Chapter 11

A/N: I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I started revising the first chapters and then started school again and haven't had a lot of time to write. It's been so long I had to go re-read everything to remember what I wrote and where I am in the story. I have the next few chapters outlined, but I probably won't be writing them consistently until summer comes again. I also want to revise the first chapters, but that's a whole new project.


Kagome woke the next morning, damp and groggy. The chill the previous night had sunk deep into her body, and she pulled the haori tighter around her shoulders, fighting back a shiver. She sat up, pressing one hand to her head while the other secured her kimono. Her hair spilled down her back, the dark bumps and kinks riddled with pebbles and stained with mud. The morning was grey, the sun not yet risen over the mountains as Kagome's puffy eyes opened. The silky fabric of the haori swum into view, red flowers floating over the white silk like her birds had flown over her now ruined kimono. Lifting the fabric before her eyes in confusion, she recognized it as Sesshomaru's and she swiveled around looking for the daiyoukai, not catching sight of him anywhere. She lifted her aching body from the ground and winced as her vision spun. She stumbled through the gardens, her feet following now-familiar paths until she reached the steps of the palace. It was still early enough that many of the servants and inhabitants of the palace were not yet awake and Kagome set to climbing the stairs up to the palace doors, lifting the shredded hem of her kimono, the large haori slipping off her shoulder.

Inuyasha surprised her, jumping down from one of the trees by the palace entrance. His golden eyes were wide and sweet, concern apparent on his face as he landed at the bottom of the stairs.

"What happened– what'd that jerk do to you?" Inuyasha asked, his feet slapping as he rushed up towards her, taking in the haori that floated off her form. "And whatcha wearing his clothes for?" he asked, lifting one sleeve between his fingers like it was a disease he didn't want to catch and glared at her accusingly.

"What are you doing out here so early?" Kagome asked, clenching the white silk between even whiter knuckles. She looked down at the garment hanging from her frame, long and bold and whole, her own underneath, strands and scraps of the beloved kimono drooping from her body. Her fingers tightened, crunching the delicate fabric.

"Keh, I been waitin for you, but it seems like you don't need me anymore," Inuyasha muttered, shifting from one foot to the other, his burning golden eyes boring into her own.

"Huh?" Kagome asked, confusion coloring her voice.

"What, you mean nothing happened between you two?"

"No, no, I – all I remember is falling asleep by the pond," Kagome said, her eyes traveling down the soft fabric between her fingers.

"Alright," Inuyasha said, crossing his arms across his broad chest. He offered no further conversation, leaving a strange dissonance between them.

Kagome lifted her hand to push back her hair, tucking it behind her ear as her cheeks flamed and she stuttered out, "Inuyasha-san, would you take me to the spring today? I think I'd feel much better after a good soak." Her voice lifted in false optimism, a tinny quality that betrayed her true feelings. Her eyes shifted to look at his face, not quite connecting with his own gaze. She subconsciously wiped at her face, rubbing the remains of her make-up and the evidence of her night on the ground into her hands.

"Yeah, I'll take ya," he said, turning and walking towards the stables with a halted gait. Her hesitation to fall in step with him was noticed in seconds, and he stopped, tossing over his shoulder, "You comin?"

"Eh- Hai! Hai," Kagome said hurriedly, taking a few swift steps to put her near the hanyou. She was surprised when, as she reached his side, he grabbed her hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow. He didn't even speed up his step like he normally did. What is going on?


Their trip out to the springs was slow-going. Inuyasha seemed content to let Kagome wallow in her own thoughts, and her head filled with glimpses and memories of the past day. When she saw a stray thread, her mind flickered to the voices that taunted her. When she saw a wildflower on the path, the calm of the lotus ponds filling her heart. When she looked to the sky, she hated being chained to the ground. She nearly didn't register that another rider was closing in, one of the young servants from the stables. As he neared, Kagome sat up a little straighter, self-consciously tugging at the hem of Sesshomaru's haori.

"Inuyasha-sama, His Majesty requests your presence at the throne room," said the boy, tightening the reins of his horse.

"Keh, what does my old man want now?" Inuyasha made no move to turn their horse around, continuing slowly towards the western woods.

"Inuyasha, you should go," Kagome said, her voice soft but sure. Their eyes met, and time paused. He pulled the horse's reins slightly, and they stopped moving forward.

"What about you?" Inuyasha's eyes flashed, but a slow smile spread across Kagome's face, not quite reaching her eyes.

"I'll be fine. Like you said, no one really comes to these woods, so I don't have to worry. Just promise you'll come back and get me later," Kagome said gently, already preparing to slide from the horse's back to the ground.

