This may be the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me, she thought. Kagome was perched upon A-Un, one arm wrapped around a sleeping Rin while the other held tight to his reins. Her heart was pounding, her cheeks had turned red, and her body was stiff. Beside them, Sesshomaru floated, toting both Jaken and her bulging backpack. Her lips turned upward as the tension broke. She giggled. We must be a sight!
It earned her a glare from the demon lord. Jaken muttered something rude under his breath. Despite his master's reprimand, he had not warmed up to the idea of Kagome and Rin joining them. He was even more unhappy when Sesshomaru had announced they would be living at the Western Palace for a month.
Kagome's smile fell. One month. That was all she had to teach Sesshomaru how to behave around humans. It was a daunting task. The demon lord was cold, haughty, and held little regard for human life.
So why had he saved Rin?
And why had he asked her to assist him?
His actions didn't make sense. Kagome couldn't understand his choices. No matter how she looked at it, nothing about his request made sense. Even if he did plan on raising Rin, Sesshomaru could have found someone else to educate him. With his wealth and power, Kagome knew persuading a more qualified candidate wouldn't be hard. Yet, he'd come to her.
Was it because she'd found Rin? That hardly seemed like enough of a reason. If he really wanted the child, Kagome would have fought him. Of course, there was no chance of her winning the fight but she would have refused him on principle. He had certainly seemed inclined to take the girl by force.
What had changed his mind?
Kagome attempted to fit the pieces together. She tried to envision the picture as a whole instead of just one part but there was too much missing. Sesshomaru was a mystery to her. In the handful of times she'd met Inuyasha's older brother, Kagome had been left with more questions than answers.
What was his mother like? Where had he grown up? When had he found out about Inuyasha? Was his father's infidelity the only reason they didn't get along or was it something deeper?
She risked a glance at Sesshomaru. His face was void of all emotion. His silver hair was flowing behind him like a silk curtain blowing in the wind. He looked like an haute couture model.
Kagome found herself considering what type of job Sesshomaru would have if he lived to see the modern age. A model seemed too domestic for him. Despite the jealousy and competition, she didn't think the career path fit. Perhaps a businessman, something in mergers and acquisitions? Or a bodyguard? Kagome envisioned him in a fitted black suit, with sunglasses and a gun. Her nose crinkled. Somehow the image didn't fit. Sesshomaru would not give up his sword.
His deep timbre pulled her from her thoughts. "We are here."
Several kilometers ahead of them, Kagome spotted the outline of a tower. The palace was hidden behind a thick layer of clouds. Seated along the western mountain pass, the compound was protected by the rough terrain surrounding it as well as thick stone walls that ran the length of the entire complex. The buildings rose above the clouds, stark white and as regal as the one who owned them.
She tightened her hold on both Rin and A-Un as the dragon began his descent. Riding atop A-Un wasn't like being on Inuyasha's back or, for that matter, Kirara's. The dragon had been outfitted with a saddle, making the ride more comfortable. However, Kagome didn't recognize the nuisances of riding the demon.
She'd grown familiar with how Inuyasha's body shifted before a sudden turn or how Kirara maneuvered when evading an attack. She had no such insight with the dragon. So when he plunged down toward the courtyard, she let out a scream.
Her outburst woke Rin, who immediately began to wail. Jaken pressed his tiny hands to his pointy ears. Kagome noticed he wasn't the only one affected by the infant's cries. Sesshomaru was grimacing.
Kagome attempted to stifle Rin's bawling while still maintaining her hold on the reins. It was impossible to give her full attention to the child when the beast carrying them was landing.
She said a prayer to the Kamis the instant the dragon settled. Kagome had never acknowledged the merits of a car seat before but after that ride, she would never overlook them again.
"Come," Sesshomaru ordered, strolling toward the palace.
Jaken followed without question but Kagome glared at his retreating form. He was used to flying but she wasn't, especially not with a howling baby. For all his grace, he really needed to work on his manners.
Kagome was careful as she slipped off of A-Un, using one arm to steady herself and the other to hold Rin protectively against her chest. The little girl had quieted now that they were back on solid ground.
"Thanks," Kagome told the dragon, pausing to scratch his left head behind the ears. Of course, the gesture had to be repeated for the right one.
"Miko."
She glanced over her shoulder to find Sesshomaru waiting. He stood on a flight of stone steps leading up to the palace.
