Unwelcome

Author's Note: I added a single sentence to the previous chapter, not terribly important, but it did fix a slight timing error for upcoming events. It's right when they first come to Kata's room.

Chapter Five

By the time they left the hot springs, the sun had risen above the mountain, signaling that they had missed breakfast. Kagome's stomach growled loudly, however, and she giggled when she heard Kata's stomach respond in kind.

"I don't know about you, but I'm starving! We've missed breakfast, but I'm sure we can scrounge some leftovers from the kitchen. After that, would you like a tour?" Kagome inquired, her mind racing. She knew the girl was still extremely uncomfortable, which was to be expected. It has taken Kagome awhile, herself, to accept the new reality she had been thrust into at such a young age. Kagome felt responsible for the girl, but couldn't figure out if it was because Hanae had come to her, or because their stories were so similar. Either way, Kagome was determined to help this girl come to terms with her fate.

Kata gave a slight nod, her eyes to the floor. Kagome glanced at her, confused and wondering why the girl was acting so reserved. She blanched when she realized the girl was acting like a slave which, up until last night, was what she had been. Sighing, Kagome slowly linked her arm with Kata's, causing to girl to look up.

"You don't have to if you don't want to." She stated, watching as Kata's eyes widen. "We don't keep slaves here, Sesshoumaru says it is demoralizing to force someone's allegiance. I wouldn't stand for it if he did."

A myriad of emotions crossed Kata's face, from fear, to confusion, and finally settling on hope. Kata nodded again, more firmly this time and replied, "Yes, I would like that very much. Thank you, Kagome-sama."

Smiling, Kagome began to lead her down the hall and to the kitchen. "Please, just Kagome is fine."

Once they had eaten their fill of the fruit and bread leftover from breakfast, Kata had followed Kagome back to the rooms she shared with InuYasha, which were on the ground floor and opened to the courtyard. It would do neither of them any good to be walking around the castle in their pajamas, and since she had no clothes of her own, Kagome had decided to let Kata borrow a few kimonos.

Kata, however, eyed the pieces of silk, an unsure look on her face. "Are you sure, Kagome? These must've been very expensive."

"Of course I'm sure! We can't have you walking around in your under things, can we?" Kagome giggled and Kata blushed at the implication, quickly shaking her head before getting dressed. It had been such a long time since she had worn anything other than her slave outfit, save for a few costume pieces when she was made to perform. She sighed at how soft the fabric felt against her skin.

"Would you help me tie my obi?" Kagome asked, as she tugged on her own kimono. "I'm terrible with these things."

Kata gave a slight giggle as she watched the girl before her struggle with the offending fabric. Taking pity, she stepped behind the girl, who was just a couple inches shorter than she was, and made quick work of the knot as Kagome grumbled about having to wear such restrictive clothing. Once finished, she patted the elegant knot smooth and took a step back. Kagome turned around and smiled before clapping her hands together.

"Okay, so I figured we would start the tour in the west wing, since that is where you will be sleeping and, well, we are already here." Kagome shrugged, sheepishly, as she led the way out of the room. Pointing out Kata's room a few doors down the hall, the girls both peered in the room, happy that the maids were finished. A large futon with silk sheets lay against the far wall, a large wardrobe and a writing desk against the other. Also, Kata noticed, there was not a speck of dust in sight. Unease crept through her. Surely, these people would realize that they were wrong about her. As soon as they did, they would cast her out, or worse. Gulping, she thought of the silver-haired demon and his sharp claws. Kagome motioned for them to continue the tour, and Kata sighed, making a silent vow not to get too comfortable.

Quickly following Kagome down the hall, she half listened as the girl pointed out a few unused rooms before leading them up a winding staircase in the rear of the house. Honestly, she was having trouble concentrating, her mind still trying to make sense of what was going on. A large part of her still felt like she was dreaming, and any moment she would wake up on her cot in her room at Ryoko's. Subtly, she pinched the soft flesh on the inside of her arm, wincing when it hurt. But couldn't she feel pain in her dreams as well? Sighing again, she turned her attention back to Kagome.

