InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART TWELVE ( Chapter 12 )

 

DISCLAIMER - The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance we would not have fodder.

Reviews are fuel.

Edited by: Meara

EP

 

Japanese Phrases/Words Used In Part Twelve

 

Aramitama - Courage

 

Nigimitama - Friendship

 

Kushimitama - Wisdom

 

Sakimitama - Love

 

Shikon - no - Tama - Jewel of Four Souls

 

Sengoku jūjutsu - Meant for an unarmed or lightly armed warrior to fight a heavily armed and armored enemy on the battlefield.

 

Tanuki - Hachi who is a raccoon demon and ally of Miroku from his less than…honorable days…ahem…snicker

 

Part Twelve - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

 

Dawn came quietly to the Western Lands, as one lone figure stood like a statue on his balcony. Overlooking the courtyard, his mind a maelstrom he watched the four departing figures. Prince Kouga would be gone for three moons (with luck).

Sesshoumaru's lips tightened in memory of his father's words, “Do you have something to protect?”

As if feeling the Taiyoukai's internal disquiet, the miko moaned in her sleep tightening her grip around the pillow she held possessively.

The Taiyoukai felt terribly alone with this new and unwelcome feeling of possessiveness as it related to the disheveled sleeping figure currently coiled tightly around his pillows like a serpent. The top most cover long twined beyond recognition about her legs, her hair covering her face in sleep.

He had tried, unsuccessfully, to roll her to the side he had originally placed her on when he brought her to rest within his chambers. Each time, she rolled back to his side and the last time she had actually slapped him and furrowed her little brows in irritation at his manhandling, mumbling dire threats to his youki while drooling on his favored pillow. The Taiyoukai merely smirked and gave in. How such a small onna could fill a palette was beyond him. Still…it was hers to fill, he acknowledged uncomfortably.

The miko groaned softly in her sleep, catching the Taiyoukai's attention once more. He approached the futon on bare feet, to try to organize the disarray that was his palette.

Sighing, the Western Lord scooped the female into his arms, brushing his nose and lips against her tresses, closing his eyes in pleasure, enjoying her distinctive scent.

Slowly and with infinite patience, he disentangled her legs from the covers once more, adjusted the pillows for comfort, and covered her. A flash of light drew his eyes to her cleavage. Taking two clawed digits, he inspected the few small pink shards contained in the bottle with a thoughtful expression.

Oblivious, the unconscious female began her migration to his side once more. Noting her soft pout, and finding it hard to resist, he kissed her. She smiled against his lips' caress.

“Mmmm….soft…,” she murmured in sleep, reaching blindly for him only managing to ensnare her long fingers in a few strands of his silken mane.

“Beautiful,” was her last intelligible murmur. She snuggled back into the pillow bringing his hair with her, a pleased expression on her now angelic features. The miko sighed in contentment and placing the other hand over his that held the vile.

`Even in sleep she guards them,' thought the Taiyoukai, not daring to acknowledge her words as his nose brushed her cheek. He kissed her tenderly once more and was tickled by her fluttering lashes.

He sat for a time, simply watching her. His was heart beating rapidly, afraid to move his hand for fear of waking her - or so he chose to believe. In reality, he did not desire to break the connection. The Taiyoukai had no idea he sat there for more than an hour simply keeping vigil over the miko's peace, his face a stoic mask belying his true emotion.

The miko was the very antithesis of his way, the way of the warrior and supreme conquest by force of will, devoid of compassion and emotional entanglements. The demon lord's inherent superiority of breed by birthright and stature dictated this, along with strength of character. He would make up for the defects of the late Inu-No-Taishou seeming unnecessary emotionality towards a ningen. And yet, here he was potentially repeating the cycle, if he were not extremely careful.

This fragile being lying before him, too, held power. It was not of the ephemeral kind and not wholly dependent alone on her spiritual powers, which he had watched grow over time.

Within her lay the qualities of bravery in the face of undeniably frightening odds, courage that did not wane in the face of danger, fierce loyalty and love, sometimes to her own detriment. All simply held in a delicate form easily shattered just as the shards she had sworn to recover, protect and purify.

`She personified the Jewel of Four Souls, as Midoriko did,' thought the Taiyoukai, intoning the words of the ancient faith.

