It took me a long time to write this chapter, because of school and guy problems. The guy I thought I liked basically flipped me, and I mean that literally. Anyways, this chapter shows more of Sesshoumaru and his confusion towards Kagome. While it shows a deeper darker side of Kagome. The pain that she will have to live with for the rest of her life. Well I do hope you all enjoy this chapter. 3... 2... 1... Let's Jam!
Kagome walked out of the hot springs area with only a towel on. Her expression the same as she arrived, a mask that hide her emotions from the world. Much like that of Sesshoumaru's own. The only thing that anyone could really give a testimony of something happening to her, is the lingering sadness that now engulfs her eyes, and might forever remain there.
Deep in thought, she didn't even notice the other presence in her room. Until she tripped over it, "Ah!" With an agility she never knew she had, she balanced herself out and stared down at the thing she had tripped over. To only see a human, wait no a youkai bowing before her that is in a humanoid form.
The youkai's fiery hair surrounded her form as she lifted her head to stare up at her mistress. Revealing bright orange eyes, swirls of crimson adorning her cheeks and over her eyelids.
"I-I-I apologize, Lady Kagome. I didn't mean to make you trip..." The demon gave out in a quavering voice. Kagome bowed her head down at her and sighed, "It wasn't your fault. I wasn't paying attention, and please don't call me Lady Kagome, for I am no 'lady'. Just call me Kagome." The youkai gave her a huge smile, "Thank you Lady.. Uh I mean Kagome, for your forgiveness. By the way you can call me, Sorano." Kagome thought of the name and knew it meant of the sky, so that means she has to be a bird youkai of some type, but what? Then she really looked at the Sorano and realized what she is.
"So you must be a phoenix youkai if I am not mistaken, right?" Kagome murmured out in a soft voice. Sorano vigorously nodded her head, "Yeah, I am a pure phoenix, and sadly my race is close to extinction. Lord Sesshoumaru has taken me under his roof, for there are some of my own species here. He doesn't want to lose us, due to our skills of healing." Kagome stared at her in shock, for Sesshoumaru is actually doing something nice. Something that seemed so out of character for him.
Sorano noticed the look on Kagome's face and smiled, grabbing her gently by the elbow she lead her over to the futon, "Pardon me for interrupting your train of thought, but you must get ready for dinner with Sesshoumaru. After it is over you're supposed to meet his great and powerful generals that have helped keep peace in the Western lands." She looked up at Sorano with her deep brown eyes and nodded in understanding. Giving her a smile Sorano headed over towards the rosemary closet, that is full to brimming with beautiful and intricate kimonos, fit for a true lady of nobility.
Grabbing a kimono that looked like the sky at full dusk, along with a crescent moon on the back. Sorano quickly brought it over to Kagome. Taking a swift glance over her, as what to do with her long midnight locks. Smirking, Sorano practically tore the towel off of Kagome, and shoved her into the kimono. Then tackled her hair with the hair brushes, making it so soft and glossy.
Kagome didn't even know what is going on, she just stood there letting Sorano do whatever she wanted practically. When Sorano finished by tying her obi into a intricate knot she had her look into a mirror.
She didn't even know who that was staring back at her in the mirror. Sorano popped her head over the top of Kagome's shoulder and smirked, "So do you like what I've done? By putting your hair into a braid and making it flow with your kimono?" All Kagome could do is nod her head at Sorano.
Sorano had a smirk on her face before bowing before Kagome, "Well then I must leave you now. Lord Sesshoumaru shall be here soon to escort you to the great hall. Plus I have to get your kit ready." With another bow, she quickly backed out of the room leaving Kagome to her own thoughts.
Kagome took a deep breath when she heard the door close behind Sorano. With a groan she sat down on the edge of her futon. Her mind wandering to all of what had happened so far. From Naraku being purified all the way to InuYasha's betrayal. A deep shuddering spread throughout her body at the memory. Placing her hand over her face, she began to sob at the pain that still came at his memory. It even got worse when she thought of Sesshoumaru, in some morbid way she thinks she is betraying InuYasha by even being in Sesshoumaru's home.
