A.N.: Hello everyone. This is chapter two of this story ... I really hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
The next day they were all in the dinning room having breakfast when a stag demon entered the room. He was coming from the House of the Moon with news for Inutaisho.
'My Lords and Ladies, I apologize for the intrusion. I am Yuji, Lord Inutaisho's servant. My Lord, I have to talk with you.'
'Yuji, is everything fine at the castle?'
'Hai My Lord. But yesterday a taija and a houshi have arrived at the gates asking to talk to you. Apparently they have to tell you something that is most urgent. We allowed them entrance under the condition they do not kill any demon inside your abode.'
'Very well, Yuji. Return to the House of the Moon. Sesshoumaru and I will be following tomorrow at dawn. Accommodate the two ningen and have the room next to Sesshoumaru's be prepared for we will have a guest. Lady Kagome, youngest kit of Lord Taro and Lady Mokuren is coming with us. See to everything she might need for her stay, from kimonos and training outfits, to toiletries and bathing herbs. You may rest for the rest of the morning and leave then.'
'Hai.'
'Kagome' Sesshoumaru said as soon as Yuji left the room. 'We promised Taro-sama yesterday that we will spar. Would you honor me with a sparring match after breakfast?'
At his request, Kagome's cheeks turned a nice pink shade. 'Sesshoumaru really knows how to woo a lady with just his words.' Kagome thought.
'Sesshoumaru, there is no need to use the honorific. I have been meaning to tell you this for a long time now. Please call me by my name.'
'It would be an honor, Taro.'
'Hai Sesshoumaru. It would be an honor. Shall we go then? I am pretty much finished here, if you are also we may go to the northern dojo.'
'Hai. Please excuse us, Taro, Mokuren-sama, Father.'
'Well it would be pointless to call me Mokuren-sama, now, wouldn't it? Please, I am just Mokuren for you, after all we are dear friends.' Mokuren said with a bright smile on her face. Sesshoumaru inclined his head in thank you and exited after opening the door for Kagome.
'What kind of weapons do you wish to use? I do not have any other katana but Tenseiga. This sword is a sword of life, not one of death. It does not cut but in one swing can bring back to life a hundred souls. Just opposite to Inuyasha's katana, Tessaiga, which can bring death to a hundred souls in one swing. I can spar with Tenseiga and you can use your katana, if you would like. Or we can use training ones from the dojo.'
'You would disrespect me if you would spar with Tenseiga against me. We will be using training katanas. They are all well sharpened and very well kept. I will appoint you one of the best.'
'Very well.' As soon as they arrived in the dojo, Kagome went to a rack of weapons and picked one katana from the many that were hanged there.
'This one, as the one that rests to my hip, was crafted by Totosai. Its blade is made from the most durable metal I have ever encountered. You can easily let your powers seep into it and it will withstand them, even your poison.' Kagome explained.
'A fine weapon, this one is.' Sesshoumaru said after studying it for a few moments. 'Shall we start then?'
'Hai.' Kagome went to the middle of the dojo, Sesshoumaru in tow, and fell into a defensive stance. Sesshoumaru readied himself and said:
'Is this just a sparring match or we can use our powers?'
'As you wish. I would like it if you would not treat me as one would a female and hold back. I wish to know how well I can manage in a real fight. You and your father are very well known for your fighting skills and it would be an honor to me if you would not spare me.'
'Very well. I will fight as close as I think it safe for the both of us. I do not wish to harm you.'
'A few gashes and wounds do not scare me.'
That being said they took stances and locked gazes. Kagome expanded her aura so she could sense any move in the dojo and readied herself, her katana unsheathed in front of her. Sesshoumaru leapt, katana readied to cut her head, but Kagome has sensed him and her blade met his mid-way. The powerful blow made her retreat a few paces to regain her stance and again she had to stop his blade.
He was using his demonic speed and Kagome could easily understand why he and his father were unstoppable in battle. They were fast, way faster than any demon she had battled or she had trained with. She had to gain the upper hand into the sparring match so she leapt a few paces and infused her miko powers in her blade. As swift as she could she had lashed towards Sesshoumaru, surprising him with her ability and speed. Blades met again, this time sparks flying and sizzling sounding from her purifying blade meeting his demon infused one.
Surprising him, Kagome put more pressure on his blade, making him step back. Seeing him slightly opened to an attack, she spun and kicked at his left side. Unfortunately for her, Sesshoumaru saw it in time and blocked her attack, tripping her. She rolled immediately, so that he would not be able to catch her in a weak position and leapt to her feet. Sesshoumaru attacked, not allowing her time to catch her breath and landing a well placed blow on her katana, he sent it flying from her hands, leaving her weaponless. Kagome took a few paces back and bent, reaching for her boots, unsheathing two small daggers.
'Resourceful, are we not?' Sesshoumaru asked in a flat tone.
'Well I never let myself discouraged if I lose my katana in a fight.'
'And what do you think you can do with two little daggers against my blade?'
'Fight you.' Kagome assumed once more a defensive stance, her daggers crossed in front of her, Sesshoumaru standing in front of her, allowing her a few moments' rest.
That was the way Inutaisho has found them. Masking his scent and aura, he had slipped in the dojo in hope to see how Kagome did against his son. He knew Sesshoumaru would not fight to his full potential, he did not even think they would involve their powers in the training, just swords. But the residual of miko and poison in the air told him the contrary. Sesshoumaru could not sense his father's entrance into the dojo, but Kagome was full aware of it. She knew he was coming to see their practice long before he has entered, and although he had masked his aura and scent as soon as he exited her father's study, she was still able to track him.
Thinking that he allowed Kagome enough time to rest, Sesshoumaru lashed using his speed. Inutaisho almost gasped in surprise; he didn't think Kagome would see him and she would be wounded. But Kagome even if she didn't see him, sensed him moving fast towards her. She tightened her grip on her daggers and the next moment his blade was pressed hard on her weapons. She had uncrossed the daggers letting his blade go full force towards the floor, using the momentum to punch Sesshoumaru with the blade of her punch, not one second letting her weapon from her hand. She hit him full in his left shoulder pushing him away from her.
She used his slip to her advantage and attacked. She was trying to trap his blade in between her blades and throw it away from his grip. Only that her plan backfired against her and upon clashing her daggers to Sesshoumaru's katana, he moved so fast that her grip on the right one slackened and it went flying with incredible speed towards Inutaisho's chest.
'No!!' she screamed and for a second she locked gazes with the demon lord and lifted her free hand. She erected a strong barrier in front of the Taiyoukai and the dagger impaled into it. Inutaisho's eyes widened in surprise that Kagome was aware of his presence.
Sesshoumaru snorted, thinking she had shouted because she had one again lost a weapon and she was about to lose the sparring match. She locked her eyes with his once more and with a yet another surprisingly fast leap she was in front of her barrier, a few meters away from her dagger. She stretched her right arm again and her dagger went flying, hilt first, towards her. Gripping it tightly, she smirked at his awestricken expression. Sesshoumaru, facing the barrier, could see his father now.
'You have shouted because you thought the dagger will hit my father?' Sesshoumaru asked incredulously.
'Hai. I do not wish to disrespect you Inutaisho by assuming that a dagger would wound you but I could not stop from worrying. Now Sesshoumaru, should we finish the match?' Kagome asked, a knowing smirk plastered on her face.
