Title: Surely My Lord, You Jest?

((A/N: Hey everyone ! Welcome back. Thank you for those of you who did review, I hope you all enjoy. ))


Chapter Three: The Interest of All

Kagome was grateful for the darkness of evening for the partial concealment it gave her bringing the pompous demon lord through the village. She had maneuvered their way behind hut after house after bigger house. Finally, with great relief and uncertainty she let out a sigh as Priestess Masaya's home came into view around the corner. The relief was from, naturally, not having to sneak a demon around the village anymore. The uncertainty was because she didn't know if she had done the right thing. What if he tried to kill Masaya and demolish the village? What if he was merely acting like some one from her past to trick her into becoming his slave? Kagome shook her head harshly to shake the unsettling thoughts. Masaya might have her head for bringing in a demon, but if this guy went berserk, she'd rather test her fate against him. Priestess Masaya was well known (and feared) for her temper.

"Why is it that we seem to be sneaking around? Are they not fond of you here, Miko?" Sesshomaru asked casually from beside her. She felt her eyebrow twitch as she resisted the urge to punch his lights out…or at least purify the hell out of him ((A/N: Ahahaaa, see what I did there? Purify, the hell. TeeHee? xD)). Turning her head, ice blue stared into amber flames.

"No. Its not that. I thought it would be rather obvious to a demon lord such as yourself," she said arrogantly, standing up straight and finally rounding the corner, beginning the short walk down the street to Priestess Masaya's house. "I don't want them to panic seeing a powerful demon walking down their streets. Not to mention if you decide to attack us…" They stopped walking in front of a temple like house as she trailed off.

"You will be the one they blame." He concluded with easy. Kagome glared at him defiantly.

"I will also be the one they praise." She answered. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her boldness. Yes, this woman was much, much different. The right corner of his mouth curled up slightly and he smirked at her challenge.

"My my, Minami. I must say I am surprised at you." A chill went down Kagome's spin as she slowly looked up. There, standing in a beautiful long, silver silk Kimono wrapped in a red obi, was Priestess Masaya. Her long, gray streaked brown hair was pulled in a low ponytail over her left shoulder, simple and straight, and her bright hazel eyes seemed to be giving them an amused smile. She was a beautiful sight as always.

Kagome bowed her head quickly.

"Forgive me Priestess, I didn't mean any disrespect but I-"

"It has been quite some time has it not, My Lord?" Masaya said suddenly, causing Kagome's head to snap up and look between them in confusion. The man beside her whose name she realized she didn't actually know, seemed unfazed.

"Hn." He responded, doing something that floored even Kagome in all she had seen. He inclined his head towards her. Naturally she did the same. Kagome was too stunned to speak.

"Come. You as well Minami. Before you enter, pick your mouth up off the floor. It's rather unbecoming down there." It was then, with a flare of red bombarding her face, Kagome realized her mouth had been hanging open. She glared when she looked over at the entering demon to see he was once again smirking at her expense.

She didn't know him…but so far she hated him. She followed suit right behind him and when they entered all of their attentions were turned immediately to the sound of a crash to their right. A shorter version of Masaya stared back at them with wide conflicted eyes. A pot lay at her feet, leaking what was clearly supposed to be the base of a soup. She was a beautiful girl, tall like her mother (though her mother was very clearly taller) lean, with brown hair failing in natural waves about her shoulders and arms. She sported a green silk kimono with red flowers curving from the top to middle, and from down up to middle. To Kagome, the girls eyes seemed to get glassy as hurt crossed her features. She quickly darted from the dining room they had caught her in.

Kagome had previously thought nothing could confuse her more than the apparent reunion between Priestess Masaya and a demon lord. She had been very incorrect.

"Minami love, the Lord and I will withdraw to my smoking chambers. Please clean up then join us when you are done." The Priestess advised. Thankful for the much needed distraction of mindless work, Kagome happily obliged. It took only a moments time before they reached the womans smoking chambers. It was a rather large room, a comfortable futon and extra sheets at the top that acted as pillows was in the center. There were cushions that littered the floor and as she picked up a long, thin pipe Sesshomaru and her sat themselves on the futon.

Priestess Masaya took a pull, and for a long time neither spoke. The silence was neither intimidating nor comfortable. It was as if they were seeing which one would begin speaking in riddles first. Priestess Masaya took up the task.

"It seems as though little Naname still has feelings for you, ne Sesshomaru?" She asked, voice laden with amusement. He, however, did not seem in the same spirit.

"Hn…so it would seem." He replied, not interested in idle chatter. The Priestess got the hint in his tone, which was well enough for her.

"I must say…I knew this day would come. The day when somebody would find her. Midoriko told me. However, what I can't seem to understand is, out of all those whom it could have been… how in the world it ended up being you."

(982)


((A/N: That's it everyone. See you next time in Chapter Four: The Truth She Doesn't Know.))