Recap:
"He was sleeping and then started to wake. His eyes were gold! He's getting better! And what's ever nicer to hear? He's waking up!"
He could tell she wanted to jump up and down in excitement but somehow restrained herself. "He has taken my medicine?"
"Everyday in his tea. Is he getting better? Please say he's getting better. I really want a normal bath," she pleaded desperately.
Jinenji looked over at the demon Lord and pressed his pulse point on his wrist. He slowly leaked some of his demonic energy into Sesshomaru's system in order to check for anything malicious. He felt only small traces and then pulled his aura and hand away. "He will be better by morning, you are free to leave his side."
Kagome squealed like a small child and clapped her hands together in joy. Before he knew it she had jumped onto the bed and was running over Sesshomaru's unconscious and covered form. When she reached Jinenji she jumped into his arms as he caught her. "Thank you so much for coming. Thank you so much for being your kind hearted self Jinenji, you really saved the day."
Jinenji couldn't help but hug her back while listening to her words, the words he had always wanted to hear from others. He originally didn't care who said them, just that someone did. Now that he had heard them come from her lips, he knew why he would drop anything in the world for her. She was too pure, to loving to ever say no to. No, he did not blame Inuyasha one bit for not wanting to share the ray of light that was Kagome.
Said woman gently pealed herself from the healers grasp and jumped back onto the bed and out of his arms, "I am taking a proper bath right after I check on Inuyasha. Where is he?"
She looked around the room for some type of answer but no one would look her in the eye, not even her beloved friend. Her eyes immediately narrowed as she placed her hands on her hips, "Where is he?"
Uza laughed, "Well, honestly? He has been pouting the last few days like an insolent pup that had his favorite chew toy taken away."
Kagome just couldn't suppress her laugh as she began to giggle. She was so happy that she didn't even care that she had been called a chew toy. Without another seconds worth of hesitation she jumped off the bed and ran out of the room, intent on finding her favorite silver haired demon with the most adorable ears she had ever seen.
It had been a total of three days since Sesshomaru's recovery and Kagome was absolutely sure of one thing.
The Lord of the West was avoiding her.
Now why he was doing so was quiet honestly a mystery to her. Sure she had taken care of him, but it wasn't like he knew any of the details or embarrassing moments that happened during that time. There was just no possible way. Kagome quickly suppressed her blush from the surfacing memories of their 'bath' time. No, she was the only one who had to deal with true embarrassment here. Miroku and Sango, who would be the only people who could have known what had happened, had both been traveling to other towns attempting to keep up appearances to stop any enemies from attacking. Jaken would never whisper a word about what he had seen and Malik and Shiho, please, that would imply possibly embarrassing Lord Sesshomaru. Contrary to their status Sesshomaru could and would kick their ass. That left one option, and that was Sesshomaru remembering the events. Of course, it wasn't like he could remember anything, right?
Right?
Oh my god!
Kagome literally tripped over her own feet as the possibility dawned on her. Could he remember what happened? No, sick people were absolutely delirious, there was no way he did. Even so, wouldn't it all be in fragments that made no sense what so ever. Besides, she would soooo be dead right now if he did. He would never let her live after all that happened. He'd probably cut out her tongue after he killed her too, if there were any remnants of her body left, just to make sure. Sesshomaru would definitely be thorough in making sure the word never got out, of that she was positive. No, there was just no way he remembered.
She abruptly turned to the projection following her, determined to confirm her thoughts, "He doesn't remember does he?"
Somehow, in the back of her mind, she knew Touga would know exactly what she was speaking about and if he didn't, well then he was just the world's worst father. Honestly, parents were downright amazing when it came to reading their children's minds.
Touga on the other hand, was having immense pleasure with her internal mortification. He debated telling her the truth, that Sesshomaru and his beastly side were the same being, one was just more primal by nature. It would be like comparing Kagome at home in the kitchen versus being cornered by a band of priestess hating demons. There was no difference between the two; that comparing them is only acknowledging one side of your body. At the same time, he knew of the woman's insecurities. She may appear strong and mouthy at first, but she was much more at the same time. Besides, it would be a hell of a lot easier to work with her if she wasn't blushing every time she and Sesshomaru were in the same room together.
"No little one, he would not be able to recall such things. He is probably just angry that he fell ill, and was having to be tended to by you; a member of his brother's pack of all things. I assure, it is a pride issue," said Touga with as much confidence and mirth that he could come up with. The woman was surprisingly astute when it came to people lying to her. Or maybe she was just abnormally suspicious with him, both would be understandable. Either way, he had kept himself from completely lying to her. It more than likely was a pride issue for his eldest, one he was eventually going to have to get over.
Kagome turned back towards her destination and started walking again, this time much more security in her sway than she had been displaying previously. This did not mean that something was not on her mind. Briefly, he wondered what the little one before him could possibly be worrying over now. Touga kept a slight distance as her frown increased with each step. Finally, she stopped mid hallway.
"Something bothering you little one?" he asked, amused that she was getting frustrated over who knows what. The woman's mind worked in ways that he would never understand.
She looked at the drapery, "The demon village, it must have been heavily damaged during the battle with Naraku."
Touga nodded his head in agreement while letting her continue on with her thoughts, wherever they may be leading her.
"Demons do not usually live in towns like that, so they must have been extremely civilized, as well as cultured. I cannot imagine what the destruction would do to their town. Many will probably have to leave the village and travel as nomads, as so many other demons do," reasoned Kagome.
"Indeed, it is rare for so many demons to live together. There are perhaps three villages in all of Japan. Most cannot live in such close quarters since demons are territorial, often require a pack leader to rule over them and see human culture as weak. It will be a shame to see such a village disbanded," agreed Touga.
He began walking down the hallway once again when he heard Kagome's feet shuffle. He was mildly surprised though, when he did not feel her presence next to him. Instead she was standing next to a drapery, holding the dark material in her hands and gently pulling it through her fingers.
Suddenly her eyes lit up and she smiled. In an instant she was running down the halls for some unknown destination. Kagome quickly turned left and right, determined to find who she was looking for. Of course she already knew where he was, and it was one of four rooms that she actually knew in this place. The downside was that the man was undoubtedly with a certain someone else that she had no desire to see right now, but, you take what you can get. Besides, technically speaking she should probably let said person she was avoiding know that he was about to spend a lot of money. This needed to be implemented as soon as possible, before any demon's left their village. If even one key person went missing then everything could fall apart in a snap.
