InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fate Entwined ❯ Meetings and Reconciliation ( Chapter 3 )

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

AN: Hey everyone here is the next chapter. I wanted to have this up sooner but I kept getting distracted. Also I apologize in advanced for the ending of this chapter, but I couldn't help it.( <--insert evil grin here). Thanks for the  I've gotten so far! I really appreciate them.

Hope everyone is having a Happy Valentines Day. Enjoy the chapter!

Word count: 4,952

Edited on 2/19/11 for minor spelling, grammer, sentence structure and continuity errors.

Chapter 3: Meetings and Reconciliation

   Kagome jumped up suddenly as a knocking sound brought her back into the waking world. Disoriented she looked around the room before remembering the days events. She rubbed her eyes wondering when she had dozed off and how long she had been out. Looking around again she noticed that the light in the room was much dimmer and a dim red glow was cast about the room from the shoji screens.

   “Its almost evening,” she muttered as she cast off the last vestiges of sleep. The knocking sound came again and she let out a small growl of annoyance. “I'm coming!” she said not remembering that there was a sound barrier in place.

   Standing she checked her kimono and ran her fingers through her hair. Her tail which had relaxed and uncurled from her shoulder was now laying curled around her feet. Picking up her tail which she could feel twitching as she grumbled about noisy people, she then re-situated it around her shoulder . Not know how presentable she was since there were no mirror's she decided that it was as presentable as she was going to get. She continued to adjust her tail as she made her way back to the front of the room and slid the door open to find Nabi with her hand raised to knock again. Nabi lowered her hand a slight blush covering her cheeks. She took in Kagome's tussled hair and the red print on her cheek. Her eyes also still held a slight glassy sheen to it.

   “I'm sorry to disturb you my lady,” she began, “But my lady Megumi-sama, has called for your presence.” Kagome blinked at her for a moment before her eyes widened in realization. What could the Lady of the West want with her? “The lady can not wait, we must go now.”

    Kagome nodded and took a step out of the room turning to close the door behind her. She turned back to Nabi and smiled.

   “Thank you for coming to get me,” she said, “Please lead the way.”

    Nabi smiled at her before turning and walking back down the hall. She looked over her shoulder to Kagome and motioned for her to follow.

   “This way my lady.”

   “Please call me Kagome,” Kagome said as she proceeded to follow her down the hallway,“It is my name after all.”

    “Oh no that would be very improper,” said Nabi a note of worry in her voice, “I shall call you Kagome-sama instead. Is that acceptable?”

   “I suppose it is,” Kagome replied with a sigh.

   Walking down the hall they turned coming back out into the small main foyer they took the door back out onto the covered walkway. Walking down the walkway Kagome took this time to admire the gardens on either side. Lush greenery covered the ground. Various tree's and shrubs scattered the grounds in an ascetic way. A small stone  and gravel path weaved throughout the garden. On either side there were also one or two small koi ponds, one of which had a small sakura tree resting on its edge. Underneath the tree was a small stone bench. Off a little ways in either direction there was a 6 foot tall wooden fence erected for privacy for the area and along the walkway there were breaks in the railing were stone steps were erected allowing you to enter the garden from there.

   Reaching the main building of the palace they re-entered the building and once again took to the twisting halls. Kagome knew that it would take time for her to remember what hall led to where so she took her time to take in the different tapestries, scrolls, plants and other things that lined the halls. Many of them depicted great battles in which a giant white Inu stood victorious while others depicted the serene scene of an ocean, forest or field. There were many vases some sitting on small tables, full of flowers, while others sat on the floor with a large fern or even bamboo shooting out of them.

    Finally after making one more turn they came back out onto another pathway. Ahead of them Kagome could see another building this one wasn't as large as the guest building but it was still grand. It too sported two stories and if Kagome had to guess it also had covered walkways. She unfortunately couldn't see because the building was fenced off for privacy. The walkway they were on ended just before the gate to the building and as they stepped down the stone steps Nabi turned to her a serious look on her face.

   “Kagome-sama, we will be entering the private quarter of the estate now. This section is reserved for only those born or a part of the house of the moon, no one else is allowed to entered not even guests,” Nabi said to her, “I will taking you directly to my lady's private meeting room. I must impress on you the importance of this honor. Please remember to be respectful at all times as I will not be able to do anything for you should you do something wrong.”

