Hey there! Sorry for updating late but I'm studying for my final final big exam so you know :P Well, without anything else to say this time lets get to the story ;D
The next few days after that was in one word: insane. Of course, the Inu gang stayed in the palace at Lady Saya request. Kagome was, beyond anything, happy. Later, when she escorted Sesshomaru to the stairs leading to the first floor, the young miko put Sango in the room next to her own, Shippou and Miroku along with Inuyasha and Kikyo in the rooms at the end of the corridor. Not that she like them less. In Miroku case, it was some sort of protection from his 'behavior'. As for newly the mated couple, well, the thought about it still did not sit with her very well.
The next day Kagome showed them around, noticing that Kikyo was not present until the evening. That event happened almost every day. Miroku spent a lot of time in library, much to everyone surprise, fascinated with the amount of books and information at his finger tips. Kagome on the other hand was spending all of her free time in garden with Sango, talking and watching Rin and Shippou play. Sometimes Akita or even Lady Saya accompanied them. Sango befriend both female really quickly, which made Kagome relieved. As for Inuyasha, well, he either sat all day on one of the tree branches or fought in the dojo. Of course, not alone and of course, with no other than his half- brother. Kagome was, to say the least, irritated when they found them at it again, during the third day. An Inu female explained that it probably has something to do with a large amount of unused energy stored in Sesshomaru's body. The young miko agree with that, but knowing both of them as she did, she knew that those two do not need any energy, nor reason to clashed swords with each other.
Two days later, at the night before the new moon, Kagome was sitting on her favorite bench with eyes closed, breathing deeply, trying to relax her body and spirit. It was hard during the day, when everyone was still keeping her company. She almost fell asleep, when the sound of footsteps made its way to her ears. Opening one eye, she spotted the dead priestess standing next to the bench.
"Hey Kikyo what's up?" she asked, motioning at the same time for female to sit.
"I just came back."
"Oh I see. Actually where are you disappearing all the time?" Kagome couldn't stop her curiosity. She wanted to know this for far too long.
"I'm wandering from village to village, looking for something that can help us find Narakus location."
"Any luck?"
"Unfortunately no. It's like he vanished into thin air."
"Yeah, we have been through this one before." The young miko said playing with the lock of her hair. There was a long pause before Kikyo hesitantly spoke.
"Kagome, there is something that has been bothering me for some time."
"Yes?" she asked looking at her with raised eyebrow.
"When the jewel is completed again and Naraku finally destroyed what will you do?" Kagome blinked a couple of times in surprise.
"I'm not sure I know what you mean."
"Will you remain in this form? You know that after all of this is over, you can wish for the jewel to turn you back to normal?"
"Yes." She sighed "I know."
"I am not trying to force you to make a decision. Just think about it carefully. Remember, what's done is done." And with that the dead priestess walked away.
--
When the next day passed, Kagome didn't know and truth to be told she didn't care. Dressed in a silky white kimono with magenta dog silhouette on the back, matching obi and her hair put up in a bun with two locks hanging freely behind her ears she went to the dining room.
Tonight they held a double party for Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. First one because of his 250th birthday and second for the same reason, only four times older. So when Kagome step inside, she was not surprised to see everyone, excluding the brothers, already here. Sango was wearing a light pink kimono, with yellow petals on the right sleeve and a light green obi. Rin being Rin was dressed in an orange kimono with yellow sunflowers. As for Miroku, he was in a dark blue kimono with black squares and circles pattern from the collar, down the left sleeve. Kikyo decided not to change her clothes. Hearing the door open, Kagome turned around and couldn't stop the small smile seeing the Lady dressed in the same outfit she bought her.
"Since everyone is present I believe we can begin." When everyone was standing next to their seats, Saya motioned for the guard to open the door. All Kagome was able to acknowledge was a sharp gasp of surprise from Sango. Though she was not sure about it either. When the door slid open, the first person she saw was Inuyasha. Only he didn't look like Inuyasha at all, at least to her. The main reason was probably because of the blood red kimono with black obi he was wearing. And not the same as his usual one. No, this one really made him look like a royal person, which in truth he was, partly.
Seeing that all of his friends were looking at him like he was some kind of walking, gold statue, Inuyasha blushed a little but quickly hide it.
