Chapter Twenty- Heart's Cry
For the second time that day, Kagome marched towards Sesshomaru's study carrying a pile of scrolls to return. It had already been two weeks since the last evening ceremony and she hasn't seen him since. She had finished recording the scrolls he had given her and searched everywhere to ask for more. But, she couldn't find him. With a frustrated huff, Kagome blew away the strand of hair that was in the way.
Knocking on his study door, Kagome waited to see if he was inside. After a few minutes of more knocking, she was too fed up to care for manners and reach for the door knob. Kagome turned the door knob and noticed it was open. Entering into the empty study room, she decided to wait until Sesshomaru walked in.
Nearing the window, Kagome had to cover her eyes from the dazzling sunlight. It was still the afternoon, yet she felt like she spent the whole day searching for Sesshomaru. She knew he was busy preparing for the evening ceremony that is supposedly held tonight. His mother had once again sprung a surprising order upon her son. A light giggle echoed in the empty study as Kagome thought these crazy requests of Lady Inukimi would become frequent.
Walking towards his desk, Kagome scanned the piles of scrolls stacked on his large desk. She placed down the recorded scrolls she had finished to the side and saw how little her pile was compared to his. Knowing the reason for her frustration, another sigh was released.
She wanted to lessen his burden.
She thought it acceptable to allow herself to help decrease his work stress.
But that was it.
That was as far as it would go.
However, trying to help him just made her realize how useless she was. Sesshomaru had only given her a small pile for the past two weeks and it had taken more than a day to complete the task. Sitting in his chair, Kagome leaned her head against it in defeat. She caught a trace of his scent as she took a deep breath.
Subtle pains squeezed her heart.
She wanted to see him.
Closing her eyes, she tried to hold back the overflowing thoughts of him. Wrestling with her weak control, sleep soon silenced Kagome's tired body.
'Sesshomaru,' the silent voice of her heart's cry slipped past her guard before she dozed off into a deep slumber. A small, but soft, smile lingered on her lips as she fell asleep.
As time passed by in the empty study room, a light snoring sound could be heard.
In a deep slumber, the Miko did not hear the door creak open or hear the heavy footsteps.
The Miko did not see the affection that reflected his golden eyes nor the pain.
The Miko did not see his clawed hands hesitantly reach to touch her.
Pause.
Clawed hands stopped midway.
Turmoil tore at his heart as he struggled to resist from touching her.
'I will not break my promise with Inuyasha because of this Tradition.'
Pulling his clawed hand away from her, Sesshomaru clenched them tightly. Remembering her words clearly, the pain it had left the first time scarred him twice.
He could not touch her.
It was dishonorable.
He was willing to do anything for her, but he would never give up one thing.
His honor.
Golden eyes steeled with control.
He would not lose his honor like his Father had.
Although he respected his Father, he had chosen to dishonor his mate by loving another human.
His thoughts returned to the slumbering Miko.
She has decided to mate Inuyasha, and so he will not interfere. Trailing her peaceful expression with his eyes, he engraved the image into his head and walked away.
This was enough.
-The Evening Ceremony-
"Lady Kagome!" Kagome turned her attention so see Kura approaching her. With a gentle smile, Kagome responded, "Hello, Lady Kura."
Kagome realized from the last evening ceremony that Kura was Ryuu's sister and a dragon youkai. The information wasn't surprising for she could see the similarity between Ryuu and Kura. And a dragon youkai was fitting for Kura's character.
"I wonder who will win the title of Hime. It will be a tough battle, Lady Kagome. Beware," Kura said calmly. With a fan covering Kura's mouth, Kagome couldn't distinguish Kura's meaning behind her words. Kura snapped her fan away and revealed a kind smile, catching Kagome off guard. Before walking away, Kura said cheerfully, "Good luck!"
'Beware? Of whom?' Kagome thought in confusion.
Shaking away her confusion, Kagome continued to scan the crowd in search for Inuyasha. He said he would be late, but already ten minutes had passed and he still hasn't shown up. Blue eyes noted a huge crowd forming in the center of the hall. Curious, Kagome neared the crowd to see what was happening.
"In a battle you only need good fighters and experience! How dare you think scholars are needed when it comes to battles?!" Kagome heard a 'Gon' rank demon yell out. She saw the new 'Gon' leader glaring at the 'Mu' ranks and nodding his head to what his fellow rank had said. Observing the new 'Gon' leader, Kagome noticed that he gave off a mature aura and more suited than the other rude and perverted leader. But it seemed that even with this 'Gon' leader, the hatred between the 'Gon' and 'Mu' rank continued.
"Strength and power is not everything! Knowledge is the priority when it comes to battles! Without knowledge, it's like sending brainless and dumb fighters swinging their swords like barbarians!" Kagome saw the 'Mu' rank elder explain harshly.
Kagome spotted Inari step into the middle of the crowd and exclaim, "The 'Mu' rank is correct. Knowledge is indeed important. If not, it would be the same as sending humans into battle. As demons, we differ with our wisdom." After her words were said, Inari's eyes landed right on Kagome and smirked.
