta and Rin were brought in for dinner, and soon Kagome and Sesshoumaru were walking through the door to explore.

He visibly shuddered with the renewed onslaught of sensory offenses. Kagome saw his reaction.

"I apologize for your discomfort, Sesshoumaru." She said tentatively.

He said nothing and began walking away from her. Kagome jogged to catch up.

"Umm, Lord Sesshoumaru?" He stopped signaling his attention. "Well, its not exactly legal to carry swords in the city."

"I will not relinquish my weapons." The taiyoukai said authoritatively.

"Yes, I figured as much. Do you suppose...well, forgive me if this is presumptuous, milord, but I thought the best way to see my time without causing trouble would be an aerial tour." She spoke with her head bowed slightly.

He was silent.

"It is just that, you would not blend in well, and there would be people who tried to take your swords because of the laws broken by their presence. Plus, from the sky, you would have a better view of the happenings below." Kagome quickly reasoned with him.

"Acceptable." He finally spoke to Kagome's relief.

The sun had set, and there was only the vaguest hint of pink still cresting the surrounding hills. Twilight ruled as the lights of the city on the horizon twinkled to life with the coming of night.

She was close enough for him to summon his cloud under both of them, but he did not. Sesshoumaru was unaware of what possessed him, but he offered his hand to Kagome before his youki formed below them.

She took his offered hand and felt her feet lifted from the ground. The cloud below her was solid, but her balance was still thrown off slightly. Sesshoumaru's hand steadied her, and she looked up to him.

Their eyes met, and she nodded signaling she was ready. They lifted into the air, and headed towards what Sesshoumaru could only describe as thousands of campfires in the distance.

(A/N: I know there are discrepancies between the manga and anime as to the color of the youki cloud. For ease of me, the cloud, in this case, is white. It'll blend in better, so no crazies trying to shoot them down or anything.)

His senses still burned, but he had become somewhat accustomed to it by now.

Kagome watched him from the corner of her eye. She tried to gauge his reaction to the sights passing below them, but he remained stone. The only way she knew he was paying close attention was the erratic movement of his eyes, quickly assessing and assimilating one thing before moving to the next.

Figuring this was going to be a long trip, Kagome took a deep breath and decided to settle in for the long haul. She let the tension slide from the muscles in her back and shoulders and turned away from the calculating demon.

The city was breathtaking from the air. Soft moonlight clashed with the bright colored lights on the streets below. People casually walked to and fro, making their way to their homes. A parked passed below, and she saw couples holding hands enjoying each other's company. All in all, it was very relaxing.

This made her stop and think for a moment. Kagome was in no means scared of heights, but she shouldn't have been easy with this distance from the ground. Humans weren't meant to fly, and survival instincts should not have allowed her this extreme comfort.

She looked down to her hand, still linked to Sesshoumaru's. Was that it? Was that the reason she was allowed to fell relaxed in this position? There was really no other explanation, but Kagome felt a little shocked by this new information.

Did she really trust Sesshoumaru to this extent? She trusted him to keep her from falling to her death, or if falling, that he would catch her? If she didn't there would still be tension in her muscles, her senses on alert for any signs of turbulence.

But that wasn't true, so she must. When did this happen? Why did this happen? He didn't protect her when in battle, but in truth, she would have been severely irritated if he had not trusted her to protect herself. But he had cared for her other times. Both times when she was on the brink of death, he was beside her. He acted as the mentor, coaching her through the after effects of her power; he lent her strength when she overcame the lethal poison.

And she had risked everything they had built between them to save him from death at the hands of their enemies.

Yes, it was obvious, even to herself, that Kagome felt very close to Sesshoumaru. And her heart ached at the thought that he might have thrown that away because of her actions.

Tall buildings passed directly below them, and Kagome cast a glance back at Sesshoumaru. He was still absorbing everything around him, but she needed to talk to him.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, would you mind setting us down on one of those buildings. I would like to talk to you." Kagome asked, jerking him from his thoughts.

He gave no response other than a drop in altitude. They landed on one of the tallest buildings, it had very few lights lighting it, but there was enough for Kagome to see her surroundings.

She turned to him when her feet touched the concrete, but he was not facing her. He started towards the edge, still intent on watching his surroundings. But he was stopped when he realized that he was still attached to Kagome by the hand, and she wasn't walking.

He turned to her, and Kagome quickly let go. His hand still held the warmth of hers, but he resumed his walk to the edge. Kagome silently followed.

Sesshoumaru stood as still as the archaic gargoyles of old architecture, but much more aesthetically pleasing than the stone counterparts. He directly faced the street below, but Kagome stood beside him, her back partly to him, hiding her face with her hair.