“Aramitama, Kushimitama, Nigimitama , Sakimitama,” he said in a his quiet beautiful baritone, while stroking her hair. The Taiyoukai had always thought the last two expendable, perhaps they were not.

One finger delicately removed a dark tendril that tickled her nose, then brushed her brow softly removing the annoyed little furrow with a kiss. Even in sleep, the priestess was easy to anger. She was an extraordinary jewel, worthy of his protection. Unlike lesser youkai, the Shikon-No-Tama was of no value to the Lord who based his strength on his own youki. Nothing else would suffice but absolute conquest on his terms alone.

The sound of softly padding feet brought the Lord of the West out of his reflections on all things miko. Extricating his hand from hers, he folded her slender digits to her chest and walked to the sliding door anticipating Rin's call.

“Lord Sesshoumaru?” whispered the little girl, in no way surprised by his sudden appearance before her - forestalling the opportunity to rap softly on the shoji.

“ Rin?” Sesshoumaru's tone was gentle but firm.

“Rin dreamt about dying again and Jaken was snoring and would not wake,” sniffed the youjin. Beginning to cry once more, she hugged herself to his waist, not in the least bit offended as his arms remained at his sides.

To the untrained eye, Sesshoumaru's facial expression did not change. However, had one looked carefully enough, they would detect a shift in his dark accustomed amber eyes, as his pupils contracted as though in retreat from her words. The Western Lord did not wish to be reminded of his ward's mortality.

Hesitantly one clawed hand involuntarily raised towards the youjin's head as if to placate. Humans seemed to require this. She was his responsibility.

“Rin doesn't want to die Lord Sesshoumaru, because then Rin will be alone,” she whispered while sniffling, rubbing her reddened eyes and snorting into his yukata leaving a wet trail as yet unnoticed by the Taiyoukai.

Ignoring the snotty wetness, his hand cupped the back of her head pulling her more firmly into him, making no further move to console the small being.

Sesshoumaru was glad for the darkness, as he took one small damp hand in his other. Maintaining his impassive expression, he listened to the flow of the waterfall and her quiet sobs, merging them in his mind. He did not wish the youjin to read his face, something with which she was adept, and was glad for the dim light.

Having Prince Kouga's retinue present had been the root cause of his wards nightmare, but he had hoped, not to this extent. He would be mindful of this in future.

Walking Rin back to her chambers silently, the Taiyoukai stooped and looked her in those big chocolate brown eyes. They always made him uneasy with the unbidden trust he saw directed at his youkai - with that look came accountability. He recognized the expression but refused to give name to the familiar countenance.

“Rin, do not talk foolishness,” Sesshoumaru's tone became crisp and icy, feeling suddenly unnerved by a child's painful candor It rang true in more ways than he dared to hold in his conscious mind. The demon lord had no intention of dwelling on such nonsense. It served no purpose to dwell on the inevitable.

Lifting her small body easily, he placed her on her own futon, covered her and left closing the fusuma with finality.

Sesshoumaru sighed, returning to his quarters to dress for practice.

sks

Kaede had anticipated Inuyasha's return to the village that morning, but not as early as this. The hanyou had seen her sister that was obvious; what remained of Kikyou. The old miko frowned as she set the kettle over the fire pit's hook, turning to look with her one good eye at the package beyond the dancing flames.

“He would have to deliver it, regardless of how he felt,” she mused resigned to the inevitable questions she would face before the deed was done.

“Good Morning, Inuyasha.” said the elder miko stepping from her hut's doorway directly into the half-breed's path.

“Kaede, not now. I don't have time and I don't wanna chat okay?” said the hanyou gruffly. He, glared at her as he tried to step around the healer with no success.

“Ye have seen Kikyou?” It had not been a question, more so a statement of fact. The hanyou reeked of the familiar fetid stench of graveyard soil.

Inuyasha had just managed to get around her ample girth and stopped at her words.

Squaring his shoulders, he turned his eyes daring her to question him further. Despite his belligerent expression and stance, his cheeks blushed, answering Kikyou's younger sister without need of words.

“Yes,” he said crossing his arms and staring at her from the side, “What of it?” he spat on the ground, and raised dust with his clawed toes, like an angry bull preparing to charge. He had no time for twenty questions, nor was he in the mood. He had to find the monk and maybe clean up a bit.

“Just curious. Ye have taken offense where none was meant.” she said, eyeing him carefully. The monk might better be suited to the task, she decided.