Sesshoumaru was not aware of it, but her daggers were not just that, simple weapons. They were actually crafted from her father's fang at her wishing. It had been difficult to find a smith to craft weapons from a demon fang that would allow miko powers to be channeled through it, but her father had found Totosai. Upon asking and pleading with the old smith, he had agreed to do them. The weapons were, thus, dangerous. If infused with sufficient purifying powers, they each grew to the size of a normal katana.
She stood straight and crossed them in front of her chest all the while infusing her power into them. In a blink of an eye, they grew in size and Kagome uncrossed them and took a stance. She bent her knees and kept her right katana in front of her parallel with the ground and placed the left one to her back, in a similar position.
She kept her eyes on Sesshoumaru to see how he would react at the new situation and she was not disappointed. He looked at her in disbelief and had to be dragged out of his stupor by his father's words:
'Now this is what I call a resourceful opponent. Did you underestimate her, son?'
'Hai father, I did.' He honestly responded.'
Kagome stood straight upon hearing his words and turned her weapons back to their state of daggers. 'I think we can end this match, do you not?' she asked in an innocent voice.
'Hai. I had a good sparring today, Kagome. You are well trained and skilled.' Sesshoumaru agreed.
'Thank you.' She blushed prettily at his compliment and turned her eyes towards her discarded katana. 'May I take my katana, Sesshoumaru?'
'Of course.' She bent and sheathed the two weapons and walked gracefully to her sword. She picked it up and sheathed it. 'Thank you for this sparring match. I really enjoyed it very much.'
'You will be a sword's master after you train with Sesshoumaru for a while. You are very well trained now also, but once you will transform in a demoness and will be able to use your speed and other abilities, you will be one of the best. I will make sure of it. You have great potential. I will train you also when I will have time.'
'Thank you for the compliment and the honor Inutaisho.' Kagome said blushing ten shades.
'I think of you as the daughter I never had. I truly wish you were.' By now, Kagome's face was so red that she honestly doubted it would ever have the same color as before. 'But maybe there still is hope for that.' Inutaisho added, a lopsided smirk plastered on his lips and a twinkle playing in his eyes. He was looking Sesshoumaru directly in his eyes. Kagome did not understand what the demon lord suggested, but Sesshoumaru knew how to read his father's subtle message. He was having Kagome in mind as a mate for his son.
'Shall we go to the gardens for the remaining of the morning?' Sesshoumaru offered.
'I must talk with Taro about Naraku. But you two go and have a peaceful time.' Inutaisho said.
'Ok. I am up for a walk in the gardens.' Kagome agreed and she and Sesshoumaru turned towards the eastern side of the House of the Sun.
When they were alone and out of ear rage, Kagome shyly asked:
'Sesshoumaru, may I ask you what happened to your mother and to Inuyasha's?
Sesshoumaru's back stiffened and his aura darkened with sadness and sorrow.
'I did not wish to intrude. Forgive me for my freedom. I am sorry.'
'No, you have nothing to apologize for. My mother … she was the mate of my father's for many a decade until I came along. She was a loving and caring person, her selfless heart always crying out for any suffering living being. When I was a mere pup though, she was damned to the most terrible fate anyone could have.
One day, when father was away, patrolling the Lands, something, or better said, someone, entered the castle without anyone knowing it. I was in my room, getting ready for dinner after spending time with my mother in the gardens. She too was in her own room; she didn't like sleeping in hers and my father's room while he was away. As I was tying the sash, I sensed a powerful barrier being put up. I knew it was mother, for only I and she had the ability of creating such strong ones. I rushed out of my room to hers and upon reaching her door I saw a white haired girl across from the room sprawled against the wall. Just like that, she turned to dust.
I turned my gaze to my mother's room and I saw her on the bed, lying on her back. I entered and looked her over to make sure she was not harmed. But what I discovered made me howl in pain. She was dead, her soul pulled away from her body and nowhere to be found. Her body however was still living, I do not know how or why but it did. It still lives and she resides in the same room in the castle. Next to her bed I saw a shattered mirror. When I pulled Tenseiga from its sheath, for my father had given it to me long before that, it did not work. Her soul was nowhere to be found. It is lost forever on the plain of living beings and her body lives in her room. Father was devastated. He could not even enter her room and look at her one more time because of the barrier. The barrier around it only allows me entrance.
That happened a hundred and thirty years ago. Sixty years later, father met Izayoi, Inuyasha's human woman. Because mother was not dead, father could not complete the mating ritual with Izayoi, thus she grew old and died a few decades ago.'
'Oh Sesshoumaru, I am so sorry.' Kagome said under her breath. Sensing his sorrowful aura, she did the only thing she could think of to comfort him. She hugged him, allowing her soothing aura wrap around him, calming his nerves and bringing some hope to him. Sesshoumaru was stunned at first, not knowing what to do, but as her aura was gently wrapping around his, he stretched his arms and engulfed her in a hug.
'It feels so well to be in his strong arms. I feel protected and safe in his embrace.'
'How comforting her aura is. She fits so well in my arms, as if she belongs here.'
So engrossed they were in the mutual hug, that they did not sense Inutaisho standing in front of them, watching them with a smirk. Seeing the two youngsters failed to acknowledge his presence, Inutaisho cleared his throat loudly.
Sesshoumaru and Kagome jumped in surprise, immediately disentangling from each other's arms.
'Father' Sesshoumaru said.
'Inutaisho.' Kagome added with a gasp. Her cheeks were a dark shade of red and even Sesshoumaru's weren't spared, they being tinged with a faint shade of pink.
'I have been asked to call you to launch, but I see I have been intruding on something. Oh well, you pups stay here and continue, I will just tell them you were not hungry.' Inutaisho said, his trademark smirk on his face. At his comment, Kagome's blush darkened if that was even possible, but Sesshoumaru spared her.
'We will be coming. You have interrupted nothing. She was soothing my aura after telling her my mother's story. Come Kagome, I think we are being expected.'
'Hai.' With that, the three of them turned around, walking soundlessly towards the dinning room. Upon entering, Kagome sat herself next to Sesshoumaru, to his right side and in between him and Inutaisho.
'Where is Inuyasha-san, father?'
'He is eating with the servants. His punishment demands him to be treated as one.'
Kagome gasped and stiffened.
'Father, I beg of you, end this punishment. He is the son of a ruling Lord. He cannot be treated in such a way. The shame … he will never be able to endure it.'
'I assure you Inutaisho has agreed to his punishment.'
'Inutaisho, please have mercy on your son. He does not deserve such treatment. Not because of me. And besides, I have punished him so there is no need for father to punish him also. I beg of you, end this madness now father.' Kagome begged, tears brimming in her eyes.
'Very well my daughter.' He called a servant and asked him to bring Inuyasha to the room and bring him a plate of food. When the hanyou entered, Taro told him:
'Inuyasha, my daughter, Kagome, ha told me she had punished you herself for the disrespect and begged me and your father to end your current predicament. However, I will do no such thing. Understand me, I do not wish to bring shame upon your shoulders. So I will change my mind. Your new punishment is for you to remain in the House of the Sun for the time being and train my daughter, Kikyo. You will be treated as the son of Inutaisho and you will be allowed to talk whenever you wish it.'
'Arigatou, Taro-sama.'
'Do not thank me, thank Kagome.'
'Arigatou, Kagome-san.'
'Oh please Inuyasha-san, there is no need for any honorifics. Just call me Kagome. I really hope we could be friends, regardless of our encounter yesterday.'
At her words, Inuyasha could not stop his smile from forming on his lips.
'Sure Kagome, but you know, friends do call each other by their names.'
'Ok Inuyasha.' She beamed enthusiastically.