Before anyone could stop her Kagome opened the door to the familiar study. Inside sat two figures, Jaken and the infamous Lord Sesshomaru of the Conceited. Both seemed slightly appalled to see her there, and normally Kagome would make a point of Sesshomaru's break in character but right now she had bigger concerns. Right now she was busy trying to save the demons in her time by saving the only civilized bunch she had come across in this one.
"I hate your decorations, I am redoing your entire castle," she stated happily to Sesshomaru, like she wasn't telling a man that he had horrible taste and was about to spend a hell of a lot of his money to fix it. It briefly crossed Kagome's mind that this must be what marriage felt like. If it was, no wonder girls always wanted to get married so young. This was fun.
Sesshomaru's eye brow rose just slightly, almost challenging her to continue. It was rather refreshing to see his expression, in Kagome's opinion anyway. He had spent so much time in the past few days avoiding her in anyway possible that she actually felt herself disappointed. While she had never expected a thank you from him, she had expected a little bit more respect than what he had been offering her. She had been given the sideways glances, his blatant refusal to look her directly in the eye and sometimes he would just flat out leave the room when she entered. Honestly speaking, it was somewhat refreshing to actually catch him looking at her.
While she was contemplating his odd behavior, and his previous unspoken statement that in her mind gave her permission to flat out challenge him, Jaken cut in before she could take him up on his offer, "Lady Kagome, my master Sesshomaru is much too busy to think about anything like bedding linen. You should-"
Kagome rolled her eyes at his argument, somehow missing Sesshomaru's surprised look at how the toad addressed her. No fowl comments? No unsightly praise? Was Jaken perhaps sick as well? The disease had not completely left the castle yet, so it was a possibility.
"Can it Jaken, this place is morbid. It feels like we live underground and I for one, have slept under the bright sky for the past couple of years and would like to continue breathing the fresh air, not hallways that remind me of dingy caves I usually get held hostage in. Besides it's a little hard to breathe any of that wonderful fresh air when the already unbelievably depressing drapery are ordered closed. Which by the way, I don't understand that logic. Shouldn't everyone elses's noses be sharper than mine? You have got to notice the stale air the deeper you get into the castle. Is it supposed to be an intimidation tactic for visiting diplomats? Cause if it is than its perfect, as long as there are no women in the world. Men, yeah, they'll fall for it but you have to be way sneaker when it comes to my particular gender. Now, we all know I am a puny little human incapable of lifting a chopstick, let alone something as heavy as sheets, so I am going to need some money to hire some help," she said happily, completely ignoring the fact that she just insulted herself.
Sesshomaru placed the parchment in front of him down and sighed. Much to her dissatisfaction the man had once again let his gaze drop. His eyes quickly reverted towards the back window in an attempt not to look at her, "Woman, even if I were to grant you this insane request-"
She cut him off almost immediately. While she was angry that he wasn't agreeing with her, she was way more riled up over the fact that he had once again refused to give her the common decency of facing her head on, "Actually, I was talking to Jaken, he is in charge of at home affairs isn't he? You just sign whatever he gives you like any other person with not enough time on their hands," she said sneakily, using her and Jaken's conversation earlier in order to get her way. It was a quality that every proper woman was born with, the ability to get their way one way or another. Kagome, for the sake of her honor, only used this power for good…usually, and currently Jaken was the person able to grant her this particular want. They both knew that Kagome was temporarily filling the role of 'Lady of the West', without Sesshomaru's knowledge or consent, and was asking him because she needed the funds, not the approval. "So I'm thinking I'll just take the money and go."
Sesshomaru's head all but whipped around to face her. He glared at the abnormally defiant woman in front of him who dared to overturn his authority in his own home, "Jaken answers to me, we are not wasting funds to fulfill some little girls wish to decorate a castle. I have more important things to consider."
Kagome gave her own glare, hell bent on having her way, "Listen, I can do this with your approval or I can do this behind your back. Either way, the town originally attacked by Naraku needs money to keep their city functioning and I need decorators for this horrible place you call a house. The way I see it, your best option is to actually listen to me, maybe get off your stupid cloud for one minute, and realize that most the things I argue about are for a legitimate cause."
Quiet honestly, Kagome was sick of dealing with him. Hell, she had cared for him, tended to his every need, put up with his less then humorous antics and still managed to come out with her only slightly worn dignity intact. Maybe it was time they had a heart to heart, and by heart to heart, she meant that she was going to do a bit of talking, and he was going to shut up and listen like it was the fricking first day of school.
"I don't know why you think I am some brainless woman with nothing but an agenda to piss you off but if your nose weren't so damn high in the air maybe you would see that I have done nothing to fulfill that particular assumption of me. In fact, if you recall, I did not have to take care of you, I did not have to agree to working with you, I did not have to save your damn life. I did it because that's just who I am. If you were paying attention to any fact about me other than my humanity you would have realized that every decision I have made, or agreed to, has benefited someone in someway. Inuyasha working with the guards keeps him out of your hair on the political side of things, me having Hiko protect Miroku during the attack opened a line of communication between demon and human that we desperately needed if our forces were not going to fall to Naraku within the first five minutes. Everything I have done is quite honestly, helping you more than it does anyone else, your house, your guards, your land. I would really appreciate it if you would actually consider the fact, that maybe, just maybe most of what I do is for a reason even if you don't see it at the moment."
To say she was angry was an understatement. It was all true. She had done nothing but help, and she did not appreciate the way he was treating her. Kagome looked over to her right and saw a bag of gold coins sitting by the door. From what she could tell they were part of the financial inventory she had done last night for Jaken's monthly report. Remembering the bag, mainly because the design on it was gorgeously sown, and the amount she had placed it in, she quickly scooped it up and glanced over at Jaken, "Take 47 gold pieces out of the treasury amount."
Then she left the room with only the tiniest bit of regret for yelling like that. The rest of it was full on pride for standing up for herself. She had been putting up with dogs for way too long to keep lying down like she had been. Screw submission and everything that came with it, she would always be a fighter to the end. If that meant she needed to tell a certain canine exactly how she felt, then so be it.
