Chapter 22: Parachute
Sesshomaru eyed the growing crowd of villagers. Their expressions were different from the last time he had visited. Though he could still scent apprehension in the air, the humans were curious, especially the children.
One boy— Sesshomaru believed he was about Shippo's age —approached the fox demon. His head was tilted in curiosity as he stared at the monochromatic ball the kitsune was kicking back and forth with A-Un.
"Whatcha doing?" the child inquired.
Shippo paused, glancing over his shoulder. He grinned and rolled the ball over to the boy. "It's called soccer. Wanna play?"
The villager gazed up at Sesshomaru. "Uh..."
"Can we, Sesshomaru?" Shippo asked. "At least until Kagome gets back?"
"You may," he returned.
The boy mumbled an incoherent response before bowing his head. Sesshomaru watched as Shippo led the child past him. They headed toward the river, where they had space to parry the ball back and forth. It took a few attempts before the two obtained an even flow. Sesshomaru listened to Shippo instruct the human boy. He was certainly making vast improvements— and not just in his training.
The ability to mentor was a valuable skill. Shippo was immature but in time his youthful impatience would wane and he would develop into a fine kitsune. He was already displaying signs of refinement. Seeing how quickly he had adapted from Kagome's time to the village was a testament to that. When the time came, Sesshomaru was certain Shippo would achieve all his ranks.
"Hello there," a voice interrupted his thoughts.
Sesshomaru found a woman standing across from him. She looked familiar, though he could not recall her name.
"I'm Sayo, one of Kagome's friends," she introduced herself. "I wanted to come over and check on Rin."
Wordlessly, Sesshomaru angled his arm so the woman could see his ward. Rin's wide brown eyes shifted from his face to Sayo's. The spit bubble she'd been blowing popped. She cooed and started making another, which resulted in a pool of drool streaming down both sides of her mouth.
Sayo laughed. "She seems comfortable with you."
"Rin recognizes her pack," Sesshomaru responded.
"I'm glad she found a home. When Kagome brought her here, I was worried she wouldn't survive. She was weak from being undernourished. Not many infants recover from such a state. I tried to feed her but the only one she'd let near her was Kagome," Sayo explained.
"She has good instincts," Sesshomaru remarked.
The village woman appeared to take offense to his observation. She pursed her lips and scanned the river until her eyes fell upon Shippo. Sayo's opinion of him was of no concern but if she interfered with Kagome or the pups in any way, he would retaliate.
"The kit is also part of our pack. Like my ward, he has the full protection of the Western Lands," Sesshomaru informed her.
His warning was abundantly clear. The woman's expression immediately changed.
"You've accepted Shippo as one of your own?"
She seemed surprised by this. Sesshomaru was aware his decisions as of late were perplexing, especially to those who knew his reputation, yet he was unprepared to defend his choice. His mother's opinion was one thing. She viewed his decision as an act of defiance. Having to justify his choice to a human was unexpected so he merely stated the truth.
"I have."
Sayo's face softened. "That must have made Kagome happy. She's always been fond of him."
"Indeed," Sesshomaru agreed.
They lapsed into silence for a time. Sesshomaru was unbothered by the lack of conversation but he smelled increased anxiousness in the village woman's scent. He was uncertain why she felt the need to speak with him. No others had approached. Despite Kagome's choice, they remained wary of him.
"If you or your dragon are thirsty from your travels, I can provide a jug of fresh water," Sayo offered.
"We are fine. Thank you," he declined, his gaze returning to Shippo and the kit's new friend.
"I suppose we'll have to start working on a trousseau for Kagome."
Sesshomaru blinked, his focus shifting back to the villager.
"She'll be the new Lady of the West, will she not?" Sayo asked.
"That is her decision to make. Should she accept, it will be her news to share when she is ready and with whom she sees fit," Sesshomaru replied.
Sayo bowed her head. "Of course. I shall take my leave. Thank you for your time, my lord."
Sesshomaru stared at her as she strolled away, wondering if the woman had approached him in an attempt to earn favor. Kagome was not concerned with his wealth or power. She was one of a select few unaffected by the luxuries of his title. Others— humans and demons alike —regularly sought to gain such things. They equated riches and control with happiness. At one time, Sesshomaru had too.
That had all changed.
During their visit to the future, he had discussed marital customs with Kagome's mother. A few traditions were similar to his own but the majority were different. For instance, the exchanging of rings was a foreign concept to him. When Kagome's mother showed him the gold band on her finger, Sesshomaru had been confused by its purpose. Then she explained that Kagome's late father had given it to her as a symbol of his eternal love and devotion.
