Chapter 5
Sango was beginning to get worried as she constantly kept glancing at the empty space where her friend had gone through almost half an hour ago. She knew that after fighting with Inuyasha, Kagome always relaxed in the hot springs. But this was no fight. It was the last straw, the near end of their pack. With Inuyasha gone, they will be shorthanded indeed. Fighting Naraku was enough trouble with Inuyasha fighting with them. Now that they have to battle each other to get to Naraku…things were just not looking too good. Especially now that Inuyasha has Kikyo to sense the shards. Not that Kagome isn't a powerful miko, she just hasn't pushed herself to awaken her true potential. Even a human like Sango could sense it.
Shippo, sensing the arrival of his mother, jumped to his hind feet and waited with his tail twitching in apprehension. He didn't like mama upset and he could smell worry on her. He also smelled something else.
"MAMA!!!" He screamed as he jumped into her open arms. Snuggling up to her neck and licked her jaw, a common youkai gesture for affection. Kagome smiled at her kit and allowed him to climb to her shoulder. "Mama, why do I smell him on your scent?" He asked her in a very serious tone.
Sango's eyes drifted from Shippo back to Kagome. Studying her closely, Sango could see the events of today had worn her thin. Her dry hair gave away that she didn't even bother bathing.
"Smell who, Kagome?" Miroku asked holding his staff. He glanced into the darkened woods as he could feel the oncoming of strong youkai energy. Facing her friends with news a second time this day, she took over her air of commandment once again.
"We will be leaving with Lord Sesshomaru," she announced loud enough so he could hear from his distance. Hearing his name, he walked up from the woods and stood to her left a little behind her, his usual bored look set in stone. "He has agreed to provide shelter and protection while we are on our mission to destroy Naraku." She knew she didn't tell the whole truth, but what she said was not a lie. Sesshomaru ignored her half story; it wasn't his concern what her pack knew or did not know.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Miroku greeted with a bow of respect. Last thing he wanted to do was make him mad. Sesshomaru simply stared and gave an approving growl. Miroku then directed his attention to Kagome. "Kagome, I am sure what ever you have talked over with Lord Sesshomaru is for the benefit of all of us. But Lord Sesshomaru, forgive me for any disrespect, I must be assured that this pact between you will not result in harm for my Lady," he addressed carefully to him.
Sesshomaru took in his words and found nothing disrespectful in them. The monk was an honest man, foolish for thinking he would go back on his words, but honest. Giving a slight bend of his head for a bow, Sesshomaru answered, "No monk, I will not betray the agreement the miko and I share. The only harm that will come to her is if she breaks her own agreement."
Miroku didn't like it. He didn't even know what they discussed. But he had to trust her. She wouldn't put them in this situation if it wasn't important. Nodding to the demon lord, he turned to begin gathering everything for the trip to the palace.
Kagome lowered her gaze and took a few moments to consider what she had done. Assuring herself that this was the only possible way to fix this mess, she placed Shippo down and followed Miroku's example. Sango however, did not move from her place. She did not look directly at Sesshomaru, but he could very well sense she was trying to calculate him. To some degree it aggravated him. But his damn bargain with the miko kept his mouth shut.
He hopped up to a tree and sat there waiting for them to gather their belongings, refusing to offer any help. After a few minutes, camp was packed and they were ready to move to the palace. He gracefully landed beside the miko and began forming his demon cloud beneath her. Right before he took off, everyone else jumped up and landed onto his cloud. After about half an hour, they settled into more comfortable positions. Sango huddled with Miroku since the fast speed pushed cold air onto them, and Kagome sat with Shippo nestled asleep in her arms.