Of course, she would probably regret it in a few hours but for right now…damn that felt good.
Jaken did not move, did not breath as Sesshomaru sat in the middle of the room with a blank stare on his face. This was not good. Before Lady Kagome had walked in Jaken had already slipped up. He may have mentioned the time when Lady Kagome had ran out of the room covering her mouth, it was a mumble, under his breath really. Of course with Lord Sesshomaru's superior senses everything was heard by him, even when spoken within the content of your own mind, let alone out loud. So, he had already been walking on thin ice before she entered, now he was as good as dead.
Jaken carefully looked back at his master in wonder. Even with his life about to be ended something still nagged at him, something that was just plain off. She had yelled at him, his Lady had scolded his Lord like a little child and Sesshomaru had done nothing. He had not retaliated, he had not threatened bodily dismemberment and his poison was yet to be dripping dangerously on the floor. Jaken knew that this was not normal, especially considering it was Lady Kagome that had bad mouthed him. Sesshomaru had never been one to hold off on threatening her…perhaps if he were to live longer than a few more seconds this new development could be something to look into further.
Jaken watched as his Lord's face remained as stoic as ever, never flinching once in thought like so many others tended to do. Nothing seemed to deter Lord Sesshomaru from whatever thought process he was currently going through. It scared Jaken to no end. His Lord had never been one to just sit like he was stuck. He had never been one to take an argument lying down, and he sure as heck had never done it for a prolonged amount of time.
Briefly, Jaken wondered if he could make it out of the room without Lord Sesshomaru noticing, since he did not want to become the demon's new practice target. Perhaps then he really could look into the matter of Lord Sesshomaru's strange behavior further. All he needed to do was get out of his Lord's immediate range of sight and he should be fine. Someone else could take the fall later.
So, as discretely as he could, Jaken took the tiniest of steps to the right and towards the door.
Before his foot even had the chance to touch the ground Jaken was picked up and hurled into the nearest wall, which was previously a good seven feet away. Jaken immediately reached for his neck as claws began digging into him painfully, but he was not deterred as he continued to try and scratch his way out of Sesshomaru's grasp.
"How did she know the amount of funds in the bag Jaken?" asked the golden-eyed Sesshomaru.
Jaken tried to gulp but couldn't due to the hand blocking his throat's airway.
"S-s-" he tried but could not get anything out.
"She has been doing your job, hasn't she?" asked Sesshomaru in a much calmer manner than even he anticipated. "I have had no complaints about the staff, and meals have been coming at the correct time everyday, properly prepared for once. I also have noticed that the house is much calmer as of late, less worry in the air. The gardens are well tended and you have not been tripping over yourself with questions for me. Tell me now Jaken, is this the wench's doing?" growled Sesshomaru.
Jaken tried to speak but couldn't so he did the next best thing; nodded his head like crazy. In an instant he was dropped to the floor where he could properly gasp for the much needed air. The moment he caught his breath Jaken turned to his ruler, "I am sorry my Lord. We thought of telling you, but both of us could only see it ending badly. She wanted to help and knew you would never agree. Then you became ill and she had to take care of-"
Jaken clamped his small hands over his mouth in an attempt to stop his ramblings. He was already as good as dead why was he making it worse by talking about that particular subject?
Sesshomaru's overbearing growl was enough to make him curl up into a ball and cower. There was no way this would end well for him, there was just no way. He knew his Lord's temper and it was not an easy one to combat. Surprisingly enough, Lord Sesshomaru turned towards the open window and away from Jaken. He was obviously still upset but was attempting to control his rage. What was spurring on this new bout of pacifism Jaken did not know but full heartedly prayed that it remained. "How long have you two been deceiving me?"
Jaken gulped, "…Since the fiasco."
The great demon lord's eyes narrowed dangerously as he stared out the window. His attention turned away from Jaken as the familiar scent reached his nose. He watched as the woman stepped outside, mumbling something to herself as she kicked random pebbles across his garden. Deciding that he did indeed want to know what she was saying, he listened to the words no normal creature would ever be able to understand.
"That pig headed stupid mutt," she said while kicking a pebble. Then she scrunched up her nose and glared at a tree. Her voice suddenly went deeper and Sesshomaru could only imagine that she was attempting to imitate him, "I'm the mighty demon Lord. I need no one because needing help is the same thing as being pathetic. In fact, I am so superior to everyone else that I don't even need to consider their opinion, or their reason's or their freaking feelings!"
By now she had reverted to her own voice as she slumped herself against a tree. Sesshomaru watched as she closed her eyes and let out a large breath of air. With the release he saw a mountain of tension expel from her body. The demon lord watched her muscles relax, her face lose its frown and her shoulders slump. She then pulled her knee's up to her chest and watched a bird as it flittered from tree branch to tree branch up above her head, "He's such an idiot some times. I swear, him and Inuyasha may not admit they are brothers but anyone with half a brain could see how similar they are. Oh, they are different for sure but not as much as they would like to think. Both are too proud to ever admit they were wrong, or need help. They are alpha's to the extreme."
Kagome suddenly looked towards her left obviously focusing on something in the distance. She closed her eyes once again and turned back towards the bird, "I don't regret saving him, but I'm not gonna lie and say it was all peaches and cream. I think I had some of the most embarrassing, frustrating and downright dreadful moments of my life with him. That's saying something considering who my best friend is. I don't want a thank you, but at least give me the freaking decency of looking me in the damn eye. Even so…"
Kagome's hand fisted as she pulled a few blades of grass from the ground and brought them to her face, "…I understand why he is the way that he is, probably more than anyone else here."
Her comment made no sense. What did her mind speculate at knowing? She understood him? That was nothing short of a poor attempt at a joke. No human could ever understand the complexities of his mind, let alone one that traveled with his dimwit brother.
"Lady Kagome," yelled Hiko from a distance as he ran towards her, demon speed at the ready. Sesshomaru noticed that the soldier came from the direction she had looked at earlier. It surprised him. Questions followed by questions raided his mind. He still did not know what she meant by saying she understood. She was not a demon, one of royal blood or someone with skills like his. She knew nothing about him. Furthermore, how did she know that the soldier was on his way? His demon senses had barely sensed it, so how had her pathetic human ones come across his presence?