Sesshomaru knew of individuals who decorated themselves in fine jewels and expensive metals. He had never found the practice appealing. Such an extravagant display only served two purposes— to flaunt the demon's wealth or to misdirect attention away from a flaw. In his experience, both applied to many at court. However, if tradition dictated that Sesshomaru provide Kagome with a ring, he would.
Totosai came to mind but the eccentric demon was difficult to manage. Sesshomaru did not have the luxury of tracking the old man across the country. No, he would require a more dependable solution.
"Hey, Sesshomaru, watch this!"
Down by the river, Shippo was surrounded by a dozen village children. They had divided themselves into two teams and were in the process of chasing after the soccer ball. Just as he glanced over, Shippo gave it a swift kick.
The ball went shooting across the dirt, before rolling between a pair of water barrels. Shippo beamed with pride as the children around him cheered. Sesshomaru moved closer so he could observe the game.
They were carefree. There was no finesse to their movements. The children chased after the ball in a horde, each attempting to kick it. Initially, Shippo tried to guide them but soon gave into the chaos. He forgot about the rules of the game to run around with the villagers.
Sesshomaru sighed. The kit required a lesson on perseverance.
And, yet, as Sesshomaru watched them race around in the dirt, he realized their unstructured days —their free nature— was something he had never experienced. His childhood had been a coordinated set of affairs from the education he received to the training he partook in. There had never been the opportunity for something as simple as fun. He would not make the same mistake with his pack. Their pups would have everything.
Kagome appeared at his side. When she noticed the kitsune playing with the other children, she smiled. "They look like they're having fun."
"Indeed."
"And you, are you having fun too, Rin?" she asked, turning to the infant.
His ward lifted her arms and reached for her.
"You're a mess," Kagome observed with a laugh. She went to A-Un saddlebag, retrieving a fresh cloth.
As she wiped Rin's face clean, Sesshomaru inquired about her discussion with the elderly miko. "Did you obtain the answers you required?"
"No, but that doesn't mean it's not possible," Kagome answered, dabbing at Rin's cheeks.
"What is not possible?"
Her ministrations halted.
"Nothing," she replied hastily. "Just something I was curious about."
"Kagome."
Her shoulders slumped forward. "I asked Kaede about healing your arm. I mean...it's my fault you lost it in the first place and—."
"Stop," he commanded. She froze, raising her blue eyes to meet his gold ones. "The blame does not lie with you. You do not need to take responsibility for it."
"Maybe not but I want to help. If there's a way for me to restore your arm, I have to try," Kagome insisted. Then, quieter, she added, "I wanted it to be a surprise."
"I am certain the miko told you how our energies work. It is simply not done," Sesshomaru informed her.
"I don't believe that," Kagome retorted. "You said so yourself— things used to be different between humans and youkai. That means I should be able to control how my powers affect you. If I intend to heal instead of harm, shouldn't that count for something?"
Her stubbornness was undeniable. She would not be swayed; not by him, not by the elderly miko, not even by the laws of their world. Kagome was convinced she could discover a solution. Sesshomaru could not find it in himself to dissuade her.
"If this is your wish, I'll assist you in any way I can," he vowed.
"Maybe we can find something in the library?" Kagome suggested, taking Rin from the crook of his arm.
"I doubt there are any scrolls on priestesses," he remarked.
"Would your mother know?" Kagome asked.
He frowned. Sesshomaru had no desire to speak with his mother about the matter of his arm— or any other developments that had taken place. "It is possible, though unlikely. You are familiar with her position on humans."
"Good point," she agreed.
"Hey, Kagome, look! We're playing soccer," the kitsune called over.
She waved at him. "That's great, Shippo."
"Can we stay here for a bit?"
"Not today," Kagome told him. "Why don't you finish up? Rin will need to be fed soon. We should start heading home."
Sesshomaru swelled with pride. Amidst all the unknowns that were before them, at least one thing remained true. He had his pack and, to him, that was home.
"Again."
Kagome was panting. Her throat was raw from each gulp of air that she took. Sweat drenched her clothes and had her hair sticking to the back of her neck. Her hands were on her knees and she was hunched over, glaring up at the Lord of the Western Lands. She was beginning to regret asking him not to go easy on her.
They had started training right after they returned to the palace. Sesshomaru ran through drills with Shippo while Kagome fed Rin. She could already see an improvement in the fox's skills. In the few days that Sesshomaru had devoted to training Shippo, the kitsune had managed to enhance his illusions and maintain his foxfire. It was endearing to watch them together.
