Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or Avatar: The Last Airbender
Answers to random reviews!
Ryoga loves Akane: Don't worry Akane. This is, as I promised, a Zuko and Kagome fic. I know the sneak peak threw you off a little but that means that I'm doing my job. Expect the unexpected!
Pissed Off Irish Chick: It seems that everyone is confused because of the end of chapter 2. But I had to add that scene in order for the plot to move along. Trust me it's necessary.
Kuronueslover: I agree! I kept replaying the scene of Kagome telling off Inuyasha in my head but I knew that if I did add that scene it would throw me off my intended plan :(. I For your first question, you will find out in due time; For your secound question, I'm sorry to say that Shippou won't be with her at that time; For your third question, she will be close to Sesshomaru but not that close; For your fourth question..., you have to read to find out; and for your last question the inu-tachi are still around.
If I didn't answer your review and you wanted me to just let me know!
(As a little side note the length of this story depends on where I start in Book 3 of the Avatar: The Last Airbender series which is still undetermined.)
Chapter 3
And you can never tell how close you are; It may be near when it seems afar. So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit - It's when things go wrong that you mustn't quit.
-Anonymous
Usually when a person has a near-death experience their lives flash before their eyes.
The time their mom or dad first taught them how to ride a bike, their first boyfriend or girlfriend, their first heartache, their first car, the time they went on a cross-country roadtrip with their closest friends.
You know, all of the good times and the bad times.
Or at least that's what they say.
But of course, I came to that conclusion solely based on the fact that the last thing I saw was the streaming lights of white and blue flash across my face and Tatsuo's shoulder.
I didn't see my mom, my brother, or any other family members. I didn't see the memories of my first christmas without my dad or how I won the spelling bee for my school back in Junior High.
It was at these times that I wished the people actually knew what they were talking about before they decided to spew what ever drivel happens to invade their minds at the time. I know that I too am guilty of this very action from time to time. Especially in situations where I have absolutely no clue of how I got into them
Hmmm...sort of like this one.
Which, at the moment, was taking a huge turn left. As I mentioned earlier the last thing I remember seeing before my eyes instead of my life were the white and blue streaks of light.
If that's true, then how come I'm surrounded by total darkness?
"Hey wench! Wake up!"
Oh no...
"Wench!"
Please don't tell me...
"I know you hear me!"
I didn't...
"Just because you have a tendency to blackout on me doesn't mean I'm going to let you lay here out of sympathy-"
I did.
"-and waste our time when we have a lot of work to be doing!"
I could practically hear the foam fizzing from Tatsuo's mouth.
All at once I get the feeling back in my body as a pounding ache takes up residence in my head. Slowly, but carefully, I sat up and stretched out my arms and legs, It was then that I noticed that I was sitting on a rock with my feet dangling in a lake. I rubbed my eyes hoping to get rid of my foggy vision and see the lake better.
I was surprised that I was able to remember it as the lake where I first met Tatsuo when he was in his beast form.
"Now that you are up let's get moving."
I turned around to see Tatsuo leaning up against a horse that had a large bag strapped to a worn black leather satchel. Hopping down from the rock, I walked up to Tatsuo and pointed at the horse.
"Um what's with the horse and where did you get it from?" There was just so many qestions I wanted to ask him at that moment, but this one just seemed more approptiate at the time.
'Actually all of my questions would be appropriate right now since I don't know what in the WORLD is going on!'
Tatsuo raised one finger, "First, this horse is not an it. Her name is Hana and I got her from the village just on the other side of the lake," he raised another finger, "And Second, it is time for us to get a move on." Tatsuo turned to Hana, which I was told was the horse, and hopped on top of her, mindful of the load.
"There's a village?" I repeated. I watched with uncontained annoyance as he rolled his eyes at me. "That is what I just said women. Or did you blackout again?"
Ignoring that comment I marched closer to him. "If there's a village you should take me there so that I can get some more clothes!" I getured down towards my current...ahem...apparel.
"This kimono is practically hanging by a stitch now." I waved my arm around for emphasis, the sleeves torn and hanging down to the ground.
I heard Tatsuo sigh heavily. "I already took care of that when I was in the village earlier. As well as getting some food for our trip."
"Oh." Well don't I just feel extra special. "Ok then. Where are we going?"
Tatsuo lost the irritated look on his face which now held a smirk. "As I said before me and you are going to go and visit Lord Sesshomaru. An old friend of mine." He reached down and pulled me up onto the horse with one tug. I gasped as I clutched his shoulders to stop my wobbling.
"I forgot that you were a demon for a second." I felt his body shake with chuckles.
"My human form has that effect on ningen."
How modest.
"Pssh. Let's just get going. The sooner I found out about what's happening the better."