She didn't know why, but she was suddenly scared to ask him, scared that he harbored deeply etched anger towards her. Or worse, he felt betrayed by her disobedience. Anger would eventually dissipate, but betrayal? Betrayal and the pain and hate spurred from it allowed Kikyou to overcome the mortal boundaries and stay amongst the living. If Sesshoumaru felt the same towards her...

Tears sprang, unwanted, to her eyes. She blinked quickly, trying to rein them back into the ducts from which they jumped.

The tangy scent of salt brushed Sesshoumaru's senses. Although he was still assaulted by the pollution of the city, he knew that the scent was from Kagome beside him. He turned his head to her, but she still did not speak.

"Kagome." He prompted.

She straightened, and he heard her sigh. Silence held for a span of time, but patience is something a stoic must have.

"Sesshoumaru, do you feel I betrayed you?" She asked solidly, thankful that her voice hadn't cracked.

The question caught him off guard. He wasn't expecting this discussion, yet, at least not until he had time to gather and sort his thoughts. But, then again, he had been avoiding most of those thoughts.

Not sure on his own position, he decided it best to answer with strict facts. "You disobeyed me."

His flat tone pierced her like a sword. He sounded so harsh, uncaring, indifferent. A tear escaped, and drifted down her cheek.

Kagome nodded in response to his statement. It hurt, but it was true. "Do you hate me for it?" She asked in a whisper. She couldn't put enough energy into the question to raise the volume because of her fear.

His eyes widened, but she was not facing him to see. He was angry for a time, there was a twinge of betrayal with her deceit, but he never felt hate towards her. He did not allow himself to hate any one.

To hate is to give the subject of that hate power over you, and a lord of his status gave no one that power. But hate towards her, he couldn't comprehend hating someone as pure as Kagome.

But he knew only answering her question would not calm her fears of his feelings toward her. He was unsure why he wished her ease of him, but he did.

"I do not dislike you if that is what you wish to know."

Kagome smiled a small smile.

"But your deceit was not appreciated." He continued, and Kagome hung her head.

Visions of the battle flashed through her mind, of the feelings that crushed her when she was on the verge of death. The certainty she held of loving the demon behind her mercilessly revisited her.

She had done everything in her power to forget, to convince herself that those feelings were spurred by adrenaline and the fear of death, of dying alone and unloved. And she had done a very good job of that thus far, but the traitorous feelings were allowed free with the abundant emotions and doubt she was experiencing right now. When it rains, it pours.

"I..." Her voice cracked, so she paused and started again. "I could not watch you die. Deceit was not my intention, but during...with the...I realized what I had to do." She stuttered trying not to mention the kiss.

Sesshoumaru listened as she avoided what he had tried not to think of many times. But it was rather useless. He remembered the overwhelming need to protect her, he utter defeat he felt when he realized he couldn't, the almost desperate plea for her to leave and live. The still vivid feel of her in his arms and the desire to have her back there were not things that he had ever experienced before. Strong feelings for this girl in front of him bubbled beneath the surface, but he had yet to decide what they were, or what to do with them.

Kagome broke the silence that held Sesshoumaru to his thoughts. "If you wish me to apologize for my actions, I cannot. I am not sorry that you live, that you are here before me now. But I do regret that I caused you to question me." She paused, unsure whether she should continue, but she didn't know if she would get another opportunity to talk to him privately. "I will not try to convince you of my opinion, but I do wish to tell you that...my request was not meant to deceive. Truly, it was a dying wish."

She turned completely away from him with her confession; it was not a confession of love, nor was it one of lust. She wasn't exactly sure what feelings she harbored within her, but on the basest level, it was a confession of attraction.

Kagome wasn't ashamed of her attraction to the taiyoukai; she was well aware that most girls would drool over him, but that did not mean she wanted anything more than friendship. But if that was the case, why did she have an intense fear of rejection right now?

His distaste for all things human may have caused her fear, Kagome did not wish to hear how disgusted he was with the new information. She did not want to know anything about his contempt for her humanity. Kagome said what she needed to, and now she wished she was far, far away from him.

But her wish was not granted; she was forced to stand there, back facing Sesshoumaru in the unbearable silence that followed.

Sesshoumaru was at a loss after her words; they left so many things up in the air. Her wish could have signified many things, but none of them were things he was ready to ponder immediately.

Spontaneity was always a bad thing, but looking down at her trembling figure, she seemed so small, breakable. Even words could rend her at the seams; he tried to think of something to pacify her. The need to protect her still high, he decided on the proper words.

