A/N: Yay! Chapter Eight! How my work goes so fast... sniffle Anyway, chapter eight.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the merchandise thereof. I am just writing this story because I have nothing better to do with my time.
WARNING: NONE
Love and Deceit
Chapter Eight: Kagome's Plan and the Late Lady Rin
By: Kate the Inuyoukai01
Kagome was confused. This, of course, was an understatement. After she had gotten back to camp, she had immediately retreated into her warm fur bedclothes. She knew that Sesshomaru was suspicious of her actions, and she knew she couldn't tell him. If he found out about Kibakichi... well, she didn't know exactly what he'd do, but she knew it wouldn't be good. She didn't know what to do. She knew she cared for the stoic demon that held her in his arms, but she also felt attracted to Kibakichi. What was it about Kibakichi that made her feel so... protected? Still, she found it suspicious that he didn't have an aura... Hadn't Sesshomaru said something about his brother blocking his scent and aura a few days ago? She couldn't quite remember. What am I doing? I shouldn't be thinking about my love interests. I should be thinking of a way to find Sesshomaru's brother. He killed my brother and baby sister. The least I can do to help is apprehend him... Kagome almost laughed cynically. Look at me... a grown woman acting like a love-sick teenager...
"We have arrived, miko."
"Hm... what?" Kagome shook herself mentally out of her reverie and looked up at him, "What did you say, Sesshomaru-sama?"
"I am not one to repeat myself, girl. You should have been listening." he mentally smirked when her nose slightly scrunched up in annoyance. He decided to give in to her pouting for once. "We have arrived earlier than expected."
"Really?" Kagome smiled brilliantly up at him and shifted her gaze from his face to the horizon. Sure enough, she could see a large palace. It didn't look like the typical japanese castle... no... it looked so much more beautiful. The stones used to build the walls were the whitest that she had ever seen, making it glow in the early morning sunshine. The roof was made with grey clay shingles, the inu designs and cloud patterns on each upturned ledge looking like they were sculpted with the utmost care. A large marble gate hid the rest of the grounds, keeping intruders out and speculators curious. Kagome could see thick vines with roses running up one side of the castle, as well as the castle wall. It was then that she noticed a slight shimmer in the sunlight, something like a large blue orb surrounding the large grounds. She sent out her powers, calculative blue eyes staring in the distance. A protective barrier... She thought with an inquisitive look towards the demon holding her, It appears that Sesshomaru has more than his fair share of enemies.
They touched down just outside of the gates, Kagome watching as the many gaurds cheered at their master's return. Sesshomaru sat her down and he told her to stay behind him. They seem to have great respect for the lord of their lands, Kagome thought. One particular gaurd called out for the gate to be opened, and jumped down as Sesshomaru opened the barrier for himself and his group to enter.
It was an extremely beautiful... woman? Kagome arched a brow at that. Sesshomaru actually let women gaurd his home? It didn't seem like a very 'Sesshomaru' thing to do. Kagome inwardly shrugged, aware that there was alot more to her cold-hearted friend that met the eye.
By inspecting her aura, Kagome found that the woman was a particularly strong demon. Now, Sesshomaru's choices seemed far more sensible. Kagome took the time to look the woman over. Her hair was a brilliant blue shade and waist length, the long tresses neatly brushed and tied back in a queue at the crown of her head. She had dark grey eyes that seemed to shine with the wisdom Kagome had only seen in the elderly. Her high cheek bones were adorned with one jagged silver stripe, and she was blessed with a well-sculpted face. She also had a well-built body, finely sculpted from hard work and battle. She wore heavy armor, and on the breast plate was the same insignia that was on Sesshomaru's forehead. Kagome was sure all of Sesshomaru's subjects had this, remembering her discussions with Souta on the earlier days of their travels. Kagome found that she envied this woman's beauty, and mentally laughed at herself. She had no reason to be jealous of this eerily beautiful female. She would most likely come to be a very close and trusted friend. She heard the woman's voice again and decided to listen in on the conversation.
Said woman gave Sesshomaru a beaming smile and bowed. "It's good to have you back, milord. Has your journey been fruitful?"
"No." he stated, "It appears that the whelp has aquired a powerful sorcer of some kind."
The woman smiled and looked over the obviously growing group, "I see you have found yet another to follow you."
