Another chapter! YAY! I would've posted sooner, but I didn't have access to
a computer before now. I hope you guys like it! More reviews, the sooner I
post!
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Sesshomaru sat on the edge of the bed with Kagome leaning against him, her head on his shoulder. He knew she needed rest, rest without being disturbed by that demon spirit. "Kagome." Sesshomaru said quietly. He barely felt her glance up. "You need to sleep." He felt her shudder then tense up.
"I won't leave you. You've been through a lot and you need to rest." Sesshomaru stated more firmly, pulling away from her and gently pushed her down. Kagome didn't want to sleep, knowing Ventaru could strike while she was sleeping.
"But Ventaru could possess you while I'm sleeping." Kagome muttered, fighting to keep her eyes open.
Sesshomaru looked down at her, not allowing a small smile to grace his lips. "I believe I am strong enough to prevent that now that I know what it is I will have to watch out for. Sleep, I'll protect you."Sesshomaru eased her concerns. She snuggled into the blankets, allowing him to have her trust, and was out in a minute.
'I have to tell Derenti. Only his mental powers are stronger then mine and I can't do this alone.' Sesshomaru admitted to himself. He quickly called a servant to retrieve the dragon TaiYoukai.
X'ith scowled. "The Miko told the TaiYoukai." he rumbled to the Dark Council. Ventaru had witnessed the whole conversation, keeping enough distance so the Inu Youkai would not sense him.
"Going to see the Miko was a mistake." Councilor Velgrath screeched, his light blue eyes flashing as little sparks crackled around his dark form.
Every Councilor, all six, were demon spirits. X'ith was the unofficial leader, too strong for anyone to disagree with his claim. Each demon also possessed a different element, depending on their eye color.
X'ith glared at the lighting demon spirit, fire wiping off of his body as his anger rose. "The choice was made to break her trust." X'ith explained.
"To break her trust with the Tai Youkai!" Velgrath growled, lightening crackling around him. "He and that Dragon Youkai are the only ones Ventaru can't possess! And now they have been warned!"
X'ith slammed a clawed fist on the black marble table. "The TaiYoukai will protect her, yes, but he can't be with her all the time."X'ith explained, then smiled, showing long, curving red fangs. "Besides, our little Youkai will receive a surprise soon."
Velgrath's mood greatly improved, the lightening dying around him. "And what, my Lord of Darkness, is this surprise?"
"You forget, Velgrath, that the TaiYoukai's father is dead."X'ith crackled, and then looked around the black table, his gaze stopping on a black figure with dark blue flames for eyes.
"You do not have enough power to send me." Inu Taishou hissed back, dark blue fangs easily seen as he spoke.
"I do not have enough power to send more then one creature through to the surface world. If I were to call back Ventaru, then I could send you." X'ith said, straightening. "Councilor Inu Taishou, you have four days to prepare for the surface world."
Inu Taishou didn't argue, he simply stood then stalked out of the dark room. Once Inu Taishou was gone, X'ith crackled. "What do you think the little Tai Youkia will do when he finds his father in his house?"
Derenti received the summons from Sesshomaru and went to see him as soon as he was able. Something was wrong, he knew it. Sesshomaru normally didn't summon the other Lords; he had more respect than that.
Derenti knocked on the door, followed by it immediately opening. "Sesshomaru?" the dragon Youkai asked, seeing Sesshomaru standing by a window.
"We need to talk, Derenti. I just found out some interesting information from Kagome." Sesshomaru stated, turning to look at the confused Dragon TaiYoukai.
"And what would that be?" Derenti asked, crossing his massive arms. Derenti felt Sesshomaru create a shield around the room, keeping noise and smells from escaping. This further pricked Derenti's interest. "Are you sure the other Lord's should not hear this? They would be angry if we were conferring in secret."
"This is something that needs to be secret. You cannot tell anyone." Sesshomaru stated firmly. Derenti knew not to argue with the iron in his gaze.
"Hai, Sesshomaru. Now tell me what is so important." Derenti agreed, his curiosity snagged.
"I know who killed Akina and I know who attacked Ventai." Sesshomaru stated, watching Derenti closely. He wouldn't tell the dragon if he flew into a rage.
The red in his eyes showed the only indication that Derenti was mad. "And who might this person be?" Derenti growled, barely containing his fury. He knew that if he reacted now, Sesshomaru wouldn't tell him.
"Can you control yourself?" Sesshomaru asked impassively.
"Of coarse." Derenti fought back a snarl. This Youkai knew who had attacked his mate and yet he didn't say.
"It is a demon spirit, from below. It is able to possess demons." Sesshomaru stated, tensing incase he would have to restrain Derenti. Derenti let this information filter.
"That was why my Guardian blacked out. He was possessed." Derenti stated, knowing it was true.
"Yes." Sesshomaru stated. They were both interrupted with a knock at the door. Checking to make sure Kagome was still sleeping, Sesshomaru walked over to the door and opened it.
Reshki stood there, and he didn't look happy. "You have someone here to see you, Lord Sesshomaru." Reshki stated, scowling slightly.
"Who?" Sesshomaru asked. 'All the Lords are here, who would approach at a time like this?' he thought, slightly irritated.
"Your brother." Reshki replied sharply.
Sesshomaru's surprise was complete. He allowed a slight frown to claim his lips. "And what, pray tell, does my brother want?" Sesshomaru asked.
