InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Remnants of the Spider ❯ Problems in the North ( Chapter 25 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady Sianna 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.11.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 275 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.11.2009 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 275 | Status: Work In Progress
Remnants of the Spider
Problems in the North
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Heavy silence filled the space between them, and the miko stared into his eyes over a chasm she could not see, but feel. He appeared characteristically stoic but Kagome had a powerful inkling that something was wrong. Something in his eyes, the set of his shoulders and the faint flare of his youki spoke volumes of his displeasure but she could not understand what had angered him.
“Sesshoumaru?” she began apprehensively.
“Where is Rin?” He cut her off.
Her brows drew together at his clipped tone, and she just barely resisted the urge to shrink away in discomfort.
“S-she and Shippou are at the edge of the village. Ah-Un is watching over them, but they should be back any minute now.”
Another long uneasy silence passed, before he reached into the folds of his haori and produced a medium sized package. With a careless flick of his wrist, the package flew from his fingers. Kagome barely caught it before looking to him again, her eyes rounded in surprise.
“You will see that she gets it.” he intoned sternly and without another word, he spun and began to walk away.
An odd jolt of panic shot through her, and Kagome quickly ran forward to stop him. Before she could think better of it, she reached forward and grabbed a billowing sleeve of his silken overcoat.
“Sesshoumaru…?” She asked looking up at him with concerned brown eyes. He had not behaved this coldly toward her in a long time and it was extremely discomforting that he was doing so now. Had she done something wrong?
“What’s wrong?” she stared up at him with large beseeching eyes, and though he had initially thought to snatch away from her, something about the way she looked at him mitigated his resolve to do so. He glared at her instead.
Kagome watched with growing trepidation as his golden eyes narrowed slightly.
“Woman, you will release this Sesshoumaru at once.”
The unexpected order stole a gasp from her lips and deepened her frown but the miko made no move to follow his order. “Are you… are you angry with me?”
He did not answer, and without intending to do so, he shot a glance to the place he had last seen the wolf demon. A heavy sigh passed through the miko’s lips then, and she released his clothing, taking a step back as if to get a better look at him. The furrow softened from her brow and understanding seemed to shine through in her eyes.
“Oh right.” she said thoughtfully her voice quiet even to him. “You don’t like Kouga do you?”
‘Because of what happened to Rin…’ she added mentally.
She pushed the unpleasant memory away before reattaching her hand to his oversized sleeve.
The demon lord looked down at the small pale appendage as it grasped his clothing but avoided touching him directly. It was as if she was trying to connect with him without being too forward, as if words alone were not enough to convey whatever it was she wished to say.
“Well, he’s gone now,” she said quietly. “there is no need to be upset, he just came to…”
“How do you know of the Wolf Prince?” he asked, his tone was tranquil yet strangely intense at the same time.
Ignoring the rudeness of his interruption, Kagome pursed her lips slightly as she considered her answer.
“He was…” she trailed off uncertainly “an ally?” she said furrowing her brow at her answer and noting how it did not seem to fit. “…And a friend.” she added almost as an afterthought. “He used to have a bit of a crush on me.” she continued, realizing that it was a gross understatement.
“But…” she sighed a little wearily realizing that yet another of her friends had found someone special and moved on with their life. “He’s mated now…”
Her eyes took on a glassy look, and oppressive silence surrounded them again. Finally she seemed to shake herself awake, and her eyes refocused on him. “Anyway, he just came to umm… bring me… a message.” she said a little too carefully.
Sesshoumaru gave her an appraising look. He had not come within hearing range until she and the wolf were exiting the hut, and therefore was unaware of what they had discussed until that point. He had landed just in time to see the wolf wrap her in his arms.
Kagome stared up at him, and was not sure if she only imagined that a faint crease in his brow had eased ever so slightly.
“What message?” He asked startling her a bit.
