Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the story or characters of InuYasha, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I make no profit from writing this fanfiction.
A/N: Now we join our previously running storyline. I told you I'd have another chapter out before the end of the year. By the way the cover image of Sesshomaru was drawn by me. Come visit my deviantArt page, I'm dragonstar10.
The Cave and The Citadel
Kagome and Sesshomaru made their way to the caves she'd scouted before, both intent on the task ahead. When they reached the opening to the largest cave Kagome paused and let out her aura.
Sesshomaru shivered, he'd not been in this close of proximity to her when she'd done that before. Her power was enticing. He may not admit it to anyone but it's vastness rivaled his own. He nearly licked his lips, but he did growl low, his lip curling and exposing his fangs. Fortunately for him it wasn't loud enough to be noticed by her weak human hearing. He forced his own yoki down as it surfaced in response.
"This one," Kagome pointed to the nearest cave and proceeded in. She paused to glance back at the lord's still form. "Coming?" she inquired with her hands on her hips.
At that he shot her a severe scowl that would send most creatures running for their lives. She smiled in mock pleasantness and continued in without comment.
They proceeded carefully, not sure what to expect. The further from the entrance the harder it was for Kagome to see. She was sure her companion was fine but more than once she'd stumbled on a rock. "I wish now I'd brought a torch," she mumbled.
She heard a rustling then a ripping sound to her side and she startled at the abrupt noise. Suddenly there was a blaze of light that left her squinting for a moment. When she'd adjusted she could see Sesshomaru holding a root in one hand, obviously pulled from the cave wall to make into a torch, and The Staff of Two Heads in the other. Now that the root had successfully caught fire he tucked the staff back in his robes. She nodded her thanks and they continued on.
After a few minutes she glanced at him. "So. I thought Jaken carried that staff." He grunted but didn't comment further. She huffed, so much for the subtle approach. "Is Jaken still... with you?" She hesitated to ask, not sure how to go about it.
"Jaken is loyal," he bit back, offended she would think otherwise.
She shook her head. "No, that's not what I meant. Is he well? I remember a time when he hated to be away from your side."
Sesshomaru paused before answering, it wasn't his practice to gossip about others. He supposed that since she knew his servant, and for some reason seemed to genuinely care, he could at least inform her. "Jaken has been with the family since my grandsire's time."
Kagome had no idea how long that was but considering Sesshomaru's age it boggled her mind to think about it.
"With the evil hanyu gone This Sesshomaru patrols less, there is less need. Jaken is... feeling his age. It is harder for him to accompany me."
Kagome never had a great love for the imp demon but she also had sympathy for his situation, she knew how much Jaken loved Sesshomaru, it must kill him to have to stay home.
The demon lord glanced at the quiet miko, she had an expression of sympathy and understanding. Her capacity for concern never ceased to amaze him.
They fell into silence as they went deeper. They came around a bend in the tunnel and it opened into a large cavern, they both froze, tensing up a few steps in. "My lord," she hissed, alerting him to what she felt.
He grunted a response as he sniffed the air. There was a dank feeling in the space, not a specific aura but a general creepy feeling permeated.
Kagome set an arrow as she scanned the room, if Sesshomaru were tensing up she knew she wasn't imagining things.
Sesshomaru saw a pile of roots and branches off to the side so he tossed their makeshift torch onto it, lighting the room more fully. They still couldn't see anything but rocks and twigs but they knew they were in the right place.
There was a low chuckle from the far side of the cavern making both of the hunters snap their attentions in that direction. "Priestess, you saved me the trouble of tracking you down to eat you, instead you deliver yourself into my home! And you brought dessert as well, how thoughtful."
Calmly drawing his sword was Sesshomaru's only response as he stared in the direction of the voice. Kagome drew back and aimed in that direction as well. "It's you I've come to kill. You can't go threatening innocent lives. Turn away from this, no one has gotten hurt yet and no one will if you give up hunting humans. I will spare you, you have my word."
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow but didn't turn from his quarry. He had no idea what folly this woman was spewing but it hardly seemed the time. There were far more pressing matters at hand and if she truly did not intend to kill this demon they were going to have a problem.
