Maiden of the Sword

It took forever to get this chapter out, but I hope you enjoy it and let me know your thoughts!

Ch. 6

Kagome slid open the door to an intimate, enclosed bath room. The innkeepers had sweetly filled the tub for her. She dipped her fingers in the steaming water and shivered in delight. She disrobed and plunged in the inn's hot tub.

Kagome squealed as the hot water lapped against her dirty skin, "Ah, this is the best! How long has it been since I've relaxed like this?"

She lathered some soap on her body. She watched the foam of the soap dissipate in the water and sighed, thinking aloud.

"When I get the Tsugara blade, I'll probably never get a moment like this for a while." Kagome glanced out the small window.

The view was calming. Kagome craned her neck to look out the window. Fireflies danced and cicadas hummed outside. She breathed out a wispy sigh. A week ago she would have been sweeping the shrine's grounds and sneaking out after bedtime. Now she was on the greatest journey she would probably have and with royalty no less. A small smile crept on the woman's face, thinking of Lord Inutaisho. Despite being a Lord, it was Inutaisho that treated her something like royalty. In the short week they'd spent together, he'd doted on her as if she were his own, much to Sesshoumaru's chagrin.

'Sesshoumaru,' Kagome thought with a frown. She didn't know if there was a person alive that disliked her more than him. The two had never had a conversation that didn't end with insults and lately the prince seemed to go out of his way to hurt her. When he wasn't patronizing her for being a half-demon, he was criticizing her for her lack of grace, her 'plain features' and anything else unworthy of him.

"He's such a jerk," Kagome mumbled indignantly, splashing a little. She sighed and mused softly, "He's lucky he's kind of cute on the outside because he's a big meanie on the inside. I don't see how anyone could like him."

She lingered on the thought. Then again, besides Hitomiko, Kaede, and Shippo, Kagome wasn't well-liked herself. Sesshoumaru probably acted differently toward other nobility. She was just a parentless little shrine maiden, a filthy half-breed. Why would she ever be worth a Prince's time? Kagome groaned, sinking lower into the tub.

"Don't think like that! You're just as worthy as the next person. Don't let him get to you, Kagome!" She convinced herself.

Then she felt it. Kagome froze, feeling that cold trickle of power she'd felt earlier in the woods. Who was this? Why couldn't she pinpoint this enemy? She saw a shadow looming near the window and panicked. Where was Sesshoumaru or Lord Inutaisho? Was she the only person to feel such power? Kagome didn't know, but she was not about to be caught off guard. She held her breath and ducked, hiding under the foamy waters.

'I don't know who you are, but you're not going to sneak up on me!' Kagome thought, looking up at the shadowy figure that approached from outside.

Sesshoumaru slid the bath door open, shedding his robes in haste. He unleashed a low growl. His father had just finished chastising him on his treatment of Kagome and for getting his clothes so dirty. The prince scoffed.

'I don't understand how it's my fault that she pushed me in the mud. Uncouth wench.'

He glanced over at the foamy waters and smirked. At least this inn had provided a decent bath for him. Sesshoumaru peered over the tub, eyeing the water curiously. Something seemed off. Looking closer, he noticed little air bubbles popping to the top. He dipped his hand in the water when Kagome leapt out, claws raised.

"Stay back, I'm warning you!"

On reflex Sesshoumaru dodged her swipes and pinned her wrists back against the wall. Kagome squirmed, kicking up water wildly under his grip.

"What are you doing?" Sesshoumaru snapped.

Kagome stilled her thrashing. Realization settled over her at his voice. Sesshoumaru frowned, waiting for the woman to speak. Instead, her face colored a beet red. Suddenly Sesshoumaru noticed their situation. His eyes roamed over her body. The pads of his thumbs brushed against her wrists. Free from dirt, her skin was supple. Water droplets slid down the swell of Kagome's breasts and down her stomach before disappearing in the soft curls that caressed her nether lips. The prince's eyes watched the water drip as if it performed a private dance just for him. Unconsciously and to his horror, Sesshoumaru released an approving growl, going as far to lick his lips. Kagome jerked her wrists away and slapped Sesshoumaru, knocking him from his stupor.

