InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nothing Left to Lose ❯ Acceptance ( Chapter 22 )

A/N: Here's the second half. I'm still looking for a beta reader, so just drop an e-mail dark_jewel79@hotmail.com

I own nothing.

 

_________________________________________________________________ _____

 

 

“Kee - yah!”

 

`It's kind of embarrassing when one of my guards runs away from a little girl.' Kagome watched with amusement as her guards were used as living pells for Rin. Her progress had been amazing, but the girl certainly had put her heart into it. Two or three hours a day with the Captain, and Kagome had found the girl practicing in her room at night when she was supposed to be sleeping on several occasions. `Maybe this is what Sango was like when she was young. She certainly took a shine to Rin when she was here. And that last attack looked like a Sango original.'

 

Merkamou and Sesshomaru sat a small distance away, watching the little ningen circling with the youkai guard. At first the guard had been very worried about the little girl, but two kills had been enough to put him on alert. Now he was determined to bring this little whirlwind down. Rin was looking up at him with huge, innocent eyes, looking so small and cute behind her blade. `No, I won't fall for that look again! That ningen is a little demon!'

 

The guard charged, hoping that his superior speed would simply overwhelm her. Rin dropped to one knee, making herself even smaller and getting beneath his defenses for a shot at his legs. As he was rushing by the guard felt a hit to both thighs. He spun around, looking for the girl, and almost missed seeing her as she popped up right in front of him, blocking his next attack. “No fair! Rin got you!”

 

Laughter exploded out of Merkamou. Rin glanced at him, then turned her eyes to her Captain.

 

“Hai, Rin, that was a hit. I don't think you gave the guard a chance to notice.”

 

Rin backed off, then bowed to the guard. “Arigato.”

 

The guard returned her bow, then returned to his comrades that were already razzing him. “You got hit again? Maybe the little one should take your place!”

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, I would love to spar with the fledgling.”

 

“No.”

 

`Oh, Kami, they are at it again.' Kagome started to move over to Sesshomaru, trying to make it look casual.

 

“Come now, Sesshomaru-sama, you know I would not hurt a little one. She has such spirit, I just want to work with her.”

 

Kagome had made her way to Sesshomaru, who was growling low. “It is an unnecessary risk.”

 

“I give you my word as Lord of the Southern Lands that I will not hurt your little fledgling. Now, can I spar with her?”

 

Sesshomaru felt a sense of calm run over him as Kagome discreetly set her hand on his arm. He glanced over at her. `Is she using her abilities as a miko, or is it just her influence on me? I will have to ask her later. For now, I will simply be thankful that I will not strike the fool down today.' Kagome looked up at him and gave a tiny nod. `She wants Merkamou to spar with Rin. He has given his word, it would be an insult to deny him.'

 

“Hai.”

 

“Little fledgling, I will give you a real opponent.” Merkamou scooped a practice blade up from the rack, moving to where Rin and the Captain were standing. “Come, little one, I will show you some new tricks.”

 

Rin looked a little pale as she glanced to the Captain, then Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru gave her a very slight nod, while Kagome gave her a big smile and that thumbs up thing she liked to do. She turned back to the tall youkai, taking a deep breath, then bowing to him. “Merkamou-sama.”

 

“Do not look so worried, I will just show you a few tricks that these dogs don't know.” Merkamou dropped down into a defensive stance. “Attack me at will, fledgling, and I will show you a few things.”

 

Sesshomaru watched, his entire body tense, as Merkamou sparred with Rin. He was as good as his word, not leaving even the slightest mark on the girl. The girl would be very dusty from spending a good deal of time on the ground, but no injuries. Kagome did not leave his side, keeping one hand on him to help him maintain his calm. Rin overcame her apprehension and was now trying to squeeze every bit of information out of her partner that she could.

 

“And what should Rin do when her opponent is so much faster?”

