InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Made New ❯ Surprise is my Middle Name ( Chapter 4 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: SirenSinger 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.04.2009 | Updated On: 03.23.2010 | Pages: 1 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 422 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.04.2009 | Updated On: 03.23.2010 | Pages: 1 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 422 | Status: Work In Progress
The only warning he had was the absent look in her eyes. She should have looked afraid, should have coward. He felt her go ridged, and then that look. . . so vacant. As if she had left herself for the moment. Sesshomaru never regretted a thing he had done in his life, he made no mistakes. It was others who pushed theirs on him, but at that moment he knew she had been pushed too far. The wind picked up, smelling strongly of the miko, and he knew she had lost control. Her aura exploded from her. The force was almost enough to push him back, and the fire of her was singeing his own youkai enough to cause pain. Her power spread around them, and the vacant look in her eyes was replaced by one of panic. She could not stop herself. The bigger her energies grew the hotter they seemed. He tightened his grip on her neck. She would stop, he had as much as he was willing to allow.
When the miko cried out, his own aura answered her. Reacting on its own just as hers had. Sesshomaru let their energies intertwine. He saved her if not for his own sake than for the fact that his beast had sent his power out of its own accord, and that it was his responsibility under his father,s law. He didn't bother to catch Kagome when she fell to the ground.
~*~
Kagome had never felt anything like it in her life. The sudden surge of her aura, visible in the air that surrounded them both. A beautiful whirl of the softest pink that whipped around them, violent and all encompassing. For the first time in all her years of training in the feudal era, Kagome was scared of her own powers. It was like something broke inside of her, like some barrier she had never known was there snapped and she was pouring out like a storm that had always been waiting for release. She vaguely felt Sesshomaru's hold tighten, probably instinct taking over with the powerful wind burning him.
Kagome waited for it to subside, trying to will it to stop. She had never lost control. She had never even known the extent of her powers before now. She just wanted it to stop. As if this were not scary enough, she knew already what the consequence of the outburst would be - death by no uncertain means. Sesshomaru would kill her. He would most likely take this as a threat, but she couldn't stop it. The more she tried the more angry her aura seemed to get. The only glimmer of hope she had was his reference to protecting her earlier. She had no thoughts though, to spare for that. Now, she only thought of the energy and the pain. Yes there was pain. It was hot and burning her skin, she could not see the burns but it felt as if her skin should melt in the heat. She closed her eyes, and wished for it to subside. Her aura did not stop however, and the pull of her own power was enough to have her choking for air. Was she going to kill herself?
It kept growing and growing and she could feel the emptiness now. Despite the burning aura, she was cold with the loss of it inside of her. She felt empty, without air, and her aura gone. She was hollow and caving in. She called out, the pain was too much. There was no question about why her powers were reacting like this, there was only fear. It was all happening so fast, yet to her, the strength of her own powers seemed to freeze time. Whatever was going on she just wanted it to stop.
Kagome felt another strange aura come over her. It was big, maybe even bigger than the one she had discovered in herself. Again there were no questions this time, only relief. She grabbed onto that aura as if it were her only chance. And it could have been, anything to distract her from the pain.
The burn of the holy energy spun itself into the new and protruding aura, and the air began to cool. Slowly her breath was returned to her, but the emptiness remained. The other aura swayed back from her. It was rich and gold, thick enough to separate herself from the pink energy. They almost danced together she thought, and Kagome felt her knees hit the ground before both the pink and the gold turned to black.
~*~
Sesshomaru was… pleased. At first when the bitch's powers flared, he had been angry, he tightened his hold to remind her who she was dealing with. Sesshomaru would not be disgraced with the miko's demonstration, but her energy continued to grow. He had never come across any miko with this amount of power before, let alone the slip of a women this miko was. It caught him off guard. Kagome was much stronger than he thought. To his surprise, he did not hate the fact. He had to think of his pack. A miko of this strength would be an asset. With the proper training, no demon would cross Kagome, and no demon would dare challenge Sesshomaru's rule either. But it was not as if she could control her gift. The plain look of fear in her eyes had told Sesshomaru that this was not her way of defending herself. At least not on purpose. Kagome's power was strangling her with the same force it used to escape from her hold. If he had not stepped in, it may have killed her. It was clear she could not stop herself. No, without training she could not be of use to him. She had been too much of a nuisance to warrant the respect it took to think on the fact. She was proving to try his patience.
