InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Caged in Her Heart ❯ Impenetrable ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Caged in her heart
 
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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I do not make money out of writing this story. And I don't own Lady Misil either, but she's so amazing.
 
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Summary: Higurashi Kagome, the one who aspires to become Empress, the one all love and fear. She is capable of hurting everyone who stands between her and her goal, but will things stay the same as the Emperor tries to resist her?
 
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A/N: I haven't written any chapters for this story in such a long time, I apologize. Actually, I haven't written any chapters for any story in quite a while, and I still won't - for two entire weeks! - but when I come back I'll make sure to do so. So, other than the two weeks that I'll be gone - extremely gone, out-of-the-country gone - there's nothing new you should know about. So... take care and enjoy the read :)
 
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Contrary to her expectations, Fujiwara Byakuya was indeed a handsome man. Not only that, but his slyness seemed to be coming off him in waves, too. For a woman such as Higurashi Kagome, it was unbelievingly irresistible.
 
“I told my father I would not marry,” the irked young man said. “I do not know why he does not seem to understand, Higurashi-sama. I must apologize for this misunderstanding.”
 
Her eyes twinkled strangely, because she knew soon she would have him at her feet. “Not at all, Fujiwara-san.”
 
They continued their walk in silence for a while. Byakuya's head was swimming in confusion; he did not know how to feel about this strange woman. Naturally, he knew she had been Naraku's intended, but why her? Why such a petite woman that seemed so proper? Proper? Somehow, the word didn't suit her; it was perhaps everything he'd heard about her that made it so. Still, he couldn't imagine her being ruthless and amazingly astute.
 
“Naraku-san once said, you should know your opponents as well as you know your friends. Do you know why that is, Fujiwara-san?” Kagome asked nonchalantly, not even looking towards him. Yes, of course, he knew that lesson. Everyone that knew Naraku personally had to know that lesson. And obviously, it didn't escape the younger son of Fujiwara Ginjiro how Kagome called Onigumo Naraku “san”. Not many were allowed to do that.
 
“Of course, Higurashi-sama. You must be aware of their every move, penetrate their minds and know how they think to be able to repel their attacks.”
 
She nodded. “Hn, but why compare them to friends?”
 
Byakuya lifted a graceful eyebrow. Why, indeed? Naraku could have suggested knowing about the adversary as well as one knows oneself.
 
Kagome spoke. “There is no such thing as friends in war, Fujiwara-san. And this life is, after all, a war. Friends become enemies and enemies become allies. You should take your time to know them equally.”
 
“Ah,” he replied, his eyes glistening with admiration, “did Naraku-sama teach you that?”
 
No, he had not, but Byakuya had no way of knowing that. “Yes, he did. It was one of his many lessons.”
 
Amazing. To Byakuya, this was amazing. He could still hear the teachings of his long lost master through this amazingly petite woman who seemed to know so many things. Teachings that had belonged to Onigumo Naraku. If he married her, then… After all, it was obvious that Naraku had taught her more than he had ever taught him.
 
“How do you do it?” he found himself asking.
 
“Do what?” Kagome replied cautiously, her wonderful garment touching the ground with immense ease as she walked gracefully.
 
“How do you manage being so influential? What is it you want? To become Empress?”
 
Yes, it was exactly what she wanted, but she had a better way of putting it.
 
“I merely want what Naraku-san wanted for me: to become the one to rule these lands.”
 
For just a second, Byakuya could swear his heart soared from hearing such a declaration. His incredible loyalty would not be wasted if he sided with this woman. In her he'd find his master.
 
She was the one.
 
“I am looking forward to our nuptial ceremony, Higurashi-san.”
 
The change in suffix did not go unnoticed and Kagome smiled triumphantly. Still, there was a pang inside her chest that told her that her heart did not agree.
 
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The hut was small and smelly, but it did its job. Here no one could discover them. Their plans were to be executed perfectly.
 
No matter how hurt he was, Inuyasha could never hate her. His love for her was too strong, too alive. Rumors of Kagome's impending marriage to Byakuya were loud and clear and he understood. He understood what sacrifices she was willing to make in order to get him back, because he wasn't stupid. Higurashi Kagome was not as heartless as everyone deemed her to be. Yes, it was true she could sacrifice anything to get her ultimate goal, but that didn't mean she didn't suffer because of it.
 
