A high-pitched squeal rang across the garden as Shippo bounded forward on all fours. His Eyes were bright in excitement as Kagome chased after him, her own pink lips turned up in a smile. Kuro watched in amusement as they played, listening to the grass crunching under their feet.
He had heard of Lady Kagome and her antics, though he never quite expected this.
His emerald eyes followed Lady Rin as she abandoned her original prey, Shippo, and began to chase the disguised Kami. Kagome's chiming laughter answered Rin's challenge and the tone held just a bit too much of her underlying power. Kuro gave a sharp whistle for the second time that day and Kagome abruptly stopped, her eyes sheepish.
"Oh, sorry, I got carried away again" Kagome mumbled, her cheeks turning pink. She glanced at him apologetically and Kuro heaved a sigh. Kagome felt bad for not being able to control these new powers better, knowing that she made Kuro's job harder.
"It is well, Lady Kagome."
She gave Kuro a small smile and turned back to face Rin. Her deep brown eyes were piercing Kagome and her brows were raised in awe.
"So, what I heard is true," the young woman breathed. "I knew you were in danger since Kuro charmed your appearance, but it was not explained why."
Kagome gaped, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. "I thought you knew!"
Rin shook her head in the negative. "I may have overheard, but I was not privy to the details Lady Ka-" Rin cut herself off. She gave Kagome a tense smile and continued in a hushed whisper. "What is it that I may call you?"
Kagome wanted to slap herself. Of course, she had forgotten the most important part of being in disguise. The topic never even came up as Kagome dragged the girl towards the garden for some fun. She should have realized that looks could only do so much if her acting was not up to par.
Rin gazed at her expectantly and Kagome wondered where the time had gone. The young woman before her was giving her a gentle smile and knowing eyes. The look made Kagome stammer in surprise, her mouth opening but words refused to come out.
"Lady Takara" Kuro's voice snapped her out of her indecision, and she smiled gratefully at him.
"Treasure," Rin hid a smile behind her sleeve and Kagome wondered if that was a habit picked up from Inukimi. "It suits you my lady." Kagome blushed lightly and her eyes softened on the young woman that she helped raise.
"Thank you, Lady Rin," she dipped her head towards her and this time Rin blushed. The raven-haired girl had forgotten that since Kagome held no actual title while in disguise, she outranked her. It was a subtle reminder and Rin nodded her understanding. It was less important as of now, since they were enclosed by the wonders of Sesshomaru's private garden, but it was best to have practice. It wouldn't have to be for long either way. If kagome looked to her left, she could see the third floor of her shrine being built in the distance, its glittery, gold lined roof reflecting the sunlight brightly.
Shippo tugged at her pant leg and gave her a fanged smile when she looked down. "You're it."
Kagome giggled and scooped him up, tossing him in the air and making his tail puff in excitement. He was unused to sleeping without her, so she wanted to make sure he had plenty of good things to dream about. After all, everyone knew the kit was hers, Kagome's. And that was precisely why Kagome couldn't interact with Shippo as much while she was in disguise. Someone would eventually put two and two together. Her kit let out a squeal and his bright green eyes shone with excitement as he descended back into her arms. He settled himself on her shoulder and nuzzled into her neck.
"It's kinda weird seeing you, well as not you mama."
Kagome used her right hand to stroke his head and hummed in agreement. "Sometimes I forget I'm disguised since; well I can see through the charm. We aren't sure if it's just because it's affecting me personally or because, you know." She felt Shippo nod sagely on her shoulder as he brought a small hand up to cup his cheek.
"Your eyes are green, your hair isn't as dark," Rin narrowed her eyes as she took in her appearance. "There's a deeper blue sheen to it, on your skin too. Tinted blue the barest bits, and of course the blue glow. I didn't know water spirits glowed."
Kuro coughed from his place near the large sakura tree and Kagome gave Rin a wry smile. "Ah, well you see," she glanced down at her hands and the light coming off of her flickered and dimmed slightly before returning to its usual luminance. She leaned down and whispered in Rin's ear, "that part he couldn't really hide. It's sorta my fault. I'm practicing some though!" She may not have been able to practice the more fun things, but control wasn't about projection of power, more refinement of it. It was the only thing that Kuro would allow.