“Where is the houshi? I need him to go to The Western Shiro and deliver something to Kagome. It is of great importance and delicacy will be required, she said, knowing the effect her words would have on the easily irritated hanyou.

“I'll take it! What's he got that I don't?” he said defensively, folding his arms and glaring down at her. Unknowingly Kaede would be providing him with an excellent opportunity for the half-demon to regain face with his friend.

After leaving the palace, he had run without a definite destination, eventually returning to his undead mistress for comfort, finding no solace there either. It left him even more quarrelsome than usual, and that says a lot.

All through the night, his thoughts kept returning to Kagome's furious expression along with the near pity he saw in the eyes of his bastard brother, who added insult to injury by not even offering him a fight, but instead chose to walk away. This was simply unacceptable for the Western Lord to show apathy. Somehow, it invalidated his existence. Sesshoumaru was the one individual whose respect Inuyasha most coveted beyond that of Kagome's. The hanyou was just unable to admit this.

“Intelligence, and a rational mind for one,” said Kaede sarcastically under her breath. “Send the houshi to me, when ye have found him. It is of great importance Inuyasha, so make haste,” said the elder healer.

Kaede re-entered her modest hut. The kettle was boiling filling the small quarters with steam. Her arthritic fingers could do with the simple warmth of holding the cup of tea.

Inuyasha watched her skeptically, he waited expecting her to turn and invite him in.

She did not.

Brushing past the tattered linen that acted as door during the warmer months, Inuyasha growled softly looked around for the object. Unfortunately, he could discern nothing but the usual meager well ordered detritus that was this miko's unassuming home. Only the fire pit brought warmth and light to the darkened space this early, allowing just enough light to see. The air was infused with scent of herbs and various concoctions of her trade as the village's healer and protector against demonic magic.

“So, what is it exactly?” he said. Arms folded, he lowered himself to sit cross-legged, watching her intently. Ignoring him, she poured the steaming water over the dried tea leaves in each cup.

“I do not know, but it belongs to Kagome, and should have been given to her days ago,” said the miko, now resigned to a long explanation as to why the houshi would be the superior choice under the circumstances.

Inuyasha's large golden eyes were now mere slits looked at the miko with distrust. `The old hag must know what it is. She is just choosing not to tell.'

The sound of chickens scrambling to get out of the way of several rushing figures caused Inuyasha to turn towards the doorway. The first to pass the hut was in royal purple robes, the next in full black, with a high ponytail, and the last figure was the diminutive village elder, currently using his walking stick to point threateningly at the first figure.

“I assure you good Sir, I was merely examining your lovely daughter's recent injury. Oh, it was her foot? Well, mistakes are made quite…”

Sango's fist connected…painfully.

The slayer came charging through the door shaking her hand looking at both Kaede and Inuyasha, satisfaction evident in her smile, and just a little pain.

“Sango, would ye like tea?” said the old woman, ignoring the sound of the houshi's entrance on unsteady feet.

“Thank you, yes Kaede. It's cold out,” said the slayer conversationally ignoring the figure hovering in the doorway. In no way was she picking him up if he fell over. He deserved it.

“So much for intelligence,” snorted Inuyasha looking over his shoulder at the houshi who stood blinking trying to regain the use of his left eye while shaking his head holding on to his Shakujo for dear life. There were two of everything. Shooting stars he did not recognize on Kaede's ceiling, which he hoped would soon stop dashing about so he could regain his equilibrium.

Inclining his head towards Kaede and Sango, “Ladies” then looking disparagingly at the hanyou with a quirked brow … “Moron” he finished still trying to get his bearings, leaning heavily on his staff.

Kaede began to rise, to get the additional cups but was stopped by the ever-gallant lech. He retrieved the cups and placed one formally before the slayer, giving her an innocent coquettish smile wincing in pain for his efforts.

The dark beauty merely ignored him and continued to clench and unclench her hand examining her fingers. `That one hurt a bit.'

“Next time, a little less running force and then quick snap of the wrist. It will get your point across and not give all the impact to your fingers,” said Inuyasha helpfully.

“She doesn't need your advice. She has it well in hand, Inuyasha,” said the houshi frostily. He glared at the half-demon before beaming once again at his rather forceful woman, waggling his brows at her for good measure. `Ouch! That hurt too.'

