InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Hidden Strength No Longer ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: pandora-of-the-south 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Suspense / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.28.2017 | Pages: 6 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 211 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Suspense / Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Fanfiction Sequel | Uploaded On: 02.28.2017 | Pages: 6 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 211 | Status: Work In Progress
Previously:
Everyone at the table remained silent as Kagome choked on her food and Sesshomaru silently chuckled. “I’m so sorry mi’ Lady, I didn’t realize I had said that aloud.” Egeria stammered.
Virbius spoke up, “Please forgive her, it has been a very long time since she was visible and actually has to watch what she says.”
“You know what Kagome, as your Grandfather, I demand you to stop lying this very instance and tell Lord Sesshomaru what he wants to know!” Miroku quipped up humorously.
As Kagome’s face turned red everyone at the table burst into laughter, even Sesshomaru, himself, let out a chuckle. As the laughter finally died down, one by one they asked to be excused from the room to either pack or to retire to their rooms to talk, all but Sesshomaru and Kagome that is.
Chapter 8:
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome expectantly. “I’m still waiting for you to tell me what it is that you found so amusing.”
Kagome adverted her eyes from him; she couldn’t look at him and not blush. “I was just remembering all the adventures I use to have when I first came to this time era,” she lied.
“Is that so? I think you need to be reminded that not so long ago we renewed our pack mark and bond. I can easily tell that you are lying, besides your heart is racing my Demigoddess!” he seductively stated as he leaned towards her. He again reveled in the spicy tinge that was emitted from her by his close proximity and sultry voice.
Oh he knew perfectly well what he was doing and he was enjoying every single minute of it. It had been too long that he had been without her in his presence and those dreams just made him want her more and not that he has her, he is even more determined to make her forget the past and think only of their future together.
“You are not playing fair mi ’Lord. The bond should not be used like that.” He had a very mischievous glint in his eyes that went well with his devious smirk.
“I do have other ways of getting the truth out of you mi ’Lady!” He was amused when he realized that yes; indeed you can make a blushing being blush even darker. “Alas that will have to wait though, will you walk with me for now? We still need to discuss your training schedule and I have yet to give you a proper tour of our palace.”
She nodded in agreement and accepted his out reached hand to stand, unfortunately though her klutz gene decided to activate right at that moment as she accidently tripped herself by standing up while her kimono was still under her feet. Both of them tumbled to the floor, with Sesshomaru landing on top of her since she fell backwards.
“You are a lot heavier than you appear mi ‘Lord. You move like you are as light as a feather but I swear you are heavier than a ton of bricks!” she gasped out.
Once the bewilderment of shock left him, he smirked as he listened to her labored breathing while being mere inches from her face. He couldn’t help but to enjoy how it actually felt to have her physically laying beneath him, the dreams coming back to mind instantly.
Kagome felt exactly what he was thinking through their new bond, it both excited her and scared her as well. She so wanted him to just lean down those last few inches and kiss her but at the same time she knew that she shouldn’t and couldn’t allow him to lower his status just to be with someone as dirty as she is. Before she could do anything though, she suddenly found herself being rolled over to where now she was the one laying on top of Sesshomaru, who still had a devious smirk.
“Is this more to your liking, mi ‘Lady?” Oh he was trying with all his restraint not to take her right now or to do anything that would scare her away. He needed her to be the one to make the next move, for her and her alone he would submit to her will.
To say she was shocked that Sesshomaru had just placed himself in a submissive position while giving her the dominant one was an understatement of a lifetime. It spoke volumes, especially since she could feel his emotional struggle going on. She was so touched by the gesture that for a brief moment she forgot about all of her struggles and strife and leaned forward. Her eyes locked on his dark amber orbs, his breath fanning over her face, just as her breath was fanning his. The brush of their noses sent a shock of excitement down her spine, when their lips began to touch each other she watched as he closed his eyes which were soon followed by her own.
“Get your whorish body off of mi ‘Lord you filthy wench!” screamed an irate Jaken. “How dare you attack…”
The minute Kagome came back to reality and got off Sesshomaru and began to apologize to “Master Jaken”, Sesshomaru’s trance was broken and the words being spewed by Jaken registered. He quickly went over to the imp and lifted him in the air, choking the life out of him. Jaken looked on in fear as those blue pupils came to life and the beautiful amber faded to blazing red orbs. They burned right through him with all the fury that Sesshomaru was feeling.
