Chapter Eleven: A False Friendship
Another week went by. Kagome was fully recovered by the end of that night, but she didn't dare leave her room. In fact, neither did Rin. The two ended up having sleepovers for the week because Sesshomaru had suddenly left the castle and didn't take them with him. Sesshomaru's sudden absence left them lost and worried. He said nothing to anyone about a trip. With Miss Jukudo angry at Kagome, Rin didn't trust the idea of Kagome being alone, at least that was the excuse Rin was using. Kagome could tell that Rin wasn't able to sleep alone with Sesshomaru gone. It was heartbreaking watching the girl suffer through the fear of Sesshomaru's absence. Rin wanted to go look for him, but everyone knew it was safer to stay home. So, she just kept by Kagome's side and tried to stay distracted.
Yukino and Alwin brought them food and would talk with them about anything they could think of to pass the time. Even though the couple promised Kagome and Rin that they could safely leave their room, they didn't dare try again. The first time they attempted was two days ago. They wanted to have a bath, but once they were finished, their clothes were stolen and they had to walk through the castle nude. It was a childish prank and one Kagome foolishly followed Rin's lead on. Of course, the few guards that roamed the halls came across them and had no problem cornering Kagome. It was a thoughtless idea for them to walk through the halls nude and Kagome understood that now. She hadn't understood it before because it was Rin that said it was okay. It's a little more acceptable for a child to run from the bath to their bedroom naked than it was an adult. It was an awfully embarrassing moment.
On the night of the seventh day of Sesshomaru's absence, Kagome finally felt cooped up enough that she left her room. Rin was sound asleep, so she made her way to the courtyard to sit on one of the stone benches for some fresh air. The cool breeze and the sight of the flowers at night was calming. A few fire flies were flying around the area, dimly lighting small pieces of the garden.
When a strange buzzing slithered through her mind, Kagome stood up. It felt like someone was watching her and her mind shot back to the first time someone was watching her in this garden. Her eyes immediately looked over to the tree. The flowers that their previous visitor had completely destroyed were slowly growing back and she couldn't see anything standing there again. The strange sensation was still there, but she couldn't pinpoint it. She looked around the garden, her heart racing. She wanted to call out, but wouldn't dare this late at night. She was probably just imagining things anyway.
Kagome decided it was time to go back inside. She backed away from the table as a gust of wind caught her attention. She swung toward the front gate to see what was there, but saw nothing. Something was watching her and it terrified her to know she couldn't see them. She began backing away from the front gate when her back met something warm and hard. She tensed, breathing heavily, and slowly turned around to see what was there. Her eyes widened when two golden eyes stared down at her. She jumped away and went to scream, but her mind caught up with itself. Instead of screaming, she hugged him.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Kagome threw her arms around the familiar demon's waist. "I'm so sorry. I was scared. I kept sensing something and I couldn't see it. I didn't think it would be you."
"Release me." Sesshomaru demanded. Kagome instantly obliged.
"I'm sorry." Kagome bowed, but then surprised him by stomping her foot. "But you scared me and we were so worried about you! You just left with no word." She threw up a hand. "And before you say anything, I understand that you have no obligation to tell me anything, but that does not make me or Rin worry any less when, in our eyes, you suddenly disappear and we're helpless to find you. We didn't know how long you planned to be gone or whether you were hurt. It's scary not knowing."
"Are you done?" Sesshomaru asked uncaringly.
Kagome blinked at him. "I don't know why I'm surprised by that reply. It's not like I expected something else. God, I am so stupid." Kagome sighed and nodded. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru. I'm done."
"Good. Now go to bed." Sesshomaru ordered. "We'll be traveling again in the morning."
"Rin will be happy you returned." Kagome said. "She's been sleeping in my room. Apparently, she can't sleep when you're gone. She doesn't trust the demons here not to hurt her while she sleeps."
"I see." Sesshomaru said, taking note of that. "It'll be dealt with."
Kagome stared silently at him. He stared back, wondering what was going through her mind. This overwhelmingly disappointed look came in her eyes and he narrowed his in irritation at her. Kagome stepped up to him and placed her hand on his armor, right over his heart. At first, Sesshomaru was going to stop her, but something about the action intrigued him, so he let it happen.