Kaede merely busied herself with the tea and shook her head. `How would they defeat Naraku, when all they did was fight amongst themselves?' reflected the miko, deciding that it would be necessary to go herself. If she was right about what the package contained, Kagome would have need of her presence.

“Miroku, I need ye to come with me to the Western Lord's stronghold.” Her request met with stunned silence as all three looked at her in question. Well two in question. One merely glowered and spat into the fire grinding his teeth in frustration.

“I told you, I'd take it,” Inuyasha said through gritted teeth. He eyed the houshi quickly, suddenly noticing the blossoming, puffy jaw that wonderfully accenting the rapidly swelling eye. `Well done Sango.'

“No Inuyasha, thee are too…” the village priestess stopped herself, “The village needs protection while the monk and I are away. Ye and Sango will defend the village in my absence. There has been talk of demons in the last few days and missing livestock,” she said finally. Kaede lied.

“Yes, dear Priestess, I will accompany you. The tanuki Hachi will provide transportation. You cannot possibly walk the distance,” said the priest, knowing it would be impossible to talk until they got underway. Inuyasha was never rational when it came to his brother. Adding Kagome to the mix just made him completely unhinged.

“Kaede, what's wrong?” said Sango, worriedly. Looking from Inuyasha to Kaede, her eyes only glanced over the houshi. She was still envisioning his hands full of the buxom village elder's daughter, or more particularly, her ample breasts which were being kneaded like melons at a market stall, being checked for ripeness.

“Nothing child. I have something that belongs to Kagome that has been in my safekeeping for seventeen years. Now is the time for her to receive it,” said Kaede quietly.

“Look you old hag, didn't you just tell me that you had no idea what it was? Where is it? What's this shit, about it belonging to Kagome? Open it now. I want to know what it is! Suppose that Asshole gets a hold of it, and uses it for himself? It could be important. Kagome isn't herself, and who knows what he could do with it,” said Inuyasha, standing and beginning to stalk the small confines of the hut.

“Inuyasha, sit down.” said the old woman in a quiet commanding tone. She reached for the dark parchment covered box that had been in plain view.

The hanyou sat, not knowing what else to do. Kaede had never spoken to him with such force before.

“This is rightfully the Shikon-no-Miko's and no one else must or will open it. That child's presence in our world is not a mistake. It was foretold. Inuyasha…Kagome was never meant to be your mate. She was never meant to be your shard detector alone. Nor was she designed to have the same fate as Midoriko and Kikyou whose loves were sufficiently selfish to want them both for the power that jewel wielded. All is as it should be. Lord Sesshoumaru does not desire the Jewel of Four Souls as its power is borrowed and, therefore, beneath him,” she said finally.

Her words met with diffident silence from the hanyou.

“I will keep the promise I made to the shrine priest.”

“Feh! Who? What shrine priest?” he said dismissively. The very idea that the houshi would be delivering to his Kagome something of great importance disturbed him even more. That Kagome would share the knowledge with his asshole half brother, being most disturbing of all. He was once again being left out of the decision making process

Kaede watched him carefully, before smiling enigmatically and bringing the parcel to her chest closing her arthritic hands over it.

“Her father.”

sks

A red, fluffy tail could be seen above the hedge as Sesshoumaru practiced beyond the sand garden. The kitsune had been crouched there watching for quite some time. Large, bottle green eyes filled with wonder and envy, as the Taiyoukai fluidly moved his limbs kicking and punching the air swiftly with a minimum of wasted energy and movement.

“I won't ever be able to do that,” sighed the Kitsune, deciding to leave with his little shoulders slumped and tail lowered.

“You are quite right, Kitsune, you will not,” said the Taiyoukai as he forcefully kicked an unseen enemy. The air parted as a sharp wind ruffled Shippou's hair. The sudden rush of air came from the Taiyoukai's last kick, which was aimed in his direction, the little fox youkai realized.

Shippou turned blinking up at the tall figure, his green eyes arctic slits. The Taiyoukai had seen him all along and was making fun of him. Swallowing nervously, he placed his little paws within his haori sleeves and sighed turning once again to go. He did not need the Western Lord reminding him he would never be powerful.

“Your belief will always determine the outcome, Kitsune,” said the Taiyoukai evenly. He maintained his current stance, a forty-five degree angle - simply waiting.