END KAGOME P.O.V
SESSHOMARU P.O.V
"Such incompetence..." I sigh and ran a hand over my face as I read over each report in the sanctuary of my study. I, of course, could not let anyone, friend or foe, see me in my state of weakness such as now. It was something that I was taught as a pup; to never let my gaurd down around anyone.
Ever.
But regrettably that was beginning to become an obstacle that I had to face each day. In the past, I have been able to put up a mask of indifference without so much as a thought.
Now...
Now I was the gaurdian of a ningen girl of whom my beast has identified as pack, even as a daughter of sorts.
I bared my fangs at the wall across from me at that thought. I Sesshomaru should not have to reduce myself to being the babysitter of a filthy human. I came from a long line of royal blood and human-hating demons, excluding my damned father. I am the reigning lord of the western lands and the most powerful demon in existence. If I chose to do so I could wipe out the other lords and be the ruler of Japan. But alas I needed the other lords just as much as they needed me even if they had the tendency to annoy me.
I ripped myself away from my chair and moved over to the large window to the left of my desk. If anyone else were to have witnessed my movement, they would have seen nothing but a blur.
That made me smirk.
My name alone would instill fear into the greatest of warriors and yet had they still had the gall to approach my person and challenge me. I scoffed. I wonder wether or not humans have actually courage or if stupidity reigned their minds.
My eyes roamed the lands at which I now call mine. I spy Rin picking flowers in the garden and throwing them up in the air as she smiled and laughed. I could feel my anger lessen and posture relax as she threw flowers at Jaken. I was amazed at how something as simple as flowers could easily capture her attention. Although I was somewhat grateful for the distraction. Her childish mind couldn't possible comprehend the battles, death, and trecheries that plague these lands year round.
But this observation only led me to ask how could I, such a dangerous being, come in contact with someone so innocent in both mind and body?
My eyes flashed red as my mind was haunted by the memory.
FLASHBACK
"My Lord! My Lord!" I pinned Jaken with a glare for his hellish screeching made my beast squirm with anguish.
"You will do well to remember to lower your voice next time Jaken or this Sesshomaru will make sure you never speak again. Is that clear?" My beast growled in satisfaction as it cold practically taste the fear rolling off of the hysterical kappa.
"I-I'm sorry Lord Sesshomaru b-but I came to t-t-t-t-t-tel-" His stuttering was grating on my nerves.
"Out with it fool!" I growled.
I watched with distaste as the kappa 'eeped' and dropped to his knees. His arms were spread out and his face buried in the dirt. I raised an eyebrow as his words of apology were muffled by the dirt. No matter how many times I've seen him do that it never failed to amuse me.
He finally raised his head after his rant was over, his yellow eyes peering into mine before dropping once again to the ground.
"I'm sorry my lord, but on my way to find a hot spring for my lord to bathe in, I spied wolves from the northern territories wreaking havoc on one of the villages my lord!"
On the outside my face remained passive, while on the inside my beast howled with displeasure.
'How dare those ingrates trampel their dirty, flea-ridden paws on our lands and cause havoc!'
'Calm my beast.'
'Calm? I will not stay calm! I will tear them limb from limb for this is not the first time those damn wolves have caused trouble in our territory.'
My beast was correct. In the past I have had many encounters with said wolves. Wether they are terrorizing villages, destroying crops, or eating the innocent. It disgusted me to no end that they would lower themselves to eat humans. Although I despise humans I would never waste my time with digesting the flesh of one.
'We must rectify this situation'
I felt my claws twitch in anticipation. My primal instincts took over as I shot out of the clearing leaving Jaken behind in favor of chased down my prey.
As I ran through the forest, jumping from branch to branch, I caught the scent of blood.
Ningen blood.
I slowed as the scent grew stronger, as well as the scent of death.
Time seemed to slowed as I walked upon the mangled corpse of a little girl. Obvious teeth marks covering her arms legs and what was left of her torso, her eyes wide and blank, her blood pooling around her body.
I wrinkled my nose, not in disgust, but in horror. Though I held a deep hatred for a human race, I could not help but feel an inkling an inkling of remorse for the shortened lifespan of a the little girl.
Troubled by the scent of death, I pivoted on the heel of my foot and moved to walk away until I felt the pulse of my Tenseiga.
'Tenseiga?'
I walked back towards the little girl and the Tenseiga pulsed faster. Perplexed, I took out Tenseiga and saw the ghouls of the underworld picking at the girl's remains. I quickly cut through each of the ghouls and watched with rapt fascination as the girl's body began to repair itself.
The once gruesome tears in her body smoothed over with unblemished skin, the body parts bent in odd angles bent back to their original states, and the once lifeless eyes were full of life with wonder.
