The Miko and the Youkai
Chapter six: Allegiance
Kagome sighed deeply as she cradled the dozing fox kit in her hands. Night had finally fallen and she was glad for the quiet, Inuyasha had ran off after their argument. He had been more then upset that she never told him that her and Sesshoumaru had a past. She had simply replied, "A short and unimportant past."
She knew the words were wrong. Yes their past had been short, but she admitted that she had a certain regret to it being so. Then again he was just an arrogant self-centered Taiyoukai. she softly placed Shippo on the ground and stood up with a glance at a sleeping Songo and Miroku.
They too had been a bit hurt at her withhold of information, but she had pulled Songo away and explained deeper into the matter. She told her that she had never spoke of it because she rather ignore it. The subject of Sesshoumaru was something that left her confused. Besides, she had decided a long time ago, even before Kiyo died, that it didn't matter.
She sensed Inuyasha come back in the clearing and turned to see him. He had been gone ever since the day the gang had encountered Sesshoumaru. "Inuyasha. You're back?"
"Feh! Obviously." Kagome noted that his rather ill mood had not changed.
"I'm sorry Inuyasha." She pleaded with him and he simply sat down and leaned against a tree.
"Whatever. I got my own secrets too, you know?" She watched him as his eyes slid closed and smirked in spite of herself.
"I doubt it . I've been around longer then you- I think I'd know of these secrets." She smiled as his eyes snapped open. He always hated when she pointed out how she was older then he.
She was slightly surprised when his eyes reflected no anger but sadness. "Kagome…I lied to you." She frowned at him, and took a seat across from him.
"About what?" he didn't answer right away; whatever it was he really did not want to tell her.
"About Naraku."
"What about him?"
He sighed and looked to the sky. "I know about him Kagome. I lied when I said I had never heard about him and didn't care to go after him."
Kagome frowned deepened. "I don't understand…why?"
"I know someone who's dead that serves him." Kagome was not expecting this at all. The first part of the statement was hard enough to chew.
"Who?" she asked and watched him once again put off answering.
"Kikyo." Kagome felt her mouth open in shock. She had thought he had never even heard of that name! That was Keade sister, the former carrier of the jewel, and had died before Kagome was three.
"Inuyasha that's impossible if it is who I think it is." She watched the hanyou shake his head.
"No it's true. Naraku brought her back to life. I met her and she told me who she was. She told me that before, when she was alive she was very powerful, and that Naraku brought her back to help…defeat you."
Kagome stared at him. This could not be the Inuyasha she knew!
"And you believed her?"
"Yea, and don't look at me like that!"
She tried not to be to loud, but in times like these it was hard. "Well if I had known you to be an idiot I wouldn't be so surprised. You meet someone who was brought to life, by our enemy, to kill me, and you become friends?!"
"Kagome it not like that! I saved her. It was before we met! A youkai was trying to kill her, and I saved her. She was so cold to me but after I stayed with her and helped her get better…she opened up a little. At least about her past.
"All she told me was that the hanyou who brought her back to life was evil and she had to return to him. I told her that I would help her, that I would free her. She told me that in order to do that…I would have to kill him. And I…I told her I would."
Kagome sat dumbfound. "And you didn't think to mention this before?!" she whispered furiously.
"Well she never told me that it was Naraku! So I wasn't sure. She left when she was well and I could never find a trace of her! I met you after…I'm sure that it was Naraku now." He concluded finally meeting her glare.
"And how is this?" she was trying hard not to explode.
"I…was just talking to her. She found me…" if Kagome hadn't been mad, she was defiantly mad now.
"You're telling me she works for Naraku, and you brought her here?! Inuyasha she could be a spy!!" She watched as determined amber eyes meet her own.
"I trust her. She warned me that Naraku was dead set on getting you, and at all cost…we can't let that happen." Kagome felt herself roll her eyes and angrily stood up.