“You have apparently forgotten yourself Jaken. This is the last time that you will barge in and disturb me and the very last time that you will ever insult my Lady. DO. I. MAKE. MYSELF. CLEAR?”
Just as the imp lost consciousness, Sesshomaru sent him flying out of the palace. “Sesshomaru that was really unnecessary. Master Jaken is correct; I should have gotten up the minute you rolled me over to get off of you.”
Sesshomaru’s beast reluctantly retreated as he turned to see her standing there so broken and defeated looking. He quickly stood in front of her and made her raise her face to look him in the eyes. “You will never again refer to that imp as your master. No one is your master. As for why I had you laying on top of me, I would imagine that it should be very obvious through our bond; this Sesshomaru wanted you there.”
“Sesshomaru, do you even know why you want me? It isn’t because you want me willingly; it is because a while back the Goddess Naxos came to visit your lands and apparently your younger self betrothed yourself to me, before my mother even had a mate much less me. It was because of that betrothal that I was brought back in time. Why I was brought back to this particular time instead of back to before Nar…before he got the power he did. They told me that I wasn’t sent back to the beginning of all of this, to prevent all of this from ever possibly happening, because you weren’t ready for me.”
“So you blame this Sesshomaru for your misfortunes then?” he asked dejectedly.
“No Sesshomaru. I blame them, the Gods and Goddesses that play with our lives as they see fit. They think we are just little chess pieces to be toyed with. That is why I left you seven months ago so you wouldn’t be forced by the gods to have the life they wanted to force you to have. I left so you could have the life you wanted and deserved…a life not tied to someone as defiled as me.” Tears started to come down her face as she finished.
He grabbed her into his embrace, “I thank the Gods and Goddesses for bringing you to me, not for what has happened to you though. I remember well when the Goddess Naxos came to visit this Sesshomaru and my sire. She was unlike anything I had even seen before at the time and her power was so vast, it called to me. I could sense that her powers far outweighed my sire’s and that it was more pure than that of the holy people, it spoke of a promise and possibility. When I asked if she had a daughter she informed me that she did not but would let me know when she did. I then proceeded to taunt my sire with the idea of having grandpups that would be demigods and demigoddesses.”
He pushed her away so that he could look her in the eyes. “It is this Sesshomaru’s fault that you were brought here. If this Sesshomaru hadn’t betrothed himself to you, then you would not have been brought back to this time or had these things happen to you. It is this Sesshomaru’s fault, not the Gods. If you must be angry with someone, than it needs to be with this Sesshomaru.”
She looked into his saddened amber eyes and watched as his wall started to be built back up to protect him, he was closing himself off from her to protect his heart. She slowly reached up to his face and placed her right hand on his left cheek, “It is no more your fault as it is my fault. I could never blame you for this. This was my destiny to come here and I do not regret it, though I could have done without some of the events.” She lightly chuckled. Slowly she raised herself up to him while staying eye locked with him. She could see the small glimmer of hope that he was starting to feel again, it empowered her. Before either of them became fully aware their actions Kagome felt something knock into the back of her knee and she fell forward, onto Sesshomaru who had also just lost his balance and was falling backwards.
The Goddess Selene couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped as she witnessed two orbs leaving out of the dining hall of the western palace.
Rin was so excited that she would be yet again getting out of the palace to travel again, and this time Shippo would be with her not Jaken. ‘Master Inuyasha and Lady Sango will be so busy with each other that I will have a lot of time alone with Shippo!’ Through her excitement she missed how excited and nervous Shippo was about all of this.
Shippo couldn’t help how he was feeling. He was overjoyed to be able to spend some more time with Rin but Sesshomaru’s next sentence kept running through his head and heart. ‘He is still planning to have me watch over the potential suitors. I know Rin and my Mother told me that it is just for formalities but still if I allow myself to continue to grow feelings for her than I will not be able to hide my anger when another unmated male is with her or flirting with my Rin.’ He shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts.
Looking around he realized that they were at Rin’s room already. “Mi ‘Lady, I must go now and give my men their orders and find someone to take command for while I’m away. If you will excuse me please.”
The happy smile left Rin’s face as Shippo addressed her so formally and indifferent. “If that is what you must do Captain then so be it. I bid you ado and will see you at the evening meal.” With that said she quickly turned and entered her room, slamming the shoji door shut.