He paused outside her door, his eyes narrowing. While his ears twitched at the sound of her sobs. Raising a brow, he wondered why she is crying? After all he had only showed her kindness so far, and had sent her a maid that would treat her right, and yet she is crying.
Reaching for the door, he swung it open and stared at her. His eyes opening wide at what he saw. She looked so beautiful in the kimono that looked oddly familiar, and her hair was in an elegant braid. The question is still, why is she crying?
His long strides quickly carried him across the room, and he didn't even know he was even walking across the room until he stopped right next to her. Looking down at her, he knew what had to be bothering her. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he gave them a gentle squeeze of comfort. The weird thing about it, is it all felt natural with Kagome, it could also change things to. If it was someone else, then he wouldn't even be doing something like this. Massaging her shoulders, she relaxed, her sobs quieted down. He noticed that she started to calm down at least in his presence.
With a deep abiding sigh, she shrugged his hands off of her shoulders, swatting away the traces of her tears. Hopping up from the bed, proceeding over to the window, gazing out at the garden before her. Her back turned to him she muttered out in a low voice, "Thank you... Sesshoumaru-Sama.." He stared at her, and stood, advancing towards her were he put his hand on her shoulders again.
"Come, they'll be awaiting to meet you, after all you shall be one of the main ones in this campaign."
She looked at him over her shoulder, and placed her hand on his. With a quick nod, she stood and turned towards him, "Then let us not linger here over my foolishness." Offering her his arm, he lead her out of her room. Taking her through the hordes of hallways, until reaching the grand stairway, that lead down to a room brimming with youkai all around.
Unlike most lord and ladies, Sesshoumaru thought it good to eat with his people, but would still be separate. He would sit at the head table with those he deemed worthy, from his generals, to his ward, and the lowly Jaken. That would now also include Kagome and her kit Shippo.
Passing many youkai, they all bowed towards them. Out of respect and gratitude towards their lord, and the fact that he reigned over them and gave them protection. Making sure to keep stride with Kagome, they soon ascended up upon the dais separating them from his people. Slowly turning her towards her own seat, he pulled it out for her. Once she is seated he went to his own, and sat quickly signaling for everyone else to sit, and for the meal to be served.
Kagome stared around at the room in wonder, for she had never expected something so extravagant. Then this is Sesshoumaru she is talking about, he doesn't really show his emotions. So to do so he has to use his home as his emotions. Giving a swift glance up at Sesshoumaru, she noticed that he is staring down at Jaken and Rin who were currently fighting over the food.
"Rin! You mustn't eat with your hands, use your utensils that you were given!" Jaken screeched down at her. While Rin stuck her tongue out at him, and continued to use her hands. Then Jaken and her quickly started a girly slap fight, Rin of course is winning, considering she is the true girl.
Sesshoumaru watched this all with amusement, but knew he must intervene. "Jaken do not concern yourself with her mannerisms. She will learn as she gets older, and Jaken... Don't ever hit her again." He stated out in this simple matter, before turning to fill his cup with tea, after all he is a hunter and only has to eat every so often. Rin beamed him a huge smile, before continuing to eat her food.
Kagome chuckled slightly, and caught herself, turning her attention to the food that had been placed on her plate. With a reluctant sigh, she ate in quite dignity, not wanting to dishonor Sesshoumaru.
Shippo watched all of this from his seat next to his Mother. She seemed so distant, and yet there all the same. She wasn't being herself, no conversation during dinner, no smiles, no nothing that even resembled herself. Placing his hand on her arm, she looked down at him. He gave her a look full of pity, "Mama, are you okay?" Kagome gave him one of her fake smiles, "Of course I am Shippo, now you better eat, otherwise you won't be getting any dessert." He gave her a nod and slowly ate his food, watching her the whole entire time. He wasn't the only one who was watching her though.
Sesshoumaru had watched her from the corner of his eyes. Seeing that she wasn't really eating and that she is being to quiet. Something she never should be, she should be at least trying to talk to him like she did. Without even thinking he turned towards her, "Kagome, are you enjoying your dinner?"
