Chapter 11
Orochi stormed his way out of the grand study and balled his fists in fury. How dare a human onna think she can best me? I will find a way. The code is very strict and precise, but almost everything has a loophole. It is just a matter of finding it.
He mad his way through the crowd and grabbed his mate roughly by the elbow.
"Orochi, have you gone mad? What has you so upset?" Ishi demanded from her mate.
"Silence! We have a problem," he said pulling her into the farthest corner of the hall. He looked around for eavesdroppers and then focuses his furious eyes to Ishi.
"It seems Sesshomaru has chosen a new advisor to the western lands. A human female," he said with mounds of distaste.
Ishi's face twisted in shock and disgust as she fought back a gasp. "What? Another human to taint the western lands? And here I thought Sesshomaru was trying to rectify his father's error. Tell me the others are allowing this to happen!"
"Not yet. They want to perform a 'test' to see if she is 'qualified' for the position. But I have challenged her to a duel test. She will never beat me," he said triumphantly.
"Arrogance begets failure, Orochi. First we must find out more about this creature. What makes her so special?"
"She is the Shikon guardian."
"Baka! You have challenged Midoriko decessor? A miko! How can you be so foolish?"
"Do you think me so feeble as to be bested by a human? Midoriko or not, she is weak. She has been untrained and she knows nothing about combat. Sesshomaru has set the date for one month from now. That gives us plenty of time to figure this wench out."
Ishi thought for a moment and decided it was possible. Her mate was indeed very powerful and his dragon scales in full form would protect him from miko magic. Yet she had to know more about her. Why Sesshomaru found interest in her in the first place. What she means to him. Perhaps, with her fall, Sesshomaru will be weakened and her mate can claim the lands to himself.
Her eyes lit up with fire as ideas began pouring within her mind. She met Orochi's gaze and smiled wickedly at him.
"I will work my ways around the girl. We have Sakura. Our eldest daughter and stealthiest spy in Japan. You need to concentrate on spells to offset her miko chakra," she said to him.
Suddenly everyone's attention was drawn to the top of the stairs where the miko was introduced to the guests. Some people gasped in shock, some were gleeful at the mysterious woman's beauty and radiance. Ishi looked around at the room and turned her nose in annoyance. Locking her eyes on her target, she was fired alive with the feeling of the hunt. Her claws extended and her red hair seemed to glow. Orochi looked at his wife with pride. He remembered her in her glory days when they would battle side by side. Seeing her with such passionate anger arose his youkai to another level. He looked on with his mate and watched as the miko personally introduced herself to the house.
Enjoy this night, miko. You won't have any more grand evenings soon.
Ice. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she felt ice run down her spine. She knew she was being watched so she casually looked around the room. She spotted Orochi with what seemed to be his mate glaring daggers into her flesh. She smiled brightly and followed Sesshomaru down the steps.
Most of the minor lords and ladies had a positive reaction to his announcement. She bowed to the lords that approached her but kept a close distance to Sesshomaru. These people were still stranger to her and she was unsure of their motives considering her race. Sesshomaru could sense her unease but he kept himself far enough from her so she could mingle with the house. He was somewhat proud of the way she glided from lord to lady, laughing and chatting about politics and useless banter.
It was only then that he finally took full appreciation of her appearance. Her pale skin contrasted beautifully with the kimono he chose and her hair was perfectly adorned. She looked graceful and regal and, most shockingly, natural among the elites. Other than the obvious, nearly everyone was enjoying her company and she was giving enough time between people to at least introduce herself to them all. Once fully acquainted, a group of neko girls, daughters from a minor lord of the east, approached her and began appraising her kimono. She smiled at them and talked in light conversation.
He noticed her cheerful eye glance his way, and his heart fluttered a moment, though he did not know why. Suddenly he felt his usually dormant beast begin to stir.
How long has it been since we felt the warmth of affection?
Excuse me?, he asked his beast silently.
When the neko Miyuki disappeared, we were distraught. We still miss her today. But the chances of finding her are gone.
Annoyed at his beast, he growled when he felt a pang go through his heart. Mikyuki.
She was stunning. Her figure was plump, but not overly so. She had womanly curves, suiting for a cat youkai, and she had playful eyes. Sesshomaru shut his eyes to erase the memory of the days they were together.
Why are you bringing this up, now? I don't wish to remember such things.