Reshki looked at Sesshomaru, as if looking for something, before answering, "He says he will not leave without Kagome." Sesshomaru couldn't stop the scowl that claimed his face, nor the anger that flashed in his eyes.
"Tell my brother that he may see her. But not now. She is resting." Sesshomaru muttered. Reshki was taken aback by this. Normally Sesshomaru would've just had Kari, Reshki, or Roku chase him off.
"Yes, my Lord." Reshki bowed, and then left to do his Lord's bidding.
Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had arrived when they were no sooner greeted by a panther demon. From the dark looks Inuyasha and the Youkai shared, Sango knew these two weren't friends.
"What do you want, Hanyou?" the panther sneered, scowling.
"My brother has taken someone. Kagome. We are here to take her back." Inuyasha declared, wanting nothing more then to cut Reshki to pieces.
"Leave, Hanyou. Lord Sesshomaru has no time for the likes of you." the Neko Youkai growled, but stood relaxed. 'He must be confidant.' Sango thought.
"Please, if you know where Kagome is, tell her Shippo is out here!" Shippo cried and Sango had to hold him to keep him from jumping at the panther Youkai.
The panther demon looked at the worried Kitsune, then sighed."Fine, I will tell Lord Sesshomaru of your appearance. I can promise no more." With that, he turned and left.
"Reshki! I'm not leaving without her!" Inuyasha called to the retreating form in anger.
After a couple of moments, Reshki returned to them, scowling. The Guardian Kari walked behind him, looking just as annoyed at Inuyasha's appearance as Reshki. "Come. We are to give you rooms in the Palace. Lady Kagome is resting at the moment." Reshki forced the formalities.
Neither Kari nor Reshki liked Inuyasha. He was to reckless and hot headed. Reshki didn't like him for his attitude, but Kari was worried slightly. She knew Kagome used to have feelings for the Hanyou, she had heard her talk about him. She wasn't sure if she did any more, and she prayed that answer was no.
They both led Inuyasha and his company to the opposite guest wing as Kagome. They gave Inuyasha and the Monk the same room, while the demon exterminator and the kitsune shared a room. "Call a servant if you need anything." Kari stated impassively, before turning to leave them four standing in the middle of the hall.
"Well, that was a warm welcome." Sango muttered under her breath, watching the retreating Youkai forms down the hall.
"Feh, my brother is not known for his hospitality." Inuyasha grumbled, walking into his room.
After a couple of hours, a servant was sent to retrieve Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Inuyasha. "My Lord will see you now." was the only thing the servant had and needed to say. With that, they all followed, eager to see their friend after so long.
After taking them down many hallways, the servant opened a door, allowing them inside. Sesshomaru, tall and regal, was the first thing Sango saw when she walked in. After glancing about the room, she found Kagome sitting on the edge of the bed, smiling.
"Sango! Miroku! Shippo!" Kagome launched herself at them. Shippo met her in mid step, clinging to her. She hugged all of them and couldn't help but smile.
"Kagome!" Shippo cried into her stomach, a death grip on her kimono.
After looking at each one in turn, her gaze fell on Inuyasha, standing by the door. His face, for once, was completely un readable. He looked from Kagome to his brother, who watched her carefully. 'What the hell?' Inuyasha thought, crossing his arms and deciding it would be best to keep his comments to himself for once.
Seeing him cross his arms, Kagome figured he didn't want to talk to her. She turned her attention back to her other friends. "How have you been, Kagome?" Sango smiled as she asked. She cast a worried glance over Kagome's shoulder to Sesshomaru, who had yet to say anything.
"I have been wonderful! And you? How have you been, my friend?" Kagome replied, still holding Shippo.
"It has been trying since you.... left?" Sango added to the last part, unsure if she had been kidnapped or had come willingly. The latter seemed impossible, so Sango took it as Kagome was a prisoner.
Kagome chose to ignore the question part of Sango's answer. She didn't want to go into detail. "And you, Miroku. Have you been staying out of trouble?" Kagome asked happily.
"I am shocked, Lady Kagome, that you would think me capable of trouble." Miroku smiled and clasped her in a warm hug. Sango shot him a warning glare when his hand began to wonder.
While Miroku was too busy laughing, Sango would've sworn she heard Sesshomaru growl. Sango glanced at him out of the corner of her eye when Miroku and Kagome ended the hug. His eyes had narrowed slightly, but that was the only indication he had indeed growled. 'I'll have to ask Kagome about him later. Until then, I best keep Miroku out of trouble.' Sango thought, sighing at the hentai nature of the monk.
"What are all of you guys doing here?" Kagome asked happily, looking to each one in turn.
"We were worried when you ran away from Inuyasha that day. We went to look for you but only found your bow and left over arrows. Inuyasha didn't find any scent so we didn't know what to think. Eventually we just picked a direction and I'm glad we picked right." Sango explained, watching Kagome when she mentioned the day Inuyasha had hurt her. To Sango's surprise, Kagome's happy attitude didn't falter.
"What luck!" Kagome commented, looking at Shippo in her arms. She chuckled softy when she realized he was asleep.
"And he has been worried sick." Sango stated, indicating the sleeping kitsune. This time Kagome did look sad.
"I probably should've tried to let you guys know where I was and that I was ok." she chided, frowning.
"Just be happy we found you, Lady Kagome." Miroku smiled encouragingly. Kagome forced a smile and nodded.