Shippo was stunned and a little hurt that she was so rude to him but just walked away to handle the business that he needed to do before he left in the morning. Though Sesshomaru didn’t give him any other orders other than to go with Inuyasha and Sango to protect Rin, he knew that as a Captain of the army that he would need to appoint someone to temporarily take his command.
As he began his walk to the training field he thought about whom it was that he wanted to ask to temporarily take over. Though everyone was qualified to do the job, he also took into consideration the fact that most males would not want to be temporarily appointed a higher position; they would more than likely challenge Shippo just to keep his post upon his return. ‘So I will choose a female candidate. Maybe I will go ask Second Lieutenant Chieko for advice.’
Chieko had been one of the few to take the time to befriend Shippo when he got to the palace. She was an Artic Fox and was an orphan just like Shippo. She had the most vibrant sky blue eyes and the purest white hair that flowed to her waist. She usually had it up in a knot while in uniform, so it wouldn’t get in the way or be used against her while in battle. When Shippo got to the training grounds, he easily spotted the Artic Fox. Though she was a little shorted than most in the army, she was the quickest and smartest, but also the only one who was given permission to wear all white.
“Second Lieutenant Chieko, a word please.” Shippo called out which was followed by ten soldiers flying through the air.
“Yes Captain Shippo. How may I be of service, sir?” she asked as she suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
“Come,” Shippo stated as he thought how funny it was that she was so light on her feet that she always startles him, even when he is expecting her.
Once they were a good distance away he turned to her and finally got to the matter at hand. “I wanted to be away from prying ears because you can never be too sure. I have been given a task that will take me away from my command for about a full moon’s cycle. I trust you with helping me find a temporary replacement for while I’m away.”
“It would be an honor to help you Captain Shippo!” she smirked as she watched him frown at her formality. “Oh I’m just teasing you Shippo, but seriously who are you thinking about?”
“Well you would honestly be the best choice but since you can’t stay out of trouble long enough to get promoted anymore I must go with one of the First Lieutenants. I was thinking either Kameko, Mayumi or Noriko. I figured behind your wisdom and the fact that I know you are the one Lord Sesshomaru has planted to find any and all spies within the army; I figured I would seek your advice.”
“So you finally figured that out, took you long enough! And I would gladly help. Noriko, the law abiding child, would be a good choice so long as you think that the males in this army would actually listen to the docile cat demoness. Kameko, while she has the respect of the army she would lack the ability to just hand command back over to you, think of it as the bear’s superiority complex. Now Mayumi, the eagle demoness is excellent with archery and she commands the respect of others, her name means true bow and is truly a fitting name for her.”
“Mayumi it is then so long as she accepts. If she doesn’t, will you please do it?”
“Sadly you know I can’t Shippo. If I get promoted any more than I already have then it will be more difficult to get the lower ranks to talk around me. Now you have another issue to be worried about!” she stated mischievously.
Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, “What may I ask is my new issue?”
*Giggles* “For a male as old as you are, you are very naive. Have you not been paying attention to Amaya?”
“Huh, she is a friendly comrade, what about her? Has she done something that I need to be aware of?”
“No, young one, her jealousy has not been played upon yet but she is getting close if it continues to go unchecked. The water elemental demoness has grown an attachment to you and she gets very aggressive towards any female that you associate with.”
“Are you telling me that she has been unjust to you? I have no idea how or why she has become attracted to me, not like I have ever given her the time of day. Wait, is this the reason you are always fighting her when it is time for promotions to be given out?”
“Haha, you are catching on! No, she has not done a lot but she does make it clear that it displeases her when Rin or I are alone with you. As a water elemental, she can easily use any body of water to spy on her prey and I have caught her a few times spying on you while with Lady Rin. By the way, what the hell were you thinking when you and Lady Rin were playing in the evening rain a few weeks past? Amaya’s name means night rain, her anger and jealousy is what caused that horrific storm to brew out of nowhere.”
“Hn looks like I will have to put her in her place very soon. This will not do for her to be spying on me, much less Lady Rin.” Shippo stated while looking around to make sure there wasn’t any form of water in this particular clearing. “Do you know what her other powers are? Is she a friend or a foe of the Western Lands? Why has she gotten promoted if she is possibly a foe?”
“Lord Sesshomaru is aware of some of her actions, not all of them thought.” She stated while giving him the look that stated, I’m saving you from his wraith look.