Kagome had always known Sesshomaru was an expert swordsman but she had rarely seen him operate with such care. There was a difference between patience born of a strategic need versus the composure required to manage a developing child— or in Shippo's case, kit.
Sesshomaru was gentle in his critiques and never faulted Shippo for his failed attempts to succeed. He was calm, even when Shippo accidentally set one of the courtyard shrubs on fire. He didn't yell or bully the kitsune. Sesshomaru acted the way Kagome would expect a father to— eager yet quietly proud.
She only wished that same behavior applied to her.
"You're favoring your right side," he observed. "Make sure to maintain your stance. You cannot afford to be thrown off."
Kagome sighed.
The only thing more frustrating than being scolded by Sesshomaru was the fact that he was right. She wasn't focused on sparring. Her mind kept replaying their conversation about his arm. Kagome couldn't help but wonder if her ability to heal him was connected to the rift between humans and demons.
"Do not waste your energy, Sesshomaru. The human is far too weak to fight. She will die before she steps foot on a battlefield," Arisu commented from somewhere behind Kagome.
Sesshomaru's mother wasn't happy about their impromptu trip. She made that quite clear the moment they arrived, berating Kagome for canceling on her and then proceeding to pick apart her outfit.
Sesshomaru had ordered her to return to the guest wing. Kagome was the one who suggested Arisu stay. There was only one way to prove herself to the demoness. Kagome was going to beat Sesshomaru.
Or at least, that had been her plan.
Kagome hadn't realized how out of shape she was until she hit the ground. The first time Sesshomaru knocked her backward, Kagome had managed to recover her balance. She hadn't fallen. The next time, she wouldn't be so lucky.
The taste of dirt was fresh in her mouth, almost as fresh as the bruise to her pride. Kagome wiped her face clean and adjusted her stance. If she could stand up to Naraku, defying Arisu couldn't be that hard.
Right?
Sesshomaru came barreling toward her, his right arm raised. Kagome saw the glare of the sun highlight his claws a second before they swiped through the air between them. She sidestepped, ducking underneath and pivoting around to kick him behind his knee.
The impact had almost no effect on Sesshomaru as he spun around, grabbing for her. Kagome staggered, her arms windmilling at her sides as she tried to stay upright.
She couldn't.
Kagome landed on her rear, wincing not from pain but from embarrassment. She felt Arisu's cold gaze on her. Several meters away, Rin fussed. Ena rocked her, trying to calm the infant, while A-Un watched over them protectively. Shippo was seated on his back, watching Kagome's training. She couldn't show him how discouraged she was.
Or how Arisu's attitude was affecting her.
Pointedly ignoring the demoness, Kagome brushed herself off and tried again.
During the next pass, she did not think about her stance or what form to use to counter Sesshomaru's attack. He was too fast for her to use any of those anyway. Instead of fighting fire with fire, Kagome took a different approach.
While Sesshomaru charged, Kagome crouched low in her stance. She dug her feet into the ground and focused on her reiki. Right before Sesshomaru could run her over, Kagome raised her hands. A blast of energy shot out of her palms. The pinkish light was the exact same burst she used against Mistress Centipede back when she first arrived in the Feudal Era.
Her powers blocked Sesshomaru's advance, giving Kagome the opportunity to retrieve her bow.
She felt a bit guilty, considering they were meant to be training in hand-to-hand combat, but Sesshomaru had been encouraging her to adapt to her opponent. When it came to a demon like him, Kagome needed every advantage she could get. That included her bow.
Nocking an arrow, she faced Sesshomaru. He was nearly upon her. Kagome drew her hand back and let her arrow fly.
It sailed past him, brushing a few strands of silver-white hair as it went. Instantly, he froze. Their eyes connected. A second later, they heard a thud where the arrow had struck a tree.
"Well done," Sesshomaru said with a grin.
Kagome beamed.
Arisu feigned a yawn. "I fail to see what is impressive about the little miko's success. She ignored the rules of engagement by taking up her bow."
"Kagome adjusted her strategy to succeed," Sesshomaru explained.
"She shot an arrow that missed her intended target," Arisu returned, unimpressed.
"I didn't miss," Kagome insisted, her hand clenched around her bow.
Arisu arched a brow. "No?"
"This isn't a real fight. If it was, I would have hit the mark," Kagome told her.
"How can you be so confident in your abilities when all previous attempts have been unsuccessful?" Arisu challenged.
Kagome glares at the demoness. "Pick a target," she demanded. "Anything in the courtyard you want and I'll hit it."
