Disclaimer: I was recently made God, and so I took InuYasha for my own. But then people claimed I was abusing my power, and they kicked me out. So Rumiko Takahashi still owns InuYasha.
THE BEGINNINGS OF CHANGE
The quiet of the forest was only interrupted by the sounds of footsteps as Sesshoumaru and Kagome walked through. It was a strange feeling for both of them. For Kagome, it was different to be traveling so quietly. Even when it had been just her and InuYasha, there had always been some form of noise. For Sesshoumaru, it was strange to be traveling with someone who was . . . well, not his equal, but not a subordinate. Even Rin did not fall into this category. It was a new feeling.
They went deeper and deeper into the heart of the forest, and Kagome continued to keep quiet. She really had no idea what to say to Sesshoumaru, as most of what she thought up she was certain Sesshoumaru had no interest in. When Sesshoumaru had finally trusted her with some information, she had promised herself that she would try to get along better with him. And that included not annoying him with mindless chatter.
They'd been traveling for most of the day when Kagome finally broke. "So, have you known Bokuseno for long?"
Sesshoumaru almost breathed a sigh of relief when the miko broke the silence. It was unlike her to remain quiet, and her unusual behavior had put him on edge. It was enough of a relief for him that he answered almost immediately. "He was a reliable tutor of history, as he has lived through much of it. As such, my father asked him to instruct me."
"So you learned from someone who'd actually seen all that stuff?" Kagome exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "That sounds amazing! I can't imagine how much better that would be than learning from a textbook!"
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow at her. He hadn't expected such interest. "He himself had not attended many of the events, as he set down his roots one thousand years ago. But what he had not witnessed himself, Bokuseno has heard from both travelers and gleaned from the winds and earth. There is very little that has happened in the past thousand or so years that he does not know."
"I can't imagine how much you would have learned. Written history is so unreliable." Kagome sighed, as if in regret.
Sesshoumaru nodded, though internally he was impressed. "It is an unfortunate side effect of conquest. Those who are victorious do not often allow the defeated to share their point of view with others. It is a small, but effective, method of maintaining order."
Kagome nodded, not really thinking about what she was saying. "You know, it really is a shame. I understand trying to keep one's citizens under control, but what about future generations? How are we supposed to learn from the past if it isn't even properly represented? It's like only listening to one half of an argument. You can't properly make a decision if you only understand one side."
Sesshoumaru listened to her, and found himself to be highly amused. Her argument was sound, and given that she came from a time when history not so easily accessible, her perspective came from an experienced mind. But her argument became even more amusing when she realized who she was speaking to. "Um, I didn't mean to insult you. That is, that was a general statement, not an attack on you personally. I apologize if I offended you, it wasn't intentional. Not that I think you would be offended-"
"Calm yourself, Miko." Sesshoumaru interrupted. "I find myself amused by your views."
Kagome's eyes narrowed. "They weren't meant to be amusing."
Sesshoumaru chose not to comment. He continued to lead the way, though Kagome had lapsed into silence. A few minutes later, a clearing opened before them. Sesshoumaru immediately headed for the center of the clearing and faced the largest tree in the clearing. Kagome came to stand beside him, and waited.
And waited.
And then waited some more.
Finally, after ten minutes, Kagome got tired of waiting. "So, where to next?" Sesshoumaru didn't answer her. He was too busy staring at one tree. His brows were slightly furrowed as he stared straight ahead. Kagome looked where he did, but saw nothing unusual. "Sesshoumaru? Everything alright?"
Sesshoumaru walked right up to the tree and tapped a finger against it. There was no reaction. Sesshoumaru's mind whirled as he took in the implications of this. This was definitely Bokuseno's tree. He had studied under it for nearly two hundred years, and the clearing was as familiar to him as his own home. But Bokuseno was hiding his face. Sesshoumaru had never been rejected by Bokuseno before now. What had changed to do so this time?
"Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened. Higurashi Kagome. She was the only change that Sesshoumaru had made since he had last spoken to Bokuseno. Could it possibly be that the ancient demon was rejecting her? Or perhaps it was his choice to bring her into his pack? Sesshoumaru's hand fisted as the possibilities swarmed in his head. There were so many reasons, each one as likely as the next. He needed answers.