“Hehe, thanks for that.” He nervously said, ‘Lord Sesshomaru is going to kill me if he finds out I have feelings for Rin.’
“As for her other powers, I do know that she can control other water type demons of weaker minds. She can also use other water type demons and animals to be her eyes and ears, but not much else is known since she hides her powers mostly.” Just as she finished her report a light shower began to rain down on them. “Looks like our time is up my Love!” she stated with a wink.
If Chieko had been any other demoness, Shippo would have been freaked out when she called him her love, but he knew Chieko loved him only as a kid brother. He took the hint and played along. “I will miss you dear, take care and I will join back with you upon my return!” He kissed her cheek just for emphasis. In the distance they could hear a battle cry as the skies opened up into a full fledge down pour.
‘Looks like Chieko is right as always.’ He sighed as they returned back to the training grounds only to have stormy blue gray eyes glaring at them.
Chieko wanted Amaya’s attention to leave Lady Rin alone, which is why she called Shippo her love, his kiss on her cheek only just confirmed that Amaya would be looking more at her instead of Lady Rin, but she had to make sure. As soon as she saw the demoness was watching them enter back onto the training grounds, she grabbed Shippo’s arm and pressed her body against it which of course caused Shippo to look at her. The gesture alone was proof that she was “marking” what she viewed to be hers but while Shippo looked at her she also mouthed I love you and fluffed her tail against him as she walked back to her training area. ‘Now Amaya really will think that we are courting!’ she chuckled in her own mind.
Amaya was beyond pissed, she had already made it clear to that Artic Fox that she was destined to be with Shippo. She stomped up to Shippo and growled, “What the hell was that all about Shippo?”
“First Lieutenant Amaya” Shippo growled viciously. “You had better watch which tone of voice you speak to your commanding officer with, do I make myself clear? Furthermore you will address me with my proper title which is CAPTAIN. I am your superior officer and you will address me as such or else. Is that in any way unclear?” He glared cold hardened eyes as she shook her head. “As for my actions I don’t see why I have to answer to you, you are beneath me and not someone who I will ever have to answer to. Now if you ever talk to me again in such a disrespectful tone I will not only demote your ass to the lowest of position but you will also be punished for your disobedience. Do I make myself clear First Lieutenant” he spit out with disdain towards her.
Swallowing back her surprise and shock at how angry he was towards her, she nodded her head and apologized. When the rain started to come down harder with thunder and lightning approaching, she looked up and noticed that Shippo’s face was transforming from just being mad to pure fury, realization dawned on her that he knew she was doing it.
“If you can’t get better control of your powers than maybe you should be demoted back down to a private ad go back to basic training with all the young pups who can’t control their abilities.” He stated icily, doing a perfect impression of Lord Sesshomaru’s coldness.
Amaya got the message loud and clear and the sudden storm quickly disappeared just as fast as it had appeared. “I’m very sorry Captain Shippo. Please forgive me.”
“You don’t deserve or get to have my forgiveness you incompetent idiot. Now get back in your place before you find yourself in any more trouble.”
As she hurried back to her spot in humiliation, all eyes watching her behind the show she just did, Shippo looked to Chieko who smiled and nodded, already the gossip was trailing through the ranks like an out of control wildfire.
“First Lieutenant Mayumi please come forth.” When she was standing in front of Shippo, she saluted him. “I must go on a mission and I have appointed you to temporarily take my place as being in charge until I get back, do you accept?”
“Sir, yes sire. First Lieutenant Mayumi will do you proud and keep everything running smoothly sir.”
“Very well, you will start now. I will go and inform Lord Sesshomaru of all the events that just took place, as you were.” Amaya gulped as she was scared for her life once Lord Sesshomaru finds out about her disrespect towards Captain Shippo.
Chieko mused, ‘This will be an interesting month indeed.’ She knew that she was about to get a lot of crap from Amaya but she also knew that she would be able to handle anything that came her way. No one but Sesshomaru and Shippo really knew anything about her much less how strong she really was, other soldiers just assumed her to be a normal level demoness with an attitude issue. ‘Good luck my brother, you are going to need it.’ She would wait for tomorrow evening to give her report to Lord Sesshomaru, that way it would be too late for him to possibly change his mind.