'Apparently you have a unique trait my dear.' Inutaisho told Kagome. 'You can make fast friends in a blink of an eye. As a matter of facts, I did not see Inuyasha smiling like this for a long time now.'
'I think it is her selfless heart that gives her this trait father. Your daughter is an exquisite jewel, Taro, Mokuren.' At his words, Kagome blushed once more, now convinced her face will remain permanently that shade.
'Thank you, Sesshoumaru.' Taro added, throwing a knowing smile to Inutaisho.
When lunch was over, Kagome expressed her wish to spend the afternoon with her sister and mother, not knowing when they would next see each other. Sesshoumaru hearing her words, asked his father to talk privately. While Kagome and the other two females were going towards the gardens, Taro offered the two dog youkai his study to talk in peace. Once inside, Sesshoumaru put up one of his powerful barriers, knowing that no one could hear their words.
'Father, you have chosen me a mate?'
'What do you talk about, Sesshoumaru?'
'I have understood your remark from earlier. You have chosen Kagome as my mate, have you not?'
'Hai, I was hoping you two will end up mating.'
'If that is your wish father, I will do as you say.'
'Oh Sesshoumaru, I do not wish you to obey like that. I could only wish for her to be my daughter, but it is you who decides. I hope that you two will come to the conclusion that you are perfect to each other, as Taro and I saw it.'
'You have already talked with Taro?'
'Hai. But we have chosen to not tell either of you for we wished the both of you to decide for yourselves. Understand this Sesshoumaru, I do not wish to push you into an arranged mating.'
'I will do as my sire pleases.'
'Hai Sesshoumaru. In any other conditions I would be proud, but entering a mating that both sides are not comfortable with, will be a disaster for the both of you. I wish you to think of it and pay attention to her and decide by your own. There will never be any reproaches from me if you choose not to mate her.'
'I understand father. Thank you.' With that he lowered the barrier and exited. The rest of the day passed in peaceful discussions and after dinner, Kagome went to talk with her father also. When the fatigue reached her body and she started yawning, she excused herself and went to her room. Her satchel with her most trusted and important things was lying on her bed, already packed by Nichne.
At dawn she was already dressed in a miko outfit, including her leather boots which had the two daggers hidden within. Taking her satchel in one hand and her katana in the other, Kagome exited her room and followed the auras of Sesshoumaru and Inutaisho to the dinning room. She entered and greeted them both, sitting herself next to Sesshoumaru once more.
'So how are we to travel?' Kagome broke the silence in the room.
'We are to fly to the House of the Moon.'
'F-F-Fly? But I cannot-
'I will take your satchel and katana. I know you have your daggers so you will not need any other weapon. My son will take you. Sesshoumaru, I trust you with her life.' Inutaisho said sternly.
'Hai father. I will protect her with my life. No harm will become to her.'
'Agreed.' Inutaisho added. He finished breakfast and exited, going to say goodbye to his friend.
'How will you fly us there?'
'Hn.' Sesshoumaru said with a smirk. 'So she is afraid of flying.' he thought, a sly idea coming to his mind. 'I will concentrate my youki under my feet, forming thus what a human would call a cloud. It will rise in the sky and we will soar towards the West.'
Kagome was so fearful of this so calling cloud thingy that she could not say anything. When in the courtyard, on the verge to leave, Kagome's fear increased to a point that Sesshoumaru and Inutaisho could sense it.
'Sesshoumaru, I trust you to calm her. Apparently it is her first time flying, so take extra care with her.'
'Hai father. I intended to.' Sesshoumaru softly called Kagome to him.
'Kagome, do not be afraid. Trust me with this. I will not drop you and nothing will happen to you while with me. Come here please.' Kagome approached wearily, not knowing what to do. Deciding to trust him and overcome her fears, she stood tall and proud in front of him. She was still afraid, but she was not going to show it to anybody. Unfortunately for her, Sesshoumaru could feel it in her aura.
'Come closer.' he beckoned her. 'Do you trust me?' She nodded and came closer. He reached out and took her in his powerful arms, hugging her tightly. When he felt her relaxing in his embrace, Sesshoumaru formed his youki cloud and with a last look to his father, took to the sky. 'It is better if you remain like this for the entire way. This was the wind from the speed and the height will not make you fear again.' He whispered in a soothing voice in her ear. 'I will not let anything happen to you. Trust me.'
At his gentle words, Kagome relaxed once more in his protective arms and nodded once. She would entrust him with her life and have faith he will not drop her. Besides, his arms and chest were quite comforting, so comforting that she easily fell asleep.
Feeling her go slack in his arms, Sesshoumaru immediately reached his left hand in the crook of her legs and lifted them. His right hand supporting her back, he allowed her upper body to be pressed to his chest, her head making its way in the crook of his neck. He smirked at how relaxed she became in his arms and adjusted her weight so that she would be in a comfortable position. Flying slower than usually, so that he would not disturb her, Inutaisho easily caught up with him and upon seeing them chose only to smirk and pass by.
Mid-afternoon, Sesshoumaru reached his home. He touched the ground gracefully and immediately servants rushed to him to take the sleeping girl from his arms. He dismissed them with a shake of his head and entered the grand castle. He reached the western wing and climbed the stairs to the first floor. He took a right and passed his chamber's door. He stopped in front of the door next to his and easily opened it. He entered and placed the sleeping girl on the bed with such a great care, that she did not even stir. However she whimpered at the loss of his body heat and Sesshoumaru chose to draw the bed's coverings over her. After that was done he stood and turned towards the door. In the doorframe his father was watching him. He nodded to him in acknowledgement and exited the room, closing the door behind him and taking his father also.
Kagome awoke with a jerk. Somewhere around her was so much grief and sorrow, that it was overwhelming. She stretched her miko senses to try and pinpoint the place and upon discovering it was in the room right at the other end of the corridor she let a gasp of surprise. She had found three auras in the room, one was Sesshoumaru's and the other two were actually meant to be one but somehow they were separated. Not knowing how that was possible, Kagome climbed down the bed, noticing for the first time she was not in Sesshoumaru's arms anymore but in a room, and opened the door. She followed the corridor and stopped in front of another door. She grabbed the knob and soundlessly turned it.
When the door was opened enough she pocked her head and took a look. The room was darkened but she could make Sesshoumaru's silver mane to her left by the window. She opened the door more and slipped in the room closing it behind her. Sensing her there, Sesshoumaru turned his surprised gaze towards her.
'How were you able to enter this room?'
'I opened the door and entered.'
'You should not have been permitted. This is mother's room. Nobody else until now has entered.'
'Maybe it was because I am a miko.'
'Iie. My father has asked many a miko and houshi to break the barrier but none has managed. Why did you come?'
'I sensed immense sadness radiating from this room so I searched it for auras. I felt yours and two others. But these two were supposed to be one, so I was curious as to how that could be. I did not wish to intrude. I am sorry, I will leave.'
'No, stay. Let me lit a candle for you to see.'
'Thank you.' Sesshoumaru lit a few candles and placed them around the room, allowing Kagome to see the source of the grief. The room was richly furnished, thick and once colorful tapestries were hanged on the walls all around them. A huge bed was occupying the middle of the floor and a closet was standing tall in the left corner. A fireplace was placed right in front of the bed and the window was across from the door, on the bed's left side. A table with a mirror and some toiletries could be seen in another corner.
Looking towards the bed, Kagome gasped. In the middle of it a beautiful demoness was lying still. She had silver hair, just like Sesshoumaru and Inutaisho, and on each cheek two silver stripes. Her forehead was bare, having no marking there, but a magenta colored crescent moon could be seen on her right side at the juncture of her neck with the shoulder.