Sesshomaru had watched the whole conversation, determining Kagome's relationship with all of them. The demon exterminator was obviously a friend. The kitsune, well Sesshomaru wasn't sure what he was to Kagome. When the monk had first walked in and they had talked friendly, Sesshomaru thought maybe the monk and Kagome had something. But as he listened and watched, he realized they to, were just friends. When his gaze finally fell on his brother, he had to force down a growl. Inuyasha looked back at him, impassively.
Sesshomaru watched as Inuyasha broke their gaze to look at Kagome talking to her friends. 'I will have to watch you, dear brother.' Sesshomaru thought, narrowing his eyes slightly before looking to Kagome as well.
Kagome felt the gaze on her and turned to Sesshomaru. She couldn't help the warm smile that over came her. "I think you know who everyone is right?" Kagome asked, an arm wrapped securely around the Kitsune.
Sesshomaru simply nodded, his gaze flicking to his brother, who watched Kagome. Kagome glanced to her friends, saying, "And I'm pretty sure you guys know Inuyasha's brother, Sesshomaru."
Miroku looked to the impassive Demon Lord then back at Kagome, who gave Sesshomaru a warm look. 'Did something happen that I missed?' Miroku thought distantly. Sango seemed just as confused as he was. They all nodded.
Sesshomaru allowed his gaze to meet each of theirs in turn, before looking down at Kagome. "I will have to meet with the other Lords soon." He stated simply. Kagome looked thoughtful for a moment, before realizing what he meant.
"Hai, Sesshomaru." She smiled a small smile, before turning to her friends. "I guess we'll have to cut this meeting short, that is, until Sesshomaru is done with his meeting..." Kagome trailed off, looking back at Sesshomaru for confirmation. He barely nodded.
"Then we can get back together and talk some more." Kagome smiled widely.
Everyone was shocked when Inuyasha asked, "Why do you have to leave with Sesshomaru?"
Kagome looked slightly nervous. "Well you see there was this..."
Kagome was interrupted by Sesshomaru. "Because I require her presence." he stated, looking down at her. She was confused by his interruption, but chose not to question him in front of the others.
Miroku and Sango shared looks while the Hanyou scowled. Sesshomaru looked back to the humans and his brother. "I will have a servant escort you back to your rooms and we will come to you after the meeting."
As soon as his sentence was finished, a servant entered then led the others away. Kagome didn't look like she wanted to part with the kitsune and gave Sesshomaru a pleading look. He barely nod before sighing slightly. Miroku and Sango walked out followed by a scowling Inuyasha.
Once they were alone, Kagome looked at Sesshomaru, intent on asking him why he had interrupted her. "It would not be a good idea to tell them. Inuyasha is half demon so he can still be possessed. If you tell the humans, Ventaru might be forced to kill them to keep his secret safe." Sesshomaru explained before she had a chance to ask.
Kagome nodded in agreement, reluctantly. "Come." Sesshomaru stated, opening the door for her. She walked out then followed him wherever it was he was taking them.
'This will be an interesting meeting.' Sesshomaru thought, knowing the other Lords would not allow Kagome to attend. He took an unnoticeable deep breath, trying to come up with a reason Kagome must go in with him other than the truth.
Derenti was one of the first Lords in the Meeting Hall. His now healed mate, Ventai, sat beside him. She was her usual self, thank the gods. Derenti glanced at his mate. She had told him what she intended to tell the rest of the Lords. With the information Sesshomaru had told him and what his mate intended to tell where two completely different things, but he couldn't correct her. She wasn't supposed to know.
Derenti sat quietly as one by one, the other Lords filtered in. Sesshomaru would be last to be respectful, as always. 'What is he going to do with the Miko?' Derenti thought, seeing the last Lord and Lady take their seat. Then Sesshomaru entered, but not alone.
Derenti held his breath, knowing many would disagree to the human Miko attending the meeting. He heard his mate take a deep breath as well. Ventai liked Kagome, but even she knew this would not settle for the other Lords, especially Kouga and the others that had available sons.
"What is the human doing here?" Kouga was the first to start the argument, as always. Those two were always neck and neck.
Sesshomaru glared at him, then indicated he should take his seat. Kagome held her gaze down, showing proper respect to the other Lord's and Lady's. "I intend to court this female, so she may be present." Sesshomaru stated.
Everyone in the room grew silent with shock. 'Did...he just.... say...what?' Derenti's thoughts came jumbled, blinking and looking around to see if he had indeed heard right.
"What?" the shock was clearly plastered across Kouga's face.
"You heard me." Sesshomaru stated, taking his seat. Kagome sat slightly beside him, in her rightful spot. "Now, shall we proceed to more important matters?"
"Yes, that is right. We do have serious matters to attend to." Ventai agreed, knowing Sesshomaru would become violent if they continued on this topic.
And so the room was sealed off, preventing anything from getting in or out, noise or otherwise. Sesshomaru and Derenti barely spoke, knowing that they had the answer, but couldn't let the others know. Normally these two would be leading the discussion and this submittance to everyone did not go unnoticed by everyone. Though no one had the guts to question the two strongest Lords.
Ventai had told her recount of events and was one of the main speakers in this meeting. She often glanced to her mate to see him in distant thought, not even paying attention to this discussion. She would have to ask him later, he was usually not like this.