Author’s Note:
No excuse but I am already working on the next chapter and now that I have some quiet time and a working computer I will hopefully be back at this more frequent….fingers crossed none the less!! R&R and let me know what you all think!!! ;) blessed be
Everyone at the table remained silent as Kagome choked on her food and Sesshomaru silently chuckled. “I’m so sorry mi’ Lady, I didn’t realize I had said that aloud.” Egeria stammered.
Virbius spoke up, “Please forgive her, it has been a very long time since she was visible and actually has to watch what she says.”
“You know what Kagome, as your Grandfather, I demand you to stop lying this very instance and tell Lord Sesshomaru what he wants to know!” Miroku quipped up humorously.
As Kagome’s face turned red everyone at the table burst into laughter, even Sesshomaru, himself, let out a chuckle. As the laughter finally died down, one by one they asked to be excused from the room to either pack or to retire to their rooms to talk, all but Sesshomaru and Kagome that is.
Chapter 8:
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome expectantly. “I’m still waiting for you to tell me what it is that you found so amusing.”
Kagome adverted her eyes from him; she couldn’t look at him and not blush. “I was just remembering all the adventures I use to have when I first came to this time era,” she lied.
“Is that so? I think you need to be reminded that not so long ago we renewed our pack mark and bond. I can easily tell that you are lying, besides your heart is racing my Demigoddess!” he seductively stated as he leaned towards her. He again reveled in the spicy tinge that was emitted from her by his close proximity and sultry voice.
Oh he knew perfectly well what he was doing and he was enjoying every single minute of it. It had been too long that he had been without her in his presence and those dreams just made him want her more and not that he has her, he is even more determined to make her forget the past and think only of their future together.
“You are not playing fair mi ’Lord. The bond should not be used like that.” He had a very mischievous glint in his eyes that went well with his devious smirk.
“I do have other ways of getting the truth out of you mi ’Lady!” He was amused when he realized that yes; indeed you can make a blushing being blush even darker. “Alas that will have to wait though, will you walk with me for now? We still need to discuss your training schedule and I have yet to give you a proper tour of our palace.”
She nodded in agreement and accepted his out reached hand to stand, unfortunately though her klutz gene decided to activate right at that moment as she accidently tripped herself by standing up while her kimono was still under her feet. Both of them tumbled to the floor, with Sesshomaru landing on top of her since she fell backwards.
“You are a lot heavier than you appear mi ‘Lord. You move like you are as light as a feather but I swear you are heavier than a ton of bricks!” she gasped out.
Once the bewilderment of shock left him, he smirked as he listened to her labored breathing while being mere inches from her face. He couldn’t help but to enjoy how it actually felt to have her physically laying beneath him, the dreams coming back to mind instantly.
Kagome felt exactly what he was thinking through their new bond, it both excited her and scared her as well. She so wanted him to just lean down those last few inches and kiss her but at the same time she knew that she shouldn’t and couldn’t allow him to lower his status just to be with someone as dirty as she is. Before she could do anything though, she suddenly found herself being rolled over to where now she was the one laying on top of Sesshomaru, who still had a devious smirk.
“Is this more to your liking, mi ‘Lady?” Oh he was trying with all his restraint not to take her right now or to do anything that would scare her away. He needed her to be the one to make the next move, for her and her alone he would submit to her will.
To say she was shocked that Sesshomaru had just placed himself in a submissive position while giving her the dominant one was an understatement of a lifetime. It spoke volumes, especially since she could feel his emotional struggle going on. She was so touched by the gesture that for a brief moment she forgot about all of her struggles and strife and leaned forward. Her eyes locked on his dark amber orbs, his breath fanning over her face, just as her breath was fanning his. The brush of their noses sent a shock of excitement down her spine, when their lips began to touch each other she watched as he closed his eyes which were soon followed by her own.
“Get your whorish body off of mi ‘Lord you filthy wench!” screamed an irate Jaken. “How dare you attack…”
The minute Kagome came back to reality and got off Sesshomaru and began to apologize to “Master Jaken”, Sesshomaru’s trance was broken and the words being spewed by Jaken registered. He quickly went over to the imp and lifted him in the air, choking the life out of him. Jaken looked on in fear as those blue pupils came to life and the beautiful amber faded to blazing red orbs. They burned right through him with all the fury that Sesshomaru was feeling.
