Chapter Seventeen- His Answer
A beautiful full moon engulfed the sky with its large presence. The strong auras of many demons once again filled the Western Castle. From out the window Kagome saw lanterns lite along the entrance path. Faces were still shadowed by the darkness of the night, while the lantern light only reflected the different colours each guest wore as they entered. The evening ceremony for the Hime tradition would be held tonight. Yes, a month had already passed since the last ceremony. Kagome didn't know how time seemed to fly by so quickly.
After remaining in the Western Fortress for a day, Sesshomaru decided to allow Rin to stay at Sango and Miroku's village. So, the next day they had set out for her friends' village. It was there where she spent weeks with them and help Rin adapt to the new area. Well, Rin adapted easily and made friends with Shippou quickly without her help. Kagome's eyes softened at the memory of her stay at Sango and Miroku's village.
Suddenly sensing Emiko stop midway through her braid, Kagome looked at her through the mirror.
"What is it, Emiko?" Kagome voiced worriedly. The distraught expression on Emiko's face worried her. Emiko's attention snapped towards Kagome as she said, "Prince Inuyasha has returned."
But just as the feeling of joy could be expressed, Kagome heard, "The scent of his blood is strong, Lady Kagome."
"No," Kagome managed to whisper before rushing to the door. At the same moment her hand reached for the door knob, it swung open. Her cry of surprise was muffled by a bloodied claw hand.
"Kagome, make a barrier around me," Inuyasha commanded in a hushed tone, "Now!"
Quickly obeying what Inuyasha had asked of her, she placed a barrier around Inuyasha and covered his scent. Kagome was confused and frightened by Inuyasha's actions. She spotted several old and new injuries that covered his entire body.
"Emiko, get me some new clothes," Inuyasha ordered. Slowly, he uncovered Kagome's mouth and saw her rush for her first aid kit. She then rushed back and tugged his hand towards her bed. Wincing, Inuyasha sat down on her bed as she began to wrap his wounds.
Spotting a large claw wound along his side, Kagome finally asked, "What happened, Inuyasha?"
"Patrol," Inuyasha grunted.
Scoffing at his answer, Kagome voiced with frustration, "I thought patrolling was just observing the land. You look like you've just battled a whole entire army by yourself!"
Inuyasha remained silent while a frown darkened his expression. He did not intend to return back to the Western Castle until all his wounds had healed. He knew he would only make Kagome worry. But, the entire 'Jiki' rank decided to finally attend the ceremony today. If he was not present at the ceremony for their entertainment, he feared that the 'Jiki' rank would attack the closest to him; Kagome.
"You should rest, Inuyasha," Kagome said worriedly.
"No," Inuyasha said immediately, "I will attend the evening ceremony."
Glancing to see Kagome's doubtful and suspicious expression, Inuyasha headed towards Emiko, who held his change of clothes. He didn't wish for Kagome to notice anything yet. He was always prepared for the taunts and insults that would be said about him, but Kagome wouldn't be fine with that at all. Worried she would cause uproar, Inuyasha voiced seriously, "Promise me you won't cause trouble today."
Rolling her eyes, she said, "I promise."
"Keep your word," Inuyasha warned. She would definitely try to stand up for him against the 'Jiki' rank, but he would not allow her to get involved with another one of his troubles.
-The Ceremony Hall-
Lanterns decorated along the inside of the hall. Loud chatter resounded within. All the ranks and all its members had gathered for one reason; the Hime Tradition would officially begin. With their current Hime about to appear, she would observe and pick the Hime candidates. The chosen Himes would then be announced in a few months.
A pulse of raw power radiated through the ceremony hall. All sounds silenced. Every eye present in the ceremony hall looked towards the double doors. And as the double doors opened, their Lady Hime entered. Silver hair gracefully swayed as she walked silently. A gorgeous pink kimono adorned her pale white skin. Every rank and all its members bowed before her. Inukimi, Sesshomaru's mother, walked through the double doors and straight towards Sesshomaru. Turning to stand by his side, Inukimi announced to the crowd, "May the ceremony begin."
