InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ Celebration ( Chapter 21 )

Chapter Twenty-One:

Celebration

 

Kagome felt consciousness spread slowly throughout her limbs. Her whole body felt like lead, and her head was pounding so hard she could scarcely stand it. Energy level at zero, she felt as though she was a candle that had burned out. She didn't even have the energy to open her eyes yet.

She was used to feeling this way after her visions, so she had the sense to stay still and allow her body to restore her energy enough to animate it.

A few moments later a door opened, and she could hear soft footsteps headed in her direction. The footsteps approached her bed and stopped. A cool hand touched her forehead. Somehow she found the strength to move her head ever so slightly to the right; her eye lids lifted just enough to identify the intruder.

Kagura.

The beautiful demoness sat next to her, a careful smile on her lips.

"You're awake. That's good. No fever either. You will be fine, my Lady, you've just used too much energy healing Lord Katzunami."

Seeing the question in her brown eyes, Kagura said, "You need not worry my Lady. Lord Katzunami has made a full recovery and is eager to see you when you are well enough,"

Kagome relaxed; relieved. At least she had been able to keep him alive.

Kagura disappeared from her line of vision and then returned, a cup in hand.

"This will help bring your energy back, my Lady. The healer, Kaede, made it with some herbs she collected."

Kagome didn't protest as Kagura lifted her head and put the cup to her lips, tilting it slightly, allowing the green liquid to slide down slowly and consistently. The liquid was sweet and thick and almost immediately she felt some energy return. Sitting up, she took the cup from Kagura and finished off the rest. When she was done, Kagura took the empty cup back and sat it on the night stand next to the bed.

Kagome turned and offered her a small smile before looking down sadly at her hands.

"Is something wrong, my Lady?"

Smiling sadly she said, "I've lost it. I've lost my lands. My home. Reality is finally setting in and I am saddened."

Kagura, hesitant at first, patted Kagome's hand.

"I….I'm sure all will be well, my Lady."

Kagura understood sadness, having experienced it her whole life, short as it was. Not one who had ever received nor given comfort before, Kagura wasn't certain if she was doing it right.

Cinnamon eyes watering, she threw herself into Kagura's arms and cried.

At a lost for what to do, Kagura awkwardly patted her back as sobs racked her small frame. Was this what crying was? She could feel the shoulder of her kimono becoming soaked.

These were…tears?

She didn't have tears. Vishious had seen to that. Kagura felt pain but could not seek relief in tears. But as the woman before her cried her eyes out, Kagura imagined she cried for both of them.

That Kagome's tears were her own.

And she felt….relieved. She was crying. These were her tears as well. Her chest knotted and it was hard to breathe. The sound of Kagome's sobs became her own. Though it was strange, she felt a connection to the young woman, a sort of bond, deep and warm. It was this woman; she had done something to her, connected them in some strange way.

Never had she felt such a thing.

The warmth, the comfort, the protection, to one such as she it was unreal to feel this way; to feel something other than pain and suffering.

For once it didn't hurt to feel.

She was….happy. Or close to it, for she had nothing which to compare it to, except the joy she felt in seeing Naraku in torturous pain after every ceremony. That had been the only bright spot in her life. Now, it was different. Here, she wasn't hit or raped or degraded.

She was treated so well it surprised even her.

She had not known being Kagome's personal servant would be such a wonderful thing.

She was more of a companion than servant. Since she'd been under the woman's wing she'd treated her as an equal more than beneath her. Never giving her duties or assignments, Kagura spent most of her time touring the castle, walking the length of the outside gardens, and enjoying her freedom. Vishious had not contacted her again, and for that she was glad.

She felt dirty when she thought about the real reason she was still here. After showing her such kindness, Kagura didn't want Kagome to fall into the hands of Vishious.

He would destroy everything she was, crush everything that was good and pure inside of her.

Kagura wanted so badly to come clean, to tell her everything that was going on, what her master had planned for her. But he would never allow Kagura to warn her. He'd kill her before she could even utter a word.