"Sometimes I hope I never get my memories back." Kagome told him.
"And why is that?" Sesshomaru asked in honest curiosity.
"Because I fear for Rin." Kagome replied bluntly, tapping her nail on his armor. "I fear that sweet human girl, who loves you with every ounce of her little being, will never receive the love she deserves from you. That is a tragic and painful existence. If I remember and I return to my old life, Rin will be back to Jaken picking on her, Miss Jukudo using her, and her wondering if she's at all important to you."
"That's enough." Sesshomaru said angrily.
"And the dumbest part…" Kagome continued, expecting to be hit as she poked at his chest, this time right above the armor so he'd feel it. "…is that I care about you too, and I don't know why."
Kagome stepped back from him, bowed politely, and dismissed herself. She walked back into the castle, ignoring the piercing eyes drilling into her back. Sesshomaru said nothing more and let the woman leave. Once she was gone, he looked up to the starry sky and took a deep breath. He thought back to a recent conversation, one that took place in the last week, deep in the forests surrounding his lands.
"Explain what is happening to me." Sesshomaru yelled at an old demon, deep in the forest. "I have never had a human affect me in this manner before. It is infuriating."
"Lord Sesshomaru," the old demon signed, pulling a smoking pipe from his lips, "I have told you before, while you have your heart hardened to the world around you, it's not dead."
"What does that even mean?" Sesshomaru shouted angrily.
"Damn it, boy. It means that you're your Father's son, whether you like it or not." The old man stood on the stairs to a small wooden temple behind him and looked down to Sesshomaru. "Your anger toward humans did not come until your Father chose a second mate. You have used that event long ago as an excuse to treat humans, and demons alike, like they are worthless and mean nothing to you."
"They are." Sesshomaru retorted.
"And yet, here you are again, asking the same sort of question." The old man laughed and shook his head at Sesshomaru. "Your stubbornness will leave you empty. The child, Rin, you care deeply for the girl, but do not know how to express such feeling. You think caring for someone will make you weak and vulnerable. You're not wrong, but in our previous conversations you have also admitted that when she is in harms way, you've noticed yourself work harder to ensure her safety."
"I have." Sesshomaru nodded.
"And now you tell me you wish for her happiness as well?" The old man laughed and showed off a large smile filled with years of wisdom. "You might as well let her call you Dad. Even with only what you've told me, it's clear you have already taken the path, but are in denial about the title you receive."
"Let her call me Dad?" Sesshomaru was disgusted at first, but that demeanor calmed. His face softened as he thought of the idea and then he rubbed the back of his head. "What if I fail her?"
"You will. Parent's always do, but the important part is to try your best." The old man sat back down and began smoking on the pipe again. "Now, as for the second woman… Kagome?"
"What about her?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Was she in heat?"
"What?"
"Humans and their… cycles work differently than a demon's." The man began to explain. "It lasts a little longer, about a day or two, but the fertility lasts up to a week. While a demon's time lasts for a couple of hours and is much more primal and physical, the time of female humans can only be described as… kinder. Female demons make a man aggressive, sometimes violent and possibly even forceful. Female humans release an aura that acts on the mind, making it feel at peace, more open, loving."
"Loving?" Sesshomaru hissed. "Manipulative."
"Ha. My boy, it is not like they can help it." The old man laughed at him. "That is like blaming a male demon for taking a female when their time is happening. Demon women leave for a few hours every month for good reason. It is safer for everyone that way. While many men, such as yourself, can control those instincts, there are just as many who cannot and it causes way too many problems."
"I know all of this. What of the girl?" Sesshomaru returned the subject to where it should be.
"If she is in heat, avoid her for up to a week. Stay out of the castle."
"Why should I not kick her out like I do the female demons?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Kagome's time of mating does not cause violence." The old man sighed in frustration. "Punishing her because of your refusal to deal with being kind to her is not an honorable way of behaving. While I know you've decided to hate humans, you've not been one to act dishonorably. I don't expect that to change."
