InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nothing Left to Lose ❯ A Threat ( Chapter 11 )

A/N: Thanks for the review, 1ashaun! Is my spelling really that bad? Ayame, thanks again! I'll try not to drag this out too much, but it's so much fun to mess with them. Like this chapter, it's taking forever to get out because I just can't decide what to do with Takanou. There are so many fun options! Grow a backbone, get a whooping, pick up a girlfriend, cower in the corner. . . I guess that's why this chapter came out a whole two days late! That actually has more to do with the party I went to, lets just say I was not in any condition to type. I guess it's a good thing I don't own any of the characters except Takanou and Kumo, considering how much I enjoy messing with Takanou. *Kumo cowers in the corner*

 

 

The moon was high when Kagome slipped out of her room. She was pretty sure that Sesshomaru was asleep, he wasn't moving around in his room anymore and had not come out to stop her. As long as he didn't notice her going out it didn't matter if he was actually asleep or not. Moving as quietly as possible, she snuck out into the gardens. `I just need to let Takanou know not to worry. I'll be back in my room before anyone knows I was gone. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?'

 

In an alcove she found the healer staring up at the moon. He made a beautiful picture with his hair tinted silver in the moonlight. Hearing her approach the healer turned to face her. “Kagome, I had almost given up hope that you would come.”

 

“Takanou, this is not what you think. I don't want to leave.”

 

Dark eyes bored into hers, looking for something. “Did he discover your note? Has he forced you to come here?”

 

True surprise flickered in Kagome's eyes. “No! I came here to tell you that I'm fine. I'm not a prisoner, I sent a message out to my friends just today. He may be cruel, but he does not seem to mean me any harm.”

 

“Are you truly that naïve, miko? Do you truly believe that a youkai like him could mean you no harm? You are a miko, a threat. He will destroy you.”

 

“No, I'm not a threat to him. I know he could kill me . . .”

 

“He will not settle for just killing you.” Takanou was closing with her, glaring. “He will destroy you. He will make you think that you love him, that he cares for you, then he will betray you. You are strong, beautiful, kind. You are everything that he hates. You are a ningen, and he hates any of that race.”

 

“No, your wrong.” Kagome was shaking, unsure now. “I can't believe that. He cares for Rin.”

 

“Like a pet that is amusing. When she is no longer amusing he will toss her aside.” Takanou reached out to put his hands on Kagome's arms. “I would not wish that for you. You need to leave, now. Before he can harm you further.”

 

Kagome shivered, feeling like she was being torn in two. `Who is right? If Takanou is right I am in danger, but if Rin is right I will be throwing away a new life that I just might like. How could I know?'

 

*~*~*~*

 

`Perhaps the miko has the same problem as Rin. Why else would she be wandering about at this hour?' Sesshomaru had awoken and noticed that he could not smell the miko in the next room. Curious he moved out into the hall, easily following her path as she moved through the palace and out to the gardens. `Hopefully she has not fallen into the koi pond.'

 

Voices were drifting through the garden. One was angry, and one was sad and afraid. He recognized both. He moved closer, shamelessly listening to the conversation.

 

“I would not wish that for you. You need to leave, now. Before he can harm you further.”

 

`Damn that healer. I will rip him apart!'

 

Kagome's voice drifted to him. He could hear her uncertainty, her sadness. He paused to listen to her response. “No, Takanou. I must talk to him. He has done nothing to me since I got here but take care of me!”

 

“You forget, miko, that he slammed you into a wall and threatened your life.”

 

“But he did not mean to hurt me. I truly believe he didn't know that I would be hurt!”

 

`Arigato, Kagome.' Sesshomaru could not say it to the miko, but he did feel gratitude for her faith in him. He heard a gasp from Kagome, a spike of fear. Takanou voice had dropped down into a growl.

 

“I have risked much to try and get you away from here, and you will do nothing put defend your attacker? Think, miko! What has he done that you think he could ever care for you? Is he even capable of caring for you?”

 

“He came to check on me, when I woke up from my nightmare. He could have left me crying in my room, but he checked on me. He even tried to comfort me, a little.”

 

“Keh, baka ningen. I should throw you over my shoulder and haul you away. You would thank me later.” Threat was dripping from his words.

 

`What happened to the gentle healer?' “Takanou, what happened to you? Why are you acting this way?” Sesshomaru could hear Kagome moving away from the sound of Takanou's voice.

 

“I will not cower and grovel anymore. You are leaving, and you are leaving with me. You are blind to the danger, but you will be most grateful to me later.”

 

The inu-youkai's hand had drifted to the hilt of Tokijin, eyes starting to glaze over with red. `If he lays one hand on her . . .'

 

“You will not touch me.” Kagome's voice had dropped to match Takanou's. “If you think that little burn I gave you hurt, you don't want to feel the real thing.”

