Recap:
With that Kagome latched onto Sango's arm and hugged her friend close as they walked up the stairs. Today was actually turning out to be a rather good day wasn't it? Now if only Miroku and Inuyasha were here, then her day would be all better-Kagome was suddenly lurched backwards as Sango pulled her back into reality from her thoughts.
"What the-" but she stopped when she saw who was standing in front of them.
Kagome refused to gulp as the situation hit her. No Inuyasha, no Touga, no Miroku and his wind tunnel and no giant boomerang.
Crap.
"Hello…Sesshomaru. I see the meeting is finally over," she somehow managed to say.
Suddenly all that confidence that she felt earlier while telling him off in the great hall was nowhere to be found.
Perhaps she should have thought her situation through a bit more. If Kagome would have at least thought of everything she was charged with accomplishing she wouldn't have told Sesshomaru off like she had.
Then again, this was her and a saint she was not. So maybe she still would have told the son-of-a-bitch off, but that was beside the point. The point was that she needed serious anger management therapy. Perhaps if she had a class or something to help her out then she wouldn't find herself constantly in these situations. You know, the ones that leave you standing in front of a blood thirsty demon that you had just previously told off. Honestly, she didn't have enough fingers to count how many times that had happened to her.
It was a wonder she had survived in the feudal era as long as she had.
She looked up at the demon Lord that was still staring at her.
"How did the meeting go?" she asked cautiously. Just because he was an uncivilized brute didn't mean she had to stoop to his level.
Kagome watched as his eye's hardened at her words and he turned his head to the right like she was somehow unworthy of the answer.
Kagome felt her anger rise. Screw playing nice, he was asking for a war if he continued ignoring her like this.
"I asked you a question," she growled back.
Kagome could vaguely hear Sango silently speak out her name pleadingly but Kagome was very good at not listening to others, especially when it came to advice. And just because her life was in serious danger didn't mean that she was going to start listening to them now.
"I care not what you ask for wench," came the familiar cold and condescending voice.
She had no idea how it happened, but somehow that had pissed her off more than anything Inuyasha had ever said to her. Well at least she had her answer. Being a difficult ass really was a family trait. Besides, no one was allowed to call her wench.
But for the moment Kagome would keep her mouth shut. No need to start a fight with a seasoned warrior while her own night-in-not-so-shinny-armor was away.
"Alright then, I will accept the fact that you have no tactical knowledge of war or how to treat your allies. I can't after all, expect you to be the warrior that your father was," she finished. Okay, so she would almost keep her mouth shut. That counted…sort of. And perhaps it was a low blow, stabbing the one spot that she knew would hit home for the overgrown werewolf but like she said before, no one calls her wench and gets away with it.
Kagome watched as his eyes narrowed and tinted pink. Damn, she was really good at pissing him off wasn't she? She had only seen him loose control three times in the many years she's been hauling herself around the country and here it was, a daily occurrence. Perhaps she should invest in some sort of protection spell or something. There had to be some type of miko or witch around here with black magic she could use.
"Lady Kagome!" yelled an overly panicked Lord Shiho, "There you are, Uza I and have been looking all over for you."
It was amazing how he bypassed the entire situation with Sesshomaru.
"You were? Why?" she asked stupidly.
"Just wondering when that boy of yours will be back. We have made all of our arrangements and it is time you made yours. The others are getting worried that the half breed will not return," he said while surveying the situation.
Kagome felt a tick make its way up her spine, "Inuyasha will be back when he figures out how he is going to deal with the brother who has done nothing but attempt to kill him. You understand his reluctance to return."
"But that is all in the past now. You and your friends are here, now, as in the present time. I and Lord Uza wish to hear about all of your battles as well," he said calmly while placing a soothing hand behind her back, leading her away from the orderly chaos that is Sesshomaru. Kagome looked at Sango as the woman tried to discretely make her own way back downstairs.
Kagome doubted it had anything to do with the memories brought up in the story telling and everything to do with the company.
Kagome tried to turn her head again in order to look at Sesshomaru when Sango was no longer visible, "I wouldn't do that Miko. He is still rather mad about your comment."
Kagome huffed, "Then he shouldn't have pushed me."
"It is not in Sesshomaru's nature to be…kind. Though, you do seem to spark anger in him like no one else. He has always been in control of everything he does, to an excruciating level. I suppose that with your defiance, blatant disregard for his station and your acceptance of his half-brother you have him on edge. He is acting like a pup with those tantrums of his; I have never seen him like this before. Please, he is adjusting as much as the halfling you speak so fondly of. This truce is not easy for him either. Try not to blame him for his superior attitude towards you, it is all he knows."
"I know," Kagome blew her bangs out of her face, "he wasn't raised to be friendly. I get it." Internally she was wondering how many times she was going to end up hearing that little phrase before she threw something.
