InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Desafiante ❯ Chapter six- Old friends ( Chapter 6 )

Thankyou to all the people, who have reviewed, I really appreciate it so please keep it coming - to clarify a few points that have cropped up in the reviews. Inuyasha is indeed dead <sob>, He died as a human back in the feudal era. Kagome was unable to return to him and he couldn't go to her as the Shikon no Tama ceased to exist after Kikyo used it to transform Inuyasha. Kikyo was cleansed in the process by the way and her soul was able to rest in peace. The reason I did this was I like Inuyasha and I feel a little sorry for Kikyo BUT I don't think Inuyasha was going to get back with her she's a clay effigy filled with hate so it would be a bit hard. I didn't want Kagome to have to choose between Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha because it would be unlikely she'd go for Sesshoumaru unless I made poor old Inuyasha really mean so he had to die, sorry. The story will not have a sad or tragic ending, but I haven't decided yet if it will be happy. I have also taken note of the fact my chapters are too short and so I've tried to make this one longer - its just that I find it difficult to update on time when the chapters are long. Thanks again for all the reviews you are BRILLANT and I LOVE YOU ALL XXXXXXXXXXXXXX ;-)

Chapter six- Old friends

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha - can't think of any way to make that sound more interesting so I'm not going to bother trying. Anyway it upsets me L

What though the field be lost?

All is not lost; the unconquerable will,

And study of revenge, immortal hate,

And courage never to submit or yield.

(John Milton - paradise lost. 1667)

Kagome rolled over, Sunlight was streaming in through the window on to her pillow, she moaned and squeezed her eyes closed, but this only served to change the soft gold on the inside of her lids a deep blood red. She longed to drift back into the blackness of sleep, the bed was exquisitely comfortable and her tired muscles ached to sink back down into its soft depths. Kagomes sleep fogged brain kicked into action. The bed? she had fallen asleep on a cold stone floor, in a wet t shirt. She sat up swiftly and looked around her, she had obviously been moved during the night and someone had changed her clothes and wiped the dirt from her body, she blushed furiously as she thought of who might have done that, but brushed the thought aside. Sesshoumaru would never dirty himself on a human. She looked around the room taking in its vastness; it was obvious that everything within was of great value, although the style was minimalist. Everything was white with the occasional gray accent. It felt almost clinical, 'a bit like the person who owns it' Kagome thought out-loud " Beautiful but cold". She shook off the sudden chill that ran through her when she thought of Sesshoumaru lifted the covers and climbed out of the large bed. The floor was cold beneath her bare feet, it felt soothing against the small cuts and blisters she had sustained the night before. Kagome wriggled her toes tentatively and was pleased to find that her feet didn't feel too stiff and sore. She walked over to the door and tried the handle. It twisted easily in her grasp, It was unlocked, she pushed the door open slowly and it swung back revealing the corridor beyond.

"I wouldn't try anything ningen, the great Sesshoumaru Sama will not tolerate it if you try to escape again". Kagome jumped and looked down at the source of the noise. It was Jaken; the little youkai was looking up at her his bulbous eyes nearly popping out of their sockets as he stared. Kagome blushed furiously as she remembered how little she was wearing and she kicked him hard sending him sprawling across the floor before running back into the room. Jaken picked himself off the floor and followed the ningen girl rubbing his head gingerly. It still hurt from when Sesshoumaru Sama had kicked him. His rejuvenating powers were not as fast as his lords were and he was still suffering. The girl was staring at him with unreserved hatred in her eyes; the intensity of it made him turn away from her gaze it had almost seemed as if her eyes were burning his soul. Jaken indicated another door cleverly concealed in the wall. It was almost invisible and Kagome had to look closely to even see it. " You will find garments in there ningen, The Mighty Sesshoumaru Sama has given you leave to use the whole house excluding his private quarters. You will be watched at all times so do not attempt to leave the grounds".