Her head snapped up, before she turned her gaze down towards her lap. Giving off a nod, "Yes, it is delectable." He raised a brow at her answer, that is not a answer he would have ever expected from her. Sighing deeply, he turned his attention around to his trusted generals and noticed that they were all finished with their food. Taking a glance down at Kagome's plate, he knew she wouldn't be eating anymore either. Standing up, he gestured to his generals, who all stood at his beck and headed towards the council chambers.
Giving a sparing glance to Jaken, he gave off terse commands, "Take the children out to the gardens. Do not let any harm come to either of them." He didn't have to even mutter down the consequences to Jaken of what would happen if he failed. Turning his attention down to Kagome, he offered her his arm once again. She firmly took his arm, and walked with him towards the council chamber. Unsure of what to expect, she knew though that they would be against her, anyone with demon blood could sense her miko aura encasing her. Taking a deep breath, she straightened up and kept her head held high.
The doors opened and quickly closed behind them as they entered. Sesshoumaru taking her over to a seat right by his right side. Making sure that she is seated first, he then occupied his own. His gaze wandering from all of his generals, and could feel their confusion at being summoned. After all they could feel the powers balance tip towards him, with Naraku dead, and the Shikon No Tama wished upon and gone. Leaning back against his seat, he placed the tips of his talons together.
"You have been summoned here concerning those who live on my lands. After Naraku was slaughtered, the lowly youkai and even the so called high, came out of hiding, and are now ravaging my lands and some are even trying to challenge me for my lands. They need to be stopped and that's why you're here."
His generals nodded in understanding, though his gaze did linger on his most trusted advisors and considered his friends, only slightly though. Turning his attention back to everyone he stood, "The Shikon No Tama has also been wished upon, sending us even more off balance. Making the youkai even more powerful by sending out their beasts. So we must take quick action. Which means protecting the youkai that seek my protection and the humans also." With the mention of humans, shouts, and bellows occurred of outrage. Humans are slaves, used for their own purposes and that is it. To rescue them though?
Kagome's temper began rising at some of the things she heard that her fellow race is being used for. Standing up, her aura blazed, singing and burning those closest to her. Her eyes turned a bright violet, her hair striped of white, while her nails now resembled talons, her ears peeking out from under her hair in the shape of an elf's, light blue markings appearing on her body, and a mark appeared on her forehead. A mark of a shikon no tama surrounded by a rose with it's thorns sticking into it.
Gazing at all of the generals, she sent waves of her anger at them, "How dare you use humans for these purposes of yours! You say that the youkai that the youkai who look more like beasts are the lowest lot? I stand before you now and I say they're mightier than you lot, and I believe you to be the low!" Her aura lashed out at all of them even more, as her anger rose up.
Sesshoumaru looked up from his singed arm to Kagome, in shock. Her scent had drastically changed, it is now of snow, and definitely a youkai, but an Inu Youkai at that. His gazed swept over his men, and knew only three had seen her, his most loyal and trusted. The air cackled with fear, as Kagome's rage kept on, her aura seeming to engulf the room in her anger as she glared at all of the demons who had dared speak out.
Sesshoumaru knew that if he didn't stop her he knew that he would be losing more than just one under general. Reaching out to Kagome, he sent her a low growl. Which her own youkai answered, before quieting down. She also seemed to go back to her normal features, her scent changing back to flowers of the original scent she bears as a miko.
Shaking her head, she looked at Sesshoumaru and gave him a glance of apology. Sitting back down, she looked down at her hands in humility. Taking a deep breath, Sesshoumaru gestured for everyone to sit down, "Now as I see you have all now met, the Guardian of the Shikon No Tama, the Shikon Miko, Lady Kagome. Who shall be helping us with this escapade of helping those in my lands, humans and youkai alike. Now you all have special skills, so I shall be assigning you places that you can use your skills best at." Giving them a moment to think on that he continued on, "Kiyoshi, take your men up to the mountains. Don't kill unless you have to." The youkai he spoke to is in the outfit that confirms him to be a wolf youkai. He has long brown hair tied back in a thong, his green eyes shine with intelligence, while there are many scars covering his body. He gave Sesshoumaru a nod of understanding and confirming that he would go.
"Raidon, take your own troops to the sky. You will have to kill most likely. All I can say is clear them."