Sesshomaru came back from his thoughts and looked to his castle. He stayed away a lot longer than he had to and it may have hurt Rin. The old man told him to stay away for the week that Kagome was in her prime, but that had started a couple of days before he left. He should have returned before now. Sesshomaru sighed and returned to his room in the castle. He'll see Rin in the morning.
"At least she's out of that phase now." Sesshomaru thought.
When the morning came, Rin and Kagome were instructed to get ready as normal. Sesshomaru had returned, delighting the young girl and they were going to travel again. Rin always preferred traveling and going on adventures with Sesshomaru. Once they were ready, they rushed outside where Jaken and Ah'Un were waiting patiently for them. Sesshomaru had yet to show himself, but Rin was very excited to see him return. The group waited quietly for a few moments before Rin noticed him.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin cheered.
"Good morning, Rin." Sesshomaru replied.
Rin gasped, her eyes shining with glee. "Good morning to you too!" Sesshomaru normally just nodded at her, so to get an actual greeting was an exciting and happy development.
Kagome watched the exchange until Sesshomaru's eyes met her own. She looked away almost immediately, still upset about the night before. The aversion did not go unnoticed, but Sesshomaru shrugged it off as something unimportant and led the group off toward the North this time.
Hours went by without much conversation. Rin and Kagome rode on Ah'Un's back while Jaken led the two headed demon behind Sesshomaru. There were a couple times Rin tried to create a conversation with Kagome, but nothing stuck. Rin decided to leave Kagome alone for a while because there was obviously something wrong. Instead of pushing her, Rin began talking with Jaken instead. The mood Kagome was another thing Sesshomaru noticed, thought he kept silent about it.
Soon, it was late afternoon and the group decided to take a break. Ah'Un took advantage of no one being on his back for a while and rested in the shade of a large tree. Jaken and Rin went off to the river to catch some fish to eat. Kagome moved away from the group and sat on a small hill, over looking a nice view of the forest and Southern Mountain they had tried visiting a while back. Out of everyone, Kagome was not expecting Sesshomaru step up beside her and take a seat. When she realized it was him, she tensed up and her heart started to race. Was she in trouble again?
"You've been quiet." Sesshomaru said, making a calm observation.
"I haven't had much to say." Kagome replied, bringing her knees to her chest. "I think I talk too much."
There was a small tug at the corner of Sesshomaru's lips and a soft snorting sound. Kagome looked to him curiously and could have sworn she saw a moment of joy in his eyes. It faded quickly and she didn't dare ask about it. In reality, Sesshomaru had almost audibly chuckled at her statement. He always thought she talked way too much, but to hear her admit it was actually entertaining.
"I assume admitting that you care about me bothered you?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"Would you feel right admitting you cared about me?" Kagome asked.
"I don-…" Sesshomaru began, but something stopped him. Kagome tensed and he saw that. If he had finished that sentence, he would have had to deal with even more of her depressing mood. "It is difficult for me to claim to care about anyone. However, I do not find you worthless. I do, however, think you talk way too much and believe you to be an asset for Rin's development."
"I see." Kagome looked confused at him. Was he being nice?
"I also think that your words about Rin struck a chord with me." Sesshomaru said as he looked out over the forest view as well. He took a deep breath and sighed it out. "I never thought I'd be a Father and I have no idea how to do the job correctly, but denying that Rin sees me this way is harmful to her. Miss Jukudo using her to get closer to me, as you so eloquently put, has shown me that even the demons around me already think of her as my daughter, not just a human ward I keep around."
"So, if I may ask, what brought this change of heart on?" Kagome asked.
"Is it not obvious?" Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her. "You did."
"Me?" Kagome questioned with wide eyes. "H-How?"
Sesshomaru stared at her like she was stupid. He said nothing and watched her dig through her own mind and just hoped she would connect the dots. Obviously, she was having a difficult time, which caused Sesshomaru's expression to dull heavily. Kagome blushed, feeling stupid.
"I'm sorry." Kagome said and looked away embarrassed.
"You're the one who opened my eyes to Rin seeing me as a Father." Sesshomaru explained, calling back to their conversation that occurred after Aikanna healed Kagome. "If I get into a relationship with someone, it impacts Rin. She'll see them as a Mother, which means I must choose someone who cares about Rin. I have always been particular when choosing a mate, but now it is for different reasons."