"Wh-who are you?"
At that moment Jaken decided to make an appearance and almost recoiled at the site of a human.
"You disgusting little wench! You bow down to Lord Sesshomaru when he is in your presence! How dare you look up at him with such disrespect? You sh-" Before I knew it I squashed the little kappa's face into the dirt with my foot, shushing him for the time being.
"Hush Jaken." My deep voice resonating through the forest making the little girl shiver. "I am Lord Sesshomaru. Ruler of the Western Lands and son of the great Dog General Inu Taisho. I have revived you with my Tenseiga."
The girl's gaze widened in awe and wonder as she gazed upon me, no doubt that she held up my image in a new light.
"Th-thank you Sesshomaru-sama...for saving me."
Figured that my time was done. I turned away from the little girl and began walking as Jaken jumped up from the ground and began flailing behind me. "My Lord! Please wait for your loyal servant! My Lord!"
I raised an eyebrow and turned to scold Jaken until I noticed that the little girl had followed behind. She peeked up at me while twiddling her thumbs, embarrased that she had been caught. Instead of pointing out the obvious I simply gave up on my chance to exhibit my dominance to Jaken and once again continued on my way, the little girl following.
END FLASHBACK
Ever since then, I find myself growing more attached to Rin, and Jaken, as days go by.
Forcing the thoughts from my head I move my gaze to my cluster of concubines who sat near the large fountain in the middle of the garden. Some must have caught my aura because as soon as I gazed upon them they turned and bowed their head in greeting. I gave a slight nod to acknowledge them.
It was a wonder that I had kept my concubines as long as I did. My actions consisted of me scouting out a suitable strong demon female, rutted them, and kept on my way; mostly doing this during the mating season. But these days, I have found myself craving a woman's touch, a woman's warmth...
A woman's love.
That is why I have kept these women around, even though they don't fully satisfy my needs. I keep them around until I find someone better, someone who will be able to give me everything I want.
After my musings I made my way back to my desk, until a loud knock on the double doors of my study alerted me. I slid into my chair and took a sniff of the air. The scent and aura of my visitor was easily identifiable but strangely hidden within the aura of my visitor was another less identifiable aura. This definately surprised me for I have knowledge of every aura for everyone that took up residence or worked in my castle unless they were sent here by the Youkai Order or sent here on personal business by my mother. Other than that no one should enter my residence without my knowledge.
'Hm. It seems we have a visit from the Royal Gaurd. But what is the other prescence master?'
'It does and I, unfortunately, do not recognize the other, beast.'
I could feel my best snarl and rattle in it's confinement.
'I do not like this master. We must find out the origin of the aura.'
'This I know. Settle down beast I will take care of this.'
"Enter," I commanded.
"My Lord," My most trusted general, Tso Pai, walked into my study with his head bowed and his gaze averted. He was dressed in his usual practice kimono, one of all black with a blue sash and stitching and a crescent moon outlined in red on the right peck of the kimono top. Coming from China, Tso Pai was still adjusting to the Japanese culture, for which I give him credit. Recently transfering from my mother's command, Tso Pai was given to me as a sort of "Thank You" present after I helped mother with a spreading famine. At first I was reluctant to take in a warrior who had know idea of how to direct himself across these lands, although he was rumored to be the best. In the end, Tso Pai impressed me with his determination to bring honor to his name like no other.
"What business do you have with this Sesshomaru General?" I folded my hands on the desk top and leaned forward.
General Tso moved to kneel before my desk and stretch out his hands where a crinckled and dusty rolled up scroll lay limp.
"And what exactly is this?" I carefully lifted the scroll from his hands, afraid that it may turn to ash and blow away in the wind. "The scroll is the information about enchantments that you ordered me to look up for you in the private library sir." General Tso did not lift his head as he spoke. I lifted a brow as I watched my general. His teachings were coming along just fine. He already knew of the proper etiquette when in the presence of a Lord: Never look in their eyes and bow your heads unless instructed to do so.
"Hn. So it is," I set the scroll to the side. "If that is all you are dismissed general," I said as I began to carefully unravel the aged scroll.
"Ah, but that scroll was not all I was here for My Lord." General Tso lifted his head this time but still refused to look me in the eye. This action made me suspiscious for General Tso was hesitant to break any rules here. It still amazed me of how fast he was able to adjust after a major change in location.
"Then what is it?" I asked with as much patience as I could muster.
"I was given a message to deliever to you," this time he pulled out a small sqaure package wrapped in red silk with an orange ribbon. "It is from Lord Tatsuo My Lord." He rested the package on my desk and backed away.