   “I understand,” she replied with a slight nervousness lacing her voice. Nabi smiled in understanding.

   “Only a select few servants are allowed to serve the family of the west personally in their quarters,” she said, “When I was chosen to serve my lord and lady, I too was nervous the first time I entered upon these grounds. Do not worry, I believe that you will do just fine.” Nabi smiled then and turned back to the gate. Standing there in front of the gate were two soldiers. They smiled at Nabi as she stepped forward. “I bring the Lady Kagome to meet with my lady.”

   “So this is the pup that the lord was ranting about?” asked one of the soldiers as he looked around Nabi to take in Kagome, “She is quite pretty, I don't see anything special about her though. Hey maybe after you meeting we could get together and get to know one another better.” he said wiggling his eyebrows comically.

   “Kota!” Nabi shouted in reprimand as she smacked the soldier on the arm, “You will show more respect to Kagome-sama, She is soon to be a part of the house of the moon.”

   “Whoa!” Kota said as he held up his arms, “Calm down Nabi. I was only saying it in jest. I didn't really mean it.” Nabi huffed then and turned to Kagome.

   “Don't mind this lug,” she said motioning at Kota, “he jokes a lot but he really is a good guy.” She then turned back to him and smacked him again. “And you do not refer to Kagome-sama so informally, compared to our lord and lady you are still a pup yourself.” Kota chuckled as he fended off Nabi's attacks.

   Kagome glanced at the other soldier who was failing to hide his snickers behind his hand. Catching her look he smiled at her and bowed.

   “Don't mind those too,” he said, “They do this all the time, they are siblings after all.” Kagome nodded. “My name is Kenji, it is a pleasure to meet with you my lady,” he said as he turned and opened the gate while the siblings continued to banter.

   “It is nice to meet you as well,” she replied, “please call me Kagome.”

   “Now that would be improper,” he replied, “How about Kagome-sama?” Kagome sighed nodded her reluctant acceptance. He grinned and then turned to the bickering siblings.

    Walking up he wrapped his arms around Nabi's waist and pulled her back against his chest murmuring something into her ear. Nabi blushed and then smacked him on his arm as she pulled away from him. She straitened her kimono and turned to Kagome her blush still firmly in place.

   “Let us go Kagome-sama,” Nabi said was she turned and made her way past the gates, “it is best not to keep my lady waiting.” Kagome nodded hiding a small giggled as she followed her past the gates. The two soldiers bowed to them as they past and closed the gate after them.

   Walking up the stone path they ascended the stone steps and walked to the door. Nabi slid the door open and motioned for Kagome to enter before she entered and closed the door behind them. Resuming her position in front of Kagome she led her to down the hall directly in front of them, turning down the first hall the to right. They walked a little further before taking another right and they stopped before a door. Nabi knocked on the door. There was a brief pause before the aura of power surrounding the room pulsed once. Nabi opened the door and bowed low to the person within.

   “My lady,” she began, “I have brought the lady Kagome to meet with you as you have asked.”

   “Thank you Nabi,” came a soft lilting voice from the woman that Kagome had seen earlier. Golden Amber eyes focused on Kagome. “Come forward pup,” she said, the same lilt to her voice. Kagome took a few steps into the room and then bowed deeply to the female Inu. The woman chuckled as she motioned for her to come closer. “Come closer I do not bite. I wish to apologize for my attitude this afternoon and for the way I addressed you earlier. Tell me what is your name?”

   “Kagome my lady,” Kagome replied as she straightened out and looked the woman in the eyes. Amusement shined within those golden orbs. Kagome Fidgeted then feeling very self conscious in that moment. She knew she must look a mess and she could feel the dirt still in her fur and on her skin. In that moment she really wished she could have a bath.

   “Kagome,” the woman paused then, “you are very brazen to look at me so, however I will not fault you. Again I apologize for my actions this afternoon. I hold no ill will towards you nor the human and her pup. I was just upset and I lashed out when I should not have. I feel, however, that it will take some time before I can accept the human and her pup. I am being rude now for I have not said my name, when you have already given yours. My name is Megumi and you may call me as such in private.” Megumi then turned to Nabi who still stood at the door. “Nabi will you please get us some tea?”

   “Of course, my lady,” Nabi said as she bowed to them, “Would my lady like anything to snack on as well?”

   “No that will not be necessary, but thank you Nabi.”