Kagome listened to the Lords and Ladys fight, keeping quiet. She was still trying to figure out what Sesshomaru had meant when he had walked in. She hadn't been truly paying attention and now scolded herself for drifting off. She allowed her gaze to rest on the side of his face available to her eyes. His face was blank, as always, but she could easily read his eyes. He was not paying attention either. He didn't need to, she knew. He knew the whole thing and she was pretty sure he had told the dragon Youkai.
The discussion ended rather quickly. Or it seemed quick. In reality, it had taken four hours and no one had come to agree on anything. Since Sesshomaru was the last one in, he was granted the respect to be the first one out. As he had promised, he led Kagome back to her friends, even though all he wanted to do was lay down with her in his arms.
A servant told him that they were all in the gardens, so he changed his course slightly. He was surprised when she came to walk beside him, smiling before looking ahead of her.
They both walked out into the garden. It was still late afternoon so the sun was still pretty high in the sky. Shippo ran from flower patch to flower patch, talking to no one in particular. Inuyasha sat under one of the weeping willow trees while Sango lay on her back on a soft patch of grass, looking up at the light, puffy white clouds while Miroku watched her while pretending to listen to Shippo. They all looked as if this was the first time they had rested in days.
Sesshomaru knew she would want some privacy so left her side to sit in one of the large trees, where he could still see her and faintly hear her.
"Sango." Kagome stated, sitting beside the demon exterminator. Sango looked her way, a relaxed look across her face.
"Hello Kagome. This garden is so peaceful." Sango commented, then smiled wider. "Who would've guessed that Sesshomaru would have a place like this."
Kagome chuckled lightly, agreeing with her friend. "Sesshomaru defiantly is not what he seems to be." she replied in a hush voice.
Sango got a serious face and sat up, locking Kagome's gaze with hers. "So what all has happened? Start from the beginning." Sango stated.
Kagome smiled, then nodded. "Well, after Inuyasha left me alone, I walked through the dark forest. I was still hurt from Naraku's wounds. Sesshomaru found me and Rin, his human ward I suppose, convinced him to bring me back. Then I healed within a couple of days. I met Kari and Reshki, two of his Guardians." Kagome explained then shrugged.
"But what about...well, you two?" Sango pressed, wanting answers. It had been bothering her since four hours ago.
Kagome sighed and forced a sad smile. "I'm not sure, Sango. We uh...." Kagome then blushed and looked away, suddenly interested in the ground beside her. "We uh, well I've kissed him. And we've, uh, slept in the same bed...a couple of times...and we've come close to...um..."
Sango blinked a couple of times, what Kagome said slowly sinking in. "WHAT!" she blurted when she realized what Kagome was talking about.
"Sango, shhh." Kagome stated, pressing a finger to her lips and looking around to see if any one noticed Sango's outburst. Inuyasha looked asleep, Miroku was entertaining Shippo and Sesshomaru was looking skyward.
"I can't believe that Kagome. With Sesshomaru? I thought you were a prisoner." Sango hissed, eyes wide in disbelief.
"I was, sort of, at first. But now, I really don't mind being here. In fact, I really like it here." Kagome muttered, again taking interest in the ground.
"This is Sesshomaru we're talking about. He's tried to kill all of us a dozen of times." Sango argued, shock still clearly plastered across her face.
"I know, but he's.... different." Kagome shrugged, a finger unconsciously gracing her lips as she thought of the times she had kissed him. Sango saw the motion.
She couldn't help the question that came bubbling up within her. She was curious, what could she do about that? "Did you like it?" Sango asked as she blushed, but continued to hold Kagome's gaze. Kagome needed someone to talk to about Sesshomaru.
Kagome chuckled, looking at Sango, silently relieved she had erased the tension with such a bold question. "I think I did." Kagome giggled, clasping her arms around her knees.
"And what do you mean you...almost?" Sango forced the question out.
Kagome turned red thinking about it. "Well, it was after the first day the Lords arrived. Kari took me to his room...and well.... I don't know." Kagome shrugged, drawing little circles in the dirt. "Sango, what if I really like him? Even love him? Is he capable of that?"
Sango thought for a moment before smiling encouragingly. "If he is capable of doing all that, then I think he is." she stated after a moment, then looked up at the TaiYoukai sitting in a tree not too far away. Kagome looked behind her to follow Sango's gaze.
Sesshomaru felt their gaze and turned to meet Kagome's. He had heard the whole conversation and his surprise was well hidden. Kagome's last question burned within his mind. 'Sango, what if I really like him? Even love him?' He had almost lost his balance and fallen out of the tree when she had said that.
Sesshomaru was unsure, because he didn't know what he felt for Kagome. At least not on that level. He felt protective and possessive, but that isn't love. But what he felt for her, he had never felt before, he was sure. And he wasn't sure he wanted to admit just how much he had come to care for the human Miko.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~ I hope you liked that chapter! Another will be soon, depends on how many reviews I get. Ok, now time to thank the reviewers. Kikyo101, miko , soul assassin, Shaekaku , Kitsune_minkchan , orchidaceae, cutiepie99, holy-psychic-vulpix, ElyMay, akitsu, demonlady1, eidolon griffin, angelllina, Ohgirl, surf angel, lilnuzumi lil inu, little kitsune, ryunosuke, greendragonspirit, ami, blood bunny, blue flame kitsune, thasmsdive2u, fantasy lover, cymarel u can have Tsmume, as long as I get fluffy*, sesshys hime, blue fire, peaches dani, me!, mx2mnm, Dragon Rea, hellzazngrl, rabid inu girl,
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Sesshomaru sat on the edge of the bed with Kagome leaning against him, her head on his shoulder. He knew she needed rest, rest without being disturbed by that demon spirit. "Kagome." Sesshomaru said quietly. He barely felt her glance up. "You need to sleep." He felt her shudder then tense up.