Still he would excuse her. 'This time only' He told himself as he walked away from her unconscious form. She was lying next to the fire and that was all Sesshomaru cared for. The last thing he needed was for her to be sick before Inuyasha came to retrieve her. He had better come soon. Sesshomaru was growing tired of the priestess already. Her insolence was intolerable. Yet, he had been impressed with her this day. Probably the emotional trauma earlier paired with his own threat had caused the release of her stored energy. Though it did seem odd that his beast would react so suddenly. He would have stepped in even without the monsters prodding, it was . . . annoying. Another odd thing was that the miko had chosen that time to break. If he knew his half brother at all than he could safely guess that she had been put under this amount emotional stress before. In the small amount of time he had spent with the group of theirs, he had only seen her react in a submissive manner. He did see though, that she was not without her fury. When Inuyasha had endangered her friends, she would be the first to defend them. Sesshomaru had no doubt that in the morning the miko would probably waste no time in confronting Inuyasha. That was all for the better, he thought. The less time she spent around Rin the less chance the girl had to become attached.
He sat himself next to the child, with legs crossed in the fashion taught to him by his father. The girl would not be a child forever. Sesshomaru may rule the western lands, he had an army that could crush the other three, and enough money to buy them out if he chose to, but he had nothing to offer Rin. He understood little of children. It had been such a long time since he had been one. But he did remember how fragile they were. They needed understanding . . . love, and he could imagine how much more a normal human child would need even more of these things, but she was an orphan. He didn't know if he could ever give her them, being the demon he was.
But him being a youkai, and she being human was not the most pressing problem at the moment. The most troubling thing really was that Rin was a girl. She would not remain the innocent hormone less child she was for much longer. Soon there would be the questions he couldn't answer, the ones he didn't want to answer, and he couldn't imagine ever being able to teach her the more delicate things about being a woman. She would need a mentor, a role model that was most definitely female.
That created another problem. Sesshomaru would not allow just any one to look after Rin. It would have to be someone who could give her everything she needs. Someone kind hearted, and as jubilant as the girl herself. It would have to be a woman of intelligence, and with strength enough to protect her if he was not present. It must be someone Rin would enjoy, and he could tolerate. He already knew there could be no such Inu demoness. If he could find any demon who could give her these things he would have no qualms now, but seldom does a demon care for a child that was not their own. It could be done obviously, fore he did indeed cared for Rin in that manner.
Sesshomaru was sensible though. There would be no demon aside from himself who could care for her as he did. If he must have a human for her than that was what he must do. He owed no one in the court an explanation. If he had to take another human in, then as uninviting as the idea was, it would be done. He thought over his options. It was necessary for him to know a few humans. As western Lord he had a duty to all that lived in his lands. Very few, he thought, could handle Rin, and even less of those she would get along with. When it came to it, the miko seemed an obvious, if unpleasant choice.
Rin had always had a certain fondness for her. That was something he didn't understand, but then again there were a lot of things about the girl he didn't quite grasp. Like why she would choose to follow him through the country side. She liked to be wherever he went. How she remained unafraid of him, and determined not to be left behind. Rin and the miko seemed well matched, but Kagome was unstable in her powers. Not only that but she was responsible for completing the jewel of four souls. She had many things to learn and do before he would consider her, but he admitted begrudgingly that she would most likely be the best choice. That being said the thought was left alone.
"Sesshomaru?" A little voice called to him, barely audible even in the quiet of night.
"Quiet, Miko." Sesshomaru would not have her wasting her energy. It was far too early for her to be waking. She surprised him again with her resilience. He didn't like to be surprised. Once more she was proving herself a nuisance. That word was beginning to enter his thoughts more and more often. Still grudgingly this also added to his impression of her. She was much stronger than he first thought. She had grown since she was his enemy.
He heard her sigh. "I'm so sorry . . . " She picked her head up, and tried getting up on her knees slowly, but only managed to prop herself on an elbow before she fell again. She let herself lay there for a few minutes before she spoke again. "Ugh....What... happened?"
Sesshomaru took pity on her. "You lost control of your powers." He watched her try again to get to her knees.
When she had finally lifted herself awkwardly to her knees she said, "I know that but...why? I've never done that before. . . I couldn't stop it." Here her stomach added its rumble to her voice. "Oh, I'm hungry" She said to herself. 'and cold, and confused, and sore' She couldn't believe the position she was in. Here in front of the most powerful youkai she had ever met, and she felt the weakest she had been in a very long time, so vulnerable. He must think she was pathetic. 'Kikyo would never let Sesshomaru see her like this' She moved in a better position to get to her feet.
Sesshomaru said nothing else, but watched as she struggled to get to her feet. The miko should not have been conscious, but standing? 'Why?' He had to admit at least she was intriguing. Still, why should she fight so hard just to stand. She was on her feet now, wobbling this way and that. He stood too, but not to keep her from falling. "Miko, prepare yourself. The half breed comes."