More laughter from the enemy. "I don't know why I didn't hunt humans earlier, they are such an easy meal."
The priestess sighed. "So be it." She let a charged arrow fly but it merely struck the far wall. There was a flurry of movement and Kagome was thrown to the ground. She saw stars for a moment but quickly got back to her feet.
Sesshomaru swung in the direction of the attack and he felt the very tip of his sword connect. That gave them enough of a reprieve to regroup.
She took another arrow and over-charged it with her powers. She let it fly up and it exploded near the ceiling. The mana sparks that rained down illuminated a shadowy figure on the far side. Quick as lightning she took another arrow and fired in that direction.
There were resulting screams as the arrow found flesh. The demon flashed to visible and they could see the arrow embedded in its right thigh.
Sesshomaru wasted no time in letting loose a stream of poison whip, encircling the demon's torso. The demon screamed and the other two could smell the sour, rancid scent of burnt flesh.
Kagome focused on her target and took aim. "Got you," she hissed. Sesshomaru caught the movement of a branch off to their side and took action. Before she could get the shot off she was tugged forcibly by her wrist in the opposite direction. She blinked and shook her head trying to determine what had happened.
"It has an accomplice," Sesshomaru said as he raised his sword to block another unseen blow. Jarred,
Kagome looked around and saw that there were indeed two demons now facing them. The other flashed into visibility for only a couple of seconds but it was enough to get a sufficient look at it. It wasn't as well muscled as the one they'd been fighting, in fact it had a pendulous abdomen and thinner arms and legs. No wonder it had been letting the first one do all the battling up until now.
One more or a hundred didn't matter, Kagome wasn't about to let them hurt the villagers. She straightened herself and reached for another arrow, that's when she noticed that the demon lord still had a hold on her wrist.
He felt her tug and looked at his own hand with a slight glare, when his eyes rose they locked with her surprised expression for a hair's breath before he let go and both of them focused on the problem at hand.
The first demon was hissing in pain from the arrow and whips. Sesshomaru retracted his whips, pulling on the demon's skin, burning and cutting as he did. The demon screamed in pain anew.
"My love?" the second demon cried in woe.
"Love?" Kagome asked in surprise. Then it became obvious to her, the second demon wasn't out of shape – she was pregnant.
The first demon gained control of himself long enough to speak. "You see now, priestess? This is the reason I hunt. Our kind only breeds every five hundred years. At that time human is the most sustaining meal. My mate is soon to bear and must be fed."
Kagome shuddered in repulsion. "I understand, but I still cannot allow it!" she shouted before firing.
The demon was unable, or at least too weak to become invisible now. As the arrow flew the female demon screamed, blinking in then out of sight. Whatever she intended to do she was unsuccessful as the arrow buried itself into the male's chest. There was a pause for a breath, then came an explosion of pink light and a garbled scream, and he was reduced to ash.
Kagome smiled and relaxed, lowering her arms. Sesshomaru swept in front of her, his back to her, nearly knocking her back. "Keep on guard!" he barked.
Kagome sobered, not sure what had gotten into her. She knew better than this, than to lose focus in the middle of a fight. She chided herself, this wasn't over.
They couldn't sense the invisible female any more than they had the male so they held still trying to anticipate her next move. Kagome readied another arrow and cast her gaze through the cave.
"Priestess," Sesshomaru prompted and she knew what he wanted.
She charged the arrow and aimed at the ceiling. Before she could let it go she was knocked off her feet. Pain tore through her side and left her breathless. She blinked and tried to keep alert, she groaned and wobbled to her feet. Through her wooziness and the flickering fire she could see Sesshomaru swing his sword. She saw dark blood fly from the edge of the metal and a piercing scream shook her to her senses.
She focused where the scream had come from and she could see a black pool of blood appear on the cave floor. Kagome mustered her reserves and shot in that direction. Her arrow embedded into air and the female demon appeared around it. It screamed again with the arrow in her chest, this time a more guttural, hollow sound.
