InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

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Chapter 6

 

Kagome couldn't believe what she was seeing. In front of her was Lord Sesshomaru in all of his glory. It was true that she had known they would eventually cross paths once more, but she hadn't expected it to be this soon.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru,” she said bowing low in respect. “It's a pleasure to see you again. What brings you here my Lord?”

 

“I received a letter requesting assistance.” He wouldn't tell her that he'd been searching for her or that her screams had drawn his attention. A slight movement from behind her caught his attention. It was the male that had attempted to gain the miko's favor. He knew that he had been unsuccessful with a discrete sniff he found that she was still untouched.

 

`He is of no consequence,' he thought after looking him over briefly.

 

“Kimiko told us that she'd sent for help because of the attacks, but I had no idea that she'd contacted you,” said Kagome.

 

“Kagome,” whispered Takeda.

 

“Yes? Oh, I'm so sorry. Takeda, this is Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands. Lord Sesshomaru this is my friend Takeda.”

 

“It's an honor, Lord Sesshomaru,” said Takeda bowing low.

 

“Hnnn.”

 

“Please, Sesshomaru, come into our hut and we'll tell you what we know.”

 

“Very well, miko.” He followed the pair into the small hut where the kit was waiting.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru, it's good to see you again,” said Shippo. He wasn't surprised when the only acknowledgement was a small nod of the lord's head.

 

Everyone sat down and Kagome explained what she had been told about the attacks. She also explained about the wards she had put up. Although many thought they were supposed to keep youkai completely out this wasn't the case. They were in place to keep those with evil intentions out and to alert Kagome if one slipped past. Sesshomaru had no such intentions concerning the village and that is why she wasn't warned of his presence until he had spoken to her.

 

“It seems as if, once more, you have everything under control,” stated Sesshomaru.

 

“We'll see. No further attacks have occurred in the time that we've been here and no one with ill intent has approached the wards.”

 

“I see and once this threat has been dealt with where will you go?”

 

“Actually, we planned on staying here for the winter.”

 

“Hnn.” He stood and walked to the door and looked at her over his shoulder. “Come,” he stated knowing she would follow.

 

Kagome merely shook her head at his never-ending demands. As usual, he was silent as they walked until he decided to speak.

 

“I was surprised you left the half-breed so quickly.”

 

“It was unavoidable. Kikyo would stop at nothing to gain my soul. I left to protect the others and Shippo.”

 

“So now you wander from village to village. You should have just killed her.”

 

Kagome chuckled at his oh so typical answer. If it bothered you- kill it. That seemed to be his life's motto.

 

“As much as I would like to I could never hurt Inuyasha that way. I'm giving them a chance, but I did warn him that if she came after me she would die.”

 

“You are aware it's only a matter of time before she starts her search.”

 

“I am.” They walked in companionable silence neither in much of a hurry. While they had searched for Naraku he had taken on the role of sensai and trained her in multiple weapons as well as her powers. By the time he had finished with her she was every bit as deadly as he.

 

“You will finish your obligation here and then come to the Western Palace.”

 

“What?” asked Kagome looking at him with shock clearly written on her face.

 

“Do not make me repeat myself, miko. You and the kit would be safer there.”

 

“I don't doubt that, Lord Sesshomaru, but why would you wish for us to join you? You yourself made it so that I could protect my son and myself. I did not think you would concern yourself with us any further.”

 

He stopped and watched her with cold hard eyes. “My reasons are my own, miko. Do not question them.”

 

“I'm sorry, Lord Sesshomaru, but while I appreciate everything you have done for me I will not just blindly do as I'm told…..not anymore,” she added in a whisper.

 

His eyebrow arched at her statement. He'd known that she would more than likely argue because she hadn't been given a reason. She was fiercely independent and refused to rely on anyone as she once had the half-breed. It was one of the things that he admired about her, but would never admit it.

 

“I assumed that you would want to stay somewhere safe with your kit.”

 

If it was one thing she had learned from the inu, no matter how much she respected him, it was that he never did anything that didn't benefit or suit his needs. Even her training had been because of the need to make sure that Naraku was defeated once and for all. The question was what would he gain by her staying with him.

 

“I will think about it, Lord Sesshomaru, and speak to Shippo.”

 

“See that you do….Kagome.”

 

She looked at him in astonishment. It was very seldom he used her name and she wondered why he had now. Together they walked until the moon was high saying very little else before he followed her back to the hut.

 

Sesshomaru watched her bed down for the night under the watchful eyes of the kit and the untrusting gaze of the human male. She was cautious of his offer of that there was no doubt nor was she completely trusting as she once was. The constant betrayals of the half-breed had taught her harsh lessons, but they were ones that served her well. She was no longer the foolish naïve girl that he had first met. Now she was a grown woman. Her naivety and innocence had been replaced by knowledge and experience. After a brief glance at her he wondered how much she had truly changed.

 

The next morning everyone woke and went about their ritual before going to help out in the village.

