InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sunset Love ❯ Dream and Strategy ( Chapter 5 )

AN ~ Thanks to all who have reviewed my story, I appreciate the time you all have taken to let me know what you think. I hope that I can keep you intrigued in each of the coming chapters.

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters from the anime. I just like borrowing them from time to time to torture as I see fit for the entertainment of others.

 

 

Chapter 5 ~ Dream and Strategy.

 

 

“Kagome!” Shippo's voice drifted to her through the swirling gray fog that coated her vision. “Kagome! Mama where are you?”

 

His voice cut through her like a dull knife, leaving her heart tattered and bleeding from several gaping holes.

 

“Shippo!” Kagome called out desperate to find the kit, her feet flying over the littered floor of their own accord. The sounds of dry, brittle crunching slowly registered in her panic stricken mind. Against her better judgment Kagome looked down only to stumble and fall at the horror she witnessed. Everywhere she looked, thousands of delicate, bleached bones blanketed the floor hidden only by the bleak fog.

 

She lay there in stunned silence, sprawled haphazardly across the morbid carpet staring into the vacant eyes of a grinning skull. Shock turned to horror as it slowly took on Shippo's facial features and long red hair pulled up in its customary bow formed from thin air.

 

Bright green eyes stared back at her from the childish face, tears formed in those eyes followed by angry accusations.

 

“Why did you leave me Mama?” he demanded. “I was alone and needed you but you weren't there for me Mama.”

 

Before her eyes he aged, read hair growing long and streaked with dirt, green eyes turned dull, almost lifeless and his face became more angled and hard as a child grew into a man.

 

“You let me die, Mama,” his voice began to fade as long gashes tore the tender flesh along cheeks and forehead. “It's your fault, Mama, and I hate you for it.”

 

Kagome felt the scream tear from her lungs as skin and flesh melted away leaving only the grotesquely grinning skull behind.

 

Kagome shot up off the futon, her mouth open in a silent scream. Sweat-drenched clothing clung to her body as her lungs labored to draw breathe. It took several long moments before she remembered where she was, even as the vivid images faded into the farthest reaches of her mind.

 

Anger welled up inside of her, hardening her resolve to free Shippo from the dungeon. She knew it was just a dream, but the guilt tore at her heart and she blamed herself for his capture.

 

Glancing out at the dawning morning, Kagome pushed the twisted covers away to stand. This would be her second day here and she was ready to take on the assembly that would be gathering later to discuss a rescue mission for the small scouting party.

*****************************

 

Bright light flooded the Council Hall from windows placed high along the walls. Angry voices echoed from the high ceilings and bounced from the almost bare walls, the only decoration a large tapestry depicting a battle between a giant white dog and another demon. Far below vast armies waged war on each other. The tapestry held Kagome's attention for the better part of the gathering, her anger slowly simmering under the surface till it turned to pure rage.

 

All morning the gathered generals, minor lords, and neighboring allies argued over what needed to be done in order for the rescue to take place. No one agreed with the others, each idea being shot down quickly.

 

Several times Sesshomaru had to intervene when it appeared a fight was evident. It had al been done swiftly enough, a flexed claw, narrowed eyes or even a low growl if the need arose, his cool mask of indifference never cracking once.

 

As the sun reached its apex, the Northern Lord Kisho arrived to speak to the assembly and Kagome dragged her attention from the tapestry behind Sesshomaru to listen intently as he voiced his plans. The black inu Taiyoukai's voice rose and fell like smooth silk, his elegant court speech flowing easily. Everyone in the room listened silently, several waiting patiently to find any flaws in his well thought out strategy.

 

His golden eyes, cold and distant as Sesshomaru's, swept the crowd pulling each of them in as he spoke.

 

“I do not foresee how it can be compromised. Those labyrinths are a well-guarded secret only my family knows. I myself played there as a child and know every twist and turn as though it were a part of me,” Kisho told them his eyes coming to rest on Kagome where she stood leaning against a far back wall. “A small group could most assuredly be in and out of there swiftly with minimal losses.”