"I won't leave you. You've been through a lot and you need to rest." Sesshomaru stated more firmly, pulling away from her and gently pushed her down. Kagome didn't want to sleep, knowing Ventaru could strike while she was sleeping.
"But Ventaru could possess you while I'm sleeping." Kagome muttered, fighting to keep her eyes open.
Sesshomaru looked down at her, not allowing a small smile to grace his lips. "I believe I am strong enough to prevent that now that I know what it is I will have to watch out for. Sleep, I'll protect you."Sesshomaru eased her concerns. She snuggled into the blankets, allowing him to have her trust, and was out in a minute.
'I have to tell Derenti. Only his mental powers are stronger then mine and I can't do this alone.' Sesshomaru admitted to himself. He quickly called a servant to retrieve the dragon TaiYoukai.
X'ith scowled. "The Miko told the TaiYoukai." he rumbled to the Dark Council. Ventaru had witnessed the whole conversation, keeping enough distance so the Inu Youkai would not sense him.
"Going to see the Miko was a mistake." Councilor Velgrath screeched, his light blue eyes flashing as little sparks crackled around his dark form.
Every Councilor, all six, were demon spirits. X'ith was the unofficial leader, too strong for anyone to disagree with his claim. Each demon also possessed a different element, depending on their eye color.
X'ith glared at the lighting demon spirit, fire wiping off of his body as his anger rose. "The choice was made to break her trust." X'ith explained.
"To break her trust with the Tai Youkai!" Velgrath growled, lightening crackling around him. "He and that Dragon Youkai are the only ones Ventaru can't possess! And now they have been warned!"
X'ith slammed a clawed fist on the black marble table. "The TaiYoukai will protect her, yes, but he can't be with her all the time."X'ith explained, then smiled, showing long, curving red fangs. "Besides, our little Youkai will receive a surprise soon."
Velgrath's mood greatly improved, the lightening dying around him. "And what, my Lord of Darkness, is this surprise?"
"You forget, Velgrath, that the TaiYoukai's father is dead."X'ith crackled, and then looked around the black table, his gaze stopping on a black figure with dark blue flames for eyes.
"You do not have enough power to send me." Inu Taishou hissed back, dark blue fangs easily seen as he spoke.
"I do not have enough power to send more then one creature through to the surface world. If I were to call back Ventaru, then I could send you." X'ith said, straightening. "Councilor Inu Taishou, you have four days to prepare for the surface world."
Inu Taishou didn't argue, he simply stood then stalked out of the dark room. Once Inu Taishou was gone, X'ith crackled. "What do you think the little Tai Youkia will do when he finds his father in his house?"
Derenti received the summons from Sesshomaru and went to see him as soon as he was able. Something was wrong, he knew it. Sesshomaru normally didn't summon the other Lords; he had more respect than that.
Derenti knocked on the door, followed by it immediately opening. "Sesshomaru?" the dragon Youkai asked, seeing Sesshomaru standing by a window.
"We need to talk, Derenti. I just found out some interesting information from Kagome." Sesshomaru stated, turning to look at the confused Dragon TaiYoukai.
"And what would that be?" Derenti asked, crossing his massive arms. Derenti felt Sesshomaru create a shield around the room, keeping noise and smells from escaping. This further pricked Derenti's interest. "Are you sure the other Lord's should not hear this? They would be angry if we were conferring in secret."
"This is something that needs to be secret. You cannot tell anyone." Sesshomaru stated firmly. Derenti knew not to argue with the iron in his gaze.
"Hai, Sesshomaru. Now tell me what is so important." Derenti agreed, his curiosity snagged.
"I know who killed Akina and I know who attacked Ventai." Sesshomaru stated, watching Derenti closely. He wouldn't tell the dragon if he flew into a rage.
The red in his eyes showed the only indication that Derenti was mad. "And who might this person be?" Derenti growled, barely containing his fury. He knew that if he reacted now, Sesshomaru wouldn't tell him.
"Can you control yourself?" Sesshomaru asked impassively.
"Of coarse." Derenti fought back a snarl. This Youkai knew who had attacked his mate and yet he didn't say.
"It is a demon spirit, from below. It is able to possess demons." Sesshomaru stated, tensing incase he would have to restrain Derenti. Derenti let this information filter.
"That was why my Guardian blacked out. He was possessed." Derenti stated, knowing it was true.
"Yes." Sesshomaru stated. They were both interrupted with a knock at the door. Checking to make sure Kagome was still sleeping, Sesshomaru walked over to the door and opened it.
Reshki stood there, and he didn't look happy. "You have someone here to see you, Lord Sesshomaru." Reshki stated, scowling slightly.
"Who?" Sesshomaru asked. 'All the Lords are here, who would approach at a time like this?' he thought, slightly irritated.
"Your brother." Reshki replied sharply.
Sesshomaru's surprise was complete. He allowed a slight frown to claim his lips. "And what, pray tell, does my brother want?" Sesshomaru asked.