   “Very well I will return shortly with your tea my lady. “Nabi bowed again and closed the door leaving them alone.

   “Come and sit here Kagome-san,” Megumi said as she motioned to the cushion that was set on the opposite her.

    Kagome nodded and walked forward kneeling down on the cushion. She adjusted her kimono smoothing it out as she knelt before Megumi. When she was situated she looked at the lady who now knelt about 2 feet away from her. She took in her feature's taking notice that the anger was gone. There was still a small sliver of pain, but it was overwhelmed by the amusement and curiosity that now shined.

   “My lord tells me that you saved his life,” Megumi said looking at Kagome, “For this I am eternally grateful. He also tells me that you act as a pup, you have no control over your instincts and you do not know how to harness your youki.” Kagome nodded then unsure of what to say or if she could even speak. “You may speak freely here Kagome-san,” she said taking notice of her hesitance, “there is no need to uphold the the rigidness of propriety or court here. I will as least ask that you do still show respect to me”

   “Yes I shall Megumi-sama,” she replied, “and yes I did save Touga-sama. I don't really remember much of what happened. I just remember there was a feeling that was pushing me to go through the building even when it was burning down around me. When I reached the room where Touga-sama was, he was locking swords with a human who I think was supposed to be Izayoi-san's guard.”

    Megumi's eye brow rose at what Kagome said, but remained silent. A knock came at the door before it opened and there knelt  Nabi with a tray of tea. She lifted the tray and stood walking into the room she knelt again and placed the tray down. She took one cup and placed before Kagome and then placed the other before Megumi. She bowed and stood taking the tray with her. She closed the door again, not once saying a word to them.

   “You say that you think he was her guard, pleas explain,” Megumi said as she lifted the her cup of tea to her lips.

   “Well I'm not sure, there was too much ash floating in the air so I'm not sure, but I remember seeing blood staining the guards weapon but it was not covering the edge of the blade so I know he hadn't hit Touga-sama. The whole room smelled of her blood and birthing fluids though so I don't know if it did happen, but I think her guard may have killed her before Touga-sama arrived.”

   “You say that and yet she sits here on the palace grounds alive and well, if she had been killed how does she live?”

   “I do not know,” Kagome replied guardedly. Megumi's eyes narrowed but she didn't remark on Kagome's guarded reply.

   “It just so happens that my lord has a sword that can heal any wound and bring those who have died back to the world of the living if their soul has yet to be taken by the little reapers of the underworld. The sword allows him to see them you see, and so it allows him to cut them down. It will not harm a living creature, but it will harm those of the underworld or a creature of this world that is particularly evil.”

    Kagome nodded in understanding, even though she already knew this truth. She lifted her own cup to her lips taking an experimental sip of the tea to find that it was green tea with a hint of honey. Megumi chuckled as she watched Kagome sip the tea.

   “I prefer to have a little honey in my tea, I hope you do not mind but I can not drink it plain. I do so like the flavor that the honey give's it.”

   “No I don't mind,” Kagome replied a small smile gracing her lips, “in fact I really like this. It does give it a nice flavor.”

    Megumi graced her then with her own small smile. She then sighed as she placed the cup down and fixed Kagome with a more serious stare. Kagome shifted slightly becoming a little nervous again.

   “You hold many secrets Kagome-san,” Megumi said rather bluntly, “I will not begrudge you your secrets though I hope that you would open up to my lord and I about them soon. I'm sure that my lord has already expressed his wish to make you an official member of this pack.” At Kagome's nod she continued. “I have already accepted his claim, that is why I wanted to meet with you before you met with him. I wished to get to know you a little more. You will be meeting with him when we are done here. He will explain to you what is going to happen and most likely place a temporary mark on you until you can be brought before the other lords and officially made a member of this pack. I will help you if you need it, in your lesson’s of our way and of court.”

   “Thank you Megumi-sama,” Kagome said as she bowed to her to show her gratefulness.

   “I thought I told you there was no need for that,” Megumi chided softly amusement ringing in her voice again. Kagome blushed and ducked her head slightly. “There is something I have been remiss to mention. I have son, between my lord and I of course. He is now the western lord, and you will have to meet with him as well. Though My lord has already passed his claim to the west on to our son, he is still alpha and his word is still final in many matter's, but those pertaining to the west. Also our son still need's to be reconsigned by the others as lord of the west or else the claim will be voided.” Megumi waved her hand then. “Enough of that though, finish your tea, I will call for Nabi.”