She was stroking his face and thinking about everything. She missed Inuyasha but he was long gone to her now. The way his ears twitched when he was mad, the way he would bicker with Shippo, even the way he slurped up his ramen with no manner. She missed it all. But what hurt her most was her own stupidity. How could she have for a moment thought that he would give up his first true love? She knew the opportunity for him to get her back was there, but she ignored it. Kept telling herself that Kikyo was a thing of the past. But she wasn't. She is alive now, even has part of her soul. It was her soul! Kikyo died. It doesn't belong to her anymore. She needs to go back to where she belongs. Not even noticing her own tears until one hit her hand, she stared at the water streak angrily. Damn him, damn her, damn them all, she thought. She wished she could just go back and destroy the well in the future. All would be safe for her. Nothing would penetrate it and her world would be protected. But then she'd be disgracing her own responsibilities. Her own birthright. It is written in her blood to be a miko of the feudal era. She accepted it now. But saying goodbye to her family…she just couldn't accept that yet. She would never, ever see them again. They would die wondering where she was, if she was alive.
Frustration taking over her body, Kagome began to go into a panic. She didn't know what to do. She didn't know what to tell her family, if she could fight Inuyasha maybe even to the death. Damn it, it was just getting too hard now! "ENOUGH!" she yelled and made everyone jump a little, except Sesshomaru. He sensed her emotions building and he was wondering when she would break herself. He pushed onward, ignoring her outburst. He would talk with her later. Though she was among all friends, the pack leader should not show weakness. He will teach her this lesson one way or another if she plans on staying in his palace.
Sango placed her hand over Kagome's tear soaked one, and smiled softly at her. It didn't take a genius to figure out Kagome was hurting. All she could do was be there for her now and pray that Kagome didn't break in front of Sesshomaru. Kagome needed to be strong her he just might decide to kill her. It was a common Inu youkai trait. If one showed weakness, they were either banned or killed. She would talk about it with her later. Not now.
Sesshomaru sped off into the chill night air assessing the actions he took. He was damned if he didn't take the girl, and damned if he did. He had almost returned honor to the western lands since his father's betrayal. All that is left is for him to mate and produce an heir and all will be restored. Now he is bringing another human into the palace. It is not that he cares much for what others will say. He already has a human child living there. He does care however that being lord of the western lands provides the best for his little Rin. If chaos erupts, it might jeopardize her future living standards. And he wouldn't have any of that. She is his daughter whether the court accepted that or not. He refused to give her anything less than the best. It is true she still runs around bare foot and with a simple kimono, however she does so of her own choosing. He never spoiled her but gave her the understanding that she will always have the basics to live. In return, she never asked for anything at all. In fact, the only thing she had ever asked was for him to stay with her until she fell back to sleep when she woke feverish from nightmares.
Smiling at his memories of Rin, he almost gave a sigh of relief when his palace came into sight. Clearing his throat loud enough to alert the rest, he let them down off the cloud just a few feet before the gate.
"This is where we stop. I will see to it that the maids bring you to your rooms. Kagome, come with me," he commanded not looking at them. Sango had a worried look on her face but trusted Kagome to know what she was doing. Kagome nodded and handed Shippo to Sango.
"Fine, but Shippo has to reside with me, wherever my quarters are," Kagome said giving a hard look to Sesshomaru's back. He made a barely inaudible noise and headed to the gates.
They opened wide and everyone took a momentary gasp at what laid behind them. For a man as cold as the Western Lord, his palace was absolutely magnificent. The snow sparkled and glimmered like a sea of diamonds around a beautifully sculptured castle. There were about several hundred yards before even reaching it, but the palace was so large you could practically see every detail regardless.
It was tall and 4 stories high with a width that extended nearly as wide as a mountain. There were three towers on each side of the palace, each topped with a dome shaped roof. Glancing at it, each dome had an arch to walk under and flowers on vines spilling from its archway. To the left of the palace was a beautiful orchid garden that appeared to continue forever. To the right was path that twisted and twined towards the side of the palace. It was aligned with beautiful moonflowers, which had already begun to close due to the dawns arrival. Kagome loved gardens and knew she would most likely spend quite a bit of time exploring the rest of this place. This was only the face of the palace. She couldn't wait to see what rested within and behind it.