Rin slowly nodded and gave her a soft smile. "It's no worries Takara," Rin emphasized her cover name, as if searing it into memory. "Perhaps we should go retire for a noon meal?"
"A wonderful idea lady Rin," Kuro was suddenly beside her and dragging her along by the elbow. Though his grip was delicate, it was also unyielding. Was she missing something?
She gave him a concerned look but nodded anyways," of course." As she was dragged inside, she tried to peek at his face, but his red hair obscured her view. She sighed and tugged at her hand, letting him know she would follow. He didn't slow his pace any, but he did loosen his grip. The trip down the hall was relatively quiet until Kagome heard the whispers of thoughts. She quickly tuned them out before furrowing her brow. As far as she was concerned, no one was allowed here unless given permission.
She felt Kuro stiffen and come to a stop, staring ahead. She followed his gaze and met the familiar face of the southern lord. He was an ally of the west and Kagome had seen him in passing numerous times. Now though, he was staring straight at her, his eyes furrowed in concentration.
Something about it was throwing her off, something important. Kuro's voice echoed in her mind as she recalled just why this was bad. "He will be able to see any charms I make if he wanders too close." Oh no.
Kagome opened her mouth to stammer out a hello, but when she was unable to, Kuro stepped in front of her, his posture rigid.
"None are allowed in the west wing," Kuro's voice was strong as he stood in front of Kagome, facing the old southern lord.
She took a quick peek from behind Kuro and wondered at just how old the lord was. Deep wrinkles lined his forehead and mouth as he stared at them with heavy brows. And though he was old, he still had large muscles that filled out his form. The lord didn't answer, instead he took one long, last look at Kagome and turned around. Kagome let her concentration of serenity slip as she delved into his mind.
A water spirit? No. None are like her. She is strong, but she hides much. There was a pause in his thoughts and Kagome stilled.
Sesshomaru hides much.
There was an air of contempt to his thoughts and Kagome ripped her mind away from his when she felt Kuro gently shaking her shoulder. "Lady Takara?" he whispered.
Kagome, are you ok? His thought filtered into her mind, snapping her back into reality.
She blinked and cleared her head before dragging him along. "We need to find Sesshomaru now!" Her voice held an urgency that couldn't be denied so she was frustrated when he didn't budge. "Kuro!"
"That's the wrong way lady Takara." His calm voice almost sounded amused and Kagome blushed and immediately paused. Rin's giggle made the pink dust on her cheeks deepen before the young woman decided to have mercy on her. "This way, Lady Takara."
Kagome let out a sigh as she followed them down a different hall. She hoped that as a kami, she wouldn't be in charge of anything too important. After all, she couldn't even remember directions down a hall.
TBTW
Sesshomaru stood at the edge of his balcony deep in thought. His gaze was fixed on the gold tipped shrine off in the distance and his ears were listening to the report of his councilman.
"All has gone according to plan, the last thing to do is furnish, but that should be done by sundown my lord."
Sesshomaru didn't immediately reply as he stared impassively at the falling leaves, noting that at this time of year the north was already a land of snow. "And the other lords shall arrive by evening?" If they didn't, Sesshomaru was going to proceed without them anyways, Kagome's life was far more important than tradition.
"Yes, my lord, just the lord of the east and the lord of the north have yet to arrive," councilman Iwamura finished, his low voice suspicious.
That was another thing that bothered Sesshomaru. The southern lord was already here, and it was usually near impossible to get the old demon out of his home. His eyes narrowed as he watched the leaves continue to fall from the trees. There was nothing he could do but speculate, and even then, he could only come to one conclusion. Somehow, the southern lord must have known. It was the only possibility and Sesshomaru stored the thought away for another time.