Reshki looked at Sesshomaru, as if looking for something, before answering, "He says he will not leave without Kagome." Sesshomaru couldn't stop the scowl that claimed his face, nor the anger that flashed in his eyes.
"Tell my brother that he may see her. But not now. She is resting." Sesshomaru muttered. Reshki was taken aback by this. Normally Sesshomaru would've just had Kari, Reshki, or Roku chase him off.
"Yes, my Lord." Reshki bowed, and then left to do his Lord's bidding.
Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had arrived when they were no sooner greeted by a panther demon. From the dark looks Inuyasha and the Youkai shared, Sango knew these two weren't friends.
"What do you want, Hanyou?" the panther sneered, scowling.
"My brother has taken someone. Kagome. We are here to take her back." Inuyasha declared, wanting nothing more then to cut Reshki to pieces.
"Leave, Hanyou. Lord Sesshomaru has no time for the likes of you." the Neko Youkai growled, but stood relaxed. 'He must be confidant.' Sango thought.
"Please, if you know where Kagome is, tell her Shippo is out here!" Shippo cried and Sango had to hold him to keep him from jumping at the panther Youkai.
The panther demon looked at the worried Kitsune, then sighed."Fine, I will tell Lord Sesshomaru of your appearance. I can promise no more." With that, he turned and left.
"Reshki! I'm not leaving without her!" Inuyasha called to the retreating form in anger.
After a couple of moments, Reshki returned to them, scowling. The Guardian Kari walked behind him, looking just as annoyed at Inuyasha's appearance as Reshki. "Come. We are to give you rooms in the Palace. Lady Kagome is resting at the moment." Reshki forced the formalities.
Neither Kari nor Reshki liked Inuyasha. He was to reckless and hot headed. Reshki didn't like him for his attitude, but Kari was worried slightly. She knew Kagome used to have feelings for the Hanyou, she had heard her talk about him. She wasn't sure if she did any more, and she prayed that answer was no.
They both led Inuyasha and his company to the opposite guest wing as Kagome. They gave Inuyasha and the Monk the same room, while the demon exterminator and the kitsune shared a room. "Call a servant if you need anything." Kari stated impassively, before turning to leave them four standing in the middle of the hall.
"Well, that was a warm welcome." Sango muttered under her breath, watching the retreating Youkai forms down the hall.
"Feh, my brother is not known for his hospitality." Inuyasha grumbled, walking into his room.
After a couple of hours, a servant was sent to retrieve Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Inuyasha. "My Lord will see you now." was the only thing the servant had and needed to say. With that, they all followed, eager to see their friend after so long.
After taking them down many hallways, the servant opened a door, allowing them inside. Sesshomaru, tall and regal, was the first thing Sango saw when she walked in. After glancing about the room, she found Kagome sitting on the edge of the bed, smiling.
"Sango! Miroku! Shippo!" Kagome launched herself at them. Shippo met her in mid step, clinging to her. She hugged all of them and couldn't help but smile.
"Kagome!" Shippo cried into her stomach, a death grip on her kimono.
After looking at each one in turn, her gaze fell on Inuyasha, standing by the door. His face, for once, was completely un readable. He looked from Kagome to his brother, who watched her carefully. 'What the hell?' Inuyasha thought, crossing his arms and deciding it would be best to keep his comments to himself for once.
Seeing him cross his arms, Kagome figured he didn't want to talk to her. She turned her attention back to her other friends. "How have you been, Kagome?" Sango smiled as she asked. She cast a worried glance over Kagome's shoulder to Sesshomaru, who had yet to say anything.
"I have been wonderful! And you? How have you been, my friend?" Kagome replied, still holding Shippo.
"It has been trying since you.... left?" Sango added to the last part, unsure if she had been kidnapped or had come willingly. The latter seemed impossible, so Sango took it as Kagome was a prisoner.
Kagome chose to ignore the question part of Sango's answer. She didn't want to go into detail. "And you, Miroku. Have you been staying out of trouble?" Kagome asked happily.
"I am shocked, Lady Kagome, that you would think me capable of trouble." Miroku smiled and clasped her in a warm hug. Sango shot him a warning glare when his hand began to wonder.
While Miroku was too busy laughing, Sango would've sworn she heard Sesshomaru growl. Sango glanced at him out of the corner of her eye when Miroku and Kagome ended the hug. His eyes had narrowed slightly, but that was the only indication he had indeed growled. 'I'll have to ask Kagome about him later. Until then, I best keep Miroku out of trouble.' Sango thought, sighing at the hentai nature of the monk.
"What are all of you guys doing here?" Kagome asked happily, looking to each one in turn.
"We were worried when you ran away from Inuyasha that day. We went to look for you but only found your bow and left over arrows. Inuyasha didn't find any scent so we didn't know what to think. Eventually we just picked a direction and I'm glad we picked right." Sango explained, watching Kagome when she mentioned the day Inuyasha had hurt her. To Sango's surprise, Kagome's happy attitude didn't falter.
"What luck!" Kagome commented, looking at Shippo in her arms. She chuckled softy when she realized he was asleep.
"And he has been worried sick." Sango stated, indicating the sleeping kitsune. This time Kagome did look sad.
"I probably should've tried to let you guys know where I was and that I was ok." she chided, frowning.
"Just be happy we found you, Lady Kagome." Miroku smiled encouragingly. Kagome forced a smile and nodded.