 

Takanou smiled, the same fierce smile he would wear when practicing with Kagome. “You would have to touch me, first. I will knock you flat, then take you away from here. I am a youkai, you know you cannot move as fast as me. You know that I am stronger than you.”

 

“If I can hold Sesshomaru off, I know I can kick your ass.”

 

A faint pink glow was visible through the bushes now, letting Sesshomaru know that Kagome had called on her miko powers.

 

“Baka. Sesshomaru was right to call you defiant. You will stop this resistance and come with me. If you cannot see the danger you are in I must save you from yourself.”

 

Sesshomaru heard Takanou move towards Kagome. He drew Tokijin and leapt into the air, clearing the bushes and finally able to see what was going on. Kagome's hands were glowing, standing her ground as Takanou advanced. At the sight of the youkai exploding from the bushes Takanou froze, staring in fright. Kagome did not even glance at Sesshomaru, she focused on Takanou. When the youkai looked away from her she attacked, grabbing his arm and purifiying him. His flesh burned away to the bone, spreading up his arm as he screamed and tried to draw back.

 

The inu-youkai landed in front of Kagome, knocking her back so he could attack Takanou. Kagome fell to the ground, glaring at both of the youkai as Takanou scrambled back, holding the remains of his arm.

 

“You have threatened one under this Sesshomaru's protection.” The amber eyes had gone to red, all calm was leaking away. “Your life is forfeit.”

 

Takanou whimpered, huddling into a ball. “Only if you can catch me,” he whispered as his clothing collapsed, empty.

 

“What happened?” Kagome moved towards the clothes, looking for Takanou's escape route.

 

Sesshomaru growled low with frustration, eyes still red. “Coward. Worthless beast.” He could not smell the youkai at all anymore. “An illusion. Still too much of a coward to risk coming here.”

 

“No, I burned him, that was real. The illusion must have been him in a ball. He has run, covering his scent.” The miko glanced around, as though expecting him to leap out at her. “I don't know how we can track him.”

 

A low growl answered her. Kagome glanced over at Sesshomaru and was surprised to see that he had not calmed yet. His eyes were still a burning red. “Sesshomaru-sama? He is gone now, the danger is past.” Having been with Inuyasha at times like this had taught her how to handle the situation.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, it's the miko. Kagome.” Carefully making eye contact, trying to not seem defiant, she called his name. Carefully she approached him, reaching for his arm despite the warning growls. “Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

The soothing voice and touch brought back the world of sanity. The eyes faded, returning to amber as Sesshomaru focused.

 

“Kagome. Explain yourself.”

 

“My, my lord?” Not what she had expected.

 

“Why were you out here this late with that traitor?”

 

`Oh, Kami, he is going to kill me after all!' “I got a n-note and thought I should see what he wanted, I wasn't going to run, I swear!”

 

“Truly. That is all you were doing?”

 

“I knew he was worried about me, I wanted to tell him that I was fine here, that I did not want to leave. He did not take it well.”

 

Finally Sesshomaru relaxed. “Hai, this Sesshomaru saw that.”

 

`How long was he watching? What did her hear? Oh, I know I just started blushing.' Turning her head away to hide her blush Kagome studied some flowers. A gentle hand turned her face back to his.

 

“You should return to bed. You need sleep.”

 

“Hai, my lord.” Kagome turned to leave, then paused. “Will you walk with me? I'm a little nervous now. I don't know where Takanou went.”

 

“Hai.”

 

The couple walked slowly back up to the palace, Sesshomaru keeping a careful watch for the traitor. Kagome snuck glances at the youkai, wondering what he had seen or was thinking. She was certain that her behavior had looked very guilty. The youkai lord walked with her all the way to her room in silence, giving no hints away.

 

“Arigato, Sesshomaru.” Kagome slid her door open.

 

“Takanou lied. This Sesshomaru does not intend to destroy you.” He was not looking towards her, but was staring straight ahead, no expression on his face.

 

A small smile appeared on Kagome's face. Unsure of what to say she moved to Sesshomaru's side, went up onto tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek. Startled amber eyes met hers. `I can see emotions in his eyes now. Is it because I'm learning to read them or is it because he is letting me see them?'

 

Sesshomaru's hand touched Kagome's cheek. A soft, gentle kiss was pressed to her lips. This was no attempt at dominance, it was comforting and warm. Kagome pressed into him, amazed at the difference. The youkai broke away first, guiding Kagome into her own room. “Sleep.” He slid the door shut, leaving Kagome alone.

 

In the peace of her room Kagome raised a hand to her lips in wonder. `That, that was what I thought a kiss was supposed to be like.

 

*~*~*~*

 

`There will be no rest tonight.' Sesshomaru was rousing his generals, sending them out into the night to find the traitor. The search was to include all of his lands, and a messenger was sent to the Lord of the North to tell him of the traitor's flight. Takanou's family had come from the north so he may try to return there. All of the servants were helping to run a search of the palace, ensuring that the healer was not hiding in Sesshomaru's own home. Kumo was moved into Kagome's room for the night and a guard was posted at her door to watch both her and Rin. The youkai lord would be taking no chances.