Lord Shiho stopped where he was, "You seem to be very insightful for a woman your age. How is it you are not married. The usual age for your kind is about fifteen is it not? Surely the men you meet must be swarming at your feet."
Kagome tried not to notice his change of topic, "I wasn't raised that way and no, they do not 'swarm'. I'm just a miko who lacks any form of discipline. That isn't very good marriage material in this time."
"This time? Why, do you think a man's preference will change in the near future?" asked the demon humorously. Kagome could even feel the laugh waiting to break free from where she was walking, "That is a time I would like to see, though I doubt even my long years will allow me to see such a sight."
Of course, she had to be stupid and hint at her…oddity, luckily he did not really pick up on it, "You never know," she turned to the demon next to her, "What were the conditions for his agreement to work with us?"
The man sighed as he rubbed his head in indignation, "You were wrong when you said that he wasn't as good at his father. The pup drove a hard deal, but not one we could pass up. He will get certain territories of each of our land. Small mind you, but still more than we wanted to give. He will also be entitled to overrule each of us for one time, and one time only, in a decision. Luckily we were able to make sure that no more than one of us will be allowed to be overruled over an issue in a particular disagreement."
"So he gets to make a decision for you?" she asked in disbelief.
"Yes, that was not something any of us were keen on agreeing to. Unfortunately the ruling I fought for was no passed," he said humorously.
Kagome tried to guess what it was but came up with nothing, "I give up."
He smiled, "I asked that you and your friends be moved out of the dungeon keep that you are in now."
Kagome smiled as well, "It isn't so bad, not after you really have slept in dungeons."
"Glad to hear it. How is the help treating you?" he asked.
Kagome thought about her day, "Most of them are nice, if not reluctant."
"That makes me less worried. Don't let your guard down though, you are still a miko," he turned her around so she directly faced him in the hallway, "A bit of advice, don't bring up Sesshomaru's father. It is a rather sore subject."
Kagome's eye's narrowed, "Sort of like Inuyasha's half breed status is to him. I'm doing what I think is right. I'm giving them a chance to work together."
"By placing Sesshomaru's aggressions onto yourself?"
Kagome stiffened, she hadn't thought she had been that obvious.
"You weren't if that is what you were worried about. Obvious I mean. I told you, I am good at things like this. Those brothers have centuries of grief between them and they need to focus on something else other than their hatred. I have to say, it is not healthy to sacrifice yourself in that way," he argued.
Kagome pulled out of his grip, "You have a better idea?"
He stopped to look at her, "Sacrificing yourself so they don't have enough time and energy to concentrate on each other…no, that is rather brilliant. Even I can't think of something to top that."
"Then maybe you should let me take care of myself," she said angrily. Honestly, she had enough things to worry about right now, the last things she needed was another nosy demon.
"Tell me though; is there anything in particular that you are planning that I should be aware of? I would like to know when I will have to jump in to save your life for future references," he said while smiling, but underneath it all Kagome could tell the man was half serious.
She suddenly realized that Lord Shiho was the type of man that liked to play father. One who is the mediator for most of the time but is still very protective.
"No, my idiocy really just comes in bursts if you must know," she countered as he led her into a sitting room.
Suddenly a very sly grin made its way across her face as one of her idea's hit her head on.
"That is it isn't it? That will be the look I am going to need to look out for…right before you do something I am going to regret," he said while sighing.
Kagome was immediately standing in front of him instead of next to him, "Tell me all about Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's father would you? Dislikes and likes? Please?"
Lord Shiho's eyes widened to a degree that no human's could have, "That is not something I should be discussing…I already told you my thoughts on using their father against him, I cannot participate."
"Oh…I didn't think of using the information against Sesshomaru," she mumbled incoherently.
Lord Shiho immediately gave her a look of skepticism, "Who else is there to use such information against?"
Kagome slowly turned her head from the wall she was staring at aimlessly so she could properly face the demon before her. With the most innocent smile she could muster Kagome answered the question, "Oh…no one in particular…just a little curious is all."
Kagome made sure to bat her eyelashes in a very unthreatening manner, one that made her look more like a little kid rather than a grown woman.
Lord Shiho reached up so he could rub his temples, "Females who know how to get their way are more dangerous than any demon with a sword."
Kagome stomped out of the room she had been occupying, Touga was an ass and that was all there was to it. The moment Lord Shiho even mentioned anything the stupid dog turned up and did everything he could to make her lose her focus.
Did the damn demon have a radar that went off every time she did something he didn't want her to? Because it certainly felt like it!
Suddenly the projection was next to her, "Did I do something wrong?"
"Shut up," she growled.
"Oh, still mad about my favorite positions are we?" he said while smirking.
Kagome stopped in her tracks, "Well excuse me for not wanting to know the position that you impregnated Sesshomaru's mother in."