I wish for a mate. The need has been quiet for some time, but things are changing. Other possibilities are becoming available and I will take them.
What possibilities? I have not seen one being as worthy as she was.
Oh? Well then this will be fun for me show this stubborn fool a thing or too.
His beast faded away as it laughed itself back to sleep. Sesshomaru was bothered some by his beast's words. Did his beast see someone it thought worthy of him?
Sesshomaru's eyes swept the house and his gaze landed only to Kagome. Turning his nose he walked to Katashi and joined his conversation about the best way to roast a pig. He wasn't in the least bit interested, but he wanted to seem like he was doing something. If his beast was awakening again, that meant there must be someone it found. But never in a million years would he think it could be Kagome. His beast new better than to choose a human. For political, and logical reasons. He needed a full youkai to give him an heir. And humans never lived for long. Only a momentary breath in the life span of a youkai. Should he fall for one, she would die before he truly had time to enjoy her.
So, you want to play this game? He asked his beast. Let's play. He could hear it laughing again and he turned his attention back to Katashi.
Meanwhile, Kagome was absolutely miserable. Oh, she put on the best front she could, laughing and socializing. But the weight of her updo was tugging her head down. She would have preferred to be wearing sneakers than the block that was currently adorning her feet. And the constant feeling of ice crawling on her skin was beginning to wear thin.
She glanced over at where Orochi and his mate stood talking to some of their friends. Every time she snuck a glance she could feel Ishi's aura flare. She was sure everyone else could feel the tension, but no one paid much attention.
Growing tired of talking, she walked over to the balcony and the guards opened the door for her. She leaned over the guardrail and breathed in the night air deeply. Tomorrow she was heading home to be saying goodbye to her family. She truly didn't want to spend the night meeting and greeting complete strangers. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled sadly. Although, it was probably better than sitting up in her room wallowing.
She turned her face to the moon and wished deeply she could at least be more comfortable. All this fussing over looking perfect was really over rated. Maybe…
She grabbed hold of her hair sticks and pulled them loose. Her hair lost balance and came tumbling down. She giggled and hid them in the sleeve of her kimono. She shook out her hair and breathed deep.
"If having your hair made was such a bother, perhaps you should rather be bald," said a familiar voice.
The color drained from her face for a minute and she turned to see Sesshomaru looking forward into his gardens.
"I'm not really the type of girl who likes to have fancy things done to her hair," she said slyly. "I'd rather have it down and in the wind."
"Hn." He wasn't sure what he was doing out with her. His beast was irritating him to no end and he needed to talk to someone to get it off his mind. Though Sesshomaru didn't pay much mind, his beast was very content being in the balcony.
"So, these events. Are they something that happens often?" she asked trying to break the ice. His ice more like it. I never really had a real conversation with him. He's just too closed up.
"If it's necessary. Originally planned, it was supposed to be a meeting with the court and then an announcement to the minor lords to what is to be done. But things didn't seem to go as I 'originally' planned," he said directing that comment to her.
She laughed merrily and looked at him in almost light shock. Did he try making a joke?
"Nothing goes as planned when it comes to me," she said with a sweatdrop.
"Apparently so."
They remained silent for some time, both simply enjoying the view and trying to shut out the noise coming from within the hall. Sesshomaru was lost in his thoughts. He still wasn't entirely sure what he'd find in the future. And though he'd never tell a soul, he was feeling quite tense from the thought of going so far into it. He wasn't sure if he'd be happy with what he found.
"Miko," he said suddenly.
"Eh?" she asked.
"What drew you so close to Inuyasha?"
"Why does that concern you?" she answered with a question. She wasn't as much insulted by his question as startled.
"It doesn't. I'm merely curious. He never struck me as someone ready for a commitment of any sort. Let alone what ever it was going on between you."
She lowered her eyes and took out one of the hair sticks Sesshomaru gave her. She toyed with it in her hand and looked again to the moon.
"Can you see the other side of the moon?" she asked him seriously.
Sesshomaru followed her gaze and was silent for a moment. "No. Right now I only see one side," he answered.
"Well, Inuyasha is like the moon. You only saw one side. No disrespect, but there just wasn't a chance given for either of you to learn more about each other. He was rude and brash. Careless and thoughtless," she turned to face him and gave him a sincere look.