To say that I was surprised was an understatement. The last time I had heard from my old mentor was right after the last battle my sire perished in. Although I never showed it Tatsuo's departure was devastating as a pup due to the fact that he was like a second father to me. When my sire wasn't around it was Tatsuo I went to for advice on the many obstacles of life. Wether it were the protocols of mating or my behavior as the heir, Tatsuo was there through it all. He was even there the day I was brought into this world, helping my mother's personal nurse birth me.
"Are you sure General? This Sesshomaru does not like being lied to."
"No Lord Sesshomaru."
I picked the package up carefully, somewhat afraid that this was unreal, a trick. The package was wrapped in his signature colors but this could still easily be a facade. I turned the package in every angle I could think of, stopping when I spied Tatsuo's family crest glowing brightly through the silk.
'So it is true. Lord Tatsuo has returned.'
"Indeed..." I whispered to myself.
I placed the package next to the scroll and voiced to General Tso that he could take his leave. Staring at the package I couldn't help but wonder why Tatsuo would choose to surface now, if this even was Tatsuo, and why.
Only time would tell.
END SESSHOMARU P.O.V
KAGOME P.O.V
I was all up for road trips, especially long ones so it would give us time to sight see and simply enjoy the feeling of escaping to a place unfamiliar to you.
But this was just rediculous.
I yawned as I burried my head into Tatsuo's neck, my chin lightly bouncing on his shoulder in rhythm with the horse. The sun and light of the day were now replaced with the moon and darkness of the night. Seeing as how I didn't have a watch I didn't know how long we had been traveling but I did know that it had been a long, long time.
"Are we there yet?" I whined. I had nodded off a few times almost causing myself to fall off of the horse, which irritated both me and Tatsuo. So to keep a better eye on me. and my movements, Tatsuo positioned me to where I was sitting in his lap sideways so he would still be able to control the horse.
"No," came his monotone voice.
Silence.
"Are we there yet?"
"No."
Silence.
"Are we there yet?"
"No."
I sighed. My "Annoy-the-crap-out-of-my-captor" plan wasn't working and I was starting to get discouraged. Usually when I get taken by rogue bandits this always works and then Inu-
My mood instantly deflated.
And to think by now we would have been mated and happy sitting in Goshinkibo tree and watching the sunset if he wasn't such low down, two-timing hanyou with the mind of a horny teenager who couldn't wait to get laid!
"Asshole..." I whispered.
"Just because I won't give you the answer you long for? I hardly call that fair."
Oh. He was listening.
"Umm...I wasn't talking about you."
"Really? Then who?"
I sighed. This wasn't something that I was really ready to talk about. "Well it happened like this..."
FLASHBACK
"Inuyasha!" I called from the bottom of the well. Of all the times that Inuyasha would choose to ignore me he would choose now. "Infuriating," I whispered as I began to climb up the ivy vines.
"Inuyasha I am so going to kill you when I get out of here..." I whispered as I reached the top. I heard a rustling of clothing and a warmth spread in my heart and was immediately overcome with a feeling of happiness and anger. Happiness because I was close to the man I love most in the world and anger because he didn't help me out of this stupid well.
I expected him to greet me with a hug and a shower of kisses, something he started doing once we shared our love for each other, but instead I was greeted by the sight of him and Kikyou talking. Usually I would be taken aback but I knew that now that Inuyasha loved me that nothing would come between us, something he shared with me last night at Kaede's.
I watched with growing apprehension as she stepped closer and laid a hand on his chest.
For some reason I didn't want them to know I was here so I lifted myself quietly off of the lip of the well and snuck behind it, crouching down low.
"Inuyasha," I heard Kikyou say. "Kikyou...I-I can't do it. I have Kagome now and even though we had some good times I can't just abandon her like this. I won't," he said shaking his head.
Abandon me?
"But Inuyasha. I was the first woman you loved. She is nothing but my reincarnation. She doesn't even belong here."
Inuyasha once again shook his head and step back, only willing Kikyou to take a step forward. "No.."
"Please Inuyasha. Look at me." Kikyou whispered grabbing his head in her hands and turning his face to make connection with hers.
My eyes windened. 'No don't look at her!'
Somehow I knew he would.
"Kikyou..."
"You love me Inuyasha. Not her. You know this and you are only avoiding me and using this girl as front so you would not succomb to your true desires. Your true desires being me." With that Kikyou tilted her head up and kissed him. It didn't take a genius to know how stiff Inuyasha was being; how hesitant. But sadly I watched as the man I loved respond to a woman he claimed to be over.
"Kikyou..." he whispered.
At this point my earlier feelings were completely squashed by the feelings of loneliness and grief.
"I-I'll see what I can do. Kikyou..."
Kikyou pulled away from him completely her cold face exhibiting a smile. "I love you Inuyasha." Even from here I could tell that her statement was forced. The corners of her lips were twitching madly, as if she couldn't wait to be alone so she could frown again.