Even now she could feel his energy. Though he did not speak to her, he was there; hovering around in her mind. Just on the edge of her thoughts. He didn't try and hide his presence either. He made damn sure she felt his disgusting aura, often laughing when she froze in shock and shivered with distaste when he connected to her mind.

Turning her attention back to Kagome, she was glad to see that the young woman's tears were starting to wane, drying up in white streaks on her cheeks.

The distressed female was calming, her sobs becoming small hiccups. Kagura stroked her hair. She had beautiful hair, soft and thick. After a moment of silence, Kagome sat up, an embarrassed smile on her lips as she swiped at the remaining tears.

"I'm okay now,” she said quietly, “I'm sorry; I don't know what came over me."

Kagura smiled sympathetically at the woman.

She looked so sad and young. Though Kagura was only months old, her mindset was older than that. She sort of felt protective of the young woman. She was so kind and gentle compared to her; almost childlike.

These emotions were strange and new, exciting and welcomed.

Never before had she felt such emotions for another being. She liked them; they made her feel so very warm. It was something she had never experienced before and she wanted to experience more, to hold on to those feelings for as long as she could; to have these memories for the cold days she knew lay ahead of her.

She would not delude herself into thinking she would be here forever, that she would ever be completely happy. This was only temporary, could even be considered a fantasy.

A fantasy she was currently living in that would be ripped away from her one day. But for now, she would wrap herself in this fantasy and hold the harsh reality away for as long as possible.

"It is no trouble, my Lady. I understand pain and sadness. You need not be sorry."

Kagome looked over at her, compassion shining in those tear rimmed chestnut eyes. Grabbing Kagura's hand, she gave it a squeeze.

"I know that you do,” Kagome responded, “The day we found you, I knew you had experienced a pain no woman should. And it is my hope to keep you from that pain and sadness forever."

Kagura blushed. It was very, very strange; someone wanting to take care of her.

"My Lady-"

"Please, call me Kagome."

"But my Lady-

"Kagome."

Kagura smiled softly.

"Kagome, I cannot possibly-"

"You can and you will. I will not have you go back into such a life. You do not deserve such treatment. Please, do not nay say me on this. I want to protect you from that monster in the only way I can, surely you can be less formal with someone that wishes to protect you,"

Opening her mouth to protest, Kagura thought better of it. The younger female looked so hopeful. How could she be so cruel as to object?

"Yes, my Lady."

"Kagome"

The two females giggled. Kagura smiled and nodded; her heart full.

"Kagome,"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Toramaru could not be more pleased if he tried.

Both of his nephews would get a chance at Lady Kagome. It was just what his boys needed. He didn't know when he had begun to think of them as his boys but they were.

At first he had only looked after them in honor of his older brother. Now, after all these years, they had become his sons. Of course, he would never tell them that. As hotheaded as InuYasha was he'd go into a foul-mouth tirade of everything that was wrong with him and cold, unfeeling Sesshomaru…..well, he was not above decapitating blood relatives.

But that was neither here nor there. He could not hold that against them, it was simply the way they were.

He loved them like his own children.

He had never gotten the chance to mate and have children of his own but caring for those two, besides a mate, he hadn't felt any desire to do either.

Toramaru turned his attention back to the paperwork stacked high on his desk. There wasn't as much work to be done as usual; most of the time it littered the floor in orderly disarray.

A knock sounded at the door.

Sighing, he sat back from his current document, welcoming the distraction.

"Enter"

Jaken stumbled in; instantly his nose was on the floor, bowing over and over.

Not exactly the kind of distraction Toramaru had wanted but it was a distraction none the less.

"My Lord, everything has been prepared for the honorary ceremony for Lord Sesshomaru. The celebration shall begin at midday today and carry on throughout the night,” Jaken informed him.

Toramaru smiled and stood, scroll in hand. That toad maybe annoying as holy hell, but he did have his uses.

Toramaru had left the preparations of the celebration completely up to the little green toad, knowing that Jaken's organizational skills were unmatched. Those skills combined with his obsessive need to please his masters left him little doubt that Jaken could throw together a decent if not grand celebration party.