 

The presence of a human female amongst the youkai lords and generals surprised Kisho even though he hid it from the others. His senses were screaming at him to be wary of the woman, the taste of magic coating the air around her and he knew from hard earned experience that looks weren't always as they appeared. Her scent was overwhelmed by the sweat and stench of the gathered men and the sulking glares she cast at several of the males as they spoke were far from that of a servant's.

 

Kagome listened along with the others; one small detail bothered her about the entire plan. Her frustration built, making her want to scream at them, to pace till she wore a hole in the polished floorboards. Only one thing held her from doing any of the things she would normally be doing by now, the promise she had made to the Western Lord. He had allowed her to attend only after she swore to keep her silence unless one of the males talked to her first. Sesshomaru explained it was the way of things here and to do other wise would mean instant death.

 

So Kagome did the only thing she could think of and leveled an icy glare at Sesshomaru and waited for him to acknowledge her.

 

Emotionless amber locked with hers, narrowing a fraction in silent warning. A warning she returned as midnight blue flickered to an unknown shade of pink then back again so swiftly it left him wondering if he had seen it at all.

 

“Speak Miko,” Sesshomaru's voice over road all others bringing immediate silence so she could be heard. He believed it would b amusing to see how the assembled demons would react to the hot-tempered woman. He had come to miss watching Inuyasha's nervous antics just before her angry command brought him crashing to the ground. At first it had taken him by surprise but as he learned it happened on a regular basis, Sesshomaru had come to enjoy watching the slender female put the irate hanyou in his place as they searched for Naraku's whereabouts.

 

Sesshomaru wondered how long it would be before someone in the room felt her heated gaze, or the sharp bit of her tongue when her angry grew strong enough for her to throw caution to the wind.

 

Kagome's head dipped slightly in a gracious nod, respectfully before directing her steely gaze toward Kisho. She adopted the formalities of court and some of her mother's teachings in manners.

 

“My Lord,” she began keeping her voice lowered to a respectful level mindful of a youkai's sensitive hearing. Carefully, Kagome moved foreword so that no one would be left guessing at who spoke. “I see but one thing lacking in your idea. If I maybe so bold as to point it out?”

 

“You are so permitted,” Kisho replied his features closed to everyone as he studied the woman before him. Everything about her brought back memories of his lost love, yet this was not the same woman. This confused him, but Kisho hid it from everyone with the ease born of long practice. Forcing back the memories until he had time to solve the mystery they posed, Kisho concentrated on what the woman was saying.

“If they are being persecuted as our Lord has described,” Kagome began, her attention never leaving the older Inu-youkai. “Than how will you retrieve those who are injured beyond standing? How will you transport that many without notice?”

 

“Ah, your intellect is as refreshing as your beauty,” Kisho replied calmly his gaze flickering over the crowd as he thought his answer through.

 

Before he had a chance to reply a young, upstart general named Ozeki shot to his feet with a roar of outrage.

 

“Human, what gives you the right to question your superiors?” He growled. “We will simply leave those fools there to perish. So go back to the kitchens where you belong wench!”

 

Sesshomaru, cold demon lord and perfect killing machine, uncharacteristically fought back the urge to cringe as he felt the Miko's energy spike, the scent of her righteous fury peppering the air. He could hear the faint crackle of her magic as it surfaced, the scent of thunderstorms mixing with fury.

 

To him, General Ozeki was a brash young bear youkai that always leapt before thinking things through.

 

Perhaps, Sesshomaru thought as he leaned back in his chair, that it was time Ozeki learned a hard lesson. It would be a lesson he would enjoy watching. Quietly he waited for the indignant cry of outrage he knew was to come, of course Sesshomaru would put a stop to it before Kagome could purify the ignorant bear into oblivion.

 

“Human? Superiors?” Kagome turned on the unexpected bear youkai with a savagery that surprised even the most battle-hardened among them.

 

Ozeki, unused to an apparently weak human standing against him involuntarily took a step back.

 

“My son is there you baka!” Kagome gave a growl that would have made any youkai proud. A snarl pulled at the corner of her lips as she stalked toward the young general with a predatory gleam in her deep blue eyes. “And if you think of leaving anyone there be it youkai or human, I'll purify your sorry hide into dust.”