The nervous jolt in her muscles did not go unnoticed, and if possible Sesshoumaru’s perusal became even more intense. The miko looked away. She didn’t want to lie to him, but she did not want to tell the truth either. If he suspected that there was a demon after her, he might take Rin from her. In their own way, everyone she cared for had already gone off and left her alone, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Rin too.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” she finally managed.
“But you will.” he stated flatly.
Her attention focused on him again, and she stared up into his eyes. “Why?” was her simple response and she could have sworn his lips had thinned in disapproval.
“It’s my problem…” she began, but then amended, “Actually, there might not even BE a problem, so let’s just drop it okay?”
“Tell me.” he stated as if she had not spoken.
She frowned slightly, and then studied his impassive features as if attempting to decide his worth of the information she was asked to impart.
“I--” she began, but the slight narrowing of his eyes brought her up short. She sighed. “He said that there have been some rumors around his territory. Naraku may have left another demon behind.”
The demon lord continued to pin her with that unwavering golden gaze, and Kagome barely resisted the urge to squirm under his tenacious regard. She almost felt as if he could see right through her, as if she was giving something away without even realizing it.
“What are you not telling me?” he asked abruptly.
Kagome started again. How the heck did he do that? How did he seem to know what she was thinking? Suddenly uncomfortable with his proximity, the miko convulsively took a step away from him. The demon lord recovered it immediately and the faint frown on his brow deepened noticeably.
“My patience grows thin, miko.”
She was no longer holding his gaze, but staring blankly at the small patch of dirt which lay between them. As if to calm herself, the miko drew a deep shaky breath before passing it through slightly parted lips. “According to the rumors,” she began before she could stop herself. “according to the rumors, this supposed demon… is out for revenge.”
Sesshoumaru remained silent, and Kagome dared to look up at him. “You don’t… you don’t need to worry about Rin. I would never let anything happen to her. If there is a demon after me, I won’t let it hurt her.”
Her eyes were soft and shimmering, the golden hues of the setting sun making them appear even warmer than usual. She was subconsciously clenching and unclenching her fingers on the package he had given her, and there had been a pleading, almost desperate note to her voice which the inu lord both liked and disliked.
“Please don’t take her away from me okay? I promise I won’t let anything happen to her. If it comes down to it, I’ll protect her with my life. You know that… don’t you?”
Kagome’s words caused Sesshoumaru’s mind to flood with memory. He blinked slowly, the image of her frail and broken body, becoming gradually clearer in his mind’s eye. Naraku was dead, and she lay dying on the ground; he could see it almost as if it was happening all over again. Almost as if moving through water, he could see the huntress and his brother running to her, but it was useless. She would draw her final breath before they even reached her.
Her eyes had been mostly closed and there had been blood at the corner of her lips. Her hair had been disheveled, and her clothing tattered and stained as her very life spilled from the wound in her chest.
There had been so much blood…
Strange… the memory was more disturbing to him now than it had been before.
“Sesshoumaru?” she asked again, her eyes searching his own. “You do know that, don’t you?”
“I… witnessed your sacrifice.” he finally told her, and he could hear a light gasp escape her lips.
He heard her swallow before giving a curt nod. “So you understand then.” she said and he could tell she was uncomfortable now.
So was he.
Something was prodding at him and making him feel unusually anxious. His nerves were almost twitching beneath his skin, and his palms itched with the desire to do… something, though what he could not say. He understood that the miko’s words were true, and he realized that she was attempting to set his mind at ease, but it did not seem to have the desired affect.
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much though,” she said unexpectedly, attempting to dispel the tension, “As far as we know, it’s just a rumor anyway. Can’t really solve a problem that’s not proven to exist, right?”
He had given her similar counsel, but it almost seemed not to apply now. The words did very little to still his restless nerves. He could not think of how to answer her.
Before anything further could be exchanged, the miko’s attention was drawn by a faint brush of youki and she instantly turned away to look into the sky.
He allowed his eyes to follow her line of sight to discover the small dark green speckle which was rapidly approaching their location.