Kagome knew Inari was challenging her. Inari's statement had insulted the knowledge capacity a human can hold. Unfortunately, Inari wasn't aware of the upper hand Kagome hand with her wisdom of the future. In deep thought, Kagome prepared her opinion of this issue.
"I think the 'Gon' rank is correct!" Kura interrupted Kagome's concentration. "It is useless to have knowledge as a priority. Battles are won by strength and power! If our armies are powerful, then who can defeat us?" Kura said snottily. The 'Gon' rank roared in agreement with Kura.
"And what are your thoughts on this, Lady Kagome," Inari voiced arrogantly. A smirk remained on her face as she waited to hear a ridiculous answer from the Miko. She didn't really care for the issue or the 'Mu' rank. It was a matter of gaining a ranks acceptance to gain the Hime title. But now that she had sided with the 'Mu' and Kura had sided with the 'Gon', the Miko would have none. Inari's smirk grew wider. The Miko will never win the title of Hime.
All eyes were on Kagome as they awaited her answer. Kagome stepped between the two ranks and voiced seriously, "It is important to be knowledgeable on the history of battles to understand what to do and what not to do."
Just as the scholars were about to cheer, Kagome continued, "But, the experience and skill of warfare are also important to determine if a battle wins or loses."
Silence filled the hall as none knew how to respond. Never before had anyone stood up for both ranks.
"Why choose one side or another when combined you can become stronger? I believe that by using both the knowledge and skills of warfare, one can become an undefeatable army," Kagome explained passionately. She knew from her history class that using both aspects in war is important to evaluate the safety of their soldiers. She also wanted to see the hatred between the 'Mu' and 'Gon' rank gone.
"Undefeatable, you say…" the 'Gon' leader said, breaking the silence of the crowd. "Our rank prides itself for sticking to our ways, Lady Kagome. We do not 'combine'," the 'Gon' leader said.
Blue eyes narrowed at the 'Gon' leader and challenged, "You will risk the lives of your men because you refuse to adapt to new ways? Your answer to becoming more powerful is to combine, so do what you wish with it."
No one said a word for no one was able to argue back.
Suddenly feeling a hand slip around her shoulder, Kagome heard Inukimi voice, "Demons can be a bit stubborn, my dear."
Inukimi pulled the Miko away from the crowd and lightly chuckled. Amused eyes stared at the Miko as Inukimi spoke, "I knew I was right to choose you as a Hime Candidate."
Kagome glanced back to see Inari glaring at her and both the rank leaders looking speechless. She wondered if her comment would change the relationship between the 'Mu' and the 'Gon' rank. She truly hoped they would combine their strengths.
Inukimi turned to glance at her son, just catching him staring at the Miko. About to investigate the Miko's reason for her strong refusal to break off the betrothal with Inuyasha, she was interrupted.
"Excuse me," Kagome said hurriedly as she rushed off. Wondering why the Miko rushed off so quickly, Inukimi followed her. She noticed the Miko headed towards the Daiyoukai rank and where her son was at. But soon spotting Inuyasha amongst them, she knew the reason for the Miko's desperate expression.
Kagome watched a Lord snarl, "Your existence is a disgrace half-breed. You taint Lord Sesshomaru's reputation with your filth! Had it not been tradition for the second Prince to hold the duties of patrolling the land, you would be on the streets!"
Amber eyes hardened with ice.
Shoulders stiff.
Hands tightly clenched.
Kagome knew Inuyasha was holding in his anger. Her heart twisted in pain as she realized that Inuyasha was still not accepted by all. It was her mistake to think that the fight against Ryou had brought Inuyasha acceptance. It hurt to see her friend receive such unjust treatment.
This is why she had to keep her promise.
"What are you still doing here half-breed!? Scram!"
It took all her strength to stay still, but she knew better than to interfere. Her heart broke a little more as she saw Inuyasha obey and walk away without a word. Kagome saw Inuyasha exit the hall and was about to follow him when she heard Sesshomaru's voice.
"Hn, you've never shown your disgust towards this Sesshomaru's Father," he said stoically.
With cold sweat forming, the Northern Lord stuttered, "W-W-Well, that i-is…"
"I despise cowards," Sesshomaru voiced coldly. Golden eyes glared right at the Northern Lord in warning before turning away.
Releasing the breath she had unconsciously held in, Kagome knew this was his way of protecting others.
The pain she felt for Inuyasha left her.
A tingly sensation spread throughout her chest.
Warmth.
Naturally, blue eyes melted at the overflowing sensation.
It was these small things…
These small gestures he did…
That made her heart fall for him again.
Blue eyes were fixed on him as she saw him scanning the crowd. Kagome wondered who he was looking for just before golden eyes met with hers.
Her heart's cry leaked past her guard.
For a second, blue eyes portrayed the truth hidden within her heart.
But just as it was revealed, it was concealed too quickly for Sesshomaru notice it.
Sending him a sweet smile, Kagome then turned to exit the hall. Patting her chest, she tried to silence her hearts cry once more.
And once again, the Miko did not see the anguish flicker in his golden eyes for he knew she was going to Inuyasha.
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