InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

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Chapter 8

 

Kagome woke the next morning and with Shippo's help gathered their few belongings before leaving the hut that they had called home briefly. As they walked through the village with Sesshomaru everyone stopped and bowed showing their respect and gratitude. Many of the children gave them flowers and asked that they come back to visit. Kagome smiled at each of them and promised to return in the spring. At the edge of the village Kimiko and Takeda waited for them.

 

“Lady Kagome, I wanted to thank you for all you have done, as well as you Shippo. Lord Sesshomaru, I would also like to thank you for coming to our aid. We will forever be in your debt,” she said bowing low.

 

“There's no need to bow, Kimiko,” Kagome said softly. “We are friends. I am happy we could have helped.”

 

“Kagome, please take care of yourself. I will always cherish the time we spent together and the things I have learned from you,” said Takeda.

 

He held her hand between his and pulled her into one last embrace, much to the displeasure of the Taiyoukai. He had learned a great deal in his travels with her including how precious life, friendship and family are. With a kiss to her forehead he stepped away.

 

“We will be back in the spring to visit. If you need me you know where I'll be.”

 

“Take care of her, Lord Sesshomaru. She's a very special woman,” said Takeda.

 

Sesshomaru just looked at him with cold eyes and a stoic expression before nodding his head slightly.

 

“Come, we must return to the Western Palace.”

 

“Of course, Lord Sesshomaru,” she said. They followed him away from the village and into the forest where Kagome let her aura flare one final time giving more power to the protective scrolls.

 

They walked all day in companionable silence stopping only occasionally for a short breaks. It wasn't until the sky was darkening that they stopped.

 

While they made camp Sesshomaru was stalking a large deer to feed, if courting went well, his future mate. The thrill of hunting always heated his blood and although this time was no different it was the thought of another pursuit that occupied his mind. For months he'd watched and anticipated taking the miko for his own. After the final battle he had decided to check up on his wards before coming back to begin the courting process. What he had come back to was a missing miko and an emotional half-breed. Since then he'd spent most of his time trying to track her down. Now she would be staying within the walls of his palace.

 

In the distance was his prey fleeing on nimble legs and fear rolling off it in waves so thick that he could nearly taste it. He merely chased it enjoying the hunt until he used his deadly claws to end its life.

 

A short time later he returned to camp with the deer meat. The kit was leaning against a tree sharpening sturdy branches to hold whatever catch was brought back over the fire to cook. What caught his attention though was the miko. She sat on her strange bedding with her legs tucked to her side. She wore a light blue sleeping yukata that ended at her knees with slits on the side for easy movement. While under that she wore form-fitting leggings that showed strong elegant legs. She was a sight to behold and he was determined she would belong to him.

 

Shippo was sitting quietly when the Taiyoukai returned with fresh meat. The smell of desire and possessiveness was brief, but not missed. It only confirmed his suspicions of the demon wanting his adoptive mother.

 

Sesshomaru silently handed the meat to the miko who took it with a grateful smile.

 

“Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru,” said Kagome. “How long will it be until we reach the palace?” she asked while working.

 

“Tomorrow midday if we keep the same pace.” He sat down not far from her and leaned against a tree. From his current position he would be able to watch her without interference.

 

Kagome looked up and met molten gold eyes. They were cold and hard just as they'd always been, but there was something else there just under the surface.

 

“I have questions, Kagome.”

 

“I will answer what I can, Lord Sesshomaru.”

 

“Why do you no longer smell like a human?”

 

“What do you mean?” She should have known he'd catch the difference in her scent.

 

“Do not toy with me miko. All humans have the scent of death on them, it's a sign of mortality yet you do not.”

 

“I see,” she said and looked to her son. He nodded in agreement. “When the jewel merged with me I was visited by Midoriko. I was told that I was in fact a soul created specifically by the shikon to become its eternal protector. I was made immortal and given the power contained within. The others do not know of this.”

 

“So you are immortal now?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Why do you not wish for your friends to know?” he asked curiously.

 

“I do not want their sorrow for what has happened.”

 

“Sorrow?”

 

He truly didn't understand she realized. “You have always known that you would live for centuries,” she explained. “I was lucky to make it through the final battle with Naraku. Now I'm immortal and will have to watch as those I care for live, grow old and die. Then there are those who will come for me wanting nothing more than power. Since I have come here I've been fighting and now I wonder if it will ever end.”

 

“There are few that would attack someone under my protection. You will be safer at the Western Palace than anywhere else.”

 

Kagome merely nodded. Although she believed him she knew that in a palace consisting primarily of demons there were bound to be problems.

 

The rest of the evening consisted of small talk and after the deer meat was eaten Kagome laid down for the night.

 

Shippo watched his mother and felt as she formed a barrier around the camp. `Even while she sleeps she protects others.' It was his duty to protect her as well as her son.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru,” he called quietly. The only answer he received was a slight turn of the head.

 

“I am aware, just as Kagome is, that you would not invite us to stay at your home if it did not benefit you in some way. As her son I would like to know what your intentions are towards my mother.”

 

He watched the kit until he started to fidget slightly, but he did not turn away from him. `He has more spine than most.'

 

“I intend to make her my mate and Lady of the Western Lands.”

 

“Why,” he wanted to be sure that he didn't want her for the wrong reasons.