“You have apparently forgotten yourself Jaken. This is the last time that you will barge in and disturb me and the very last time that you will ever insult my Lady. DO. I. MAKE. MYSELF. CLEAR?”
Just as the imp lost consciousness, Sesshomaru sent him flying out of the palace. “Sesshomaru that was really unnecessary. Master Jaken is correct; I should have gotten up the minute you rolled me over to get off of you.”
Sesshomaru’s beast reluctantly retreated as he turned to see her standing there so broken and defeated looking. He quickly stood in front of her and made her raise her face to look him in the eyes. “You will never again refer to that imp as your master. No one is your master. As for why I had you laying on top of me, I would imagine that it should be very obvious through our bond; this Sesshomaru wanted you there.”
“Sesshomaru, do you even know why you want me? It isn’t because you want me willingly; it is because a while back the Goddess Naxos came to visit your lands and apparently your younger self betrothed yourself to me, before my mother even had a mate much less me. It was because of that betrothal that I was brought back in time. Why I was brought back to this particular time instead of back to before Nar…before he got the power he did. They told me that I wasn’t sent back to the beginning of all of this, to prevent all of this from ever possibly happening, because you weren’t ready for me.”
“So you blame this Sesshomaru for your misfortunes then?” he asked dejectedly.
“No Sesshomaru. I blame them, the Gods and Goddesses that play with our lives as they see fit. They think we are just little chess pieces to be toyed with. That is why I left you seven months ago so you wouldn’t be forced by the gods to have the life they wanted to force you to have. I left so you could have the life you wanted and deserved…a life not tied to someone as defiled as me.” Tears started to come down her face as she finished.
He grabbed her into his embrace, “I thank the Gods and Goddesses for bringing you to me, not for what has happened to you though. I remember well when the Goddess Naxos came to visit this Sesshomaru and my sire. She was unlike anything I had even seen before at the time and her power was so vast, it called to me. I could sense that her powers far outweighed my sire’s and that it was more pure than that of the holy people, it spoke of a promise and possibility. When I asked if she had a daughter she informed me that she did not but would let me know when she did. I then proceeded to taunt my sire with the idea of having grandpups that would be demigods and demigoddesses.”
He pushed her away so that he could look her in the eyes. “It is this Sesshomaru’s fault that you were brought here. If this Sesshomaru hadn’t betrothed himself to you, then you would not have been brought back to this time or had these things happen to you. It is this Sesshomaru’s fault, not the Gods. If you must be angry with someone, than it needs to be with this Sesshomaru.”
She looked into his saddened amber eyes and watched as his wall started to be built back up to protect him, he was closing himself off from her to protect his heart. She slowly reached up to his face and placed her right hand on his left cheek, “It is no more your fault as it is my fault. I could never blame you for this. This was my destiny to come here and I do not regret it, though I could have done without some of the events.” She lightly chuckled. Slowly she raised herself up to him while staying eye locked with him. She could see the small glimmer of hope that he was starting to feel again, it empowered her. Before either of them became fully aware their actions Kagome felt something knock into the back of her knee and she fell forward, onto Sesshomaru who had also just lost his balance and was falling backwards.
The Goddess Selene couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped as she witnessed two orbs leaving out of the dining hall of the western palace.
Rin was so excited that she would be yet again getting out of the palace to travel again, and this time Shippo would be with her not Jaken. ‘Master Inuyasha and Lady Sango will be so busy with each other that I will have a lot of time alone with Shippo!’ Through her excitement she missed how excited and nervous Shippo was about all of this.
Shippo couldn’t help how he was feeling. He was overjoyed to be able to spend some more time with Rin but Sesshomaru’s next sentence kept running through his head and heart. ‘He is still planning to have me watch over the potential suitors. I know Rin and my Mother told me that it is just for formalities but still if I allow myself to continue to grow feelings for her than I will not be able to hide my anger when another unmated male is with her or flirting with my Rin.’ He shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts.
Looking around he realized that they were at Rin’s room already. “Mi ‘Lady, I must go now and give my men their orders and find someone to take command for while I’m away. If you will excuse me please.”
The happy smile left Rin’s face as Shippo addressed her so formally and indifferent. “If that is what you must do Captain then so be it. I bid you ado and will see you at the evening meal.” With that said she quickly turned and entered her room, slamming the shoji door shut.