She wanted to become Empress and he wanted her.
 
How pathetic.
 
Still.
 
“Are you sure you were not followed?” His voice was gruff and edgy - like a true General's. If his tactics proved victorious, Kagome would never have to marry that Fujiwara coward. No matter how influent the little bastard's father was, he'd force Kagome's hand and not even Fujiwara Ginjiro could stay in his path.
 
The bastard...
 
Honestly, Inuyasha had no idea if Fujiwara was his father or not, but he didn't care. He didn't care at all.
 
“Yes, Inuyasha-sama,” the ever-so loyal, albeit coward servant uttered reverently.
 
After it works my way,” not if, “Myouga-san, you'll get a higher rank.”
 
The old man's eyes twinkled gratefully, but Inuyasha simply shook his head.
 
“So, what news do you have?”
 
The old man cleared his throat, straightening his shoulders. “All your soldiers were informed, Inuyasha-sama. There will be chaos.”
 
“Good.”
 
It was indeed good news. Kagome would not have time to think about anything else than the commotion that would take place. Her marriage would be forgotten, his promise of retribution…
 
“But I do have one question, Inuyasha-sama.”
 
The look in the General's eyes told him to continue.
 
“Why did you threaten Higurashi-sama? Do you no longer wish to be by her side?”
 
Inuyasha smiled cruelly. “I want her to be afraid, I want her to make a mistake.”
 
A mistake? Higurashi Kagome? That was unheard of. Higurashi Kagome's defense was impenetrable.
 
“How so?” the old man asked and Inuyasha issued a dark chuckle.
 
“She's got so many things on her head right now; I bet she isn't expecting what I am going to give her.”
 
“But so many people will die,” Myouga pondered almost quietly.
 
“They will not. Under my command they will not.”
 
There was nothing to do than to trust the General's quick thinking. His strategies. After all, he'd never lost a fight.
 
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“Higurashi-sama! Higurashi-sama!”
 
The slightly startled woman looked away from the documents that were spread on the table to see Gatenmaru's horrified face.
 
She took a moment before asking, “What is it?”
 
“Can you not hear?”
 
Truly, now that she was no longer engrossed in her work she could hear. Possibly hundreds of soldiers were yelling Inuyasha's name, demanding that she bring him back. They seemed relentless, from what Gatenmaru said. They wouldn't take any orders to leave, and who could force hundreds of soldiers to leave anyway? Their General had been taken away and they were rebelling. But… why now of all times?
 
“Are you aware that time has passed since Inuyasha was taken away?” Kagome asked, a slight edge to her voice.
 
“Yes, of course.”
 
“So then… Why now?”
 
Truthfully, he had no idea. He'd thought something strange was going on for a few days. The soldiers had been avoiding him at all costs, or so it had seemed. But Higurashi-sama had so many issues to deal with that he had not wanted to burden her with yet another one. What could possible go wrong? He knew the answer. If all soldiers asked for Inuyasha, then he'd never have the chance to become General himself.
 
He could not answer her question.
 
“This Gatenmaru has no idea what is happening, Higurashi-san.”
 
“Of course,” she said, her eyes unfocused. “I didn't expect you to.” Naturally, she missed his confused frown. What did she mean by that? Did she mean he was below their former General? No, she could not possibly mean that.
 
“I'll deal with them now.”
 
That being said, she got up and walked slowly, steadily, exuding the poise she was graced with.
 
“What is the meaning of this?” She raised her voice, something she almost never did, and enjoyed the way the soldiers faltered for a bit. But, relentlessly, they started begging her to show mercy towards Inuyasha's situation.
 
“Please bring our General Inuyasha back. Please bring our General Inuyasha back. Please bring our General Inuyasha back.”
 
And their bows and requests went on and on.
 
“Enough!” Kagome yelled over the crowd, her powerful voice carrying all the way to the back. “I will not tolerate this. Do not do such insane things unless you want Gatenmaru-san to take care of you.”
 
For a second they seemed to ponder it, but words their leader had said rang loudly in their years. Determined and steadfast, they recited together,
 
“Please bring back our General Inuyasha.”
 
A scowl almost marred the woman's beautiful features, but she refused to be seen furious. Turning around abruptly, she walked slowly, elegantly, ignoring the crowd's cries. It was clearly Inuyasha's influence here, but why would he do this now? Why not at the beginning? Just as she sat at her table once again, looking in the mirror made realization sparkle in her mischievous eyes.
 