The youkai bowed his black scaly head, his red eyes gazing up at Sesshoumaru in curiosity. His tail is wrapped around the legs of the chair, seeming to crush it if he wrapped it any tighter around the legs. Small horns stood out on top of his head, giving him a looking of being one to use action first, question later. His appearance showing him to be a dragon youkai of great strength.
"And finally, Yasuo. Take all the men you can and go to the East and West territories of my lands. Kill anyone of those who dare fight back against you."
The youkai bowed his head, making his tawny hair fall into his dark golden eyes. He gave off the appearance of being a lion youkai. His talons stood out more than Sesshoumaru's, his skin a pale yellow, his hair the color of his mane when he is in his true form. He nodded at Sesshoumaru to show he would follow his orders.
"As for myself, I shall take my personal troops, along with Lady Kagome. We shall go help defend the human villages. I give all a week to prepare. You all do remember what happened when you aren't ready when I told you to be?" He gave a pause and noticed everyone looked at Kiyoshi, "You're all dismissed." All of the twenty or so generals and sub generals left the room, all except for, Kiyoshi, Raidon, and Yasuo. The three of them all staring at Sesshoumaru, for an explanation of what had just happened with Kagome.
"Go to my study, I shall be there soon." He gave off in a monotone. They rose and bowed before him, leaving the room then and heading for his study. Sesshoumaru looked down at Kagome and offered her his arm. She took it hesitantly, but took it all the same. Letting a small smile form on the inside, after all he shows no emotion, he lead her towards the garden. Wanting to take her to a place that is quiet and a place were he could get an answer for her youkai.
Turning around a couple of corners, he headed towards his own private garden. Entering through a discretely covered door, he guided her into the garden, leading her towards a marble bench. Roses where behind it, clipped regularly so the thorns wouldn't stab those who sat down on it. Setting her down upon it, he sat down next to her, releasing her arm also. Staring up at the sky, he waited for her to start explaining herself.
Kagome looked up at him, knowing that he is drawing out the silence for her to speak up about her actions. Taking a deep breath she spoke, "Sesshoumaru... I am sorry for my actions. The way that they were talking about humans, my own kind, and how they used them made me so very upset that I just couldn't keep it in. So please do forgive me for my actions, for I shall never let my emotions get the better of me." Sesshoumaru looked down at her, reaching for a rose, he put it behind her ear. Realizing right then and there that she didn't even know she is a youkai, much less a Inu Youkai at that.
Kagome stared up at him in shock, from him giving her the rose. A small sad smile formed on her face as she gazed up at him. His mask still adorned his own face, "Kagome, don't speak about it. I will warn you though, that you do need to keep your powers in check." Kagome covered her mouth in shock, and stood up, ready to heal them but felt a hand grip hers. She looked back at Sesshoumaru and saw the look pass over his face for a mere second. Settling herself back down next to him she sighed.
"Don't worry about them, now rest yourself, we leave within a week." With those last lingering words, he stood and left her to her own pondering.
He left with his own though. He doesn't know wether to tell her or not, for he knew he wouldn't be able to tell her when she went into heat. Hell they wouldn't be able to even talk, he would have to lock her up in her room. Fight off any youkai that came to her room, and that included controlling his own blood beast. The sad thing is, Kagome is the last pure bred Inu Youkai besides himself, he could tell she was pure by the markings that registered on her face, and probably on the rest of her body also. So what was he going to do? He knew his blood beast would want her since she is the last of his kind, and her heat would be beckoning him on to add to it.
Shaking his head slightly he kept on walking on towards his study. Knowing that he shouldn't be keeping his generals waiting any longer. Yet, he still had to figure out what he is going to do with Kagome, but what? He knew he had to tell her, but when? When would be the perfect time to tell her? 'How about right before she goes into heat? No, not even I would do something like that. If I tell her she might think of me just like InuYasha. Using her for my own gains.' He thought to himself. Letting a low growl roll out at the thought of him acting in such a manner as Inuyasha, he quickly burst through his study door, slamming it behind himself.