Kagome went right back down to her knees. "What?" She was feeling woozy. Sesshomaru just looked at her, his face unreadable " Baka," She said, as tried to push herself up again, but she couldn't. She saw, blurrily, Inuyasha's red hakamas before she fainted again.
~*~
Inuyasha took one look at Kagome and snarled. "What did you do to her bastard!?" He raised his sward and stood over her. The protective stance he always assumed when she was in danger. Sesshomaru flipped his hair nonchalantly over his shoulder as he turned his back on the half breed. Without saying a word he walked out of the camp site. After a moment of confusion Inuyasha went after him. "Hey, don't think you're getting away!"
Sesshomaru walked on until they were out of ear shot for the humans and then stopped abruptly. Still making sure Rin and the miko were within his eye's sight. He turned then to his brother and waited.
Inuyasha stopped too, as soon as the demon lord turned around. "What happened to Kagome?" This time his voice sounded more concerned than angry. When he had seen Kagome in the state she was he had lost it. He forgot all about what he had come to ask Sesshomaru to do. That just proved it to himself even more. He could not let anyone hurt her, not even Kikyo. He sheathed his sword.
Sesshomaru glanced at Inuyasha now, realizing he meant to talk. He had no wish to speak to the half breed, but he also had no wish for a fight that would wake Rin. He ignored his question. "Take the miko, and leave."
Inuyasha took a deep breath. "No." His brother eyes, if it were even possible seemed to grow colder, but Inuyasha continued. "As alpha, she is in need of your protection."
"Explain hanyou,"
"The priestess, Kikyo is going to try and get the rest of her soul back. Kagome's her reincarnation." He tried to look Sesshomaru strait in the face, but he was too ashamed. He had to know how hard this was for him. 'Damn bastards probably eating this up.'
"You cannot protect the miko, Inuyasha? Then release her."
"I can't. Even if I wanted to."
Sesshomaru stared at his half brother, coldly. He could not refuse to protect the miko. Inuyasha had made a formal and irrefutable request. As alpha he must protect his pack. If anyone endangered a member they would be destroyed. It was a sign of weakness for leader to turn his back on the needs of his subjects. If it was another member that was the problem it was up to the court to decide, but this was another matter entirely. Inuyasha was his second, as muddy as his blood was, it was still 'royal' and his bitch was of greater importance than just any member. Meaning that for one, he could not, unless he were to step down, refuse to help the miko, two he must keep the girl with him, and three that he must take care of this, personally. There were no words for the amount of anger Sesshomaru was feeling, but the only outward sign was the slight narrowing of his eyes that Inuyasha could have missed. He would deal with his anger later, but right now there was business to be handled. He had always been professional, and calculating when it came to being Lord of the west. He would not let some pathetic emotions, and his half brother get in the way of that. He closed his eyes and held them there for a moment, when he opened them again he said. "You realize, I will eliminate her. The dead miko will not return again."
Inuyasha looked down at his hands. How long had they been bleeding? He must have been squeezing his fists too tight, his claw marks were in his palms. Those puncture holes would heal. The blood would dry or wash away, but that wouldn't matter, he thought, because after this moment they would always be stained red. If he went on with asking Sesshomaru to protect Kagome then it would be Kikyo's blood pooling there. The first girl he had ever loved, the women he had sworn to protect forever, her life was in his hands, her blood would cover them. Or if he walked if away now, told his brother to forget it, it would be Kagome's. She had always been there for him, had made him fall in love again, healed his heart and befriended him in a way no one else could. She was the only person to ever truly accept him for who he was - a half demon.
He knew there was no choice, no option for him. He had already chosen Kagome a long time ago. The night Naraku died, when he was forced to save one or the other-that was just like this. He chose to save her instead, and he had done it because he loved her. He could not bear the thought of losing her, even if it meant losing Kikyo. Kagome had to go on. He needed her too much to let her go. He could never have her blood, on his hands; have her soul on his conscience. Inuyasha turned from Sesshomaru. "Whatever . . . just don't hurt Kagome you bastard and if anything happens to her, I swear, I'll rip your fucking throat out."
Sesshomaru watched him leap away, but he made no move to follow him. The baka would learn sooner or later, that he could not run from his problems, but Sesshomaru would not be the one to teach him. He looked back up the hill where the sleeping miko and Rin were. Only Kagome was awake and standing, staring down at him. 'Why?' His brother was a fool, to let his feelings for one girl, and such an insignificant girl at that, ruin him. Inuyasha should have known better than anyone what a weakness it was to love. So, why? What was so special about this miko he would do it over? Was he really that much of an idiot?