Yes… how could she have overlooked such an important aspect?
 
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He wasn't hostile, just… cautious. If anyone, anyone, saw him here, with her, Hell would break loose. What would his wife, the imposing Masami, say? What would the people say? Would he lose his influence? Would his allies not trust him anymore?
 
Still, his heart told him exactly what he wanted. His heart, the treacherous thing that beat inside his chest, it squirmed in pure delight.
 
She was as beautiful as last time he had seen her, as if time was on her side.
 
“Izayoi.”
 
Naturally, he was aware of how hoarse his voice sounded; it brought back memories, passionate once that still haunted him at night, but he'd ignore such trivialities now. He had a wife, two sons, and a whole deal of problems on his shoulders.
 
“Fujiwara-san,” she said politely, bowing her head slightly to show him such informality was not possible.
 
“Of course,” he said with a bow, “Tachibana-san.” He understood her message and enjoyed her smile, even though he knew it was false.
 
“I trust you are good?”
 
“I am.”
 
Why beat around the bush? He was sure this had something to do with Inuyasha, yet he would be relentless. He couldn't risk being seen wrongly by his subjects or allies, and so Inuyasha had to be away.
 
“I believe you know what I am here for.”
 
There was a distinctive sadness in his eyes; he hated causing her pain, and what more pain could one cause a mother other than hurting her son?
 
“I'm afraid I cannot bring your son back.” He did not say his name, there was no need to.
 
“He's your son,” she said, almost harshly, her words taking him aback.
 
“What?”
 
“I said,” she repeated, “he is your son.”
 
How could that be? No, it was possible, but… then it was true? The whispers and gossips and everything? He'd had a hunch; after all, the boy really did look a lot like him, but it could have been anyone. His brother, Kami bless his soul, had been equally attractive and with similar features, so why had he thought Izayoi would have been with him instead?
 
Because it had been easier to do so.
 
“It cannot be.”
 
“He is your son,” she repeated. “You and Takemaru have been the only men in my life, and everyone knows Inuyasha is not my husband's son.”
 
Indeed, everyone was aware of that detail.
 
“So what do you suggest?” His eyes were brutal. “Are you threatening me?” With exposing him? No, she was not.
 
The self-protecting barrier he'd cast over himself fell abruptly at her hurt gaze. “Is that what you think of me?”
 
“No, of course not,” he answered immediately, taking her into his arms. Instantly, the longing he'd felt for so many years increased tenfold; he wanted to have her again, to possess her, to be the only man in her life - to be her everything.
 
“I am a married woman,” she said simply, tears coating her vision as her head hung low.
 
“I know,” he said, refusing to give up the warm embrace. “I know.”
 
“I thought that maybe… once you'd find out he's your son, our son, you'd feel something for him. Maybe you'd… care more about him than about yourself. That maybe you'd want to protect him.”
 
Izayoi was being foolish, she knew, but if there was even a slight chance that something like that could happen then she'd try. With everything she had, she'd try.
 
“He loves that woman. I don't know why, but he does, and I don't want them to be apart. I don't want your other son to marry her. It would break Inuyasha's heart,” she explained.
 
But it was too late, Ginjiro knew. Byakuya was already infatuated with the woman. He didn't know how she'd managed it, but in only one day she had stolen his son's heart. It seemed she held the hearts of two sons of his.
 
“Byakuya has accepted to marry her.”
 
Shocked eyes met his.
 
“I know, he has sworn off marriage for so long, but… it seems she has made quite an impression.”
 
“She always does,” Izayoi muttered, burying her face in his chest.
 
“I know, and I don't know how I can do this, but if Inuyasha ever tries to come back, I won't stand against him.”
 
It wasn't what she'd come here for, but it was better than other things he could have promised, so she smiled a bit for him, a real smile, and hugged him one last time.
 
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“So what does he have in mind exactly?” She tried to think like him, but Inuyasha was as unpredictable as she was. Today was the day of her marriage. Honestly, she couldn't care less how she looked, but she wanted to make it memorable for Byakuya. She needed him on her side.
 
“Higurashi-sama!” Gantenmaru again. “We have a problem.”
 
“Out,” she said, though her heart spoke against her decision. “It is my wedding day. Have you no shame? Out.”
 