"You perverted idiot!"

Sesshoumaru touched his stinging cheek, glad to have an excuse for his own reddened hue.

Kagome dove back in the water. She found refuge in the foam and pointed to Sesshoumaru's waist, averting her eyes, "Ugh, and put some clothes on! Why are you here?"

Sesshoumaru yanked a towel from the ground. Using anger to hide his embarrassment, he bellowed, "Cease your wailing, you intrusive harpy! I never meant to walk in on you. I'm sickened that I had to witness your squalid body in any capacity."

"Yeah right! I bet you did mean to walk in, trying to get a peek, you pervert!"

Sesshoumaru eyes narrowed to a dangerous level at the accusation, "You forget yourself, mutt. If I wished it, I could have you on your knees, begging, with my name on your lips."

Sesshoumaru snorted at the idea of any woman, Kagome included, ever denying him before returning to the matter at hand, "Besides, I think you wanted me to see you, probably in a poor attempt to entice me. You snuck in the bath meant for me after all."

"I didn't sneak anywhere. How was I supposed to know you would come here?"

"You pushed me in mud. Of course, I would come to clean myself," Sesshoumaru retorted.

Kagome eyed Sesshoumaru's deep V and the towel sloppily secured warily, saying, "Just hand me a towel so I can leave, you creep."

To Kagome's horror, Sesshoumaru unwrapped the towel covering his most private area and flung it at her. "Unlike you, I have nothing to be ashamed of here."

Sesshoumaru stepped up into the tub and Kagome scrambled to exit. Sesshoumaru watched the maiden depart when a wicked idea came to mind. It was the perfect way to get back at her. Before Kagome could swing her legs out on the ledge, Sesshoumaru's tail had wrapped around her waist, dragging her back and prolonging her watery hell. She clutched the towel around her cleavage as Sesshoumaru pressed her backside against his chest.

"You can stay if you'd like, Kagome."

He'd never said her name before and the way he said it sounded so carnal, so deliciously animal. Kagome stilled and Sesshoumaru inhaled the scent of her hair, genuinely enjoying the subtle scent of apples wafting from her mane. It was rare she allowed her natural scent to flow freely.

"St-stop teasing me Sesshoumaru. I'm a priestess! Being here with you is improper," Kagome wanted her words to be stern, but her voice wavered every time she felt his hot breath tickle her neck.

Sesshoumaru chuckled, drawing his hands leisurely up her side, "Perhaps you'll be of greater use as my concubine. You already dress so vulgarly for a shrine maiden."

Kagome felt something poke her lower back. She daren't guess what is was, but instead delivered another jolting slap and broke from the prince's grasp. Sesshoumaru's tail unraveled from her waist and Kagome took the opportunity to leap from the tub. She covered herself with the rest of the towel and glared at Sesshoumaru.

She clenched the towel like a lifeline. Her ears were pricked back, a sure sign of how angry she was, but Sesshoumaru didn't acknowledge it. Despite the fury rolling off her, she looked more like a pitiful puppy than a threat. Water droplets dripped from her midnight tresses and every so often, those puppy dog ears would flick away another tendril of water tickling her tips. Sesshoumaru felt his lips curl up at the sight.

'Cute.'

A pretty pout appeared on Kagome's features when she realized how easily the prince could anger her. Sesshoumaru had never seen her get so flustered, revealing her innocence. Then again, as a shrine maiden, she'd never spent any time with males.

Kagome tightened the towel around her and cleared her throat, trying to look dignified, "You stay away from me, Sesshoumaru. I mean it."

Sesshoumaru chuckled and stretched out in the water, "As you wish."

The prince held his smirk in place, watching Kagome gather her belongings awkwardly. Unable to resist the quiet as she left, Sesshoumaru added, "See you at dinner, Half-breed."

Kagome growled, slamming the sliding door as hard as she could. Sesshoumaru snickered a bit before escalating to a full-blown laugh. Even from down the hall, she heard Sesshoumaru laughing at her expense.

"He was just teasing me. Jerk."