Kagome stared at Sesshoumaru, her worry visible on her face. She had called him multiple times, and he had yet to respond, even in that strange nonverbal way of his. But she didn't want to annoy him, and she wouldn't touch him without his permission. Luckily, she was spared having to make a decision when he turned to her. She breathed a small sigh of relief as Sesshoumaru began walking again.
As the two of them left the clearing, the tree Sesshoumaru had stared at shifted. Two ridges pushed forward and opened, revealing a set of eyes. Another ridge formed a nose, two more a chin and a mouth. Bokuseno watched Sesshoumaru and Kagome walk away, and a sigh left his frame.
I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru. But the time is ripe for change, and if you are to survive, it must be done soon. I cannot help you see what needs to be done.
Sesshoumaru finally stopped, and nodded to Kagome. "We will camp here tonight." He announced.
Kagome smiled appreciatively. They'd been wandering in circles all day, and Kagome got the impression that Sesshoumaru was doing it on purpose to wear her down. She hadn't commented, having already learned that questioning Sesshoumaru would get her nowhere. So instead of confronting him, she dropped her bag down and began clearing the area Sesshoumaru chosen. It didn't take long, since as usual Sesshoumaru had chosen a rather sparse area. It took a total of twenty minutes for Kagome to have the area cleared and a fire started.
"Is there anything you'd like, Sesshoumaru?" Kagome asked.
"This Sesshoumaru has no need for your food." Sesshoumaru answered.
Kagome nodded and grabbed a few packs of instant macaroni. Then she pulled out one of her pots and her bathing things and stood. "Where's the nearest river?" She asked.
Sesshoumaru pointed behind him. "There is a hot spring a minute's walk from here."
Kagome grinned and jumped up. "Oh lovely, a hot spring!" She gathered up her stuff and started walking. Of course, being the klutz she was, she managed to trip over air and land on Sesshoumaru's lap. Blushing, she quickly stood. "Sorry, sorry!" She straightened herself, still apologizing. Sesshoumaru never noticed the clip she placed on the edge of his robe. She paused just at the edge of their campsite before she turned back. "Just so you know, I'll probably take about an hour. That should give you plenty of time to do whatever it is you've been avoiding."
Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as she left the campsite. He quickly schooled his features back into their usual indifferent mask before she came back and saw. "Pathetic miko." He muttered. "This Sesshoumaru does not need the permission of a human to do what I wish." He immediately stood, and set off towards the clearing where Bokuseno lay. He needed his questions answered, and quickly.
Kagome sighed as she lowered herself into the hot spring. It was nice to relax for a bit. She appreciated the vacation away from InuYasha's mutterings, Miroku's Peeping Tom act, Shippou's whining, and Sango's trauma. Not that she didn't understand the necessity of each, and appreciate when these traits were not present, but every once in a while, it was nice to get away from them. She leaned against the side of the spring with a smile. She was going to relax if it killed her.
She felt a tug, and she opened her eyes with a sigh. The clip she placed on Sesshoumaru had activated, which meant that he was on the move. Kagome hesitated for a moment, unsure if what she was doing was right. The clip would track his movements, and even allow her to use the clip as a sort of camera. It was a spell that she'd found in one of the scrolls at home.
She knew that she could use the spell. But there was something in her that was against actually using it. Sesshoumaru had finally trusted her, even if it was just a bit. To purposefully spy on him would be a blatant disrespect for that trust. But he was never going to actually tell her what he found, and she was dying to know what he was up to. The fact that he had waited until she was no longer around to go proved that he didn't even want her to know he was leaving. But even so, Kagome didn't have it in her to break someone's trust so easily.
Kagome struggled for a moment longer, then made her decision. She connected to the clip, and let her power flow over it. Then she easily shut it down.
Sesshoumaru entered Bokuseno's clearing confidently. Now that he was alone, he had no doubt that Bokuseno would recognize his presence. The older demon had never done so before, and Sesshoumaru was certain he would have no reason to do so now.
Sesshoumaru stopped directly in front of the ancient tree. "Bokuseno, I require your knowledge." He announced. "Wake."
For a long moment, nothing happened, and Sesshoumaru feared that perhaps it hadn't been Kagome that Bokuseno had objected to. Then, slowly, the hollow of the tree began to morph into the familiar face of Bokuseno. He slowly relaxed as Bokuseno finished his transformation and looked up at him.
"Welcome, Western Lord." Bokuseno greeted. "To what pleasure do I owe this visit?"