"But he was the first friend I had when I was thrown from my home into a strange and dangerous world. He protected me and he was there as much as he thought he could. I thought about what he meant to me for a long time."
She looked inside the hall and smiled sadly as she saw the couples embracing together and the gazes they shared with their mates. "I guess I never really loved him the way I wanted to. I just…I just wanted to feel safe. Every day was another day I could loose my life trying to put back this jewel. Fighting all these demons. And I have nearly lost my life. Once by your hand," she said glancing at him hoping he wouldn't be insulted. He remained silent and continued to study the sky.
"I wanted something real. And I tried to force that on Inuyasha. I guess it was selfish of me," she said laughing. "He belonged to Kikyo. And even though technically, I am her, I'm not. Inuyasha's heart was never mine. And I accept that."
"I see," was the only thing he said. He turned away from the balcony and looked over his shoulder at her. She stood there, her arms buried in her sleeves, her hair blowing in the wind and though her cheeks were wet, her smile was very real.
"The night will end soon. We leave at daybreak," he told her as he went to enter the hall. The guards opened the rice paper doors for their lord and shut it behind him quietly.
Kagome wiped her tears and smiled brightly. Her life was nothing the way it was yesterday. And it won't be anything like it will be tomorrow. But she was beginning to find herself. She just wasn't sure what else she was going to find along the way.
She skipped away from the balcony and followed Sesshomaru into the hall. He was going to announce the end to the evening and for them to reconvene in a month. It was expected of her to be present when he did. Common sense told her as much.
Right as she turned however, she was met face to face with Orochi's mate.
"Well, I must say you are a difficult creature to get a chance to chat with. Join me?" she ordered more than asked, extending her hand back to the balcony. Kagome was nervous considering how private this was, but she felt more assured when she saw Sesshomaru watching closely from inside. The guards had left the door cracked open slightly. She smiled at Ishi and followed her back to the railing.
"Counselor to Lord Sesshomaru. Well, that's a big thing now isn't it?" she asked tapping one hand on the stone railing.
"I suppose. It is quite an honor to hold that title," she answered being careful with her replies.
"Yes. Honor. Do you think you're smarter than him?" she asked curtly.
"I beg your pardon?" Kagome asked stepping back a little.
"Well, usually those who give advice are generally wiser than the one receiving it. So, do you think you are wiser?"
"That's not necessarily true. Sometimes, one needs another to give a different outlook on a problem or topic. It is not a bad thing having someone bring different thinking to the table," she said feeling the insult in her questioning.
"You are different indeed. How interesting that Sesshomaru would choose a human to counsel him," she said stepping a little closer to Kagome. She gave her a once over and grabbed Kagome's wrist and put one finger over her vein, feeling her pulse. "Especially when human life is so, fragile."
Ishi's grip on her wrist tightened painfully, and Kagome threw purification energy towards her hand. Ishi withdrew her hand with a hiss and looked over her burnt skin. Kagome drew a purifying barrier as she came closer to her and Ishi studied her hatefully.
"Do you honestly think the code will protect you? Orochi needs only one dent in it's structure and you are finished. All that will be left of you will be ash. Human wenches shouldn't dream so big," she said threateningly.
"And classless females shouldn't be so bold with their spiteful tongue with ears so close," Kagome retaliated nodding to the door. The guards had quietly opened the doors after seeing her grab Kagome and Sesshomaru, Reizo and Kouga were glowering at her.
Ishi straightened her posture and walked as gracefully away from the miko as she could. Her mate met her at the door and they both left the palace without dismissal. Kagome finally walked back into the hall and smiled at the guests. She remembered she was still pulsing with purification energy so she grounded herself quickly before she harmed any of them.
Whispers had erupted around the room and she saw the three neko ladies excitedly talking with each other and giggling. They ran over to her and couldn't keep their pride hidden.
"Wow!" said one.
"That was splendid! Even I would be terrified if she had me cornered like that," said the other.
"And you're human too! I'll bet Ishi is thoroughly humiliated," the last one said laughing.
"Well, she started it," was Kagome's brilliant reply. She sweat dropped when she realized how mediocre she sounded, but the others found it funny and were laughing their tails bald.
"Kagome! I haven't had the chance to speak with you all night. Please, tell me the look on the hag's face!" came the voice of a woman from behind her. She turned to see a tigress in royal clothing stepping up to her. "How rude of me, I am Katashi's mate, Amaya," she said giving Kagome a slight bow. Kagome returned it and smiled brightly.