Making Kiyoshi, Raidon, and Yasuo snap their heads up at the commotion. Just by the glint in Sesshoumaru's eyes, they knew something is bothering him. Sitting back against their chairs, they waited for an explanation about Kagome, and her being an Inu Youkai.
Sesshoumaru stormed past them and headed straight towards his desk. Practically flopping himself down in his chair in anger, as he gazed at the trio that he thought of as his so called "friends".
All three of them still stared waiting for an explanation. They did not like being tricked into thinking that demoness Is a human, when she is a youkai. A youkai with great power, and one that could kill all of them in that room. For she carries the powers of a miko. Something they have never heard of and were very much frightened of.
Inhaling a breath, he closed his eyes, "Kagome doesn't know what she is." Kiyoshi, the youngest out of all of them spoke up, "How could she not know she is a youkai? She was born like that after all. How could she mask herself completely as a human, and even disguise her scent as one? Another thing, why would she carry a power that can kill her?" Opening his amber eyes, he knew by the looks that both Raidon and Yasuo were giving him, that they were in agreement with Kiyoshi.
"She doesn't know she is youkai, for she wasn't born youkai. She was born a pure human, raised in a human village, and taught the ways of a human. As to the fact of her being a youkai, I do now know how she is, as for the rest I also do not know the answer to those."
Yasuo stared at Sesshoumaru, wondering what could turn this human into a youkai. How she also came to be in the care of Sesshoumaru. Resting a fist against his cheek, he looked down towards the fireplace, "Sesshoumaru-sama, tell me something. What did she wish on the Shikon No Tama exactly? For she is was the Guardian of the Shikon No Tama as you proclaimed her to be. Meaning she was the one to also make the wish upon it." Sesshoumaru glanced over at Yasuo, "Her wish was for everyone who had helped them in gathering the shards in some way or form to have peace and happiness. The happiness meaning what they wanted most in life. From what I know of Kagome, she would of liked to remain the way she is."
Yasuo bowed his head in humility, "I am sorry for even mentioning it. But it seems odd though, for that is the only thing that I know of that has the power to alter her from a human to a youkai."
Raidon looked at Sesshoumaru then, "You know.. I think something else happened with the Shikon No Tama. I think it was bringing happiness to her on it's own accord. This wasn't something she wanted, but it might of thought that she needed true happiness. Considering I heard something happened to the hanyou that she had been with them." Kiyoshi stared at Raidon in shock at what he had just uttered, the hanyou is Sesshoumaru's own half brother. A brow raised as Sesshoumaru turned to face Raidon, "The hanyou betrayed her, that is all. As for the Shikon No Tama altering Kagome, it could be a possibility. Now leave." All three of them rose at the same time, bowing from the waist. Before smartly turning on their heels and leaving him to silence.
Sesshoumaru turned his attention out of the window and down to the gardens. Where he still saw Kagome sitting down on the bench. Leaning back against his seat, a sigh escaped him. He is so confused as to how Kagome became a youkai, and why was she even transformed into one. She was perfect as a human, so why change her? What also shocked him Is to the fact that she always seemed to be wandering threw his mind. It seemed the more he thought about her, the more questions popped up. From, how did she become a youkai, why does she have the powers of a miko that could kill her now, and when is he going to tell her she is a youkai?
Kagome reached up for the rose, and stared at it. It's just an ordinary red rose, but coming from Sesshoumaru it seemed different. A youkai with few words and no expressions, he sure gave off an expression of forgiveness by giving her this rose. Sucking in a breath, she sat it down next to her on the bench.
She is confused about Sesshoumaru, she had thought she knew him. That is until she awoke to the feeling of him holding her hand. Then him asking her to come and help him with rescuing the humans on his lands. Now this rose, it made her opinion change of him. Making him more of a puzzle than the ice king.
With these thoughts of knowing him, brought the pain back of InuYasha. She had thought she knew him. That was thrown out the window the moment he had asked for the Shikon No Tama. Something she wish she could have gone back through time and stopped what was to come. The only time she could go threw is the well, to get from her time to the Feudal Era, and back. That is the only time hopping she could do and knew. The pain is still with her from the fact that he had chosen, and chosen wrong had he.