"Dismissed," he heard the door shut quietly and his golden eyes glanced over to the garden. It was empty now, his ward and the miko retired for lunch a bit ago. Their laughter had been distracting but not unpleasant, though he didn't get as much work done as he would have liked. Sighing heavily, he made his way back to his desk and took a seat, sifting through piles of trade arrangements and inventories. Winters could be harsh, and he had to make sure his people would be properly fed.
Just as he dipped his brush into the ink the doors to his study opened once more and Sesshomaru froze, tempted to rub at his temples.
"Dearest son of mine, is it not too beautiful of a day to be spent outside?" His mother's purposefully sweet tone made him frown and his hard golden eyes met hers.
"What do you require, mother?" The look of fake hurt that crossed across her face nearly made Sesshomaru roll his eyes, but he refrained. Lords did not roll their eyes.
"Must I always 'require something'" she mocked, her voice monotone as she strode further into the study. She turned from him then and ran her hands along the bookshelves that lined the walls. Her back was to him as she spoke once more, her voice sharp. "Are you aware?"
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes as he gazed at his mother, her own form still. "Hn, the southern lord."
She nodded and turned around, her golden gaze calculating as she looked out of the window in thought. "He came far too quickly."
Sesshomaru didn't say anything, he had nothing to add. They both knew though, that the old bear yokai did nothing that was inconvenient to him or too far out of the way without good reason. The appearance of a new kami was a very, very good reason.
The silence between them stretched out as neither could come up with ways as to how the southern lord could possibly know. Each possibility came up short. There were too many variables to consider, too many possibilities that couldn't quite fit.
"We must wait." Inukimi flicked a strand of her silvery locks back and made her way towards the spot Sesshomaru had just been at. She stood by the window as she continued to ponder their dilemma.
Sesshomaru remained quiet for a time before nodding in agreement with his mother. "Hn, we have no choice, else we risk our good relations with the south." With as much experience as he had as lord, he hated politics. He could be cunning and get his way of course, but he would have preferred to not have to dance around the subject. His time was far too valuable to simply waste it on frivolous debate.
Sesshomaru was about to return to ignoring his mother when his doors snapped open yet again. His guard tumbled in followed by the disguised Kagome and the flabbergasted Kuro. This time Sesshomaru pinched the bridge of his nose as he watched the three of them stumble to get out of their awkward position on the floor. Kagome's face was a brilliant red as she stood and smoothed her kimono, eyes downcast. The guard that had been posted at his door bowed to him hastily, muttering an apology in a nervous tone. Sesshomaru waved him away and his gaze landed on an exasperated Kuro.
"You must be more careful lady Takara!"
A silver eyebrow quirked at the given name before returning to its resting position. It was fitting, yet obvious. Sesshomaru paused his thoughts as he gazed at Kagome. Was the name fitting? When had he begun to think so?
His mother's amused laughter brought him out of his thoughts. She was circling the rambunctious group with a sly smile on her face. "My, I do wonder what the rush is." Her tone was light but underneath the playfulness Sesshomaru could see the calculating gleam in her eye.
Lady 'Takara' gasped as if reminded of something important and motioned for a barrier with her hands. He let her flounder for a moment before he spoke up.
"Continue, the barrier is already up."
"The southern lord!" She exclaimed; her brows furrowed with worry. The blue glow of her disguise brightened briefly before Kuro gave her a sharp tap on her shoulder. Immediately the glow dimmed once more and Sesshomaru found himself curious at how close the two had gotten in such a short amount of time.
Kuro turned to him with a quick bow and reported. "The southern lord, lord Nakanoin was in the west wing. He followed us from the garden."
"Oh! That's why you were in such a hurry to leave!" Kuro nodded down at Kagome and continued.
"Yes, sorry I led you the way I did but it was urgent. Lady Rin gave me the opportunity I needed, I also did not want to risk you using your powers. Though, that may be a moot point now."
Sesshomaru narrowed his golden eyes and motioned for Kuro to continue.
"My lord, lord Nakanoin came a good distance near lady Kagome, I was unable to elude him well enough and not arouse suspicion at the same time." Kuro bowed his head, his eyebrows furrowing in frustration. "There is a possibility that-"
"He doesn't know," Kagome reassured Kuro with a smile as she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"You're certain my lady?"