"And here I thought you wanted to know things about me. Isn't that what you asked about?"
Kagome tried to hit him but her fist immediately went through his form, "Damn you and your see-through like self. I will figure out how to annoy you, and it will be just as bad as how you annoy me. Mark my words, it is going to happen before this quest of yours is over."
Touga laughed at her anger, which of course made her even angrier.
"Little one, you could travel the ends of the earth and only find that your actions make me happy. There is nothing more amusing that I have found in all of my travels then watching your day to day activities," he countered.
Before Kagome could yell incoherently at him, for she really had no response to that, a sudden boom made its way through the corridors which was immediately followed by a shaking feeling. Once the miniature earth quake was over Kagome immediately looked towards Touga.
"Oh, yes, I meant to tell you. Inuyasha arrived about five minutes ago. I hope you have a battle plan in the ready so you can deal with him. I doubt he will be as easy to placate as Sesshomaru was. Inuyasha always was more…thick headed," he said merrily.
Kagome glared as she began to run through the corridor all the while thinking of her plan, and yes, she had a plan. She wasn't a complete idiot.
After passing a few more rooms and hallways she made it into the one room she had been looking for. It was very similar to the one that Inuyasha had destroyed just a few days ago, only slightly smaller. But the same dark curtains, dark furniture and overall depressing attitude could be found in this room as well.
Perhaps she should renovate.
"Inuyasha! Sit!" she screamed before she had the chance to survey the area.
A large crashing noise was heard once again, only this one was followed by a stream of curse words. Kagome, being more than used to the situation, walked towards the cloud of dust.
The main cloud of dust suddenly spoke, "Damit woman, why the hell did you do that?"
Kagome pretended to think about it before she answered. While she did so she surveyed the room, one broken table, one dent in the wall and three demon lords. Great, just great. "Were you and Sesshomaru in a fight?"
Silence surrounded her but she continued to wait for her response from the hole in the ground. She could at least see him now since the dust had cleared.
A dejected voice, that sounded like a kicked stray, resonated through her ears, "…Yes."
"Were there claws involved?"
"…Yes."
"Were you going to stop any other way?"
"…Maybe."
"Inuyasha, I swear I'll say it again if you are lying to me," she said while glaring at his form. Then she switched her gaze back to her nails, "Unless your 'maybe' was him knocking you out and you being unable to fight anymore…I guess I could accept that as an excuse for you stopping."
She could tell when the spell wore off since he was immediately in her face about to yell at her but she thankfully cut him off, "I guess it's a good thing you have stamina and would never let one little punch from him knock you out in order to fulfill that scenario. Thank god we solved that little problem, but since you're up anyways, I have a few things to share with you."
He blinked a few times as he attempted to catch up with what she was saying. After a few seconds of contemplation he crossed his red clad arms and huffed, "You better believe I'd kick his ass."
"Speaking of ass kicking, that is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. Sesshomaru has graciously enough given each of us jobs while in the castle so we don't get bored," her hand went up in a silencing motion when he tried to argue her point. "That argument is over and done so don't even try. Now, as I was saying, each of us have various jobs and yours is to train the newer recruits…hence the ass kicking."
Again his mouth opened but he closed it when he realized she wasn't done. It really was amazing what a glare could do.
"That does not include killing, maiming or torturing any of his soldiers."
He paused as he took in her conditions, "Wait, I get to beat the crap out of his men?" he asked disbelievingly.
Kagome eyed him skeptically, like she wasn't sure whether she should answer that question, "As long as they are learning from these beatings…I don't see a real problem. I still stand by what I said earlier though. I also reserve the right to pull rank on you and to make you go easier on them."
He scoffed, "Well that's no fun. You're such a wuss. All they'll have to do is tell you that they broke a nail and you'll get all 'mommy' on them."
Kagome's motherly instincts immediately combined with her defensive yet aggressive nature, so she did the mature thing, and stomped on his foot while digging in with her heal, "Shippo sprained his ankle you meathead. I wasn't going to let you make him run any more laps around the village with you screaming at him with a sprained ankle!"
Inuyasha immediately grabbed his bare foot, "That hurt woman!"
"You call me woman again and I'm sicking Sesshomaru on you!"
"Oh, he comes when called now does he?"
Kagome frowned, "Well no, but I'm sure I could think of something to make him attack you. It seems I am very good at pissing him off. I've never seen his eye's so red so often. Maybe I could tell him all the names you call him behind his back."
"Oh, because he's never been called a bastard before," said Inuyasha while he finally placed his foot back down on the ground, his demon healing finally coming into play.
Kagome smirked her signature wicked grin, she finally had him where she wanted him, "Maybe, but I'm sure he's never been called a bitch-who-likes-it-from-behind-" her mouth was suddenly covered as she was rolling on the floor, Inuyasha on top of her. He had effectively silenced her with his body that lay pinned on top of her, forcing her into submission, but he had also very effectively covered her mouth with his calloused fingers.