‘Ah-Un…’
Kagome turned back to him. “Their back!” she told him, her voice quiet and faintly urgent. “Please don’t tell them what we were talking about. I don’t want Rin to worry, and Shippou will only tell Inuyasha; and who knows what he‘ll do.”
Recalling the hanyou’s overly protective tendencies, Sesshoumaru could understand why she would not wish for such an ambiguous report to reach the boy‘s ears. Even though he was now betrothed to another, the hanyou remained extremely protective, and even somewhat possessive toward this miko.
“You won’t say anything, will you?” Kagome asked, drawing his attention back to her.
“The information is yours to disclose as you see fit, miko. It is not my place to deprive you of that.”
Kagome gave him another quick nod. “Thank you.” she said as she stepped away from him to greet the children and Ah-Un who had just landed several yards away.
He listened somewhat absently as she instructed his ward and the kit that it was time to prepare for the evening meal. They readily agreed, and she began to escort them back to the hut. He saw her hand the package he had brought to Rin as the trio made their approach.
“Good evening Lord Sesshoumaru.” his ward greeted, a soft smile on her lips.
“Rin,” he greeted in return, “I trust that your day was satisfactory?”
She subconsciously she shot a glance to the kit who now stood nearly as tall as she. Her eyes sparkling with an unnamed, but apparently pleasing emotion she answered, “Yes my Lord.”
He inclined his head in acknowledgement, to which she executed a respectful bow. His attention then turned to the kit who was looking at him a bit warily.
“G-good evening Lord Sesshoumaru.” he said haltingly as he performed a similar bow.
Sesshoumaru inclined his head to the kit as well, and Shippou returned the gesture with a nervous smile before he and Rin scampered off into the small hut.
The miko remained outside with him. She was giving him a thoughtful look, but did not speak for a long while. Just as he thought to point out the fact that she was staring, she opened her mouth to speak.
“Would you… would you care to join us?”
“No.” he replied automatically.
She had expected this response but still could not suppress the disappointment it invoked.
“Of course.” she all but whispered.
“There are matters which require my attention.” he amended softly, unsure why he sought to mollify her.
She smiled. “Maybe another time then.” she said as she turned toward the hut. She took a single step toward it before pivoting to him again. “I’ll see you later, I guess.” and without waiting for an answer, she left him alone and went inside.
_______________________________________________________________ _________
High on a billowing cloud of demonic energy, Sesshoumaru glided effortlessly through the ever darkening sky. He had left the miko‘s vilage a short time ago, and was now heading back to the west. His golden eyes remained focused straight ahead, his impassive features giving no indication of the mild turmoil of his mind.
Several things the miko had said to him continued to stand out in his mind, and he was still having difficulty sorting them all out.
“…Naraku may have left another demon behind.”
It should not have been surprising to discover that the wretched excuse for a hanyou would leave something behind to exact revenge in the event of his failure. Still it did not please him to hear of it. Half-demon that he was, Naraku’s power had been immense, and his ability to manipulate people and situations was unsurpassed by almost anyone Sesshoumaru had ever known. If he had left another demon behind, it is not likely he would have left one of inferior strength or ability. Who knows what powers he had imparted to it?
“…according to the rumors, this supposed demon… is out for revenge.”
This information was unsavory as well, and not just for the reason the miko seemed to believe. Truly he did not wish for his ward to come to harm, but he knew that as long as she resided with the miko she would remain alive and safe. Kagome cared a great deal about Rin and he did not doubt for one moment her ability or will to protect the girl by any means necessary.
It was what she had said next that caused his feet to remain planted to the same spot long after she went into her hut.
“Please don’t take her away from me okay? I promise I won’t let anything happen to her. If it comes down to it, I’ll protect her with my life. You know that… don’t you?”
He believed her when she said that. Her words carried nothing but honesty, and he knew that even in the face of danger she would not waver from such an oath.
However, it was the memory that her words invoked which caused him to realize something that he had probably already known, and simply had not acknowledged before.