"I require information." Sesshoumaru answered. "What can you-"
"I am sorry, Lord Sesshoumaru." Bokuseno interrupted. "But there is no information that I can give you at this time."
Sesshoumaru froze. This was an unexpected occurrence. "You do not yet know of what I desire."
"What you desire is of no consequence." Bokuseno answered. "No matter what it is you wish, I cannot share my knowledge with you."
Sesshoumaru snarled. "Explain yourself."
But Bokuseno was already retreating into himself. "I cannot help you in this. Return when you know what it is I speak of."
Sesshoumaru darted forward, claws extended. But before he could reach the tree, Bokuseno's roots darted forward to bat him aside. Sesshoumaru easily dodged the strikes, landing directly in front of the tree Bokuseno inhabited. But Bokuseno had already disappeared. Sesshoumaru grit his teeth and whirled away, fury leaking from every pore in his body. What did Bokuseno mean that he could not share the information he might have? He had always readily shared his available knowledge. What exactly had made this time any different? He growled again as he exited the clearing. Nothing the ancient demon had done made any sense!
Sesshoumaru swiftly returned to the campsite, arriving just in time to settle back into his previous position before Kagome reentered, dressed for bed. "Oh hey, you're back!" She smiled at him, then froze when she saw the stiffness he exuded. He turned to look at her, and she almost flinched from the crimson lining in his eyes. She quelled the momentary fear and forced herself to calm.
Sesshoumaru watched her control the obvious fear she felt when he turned his gaze on her. He was slightly impressed by her ability to do so. Or he would have been, had he not been so angry. What right did Bokuseno have to deny him?
Kagome could easily tell that Sesshoumaru's business had not gone well, and she knew from experience that bringing it up wouldn't help in the least. So she moved as quietly as she could to get her things together and set up her bag for the night. She set up a pot of water to boil as she did so, and soon her dinner was laid out and ready. She smiled as she sat down by the fire, enjoying its warmth, and ate her food. It was another luxury that she often missed: a peaceful meal.
Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Sesshoumaru was absolutely furious, there was no doubt about it. Kagome could feel it in the air even as she fought to ignore it. Finally, it reached a point when Kagome couldn't stand another second. She hurriedly ran options through her head. She was very experienced with easing the tension of her friends, but she knew them much better than she did Sesshoumaru. Mentally, she ran through what she knew of the stoic demon, and finally settled on something he might like.
Quietly, she washed out her pot and filled it back up with water. Then she put it back over the fire before going to her bag and pulling out the smallest container she had. Once she had it out, she sat beside the fire.
"One there was a young woman named Sashima-hime." Kagome began, her voice just loud enough for Sesshoumaru to hear her. "Upon her birth, she was favored by Amaterasu*, who had wished to gift her parents for their devotion. Sashima-hime was given incredible beauty, great intelligence, an unending well of compassion, gentleness, and the powers of a miko. Then, as her own splash of humor, Amaterasu granted her an indomitable spirit that excepted no one's ownership of her.
"Sashima-hime grew up, and when she reached the marital age, many men flocked to marry her. Her parents, who were not wealthy by any means, immediately saw in their daughter the chance to become more than they were. The rejected those who arrived by foot and by horse, and greeted those who came to them by carriage. Finally, they found one who they felt was perfect: the local lord's son.
"The lord had seen Sashima-hime during one of her trips to the market, and he had instantly fallen in love with her beauty. The next day, he and his father arrived at Sashima-hime's home and requested that their families be united by marriage. Sashima-hime's parents were delighted, and eagerly agreed.
"One week later, the lord's son and Sashima-hime married. The lord's son eagerly entered their new chambers, glad to finally be alone with his new bride. But Sashima-hime was not so glad. 'You will kill me.' Sashima-hime announced. 'It is written on your very soul. My death has already been decided by your coming here.'
"The lord's son protested, claiming to love Sashima-hime, but the young woman just laughed. 'How can you love what you do not know?' Sashima-hime demanded.
"Sashima-hime said nothing more on the subject, and the two remained married for three years. The lord's son soon realized, however, that he really didn't know Sashima-hime. He resented the intelligence she showed, was jealous of everyone who looked at her beauty, and feared the holy powers she possessed. He forbade her the use of her powers, and often forced her to wear unflattering garments and cover her beauty with make-up. Soon, he even forbade her to speak, so she could not share her wisdom. Sashima-hime understood his insecurities, and with the great compassion she possessed, complied with her husband's wishes. But hiding who she was soon took its toll, and she became withdrawn and cold.