Inuyasha, being the oh so observant hanyou he is, just smiled back, almost unsurely. "I love you too K-Kikyou."
They shared one more quick kiss before Kikyou was carted off by her soul stealers.
I stood from my hiding place and watched with a blurry vision as Kikyou disapperead behind the trees. I didn't take my eyes away from the sky when I heard Inuyasha gasp at my appearance. I didn't look into his eyes when he appeared closer to me, right behind me. I didn't even flinch when he wrapped his arms around me and buring his face into my hair.
Okay, maybe I did just a little.
But I couldn't bring myself to make any certain moves. I was still numb from the shock of his betrayal.
"Kagome..." I clenched my fists as I heard my name pass through his lips. The same lips that had kissed mine and roamed my body the night before. The same lips that had just kissed Kikyou's and whispered of lies.
"Don't say my name," I snapped back.
With how hard his entire body stiffened behind me I could almost mistake him for a statue.
"You don't deserve me," I continued on. "You don't deserve my love, my affection, my attention."
"Kagome," he started as his grip tightened.
"Don't. I don't want anymore of your lies, your promises, your words." I forcefully pulled my body away from Inuyasha's with much difficulty seeing as how he refused to let me go.
"I don't want you. Not anymore." I knew I was contradicting myself. I wanted nothing more than to run back into his arms and for him to tell me how he made a mistake and that he would always love me and not Kikyou but I knew it wasn't gonna happen.
"Kagome please I love you. I really do. It's just Kikyou. She needs me," he pleaded as he reached for me.
"Damn it Inuyasha! I need you! I need you! I'm the one who has been here for you! I'm the one who took you off of that damn tree, something I'm really starting to regret," I watched in morbid satisfaction as he flinched obviously hurt by my statement. "And yet you sit here and still go after the shell of a woman who doesn't exist anymore! That's not the real Kikyou Inuyasha and you know it! Even after you tell me you love me! I mean come on Inuyasha! I let you touch me in ways no man has ever touched me before but you still take me for granted! You're so...so...idiotic! I don't even know what I saw in you!" I was running on the adrenaline I got from releasing my feelings.
Inuyasha backed away from me; his ears dropping low to his head. Under any other circumstances I would have thought that this cute but now I felt nothing watching him stand there.
Nothing.
"Kagome I do love you. I need you just as much as you need me and I didn't lie when I said that I wanted to mate you!" He took one step towards me, his eyes glazing over and trailing over my body.
I knew what he was thinking about.
"Last night was amazing Kagome. I will always cherish it. But with Kikyou still living I-"
"You know what? Damn you Inuyasha! Damn you, damn Kikyou, and damn everything 'cause I'm sick and tired of all the bullshit spewing from that damned mouth of yours. I'm done with this and I'm done with you!" I turned and started to run away as I held up the kimono to keep from tripping.
"No Kagome please!" He grabbed my hand.
"Let go!"
"What about Shippou? and Sango? Miroku?"
"I'll come back for them. But not for you." I pulled away and began to job leaving a stunned and hurt Inuyasha behind.
But with a quick thought I turned around. "I bet you didn't even notice that I was wearing a kimono. Something I wanted to wear espeially for you." I gestured down to the kimono which I had specially made. The front dipped down lower than a traditional kimono would and the sides were split up the sides showing every bit of my legs.
Inuyasha's eyes widened as he looked me over again. "Wow. Kagome..."
"So Inuyasha. Didn't you tell Kikyou that you would do something about me? I think you're exact words were 'I'll see what I can do' or am I wrong?" Inuyasha whined pitifully his ears now completely hidden in his hair.
"Kagome don't leave me."
"Go to hell Inuyasha. At least Kikyou would be happy and I wouldn't be in pain anymore."
END FLASHBACK
"What makes this so sad was that during the whole time I was yelling at him I wanted nothing more than to kiss him. Does that make me weak?" I asked as I snuggled more into Tatsuo.
I felt him wrap an arm around my waist. "No miko. It makes you human."
I could tell that there was a double meaning to his words but I chose not to say anything.
Silence.
"Are we there yet?"
"No."
Of course not.
END KAGOME P.O.V
SESSHOMARU P.O.V
"Lord Sesshomaru," yelled my ward Rin. She ran up to me, a bouquet of freshly picked flowers in one hand and a delirous Jaken in the other. I closed my eyes in annoyance. Was there not someone competent enough to look after a small child?
"My Lord. Please save this lowly servant of yours," Jaken pleaded pathetically from Rin's grip. I watched with amusement as Rin shook Jaken before dropping him to the floor.