Kagome sank to the ground with a sigh, prepared to let Sesshomaru handle the rest. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him swing downward and cleave the demoness in half. She winced, whether in sympathy of that fate or from her own pain, even she wasn't sure.
When all was still Sesshomaru was at Kagome's side. He could smell her blood and she looked tired.
She glanced at him as she made her way to her feet again and turned towards the the mouth of the cave. She was mildly aware that Sesshomaru grabbed another torch and followed her. It seemed a longer trip back into the sunlight. Once out Kagome sat on a boulder to asses her wounds. She had a gash on her side which was still bleeding so she tore a strip of cloth from the bottom of her haori and stretched it around her ribs, tying it tight with a hiss of pain.
Sesshomaru tossed the torch back into the cave and came to stand looking down at her as she inspected herself. "Do you have any of your medicines?" He knew of her special "pills" from their previous encounters.
She glanced up at him. "From the future? No, I used those up ages ago. I do have some herbs in my basket but it's back at the village." She stood on slightly weak legs and gave a perusal of her work. "There, that should do for now. I should clean it later." She picked up her bow and quiver and set off towards the village again.
That trip took longer due to Kagome's condition but they were still back before nightfall. There was quite a commotion when they were spotted and soon people came pouring out to greet them. Kagome was surprised when Sesshomaru stayed with her as they entered the village but she was too tired to comment.
The priestess and her companion were led to the elders where she sat and related the story of what happened. There was a cheer when she told them the demons were dead.
"How can we ever repay you?" the head elder asked.
She smiled. "No payment necessary. Just don't look down on all demons due to the actions of these. Not all demons are bad, just as not all humans are good." She knew she couldn't wipe out centuries of prejudice but she could try.
The elder glanced at her white-haired companion but didn't say a word.
Sesshomaru barely heard what was said, he was focused on Kagome's condition. He could still smell fresh blood so her bleeding hadn't stopped and she was beginning to look very pale. He snapped back to his surroundings when she moved to stand.
"I will be leaving now," she said, her voice sounding weaker even to her ears. Truth be told she wasn't feeling that hot. Her vision seemed dark around the edges and she was quite queasy. Before she could make more than two steps towards the door she collapsed. Fortunately Sesshomaru had been paying attention and was able to catch her.
When she made her pronouncement of departure the elder was going to try to persuade her to stay for the ensuing celebration but before he could she'd passed out. "Is she alright?" he asked in concern.
Sesshomaru thought that was an idiotic question considering she was unconscious in his arms.
"Would you like to lay her down?" the man pressed tentatively. He wasn't sure about this demon or his intentions.
Sesshomaru looked at the man for the first time. "Bring her basket." Immediately someone jumped at the authoritative command and was back with it in less than a minute. The demon lord looped it over one arm and resumed his hold on the woman. "This Sesshomaru will send a servant back for the rest of the priestess' things." He strode out of the hut.
"Wait!" the elder cried. "Is she going to be alright?" He wanted to add 'with you' but thought better of it.
Sesshomaru didn't pause his stride to the edge of the village. "I will see to her." With that he took off at a run towards his home, leaving bewildered villagers behind him.
He didn't like how pale she was getting and her breathing was becoming more shallow. He knew she'd eaten very little and slept even less in the last two days. That and the stress and exertion coupled with her blood loss, he found himself concerned. Disturbing in and of itself – why should he care? The question came around again. He could have left her with the villagers to care for her but he felt compelled to take her. He decided to push those thoughts away until he could see to her injury.
Soon enough the citadel came into view and he rushed past the guards and into the healer's hut. He personally rarely needed a healer but he supplied one for his servants and soldiers. As soon as he entered he laid the unconscious woman on the nearest table.
An older dog demon came in from one of the rear rooms, followed closely by a much younger cat demoness. "What do we have here, my lord?" he asked in an age cracked voice.
"She was wounded and has lost blood. You may find herbs to help in this," he held out the basket and the cat demon took it.
Immediately the old demon pealed away what he could of the bandage to examine the wound.
"I detected no poisons," Sesshomaru supplied as he moved back to let the two work.