Kagome stared at Jaken, why would Sesshoumaru give her full run of his estate, it made no sense. She had fully expected to be killed last night and had to admit she had felt great relief when she had actually awoken in the morning at all " Why is he giving me the run of his estate? I want to speak to him, where is he?". Jaken looked as if he was going to explode, his bulbous eyes were stretched as far out as they would go Kagome was almost afraid that they would fall out and roll across the floor, the thought made her shudder. " Sesshoumaru Sama is not here" The little youkai was clearly apocalyptic with rage, "How dare you, a stupid ningen girlquestion the great Sesshoumaru Sama? It is not for you to ask why Sesshoumaru Sama does things. You should be groveling at his feet. Praising him and thanking him for sparing your wretched life…. And it is Sama, never refer to my beautiful Sesshoumaru Sama as he again"

Kagomes jaw dropped almost to the floor, Jaken was visibly shaking, his huge eyes were watery and great fat tears were rolling down his face. Kagome watched as Jaken fled from the room obviously utterly desolate at the disrespect she had shown his master. From his hiding place Sesshoumaru had seen it all and he smiled despite himself at the exchange he had just witnessed.

Eight days later

Sesshoumaru had been watching the girl for over a week now, and he had still not come to a decision about her future. If he was being honest with himself he had been unable to find a solid excuse for keeping the girl alive and it annoyed him that he was even trying to search for a reason. He should just kill her she was dangerous. Not because of her Miko abilities, they were strong but the girl was unable to use them. He had watched her closely she had been trying to harness them for several days now. Often he had seen and smelt the tears of her frustration. Only to see determination grow in her eyes again as she tried again with renewed vigor. He was known for not taking in Ningen slaves. Not once since Rin had a human been near him for so long. It irked him that a part of him wanted to keep the girl, soon his enemies would become curious and the girls latent Miko powers would concern them further. Many of the demon lords had humans with Miko abilities in there service. The power was intoxicating and many of his brethren were addicted to Miko blood.

It would be the fact that he had decided to take on a Miko that would concern them.

Sesshoumaru watched the girl. Was she worth fighting for? He knew at least one demon lord would decide to fight him for her. Believing that the girl was worth more than she truly was. It did not concern him whom; there were none that could threaten him. But it would be inconvenient. At present he could find no substantial reason that would make that inconvenience worthwhile.

Sesshoumarus reverie was broken by a startled cry. He looked down at the girl and then realized the cause of her dismay. She had found Tetsaiga. He had stored it carefully in a room next to his chambers. The girl was dangerously close to breaking the conditions he had imposed upon her. His private quarters were strictly out of bounds. Sesshoumaru was about to reveal himself when something stopped him. The Tetsaiga was pulsing softly in the girl's hands. He had not seen it make any response since he had taken it from his half brothers grave. He was still painfully aware that he had no ability to weld it, it had always failed to respond to him. And he had both his own arms now, the one his whelp of a brother had severed had finally grown back a century before. Since that day he had been unable to even hold the blade.

Kagome stared at the Tetsaiga. The blade felt warm in her hands and she grasped the hilt of the sword holding it out in front of her. She gasped in surprise as the blade began to transform. She could feel a slight tingling running down her arms and looking down at them she saw they were bathed in a pale blue light that ebbed and flowed over her fingers and lit the Tetsaiga with its brilliance. It was alive, the thought hit Kagome and she was suddenly afraid. Afraid of the powers she could feel awakening within her and afraid of the thoughts the sword conjured from within her. She could feel Inuyasha in the blade. She could almost see him reflected in its transformed surface. Kagome dropped the blade with a start, the reflection wasn't real Inuyasha was dead, and the reflection had looked more like Sesshoumaru than Inuyasha anyway. Kagome ran from the room and into the gardens, her lungs burned and as she reached a hand to her face she realized her cheeks were wet with tears.

Kagome collapsed to the ground, she liked this spot it was calm here, a forgotten corner of the sculpted gardens. She had discovered it on her first day of relative freedom, so enthralled had she been at the sounds and scents of nature, things that she had been unable to fully appreciate in a long time that she had tripped over the statue hidden in the long grass. It was a Samurai. At least it looked as if it had once been a samurai. The stone was eroded and moss grew over the exposed surface like a green shawl. She had often stopped since then and talked to the statue. It was alone like her and forgotten she felt an empathy with it. But not today, today it looked as if those cold stone eyes were mocking her, she was sure of it " What right have you got to mock me? You've never lost the only person you've ever loved have you?. You don't know what it's like to be a slave. To be trapped here with some bastard youkai who's so cold the Arctic's probably like a fernace in comparison." Kagome erupted into a fresh flood of tears and started rocking herself as she sat on the dew damp grass " Oh Inuyasha why aren't you here, I love you please come back to me. Everyone I know is dead and I'm so alone" Kagome thought of her family their smiling faces flashed before her eyes " Souta? Kagome could have sworn she had seen her brother among the trees and she stumbled to her feet to peer into the forest.