He looked back at Kagome and nodded, "This woman is Kagome. She is the sister of Souta and the late Lady Rin. She is a great necessity to these lands, and is to be shown respect.
"Kagome, this is Takahashi, Mika. She is the navigator and commander of my army. She is also a good family friend."
Kagome smiled and stepped forward to bow, but ended up bumping her head into Mika's.
She rubbed her fingers over the sore spot on her forehead, "My apologies, Takahashi-san. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Mika was also nursing the sore spot on her head, laughing heartily. "No apologies are needed. It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Lady Higurashi."
"Kagome, please."
"And a lovely name it is for such a beautiful human," she sent a bright smile her way as Kagome blushed. "You remind me so much of Lady Rin. She was a good friend and is sorely missed among us."
Sesshomaru decided that that was introduction enough. "Mika, send for a female to tend to Kagome. Be sure that a room is prepared and any of her other needs tended to."
Mika nodded, "Right away, milord."
Kagome watched as she sweeped out of the spacious courtyard and into the large oak double-doors that no doubt led inside. She looked up at Sesshomaru.
"What are we going to do now?"
Sesshomaru didn't look down at her, didn't even change his expression as he answered, "We will be staying here for a few days. After we have sufficiently rested, and have organized our provisions we will continue our search for the half-breed."
They entered the castle, Souta taking Ah-Un into the stables on the other side of the castle. Kagome sighed, thinking about her own problems again. She decided to ask Sesshomaru a few casual questions.
"Sesshomaru?"
"Hn."
"May I ask, what does your brother look like?"
"Like a filthy stain on the proverbial rug of youkai society."
Kagome sighed again, exasperated, "I'm serious, Sesshomaru. What if I run into him alone, hm? I have to know what he looks like so that I can apprehend him... if I see him."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. He admitted only to himself that the whelp did resemble their late father, Inu no Taisho, but he would not say it aloud. "He has kanine ears." He didn't notice her gasp, "Long silver hair, and has a predilection for red clothing."
"Does he look young?" Kagome asked, though she kept her gaze to the ground.
Sesshomaru didn't notice her strange behavior, so answered the question, "He is merely two-hundred and fifty. He looks like a young adult. Maybe eighteen."
Kagome's brow furrowed. Then, realization hit. She shook her head in guilt. How could she have been so stupid? Kibakichi was Inuyasha... and she had consorted with the enemy. What was she going to do now? She mentally smirked.
If I pretend I haven't found out about him... then maybe I could get close enough to lead Sesshomaru right to him! She looked up at Sesshomaru and gave him the most brilliant smile he had ever seen. But I can't tell him yet...
Sesshomaru could feel a slight blush stain his cheeks as she showed him a set of perfectly straight, white teeth, her eyes closed and her cheeks flushed with glee. It wasn't until she opened her eyes that he noticed the mischievious gleam in her eyes.
What is she scheming?
"Sesshomaru-sama."
Kagome turned to see a young female kitsune standing in front of her. She have the girl a confused look, then looked towards Sesshomaru, who looked apathetic as usual.
"What is it Suki?"
She bowed, "Milord, I have been sent to tend to Lady Higurashi by Mika-dono."
He nodded, "Fine, then. Show Kagome to her room."
"Yes, milord." The kitsune turned to Kagome, then gently took her arm as she led her off.
--
Kagome walked down the winding halls to her new room with the adorable little kitsune, looking over at the violet haired, small framed servant with a small smile. It seemed that almost everyone in Sesshomaru's palace was some sort of attractive. It was somewhat strange, but Kagome decided not to dwell on it. The girl's eyes were a deep green, but they were always averted in one direction or the other. Kagome smiled and decided to get the youngster out of her shy outer shell.
"Um, what is your name again?"
The girl looked up at her in surprise. She hadn't been an interest to any of Sesshomaru's guests before. She smiled in a shy manner, "Suki... My name is Suki, Lady Higurashi."
Kagome smiled brightly, her eyes closed, "Awww, that is such an adorable name." She gave the shorter girl a little pat on the head, "And, please, call me Kagome. I am not royalty. I am just a humble villager here to help my family."
Suki blushed, "Are you Master Souta's wife?"