"Well what he lacks in kindness, he sure makes up for in other things," Kagome murmured, a light flush still present. She shook the perverse thought away, cursing herself for being so reactive to the Prince's antics.

Kagome darted into her room and changed into a sleeping yukata. She reemerged and shuffled into the main room when Inutaisho was sipping a cup of green tea. Inutaisho glanced up and smiled.

"Was that Sesshoumaru I heard a little while ago? I can't remember the last time I heard the boy laugh like that."

Kagome sat down beside the Lord, "That was him making problems for me again."

Inutaisho poured a cup of tea for the girl and motioned for her to sit. Kagome took the cup gratefully and sat, blowing the hot contents.

"Sesshoumaru really is a good boy, perhaps a little entitled at times, but good," Inutaisho commented.

The Lord pushed some rice and pork belly toward Kagome.

"I feel like he goes out of his way to be mean to me. Not very princely," Kagome grumbled.

"He's going through an emotional puberty of sorts," Inutaisho joked.

He smiled when Kagome giggled at his statement and scooped up her dinner. Sesshoumaru slid open the door leading into the dining room. He sat down across from Kagome. He wore a similar white yukata, tied lazily around his waist. Kagome glanced at his chest, partially exposed and still wet from his bath. Sesshoumaru noticed her gawking and smirked. Yes, it would seem even the spunky priestess wasn't immune to her more baser instincts when it came to the opposite sex.

"Good of you to join us, son. We are in for a special treat. Princess Natsuo heard of our arrival and will be stopping by shortly. How long has it been since we've seen her?"

Sesshoumaru scooped up a portion of food, "Three or four years I believe."

"Who is this princess?" Kagome questioned.

"She is the daughter of an old friend, a noble in this area. I remembered when Natsuo was born. I can't believe she's of marrying age already."

"Lord Inutaisho? Prince Sesshoumaru?" A small feminine voice called out.

The sliding door opened once more and a young woman walked in. Inutaisho stood with Sesshoumaru following suit.

"Natsuo! Look how you've grown!" Inutaisho said embracing the young woman.

Natsuo hugged him back and wrapped her arms around the prince. He didn't hug her back, but didn't push her away as Kagome expected he would. Natsuo seemed unfazed by his coldness. The princess peered around him at Kagome. Kagome stood, giving a small bow.

"Um, nice to meet you, Princess Natsuo." Kagome said meekly.

Natsuo walked up to the woman, studying her with a curious expression. Kagome straightened up, cocking her head to the side.

"Yes, you'll do," Natsuo murmured.

Kagome frowned, "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

Natsuo smiled brightly, "The innkeepers said we looked similar and I had to see! Of course, I don't have the cute ears!" The Princess exclaimed and gave Kagome's ears a playful tug.

Kagome's frown deepened. She resisted the urge to slap the woman's hands away, choosing to take a step back. She examined her. The two did have a resemblance. Besides the ears, Kagome's hair was a little shorter with a blue tint as opposed to the princess's chocolate tresses and the half-demon was slightly taller with a curvier frame. Perhaps she didn't see what the others did.

Sesshoumaru moved past the women, "Natsuo, there's no reason to insult yourself. You two look nothing alike."

Kagome shoved him and sat down, "You just can't resist going after me every chance you get, you stupid jerk."

Natsuo laughed and turned to Inutaisho, who had taken a seat once more on a small mat, "Are these two always like this?"

"It's never a dull moment," the Lord responded.

Natsuo took Sesshoumaru's seat next to Inutaisho, leaving the prince to take a seat beside Kagome. Kagome grumbled to herself, scooting away from him slightly.

"What's the reason for your travels? You're quite a distance from the Western Lands."

"I have an artifact that I must retrieve. Lord Inutaisho has graciously agreed to accompany me at the wish of my teacher and I guess Sesshoumaru is going to tag along, though he has been of little help," Kagome concluded.

"Prince Sesshoumaru, little urchin. Learn to address your superiors properly," the prince grated.

Natsuo chuckled again before commenting, "You are very lucky, Kagome. You're being protected by some of the two strongest men I know."

