An Organised Encounter
A/N: Revised 02/07/2015
Amber orbs flicked away from his paperwork towards the door. On the other side of the door Kagome noticed the door had, had the paper panels replaced with small wooden slides. A primitive sound proofing perhaps? Kagome softly brushed her fingertips over the wooden carvings where small cherry blossoms were etched into the wood. Sliding the door open her blue gazed was met with gold.
Kagome could have sworn Sesshoumaru's gaze had been a fraction wider than usual. Sesshoumaru noticed the woman was extremely uncomfortable around him. It was indeed amusing. The teen's eyes glanced around the room, taking in the unusual artefacts much like a certain Chinese lord had done earlier. Sesshoumaru watched critically. Kagome saw the irritation pass the lords stoic façade, causing a small gulp trailed down her slender neck.
"Sit" was all he said. Kagome did not. Sesshoumaru blinked very slowly before he repeated. "Are your human ears defective? Or are you ignoring what was said on purpose Miko." He paused enjoying the rhetorical banter; Kagome however did not. The stoic lord repeated testily his earlier command.
"I can't" she spoke softly, her glare now changed to embarrassment. The lord sat down with a bored expression. Letting her elaborate. "I'd rather not rustle up Amaterasu work, so if it is alright I will continue to stand." Accepting her answer with a short half nod, he began his conference.
"The reason you were summoned here, is for political reasons nothing more." Kagome opened her mouth slightly before having an open palm raised towards her. "Do not interrupt," the angry oceanic orbs looked directly at him, however failing to stir any emotion from him.
'She is useless at hiding her true feelings.' His eyes narrowed slightly at his inward criticism.
Kagome turned away slightly hiding her now shaking hands,
'Why is he so urgh? Just because he is a lord doesn't mean he can speak to people like that. I'm not a child anymore!' The demon in front spoke again, recapturing Kagome's attention.
"I have a lot to relay, with little time to explain" he sounded somewhat apologetic but Kagome had her doubts.
'Maybe this is something important' Kagome nodded. Sesshoumaru returned to a relaxed position on the huge wooden chair. After a few minutes speaking Kagome had displaced several emotions.
"Hold on" Interrupting the lord in front. "You want me to attend this little party of yours" Sesshoumaru interjected that it wasn't a party. "Fine, this little 'congregation' of yours" Sesshoumaru frowned at the clipped tone. "And you expect me to be surrounded by demons, who can I just clarify would all kill if I wasn't a guest of the western lands" the girl mocked pointing a finger at the dog demon as she said 'guest'.
"Precisely," Kagome just blinked at the confidence. "However it is imperative that you act nothing like your usual self." Kagome scoffed. "This Sesshoumaru is not in the mood to defend a mere human." Regretting instantly how his reservations slipped off his tongue so easily.
"Wait what?" the sudden glare stopped the teen from even going anywhere near the last statement.
"Do I at least get to know why I'm being forced to do this?" Her hands propped upon his desk, the action reminding the demon how forceful she really was. Leaning back into his chair he quickly calculated the pros and cons of telling the Miko. Said woman waited patiently astonished at how relaxed he was.
'Obviously this study is the one place he can be…' she paused a small grin crept upon her face as she looked at Sesshoumaru, 'normal' she finished.
"The Chinese demon you met the other night…" he started,
"The attractive dragon demon that was with you the night of the festival?" she questioned, before she realized she had interrupted.
"Yes, that night you assaulted this Sesshoumaru's person" he added dryly.
"I did not! You attacked me and fell over, that is not my fault!" the teen exclaimed a bit too loudly, a forgotten Amaterasu squeaked at the outburst. Sesshoumaru jolted forward grabbing the Miko, his clawed hand covering her loud mouth, with her body pulled across the heavy desk.
"Do not forget you place woman, your interruptions are beginning to tire this Sesshoumaru." Kagome stared at the demon in defiance. "As you will not stay quiet for longer than a minute, you will stay like this until I am finished is that clear?" Kagome could only nod as the hand he so effortlessly kills with, was left obstructing her from replying.
Kagome was close enough to indulge in the scent of the lord. It was a pure scent. Earthy with a bite, like after a thunderstorm.
"Lord Bo Lei will be returning to China Tomorrow and inquired on seeing you one last time; Rin believed it would be fitting for you to attend this evening's congregation" It was belittling to explain this much to the woman. After letting her take in what was said he only continued further. "As Lord Bo Lei is a valued ally, I expect you to respectfully accept my terms and attend this banquet, however" He paused eyes full of spite, "as I have spent time becoming accustom to your, demeanour; a few principles of behaviour need to be adjusted." Finely removing his grasp on the young girl, he began stating her apparent faults.