She glanced at Shippo and smiled at his wide-eyed expression. It was plain as day to figure out why Inuyasha was jealous of his brother. It was also as plain as day to figure out why Sesshomaru wouldn't want someone like him to be near it. Sighing heavily, Kagome ran up to catch up to Sesshomaru who was already ways ahead of her. He stopped in front of two guards and they nodded their heads curtly and stood facing Sango and Miroku.
"You two will follow them to the maids. From there, you will be escorted to your rooms. I hope they are to your liking. Keep the boy with you for now, when I return Kagome, she may take him from you," turning without any more to say, he continued forward to the palace doors. Kagome wasn't sure if she was to follow him but the guards had already begun to lead her friends off. Not wanting to upset him, Kagome quickly followed and again was taken aback by the interior.
There was not a spec of dirt and, for a lord, there was not much furnishing. Her guess was that he like to keep things simple and elegant. But the designs of the walls lead to a much deeper meaning. Each doorway was shaped similar to the domes outside and instead of doors, there were shimmering curtains opened and secured on both sides of the doorway. Most of the furniture was white, with accents of red and black to represent his colors. In her time, she would say the décor was a very Mediterranean design, unlike what one would expect from a Japanese lord. But then again, Sesshomaru was unlike anyone she had met before. He probably liked to be different. It was sure a pleasant change from a very dull feudal era décor, to say the least.
Following him, she noticed that there were many rooms, but barely any doors. She noted, though, that all the bedrooms and more private rooms had very heavy looking doors that were sealed shut. He stopped in front of a very large door and the guards in front bowed low and opened the doors for him. He entered and they remained bowed. She shook herself realizing they were waiting for her to enter.
"Sit, miko," he addressed her as he took his seat behind a fairly large desk, scattered with books and papers. There were three seats for her to pick, so she chose the one directly in front of him. She was not afraid to meet him square in the face.
Noticing her choice, Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow and took a minute to look her over. She was tired; a blind man would see it. The bags under her eyes hindered her natural beauty and he was displeased by it for some reason. He made a mental note to assign a real bath for her and her friends later. Besides, he couldn't take the stench coming from her. Not that she smelled bad, but his sensitive Inu nose could scent that she hadn't bathed within the past two days. Inu's were extremely clean creatures.
"Miko, you understand opening my doors to you is not an act out of kindness. Do not mistake my gesture as anything friendly. This is a mutual exchange and I except all of your pack to be business like and minding their manners," he began.
She understood his warning and planned to talk to Miroku to keep his hands where they belonged. Nodding, she waited for him to continue.
He sat back in his chair and glanced out his large window. Small flakes of snow began to fall and he silently wished winter would remain forever. Spring was filled with painful memories.
Turning his attention back to her, he reached for a scroll on his desk and pushed it towards her. "This begins the exchange. I received a notice from the Lord of the Northern lands. There has been an outbreak of demons we suspect to be Naraku's minions attacking his villages and slaughtering everyone. They are making their path towards my territory. Though I don't expect you to know much about Naraku's plans, I do want to know if your knowledge extends to a massacre that occurs relating to this situation."
Kagome searched her memory. Japan was filled with slaughter and massacre and warfare. How was she to narrow it down to one?
"I know that many wars are to occur. I will need to retrieve texts from my time in order to answer your question to the best of my ability," she answered waiting.
He was silent for a moment and took back the scroll. Holding it in his hands, he thought hard.
"When I take you to the well, I require you to bring certain items back with you. Bring any and all history texts relating to the wars in Japan. I also require texts about other countries, their conditions, economy and prosperity."
Easy enough, she thought.
"I also wish to visit your time. There are other texts I do not wish to explain to you at the moment. I want to see if I can find them on my own."
At that Kagome stiffened in her seat. Sesshomaru wants to come to the future? Why? "Lord Sesshomaru, I don't know if that is the best idea," she warned.
"And why is that?" he asked becoming annoyed. He had no intention of doing anything in the future. He just wanted to find what he was looking for.