Sesshomaru placed his hand on her shoulder— a silent show of support. Kagome kept her gaze on his mother, not missing the way her golden eyes flickered to the spot where her son's hand rested.
"Fine, little miko. If you insist on maintaining this charade, I will cooperate." Arisu stood. She scanned the courtyard for a moment before selecting the katsuogi at the top of the bathhouse.
"No problem," Kagome said, stepping away from Sesshomaru to get in position.
The ornamental element was crafted from cypress. Kagome was familIar with the durability of the wood. It was the same type of tree that was used to build her family's shrine. She knew it would hold up against her attack.
Kagome aimed, inhaled, and released her arrow. The projectile flew across the yard, landing in the center of the log. An expanse of pale pink light shone around the building, appearing like a giant bubble before it slowly faded away.
Smiling, Kagome turned around. Shippo cheered, Rin cooed, and A-Un snorted, which she took as a good sign. Arisu merely stared at her in disbelief.
"Told ya," Kagome said.
Sesshomaru chuckled as he placed his hand on her lower back. "I believe you have proved your point. We will end here for today."
"I want to go again. We only have a week. I need to keep practicing," she insisted.
"You have the necessary skills to succeed in battle. All you require now is the confidence to master them. In order to do that, you need to remain well-rested," Sesshomaru responded calmly as he guided her toward the children.
Kagome glanced up at him.
"We will resume tomorrow after breakfast," he added.
"Promise?"
"You have my word," Sesshomaru answered.
"Okay, then," she said with a grin.
"Does this mean we can play soccer now?" Shippo asked, jumping off of A-Un's back as they approached. He peered up at them hopefully.
Kagome chewed the inside of her cheek. They had been training for hours. The only break they had taken was for a modest lunch and then they got right back to it. Her limbs were sore. Her clothes were wrinkled and covered in dirt. Kagome could smell the sweat on her skin. Though she was glad Shippo enjoyed the sport, the only thing she wanted to do was bathe.
"Maybe tomorrow, Shippo. I'm beat."
Shippo's ears briefly flattened before he inclined his head toward Sesshomaru.
"Not tonight," the demon echoed Kagome's sentiment.
The kitsune sunk to the ground, his arms crossed in front of him as he pouted.
"Why don't you ask Akio and Dachi if they want to play?" Kagome suggested.
"But I wanted to play with you guys," Shippo whined.
"Tomorrow," Kagome repeated.
"Fine," he grumbled, glaring at the ground.
Sensing his distress, Rin began to cry. Instinctively, Kagome reached for her. Ena handed the infant over with an understanding smile.
"I can take the children inside while you visit the bathhouse, my lady," she offered while Kagome rocked Rin.
"Ena, you don't have to call me that. Kagome is fine," she reminded the lizard demoness.
Ena bowed her head. "Kagome."
"Thanks, but I think I'll take Rin with me. She needs to get cleaned up too," Kagome replied, noting the remnants of dried spit around Rin's cheeks.
"I will go inside with the kit," Sesshomaru announced.
Kagome noticed the way his gaze went to his mother. He still didn't trust her.
"A-Un, stand guard," Sesshomaru commanded the dragon.
The beast stood, one head fixated on his master while the other focused on Kagome and the baby.
"We won't be long," she told Sesshomaru.
"I will ensure Akio has your meal prepared for when you finish," he replied.
"Thanks." She planted a kiss on his cheek.
Arisu gasped.
Kagome glanced over at the demoness but before she could say anything, Sesshomaru was tilting her chin up. The chaste peck had startled his mother. The full lip-lock that followed incited an outburst.
"If you cannot adhere to proper etiquette, you will be dismissed from court," she seethed.
"So be it," Sesshomaru returned as he straightened up. "I have no desire to claim my father's seat there."
Arisu looked stunned. "Sesshomaru—."
He cut her off with terse words. "As I explained previously, you can make peace with my decision or you can leave."
Kagome watched as he took Shippo by the hand and proceeded inside. Ena bowed to his mother, then followed. Arisu stared after them, too stunned for words.
Once they had entered the castle, she turned to Kagome. "It seems your hold over my son is stronger than I anticipated. I knew he was not interested in court, but to refuse his birthright..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "He has lost his way."
"Sesshomaru isn't lost," Kagome snapped. "He just doesn't want Rin and Shippo to grow up all alone the way he did."
Arisu's eyes widened.
"Maybe if you stopped caring so much about appearances and started caring about what really matters, you'd get that."
The demoness took a step toward Kagome. "You think because you've lived here for a time, raising those pups, that you understand all I've done? All I've sacrificed? You know nothing, little miko."