 

The search of the palace and grounds revealed nothing. The healer's room looked untouched, his belongings gave no hint as to his plans. Sesshomaru had searched the grounds himself, but was not able to find any sign of the traitor. Frustration at not being able to find his quarry drove Sesshomaru's temper higher, pushing against his control. `Damn him to hell. How did I not see his betrayal coming? How could Kagome be so naïve? Did she truly believe that she could just tell the youkai no and that he would leave her alone? Why did she not come to me and tell me of her concerns?'

 

`She did not want you to kill the healer, of course.'

 

`Fool. Why would she protect one who would attempt to betray his lord? She truly tries to see the good in everyone. A trait that will get her killed yet. It has been very close before. And I almost let it happen.'

 

A growl escaped the inu-youkai. He had moved into the woods in his hunt, and now took some of his frustration out on a helpless tree, slashing through it with his claws. `She slipped out while I was resting. If I had not woken when I did she would be gone now.'

 

`Maybe not. She may have defeated Takanou.'

 

`Keh. A ningen defeating Takanou? He may have just been a healer, but he was also a skilled fighter from a family renowned for their skills in battle. The ningen would not have stood a chance.'

 

`No, think. She burned his arm to the bone. She had not even used some of the tricks you have seen her use, such as that barrier. She may have been able to escape after all. She needs to learn to carry a weapon, though. She was unarmed. That's not entirely true, she is always armed. She will make a very dangerous opponent soon.'

 

`It is this Sesshomaru's position to protect her. She should not have been able to get into that situation. Must I lock her into her room? Has she no sense?'

 

Another tree toppled as Sesshomaru vented his frustration. `The miko still does not realize that there are those that would like to harm her. A miko of her power would be a target, either to destroy or control.'

 

`Just as you thought when you first saw her.'

 

Tokijin destroyed a swath of trees at that thought. `Hai. I had not known then how strong she was, how uncontrollable, defiant, kind, forgiving. Damn her. I was not looking for this. I do not want this. Even with Rin the emotions are not threatening to overwhelm reason. Now, now I respond as though someone has threatened my mate. A ningen. Is this a problem in the bloodline? First father, then Inuyasha, and now. . .'

 

Sesshomaru began to walk back to the palace. `She must have a care for her person. I do not know how I will react if she is in danger again. Control was slipping even today. She had not run, though. She had touched me, even as my youkai tried to take control. She is lucky that her arm was not removed. Her kindness borders on insanity. I must return, it is my responsibility to protect her.'

 

`Mine.'

 

Ignoring the voice of his youkai urges, Sesshomaru returned to a palace that was as bright and active as it would be in the middle of the day. One of his captains ran to meet him, skidding to a stop and bowing low. “No sign of the traitor, Sesshomaru-sama. The extra guards have been placed and the search parties have set out to search your lands.”

 

“Find him, Captain.” Sesshomaru continued into the palace, returning to his own room. He changed into a robe, trying to make his body relax. The traitor was not here, the search would continue in the morning. His place was here, to keep the miko safe. Silently he slid the door between the two rooms open, looking in on her as she slept. Kumo was sitting by the door, watching over her lady. Seeing movement Kumo spun to face the youkai, a dagger appearing in her hand.

 

When she realized who it was she gasped and bowed. Whispering to avoid waking the miko, “Forgive me, Sesshomaru-sama. I did not know that it was you.”

 

“It was the correct reaction.” Sesshomaru moved to look down on Kagome. A gentle finger moved her hair away from her face.

 

The miko stirred and opened her eyes, focusing on Sesshomaru. “My lord?”

 

“There is no sign of the traitor. The search will continue when the light returns. You are to stay inside until further notice. Do not leave your room without an escort.”

 

Kagome nodded, her eyes round. “What, what do you think he will do? Is he going to come after me again?”

 

“Perhaps. He is a coward, returning would be very foolish. Nonetheless, you will remain under guard until he is found.” Sesshomaru turned and walked back to his door. “Have a care for yourself, miko. Do not put yourself into danger needlessly. This Sesshomaru will find the traitor and remove the threat.”

 

Alone in her room Kagome burrowed into her blankets. Surrounded by guards had helped, but having Sesshomaru in the next room made her feel safer. The healer had gone from a friend to a threat in the span of a few minutes. Now Kagome would need to have an escort with her and would not be allowed out to the gardens. `Damn that healer.'

 

Pulling a pillow over her head Kagome sank back down into sleep. In the next room Sesshomaru paced restlessly. He could not relax and risk having something happen while his eyes were closed. When the sun rose Sesshomaru was looking out the window, still trying to discover where the traitor had gone.