"Eventually, the lord's son gained more and more responsibility. But he did not have the necessary qualities to lead, and so he found himself failing time and time again. Sashima-hime saw that he was unhappy, and tried to help, but her husband kept shoving her away. Each time, he became bitter as he watched his own solutions fail while others succeeded. He began to take his frustrations out on Sashima-hime.
"One day, the lord's son led troops into a battle. The lord's son spent hours working on a plan of action, and was certain that he would succeed. Just as he was about to sleep, Sashima-hime gave him an alternative plan. He looked it over, but dismissed it. After all, he was a warrior, and she was merely a woman.
"The battle began, and at first, the plan went perfectly. But soon, all his plans began to fall apart. It wasn't long before the enemy was overrunning them, and they were forced to retreat. The lord sent another general, and the lord's son was dismissed from his place in command. To make things worse, the general who took charge created a new strategy. It was an almost exact replica of the plan Sashima-hime had suggested to the lord's son.
"The lord's son returned to the capital in disgrace, and in his humiliation and anger, he went straight to Sashima-hime. He began to beat her mercilessly, claiming that she was the reason for his failure, that she was purposely making him look bad in front of his father. For a week, he spent most of his time drinking and beating her, until she finally lost consciousness.
"The lord's son panicked, thinking he had killed her. He covered up her body and went to a local priest. The priest, though disgusted by the lord's son's actions, could not allow the body of Sashima-hime to be further dishonored. He agreed to remove the body, and had a few men bring the body to the temple. To his great surprise, however, Sashima-hime was not dead.
"The priest realized that he could not return Sashima-hime to the hell she had come from. He presided over the funeral, but kept Sashima-hime hidden within the temple. He patiently nursed her back to health, and encouraged her to display the talents that the lord's son had forced her to keep hidden. Gradually, she once again became the woman she had once been.
"After a time, however, the disappearance of the lord's son's wife became a more urgent matter, and it was too dangerous for her to remain. Sadly, Sashima-hime left the temple with an extra set of clothes, a bow, a quiver of arrows, food, and several herbs to be used in healing.
"Many years later, the lord died, and the lord's son became the lord. He was hopeless, and failed time and again to protect his land from invaders. Finally, the day came when one of the invaders completely overwhelmed him. As his enemy poured into the capital city, the lord's son committed seppuku*.
"When the lord's son reached heaven, he was greeted by Amaterasu herself. The goddess's eyes were cold as she greeted the lord's son. Before the lord's son could speak, Amaterasu pulled out a mirror. 'Look into the glass, Warrior.' Amaterasu commanded.
"The lord's son looked in, and saw the leader of the forces that had destroyed his own. He recognized him as his own brother. He had been a gentle and kind man, but a terrible general, worse even than the lord's son. For a moment, the lord's son raged, not understanding how such an imbecile could have beaten him.
"The he saw the general turn to someone at his side, and they spoke. The figure to the lord's right moved some pieces, representing the forces of both the lord's son and the general, on the map in front of them. It was obvious that the figure was the true brains behind the general's schemes. The lord's son focused on the figure, wanting to know who it was that had brought about his down fall.
"It was Sashima-hime."
Kagome finished the story just as the water began to boil. Carefully, she pulled out two tea cups and filled them with hot water. It was then that Sesshoumaru realized that she was finished with her story. "For what reason did you find it necessary to share that story, Miko?" He asked.
Kagome smiled as she took in his tone. The tenseness and frustration had bled out of him as he listened to the story, and his tone now reflected only curiosity instead of the scorn or superiority she had thought would be there. "There really was no reason." Kagome answered as she stood and walked towards the daiyoukai. "It's just a story that I've always enjoyed, and it was a bit too quiet. I usually have a large amount of chatter around me at this time of day."
Sesshoumaru stared at her for a moment as she carefully placed a cup of tea in front of him before sitting beside him. In normal circumstances, the conversation would have finished. But Sesshoumaru found he didn't want it to. "The tale is unrealistic, a fairy tale." Sesshoumaru shot back, not unkindly. "Women do not have the necessary training and abilities to be able to properly lead the armies necessary to defeat a lord."
Kagome smiled as she placed a tea cup in front of him before sitting next to him. "I would have to disagree, Sesshoumaru. It is actually a true story. Sashima-hime was the mother of one of the most powerful mikos in history."