Sesshomaru had watched the whole conversation, determining Kagome's relationship with all of them. The demon exterminator was obviously a friend. The kitsune, well Sesshomaru wasn't sure what he was to Kagome. When the monk had first walked in and they had talked friendly, Sesshomaru thought maybe the monk and Kagome had something. But as he listened and watched, he realized they to, were just friends. When his gaze finally fell on his brother, he had to force down a growl. Inuyasha looked back at him, impassively.
Sesshomaru watched as Inuyasha broke their gaze to look at Kagome talking to her friends. 'I will have to watch you, dear brother.' Sesshomaru thought, narrowing his eyes slightly before looking to Kagome as well.
Kagome felt the gaze on her and turned to Sesshomaru. She couldn't help the warm smile that over came her. "I think you know who everyone is right?" Kagome asked, an arm wrapped securely around the Kitsune.
Sesshomaru simply nodded, his gaze flicking to his brother, who watched Kagome. Kagome glanced to her friends, saying, "And I'm pretty sure you guys know Inuyasha's brother, Sesshomaru."
Miroku looked to the impassive Demon Lord then back at Kagome, who gave Sesshomaru a warm look. 'Did something happen that I missed?' Miroku thought distantly. Sango seemed just as confused as he was. They all nodded.
Sesshomaru allowed his gaze to meet each of theirs in turn, before looking down at Kagome. "I will have to meet with the other Lords soon." He stated simply. Kagome looked thoughtful for a moment, before realizing what he meant.
"Hai, Sesshomaru." She smiled a small smile, before turning to her friends. "I guess we'll have to cut this meeting short, that is, until Sesshomaru is done with his meeting..." Kagome trailed off, looking back at Sesshomaru for confirmation. He barely nodded.
"Then we can get back together and talk some more." Kagome smiled widely.
Everyone was shocked when Inuyasha asked, "Why do you have to leave with Sesshomaru?"
Kagome looked slightly nervous. "Well you see there was this..."
Kagome was interrupted by Sesshomaru. "Because I require her presence." he stated, looking down at her. She was confused by his interruption, but chose not to question him in front of the others.
Miroku and Sango shared looks while the Hanyou scowled. Sesshomaru looked back to the humans and his brother. "I will have a servant escort you back to your rooms and we will come to you after the meeting."
As soon as his sentence was finished, a servant entered then led the others away. Kagome didn't look like she wanted to part with the kitsune and gave Sesshomaru a pleading look. He barely nod before sighing slightly. Miroku and Sango walked out followed by a scowling Inuyasha.
Once they were alone, Kagome looked at Sesshomaru, intent on asking him why he had interrupted her. "It would not be a good idea to tell them. Inuyasha is half demon so he can still be possessed. If you tell the humans, Ventaru might be forced to kill them to keep his secret safe." Sesshomaru explained before she had a chance to ask.
Kagome nodded in agreement, reluctantly. "Come." Sesshomaru stated, opening the door for her. She walked out then followed him wherever it was he was taking them.
'This will be an interesting meeting.' Sesshomaru thought, knowing the other Lords would not allow Kagome to attend. He took an unnoticeable deep breath, trying to come up with a reason Kagome must go in with him other than the truth.
Derenti was one of the first Lords in the Meeting Hall. His now healed mate, Ventai, sat beside him. She was her usual self, thank the gods. Derenti glanced at his mate. She had told him what she intended to tell the rest of the Lords. With the information Sesshomaru had told him and what his mate intended to tell where two completely different things, but he couldn't correct her. She wasn't supposed to know.
Derenti sat quietly as one by one, the other Lords filtered in. Sesshomaru would be last to be respectful, as always. 'What is he going to do with the Miko?' Derenti thought, seeing the last Lord and Lady take their seat. Then Sesshomaru entered, but not alone.
Derenti held his breath, knowing many would disagree to the human Miko attending the meeting. He heard his mate take a deep breath as well. Ventai liked Kagome, but even she knew this would not settle for the other Lords, especially Kouga and the others that had available sons.
"What is the human doing here?" Kouga was the first to start the argument, as always. Those two were always neck and neck.
Sesshomaru glared at him, then indicated he should take his seat. Kagome held her gaze down, showing proper respect to the other Lord's and Lady's. "I intend to court this female, so she may be present." Sesshomaru stated.
Everyone in the room grew silent with shock. 'Did...he just.... say...what?' Derenti's thoughts came jumbled, blinking and looking around to see if he had indeed heard right.
"What?" the shock was clearly plastered across Kouga's face.
"You heard me." Sesshomaru stated, taking his seat. Kagome sat slightly beside him, in her rightful spot. "Now, shall we proceed to more important matters?"
"Yes, that is right. We do have serious matters to attend to." Ventai agreed, knowing Sesshomaru would become violent if they continued on this topic.
And so the room was sealed off, preventing anything from getting in or out, noise or otherwise. Sesshomaru and Derenti barely spoke, knowing that they had the answer, but couldn't let the others know. Normally these two would be leading the discussion and this submittance to everyone did not go unnoticed by everyone. Though no one had the guts to question the two strongest Lords.
Ventai had told her recount of events and was one of the main speakers in this meeting. She often glanced to her mate to see him in distant thought, not even paying attention to this discussion. She would have to ask him later, he was usually not like this.