“I apologize, but it's about Inuyasha!”
 
This captured her attention and she turned around to face him.
 
So, he will strike…
 
Gatenmaru was not prepared for her smile.
 
“Fine, tell Ginjiro-san I said it was time and retain Sasaki Daisuke and Ito Hayato,” she ordered, anticipating Gatenmaru's stutter.
 
“B-but, Higurashi-sama! Are they not those who are in charge of opening and closing the gates? How do you know them? Who will open the gates from now on?”
 
The answer was so simple, so obvious, that she wondered how he hadn't seen it coming.
 
“No one.”
 
“N-no one? But what if we need to get out?”
 
“No one will open the gates.” It was final and he nodded.
 
Kagome's mind flew to a recent conversation.
 
“Perhaps I should tell you that I will no longer resist Inuyasha's presence here. If he decides to come back, then he will be allowed to be by your side. If you decide not to marry my son, you will be allowed to do so.”
 
Fujiwara Ginjiro's unusual declaration startled Kagome; she was cautious - there had to be a catch.
 
“In exchange to what?”
 
“Nothing,” he replied. “I have simply decided to have it so.”
 
Smiling, Kagome walked a few steps closer and regarded him sincerely.
 
“Have you found out anything?”
 
Her acumen was incredible, but he didn't falter.
 
“I have.”
 
“Does it have to do with the relationship between you and Inuyasha?”
 
Again, “It does.”
 
She had foreseen it; truly, she had. “Ah, Izayoi-sama is truly formidable. To keep it a secret for so long…”
 
It was obvious he did not feel threatened. “Yes, she is.”
 
The twosome measured each other for a while.
 
“I trust we will be great allies, Higurashi-san.”
 
“We will, Fujiwara-san.”
 
A new type of bond formed between the two and Kagome was sure he would not be offended if she ended up not marrying Byakuya, but she couldn't simply refuse her marriage. She would have to be `forced' to do so. Naturally, she hoped Inuyasha would unknowingly do the trick for her.
 
I know you can do it, Inuyasha.
 
“I need your help with something,” the woman declared suddenly. “It involves Inuyasha and his plans.”
 
“Oh?”
 
“He will have his soldiers rebel against me if I don't have him as General once again. Naturally, I will be obliged to take him back as General to avoid a civil war, but he will become one only on some conditions. He will ask me not to marry Byakuya.”
 
“Ah, how clever. But how do you know? Have you two discussed this?”
 
A mad twinkle flashed in Kagome's eyes. “No, but he and I think alike. I do believe he sometimes forgets it.”
 
“Excellent,” Ginjiro declared with a low chuckle. “What can I do for you?”
 
“I cannot trust my own guards now, because I have no idea who works for him and who doesn't. The only one I can trust is Gatenmaru, who wants Inuyasha dead so he can become General, but I fear he might become too… zealous in his endeavor.
 
Ginjiro's face hardened.
 
“Then how come you keep such a man near you?”
 
“He will never do anything about his hatred towards Inuyasha,” she said with a warm smile. “He wouldn't dare. If Inuyasha wouldn't get to have his head on time, then I would, and Gatenmaru is well aware of this. I need them to compete, to always try to be better than the other.
 
“That is shrewd, but I like how you think,” Ginjiro declared with a smirk.
 
“Of course.”
 
“Then what do you want me to do?”
 
“I need you to find out who the ones in charge with the gate are. I am positive they will keep it open for Inuyasha and I must prevent that. Secondly, I want you to give me your army.”
 
The atmosphere was tense all of a sudden, as if the importance of the situation had just dawned on the influent man.
 
“Are we going to war?”
 
Kagome heard the edge in his voice. “No, we are not. I just need your troops to show Inuyasha that I am well prepared, as well.”
 
“All of my troops?”
 
“Half.”
 
Half was still a lot.
 
“Do you not want him to force your hand?” He'd thought she did.
 
I do, but… I am Higurashi Kagome.”
 
Then he understood. She could not be caught off guard; how would people see that? If she had her forces ready, but Inuyasha was still swifter - he was a General after all- then she'd have her reputation unsoiled.
 
“Inuyasha is coming with troops.”
 
“I know,” she said, “go prepare my wedding.”
 
Wedding? Was she out of her mind?
 