 

“Slow him down, of course! Anyway you can. Try to get a hit before he gets close to you, blind him, do something so he can't just kill you before you can respond. You are a ningen, you can't move as fast as me. You can learn to move pretty darn fast, and you'll probably be okay against one, maybe two. If you are up against a really tough youkai, though, don't stand and fight. Use something else against them. Or, even better, don't get caught with a tough youkai by yourself! Have an army!”

 

Rin giggled. “Rin does not have an army.”

 

“Well, ask Sesshomaru-sama really nicely and maybe he'll let you borrow his.”

 

“Merkamou-sama, you are silly. Sesshomaru-sama protects Rin, so Rin does not need an army. Rin just wants to help Sesshomaru-sama and not be helpless.”

 

Merkamou glanced over to the silent Lord of the West. “Hai, fledgling, you do not need an army if you have Sesshomaru-sama to watch over you. And you are not helpless. You did get me once. Even if it was not a very honorable shot.”

 

“Sorry, Merkamou-sama, but you are taller than Rin thought.”

 

Kagome clamped a hand over her mouth to stop her laughter at the youkai lord's grimace. The sound was not lost on their unwelcome guest, who looked over to the couple. “Well, miko, perhaps it is your turn. Care to come and play?” Merkamou bounced on the balls of his feet, looking for all the world like an eager ten year old looking for a playmate.

 

“Ah, Merkamou-sama, I do not believe that would be a good idea.” Kagome reluctantly took her hand off of Sesshomaru to move towards the practice area. “Rin, why don't you keep Sesshomaru-sama company while I work.”

 

“Hai, Kagome-chan!”

 

Merkamou watched her carefully as she moved to the weapons rack. Kagome gave him a long look before turning to the Captain. “Captain, what would you like me to work with today?”

 

`This is no practice, but a demonstration. Better run through everything.' “Let us start with your archery today, Kagome-sama.”

 

The title sounded weird coming from her instructor, but it made sense. Kagome scooped up her bow and a quiver of arrows. “We should take this outside, then. I would prefer not to burn down this wing of the palace.” She moved out to the gardens, her guards following her closely and the rest of the group trailing behind. At the edge of the forest she could demonstrate some of her purifying arrows without anyone getting hurt.

 

“Jo-chan, I want you to stay back behind the guards. No coming up to me today, I don't want you to get hit by anything.” Kagome was looking around, searching for a likely target. A large tree on the edge of the clearing looked like a promising opponent. She pulled an arrow from her quiver and set it to the string. Taking a deep breath she felt her powers jump to life, charging the arrow. She steadied herself, then released.

 

The tree exploded, bits of wood flying through the air. It was far enough away that the debris did not reach them, but the effect was still everything Kagome could have hoped for. `That looks darn impressive. Perfect.'

 

Merkamou did look suitably impressed. “Perhaps that tree over there has done something equally grievous. Perhaps it should be dealt the same fate.”

 

Kagome grinned as she pulled another arrow. “As you wish, my lord.” The arrow whistled away, destroying the hapless tree.

 

“I had heard that a miko shot Naraku at the last battle, am I to assume that you were that miko?”

 

“Hai, my lord.”

 

The hawk eyes were focused on the remains of the tree. “Aside from blowing up evil trees, what else have you been practicing?”

 

“The usual, staff, sword. Here, I'll show you.” She called one of her guards over, catching the practice blade that the Captain tossed to her. “Come on, Yukio, I know you've been wanting to take a shot at me since you startled me I gave you a burn. Now's your shot.”

 

Her guard hesitated, looking to Sesshomaru. The lord gave him a slight nod. Yukio moved out to face off with his lady, swallowing hard. `This is going to hurt.'

 

The miko waited, wanting Yukio to make the first move. Yukio hesitated, until some of the guards started to razz him. “Go for it, Yukio! At least try before she fries you!”

 

Merkamou glanced at the guards, surprised that they were so convinced the miko was going to defeat their comrade. They did not seem to be joking when they assumed she would be victorious.