"Okay, maybe I'll give you want you want, but only if you promise never to say those names out loud again."
Kagome looked to her left as the disbelieving lords in front of her gapped, mouths wide open in disbelief.
Lord Uza was the first to speak, "I'm not sure, but I believe that was a direct attack on your status as a male as well as your sexual preference Lord Sesshomaru."
She could only see Sesshomaru through the corner of her eye but even she could tell he was on the verge of an attack, that was if his flexing fingers said anything about the situation. Kagome looked back over at Inuyasha who looked a few shades paler than normal.
"Make the deal Kagome," he growled.
She shook her head 'no' and she watched him pale further, "What the hell do you mean no?!"
She quickly bit whatever portion of his hand she could fit in her mouth. He immediately let go, "Two more conditions and I promise they never leave my lips…in his presence…again."
Out of the corner of her eye she watched Sesshomaru take a step forward. She was guessing it wasn't out of curiosity but anger. Momentarily she had to wonder how angry he was. Most men in her era would be screaming out their latest conquest right now for the world to hear while beating the crap out of whoever had accused them. She had a feeling he was leaning towards the second of the two with how he had taken another step towards them on the floor.
Suddenly she heard another door open to her left. With a quick turn of the head she watched as Lord Shiho walked into the room.
…This might be a good thing, "Hey Lord Shiho…you know that thing I was talking about earlier?"
He stopped mid-step as he not only took in the surrounding area but her words as well, "…Already Lady Kagome? That was fast now wasn't it? I figured I would at least have until dinner."
Kagome smiled, "Sesshomaru's going to kill me, perhaps a bit of maiming first."
His right eye brow rose, "Oh? Care to tell me why?"
"I might have accidentally let it slip that Inuyasha may or may not like to call him a-pussy-who-wants-a-dic-" a hand was suddenly back on her mouth as her head was slammed into the floor.
"That wasn't the one you had said earlier Kagome," came the same growl.
She immediately gave him her famous innocent look that would have Shippo groveling at her majesty.
Out of the corner of her eye, since there was no way Inuyasha was letting her move, she watched as Sesshomaru took two more steps forward. Damn, he must be angry now.
"What the hell do you want Kagome?" grumbled Inuyasha.
Slowly but surely Inuyasha took his hand off of her mouth, but the appendage hovered close enough that if the need should arise it could be quickly put back in place, "Two things. One, I want you to limit your physical fights with Sesshomaru. Since I know that going cold turkey it to advanced for either one of you, I'm saying one fight a day. Number two, Sesshomaru has to come down to the training field once every four days to watch your progress…and to make sure you aren't killing his men."
"Fuck no!" he yelled as jumped up off of her, "One fight a day? I'm guessing you want no blood in that little rule too huh?"
Kagome quickly got up and dusted herself off, "Naturally."
"He can fucking go to hell before I agree to-"
"A sexually confused princess," she countered with one of his many, many names.
Inuyasha paused as he looked up at the furious Sesshomaru who was now, and thankfully, being restrained by Lord Uza.
"Three, three fights a day and we have a deal," he said pleadingly. It seemed even the ever blunt and hard headed Inuyasha knew when not to pick a fight with Sesshomaru.
"A child rapist," countered Kagome again.
That was when she heard it. A loud piercing growl made its way towards them as Sesshomaru was once again pinned to the ground by his fellow Lords.
"F-fine!" screamed Inuyasha as he attempted to back out of the room, "O-one fight a day, that I at least start. No blood if it can be helped and if he wants he can supervise once every four days!"
Kagome smiled triumphantly, "So glad you see it my way Inuyasha. Sango is down stairs doing her part if you want to see her. I'm sure your nose will lead you there."
Before she could finish he was gone.
"…Well that went well."
Lord Uza was on her case immediately while the others were attempting to keep Sesshomaru from following his brother, "What do you mean that went well? Lord Sesshomaru almost killed you and Inuyasha!"
Kagome turned to look at Lord Uza while suppressing a laugh, "I know, it was great. Did you see him run out of here? And by the way," she turned to Lord Shiho, "I didn't have to give him any of my votes for major decisions now did I?"
With that she winked almost mockingly.
Lord Shiho immediately dropped Sesshomaru's arm, "The woman is right. She just did a complete negotiation with the half-" but he stopped himself when he saw Kagome glare at him. Without a word, and just a small gulp, he rephrased his sentence. "She did, she negotiated and didn't give up a thing mind you. She got what she wanted and all in under five minutes, when it took us almost three days."
Lord Malik spoke this time, "Lord Sesshomaru is a much more seasoned negotiator. I assure you Lord Shiho, that was nothing none of us couldn't have done ourselves."