The older demon nodded. "Perhaps you should tell me what happened."
Sesshomaru briefly laid out how she got injured, a description of the demons, and how long she'd been unconscious. The doctor nodded and interjected with questions every now and then. Finally he looked up at the demon lord. "Is this human modest?"
Sesshomaru cocked his head to the side, not understanding the point of the question.
"My lord, I must strip her to clean and suture her wounds. Do you believe it is proper for you to stay?" Sesshomaru didn't comment other than to leave hastily. He had other things to attend to anyway. The healer chuckled at his lord's uncharacteristic behavior then got back to the patient on the table.
#~#
Sesshomaru entered his home and was immediately greeted by Jaken.
"My lord!" the imp demon proclaimed joyously at the sight of his master. "You were gone longer than expected."
Sesshomaru grunted but did not answer as he moved towards his chambers.
"My lord, are you hurt?" Jaken asked in concern at the sight of the blood on Sesshomaru's garments.
The demon lord had barely registered the stains but began to strip as he reached his quarters. "I have a task for you, Jaken," Sesshomaru said as he slipped on a clean haori.
Jaken nodded, after seeing no wounds on his pristine master.
"There is a village not far west of here, near the caves. Go there and request the belongings of the traveling priestess and bring them back here. Tell them This Sesshomaru has sent you, they will be expecting your arrival."
"A priestess?" the imp demon was confused. What would his master care over the things of a priestess? Maybe she had a relic he desired, though he usually cared little for that type of thing. Jaken peered at his master hoping for further explanation but none was forthcoming. Shrugging he left for the stables.
Au Un snorted when they saw the imp demon waddle in. Jaken had the two headed dragon saddled and muzzled, then left still wondering about all this.
#~#
The ride to the village didn't take overly long and Jaken dismounted on the main street, shocking those who stood nearby. "I am here for the priestess' belongings."
Many looked at this odd demon and his dragon warily. Finally one of the older men approached. "Do you come in peace, little demon?" he asked tentatively.
Jaken fumed at such ignorance. "I come on behalf of my master, Lord Sesshomaru."
The man relaxed a bit. "Of course. We will get her things at once." The elder motioned for the items. Soon they were brought, consisting of her bow and arrows as well as some gifts the villagers had gotten together. They were tied in bundles onto the saddle by the bravest of the men.
Jaken watched indifferently, though the bow triggered a series of memories, but he shook them away. What was the likelihood it was her? InuYasha was nowhere around, it couldn't be her. He dipped his head to the villagers and mounted the dragon again.
"Wait, sir. How is Priestess Kagome doing? Has she recovered yet?"
Jaken's naturally large eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "Kagome?!" he screeched. He glanced this way and that expecting to see a foul-mouthed half-demon.
The elder looked up at him in confusion. "Yes Priestess Kagome, Protector of the Jewel of Four Souls. Is she better? She swooned when she was here, we are all concerned."
Jaken was rocked, confusion swirled in his mind but he knew for the moment he had to respond. "If the Lady Kagome has been taken into my master's watching than you can be assured of a full recovery. Lord Sesshomaru would stand for nothing less." He tilted his head up proudly. The elder nodded and bade him safe journeys. Jaken flew away on Au Un, still unbelieving of what was going on.
#~#
Kagome groaned as her eyes fluttered open, the light that was pouring in through the window behind her was way too bright.
"She is awake," a nearby female voice said.
Kagome turned her head to see a cat demon sitting, folding bandages. The being who she'd been addressing came in from another room. He was old, though it was always harder to tell on demons, but he looked very old. He had a kindly face and Kagome felt comfortable with him at once.
"How do you feel, child?" he asked in a wizened voice.
She brushed a hand along her forehead. "Like I just fought a match with an angry demon."
The older demon chuckled. "From what I heard you did."
She smiled at him. "Where am I? I remember going back to a human village after the fight."
The man nodded. "My lord brought you here for treatment after you dropped unconscious."
She tried to sit up but found it harder than expected so the cat came to her aid and helped her sit. "Thank you," Kagome said after she'd caught her breath.