 

Yukio gritted his teeth, then went for Kagome. He was not holding anything back, hoping that he would be able to get through this with some dignity intact. Kagome blocked him, then used her left hand to touch his shoulder as he closed, throwing him back. To his credit, Yukio was back on his feet in seconds, but looked dazed. The smell of burning cloth was in the air. Yukio glanced at his shoulder, seeing a small burn. He shifted his grip, trying to think of a way to take this miko down without her getting another touch on him. He feinted left, then went right, knocking Kagome down. When he went for the kill a barrier appeared, stopping his attack. Kagome kicked out and knocked him from his feet while he was still staring at her barrier.

 

Kagome scrambled to her feet, holding her blade in front of her as Yukio leapt to his feet again. The barrier was gone, Kagome was trying to conserve her strength. She stopped, and her sword began to glow with the same pink shimmer as her aura. Yukio grimaced, then zig zagged in, trying to catch the miko off guard again. Kagome swung, forcing Yukio to block. When the two swords touched there was a blast, similar to when Kagome touched him, and the sword was knocked away.

 

Unarmed, Yukio tried to drag the miko down, hoping to pin her before she could get in another hit. She caught him in the chest, throwing him back about ten feet to land on his back with a groan. Kagome walked over, carefully setting her practice blade against his throat. “Yield, Yukio?”

 

“Hai, my lady.”

 

The neutral stare was replaced by a bright smile as she helped her guard to his feet. “Arigato, Yukio. You did well, I was impressed!”

 

Yukio retreated to his comrades, holding his aching shoulder. His friends were more supportive now, since he had been thrown around like a rag doll.

 

Merkamou was deep in thought as he watched the two fight. The guard was good, he would say that much. The miko had no style to speak of, and was no faster or stronger than any other ningen he had seen. And yet, it was the guard that had limped back, and the miko looked to be just fine. She had walked over to Sesshomaru and had set her hand on his arm, talking to him quietly. The miko was a fighter, to be certain, and seemed to be quite capable. Dangerous, even. It would be interesting to see her in a real fight, where she would not hold back.

 

The miko turned back to face him, her hand still on Sesshomaru's arm. “My lord, was that to your satisfaction?”

 

`Not even pretending that this was anything more than a show for me. Defiant.' Merkamou shrugged. “Perhaps. I would, of course, love to see you in action for myself.”

 

“No.” Sesshomaru could not hide the growl in his voice, even with Kagome's help.

 

“Perhaps, then, the miko would be willing to show some of her work with the staff she brought. I'm sure another of her guards would be willing to help.”

 

After a final whisper to Sesshomaru Kagome moved back to the field, picking up her staff. “As you wish, my lord.”

 

A feeling of threat seized Kagome's stomach as Merkamou turned, his hand going to his sash. His hand came up with a throwing dagger, aimed for her. Without thought she threw up a barrier, the dagger disappearing in a flash of light as it hit. The next barrier went up around Merkamou, not a moment too soon as Sesshomaru's Tokijin slammed into the side, sending Kagome to her knees.

 

Merkamou looked up with surprised eyes to see himself in a barrier with Sesshomaru on the outside, snarling with Tokijin. The miko was on her knees, face white, but staring right into his eyes. `Okay, that might not have been a good plan.'

 

Kagome struggled to her feet, eyes locked with Merkamou as she walked over. Sesshomaru was still snarling and trying to batter his way through the barrier. The barrier was starting pulse slightly. “Sesshomaru.”

 

The inu-youkai snarled, glaring at Kagome as she moved towards the barrier. His eyes were bleeding red, but there was still some reason in them.

 

“Sesshomaru, please, stop. If you slam through that barrier you are going to knock me unconscious.”

 

The attacks stopped, but he still paced outside of the barrier glaring. “Drop the barrier, Kagome, the traitor does not deserve your protection.”

 

The miko stared at her prisoner. “It was a test, was it not Merkamou-sama? You were testing me. If you had killed me, I would have failed and the unacceptable female would be removed.”