"I'm definitely grateful for the help, but I assure you I can hold my own as well."

Sesshoumaru coughed and Kagome shot a look of disdain at him.

"Something wrong with your throat, Prince?"

He heard the testy nature in her voice and opened his mouth for a retort. Before he could, his father handed him a bowl of food with a look that promised punishment if he spoke out. Reluctantly and for the first time since he'd met Kagome, Sesshoumaru kept his mouth shut.

Sesshoumaru would never tell her, but he actually found himself impressed by Kagome. She carried on conversations with Princess Natsuo and Lord Inutaisho surprisingly well for someone of such a humble station. It turned out the shrine maiden was actually quite well-read, a rare trait for even noble women. She glided from topic to topic effortlessly. Some topics even intrigued the prince, for Kagome knew the history of wars and rulers of lands he knew very little about. Sesshoumaru sucked in a sharp breath. His pride barred him from ever admitting such a thing to her though so he could not ask the questions he desperately wanted to ask. Instead he watched her silently, absorbing as much as he could.

Natsuo paid Kagome a compliment and the woman's cheeks flushed. He found he didn't mind the bashful display; it was far more genuine than the ones the ladies of the court often gave. Kagome was speaking emphatically about something, but in his thoughts, Sesshoumaru had no clue what it was. He focused instead on her face, lit up like lanterns.

'If she had a tail, it would be wagging incessantly,' Sesshoumaru mused. 'Cute.'

Sesshoumaru growled. That had been the second time that day that he'd described her antics in such a manner.

"What is it? Why are you angry? Hate the fact not everyone is listening to you?" Kagome quipped.

"Not cute at all," Sesshoumaru grumbled to himself.

"What?"

"Mind your business mutt," shot out the prince.

"Sesshoumaru," Inutaisho reprimanded.

"Unlike you, I will take the high road, your royal headache," Kagome said, turning back to the princess, "I hear you are to be married soon. Congratulations."

The smile the princess wore faded slightly, "It is an honor, thank you. Prince Sesshoumaru, I imagine you will begin courting your intended soon, correct?"

A thin frown marred the prince's face. Lord Inutaisho spoke for him.

"Sesshoumaru has already sent out the invitations to the eligible ladies. I hope to have a new daughter-in-law in a month's time."

"I wouldn't count on it if those ladies have a say," Kagome said under her breath.

Sesshoumaru's ears twitched, picking up on the words, "I'm sorry; what was that about you taking the high road?"

"Oh like you're always true to your word," Kagome retorted. She reached for a cup of tea in a huff.

He sat too close to her, his presence oppressing. The man was an enigma: one moment he seemed like he hated breathing the same air as her, the other moment he seemed to almost crave her attention. Perhaps Sesshoumaru was always like this, but Kagome hadn't noticed until Princess Natsuo had arrived. He sighed heavily when she spoke too long or strummed his tail against her to distract her, whatever he could to have Kagome notice him. To stop him, a couple of growls and subtle jabs to the side did the trick, but only for a few minutes. Whether it was negative or not, he vied for her attention. Kagome rolled her eyes.

'I can only imagine what he was like as a child if this is him now.'

Though, something about his childish behavior was actually a little... endearing. Even the mean old ice prince had to have some redeeming quality. Kagome's eyes shifted ever so faintly to the man beside her as he spoke to Natsuo. It was remarkable how quickly Sesshoumaru could transform from some bratty, entitled demon to an intelligent and even charming being, depending on the people around him. Why couldn't he show this side of himself more in their travels?

"What is it?" the prince asked, cutting his eyes toward her.

Kagome averted her attention as those pair of golden irises fixed on her.

"I can sense your eyes on me. What is it?"

Kagome's cheeks puffed at being noticed and her eyes whipped back to her rice.

"You're crazy. No one was looking at you, your highness."

Sesshoumaru's eyes lingered on the woman with a sultry and blatant stare. His focus shifted to the raven curl of her bangs resting against the cream of her skin. Kagome glanced over and caught his stare. She sported a glare at the prince, but Sesshoumaru refused to look away, returning a similar display. The two were so immersed in the other they forgot about the princess and Lord Inutaisho's watchful eyes. The lord cleared his throat and the two demons turned from each other, still shooting dirty looks from more of a distance.