“Excuse me, Lord Sesshoumaru?” said the kitsune. He looked over his shoulder at the Taiyoukai who was now looking directly at him. The Western Lord had not moved, bearing the awkward position as though both feet were firmly planted on the granite slab. The smooth slab could easily have been mistaken for a rather tall bench by virtue of shape, but, in fact, was designed expressly to overlook the garden.

Shippou walked back towards the Taiyoukai with trepidation. The closer he got, the larger the Western Lord seem to loom above him. Sticking out his little chest and holding his head high, he approached the deadly youkai lord. Thinking better of his aggressive stance, he lowered his head, oblivious to the smirk of the demon lord, who had not missed his initial posture of diffidence and bravado. `The kitsune is the miko's son by inculcation.'

“Size is inherently deceptive and not always of significance. Speed, agility, discipline and understanding the weakness of an opponent bears much in battle, particularly so when one is underestimated by virtue of size,” said the Western Lord. He gracefully lowered his limb and gently tapped the kitsune on the head with his big toe. The youkai swiftly turned and folded his legs into a perfect lotus, selecting to place his long supple muscular arms over his knees in rest. He turned his head to look at the young youkai male impassively.

“Your presence is required for patrol. Be ready at the gates after your morning meal with the priestess,” said the Taiyoukai with an indifferent tone. He set his sights once more on the distant horizon beyond the hedge. It was time to meditate. Practice had done much to clear his mind of emotion.

Green eyes glanced slyly at the pale entity seated. Taking a deep breath, the kitsune approached and, after another breath, sat next to the Taiyoukai, who appeared unmindful of the kit's presence.

Noting the precise way the Taiyoukai's legs were folded, Shippou attempted a similar posture and manner of bearing, unaware the Taiyoukai watched the tiny youkai male surreptitiously. `He had promise.'

The extreme angle of the Taiyoukai's right leg was a little challenging and rather awkward for the fox demon who began to topple. He was stopped mid fall by a claw, atop his head which balanced him, anchoring the little kit to the ground before intoning in a flat baritone, “Stillness is essential to meditation. Do not move.”

The clawed digit was removed once the Taiyoukai felt the young male had found his internal equilibrium and could hold the stance himself.

Looking once more at the little fox impassively, Sesshoumaru chose to center his attention on the middle distance. No further words were exchanged as both youkai males became one with the sound of the ocean's waves and the scent of the sea.

Morning had finally arrived, and it was a new day, as two still figures sat with similar posture, years apart, and yet the same, both looking in.

sks

“Lord Sesshoumaru is going on patrol and will not be attending the morning meal priestess. You are to do as you please this morning. Keeping in mind you will not disturb this palace's workings.” said a haughty, little green blob. Bowing, he swept out of her chambers, not even waiting for a formal answer, while mumbling under his breath.

“Thank you Imp of Darkness, I mean Jaken-sama,” said Kagome very pleasantly. She was feeling rather well this morning, having taken a long soak and then returning to her chambers to dress and sort her pack finally. If she was going to be here for a little while, she might as well unload the damn thing and maybe hide it somewhere. It was so incongruous with the quiet refinement of her quarters, as she was made patently aware by Jaken's expression.

“Oh Jaken, dear?” said the miko smirking, as he froze in the doorway. “Have you seen my kit this morning?”

She could see the kappa's shoulders square, well round, before turning around to retort.

“Rin and the kitsune will be going on patrol with my Lord. I have more pressing duties and will not be going with them,” he said imperiously.

For whatever reason, he needed to let her know it was his choice not to go. The miko's presence worried him. His Master was not himself. This morning alone, he had walked passed him and never once attempted violence to his youkai, instead merely acknowledging him with a curt nod as he stepped through the sliding doors of the dojo and shut them - albeit nearly on his pointed little nose. That was something. No commands, no growls, no glares…not even a swift kick to his ample rear. Just a brief command to inform the priestess he and the horrid, evil, young would be patrolling.

This was unprecedented, and Jaken was not entirely sure he was comfortable with this situation. He knew the disgusting human's presence and that of the little fox demon had something to do with this new found…tolerance?

Kagome, always good at reading facial expressions (even that of little green toads), registered Jaken's discomfort, at her presence in his domain.

“Jaken, may I speak with you frankly?” said the miko with a kind lilt to her voice. She sat and patted the palette for him to join her.