He… did not want her to die. Not ever again.
At first he had attempted to tell himself that he did not wish for her death to be on his hands as it would be his ward that she would die to protect. While this was a reasonably palatable explanation, he also realized that there was more to it than that. He could take Rin away from her if he so chose. He could bring her back to the west where he could protect her himself, and he would still not wish for Kagome to die.
The demon lord felt his lips turn downward in a thoughtful frown. Clearly, he did reciprocate the miko’s friendship. It had not been a conscious decision, and he could not say that he was entirely pleased about his actions. Or was it lack of action? He wasn’t sure. All he knew was that her safety mattered to him now.
‘So this is what it means to be a friend…’ he thought distantly.
It was strange to find himself concerned over the wellbeing of another, not because there was some personal profit to be gained; but simply because it pleased him that she remain alive.
When he had arrived this afternoon, he had decided that he should reduce the frequency in which he called upon the miko’s village, but now this was no longer an option. In fact, he soon began to consider posting some of his own guards about the borders.
It was something to consider. Rumors of the type the miko had disclosed were not ones to be taken lightly, and usually had some basis in reality. Perhaps he should have someone, or more specifically Jaken, look into it.
Yes, that was an acceptable course of action. The imp would be informed as soon as he arrived home.
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A tightly clenched fist crashed down violently against a low wooden table. The sound of its impact resonated around the spacious assemble hall commanding the attention of every person in the room.
“This is completely unacceptable!” Lord Hiroshi growled, his pale green eyes flashing dangerously.
“How can this have happened without someone noticing?! Where the hell were my sentries while these… these brigands violated my home??!!” he all but roared as both hands curled into tight fist forcing sharp claws to bite into his skin.
A nervous panther demon, the captain of his guards was the first to speak.
“The guards had held their positions at their usual posts,” he began, his voice carrying a confidence he did not feel at this moment. “but apparently some sort of cloaking spells were used until the brigands were close enough to employ a powerful misting solution which apparently induces sleep. Many of the sentries still have not regained consciousness.”
Baring his sharp fangs, Lord Hiroshi allowed a fierce growl to tear from his throat.
“Where is my daughter?! If those filthy bastards have so much as laid a finger on her I will…”
“Lady Izanami is safe!” the youkai captain responded quickly. “She is still sleeping in her chambers. I have already posted additional guards outside her door, and deployed an additional squadron to track down the thieves.”
Hiroshi breathed a small sigh of relief before turning his back to the panther demon. It was barely dawn, and he had been awakened from a restful sleep to deal with this foolishness. It was beyond unacceptable! He had taken the Northern reins from his father, Hiro-sama, a scant thirty years ago, and this was the last thing he needed! His only potential saving grace was that his sire and mother were away on an extended retreat. Hopefully, this entire mess would be sorted out before they returned.
Hiro-sama was a man who demanded perfection not only in himself but in others as well, most especially his eldest son.
The progeny of a powerful panther demon, and an immensely powerful priestess, Hiroshi had never been subjected to the prejudice most hanyou were forced to endure. His sire expected nothing less than excellence from him at all times. He would tolerate no excuses, and Hiroshi did not wish to prove his father’s suspicion that he had turned over the reins prematurely.
With a sudden fluid motion, Lord Hiroshi rounded on his captain. “I want a full report within the hour. You will bring me a complete list of what was stolen together with any and all information regarding these thieves.
The hanyou then narrowed his eyes, and gave his captain a meaningful glare. “I want them found at once.” he flexed his sharp claws, causing the other male to flinch ever so slightly.
“Heads are going to roll for this.”
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Alright my lovelies! Another chapter for you! I hope you enjoyed.
Just a side note, “Remnants of the Spider” has been nominated best canon for the second quarter 2009 Dokuga awards! Another one of my stories, “Detrimental Desires” was nominated for best lemonfic!