"My Lady, I was just on my way to find Jaken. I guess there is a dispute among the gardeners and they are asking for someone to solve it. Something about color combinations…I may have stopped listening," blushed Hiko. If Sesshomaru had to guess he would say that the soldier was in his first few years of service, Hiko was his name. He remembered the demon from earlier, the one that had also defied his orders on behalf of the priestess. How had the woman become so pronounced in his own household? When had they become so loyal to her? It also seemed that the insignificant pup was attempting to gain her favor. Sesshomaru held back a scoff; he could not decide who was the bigger fool, the priestess or the demon.
Kagome just smiled as she stood up on her feet. Hiko had of course offered her his arm but she quickly brushed it off, "I'll be there in a minute. Don't disturb Jaken or Sesshomaru with this, they are busy."
Hiko tried to argue, "But my Lady, Sesshomaru should be-"
"Working on more important things. Trivial disputes like this will just deter him from things he should actually be focusing on. In fact, from now on bring things like this to me, I will take care of them," she said while brushing her backside to get rid of any dirt. "Also, contact the village that was attacked, I have a job for them. I am going to need as many men as they can spare without crippling their village further, their best weavers and at least three women to head to other villages to buy some goods. Tell them that Lord Sesshomaru will be funding all of their work until he is satisfied with the outcome."
Hiko blinked a few times in confusion, "He's going to employ them? To do what?"
Kagome smiled, "Redecorate."
Hiko looked up towards the castle and much to Sesshomaru's surprise said silver haired demon hid behind his window frame. Why he was hiding in his own castle he never really would comprehend, all he did know was that this conversation would more than likely be over if either person discovered their Lord was listening.
"The castle always did freak me out. I always felt like I was walking into a war zone or something," shivered Hiko.
Kagome's smirk intensified, "It ever scare any of the females that you knew?"
Hiko was obviously trying to remember the last time he had spoken about home décor with a woman. "No, my sister just said something about needing a woman's touch, laughed a little and went back home."
Kagome looked back up towards the sky and shook her head in mirth, "His life would be so much easier if he just listened to me."
It was only when both soon to be beheaded soldier and the manipulative bitch turned their heads towards his window in wonder that Sesshomaru realized he had let lose a frustrated growl.
Kagome was ecstatic. The renovations were going amazingly well, they were actually ahead of schedule and oh my god, you would not believe some of the fabrics that the women had purchased in neighboring villages. She honestly couldn't have asked for anything better.
Kagome walked through the halls happily as she waved to passing workers. Her smiles brightened even more as she watched them hang the dark blue tapestry with gold trimmings along the edges of the windows. She had decided to stick with a slightly darker color in this hall since it did lead to the war room. There was a tactical advantage to how Sesshomaru had decorated before, but it only came into play when dealing with men. It made sense to keep the same mind set when it came to 'boy time' as Kagome so wonderfully dubbed it. Of course, she still lightened it up significantly with the touches of gold and red everywhere. The red was more than a conscious decision when picking colors since it was not only a symbolism for blood, but also a color that Sesshomaru tended to wear in his wardrobe. The gold on the other hand was a must. It was in Sesshomaru's best interest to have the flashy color decorating his house. It would remind visitors of Sesshomaru, of his face, of his glare and of his power. Kagome had always said that the brother's most striking feature had been their eyes, and this was a sure proof way to remind people that the Lord of the West could be anywhere, watching your every move.
To say she was proud of herself was a huge understatement. For most of her life Kagome had scoffed at her grandmother's insistence to take decorating classes but now she saw the importance. While under normal circumstances a woman would only have to worry about taste, in any higher up or political scene it was a very different story. It all came down to subtle hints, displays of power to one another and above all, it created a pecking order.
"My Lady!" yelled Rika as she ran towards the black haired human.
Kagome, who despite her lack of sleep was in a very good mood, turned to face Rika in an instant, "What can I-"
Rika grabbed her arm and tried to desperately pull her into the hallway she had just come from, "Please, My Lord will have my head if I do not bring you to him this instant!"
Kagome stopped in her tracks as she processed what had just been said, "Tell me what happened."
Rika, who was already flustered as it was, turned towards Kagome, "Lord Sesshomaru has demanded to see you at once. I was in the study pouring him his afternoon tea like usual when he suddenly went into a rage. He seemed very angry and destroyed the letter in his hand with his poison as if it was hell sent. He then turned towards me and demanded I find you immediately. Please, I am afraid that-"
Kagome placed her hand up to Rika's lips to silence her, "Please calm down. In the back cupboard in the kitchen there is the ginger tea I had him drink while sick. Brew in some ground up willow bark before you bring it to him in the study. Hopefully the plant will have the same calming effect on him it did while sick. I will head over right now, just bring the tea when it is done…and also know that I won't let anything happen to you."
Rika nodded slowly, thankful for the calming presence Kagome had. So, she held back her tears of fright and quickly walked towards the kitchen intent on following her mistress's orders.
The moment Rika was out of sight Kagome's panic fully set in. What the hell? Why in the world would he ever want her? Was he finally deciding to kill her off? It certainly sounded like it. Of course, she always thought the stoic demon Lord would give her the honor of a public execution, where there would at least be witnesses to look on sorrowfully during her demise. It looked like she was instead going to be killed back alley style, with nothing but the clothes on her back.
She mentally growled to herself. Well this was just great, she was going to die in a time that wasn't her own, without a high school diploma and her body would probably be discovered 500 years in the future by her own flesh and blood. Why oh why did she never listen to her grandfather's ramblings about how dangerous demons could be? No Kagome, let's just play with them instead. Let's taunt them and think that nothing will ever come of it.
"Relax little one, I am sure he is just angry about how much you have been spending. It went way over the initial budget," laughed Touga. Unfortunately it wasn't his usual laugh, in fact, it seemed rather forced.
Kagome, being the astute person she was immediately caught on and glared, "I'm going to be really pissed if your son kills me."
The same forced laugh was all that came out of his mouth. Well that was certainly comforting. What was he going to say next, that death wasn't really all that bad?
Kagome quickly turned the corner and marched forwards. Touga, seeing the problem immediately stepped in her way and pointed towards the other direction, "Wrong way little one."