The sound of chatter once again echoed in the hall. Inukimi side glanced at her son and said dryly, "I heard you visited the Western Fortress while I was away. My own child doesn't even have the courtesy to wait another day to see his own mother."
"Rin is at a human village. She is safe," Sesshomaru informed stoically. He knew her comment was only made because she wasn't notified of Rin's departure or given the chance to say goodbye. Though his mother also resided in the Western Fortress, he didn't think she would form an attachment with Rin.
"Humph," she muttered, "You never trusted human villages. Why the sudden decision to start trusting one now?"
A slight grimace crossed his face. The one reason he steered away from his mother was because she asked too many questions which he was honor-bound to respond.
"They are allies who assisted Naraku's downfall," Sesshomaru said curtly. Although the taijiya and the monk were allies, it was how much Kagome seemed to trust them that pushed his decision.
Inukimi narrowed her eyes with suspicion. She had heard that Sesshomaru came to the Western Fortress with another human child. Wondering if this new child was the one to change his opinion, she searched for any hints to who this person was.
Golden eyes diverted to stare at the opening double doors. Her scent had alerted him of her entrance. Unconsciously softening his hardened eyes, Sesshomaru watched Kagome step through the doors. But, every feeling and emotion that surged within him had quickly vanished at the sight of Inuyasha's arm wrapped around her waist.
"Another human child?" Inukimi voiced as she followed her son's gaze. Guessing that the human child was the one who had come by with Sesshomaru, she asked, "Who is she to be here?"
"The Shikon Miko," Sesshomaru answered.
"Ah~" Inukimi voiced lightly, "The one who is to be Inuyasha's mate?"
Not hearing her son confirm her question, she glimpsed at him to see stone hard eyes. Inukimi was surprised that he did not even hear her question. Her surprise only grew as she saw the 'Tsu', the 'Mu' and the 'Sho' rank approach the child with eyes of respect. She couldn't believe that the human child could gain the respect of demons who were supposed to be more powerful and wiser.
"Hn," she heard her son grunt, "Calling the Shikon Miko a human child would be an understatement."
Widened eyes were replaced with amusement as Inukimi thought, 'Interesting.' Her son never complimented anyone. Noting the 'Jiki' rank approaching Inuyasha and the Miko, Inukimi peaked to observe her son's reaction. She knew the fight the 'Jiki' members would stir with Inuyasha and perhaps with the Miko as well. She was curious as to how her son would react. She would find out what this Miko was to him.
Kagome noticed the 'Jiki' rank approaching her and Inuyasha. This was the first time meeting anyone from that rank, so she was excited. Thinking that the 'Jiki' rank was coming to greet Inuyasha, Kagome placed a friendly smile on her face.
"Looks like you've finally learned your place and decided to hide your stench from polluting the air," a 'Jiki' commented the barrier around Inuyasha. Kagome's friendly smile vanished. Blue eyes narrowed at the rude demon. The sound of the 'Jiki' ranks laughter disgusted her.
"Now, now, we can't treat our 'Jiki' leader this way," a dragon demon exclaimed with fake worry. Hearing them indicate that Inuyasha was their rank leader, Kagome couldn't hide her surprise for she never heard of this. Another 'Jiki' member caught her surprise and barked, "Even his intended mate didn't know of his leadership! She must be smart enough to know the half-breed is unworthy. Prince Ryuu should definitely be our rank leader!"
"Keh, no one's ever challenged me for my title as leader. Do you finally have the guts to now?" Inuyasha growled back. Kagome detected Inuyasha's hand holding onto his ribs and realized his wounds must have reopened. Worry filled her at the thought of his pain and the direction the conversation was flowing towards. Inuyasha's comment would surely anger the 'Jiki' rank and cause someone to challenge Inuyasha for his leader title. Inuyasha would be in a disadvantage with his hidden injuries. Kagome had to think of something to prevent this and quickly.