She nodded and turned her gaze to Sesshomaru. "I may have read his thoughts. Though, he knows I am no water spirit." She made a face and Sesshomaru let out a 'hn' in acknowledgment.
After a moment of looking them over and mulling over the situation he continued. "It matters not, the ceremony shall commence when the moon is at its peak tonight."
Behind Kagome, Shippo squealed in excitement. Rin smiled at his antics and scooped him up, her eyes softening on her childhood best friend.
"That's great news!" Rin exclaimed, a wide smile on her face. She tugged at Kagome's sleeve and nearly dragged her out of the study. "Come on! We have to go find you clothes to wear! Oh, and your makeup!"
"Oh, Rin wait I-" Kagome was cut off as Rin dragged her out of the study, Kuro chasing after them when Sesshomaru motioned for him to follow.
A soft laugh sounded to his left and the lord of the west sighed as his mother made to follow them.
"I will have them fed and ready for the ceremony tonight." She eyed the stack of paperwork he had on his desk. "I am sure you will be occupied." With a final flourish of silk, his mother left and the doors were shut once more. Quiet at last. He eyed the paperwork with tired eyes and rubbed his temples. He had much to do before tonight.
Hours later, an annoyed lord made his way to his rooms where he stripped and bathed. The hot water was soothing on his skin as he thought of the night ahead. The other lords had arrived irritated at being called on such a short notice. The more brazen wolf yokai of the east were especially irritated and made it their goal to rouse his house into chaos.
Kuro had taken Kagome to the shrine hours earlier under her guise. All that was left was to gather the lords and prepare for the ceremony. With a final splash of water to his face he stood, dried and dressed. He took a quick glance at the white, red and yellow embroidered clothing before dismissing them altogether. What he wore mattered little to him so long as it was appropriate for the event. It seemed to be.
"My lord," Gentaro's voice called through the door. "Your honored mother is ready to be escorted to the shrine."
Sesshomaru didn't respond as he strode towards the door. Upon opening it he was met with his mother who stood in all her glory. Her snow white kimono was sparkling with subtle jewels, the white crystals reminding him of freshly fallen snow. A gold obi was tied neatly around her waist in an elaborate bow, the long edges glittering.
"Mother," he raised his right arm for her, and she took it with a daintily clawed hand. She gave him a small smile and motioned towards the shrine, the golden chains that dangled off her hair moving with the motion.
"Shall we?"
There was too much excitement in his mother's voice for his liking, but he would bare the possible consequences of it for now. "Hn."
As they made their way down the halls and eventually out of the palace, Sesshomaru was able to see the crowd that had gathered. They were all curious as to the reason for the new shrine, but far more demons showed up than he had anticipated. The nobles stood on the granite floor that surrounded the structure while soldiers and servants filled the grassy field. The moon was high and crested, the dim glow still managing to illuminate the area in an unearthly sheen. Clenching his jaw slightly, he made his way up the three steps that led to the shrine and turned to address the crowd.
His face was carved of stone and with a pulse of his jaki, he had the attention of every being gathered outside the shrine. To his right his mother stood tall and proud, her silver hair entwined with gold. The white of her kimono reflected the moonlight stunningly as she too faced the crowd with an impassive mask. The other three lords were one step below him as they stared at him through barely restrained ire. He steeled himself as he began to speak, keeping a careful eye on the reaction of the gathered demons before him.
"A kami has blessed the house of Taisho" Murmurs spread through the crowd as the gathered yokai whispered among themselves. Sesshomaru eyed the lords that were staring at him through narrowed eyes. They would soon realize why he couldn't mention it before.
"She was born into this world four nights ago." The crowd erupted into a roar as demons gasped and yelled impossibilities. Sesshomaru simply ignored them and turned his back to the crowd, his mother following suit. He raised his right hand and immediately there was silence.