 

Merkamou met her gaze evenly. “Hai.”

 

“Bastard.” Sesshomaru slammed a fist against the barrier, earning himself a burn and causing Kagome to sway. Seeing his mate so pale forced Sesshomaru to back away, waiting for the barrier to come down to kill the idiot.

 

“Have I passed, Merkamou-sama?” Kagome's voice was as ice cold as her mate's as she glared at the youkai. “Am I acceptable?”

 

Merkamou hesitated, glancing at Sesshomaru. The barrier around him shrank, the edges crackling.

 

“You do realize that I could kill you right now, do you not Merkamou-sama? You would be purified and leave nothing but ash. I cannot let you out unless you are no longer a threat. You have been a loyal ally to my lord, I wish for you to continue as his ally. Make your choice.”

 

The youkai lord hissed. “Hai, Kagome-sama. You are an acceptable female. You will make a fitting mate for Sesshomaru-sama. I certainly hope he never does anything to truly anger you, or the Western Lands will no longer have a lord.”

 

Kagome could not hide the small smile that appeared at his last comment. She made the barrier larger again so that he could be comfortable, then turned to deal with her mate.

 

“My lord, he has made the right decision.”

 

“He has attempted to strike you down. His life is forfeit.”

 

“It was a test. You knew that something like this would happen. I have passed, he has accepted me. He should be allowed to live. I am sure that you will be able to work out a punishment that allows him to remain alive. He is still a loyal ally.”

 

“Loyal? The traitor just tried to kill you.”

 

“And if a trick that simple had killed me then I would not have been a worthy mate.” Kagome moved closer to him, dropping her voice down to the softest of whispers. “Come on, jo-chan, just kick him around a bit, he'll grovel, get something from him, then let it go. He'll owe you his life, and he'll still be a friendly neighbor. Sounds pretty good. Besides, you know he couldn't have killed me that easily. He had to know, his lands are affected, too. I need to drop this thing, I'm getting pretty damn dizzy. Are you going to kill him or not?”

 

Her hand was on Sesshomaru's arm again, bringing the rage back down. She was weaker now, but it was enough to make him slide Tokijin back into it's sheath. “Let the barrier down. His punishment will not include his death.”

 

The barrier winked out of existence, leaving Merkamou unprotected with the great Lord of the Western Lands. Merkamou kept his hands at his sides, not offering any resistance when Sesshomaru pinned him to the ground, snarling.

 

“Idiot. You knew I would kill you for striking her. She does not want you to die, so instead you will wish you had.”

 

“My lands depend on your strength against the Lord of the East. I was willing to risk my life to ensure that your rule would continue and my lands would be safe.” Merkamou glared back at the inu-youkai. “Do as you will.”

 

Sesshomaru threw him into several trees, slammed him to the ground, and overall took out quite a bit of frustration in punishing Merkamou. When it was over several guards had to help carry Merkamou back up to the palace, since the lord's leg was broken in two places. Rin had been hustled back up to the palace as soon as the brawl started, but Kagome stayed to make sure that things did not get out of hand. There was no poison used, and Tokijin stayed at Sesshomaru's hip. Merkamou would recover in a day or so, perhaps a bit less impulsive. Overall, Kagome was pleased with the way the altercation had turned out, even if she had been rather unnerved by watching Sesshomaru batter his ally into a bloody pulp.

 

After Merkamou had been dragged away, Kagome found herself alone with Sesshomaru. Guards were not needed when she was with the youkai lord, and they had all beat a hasty retreat to the palace with Merkamou. Kagome sighed, standing from her seat in the grass and cautiously approaching the youkai. He was splattered with blood, none of it his own, but he looked somewhat calmer. `Perhaps he really needed a good workout.'

 

“Sesshomaru?”

 

“How were you calming me earlier.”