Kagome immediately felt her blood boil. Was this guy joking? It took her years to finally figure out how to handle Inuyasha and he thinks he can do better? Now, Kagome wasn't normally one for manipulating or tricking others. She always had a very good reason for what she did, and it always gave a better and cleaner outcome than anything else that could happen, but this guy was really starting to get to her.
Kagome immediately started to fish around in her head for the Lord's name, "Lord Malik right? I heard one of the guards talking about you earlier," lie, it was one of the maids.
The man immediately turned to her with the mention of his name and skills, "And what exactly did you hear?"
Kagome once again smirked and she watched silently as Lord Shiho's face fell with her infamous look, "Not much, just that you were decent on the battle field, but certainly no Sesshomaru."
With her seed of insecurity planted in the demon Lord's mind Kagome quickly walked back over to the door, her heels clicking rhythmically on the wooden floor, as she stepped out of the dreary room and into the dreary corridor, leaving a very different red-eyed demon inside then when she first opened her mouth.
"She's an undisciplined wench, why are we putting up with her?" yelled Lord Malik as his eye's attempted to turn back to their original color.
Lord Shiho immediately sighed, "You did provoke her."
"I did no such thing," mumbled the demon.
Lord Uza was too busy laughing at the whole situation, especially at his rival's expense, to make a proper comment.
Lord Shiho tried not to rub the temple of his head in agony, "Lord Malik, Lady Kagome has proven herself to be more than capable of handling anything we or Lord Sesshomaru has thrown on her. She has also tamed Lord Inuyasha to a manageable point where we might actually get something of use done. Why do you continue to discredit her?"
"That woman is nothing but a human female of all things. That breed has proven to be unreliable," he growled.
"Careful," choked back Lord Uza, "that speaks volumes of bitterness."
A quick hand by Lord Sesshomaru was the only thing that kept Lord Malik from lunging, "We do not have time for this fight, and I refuse to have war declared while you two are on my property."
It seemed Lord Uza wasn't done quite yet though, "Oh look, the child's prediction was right. You are nothing to Sesshomaru on the battle field or that hand never would have swayed you from an attack you truly wanted to do."
A large growl vibrated through the room, "I'll rip him to shreds," screamed Lord Malik.
Lord Sesshomaru was truly forced to get involved now as he restrained Lord Malik with both his arms but it was only until the very familiar green poison started to leak from the dog demon's pores that Lord Malik truly back down.
"You had to give him his arm back?" slouched Lord Malik as he rubbed his now burning wrists.
Lord Shiho made a slight face at his comrades abrupt manner, "My mother's line has had regeneration powers in our family for years and that was the only payment I could provide for his help in regaining my lands. Of course I gave it back. What else was I supposed to pay him with?"
Lord Sesshomaru looked between his fellow Lords, "Do not squabble in my house, I will not tolerate it."
Lord Shiho frowned at his fellow Lord, "Sesshomaru, you will need to keep your temper in check as well. I know that having them here has you on edge, and goes against your beliefs but please keep your urges of dismemberment in check. I agree with Lady Kagome's rule of one fight a day…no matter who provokes who."
Lord Uza smirked, "I agree, unless it is Lady Kagome telling us those wonderful names for you again. That is something I would pay money for."
Lord Sesshomaru let loose a large growl of frustration that immediately silenced the room, "That woman is an uncouth heathen. Unless we are talking of using her as bait I do not want her brought up in front of me Uza."
Lord Uza again smiled, it seemed he had no sense of self preservation, "That uncouth heathen of a woman has managed to get you all red-eyed every time she is in your presence. That is not an easy thing to do. Even since you were a pup you were uncommonly stoic. I say we invite her to our meetings more often."
His vision suddenly went black as he was knocked to the ground. Whether it was by Malik or Sesshomaru, Lord Uza figured he would never know.
Kagome idly waited outside of the gardens for Inuyasha. Honestly the palace was rather lovely, if not a bit…dull, dark, depressing, morbid, unfriendly…maybe she should stop.
The gardens on the other hand were fascinating. They were filled with everything a princess could want to spend her whole day looking at. There were flowers all around her, and the sakura trees would be beautiful when they were blooming. The koi fish were amusing as well. She had never been one for doing nothing but she could see herself sitting here for a few hours.
Her finger lazily danced in the water when a large boom was suddenly heard. Kagome turned just in time to see what looked like the dust rising off of the side of the castle. That must have been some hit, "What the hell was that?"
"From the smell of things, Sesshomaru just knocked that Uza guy straight into tomorrow morning."
Kagome turned again to see none other than Inuyasha standing before her, "Took you long enough."
"Feh…I wanted to make sure Sango was okay. She's still just a pathetic woman," he countered.
Kagome contemplated telling him off for that statement but figured she wouldn't get anywhere with it. Besides, she had already humiliated him enough for one day, "That wasn't what I was talking about."