The sky was beginning to turn again into the gentle blue hue of morning, and still Kagome stood, looking at the spot Inuyasha had been. She had said she wouldn't cry for him anymore, said she didn't need him, and she was wrong. Her tears were hot on her face, and she felt like collapsing again, but she didn't. She just wanted to go home, even if it were for only a little while. She needed to go home. "Did he really just leave me here?"
She didn't expect Sesshomaru to answer. It had been a question meant only for herself. His voice blended in with the morning's dark light. He was not trying to comfort her, only to relax her aura before she wound herself into another outburst. "He did not have a choice, Miko."
~*~
"You should eat, Kagome-sama!" Rin bounced around their morning campfire. She was so happy that Kagome was still there.
"I'm not hungry Rin, thanks." She pushed away the porridge like substance Rin was trying to hand her. She didn't really have much of an appetite anymore. She patted the girl's head and walked away.
Sesshomaru lowered his voice as he spoke to his servant. "The priestess will be traveling with us. You are to look after her as you would look after Rin."
Jaken's glassy eyes looked about to pop."w-wh-what?"
Sesshomaru almost narrowed his eyes. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Of –of course my lord," Jaken managed to stammer out. Another human? What was his life becoming-a weaklings baby-sitting service?! Still who was he to question his master's will?
Said demon Lord turned to look down at the girl in front of him. Kagome had her face pointed toward the grass, she was kicking at it nervously with her feet a bit. She wanted to talk it was clear, her fear was radiating off of her. It didn't suit him, she was wasting time. "Speak, Miko."
"You told Jaken that I was going to be traveling with you?" She left the poor ground alone and started attacking her sleeves. Kagome still didn't look up at Sesshomaru, she didn't have the strength today to deal with those eyes. The ones that held indifference to everything they touched. When Sesshomaru didn't answer her, she tried to steel her nerves, but this time she just couldn't muster the energy. "I don't really know what's going on. Why would I be traveling with you? Who asked me anyway? What happened when Inuyasha left? What the heck happened to me?".
Her nervous rambling was just an act. Her aura was so subdued anyone else might have assumed she was asleep saying this to him, but he knew better. The girl was fighting still to stay standing. He would reward her with the answers she was struggling for. "Sit, Miko, you should not be standing." Kagome -surprisingly, did as she was told. "I've already told you that you have been made a part of my pack. Do you remember how this was done?"
She nodded and he continued. "As such it is a duty of any Inu pack member to take care of their own. This would only mean making sure the young or the ill are safe, or becoming temporary guard for a members mate-" He paused "-but Inuyasha has made a formal request to me as alpha, to protect you.. I am bound by law"
Kagome shook her head. "Why would Inuyasha need any help? He's always been the one to protect me."
"Can you not think of a person he is powerless against."
No, in fact she couldn't. She always felt safe when she traveled with him, unless he went to see Kikyo. The raven haired girl put her hand to her mouth, as if to stop herself from saying the name out loud. Or maybe to trap it before it reached her ears, but she had no such luck. "Kikyo," She whispered. "She really wants to kill me?."
"It seems as though the clay priestess would like the rest of her soul back"
"So he came to you? But you'll kill her wont you?"
Sesshomaru felt her fear return, but he was sure that this time it was not for herself. Was she concerned over the dead miko? That didn't matter to him, at the moment he had work to do. "This Sesshomaru will not tolerate a threat to his pack." He watched as what was left of the little priestess's power snap like electricity around her in response. "I will not have another display, Miko."
She looked up at him, her eyes were swollen and bright with tears. Her blue orbs could not have made a clearer picture of helplessness. "No matter what I do, I'm always in his way..." Her voice was soft, as if her sadness hushed the words.
"Kagome-sama?" Kagome had forgotten that Rin was there, she shouldn't have let herself cry in front the girl. Rin put her small hands on Kagome's wet face. "Don't cry Kagome-sama, Lord Sesshomaru will take good care of you."
The priestess pulled the young girl into her arms tightly. She could not let Rin see her face. She should not have to share in what she was feeling. "I know." Her energy died down as soon as Kagome took the girl into her arms. No matter, what she couldn't let herself hurt Rin.
Was she just supposed to be okay with being treated like a possession? Didn't she have a say in where she wanted to go? Traveling with the scariest youkai in the world wasn't on her agenda. She left Inuyasha so that she could do this on her own, right? She would not depend on others anymore, least of all Sesshomaru. It didn't matter to her what his honor required.
She felt the girl hug her back probably as tightly as she could. "Rin is glad that you are staying." Kagome melted a bit, what was she going to do? It seemed like she was asking herself that a lot lately. For now she could stay with them. She needed the protection, at least until she returned to normal. She couldn't fight a mouse right now, let alone a demon. She could stay just until then. She didn't want to leave Rin, but she needed to talk to Inuyasha, and Kikyo for that matter. She couldn't believe she would really try to kill her. This week Kagome's life had just been too full of surprises.