"Where are you going?!" he asked and he too stood up. She said nothing and kept walking. "Yeah well now you know how I feel about you and Sesshoumaru." Kagome paused but did not turn around to look at him.
"The subject of me and Sesshoumaru is nothing because it is nothing. You and Kikyo is something Inuyasha. And don't follow me!" She continued walking. She wasn't afraid of the forest at night- before Inuyasha, she had been alone.
Not to say she did not need him, Inuyasha had protected her endless time when she failed to do it herself, but she could take care of herself.
She was ways away from the camp when she became aware of another youkai in the woods. He was close, but not threating her. She walked slowly, pushing her sense to find out more information.
A gasp left her mouth. Sesshoumaru. Her feet stopped for a moment as she wondered what she should do. It had been that very day when she had encountered him! The gang had not traveled to far from where the small battle had taken place two days ago. They had met a dead end and Inuyasha had been absent, only returning tonight. Probably off with his new best friend or something.
Sesshoumaru seemed to be…right about where "their" pond was. Kagome shivered slightly. She was still puzzled by the fact a barrier had not let Inuyasha into the small cave that corned off the pond. She and Sesshoumaru had felt no barrier but Inuyasha, and even Songo and Miroku had been met by a barrier.
She narrowed her eyes and forced her legs to go to the pond.
ooOOoo
Sesshoumaru was not happy to be where he was. The last thing he wanted was to face that damned miko. To say he was upset would not measure up to what he felt.
Yes, he was more then upset. Kagome had messed up everything! He was supposed to kill her! That was suppose to kill any memory of her! Any memory of his short childhood. And now that plan had gone to waste.
His father was right. She had out smarted humanity, and he knew he could not kill her. She might be of use in this battle against Naraku. The council had already been discussing the jewel before he had figured out the rather displeasing news about Kagome. Rumors had been spreading that the jewel was his desire. The four Lords and all the nobles had been frantically wondering if Naraku had somehow got it and that was why he was so powerful.
After his short encounter with the miko he had returned to his castle and looked up everything he could find of the jewel. He re read the information that applied to what had happen to Kagome till he was sure it was burnt into his mind.
She would stay young forever, and live long- maybe even longer then he. She would be difficult to kill- the jewel would be stubborn to die if she did not want to. Her blood could heal. A pint of her tears could be used to make a wish.
Kami he really hated the facts. It meant she was indeed important. She had made herself important. The fact that Naraku was after her called light to the subject.
His library had also informed him that if she was captured, her sprit broken, her heart no longer pure, she could be used in whatever way the captor deemed. Like the jewel; she could be tainted and used for evil. Not as easy as the jewel alone, but it could happen. The results would be dire.
He had shared this information with his council and had sent messengers to the south and east. Kagome had to be preserved, and all needed to know the threats that were posing. He was sure that the East was working with Naraku, but could not risk insulting them by not inviting them to his castle for an important meeting. He was concerned that if they heard any information then they would pass it on to Naraku. So to prevent that, he planned on interrogating whoever the Lord of the East planned to send.
Idly he leaned against the cave wall and watched the water ripple. The pond was very close to his castle but he had avoided coming here. Something seemed almost magical about it. He distantly caught Kagome's scent and continued to watch the water. He knew she was close, and had hoped she would seek him out. There was much to talk about. Weather he liked it or not, it seemed that they would have to join forces to defeat Naraku. Reports of his terror had only got worse.
The wind blew and he realized that she was closer then he had thought. Warm vanilla and cinnamon filled his senses. He could smell her curiosity and her caution as she approached. Her reflection showed in the water but she didn't not enter the cave; choosing instead to stand alongside the pond in front of him. Close enough where to the two could both hear and see each other.
"I'm surprised you're here." She was the first to speak and although Sesshoumaru was no longer leaning, he still refused to look at her. It was bad enough smelling her.
"Circumstances have made it necessary." She watched as the reflection of her frowned. She too was looking into the water now; at him. He looked up and managed to glance at her.
"You mean Naraku?" he felt that it was painfully obvious that that was what he had meant but he choose to answer the question.