"What did you say!? As if we ever treated you like our leader! You are just the leader in name!" another demon from the 'Jiki' rank yelled out.
Inuyasha's expression darkened.
'Cowards,' he thought. For decades they disrespected him, yet could never challenge him to a fight for they all knew he would win.
The loss of blood seemed to make him lose control over his pent up anger towards the 'Jiki' rank. Kagome could feel Inuyasha's anger for she felt angered by the demon's comment too. Although she wished to allow Inuyasha to vent his anger at them, she had to stop him and protect him from fighting anyone.
"Oh ya?" Inuyasha scoffed.
Kagome needed to cover up his mouth before he said anything else. She couldn't cover his mouth with her hand or 'sit' him because it would be a sign of disrespect. Thinking fast, Kagome decided to use her position as his intended mate to cool down his anger.
Kagome grabbed Inuyasha's red haori with both her hands and pulled him towards her. His anger was replaced with surprise and confusion by her actions. Then, with his head turned towards her, Kagome placed her lips over his.
A kiss was the perfect way any mate would try to cover up their partner's mouth.
Golden eyes turned away from the sight, while Inukimi's amused smirk faltered after witnessing her son's reaction.
Kagome pulled away from the light kiss and stared at her successfully distracted friend. Relieved that the anger seemed to be forgotten by her surprising actions, she whispered, "Your injured, Inuyasha. You shouldn't go challenging others, yet."
"It seems like our rank leader is injured," Prince Ryuu announced dryly to his fellow rank members. Fearing that Ryuu had overheard her comment, Kagome was about to deny the fact. However, following Ryuu's gaze, she saw drops of blood beside Inuyasha.
'Oh no,' Kagome thought in worry.
"I challenge you for the title of leader, half-breed," Prince Ryuu said cockily. Furious by Ryuu's decision to fight when his opponent is weakened, Kagome snarled, "Coward! You finally wish to challenge his position when he is weakened?"
"Now, now, Lady Kagome, a leader should be stronger than the rest no matter how injured or weakened he may be," Prince Ryuu said slyly. Glaring at him, Kagome began to notice everyone making room for the challenge to begin.
Desperate.
Worry overflowed within her at the thought of Inuyasha fighting while injured. It wasn't fair; Kagome felt pain pierce through her at the injustice and disrespect towards Inuyasha.
Desperate eyes scanned the crowd, looking for the only one who held the power to stop this challenge.
Blue eyes met Gold.
She pleaded with her eyes for him to stop this. She pleaded for him to do something, anything. Yet, he responded with stoic eyes that told her he would not step in.
Her heart sank.
She thought she meant a little more to Sesshomaru. To at least care and listen to her plea for help.
"Ready your weapon, half-breed," Prince Ryuu voiced maliciously. Ryuu had waited for this moment, this opportunity to finally arise. As the strongest out of the 'Jiki' rank, he believed he could win against the weakened half-breed and gain his title. An evil smirk appeared on his lips as he watched the half-breed slightly limp towards the center of the hall.
Inuyasha pulled out his transformed Tetsusaiga and waited for Ryuu's attack. Meanwhile, he could feel Kagome's eyes boring into his back which were probably filled with worry. He knew the blood trailing down his side was worrying her. Noticing Ryuu closing in with his sword, Inuyasha blocked the blade aimed at his injured side. Inuyasha held in a growl from Ryuu's despicable actions. Not one who enjoys playing with his opponents, Inuyasha swung his sword. Slicing open a deep wound across Ryuu's arm, he heard a pained cry.
Ryuu's eyes widened from the strong blow. He noticed that not a single sweat or tremor was visible on the half-breed, even though he was injured. Ryuu's smirk dropped.
Inuyasha poured all his anger into his attacks, cutting Ryuu in all the openings. It was only a matter of minutes before Ryuu was covered in his own blood.
Rip.