Kagome stared at her for a moment, and then outright laughed, "N-no!" She said in between giggles, "He is my younger brother."
Suki's blush deepened in embarrassment, "Oh..."
Kagome noticed the girl's blush, "How long have you known Souta?"
"Three years, La...Kagome." They stopped at a set of hardwood double doors. Kagome giggled in realization. So, she has a little crush on Souta. That is so cute. Kagome thought with a girlish smile, Perhaps, I can get Souta to notice her? She questioned. She was having so much fun making plans around the cute little kitsune and her brother that she barely heard Suki's quiet voice.
"We have arrived, ma'am."
Kagome snapped out of her reverie and looked up at the thick shoji in front of her. Suki opened the door, and Kagome gaped at the large size of the room. This was the largest room that she had ever seen, and then some. She slowly walked into the room, her mouth agape in awe. She wanted to take a running jump into the futon that rested on a one foot tall stand in the corner of the room, but refrained. She didn't want to seem like a child getting a new toy.
The decor of the room was a basic blue and creme. Blue sakura blossoms decorated the panels on the walls, as well as the bed clothes and curtains. There was a hard wood wardrobe to her left, as well as a full length mirror next to it. A large window on her left gace her a perfect view of a garden below. A paper lantern hung from the ceiling in the center of the room, and a small table with silk covered cushions sat under it. The floor was made of the same hard wood as the wardrobe, and was polished and cleaned to such perfection that Kagome could see her reflection. A small fireplace was situated next the the wardrobe, and the small fire inside of it kept the room warm. Kagome was brought out her girlish awe by Suki.
"There are an assortment of different kimono for you to chose from, as well as hair jewels, tabi, and sandles, in that wardrobe over there." Suki explained nonchalantly, "After your bath there will be a fresh set of underkimono and perfumes waiting for you-"
"No perfumes, please," Kagome requested politely with a wrinkle of her nose. "That strong smelling stuff gives me a head ache."
Suki smiled and bowed, then went on to discuss various parts of the palace. Her first indication was where Sesshomaru's study was, as well as his room Kagome was also given a long list of where she shouldn't go, where she was expected for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and at what times. She indicated where the hotsprings were, which were through the door connected to her room, and suggested that she would help. Kagome had declined, and Suki argued that she had never seen hair as beautiful as hers and she wished to wash it. Kagome had reluctantly agreed, and after her bath, she found herself back in her room with a fine-toothed comb made of dragon bone sliding gently and easily through her thick, dark hair.
"I can't tell you how comforting it is to have another woman around my age here," Suki sighed as she continued to brush Kagomes hair. "I haven't had any real company since the late Lady Rin passed away."
Kagome smiled, "Could you tell me more about my sister?"
Suki sighed, but continued, "She was such a happy young woman, and loved Lord Sesshomaru with every fiber of her being." She stopped brushing Kagome's hair and went to set the comb back in the wardrobe drawer. She then came back with a thick queue, "She was always smiling and asking me to accompany her to the gardens. She loved to talk about flowers. She planted a majority of the gardens." She ran her hands through Kagome's long hair, tying it back into an extravagent bun with little tendrils falling here and there. "Lady Rin also loved to read. She told me fascinating stories about her life before she came to the palace. She said that her family had been wiped out, and would always give me the most sad expression ever. She spoke of both you and Master Souta very fondly."
Kagome sighed sadly. Rin seemed like such a kind girl. It was sad that she never got to know her past the age of seven. She was about to say something, but Suki spoke.
"Now, we must get you to dinner before Sesshomaru-sama becomes angry." Suki changed the subject quickly.
Kagome's gaze fell, "Yes..."
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A/N: Ahhh! Writer's block is a horrible thing! I will have to consult my notes on this before I go any further, so please be patient as chapter nine's outline has yet to be complete. I'm sorry if this chapter wasn't as good as the others, but I had to let Kagome know how Rin was before she died. Please review and I will try my best to get chapter nine up by the end of the the month.
Special thanks to my reviewers. You are the ones who keep my story flowing.
Chapter Nine preview: (this is only a possibility, but will most likely happen) Kagome goes out for a walk and runs into Inuyasha again, Sesshomaru is informed of Kagome's plan, and... Souta and Suki end up making out in the kitchens?! o.0 Until next time.
