A/N: Do you guys know how I much I love you all? Thank you so much for the reviews and the favorites. Please enjoy this new chapter.
Kagome's POV
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Chapter Forty-Four: Confrontation
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"I still find it hard to believe that Rinis the Empress."
Sesshoumaru looked down at me with amused golden eyes as we stood in the receiving hall and readied ourselves for departure. "She is rather . . . childlike, you could say. I have always been of the opinion that she is too soft-hearted to carry out the responsibilities expected of her."
I frowned while contemplating his words. "How is it that she even became Empress, Sesshoumaru?"
He stiffened, which immediately made me regret asking. "You remember when we discussed the last war between gods?"
"I do," I answered. "It sounded . . . terrifying."
Nodding in agreement, Sesshoumaru continued, "And do you also recall my telling you how difficult it is to end the life of a god?"
Again I answered yes, but suddenly I did not want to know where our conversation was leading.
"Rin's father, Hideaki, was reigning Emperor two-thousand years ago during the war. He was loved by many, for his fairness and dislike of violence. There were those, however, who didn't approve of his leniency, and so the war began when a few pathetic godlings took it upon themselves to usurp Hideaki."
Pausing, Sesshoumaru quirked a brow at me. "You have often wondered how it is that a god can be killed, but it is somewhat troublesome to explain. Mortal means are useless. We cannot be shot, or run through with a human-made blade, and we heavenly beings have no need to make our own weapons. When we do battle, it is with our natural gifts and nothing more."
Exhaling softly with realization, I whispered, "So that is why you took a prisoner-of-war approach instead of a combative one."
"Yes," he replied while watching my face pensively. "Torture is simple, easy, and effective. Killing is crude, problematic, and a waste of time. Though, for one such as myself, killing would be relatively effortless."
Puzzled, I couldn't help asking, "What do you mean―"
My question was cut off, however, as the doors to the receiving hall were pulled open, and Sesshoumaru and I looked on, completely disbelieving, when Izanagi graced us with his presence.
The tension was immediate. Sesshoumaru moved to hide me from Izanagi's view and pushed me close so I rested against his back. "Izanagi," he greeted cordially enough, but there was a deadly edge to his voice that did not bode well for his father. "Even I did not think you were capable of such stupidity."
I pressed myself into the silk of Sesshoumaru's robes and fought back the sudden insane urge to laugh. His words were razor-sharp, and well-placed. He knew just how to infuriate Izanagi, and I was certain he would keep prodding until the elder god snapped.
"Say what you will, Sesshoumaru." Izanagi's voice was calm, reserved. "You and I are well aware it would have been no different if our roles were reversed."
I felt Sesshoumaru tense, and what he said next made my heart drop into my stomach. "You were always so curious, Kagome, about how to kill a god." He glanced at me from over his shoulder, and his eyes burned with an emotion I didn't have a name for. "Perhaps it's time for a demonstration."
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A/N: Oooooooooooooooooo father and son are about to battle it out! Anybody wanna place some bets?