'This is Minako, Lady of the Western Lands and my mother.' Sesshoumaru said in a pained tone. Upon nearing the bed, Kagome saw the small broken mirror on the floor. When she was standing next to it she felt a surge of power from Sesshoumaru's katana, Tenseiga. Just as every time he came to his mother's room, he left it on the floor near the door. Kagome being between the sword and the shards of mirror could feel it come to life.
She went to the mirror and glanced a look at the katana. It was as if Tenseiga wanted her to repair it using her miko powers so she did it. She let a portion of her powers into the broken glass and mend it to its original state. Now she could feel Tenseiga singing in the back of her mind, asking her for something else.
Sesshoumaru was now paying attention to her since he felt the surge of her powers. He watched her mend the mirror and then go to the wall where Tenseiga was lying. As she was reaching her hand to take it, he stopped her.
'What are you doing?'
'Following Tenseiga's will. I can feel it humming in the back of my mind, asking me to hold it, if you would allow it that is.' Sesshoumaru was dumbstruck, so he nodded and stood out of her way. She took the katana by its hilt and unsheathed it. As soon as that was done it asked her to plunge it in the mirror and start chanting.
When Kagome understood what Tenseiga was trying to do she closed her eyes and concentrated on the mirror. As soon as she did it, she could feel the presence within it. She gasped softly and walked to it, kneeling on the floor in front of it. She impaled Tenseiga to its hilt in the mirror and started chanting:
You have been wondering too long in the dark
Listen to the calling of your son's and your mate's hearts
Let the light of Tenseiga guide you back to us
And take your rightful place in the House of the Moon.
Hear me, lost soul, come to the light again.
Finishing chanting, Kagome pulled the sword from the mirror with one fluid move and as soon as its tip left the neat surface, it shattered once more, this time in too many pieces for even Kagome to be able to mend it back again. With a look at Sesshoumaru and with Tenseiga whispering her what to do, Kagome walked to the bed but stopped to ask him a question:
'Do you trust me, Sesshoumaru? Would you trust me with your mother's life as I trusted you with mine this morning?'
Sesshoumaru, still awed at the fact that Kagome could wield Tenseiga, just nodded and watched her next move. Kagome threw up a powerful barrier and plunged the sword into Minako's heart pouring her miko powers in the fang. Upon seeing this Sesshoumaru yelled a pained 'No!' and leaped towards the bed to get the sword out of his mother's chest, but the barrier kept him at bay. He was pounding on it with all his might but the moment Tenseiga started to pulse to life, Sesshoumaru stopped. After pulsing three times, Kagome pulled the sword from the demoness' chest and stood.
As soon as the sword was out of her chest, Kagome's eyes fluttered closed and she dropped the katana. When its hilt touched the floor with a reverberating 'clang' Kagome fell into unconsciousness, knowing all will be well.
Sesshoumaru was at her side in a blink of an eye, catching her in his arms. He took a look at his mother to make sure she was still alive and that the sword did not do anything to her and carried Kagome to the door. He was about to take her back into her room, but the barrier did not allow them to exit. Confused, Sesshoumaru turned to the window and sat cross-legged under it facing the bed. He cradled Kagome in his lap and held her to his chest until she woke up from her faint.
After what felt like an eternity for him, but in actuality only a few minutes past, Kagome stirred and opened her eyes.
'What did you do?' Sesshoumaru asked her, tightening his grip on her.
'I just followed Tenseiga's plea. I could understand what was with the aura I felt in the room. Your mother's soul was trapped in the mirror so that is why you could not be able to bring her back to life. Tenseiga told me about it and I followed its words. It pulsed first after plunging it into your mother's heart to tell me I did well, for I was debating to pull it out when I saw your reaction. The second time it pulsed to tell me that her soul was settling inside her body and the third time it told me that Lady Minako was once more whole and I could pull it out.'
As she finished her explanation, a sharp gasp was heard from the bed and both Sesshoumaru and Kagome turned their gazes toward it. When the second one sounded in the room, Sesshoumaru stood abruptly, and with Kagome in his arms, he approached the bed.
As he was studying his mother he noticed some faint changes: her cheeks were once more tinted a pinkish shade, her heartbeat was rhythmic, and her breath was regular, all these changes giving her the peaceful appearance of sleeping.
Just as he was concentrating on her face again, Minako's eyes opened, sun kissed orbs locking with golden ones. She stared at her son not recognizing him at first, but his markings and silver hair gave him away.
'S-S-S-Sesshoumaru?' she asked in a raspy voice. After all, her throat had not been used in more than a century.
'Hai, mother. It is I.'
'Y-Y-You are n-n-not a p-p-pup any-more.' She tried again.
'You have been gone for more than a hundred years, mother.'
At his words, Minako's eyes widened in shock and her mouth fell open.
Kagome gently closed it and turned towards Sesshoumaru, scolding him:
'Did you really had to tell her that now? She would have found out eventually but you had to shock her as soon as she opened her eyes. For kami's sake, Sesshoumaru, she is your mother and she just woke up from a deep trauma, don't you wish to hug her?' Kagome asked in an exasperated tone and then did the unbelieving thing: she dived down and hugged the unsuspecting female helping her then to sit in bed.
'There Lady Minako. I am happy you have been brought back to your son and your mate. Ohhh I must go and bring Inutaisho here to see you. He will be so happy to see you again after so long a time. Sesshoumaru, I'll go to your father, you just remain here and talk with your mother.' Kagome made a move to climb down the bed and go to the door but a weak hand caught her wrist and stopped her:
'Sesshou-maru, i-i-is she your m-m-mate?'
Kagome's eyes widened in surprise and Sesshoumaru smirked at the expression on the girl's face.
'No Lady Minako. I am just a mere friend of Sesshoumaru's and Inutaisho's. I am here as a guest, nothing more.'
'Kagome is the daughter of Taro and Mokuren of the Eastern Lands.'
'B-B-But she i-i-is human.'
'Hai Lady Minako. I am the youngest daughter and I was born a human miko. My Lady, it is a long story and I really do not wish to tire you with it. I will go and call Inutaisho so you can talk and I will retreat to my room. Good night My Lady, Sesshoumaru.' Kagome was once again stopped by Minako's arm.
'Something t-t-tells me I m-m-must thank y-y-you. And n-n-no daughter of M-M-Mokuren's and Taro's will call me more than my name. P-P-Please do not leave. I-I-I wish to bath and g-g-go to Inu-taisho my-self. Sesshou-maru, could you b-b-bring me some water, please? And do not t-t-tell anybody about me.'
'As you wish mother.' He bent and enveloped her in a hug and whispered in her ear: 'I am happy you came back.'
'My son … it is good to be back. I-I-I lost so much of your lives.'
With that Sesshoumaru stood and went to the door.
'P-P-Please, young girl, could you help me to the hot-spring?'
'Of course Minako. And my name is Kagome.' Kagome stood and helped the weakened demoness out the bed and allowing her to lean on her shoulder, she walked the Lady of the West to the adjacent bathing room. As soon as she was seated comfortingly in the spring, Kagome excused herself for Sesshoumaru was standing at the door. She went and opened it, allowing his entrance in the room.
'I have lowered her in the water and she is now soaking. I will take that.' Kagome said, making a move to take the glass of water from his hand. Sesshoumaru put it on the table and in a blink of an eye he crushed Kagome at his hard chest, enveloping her tightly in an embrace.