Thank you to whoever nominated, and thank you in advanced to any and everyone who’s planning to vote for my stuffs! I can’t tell you how flattered I am that my work being enjoyed so much!
Problems in the North
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Heavy silence filled the space between them, and the miko stared into his eyes over a chasm she could not see, but feel. He appeared characteristically stoic but Kagome had a powerful inkling that something was wrong. Something in his eyes, the set of his shoulders and the faint flare of his youki spoke volumes of his displeasure but she could not understand what had angered him.
“Sesshoumaru?” she began apprehensively.
“Where is Rin?” He cut her off.
Her brows drew together at his clipped tone, and she just barely resisted the urge to shrink away in discomfort.
“S-she and Shippou are at the edge of the village. Ah-Un is watching over them, but they should be back any minute now.”
Another long uneasy silence passed, before he reached into the folds of his haori and produced a medium sized package. With a careless flick of his wrist, the package flew from his fingers. Kagome barely caught it before looking to him again, her eyes rounded in surprise.
“You will see that she gets it.” he intoned sternly and without another word, he spun and began to walk away.
An odd jolt of panic shot through her, and Kagome quickly ran forward to stop him. Before she could think better of it, she reached forward and grabbed a billowing sleeve of his silken overcoat.
“Sesshoumaru…?” She asked looking up at him with concerned brown eyes. He had not behaved this coldly toward her in a long time and it was extremely discomforting that he was doing so now. Had she done something wrong?
“What’s wrong?” she stared up at him with large beseeching eyes, and though he had initially thought to snatch away from her, something about the way she looked at him mitigated his resolve to do so. He glared at her instead.
Kagome watched with growing trepidation as his golden eyes narrowed slightly.
“Woman, you will release this Sesshoumaru at once.”
The unexpected order stole a gasp from her lips and deepened her frown but the miko made no move to follow his order. “Are you… are you angry with me?”
He did not answer, and without intending to do so, he shot a glance to the place he had last seen the wolf demon. A heavy sigh passed through the miko’s lips then, and she released his clothing, taking a step back as if to get a better look at him. The furrow softened from her brow and understanding seemed to shine through in her eyes.
“Oh right.” she said thoughtfully her voice quiet even to him. “You don’t like Kouga do you?”
‘Because of what happened to Rin…’ she added mentally.
She pushed the unpleasant memory away before reattaching her hand to his oversized sleeve.
The demon lord looked down at the small pale appendage as it grasped his clothing but avoided touching him directly. It was as if she was trying to connect with him without being too forward, as if words alone were not enough to convey whatever it was she wished to say.
“Well, he’s gone now,” she said quietly. “there is no need to be upset, he just came to…”
“How do you know of the Wolf Prince?” he asked, his tone was tranquil yet strangely intense at the same time.
Ignoring the rudeness of his interruption, Kagome pursed her lips slightly as she considered her answer.
“He was…” she trailed off uncertainly “an ally?” she said furrowing her brow at her answer and noting how it did not seem to fit. “…And a friend.” she added almost as an afterthought. “He used to have a bit of a crush on me.” she continued, realizing that it was a gross understatement.
“But…” she sighed a little wearily realizing that yet another of her friends had found someone special and moved on with their life. “He’s mated now…”
Her eyes took on a glassy look, and oppressive silence surrounded them again. Finally she seemed to shake herself awake, and her eyes refocused on him. “Anyway, he just came to umm… bring me… a message.” she said a little too carefully.
Sesshoumaru gave her an appraising look. He had not come within hearing range until she and the wolf were exiting the hut, and therefore was unaware of what they had discussed until that point. He had landed just in time to see the wolf wrap her in his arms.
Kagome stared up at him, and was not sure if she only imagined that a faint crease in his brow had eased ever so slightly.
“What message?” He asked startling her a bit.
The nervous jolt in her muscles did not go unnoticed, and if possible Sesshoumaru’s perusal became even more intense. The miko looked away. She didn’t want to lie to him, but she did not want to tell the truth either. If he suspected that there was a demon after her, he might take Rin from her. In their own way, everyone she cared for had already gone off and left her alone, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Rin too.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” she finally managed.