 

“There are many reasons kit. I plan to court her properly once we get to the palace and I can assure you that she will be treated with respect.”

 

Shippo nodded his consent. There was no doubt in his mind that the demon lord would pursue Kagome to the fullest extent, but if he could not find it in himself to love her than it would be for nothing. She had learned her lesson well by Inuyasha's hand.

 

The next morning Kagome woke and performed her normal morning ritual before they left. The walk was pleasant with a cool breeze. True to his word about midday the Western Palace came into view. It was a large traditional Japanese home surrounded by tall thick stonewalls.

 

Sesshomaru watched her reaction to his home and now hers. The look of appreciation and awe filled him with pride.

 

“Its beautiful,” whispered Kagome.

 

“Thank you.”

 

As they walked through the large iron gates Kagome noticed the large inu soldiers watching her closely. She merely nodded in greeting and continued on.

 

Inside the doors was a large open receiving room that was furnished sparingly, but still lavish. On the walls hung beautiful tapestries and in a few corners stood flower arrangement Kagome guessed were additions from Rin.

 

“Where is Rin,” asked Kagome.

 

“She is in with her sensais, but she should be out soon.” He looked at the kit and came to another decision. “Shippo will also start attending classes as well.”

 

“Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru,” said Shippo.

 

Sesshomaru nodded and walked down a hallway to the left of the receiving room. He stopped at one door and opened it. The walls were painted green while the furniture was a deep red. In the middle of the room a large futon covered in green silk stood. The wooden floors shone from excessive polishing. It was beautiful.

 

“This will be your room, Shippo.”

 

`Holy shit,' was the first thing that ran through his mind. “Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru,” he managed to stutter.

 

“You're welcome. My ward's room is next door to yours and Kagome's room will be down the hall.” He didn't wait for an answer, but started walking down the hall again.

 

Kagome followed until he came to another door near the end of the hallway and opened it gesturing her inside. It nearly took her breath away. The room was similar to Shippo's with gleaming floors and furniture. The walls were shades of blue and the large bed was covered in silks of white with blue trim. On one wall a small feminine desk stood ready to use. There were also two other doors in the room, but she didn't comment on them. At the foot of the bed stood two large chests hand carved with the Western Lord's crest.

 

“I hope this is to your satisfaction, Kagome.” He'd had this room designed specifically with her in mind. She was to be his lady and he would give her only the best.

 

“It's gorgeous, Lord Sesshomaru, but I don't deserve a room like this.” She strode gingerly to the room afraid to touch anything.

 

“Nonsense, you would offend me by not accepting. I will also be having appropriate attire made for you both.” He walked to a set of doors and opened them revealing a balcony that overlooked the gardens. When he heard her soft gasp he nearly smirked.

 

A light knock on the door interrupted his amusement. His ward, Rin, walked into the room with a brilliant smile aimed at the woman by his side. She had grown in the five years she had been with him. Now she was thirteen summers old and had calmed some under his influence, but the one thing that had never changed was her love of flowers. She made sure to fill his home with them.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru, I'm so glad to see that you've returned,” she said.

 

“Thank you, Rin.”

 

“Is it true, Lady Kagome? Shippo said that you both would be staying here now.”

 

The excitement that shone in her eyes made Kagome smile. “Yes, Rin, it's true.”

 

The young girl couldn't contain her happiness and threw her arms around Kagome's waist giving her a hug. The older woman couldn't help, but return it. As they embraced the door opened again and her son walked in chuckling.

 

“I thought I'd find her in here with you.”

 

Rin looked up with a light blush staining her cheeks. She let go of the miko and stood with her hands twisted together.

 

Sesshomaru watched as his ward, for the first time in a very long time lost control of her emotions and attached herself to the miko. Although he wouldn't show it he was glad to have made her so happy. Over the years he'd come to care for her and silently considered her his pup.

 

“Perhaps we should allow them to rest before dinner, Rin,” said Sesshomaru.

 

“Yes, Lord Sesshomaru,” she sighed before leaving.

 

“Shippo, why don't you go clean up as well,” said Kagome.

 

“Yes, mother.” He left as instructed leaving the two adults alone once more.

 

“I assume you with to bathe, Kagome.” He pointed to one of the side doors. “Through there is a bathing chamber. It is already stocked with everything you will need.”

 

“Thank you, Lord Sesshomaru.”

 

“In the chest you will find fresh kimonos and slippers.” With barely a sound he walked out leaving behind a stunned young woman.

 

In the village of Edo Inuyasha sat in the Goshinboku. He had always thought that if Kikyo were by his side he'd be happy. Instead he and his friends were miserable and the villagers kept their distance from Kikyo. No one trusted the miko and she made no effort to change their opinions.

 

With Kagome gone her hatred and resentment only seemed to grow. She had told him once that Kagome had taken everything from her. She had her soul, replaced her in his heart and had even taken her place in the village. What made it worse was he couldn't deny it now.

 

In the time Kagome had been gone he'd come to see what the woman he'd once loved had become and it honestly made him sick. What worried him even more was that she'd been sending her soul stealers out only keeping a few for her purposes.

 

As much as he wanted to deny it he knew that she was looking for his friend. He also knew that if she confronted Kagome she would die and he was beginning to wish she would.

 

 

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