She quickly gave him the most death insinuating glare he had ever witnessed. Kagome then swung on her heals and turned down the correct hallway, "Do not correct me when I am yelling at you! I swear, if he kills me for no god damn reason you are who I am coming after. I will strangle, maim, decapitate and do all those other things that I am currently unable to do thanks to the fact that you are dead. Of course, if I die that won't be an issue anymore now will it?"
The same forced laugh came out of his mouth, "Come now, I haven't been that bad now have I?"
Kagome didn't even have time to rebuttal his statement, she was too caught up by the fact that she was already standing in front of Sesshomaru's study.
Stupid study.
So, somehow she managed to pull up her big girl panties and knock on the door. To any observer she would have looked like a prime example of what it means to be calm. She was standing straight, a fighting glare was already firmly in place and she was more than ready to use her useless human nails to claw herself out of a situation. Of course, on the inside she was shaking like a newborn calf about to go one on one with a pack of wild wolves.
Not even a few seconds later Sesshomaru's voice radiated around the hallway, "Come in."
Her stomach dropped. Oh god, he sounded clam. That's never a good thing. That meant he had already thought this through and wasn't going on impulse. Well that just ruined her day. She could work with impulse, hell, she thrived on it. It was the thought out processes that always got her into trouble.
So, with one quick breath Kagome opened the door and stepped into the room. Before she even had a chance to look Sesshomaru in the eyes Kagome was pleading her case, "I know what you are thinking, I spent way too much money and in retrospect, yeah, I probably did. On the same note, this is your house, it needs to look nice and if you have to spend some extra gold pieces on fabric-"
"Woman," attempted Sesshomaru.
Kagome, determined to defend herself just continued, "Okay, so maybe it's not even about the money. You are probably all miffed up that you have so many workers in your house. They are making a lot of noise, eating your food and disrupting your work. Honestly speaking though, you are doing these people a world of good. Okay, forget the good thing I forgot who I was talking to. You are furthering your own race's success-"
"Wench," sighed Sesshomaru as he continued to look at her in what could almost be described as mirth. If she had been paying attention she would have noticed that Sesshomaru was more than a little amused at her antics.
Kagome sighed dramatically in her attempt to get this right, "No, it's not that. Alright maybe it's how I really haven't been attending my kitchen duties, but honestly, it's not like you eat my food or anything. The other servants are more than happy to cook something that actually requires fire and heating things up, not to mention that I still tend to make snacks every once in a while. By the way, did you know that the kitchen workers ate my pie? When I first started working here? I think after eating my food without my permission that they totally owe me-"
Sesshomaru's eyes visibly rolled. Now it was just getting plain ridiculous, "Kagome."
Kagome's mouth immediately shut as she finally looked him in the eyes, a feat she had been avoiding miraculously enough. He was sitting behind his desk hands folded underneath his chin, eyes completely focused on her. Before him was what appeared to be something that this era must relate to an envelope but there was obviously nothing inside of it. She could only guess that the former letter Rika had mentioned had previously sat in it. Then again, a missing letter was not her biggest concern right now. Kagome finally looked back up towards Sesshomaru in awe, "You know my name?"
Sesshomaru stood gracefully while grabbing the paper in front of him, "It is rather hard to miss with how much Inuyasha yells it."
Kagome's gaze stayed locked with his, "So you just enjoy calling me fowl names? I mean, at least before I could give you the benefit of the doubt-"
Suddenly said envelop was thrust onto her chest, effectively cutting her off. She looked down to see that Sesshomaru was holding the very nice piece of stationary to her breasts. Even though she knew that Sesshomaru would never initiate any type of sexual anything with her, the blush remained on her face. Did he have to put his hands there? He couldn't just hit her in the forehead or something?
"This is a letter from a man I have stationed to look after my territories. For years my father employed others to govern the area's that he could not always see to; I have continued on this tradition because it is useful. It allows me to govern without actually having to be there," Sesshomaru pulled away his hand. Kagome quickly grabbed the sheet before it fluttered towards the ground. Briefly she inspected it but there was obviously nothing to be had, all there was on the paper was a seal and Sesshomaru's name. Perhaps one of his lands were in danger? An attack? Was Naraku already on the move again?
By the time Kagome looked back up Sesshomaru was facing the window, his back turned towards her, "This method does leave me with a few…disadvantages to my own person though. I must often entertain them…and their daughters. In one weeks time four of the families will be joining us. Typically it has been up to myself and Jaken in the past to see to their time here. We have found that if their time is not adequately filled they often seek me out personally."
Kagome's eyes widened as the situation hit her. Oh my god, you had got to be kidding her. Was she dreaming? Was someone waiting with a camera or something? Maybe there was an equivalent to Ashton Kutcher's 'Punked' in this era. That was the only explanation for what was happening. This could not be real, this was a million times stranger than when she fell down the well for the first time of that she was certain, "They are trying to get you to mate one of them?"
Sesshomaru turned back towards her and away from the window. In a mere flash he was standing before Kagome eyes narrowed and claws flexed, "It is customary for someone of my status to mate with someone of their lineage. Their families would know the land, they would remain strong allies and it would be a match of powerful breeding. They see the advantage in my favoring one of their daughters and gracing her with title Lady of the West."
Kagome nodded her head as everything sunk in, "So, have any of them actually met you before?"
His glare only intensified.
Kagome threw up her hands in mock surrender, "I'm just saying that you are not the nicest person in the world. If it was my daughter I wouldn't want her stuck with someone so…" she looked at Sesshomaru up and down quickly before turned her attention back to his face, "well, you. You don't exactly come off as the dotting anything type."
Sesshomaru then did something very unlike him, in fact, for a minute Kagome would have called it a very human act for him to do. She of course held her tongue. Somehow she had already escaped death once today; she was not going through that process again.
The man ran his fingers through his hair, obviously frustrated at the situation. "In the past I have tried to deal with the situation. I often had to take time away from my own work to entertain them, I would rather spend my day with all of them at the same time then being alone with one. They are more…persistent on their own."
Kagome could only image how bad it had gotten. She knew how hard women worked in her time to get the man that they wanted. The primped, the pawed, they pulled out each other's hair, they would drug someone, they would claim pregnancy…you know, she had never really felt bad for Sesshomaru before this point in all the time they had known each other. Ever since the man had pretended to resurrect Inuyasha's dead mother Kagome could never find it in her heart to have much sympathy for the demon lord but even she couldn't leave him to face this alone.