"Good work Jaken."

Knowing the complement was a big mistake he gave it anyways, the imp deserved it every once in a while.

Picking up a scroll from his desk, Toramaru walked over to his servant.

"Thank you my Lord! I live only to serve you and your family of greatness! I-"

"Take this scroll to Lady Kagome and report back to me afterwards to retrieve the others. That is all Jaken. You are dismissed," Toramaru said handing the scroll to the toad, hoping to end the tirade early.

"Yes my Lord! Thank you my Lord! Right away my Lord! Good day my Lord!"

Toramaru could only shake his head as Jaken scampered out the door.

All was in place. He had a plan to get Sesshomaru and Lady Kagome in close proximity tonight. He was more than convinced that Lady Kagome was exactly what his eldest nephew needed. Smart, beautiful, with a temper to match, she was perfect for him.

It was his hope she could melt the ice around his heart.

He chuckled aloud.

He'd never thought he'd be playing matchmaker. The idea was absurd, and yet, here he was.

Shaking his head again, this time at himself, Toramaru sat down at his desk and picked up where he left off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ehvil landed on the sand near the sea.

Concentrating on his energy, he retracted it into a small sphere in his chest. His body followed suit, compressing and reshaping into his demonic humanoid form. Naked as the day he was spawned, Ehvil walked right into the sea.

The water was cool against his skin, despite the currents of power stinging his body.

Before the water closed over his head, he erected a skin tight barrier around his body, sealing in air so he could still breathe.

He could feel a pulsing at the bottom of the sea. This was the place. As he floated down towards the pulsing, he came up against a barrier. The barrier reacted against his own, an electric charge rippled through him. Ehvil increased the power of his own barrier.

The barrier weakened, groaning under the strength of his barrier.

Finally it broke, and Ehvil slipped through, sinking to the bottomless void.

Below, in the darkness of the water, a figure floated. Chains tied to giant stones were wrapped around the beings arms, legs and torso, imprisoning him to the floor of the great sea. The bloated body bobbed in the water, green hair waving back and forth gently. His skin was a pasty blue color. Pieces of skin were missing from hungry fish.

Before he could get close to the body, giant pink tentacles wrapped around the body's arms and head, suction cups gripping the bruised skin tightly.

Ehvil raised a brow as the kraken slithered from the darkness, clasping itself to the body as if to stop him from taking it away. Looking into the black eyes, he knew this was no ordinary kraken. Black eyes shinned with intelligence, watching him with a calculated eye, measuring how much of a threat he posed.

"Release him, or face death," he said to the being.

Amusement radiated from the kraken at his words. Its face seemed to smirk.

"Think you that I would fall prey to one as tiny as you?" it questioned in a distorted voice.

"Aye. I will warn you but once more. Remove yourself from his body or suffer by my hand."

More amusement from the kraken.

"You are a fool. It is you that shall perish."

Fat pink tentacles reached out for him, wrapping around him and dragging him towards the giant creature. It reared up, revealing its mouth lined with razor sharp teeth. Ehvil didn't struggle. There was no time for games. Energy erupted from his body in the form of millions of razor sharp blades, smaller than a blade of grass.

The kraken roared in pain, releasing both Ehvil and the bluish body. It fell to the ground, thrashing around in pain and rage, striking out in desperation.

Ehvil grabbed the tentacle and planted his feet onto the sea floor. Tightening his grip he swung the creature around and into a large underwater boulder. The creature roared in pain and slid down the rock, leaving a dark trail of blood, collapsing onto the floor, black ink leaking from underneath its massive body.

"You were warned, creature."

The kraken tried once to move its broken body and failed. Its black eyes began to dim as its life faded away.

With its last breath it made a sound akin to a chuckle.

"Damn…..you."

Its tentacles curled into its body and its black eyes grayed as death overtook it. Turning back to the body, Ehvil floated towards it. Reaching out to grasp one chain, he snapped it, freeing one arm, and then moving on to the other hand. Then grasped the chains at his legs, and snapped both in half.