 

Kagome gulped. `Probably didn't like that much.' “Um, just kind of did it. I don't know how, but I was trying to calm you down, and when I touched your arm I could feel you just relax. Not all the way, of course, but you weren't going to kill him. It may be from being a miko, or it may be from being a mate. I don't know, I'm not a very good miko and I've never been a mate before. Are you angry?”

 

“No. It prevented me from acting in blind rage. I should have you near me when I deal with my advisors, perhaps more of them would live to see retirement.”

 

Air rushed into Kagome's lungs as she started to breathe again. `That's the Sesshomaru I know, morbid sense of humor and all.' Now she could confidently walk up to him, glancing him over for any injuries. “Did you hurt yourself pummeling him?”

 

“No. It was pleasant to release some frustration.”

 

“Lets not make a habit of that, though. Come on, we need to get you cleaned up before the rest of Merkamou's group arrives. It's going to be hard enough to deal with them when they see what happened to their lord, having you still covered in his blood will probably not help.”

 

“Most likely not.” Sesshomaru fell in step with Kagome as they moved through the gardens and back up to the palace. “Perhaps it would send an appropriate message, though.”

 

“I think the message will be received when they see their lord. It's not like you were trying to be subtle or anything.”

 

“Hai.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

`This is not how it was described in the brochure.'

 

Dinner had been a nightmare, with the important members of Merkamou's retinue joining them. The usual family style meal had become a formal affair, and had struck Kagome down with a massive headache. Merkamou had been absent, still in his room recovering, which left his group without supervision. Only the threat of Sesshomaru's violence had kept them in line. They were evidently upset by what had happened.

 

`Go figure.' Kagome dragged herself back out of bed, pulling on a robe. `I didn't eat a thing at dinner, too busy trying to keep them from starting a fight. Sesshomaru is still stuck with the bickering advisors, so I'm going to find myself something to eat.'

 

Escorted by her guards Kagome moved through the mostly silent palace. Passing by the reception hall she could hear the advisors bickering. Sesshomaru was bored and annoyed, but seemed to be ignoring them for the most part. A good thing, too, since that meant he was not going to go on a killing spree. Further on she found the kitchen, where there were still lamps on. `Who else could be up at this hour?'

 

Jacken was perched next to a table, a large bottle of sake in front of him. He saw her in the door way, and gave a little hiccup. “Miko! Come in, have a drink. I wish to toast our lord!”

 

“Jacken, where have you been? I haven't seen you in days.” Kagome did not mind the little toad, he may be rude and patronizing, but he was loyal and did try to protect Rin.

 

“Ah, I had a special mission for Sesshomaru-sama, but I'm not supposed to tell you about it. I don't want to ruin his surprise.” A loud slurp and yet some more sake had disappeared into the tiny servant. “Here, miko, we will toast to Sesshomaru-sama!”

 

“I don't drink sake, Jacken.” Kagome tried to push it away, but Jacken was looking at her with horrified eyes.

 

“What? You would refuse such a fine sake and would not toast Sesshomaru-sama?”

 

`It smells like paint thinner.' Kagome sighed, swirling the liquid about. “Is it any good?”

 

“It is the nectar of the gods, miko. Now, to Sesshomaru-sama!”

 

“To Sesshomaru-sama.” Kagome tried to imitate Jacken and down her drink in one gulp, but she ended up choking and wheezing. “Are you trying to poison me, toad? That burns!”

 

“It's supposed to burn, then you know it's the real thing! Quit your whining.”

 

Kagome gave him a thunk on the head. “You could have warned me.”

 

“Try it again, it won't burn as much.” Jacken poured another drink for her. “The first one is always a little rough.”

 

“I don't think that's a good idea, Jacken, I don't want to get drunk.” Kagome was pushing her drink away, already feeling a bit light headed.

 

“Miko, even you should be able to handle a second drink of sake. Then you can go about your business.” Jacken held up his drink, glaring at Kagome until she lifted hers. “To the Western Lands.”