Kagome listened to the Lords and Ladys fight, keeping quiet. She was still trying to figure out what Sesshomaru had meant when he had walked in. She hadn't been truly paying attention and now scolded herself for drifting off. She allowed her gaze to rest on the side of his face available to her eyes. His face was blank, as always, but she could easily read his eyes. He was not paying attention either. He didn't need to, she knew. He knew the whole thing and she was pretty sure he had told the dragon Youkai.
The discussion ended rather quickly. Or it seemed quick. In reality, it had taken four hours and no one had come to agree on anything. Since Sesshomaru was the last one in, he was granted the respect to be the first one out. As he had promised, he led Kagome back to her friends, even though all he wanted to do was lay down with her in his arms.
A servant told him that they were all in the gardens, so he changed his course slightly. He was surprised when she came to walk beside him, smiling before looking ahead of her.
They both walked out into the garden. It was still late afternoon so the sun was still pretty high in the sky. Shippo ran from flower patch to flower patch, talking to no one in particular. Inuyasha sat under one of the weeping willow trees while Sango lay on her back on a soft patch of grass, looking up at the light, puffy white clouds while Miroku watched her while pretending to listen to Shippo. They all looked as if this was the first time they had rested in days.
Sesshomaru knew she would want some privacy so left her side to sit in one of the large trees, where he could still see her and faintly hear her.
"Sango." Kagome stated, sitting beside the demon exterminator. Sango looked her way, a relaxed look across her face.
"Hello Kagome. This garden is so peaceful." Sango commented, then smiled wider. "Who would've guessed that Sesshomaru would have a place like this."
Kagome chuckled lightly, agreeing with her friend. "Sesshomaru defiantly is not what he seems to be." she replied in a hush voice.
Sango got a serious face and sat up, locking Kagome's gaze with hers. "So what all has happened? Start from the beginning." Sango stated.
Kagome smiled, then nodded. "Well, after Inuyasha left me alone, I walked through the dark forest. I was still hurt from Naraku's wounds. Sesshomaru found me and Rin, his human ward I suppose, convinced him to bring me back. Then I healed within a couple of days. I met Kari and Reshki, two of his Guardians." Kagome explained then shrugged.
"But what about...well, you two?" Sango pressed, wanting answers. It had been bothering her since four hours ago.
Kagome sighed and forced a sad smile. "I'm not sure, Sango. We uh...." Kagome then blushed and looked away, suddenly interested in the ground beside her. "We uh, well I've kissed him. And we've, uh, slept in the same bed...a couple of times...and we've come close to...um..."
Sango blinked a couple of times, what Kagome said slowly sinking in. "WHAT!" she blurted when she realized what Kagome was talking about.
"Sango, shhh." Kagome stated, pressing a finger to her lips and looking around to see if any one noticed Sango's outburst. Inuyasha looked asleep, Miroku was entertaining Shippo and Sesshomaru was looking skyward.
"I can't believe that Kagome. With Sesshomaru? I thought you were a prisoner." Sango hissed, eyes wide in disbelief.
"I was, sort of, at first. But now, I really don't mind being here. In fact, I really like it here." Kagome muttered, again taking interest in the ground.
"This is Sesshomaru we're talking about. He's tried to kill all of us a dozen of times." Sango argued, shock still clearly plastered across her face.
"I know, but he's.... different." Kagome shrugged, a finger unconsciously gracing her lips as she thought of the times she had kissed him. Sango saw the motion.
She couldn't help the question that came bubbling up within her. She was curious, what could she do about that? "Did you like it?" Sango asked as she blushed, but continued to hold Kagome's gaze. Kagome needed someone to talk to about Sesshomaru.
Kagome chuckled, looking at Sango, silently relieved she had erased the tension with such a bold question. "I think I did." Kagome giggled, clasping her arms around her knees.
"And what do you mean you...almost?" Sango forced the question out.
Kagome turned red thinking about it. "Well, it was after the first day the Lords arrived. Kari took me to his room...and well.... I don't know." Kagome shrugged, drawing little circles in the dirt. "Sango, what if I really like him? Even love him? Is he capable of that?"
Sango thought for a moment before smiling encouragingly. "If he is capable of doing all that, then I think he is." she stated after a moment, then looked up at the TaiYoukai sitting in a tree not too far away. Kagome looked behind her to follow Sango's gaze.
Sesshomaru felt their gaze and turned to meet Kagome's. He had heard the whole conversation and his surprise was well hidden. Kagome's last question burned within his mind. 'Sango, what if I really like him? Even love him?' He had almost lost his balance and fallen out of the tree when she had said that.
Sesshomaru was unsure, because he didn't know what he felt for Kagome. At least not on that level. He felt protective and possessive, but that isn't love. But what he felt for her, he had never felt before, he was sure. And he wasn't sure he wanted to admit just how much he had come to care for the human Miko.
~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~ I hope you liked that chapter! Another will be soon, depends on how many reviews I get. Ok, now time to thank the reviewers. Kikyo101, miko , soul assassin, Shaekaku , Kitsune_minkchan , orchidaceae, cutiepie99, holy-psychic-vulpix, ElyMay, akitsu, demonlady1, eidolon griffin, angelllina, Ohgirl, surf angel, lilnuzumi lil inu, little kitsune, ryunosuke, greendragonspirit, ami, blood bunny, blue flame kitsune, thasmsdive2u, fantasy lover, cymarel u can have Tsmume, as long as I get fluffy*, sesshys hime, blue fire, peaches dani, me!, mx2mnm, Dragon Rea, hellzazngrl, rabid inu girl,