Back at the campsite the Miko was supposed to be at, a small green kappa demon was rudely conveying once more to Inuyasha's group that his lord did not need to explain himself. If he wanted the human woman, he would take her as he pleased regardless of whether Inuyasha was happy about it or not.
True they spent their time mostly arguing and he was sure this was yet another plot to get him angered by her, the fact she had gone with his brother willingly angered the Hanyou. Was this Kagome's way of getting back at him? Retreating to a nearby branch Inuyasha waited
'She'll be back' he breathed through gritted fangs.
"What do you mean she went with Sesshoumaru willingly?" the demon hunter scowled picking up Jaken by the scruff of his neck. Clearing his throat Jaken repeated what he was told to,
"Your Miko has been summoned to the western palace; it is none your business to know why she is there." Sango tightened her grip, as the annoying toad left much to be spoken for.
"How do we know she isn't imprisoned, or worse yet dead?" Her tone was dark, protective over the teenage girl almost at demon standards the kappa noted. Miroku watched holding Shippou who was still crying over his mother's disappearance.
"How dare you sully the lords name, he would not lower himself to travel all this way just to kill your human wench" He spat trying to break the woman's grip on him. Miroku walked towards the fiery woman placing a palm on her left shoulder, instantly she released her grip on Sesshoumaru's messenger.
"Now Sango, if Lord Sesshoumaru was planning on killing our beloved Kagome, we would have found at the spring. He is a loyal demon, I don't think he would do anything so low. She is fine I am sure" he tried to reassure Sango and Shippou. Sango looked back to the Kappa, who had disappeared the moment he had chance too. His duty had been done. Sango looked up to Inuyasha,
'He is unusually quiet.' she thought.
Kagome stood stunned. This was all too much to take in, she wasn't as rude as the demon lord was making out she was, was she? Ignoring the hundredth critique from the demon lord, the teen began to think about the foreign demon from the night of the festival.
'God, I hope this will not turn out to be another Koga episode?' She thought shuddering. The wolf lord wasn't all that bad. But he did not know how to take no for an answer. Kagome looked back to Sesshoumaru. It appeared the demon lord needed her help in securing this new ally of his and who was she to disappoint.
"Alright Sesshoumaru, I will help you" she said, ignoring the fact he hadn't actually asked for her help, merely forced it on the poor girl. He was quick to correct her on this tiny detail.
"I never asked Miko." Kagome jolted at his quick response. "In fact, I allow you to travel on this Sesshoumaru's lands frequently without question. In a way you are indebted to This Sesshoumaru's graciosity. If you refuse to return the generosity, the only alternative is banishment. It is entirely your choice?" Kagome turned slightly as a loud scuffled emanated from outside. Sesshoumaru seemingly irritated called for whoever was outside to enter. The door opened slightly revealing Jaken.
"Ah, my lord" He squawked glaring at the human.
"Jaken…" he spoke with the same amount of loathing as he spoke to her,
'At least I know he is like this to that annoying little shit as well' she cursed inwardly, the imp began to stammer something irrelevant, before speaking of his recent errand. Her attention was solely on the small Kappa demon when he mention her friends. Her stone gaze flared with such anger towards Sesshoumaru who was ignoring her for the small green demon.
"What have you told them?" she demanded watching the stoic lord stand slowly making Kagome nervous for the first time since entering the lord's study. She was again shouting at the Sesshoumaru. He was now walking towards her, slowly and smoothly.
"Make your choice" He breathed not but inches away from her. The heat from his mouth teasing her cold complexion. "Behave, or be banished"
'Is he mocking me?' Kagome's eyes danced under his gaze. 'So close' his golden orbs watched as she inwardly decided.
'If the Miko's scent wasn't so 'human' she would be near perfect tonight.' Taking a better look at the human girl under his inspecting gaze. Her black hair was tied back into a simple bow like design typical in Chinese fashion. Some longer strands of hair were left to fall onto her chest, and down her back. He reflected back to her appearance from when Inuyasha had been first released from the god tree. Her hair was much wavier, her face rounder and her frame less curvy. Sesshoumaru dropped the thought of her curves quickly. Eyes trailing down to her gown which covered them beautifully. The outfit was forest green fading into white, covered in golden layers of silk and golden rope holding it all in place.