'Thank you Kagome. I will eternally remain in your debt, as also the House of the Moon.'
'Sesshoumaru' came Kagome's muffled voice from his haori, 'I have not done it for your gratitude. I have done it because I felt the pain in yours and your father's hearts. I could not stay aside and watch your sorrow. I do not wish for you or Inutaisho to be indebted to me. My heart could not suffer the situation and I will fill disrespected if you thought otherwise about me.' Kagome said in a muffled voice. By now she was hugging him back, letting her comforting aura wrap around him and soothing his.
'I must go to your mother. Please wait for us here. I will take the water and a kimono to her and I wish you help me bring her to Inutaisho's study. I do not know where it is.'
'Of course.' Sesshoumaru said going to the closet. 'I think this will be on her liking. I remember her preferring this kimono over all of the others.'
'Thank you.' Kagome took the glass of water and the kimono and went back to Minako. She helped her out of the water, wrapped a puffy towel around her body and dried her hair with another one. Once she was done with that, she helped Minako in the kimono and brought her back in her room. By now Sesshoumaru had opened the windows and lit more candles.
Kagome set Minako on the chair in front of the table with the mirror and started combing the demoness' long hair. After she managed to undo every knot in it, she pinned it in an intricate knot and secured it with a beautiful onyx comb.
'You are ready, Minako. Do you wish me to mask your aura and scent?'
'Hai, thank you.'
'Kagome, if you follow father's aura you will find him in the dinning room. Let us take her there. It would be advisable if she would also eat something.'
'Yes that is a very good idea.' Kagome said thoughtfully. She stood behind Minako's chair, her hands on the demoness' shoulders and started chanting. Mere moments later, Minako's scent and aura were masked. Sesshoumaru and Kagome helped her stand and with them on each of her side, Minako was directed to the dinning room.
The way to the target was tiresome for the demoness but she was decided to be successful. She was so thrilled at the idea of surprising Inutaisho with her presence. Once in front of the door, Kagome made a sign to Sesshoumaru and Minako to wait and she opened it, poking her head in
'Good evening Inutaisho. There is someone here that wishes to speak with you. Shall I allow her in?'
'Good evening. Well it would be better to take her to my study and I will be coming shortly.'
'She is an old friend. I am sure she does not wish to talk about official maters.'
'Than allow her in. I will tell the servants to arrange her a plate.' With that he turned towards Yuji and asked him to bring what was necessary for the guest. Kagome smiled ruefully and went back on the hall. She opened the door to its fullest and she and Sesshoumaru helped Minako in.
'Inutaisho?' came her weak voice as soon as she was in the room. When Inutaisho's eyes snapped to the door Kagome dropped the masking to Minako's aura and scent and the Great Dog took a deep breath, sensing the air for a trick. When Minako's lovely orchid scent filled his nostrils, Inutaisho knew she was truly there. He stood in matters of moments and was holding her in his embrace in a blink of an eye.
'Minako. My lovely mate you are back. Oh how I wished it every day that now I thought I was dreaming again.' Inutaisho said breathless. 'But how? Who –
'Kagome.' At his son's simple explanation, Inutaisho's eyes snapped to Kagome. She had retreated into a corner of the room, as if not wishing to intrude on the family encounter.
'Kagome? Did you do this, my dear?'
'Hai' Kagome said softly. She did not wish to yell out loud that she had brought the Lady of the Western Lands back to life. She did not do anything but listened to Tenseiga after all.
'Tenseiga spoke to her and begged her to wield it so she could bring mother's soul back to us. And then it allowed Kagome to seal her soul back in her body.' Sesshoumaru explained, his emotions clearly interfering in his tone of voice.
'Come closer Kagome. Do not stay there by yourself. The House of the Moon is in your –
'Iie Inutaisho. I will tell you just as I told Sesshoumaru. I did not do this for your gratitude. I did it because I felt the sorrow and grief clinging to every brick of your castle and hanging low in yours and Sesshoumaru's hearts. Even your servants are pained by the loss of their Lady. They loved her too much and as soon as they will hear she is back, they will come to see her and wish her all the happiness in the world. I could not just walk by this. I would never walk by when I know I can help.'
'My daughter, come to me.' Inutaisho said. He allowed Minako to escape his embrace for a few moments so he could embrace Kagome. 'Know this Kagome. No matter what will happen in the future, you will be a daughter for me. Today you have brought happiness to us. Please consider the House of the Moon as your home. I will be honored if you do.'
'Thank you Inutaisho. I am honored you would call me daughter.'
Inutaisho placed a kiss on Kagome's forehead and looked her in her eyes. A few moments later he gave her a full smile and let go of her, going to his mate's side.
'Now shall we sit down and eat?'
'Yes let's eat. I think Minako must be hungry after such a long time.' Kagome said. She waited for the others to sit down and finally she has chosen a sit as far away from them as the table allowed her. She loved them as she would her family, but now she knew they needed their time to speak and catch up on everything that passed in the last century. She did not wish to intrude.
'Kagome, daughter, please come closer. Why did you sit so far?'
'I do not wish to interrupt your discussion. You have so much to catch up on so I thought you didn't need a mere girl to disturb you.' She shyly said.
'You will never disturb little one. I must tell you that I did not speak with our guests yet. I have been waiting for you to wake up so we can speak with them for they told me they have news about Naraku. They are momentarily in their rooms. We will discuss tomorrow after breakfast.'
'Thank you for doing me such an honor Inutaisho.'
'It is not an honor. After all, you are involved into this as much as we are, maybe even more.'
With that, Inutaisho turned his attention on his mate and Kagome stood and walked to Sesshoumaru's side. She will dine at his right side, just as she did in her father's castle. Not long after that Yuji and some servants entered the room with trays of food for them. Upon seeing who was seated in their Lord's lap, all of them stopped shocked.
'My Lady Minako.' Yuji said after regaining his composure. He immediately dropped to the ground in a deep bow, touching the floor with his forehead. 'It is such a pleasure to see you again, alive and well.'
'Yuji, please stand. I do not need you to bow before me. If anybody should be treated with such a respect, that is young Kagome, sitting at my son's side. She is the one that brought me back, after all.' Minako said. Yuji and the servants instantly turned towards Kagome and bowed in the same manner to her.
'Thank you, Great Priestess for bringing our Lady back.' Yuji said.
'Oh there is no need for you to bow. I just did what Tenseiga told me to. I am glad I could bring happiness in the castle.' Kagome said softly, blushing beet red. She was not used to so much attention.
'Inutaisho, may I ask you a favor?' Kagome said blushing deeper.
'Anything Kagome.'
'I wish you did not tell anybody it was me that brought back your mate. If the prophecy is correct, I do not wish for everybody to know about me. It would be safer this way. I trust your servants will not tell who it was, but please do not tell any other demon.'
'You are correct. When will you turn the age of 20?'
'The day after tomorrow.'
'That means that you should change that day or the night before it. But if you do not change than it means the prophecy does not speak of you and then I will be more than happy to tell everyone of your deeds. But until then, not a word shall pass my lips, and my servants will keep the secret about the identity of the miko that saved Minako. Understood Yuji? If anyone finds about Kagome being a miko and being the one that saved Minako, her life will be in danger. I know none of you wish her to be wounded or killed.'
'Hai My Lord. Her identity will remain a secret. I will see to it myself.'
'Thank you.' Kagome said.
'Now let us eat.'Inutaisho nodded Yuji to bring the food. 'I will have a ball in my mate's honor and in your honor Kagome. The night of your turning 20 years, we will have a ball. We will celebrate my mate's returning and your coming of age.' Kagome gasped in surprise that Inutaisho would throw a ball for her and immediately wished to change his mind. Only that once his mind was made, no one could change it.