"What are you looking at?" smiling and sighing at his childish behavior, Kagome was brought back from her thoughts by Rin squealing in delight. Searching for the source of her daughter bliss, the young miko was once again looking at the same place as before. Almost immediately she felt her heart stop for a few seconds and then begun beating again, only much quicker then before. Next to her previous object of shock stood Sesshomaru, dressed in silky black kimono, with a small silver moon on the left side of his chest and a bigger one on his back, with matching silver obi. Kagome could swear that his hairs were shining more than usual. Coming back from her daze, the young miko noticed how different the two brothers were. Where the Daiyokai was standing calmly and proudly, Inuyasha was uncomfortably shifting from feet to feet. Total opposite in character also. Like fire and water, day and night.
After that, the party went smoothly. Everyone was eating, talking and laughing with each other. The most surprising thing was the conversation between Miroku and Sesshomaru, who by the way answering all of the monk questions. Two hours later Nazuki and Akita joined them, at Kagomes' request, after finishing their duties. Another two hours later, around midnight the young miko wanted to get out of this place. Not that she didn't have a good time. She did, it's just that she wanted to be alone for a moment. The opportunity came thirty minutes later when Rin fell to the floor asleep. Excusing, Kagome took the little girl to her bedroom and placed her under the orange sheets. Sighing quietly, the mikoness went outside and sat under the tree with her pet hanging loosely around her shoulders. She couldn't stop thinking about what Kikyo said to her.
"Should I really turn back into a human?" she asked herself, immediately receiving low growls from her beast.
'That's right. If I became human again, you won't be with me anymore. Even if you're nothing more than a mere consciousness of my other self, you are the most precious living being I have ever met. ' The loud noises from inside the palace didn't help her concentration.
"Hey could you put some kind of sound proof barrier for me?" Her pet blinked once and a second later Kagome was surrounded by silence, inside the pink bubble.
"You know" she spoke softly looking at the white snake "We've been through so much together, for quite some time and I still didn't gave you any name." She stopped, looking at her pet, thinking deeply.
"How about… Ruby?" the snake tilted its head to the right, looking slightly confused. Kagome let out a chuckle.
"Ruby is hmm, a stone, a gem and since your eyes looked like one I figured it would suit you. So how about it?" The snake, Ruby, licked her cheek. The girl smiled but it almost immediately was replaced by her sad expression again.
"I'm really grateful for meeting you, you know? Because you saved Rin back then in the forest and you are always protecting her no matter what. You never ask any questions and you're always by my side. I wonder if it would stay the same way if I turned back into a human." Again, a low growl interrupted her loud trial of thoughts. Still with closed eyes, Kagome continue speaking.
"I know you don't like that idea. To be honest I don't like it either. It's not that I don't like to be a human. It's just… you helped me so many times. You saved me when I was fighting that green demon, kill Narakus offspring and suffer great pain while protecting everyone from Sesshomaru's blood lust. Come to think of it, I wouldn't have even met you if it was not for him, you know? He changed my life back then, when he revived me with Tenseiga." She let out a loud sigh and leaned her back on the tree. That is how someone found her.
"Kagome?" he asked but when she didn't make a move, he knocked a few times on the bubble. The young miko opened her eyes and dropped the barrier.
"Inuyasha? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question. Everyone was worried when you didn't come back so I decided to look for you."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I just wanted to be alone for a while."
"So, what's up?" Inuyasha asked while sitting next to her. "It's not like you to just disappear like that."
"I just wanted to think."
"About what?"
"Just some stuff." Half demon, now human sighed.
"Listen Kagome, about me and Kikyo…" he started but she cut him off.
"It's ok Inuyasha. At first I guess I was surprised after hearing this but now I'm fine, really."
"You're not mad or anything?" he asked in disbelieve.
"Why would I be mad at you? All I want for you is to be happy." She paused for a moment, bringing her clawed finger to her lips.
"That reminds me. Could you wait here for a moment?"
"Yeah sure, but…" he didn't have the chance to finish because Kagome was no longer here. After a few minutes she came back with something wrapped in red paper.
"Here, it's for you."
"What is it?"
"Open up and find out." So he did and unpacked the cloth made from little golden chains.
"It's a… shirt?" Kagome let out a short laugh.
"Yeah you could say that. It's made from hairs of some underwater creature and is supposed to protect you." Inuyasha looked at her and blinked a couple of times.
"Why would I need any protection? Keh, I can take care of myself."
"Yeah, sure you can. Only almost every time your chest or stomach is hurt." She bit out making him blush a little.
"Now, let's see if it fit."
"Wh-wha… ?"
"Oh come on. I've seen you naked before right?"