    Kagome nodded as she lifted her cup to her lips again. She shivered as she felt the energy around them pulsed. It felt much stronger inside the room than it had outside and she realized that the energy was coming from Megumi. They sat calmly sipping their tea as the energy settled again. A few minutes later there came another knock at the door, before it slid open to reveal Nabi.

   “You called my lady?” Nabi asked as she bowed.

   “Yes,” Megumi replied, “It is time for Kagome-san to meet with my lord. Would you please guide her to his study?”

   “Yes my lady,” she bowed again and turned her attention to Kagome, “Please follow me Kagome-sama.” Kagome stood and turned to Megumi and bowed.

   “It was nice talking with you Megumi-sama,” She said as straightened.

   “It was nice to talk with you as well,” She replied.

   Kagome smiled and moved towards the door. She walked out past Nabi and waited for Nabi to slide the door closed. Nabi closed the door and took up her place in front of Kagome once more. She lead Kagome back out of the building towards the gate where they stopped only long enough for the guards to open for them to pass. Once more they stepped up onto the walkway and made their way back into the main building of the palace. After a few twists and turns they reached a set of stairs. Taking the stairs up they turned right and followed the hall down a way before stopping at a door. There was no barrier up for this room but the energy that Kagome could feel coming from within was enough to know who it was. Nabi knocked on the door and they waited for permission to enter.

   “Enter,” a deep voice called from within the room.

   Nabi slid the door open. To reveal a moderate sized room. The walls were covered with shelves that held scrolls. Many of them were rolled up, while some of them were laid out flat and stacked on top of each other. There also appeared to be some that were bound in a volume format. A few ferns decorated the corners and there in the middle kneeling in front of a long mahogany desk like table was Touga. There were a few cushions in front of the desk for whomever he held an audience to sit upon.

    Touga, himself currently had his head bowed over a scroll a pensive look upon his face. He was no longer adorned in his armor and fur, and he was dressed in a fresh Kimono. The armor in question was currently set on a stand off to his left, two of his swords resting on a rack just above the stand.

   “My lord I have brought Kagome-sama to see you,” Nabi said as she bowed low. Touga looked up then his features lightening.

   “Thank you Nabi you are dismissed,” he said, “I will call for you when we are done.” Nabi straightened up and proceeded to walk away, leaving Kagome standing in the hall just outside of his study. “Come in Kagome-san, have a seat,” he said motioning for her to come and sit before him.

   Kagome took the few steps into the room and turned to close the door. After closing the door she moved forward and knelt on one of the cushions, smoothing out her kimono as she did. Touga nodded in approval before turning his attention to the walls around them. His aura began to pulse as his youki lined the walls. He was muttering something under his breath. Once he was satisfied that no-one would be able to hear them he turned his attention to back to her.

   “I know that you have already met with my mate,” he began, “I see that you have come out unscathed. I apologize for her actions as I’m sure she herself has already, but that is not why I wish to speak with you. I told you before we came here that I would make you a part of my pack, and that I will teach you the way's of the Inu. I meant what I said, however, I wish to know the reason's for why you do not know, things you should. You need not worry, no one will hear us here.”

   Kagome chewed on her lower lip as she thought about what to tell him. She wondered if he would believe her. They sat there in silence for a few minutes as she continued to mull over her thoughts. Touga watched the many emotions flit across her face and through her eyes. She was like an open book, it was amazing. He would have to teach her how to hide these as they would become her enemy in court. He watched as she finally came to a decision, for her eyes lightened slightly.

  “ I am not from here,” she began slowly, “what I mean to say is that I am not from this time. I was born in the future as a human.” She watched him gauging his reaction. Though he was more open than Sesshomaru he was still a lord and his features were still guarded.

    She continued then, telling him of her fifteenth birthday and her journey through time. She told him about the Shikon No Tama and how she traveled with his youngest all across Japan to recover the pieces of the jewel she had broken. She told him of the friends and enemies they made and finally she told him of the final battle again Naraku. She told him of the light that had engulfed her, whisking her away from Inuyasha and her friends. She told him of the voices and lastly of the change she underwent.

   “And then I woke in a clearing not far from Izayoi-san's home and the rest you already know.”