"It is my pleasure to help you, Priestess," the cat said dipping her head.
"Please, call me Kagome."
The cat demon smiled, more than pleased. "Thank you, Lady Kagome." With that she left to put away the bandages.
Kagome shook her head, still couldn't get away from formalities even amongst demons. She turned her attention to the other in the room, looking at him thoughtfully. "So, he told you I was a priestess?"
To her surprise he shook his head no. "He didn't have to. Even to touch your blood was to feel your power. You are by far the strongest priestess I have ever met." He drew out his hands, which until now he'd held behind his back. He had bandages covering from his finger tips to high on his wrists.
Kagome cried out in alarm. "Oh, your hands! Did my blood do that?"
He nodded. "Indeed. But they no longer ache."
She took one of his hands delicately in her own. "Oh, I am so sorry. Let me help you." Before he could say anything she closed her eyes for a moment and a pink glow pulsed between her hands surrounding his.
He felt instantaneous healing in the hand she held and she soon moved on to the second. He stood there shocked. "My lady! You are able to heal demons as well as humans?"
She smiled. "Yes."
He blinked. "Amazing." He took the bandages off to inspect his healed skin. Not even a faint scar could be seen. He bowed to her. "Thank you, I am indebted."
She nodded to him. "I believe we're even, seeing as you helped me."
He nodded in acceptance.
She looked around her. "Where are we?"
"In the healing house near the barracks."
She nodded dumbly. A military base? She didn't know of one nearby, she wondered who controlled it. "Where is Lord Sesshomaru? Did he stay?" She would've liked to thank him properly for all he'd done but she could understand he had things to do. Honestly, she was surprised he'd stayed as long as he had with her.
The old man cocked his head much like the dog demon he was. "Stay? I believe my lord is still in residence."
Her eyes went wide. "Residence? Are we at his home?!"
Understanding dawned on the doctor. "Yes, my dear. We are in the citadel of the Lord of the Western Lands. Though we are in one of the many outer buildings."
Kagome wanted so badly to get outside and see what it all looked like, she'd never been to his home! She knew she'd just have to be patient, they may not even let her out of this hut. She wondered if she would be kicked out as soon as she could walk back to the village. She could feel strength flowing back into her limbs so moving wasn't going to be a problem soon.
That made another thought cross her mind. "I don't mean to be rude, doctor, but were my things brought here with me?" She looked down at what she was wearing, they had given her a large haori, she figured her other one was too soiled.
The old demon frowned. "All that was brought with you was a basket of herbs, which came in handy to help with your wounds. Some of them I was frankly unfamiliar with the use of though."
She pursed her lips, she'd have to go back to the village to get her things, oh well. "I will gladly go over them with you if you like."
He grinned widely, "We'd love that." With that he summoned his nurse to bring the basket.
#~#
Jaken had so many questions but he knew he may never get the answers to them. That was the price you pay working for a monosyllabic demon lord. He left the two-headed dragon at the stable and struggled hurriedly to bring the items inside. He tracked his master down with practiced ease. "My lord!" he screeched, stumbling into the study. "I have brought lady Kagome's things." He tried to emphasize the girl's name to try and elicit a response of some kind from Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru didn't lift an eye from the scroll he'd been reading. "Good, put them in the guest rooms across from Rin's"
Not the response he was hoping for. Jaken's mouth fell open. "She is staying with us, my lord?!" Sesshomaru didn't answer making the imp demon fume. "And what of Lord InuYasha?" he said waving his arms in exasperation, causing him to drop a couple of arrows.
Sesshomaru pondered, that was a good question. Up until now he'd been unsuccessful in getting the information he wanted on his wayward brother. Perhaps his retainer would have better luck. "The priestess is in the healer's hut, if she is able to walk show her to her rooms. You may ask her about InuYasha."
Jaken was about to leave stomping his feet when his master's voice brought him back. "Jaken." The imp turned to see Sesshomaru holding out the Staff of Two Heads.
"You may resume your guardianship."
Jaken's eyes lit up. "Thank you, m' lord. I will not let you down."