Jaken's ophthalmic eyes blinked rapidly at her command, unsure of what exactly to do. This new tact on the part of the Priestess, was not anticipated. Should he humor the ningen or simply ignore her, and risk the displeasure of his master? Deciding the former, he re-entered the miko's chambers.

“Yes, Priestess? What is it you wish?” the kappa said formally, dispensing with the need to be pleasant merely civil.

Kagome stared at his diffident expression and smiled with him, though the smile never met her usual soft brown eyes.

“Jaken-sama, I know you don't appreciate my presence here, but keep in mind I am merely visiting and it is not forever. So let us both try to maintain a civilized disposition towards one another. Would that be alright? Oh, and I apologize if Shippou might have hurt you yesterday unintentionally. He is young and likes games. It was not his intent to hurt you. I have spoken to him, and he will apologize,” she said finally.

Jaken was nonplused by her statement and began to shuffle his feet. The kitsune had apologized to him earlier when he had found him in the garden with Lord Sesshoumaru, who remained silent through the entire proceedings merely watching the interaction between his retainer and the kitsune.

“Shippou has formally apologized Priestess. We need not mention it further. The young are fond of gleeful exuberance,” he said formally while fidgeting uncomfortably.

“Thank you for being the mature one and humoring him. It is rather nice of you and I greatly appreciate it Lord Jaken,” the miko said softly.

Jaken blinked with his little mouth open, as he exited backwards from the miko's chambers nearly falling over, as his little feet met the rail of the sliding door.

Once outside, he turned to flee then stopped himself.

“It is my understanding that the Miko wishes to take Rin and Shippou on a walk to the sea shore, I will accompany you, for your protection, whenever you wish. Is there anything further the Priestess may need? I will appoint a handmaid to see to your comforts today. It has not been one of the requests of my Lord, but undoubtedly, he would wish me to see to this matter. I have been remiss in appointing one. My apologies, Priestess.” said Jaken with a low very formal bow, that Kagome knew was reserved only for nobility.

`Small steps…' she thought with a smile and an equally deep bow. Her mother's lessons had not been wasted. Respect always garnered respect, especially to those who very rarely receive it.

“Thank you, Jaken,” said the miko with a genuine smile.

The shoji slid closed and a mystified kappa walked off, sporadically looking back at the miko's chambers quizzically nearly bumping into Shou.

Breakfast was a happy affair of fresh fruit, rice and broth. Shippou, who spent most of his time talking of his coming adventure with the Taiyoukai and Rin. The Western Lord's ward was not as impressed, since patrolling was par for the course with the Taiyoukai. She was, however, happy for the company of Shippou, as the Taiyoukai was not overly fond of games and Ah-Un preferred to graze while keeping watchful eyes on his small charge. Today he would have two.

Shippou suddenly stopped talking as his eyes became particularly large with fright. He had not remembered that he would be riding on Ah-Un, and despite what Rin said, he was very much afraid of the two-headed beast who breathed fire. Shippou was never sure which head was Ah and which Un.

Kagome smiled and rubbed his back reassuringly, deciding to see them all off. For whatever reason, she had the sneaking suspicion, the Taiyoukai was avoiding her this morning, and she needed proof. If truth be told, she was a little annoyed. Kagome had looked forward to awakening with the Taiyoukai curled around her. Somehow, his scent and the feel of his warmth gave her a sense of peace nothing else did and she was less than pleased to awaken in his chambers without him.

Unconsciously she looked at her clothing making sure she was suitably dressed for their morning encounter. She chose to wear her jeans and sneakers but opted to wear a blue silk haori over the thin white tank top, if for no other reason than to stop the servants from staring at her in disgust. As it was cooler than the day before, she decided to let her hair out of the chignon and it cascaded beautifully over the impromptu outfit while framing her face attractively.

The sudden movement at the door caught her attention, as a tall figure came into view at the door watching the proceedings of the end of the meal expressionlessly, one brow quirked.

“Rin, you are late,” intoned the dog demon, casting an eye over Shippou's head and staring directly at Kagome. The dog demon took in her outfit with a raised patrician brow, not approval exactly, but not in disdain.

“Good Morning, My Lord,” said the miko inclining her head with a smirk. She had not missed his look, nor his tone, that implied she had kept the young from their duties with meaningless chatter. `You my lord, are getting easier and easier to read,' she thought smugly, running elegant fingers through her hair self-consciously.