"I know that you left him!" Kagome retorted angrily. Before Arisu could respond, Rin began to cry. Kagome instantly scolded herself for getting caught up in the moment. "Shhhh, Rin. It's okay. It's alright. I've got you. You're fine," she consoled the infant as she began to rock her.
Sesshomaru's mother approached them. When she got too close, A-Un appeared. Both of the dragon's heads focused on the demoness while he shielded Kagome and Rin with his body.
"Until tea then," Arisu told Kagome.
She nodded and went into the bathhouse. Right now, her priority was Rin. She'd deal with Arisu later.
Sesshomaru sat in the palace library, scanning through his father's private scrolls. Touga had an extensive collection with topics ranging from agricultural trends across his provinces to combat forms and clan traditions. Despite the variety, Sesshomaru had yet to uncover a single piece of parchment on the Higurashi shrine or Midoriko.
There was barely any mention of humans, other than as residents of the Western Lands. Their occupations were not listed unless they held value such as farmers and traders. Sesshomaru considered a priestess to be worth noting. Apparently, his father had not agreed.
The lack of information was troubling, though not as distressing as Kagome's mood. She had been uncharacteristically quiet since returning from the bathhouse.
Sesshomaru watched as she sorted through the pile of scrolls between them. Her lower lip was caught between her teeth and her brow creased in concentration. The expression alone was not concerning but rather the stiff way she held herself. He scented agitation and worry.
Setting aside the scroll, he inquired, "What troubles you?"
Kagome's shoulders drooped as she sighed. "I'm starting to think your mother won't ever accept me. I could be the most powerful priestess in the world but it would never be enough because I'm human."
"Her inability to see your worth is not your failing. It is hers," Sesshomaru told Kagome. "My mother has always placed pride and propriety above all else. There are consequences to such a path."
"Like what?" Kagome asked.
"Forsaking those you love," he answered.
Her eyes widened. "But you said their mating was political."
"It began that way, however, my mother developed a connection with my father. She did not realize how she felt until it was too late."
"That's awful," Kagome said.
"She chose the court over him. It should not have come as a surprise that he chose another over her," Sesshomaru returned.
"Still, your mother must have been devastated. I can't imagine how lonely she must have been after...well, that."
"Perhaps, yet she never cared to reconnect with me— not until her position of power was at risk." Sesshomaru frowned. "If she chooses to ignore the lesson, she only has herself to blame."
Kagome slid her hand over his. "Sesshomaru, she's your mother. Don't you want her in your life? In the kids' lives?"
"They will not experience childhood the way I did. They will have us, our attendants, and each other. They will not be alone," he explained.
"But your mother will be," Kagome pointed out. "Don't you think she deserves another chance at having a family?"
"No."
She gasped. "Sesshomaru, you don't mean that."
"I do. She is undeserving of your compassion, yet you insist on giving it anyway. It is the same with Inuyasha. They continue to hurt you but you never turn them away. Why?" Sesshomaru questioned.
Kagome squeezed his hand. "It's not like I don't care. I do. I get mad about it. I've thought about firing a couple of arrows at her but what would that solve? Would it make me feel any better to hurt her? And if it did, what does that make me? Then I'd be no better than Naraku."
Sesshomaru growled. "You are nothing like that half-breed."
"That's because I chose not to be. Every day, I decide to be kind. It's not always easy but it's worth it. I like helping people and I can't do that if I let myself be dragged down by ugly feelings. I'd rather be happy," Kagome said.
Placing his personal feelings before his objectives was a relatively new concept. Before meeting Kagome, Sesshomaru had rarely considered such sentiments. He viewed the world as a game of Shogi. There were risks to be weighed, strategies to develop, and plans to be executed. Feelings played no part in his decisions. Everything was a calculated move toward his objective.
That had once been power, control, domination. Now, Sesshomaru's sole concern was his pack. And the woman who had given it to him.
"You should give your mother a chance," Kagome encouraged.
"Very well," he conceded.
She grinned over at him, giving his hand another squeeze. "Let's have a picnic tomorrow. After training, we can all have lunch together in the courtyard. What do you think?"
"I will agree to your terms if you agree to mine," Sesshomaru prompted, smirking.
Kagome tilted her head. "What terms?"
He released her hand in favor of snaking his arm around her waist to pull her into his lap. "Tomorrow morning, you let Ena care for the pups while we spar. Then, once I win, we bathe together."
Author's Note: I feel terrible that it's taken this long to update. Thank you to everyone who was patient enough to wait for me to get back to this story. Your support means a lot to me. Special thanks to EchoHuntress and spoogysprouts for betaing.