Rising from the bench, she walked off leaving the rose that Sesshoumaru had given her. Still caught up with what could have been if the choice hadn't of been wrong. Yet scabs were now coming over the memories she had, healing them as she continued on into the future of the Feudal Era.
Shippo had sensed and smelled his Mother's sorrow from the area that Rin and him had currently been playing with each other in the garden. He could also smell Sesshoumaru's confusion and even worry about his Mother. Which is odd, for why would Sesshoumaru even be with her out in the gardens? After all it was a known fact that humans were dirt to him, something he thought contaminated this world, well except for Rin. She is a special case though.
Turning to Rin, who were both currently hiding from Jaken. Who is looking for them, muttering curses under his breath about evil children and kits. Giving a nod of his head, she understood. Rin ran out of the bushes yelling her head off as she practically ran Jaken over before running in the direction of another part of the garden. Making Jaken jump up and quickly waddling after her, still muttering curses under his breath. Shippo smirked from his position, apparently Jaken didn't even notice that one of them was missing. Shaking his head, he scurried from his position. Heading towards Kagome, knowing she needed comfort, and he is the only one that could give it. After all he is her kit, and knew her more than anyone in certain aspects.
Dodging behind corners and fountains, he finally found her. Putting on a small smile he slowly walked up to her. Staring up at her with his big green eyes, waiting until she noticed him. She seemed lost in her own world, reaching out with his small hand he grasped hers. Making her jump and stare down at him.
Kagome looked down at him, and gave him another one of her fake smiles. Kneeling down next to him, she engulfed him into her arms, "Shippo.. I have a favor to ask of you..." He snuggled up against her, wondering what she would be asking him to do, "Yes, Mama?" She took him into her arms as she stood, heading away from the garden.
"Please don't stare at me with pity.. I don't want anyone's pity..."
Raising his head from her chest, he stared into her darkened sorrow filled brown eyes, "Mama.. I'm sorry.." Those words seemed to stumble out of his mouth, as he began to cry. He had never meant to give her pity. When all she needed right now is his love and support for her. Kagome tightened her arms around him, as she left the gardens, that proved to be a place more of tarnished memories than a place to relax.
Sesshoumaru had watched her from his window, emotions swirling behind his eyes. At seeing her leave the rose behind, and sensing the sorrow that rolled off her aura. Her eyes clouded with memory, all these contradicting what he had tried to do for her. He had thought by bringing her to his castle, that she would be able to forget and move on. Instead he had given her a place to think more on what had happened between InuYasha, Kikyo, and herself.
The situation got even worse though, when her kit appeared. She knew he looked upon her with pity for what happened. She didn't need pity. When she spoke those words, 'Please don't stare at me with pity.. I don't want anyone's pity...' It really hit him dead on, that she might never recover, and that the Kagome the world had known might forever be lost, in the cloud of misery. All because of the betrayal his Half-Brother had done, just by choosing wrong.
Leaving the privacy of his study, he headed back down to the garden. Wanting to talk to Kagome if he could. When he got there though, she was gone. Her scent lingering there, also mixed with his and now the kit's. Walking over to the marble bench, he reached down and grasped the rose. Lifting it to his nose, sniffing it, before crushing it in his palm. He knew that just by giving her this rose, he had caused her even more grief than what she already has in her life. His blood beast even called out, giving a vast howl, that reverberated threw the castle, even reaching the ears of Kagome.
Making her wonder why, someone would give off a howl filled with sorrow, grief, and confusion all at the same time. Turning her attention back to her sleeping kit, she now knew what she had to do.
She had to continue on this path, until her job is done with Sesshoumaru. All she had to do is help the humans on his lands, and then she would vanish. She knew Shippo would be well taken care of. Sesshoumaru had to realize he couldn't get rid of Shippo, now that Rin and him are so close. So she knew when she left, he would be well taken care of. While she would return to her time, where she belonged. After what InuYasha did to her, she realized she didn't belong in the Feudal Era. She still hoped though that she is going down the right path, and this wasn't a mistake that she would later on regret in her.
I think this was a short chapter for me. I couldn't think of a better way to end it than in this situation. I don't know when I will start the next chapter, but it shall be soon. Well thank you all for reading!