 

To prove her point she raised a finger to point at the cowering bear that faintly glowed a deep pink color. Her powers swirled around her with a tightly reigned control that had her long ebony tresses dancing as if caught in an autumn's cold wind.

 

Behind her a second general had stood, hand on the hilt of his sword ready to kill Kagome before she could harm his friend, but warning growls from the two Taiyoukai had the horse demon retreating quickly.

 

“And for your information, my name is Kagome, not wench!” She huffed indignantly, her small fists clenching tightly at her sides. “You had better learn to use it!”

 

“Lady Kagome, if you will permit me to answer your question,” Kisho spoke gently, drawing Kagome's attention away from the terrified bear and back to himself. It surprised him to see her powers fade away as quickly as they had surfaced. “The cavern I spoke of is large enough to hide several transport wagons without compromise. It will only be a matter of getting the prisoners to those transports. But I assure you that I do not intend to leave anyone behind.”

 

Kisho's cold gaze settled on Ozeki as he said those last words to emphasize what he was saying. The bear shifted nervously, away with injured pride.

 

Kagome stared at the Inu Lord for several long moments in a mixture of awe and contemplation, her right hand unconsciously closing around the sapphire pendant. Silence blanketed the room, as the gathering seemed to wait for another outburst from the young woman.

 

Finally, the girl gave Kisho a brilliant smile and everyone visible relaxed. Sesshomaru was tempted to laugh at them for their foolishness, something he was almost never known to do. She had not disappointed him as her anger almost brought Ozeki to his knees, and Sesshomaru found himself anxious to watch her turn his well-ordered life upside down as she was prone to do anywhere the woman went.

 

Drawn in by Kagome's twinkling gaze and bright smile, Kisho returned that smile, much to the shock of the others in the room, a shock that deepened to mortification as he began speaking again.

 

“I would be honored, Lady Kagome, if a powerful Miko such as yourself would join my small rescue party.” Kisho swept in an elegant bow that left a crimson stain across Kagome's cheeks. For a split second Kagome felt like she was being asked to dance at a social ball instead of on a rescue mission.

 

Shouts of outrage broke from several different places at once as they lurched to their feet in protest.

 

Sesshomaru noticed with some distain that they were the youngest among them. They were ones who had never had the chance to battle against a powerful miko and live to tell about it. These fools were too comfortable with the weak ones that dotted the countrysides now, making a poor show of trying to exercise spirits and purge demons from plaguing villages.

 

It pleased him to know that the older youkai among them sat silently contemplating the worth of having Kagome on their sides. Several of them had been in his father's court when Midoriko had battled the great youkai hundreds of years earlier and knew they remembered her well. Kisho too had been alive when Midoriko traveled the lands. He had been a young pup then and now looking from Kagome to the Northern Lord he had to wonder if Kisho had other plans for her.

 

Sesshomaru allowed the uproar to continue as he thought the situation over, something bothering him about the two he watched. Bright gold widen a fraction as sudden realization struck him full force, though he found it hard to grasp. He could see that the two bore a strange resemblance to each other, their hair the same blue-black of a starless night sky, high cheekbones, and even stranger a smile that was almost identical. Some of Kagome's past actions were a perfect imitation of the older youkai's when not at court. Sesshomaru had known Kisho since he was a small pup on his father's knee. He remembered looking up to the black Inu who had been a close friend of his father's for centuries.

 

Quickly, Sesshomaru dismissed the idea as being a mere coincidence because Kagome did not seem to have youkai blood in her, her scent the intoxicating scent of a forest in bloom while her powers were that of a summer's thunderstorm. Sesshomaru could detect no trace of youkai in or around her. Even stranger, he could not detect the slight tinge of death most humans her age bore either, nor did she smell like any human he had ever ran across. He wondered if Kagome were somehow masking that part of her scent but pushed it away as being absurd. The girl had always smelled like that, even when she couldn't control her powers, except it was more powerful now, her scent changing slightly than the one he remembered.

 

It was just one more puzzle piece that did not fit. The woman was from another time; she held herself in high regard angrily facing down anyone who assumed different, and now this, her resemblance to one of the Great Taiyoukais. Sesshomaru could not help but wonder what else the petite, raven-haired woman with sparkling midnight eyes concealed behind that innocent smile.