~*~
AN. Thanks for reading everyone. I know it's been a long time since I've undated. What can I say? Life comes and you forget about the things that aren't absolutely essential. I promise I won't ever just give up on the story though. Even if no one reads it but me =) I like writing it. Anyone think Sesshomaru is OC though? I'm trying my best.
~SongMiko
When the miko cried out, his own aura answered her. Reacting on its own just as hers had. Sesshomaru let their energies intertwine. He saved her if not for his own sake than for the fact that his beast had sent his power out of its own accord, and that it was his responsibility under his father,s law. He didn't bother to catch Kagome when she fell to the ground.
~*~
Kagome had never felt anything like it in her life. The sudden surge of her aura, visible in the air that surrounded them both. A beautiful whirl of the softest pink that whipped around them, violent and all encompassing. For the first time in all her years of training in the feudal era, Kagome was scared of her own powers. It was like something broke inside of her, like some barrier she had never known was there snapped and she was pouring out like a storm that had always been waiting for release. She vaguely felt Sesshomaru's hold tighten, probably instinct taking over with the powerful wind burning him.
Kagome waited for it to subside, trying to will it to stop. She had never lost control. She had never even known the extent of her powers before now. She just wanted it to stop. As if this were not scary enough, she knew already what the consequence of the outburst would be - death by no uncertain means. Sesshomaru would kill her. He would most likely take this as a threat, but she couldn't stop it. The more she tried the more angry her aura seemed to get. The only glimmer of hope she had was his reference to protecting her earlier. She had no thoughts though, to spare for that. Now, she only thought of the energy and the pain. Yes there was pain. It was hot and burning her skin, she could not see the burns but it felt as if her skin should melt in the heat. She closed her eyes, and wished for it to subside. Her aura did not stop however, and the pull of her own power was enough to have her choking for air. Was she going to kill herself?
It kept growing and growing and she could feel the emptiness now. Despite the burning aura, she was cold with the loss of it inside of her. She felt empty, without air, and her aura gone. She was hollow and caving in. She called out, the pain was too much. There was no question about why her powers were reacting like this, there was only fear. It was all happening so fast, yet to her, the strength of her own powers seemed to freeze time. Whatever was going on she just wanted it to stop.
Kagome felt another strange aura come over her. It was big, maybe even bigger than the one she had discovered in herself. Again there were no questions this time, only relief. She grabbed onto that aura as if it were her only chance. And it could have been, anything to distract her from the pain.
The burn of the holy energy spun itself into the new and protruding aura, and the air began to cool. Slowly her breath was returned to her, but the emptiness remained. The other aura swayed back from her. It was rich and gold, thick enough to separate herself from the pink energy. They almost danced together she thought, and Kagome felt her knees hit the ground before both the pink and the gold turned to black.
~*~
Sesshomaru was… pleased. At first when the bitch's powers flared, he had been angry, he tightened his hold to remind her who she was dealing with. Sesshomaru would not be disgraced with the miko's demonstration, but her energy continued to grow. He had never come across any miko with this amount of power before, let alone the slip of a women this miko was. It caught him off guard. Kagome was much stronger than he thought. To his surprise, he did not hate the fact. He had to think of his pack. A miko of this strength would be an asset. With the proper training, no demon would cross Kagome, and no demon would dare challenge Sesshomaru's rule either. But it was not as if she could control her gift. The plain look of fear in her eyes had told Sesshomaru that this was not her way of defending herself. At least not on purpose. Kagome's power was strangling her with the same force it used to escape from her hold. If he had not stepped in, it may have killed her. It was clear she could not stop herself. No, without training she could not be of use to him. She had been too much of a nuisance to warrant the respect it took to think on the fact. She was proving to try his patience.
Still he would excuse her. 'This time only' He told himself as he walked away from her unconscious form. She was lying next to the fire and that was all Sesshomaru cared for. The last thing he needed was for her to be sick before Inuyasha came to retrieve her. He had better come soon. Sesshomaru was growing tired of the priestess already. Her insolence was intolerable. Yet, he had been impressed with her this day. Probably the emotional trauma earlier paired with his own threat had caused the release of her stored energy. Though it did seem odd that his beast would react so suddenly. He would have stepped in even without the monsters prodding, it was . . . annoying. Another odd thing was that the miko had chosen that time to break. If he knew his half brother at all than he could safely guess that she had been put under this amount emotional stress before. In the small amount of time he had spent with the group of theirs, he had only seen her react in a submissive manner. He did see though, that she was not without her fury. When Inuyasha had endangered her friends, she would be the first to defend them. Sesshomaru had no doubt that in the morning the miko would probably waste no time in confronting Inuyasha. That was all for the better, he thought. The less time she spent around Rin the less chance the girl had to become attached.