Once he finished snapping all of the chains, he threw the body over his shoulder and headed above water, his barrier retracting as fresh air filled his lungs.

Once he was safe on land, he dropped the body carelessly.

"Ow! Dammit! What the hell is your problem, Ehvil?!" the body croaked on the ground, water spewing from its foul mouth.

Ehvil chuckled.

"Shut the fuck up, Ahgony and fix yourself up, you look disgusting and you smell like fish,"

Ahgony laughed as he choked up water, spitting it out at Ehvil's feet.

"What the fuck took you so long? Shit. Drowning over and over is a real bitch. Goddamn fish bit me in the ass."

Ehvil shrugged.

"Vishious wasn't ready to move yet. He is now,"

Ahgony smiled as his skin began to pinken with health, the missing chunks of his skin filling in.

"About goddamn time,” Ahgony said, wiping his mouth, “Where are the others?"

"Tourcher and Mahdness are preparing for Vishious' arrival. I have to raise our last brother before everything can be set in motion."

Ahgony sat up, fully regenerated as Ehvil dived back into the sea. Ahgony stood and looked around. He was in the sea of Japan. The land was beautiful, quiet and serene. He wanted to vomit. What the hell kind of world was this? It was so…..peaceful?

It was disgusting!

Fucking sickening.

It literally turned his stomach. He really thought he'd vomit. This wasn't the way it was supposed to be. Where was the chaos, where was the delicious stench of death? This was not how they had left things.

Suddenly, a giant pink kraken was thrown from the water and onto land next to Ahgony. He didn't even flinch, too immersed in his hatred for the peacefulness of the land to spare it a thought.

Ehvil came next, walking over to the kraken.

Pulling a chunk from its head, he chomped down as he took a seat next to his silent comrade. From his facial expression, Ehvil knew exactly what he was thinking at the moment.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, too peaceful. I know, I know. Don't worry. Vishious intends to fix that once he is released, you need not panic." Ehvil said.

"That's a bit of a relief. Otherwise my mind would be as fucked up as brother Mahdness," Ahgony replied as he reached out, pulled the eye from the kraken and popped it into his mouth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She so did not want to be here.

Anywhere but here.

Again, Kagome swatted at the masculine hand that snaked its way up her leg. A blushed blazed on her face. She was sure she looked like a dark cherry. She closed her eyes and tried not to moan aloud as his hand once more crawled over her thigh.

Damn him!

As much as she hated it, desired pooled into her belly.

Toramaru stood, goblet of wine in hand.

"Today is a celebration of my nephew's victory! Let us all celebrate his victory with merriment and joy!"

Everyone cheered at the announcement as Toramaru took a swig of wine before reclaiming his seat.

Kagome was seated at the royal table next to Sesshomaru who was absolutely glowing with male arrogance. He sat close to her as if they were a couple, even going so far as fondling her underneath the table. All the while he kept his face expressionless, as though he weren't doing naughty things to her in public.

No one suspected a thing at the moment, but the tell tell blush on her face often drew the attention of Toramaru.

His sharp amber eyes noticed her blush, and he even had the gall to wink at her!

What the hell was he trying to pull?

She swatted at the clawed hand traveling higher up her thigh, sending a hard glare at both him and his amused uncle. To her great relief he relented, moving his hand back, amusement bright in his amber eyes.

Leaping from her chair she decked him right in the face, wiping that smirk right off his arrogant face. Then she gave him a kick to the chin for good measure…..

Kagome sighed at her little fantasy.

As if she'd ever do that with so many witnesses about.

Turning away from him, she tried distracting herself. Looking down at the end of the table, she could see Lord Sarinji sitting next to Lord Estivan, chatting quietly. Both seemed very immersed in their chosen subject.

No help there.

She looked a few seats over at InuYasha. He was glaring daggers across the table at Lord Yamiko, who in turn was glaring back just as hard. She could almost see the sparks between them.

She giggled softly.

Those two had created a hate-hate relationship. They seemed so alike and yet disliked each other so much.