Kagome screamed as blue fire erupted around her and she was swept off her feet into two strong arms. "Kagome Sama, its me I'm so glad you are okay. If he's hurt you I'll…." Kagome cried out in happiness as she recognized the face of the one who held her. He was older now a fully-grown demon. But he still had an impish grin and a ridiculously fluffy tail; which stood up in the air behind him " Shippo chan, what are you doing here" Kagomes voice suddenly sounded concerned and even slightly angry " Shippo put me down, you mustn't be here. Sesshoumarus away but he'll come back and he'll kill you. Please I've already caused the death of your daughter and Inuyasha I couldn't bear it if I caused your death as well". The fox demon put her down and she stood before him looking at his face, she was proud of how he had grown, she had seen flashes of pain in his eyes at the mention of his daughter and Inuyasha, but he now looked determined.

"I'm not afraid of Sesshoumaru Kagome, and it is not your fault my daughter died. I should not have asked her to help, she was young and inexperienced her death is my doing. Inuyasha loved you he didn't blame you, none of us did. I stayed with him till the end he died still loving you. Whatever that bastard may have said he did not die alone. We buried him beneath the god tree with Tetsaiga at his side".

Kagome looked into her friends eyes " Sesshoumaru has Tetsaiga now Shippo chan, he must have taken it from Inuyashas grave. Shippo looked at her sadly " I know he did I couldn't hope to retrieve it from him, but he can't use it. It can only bring him bitterness and pain, that thought keeps me from taking it back"

" And the thought that I Sesshoumaru would kill you within seconds". Kagome turned around sharply to see Sesshoumaru standing behind her, his eyes were cold and calculating and Toukijin was drawn from its sheath and transformed in front of him. " You were stupid to come here Shippo, your tricks are no match for my skills and you know that. Fox youkai are full of talk but your attacks lack any substance."

" You bastard Sesshoumaru, why do you want her? If you dare to harm her I'll…" Sesshoumaru almost laughed "You'll what? there is nothing you can do against me you are nothing. The girl is mine. She will help me weld Tetsaiga and when I have used her I will dump her bleeding body on the grave of my filthy half brother. I Sesshoumaru have tired of talking to you Shippo, prepare yourself to die"

Kagome drew Shippo's sword from the sheath at his side and held it to her own throat. " Sesshoumaru wait. You know I'll never help you if you kill Shippo, even if you torture me I'll defy you" Sesshoumaru looked at the girl, her eyes were ablaze with determination and hatred. And he knew she was speaking the truth. He stopped and stared at her. Kagome looked into his eyes and pressed the blade against her skin she winced as it nicked her throat " I'll kill myself Sesshoumaru, if you come even one step nearer I swear I'll do it. If you let Shippo go I'll help you to use Tetsaiga, but you have to swear not to hurt him or any of his kin". Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru, she could see the indecision in his eyes, She knew that both her own and Shippo's life was teetered on a knife-edge. If Sesshoumaru called her bluff and decided to attack she would plunge the sword into her own throat and Shippo was no match for Sesshoumaru she knew that. She was surprised that the fox demon had not stopped her in fact Sesshoumaru had also made no move to take the blade from her grasp.