But she beat him to it. "Have you decided on our course of actions for reclaiming you lands, milord?" Kagome changed the subject to protect her sanity, and she was proud that her voice sounded as solid as it did. But the pride was only a secondary comfort which gave way again to a hollow feeling at his silence.

Sesshoumaru felt a cold hand grasping at his chest with her words. They meant that he was too late; he wouldn't be allowed to comment on her confession now. And she would continue to feel discomfort when near him, pain at her words and his inaction.

'But what action could have been taken?' He thought with a drained sigh.

In a very uncharacteristic move, Kagome heard the sigh of a world weary creature behind her.

"I have yet to discuss anything with my generals, and nothing occurs without notifying them, but I have considered my options and am fairly certain of future actions." He regained his stoic façade.

Kagome was disturbed at his answer. Did he not trust her with his plans? Or did he not think she was capable of helping? Either way, she did not like his answer. "What of the Eastern Lord's request?" She prodded.

"An alliance with the Eastern Lord would be advantageous in the distant future, but it is more of a burden currently."

"He could be useful as a distraction, my lord." She offered silently.

Sesshoumaru had also thought of this, but there was one drawback. "My soldiers would be vulnerable to many attacks en route to the Eastern lands. There are many spies utilized by various youkai, insects, rodents, birds. If the Southern Lands are hostile, of that there is no doubt, my troops would have to pass through the Northern Lands, of which we are still unsure."

His point had never been considered by Kagome, and she was stumped for a moment. 'Illusionary cover wouldn't work, animals can sense predators; plus armed with weapons, silent movement is not easy over great distances. So another form of cover would have to be utilized. If only...that's it.' Kagome turned to face him, smiling. She still felt raw and hollow, but he did not have to know this.

"We can travel under the guise of the weather." Kagome shone.

Sesshoumaru's brow furrowed for a second until he remembered Shouron's capabilities. "Feasible." He spoke and turned back towards the sights below him digesting the new alternative.

Visibility would be cut drastically, and animals would take cover in burrows or caves under severe enough conditions. Only a few of the most dedicated spies would notice the removal of the reserve of Western soldiers, and the weather would prevent them from reporting to their masters quick enough to organize an attack. But his enemies would be alerted of the new position in the Eastern Lands, and the diversion would be complete.

The main drawback was Shouron's strength. It would be desperately low upon arrival at the Eastern estate. He would need to be guarded by those of unquestionable loyalty, which was not the most abundant quality currently.

His thoughts re-assessed his options.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, may I ask you of your thoughts?" Kagome ventured.

He looked at her. No one had ever dared ask him such a personal question, but she had, on many occasions, proven her intelligence in strategy.

"Shouron would need heavy and loyal protection as the concentration to hold a powerful storm over several days would severely sap his strength. I had intended to go into my lands with Aishi, but he may need to stay with Shouron, now."

"What about me? Where am I to be placed?" Kagome asked curiously.

"You are to stay with Rin." He knew this would not be an arrangement she would appreciate, but he did not want to endanger her. Despite his perceived deceit, she was still the closest thing to a friend that he had ever acknowledged.

"No, Rin is unreachable here, perfectly safe." Kagome countered.

"Regardless, you will stay." Sesshoumaru issued his command.

"Why do you refuse to allow me to help?" Kagome demanded.

He was silent, not willing to disclose his desire for her protection, her safety.

"There may be a need for me; I will not stand by when I am capable of helping." Kagome informed him.

"You will stay." He reiterated.

"I will not." Kagome contradicted.

He turned to fully face her. Fire burned her through his eyes, but she would not back down. "I can go with Shouron. If the troops are not loyal, I can erect a barrier and get Shouron and me out by the same method used in the coup. And I was told that the Eastern Lord was injured; I can heal him if he has not already." Kagome offered.

Sesshoumaru was no fool. He knew that Kagome's aid would be valuable, but he still didn't want her life endangered. There seemed to be no other choice, though.

"Please, Lord Sesshoumaru." Kagome asked quietly. "Let me help."

He looked at her and nodded slightly.

"Thank you." She whispered.

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A/N: Yes, yes. I know...I'm late, and I'm a horrible author for mot keeping my promise of updating by Sunday. I have no excuse except poor time-management skills on my part. Forgive me. Review responses will have to be delayed once again...sorry, but it takes me about three hours to respond to everyone. You guys are awesome and I LOVE doing it, but school is evil, and I can't right now. sigh

BUT hey, I've only missed my date twice! Out of 31/32 (depending on whose count) chapters, that's pretty dang good. That means, if this was a school assignment (besides the fact that I would proofread 3 times) this would be an A, so there! :-P grins

I'll update again next weekend!