She watched as her best friends ears dropped, "I know."
"…So what did you decide?"
"Obviously I came back didn't I?" he growled as he ungracefully plotted down next to her.
"We can still sneak out if you want, I'm not going to make you do anything Inuyasha," she said softly. If that was his decision she was just going to have to figure out a way to get past Touga.
"A little late for that isn't it?"
Kagome internally cringed. Yet another motivator to get around Touga's control. This was one of those moments where she really did hate Touga, "I was just trying to get you to think about it. You and I both know that if I hadn't of put my foot down you never would have considered the idea."
"…I know," he said with a pout. "I've also decided to stay…as long as bastard doesn't be, well, him."
Kagome giggled as she pulled his drooping ears onto her lap. Unfortunately his head and mouth were attached but she supposed she could put up with it if he was willing to let her play with his ears. There they sat, Kagome next to the pond with her legs stretched out and Inuyasha, eyes closed, laying on her thighs while she massaged his ears blissfully.
"I see you are back to the appropriate names again," she giggled again.
Inuyasha's eyebrows scrunched up, "Of course I am, he could be within hearing distance. No way are my insides going to be on the outside."
"Little Inuyasha scared?" she said in her baby voice.
He let out a slight growl, "No, just not stupid. What was with that anyways, you never corner me like that."
Kagome released a large sigh as she rubbed a particularly soft spot, she swore this was the most relaxing thing anyone could do. "What else was I going to do? I mean really? I had to limit your fighting, I had to make sure you and Sesshomaru were at least acknowledging each other and I had to do all of that while in a short enough time span that the other Lords couldn't throw in their own conditions."
"You could have told me."
"Please Inuyasha, you listen to me about as much as I listen to you."
Inuyasha let loose a small laugh at that, "Alright, you can have that one wench."
He suddenly whimpered as she yanked on his ear, "Oww bitch, that hurts!"
Kagome made sure to yank harder, "Alright, alright, I'm sorry just lay off on the pulling of my ears!"
Kagome smiled as she began rubbing them again, "See how easy that was? Now if only you could get things right the first time."
"You're still a bitch," he growled, his eye's now wide open as he tried to watch her hands.
"And you're still a brat, but I put up with you," she countered with a smile.
Inuyasha smirked, "But I'm your favorite brat, you like me way better than you like Shippo."
"…" Kagome made sure to say nothing as she tried to hold in her laugh. It really was amazing how close they had gotten over the years. Before they never would have had a conversation like this, let alone him laying on her lap. Of course, she wasn't naive enough to think that he would stay this friendly as soon as someone was within hearing or seeing range.
"Damit woman you better agree to that," he growled again while sitting up.
"Alright…I agree," she laughed.
"Are you mocking me woman?" he screeched while standing up on both feet so he could have a more domineering position.
"I assure you Inuyasha, I have no idea what you are talking about," she argued.
"Umm…Lady Kagome?" came a very small voice.
Kagome immediately looked around until she found a small rabbit demon standing next to her feet. The little blacked eyed, brown haired demon at most came up to her waist. Possibly lower. Though at the sight of her Kagome immediately wanted to scoop the creature up and see if her fur was as soft as it looked. Maybe the ears were like Inuyasha's? She quickly thought back to the feel of the half-demon's ears. No, nothing else could be that soft or that much fun to touch.
But how did she not sense the demon? How did Inuyasha not? She then looked over at said half demon and noticed how he was standing at very least a good three feet from her. Damn Inuyasha sensed her and didn't tell her!
Kagome looked back down at the three foot tall rabbit demon, "Yes?"
"It is Lord Uza, he has a rather bad bruise on his cheek and we cannot get it to go away. He said that only Lord Sesshomaru's poison could do such a thing. He was hoping you could help since you have experience treating wounds with Sesshomaru's poison. He knows you cannot purify the poison since your powers would just attack him, but he was hoping you could do something he hadn't thought of," spoke the small creature.
"I don't think you should go Kagome, it's in the meeting room. All the other Lords are there as well," said Inuyasha protectively.
"Come with me?" she asked as she turned to face him, "You wouldn't make me go in there all alone would you?"
Inuyasha did another one of his famous non-committal responses but began to head towards the proper direction, arms folded up into his overgrown shirt in a defiant manner.
Kagome, seeing her opening immediately followed him into the castle, the small rabbit demon right behind her. Luckily Inuyasha had a rather keen nose so they didn't get lost, which was a miracle on her end. By the time they reached the room there was a rather large crowd of servants standing outside the sliding door, each trying to peak in.
Kagome, who was uncharacteristically curious by nature herself, smiled as she promised one of the children that she knew that she would tell them what happened after dinner. With a pat on the head towards the little badger boy she stepped into the room.
Well this was amusing.