“But you will.” he stated flatly.
Her attention focused on him again, and she stared up into his eyes. “Why?” was her simple response and she could have sworn his lips had thinned in disapproval.
“It’s my problem…” she began, but then amended, “Actually, there might not even BE a problem, so let’s just drop it okay?”
“Tell me.” he stated as if she had not spoken.
She frowned slightly, and then studied his impassive features as if attempting to decide his worth of the information she was asked to impart.
“I--” she began, but the slight narrowing of his eyes brought her up short. She sighed. “He said that there have been some rumors around his territory. Naraku may have left another demon behind.”
The demon lord continued to pin her with that unwavering golden gaze, and Kagome barely resisted the urge to squirm under his tenacious regard. She almost felt as if he could see right through her, as if she was giving something away without even realizing it.
“What are you not telling me?” he asked abruptly.
Kagome started again. How the heck did he do that? How did he seem to know what she was thinking? Suddenly uncomfortable with his proximity, the miko convulsively took a step away from him. The demon lord recovered it immediately and the faint frown on his brow deepened noticeably.
“My patience grows thin, miko.”
She was no longer holding his gaze, but staring blankly at the small patch of dirt which lay between them. As if to calm herself, the miko drew a deep shaky breath before passing it through slightly parted lips. “According to the rumors,” she began before she could stop herself. “according to the rumors, this supposed demon… is out for revenge.”
Sesshoumaru remained silent, and Kagome dared to look up at him. “You don’t… you don’t need to worry about Rin. I would never let anything happen to her. If there is a demon after me, I won’t let it hurt her.”
Her eyes were soft and shimmering, the golden hues of the setting sun making them appear even warmer than usual. She was subconsciously clenching and unclenching her fingers on the package he had given her, and there had been a pleading, almost desperate note to her voice which the inu lord both liked and disliked.
“Please don’t take her away from me okay? I promise I won’t let anything happen to her. If it comes down to it, I’ll protect her with my life. You know that… don’t you?”
Kagome’s words caused Sesshoumaru’s mind to flood with memory. He blinked slowly, the image of her frail and broken body, becoming gradually clearer in his mind’s eye. Naraku was dead, and she lay dying on the ground; he could see it almost as if it was happening all over again. Almost as if moving through water, he could see the huntress and his brother running to her, but it was useless. She would draw her final breath before they even reached her.
Her eyes had been mostly closed and there had been blood at the corner of her lips. Her hair had been disheveled, and her clothing tattered and stained as her very life spilled from the wound in her chest.
There had been so much blood…
Strange… the memory was more disturbing to him now than it had been before.
“Sesshoumaru?” she asked again, her eyes searching his own. “You do know that, don’t you?”
“I… witnessed your sacrifice.” he finally told her, and he could hear a light gasp escape her lips.
He heard her swallow before giving a curt nod. “So you understand then.” she said and he could tell she was uncomfortable now.
So was he.
Something was prodding at him and making him feel unusually anxious. His nerves were almost twitching beneath his skin, and his palms itched with the desire to do… something, though what he could not say. He understood that the miko’s words were true, and he realized that she was attempting to set his mind at ease, but it did not seem to have the desired affect.
“I wouldn’t worry about it too much though,” she said unexpectedly, attempting to dispel the tension, “As far as we know, it’s just a rumor anyway. Can’t really solve a problem that’s not proven to exist, right?”
He had given her similar counsel, but it almost seemed not to apply now. The words did very little to still his restless nerves. He could not think of how to answer her.
Before anything further could be exchanged, the miko’s attention was drawn by a faint brush of youki and she instantly turned away to look into the sky.
He allowed his eyes to follow her line of sight to discover the small dark green speckle which was rapidly approaching their location.