"I suppose" he murmured still red faced. After five minutes, it turns out that the gift was looking perfect at him.
"Never take it off." Kagome whispered in his ear while hugging him. Inuyasha just nodded, not trusting his voice too much. When she let go he sat under the tree, bringing the young miko with him and placing her between his legs. Kagome leaned back against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. They sat like that for a while in silence, enjoying each other company.
"You know what Kagome?"
"Hmm?"
"I was pissed when we found out you are a demon but now I don't care who you are as long as your personality doesn't change." Kagome sat straight and turned to face him.
"Thanks Inuyasha. You have no idea how much that means to me." Placing a small peak on his cheek, the raven haired girl returned to her previous position, laughing and remembering the old times with her best friend.
--
Sharp beam of light made Kagome groan and open her eyes. Looking around she noticed that she was in her room.
"Probably Inuyasha brought me here when I fell asleep." She smiled a little at the thought. Just as she was about to take a bath a loud scream reached her ears. In a flash, she was standing in front of the door to her friend room.
"Sango what's…?" she paused half way, with hand still on the door. Sango was sitting on her bed, with head in her hands. However, that's not what made Kagome burst into uncontrollable laugh. Next to the female was laying Miroku, with both arms around Sango's waist, hugging her tightly.
"Am I interrupting something?" Kagome asked with evil smirk after recovering from her sudden attack. Sango looked at her with pleading eyes.
"Could you help me?"
"Sorry Sango but this is your problem, so figured it out on your own." Said the raven haired girl turning on her left foot and make her way back to the room hearing along the way Sango screaming 'get off of me'.
--
Hours later, a much bruised Miroku, a red faced demon slayer, a refreshed and happy Kagome and Lady Saya were sitting in the dining room waiting for breakfast.
"Where are the kids?" the monk asked with some difficulties, holding the left part of his jaw.
"Rin and Shippou are still sleeping." Not much was said after that. They ate in comfortable silence. When the servants took the empty plates, Kagome thought of something.
"Hey, do you know where Inuyasha is?"
"We haven't seen him since yesterday."
"Actually…" Lady Saya spoke after a moment "I haven't seen my son either."
"No way" Kagome groaned "Don't tell me they are doing it again" Sighing in defeat, the young miko left the room, followed by everyone and made her way to the dojo. Half way there, she knew they were there because of the sound of clashing swords. Not really wanting to, she slid the door open and was not surprised to see Inuyasha lying on the floor with his half brother standing above him.
"This is getting boring you know?" she stated gaining their attention.
"Keh, I just wanted to check your present." Inuyasha replied standing up.
"I assume is works then?"
"Yeah. It can even put up a barrier." Kagome tried to look uninterested.
"I see. So now that you know it's ok could you two stop this childish play? Or…" she looked at Sesshomaru who was holding Bakusaiga "… do you also wish to test another thing?" When he didn't answer, Kagome walked next to Inuyasha, took his sword and put it back in its sheath.
"What the hell?" the surprised half- demon asked. On the other side of the room, the Daiyoukai also sheathed his sword and was about to leave the building when a whip of light stopped him.
"Let me take it from here." Everyone was looking bewildered from Kagome to Sesshomaru, more surprised when he tensed visibly. Seconds later, Akita accompanied by Nazuki entered the dojo. The young cat demoness gave Kagome her black blade.
"Is she going to be alright?"
"Don't worry Miss Sango." Nazuki replied still looking at the couple before them, smirking.
"This will be quite a show. Wish I could bring some snack." He finished with a loud sigh.
"Snack?" the demon slayers asked in disbelieve.
"Yeah, this may take some time."
--
On the other side, Sesshomaru was standing still, not moving even one muscle. When the raven haired girl launched her body straight at him, he decided to dodge it in the last second. Those movements repeat every time for the next few minutes. Kagome finally grew tired of his behavior so with one quick move, her whip was tightly wrapped around his left wrist. When she closed the distance between them and looked him in the eyes, the only thing Sesshomaru saw in them was pure anger.
"Fight back." She said through gritted teeth. When he didn't answer, she grabbed his other wrist with her own hand.
"I didn't subdue you so you would be afraid of me." Still silence. Kagome decided to play dirty. She knew it may pissed him off beyond believe but, was there any other choice? No.
"How could someone like you, who was afraid to even touch the woman he hurt, be the ruler of these lands? Acting like this, you are only showing how weak you really are." A loud malicious growl was heard from his chest accompanied by the hard, cold glare. Satisfied with the results, she continued.