"Yes. His actions have upset the scales of the youkai society. Something must be done, and I've learned that his desire is you. So that makes it necessary for me to speak with you. And ally with you." He said the last part almost bitterly, and the girl nodded turning her back to him. Half of him was happy he didn't have to face her, the other half agitated that she thought she could turn from him so simply.
"Yeah, well I've heard that twice tonight." She replied dryly.
"Explain." He bored voice replied. She turned and met his eyes.
"Why are you here?" her voice was slightly cold, before it had not been warm but it had at least been pleasant.
"It is aware that you will be included in this war miko. You are to join me at my castle for a council that will be held tomorrow morning. The matters of the situation will be discussed." He wasn't surprised at her reaction.
Kagome felt her face get read. How dare he think he can order me around! "You are hugely mistaken if you think I'm going to bow down to you Sesshoumaru." she bit out stepping closer to him.
The Taiyoukai raised an eyebrow. "You think that you can face him alone? You may be hard to kill, wench, but it is not hard to hurt you. If he turns you, I am not willing to deal with the consequences. If you are to accept our allegiance, then you will come. If you do not, my protection shall not extend to you, and I will kill you if necessary."
Kagome wanted to almost groan in frustration. He was right, of course. Her and her gang could not go this alone. At first it had seemed possible. But as time passed, Naraku showed that he was very powerful indeed. She had to admit that the gang had ran into a dead end and really didn't know what to do next. Well, maybe Inuyasha did, she thought bitterly.
She ran over what he said, trying to weigh her options. If she went with him, then the youkai society would be on their side. She no longer wanted to see the evil of Naraku, he must be stopped. It would be selfish to let a silly grudge stand in the way. Then again she was sure that the youkai society would not open her with arms wide open. Her eyes widen as she remembered the last part he said. Protection.
It was at this very place so many years ago that he had pledge to protect her. Obviously that pledge fell through, why wouldn't the one he was making now do the same? But still…he had said it. she knew him to be a youkai of honor. She didn't so much care for her own protection but for Shippo. He was really the one that could not protect himself.
She nodded slowly, knowing that Inuyasha would be furious. The rift between the two would have no time to heal. Of course, if she asked Inuyasha, she doubted he would agree. She knew he hated his father's castle; at least that was what he said.
"I agree to go, but under certain terms." Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes annoyed.
"Name them." It was considerable. All allegiances had terms, he supposed.
"That the protection you've named goes to Shippo, my fox kit. And that my travel companions can accompany me." Sesshoumaru supposed that these were reasonable terms, besides the fact that he would have to put up with Inuyasha.
He nodded. "Agreed. The protection will be extended to the kit and they may stay." He felt like wincing as she smiled at him. "Wake them, we will go now." He watched the miko's smile fade, but she recovered.
"Um, ok. Are you going to wait here?" he nodded and she turned to leave.
The gang had not been happy. Most of all, Inuyasha, but the others were not very happy either.
"Kagome you made a choice that should have been made by all of us." Miroku had calmly pointed out.
"You want us to go with a youkai that has a death threat on you, and hates humans?!" Songo had argued. She tried to explain that the threat had been temporarily lifted and replaced for protection. The sentence sounded dumb even as she said it.
Inuyasha had said that there was absolutely no way he was going, and that she was an complete idiot for agreeing to it. Stronger language, of course. Shippo was the only one that seemed to willing agree.
"Listen guys," finally she had got everyone quite. "Don't you'll realize that the power of Naraku is probably gathering as we speak?! Does it matter who joins us in fighting if we defeat him in the end? Well it shouldn't! And if it does, than we are doing this for all the wrong reasons!" she panted, realizing how worked up she was. Couldn't they see she hated this choice also but that she had made it for the cause! Pushing aside her own feelings.
Inuyasha snorted. Miroku and Shippo said nothing, and Songo stood with Kagome. "We hear you Kagome; we're just going to have to be careful." Kagome nodded in agreement. The gang did not take long to get themselves ready to leave. Except for Inuyasha, who refused.