He sat himself next to the child, with legs crossed in the fashion taught to him by his father. The girl would not be a child forever. Sesshomaru may rule the western lands, he had an army that could crush the other three, and enough money to buy them out if he chose to, but he had nothing to offer Rin. He understood little of children. It had been such a long time since he had been one. But he did remember how fragile they were. They needed understanding . . . love, and he could imagine how much more a normal human child would need even more of these things, but she was an orphan. He didn't know if he could ever give her them, being the demon he was.
But him being a youkai, and she being human was not the most pressing problem at the moment. The most troubling thing really was that Rin was a girl. She would not remain the innocent hormone less child she was for much longer. Soon there would be the questions he couldn't answer, the ones he didn't want to answer, and he couldn't imagine ever being able to teach her the more delicate things about being a woman. She would need a mentor, a role model that was most definitely female.
That created another problem. Sesshomaru would not allow just any one to look after Rin. It would have to be someone who could give her everything she needs. Someone kind hearted, and as jubilant as the girl herself. It would have to be a woman of intelligence, and with strength enough to protect her if he was not present. It must be someone Rin would enjoy, and he could tolerate. He already knew there could be no such Inu demoness. If he could find any demon who could give her these things he would have no qualms now, but seldom does a demon care for a child that was not their own. It could be done obviously, fore he did indeed cared for Rin in that manner.
Sesshomaru was sensible though. There would be no demon aside from himself who could care for her as he did. If he must have a human for her than that was what he must do. He owed no one in the court an explanation. If he had to take another human in, then as uninviting as the idea was, it would be done. He thought over his options. It was necessary for him to know a few humans. As western Lord he had a duty to all that lived in his lands. Very few, he thought, could handle Rin, and even less of those she would get along with. When it came to it, the miko seemed an obvious, if unpleasant choice.
Rin had always had a certain fondness for her. That was something he didn't understand, but then again there were a lot of things about the girl he didn't quite grasp. Like why she would choose to follow him through the country side. She liked to be wherever he went. How she remained unafraid of him, and determined not to be left behind. Rin and the miko seemed well matched, but Kagome was unstable in her powers. Not only that but she was responsible for completing the jewel of four souls. She had many things to learn and do before he would consider her, but he admitted begrudgingly that she would most likely be the best choice. That being said the thought was left alone.
"Sesshomaru?" A little voice called to him, barely audible even in the quiet of night.
"Quiet, Miko." Sesshomaru would not have her wasting her energy. It was far too early for her to be waking. She surprised him again with her resilience. He didn't like to be surprised. Once more she was proving herself a nuisance. That word was beginning to enter his thoughts more and more often. Still grudgingly this also added to his impression of her. She was much stronger than he first thought. She had grown since she was his enemy.
He heard her sigh. "I'm so sorry . . . " She picked her head up, and tried getting up on her knees slowly, but only managed to prop herself on an elbow before she fell again. She let herself lay there for a few minutes before she spoke again. "Ugh....What... happened?"
Sesshomaru took pity on her. "You lost control of your powers." He watched her try again to get to her knees.
When she had finally lifted herself awkwardly to her knees she said, "I know that but...why? I've never done that before. . . I couldn't stop it." Here her stomach added its rumble to her voice. "Oh, I'm hungry" She said to herself. 'and cold, and confused, and sore' She couldn't believe the position she was in. Here in front of the most powerful youkai she had ever met, and she felt the weakest she had been in a very long time, so vulnerable. He must think she was pathetic. 'Kikyo would never let Sesshomaru see her like this' She moved in a better position to get to her feet.
Sesshomaru said nothing else, but watched as she struggled to get to her feet. The miko should not have been conscious, but standing? 'Why?' He had to admit at least she was intriguing. Still, why should she fight so hard just to stand. She was on her feet now, wobbling this way and that. He stood too, but not to keep her from falling. "Miko, prepare yourself. The half breed comes."
Kagome went right back down to her knees. "What?" She was feeling woozy. Sesshomaru just looked at her, his face unreadable " Baka," She said, as tried to push herself up again, but she couldn't. She saw, blurrily, Inuyasha's red hakamas before she fainted again.
~*~
Inuyasha took one look at Kagome and snarled. "What did you do to her bastard!?" He raised his sward and stood over her. The protective stance he always assumed when she was in danger. Sesshomaru flipped his hair nonchalantly over his shoulder as he turned his back on the half breed. Without saying a word he walked out of the camp site. After a moment of confusion Inuyasha went after him. "Hey, don't think you're getting away!"
