InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Enigma of Power ❯ Blessings ( Chapter 14 )

Souta burst into the house with all the energy of a runaway freight train. Behind him, his friend Toru, followed at a slightly less destructive pace. Souta wanted Toru to meet Kagome, but she was not in the house. He found her at last in the secluded yard near the garden. He and Toru watched in silence as she and the white-haired man began a sword kata. They used real blades, going through the motions of a fight slowly at first then steadily getting faster. Both boys gasped as their arms and swords began to blur with the incredible speed both were capable of. Only when their exercises were finished did they acknowledge the boys. Kagome wiped her face with a towel and threw it at him.

"How's things, squirt?"

"Pretty good, is this…um…Sesshomaru-san?"

Sesshomaru's eyebrow lifted in silent question and Kagome grinned. "Yes, this is Sesshomaru-sama. He was concerned about the idea of my remaining here alone and agreed to help me keep an eye on things."

"I'm not supposed to tell mom about this, am I?"

"No, I will." She opened the door and pushed both boys inside. "Will your friend be staying for dinner?"

Souta glanced at Sesshomaru. "I don't think so."

Toru seemed disappointed, but Souta drew him aside and held a brief whispered conference that resulted in the two setting up a digital camera in the dining room before the boy left. Kagome sighed inwardly and went to prepare dinner while Sesshomaru helped. Souta appeared and watched them for a few minutes before they heard a door open and his mother and grandfather announced themselves. Souta winced and ran to intercept them while Sesshomaru wiped his hands clean.

"Are you sure about this? I can still disappear out the back, they need never know I stayed."

Her smile wavered slightly but she shook her head. "No, you stay. I won't hide you from them like I'm ashamed."

She stepped into the doorway and smiled at her mother. Her mother's face lit up then her smile sagged slightly as Sesshomaru stepped up behind her. He pressed his hand against her back in silent support.

"Kagome, did your…friend stay all week?"

"Sesshomaru-sama did stay. He and I are…close."

Her mother nodded slowly. "I see."

Grandpa stepped forward and extended his hand to Sesshomaru. "It is an honor to meet you officially Sesshomaru-sama. I understand you brought Kagome to Subaru-sensei. I am honored that a child of my line would be considered a worthy student of so prestigious a teacher."

Sesshomaru gripped the old man's hand carefully. "Subaru-sensei gets what she wants and I get to maintain my form. I would not dare to disobey her, and she wanted Kagome as a student." A smile touched his lips. "And not without reason as it turns out."

He lifted his nose. "Have you cooked dinner?"

Kagome laughed softly. "It will be ready in a few minutes. Just leave your bags there, we can eat then unpack."

Dinner was greeted with enthusiasm by all and soon they were all seated around the table. Her mother and grandfather told them about their trip and Souta regaled them with tales of his exploits with his various friends. At last it turned to Kagome and Sesshomaru, as everyone knew it would eventually. Sesshomaru forestalled all need to explain.

"I would like your permission to take Kagome to see some people I know. I am worried about her. Using magic should not tire her, even if she is human, and yet she is exhausted by even the simplest spells. Subaru-sensei is a great teacher, but she knows next to nothing about humans."

Grandpa leaned forward, interested in anything that had to do with Subaru. "Really, but she teaches youkai. Did she teach you?"

"She did."

"And Inuyasha-san?"

Sesshomaru gave a derisive snort. "Why would she waste her time with a weak talentless pup like Inuyasha?"

Souta gaped at Sesshomaru's description of his secret hero. Kagome decided to change the subject quickly before Souta decided to argue. "So is it all right? Sesshomaru-sama said it might take weeks to find this place and learn what I need to."

Her grandfather nodded vigorously. "Oh I think so. This is very important, Kagome. If you cannot properly control your magic you could be a danger to yourself and everyone around you."

Kagome stifled a sigh of relief. Those were the exact arguments she had planned to use had they proved obstinate. Her mother did not exactly look happy, but she was not fighting the decision. They cleaned up and the guest room was made up for Sesshomaru. Kagome found her mother managed to follow her to her room that night. She closed the door gently.

"Kagome, I just want to make sure you know exactly what you're getting into."

"I know mom."

"Has he tried anything with you?"

"No, but we have talked about it a bit."

"And?"

"When youkai mate, it is for life. I cannot be the Lady of the Western Lands. I'm a human, no matter what powers I might possess. The other Lords would rise in revolt if we were mated."

Her mother sank into a chair. "You've discussed far more than I'm prepared to deal with."

"We love each other, but it can never be. We both know that. The closest we could ever hope to come is if I serve him as a concubine and…"

"And…"

"Sesshomaru won't have that. He said he would not degrade me in such a fashion."

Her mother could sense the sadness behind Kagome's words. This had been a truly hard decision for her daughter, something she had to think long and hard on without anyone there to advise her.

"Are you sure you want to go on this trip with him?"

She nodded. "I am. I'm not human, at least, I'm not like any human Subaru or Sesshomaru or I have ever encountered. I have so many questions, and Sesshomaru thinks these people might have the answers."

"Not to mention if they can somehow prove you are worthy in these eyes of these Lords, you can…mate Sesshomaru. Are you sure that is what you want?"

Kagome met her mother's eye for the first time and she could see there all the joy and sadness and overwhelming love. "I am sure."

She rose and hugged her daughter. "Then you have my blessing."