"Okay" she spoke, grabbing the lord's attention away from her appearance. "I give you my word I will behave but not for you." She stated, Sesshoumaru looked into her oceanic orbs. "Inuyasha needs my help to recover the last shards, so I can't be banished" she spoke softly, her red stained lips curving slightly over each word. Amaterasu opened the door bowing towards Sesshoumaru. She couldn't help noticing he was extremely close to Kagome.
"You will go with Amaterasu." Was all he said before leaving the two women alone in his study, the teen was confused by his quick retreat. However Amaterasu grinned,
'What is our beloved lord up to now?' a watchful eye followed the quick retreating man.
The Youkai lord stormed up towards his bedroom, shutting the door to a close silently. Before letting out a sigh he would not in front of the older demoness. Sesshoumaru placed his forehead on the lacquered wood before turning to get ready. Golden orbs met with maple.
"Rin" he spoke calmly, not really having the time for this. The child got off his futon, walking up to but a few feet away.
"Rin found this for you my lord" her smile caused the demon lord to take a deep breath. There in the child's hand was a small yellow flower, no doubt from the garden he commissioned. After the flower wasn't taken out of her small hands, he placed it on his dresser before returning to the door and ushering the small child to make her way to the gathering. "Rin is happy Lady Kagome is here to play my lord" Another servant appeared at the door bowing low in apology for the human child's trespassing. Rin smiled again at her father figure before following the other woman.
Kagome felt instantly out of place in the beautifully decorated hall. She stood on the side lines whilst Rin who was spinning with another female took centre stage, seemingly use to the demon population. The teen smiled watching the poor servant fingers entangled in Rin's obviously the child's keeper.
In the distance a group of female demon's probably also adolescences, ogled the Miko. Eyes filled with outrage and so Kagome fluttered her azure eyes elsewhere.
"Don't be frightened" The old demoness woman spoke. Her voice comforting but despite this Kagome was convinced the only reason she was speaking to her so nicely was because of Sesshoumaru. Taking a deep breath the teen spoke, her tone filled with unease.
"It's hard to be calm when everyone is staring at you so viscously." the raven haired human jumped when Amaterasu placed her clawed hand on her own blunt human one. Kagome turned to look at the woman her eyes wide in shock,
'Why doesn't she find me 'disgusting' like the rest of them, I'm human after all?' The white haired demon smiled warmly, watching the other demons with a strong air about her.
"I find myself more disgusted at the way these nobles sit there minds full of prejudice comments." She said quietly releasing the younger female's hand. Kagome froze,
'This woman speaks like she knew what I was just thinking!' Kagome eyed the woman suspiciously.
"Sorry? I don't under…" she was quickly interrupted by the perplexing demoness. Again she spoke softly, her eyes still fixed on the room.
"You are respectful to us even though you are a Miko. I was told you even adopted one of us as a son," She brought her eyes back to Kagome's, before flicking them towards the adolescents opposite. "Those demons out there don't know any of this and yet they instantly hold hate for you. For what you are, what you were born to be. It's disgusting." Kagome couldn't stop gawking.
Amaterasu smiled once more before turning and walking away. Kagome was not expecting to be marvelled by such a mature demoness. She had only ever encountered a few demons willing to accept Kagome for Kagome. But thinking back to it all, most of them were only interested in the small fact she was an unmated woman.
Silver hair caught her attention, now entering the far corner of the hall was a very different Sesshoumaru. His usually loose hair was restricted in a low side ponytail. His usual white ensemble, replaced by a brilliant green silk washed out towards the bottom of the fabric much like her own gradient gown. It was also held together by a simple gold rope. Complete with long straight sleeves cuffed with the same gold filigree as his ward's own dress.
Kagome was stunned at how the female demons had torn there heated glares from her to look at the lord, swooning like typical fan girls of the modern era.
Kagome took her eyes off the usual quiet host, believing the self-centred demon lord was in his element.
Another male had entered and again the human Miko was dumbstruck. This man was that Chinese demon. The Chinese dragon had singled her out from the others in the room, though from the hundreds of demons it wasn't hard to focus on one human scent. Even easier to single out the older female, her scent tremendously ripe and for the taking.
'Oh crap, he's walking straight over here' Kagome realised backing away slowly; the sudden tell-tale thud signalling she'd hit a wall. He however had crossed the vast hall in no time, and was now face to face with the Shikon no tama.