"- and the second floor is where Rin and Shippou's rooms are. You'll meet them in a little bit. In fact, I'm surprised they haven't sought us out already." On the third floor, Kagome stopped in front of a pair of large, mahogany doors. Each door had intricate carvings, displaying two large dogs sitting on their heels and howling at a crescent moon. Kata gasped at the beauty in the details, almost feeling as if the dogs were alive and breathing.

"These doors lead to Sesshoumaru-sama's study. If he ever summons you, this is more than likely were you would report." Kagome said, causing Kata to stiffen in fear.

"W-why would he summon me?" Kata asked nervously, her heart pounding in her chest at the thought of facing the demon, whom had almost killed her a few hours before. She glanced nervously at the doors once more, wondering if he was on the other side. Kagome gave her a small, sad smile as she paused her tour.

"Don't worry, I don't think he's in there. I can't feel him, anyway. I do want to apologize for what you went through, earlier. Sesshoumaru-sama takes his duties very seriously, and that includes protecting his lands and his home. None of us knew what to think when you practically just appeared on our doorstep, so to speak. Not like that is an excuse, of course. Sesshoumaru-sama can definitely be a jerk and he almost never breaks that icy façade of his, but he is nothing if not honorable." Kata saw the sincere look in her eyes and nodded slightly, still unable to shake the image of sharp claws reaching for her throat. Kagome sighed and continued down the hall, shaking her head slightly. At the end of the hall was another grand staircase, which led them down to the entrance of the castle.

Quickly, Kagome showed Kata around the East wing, which consisted of a ballroom on the first floor, as well as a few guest rooms and the library (the latter of which contained InuYasha and the poor scholar he was currently scowling and cursing at). Kata made special note of the library. Reading had always been one of her favorite ways to pass the time. Her father had insisted she learn, and would read to her every night when she was little. The North wing held the kitchen, which they had visited earlier, and a large dining room. The second and third floors housed the servants and guards, Kagome explained. Finally, Kagome led her outside, just past the courtyard and into a beautiful garden.

"This is my favorite spot in the entire complex." Kagome stated as she sat down on a bench, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. Kata couldn't help but agree with her. It was absolutely breathtaking, so many different flowers and foliage arranged in such a way that Kata felt like she was in a fairy tale. Both women were silent for a few moments, enjoying the way the breeze carried the scent of the flowers around them.

It was short-lived, however, when two young children ran through the garden, screaming and laughing as the reached Kagome. The smaller of the two, a boy with fluffy orange hair, jumped into Kagome's arms. With a start, Kata realized the boy had a tail and paws for feet. The girl, who looked a few years older, had dark hair swept into a side ponytail and an orange checkered kimono.

"Haha-ue! Is it time for our lessons? You missed breakfast!" The little boy cried out, snuggling in Kagome's arms for a moment before jumping onto the bench next to her. Kagome laughed, and Kata watched the scene in wonder. It was obvious the child wasn't even human, let alone hers, but they acted as if their relationship was the most natural thing on the earth. Even the girl, who was obviously too old to belong to Kagome, looked at her with adoring eyes.

"Shippou! You know we have lessons after lunch. Aren't you supposed to be learning with Sato-san?" Kagome asked him, while motioning the young girl to have a seat beside her.

"Sato-sama said Sesshoumaru-sama had something more important for him today, so I got the day off. Rin and I have been playing, instead!" Shippou exclaimed, barely concealing his glee. Kagome chuckled and then motioned towards Kata.

"Well I want you two to meet Kata. She is going to be staying with us for a while, so I want you guys to treat her with respect, okay?" She stated with a serious look. Or, as serious as she could get with a smile on her face. Both kids shyly glanced at Kata and bowed.

"It's nice to meet you, Kata-sama." They both said in unison, causing Kata to smile as she returned the favor.

"I was thinking Kata could help us with your lessons after lunch. What do you think?" Kagome asked the kids, who quickly smiled and nodded. Kata relaxed, relieved that they seemed to accept her. She watched as the girl, Rin, ran up to her and grabbed her hand.

"Would you like to play with us?" She asked, while Shippou yelled in excited agreement. Kata, overcoming her shock at their comfort around her, shyly nodded and smiled. It was decided they would all play tag, with Kagome being 'it'. Kata quickly ran into the garden, laughing with the children as Kagome began to countdown.