Of course, the slimy bastard was going to have to work for it.
"You know, I know girls like that. They can usually get pretty bad, but a lot of it is stimulated by urgings from the mother. If you want to do anything about that I suggest you start at the root of the problem," she said casually while looking at her nails. "You will need to find a way to prove your dominance to them, no, I take that back. You will need another female to prove dominance, or at least protection for you. Typically a mother would do that but I am guessing that is not happening. Perhaps you can find someone else."
Sesshomaru stiffened at her words.
"Explain."
Kagome could have flat out laughed at the hope in his voice. Whoever thought this day would ever come would have been labeled a complete loon by everyone around them. At the same time Kagome could not help but think that everything the two of them had been through together was finally settling in with him. Perhaps he would look at her like and ally from now on instead of an accessory to an enemy, "I get it, you're a man so none of this makes sense but not having a lady of the West is really hindering you. It's not just about decorating or controlling the staff, it is about doing all the things that your husb-mate cannot," she said, quickly correcting herself.
It was moments like this that she felt like she was channeling her grandmother, but honestly speaking the woman had a point. "Most battles don't happen on a battlefield, they happen at dinner, or homes or on a family walk. You men sit in a war room for a couple of hours and talk plans but a woman has the ability to convince her mate of anything she wants all night and possibly the next day. She knows all the tricks to get him to agree with her and disagree with his friends. She also knows that if she wants something done she needs to convince the other women of her point of view so they can convince their hus-mates. Mind you, it's a technique typically used sparingly because too much use can backfire, but it's a technique none the less. Men have their swords to slash, hack and dice their enemies in order to get their way. Women on the other hand have their mouths where they can gossip, instigate or belittle to get their way. In both instances it is a superiority issue, who can get the most allies, it's just done differently. By not having a Lady of the West it is like going into battle with no armor, it leaves you vulnerable."
Sesshomaru continued to stare at her in wonder, "Are you telling me to mate?"
Kagome shook her head 'no', "Of course not. You obviously don't trust any of these women and an attempted relationship with any of them would just backfire in the end. You need someone that you can work with, not against. You don't need someone trying to control you or trying to manipulate those around you. Instead you should find someone that you trust absolutely, that will prevent others from even attempting to use those techniques around you. I am just letting you know that it's an uphill battle, you are at an extreme disadvantage."
Sesshomaru slowly walked over towards his desk where he smoothly sat down. It was only after a few minutes of thought that he turned back toward the human in front of him, "How do you know these things?"
Kagome smiled, glad that he was for the time being anyways, treating her like and ally and not a nuisance, "My grandmother is one of those women, and tried to raise me as one. Obviously it didn't work out the way that she planned."
Sesshomaru motioned for her to sit down across from him. She did so almost automatically, glad to be invited and not just bursting in on him like she normally did. "You come from a high social standing where you come from?"
Kagome didn't even catch his subtle reference towards her home, she instead answered truthfully. "I guess you can say that. My father's side is very well off, my mothers was typical working class. My father was banned from ever coming home after the marriage to my mother, unless he divorced her, but for some reason my grandmother took pity on her half-breed granddaughter. I've had to spend every summer with her since before I can remember. By the way, tutors in the summer when everyone else is out playing is so not the way to your granddaughters heart."
Sesshomaru's eyebrows rose slightly, "You are educated then?"
Kagome, finally catching on that he was fishing, but not deeming his questions worrisome, continued on, "Yes, most people are schooled in some manner from where I come from. You are considered rather inadequate if you don't gradate from school. It's one of the things that I am still trying to convince your brother of; he just doesn't see it as important. I guess it just shows the differences in how we grew up."
The silver haired demon nodded once again, seemingly incapable of voicing his thoughts out loud. Quite truthfully this annoyed her to no end, Kagome like to know what people were thinking.
"You will take care of the schedule for our arriving guests, they arrive in one week's time," Sesshomaru then turned back towards his mountain of paperwork, effectively dismissing her.
Kagome instead of leaving stayed exactly where she was. She didn't move when he started to work on his papers, she didn't even fidget when Rika re-entered the room and poured more tea and surprisingly enough she did not move when Inuyasha walked into the room.
"What is going on?" asked Inuyasha as the door slammed open. "Some maid was all hysterical in the halls saying you did something to Kagome."
Sesshomaru looked up from his work and then back towards the priestess, who much to his displeasure was not only still sitting in front of him but glaring her poor little heart out. "She is being difficult and will not leave my presence, remove her."
Inuyasha looked at Kagome, then back at his brother. It only took a moment to figure out what had happened. Of course, he had known Kagome for quite some time so it was obvious to someone like him. Sesshomaru on the other hand probably had no idea what was going on. Inuyasha, seeing the problem like a bull's-eye on his elder siblings back, just shook his head. "I'm not one to help you, but I've been there and wouldn't wish it on anyone. Little secret Sesshomaru, Kagome is never told what to do. Unless you ask, well, at least somewhat nicely you are going to regret it."
Sesshomaru looked back towards Kagome, who was still giving him a glare fit for a relative of his, then back at his younger brother, "Tell your wench that she is to know her place in her Lord's castle. A woman of her status is meant to serve and do as I demand. I do not ask for anything."
A sudden slamming noise brought his attention back towards Kagome. When they both turned Kagome was on her feet, both hands pushing her up from the desk in front of her. Without a word said woman turned towards the door as she silently walked out of the room. It was only after a few minutes of dead silence that Inuyasha turned back towards his brother.
It was odd for Sesshomaru to put up with such a blatant disregard for his status and authority, especially from a human linked to his brother's pack. Inuyasha couldn't lie; the whole interaction he had just witnessed was a little more than odd. Kagome had of course been her normal defiant self, but Sesshomaru was a little more than off. What was with Kagome even being in Sesshomaru's study anyways? That particular fact hadn't escaped his notice despite his lack of comment on it. It was something he was going to have to think about later because right now there was something he needed to say to Sesshomaru in relation to Kagome.
So, with an air of arrogance surrounding him, Inuyasha informed Sesshomaru of his folly, "You are going to regret that."