"We meet again human" His darker blue orbs glinted in amusement, while his hair jingled in time with her own, "You are glowing in my families colours" he smiled,
'Definitely like Miroku' she held her gaze politely. Kagome could tell he was not use to Japanese, the way he phrased his sentences were similar to how children would. Feeling the need to respond Kagome cleared her throat.
"Xièxie" She thanked in Chinese, she had learnt some in school but not enough to form sentences. She hadn't really put it into practice either until now. The dragon smiled obviously impressed by her knowledge of his native tongue. However another demon had picked up her foreign words, his golden orbs now fully concentrating on the two across the room.
"May I" he gestured. "How is such a rare beauty unmated?" Although he asked with such grace, Kagome's breath hitched.
'How can he so calmly ask that?' Her usual unwavering stare twitched in irritation. Sesshoumaru eyed the woman carefully. All faith in the teen to remain decent thoughtout the evening had floated away, quick as a sunset. Kagome responded just as softly as Lord Bo Lei had asked her.
"As a respected healer in the human community, it is not abnormal to find many unmarried, myself included." Again her words spoken in near perfect Mandarin. If anything she would show that good for nothing Lord Sesshoumaru she was very educated.
If it wasn't for the sudden boom of music, Kagome would have begun to feel awkward under the intense glare from both demons. Kagome shifted, her head looking at the many dancers running into the middle of the floor, their bright pink and silver costumes glinted in the dim candlelight. All other demons retreated to the dinner tables, creating a horseshoe of eyes around the lively entertainers.
The Amused dragon, took Kagome's petite hand into his slender ones, his fingers curling around softly as he gently pulled her towards one of the tables. As the head of the household Sesshoumaru was situated at the front facing point, Amaterasu sat beside him, not seeming to cause a stir in the room, Kagome assumed it was one of those elder related situations. Kagome however was seated on the very same table, her heart racing as she acknowledged the western lord before she sat down, this she knew was a great honour.
The dancing continued while they ate, she was suddenly curious to why Sesshoumaru held a dinner party, when she was convinced demons never ate. Her studying orbs flicked around confirming her assumption. Most of the plates had poor excuses for portions.
'Mum would not like to cook for these types of people.' Kagome stopped a giggle from leaving her painted lips, but couldn't stop smiling at the thought.
After dinner Kagome quietly left the main room through one of the many doors now open. Taking in the cold air as a comfort with the many layers restricting her breathing. Letting her feet guide her away from the music and from the many outraged demon nobles. Coming up to a bamboo fence, hiding the small garden she glimpsed at on her arrival, Kagome quickened her steps.
Turning another corner she finally found the entrance. The thick bamboo hiding the world away. Without thinking she removed her shoes and placed them neatly on the walkway attached to a part of the house she didn't know. She hopped down now revelling in the feeling of the damp grass below her feet. The winds cleared her head as she ran down the small stone path with the sound of running water becoming clearer. In the distance a large cherry blossom covered a small grassy clearing. Kagome marvelled at how beautiful the garden must be in the spring. A small pond was to the left, the source of the water sound. Kagome then noticed small stepping stones leading away to another part of the hidden garden, a large shadow covered the entire patch of grass in this new secluded area of the beautiful garden. Looking upwards she noticed the large balcony.
'Whoever sleeps there has one hell of a view.' She scoffed before jumping across each stone lightly, unaware of cold eyes watching her every move. Placing a small hand against the house for balance as she jumped to the small walkway in the shaded garden.
Kagome aura spiked, she was not alone and it was not Lord Sesshoumaru.
'Just great, I knew I shouldn't have walked so far from the hall, I'm going be killed in this beautiful garden.' The young Miko couldn't keep her cool anymore. Her human heart raced and her legs buckled. She could really only hope there was another door leading into the safety of the demon lord's home.
As she passed another row of bamboo, hiding another twist in the garden, which lead off to a small flower patch. Her bright eyes glazed over. There was no doorway, just a stone bench at the far end of the man made meadow.
'This place screams Rin' she breathed, before turning around to look at the stalker.
"It seems once again humans are left at the mercy of us the higher species" A menacing smile crept the plump faced pre-teen, "and I'm so thrilled." His hungry fangs left on show to the terrified futuristic teen. She sent out a small burst of her power in a bid to rid herself of the young demon.
Sesshoumaru looked forward, bored by the frantic woman batting their eyelids. The hall had become stuffy and so he ordered some of his servants to open up a few of the sliding doors. He had noticed the Miko had left, followed by a number of grateful demons from the north who were not accustomed to the heat.