‘Ah-Un…’
Kagome turned back to him. “Their back!” she told him, her voice quiet and faintly urgent. “Please don’t tell them what we were talking about. I don’t want Rin to worry, and Shippou will only tell Inuyasha; and who knows what he‘ll do.”
Recalling the hanyou’s overly protective tendencies, Sesshoumaru could understand why she would not wish for such an ambiguous report to reach the boy‘s ears. Even though he was now betrothed to another, the hanyou remained extremely protective, and even somewhat possessive toward this miko.
“You won’t say anything, will you?” Kagome asked, drawing his attention back to her.
“The information is yours to disclose as you see fit, miko. It is not my place to deprive you of that.”
Kagome gave him another quick nod. “Thank you.” she said as she stepped away from him to greet the children and Ah-Un who had just landed several yards away.
He listened somewhat absently as she instructed his ward and the kit that it was time to prepare for the evening meal. They readily agreed, and she began to escort them back to the hut. He saw her hand the package he had brought to Rin as the trio made their approach.
“Good evening Lord Sesshoumaru.” his ward greeted, a soft smile on her lips.
“Rin,” he greeted in return, “I trust that your day was satisfactory?”
She subconsciously she shot a glance to the kit who now stood nearly as tall as she. Her eyes sparkling with an unnamed, but apparently pleasing emotion she answered, “Yes my Lord.”
He inclined his head in acknowledgement, to which she executed a respectful bow. His attention then turned to the kit who was looking at him a bit warily.
“G-good evening Lord Sesshoumaru.” he said haltingly as he performed a similar bow.
Sesshoumaru inclined his head to the kit as well, and Shippou returned the gesture with a nervous smile before he and Rin scampered off into the small hut.
The miko remained outside with him. She was giving him a thoughtful look, but did not speak for a long while. Just as he thought to point out the fact that she was staring, she opened her mouth to speak.
“Would you… would you care to join us?”
“No.” he replied automatically.
She had expected this response but still could not suppress the disappointment it invoked.
“Of course.” she all but whispered.
“There are matters which require my attention.” he amended softly, unsure why he sought to mollify her.
She smiled. “Maybe another time then.” she said as she turned toward the hut. She took a single step toward it before pivoting to him again. “I’ll see you later, I guess.” and without waiting for an answer, she left him alone and went inside.
_______________________________________________________________ _________
High on a billowing cloud of demonic energy, Sesshoumaru glided effortlessly through the ever darkening sky. He had left the miko‘s vilage a short time ago, and was now heading back to the west. His golden eyes remained focused straight ahead, his impassive features giving no indication of the mild turmoil of his mind.
Several things the miko had said to him continued to stand out in his mind, and he was still having difficulty sorting them all out.
“…Naraku may have left another demon behind.”
It should not have been surprising to discover that the wretched excuse for a hanyou would leave something behind to exact revenge in the event of his failure. Still it did not please him to hear of it. Half-demon that he was, Naraku’s power had been immense, and his ability to manipulate people and situations was unsurpassed by almost anyone Sesshoumaru had ever known. If he had left another demon behind, it is not likely he would have left one of inferior strength or ability. Who knows what powers he had imparted to it?
“…according to the rumors, this supposed demon… is out for revenge.”
This information was unsavory as well, and not just for the reason the miko seemed to believe. Truly he did not wish for his ward to come to harm, but he knew that as long as she resided with the miko she would remain alive and safe. Kagome cared a great deal about Rin and he did not doubt for one moment her ability or will to protect the girl by any means necessary.
It was what she had said next that caused his feet to remain planted to the same spot long after she went into her hut.
“Please don’t take her away from me okay? I promise I won’t let anything happen to her. If it comes down to it, I’ll protect her with my life. You know that… don’t you?”
He believed her when she said that. Her words carried nothing but honesty, and he knew that even in the face of danger she would not waver from such an oath.
However, it was the memory that her words invoked which caused him to realize something that he had probably already known, and simply had not acknowledged before.
He… did not want her to die. Not ever again.