Sesshomaru was already back to reading his scroll when the imp left.
#~#
It felt good to have the Staff of Two Heads in his hand again. Not only because it was protection for himself, it also symbolized his lord's trust in him. If he hadn't had so much on his mind (and in his arms) he would've been positively giddy.
Jaken deposited Kagome's things in the designated guest room and instructed a servant to get things ready.
He could understand the unbelieving looks he got but he knew they would do it all the same. Lord Sesshomaru simply never entertained and if he did they never stayed over. Rin had been an odd exception, in many ways.
Jaken made his way out to the healer's hut still stewing with questions. He wobbled in and was greeted by the cat nurse.
"Welcome, master Jaken," she said with a short bow. "Are you in need of more joint liniment?"
He waved his hand dismissively. "Not now, woman. I am here for the human."
Kagome had been discussing healing and bandage techniques with the doctor in the other room when she heard the imp demon's voice. "Jaken! It's good to see you again," she said with an honest smile.
He was oddly warmed by that but was too shocked at her appearance to respond. She didn't look a day older than when he'd seen her last. Odd. "Priestess, is Lord InuYasha with you?" he squeaked.
Her face fell some. "No."
Jaken shifted from foot to foot. "Is he dead?" he asked bluntly.
She managed a tight smile. "No, not dead. He and I simply don't travel together anymore."
Jaken opened his mouth to ask another question but the doctor raised his hands. "Enough now. I am sure lady Kagome needs her rest, master Jaken."
The imp pondered that for a moment then nodded. "Very well. I will escort her to her quarters." With that he spun and headed back out the door.
Kagome smiled at the two demons that were left. "Thank you for your help." They both bowed to her but she gave the old doctor a hug before she left.
The priestess had to take a breath when she stepped outside, the size of Sesshomaru's home and grounds were greater than she'd imagined.
"Come along, silly girl. I don't have time to stand around," Jaken said, breaking into her ogling.
She laughed merrily at that. It had been ages since someone had called her 'girl' and longer since they dared call her 'silly'. Without knowing exactly why, it made her immensely happy.
She continued her rubber-necking as they entered the castle. She'd known he was Lord of The West but clearly hadn't had a clue as to what that all entailed. She noticed that of the few servants she saw, they were all demon and she wondered if he had any humans working for him. Probably not.
They turned down a long hallway then came to a stop near the end. Jaken slid open the door and motioned her inside. The furniture was simple, proper for the era, but everything was tasteful and finely made.
"These are your rooms for the time being. Rest if you must but I insist you stay here until my master says otherwise."
She smiled and nodded her understanding, amused at his gruff tone.
He grumbled hotly as he waddled out, closing the screen behind him.
Kagome looked around the room again and noticed the rest of her things stacked neatly against one wall. She went to them to see if everything was there. She didn't carry much but she was rather attached to the things she had. The only thing not there were her clothes which she supposed were off being cleaned. There were a few new things that she was sure came from the villagers, she smiled fondly at the simple things. They didn't have much but they clearly gave from their hearts.
She was pleasantly surprised that her bow appeared to be restrung and her quiver had been cleaned and repaired, along with refilled with arrows. When she touched the shafts she knew they were not of human construction. She shook her head, she wasn't sure why she was being treated with such deference by Sesshomaru's staff but she wouldn't complain.
She wandered over to the windows, dying to get another look at this impressive place. She could not get over how lavish and big everything was. Completely not what she imagined Sesshomaru to have. Perhaps the decorations were from his predecessors, she could see that. Either way it was beautiful and she highly approved, and could understand why he fought so fiercely to protect it.
A/N: I wish I could see his home other than in my mind's eye. I'm not great at architectural drawings but you can use your imaginations.
I'm aware that Jaken in canon has only served Sesshomaru, but for my story he has been with the family longer than that.
Due to my hectic work schedule I'm unable to respond to most comments. I do try but I'm not always successful. I would say if you have a specific question send me a private message and I will get back to you, usually on the next weekend. I do take EVERY comment to heart though. If you have a suggestion or a critique know that I'm listening!