 

A decision was reached in the time he studied Kagome, one that Sesshomaru hoped he would not regret. He had witnessed first hand her ability to heal, her prowess with both sword and bow, knew the devotion she held for her friends, and the love for the kitsune she called son. He believed these things alone would make her a great asset on the rescue mission.

 

“This Sesshomaru agrees with Lord Kisho.” He said so suddenly that the loud bickering of the others ceased in immediate shock. None dared argue openly with the emotionless Inu-youkai, but he could almost see their disagreement shining in the multi-hued eyes that stared at him in disbelief.

 

“Let us retire to our chambers until preparations can be made and the chosen ones decided on.” Kisho spoke up. “We will be leaving in two days time.”

 

Slowly the large group filed out of the great hall, leaving three silent figures behind. Kagome now seated at the long table, an action Sesshomaru had been expecting. He had seen a perplexed look on her face as several of the youkai passed on their way out.

 

What he had not been expecting was the glare Kagome had leveled at Kisho as he was about to leave. At first Sesshomaru thought it to be blatant disrespect for the older demon but on closer inspection he noticed with faint surprise that it held an unknown pleading to it he could not define. Apparently she had to say something she wanted the Northern Lord to hear as well.

 

Once she believed everyone was gone, Kagome turned to Sesshomaru and spoke in a low whisper knowing bother Inu would hear her clearly.

 

“Do you have a place safer where the walls do not have so many ears?”

 

With barely a nod, Sesshomaru stood motioning for them to follow. He too had sensed the presence of several youkai around the outside of the hall. A few were servants but in the days of war no one could be trusted.

 

He led them with ease through the maze of halls and up into his private study. Guards posted at the base of the deep stair well prevented anyone from approaching the doors, while a barrier in the room made it sound proof. Absently, Sesshomaru made a mental not to have the barrier reinforced later. It would serve as a place of refuge for Rin if the invaders returned, a mistake he would rectify swiftly.

 

Kagome felt a tingling sensation course through her as she passed thorough the barrier and fought hard from instinctively purifying it. She understood why he had it in place, knowing fully what all a barrier could conceal. After all it had been a barrier such as this that had hidden Naraku for two years, keeping his presence cloaked from those who sought to kill him. The thought of Naraku sent a shiver down her spine as she surveyed the room around her.

 

Shelves holding thousands of scrolls, wooden boxes, small jade statues and various other items lined the walls, while a large writing desk, overwhelmed with paperwork, dominated the center of the floor. Sitting mats circled the desk and candles were scattered about the room for nighttime work. Two high windows allowed daylight to penetrate the dim interior.

 

Kagome and Kisho seated themselves before the desk while Sesshomaru took up his rightful place behind it.

 

“We need to leave tonight,” Kagome blurted out before either Lord could say anything. “Before our plans are relayed to your enemies.”

 

“Lady Kagome, if this is about your son,” Kisho found his voice first, his confusion over a child being among the captives. She did not appear to be old enough for her son to be larger than a mere infant, but what confused him even more was the fact that Kagome smelled virginal, no male scent coated hers. “Let me assure you he will be brought home safely.”

 

“This isn't entirely about Shippo,” Kagome turned a gentle smile on the Northern Lord, her eyes softening at the name before growing cold again as she continued. “Several of the men in that room held a tainted aura, the kind of taint one gets when they succumb to a greater evil.”

 

“Very perceptive of you, Lady Kagome,” Kisho cast a glance toward Sesshomaru before proceeding. “But as you well know we are demons and therefore hold our own taint compared to humans and mikos such as yourself.”

 

“It's not like that,” Kagome insisted turning to look at Sesshomaru. “Its almost like with Naraku's incarnations. Just like they carried both the mark of the spider and his scent, these few carry the same taint.”

 

“Are you certain of this Kagome?” Sesshomaru had felt something off about those gathered, but without her miko powers he could not say for certain who it was coming from. Even as she nodded, Sesshomaru felt a lump forming in his stomach and his rage build. Her observations had confirmed his belief, telling him exactly how the small evading party had gained access into his castle. Someone had let them in, or a few of them anyhow.