"You're really going to officially adopt her as your daughter?" Kagome asked hopefully.
"I am." Sesshomaru nodded.
Kagome's entire demeanor brightened up. She looked at Sesshomaru as if a miracle had just occurred in front of her. His normal attitude toward her and Rin was so indifferent, or even harsh, at times that this very sudden change of heart was almost unbelievable. Kagome went to speak, but couldn't find the words to say. She felt a tear of joy fall down her cheek before quickly wiping it away.
"It's wonderful to see this side of you, Lord Sesshomaru." Kagome nodded happily and stretched her legs out in front of her. She placed her hands behind her and used them to prop herself up as she looked up to the clouds in the sky. "I think being a parent will be rewarding. I can't wait to become a Mom."
"SHIPPO!" Kagome ran toward a young boy with a fluffy tail.
"MOMMA!" The young boy jumped into her arms and hugged her tightly. "I thought you were gone for good this time. That Inuyasha is such a jerk. Don't listen to anything he says."
"It's okay, Shippo. You know I could never leave you alone." Kagome kissed the boy's forehead.
Kagome blinked and her vision tried coming back. Suddenly Sesshomaru was right in front of her. His head was slightly tilted as he watched her closely, a couple inches from her face.
"Lord Sesshomaru… What are you doing?" she asked.
"You were unresponsive." Sesshomaru replied and sat back down beside her. "Was it a memory?"
"I think so…" Kagome said as she thought back to the memory. "I remember a little boy… By his appearance I am pretty sure he's a demon. I can't remember what he said. This is frustrating…"
"There is a young fox cub that traveled with you and my younger brother." Sesshomaru explained. "I cannot recall his name, but I am sure you cared quite a lot for him."
Kagome tried really hard to recall the memory she just saw, but she could only remember the sights, not the sounds. Sesshomaru observed quietly until Rin and Jaken ran up with about six fish in hand.
"I think this is enough for everyone!" Rin said and dropped her fish on the ground, pulling Kagome from her thoughts. "Now let's build a campfire so we can cook them up!"
"Yes. Yes, Rin. Fine." Jaken sighed as he was suddenly dragged off by the hyperactive young girl.
"Oh well…" Kagome smiled as she watched Rin and Jaken run off. "Congratulations."
"Hm?"
"On gaining a daughter." Kagome clarified.
"… Thank you." Sesshomaru said, though he didn't sound too enthusiastic about it. He was still worried about making it official. He came to the conclusion that he did care for Rin like a daughter, but could he successfully raise a human girl in demon culture? Could he truly keep her safe and teach her the things she needed to be taught in order to survive in both worlds? Also, how long would he outlive her?
While Jaken and Rin were arguing about how to set up the campfire, Kagome and Sesshomaru watched them quietly until Sesshomaru caught a familiar and unwelcome scent. He stood up quickly and looked through the forest trees. When he caught the scent again, he grabbed the hilt of his sword.
"Jaken. Rin." Sesshomaru called to catch their attention. The two hurried over to him. Ah'Un woke up due to the sound of Sesshomaru's' voice and stood, making his way over to Sesshomaru's side. Kagome stood up and looked into the forest as well, waiting for whatever Sesshomaru sensed.
"What is that?" Kagome asked. "I can… I can sense something. It's weird."
"Ah-ha. Good day, Lord Sesshomaru." A dark menacing voice came from the shadows of the trees as a hunched silhouette appeared and came closer. The white pelt of a baboon finally showed itself.
"Kagome. Your bow." Sesshomaru said, not taking his eyes off of their new visitor and pulling Tōkijin from the sash around his waist. "Naraku, do you need something or have you come to die?"
Kagome looked over to Ah'Un's saddle and ran over to quickly grab the bow Sesshomaru had given her to train with. She had become accustom to using it again and was confident in her ability with it.
"I've simply come to check on an old friend." Naraku said, chuckling beneath the mask.