"We shall now meet her"
TBTW
Kagome paced nervously across the finely decorated room, anxious and wary. The dark wooden floors were polished to a mirror image under her feet and the stone walls surrounding her were trimmed in gold. She had a hand on Shippo's head from where he sat on her shoulder, quiet and relaxed under her touch. She could hear Inukimi's muffled voice from inside as the ceremony continued on. Her part was rapidly approaching, and Kagome couldn't help how her stomach twisted in her gut with nervousness. She glanced at Shippo, her bright blue eyes softening slightly as she gazed at her fearless kit. He was dressed in his golden hakama and vest once more, the new haori he wore was a deep green and it complemented his eyes wonderfully. The fabric was perfectly pressed and smooth along her hand, just like her own garments. The layers of kimono she wore weren't as constricting as she thought, and she had found herself surprised by it. Inukimi promptly reminded her that all demons had to be able to battle in any condition, clothes were made not only for style but also for mobility.
Kagome paused her pacing and let out a shuddering breath, running her hands down along the outer golden layer of her kimono. The gold wasn't as vibrant as Shippo's had been since Kagome herself did not conjure it up, but it was still beautiful and carefully crafted, nonetheless. Leaves of a darker gold were embroidered in the fabric and were gathered at the bottom hem. The mimicry of autumn leaves dappling in the wind was perfect, and Kagome hoped that one day her control would be great enough to conjure something just as beautiful. She tilted her head to the side and the tinkling of her headdress reminded her to stand straight. The delicate golden chains that dangled from her hair were sturdy, but the large comb and ornate jewels woven into her raven locks teetered slightly. From her ears hung a golden inu, the golden chains that made its tail falling onto her shoulders. The meaning was not lost on her, but she didn't argue when Inukimi insisted she wear them.
The sound of the heavy wadaiko* reverberated in her ears and Kagome froze before clenching her fist and shoving them in her sleeves. She straightened her posture and raised her covered hands to her chest, fist to fist. Shippo's grip on her tightened and he settled himself further into her neck since her hair was occupied in a high bun. Kagome took a deep breath and stood behind the massive wooden doors, the glow of her skin shone through the fabric of her clothes and she had to remind herself to suppress her power at least some.
The doors in front of her slowly began to open without a sound, the light of the moon pouring in from the threshold. She stepped forward with more confidence than she felt and made her face impassive, remembering how well Sesshomaru always seemed to pull it off. She'd give anything for his confidence in that moment. With steady steps, she passed the doorway and her slippered feet met the cool granite stone that decorated the outside of her first shrine. She wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. Kagome could feel the stares on her, the looks of surprise and awe at her appearance. Her glow encased her in a golden luminance, adding to the shine that her formal wear gave her.
No one would meet her eyes, and as she stood at the top of the small stairs leading to the door, she stopped. She looked down at Sesshomaru and Inukimi who stood side by side, and even they didn't meet her gaze. Kagome wilted a bit but Inukimi's brief smirk made her relax slightly.
"The house of Taisho welcomes the newest Kami" Sesshomaru's baritone sent a strange shiver up her spine and she focused on the sound of his voice to help compose herself. "This one is honored" he tilted his head forward, the movement mimicked perfectly by his mother who stood to his right. "Your favor is humbling."
Off to the side, she saw a wide eyed Jaken promptly faint. Behind the two inu, Kagome could see the gathered crown fall to their knees, their heads touching the floor. Those dressed in finer garments had the luxury of placing their heads on marble while those of lower class bowed on the surrounding grass.
Right behind Sesshomaru, she could see the other gathered lords staring, some hiding their surprise more than others. After a moment they composed themselves and the three lords bowed, Sesshomaru and Inukimi following suit in the front. Inukimi's headdress nearly scraped the floor but the demoness held herself firm, seemingly unbothered by the heavy weight on her head. All those gathered were kneeling to her, and Kagome wondered if she would ever be treated normally again. Her eyes strayed to Sesshomaru's bowed head for a moment before she brushed the thought aside. She at least knew someone would.