Natsuo pushed her bowl aside and spoke, "I wish you would have told me you were here, Lord Inutaisho. I would have certainly prepared a room for you at the castle."

"Nonsense, this inn is plenty fit for royalty."

Natsuo whipped over to Kagome, "Hey, I had a great idea! How about I spend the night? I want to see you all off tomorrow and tonight we can do something fun like do each other's makeup! How would that sound, Kagome?"

"I wouldn't mind you staying, but I've never worn makeup and I don't know how to apply it," the teenager answered almost shamefully.

Inutaisho stood with a stretch, "I'm glad you to see you two are getting along, but I'll call it a night. Don't stay up too late. We'll leave early in the morning."

Sesshoumaru resisted a groan. He didn't want to be stuck alone while Kagome and Natsuo continued their idiotic female dribble. Still he stayed, watching Natsuo apply lipstick and eyeliner to Kagome.

"A few more touches and voila! You're so pretty now with makeup," Natsuo noted with a smile.

"I didn't think I looked bad before," Kagome chuckled.

Sesshoumaru slipped out a deprecating laugh, shaking his head.

"What? Not all women have to wear makeup to be pretty," Kagome mumbled, but her confidence was lacking.

He sneered, "You're a painfully obvious example that wearing makeup should not be an option, but rather a requirement. There should be at least some attempt on your part to stave off your grotesque appearance, at least for others' sakes."

"Oh, be nice! Doesn't she look good, Prince?"

Natsuo turned Kagome toward Sesshoumaru and he took in her appearance. She looked something like a doll framed with delicate features, rosy-colored cheeks and lips like pomegranates. Most captivating perhaps were her crystal eyes, staring at him expectantly.

"Awfully quiet. See something you like, Prince Sesshoumaru?" Natsuo teased, "With this kind of makeup job, Kagome looks like a real princess."

Sesshoumaru scoffed, "Your technique is good, though your model looks more like a streetwalker than a princess."

He turned quickly, embarrassed to show his own colored cheeks, "I'm going to bed. I've grown tired of your stupid women talk."

Sesshoumaru walked out, narrowly missing Kagome throwing a pillow at him.

"Good riddance. You're such a pain in the ass!"

He let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps it was a hormonal reaction to seeing her in the bath, but he'd felt off. He'd had more than enough of the half-demon for a night.

Natsuo placed her makeup away and settled into bed next to Kagome. Kagome had washed away the makeup, no longer enthused after Sesshoumaru's comment. She gulped down the last of her tea, preparing to turn in for the night.

"Are you sure Sesshoumaru is not courting you?" Natsuo asked in earnest.

Kagome coughed on her tea, wheezing before she caught her breath, "Gross! Yes, why would you ask?"

"He was admiring you," the princess responded with a shrug.

Kagome laughed loudly before answering in a shrill manner, "No, that's crazy! I doubt it. He probably just appreciated your makeup application covering my face."

"No, he was admiring you before I applied the makeup. Most of the night, actually."

"Please, he called me street walker!"

"It's curious," Natsuo continued, "Sesshoumaru speaks to you so often. I've never known him to give a woman so much attention, even to insult her. He's typically more distant."

The roses bloomed on Kagome's cheeks once more.

The princess had drifted to sleep and though Kagome hadn't been sure of her at first, she felt her and Natsuo were on the track of becoming fast friends. The young woman exuded warmth. It was no secret why her people loved her so much. Kagome fell back into her own bed, attempting to find comfort in her slumber. She shifted from side to side before finally standing up. It seemed sleep would be elusive on this night and the priestess slipped outside. Kagome watched the fireflies tap against the lanterns and enjoyed the light buzz of nature quieting until morning. The air was brisk and Kagome drew her yukata closer to her form when a flash of a figure darted across the garden. Kagome jumped back and covered her mouth. She didn't want the intruder to hear her shriek. She ran back inside and darted for her covers. She hadn't sensed anyone. She couldn't understand it, but the unfamiliarity had the trickle of fear creeping into all of her senses.