"I saw it, remember? I saw how weak and pathetic you were. Do you want me to think that of you? Do you want everyone here to laugh at you for…" she didn't finish because of the small pain on her wrist. Looking down she saw his palm, glowing in green light and melting her skin.
"Then fight back." She finished and jumped away from him only to attack once more. And this time he didn't dodge, only clashed his sword with hers.
--
"We may take a seat. This will be quite a show." Nazuki said leaning against a wall. Everyone except Inuyasha followed his example.
"Show? That bastard is going to kill her!"
"Yes, Milord is pissed but she wouldn't said it if she knew she couldn't handle the consequences."
"And obviously she can?" the half demon asked.
"Of course." Lady Saya replied. "Besides it will be good for my son. Maybe he will finally be able to break with the past."
--
Just as the blue haired general predicted, for the next three hours both Inu demons were clashing swords, jumping, dodging and attacking, sending one attack after another at each other. Finally, when their swords collide with each other for the last time, both of them were brought to their knees.
"Good." Kagome said breathing heavily, covered in sweat from head to toe.
"Indeed." Sesshomaru replied with small smirk, in the same state as she.
"I never want to see you hesitate before attacking anymore." He shoot her a death glare but seeing her smirk, stretched his hand and help her up, much to everyone surprise. Speaking of which, the whole group, including the Inu female and Nazuki, were now standing with mouth and eyes wide open. Sure, they were expecting a good fight, but not something like this.
Just when Inuyasha was about to said something, two man entered the building. One was the guard of the front gate and the other, injured badly in the left leg and arm, was a spy, Sesshomaru's secret messenger.
"Milord" he said bowing as much as his injured body allowed him to.
"What is it?" Sesshomaru let go of Kagomes hand and turned back into his cold and heartless bastard self.
"It's Naraku, sir. He made his move." Everyone looked shocked at one another, not knowing what to said or think.
"Jaken." The Daiyoukai voice sliced the heavy atmosphere as a knife. Second later the green imp appeared in the doors.
"You called Milord?"
"Send message to the other Lords. Tell them that this Sesshomaru wish to speak with them about important matters tomorrow in this palace." Jaken nodded and disappeared.
"What now?" Sango asked with voice above the whisper.
"Don't worry, everything will be alright." Kagome said hugging her friend in a comforting way.
"Yeah we will get that bastard for sure this time." Said Inuyasha in his usual tone.
This didn't help the young miko at all. She wanted to be alone for a while. Sesshomaru seemed to notice her distress as well.
"Miko" he said gaining her attention.
"Yes?"
"You are to take care of the messenger."
"Ok. When will the other Lords come?"
"Tomorrow before evening." And with that he left along with Nazuki, who winked at the red haired demoness making her blush.
"Could you take him to the recovery room?" Kagome asked the guard who nodded, bowed and left with the now unconscious male, hanging loosely on his left shoulder.
That is how all the good mood created for the last few days washed away in one minute.
--
For the next twenty four hours, Miroku, Sango and Inuyasha were spending time together, keeping Rin and Shippou busy. Lady Saya was wandering around the castle. As for Kagome, she spent the whole time healing the injured man bit by bit with her miko powers. Kikyo was off investigating again and Sesshomaru locked himself in his office.
So when the next evening came, the whole Inu gang along with Rin was sitting in the young mikos room. Why? Because humans were not allowed to be a part of the consultation war.
Kagome on the other hand just left the recovery room. The messenger was, unfortunately, still not ready. His injuries were greater then she thought. There was only one solution to this situation. Swallowing her fear, the young miko made her way to the Daiyokai office, guarded by two males.
"No one is allowed here." The first one spoke.
"I am here because of the injured spy."
"This does not concern us."
"Maybe not but I have some information I need to tell them so for your own good, you better let me in." The guard was about to reply when a hand on his shoulder stop him. It was the second guard who shook his head and then knocked on the door.
"Milord, excuse me for interruptions but Lady Kagome is here." Hearing 'let her in' the guard open the door and step aside to let her enter. As soon as her foot touched the floor inside the room an angry voice spoke.
"What is the meaning of this Sesshomaru? A human here at the time like this? Since when are your guards calling a mortal female with such a title?"
"Excuse me?" Kagome growled with bloody red eyes promising death, looking at the person who spoke. The man with the midnight blue hair, black eyes and a black star on his forehead, dressed in a dark blue haori and black hakama visibly shrieked.