Kagome slowly stepped out of the washroom as she checked the corridor from each side. Trust her to once again forget all of her clothes. So yes she had a towel and yes she had an extra pair of underwear and yes she had stolen something similar to a bath robe but this was just plain embarrassing. How many times could she do this? It wasn't even like she was in her own house walking around, no instead there were all sorts of soldiers running around more than willing to see her half naked. It was like she enjoyed awkward situations or something.
She took maybe two steps outside of the room before she ran into something hard. Kagome was thankfully caught unexpectedly before she fell, a strong grip grabbing her around her upper arm. When she opened her eyes Kagome was more than surprised to see Laski standing before. "Oh, I'm glad it's you, anyone else would have been embarrassing. Knowing my luck Sesshomaru would have walked around the corner."
Laski blinked a few times before turning her attention back towards Kagome. Then the woman did something completely unexpected and more than out of character…Laski leaned in and sniffed Kagome's hair. Kagome's natural instinct was the pull back, she did have this crazy thing called personal space after all, but she managed to suppress her urges. While her friend may be freaking her out she knew not to make sudden movements with demons when they are acting strangely.
Finally Laski pulled back. Much to the priestess's surprise the woman's eyes were closed, a small smile on her lips and a look of pure bliss on her face. Kagome, not understanding what was happening pulled her arm from the woman's grasp and smiled awkwardly, "Alright, well I am just going to finish up some paperwork for Sesshomaru. I don't know if you heard but we are having a few guests in about a week's time."
Laski opened her eyes and nodded almost dreamily.
Kagome, so caught off guard that she was having a hard time not tripping over her own feet, stepped back slowly. When she turned around and headed towards her room she couldn't help the shutter that rolled down her back. What was that?
Touga, who had been waiting for her outside of the bathing area shook his head. Well this could certainly complicate matters. He hadn't been expecting this particular stage in his plan for at least another three weeks. The woman was speeding up everything. And why wasn't Inuyasha or Shippo waiting outside the door like they normally were? If they continued to deviate from his plan like this there was no telling the outcome.
Touga watched as Laski's smile grew, her eyes following Kagome as she took another long sniff. He shook his head, well maybe if he was lucky Laski would keep this to herself.
Kagome sat down at the breakfast table ready to do business. She had a whole entourage to plan for, and only a week to do so. Then there were the added factors that the castle was still being sterilized for any remaining effects of the disease. While no one else was infected many were still weary from the ordeal. They either slept to much or not at all, some had reduced appetites and some could barely lift their swords. Kagome had tried to explain the after effects of being sick but demons were stubborn as hell. How was it that even after a situation like the one they were just in that they could not comprehend recovery time? Briefly she wondered if Sesshomaru was still having symptoms but quickly let the thought pass her.
No, she was still to mad to really care about what happened to him at the moment. As long as he was still alive and breathing she was allowed to be pissed. Honestly, how dare he speak to her like that? No one should be treated like they were worthless or expendable. While Kagome was in a slightly ranting mood she had enough state of mind to realize a golden opportunity when she saw one. If Sesshomaru wanted a seemingly submissive, scheming and manipulative woman to order around like a rag doll, then so be it. She may not agree with her grandmother's ways but she sure as hell knew them.
The doors opened and Kagome looked up just in time to see Sesshomaru and Malik entering the doors, "Shiho and Uza will not be joining us this morning."
Kagome groaned in annoyance. Honestly speaking Shiho's fatherly influence and Uza's blatant humor were the only things that kept her remotely aware during these meetings. So, instead she turned back towards her work. She would deal with these two later, right now Kagome was content to ignore them. It was only until Malik stopped at her side, instead of sitting at the farthest position from her, that Kagome realized something was amiss. "Can I help you?"
Malik crouched down as if in puzzlement, "You smell of the female maid."
Kagome for some reason unknown looked down at her hands. She then pulled her wrist up towards her nose and sniffed. After a few seconds of contemplation she looked back at Malik and frowned, "You're crazy, I smell like me."
Malik then did the unthinkable, it seemed a lot of people were doing that today, and sat down beside her. "Did you talk to the woman today?"
Kagome quickly remembered her bath and then second run in with the woman just that morning. It couldn't have happened more than half an hour ago after all, "I did run into her after my bath, and again a few minutes ago; perhaps that is what you smell. It's not surprising considering how often I work alongside the-"
A high pitched scream resonated throughout the room. Kagome quickly stood up angrily and all but swore at Malik. She was drenched, wet from head to toe, the ice cold water that Laski had poured not ten minutes ago completely soaking her to the bone. Kagome wiped the cold substance that was dripping off her face and practically flung the droplets at the man, "What was that for?"
Malik quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her slightly closer. He then yanked her forwards and sniffed the inside of her wrist. When he finally released her she stumbled backwards, "I am going to be honest, you are freaking me out right now."
Malik leaned back in his cushion, "Smell that Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru, who had been watching the entire interaction with a keen eye nodded, "She still smells of the maid, even though all other scents have been washed off."
Kagome, who was not only confused but also cold, stomped over towards her papers that were thankfully only slightly damp, and grabbed them angrily. "Oh, you just wait, I'm telling Shiho! He is going to be so mad at you two. You guys know that you cannot pick on me, he said so earlier!"
Malik just laughed as she stomped away and out of the room. Oddly enough it was Laski who was waiting for her right by the door. She quickly grabbed something akin to a jacket for Kagome and wrapped it around Kagome's wet shoulders. She did all this while doing nothing to hide the large inhale through her nose at the same time. Kagome wasn't sure what was happening but quite honestly, she hoped it was planning on ending soon.
This was how Kagome once again found herself in the bathroom. After deciding that warm water was the only way she was going to warm up after such an unexpected burst of being cold, Kagome had stripped and made her way into the now heated up tub of water. While it was no shower with steam filling up the room, it was certainly nice. In fact, she wondered if there was a way to stay in here forever. There were no demons, no Sesshomaru, no Malik, no Inuyasha…perhaps she could move her bed here or something.
It was with great remorse that Kagome grabbed the nearest towel and stepped out of the warmth surrounding her. Luckily she had managed to grab a few things of clothes this time, live and learn right. While she was putting it on she saw something out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head slightly she pulled out a short red string of hair. Almost automatically Kagome knew it was Shippo's. For some odd reason he loved cuddling into her clothes.
Flicking the hair off Kagome quickly stepped outside, only to once again crash into Laski.