She didn't get it.

Finally, she looked over at Katzunami who was staring intently at her. He seemed aware of what was going on underneath the table, she could tell by the way his brows drew down and his eyes blazed with anger.

Definitely no help there.

Once dinner was over Kagome was able to breathe again.

She moved away from Sesshomaru, getting as far away from him as possible, heading into the ballroom.

Though she didn't want to be here, she had to admit that the castle was beautiful. Tastefully decorated in different hues of blues, silver and accented with magenta it was like a wonderland. Kagome had never seen anything like it. Rows upon rows of candles lit up the large ballroom. The chandeliers above were alight and blazing. The floor was polished to perfection, gleaming and shinning bright. Musicians played a soft melody for the crowd of people that danced and mingled, gossiping behind fans.

If it hadn't been for Sesshomaru stalking her every move, she would have enjoyed herself very much. As it was he was across the room, half listening to a gentleman next to him, his eyes locked on her. She turned her back to him and ran straight into Katzunami.

She was glad to see he was okay.

This was the first time they'd been able to talk to each other since before his match at the tournament.

A handsome smile made its way to his lips as he took her delicate hand in his and placed a chaste kiss on it, though she noticed that he did this while looking over her shoulder and she had no doubt as to whom he was looking at. She was practically burning up from the anger that was leveled at her from behind.

"My Lady; as beautiful as ever. I have not gotten the chance to thank you for healing me. Had you not healed me I would not be standing here. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Kagome smiled at him. He was so sweet.

"You're welcome, my Lord," she said a bit breathlessly.

She was very flattered. She had never been romanced before. If you could call it that exactly.

The orchestra went into a new melody, a bit upbeat and smooth.

"Would you care to dance?"

Kagome nodded. She loved to dance but never really got the chance because of the responsibility of being the Lady of the Northern lands. But now….she was able to enjoy herself.

In a way she felt oddly free.

Katzunami proved to be a wonderful dancer. Taking her hand, he twirled her onto the floor with the other dancing couples. His hand wrapped around her waist; he took her other hand in his. His movements were gentle and yet aggressive; allowing her to move at will but at the same time making sure she followed his lead.

As the music increased in tempo, the beat picking up a few paces, they danced faster and faster. Kagome laughed breathlessly as he twirled her around the dance floor before once more pulling her in close and swaying to the music at a more leisured pace.

Sesshomaru felt the gold goblet bend in his hand. Luckily there was no wine inside or else he might have spilled it on his kimono.

By the Gods he was ticked the off that she dared to interfere with the outcome of their match. That bastard would have died from the poison he had injected him with; he had made sure of that. It was a level four.

There were different levels to his deadly poison. Level one was merely child's play, only paralyzing the prey temporarily. Level two paralyzed and placed the prey unconscious. Level three killed in the most slow and agonizing way possible. Level four liquefied the insides of the prey. He had never had to go above a level four.

It seemed to him that he would have to rid himself of that male by hand.

Handing the crushed goblet to the man he had only been half listening to, he walked away.

He made his way into the dancing crowd, to the black haired woman dancing with Katzunami. As he twirled with her, he whispered something in her ear, sending her into a fit of giggles.

Sesshomaru clenched his jaw, his claws itching to kill.

He would see that he died in the most painful way possible.

As he approached Kagome's smiled faded and the couple came to a reluctant halt. Sesshomaru ignored the male and moved close to his female, closer than was appropriate in public. The possessive action did not go unnoticed by more than a few in attendance.

"I will dance you now, Lady Kagome," he informed her tightly.

Anger spiked her temper. As she opened her mouth to give him a scathing rejection, Katzunami surprised her.

"Of course my Lord," he said.

Bowing, he allowed Sesshomaru to take her hand. Kagome squawked a feeble protest as Sesshomaru led her away onto the dance floor. Lord Katzunami watched her leave. He was reluctant to leave her but he had to check in with the Gods, he was late as it was. He had just wanted a bit of time with her.

Just for a little while longer.