When dinner was over, Kagome feigned fatigue and excused herself. She was going to give them the time alone she knew they craved for. She was not long out the door that Sesshoumaru followed her.
'Kagome.'
'Sesshoumaru, why did you left your mother's side? You should have remained with her. You have so much to talk about.'
'Mother if with her mate. He has to explain her about Inuyasha and Izayoi and I would not be helpful in that discussion.'
'Oh.'
'I will escort you to your room.'
'Thank you. Yours is just next to mine, is it not?'
'Hai.'
'So you will be going to sleep also?'
'I do not feel the need to sleep tonight, but perhaps I will lie down for it has been a full day today.'
'Hai. Many events and emotions.'
'Indeed.' Sesshoumaru said, thinking at the way Kagome fell asleep in his arms when coming to the castle.
Next day, Kagome awoke as usual at dawn. She put a simple training outfit she found in the closet of her room, and went down to breakfast. Upon entering the room she found Sesshoumaru already at the table.
'Good morning, Kagome.'
'Good morning Sesshoumaru. Where are your parents?'
'They must come in any moment. Please sit down.'
'Thank you. I thought I was late and they already ate.'
'No. I believe they had much to talk about.'
'Indeed.' Kagome agreed.
Soon Inutaisho joined them in the dinning room.
'Minako is still resting. She will sleep late in the morning for we had been staying late in the night to talk.'
'Is she upset father? About Inuyasha and Izayoi?'
'She is not. She was a little at the beginning but understood. I told her we will be in a meeting in the morning and she can sleep as long as she likes. I trust you two will join me and the slayer and monk in my study.'
'Hai. This matter concerns me also since he wanted to kill my family and now he wants me dead.' Kagome said, determination written all over her face.
'Good.'
'I sense their auras approaching.' Kagome said.
'How can you sense them since I cannot? And now that I remember, how could you have sensed me in the dojo when I masked my scent and aura?'
'Mikos are said to be the ones that are the most in tuned with their surroundings. We, if powerful enough and trained accordingly, are able to sense the auras of every living being for miles around us. I can sense my father and mother in their room just now. Kikyo is in her bathing room, preparing for breakfast and Inuyasha is up and about in the House of the Sun.'
At her statement the two males gasped in shock.
'That is not possible.'
'It is. You see, every living being, a plant, an insect, anything that has a life, has an aura. Each of them is unique. For example, Inutaisho. I knew you were still in your room with Minako when I came down, as I knew Sesshoumaru was already here. I feel the signature of your auras and I follow it. If Sesshoumaru was to leave the castle to patrol the lands and something happened to him, not that I think such a matter is possible, I could look for his aura's signature and locate him. Following it, I could easily find him.'
'That means you can pinpoint Naraku's whereabouts.' Sesshoumaru said.
'Hai I could, for I have come in contact with his true aura. But even if I know his general location, I cannot tell you exactly where he is, for a terrible barrier is set up around his castle. I can still feel it from time to time, mostly when I am meditating and concentrating on and only on it. But it is only a flicker and then it is gone. I am suspecting that dark magic is involved. That and the dark miko make a good hiding.'
At that moment a sharp knock was heard and two humans, a female and a male, entered the room. As the monk stepped aside for the taija to enter first, his hand made its way to the girl's bottom. She whirled around in the blink of an eye and slapped him across the face yelling 'Hentai!!'
The three occupants were looking at the two newcomers, smirks plastered on their faces.
'I am sorry, My Lord. It seems that the monk here cannot keep his hands to himself. This is not the first time he gropes me since we met.'
'My dear Lady Sango, I cannot help it if my hand is cursed. It has a mind of its own. My Lords and Lady.' He added in greeting.
'My Lord' Yuji said 'This is the taija Sango and this one here' pointing towards the houshi with a disdainful look on his face 'is the monk Miroku.'
'Thank you Yuji. Please sit down taija, houshi. I am Lord Inutaisho and this is my son and Heir, Sesshoumaru-sama. At his right side sits Kagome-sama, daughter of the Lord of the Eastern Lands and the most powerful miko in all four Lands.'
The two bowed from the waist in front of each of them, but when it came Kagome's turn she stopped them and said:
'I do not need your bows, Sango, Miroku. I hope I can call you by your names and I wish you to use my name also, no honorifics.'
'Thank you for the honor, Miko Kagome.' Sango said. 'Of course you can call us by our names.'
'Alright then.'
'Well then, please sit down and let us eat. My mate will not join us today so we can eat and then we will go to my study to talk. I am very curious as to what you two have to tell us about the demon Naraku that you found it urgent.'
'We did not wish to disrespect you or to impend on your Lordship's visit to the East. But what we have to tell you is important.'
'Very well. Let's eat and we will talk after that.' Inutaisho said. Yuji came in with the servants and brought the food and exited.
'Excuse me Lord Inutaisho' Sango said shyly 'but I have been told that your mate has died. Have you found a new one?'
'Iie. My mate did not die. Her soul was stolen from her but her body continued to live. Until yesterday nothing and nobody managed to bring her back, for we did not know where her soul was. Kagome did the impossible and brought her back amongst the living after more than a century passed. I tell you this because I trust you not to speak of it to anyone. Nobody is to know who the one that brought Minako back to life is, do you understand?'
'Hai, Lord Inutaisho.'
They ate in silence from there, Sango and Miroku glancing at Kagome from time to time. They were amazed by the girl's power, they could feel it radiating off her body, and they were ningen. They were curious as to how the two demon Lords were not affected by her purifying powers and standing so close to her. They understood later in the morning, in the midst of their discussions that the powers radiating off her was her comforting aura and not the purifying one.
After breakfast was over, the five of them went to Inutaisho's study. It was a small cozy room, made to accommodate only a few demons. After all, that was not the meeting room. A low table was sitting under the window and around it you could see soft pillows for them to sit on. Inutaisho took his place behind the table and Sesshoumaru and Kagome sat across from him, their bodies, almost touching at the close proximity, turned slightly so they could see and hear the others' stories. Inutaisho smirked at the behavior of the two pups and turned his attention to Sango.
'Since you are a female, I will ask you to start first.'
'If I may, I would like to put up a soundproof barrier so our discussions would remain private.' Kagome said in a flat tone. At Inutaisho's nod she started chanting and a few moments later a barrier washed over them and settled around the room. 'It is done. You may start, Sango.'
'Hai. I am a taija, born and raised in the taija village east from the House of the Moon. Many generations ago, a demon had come to our village. The head of our village met him and asked who he was and what he wanted there. He said his name was Naraku and he needed the services of a taija. Apparently he was the Lord of the Northern Lands and he wanted to have a traditional family of slayers to live at his castle and have children and train them in the arts of taija. There were not many who wanted to go, for they could sense only malice and deceit from the demon's aura, but one young family showed willing to follow him. The girl was even pregnant. Naraku agreed and told them he will send traveling accommodation so the baby will not be harmed. He also said they need not pack anything but their weapons for they will be given rooms, food, servants and clothes.
A few days later two neko demons showed up at the village. One to take the two slayers and one to remain with the village as a sign of thank you. The neko that remained with us was two tailed and yellow and was a female. She was with kittens. After giving birth to the four kittens she died. The four little ones were given to four taijas to be taken care of from generation to generation. That is how I came to have her, Kirara.' Sango said and allowed the little kitten to come out of her hiding.