   There was a silence for many minutes as Touga took in all that she said. He could smell no lies from her and as her emotions were not guarded he knew that she spoke the truth. He now knew that there was a future in which he was gone and his youngest had to face the harshness of the world without him or Izayoi. He knew there was a future in which his oldest would finally begin to open up to someone. The proof was sitting before him. Kagome fidgeted slightly becoming nervous when he did not say anything.

    “I believe you” he finally said, “however, I would like poof of your miko abilities.”

    Kagome's eyes widened slightly in disbelief before a smile spread across her face. Relief flooded through her as the knowledge of his belief sunk in.

   “What kind of proof are you asking for Touga-sama?” She asked. Her head tilted to the side in curiosity.

   “I'm sure you know how to flare your aura,” he replied, “I would like to look inside yourself and draw out your miko energies and flare them outwards, but only a little.”

   Kagome nodded before she closed her eyes. She was unsure if she would be able to do it but she concentrated. She emptied her mind of any stray thoughts. Finding her center of peace she began to focus all her thoughts and energy on finding her miko energy. After a few moments she felt the familiar spark of power as within her minds eye a ball of pink light formed. Unaware of what was happening around her as she concentrated on the task asked of her, she did not see Touga's eyes widen.

    He could feel the energy that was rolling off of her.  Though it was somewhat muted, it was holy energy. He could feel it growing slightly by each minute and it made him realize that what he felt was only the tip of the iceberg. He stretched his youki outwards towards her. Prodding at the energy feeling its warmth but not getting hurt by it. She was powerful, strong, but at the same time so very weak. She would need someone to protect her.

   “That is enough” he called to her. After a few moments the energy all but disappeared. Kagome opened her eyes feeling drained. “I have seen enough. You are quite powerful, though you are untrained. I can see now that there is much you will need to learn.”

   Kagome blinked at him in surprise, wondering what he meant by she was powerful. There was no way she had that much power. Her eyes dimmed slightly as her thoughts took a darker turn. No, there was definitely no way she was powerful at all, Inuyasha and Kikyo had told her themselves on many occasions. Touga saw the sadness and self-worthlessness in her expression, though he chose wisely not to say anything at this point in time. He would cross that bridge when it came to it. Instead he would focus on telling Kagome the things she would need to know. Clearing his throat to get her attention he began to speak once more.

   “As I have said you will be a part of this pack, I will place a temporary claim on you until a proper ceremony has been scheduled. This claim will protect you from any who would threaten your life here in the fortress and also show you to be a part of this pack. When the ceremony is held you will be made an official part of this pack. Until such time you will remain in your current room in the guest house. I do not remember if I told you previously, but I have another son. He will be reaching his 500th summer soon, which would be the equivalent of 19 summers for a humans lifespan.”

   “Before I left for my battle against that dragon,” he practically spat out the last part, “I passed my claim to the west on to him. He is now the western lord, though it is not official yet. I would hope that you will get along with each other, at least civilly if nothing else. There is a lot you will be learning and there may be times I or my mate can not teach you, if it is within his power I will have him teach you or I will appoint you a tutor for the times we can not be there. I would also like for you to meet him in an informal setting before you are made a pack member and formally introduced into the court. If it is alright with you I will call for him now.”

   Kagome took in everything he said her mind was almost spinning at the prospect of the things she would need to learn. Not only that but to find out that Sesshomaru was basically the same age as her in human years at least, sort of through her for a loop. Focusing back on the topic at hand she took a deep breath preparing herself for the inevitable. Her thought was, might as well get it done and over with.

   “I would like to meet with him if it is not too much trouble Touga-sama,” she replied.

   “Very well,” he said as she dropped the sound barrier knowing that the meeting was for the most part over. He flared his youki out searching and finding the individual he was looking for. He let his youki pulse once wrapping it around the individual. Not even a moment later there came a knock at the door. “Enter,” Touga called to the person.

   The door slid open to reveal Sesshomaru. He was as immaculate looking as she remember except he was missing somethings. He was not wearing his armor and the fur that was wrapped around his shoulder was missing as well. His sash looked empty without the Tenseiga or Bakusaiga which she was used to seeing. The biggest thing that had her blushing and turning back around was that he was shirtless, for he had been in the dojo training.

   “You called father,” he said in the same silky monotonous voice that she remembered.

~To be Continued
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