"I don't mean any disrespect, but the world is much different than it is now. If you must come to the future, you're entire wardrobe needs to be changed, otherwise…problems may occur." The last thing she needed was to have the police run after a temperamental demon because of his swords and armor. Speaking of temperamental, she could tell he did not like what she said.
"Miko, I will not change my clothing. It is my status and my honor to wear my robes and swords at all times," he warned. He would never change his dress, especially into what she calls clothing. Giving her a look over, he scoffed. Females in her time were practically naked. He can only imagine what her idea of "modern" clothing was.
"Sesshomaru, please. I will allow you to come with me, but you must take my advice. The consequences of not listening would be far too great," she pleaded.
He thought on her words carefully. Not sensing deceit, he wondered if it was worth it. Deciding to suck it up, he gave his head a short nod in agreement. "On one condition, miko. The clothing you dress me in must be appropriate in my standards. If not, I will go out in my own regardless of the consequences."
She bowed her head and wished very hard she were out of existence. Trying to find an outfit fit for Mr. Perfect over here was like trying to fit an elephant into the head of a needle. Impossible.
"Agreed," she said in a small voice. Not wanting to upset him further she just kept her mouth shut.
"Done. Now, in return, I will grant you access to any and all parts of my palace. You are free to roam wherever your heart chooses. But be advised to stay away from the dungeons. What happens there is not for a lady to be near," he ordered. Her eyes widening a fraction, she bowed her head and looked back up at him. What sort of things were done down there that he didn't want her seeing? Ignoring the pang in her heart for the moment, she listened on. "Also, you are free to explore the palace library all you want but do not go to the farthest wall. What is there is mine alone. If I catch you or your scent there, I will be forced to punish you. Understood, miko?"
"Fine, but you will call me by name. We agreed on this already. I am Kagome. If you want me here as your advisor, at least give me the honor of referring to me by name," she commanded with her arms crossed. Anger flared within Sesshomaru's eyes.
"Why? Miko is what you are. It distinguishes you from other humans. You are powerful in every birthright for a human and you are different. As I will refer to your pack as Monk and Huntress. It is an honorific title and those around will know what you have accomplished. So tell me, miko, what is so dishonorable about that?" He finished triumphantly.
Kagome was dumbstruck, to say the least. She didn't know whether to be offended, or sincerely flattered. He had a way with words that made you want to choke him and bow at the same time. Damn him. Living with this pompous ass was not going to be easy.
"Well, in that case, fine. Thank you for your hospitality. I think I will head to sleep now," she replied. She didn't want to give him any more gratification of bursting her bubble any further. He rose, signaling for her excuse. She headed to the door and opened it. Suddenly it was snapped back shut and she felt him come up behind her. A chill ran down her neck and she could feel his heat on her back. Scared, she remained still.
"One more thing, miko. I highly suggest you change your wardrobe as well to "fit in" with these times. I will not have a woman prancing around my palace dressed more immodestly than a geisha. Understood?" His breath tickled the back of her neck and she could feel the insult in his words. The nerve!
Turning around to face him fully she pushed herself against the door to put space between them. "I'll have you know, I am no geisha! I will change since you agreed to my terms, but don't think for a second I will stand here and let you insult me. If I am so honorable to be called Miko instead of my own name, then I expect-" Her words were cut short but claws closed around her neck.
"No, you are not a geisha, but you damn well look the part. This is MY palace and these are my orders. Do NOT disrespect me once more this night, or ever again. Otherwise it will be your head," he said simply. Squeezing her neck for emphasis, he waited for her to drop her head in compliance. When she did not submit to him, his Inu instincts were kicked into over drive. He moved his hand from her neck and replaced it with his jaw but did not pierce her skin. He locked on to her and waited for her to submit. She struggled against him and still did not give in.
She knew what he was doing. She challenged his authority and he was reminding her he was her alpha. She had been around Inuyasha long enough to know the basics of Inu behavior. But he deserved it. She wouldn't give in to him. Not until he learned to respect her too. She did something very daring. Very bold. And probably the one thing no one dared do to Lord Sesshomaru.