 

“To the Western Lands.” Kagome squeezed her eyes shut and gulped down the liquid fire. “Wheeuw, Jacken, it may have been better, but not by much.”

 

“Weak ningen. You can defeat Naraku, but sake is too much? I will never understand your race.”

 

That earned him another thunk on the head. Kagome wandered around the kitchen, rummaging up some fruit as a snack and bringing it over to the table. A small giggle escaped her when she saw Jacken rubbing his head. “Sorry, Jacken, didn't mean to hit you so hard.”

 

“You are the most disrespectful female I've met since Rin!”

 

“And you are the most pompous and annoying youkai I've met since Sesshomaru!”

 

“So there.”

 

“There.”

 

Kagome broke down into giggles again. She was feeling pretty good, all warm and happy. `Hmm, maybe this sake stuff isn't so bad.' “Come on, Jacken, what have you been up to?”

 

“Nothing! You aren't supposed to know! I've brought it back, and now Sesshomaru will decide when to give it to you.”

 

“Give it to me? Did I get a present?”

 

“What? Leave it alone, miko! Can't you think about anything else?”

 

A groan escaped Kagome. “Just the twenty-six youkai that invaded today. They are in everything and eat like vultures. How long are they going to be here for?”

 

“A week, most likely.”

 

“Ugh, and with Merkamou flat out, there is nothing to control them! Hand me that bottle Jacken.”

 

“Hai!” Jacken poured two more drinks. “What shall we toast to?”

 

“Chaos!”

 

Jacken shrugged. “To chaos!”

 

The two collapsed with laughter, leaning on the table with tears streaming down their faces. Merkamou had been looking for something to take back to his room when he found the two laughing hysterically. Carefully to not bump he splinted leg, he eased into the room, fascinated with the change in the miko.

 

Jacken noticed him first. “Merkamou-sama, you should also have a drink, you would need one after today!” The imp poured a glass for the youkai lord and pushed it over.

 

Kagome was still giggling as Merkamou carefully sat down at the table. “Kagome-sama? Is this allowed?”

 

“Oh, for pity's sake, youkai. Your best stories involve sake. And Jacken's right, you probably need it more than we do.” Kagome tried to look stern, but it dissolved back down into giggles. “I thought you had to watch the advisors fight.”

 

“It's Sesshomaru-sama's turn. He's in better shape to deal with them right now.” Merkamou downed his drink in one gulp. “Oh, yes, that is good sake.”

 

“See, miko? I told you that it was good sake! You have no taste for the finer things in life.” Jacken was bouncing up and down and waving his tiny fists.

 

“You are going to get knocked into the wall if you don't knock it off, toad.” Kagome growled at the imp, making him stop waving his fists at her.

 

“Fine, fine. You have exquisite taste, for a ningen.”

 

Kagome took a swing, but missed and ended up on her back on the floor, laughing. Jacken stared, then started to snort with laughter. Merkamou helped himself to another drink. Evidently he had a lot of catching up to do.

 

*~*~*~*

 

“So, tell me about when you met Sesshomaru.” Kagome was feeling pretty happy with everything right then, and she wanted to know more about her mate.

 

“Oh, I met him when he was just born. I'm about 50 years older than him, so I came with my parents to see my ally's heir. He was kind of cute, for a dog, but boring. He was more entertaining when I came to visit a couple of decades later. He tried to chase me up a tree and got stuck. His mother was furious. So was mine, but that was nothing new.” Merkamou took another drink, smiling to himself. “He was a feisty little thing. I used to taunt him until he would go after me with those little claws of his. I was so disappointed when he turned out to be so boring.”

 

Kagome had her head on her hand, staring at him. “So you've known him his whole life. Cool.”

 

“Cool?”

 

“Never mind. Any really good stories that would be embarrassing?”