"Coming," she told him, hurrying to catch up.
From above, Kagome hadn't been able to make out the various levels of the compound. The tower and the palace sat at the top of the mountain. On the next plateau was a large courtyard, where Kagome found herself. Beneath that were several additional areas, each carved out for a specific purpose and each surrounded by stone. From her position in the courtyard, Kagome could make out a pond, stables, storehouses, an armory, and at the lowest level three pairs of gates.
Sesshomaru remained silent as he led her along a stone walkway to the entrance. Up close, Kagome could appreciate the fine craftsmanship of the palace. Everything, from the detailing on the roof to the etchings on the exterior walls, was a work of art. It was obvious the construction had taken a long time. With a home as beautiful as this, Kagome wondered why Sesshomaru chose to wander the countryside.
The inside was even more impressive. Hardwood floors and elegant bamboo furnishings greeted her. Kagome paused in the doorway, taking a moment to study the support beams which were nearly twice the size of her host. Rin was staring too. The infant appeared to be just as amazed as Kagome.
"Jaken."
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Prepare the nursery. I need to speak with the miko."
Sesshomaru dropped Kagome's backpack on the ground for his vassal to carry. The green imp cast an icy glare at Kagome before bowing his head. "Right away, master." He scuttled off, leaving Kagome alone with the demon lord.
He didn't command her again. He simply walked in the opposite direction, following the corridor to a staircase. Kagome trailed behind. They climbed to the sixth floor before he veered off. She tried to peek out of the barred windows, hoping to catch another glimpse of the complex from the new height but there was no time. Sesshomaru moved fast. Kagome didn't want to get lost on her first day.
He entered a large chamber with bamboo mats and decorative wall screens. They were adorned with images of the mountains and accented with gold leaf. She smiled, eyes tracing over the refined brushstrokes. Whoever had painted them had a steady hand and an even temper— at least she assumed they did. Sesshomaru couldn't have been an easy client to work for.
Rin reached out, trying to touch the wall. Kagome stepped back, preventing her little hands from making contact. "You're going to be trouble," she told the girl. "I can tell."
"I do not wish you to encourage her poor behavior," Sesshomaru stated flatly.
Kagome's brow furrowed. "She's a baby. Most of her behavior is going to seem bad to you."
"Do not misunderstand your purpose here, miko. I have requested your assistance in caring for my ward. I do not seek your opinion."
She rolled her eyes. "If you aren't going to listen to me, then this isn't going to work."
"I will listen to pertinent information."
"This is pertinent information," Kagome insisted. "Rin isn't even six months old. I don't know what that means for yokai but for humans, it means she doesn't understand good or bad. Rin needs structure. In time, she'll recognize you and she'll begin to identify what makes you happy and what makes you mad. You need to be patient with her."
"When will that be?"
"Most children don't acknowledge the concept of right and wrong until they are over a year old. Many are closer to the age of two before they fully comprehend it," Kagome answered.
Sesshomaru considered her words for a moment, then he said, "We need to renegotiate the terms of our agreement."
Kagome's eyes widened. "What?"
"I am not well-versed in human needs and Jaken is ill-suited to be a caregiver. Until the child can function independently, I will require you to assist."
"But that could take years! Inuyasha will never—."
His gaze hardened. "Do not speak my brother's name here."
She shifted toward the doorway. "Here?"
He ignored her question. "I have requested additional time from you. What do you propose in return?"
Kagome stared at him. He couldn't be serious? She had to restore the Shikon Jewel. She didn't have time to play house with an indifferent demon. Her eyes lowered to Rin, who had fallen asleep once more.
But I can't leave her either, Kagome thought.
She chewed her lower lip, unsure of what to do. Maybe she could sneak out at night, take Rin with her, and meet up with the others. Inuyasha wouldn't be happy but Kagome knew Sango would help her— at least, she hoped she would.
Of course, there was still Naraku to worry about. What would she do with the baby if they were attacked? She couldn't hold Rin and fire her bow.
And what about the jewel? Hunting shards in the middle of the wilderness with a squalling baby wasn't ideal.
Kagome glanced around the chamber. Sesshomaru's palace was secure and well-protected. The only danger she knew of was the demon lord himself and he had already pledged to keep Rin safe. She sighed. There was no other choice.