"I'm not going back there." With a glance at Kagome he softly added, "I'll be there for the meeting…but not tonight." Kagome nodded sadly, understanding.
She had more memory of his father then him, and he had never been treated nicely at the castle.
ooOOoo
The next morning, Kagome found herself in an elegant meeting room. The guard that escorted her informed her that the humans were not invited. Only her and Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru had placed them all in decent rooms. Shippo had been allowed to stay in her own room and she had briefly told him when she awoke that she would return after the meeting.
The castle was beautiful. And huge. There were many different sections that made for a complex floor plan. For the most part, there were five main buildings with a tall and thick wall the surrounded them all. She had no idea what they all were for yet, she hoped she would be allowed to explore. It was all so beautiful.
In the morning the guard had lead her out the building that was found in the center of the four other buildings. Inuyasha had awkwardly been waiting for her. He didn't say a word at her approach only followed the guard at her side. she had hoped that they could go into this meeting together. United. Supportive.
It was pretty simple. The room walls were covered in a dark oak. On the walls hung slender and tall painting that showed the colors of the west and crescent moons. The floor was a purple gray marble, and in the middle of the room was a long table made of wood.
The guard told her were Inuyasha and herself should sit.
Sesshoumaru came in shortly. If he was bothered by the arrangements he said nothing.
Sesshoumaru was thankful for his trained mask. He did not need everyone knowing how badly he hated his current situation. He took a seat at the head of the table, part of the perks of hosting the meeting.
He had sent the messages out the day he encountered Kagome and Naraku. That had given the two Lords hardly enough time to get to the west in time. He figured for the importance of the meeting; the Lord s would come themselves.
The Lord of the North, Aysana, was of course staying in the west and was already there. Aysana came in and took a seat across from Kagome.
Sesshoumaru watched as Korato of the East took a seat next to Aysana and Shukin of the South across from himself.
It had been confirmed early in the morning that the East wanted nothing to do with Naraku, but were fearfully close to coming under Naraku's control. For that reason, the real Lord of the Eastern Lands, had sent his son, Korato. Shukin was in fact the Lord of the Southern Lands, and had left his son in control during his absence.
There was an obvious tension in the room and no one spoke.
"This is the miko in question, Kagome, and as you all know, my father's son Inuyasha." He chose smartly not to throw in any "nasty" names. Not at something so formal. He really had not wanted Inuyasha there in the first place, but he had to admit that he would be able to help. "This Lord Aysana of the North. Son of Lord Fiaye's son Korato of the East, and Lord Shukin of the South."
"We are here to discuss Naraku. I decided that it would be wise to talk amongst ourselves before we tell the council here in the west. I invite all of you to the council meeting." Sesshoumaru moved his eyes around the room, now that formalities were out of the way… "News?"
Kagome sat twisting her hands together. Inuyasha had still not said a word to her, and now she sat in a room that held the most tension she had ever felt! She listened to Sesshoumaru nervously as gave introductions in a bored voice. It was very strange to be in a room with some much youkai power flying around.
Lord Aysana had light blue skin and silver eyes. His blue hair fell to his shoulders and Kagome guessed he was an ice youkai. Lord Korato seemed to be younger then the others. His orange hair and green eyes, informed her that he was a fox youkai. Lord Shukin of the south had tan skin dark orange eyes. She would have to inquire of his type later, she could not tell. She tried to smile at them all.
She watched as Aysana explained that there had been no news from the North. As far as he was concerned, it was under Naraku's complete control. She felt her heart tighten a little as he said so; he seemed so sad to Kagome. Distantly she wondered if maybe she could comfort him later. She pushed the though away. Some of these men might be like Sesshoumaru and hate her.
Korato passed on his father's apologies for not being present. He reported that in the East they were fighting off Naraku as best as they could, but it the situation was bad. They recently discovered that there were many spies in the fortress and were in the process of weeding them out. On top of that, Naraku had seemed to wormed his way into youkai's hearts and minds; convincing them to start a rebellion.