 

“If you would please, Sesshomaru, come with me. You should meet the village miko, Kimiko, so that she can explain in more detail what is going on here.”

 

The village showed signs of destruction and the villagers cringed away from the Taiyouki. The scent of their fear and lack of hygiene was disgusting so he decided to stay close to the miko that led him. Although he did not truly care about humans it was his duty as Lord to settle disputes and protect those that resided on his land.

 

Several frantic villagers had told Kimiko that a demon was in the village being accompanied by Kagome. Although most of them were panicked she wasn't. Even in the short time they had known each other she knew that Kagome would not bring someone into their midst that intended harm to the village.

 

A powerful aura caught her attention and by following it she found not only Kagome, but a youkai as well. He was tall with pale features and long silver head. He had stripes on his on his cheeks and his eyelids and on his forehead was the symbol of his lineage, a crescent moon. Before her stood the Western Lord.

 

“Kimiko, this is Lord Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands. He received your request for help,” said Kagome.

 

“My Lord,” she bowed lowly, “I am humbled that you would take the time to visit our village personally.”

 

“What has been happening here, miko?”

 

She shivered at the coldness in his voice. “Our village has been attacked at random for the last several moon cycles by the same band of demons.”

 

As she continued with her account of what had been happening Sesshomaru took in the surroundings. He could smell the blood that had been spilt and the ones responsible even though the scent was old and faded. It would be best to take care of this as quickly as possible. The sooner he could leave this place the better.

 

“It will be dealt with,” he stated not bothering to look at the village miko before heading towards the forest.

 

“Everything will be fine, Kimiko,” Kagome assured before following the Taiyoukai.

 

“I hope so,” she whispered watching as the pair went beyond her sight. Although she worried more for Kagome's safety than the Lord's she assured herself that both were powerful and capable of handling themselves. With a shake of her head she decided to tend the herb garden next to her hut.

 

Sesshomaru didn't speak until they were alone and outside the village borders. “Have you thought about my proposal, miko?”

 

“No, I have not spoken to Shippo yet.”

 

“I would suggest you do so-soon. My offer is not to be taken lightly.”

 

“I'm aware of that,” she said calmly.

 

They didn't have time to discuss anything else before dark auras approached. They both withdrew their swords and waited. At the edge of the clearing five figures stopped and watched them with deadly intent each withdrawing their own weapons. They were all tall with well built bodies that seemed to scream strength. There was one that stood out in front of the others. He was tall with shoulder length black hair and golden eyes. He wore black clothing and held a long sword. They were all panther youkai.

 

The others were just as deadly looking and Kagome couldn't help, but shiver in anticipation. It had been a while since she had fought by her sensai's side. The fact that these were panther youkai meant they would be strong and fast. They were by nature, territorial and apparently they had claimed this area. It would explain why they had continually attacked the village. It was good land and they didn't want to share.

 

He had seen the little onna shiver and knew that she was terrified of him. “I am Hiro and I rule these lands. If you wish to live I suggest you leave immediately. However,” she said with a lustful smirk, “leave the onna. She would be fun to play with.”

 

Both Kagome and Sesshomaru seethed with fury. “I rule the lands whelp,” growled Sesshomaru. “I am Lord Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands.” His voice was cold and promised death to those that dared to defy him.

 

“Not for long, dog,” hissed one of the cats before attacking.

 

They immediately went on the defensive as they were surrounded. The one that had not waited for the others immediately had his head removed from his shoulders. The others, more cautious, circled looking for an opening to attack. When another with spiked hair and red hakama attacked Kagome she blocked him with her own sword.

 

“You'll have to do much better than that, kitten,” she taunted.

 

“Bitch, I'll have you on your knees begging for death before I'm through with you,” he hissed.

 

“Are you sure,” she asked as a slow grin spread across her hips and decided to drop her spells.

 

All of the opponents stopped when they felt her power raise.

 

“Come on kitty. What are you waiting for?” she smiled.

 

The panther growled his fury and charged her in a blind rage with his sword held high wanting nothing more than to kill her. Kagome was easily parried the attack and slashed the demon across the torso turning him to ash before he could scream.

 

“Two down three to go,” she sang.

 

The remaining demons roared and attacked at once. They used their swords and claws trying to cut down their prey while Kagome and Sesshomaru easily evaded their attacks.

 

Sesshomaru was already bored with them. Their fighting skills were even worse than the half-breed's in his opinion. There was no refinement only brute strength and no though what so ever about the attacks themselves. He decided to end their miserable lives quickly so with a flick of his wrist his whip sliced them all in two at the waist.

 

“Pathetic,” he said looking at their corpses.

 

Kagome turned to follow, but something in the distance caught her eye so she followed it. As she got closer she could see the familiar form of Kikyo's soul collector. It's gaze was penetrating as it looked at her before trying to flee. Kagome raised her hand and let loose a small burst of her power purifying the creature.

 

“So it begins,” she whispered.

 

Unfortunately, she didn't realize how right she was.

 

 

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