"So, my assumptions are correct. You put Kagome under the curse?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Of course not." Naraku said and turned his attention toward Kagome. "I wouldn't do such a thing. I merely want her to return to my care. Living with you must be awful."
"In your care?" Kagome asked curiously, stepping up to Sesshomaru's side. "I don't understand."
"Have you not regained any of your memories, Kagome?" Naraku asked.
"I-…" Kagome was shut off by Sesshomaru.
"Say nothing." Sesshomaru snapped at her. Kagome flinched and stepped back from him.
"You're scaring her, Sesshomaru." Naraku said, his tone of voice sounding concerned. Naraku's entire demeanor was odd and made everyone but Kagome uncomfortable. Naraku's hands came up from under the baboon cloak and grabbed onto it. He slid the cloak off, revealing himself to them all. His long wavy black hair and his purple colored clothing were recognizable for Sesshomaru. However, something was odd about his appearance. Sesshomaru quickly realized that his eyes weren't red. Instead, they were green, a shade similar to the leaves in trees. Why would he change such a thing?
"I see." Sesshomaru said, a smirk on his face. "Are you trying to trick her?"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Naraku asked.
"Changing your eye color from red to green so she wouldn't recognize you as the creature that visited my courtyard when she first lost her memory." Sesshomaru chuckled and shook his head. "How pathetic. Do you really think I'd allow her to fall for something so stupid? You die here, Naraku."
"Sesshomaru, I have no intention of fighting you." Naraku held up both hands, a sign of peace for most people. "I just want to take Kagome home. Please… Kagome, you need to return with me. Inuyasha and the rest are waiting for you back at the village."
"Enough of this." Sesshomaru shouted angrily and raised Tokijin above his head. Demonic energy crackled above the tip of the blade. With a powerful swing downward, the blue energy shot forth like lightning. It enveloped Naraku quickly, who didn't have time to dodge the attack. A moment later, as the smoke cleared, Naraku was revealed with a pinkish-purple barrier surrounding him.
"You haven't been able to break my barrier before." Naraku sighed and crossed his arms. "What makes you think you'll be able to now. Nothing has changed here, besides you kidnapping the girl."
"What?" Kagome's eyes widened in horror.
"What's wrong, Kagome? What story did he tell you?" Naraku asked in anger.
"That I… They found me in the forest. They took care of me." Kagome said.
"They found you?" Naraku questioned. "He took you from us! Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and myself have been trying to figure out a way to bring you back, but every time we get close you leave the castle. Just like now… Inuyasha and the rest were closing in on Sesshomaru and he decides it's time for all of you to get up and go again. You can't believe a word he says. Come with me, now!"
"Kagome. He's lying." Sesshomaru said, eyes narrowed at Naraku.
"Lord Sesshomaru would never do something so mean!" Rin shouted at Naraku.
"Yes, he would, especially if it hurts his brother, Inuyasha." Naraku retorted.
"Such impudence. You dare sully my master's good name with these lies?" Jaken shouted angrily, stomping toward Naraku. "Lord Sesshomaru would never dishonor his house with such manipulative methods. We found Kagome unconscious in the forest, brought her home, and then back to health because Rin did not want to see the girl harmed any further. Your words are poison, Naraku. Taking advantage of Kagome's lost memory to fill her head with falsities is nothing more than pitiful."
"Kagome!" Rin ran over to Kagome and grabbed Kagome's hand with both of her own. "Please, don't believe him. Lord Sesshomaru would never do something like that. I know sometimes he can be strict and scary to other people, but he is the only person we can trust to never betray us. We are safe with him and always have been. Remember when he saved you from a monster in the forest? Remember when Kagura took you and he brought you back? He even called a healer to take care of you!"
"Rin." Kagome looked down to the girl and smiled. "I know Naraku is lying."
"Y-You do?" Rin asked, tears that were welling up being blinked away with joy.
"Of course." Kagome said and tightened her hand around Rin's before looking back to Naraku with an even bigger smile. "I trust Lord Sesshomaru with my life. He won't convince me otherwise."
"Interesting." Naraku's fake demeanor faded and he turned to leave. "I didn't think that'd work, but it would have been entertaining to watch you walk away from him. You'll be mine soon enough, Kagome."