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Surely you do not expect this Sesshoumaru to believe so."
Kagome took a single sip of tea and looked Sesshoumaru dead in the eyes. "Midoriko."
That shut Sesshoumaru up. Even he couldn't argue against Midoriko. But even so, he had to push his point. "Even so, the tale does mention that Sashima-hime's parents were not of noble birth. If that were the case, it makes a woman with the skills to lead a successful rebellion even less likely."
Kagome took in what he said and nodded. "I believe it is more likely that she did attempt to help her husband, and her husband was an evil man who felt the only way to relieve his anger was to beat his wife to the point of unconsciousness." Seeing that Sesshoumaru was about to speak, she held out her hand to silence him. "That does not mean that her attempts at help succeeded. It just means that Sashima-hime recognized a need and attempted to fulfill it as a part of her wifely duties."
Sesshoumaru smirked, and drank from his own tea cup. "I have to wonder if you are the creator of that tale, Miko. The heroine is very much like another I know."
Kagome looked up at him in confusion. "I can assure you, I didn't. Though I'd like to meet whoever it is you think of as Sashima-hime. She must be a truly amazing person."
Sesshoumaru stared for a moment as he realized that she was completely serious. How could she not realize that Sashima-hime sounded exactly like herself? With a small shake of the head, he continued. "In any case, I believe the point of the story is not to place beings of inferior intelligence in important positions."
"What! How naïve." Kagome retorted. "The point is to appreciate what you have, because you may not always have it."
Their discussion continued for several minutes, until Kagome's words began to slur from tiredness. She finally excused herself to sleep, joking that she did not have the stamina of a daiyoukai. Sesshoumaru watched her gather her things together and settle into her sleeping bag. A moment later, he sat watching as her face settled into a peaceful mask and her breathing even as she fell asleep.
As she settled into peaceful slumber, Sesshoumaru realized that he was smiling. When had he become so relaxed? As he quickly returned his face to its usual passivity, he thought back. He had been furious when he had returned, and had definitely been when the miko returned. . . It suddenly dawned on him why she had told a tale. He had noticed that she was sensitive to the moods of others, even before he had given her his blood. Combine that with the pack-bond, and her ability to read auras, the tenseness and anger must have overwhelmed her. And yet she had found a clever and easy way to relax him without even being aware that she was doing so.
Sesshoumaru stared at the sleeping woman in wary wonder. When had she come to know him so well?
"I swear, I know it's here somewhere!" Kagome cried.
Sesshoumaru sighed. Had it just been him, he would have already left by now. But Kagome needed time to pack up her things each morning, time he rather generously gave her. But she was pushing the limit today.
Kagome was nearly in tears as she searched for her pot. Personally Sesshoumaru thought she was being over dramatic about a mere pot, but he was not going to upset her more. She turned to him, her eyes begging. "Give me five minutes. I swear, I'll find it!"
Before Sesshoumaru could respond, she had dashed off. Sesshoumaru sighed and leaned against the tree. No one would harm the miko, and if they did, he would immediately know. No reason to run after her like a certain hanyou.
Kagome, meanwhile, was frantic as she searched for her pan. It was stainless steel, nearly impossible to scratch, and it had taken her months to convince her mother it was worth the expense. It was perfectly sized for medium meals, and it easily took care of InuYasha's midnight snacks. Kamis be damned, she didn't want to lose that pot!
Then suddenly, as she ran through the forest, it was dangling in front of her face. Kagome skidded to a stop, and ended up smashing into a tree. She bounced off with an oomph, landing on her butt. She scowled as she stood and stared at the pot that hung from the lowest branch of the tree. "How in the world did my best pot get stuck in a tree?" Kagome muttered.
"I'm afraid I needed to borrow it, Lady Kagome." Kagome squeaked as she realized the tree she'd slammed into had suddenly spoken. As she watched, a face formed in the tree. Her mind whirled as it continued. "You see, I needed to speak to you without the pup around."
Kagome's mind centered around the newly formed face in the tree. "Can I assume that you are Bokuseno?"
"Yes, you may." Bokuseno answered. "And you are Higurashi Kagome, Miko no Shikon, now Bitch of the West." Seeing a frightening look in Kagome's eyes at the last title, Bokuseno chuckled. "You are the alpha female of Sesshoumaru's pack. Bitch of the West simply reflects that. I must ask that you convince Sesshoumaru to move on. I cannot give him the information he seeks."
