{Chapter Three}
I paused suddenly feeling something that made me what to shiver in fright. I looked off into the distance where we confirmed that the Western Palace was and from the sense that I had, they were currently engaged in battle. I have never sensed such darkness in my life. I looked at Kagome my face becoming a mask showing no emotion.
"Ready yourself, there is something happening at the palace" I informed her
I bolted forward pushing all the powers I could to move as fast as possible feeling Kagome doing the same but not as quickly. Within a few minutes I stopped suddenly on the tree line shock running through my body at the sight before me.
I had never seen anything anywhere close to that bloodshed before me. There were soldiers from the western palace fighting against many dark creatures. Some were transformed into huge animals, what Kagome explained were their true forms. The other demons that were tainted were huge and ugly but stronger then the ones from before.
"Stay here and shot your arrows" I explained to Kagome seriously before taking out my bow out
Kagome nodding in understanding as I shot an arrow at the forces from behind doing my best to ignore their shrieks as they turned to ash. Kagome fired after me taking out more as I closed in continuing to fire as long as I could. I took out my sword pushing my ki into it as I jumped stabbing one in the back turning it to ash saving one of the soldiers who looked at me in relief and nodded.
"They got in the palace" One of the soldiers from the gate shouted causing the male before me to look in that direction
"The princess" He said paling in realization and fighting to go off in that direction
I growled at the thought of a child being harmed allowing my control to release more of my powers. The enemy soldiers growled in pain and backed away as I rushed after him towards the palace. I slashed and killed as many of them as I could feeling Kagome still taking out a lot with her arrows. I ran through the broken part of the wall pausing seeing the soldier held up in battle as my blood ran cold at the sound of a girl screaming loudly.
"Go" He growled out seriously with stern eyes, and I nodded not needing to be told twice
I ran towards the screaming girl turning the corner to see a demon with red hair struggling to fight against three enemy soldiers as two held a girl that was struggling crying while one held her face threatening her. I took a breath thinking over the possible actions as quickly as I possibly could. I strung two arrows and released them. One went towards the demon on her left while the other went threw the one in front of her into the one on her right. I quickly readied two more as the screamed shooting again hitting two in front of the other soldier. The last one turned to me as I released another arrow.
The male demon hurried to the girl taking her into his arms being painfully gentle with her. I understand the look of love and relief in his eyes as he looked her over for injury. The princess was human and a teenager, I could sense from her soul how pure she was. An innocent child in my eyes and I was enraged knowing that she was the target of the attack. I threw up a barrier around them to ensure that no one would touch her again.
"A barrier" The demon questioned me with wide eyes and I nodded in confirmation
"Stay in the barrier until the battle ends, she was the target and must be protected" I commanded seriously waiting for his nod of confirmation seeing him relax holding her tightly
I turned around and quickly made my way back to the battle that was still raging, the enemy was unaware that their target was far from their grasp at this point and still acting as if she was captured. I smirked in rage feeling her powers response accordingly thinking only of protecting this palace further. The enemy sensed it as she surrounded her skin in ki pushing it to her weapon using more than she allowed before. Those closest to her snarled in anger as she let out a low growl in response.
"Your dead" I said coldly wanting nothing more than to see them turn to ash
The creatures snarled again as I felt Kagome and the soldier from earlier appear next to me at my sides. I smirked charging forward with no thought then to end this battle quickly. It was natural as I kept moving turning those that remained to ash along with Kagome. I paused only when I sensed the most powerful aura I had ever known and looked ahead to see a white dog the side snarling drop from the sky. I blinked at the red eyed dog in complete awe as green poison dropped from his mouth and paws destroyed all the enemies in his path. After that the battle was over in mere moments.
"Kagome" I heard a male shout feeling a powerful aura closing in on her
I was before in on instinct in a moment taking my sword back out to protect her if it was needed. I looked at the male that was with the Princess earlier as he stopped suddenly looking at me fearfully.
"Kagome" He whispered softly as Kagome gasped before me peaking behind my shoulder
"Shippo?" Kagome questioned looking over him causing him to smile tearfully with a nod of confirmation
I relaxed letting out a breath of relief knowing that he was one of her former comrades, we had at least found one of them. Kagome choked out a sob running forwarded jumping into his wide arms. I watched with a smile as he twirled her around both of their auras showing happiness and joy.
"Kagome" Shippo said softly setting her on her feet once more looking her over "I can't believe it is you, I never thought I would see you again"
"Oh god, look at how big you have gotten" Kagome said crying with a bright smile on her face "You aren't a little fox anymore"
"Yeah, I couldn't stay little forever" Shippo said sadly before looking at her in confusion "You still look the same, exactly how I recall you to be"
"Yeah, I know. I haven't really aged at all, but I will explain that later" Kagome said softly looking sadly at him in question
"And everyone else? Are they alive?" Kagome choked out fearing the answer and I feared for her, if any of them were dead it would break her
"They are away at battle, should be back soon if Lord Sesshomaru showing up here is any indication" Shippo explained softly knowing that she needed the answered "They will be happy to see you"
"Thank you" Kagome said wiping tears away "I missed you Shippo"
"I missed you too" Shippo said wrapping an arm around her as she remembered I was there and gasped looking at me
"Oh, Shippo meet my best friend and protector Ellie" Kagome said suddenly motioning to me as he looked me over
"You were the one that saved us back there" Shippo said as I nodded in confirmation "Thank you"
"No problem" I said shrugging my shoulder slightly "I wasn't going to let them harm either of you"
"Showed up just in time" Shippo said with a smile before looking in the direction behind me "Lord Sesshomaru"
I watched as he approached Lord Sesshomaru and the General from earlier. They were in deep in conversation, most like updates from battle, when he interrupted them. Sesshomaru looked over Kagome with concealed surprise nodding to Shippo before looking at me. I fought hard against my emotions when those deep golden eyes looked at me.