Laski, for her part, seemed slightly put out. She took a few sniffs, closed her eyes, frowned, and then took a few more. Kagome, rather fed up with this whole situation pulled away and grumbled, "Okay," she said while motioning to the two foot space surrounding her, "this right here is my personal bubble. Do not cross it because it is just plain creepy when people do that."
"Woman," hissed a more than familiar voice. After spending so much time in this horrible castle she would know Sesshomaru's voice anywhere, "You are delusional, there is no bubble surrounding your person. Perhaps you should get your senses checked. It is obvious that they are lacking more so than the average human's should."
Kagome turned to see Sesshomaru and Malik both standing there with their arms crossed over their chests. Laski seemed even more petrified than Kagome as she immediately dropped towards her knees and bowed apologetically. In a pleading voice she addressed her Lord, "Forgive me, I will attend to my duties now."
Kagome watched as Laski scurried off, obviously mortified that Lord Sesshomaru had seen such a brazen act from her towards one of his guests, even if she was an unwelcome one. Kagome on the other hand was mortified that both Lords had been standing outside of the bathhouse. How long had they been there? Had they heard her talking to herself? And most importantly why were they there?
Sesshomaru quickly walked up to her, grabbed her arm in a more than rough manner and stiffed the crook of her elbow. Kagome, not liking the fact that her inner elbow was being manhandled unintentionally let her anger surge. While she had been expecting him to realize she did not like being grabbed, she did not anticipate him jumping back as if branded by a hot iron. It was only when the Western Lord pulled his hand up to his face that Kagome saw the burn marks across his entire palm. From what she could see it was quite similar to the time he had attempted to use Tetsuiga, the barrier hurting him in his act of defiance. Furthermore, it looked as if the burn was still spreading. It was growing slowly, as if there was still a small amount of residual power circulating in his system.
Kagome looked down at her own arm in wonder. Had she done that? But that was impossible. Sesshomaru was a very powerful demon and it would take a massive amount of energy to hurt him. Anyone else yes it was possible, him? No chance in hell. When she looked back up Sesshomaru held his arm in his grip and she saw a quick flash of pain on his face. In an instant she was by his side and inspecting the wound. Initially he pulled away but Kagome would have none of it. She grabbed his hand and pulled it to her face inspecting the damage. It seemed the wound had stopped spreading but she could not sense his demon strength coming to fix the damage. She looked back up, "I-I have no idea how I did that. I promise I didn't summon them on you or anything. I may have been angry but I didn't want you hurt. It's just, I'm tired, and frustrated. I am not sleeping and now this whole thing with the people visiting. I, I'm sorry, I must not be in control when I get tired."
Sesshomaru looked down at his hand, "This burn may take a few days to heal. You will have to join me in my study and write my reports while it recuperates."
Kagome couldn't believe it. Days? That wasn't possible. It just wasn't. She had never seen anything take longer than a few hours to heal on him. She of course, voiced the observation.
"…This is different. Holy powers tend to require more energy to rectify and this wound is more severe than ones I have had in the past," Sesshomaru nodded towards Kagome hoping that his words would explain what he meant. "Meet me in my study, I will be there shortly."
Kagome, determined to grab some healing salve on the way, quickly ran in the appropriate direction. She couldn't believe she had actually hurt Sesshomaru and she was determined to make it up to him. What she hadn't noticed was the look between the two demons the moment Kagome had turned her back.
Malik quickly grabbed Sesshomaru's hand and inspected, "I trust you noticed that she now smells of the kit?"
Sesshomaru let the man continue, him being more acquainted with priestess powers than anyone else on the premises, including the priestess herself. While Sesshomaru was not one to ever ask for help, he recognized someone with more knowledge than him. Malik, after his inspection, released the hand and turned back towards Sesshomaru, "The maid was very disappointed as well, she had been waiting for the woman to return from her bath, perhaps to give her the appropriate scent? Her scent seems to absorb another's after she has cleansed herself. I can only speculate that it is a protection technique but it is one I have never heard of. Perhaps it is to hide her own, but why? "
Sesshomaru looked on in the direction Kagome had sprinted off towards, "Did you notice it? The scent she radiated when her powers surged forth?"
Malik shook his head, "No, I didn't."
"…I remember it from when I was sick, though I had thought myself to be hallucinating when I reemerged from the sickness due to its impossibility. It happened after the bathing incident when I attacked. I believe that it is done unconsciously as a protection, a way to keep powerful demons as guards. Her scent is covered and the one who covers it is the only one that can smell her true scent. They in turn protect her."
Malik looked on silently urging Sesshomaru to continue.
"I cannot truly describe it for there is nothing like it. I can say that there is no demon who would not fall prey to it, who would not want to keep it for their own. For her part, whether conscious or not I don't doubt how effective the technique is, Naraku himself would want to keep her close. I understand why Inuyasha was so angry at the fire cat, and why Laski was disappointed to have the scent taken from her senses."
Malik continued to wait for Sesshomaru's response.
"Purity, it was the scent of a pure soul, something us demons have craved since the very beginning of our existence."
Malik's eyes widened, "Impossible, no one is completely pure. It is physically impossible!"
Sesshomaru again looked towards the direction the priestess had traveled, "Perhaps it is a trait that has been in the human community for years but has been covered up, just like hers. Think of it, demons would easily wage war against each other for what she is. Hundreds would die, she would constantly be in danger. It is only logical that subconsciously someone like her would protect themselves so her powers allow only one to catch her scent. They will want to protect her and keep her secret. She is kept from danger, others around her remain safe and her guard is given the reward of her true presence."
Malik couldn't believe his ears, "It is an ultimate form of protection."
Sesshomaru turned towards his fellow Lord, "There must be other times our kind has come across this. Unconscious protection for herself like what she has displayed does not come naturally, it is an instinct that was learned at some point. Check with the other Lords and then the records hall, somewhere there will be something. I in the mean time intend to find out more about the place she calls home."
Firevixen73-
Congratulations to those who figured out where I was going with the scent thing, I did get a few correct guesses. So, cookies to all! Also, one of my favorite lines this chapter was the bubble thing, I could only imagine how Sesshomaru would respond to someone claiming a personal bubble. Stuff is finally coming into play! I figured it was time for some of the more serious plot to come into action. I know we all love the bantering but at some point I had to introduce this part of the story. I hope you like!