Kagome stood stiff in his arms, anger radiating from her frame. As they danced, irritation brought a wrinkle to her brow.

`Well wouldn't you know it but the bastard danced perfectly,' she thought angrily.

"You healed him,”

Kagome didn't have to ask who `him' was.

"I did, what of it?"

The hand around her waist tightened in warning at her flippant remark.

"You will not interfere again. Is that understood, woman?"

Kagome's hand tightened in a warning of her own. Miko energy sparked in the hand that lay in his. He merely raised a brow at that, not in the least bit intimidated.

"I will do as I please, Lord Sesshomaru. You will not dictate to me."

He pulled her tighter against him and leaned down to her ear.

"You will heed my warning or you will be punished."

That was it, she'd had enough. Leaning up to his ear, her cheek brushed his long silken tresses; so soft and smooth she burned with envy. Her own mass of black hair was curly and thick; yet another reason to hate the man.

"I do not fear you, Lord Sesshomaru, your threats have no effect on one such as me. You'd do best to remember that. I am not a weak woman by any means."

She felt his smirk next to her ear.

"I am highly aware of this, woman. I will bend you to my will when you are mine. There is no challenge that this Sesshomaru cannot meet. You will lose. But fear not," he whispered as his hand moved down to her rear end, squeezing slightly making her squeal. "You shall enjoy your surrender."

She glared up at him as he swayed in time with the music while she stumbled to keep up.

"Remove your hand from me this minute Lord Sesshomaru."

Amusement colored his features but he removed his hand, moving it upward, just above her ass. Kagome fumed silently. As soon as the dance was over, Kagome pulled herself from his arms and walked away, trying to breathe.

Geez, he was so damn overwhelming.

If she didn't get away soon she would slap his face right in the middle of the dance floor.