“We will return by nightfall,” he said autocratically before turning swiftly on his heels. Shippou, perpetually hungry, grabbed a piece of fruit and beetled towards the retreating figure without a backwards glance at his Mama.

Kagome blinked in shock. It was evident from their morning's conversation, that Shippou had become besotted with someone other than herself. Though mildly jealous, it gave her a warm happy tingle in her stomach to know Lord Sesshoumaru was being mindful of her de facto son.

“Rin is happy you are here Kagome-chan, as is Lord Sesshoumaru,” said Rin hugging her before dashing to follow her two favorite males. Not for the first time, as Kagome watched the little girl's retreating figure, she wondered at Rin, who had a capacity for the understated and a very intuitive mind. There was more to that little girl than met the eye, just like her Master.

Jaken just managed not to be bowled over as he entered the room, looking somewhat nervously at the only remaining individual in the hall.

“Are you finished Priestess? If so, I believe it only prudent that I show you the grounds of the palace, which will allow you ease of movement throughout,” he said, not quite meeting her eyes.

“Thank you Jaken. That sounds wonderful. Unless Lord Sesshoumaru is with me, I get lost,” Kagome said with a big sunny apologetic smile.

Jaken blinked. `For a ningen she is palatable to look at, even with her horrid dress sense.'

And so, two figures, one rather small and green and one rather tall and lean, walked the grounds. The smaller of the two pointed items of interest out imperiously, while the other sometimes feigning interest, more involved in observing the inner workings of the other.

sks

“Hachi, over there,” said Miroku who stood behind Kaede on the back of his friend as they glided towards the grounds of the shiro.

Miroku had noted the fatigue of the older woman and had decided not to disturb her conspicuous silence throughout the long journey. The sun was beginning to set, giving the land an eerie glow. Her manner told him of this mission's importance and he could wait. What he did know by her demeanor was this; his friend would need him, and this presented an excellent opportunity to have an unobstructed view and possible understanding of this apparent relationship between the Western Lord and his friend, the Miko.

“Miroku, your assistance will be needed with Kagome,” said Kaede, who suddenly looked rather fragile and a little less sure.

“If I might ask Lady Kaede, what is it you are not saying?”

“Nothing, Priest. I am more concerned with how she will handle the news that I have held a secret about her own origins for so long. That is why ye are here. She might not take well to my presence after.”

“You are worried without reason, Priestess. Kagome will be shocked, certainly, but she does not abandon her friends. She will understand, you had reasons,” even while saying this, the houshi was not entirely certain of his stated convictions.

Breaking into the uncomfortable silence a whiny high-pitched voice intoned, “Miroku-sama, I am tired. Can you not walk the rest of the way? Lord Sesshoumaru is not aware we are coming and I see the guards preparing bows, I don't need or want to be shot.”

“Hachi! Do you want to experience my Wind Tunnel?” said Miroku harshly as he tapped his staff on Hachi's back meaningfully.

“Excellent, we understand each other,” the houshi said with an unusually determined look. The only way he would truly know what was going on would be to present the package to Kagome let the chips fall where they may. It would also be nice to sit and place something cold on his swollen cheek. Sango was getting far too good with her clouting.

Kagome lay on her palette, blissfully absorbed in a guilty pleasure - reading. The miko had a thing for romance novels and she was at a particularly good bit with a Russian Prince and his housekeeper, who of course was some gorgeous thing just waiting to be discovered.

She heard a tentative tap, then another and rolled her eyes. It undoubtedly was her new best friend.

“Come Jaken,” the miko said absently not bothering to look up. The Prince had just pinned the housekeeper to the bed.

“Priestess, are you expecting the Miko Kaede and that lecherous Priest of your tachi?”

Now he had her attention. Laying the book down, she scrambled from her prone position and stared at the little kappa questioningly.

“No, but it must be important for them to come all this way,” she said, getting up and walking through the shoji with Jaken close at her heels irritably mumbling in an avuncular manner about unexpected guests cluttering up the palace.

This last comment got him a scornfully raised brow and glare from the miko, which he selected to ignore - only this once of course. The priestess had an odd sense of loyalty, even if to Jaken's mind it was misplaced. Her legs were rather long. He was doomed to spend his life chasing after these deformed beings with extraordinarily long legs.

sks

Though annoyed by the comment of the portly tanuki youkai, he did have a point, Miroku thought. It did no good sneaking up on Lord Sesshoumaru, who was given to being a little less than hospitable at the best of times. So, it was with a huge sigh of relief when he spotted the female form that could only be Kagome. No other female in his time would ever be attired in that manner. He smiled.