 

One of the reports had stated that a small force had somehow gained access to the outer courtyard long enough to detain his guards while the main force had broken the sparsely defended gates open. The question was which ones had done it.

 

“Could you point these traitors out given the chance?” he asked fighting down the urge to kill everyone that had been in the Council Hall with the exception of the two sitting across from him.

 

“Possible,” Kagome said slowly as she thought about it,” But I would have to be close as I was when they passed me earlier. But there's no time for that now because I'm almost positive one of them is preparing the missive as we speak.”

 

“Who would you suggest we take on such swift notice than, Lady Kagome?” Kisho spoke a lazy drawl to his voice as he studied the woman beside him. If she had in fact detected the same taint, than letting her choose their companions would be a prudent move.

 

“How many do you think it will take?” Kagome asked quietly.

 

“At least five others,” Kisho replied smoothly.

 

“Hmm,” Kagome clasp the pendant again as she thought. “Do I have to chose from those present at the talks?”

 

“Yes,” came Sesshomaru's cold reply. He waited patiently for the girl's answer.

“Anyone?” Kagome asked her eyes drifting toward the ceiling in thought.

 

“Anyone,” Sesshomaru felt like striking the annoying woman as she wasted valuable time.

 

“Good,” Kagome smiled, “Than my first choice would be the dragon youkai with the long white beard and red eyes. He looked like a sensible man.”

 

“Lord Tatsu,” Sesshomaru supplied the name with ease. It was a good first choice, one he would have made. The dragon was a minor lord who fought along side Sesshomaru's family for many centuries now.

 

“The next would have to be the black lion, he appeared to want the party back intact.”

 

“General Kuro, his oldest son was part of my scouting part.” Sesshomaru interjected at Kisho's inquiring look. He agreed with her second choice as well.

 

“The twin kitsunes would work nicely, their tricks may come in handy.” She pointed out.

 

“Jodan and Homben, both generals under me.” Kisho told Sesshomaru when the younger Inu cast him a questioning look. “Both are good men and have served me well.”

 

Sesshomaru nodded, turning back to Kagome only to find her grinning broadly, a glint of mischief sparkling in her eyes. He cold almost feel the groan forming in the bottom of his lungs, knowing that look meant trouble.

 

“And I definitely would take that bear.” She almost laughed as she said it. “I like him.”

 

“You like him? Even after he insulted you?” Kisho asked while both he and Sesshomaru stared at her in disbelief. Neither of them thought she would suggest the arrogant young general.

 

“Yeah, he just needs to learn when to keep quiet, but I see great potential to him. He also bares a pure aura that belies his gruff exterior. Almost like a giant teddy bear.” She grinned at their confused looks at the unfamiliar term. Teddy bears would not be introduced for another four centuries, something Kagome was grateful for. She didn't want them to take it as an insult when in fact it was a complement.

 

“What is this tedd-e-bear, you speak of?” Kisho asked stumbling over the unfamiliar word.

 

“Where I come from a teddy bear protects children from night terrors.” Kagome quickly explained remembering how her own stuffed bear had always been a comforting presence in the wake of a nightmare.

 

“Ah, so this is like a guardian than?” Kisho asked not fully understanding.

 

“Guardian talisman,” Kagome replied with a grin.

 

“And when do you suggest we leave?” This woman amused him and he had taken an instant liking to her. “What of provisions and the carts?”

 

“Under the cover of nightfall, of course, “Kagome supplied quickly. “The carts can be gotten from a nearby village and any thing else we can hunt along the way.”

 

“Sounds like you've thought this through.” Sesshomaru added, his view of the girl climbing a notch at her show of intelligence.

 

“My son's life hangs in the balance, as does your brothers.” Kagome's voice grew quiet, sadness covering her normally happy features. “I've thought of nothing else.”

 

Sesshomaru nodded in understanding as he turned to Kisho. The Northern Lord also nodded letting it be known that he agreed with the miko's idea.

 

“Get some rest Kagome, you will be summoned when it is time.” Sesshomaru dismissed her and was mildly surprised when the woman stood and left his study without an argument.

 

“Strange girl, that one.” Kisho commented as the door closed behind her with a soft thud.

 

“Yes,” was Sesshomaru's only reply before turning the conversation toward preparations for the late night departure.