Sesshoumaru looked at the girl, his eyes were seething with anger, how dare she demand anything of him. He was also frustrated he could not wrestle the blade from the girl, both he and the fox demon had seen the blue light ebbing around her fingers. If she struck him with the blade while her Miko powers flowed through it he would be seriously hurt and the fox demon's powers would not even be able to stand her touch she would knock the imbecile flat if he touched her. He studied the girl's face; she was obviously confused as to why neither of them had made a move to stop her. The fox demon was looking at him, he also seemed confused. ~ Not sure are you Shippo, if the girls powers are enough to kill me, your affection for the human is stopping you from even suggesting it too her in case she hurts herself how very touching ~. Sesshoumarus eyes did not betray his thoughts and he sheathed his sword in an almost nonchalant fashion. " The fox is of no concern to me girl, you have my word that I will not harm him or his kin, as long as they do not trespass on my lands again. If he or his many offspring set a paw into my territory I will kill them". Kagome looked at Shippo; her friend was about to shout abuse at Sesshoumaru when Kagome spoke to him. " Please Shippo, I'll be okay, I'll find a way to get to you I promise, please do it for me its important to me that you are safe". Shippo looked into his friend's eyes, he still respected her, and she was like a mother to him. He closed his eyes and screamed his anguish and frustration to the skies " I will go, but if he harms you I'll come back and kill him I swear it" Shippo looked deeply into Kagomes eyes " I will come back for you Kagome. I have Souta, I found him in the ruins of your home. I tried to get to you. But I was too slow to stop them. I'll look after him for you I promise". Kagomes eyes filled with happiness and gratitude for her friend. She brought the blade from her throat and handed it back to him " I love you too Shippo Chan, thankyou". She watched him as he ran into the trees and vanished from sight. Then she turned her eyes to look at the demon lord before her, she knew that she would be punished for what she had made him do. But she was so happy at having found Shippo and Souta that she was unafraid, that is until she saw his eyes"

Sesshoumaru dragged the girl back into the house, he was livid, his eyes were tinged red at the corners and he ignored her yells of protest as he dragged her back to her room. Kagome was truly terrified although she tried not to show it, she masked her fear by throwing as many insults as she could at the demon lord who was dragging her along the corridor. She knew he would not kill her, but she was certain her punishment would be harsh.

Kagome yelped as she was thrown onto her bed, her eyes widened in fear as Sesshoumaru climbed onto the bed after her " Get away from me you Hentai bastard. I swear I'll kill you if you touch me" Sesshoumaru looked down at the ningen girl " I seem to remember you saying that before girl and as yet I am still very much alive". Kagome screamed as Sesshoumaru pinned her back against the covers, She could feel his weight across her waist as he straddled her and his breath was hot against her face. " You are mine now ningen and I must mark you as such. You should be grateful to be the property of the great Sesshoumaru".

Kagome twisted in his grasp, this wasn't happening to her, she felt tears rolling down her cheeks and her head felt light, she couldn't seem to get enough air into her lungs. Sesshoumaru looked at the girl, she was hyperventilating and her eyes were becoming glassy as she struggled to take a proper breath. He didn't understand her reaction at first; the girl had never shown so much fear before. And then he realized what the ningen was thinking and he raised one gracefully arched eyebrow in surprise

' We can do it that way if you wish Miko but personally I have no desire to defile myself with a human". Kagome could hear Sesshoumarus voice but it seemed distant as if she was no longer connected to her own senses. She couldn't quite work out what he was saying and she thrashed wildly in his grasp her eyes wide and frightened. Sesshoumaru pinned her more tightly under him, but this seemed to cause the girl to struggle even more and he could smell the blood both from her grazed throat and from her wrists, he was unable to prevent his claws from slicing her delicate skin. If she continued to struggle this way it would be too dangerous to mark her. He leaned in closer to her face, her breathing was still fast and erratic and he could smell the sweetness of her breath as it caressed his face. It was obvious that she could not hear him her eyes were wild with panic and her blood was now starting to dribble onto the sheets from her wrists, she didn't seem to notice the pain. Sesshoumaru looked at the girl, he could remember his brother calling her Kagome, he had often heard the name when his brother had lain dying, maybe she would respond better to her name although he was loath to show that kind of respect to a human.

" Kagome, Kagome look at me", The girls eyes snapped back into focus at the sound of her name. Kagome looked up into the golden orbs that hovered inches from her face, it was strange to hear her name coming from those lips. His eyes were cold there was no passion or lust in there depths and she noticed that the red tinge had gone, his eyes were a deep gold and they appeared ageless, the depths were tinged with copper that danced like fire next to his black pupils. Kagomes breathing slowed and she stopped struggling. She did not move at all although every muscle in her body was screaming at her to fight him. " As I was saying girl I Sesshoumaru have no intention of defiling myself with a human, however much you might desire to lay with me". Kagomes eyes widened with shock and then filled with anger " How dare you, I would never 'lay' with you, you disgust me". Sesshoumaru released her hands and sat up although he did not shift his weight from her body. His words had had the desired effect she was now staring at him with anger and defiance burning in her blue eyes, the fear had been burned from them and her breathing was steady.