"Enough." Sesshomarus voice brought her back to her normal state. Bowing slightly she apologized and sat to his left.
"Before we continue" the Daiyokai spoke "I wish to introduce to you…" he paused and looked at her. Kagome was confused as to why he couldn't say her name, but brushing this feeling aside she stood up and politely introduces herself.
"I'm Higurashi Kagome. The newest addition to the Inu Clan." The man to her left let out a small laugh.
"She's sharp Sesshomaru, I like her." Turning his attention fully at the young miko he spoke again.
"I'm Ryuu, Lord of the Eastern Lands." Before Kagome could stop herself a small gasp escape her lips.
"Don't worry. That woman was not my real daughter." Finishing he flashed a smile. Kagome knew that the dark yellow haired man with the burning red eyes and a sun on his forehead would be a good companion at a time like this. Not to mention Rin was right about his attitude.
Next, a man who insulted her earlier stood up. Trying not to look intimidated the male spoke.
"I'm Yukio, Lord of the Northern Lands." Once more Kagome bowed and turned her attention at the last demon, sitting opposite her, to Sesshomarus right. She thought that her current host was, well, gorgeous, but this man here was the finest created male species she ever saw. His hairs were snowy white, looking similar to the Inu male, put into a low ponytail with a few strands hanging loosely. Dressed in silky, light blue kimono with white snowflakes on the left sleeve and matching obi he slowly stood up and looked at her. Kagome almost drowned in the sea of his icy blue eyes, intensified by his outfit and a small, single snowflake on his forehead.
"I'm Yasuo, Lord of the Southern Lands." The young miko bowed, adding his angelic voice to the list of 'miracles' created by god.
"Where is the messenger, Miko?" Kagome shifted in her seat uncomfortably when other three pair of eyes looked at her with slightly raised eyebrows.
"About it, he is not fully recovered yet." Hearing his growl, she quickly added.
"But, he told me everything he knew." The Daiyokai nodded at her to continue.
"He said that Naraku was hiding deep inside the mountain in the Northern Lands. He didn't have any physical form yet, but thanks to the power of the jewel shard he possessed, Naraku was able to create his offspring's and puppet." Taking a deep breath, she continued.
"He also said that Naraku is moving through the northern lands currently. In two days, he will enter the eastern lands and then, four more days later, he will enter the western lands."
"Then we should just kill him right now in my lands." Yukio spoke. Sesshomaru ignored his statement.
"There is more." It was not a question only simple fact. The raven haired girl nodded.
"It looks like his real object is not destroying anything in his path, like the last time. The messenger, as well as Kikyo, confirmed that they are moving not even breaking one tree."
"They?" Ryuu asked surprised.
"Yes, they. Naraku and his army."
"How many?" this time it was Yasuo who asked.
"Thousands of demons probably released from inside the jewel. They are heading this way, to destroy the whole western lands and every living being here."
"This certainly is a problem." Southern Lord spoke in his calm voice.
"What should we do Sesshomaru? Defending such a big palace will be troublesome."
The Western Lord narrowed his eyes looking at the map in front of him, deep in thoughts.
"If what the Miko said is true then I will evacuate the whole lands. Dreamer can you do it?"
"Of course, I will do it tonight." Kagome was dumbfounded. 'Why did he call the Lord of the South Dreamer?'
"This is madness. Where do you think this people will go?" Yukios angry voice brought her back to reality.
"This does not matter as long as they are not in my lands."
The young miko looked at him surprised that he really cared about his people in one way or another. Something warm lit up in her chest at that thought.
"So where do you plan to attack?" Ryuu asked looking at the map with the others. There was no answer, until….
"Here." Kagome pointed at the large clearing, about ten kilometers from the castle. Sesshomaru looked at her with narrowed eyes, while Yasuo let out a small smirk graced his lips.
"What? If he wants to destroy the castle and the whole Western Lands, we should not let him reach this place. So the best way is to stop him in his tracks, right? Besides, it's a huge clearing so your army should be able to move freely and to regroup or something."
There was a long silence. Everyone was repeating her words, trying to find something.
"It's crazy… " Yukio started.
"But it might work." Yasuo finished winking at Kagome.
Ah yes, we have a few new characters and romances ;D About the Inu and Kagome, well, I just couldn't help but put this small scene here. I mean they are, after all very close to each other.
Now something important. I won't update next chapter as usual, because I'm going on a vacation. So expect me to update on the wednesday after that (07.03.08) ;) And to be more mean there won't be any perview ;DD See ya!