Sesshomaru walked on until they were out of ear shot for the humans and then stopped abruptly. Still making sure Rin and the miko were within his eye's sight. He turned then to his brother and waited.
Inuyasha stopped too, as soon as the demon lord turned around. "What happened to Kagome?" This time his voice sounded more concerned than angry. When he had seen Kagome in the state she was he had lost it. He forgot all about what he had come to ask Sesshomaru to do. That just proved it to himself even more. He could not let anyone hurt her, not even Kikyo. He sheathed his sword.
Sesshomaru glanced at Inuyasha now, realizing he meant to talk. He had no wish to speak to the half breed, but he also had no wish for a fight that would wake Rin. He ignored his question. "Take the miko, and leave."
Inuyasha took a deep breath. "No." His brother eyes, if it were even possible seemed to grow colder, but Inuyasha continued. "As alpha, she is in need of your protection."
"Explain hanyou,"
"The priestess, Kikyo is going to try and get the rest of her soul back. Kagome's her reincarnation." He tried to look Sesshomaru strait in the face, but he was too ashamed. He had to know how hard this was for him. 'Damn bastards probably eating this up.'
"You cannot protect the miko, Inuyasha? Then release her."
"I can't. Even if I wanted to."
Sesshomaru stared at his half brother, coldly. He could not refuse to protect the miko. Inuyasha had made a formal and irrefutable request. As alpha he must protect his pack. If anyone endangered a member they would be destroyed. It was a sign of weakness for leader to turn his back on the needs of his subjects. If it was another member that was the problem it was up to the court to decide, but this was another matter entirely. Inuyasha was his second, as muddy as his blood was, it was still 'royal' and his bitch was of greater importance than just any member. Meaning that for one, he could not, unless he were to step down, refuse to help the miko, two he must keep the girl with him, and three that he must take care of this, personally. There were no words for the amount of anger Sesshomaru was feeling, but the only outward sign was the slight narrowing of his eyes that Inuyasha could have missed. He would deal with his anger later, but right now there was business to be handled. He had always been professional, and calculating when it came to being Lord of the west. He would not let some pathetic emotions, and his half brother get in the way of that. He closed his eyes and held them there for a moment, when he opened them again he said. "You realize, I will eliminate her. The dead miko will not return again."
Inuyasha looked down at his hands. How long had they been bleeding? He must have been squeezing his fists too tight, his claw marks were in his palms. Those puncture holes would heal. The blood would dry or wash away, but that wouldn't matter, he thought, because after this moment they would always be stained red. If he went on with asking Sesshomaru to protect Kagome then it would be Kikyo's blood pooling there. The first girl he had ever loved, the women he had sworn to protect forever, her life was in his hands, her blood would cover them. Or if he walked if away now, told his brother to forget it, it would be Kagome's. She had always been there for him, had made him fall in love again, healed his heart and befriended him in a way no one else could. She was the only person to ever truly accept him for who he was - a half demon.
He knew there was no choice, no option for him. He had already chosen Kagome a long time ago. The night Naraku died, when he was forced to save one or the other-that was just like this. He chose to save her instead, and he had done it because he loved her. He could not bear the thought of losing her, even if it meant losing Kikyo. Kagome had to go on. He needed her too much to let her go. He could never have her blood, on his hands; have her soul on his conscience. Inuyasha turned from Sesshomaru. "Whatever . . . just don't hurt Kagome you bastard and if anything happens to her, I swear, I'll rip your fucking throat out."
Sesshomaru watched him leap away, but he made no move to follow him. The baka would learn sooner or later, that he could not run from his problems, but Sesshomaru would not be the one to teach him. He looked back up the hill where the sleeping miko and Rin were. Only Kagome was awake and standing, staring down at him. 'Why?' His brother was a fool, to let his feelings for one girl, and such an insignificant girl at that, ruin him. Inuyasha should have known better than anyone what a weakness it was to love. So, why? What was so special about this miko he would do it over? Was he really that much of an idiot?
The sky was beginning to turn again into the gentle blue hue of morning, and still Kagome stood, looking at the spot Inuyasha had been. She had said she wouldn't cry for him anymore, said she didn't need him, and she was wrong. Her tears were hot on her face, and she felt like collapsing again, but she didn't. She just wanted to go home, even if it were for only a little while. She needed to go home. "Did he really just leave me here?"
She didn't expect Sesshomaru to answer. It had been a question meant only for herself. His voice blended in with the morning's dark light. He was not trying to comfort her, only to relax her aura before she wound herself into another outburst. "He did not have a choice, Miko."