"Keh. You'll probably make a huge mess of these woods if I leave you alone," Inuyasha huffed, a teasing edge to his words. This time, Kagome's eyes lit up with subtle mirth and her smile grew the slightest bit.

"Of course. What would I do without you?" Kagome teased. She shifted slightly in her seat. "If you can help me down, I'll continue on foot. It seems you need to hurry," she said with a pointed look to the stable boy, who had already turned his horse back towards the palace. Inuyasha jumped down and lifted her from the horse, gently setting her on the ground. Kagome glanced down, a blush tinting her cheeks and she bowed her head in gratitude.

"I'll be back soon," Inuyasha said, remounting and spurring the horse into a gallop, the stable boy following close behind. In a minute, all she could see of him was a red dot on the horizon. She shuddered, drawing Sesshomaru's haori tighter around her shoulders, and turned about, setting off into the woods towards the hot spring.


Hours passed. Kagome had sat in the spring, soaking in the healing effects of the water until the sun hung low in the sky. The water seeped into her skin, and before long her thoughts led her to happier times. Now she stood, alone, in the middle of the thick woods. Her hair hung limp down her back, dampening the fabric of the haori.

"Well, there's no use waiting here any longer," Kagome said to herself, wrapping the haori tightly around her form. A faint path lay before her, the trees causing shadows to flicker over her footsteps. I wonder why Inuyasha didn't come for me. For all his childishness, that doesn't seem like something he would do. She walked through the thick woods towards the palace. Birds sang as the sun kept falling, and animals skittered out of her way as she walked.

Eventually, she found herself at the edge of the wood, in a clearing facing the gardens. On the far side of the gardens the palace sat, large and imposing. She couldn't hear anything, but she could still make out the bustle and movement of figures as they flitted around the grounds and the buildings in preparation for the evening meal. Though she hadn't eaten much that day, her stomach turned in anticipation of attending another meal with the women who had attacked her. Her hands clenched the haori as her mind fought off thoughts of the previous night. She stepped forward once more, small strides taking her into the gardens rather than the palace. Kagome wandered down the paths, her fingers trailing on flowers and plants along her way. She stopped by the pond, thankful for the towering wisteria tree in between her and the rest of the world. She sat, her eyes absently focused on the lotus blossoms and all the life the little pond attracted. Picking at a nearby flower, she idly twiddled the stem in her fingers. The petals wilted slightly, some falling off as she kept twirling it around. Her hand slipped into the pond, drawing lazy circles on the surface, and she watched as the ripples cascaded out towards the opposite banks.


Sesshomaru walked quickly through the gardens, following the faint scent of Higurashi. He had not seen the girl since that morning, after he left the gardens. His father had kept him in the council room most of the day, researching and preparing strategies for different potential enemies. When he was a pup, he would undergo similar exercises with his sensei to devise a plan for attack or defense. Now, with a real and unknown enemy, these sessions turned stressful and contentious. His father seemed agitated, and he couldn't figure out why. Perhaps he is keeping something from me. Maybe he has encountered this strange demon before, but I would remember the feel of his youki. If he and Father had crossed paths, it was a long time ago, he mused as he turned a corner in the path. The large wisteria stood tall in front of him, and he slowed, his steps silent.

Higurashi sat on the other side of the tree, completely unaware of his presence. Sesshomaru watched her as she picked a nearby flower up and began playing with it in her hands. The air around him compressed, and he watched silent awe as the very tips of Kagome's fingers glowed a soft blue aura, the same shade as her pale eyes. Sesshomaru stared, his brow furrowing even further as the petals wilted and fell off the flower. The bloom now looked as though it had been picked days ago, instead of mere minutes. He glanced from Higurashi's hands to her eyes, but she showed no comprehension of what had happened to the flower. Something seemed to emanate from within her, something invisible causing the pressure in the air. His feet led him forward, still out of her sight, as her hand dipped down into the water. The ripples from her touch spread and cascaded, rushing across the pond far faster than they should. Perhaps the girl does not realize what she is doing, he thought, watching in fascination. He observed her in silence, even the sounds of the nobles assembling and commencing dinner not pulling his focus. Father will be furious I'm not there to see the new arrival, he thought absently. But I don't care.

As he watched her from the shadows of the wisteria, a second set of eyes watched them both. Far away, a golem with burning red eyes sat, watching the young girl twirl her hand in the pond.

The pressure in the air dissipated, and Sesshomaru spread out his youki, trying to understand exactly what Higurashi had done. His probing senses brought no insight other than a vague sense of the girl's somber emotions. Of course, a puzzle this complex won't be so easily solved, he thought, grim sarcasm coloring his inner thoughts. He stepped sharply out of the shadow of the tree, cracking a twig underneath his foot. Higurashi turned quickly, her blue eyes widening in surprise before softening under his gaze.