Shippo was stunned and a little hurt that she was so rude to him but just walked away to handle the business that he needed to do before he left in the morning. Though Sesshomaru didn’t give him any other orders other than to go with Inuyasha and Sango to protect Rin, he knew that as a Captain of the army that he would need to appoint someone to temporarily take his command.
As he began his walk to the training field he thought about whom it was that he wanted to ask to temporarily take over. Though everyone was qualified to do the job, he also took into consideration the fact that most males would not want to be temporarily appointed a higher position; they would more than likely challenge Shippo just to keep his post upon his return. ‘So I will choose a female candidate. Maybe I will go ask Second Lieutenant Chieko for advice.’
Chieko had been one of the few to take the time to befriend Shippo when he got to the palace. She was an Artic Fox and was an orphan just like Shippo. She had the most vibrant sky blue eyes and the purest white hair that flowed to her waist. She usually had it up in a knot while in uniform, so it wouldn’t get in the way or be used against her while in battle. When Shippo got to the training grounds, he easily spotted the Artic Fox. Though she was a little shorted than most in the army, she was the quickest and smartest, but also the only one who was given permission to wear all white.
“Second Lieutenant Chieko, a word please.” Shippo called out which was followed by ten soldiers flying through the air.
“Yes Captain Shippo. How may I be of service, sir?” she asked as she suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
“Come,” Shippo stated as he thought how funny it was that she was so light on her feet that she always startles him, even when he is expecting her.
Once they were a good distance away he turned to her and finally got to the matter at hand. “I wanted to be away from prying ears because you can never be too sure. I have been given a task that will take me away from my command for about a full moon’s cycle. I trust you with helping me find a temporary replacement for while I’m away.”
“It would be an honor to help you Captain Shippo!” she smirked as she watched him frown at her formality. “Oh I’m just teasing you Shippo, but seriously who are you thinking about?”
“Well you would honestly be the best choice but since you can’t stay out of trouble long enough to get promoted anymore I must go with one of the First Lieutenants. I was thinking either Kameko, Mayumi or Noriko. I figured behind your wisdom and the fact that I know you are the one Lord Sesshomaru has planted to find any and all spies within the army; I figured I would seek your advice.”
“So you finally figured that out, took you long enough! And I would gladly help. Noriko, the law abiding child, would be a good choice so long as you think that the males in this army would actually listen to the docile cat demoness. Kameko, while she has the respect of the army she would lack the ability to just hand command back over to you, think of it as the bear’s superiority complex. Now Mayumi, the eagle demoness is excellent with archery and she commands the respect of others, her name means true bow and is truly a fitting name for her.”
“Mayumi it is then so long as she accepts. If she doesn’t, will you please do it?”
“Sadly you know I can’t Shippo. If I get promoted any more than I already have then it will be more difficult to get the lower ranks to talk around me. Now you have another issue to be worried about!” she stated mischievously.
Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, “What may I ask is my new issue?”
*Giggles* “For a male as old as you are, you are very naive. Have you not been paying attention to Amaya?”
“Huh, she is a friendly comrade, what about her? Has she done something that I need to be aware of?”
“No, young one, her jealousy has not been played upon yet but she is getting close if it continues to go unchecked. The water elemental demoness has grown an attachment to you and she gets very aggressive towards any female that you associate with.”
“Are you telling me that she has been unjust to you? I have no idea how or why she has become attracted to me, not like I have ever given her the time of day. Wait, is this the reason you are always fighting her when it is time for promotions to be given out?”
“Haha, you are catching on! No, she has not done a lot but she does make it clear that it displeases her when Rin or I are alone with you. As a water elemental, she can easily use any body of water to spy on her prey and I have caught her a few times spying on you while with Lady Rin. By the way, what the hell were you thinking when you and Lady Rin were playing in the evening rain a few weeks past? Amaya’s name means night rain, her anger and jealousy is what caused that horrific storm to brew out of nowhere.”
“Hn looks like I will have to put her in her place very soon. This will not do for her to be spying on me, much less Lady Rin.” Shippo stated while looking around to make sure there wasn’t any form of water in this particular clearing. “Do you know what her other powers are? Is she a friend or a foe of the Western Lands? Why has she gotten promoted if she is possibly a foe?”
“Lord Sesshomaru is aware of some of her actions, not all of them thought.” She stated while giving him the look that stated, I’m saving you from his wraith look.
“Hehe, thanks for that.” He nervously said, ‘Lord Sesshomaru is going to kill me if he finds out I have feelings for Rin.’