"Miko you have returned" He stated sternly in observation as Kagome nodded in confirmation "This Sesshomaru's brother will return to the palace in three days' time. You shall be provided a room in his wing with the others of his pack"
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru" Kagome said trying to push back her fear, from the stories I understood her fear.
"It appears that this Sesshomaru owns you much for saving Rin as well as the others with your assistance in battle" He said reluctantly looking at me "This Sesshomaru will have a room made up for you in this one's wing"
"Lord Sesshomaru, it truly is not necessary. Surely, I can stay in Kagome's room if need be, I don't want to be owed anything for doing the right thing. I am sure you don't wish for me to be in your wing" I said as respectfully as I could causing him to frown slightly
"Don't worry, you will love your room. I stay in that wing as well. You can help ensure that Rin is protected should the need occur" Shippo said with a chuckle ending the conversation forcing my decision as Sesshomaru looked almost relieved
"Indeed" Sesshomaru mumbled looking thoughtful at the information
"Thank you Lord Sesshomaru for your generosity" I said softly with a smile bowing to him causing him to nod his head in response
I paused suddenly hearing feet fast approaching and was taken by surprise when the human girl from earlier hugged the demon lord before me. I couldn't help but blink in shock as he is patting her head gently. The girl pulled back smiling brightly as she looked from him to Shippo before Kagome drew me out of my thoughts.
"Rin?" Kagome said in shock looking at her with wide eyes
"Lady Kagome?" Rin said looking at her in shock before smiling brightly as Kagome smiled with tears in her eyes
I watched as Rin bolted forwards hugging Kagome tightly, the both with bright smiles and tearful eyes. They started laughing at each other causing me to smile in amusement. I tensed slightly as someone appeared at my side glancing and relaxing upon seeing that it was the general from before.
"You have my thanks Milady for saving my life" He said with a smile and I couldn't help but return it
"Elessandria" I responded to cause him to look at me confused "My name is Elessandria Galac or Ellie"
"Very well" He said before smirking at me bowing towards me in respect "My name is Juntao"
"It is nice to meet you officially General" I said with a bow of my own in amusement before Kagome's approach drew my attention
"Rin this is Elessandria" Kagome introduced happily, and I was taken by surprise as I was hugged tightly by the girl
"Thank you so much Lady Elessandria for saving my life" She said happily pulling away causing me to smile not knowing what to say in response
"That is just what she does" Kagome said with a chuckle of amusement "This is my protector and best friend"
"You always did need a permanent protection" Rin said seriously looking between the both of us
I shook my head at the statement as the others gave Kagome a pointed look knowing she needed protection more then anyone they had ever known. I smiled at the General bid farewell to no doubt look through the remains of the battle to assess the damage with Lord Sesshomaru who walked away without a word. I followed shortly after leaving Kagome, Rin, and Shippo to have some time alone to catch up a little bit.
"Lord Sesshomaru" I said softly approaching them causing him to glare at me "Forgive me if this is not appropriate and I don't mean to offend you, but I was wondering if it would be okay for me to put a barrier around the palace at least until the walls can be repaired"
"Do you doubt this Sesshomaru's ability to protect his own palace?" Sesshomaru growled out in anger causing me to flinch
"Not at all Lord Sesshomaru, you are far stronger than anyone I have ever met before and doubt will ever meet again" I said honestly causing him to relax while Juntao smirked at the statement "I am not one to accept anything for free, it would put my mind at ease to at least offer this as payment for you offering me a place to stay"
"Payment is not necessary, but you may put up the barrier" Lord Sesshomaru said looking at me strangely after a few moments of thought
"Thank you so much Lord Sesshomaru" I said with a bright smile "I really appreciate it"
I twirled around to place up the barrier hearing the general mumble that I was an interesting one and Lord Sesshomaru hum in agreement. I went about anchoring the barrier in multiple places, it took hours before I was satisfied that it would never fall and no one with intentions of harming anyone here could enter. I blinked when a maid name Rain appeared leading me to the room that had been assigned to me for my stay. The sight of the room completely shocked me to my core, it was the most beautiful room I had ever seen.
The room was large with soft colors throughout including lilac and light silver. The furniture was beautifully hand made with amazingly detailed flower designs. There was a large bed that was far more comfortable that I thought possible along with a wood desk, wardrobe, and a small table. There was large fire place with images of huge dogs twirling around it. There were a few cushions near it as an area to relax with company. There were two carved doors that lead to a balcony that overlooked the garden and a door that lead to a private bathing chamber.
The bathroom was beautifully done in a silver stone that had been polished to perfection with a huge heated bath that was way to big for one person, it was the size of a pool. I loved the natural yet polished feel of the chamber. Not wanting to wait at all, I immediately stripped slipping into the bath with a sigh of happiness. I found myself in love with the soaps and conditioners that were provided to me, demon soaps and conditioners were so much better than anything I had ever used.
After a while I wrapped myself in a towel going out of the room to the wardrobe. I blinked at the sight of what had to be the most expensive Kimonos I had ever seen as they were all made of silk and had designs that were more detailed than I thought possible. I frowned slightly knowing sooner or later I would have to wear them. I grabbed my pack picking out shorts and a tank top to sleep. I felt the barrier form around my room on instinct as I allow myself to rest after the stressful couple of days that had passed.