"Sesshomaru-sama," she said, shifting to her knees while bowing her head. "What are you doing here?"

"You were not present this morning. Why?" He asked, cocking his head ever so slightly while ignoring her question.

"I was, um, I was unwell last night," Kagome started slowly, fiddling with the edge of her- no, his- haori, "and I…" she faltered. "I…" Her cheeks flushed a dark crimson and she dipped her head, obscuring her eyes from his view.

"Can I expect you tomorrow morning?" Sesshomaru asked, drawing her focus back.

"Hai! Hai, Sesshomaru-sama. I will be at breakfast tomorrow," she answered quickly, looking back up at him.

"Dinner is over. Have you eaten today?"

"Ie, I have not," Kagome replied, her arms crossing her stomach as it let out a soft grumble. Her cheeks flushed once more, a soft endearing pink crossing her features.

"Come," he said, extending a hand to lift her from the dirt. She gathered the haori tightly before gingerly accepting his clawed grasp. She wobbled slightly, squeezing his fingers as she regained her balance. Sesshomaru looked at her, his brow still slightly furrowed. He dropped her hand and turned on his heel, heading ack to the palace. He didn't look back, but he heard her soft footfalls as she trailed behind him. When he reached the shoji doors, he stopped a passing servant, telling them to find Higurashi's maid servant and bring her to the kitchens.

They continued their path through the winding hallways to the rear section of the palace, towards the kitchens. Servants flitted about, stopping to bow their heads at the pair before continuing to complete their tasks. Sesshomaru stopped before a shoji door, sparing a glance at Higurashi's form. Her head hung low, her eyes absently watching him as he moved. He looked forward again, sliding the door open to reveal a large kitchen with several kamado stoves surrounded by several shelves of large pots and pans. Servants bustled around the room, barely recognizing the prince in the doorway. He entered, Higurashi following a half-step behind. A servant stopped before him, wiping his hands on a spare rag.

"Oji-sama," the servant said with a quick bow, "how can I help you?"

Sesshomaru moved to the side, turning his gaze on Higurashi. The servant followed his look to the young girl. "She has missed the evening meal. See that she gets whatever she wants," he said. Higurashi raised her head slightly, her eyes still downcast. He glanced at the servant, how nodded sharply, then Sesshomaru turned and left the kitchen, sliding the door shut behind him.


Kagome looked at the closed door, her heart fluttering against her chest. At least he didn't ask for his haori back yet.

"Hime-sama, if you please?" The servant's voice broke her concentration, and Kagome glanced back at him.

"Huh?" she said weakly, her own voice nearly lost in the bustle of the kitchen. The servant was gesturing towards another set of doors. Numbly, Kagome followed him into a small dining area. Servants and cooks sat around small tables with heaping platters of rice, vegetables, and fish. A fresh bowl was gently pushed into her hands, already piled high with food. She moved to an almost empty table, setting down her bowl before sitting. The only other occupant, a large humanoid demon with skin paler than snow, sat on the other side of the table, a half-finished bowl in front of him. When he looked up at her, his violet eyes flashed a vivid red. Startled, Kagome quickly looked back at her own bowl. Hunger and exhaustion crept into her, and she began stuffing her face with the heavenly food.


"I am disappointed, Sesshomaru," Inu no Taisho said, his back straight as he scanned the dark sky.

"Hn," Sesshomaru responded, watching the heavens.

"I trust you had a very, very good reason for not presenting yourself to the newest girl," Inu no Taisho said, eyes flickering towards his son. Gold clashed against gold, and a little spark of obstinance flared in Sesshomaru's eyes. "And for not appearing at dinner."

"Hn."

"Have you no desire to find a mate, pup?"

Sesshomaru paused. "None of them interest me," he said, turning back to the sky. He stood stiffly, his back to his father. Well…

"None?" Inu no Taisho pressed, noticing his son's hesitation. A moment passed. "Must I pick for you, then?"

"If it be your will."

"Hn."

"Keh."

Silence enveloped the pair. High above them, a star fell, leaving a gleaming trail in its wake.

"Father, did you—"

"Yes, my son. I saw it."

Quiet tension hung in the air.

"Why does it matter?"

Inu no Taisho was silent, his harsh gaze flicking at his expectant son, revealing nothing. Sesshomaru cocked his head slightly, trying to interpret the importance of the sign.

"You are keeping something from me."

The Emperor still said nothing.

"This Sesshomaru does not appreciate being kept ignorant of things."

"Then you should expect your alpha to inform you when the time is right, pup."

As his son left, Inu no Taisho returned to his observation of the skies.


Thanks for reading! With my outline I'll hopefully post more regularly again. If you have questions or want to leave a review, please do! I love reading them!

- homestyler