Another blow landed on his other arm. Ryuu coughed and tasted his own blood as he felt it drip down his mouth. Feeling the grip around his sword tremble, he whispered to himself, "How?"
He couldn't understand how the half-breed was still powerful after the brutal injury he looked to have before the fight. He heard the half-breed say, "You give up now?"
A battle cry sounded from Ryuu's voice while he swung his sword at the half-breed in anger and humiliation. Inuyasha noticed Ryuu had used the sword's power as shots of black energy came at him. Narrowing his eyes, Inuyasha snarled at the dishonorable act because Ryuu ignored the fact that his attack might injure the crowd that surrounded them. Swinging his sword at the incoming attack, Inuyasha reflected the black energy upwards. As a loud blast rumbled throughout the ceremony hall, the black energy collided with the ceiling causing it to crumble downwards. The ceiling headed straight down to Ryuu. Looking up with wide eyes, Ryuu then clenched them tightly for he knew he couldn't escape.
The sound of rocks falling to the ground was heard. But feeling no pain, Ryuu opened his eyes to see a pink barrier protecting him from being crushed to death. Fear, shock, and confusion surged through him at the realization of what had occurred.
Silence filled the ceremony hall. The crowd watched in awe at the Miko's action. Her choice to save the dragon demon who had insulted her mate left the crowd speechless.
"I accept my defeat," Ryuu voiced painfully. He awaited Leader Inuyasha's decision to either strip him of his rank or keep him. It was the consequences of challenging their leader.
Ryuu suddenly heard his Father cry, "This challenge is invalid! The wench interfered! The half-breed shouldn't have the right to strip my son of his rank! This is preposterous!"
Everyone who witnessed the challenge knew that the Miko had not interfered but had saved the Prince from his death. However, no one spoke up for the dragon demon's Father was the Lord of the North.
"Be careful of what you say, Northern Lord," a sharp voice replaced the silence. All eyes looked towards the sound of the voice to see Lord Sesshomaru. He continued stoically, "The half-breed you speak of has just returned from destroying the tiger clan you have failed to take care of. Would you like to challenge him again when he is not injured?"
The scent of the Northern Lords fear filled Sesshomaru's nose. Seeing that dragon demon decided to remain silent, he announced, "Decide, Inuyasha."
The crowd hushed to wait for Inuyasha's decision to allow Ryuu to stay or strip him of his rank.
"He stays," Inuyasha grumbled before walking away to return to Kagome's side. A loud uproar spread through the crowd.
Sesshomaru's gaze followed Kagome as she led Inuyasha out of the ceremony hall to probably tend his reopened wounds. Too busy being engulfed by several emotions, he did not feel his hand clenching tightly.
"Sesshomaru," his mother's voice seemed to pull him out from the waves of emotion. Turning to look at her, he saw shock written across her face. She whispered doubtfully, "You couldn't possibly be in love with the Miko, could you?"
She denied it when she saw the pained expression as he looked away from the Miko placing a kiss upon her mate. She doubted it when she saw jealousy flicker through his golden eyes as the Miko pleaded help for her mate. But now, she couldn't deny her observations anymore. She knew the look on her son's face for she had the exact same look long ago. Sesshomaru was so much like her than she had realized. Inukimi's expression had slightly changed to that of a sad one as she remembered her painful past; the days she experienced her one-sided love for her mate.
"The Miko is Inuyasha's intended…" Inukimi trailed off.
Mating had always been a business or an agreement where both partners exchanged benefits. It had been drilled into his head that there was nothing intimate about mating.
No love involved or exchanged.
So…he had forgotten.
He had forgotten that she was in love with Inuyasha since the beginning.
Before Naraku's downfall; before she came to the Western Castle; before he became interested in her; before she became important.
She had always loved Inuyasha.
"Sesshomaru? Do you love her?" her serious tone demanded an answer to her question.
Once again, his mother asked too many unnecessary questions. She waited for his response; a response he would never say to anyone else. Obliged to answer, Sesshomaru responded.
"I do."
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