"I can't stay here. I need to be able to go home, at least once every other week, and I need to be able to keep helping my friends search for the Shikon Jewel. Naraku isn't waiting. We can't either," Kagome told him.
She waited for Sesshomaru to reject her ask. He hadn't shown any interest in the jewel shards recently. His only wish was to obtain the Tetsusaiga. He probably didn't care about their fight. Naraku hadn't wronged him the way he had Inuyasha.
"A-Un will take you home once a fortnight. I will permit you to be gone for two days. Is that agreeable?"
Kagome nodded, too stunned for words.
"The jewel is yours to protect. While your efforts have been appalling, I respect your dedication. I will keep my word and assist you in collecting the remaining shards, on one condition."
Kagome held her breath, worried about what he would say.
"Once restored, the jewel will not be used to fulfill the half-breed's selfish wish."
"But—."
"These are my terms."
She wanted to scream at him, tell him he was being unfair. Sesshomaru didn't understand how Inuyasha had suffered. How could he? He'd been born a full demon, never wondering who he was or where he belonged. Inuyasha had lived on the outskirts of society, not human and not a demon but a bit of both— feared by all and loved by none.
Well, except Kikyo.
Kagome's gaze dropped to the floor. The reminder of why she had left caused her heart to ache. Her eyes burned with tears but she held them back. She wouldn't cry in front of Sesshomaru. He wasn't a friend. He didn't get to see her fall apart.
"Alright," Kagome agreed. "Deal."
It had been simple. Procuring the miko's assistance required very little effort. He was surprised how easily she accepted his terms. The demands she made in return were minor setbacks, though not substantial enough to cause concern.
The idea of spending time around the half-breed was unpleasant but it would ensure he kept an eye on the miko. Inuyasha's sole opportunity to become a full-fledged demon was no more. Joining the miko's group also provided Sesshomaru a chance to acquire Tetsusaiga. He was pleased.
"Lord Sesshomaru, you're smiling," Jaken observed, scurrying backward.
"Have you seen to the nursery?" he inquired.
"Yes, m'lord."
"Good."
Sesshomaru descended to the fourth floor where the guest quarters were located.
It had been months since he had last visited the palace. Each trip took him further than the previous one. Whether he chose his battles intentionally or not was yet to be seen. Either way, his absence had not been felt. The attendants knew what was expected of them— and what would occur if they did not fulfill their duties.
The fourth floor had been vacant for nearly two hundred years. That was the last time his mother had lived at the palace. He had been a pup then, though his age had not stopped him from understanding. His father's infidelity had changed more than one life.
Toga's choice had not been a mere moment of weakness. His decision to be with Izayoi forced Sesshomaru's mother from their home and him along with her. They'd left the Western Palace, the home Toga had built for his mate. She had refused to stay in the house, calling it and Toga's promise to her a sham. Upon his death, the property passed to Sesshomaru.
He had not considered the palace home in over a millennium. Though secure, it held no peace for him. The empty halls only served as a reminder of his childhood and the version of his father which had been destroyed on that fateful day.
Living amongst the clouds, in his mother's ancestral home, was not an option either. Arisu was the descendant of the second inu-daiyokai line. Upon mating with Toga, their houses had been joined, offering Sesshomaru as heir to both.
It was a role he had never asked for and did not want. Despite his mother's wishes, Sesshomaru chose a life away from the courts. Bureaucracy was the root cause of his parent's separation. Toga may have been unfaithful but their union had never been a satisfying match. The courts had decided their lives for them. Sesshomaru refused to allow them the same control over him.
Distance was his preferred method of dealing with the past. He did not seek out his mother and she was wise enough to do the same in regards to him. In fact, Sesshomaru could not recall the last time he had seen Arisu. He did not make a habit of communicating with her, lest she misunderstand his intentions.
"Here we are, Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken announced, pausing by a wide doorway.
"Dismissed," he commanded the imp.
His yellow eyes bulged in surprise but he did not argue. Sesshomaru watched the imp's squat green body hurry down the hallway. He stepped inside the room.
The miko was kneeling over her yellow pack while the baby laid on a cloth blanket next to her.
"I know it's in here somewhere," the girl muttered to herself.
"If you require supplies, one of the attendants can see to it," he told her.