'Ah so it was you I could sense little one.' Kagome said towards Kirara. The little two tailed cat mewed to Kagome and allowed her to pet her.
'How could you sense her if her aura and scent were masked by the monk?'
'I am a miko. I can sense auras even if they are masked.'
'This is a sign of disrespect from you taija.' Inutaisho's booming voice was heard in the small room.
'If I am allowed to explain my actions My Lord.' Inutaisho seemed to think about it and then nodded.
'You see, Naraku has started looking for the kittens. Apparently he was not aware the neko he let at the village was with kittens. So he has looked for them and killed them all but Kirara. He also killed all of my village. I am the only one left from the taija village. I have asked the monk to hide her scent and aura so she would not be killed for she is a dear friend of mine. She has saved my life countless times as I saved hers.'
'I see. Continue.'
'Some weeks ago, a foreign taija came to our village. He said he has run away from the castle of the Lord Naraku for he has found a terrible story about him. Apparently the demon is in fact a hanyou. –
'Impossible. I have witnessed him change into his demon side.' Sesshoumaru said, cutting Sango's story. Kagome put her hand over his and said gently:
'Sesshoumaru let her finish her story first and we will debate later.' Sesshoumaru calmed down at her mere touch and Inutaisho, seeing the exchange between them, smirked once again.
'Thank you Kagome. As I was saying, he is a hanyou. He has been a human bandit called Onigumo. He had a horde of other bandits around him and they were going from village to village, killing every man they encountered. They would take the females on the spot they found them and if they were girls was even better for them. After having their ways with them they would toss them to the others and eventually kill them. They listened to Onigumo until one day when something happened. I do not know what but they turned against him and abandoned him bruised and wounded. He was on the verge of death when he was found by a priestess that took pity of him and wrapped his wounds and took care of him. Her name was Midoriko.' At her last word the three royalties gasped in surprise.
'He has fallen in love with her and one night he had told her of his feelings. The miko listened patiently and then showed him the mark of her mate. She said she was mated with the Lord of the Eastern Lands and had two children. After she left, Onigumo despaired and plotted how to kill her mate and children and have her for himself. That was the night when he sold his soul to the demons. He was formed as Naraku from a jumble of weaker demons coming together. His body seemed to just suck them up and grow more powerful with every demon he entrapped.
He disappeared that night and after some time a war was risen against the West. It was his doing. He knew that the Eastern Lord will come to help the West and he was hoping upon it. He was also hoping for the miko to remain at the castle to protect her children. He sent some terrible foes against the West planning for them to be destroyed and to take the Lands for himself. He had in mind to go to the Eastern castle and kill the children and take the miko for his own. But Midoriko has turned his plans upside-down for she went to the battle and died in its middle killing the most terrible of the demons with her purifying powers. Naraku was not able to enter the castle and kill the children for revenge because the miko has put up a most powerful barrier, an unbreakable one. The West and East won the battle, but at the cost of the miko's life. The slayer that told us this story has said that now Naraku is plotting to kill Lords Taro and Inutaisho along with their entire families and he wishes to use the demon slayers that reside in his castle.'
Sago finished her story and said nothing more. It was Miroku's time to talk.
'My Lords and Lady, I come from a family of powerful houshi. Every male in our line has powerful purifying aura. Many centuries ago, one of my ancestors was traveling around the Lands to help the ones in need of his powers. One day he has stumbled upon a village in the Eastern Lands, close to the castle. It was a village where only black Inu resided. They were having difficulties with a demon that had waged them war. The houshi has immediately came to help them, seeing the Eastern Lord in the middle of the battle, fending off lower demons. He entered the battle and was a great help for them. And at some point, everyone thought the black dog youkai will win the battle but then Lord Katsuya was dealt a killing blow. His son, Guji was not far from him and rushed to his dieing father's side. My ancestor made his slow progress towards them also.
Lord Katsuya was killed by Naraku. Guji-sama has engaged him in battle but soon enough he was gravely wounded. He lived but by the end of the battle he was the sole survivor of the black Inu clan. When Guji was wounded by Naraku, the houshi came in between the two demons and started fighting the deceitful demon. He managed to purify a great deal of him, but tentacles were still flying out of the body towards the injured Guji and the monk. One tentacle pierced the monk's right hand and a curse was thrown upon him. As the monk purified the offending appendage and directing an immense wave of his powers towards Naraku's body, in his hand appeared a hole that was sucking everything around. The curse brought a void in my ancestor's right hand, a void that would grow with the passing of years and in the end would be so big that would suck the houshi himself. This curse was passed to every male in his lineage. I was not spared either.'
'So that is how my father died. That is how neko youkai came into the Eastern Lord's lineage. Tell me houshi, was Guji's mate a neko?'
'Hai My Lady. She was a silver one. She had one pup before she was killed, a silver neko, the Heir to the Eastern Lands. Gomen, but did you say "your father"?'
'I did, for if I, Inutaisho and my father Lord Taro suspect correctly, I am the last of the black Inu.'
'But how is it possible?'
'It is a long story. I do not know for sure if it is I but I will know in a matter of days. Then I will tell you all about it, but you two must promise to not tell anyone.'
'Hai.' They said in unison.
'Your stories seem to be true and I cannot sense any deceit from you, but I must disagree with Naraku being a hanyou. I have seen him in his demon form, a spider.' Sesshoumaru said.
'Sesshoumaru, when did that happen?' Kagome asked.
'I was a mere pup then. Mother was still living. We were in the Northern Lands at the invitation of the new Lord to meet the other Lords and Ladies and their families. Suddenly, in the middle of the banquet, we were attacked. Mother had me and all the Ladies and pups under a barrier, while father was fighting side by side with the other demons. Naraku was fighting too and at some point he changed into his spider form and managed to kill the opponents.'
'Which was curious, for from that point the battle was one sided. Our opponents were so weak, as if somebody or something drained them of their powers.' At his last sentence, Inutaisho gasped.
Kagome understood what he was thinking at and looked at Sesshoumaru to see his expression.
'Father, if I remember correctly, there was one white haired girl holding a mirror in her hands, directing it towards the opponent demons. Do you think it was the same one that came to kill mother?'
'I am positive.'
'So apparently she was sucking the powers from all those demons in her mirror and directed it to Naraku, allowing him for some precious moments to have a true form. It would not surprise me if he had arranged the attack so he could demonstrate to everyone he was a powerful Lord.'
'I think you are correct Kagome.' Inutaisho said.
'Well Naraku first tried to kill Minako and then tried to kill me. Am I the only one who thinks he founds the females weak and he tries to dispose of? Could the Lady of the Southern Lands be his next target? Or is he targeting only the West and the East?'
'These questions are truly very important ones Kagome. Your thinking is correct in assuming he might attack the Lady of the South. I will write to her and explain her the situation. I already sent invitations for the ball we will be having tomorrow night. You two are invited, taija, houshi.'
With those words, Inutaisho dismissed them and remained alone in his study.
'Sesshoumaru, I would like to see the gardens. Would you like to come with me or do you have something else to do?'
'As much as I would like to accompany you in the gardens Kagome, I would have to decline your offer. I wish to spend the rest of the day with mother. If the prophecy talks about you, we will be spending the entire time of a day training you and helping you with your demon and miko powers so I will not have the necessary time to spend with her and talk about what happened in the years she missed.'
'Of course. Than have a pleasurable time with her. I will go and have some quick lunch and spend the rest of the day in the gardens meditating. I have much to think about now that I have heard the taija's and the houshi's stories.' With that, Kagome waved her hand good bye and turned around towards the gardens. True to her words, she has spent the entire afternoon and evening meditating, a pink barrier put around her.