Kagome's eyes widened in understanding. "That's why he was so upset last night. You wouldn't tell him what he wanted to know."
"Until Sesshoumaru has finished what he started, I cannot help him." Bokuseno answered.
Kagome frowned. "Finished what he started?"
Bokuseno looked down at the young woman and smiled. "You, little one, have brought about what should have happened a lifetime ago. Sesshoumaru has begun to change."
Kagome scoffed. "Please. As if I can affect Sesshoumaru."
"Despite what you believe, you have." Bokuseno returned. "The time in which Sesshoumaru was raised was a much one than the present. The four great lords were each carving out a territory for themselves, and to survive, Sesshoumaru had to be untouchable. But now the lords of old have fallen, and their lands are slowly being divided. Sesshoumaru is one of the few that have managed to keep control of his land. There is no longer a need to be 'the Killing Perfection.' But he knows nothing else." Kagome stared at Bokuseno, still not understanding what it was the ancient youkai wanted. "He has finally begun to leave the shell that has encased him all his life. Until he has finished, I cannot help him."
"But we need information on-"
"I know." Bokuseno interrupted. "You wish to know how to return to the land between worlds. But Sesshoumaru's transformation is more important, and as such, it takes priority. And as Sesshoumaru will confirm, I answer questions in my own time, and in my own way."
Before Kagome could respond to that, her pot had fallen to the ground and Bokuseno's face had disappeared. Kagome huffed and glared at the tree. So much for a simple trip. She bent down to reach for her pot, just in time to hear something snap.
Kagome whirled and froze as two wolves emerged from the underbrush. She gulped and took a small step backwards, only to be greeted by a growl. She slowly turned and saw that there were two more at her back. She gulped and tried to stay calm. Mentally, she tried to remember how Kouga dealt with his wolves, but she was beginning to panic. One of the wolves came closer, and Kagome scrambled back. Another growl came from behind her, and Kagome fell over as she tried to turn away. The wolves came closer, and Kagome lost the battle to control her fear. As the first wolf came closer, she screamed.
Sesshoumaru heard Kagome's scream, and recognized it instantly after so many battles against his brother. And in case he hadn't, blatant and unfiltered terror coursed through the pack-bond. With a snarl, Sesshoumaru started running, allowing the pack-bond to guide him.
He made it just as the first of the wolves leapt. One swipe of his claws sent the wolf flying until it crashed into its fellows. Two more struck from behind, and Sesshoumaru pulled out his favored poison whip. A flick cut the two behind him in half, then another brought the whip down upon the next wolf that tried to attack. Sesshoumaru growled at the remaining two wolves, crouching protectively in front of Kagome.
The wolves got the hint. They were gone before Kagome even realized that Sesshoumaru had growled.
Sesshoumaru smirked as the wolves fled. It was good to know he still possessed the ability to frighten his inferiors. He turned to Kagome, who still lay collapsed on the ground. "Miko?"
Slowly, Kagome opened her eyes. When her cerulean ones met Sesshoumaru's gold, she relaxed infinitesimally. "They're gone, right?" She whispered.
Sesshoumaru was perplexed. He had never seen the miko looking so vulnerable. He suddenly had no idea how to deal with her. Luckily, his more instinctual side was urging him to comfort his pack-sister. Of course, he had no idea how to do that either, but it was a start. "They will not return." Sesshoumaru finally answered.
Kagome nodded slowly before hesitantly pulling herself up. "It's stupid, I know." She whispered. "I face demons every day. But I fall apart when faced with a normal wolf? I never react that way around Kouga and his wolves."
Sesshoumaru stared at her. It was as if all the confidence she usually held in herself, the very confidence that always stunned him every time she faced him down, had suddenly been sucked away. "Miko, I do not wish to hear such blatant self-pity." He snapped.
A brief flash anger crossed her face as she pushed herself up so that she stood in front of Sesshoumaru. "I've just had a true near death experience in which I could do nothing but watch as several rather hungry beasts stalked me with intent for deadly harm!" She shouted. "I have every right to be self-pitying!"
Sesshoumaru forced himself to answer calmly. "No, you do not." He answered, quickly cutting Kagome off when she tried to speak. "Your powers are useless against mortal creatures, and the time from which you come does not necessitate weaponry. While you are adequate in the bow, your skills would not have been to your advantage against those wolves. Therefore, you have the right to fear being helpless. You have the right feel anger that all who protect you have failed to train you. You do not have the right to pity yourself for circumstances beyond your control."