Shukin, the best news of the morning, reported that Naraku had not crept in anyway into the South.
Sesshoumaru waited for the reports, he could tell that the Lords all wanted more information as to why Kagome and Inuyasha were present.
"It is apparent that something must be done about Naraku. We have the option to join forces in this war, evenly inputting soldiers, resources, and money if need be." He watched as the three Lords nodded in agreement. All present knew that Naraku had to be brought down.
"The paper work will be written up immediately after I meet with my council." He paused and tried to choose his next words. "I am sure that you all wonder about our particular guest this morning. I assure there is a reason."
He gestured to Kagome, "This miko, is the guarded of the Shikon Jewel. To be exact, it runs through her veins." He smirked at Kagome's anger that flared.
Kagome had become uneasy when he had gestured to her. Keade had warned her about not telling of her secret and she had not included that in her agreement with Sesshoumaru! She had to fight the urge to hit him when he announced to all the -powerful- youkai lords in the room. She felt Inuyasha tighten next to her as well. She was slightly surprised that he had not said a word…he was actually behaving himself.
"Inuyasha is her traveling companion." He added, but the widened eyes at his input on Kagome did not go unnoticed. "To refresh memories, when the jewel chooses a miko to bind with for eternity, there are certain aspects that come with it. She is Naraku's desire, and I have extended both my allegiance and protection to her."
A silence spread over the room, until the fox youkai spoke, directing his question to Kagome. "Have you met Naraku then, Lady Kagome?" her eyes wet a little wide at the way he so properly addressed her, but before she could even open her moth to reply, Inuyasha spoke for her.
"Yeah, we've been tracking that bastared for a while now." He answered gruffly with a stern look at Kagome; telling her that she was not to tell about Kikyo. She almost rolled her eyes.
"And have you learned anything?" the question was said in a little more of a harsh voice, from Shukin.
"Only that Kagome here is what he wants. And as you can see, what can't really let that happen."
"Yes that much is true." Aysana spoke up.
Kagome sat slightly annoyed that she was the only one that had yet to say a word. The topic was her, and she wasn't even saying anything.
"So, is the legend true, miko? All of it?" she felt and uneasy feeling in her stomach and she suddenly wished that they would all ignore her.
Once again, Inuyasha answered before her. "Feh! She might be hard to die, but I don't see how she's that powerful. The jewel was wasted if you ask me." Kagome silently pictured herself purifying every bit of youkai blood that ran through the hanyou's veins.
"I can stand my own." She said rather sternly. "And although I would have rather Sesshoumaru not mention my position, it is apparent that every youkai in Japan will know soon. I don't expect any of you'll to keep your mouths shut."
"Lady Kagome, the East willing offers it's protection, but with the corruption spreading through the land, you can not go there. It would be very easy for you to be captured. I am, however staying here in the west, and will do what a can to protect your position." Kagome smiled at him.
"Thank you Lord Korato. I wish that that would ensure my safety. I understand that you all have a duty to report to your lands and who you must, the updates of war, but I ask that you don't tell as much as possible."
"It doesn't matter. Like you said yourself, ever youkai in Japan will know. Naraku is sure to spreading the word to his advantage." Shukin told in a matter of fact tone.
"If any of all put Kagome in harms way, I will personally kill you!" Inuyasha suddenly shouted and Kagome didn't know weather to feel safe or just plan embarrassed.
"None of us plan on hurting her hanyou, she is obviously a nice weapon for our side." replied Shukin and Kagome frowned. She was just a weapon to them. Something to help them win.
"Either way, it is apparent that the miko is under protection. She will remain here." Sesshoumaru finally spoke up, re-claiming the conversation.
"And why not the South?" Sesshoumaru tried not to growl. True, the South would be just as safe, but honestly he rather watche over the subject himself.