“With all do respect, Higurashi-sama. There is no time for your wedding now,” Gatenmaru advised.
 
Nothing in the world could have prepared him for her twisted smile and the nonchalant way she answered, “I know.”
 
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Inuyasha was positive he would win. Against him no one had won, and Kagome knew it also. It was a matter of weakness and strength.
 
And of knowledge and ignorance…
 
Of course, he had to take into account the possibility that Kagome had discovered him. As far as he was concerned, it wasn't possible, but Kagome had endless resources and he shouldn't underestimate her. After all, he who is reckless can easily be killed.
 
But he doubted Kagome would kill him.
 
He stood before fearless warriors, looking them in the eye. His words were of both wisdom and experience - even the older men respected his opinion, because after all, Inuyasha was the one who could always get them out of danger. There had been times when he had not been able to be with his Army, and those had been disastrous. No one managed to understand the enemy as well as he did, no General was as good as he was. It was perhaps because he had spent some time on Tang lands, learning their ways and their teachings. Perhaps it was also because he knew The Art of War better than anyone - he knew when and what to expect.
 
And he always had a fabulous way of showing it.
 
“Higurashi-san will have to receive us back into her heart,” he said loudly, his voice clear. “If I am not with you, she does not care about this Army. Until this Army has a new General, you are meaningless. Let me give you a goal again. Let me give you a meaning. Let me lead you to victory once again,” he said, relishing the calls of glory and cries of acknowledgement.
 
“Today, Higurashi Kagome shall learn how indispensable we are. She is not impenetrable - she shall learn that as well.”
 
And he smiled when all agreed with him, following him in his journey to the Palace.
 
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“What?!” The Emperor stood in his indefinite surprise. “What are you saying?”
 
Kikyou was breathless at the news she heard.
 
“General Inuyasha seeks war. He is heading towards Higurashi Kagome's chambers as we speak. Consequently, Higurashi-sama has mobilized troops of her own and they belong to Fujiwara Ginjiro.”
 
Renkotsu nodded unfocusedly, his mind in too much of a haze to truly understand anything. Why would Inuyasha do that? Was it a ruse? Come to think of it… today was the day of Kagome's marriage.
 
With Fujiwara Byakuya…
 
The woman was incredible. Fujiwara Byakuya had refused to marry for years and she had managed to convince him in a sole day.
 
She's terrifying.
 
“So they are attacking the Palace?”
 
“It would seem so, Kimura-sama.”
 
Kagome lived in the Palace.
 
Soundlessly, he fell back into his chair, his eyes still as wide as onions.
 
“Father?” Kikyou's voice was low and scared. “Do you realize how acute they are?”
 
“Hm?”
 
“Higurashi-san and General Inuyasha. They… will solve everything like this.”
 
The Emperor shook his head in sheer denial. “No, it cannot be. Fujiwara will never allow them to do such a thing.”
 
But Kikyou dreaded such a firm declaration. “If they're determined enough, I think he will.”
 
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The Palace was silent as they all waited in dreadful anticipation for the fight that was to come. Fujiwara had already arranged the less important warriors to take the front lines, so if they were to be killed he would not suffer major damage.
 
“Wait for my order,” Kagome said calmly, her husband-to-be at her side. Furious, Byakuya had demanded to know what the fuss was about, and the mere name `Inuyasha' had irked him to the heavens. Still, he would help his future wife as he could.
 
Silently, unnoticed, Kagome watched him out of the corner of her eye, and instantly decided he was a fine character.
 
But not as fine as Inuyasha.
 
True, Inuyasha was both astute and strong. He could mobilize thousands of men if need be. No matter what anyone said, she needed him by her side.
 
Fujiwara Ginjiro observed the situation quietly; he had to agree that his youngest son was not the best option Higurashi Kagome had, but in Inuyasha's absence he was the most reasonable one. Sesshomaru would never take her as a wife - his wife would not have such a notorious history.
 
Everything was still silent and Kagome's brows furrowed slightly. She was beginning to wonder if her assumptions had been correct and the others were clearly doing the same thing.
 
But suddenly, the doors broke before their very eyes, chunks of wood flying everywhere. Startled, Kagome saw the giant tree trunks being thrown to the side by dozens of men and wondered how they hadn't heard them.
 
Inuyasha's army was truly one of laudable stealth.
 