Sesshomaru watched her leave, satisfaction purring through him. She would be his soon.

~~~~~~~~~

Jealousy washed over her.

Look at her! Dancing with him like she had the right to do so!

Clenching her fists she walked away. Away from the crowd, away from her; away from the pain of watching them together. Gods she hated that bitch!

Finding a dark corner, she pulled her blade from the sleeve of her royal kimono. Rolling up the sleeve she cut her wrist deep, forming careful crisscross lines, hissing at the pleasurable pain as she pushed the blade deeper.

Blood dripped onto the floor and she closed her eyes as the pain washed over her driving the agony from her heart. She sat there for long moments, the blade still in her arm.

She sighed deeply before removing the blade. Pulling out bandages, she wrapped her arm carefully before stashing everything away once more. It was getting harder and harder to deal with the pain.

Soon, cutting herself would not be able to dull the heartache.

Straightening her clothes and hair she readied herself to return to the celebration, her eyes automatically searching for silver hair and piercing amber eyes. He stood tall and strong, on the outside of the dance floor.

Her heart fluttered in her chest.

Lord Sesshomaru.

Oh, he was as beautiful, as beautiful as the day she had first laid her eyes on him. Strong, and handsome, fearsome and a hell of a lover, he was everything she'd dreamed of.

"Kurai, what are you doing?" a voice behind her demanded.

Irritation set in. Her big 'brother' was here, sticking his nose where it did not belong. How she hated him! She turned to him, purple eyes flickering in anger.

"Why do you ask big brother?" she asked between gritted teeth.

Mahou eyed the black haired purple eyed dragon demoness with suspicion. When Kurai was about there was trouble. He did not trust his little sister as far as he could throw her. Kurai could be a tad bit, unmanageable at times. And from the smell of fresh blood coming from her, she had started cutting again.

Even though she was not a blood sister he felt obligated to see to her well-being.

His mother had come across her in a forest near their lands, abandoned in the forest. Covered in blood and shivering the six year old child had been wandering for Gods knew how many days.

His mother, bless her compassionate heart, had taken her in and claimed her as her own daughter.

Mahou had just returned from military training. A seasoned warrior of eighty-two, he had not known what to do with the small youkai. She had often stared at him in an unnerving way, as she was doing now. It used to unsettle him but he ignored it now, as he always did. He was a warrior for shit sake; he didn't get 'unsettled' by little females.

As a child she was often distant, and quiet. Well at least she had been that first year. But then, things began to happen.

Animals began to turn up dead and mutilated in a sick way. Children were terrorized when out alone after dark, too scared to recount what had happened when questioned. Even grown men had turned up dead. All killed in a horrific way. Each time, he had seen Kurai in the vicinity. Though it didn't prove her guilt, he had become more aware of her and her actions, of the things she did and the places she went.

He kept as close an eye on her as possible.

He had promised his mother on her death bed to care for Kurai. And he would never break a promise to his sweet mother.

"Because I know you, little sister. I would not have us shamed in any way. We are honored guests in Lord Sesshomaru's domain. You will respect his hospitality in a proper manner. Are we understood?"

She gritted her teeth so hard she saw stars. One day, she would kill that bastard.

"Yes big brother."

He smiled.

"Good. Come, there are people I would like to introduce you to."

Taking one more longing glance at Sesshomaru, Kurai turned away, following after her big brother. As they approached the male, her heart sped up and her anger washed away, excitement replacing the emotion. She had not gotten to meet Lord Toramaru since she had arrived two months ago. Always busy, the elder rarely had the time.

Shockingly, he looked just like Sesshomaru, except older.

From the crescent moon that graced his forehead, and the magenta markings on his face, he was definitely related to the Western Lord.

His expression was direct and his eyes piercing; seeming to see right through her. Maybe this was not so bad after all. Even though he was not her Sesshomaru, gazing at him was better than watching Sesshomaru dance with that bitch.

"Lord Toramaru, this is my sister, Kurai. Kurai, this is Lord Toramaru, the Elder of the Western lands."

Kurai bowed respectfully.

"It is very nice to meet you my Lord," she said charmingly.

Toramaru inclined his head.

"And you, Lady Kurai. Are you enjoying the Western lands?"

"Yes, my Lord, very much so, it is so beautiful here."

He smiled at her then. Her heart turned over. If only Sesshomaru would smile so; a genuine smile. Not one that promised a painful death. That was really when he ever smiled or so she had heard.

Turning back to Toramaru, she focused one him. She liked him well enough. He was interesting for an old man. They chatted for a while, before the conversation turned to war and politics.

Men.

Kurai excused herself from the two males and went to stake out her prey once more. She was glad to see that they were no longer dancing together. Kagome had gone out the back terrace doors to the garden outside.

Perfect.

Kurai walked up to Lord Sesshomaru.

He had moved to follow Lady Kagome out the door, but she intercepted him, stepping between him and open doors leading outside; smiling brightly at him. She tried thrusting her chest forward in an enticing manner, placing her hands on her small hips. Though she was not as well endowed as Kagome -she sneered at the name- but she still had a good handful.

"Lord Sesshomaru. I have not seen much of you lately,"

He looked down at her, his amber eyes unemotional and cold.

"Move woman."