"Rin brought Jaken to Lord Sesshomaru because Jaken was being a meany again!" Rin threw Jaken a look before looking up at me, her brown eyes widening with tears. I held in my want to sigh. When Rin gave me said look my beast would go weak and give in to the girl's wants. There were times where I was reluctant to let her accompany me when scouting my lands.
"Jaken," my voice boomed through the corridor. When Jaken's tiny imp body cowered in fear, my beast rumbled with pleasure.
'The imp still fears us.'
'As he should.'
"What have you done to cause this Sesshomaru's ward distress?"
"N-Nothing m-my Lord," his body was so shaking so hard his staff was rattling against the marble floor with increasing rhythm. I growled, baring my fangs and showing my dislike for the ear-splitting noise.
"Cease that unneccessary noise imp."
All was silent.
Jaken squeaked and fell to his knees his staff lay unmovng next to him. "Oh Sesshomaru-sama I am so sorry! Please forgive this lowly servant of yours!"
My eye twitched slightly as Jaken's attempt at an apology rambled on and on. I heard Rin giggle in front of me and knew that she could tell how Jaken's behavior affected me. More proof to show that this human child was closer to me than need be. She could read me easily like a book. I looked down to meet her eyes. Rin immediately stopped laughing and placed a hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter.
"Hn." I turned my attention back to Jaken.
"Sesshomaru-sama."
I spun on my heel to come face-to-face with Mina, one of my personal servants.
"Yes Mina?"
Mina bowed before me. "You are needed at the front gates Sesshomaru-sama." I narrowed my eyes. "Is there a threat upon my castle?" Mina shook her head; straightening up from her bowed position.
"No. Sesshomaru-sama. You have a visitor by the name of Lord Tatsuo.
I stiffened. "You are sure of this?"
Mina nodded. "Yes my Lord."
Many thoughts ran into my mind as to why he was here, what he wanted, and why now. I raced past Mina and a a span of a few seconds I was at the heavy, dark wooden doors that led to the outside of my abode and a sense of familiarity filled my being as I gazed at the result of my mother's hard work. In the middle of both doors was the crescent moon surrounded a bundle of clouds. In the bottom corners of both doors, an Inu in it's beast form howled at the moon; the fur curled in certain places and the eyes red as rubies. There were no other designs because my mother preferred it simple. I, on the other hand, felt that the doors didn't do my mother justice and had a professional sculpture carve my mother's profile into the top right of the right door.
'Mother has not contacted us in 30 moons.'
'Indeed.'
'Beast is worried for our Alpha Female.'
'Hn. The woman is doing just fine. She is strong. The strongest female of our kind.'
With that, my beast was silent. As I walked forward, I pushed the doors open with eyes and was bombarded with the sight of my gaurds surrounding the top of the staircase.
"Part." The guards one-by-one moved off to the side to give me a view of my visitor.
END SESSHOMARU P.O.V
TATSUO P.O.V
I sighed in relief as I reached the outside of the marble gates of the city surrounding the Castle of the Moon. If I had to hear Kagome ask me if we were there yet one more time I would have stitched her mouth shut for the rest of the trip here, but thankfully for her luck was on our side.
'Hn. Besides I didn't feel like dealing with the blood of this human woman all over my hands.'
"State your business here." A guard said stepping out of the small building that I concluded was his post.
"I am Lord Tatsuo, Sessomaru's old mentor and Lord Inu no Taisho's advisor."
The gaurd narrowed his eyes and grabbed at the sword at his hip. 'As if that puny little stick could penetrate me.'
"That is impossible. Everyone knows that Lord Tatsuo perished in battle with Inu no Taisho centuries ago." He unsheather his sword. I willed the horse to trod up a few steps despite the gaurd's stance.
"Apparently boy I did not. For if I did indeed die don't you think that a body would have been discovered? I know for a fact that your records show that there was no body to recover seeing as how I am standing here in the breathing flesh and talking to you. Now take me to Lord Sesshomaru."
The gaurd resheathed his sword but did not give in to my demands. Instead he switched his gaze to the onna in my lap who was wide awake but quiet watching our exchange.
'That's a first.'
"Who is the ningen?"
"This is-"
"I am Higurashi Kagome. The Shikon Miko," Kagome said with a small bow of her head.
My eyebrows shot up in surprise as I had never heard her speak in a such a regal tone. Either her voice was soft and childlike or loud and vibrant. Now it was just monotone.
"How do I know that this is true?"
Kagome pulled away from a little and reached down into the fron tof her kimono and pulled out a small jar on a string filled with pink glittering shards.
"These are the pieces of the Shikon no Tama. Do you really think that I would have these in my possesion with as pure as they are if I wasn't the Shikon Miko? Besides I know that rumors of my appearances here have reached the western lands by now as it does every other place."