Kagome stared up at him, slightly amazed. "You mean. . . you don't think that I'm weak?" She whispered.
Sesshoumaru bit the inside of his cheek for a moment before answering. "As previously stated you are not to blame for your lack of knowledge on self-defense. I will be sure to rectify that at the earliest convenience." He saw a spark of interest in her eyes when he mentioned training her, and used it as a distraction. "I am sure you will take to it well."
"You really think so?" Kagome whispered.
"I would not waste my time otherwise." Sesshoumaru retorted. "Finish gathering your things. We must rejoin the half-breed and his pack."
Kagome stared at him for a long moment, as if assessing him for something. She must have found what she was looking for, because after a moment she nodded and went back towards their camp for her things. Sesshoumaru kept the pack-bond open, waiting for any signs of panic or hesitation. Luckily, there was none.
"Well done, pup."
Sesshoumaru whirled with a growl as Bokuseno reappeared. "Why did you not assist the miko?" Sesshoumaru demanded, his eyes flashing as he slowly stalked towards the tree. "While you may not recognize her, she is a member of this Sesshoumaru's pack. You dare to ignore her danger?"
Bokuseno shook his head. "Surely you do not truly think that I would allow any that I recognize to be placed in danger within my forest." Sesshoumaru's eyes widened at the implication. "I did not ignore her need, pup. I merely presented you with an opportunity to display that which was already within you."
"You speak in riddles, Ancient." Sesshoumaru growled.
"Consider this, Sesshoumaru." Bokuseno answered. "Had I not been here, and you had not arrived in time to protect your pack-sister, what would have happened?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head. "It is of no concern, as this Sesshoumaru would never arrive too late." With that he turned away from the elder demon. Bokuseno grinned. Even his most defensive answer was more telling than Sesshoumaru had ever allowed himself to be.
A little away from Bokuseno, Sesshoumaru allowed himself to think about what Bokuseno had mentioned. Why would the ancient tree ask what would have happened if the miko were to have di—
Sesshoumaru froze in the middle of the forest. The very sentence called to mind the miko's vitality, her warmth, and her easy understanding. A mention of her death made the image shift, and Sesshoumaru felt a chill run through him. In his head he saw her eyes go dark, their familiar light fading quickly. Slightly tanned skin became coated with blood as her chest heaved one last time —
NO!
Sesshoumaru pulled himself short. The miko was alive and well, as was proved by the familiar pulsing of the pack-bond in his mind. She was not injured, dying, or harmed in any way. She was safe.
Belatedly, Sesshoumaru realized his claws were digging into the tree beside him. With a growl, he forced himself to release the tree. When had Kagome become so important to him? When had the mere thought of her death produced such a reaction from him? Surely he didn't actually care about her? She was just a way to defeat Naraku, and keep the thrice cursed Shikon no Tama out of the Western Lands.
With another growl, Sesshoumaru once again started for their camp. Kagome was a tool and a weapon. Nothing more than that. And if some strange warmth filled him when Kagome directed a smile at him as he entered the camp, it was of no consequence.
Author's Rant
Horse Wolves: I can't believe it's been nine updates without OG around. It feels like forever. [knocks on giant door] HEY! VOLTURI! [door opens] Give back OG!
Aro: Hello, young one. Do you require. . . assistance?
Horse Wolves: [shudders] Look, I'm just here for OG. Can we please have her back? The InuYasha fandom is falling apart!
Aro: Please, come in. I would love to see you within my – I mean, our rooms.
Horse Wolves: [eyes widen, shrieks] OG! Get out here and save me!
Caius: [winces] Aro, get her out of here! She's much too loud.
Horse Wolves: [high pitched scream] I won't go until I have OG!
Marcus: OG left already! We tried to turn her into a vampire, but she refused. She decided things were too weird here, and went back home!
Horse Wolves: WHAT!
[back in the InuYasha fandom]
Obsessive_Goddess: Ah! It's nice to go on vacation, but it's even better to come back home.
Naraku: Mommy!
Sesshoumaru: Like, barf me out! The Joanie's back!
Obsessive_Goddess: [BEEP!]
End of Author's Rant
*
Amaterasu: Goddess of the Sun
Seppuku: Ritual Suicide.