"Rise," it was a line she heard the lord of the west say often when she visited, and she found it fitting. She only hoped that her voice sounded as strong as his did. All eyes were once again on her as everyone lifted their heads from the floor yet stayed on their knees. Kagome didn't want to say too much to them, fearing she would stutter over her own words. So instead she turned from the crowd and went to the large wooden door. The front of it was decorated with dog demons howling at the moon, each carefully carved and traced in gold. She let her instincts guide her, sliding her left hand along the carved masterpiece and poured her power into the wood. For a moment nothing happened, and Kagome was tempted to up the dose.
She retracted her hand and worried her lip between her teeth, her glowing blue eyes growing concerned. She almost turned back to Inukimi before she felt the door pulse. She froze and her eyes zeroed in on the top of the frame. Her name began to write itself into the wood and Kagome's breath left her as the inscription finished. It flashed with a golden light and when her eyes readjusted, she saw her name glowing, forever etched on the wood. Swallowing, she read across the lines again.
Kagome of Prosperity
Her life refused to be simple. Not only was she made a kami, but she was indoctrinated as a major kami. Prosperity. The line mocked her, it made fun of the simple life she sought for herself and it put her at the center of attention. Gasps sounded from behind her as she forced herself to step to the side. She closed her eyes briefly in trepidation and took a deep breath. Quickly composing herself, she spun around and gazed at the crowd, a warm, forced smile settling on her lips before she set her eyes back on the kneeled Inuyokais. She could see the triumph in Inukimi's eyes and could almost feel Sesshomaru's smugness. Kagome held back a giggle, Inukimi was right, dog demons were arrogant indeed.
The sound of the wadaiko nearly made her jump and she felt Shippo jolt on her shoulder. Suddenly all eyes were on her kit and her instincts to protect him raised viciously. She covered him with her long golden sleeve and held her head high, calling out in what she hoped was an intimidating tone. Her kit would not be punished for what she was. Whether it be by becoming a target or a gateway into her good graces.
"My name is Kagome, I was the Shikon miko." She let her voice carry the underducts of her power, and she could see the shivers it sent down some of the demons' spines. Recognition flooded some of their eyes, as well as bitterness and contempt. "This is my kit, Shippo, to harm him would be the greatest grievance to this one." She slipped into her formal tone, letting them know she was absolutely serious. Eyes hardening, she let her motherly rage seep into her emotions and allowed it to carry in her power. Her skin glowed brighter and her blue eyes were twin lights in the surrounding darkness. "Pray for your safety if you even so much as think about doing him any malice."
The clearing was silent, none dared to even look at her kit. She gave herself a mental pat on the back and lowered her arm to reveal Shippo once more. She couldn't see the loving gaze he gave her, couldn't see the extra shine to his eyes, but those in the crowd could. They could very well see the love the kit also held for the kami of prosperity.
From the corner of her eyes Kagome saw Sesshomaru stand followed by Inukimi, then the rest of the lords. The other gathered demons remained on their knees as they watched the proceedings with fascination.
"Kagome-sama," Sesshomaru called for her attention and she turned to him. He remained silent and quirked a brow, reminding her that she must give him permission to even speak. She bit back a groan of frustration and nodded to him. "Is your new home to your liking?"
A growled mutter was heard, and she saw Sesshomaru narrow his eyes slightly. He didn't turn to look at whoever had growled but Kagome was sure it had been one of the lords.
"It is to this one's liking." She responded quickly, knowing that the matter could turn ugly swiftly. Though she hated the formal tones needed between them at the moment, Inukimi had insisted that it was necessary. She turned her gaze back to the shrine and wondered at all the gold that it was made of. For a moment, she wondered at just how much of the west's resources must have gone into making it before she had an idea.
"Bring this one to the treasury of the west." A shocked murmur reverberated through the crowd at her request and Kagome forced her head to stay high. She would pay them back; it was the least she could do for them. For the people that worked to make her home a reality as well as the century's worth of acquired gold that went into the actual temple itself. She couldn't even begin to imagine how much was spent.