So the Miko did have a backbone.
Not that I didn't know that already. The girl nearly blew my head off with that voice of hers screaming in my ear earlier.
"You may past," the girl said after a few more moments of silence.
I backed the horse up as the gaurd opened the gates. I was not at all surprised that there was an extra protective barrier that we had to past through after we walked past the gates. I felt the tingling in my bones as the barrier let me through.
"Woah. What was that?"
"That little onna was the protective barrier Sesshomaru has surrounding his city."
"Really? Are you sure? Because I've never felt a barrier like that. It's like there was something...flowing inside my body as we went through it." I chuckled a bit as I felt her shiver.
"That is because the barrier was judging you."
"What do you mean judging me?"
I brought the horse to a stop near a stable that was next to a pond of water. I jumped from off of the horse with Kagome in my arms. I set her down and began taking the bags from the back of the horse.
"When I say that the barrier was judging you, I meant that it was checking both your body and your mind to see if your intentions and business in this city were actually were sincere and pure."
"Oh. That makes sense."
After completely unstrapping the horse, I brought the horse over to the owner of the stable. "I would like to house my horse here for a while." The owner nodded. "That would be 1000 yen." I took the money from a small pouch attached to my hakamas. After handing him the money, the owner of the stable took the reigns of my horse and put him in one of the stalls.
I turned to tell Kagome that it was time for us to get moving, but instead I was granted with the sight of Kagome marveling at the bustling city around her. I was hit with a sudden deja vu as Kagome twirled around to catch sight of a young woman selling exotic birds on the side of the red brick road.
'Midoriko acted just like that when she first started her training. So childlike.."
I was shook out of my thoughts by the call of my name.
"Tatsuo!"
I looked over to see Kagome waving at me enthusiastically, a white bird with silver feathers and dark black eyes.
I ran over to her side and took the bird gently on her arm. "Aw come on Tatsuo!" Kagome complained. I rolled my eyes and through her over her shoulder. "We need to get moving if you want answers to your questions."
"Ok. But do you have to carry me?"
"Mhm. This way, I could get their faster without your weak human vitality slowling me down."
"Hey!"
Taking a running head start, I jumped in the air and hopped from on the tops of the building with a frantic human miko on my shoulder.
END TATSUO P.O.V
SESSHOMARU P.O.V
"Lady Ayano?"
Said woman bowed low before me. "Hello My Lord. I know my visist is quite unepected."
"Unexpected indeed little sister."
Ayano raised up and smiled at me her eyes twinkling before glomping me in a hug. "Ayano..." I growled dangerously. It was one thing to show my sister affection but in the sight of others was another. Apparently though me and my beast had diffeent opinions of our current situation for he was purring in delight as my aura came in contact with a fellow pack mate.
'Sister...'
Ayano giggled before releasing me from her hold. "Oh what ever Aniki! You know you love it when I pop up unexpected. It's what makes my visits special!" I could tell from the scents all around me that my guards were amused by our display. I growled in warning to my guards but was interrupted my younger sister flicking me in the nose.
"Ayano!" I reprimanded.
"He he sorry Aniki! Anyway where is Rin? It's been so long since I've seen my niece! Where is she? RIN! oh RIN!" I watched helplessly as my sister ran past me and through the double doors still shouting the name of my ward.
"Troublesome girl isn't she?"
All at once murmurs broke out around me as I locked eyes with my old mentor. He looked the same as always. His height intimidating, his eyes bright, his skin dark, and his clothes in the colors of his clan. Except this time, hanging on his person was a ningen female. More specifically my half-brother's wench.
"Tatsuo."
Tatsuo broke into a smirk. "I swear Sesshomaru. You look more like your father than the last time I saw you."
"This Sesshomaru is nothing like my sire. He was follish and weak."
"Because he found true love?"
"Hn."
"Um...as much as I enjoy tearful reunions such as this one, could you please put me down Tatsuo? My stomach is starting to hurt." I watched as Tatsuo rolled his eyes before setting the wench down. I curled my lips in disgust as I set my eyes upon her attire.
"Is this Sesshomaru's wretched half-brother not taking care of his mate-to-be as he should or does your kind normally dress like filth?"
The miko's eyes narrowed and I knew that I had struck a nerve. I was surprised, though I did not show, when she did not utter a word.
"Are your deaf woman?" I prodded.
The miko crossed her arms and looked away. "I prefer not to speak of said wretched brother."
"Excuse me Sesshomaru but my appearance as well as the miko's are just. We are here to ask you for assisstance." Tatsuo stepped up blocking my view of the woman behind him.