~*~
"You should eat, Kagome-sama!" Rin bounced around their morning campfire. She was so happy that Kagome was still there.
"I'm not hungry Rin, thanks." She pushed away the porridge like substance Rin was trying to hand her. She didn't really have much of an appetite anymore. She patted the girl's head and walked away.
Sesshomaru lowered his voice as he spoke to his servant. "The priestess will be traveling with us. You are to look after her as you would look after Rin."
Jaken's glassy eyes looked about to pop."w-wh-what?"
Sesshomaru almost narrowed his eyes. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Of –of course my lord," Jaken managed to stammer out. Another human? What was his life becoming-a weaklings baby-sitting service?! Still who was he to question his master's will?
Said demon Lord turned to look down at the girl in front of him. Kagome had her face pointed toward the grass, she was kicking at it nervously with her feet a bit. She wanted to talk it was clear, her fear was radiating off of her. It didn't suit him, she was wasting time. "Speak, Miko."
"You told Jaken that I was going to be traveling with you?" She left the poor ground alone and started attacking her sleeves. Kagome still didn't look up at Sesshomaru, she didn't have the strength today to deal with those eyes. The ones that held indifference to everything they touched. When Sesshomaru didn't answer her, she tried to steel her nerves, but this time she just couldn't muster the energy. "I don't really know what's going on. Why would I be traveling with you? Who asked me anyway? What happened when Inuyasha left? What the heck happened to me?".
Her nervous rambling was just an act. Her aura was so subdued anyone else might have assumed she was asleep saying this to him, but he knew better. The girl was fighting still to stay standing. He would reward her with the answers she was struggling for. "Sit, Miko, you should not be standing." Kagome -surprisingly, did as she was told. "I've already told you that you have been made a part of my pack. Do you remember how this was done?"
She nodded and he continued. "As such it is a duty of any Inu pack member to take care of their own. This would only mean making sure the young or the ill are safe, or becoming temporary guard for a members mate-" He paused "-but Inuyasha has made a formal request to me as alpha, to protect you.. I am bound by law"
Kagome shook her head. "Why would Inuyasha need any help? He's always been the one to protect me."
"Can you not think of a person he is powerless against."
No, in fact she couldn't. She always felt safe when she traveled with him, unless he went to see Kikyo. The raven haired girl put her hand to her mouth, as if to stop herself from saying the name out loud. Or maybe to trap it before it reached her ears, but she had no such luck. "Kikyo," She whispered. "She really wants to kill me?."
"It seems as though the clay priestess would like the rest of her soul back"
"So he came to you? But you'll kill her wont you?"
Sesshomaru felt her fear return, but he was sure that this time it was not for herself. Was she concerned over the dead miko? That didn't matter to him, at the moment he had work to do. "This Sesshomaru will not tolerate a threat to his pack." He watched as what was left of the little priestess's power snap like electricity around her in response. "I will not have another display, Miko."
She looked up at him, her eyes were swollen and bright with tears. Her blue orbs could not have made a clearer picture of helplessness. "No matter what I do, I'm always in his way..." Her voice was soft, as if her sadness hushed the words.
"Kagome-sama?" Kagome had forgotten that Rin was there, she shouldn't have let herself cry in front the girl. Rin put her small hands on Kagome's wet face. "Don't cry Kagome-sama, Lord Sesshomaru will take good care of you."
The priestess pulled the young girl into her arms tightly. She could not let Rin see her face. She should not have to share in what she was feeling. "I know." Her energy died down as soon as Kagome took the girl into her arms. No matter, what she couldn't let herself hurt Rin.
Was she just supposed to be okay with being treated like a possession? Didn't she have a say in where she wanted to go? Traveling with the scariest youkai in the world wasn't on her agenda. She left Inuyasha so that she could do this on her own, right? She would not depend on others anymore, least of all Sesshomaru. It didn't matter to her what his honor required.
She felt the girl hug her back probably as tightly as she could. "Rin is glad that you are staying." Kagome melted a bit, what was she going to do? It seemed like she was asking herself that a lot lately. For now she could stay with them. She needed the protection, at least until she returned to normal. She couldn't fight a mouse right now, let alone a demon. She could stay just until then. She didn't want to leave Rin, but she needed to talk to Inuyasha, and Kikyo for that matter. She couldn't believe she would really try to kill her. This week Kagome's life had just been too full of surprises.
~*~
AN. Thanks for reading everyone. I know it's been a long time since I've undated. What can I say? Life comes and you forget about the things that aren't absolutely essential. I promise I won't ever just give up on the story though. Even if no one reads it but me =) I like writing it. Anyone think Sesshomaru is OC though? I'm trying my best.
~SongMiko