Later that day, Sesshoumaru sat in his study, trying to focus on the scrolls in front of him. Many needed his immediate attention, but his mind kept wandering. He growled lowly at his lack of control. Confounded girl. Sighing, he wrote a quick reply to the scroll InuYasha had teased him about the previous day, politely declining. He huffed slightly in disgust. The minor lords were very advantageous, offering their daughters up like lamb for the slaughter. This Sesshoumaru would mate no less than his equal.

Sitting back, he folded his hands in front of him and thought about the message he had asked the Miko to pass along. He would admit it to nobody, but he was a little curious to see if anything would happen. He doubted it very much. His mind, however, kept repeating the Miko's words until a thought struck him. She had stated the Goddess came to her in her dreams.

Thinking back, Sesshoumaru realized it had been a couple weeks since he had really rested. He did not need much, and thus had not realized it had been so long. In all honesty, he did not like to do it that often. It left him more vulnerable than he felt comfortable with. He sighed. It could not be helped, he supposed. He relaxed, and drifted into an easy sleep.

Sesshoumaru found himself in a field of flowers. Thinking back, he could not remember how he had gotten there. Alarmed, he reached for Tokijin, only to find it missing. Curious. He was never without his sword.

"I apologize for the intrusion, Sesshoumaru-sama. In my current form, the only way I can reach out is when you are asleep. Please forgive me." A melodic voice came from behind him, causing him to whirl around. He had not heard, nor smelt anyone approach. There, just a few feet away, was the girl from the cellar. His eyes flew to her forehead, confirming the crescent moon.

"You'll have to forgive me if I make this a little quick. The stronger the being, the harder it is to draw them into my consciousness and the harder it is to keep them there," she continued. He said nothing, but continued to stare. She sighed and chuckled, shaking her head slightly.

"I knew you would need some convincing," she explained as she turned away from him, lifting her face to the sun and soaking in the warmth. "I need your help, Sesshoumaru-sama. I promise I will make it worth your while."

"Hn," was the only response she received, so she turned back towards him, catching his gaze with her own. For just a moment, her gaze disorientated him, causing him to blink and growl softly. Vaguely he remembered the scroll mentioning something about the effects of looking a God in the eye.

"I appear before you in my spirit form. My reincarnation, Kata, is me and is not me. She has her own personality and opinions, and she struggles against me. We cannot truly be one until she accepts me." As she explained her problem, she began walking, forcing Sesshoumaru to follow. "War is brewing, war that will no doubt sweep through the Western Lands should it come to pass. I fear the death and destruction that may come to be if she does not accept her fate. You are strong, and honor bound to protect your lands and its people."

"I do not fear death." Sesshoumaru responded, his voice steady.

"I know. Unfortunately, the fate I speak of is worse than death. It will touch everything you hold dear and sacred, until there is nothing left. I need you to train Kata. Get her to believe in her own strength and accept her fate. Once she is ready, you will travel together deep within the Kanashii Forest and retrieve my amulet. Only once she acquires my amulet, will anybody have hope." Sesshoumaru thought over the request. He knew of the Kanashii Forest, the dangers within.

"Hn." Hanae rolled her eyes. She had known he didn't talk much, but this was ridiculous. She took it as a positive response, however, and stopped mid-stride. She quickly turned to him, grabbing his only arm. He stared down at her hand, snarling slightly.

"I know you need proof of what I say, but I cannot provide you that. You know the unrest the grows within your borders. What I can do, though, is give you back something you've been wanting for a long time. You know, as proof this wasn't just a dream." She smiled as he raised a graceful eyebrow in her direction. Slowly, she reached across his torso, where the stub of his left arm remained. Taking ahold of the end, she closed her eyes and began to concentrate. A light blue glow began to shine between her fingers as the stump began to tingle. Sesshoumaru watched in wonder as the stump began to grow before his very eyes, forming an elbow, then a wrist, then a hand. When she was done, she held his newly formed left hand, claws and all.

Amazed, his gaze travelled the length of his arm, before looking at her face. She wasn't looking at him, though. Her eyes unfocused, they rolled to the back of her head just before she started to collapse. Lurching forward, Sesshoumaru went to catch her –

And suddenly he was awake, and in his chambers. His left arm, reaching across the open air before him, trying to catch something that wasn't there.

x.o.x

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Special thanks to Lunarose!