"Assisstance in what?" Tatsuo sighed. "I would rather we conduct business in your study." I saw Tatsuo smirk and knew that he was up to no good. History with Tatsuo proved to be sufficient enough to prove that whatever he was up to would benefit both me and him.
I wasn't sure if this was a sign of good fortune or impending doom.
END SESSHOMARU P.O.V
KAGOME P.O.V
I stayed close to Tatsuo as we follwed Sesshomaru into his home. The way the gaurds were eyeing me, as if I was a piece of meat was totally unsettling. 'I'm human! Aren't they supposed to be repulsed by me.'
One guard looked to my neck and his eyes glazed over. I put my hand on the bottle which lay right under my kimono. 'They must be attracted to the shards. Of course.'
But this revelation only made me feel worse.
Me and Tastuo followed Sesshomaru up a large marble gold and marroon stair case and to the left. We walked a bit before stopping at a pair of golden double doors with a large Inu carved in the middle.
"If you don't mind me asking Sesshomaru-" said man cut me a look. "-sama. Sesshomaru-sama. That is you in your true form, no?" Sesshomaru nodded before pusing bothe doors open.
The study was way bigger than normal size. In front us a few yards away was a wooden desk, polished and decorated with golden and marroon carvings of cherry blossom trees. Behind the desk was a clear and sparkly net that cut the room in half. Behind the curtain was a large sitting area with a range of different size pillows set up tastefully. One pillow stood out from the rest seeing as how it was the only light colored pillow. On both walls were windows that showed a perfect view of the outdoors.
"Wow! The view is beautiful from up here!" I pushed past both Tatsuo and Sesshomaru, unknowingly, and pressed my hands against the glass of the window. "Oh my goodness! Look at all the flowers and statues!"
"Hn. You are just like Rin. Your attention span is 5 seconds max."
I wasn't sure whether or not that was an insult, observation, or a compliment. But I chose to ignore it nonetheless.
"Now Kagome." I squeaked as Tatsuo picked me up and set me up on my legs in front of Sesshomaru who was sitting comfortabley on a bed of pillows with his arm resting on a bent leg. "You must go through the proper etiquette when in the presence of one so regal," he said before getting down on his knees himself.
If that wasn't sarcasm I don't know what is.
"Now Kagome. Go on with your question," Tatsuo urged me.
I sighed. Didn't we already go through this?
"I, Higurashi Kagome and Shikon Miko, and Lord Tatsuo are in need of your assistance." 'Ugh that sounded so horrible! He won't consider it. He's gonna kick us out on our asse-'
"What is it that you require of this Sesshomaru?" His voice to this day, still sends shivers down my spine. I looked up from my place on the floor, surprised that he had actually took my question of favor into consideration.
"My Lord, I Tatsuo, and the Shikon Miko Higurashi request not only your assistance in the defeat of Naraku, but your assistance in the training of sword play."
I watched as Sesshomaru raised his infamous eyebrow. I could tell that he had not expected the second request to fall from his old friend's lips. I myself didn't expect it either. Though I still had no idea what was going on, I knew better than to open my mouth without permission.
"Hn. This is all that is required?" Sesshomaru shot a questioning glare towards Tatsuo. Tatsuo nodded, unaffected by his stare.
Sesshomaru then looked at me. "Rise Miko."
I obeyed. "Yes Milord?"
After another moment of silence, I felt a wave of relief and excitement wash over me as he nodded. 'He said yes!' I mentally cheered.
"But," my excitement crashed. "I require a favor in return."
"Anything Lord Sesshomaru." I rushed, wantin gmore than anything for this to be over.
I saw a flash of mischeif in his golden eyes before he got up and stepped foreward, pulling my body up and close to his.
"Tatsuo. If you may show yourself out. " His voice boomed, his eyes still peering into mine.
"Of course My Lord." I could practically hear the amusement in his voice. 'The filthy little traitor. Somehow I know he knew this was going to happen. Just wait until I get a hold of that backstabber!'
I gasped as he yanked me closer, to where I could feel his breath upon my lips.
My heart pounded in my chest while blood rushed from my cheeks, towards my clevage as I felt the tingling sensation that Sesshomaru's claw left behind as he traced it down my jaw and towards my neck.
"This evening I require a bedmate." I felt my knees begin to crumble under me. 'It's a good thing that he's holding me or else I'd be abig heap on the floor.'
"And that bedmate is you."
That's the last thing I heard as I fell into the sweet embrace of darkness and silence.
A/N: To be completely honest, this wasn't supposed to be the end of the chapter but I've been staring at this computer all day trying to get this chapter out tonight and eye strain is starting to take it's toll on me.
Also, I accept any flamers. Just no cussing please.
P.S: The story WILL move into the Avatar universe around chapters 5 and 6!
JA NE!