“Kaede,” he said pointing, as the elderly woman placed an arthritic hand above her one good eye to look in the direction he pointed before nodding her head in acknowledgement.

“Hachi, set us down beyond the gates and then you may go. We will find our own way from there,” Miroku said. A new tension took hold within he had yet to see the Taiyoukai.

“It's Hachi! Wonder how Miroku managed to wangle him to do this?” chuckled Kagome, fully aware that the badger demon's laziness and spineless propensities. She stopped smiling when Kaede's face came into view, Something was wrong - definitely.

Without thinking further, the miko walked rapidly around the posted guards, ignoring the strange looks directed at her. The miko crossed the bridge at a trot and to the field to meet them. Intuition told the priestess that her missing friends were not hurt in anyway and suspected they had stayed behind to protect the village. Whatever it was, it had to be important for Kaede to come all this way.

Jaken remained at the gates, unsure of what to do. Should he follow her with his staff? No, these ningen were part of her tachi, and she obviously showed no fear, so the Taiyoukai could not fault him for allowing her to meet them, he reasoned unhappily.

sks

The silence in the study was palpable, as servants moved on silent feet serving a light repast for the new guests of the Taiyoukai. The palace had not seen this many outsiders since the passing of the Taisho. Lord Sesshoumaru preferred his quiet.

Kagome glanced at Kaede through her lashes over a steaming cup of tea. She was anxious to know why they were here, but decided she could wait. Her gaze then traveled to Miroku and his new disfigurement. Perhaps, she would start there.

“So, how did you acquire the new boo-boo? You really should leave her butt alone sometimes. A girl doesn't always want or need to be groped, dear Priest,” she said with a half smile.

“I will have you know, that had nothing to do with it,” said the priest indignantly selecting in that moment to put his cup to his head by way of avoiding any further inquiry.

“She is going to kill you one day, if you keep this up,” Kagome said with an amused smile. Her gaze returned to the silent priestess, who merely sat, not touching her tea. Miroku's gaze followed hers. He too was growing impatient.

Kaede expelled a deep breath and placed the dark parchment covered object on the low table between them.

Kagome noted her gnarled hands, and vowed to bring back something to give her some relief from the obvious pain etched on the older woman's face with each subtle movement.

“This is for ye, dear child. A gift whose time has come,” said the elder miko, pushing the object forward directly in front of the young priestess.

Her manner, no her voice, sent shivers down Kagome's spine, as she looked at the nondescript object placed before her. Looking at Miroku for assurance, and finding none, her gaze returned to Kaede, her hand tentatively reaching for the object, but not quite touching it. It had an aura, which called to her and spoke of ancient magic.

“What is it?” said the priestess, her eyes never leaving the object, still fearful to touch it.

“It had been entrusted to me seventeen years ago. I was told to keep it, and would know when to give it to a young miko who would appear on our side of the Bone Eater's Well. I have kept it from you, and for that I do apologize, but I was sworn to do so. Timing is everything, as you will soon come to find, dear child,” intoned the elderly woman, before her hands retreated from the low table as she folded them in her lap and waited.

Kagome searched her friend's face once again. Miroku's expression told her nothing, although there was trepidation in his eyes before he spoke.

“Kagome, it is from your father. He was the shrine priest Kaede promised. Whatever it is, it is yours to keep,” the houshi said stoically reaching out his hand to hers and placing it gently but forcibly on the dark unknown object.

Sesshoumaru growled softly, having observed the priest's intimacy of touch from a distance. He was told, by Jaken, there were new guests to the shiro. Choosing not to walk in on a private moment, or more accurately eavesdropping - something he did very well indeed - he watched and listened.

The miko tore from the study, eyes tearing as she brushed past the dog demon and his retainer hurriedly. The Taiyoukai simply stood processing the new information. She would return,' he thought looking at her retreating form. He knew where to find her.

“Jaken, see to our guests,” commanded the Taiyoukai still in deep thought.

Author's Note

 

And so it begins, there are no co-incidences. It is true, power is most often held, in the smallest of things.

EP