"She looked like a cat drenched in water," she replied.
"About time someone put out her fire!" she said as they laughed. She quieted herself a moment when she saw Kagome's eyes, and smiled. "Kagome, you have blue eyes! How rare for a human lady of Japan. You must have suitors left and right!" she commented.
Kagome blushed deeply when she felt Koga's eyes burn into her skin. Greet, he heard.
"Yeah, some. I'm not really ready for that yet," she answered trying to be gentle on him. She started to walk and signaled Amaya to walk with her so they could get away from Koga.
Amaya clicked her tongue, "Tsk, what a shame. In anyway, Katashi has told me how you put Orochi in his place, and now after hearing about Ishi! I must tell you I think you will make a great councilor to Lord Sesshomaru." Stepping a little closer to Kagome, she said to her in barely a whisper, "and I would not disapprove if it would be something more."
Kagome gasped and looked at her shocked while Amaya laughed heartily. "Oh come now, I want to hear all about you. It is truly exciting having a human so close to the court. I want to know all about the girl that did what even some of the most daring youkai couldn't accomplish."
Kagome was about to start when she heard Sesshomaru clear his throat and both women looked over to him. He was standing on top of the steps, signaling her to join him.
"Go dear, we will finish some other time," said Amaya. Kagome bowed to her and quickly made her way to stand to the left and behind Sesshomaru.
"We thank you for joining us this evening, but now we must bring it to a close. A testing for Kagome will be performed in one month to the date and you are most welcome to attend. Good night," he said gracefully.
He stood by the door bowing farewell to the minor lords, while the court stayed behind. Once everyone had left, Sesshomaru turned to his remaining guests.
"Thank you for hearing my request," he said to the court. "We will see the outcome of it soon."
"I am sure it will be fine," said Katashi. "A whole month of training under your command can do wonders to even a flea." The room burst into laughter, save Sesshomaru and Kagome. Kagome was too worried to laugh at the moment and Sesshomaru, well, he just didn't laugh.
"Kagome, may I speak to you for a moment," Koga asked stepping up to her. Kagome couldn't deny him, so she took his offered hand. He walked her to the other side of the foyer and leaned against the wall. He took her hands in his and looked in her eyes deeply. He remained quiet for some time and then sighed.
"I heard what you said to Lady Amaya. Is it true?"
"Koga," she began. Damn, does this wolf ever take a hint? "Right now, the last thing I'm looking for is a relationship."
"Does that mean maybe someday, you will give me a chance to ask for your hand?"
"Right now, I just don't-,"
"Good! Because I'll always be here for you, Kagome. Day or night. Just send for me and I'll be here. And don't you worry. I'll protect you when you have to fight Orochi. I know his dirty tricks and I won't let you get hurt," he interrupted. He bowed to her with a very lordly look plastered on his face and he walked off to the others. He bowed to them and made his leave.
Kagome walked back to them wanting to disappear. Sesshomaru raised a brow at her but kept his silence. "Good night Katashi. Be safe on your journey," he said bowing.
"You too, my friend," said Katashi returning it.
"Remember what I said Kagome, I was serious," Amaya said to Kagome as she walked off with her mate.
Kagome blushed deeply and watched them leave. When the doors were shut, and Reizo dismissed himself to sleep, she looked around the room trying to avoid Sesshomaru's stare.
She looked up curiously when she did not feel his stare leave her. "Your were successful tonight with the house and you bested Orochi. Something some demons aren't capable of."
He's…congratulating me? "Thanks," she said blushing again.
He began to walk away towards his sleeping quarters, leaving her to stand alone. Amaya's words were plaguing her thoughts. She never thought of him in that way. Sure, he was downright handsome and she always was curious about learning what was hidden under his tough exterior. But, to think about him as something more than a business partner. She didn't even know where they stood. He wasn't a friend to her. There was still that fine line between foe and friend.
She looked at his back as he walked up the steps and watched him turn towards his wing. But then…she thought to herself…he has been acting strange around me. He's giving compliments and advice, for one. That's something I've never seen him do period. Maybe that's just because I didn't get a chance to know him. Oh, I don't know. Sesshomaru…that's ridiculous. He might not hate humans, but he definitely won't take one as a mate. Or as a lady to his lands!