 

“Oh, he usually tried to stay out of trouble. Very worried about his dignity and honor and such nonsense. We did gang up on some cats one time, since they were insulting us both. We went up into a tree and waited for them to come out. They liked to hang out in the same spot, enjoying the sun or some such nonsense. We hauled a whole bunch of stuff thrown out from the kitchen up with us. They never saw it coming. I can still remember them running around, fish guts in their hair.”

 

Jacken and Kagome were rolling. “Sesshomaru threw fish guts on some cat youkais? That is priceless!” Kagome could barely breathe. “You have got to tell me more about him as a pup.”

 

*~*~*~*

 

“Unacceptable. We will not move that border one length if you will not reconsider the fishing rights.”

 

`If I just killed them all it would be so much easier.' Sesshomaru's hand itched to draw Tokijin and silence this nonsense. `Where is that Merkamou? He should have been back by now.'

 

Growling, Sesshomaru moved out of the room, leaving the advisors on their own. `Let them kill each other, it will save me the effort.'

 

Moving down the hallway he could hear voices coming from the kitchen. Singing voices. As he moved towards the lighted room, he could make out the words to a rather bawdy drinking song. Inside the kitchen he found his vassal, his mate, and his ally sharing a bottle of sake and singing very loudly. Kagome's eyes swung to his, smiling brightly. A little bit too brightly, and he cheeks were pink. `She's drunk.'

 

“Sesshomaru, you should come in and take a break from the damn advisors. This trouble maker is teaching us some new songs.” Kagome poked Merkamou, making him turn around and grin at Sesshomaru.

 

“Ah, Sesshomaru-sama, are they done, or did you just kill them?”

 

Cold eyes stared at the trio. “They are still bickering.”

 

“Then you will need a drink to renew your strength. Come, Kagome was going to teach us a song from her lands that she promises is most inappropriate.”

 

“The advisors are not supervised.” Sesshomaru was glaring at Kagome, who was looking a bit sheepish. “Kagome, you were going to sleep.”

 

“I wanted a snack.” Kagome gave him her best big, innocent eyes.

 

“Oh, Sesshomaru-sama, don't worry about her. She can take care of herself. Right, miko?”

 

“I'll go to bed soon, I promise. As soon as I remember where it is.” The miko collapsed laughing, taking Jacken with her. Merkamou was trying to hang on, but the laughter was escaping as he watched Kagome convulsing with giggles on the floor.

 

“Damn, Sesshomaru-sama, does this miko have a sister? She is just about the most entertainment I've seen since you fell in the koi pond.” Merkamou was slowly pulling himself to his feet. “But it looks like I need to return to the advisors, and I'm sure you want to move your miko. Can't have her spending the night in the kitchen, she would be very cranky in the morning.”

 

Merkamou chuckled all the way out the door.

 

Sesshomaru found Jacken passed out next to the giggling miko. Sighing, Sesshomaru lifted Kagome up, carrying her back to her room. “Exactly how much sake did you have, Kagome?”

 

“Three, I think. I only remember three, anyways. I'm a lightweight.”

 

“Hai.” Sesshomaru slid open the door to his room. The miko was still giggling and hanging on to his haori.

 

“It is time for you to sleep, Kagome. I must return to the advisors.”

 

Kagome pouted as he tucked her into bed. “Don't take too long. Just knock their heads together until they do what you want.”

 

“I might just do that.” Sesshomaru turned to leave. “Stay put, Kagome. You are helpless right now, and there are some that do not agree with Merkamou's decision.”

 

“I'm not helpless.” Kagome's hands flickered as she picked them up. It didn't last long as Kagome started to doze off. “I'll purify your ass into . . . next . . . year.”

 

The miko's eyes had slid closed and her breathing was becoming deep and regular. Sesshomaru came back across the room, pushing her hair away from her face and kissing her forehead. “Foolish miko.” He indulged himself by breathing in her scent, watching her as she slept for a moment before leaving to deal with the advisors.

 

`Yes, I believe that knocking some heads together is the best solution. Merkamou will be willing to assist, I have no doubt. Then I can return to my rooms and her.'