Inukimi bowed, her silver hair seemingly glowing under the moonlight, the gold of her fan shaped headpiece shimmering. "As you wish, kami-sama" the demoness gave a quick shallow bow before moving to Kagome's left, just behind her. Sesshomaru took his place to her right, also behind her. With as much grace as she could muster, Kagome willed her steps to be strong and was surprised when her legs didn't shake. Their pace was slow enough to give the illusion of leisure and allowed those that had gathered to watch her pass by. It was eerily silent, the complete opposite from how humans would act. Just as they reached the doors of the palace, the posted guards bowed low. Kagome thought she could hear the hammering of their hearts but brushed the thought aside. She really just wanted them to open the door.
A gust of wind from inside the palace threw the doors open and the guards jumped in surprise. Their eyes were wide as they stared at the heavy wooden doors that had been flung back easily before returning to stare at Kagome. Her hair and kimono were still pristine, but they could see the pattern on the fabric from where the wind swept. Kagome on the other hand, didn't even want to think about what just happened and instead opted to continue her pace. Once they were halfway down the hall, she heard the doors close and she paused, glancing behind her. When she saw the hall clear of any strangers, she let out a huge sigh of relief.
Kuro chuckled and appeared before her suddenly, his eyes swimming in laughter as his appearance made her jump.
"Kuro! I didn't see you there!" She about smacked him, her heart hammering in her chest.
He gave her a sly grin and his face was so foxlike that Kagome was almost surprised. Sometimes she forgot that they were demons, be it from animals or things thought of as fiction. They were not human. She smiled at him, her eyes warm as she grabbed his hand and gave it a quick squeeze before letting go. They were not human and that was ok. They were still them.
This time it was Kuro who twitched in shock, his eyes following the movement as she gave him a reassuring smile. "My lady?" He asked, green eyes suddenly confused.
"Thank you, Kuro," she didn't know what she was thanking him for, but she knew it was right. Some part of her wanted to make sure he knew she appreciated him. He gave her a gentle smile and bowed his head.
"Of course."
Kagome gave the redheaded Kitsune a final smile before turning back to Sesshomaru. "I think it will be faster if you lead." He simply nodded and continued on at a much faster pace now that he was in front. As they passed twists and turns, the marble floor turned to wood as they descended downstairs. Now in the bowels of the palace, the floor was made of wood and the walls of stone, a flip of the layout upstairs. Walking down the well-lit hall, Kagome could feel a strong barrier pulsing with power. Down at the end of the hall, a stone door was flush against the wall, its height towering. The door, while large, was unassuming and Kagome figured that was the point.
The rustle of cloth and tinkering of armor made her turn her gaze away from the door and to the demons guarding it. They were bowed low to, not Sesshomaru, but her. Kagome wanted to die of awkwardness. It just felt so wrong, especially since Sesshomaru was the lord. The silver dog demon didn't even acknowledge his guards though, instead he placed his clawed right hand on the door and Kagome felt the barrier waver. With a pulse, the doors opened by themselves and she followed Sesshomaru and Inukimi inside, the doors sealing shut behind them.
The sight that met her was unexpected. She had imagined that the west was a wealthy province, but the stores of gold inside did not reflect that. There was still plenty of gold in the large square room, but it wasn't the bountiful treasure that Kagome had imagined. Seemingly sensing her thoughts, Sesshomaru spoke up, his voice impassive.
"This is a third of what was originally stored, the rest was used on your shrine."
Her mouth hung open, unable to even gasp her surprise. Blue eyes widened in horror as she whipped her head around to stare at Sesshomaru. It was impossible, that much had been used!? She almost wanted to check him for illness, he must have been mad to deplete so much of his resources.
"You, what! Why would you-" she cut herself off, unable to even finish her sentence.
"Dogs are arrogant" Inukimi repeated the line she had told Kagome earlier. Her golden eyes bore into her and Kagome stilled as she listened. "We are perfect because we are aware of our arrogance."
Kagome almost rolled her eyes but managed to refrain from the action.