She walked to her room, somewhat sadly, and closed the door behind her softly. I have bigger things to worry about now. I'm seeing my family tomorrow…for the last time. I don't even know what to say to them.
Slipping out of her kimono hurriedly, she laid on her bed quietly as to not wake Shippo and began to cry. No more of her mother's advice or needed embraces. No more banter between her and Sota. No more quite comical fits her grandpa threw whenever Inuyasha was around. No more anything. It was going to be gone in a matter of three days. All of it.
"Why?" she called softly into the empty room. "Why do I have to loose one of my best friends, and now my family because of it? I have given everything to fix the jewel. I have given my heart, my mind, my well being, and now my family? I know I have to do it, but it just hurts so much! That's my family! The people who have loved my unconditionally for so long. And fate decided to just rip them out of my life for good!" she sat up in bed with tear stained cheeks, her eye make up dripping down with the flow of her tears.
"But can I say it was all worthless?" she asked herself reaching into her yellow bag. She pulled out a drawing Shippo had made for her. The whole group stood by the well as she was coming out of it. Sango was standing next to Miroku with Kirara by her feet. Inuyasha was in the God tree perched on a branch, and Shippo was standing closest to Kagome jumping up to her. He wrote in big letters at the top, "I love my mommy!"
More tears streamed down her face as she turned to him. She folded the paper and put it on top of her sack. Laying down beside Shippo, she pulled the blankets over them and cuddled him close to her. He moved in his sleep, feeling her touch, and nuzzled her neck when he sensed her distress.
He woke up and rubbed his eyes sleepily. "Mama? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Shippo-kun. I just missed you all night, that's all," she lied.
"Oh, okay. I was okay. I got to play with Rin for a little before Sango made me go to sleep. Rin said she misses you and wants to see you," he told her yawning.
"I'm glad you had fun, sweetie. I want to see Rin too but I'm leaving early in the morning to go home for a few days then I'll be back. I'm taking you with me this time," she said. She hadn't told Sesshomaru yet, but she didn't think he'd mind much.
"REALLY?!? He yelled out excitedly. His tail twitched back and forth and he gave her a big hug. "I get to meet grandma, and great grandpa?! Arigato, mama!"
Kagome laughed and hugged him tight. "Your welcome, son. Now sleep."
"Hai," he said nuzzling against her. He felt some of her sadness go away as she stroked the top of his head gently. He wasn't born yesterday. In human years, he would be an old man. He knew why she was crying. Knowing her, and with her telling him he was going to meet her family, he knew that this was going to be her last trip home. He prayed that she won't be so sad and that he'd be there to make her feel better.
Kagome stilled her hand when she felt Shippo fall back asleep and she closed her eyes against her own will. Maybe, a few hours of rest will be alright. I can think of what to say on the way there. I should take Shippo somewhere nice. Maybe a movie or an arcade…
Her thoughts were quieted as sleep claimed her body. Unknown to the sleeping miko, someone was standing outside her door, listening carefully to her words.
He walked away with furrowed brows. He was laying in his bed trying to sleep when his beast called out to him. He followed its tug until he stopped at her door. Why it lead him there, he wasn't sure. But he was left feeling strange at her soliloquy. He wasn't going to object to Shippo attending. There was no harm in it. But what bothered him was her feeling of unbelonging. The fact that she felt that her only purpose to live was for the jewel. It could damper her ability to excel.
A miko's power is connected to their emotion. If she feels empty, that is exactly what she would produce. Nothing. He walked back to his room and pulled his covers over his face.
This miko is giving more trouble than she was worth.
Is that truly how you feel?
Silence, you irritating dog. You have said enough tonight.
Apparently I did not. It is that sort of thinking that causes her to feel this way.
Why the hell should I care? I have no use to worry about her "feelings".
Don't you now? It is plain to see that she won't push herself to the fullest if she feels this way. If you don't start caring, Lord Sesshomaru, you will not have a councilor for long. Orochi will peel her flesh right off her bone. And there goes your advantage over the other lords.
Enough, dog. I know this. Do you think me stupid? It will be brought up at the proper time. Not when I am trying to sleep before I have to deal with her again tomorrow.
Yes, it will be dealt with soon. I'll make sure of it.
Sesshomaru ineffectively shut out his inner beast by smacking a pillow over his face. He fell asleep within minutes, ignoring the irritated growl coming from in his head.