She looked beautiful lying there her hair was streaming out behind her head and the black looked even deeper against the white covers, the girl's features were enthralling they were delicate and more beautiful than he had ever seen before on a human. He frowned slightly at his thoughts he could see her fighting to keep control, her hands clenched into fists with the effort but she did not struggle. Sesshoumaru looked at the clenched fists the familiar gestures amused him. He slowly shifted his weight and felt her muscles tense beneath him as he moved. Part of him wanted her; he was attracted to her defiance and her power. He saw hints of fear enter her blue eyes and he dismissed the thought. He would not fall so low as too sleep with a human and he would never take her against her will, it sickened him that some of his kind forced themselves on females, it was a human weakness and something he would never do. If he did decide to take her she would come to his bed willingly.

He leaned down so that his face was again inches from her own. Kagome looked into his eyes, she frowned slightly, they were still cold she had thought she had seen desire in them and it had frightened her. She would not stand a chance if he did decide to take her; she could feel the power in his body. He looked almost to immaculate at first glance. An aristocratic demon that would have others do his fighting for him. But she knew different, he was immensely powerful and she had never known him to use others as shields. He had no need too. She could feel the power in his muscles as he had held her and she could sense the powerful aura around him, his anger had made the air thick with it.

Kagome breathed in deeply his scent was earthy and powerfully masculine. She turned her head away from him as tears clouded her eyes. She was constantly crying and it embarrassed her, it was a visible sign of her weakness and she felt sure the demon lord was amused by it, she had no desire to cause Sesshoumaru any kind of pleasure.

Sesshoumaru pulled back slightly as he smelt the salty scent of her tears, she had turned her head away from him and he could smell the shame as clearly as he could smell the salty liquid. He snarled softly as he felt the unfamiliar feeling of compassion. It was a weak emotion and he had not felt it since Rin. It had been a weakness then and it would be a weakness now if he allowed it to take hold. Sesshoumaru shifted his weight from the girl and stood up, he reached down and pulled the girl upright so she was sitting on the bed in front of him. He had never marked anything as his own before. The lesser youkai used crude methods to brand human slaves and he had been relieved to see no marks on her flesh. She had obviously been a little too difficult to handle for most of the lesser youkai to want to keep her.

The method employed by the demon lords was a little more complex. They rarely communed with each other and none of the demon lords would be likely to search for a mark before killing a human. Destroying another's property was a serious insult against the owner. Therefore a method had been devised to mark the ningen slaves with their owners scent. It was a permanent mark and no human so branded could ever be resold, released or gifted to another demon. It was painless apart from the required cuts, but Sesshoumaru was unsure if it would be painless for a miko, he knew her blood would fight against his own. She was inexperienced however and she would be unable to purify his demon blood when it was mixed both with his venom and the powerful magic required for the process. He doubted he would be able to mark her as clearly with his scent as he could have a normal human, but it would service.

Kagome sat up as soon as his weight left her and scooted backwards. She crouched at the far end of the bed and watched the demon lord, he was obviously thinking and she was determined not to show fear. It was obvious to her now that he had no intention of trying to sleep with her and she knew that she could handle almost anything else. There was no point in cowering away from him and running, she would merely appear stupid. Kagome raised her head and steadied her breathing, with as much dignity as she could muster she rose from the bed and walked round to where Sesshoumaru stood." If you want to mark me, then you may as well do it now, I won't run from you. I have no intention of making this enjoyable for you Sesshoumaru so get on with it". Sesshoumaru looked at her and for an instant she was sure she had seen a fleeting glimpse of surprise in his cold eyes.

He did not answer her instead he drew a small thin blade from the folds of his Kimono. Kagome's posture remained impassive, this was obviously going to hurt but she was determined not to cry. She raised her head a little higher and closed her eyes.

To be continued …(I've been dying to right that!)

Sorry it's a Cliffy - but I will update next week, it just seemed like a strong place to end. I will also be adding some action in the next chap as I am getting bored.