"It would be arrogant of us to assume that the kami of prosperity did not deserve as much. If not, more." The silver demoness slid her eyes over the glittering gold and jewels that lay stacked in the room. "Wealth is nothing without tradition, for it is tradition that we are built upon. It is what has made wealth possible."
It was hard for Kagome to argue the fact. By sticking to their ideals, they gathered favor from others and their power stemmed from the lessons of their elders. She nodded slowly, showing that she understood.
"Yeah but how's tradition going to feed your people?" Shippo's curious voice spoke up and Kagome had nearly forgotten he was there. As rude as it came out, he had a point. Just then, something Inukimi said came back to her and she rounded on the demoness.
"It would be arrogant of us to assume that the kami of prosperity did not deserve as much," Kagome repeated, her eyes narrowing. "You knew I was the kami of prosperity?"
Inukimi looked away and brought her sleeve up to cover her mouth. It was almost as if she was trying to hide a smile. "To be fair," Inukimi's voice chimed out, "everything you conjured was made out of gold."
Kagome's cheeks tinted pink and she turned around to hide her blush. Instead she opted to walk along the room and inspect the gold, well, what was left of it anyways. She felt horrible for how much they spent on her and she wanted to repay them back. Kagome's hand skimmed across a golden bar as she pondered the situation. If she could make clothes, then…
Kagome turned to face the shelf lined with gold fully. With a deep breath she grabbed a bar and twisted it this way and that. Behind her, Sesshomaru and Inukimi watched with unhidden curiosity.
With a final turn of the gold, kagome gripped it in both hands and willed it apart. She now held two gold bars.
"Woah!" Shippo's' excited exclamation was proof that she wasn't imagining things. When she had tugged at the bar in opposite directions, it simply made another to go in each hand.
"That was so cool! Can you do it again?"
Kagome tilted her head back and laughed, glad that she had the opportunity to pay them back. "Of course, Shippo!" She put down a bar and gripped the remaining one in both hands. Pulling it apart, she was satisfied to see that it made another copy of the original.
"I will pay you back," Kagome spun around and faced the two inus, her smile wide. She met Sesshomaru's gaze and bowed at the waist. "Thank you," the words were full of her emotion and Kagome felt a softer smile grace her face.
She straightened and met Sesshomaru's eye once more, his head tilted to the side. He studied her for a time before nodding and glancing away. "Hn."
She let out a quiet sigh of relief, his gaze had been piercing. She turned back to the gold, completely missing the amused smirk Inukimi wore. Gathering more gold in her arms, she hummed as she began making more, suddenly trying not to think of the possible economic outcomes if she accidentally made too much. Shippo hopped from her shoulder and helped her by stacking them in neat piles, his little hands gripping the heavy bars tightly.
Just as Kagome split another bar, she heard the sound of laughter. It was usually welcome, but this one sounded all wrong. Shippo was much too small to have a laugh quite that deep. She stiffened and snapped her eyes up and behind her.
"Mama?" She felt Shippo tug at her kimono, but she shushed him and strained her ears. She looked beyond where Sesshomaru and Inukimi stood, ignoring their narrow-eyed look. Another pearl of laughter echoed around, and she gazed about wildly. A shadow to her left caught her eye and she spun to focus on it. Deep down in the most secure part of the western fortress stood an unfamiliar, wild haired little boy.
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So sorry this was late, my iPad died a terrible death and I had all of my notes on there. The next update may also be delayed until I get it replaced. The iCloud didn't quite sync fully, and I had a few chapters there. I will keep you all informed via my wall.
Also, I had massssive teeth pain yesterday (braces) so sorry for being double late. Like I said, expect a delay D:
Sorry if this seems rushed (it was just a bit) I got a new job on top of my crazy schooling hours and… well my writing time is usually some odd hour of the night. I may come back later and revise the chapter also. This one kind of doesn't sit well with me so I may do an overhaul. Maybe. Plot will generally stay the same in most cases unless stated specifically. Sorry for the kinda short chapter.
Thank you to everyone for all your wonderful reviews, favs and follows! And so, so sorry for the delay/future ones.
This chapter took place at the beginning of day 3 to the night.