She has skipped dinner and went straight to her room, not filling too well. Her powers were increasing and trying to slip from under her control so she had to use more of her energy in containing them. Once in her room, she changed into a night gown and slipped in bed. She fell asleep instantly. A few hours later though, she woke with a jerk. She felt her powers increase to a point when they would escape her control any moment. She climbed down the bed and made her way to Sesshoumaru's room. She desperately knocked at the door and when he opened it she could muster only:
'Dojo, now. P-P-Please.'
Her powers were getting the better out of her. Sesshoumaru erected a barrier around her body as soon as the words passed her lips and cradled her in his arms speeding towards the dojo. As soon as he closed the door behind him, he erected another barrier around the dojo and put Kagome in the middle of the floor.
She was lying on her back, her black tresses fanned around her head as a halo. Her arms were sprawled on the ground and her legs were bent to a ninety degree. Her lower body, from the waist down, was resting on her right side. Her fingers were twitching from time to time and her face was contorted in the pain of her transformation.
Her miko powers were rising dangerously, so Sesshoumaru enlarged the barrier around her. He tried to hold her hand, hoping it would sooth some of the pain, but he could not pass the miko powers without risking to remain without an arm. So he stayed as close to her as possible, watching her, trying to find a way to help her. He knew that if she did not get them under control she could purify her demon side and risk killing herself or she could end up a mindless demoness that would kill everything that stood in her path.
After some time the pain grew so much that her powers reacted too violently for her own safety. The pink colored powers grew to such a point that she was lifted in the air, being kept there by the sheer raw power. Her head was bobbing backwards and her arms and legs were hanging lifeless. By now, her entire body was covered in a thick sheet of sweat, making her plain white night gown stick to her skin.
Sensing the pain she was in, Sesshoumaru made up his mind. He let his jaki rise and gently directed it towards her body. Once it passed the barrier keeping her powers at bay, they started to purify it but as soon as they recognized his youki's signature, the miko energy allowed it to wrap around Kagome's body. Sesshoumaru's presence and aura soothed some of her pain and allowed her twitching muscles to relax some. He sat down next to the barrier cross legged and allowed his powerful jaki to sooth the miko in front of him. He stood like this for hours on a row until Kagome's pain subsided some more and her powers calmed to that she were laid back on the floor.
At that moment, Inutaisho and Minako entered the dojo, thanks to the demoness' ability to erect barriers and pass them. As soon as he saw Sesshoumaru and Kagome in the middle of the dojo, Inutaisho approached them. The scene in front of his eyes surprised but also shocked them.
'Son.'
'Father.'
'It is true then. She is the Guardian of the Shikon no Tama.'
'Hai. She has started transforming hours ago. I have been able to sooth her and help her with her rising jaki.'
'Son, you had better retreat your aura back to you.'
'Iie, it seems it is the only thing that keeps her from either purifying herself or turning into a mindless demoness.'
'Son, do you intend to mate her?'
'What sort of question is that at a time like this?'
'It is very important. Answer me Sesshoumaru.' Inutaisho said sternly.
'I do not have an answer yet. I did not decide.'
'If you do not plan to mate her, it is not advisable to keep your jaki wrapped around her for too long a while. For by doing this, your youki and hers will form a bond that you will never be able to break, a bond that only through mating you could achieve otherwise. If you mate her because the bond was formed and one of you is unwilling in the mating, you will both have a terrible life. Think quickly and decide.'
'But what if I am willing to mate her and she is not?'
'Do not mind that. She is more than willing. She allowing you to sooth her right now means she has already chosen you as a mate. Did you not pay attention at her behavior around you? The way she wrapped her aura to comfort you, how she always sits at your side while eating, and your right side at that, the way she calmed you today with her mere touch. She has already chosen you, although I am more than sure she does not know yet. The question is if you choose her as your mate.'
Sesshoumaru said nothing, just stood there, his aura still soothing Kagome's pain, thinking at her behavior and at his towards her.
'Father, you have told me countless times to find a mate. I think Kagome is everything a mate should be. She is intelligent, powerful and beautiful and has a selfless heart. I think she would be the best choice for me. Beside, you have already talked with Taro about arranging our mating. I do not see any harm in mating her.'
'Very well Sesshoumaru.' Inutaisho said. 'You are old enough to know what you are doing. Of course I wish you and Kagome to mate. I already consider her a daughter, if you two mate, then she will truly be one.'
The two fell into silence and watched Kagome intently. Some time later, Sesshoumaru could see some blue tendrils swirling around her body in the midst of her purifying powers. As soon as her blue jaki started to rise it immediately increased and Kagome's pain subsided considerably. Sesshoumaru withdrew his aura and looked her over. The body changes were almost done. Her bones and muscles were realigned, her legs were longer and thinner than before; her waist was narrower and the once delicate curve of her breasts was protruding from under her gown firmer due to the thin material and the transformation. Her black hair lengthened so much that it reached the crook of her knees. Her fingers ended in delicate looking claws, that were still forming and her mouth held the beginnings of two sets of powerful fangs.
Once the jaki was entwined with her purifying powers and was equal with them, all the pain dispersed and her bodily transformations finished, including her claws and fangs. All that was left now were her markings.
And sure enough, faint black stripes appeared on her cheek, one on each of them. They started on her mid-cheek and went up to her elfen ears, continuing on the back of the ears. As they reached her neck, the left one run down on the front towards her chest, the eyes of the three demons losing sight of it in the hem of the gown, and the right one tracked down her neck towards her back. Her ankles and wrists were the next ones and Sesshoumaru's eyes widened in amazement. Each ankle and wrist sported one black circle-like stripe that closed around the hand or leg like bracelets. When this was over on her forehead appeared a golden crescent sun.
The marking on her forehead revealed, the transformation was over and her powers receded back to her body once more. Sesshoumaru stood and lowered the barrier. He approached her and bent and gathered her in his arms. Lowering also the barrier around the dojo, Sesshoumaru exited followed by his father and mother. Once he made it to her room, Inutaisho opened the door for Sesshoumaru and the latter entered and laid her gently on the bed. He pulled the bed covers over her and after placing a soft kiss on her forehead, he turned to leave. Just as he was taking his first step away from her side, Kagome reached out and grabbed his wrist. She tiredly opened her eyes and looked at him. She scooted towards the middle of the bed and tugged his arm towards her.
Sesshoumaru looked at her intensely and she tugged once more. Not knowing what to do he turned his gaze to his father who nodded from the doorframe and turned around and left, closing the door behind him. At her third tug, Sesshoumaru laid down next to her and gathered her in his arms. She sighed in content and put her head on his chest, over his heart, his steady heartbeat being a lullaby for her tired body and mind. As soon as his arms were encircling her waist and holding her tight, Kagome fell asleep.
Taking a deep breath of her scent, Sesshoumaru noticed it had changed also. If before her transformation her specific scent was that of vanilla blossoms, now she smelled of madona and turban lilies. After another intake of her scent, Sesshoumaru was sent in a light slumber.
A.N.: So I must tell you this now: Sesshoumaru is way OOC in this story. And that is because of the circumstances of it: his father is still alive, he and his brother do get along and Kagome is not a miko from the future.
I hope you did enjoy this chapter. I am sorry if you found it too long but inspiration struck and it struck hard ;) ... I would have kept going with it but I thought it would be too long then and you would all kill me.
Don't forget to Read and Review.
Ja ne.