“As for her other powers, I do know that she can control other water type demons of weaker minds. She can also use other water type demons and animals to be her eyes and ears, but not much else is known since she hides her powers mostly.” Just as she finished her report a light shower began to rain down on them. “Looks like our time is up my Love!” she stated with a wink.
If Chieko had been any other demoness, Shippo would have been freaked out when she called him her love, but he knew Chieko loved him only as a kid brother. He took the hint and played along. “I will miss you dear, take care and I will join back with you upon my return!” He kissed her cheek just for emphasis. In the distance they could hear a battle cry as the skies opened up into a full fledge down pour.
‘Looks like Chieko is right as always.’ He sighed as they returned back to the training grounds only to have stormy blue gray eyes glaring at them.
Chieko wanted Amaya’s attention to leave Lady Rin alone, which is why she called Shippo her love, his kiss on her cheek only just confirmed that Amaya would be looking more at her instead of Lady Rin, but she had to make sure. As soon as she saw the demoness was watching them enter back onto the training grounds, she grabbed Shippo’s arm and pressed her body against it which of course caused Shippo to look at her. The gesture alone was proof that she was “marking” what she viewed to be hers but while Shippo looked at her she also mouthed I love you and fluffed her tail against him as she walked back to her training area. ‘Now Amaya really will think that we are courting!’ she chuckled in her own mind.
Amaya was beyond pissed, she had already made it clear to that Artic Fox that she was destined to be with Shippo. She stomped up to Shippo and growled, “What the hell was that all about Shippo?”
“First Lieutenant Amaya” Shippo growled viciously. “You had better watch which tone of voice you speak to your commanding officer with, do I make myself clear? Furthermore you will address me with my proper title which is CAPTAIN. I am your superior officer and you will address me as such or else. Is that in any way unclear?” He glared cold hardened eyes as she shook her head. “As for my actions I don’t see why I have to answer to you, you are beneath me and not someone who I will ever have to answer to. Now if you ever talk to me again in such a disrespectful tone I will not only demote your ass to the lowest of position but you will also be punished for your disobedience. Do I make myself clear First Lieutenant” he spit out with disdain towards her.
Swallowing back her surprise and shock at how angry he was towards her, she nodded her head and apologized. When the rain started to come down harder with thunder and lightning approaching, she looked up and noticed that Shippo’s face was transforming from just being mad to pure fury, realization dawned on her that he knew she was doing it.
“If you can’t get better control of your powers than maybe you should be demoted back down to a private ad go back to basic training with all the young pups who can’t control their abilities.” He stated icily, doing a perfect impression of Lord Sesshomaru’s coldness.
Amaya got the message loud and clear and the sudden storm quickly disappeared just as fast as it had appeared. “I’m very sorry Captain Shippo. Please forgive me.”
“You don’t deserve or get to have my forgiveness you incompetent idiot. Now get back in your place before you find yourself in any more trouble.”
As she hurried back to her spot in humiliation, all eyes watching her behind the show she just did, Shippo looked to Chieko who smiled and nodded, already the gossip was trailing through the ranks like an out of control wildfire.
“First Lieutenant Mayumi please come forth.” When she was standing in front of Shippo, she saluted him. “I must go on a mission and I have appointed you to temporarily take my place as being in charge until I get back, do you accept?”
“Sir, yes sire. First Lieutenant Mayumi will do you proud and keep everything running smoothly sir.”
“Very well, you will start now. I will go and inform Lord Sesshomaru of all the events that just took place, as you were.” Amaya gulped as she was scared for her life once Lord Sesshomaru finds out about her disrespect towards Captain Shippo.
Chieko mused, ‘This will be an interesting month indeed.’ She knew that she was about to get a lot of crap from Amaya but she also knew that she would be able to handle anything that came her way. No one but Sesshomaru and Shippo really knew anything about her much less how strong she really was, other soldiers just assumed her to be a normal level demoness with an attitude issue. ‘Good luck my brother, you are going to need it.’ She would wait for tomorrow evening to give her report to Lord Sesshomaru, that way it would be too late for him to possibly change his mind.
Author’s Note:
No excuse but I am already working on the next chapter and now that I have some quiet time and a working computer I will hopefully be back at this more frequent….fingers crossed none the less!! R&R and let me know what you all think!!! ;) blessed be