Kurai was taken aback. She had had the sickening suspicion that he had been purposefully avoiding her. Now she was sure.

Where had her charming prince gone? Sure, he wasn't the most sensitive male in the world, but he had been civil with her, seductive. But after he had fucked her a few times, he seemed to have tired of her and had not visited her bed again.

Had he just used her?

Her mind denied such a thing.

No! There was no way! He loved her. He did! It was that dark haired bitch. She had done this to them. They were happy before she had come along with her big tits and round hips, and beautiful face. It was all her fault!

"But my Lord," she said as she moved up close to him, almost chest to chest, looking up into his eyes and battering her lashes," I had thought you would enjoy visiting me tonight."

His lips curved upward and for a moment, she thought she had won.

"Remove yourself from my personal space or risk losing your life. You have naught that interests me."

"How can you say that to me," she hissed under her breath. "You were interested enough weeks before."

He lowered his head to her ear, his breath tickling her as he spoke, not words of seduction, but crude words meant to hurt and maim.

"A mistake on this Sesshomaru's part,” he whispered, “I do not normally use women whose pussy no longer tightens around a male's cock, an overly used female brings little pleasure to a male. Even one as perfect as myself may have a lapse in judgment at times. Do not approach me again woman."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Kurai felt her body tighten with pain, shaking her head in denial.

He didn't mean that, she knew he didn't mean it.

It was that Kagome bitch! She was making him say these things to her! She turned in a huff and rushed outside heading for the woods as the tears came.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Have you completed your task Katzunami?" a distorted voice asked.

Katzunami stood in a deep mist. He had traveled some ways from the castle to contact the Gods. He was in the Yume realm. There and yet not completely there. His body remained on earth and yet his soul was gone from his body.

Inside the mist he kneelled.

"I have not yet completed my task, Haniyasu-sama."

Haniyasu came forth, serious as always.

Haniyasu was the god of earth. His domain of power was restricted to earthly doings. Though he watched over the beings of earth, he had little interest in the creatures. He saw them as weak and untrustworthy. This was true of many. There were a select few that did not fall into the untrustworthy category, Kagome being one of them, which was why Katzunami wanted her so badly.

Haniyasu however had little patience to dig through the mass of unworthy to fine the worthy. It was less troubling to lump them in together than to pick and choose.

Haniyasu was tall and lean. Long dark hair pulled into a high ponytail. His armor was made of the earth. The armor its self was more for show than anything else. Gods were not often attacked.

He wore an earth green kimono and hakama and dark blue obi. The cloths accented the green markings that decorated his face, bringing out the deep blue of his eyes. Wisdom and mystery were reflected in those dark blue depths.

"Why have you not completed your task, Katzunami? Kishnoff cannot hold your position forever."

Haniyasu would never understand this fascination he had with the earthling female. Sure she was a beauty and of course, touched by the gods. He himself had given her a whisper of his power. It had come to him on a whim during her creation. This, Kagome, was an important piece in this new game some of the Gods were playing.

He had been able to mark her as the other Gods had, but her destiny was unclear, even to him.

That had never before happened. She garnered much interest from them all.

Katzunami was unknowingly a pawn as well to gather information on the mysterious earthling.

"I understand Haniyasu-sama. It is taking longer than I had first imagined. I ask for leniency."

Of course the Gods would give him as much time as possible. The more time he spent around her, the more information gathered. But they had to keep up appearances. It would not due for Katzunami to figure out their intention, decide not to be a pawn and stop seeing Kagome. He was more useful as an unknowingly willing pawn.

Haniyasu paused for effect, as if he were in deep thought, mulling over his choices. Finally he said,

"You shall receive leniency. But heed me well, Katzunami, your time here is short. Do what must be done quickly or risk being returned to your duty without the woman. Do you understand?"

Katzunami nodded.

"Yes, Haniyasu-sama. I understand."

"Good. You are dismissed."

Turning, Haniyasu walked away, fading into the mist.

Katzunami closed his eyes and reached for his body. Feeling the dim energy, he returned to consciousness.

Waiting a moment before standing, Katzunami sat in the meditative position he had left his body in. Inside was ice cold. His soul warmed it slowly, starting at the legs and spreading upward to his head.

He opened his eyes.

It was getting dark.

He had picked an isolated area in the forest near the castle. Huge trees towered over head, blocking out what little sun was available. Rustling of a nearby bush caught his attention. He came to attention instantly. His hand moved to his sword, and he stood.

"Come out, whoever you are."

The bush rustling ceased at the tone of his voice.

"I will not repeat myself."

Rustling once more.

He readied to attack, but stopped short when a woman eased out of the bush. She was pretty enough. Long brown hair up in a simple bun, bright light blue eyes, and an innocent smile.

"I'm sorry my Lord. I did not mean to intrude. I had simply lost my way."

"There is no need to apologize my Lady, let me see you inside. What is your name?"

"Hikari."

~~~~~~~~~~

Another chapter for ya guys! I hope you enjoyed it. And a big gigantic thank you to EVERYONE who reviewed and enjoys my story! Woooo! Thank you!

Laters!

~ Sessakag