She retaliated his submitting bite with her own. She clamped down on his own neck and put as much pressure as she could with her human teeth. Sesshomaru growled loudly at the action and grabbed her and threw her onto the floor. How dare she?! She will submit or die!, his inner Inu demanded. Eyes bleeding red, he pinned her down on her stomach and bit down again, harder this time. So hard, it punctured her shoulder. She yelped out and gripped the rug with her fingers and tried to force him off of her. The more she struggled, the harder his bite became. He growled low and dangerously into her ear and he was beginning to loose his mind.
How dare this onna challenge me? He was not going to let her get away with it. He forced his body down on top of her and squished her to the floor. She was beginning to loose oxygen and she knew if she didn't do something, he'd never learn to respect her. Suddenly, pink light flared around her and began to burn at his flesh. He saw what she was doing and he forced his own youkai energy onto her. They struggled like that for a few minutes until her energy completely whipped out and she became limp under him. She stuck out her neck and turned her face to the side, giving him the signal that she submitted; something she learned from Inuyasha.
When he felt her submit, he got off of her and stood back to look at her. Her neck was bloody and deeply punctured, but she asked for it. He also let some of his poison seep into her, but it wasn't intended to harm her. He was giving her immunity to his poison. With it circulating her blood, she would not be hurt from it in the future. It may bite him in the ass later, but he couldn't have her getting killed if anything happened. It was something done to the people of the palace with higher status, including Rin. Suddenly her body completely dropped and she made no movement.
She had tried to exert all her energy at him but didn't realize that most of it retracted to fight off his poison. She'd be feverish for the rest of the day and possibly into the following night. He lifted her with his one arm and headed back towards the door. The guards sensed him approaching and opened it before he got to it. Growling low at them, he made his way to her chamber. He had already decided where she would stay. Rin was extremely fond of Kagome and he knew that Kagome made her happy with the things she gifted her now and then. Reaching the room nearest to Rin, Sesshomaru kicked the door open and placed her gently on the bed. He growled loudly and a maid entered the room within seconds.
"Prepare her for the Poison Fever. She is a miko so her powers will try to fight it. Just keep her temperature down until it passes," he ordered. The maid nodded and rushed out to retrieve the supplies needed.
He turned when he felt a presence at he door. He growled and looked Shippo directly in the eyes. Shippo dropped his ears to his head and hid his tail between his legs. He knew what Sesshomaru had done. Shippo may have a boy's body, but he was nearly 50 years old. Kagome was going to be in a lot of pain and he just wanted to be near his mommy.
Sesshomaru nodded his head and Shippo bounced up to Kagome and cuddled under her arm. He licked the blood off of her shoulder and ignored the bitter taste of Sesshomaru's poison. He knew she was going to be alright, but smelling her blood made him angry beyond reason. Whimpering into her ear for her to know he was there, Shippo glanced up at Sesshomaru.
His body was turned to the door, but he was eyeing the boy closely. Turning to leave, he quickly made his way out. It was so easy for them to express their relationship. So easy for him to call her mother. So easy for everyone to accept that he was under her care. He paused by Rin's door. Holding a hand to it, he shut his eyes and searched with his youkai for her. He found her on the bed, her breathing was low and calm. She finally stopped having nightmares. It took a long time for that to happen. It tore his heart whenever she awoke screaming for help and for them not to touch her. But she was happy now. He made his way over to his bedchamber and shut the door quietly behind him.
Tossing his armor and swords on the chair beside his bed, he removed his haori and placed it in his armoire. He sprawled onto the right side of his oversized bed and looked at the empty spot beside him. He was tired of having lonely nights. He was tired of feeling cold in his sleep. He missed waking up with an arm wrapped around his waist. Most of all, he missed having someone understand him. Understand his thinking and accepting everything about him. Knowing his flaws and weaknesses even though he never showed them. He missed her. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself a few hours of sleep before daybreak. A few hours where he didn't have to remember.