There was no hole in the wall, it seemed this room was re-enforced unlike the others, but there was a lot of damage that would need fixing. For starters there was a straight line of broken floor, indicating the area where Lord Uza had been vaulted through the ground. Kagome absentmindedly picked up one of the large, arm length, pieces of wood that had came originally from the floor.
She looked at Lord Uza who was still laying against the wall, the trail of broken wood and furniture leading to him.
"I see there was a disagreement," she stated obviously while she continued to survey the room.
Lord Uza smiled as he waved one of the servants away, "I would get up to greet you but this spot is rather comfortable…that and it would take quite a bit of effort that I am not willing to come up with just yet."
Kagome turned to one of the servants as she saw the shiner on Lord Uza's face, "Could you please get me an ice pack? Just wrap some ice in a piece of cloth."
Kagome turned back to her project, "Yes, well, Sesshomaru is known for having a kick ass right hook. You have no idea how many times I've had to patch up Inuyasha."
Lord Uza laughed a bit, "I could imagine."
A small but noticeable 'feh' had made its way to her ears from the doorway. Obviously Inuyasha was being too stubborn to actually come into the meeting room. Oh well, it was a step in the right direction.
The servant she had talked to earlier was immediately there with the cloth and ice, as well as a bowl. Kagome, having done this more than once, placed the small but very cold package up to his cheek. Lord Uza immediately winced as the cold surface touched his face, "Stay still, your body is using up its demonic abilities to heal the poison."
"So why is it so cold? I've jumped in rivers and it was never this bad," he whined.
Kagome smiled at his lost expression, "I am guessing you have never experienced Sesshomaru's poison first hand before then?"
"Well, only when he was a pup but never anything like this," Lord Uza said honestly, "usually he's just beating up the recruits…not his allies."
Kagome rolled her eyes at his blatant lie. She had known Sesshomaru long enough to realize that the dog beat the crap out of anyone that he felt like beating the crap out of. Allies were no exceptions, "Sure, well go with that."
Lord Uza smiled, "I will never be able to get one past you will I? In reality we have all been subjugated to each other's beatings. I just wanted an excuse to see you, though the poison really does sting."
Kagome pulled away the ice pack from his face as she looked at the damage. It was rare to see a demon of his caliber bleed, let alone have a lasting would like a bruise. After she looked at it a bit longer she leaned in and blew lightly on the dark patch of skin. Already it was turning yellow.
"Is there a reason you human women do that?" asked a voice from behind her.
Kagome turned around, past the broken furniture, to see Lord Malik glaring at her. Damn, for a minute there she forgot that there were others in the room. It really was bad when she was in her 'mother mode' as the others called it.
Kagome immediately turned her attention back towards Lord Uza, knowing that her back facing the irate lord was a sign of disrespect, "It helps the burn when we are hurt. Let's say I am watching my friends kid, and they fall down and scrape their knee-" but she was cut off by Inuyasha.
"And then you give them whatever they want, including the last bowl of ramen," he grumbled, but loudly enough that he obviously wanted her to hear him.
She immediately picked up the bowl of cold water, another thing that the servant had brought her, and chucked it at him. Being Inuyasha he of course dodged out of the way as he smirked at her.
"Damit Inuyasha, Shippo was tired and hungry, would you just leave him alone?" she yelled at him as he decided to turn around and head back to where ever he was before.
"Don't walk away from me!" screamed Kagome as he waved goodbye nonchalantly with the back of his hand, knowing exactly why she didn't want him to walk away. Damit, he was getting her back for earlier. That was why he was willing to come here with her. How did she not see this?
"If I get lost I'm taking your ears and leaving!" she yelled again.
He stopped mid-stride and turned on the heel of his foot. It made her want to throw another bowl of water at him as she watched the smile on his face grow, "Kagome? Who gets lost in her own house losing her way in such a large castle as this? Naw, that would never happen."
And then he was around the corner.
Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid dog.
She turned back towards the once again amused Lord Uza as she pressed the ice filled cloth back to his face, "Oh, Shippo is so getting away with his next prank on him."
"I take it there was more to your story," said Lord Malik angrily, "or are all human women incapable of finishing their tales."
Kagome tried to roll her eye's but found she was just to annoyed to make a public display of it. In fact, she was so annoyed that she almost missed that Lord Malik was pushing for the reason behind her actions earlier.
"As I was saying before the dog side of Inuyasha made itself known, if a kid were to fall down and scrape their knee, I would want to help. When a flesh would opens it is getting air and bacter-" she paused when she realized what era she was talking to. They didn't really know about bacteria and all the molecules their world contained now did they, "dirt, yes dirt. Both get in there and then it hurts. When that happens it burns so we blow on it to keep the burn from hurting us. It isn't incredibly helpful but it is better than letting someone just sit there."