At first he had attempted to tell himself that he did not wish for her death to be on his hands as it would be his ward that she would die to protect. While this was a reasonably palatable explanation, he also realized that there was more to it than that. He could take Rin away from her if he so chose. He could bring her back to the west where he could protect her himself, and he would still not wish for Kagome to die.
The demon lord felt his lips turn downward in a thoughtful frown. Clearly, he did reciprocate the miko’s friendship. It had not been a conscious decision, and he could not say that he was entirely pleased about his actions. Or was it lack of action? He wasn’t sure. All he knew was that her safety mattered to him now.
‘So this is what it means to be a friend…’ he thought distantly.
It was strange to find himself concerned over the wellbeing of another, not because there was some personal profit to be gained; but simply because it pleased him that she remain alive.
When he had arrived this afternoon, he had decided that he should reduce the frequency in which he called upon the miko’s village, but now this was no longer an option. In fact, he soon began to consider posting some of his own guards about the borders.
It was something to consider. Rumors of the type the miko had disclosed were not ones to be taken lightly, and usually had some basis in reality. Perhaps he should have someone, or more specifically Jaken, look into it.
Yes, that was an acceptable course of action. The imp would be informed as soon as he arrived home.
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A tightly clenched fist crashed down violently against a low wooden table. The sound of its impact resonated around the spacious assemble hall commanding the attention of every person in the room.
“This is completely unacceptable!” Lord Hiroshi growled, his pale green eyes flashing dangerously.
“How can this have happened without someone noticing?! Where the hell were my sentries while these… these brigands violated my home??!!” he all but roared as both hands curled into tight fist forcing sharp claws to bite into his skin.
A nervous panther demon, the captain of his guards was the first to speak.
“The guards had held their positions at their usual posts,” he began, his voice carrying a confidence he did not feel at this moment. “but apparently some sort of cloaking spells were used until the brigands were close enough to employ a powerful misting solution which apparently induces sleep. Many of the sentries still have not regained consciousness.”
Baring his sharp fangs, Lord Hiroshi allowed a fierce growl to tear from his throat.
“Where is my daughter?! If those filthy bastards have so much as laid a finger on her I will…”
“Lady Izanami is safe!” the youkai captain responded quickly. “She is still sleeping in her chambers. I have already posted additional guards outside her door, and deployed an additional squadron to track down the thieves.”
Hiroshi breathed a small sigh of relief before turning his back to the panther demon. It was barely dawn, and he had been awakened from a restful sleep to deal with this foolishness. It was beyond unacceptable! He had taken the Northern reins from his father, Hiro-sama, a scant thirty years ago, and this was the last thing he needed! His only potential saving grace was that his sire and mother were away on an extended retreat. Hopefully, this entire mess would be sorted out before they returned.
Hiro-sama was a man who demanded perfection not only in himself but in others as well, most especially his eldest son.
The progeny of a powerful panther demon, and an immensely powerful priestess, Hiroshi had never been subjected to the prejudice most hanyou were forced to endure. His sire expected nothing less than excellence from him at all times. He would tolerate no excuses, and Hiroshi did not wish to prove his father’s suspicion that he had turned over the reins prematurely.
With a sudden fluid motion, Lord Hiroshi rounded on his captain. “I want a full report within the hour. You will bring me a complete list of what was stolen together with any and all information regarding these thieves.
The hanyou then narrowed his eyes, and gave his captain a meaningful glare. “I want them found at once.” he flexed his sharp claws, causing the other male to flinch ever so slightly.
“Heads are going to roll for this.”
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Alright my lovelies! Another chapter for you! I hope you enjoyed.
Just a side note, “Remnants of the Spider” has been nominated best canon for the second quarter 2009 Dokuga awards! Another one of my stories, “Detrimental Desires” was nominated for best lemonfic!
Thank you to whoever nominated, and thank you in advanced to any and everyone who’s planning to vote for my stuffs! I can’t tell you how flattered I am that my work being enjoyed so much!