"It will be safer here Lord Shukin," Lord Aysana stepped in. "The Northern army is here, along with the Southern of course, and not to mention Lord Korato."
Shukin looked defeated but said nothing.
"Are we to simply wait for Naraku to make the next move and do nothing?" Lord Korato changed the subject.
"Ha. That's all you can do. He's always one step ahead." Inuyasha said harshly. Kagome nodded.
"That much is true. We're not even aware of his where abouts."
"In the north of course." Lord Aysana answered. "No point going after him there. It'd be suicide."
"With this information, you are all dismissed. I simplt thought it was to important to pass off in a written message." Sesshoumaru smoothly geared the conversation to a close.
"Indeed. I will go to my father myself and let him know." Korato added in and Sesshoumaru simply nodded.
"Verywell, you are are invited to attended the council meeting. Miko, you must be present." He said boredly and they all stood.
"Why?" Kagome thought she saw annoyance flash across his eyes.
"Miko, you will attended." With that he turned and left before she could even argue.
"Jerk!" she said a little louder then she meant and earned glances from all the youkai lords. Aysana laughed softly.
"His sensitive ears were sure to pick that up, Lady miko." He chuckled and Kagome shrugged.
"I don't care what he hears." She replied and this time Korato laughed too.
"Many would care." Kagome simply smiled at him
"Well not me." Shukin shook his head and mumbled something about her being insane before he left.
"Will you need an escort to the council Kagome, Inuyasha?" Aysana asked after he chuckled once again. "Are you going Korato?"
"Feh! I'm not going to that I'm dying to get out of this place!" answered Inuyasha. "I need to talk to you Kagome before I leave." He said more to her in a softer voice. She nodded and asked Aysana to wait for. As her and Inuyasha left the room she heard Korato saying that he was leaving at once to give his father the message.
She sighed as the walked slowly down the hallway that lead to the meeting room they had previously been. "Everyone will know soon."
"You're the one that wanted to come here." He snorted at her and she gave him a harsh glare.
"There is no choice Inuyasha." She finally told him. He turned to her a grabbed her shoulders.
"Actually there is. We don't need this Kagome, let's leave and I'll protect you like I always have." Kagome tried to ignore the pain from his grip. His eyes were intensely searching hers.
How could she tell him that she wanted to leave? That here was the last place she wanted to be, but that in her heart she felt it was right to stay. She felt…something strong, telling her that she had to stay.
"Inuyasha, we can't. We need the help. I think there's more to Naraku that we first thought." Inuyasha roughly let go of her.
"Fine stay here with him. But don't expect me to hang around." And with that, he took off so fast that Kagome only saw a white blur. She felt a tear sting her eye. She needed him here, how could he leave?
"Are you ready Lady miko? Sesshoumaru will not be happy if your late." She heard Aysana call from down the hall and she quickly rubbed her eyes and turned to go to him.
"To hell with Sesshoumaru." She mumbled, earning yet another laugh from Aysana.
Well this was longer then I expected, and I was going to go longer!!
Sorry if it wasn't as exciting as you wished but I had to set everything in place!
The updates will come slowly: turn out having no internet at home puts a damper on things. But plz review! As some might now I'm writing more then one fan fic right now so I write more of which ever one is getting reviewed. Lol sad but true!! im working on re editing EVERYTHING, so im sure some will be happy about that (all my stories included in this re-editing thing)
I know Sess and Kag havn't interacted much, but there will be more! Promise ;)
Next chapter: Kagome settling into her new life. where did Inuyasha run off too?? Rin and Shippo- cute! Breaking news given to Sesshoumaru that may to his great annoyance, force him to be around Kagome!! Dun dun dun
Umm I'm kinda at a lost how to fit Miroku and Songo into the youkai society. Kagome well be slightly accepted b/c of what she is but them--?? Annndddd oh! There's a lil more to Naraku then typical Naraku, but that's a couple of chapter away at least!
Ok enough of my ranting!!
:) hope you all had a nice thanks giving!