"But he doesn't have a flash wound," said Lord Shiho.
"Well, I guess it becomes instinctual after a while. It's like kissing one of Shippo's wounds when he gets hurt. It doesn't actually do anything but it usually makes him and me feel better," she reasoned.
"Well thank you Lady Kagome, you are magic worker now aren't you?" he said while smiling.
Kagome pulled away the cloth to see that the bruise was gone. Kagome smiled to herself, "All done, you are free to do whatever you like just don't pick another fight with Sesshomaru over here."
Kagome stood up as she placed the cold cloth into the servants hands, "Are you sure you don't have other bowl for me to put it in? I would hate for your hands to get cold."
The demon servant bowed respectfully, "I do not get cold like you humans do, I will be fine."
Once the servant was gone she turned back towards Lord Uza as he felt his face, "How did you do that? My demon abilities were not able to heal it but you were? When I called for you I did not actually think you would able to do anything."
Kagome smiled as she called the small badger demon from outside. He was perhaps nine, maybe younger. It was always so hard to tell with boys. She watched as his little clawed fingers reached out to her own, his tail flicking anxiously as he looked up wide eyed at the powerful men before him.
Once his hand was in hers she walked over to the now open door, "That's a secret. You really think I am going to let information like how to neutralize Sesshomaru's poison go for free?"
"You what?" asked Lord Shiho as he stepped forward in disbelief.
Kagome rolled her eyes at his face.
"That is impossible. No ice and water could heal something done by Sesshomaru," he stated, "you had no salve, no powder and no spells."
"Could it have been your priestess powers?" asked Lord Malik.
Kagome shook her head while laughing, "Did you sense any powers? Besides, they would have fried Lord Uza in a heartbeat, and that is with a trained priestess."
With her peace spoken Kagome walked the boy through the door and began to head in any direction that seemed familiar. Luckily the little boy knew his way around the castle better than she ever would.
Take that Inuyasha.
Once they were around the corner the boy looked at her, "How'd you do it?"
Kagome stopped and bent her knee's so she was at his level. She looked him square in the eye as she spoke, "Promise not to tell?"
"Promise!" he yelled.
Kagome quickly looked around the area to make sure no one was looking, "I used my priestess powers."
His eyes went wide, "But you didn't hurt him."
Kagome smiled as she stood up and began to walk down the corridor once again, "That whole thing about priests and priestess's only hurting demon's is a myth. We just have to be a little bit more careful when healing one of your kind than we do a human."
"But they didn't sense it!" he argued again.
"Well of course they didn't, they were too busy silently arguing with each other to notice. It wasn't like it takes up a large amount of energy to heal a bruise. I've had a lot of practice at it too. Mothers are very particular about knowing where each bruise came from, so I have been doing this for a while. I am very good at being discrete about it too. Unfortunately it almost is the extent to what I can do. I can shoot a bow and sort of create a barrier, but that is about it."
"I didn't hear them arguing," the boy countered again.
"Well, Lord Uza was too busy rubbing it in Malik's face that I was there to really pay attention to anything I was doing. Lord Malik was a little too busy hating Lord Uza. Lord Shiho was trying to keep the peace by calming his aura and Lord Sesshomaru was too busy, well, if I didn't know any better I would say pouting."
"Lord Sesshomaru does not pout," said the boy with a frown.
"Sure he does. He was mad that Lord Uza woke up as quickly as he did," argued Kagome back.
The boy opened his mouth and then closed it again like a fish. Then he smiled, a true smile. Kagome was so happy to see it she nearly picked the boy up and kissed him on that cute little button nose of his. It was so rare to see these children smile.
"I like our Lord's, they are funny," he said suddenly.
That was it, demon's may not be big on touch but they were just going to have to get over that while she was here. Without another seconds notice Kagome had the boy in her arms and was caring him on her back, "I agree, they are amusing aren't they?"
The boy seemed startled by the sudden movement but smiled again when he realized he didn't have to walk. Of course, Kagome couldn't exactly see the smile but she could practically feel it in his next sentence, "Can we play a game? You said you would teach us a game!"
Kagome was about to answer yes but was cut off by the sound of very fast and very loud footsteps. They both immediately looked at each other and then ran over to the nearest window when they heard shouting.
The gates were suddenly opened as a platoon of men came stumbling in.
Kagome tried to suppress her shock when she recognized the group of demons and one very human friend of hers. Miroku was back, and he had brought a few present with him as well. From the looks of the giant wasps one group of demon's were carrying, Naraku now knew about the alliance.
Damit, she had really been hoping that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru could have a had a bit more time to get used to each other. How in the world was this going to work now? They could barely be in the same room as each other, how were they going to join forces?
Immediately she was having the boy show her how to get to the front gates and they were rushing down the halls.
Firevixen73- So how did everyone like it? Please review, they make me all fuzzy inside.