Hopefully the human wasn't so stupid as to flee the grounds. Other lesser demons would not ignore a tasty treat such as her if she left.
'This is becoming ridiculous; this Sesshoumaru is not tempted by a Miko' his stone like expression grew harsher. Rising to his feet, a few strands of hair fell in front, 'I will go find the Miko. I have yet to ask her on her unusual education after all.' Suddenly the Miko's aura flooded into his senses, signalling her endangerment. The stoic lord was now leaving and rapidly at that.
"You are a Miko? Why would Lord Sesshoumaru allow you in the walls of his palace? Does he even know what you are?" The younger demon now atop of the squirming female, her hands tightly held above her. A flush of panic filling her sky blue pools.
"Get off me!" she spat. Her words short as a clawed hand grasped her neck, the demons knees restricting her leg movement as her skirt was pulled tight by the weight of the younger teenage demon.
"ANSWER ME!" he bellowed, she was his lesser yet she dared ignore his questions. Slamming the Miko's head sideways hard against the grassy meadow ignoring the tears now streaming down her abused cheek.
"Her presence is known." A ruthless voice came from behind, Kagome shot her eyes open overwhelmed that Sesshoumaru had come to her aid. The younger boy leapt up, head low in submission.
"Forgive me, I thought she was deceiving you Lord Sesshoumaru" Kagome propped herself up on her elbows, watching the boy with hatred in her eyes. She was impressed that a stern rumble from the emotionless lord had rocked the boy's whole body in fear. Sesshoumaru dismissed the lower demon, but Kagome knew this wouldn't be all for the boy. Gold eyes dropped to the woman lying below.
"Are you injured?" Kagome shook her head. Collecting herself from the sudden attack. They stood staring at each other for longer than they should have, his sunset eyes seemed to be thinking over something. Kagome could only guess. A small rumble knocked the blue pools too look above. Small pit pat of droplets cleaned the face that only moments before was tearing in terror. Now smiling she closed her eyes welcoming the winter's downpour.
They let the rain drench them thoroughly, both enjoying the music the water droplets made when colliding with the earth and the flowers. Knocking the pollen beneath giving off a range of new smells. Kagome's once perfect silken dress now clung heavily to her. Her toes sinking into mood, whilst her hair untangled and loosely clung to her sodden body.
The teen eyed the man in front. His molten glare warming for once the rain curling around his shapely jaw. She noticed his hands were clenched, in fact he was extremely rigid.
"Are you okay?" she questioned. Hopping closer, her right hand outreached subconsciously.
"Don't" his mouth opened slightly. Whilst his eyes took in all of the water logged beauty below his gaze. She was making it very difficult to ignore her. Her hand fell to her side in one swift movement. Another flash and another crack could be heard in the distance, it was torturing him. Each flash illuminated the intriguing woman. The lightning enhanced her spicy scent.
Kagome observed the way his jaw would twitch, how his eyes had burn like a wildfire. How the water caused his hair to shimmer like diamonds. She couldn't stand it any longer.
'Why is he always so, irritating?' bowing her head breaking the silent battle their eyes held. Kagome walked forward. Passing the bewildering creature that filled her thoughts. Kagome was at breaking point, her body sizzled with the raw power not released from her frightening ordeal earlier. And now she still couldn't dispense the growing tension with the demon lord who would always begin a verbal fight with her.
When his hand snapped around her forearm it was inevitable. A sudden burst of pink light engulfed the two and within seconds the light disappeared. Kagome was pulled closer. Both sapphire and gold eyes dropped on the newly formed second limb.
"What did you do?" his grip tightened, teeth clench. The teen that was held in place quite firmly panicked, pulling back to no avail.
"It was an accident!" she stuttered. "I didn't mean, please." Still trying to tug herself away, she really had no idea what had just happened. She didn't even know how to conjure a healing spell, never mind remodelling. A crack from behind different from thunder shook the demon lord. Without warning he jumped up and onto the balcony that Kagome spotted earlier. Miko in hand dangling about like a puppet.
"You will explain yourself Miko" he stated. Kagome said nothing, did nothing, her eyes closed shut in denial. "Now" Kagome backed up against the wall, two clawed hands crushing the wood from the door obstructing her escape, azure eyes wide in fear.
'He's so angry.' Kagome gulped as his wild scent intoxicated her.
"I can't" she spoke truthfully. Not that Sesshoumaru believed her forcefully pushing her through the wooden door.
A/N: Thank you for reviewing. A bit longer this one.