"Come on, snap out of it. Maybe your eyes are playing tricks on you," Kagome whispered.

Her voice was shaky and she peered at the sliding door. The young woman sighed and stood up. There was no way she would get any sleep until she verified that figure and there was no way she was doing that without backup. Reluctantly, Kagome made her way to Sesshoumaru's room.

"I'm feeling restless. Don't wait up, Sesshoumaru. I'm going on a quick run to stretch my legs."

Inutaisho slid the door open and shut it, leaving his son to his thoughts. Sesshoumaru turned on his side, trying to get comfortable. He couldn't wait until he were back on his lands and in his bed again. He preferred travelling to the tedium of the court, but some luxuries made it seem worth the hassle. The sliding door opened again. Sesshoumaru was about to comment how quickly his father's run had been when he realized he didn't smell his father's scent. In fact, he could smell nothing, yet heard the gentle padding of footsteps.

"What do you want, girl?" Sesshoumaru called out.

"How did you know it was me? You didn't even turn around," Kagome asked.

Sesshoumaru rolled on his other side to face her, "Your graceless stomping alerted me."

Her makeup had been scrubbed away mostly, but the residue of the red lipstick gave her lips an even more defined pout that Sesshoumaru was begrudgingly starting to like. Kagome felt another shiver and scanned the room wearily. Nothing seemed out of place in the room. She crept closer to Sesshoumaru and knelt. It seemed strange that she didn't have a comeback against his jab, but it was really strange when she started making herself comfortable in his bed. Sesshoumaru sat up in his cot.

"What are you doing?"

"It's extra chilly tonight and I need to talk to you," Kagome explained with a nonchalant shrug, "I'll be quick."

Kagome scooted Sesshoumaru over slightly.

"Did you not instruct me to stay away?" He reproofed.

"That was before!" Kagome offered back and crawled under the heavy blanket.

"This is my bed; return to your own bed."

"I have a bad feeling about this place, "Kagome whispered, ignoring his words, "You can sense something's off, can't you?"

Sesshoumaru sighed, acquiescing part of his cot, "I'll admit the innkeepers were acting strangely, but even if there were trickery about, I'm confident my father and I could dispose of the perpetrators. You, however, are a different case altogether."

"Um, Sesshoumaru, don't forget you're basically here to be my bodyguard. Remember if I die, the world comes to an end."

Sesshoumaru smirked, "That's assuming you're the person of prophecy, something I doubt more and more each passing day."

The fury radiating off Kagome added an extra layer of warmth for Sesshoumaru. Even in the dark, he could read her like a book; frustrating her was just too easy.

"Will you just search this place with me?" Kagome hissed. Her voice lowered even more, "Please?"

The two surveyed the land starting at the entrance and moving to each room. It was quiet, tranquil even. Mikos were touted as having superior physic capabilities, but the more they looked, the more Sesshoumaru believed the same could be said for the miko beside him.

"This is a waste. I don't smell anything or anyone," Sesshoumaru murmured.

"Believe nothing about this place, least of all your senses. Don't forget, I hide my scent as well," Kagome countered.

They froze, listening for any indication of an intruder. They returned to the entrance. Kagome scratched her head. There seemed to be no one around, save for them, Lord Inutaisho, the innkeepers and the princess, yet she couldn't shake her unease. Kagome's ears twitched and she straightened her body.

"That's weird. All day I've had this feeling that something's up, but maybe I-"

"Get down!"

Sesshoumaru pushed Kagome to the ground and sheltered her body underneath his own.

"Geez, Sesshoumaru," Kagome complained, pushing his broad chest off her, "What was that about?"

Sesshoumaru groaned. Kagome looked up at his face, grimaced in pain. She peeked over his shoulder and was surprised to see three arrows imbedded in his back.

She gasped, "Oh my gosh, Sesshoumaru, you're hurt! We have to get you somewhere safe."

A figure appeared with another arrow notched, "Maybe you should worry about yourself, Princess Natsuo. Time to die!"