Cries of war and fight were issued and Kagome saw the man she'd silently missed leading his troops to blind combat - he was in a new armor, a thinner one, but it looked equally good on him. Truly, truly, he was a warrior. His surprise at the troops waiting for them there was lacking, and she realized he must have expected her to figure out his intent. It didn't matter though; by the end of the night she'd be his again. She just knew it.
 
No words were said as Kagome and the Fujiwara father and son watched the battle unfold before them - Inuyasha was gaining ground almost effortlessly. And if Ginjiro hadn't ordered his troops to fight for real, then it wouldn't have been a surprise, but this showed how skilled Inuyasha really was. His fighting technique was fearsome - there was no man that could really fight him, because he finished them off immediately. He knew martial arts like no others, and while he was not the most graceful fighter, he was beyond doubt the most formidable one.
 
In no time at all Inuyasha's army advanced forward, until Kagome could clearly see the murderous intent shining in her lover's eyes.
 
When he reached her, he pulled her with her back to his chest, threatening to slash her neck if anyone moved.
 
The battlefield was silent as such a horrifying scene - all Fujiwara troops were on their knees in reverence; they knew who to be loyal to, after all.
 
“You bastard,” Byakuya hissed, his fists clenching at his sides. Kagome had never seen him so angry, but then again - she didn't know him that well. Being pressed to Inuyasha's body - it felt more like home than she had ever felt.
 
“Are you going to kill me, Inuyasha-san?” she spoke defiantly, almost picturing his snarl.
 
“You shouldn't talk like this, High Priestess,” he threatened, his armor iron-hard against her clothes.
 
“I assume you want something,” she said nonchalantly.
 
“I almost didn't expect you to see my little strategy, but I'm glad you did. This way, victory is all the sweeter,” he purred against her ears, almost daring as much as to lick the outer ridge.
 
“No one does something behind Higurashi Kagome's back without her knowing it,” she declared, her fists clenched in sudden indignation. Who did he think he was? Lover or no lover, General or no General, she was still his superior in every significant way! She was impenetrable!
 
“You're right,” he said, surely to appease her. “But this time I won. This time, you will have to do as I tell you, or these men,” he pointed towards the large army waiting impatiently, “they will jump at your throats.” And he locked eyes with Byakuya.
 
“What are your demands?” said member of the Fujiwara clan asked harshly and Inuyasha regarded him with equal fervor.
 
“Higurashi-san will not marry you, and I shall be General once again.”
 
Kagome looked at the younger Fujiwara and smiled apologetically, knowing that he understood. As sharp as he was, it seemed he deemed her to be genuine in her unawareness of this ploy.
 
“This is the first and last time you will ever force my hand, Tachibana Inuyasha,” she declared callously, playing her part perfectly. At Byakuya's reluctant nod, she announced, “You are General.” And the crowd went crazy, all of them kneeling before their once-again General.
 
Unobserved by anyone, Ginjiro was incredibly proud of his bastard son. The man was almost as shrewd as Higurashi Kagome and could easily conquer whatever he wanted if he wished so. Why he remained under her command had to be a matter of the heart, but he would not interfere. This time, Ginjiro would not interfere again.
 
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She wanted to laugh in glee and throw herself into his arms, but he was enraged - she could fell it radiating off his skin. So she waited.
 
“Was this a plot?”
 
Kagome almost winced at the poison in his words.
 
“I had to do this. You know my ultimate goal, and you know what I'm capable of to achieve it.”
 
Yes, Inuyasha knew all about Menomaru.
 
“Of course,” he replied. “It's no national secret.”
 
Insulting her here, where there was no one that could hear them didn't hurt her at all. In fact, it mollified her. If he was angry and not devastated she could deal with it.
 
Angry she could deal with.
 
“Are you aware of how confused I was? Did you see yourself in the mirror when you ordered them to take me away?”
 
She had been merciless.
 
“I had to be authentic,” she said simply in her defense.
 
“You had to be authentic,” he mocked, starting to undress himself. The armor was being shed bit by bit and Kagome suddenly found it increasingly hot in the room.
 
“What are you doing?” she asked almost silently, biting her lip to keep from making any additional sounds.
 
“It's hot in this room,” he said with a mad gaze, reaching his undergarments. “Any idea why that is?”
 
Gulping visibly, she let his hungry eyes roam the entirety of her body before landing on her full lips. In a flash he was right before her.