He could smell irritation cloud her scent. Normally, she had a pleasant aroma of citrus and vanilla, with a hint of jasmine. When her mood darkened, however, her scent became less pleasing. It was similar to the change of the forest after a fire swept through, charring bark and burning grass.
"I can get them myself," the miko retorted, not turning to face him.
His inner beast snarled. No one spoke to him with such disdain. Their agreement did not allow her to ignore social etiquette. She owed him her gratitude and respect.
"You forget yourself," Sesshomaru growled. "Your purpose here is the same as theirs. You serve me."
The miko stood up, hands clenched at her sides as she spun around. "I don't serve anyone," she spat. "You asked for my help. I agreed. That doesn't mean you get to be rude."
His eyes narrowed. "I will treat you as I see fit. These are my lands and all here are under my command."
"Not me."
"You and I have an arrangement. Until it is completed, you will operate under the same rules as the others," Sesshomaru replied.
"That wasn't part of our deal," the miko retorted.
"While you are here, you will conduct yourself in a manner fitting of a human," he said.
She crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at him defiantly. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means, miko, that you do not address me so informally. And your manner of dress," he paused as his eyes trailed down her bare legs, "needs to be remedied."
"This is my school uniform!"
"It is unacceptable."
"I don't have anything else," she returned.
"I will see to it that you are given proper attire as well as etiquette lessons, as your manners are lacking."
"My manners!" the miko shouted indignantly. "You could use a healthy dose of lessons yourself. For someone who is supposed to be so refined, you are a grade-A jerk!"
"Excuse me?"
"You can't just go around ordering people to do whatever. I mean, you don't even say please or thank you. What kind of manners are those?"
"Pleasantries are not required when speaking to lesser beings," he informed her.
Flames ignited in her blue eyes and he felt her reiki spark around her. "Lesser beings? Listen here, you idiot, being a human doesn't make me any less deserving of respect than you. You should be nice to everyone, even Jaken."
He scoffed. The miko was naive. Her understanding of the world was skewed from the time she'd spent around the half-breed.
"Maybe that's why you don't have any friends. Did you ever consider that?" she went on. "If you keep treating people like you own them, no one is ever going to choose you because they like you. They're only loyal to you because they are afraid."
"They should be."
She rolled her eyes. "Is that all you are about? Being feared? Because if it is, great! You've done your job. Everyone around you is terrified."
"Not everyone," Sesshomaru pointed out.
She ignored his remark. "I feel sorry for you. The path you're walking down is a lonely one." The miko shook her head and resumed searching through her bag.
He stared at her while she worked. Somewhere between reprimanding her and preparing to throw her out, the tables had turned. There was something strangely thrilling about having her oppose him. He was unclear how to handle it— perhaps because so few ever did.
Sesshomaru wondered how to handle the miko. When no answer presented itself, he simply let her be. He would figure it out by morning.
Kagome was fuming. Why did all the men in her life want her to be someone she wasn't? Gramps wanted her to pay attention to his history lessons, even if they were exaggerated for the tourists. Inuyasha wanted her to be Kikyo. Hojo wanted her to be his girlfriend. Koga wanted to own her. And now there was Sesshomaru, who wanted her to be his servant.
Well, Kagome had had enough.
She was a person, not property and not some puppet for them to command. She was tired of everyone trying to force her to conform to their expectations. Didn't they realize she had her own wants? Her own needs?
Bunch of jerks, she thought irritably as she pulled out the containers of formula.
Rin watched her movements only half-interested. She rolled side to side on her back, grinning when she managed to make it from one side to the other. Kagome smiled. It was hard to stay mad with such a cute baby lying next to her.
"You're not going to grow up with that grump," Kagome declared. "Not if I can help it."
"Oh no," she cried defeatedly. She still had Kaede and Sayo's gifts. Kagome had forgotten to hand them over before she left. It wasn't my fault, she thought testily. Sesshomaru wouldn't give me my bag back.
The two necklaces Kaede had given her were nestled in the corner. Kagome set them aside. She'd imbue one with her spiritual powers for Rin later. There was no way she was leaving the baby in the Feudal Era when she returned home. Gramps and Sota would just have to deal with it.
Kagome continued to dig through her bag. I was sure I packed it. I wouldn't have left home without — "Ah ha!" she cheered, withdrawing her sweatshirt.
Kagome smoothed it out flat on the floor and began folding the fabric. If her plan was going to work, she needed both hands free.