InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Through the Looking Glass ❯ Enter Lord of the West ( Chapter 22 )

Since I updated the last time when there was some wonkiness with ff.net, I decided to kind of combine the last chapter and the new chapter for one super long chapter.

 

Also, I do not own the characters.

 

 

Chapter 23: Enter Lord of the Western Lands

“Somehow I know it won't last
Somehow I know it won't last too long
She'll come back to me.
She'll come back to me.”

-- Cake, She'll Come Back to Me

Kagome wasn't sure exactly what Naraku's plans were as he dragged her along through the seemingly endless forest. At this moment everything was very surreal.

Maybe this is all a bad dream…

Bad dreams don't smell like this.

Maybe I should've paid more attention when he talked about where he was from…

Maybe you should worry about getting out of here.

You honestly think that being alone in this place is preferable to staying with this creep?

Yes. I can't stand to see him say “pure” with that look in his eye one more time.

Kagome outwardly shuddered. From across Naraku's shoulder, the world was going in and out and it was making her quite nauseous.

Of course, that could just be his company.

Kagome couldn't see much of her surroundings, but she knew that she hadn't seen anything that would remotely count as “civilized” since her arrival. She knew it was a risk leaving Naraku and heading off by herself, but she was just going to have to take that chance.

He has to sleep sometime…

And when he does?

I am SO out of here!

So, is there anything you can do to help him get tired?

You're not helping.

Get your mind out of the gutter! I was talking about putting up more of a fight. Didn't you see Shrek?

So, does that make me the Princess?

Kagura didn't know exactly where she was going; she just knew that she wanted to get away from Naraku. It was weird, but as soon as she had entered this world, she was immediately filled with a sense of the wind…it was calling to her, rushing around her. She felt weirdly complete…as if she had been missing something she didn't even realize her entire life. Her body seemed lighter somehow, borne along by the currents of air that were holding her aloft. It's as natural as breathing…

Her pinkish eyes glanced back to Kanna. The pale blonde girl was not actually her sister…anyone with eyes could figure that out. The younger girl had been adopted into the family and had always been rather quiet, shy, and introverted. Kanna seemed content to go where her “big sister” went. Kagura had been so lost in her own thoughts, she hadn't even considered consulting Kanna about her decision.

Guiltily, Kagura asked, “Are you ok?”

Kanna nodded.

“Do you want to return to the well?”

Kanna shook her head.

“Well, let me know if you need anything.”

As far as Kagura could tell and from what she had been able to dig up from her parents, Kanna had not had an easy childhood. Kagura shuddered, wondering what repressed memories the girl had.

I'll keep us safe. It's up to me now…

As they flew over the strange region, Kagura thought certain landmarks looked vaguely familiar and after an hour or so of flying she glimpsed a grand, if not rustic, palace. There was something about the location that was calling to her. The closer she got, she noticed that the sword was also starting to rattle in its scabbard. She briefly considered her options and decided why the hell not…?

She brought the large feather down in front of the Palace. Two strange looking men (?) came out to meet her. They were easily seven feet tall and very menacing.

“What are you doing here?”

“How dare you trespass in Lord Sesshormaru's lands?”

Kagura's mind went through all the rulers she had studied in history and certainly couldn't remember any Lord Sesshormaru...

With as much creativity as a high school senior could manage, placing her hand on the sword, she said stonily, “I am Kagura…of the Wind. I demand to see this Lord Sesshormaru.”

The two hulking men, shrugged. The one on her left said, “No one sees the Lord with a weapon. We will take it from you for safe keeping.”

Kagura shook her head, “No.”

“It is not a request.”

The man on her right made a move to take the sword. As soon as his hand came in touch with the sword a blast of energy forced him back.

The man looked at the sword, “What in the hell?”

The quartet; Kagura, Kanna, and the two guards all looked at each other.

Kagura finally responded in what she hoped was her most convincing voice, “Beware my sword. I am the only one who can wield its power.”

Sensing a disturbance in his normally quiet grounds, Sesshomaru had silently crept up behind the strange woman and her traveling partner who were in the middle of talking back to his guards.

How did she come to possess the Tetseiga?

Sesshoraru had not been overly concerned when his brother disappeared into the well weeks ago. In his opinion, the hanyou was mostly worthless and desperately in need of growing up. Perhaps some time pondering his existence at the bottom of a well would help him do that. However, Sesshomaru couldn't help but be intrigued when he realized Inuyasha was nowhere to be found in this world. At first, it hadn't impacted his life one way of another, but recently his brother's absence had somehow started to affect the balance of the Western Lands. The strange occurrences seemed to culminate the evening before.

Who was it?

Sesshomaru, along with all of the youkai in the area had been jolted out of their sleep by a strange and powerfully alarming aura. The Western Lord had sent out his most skilled spies to find out the cause of the event and who was behind it.

Could she be involved?

His amber eyes darkened.

No…

He shook his head, dismissing the ridiculous thought. The aura that had spiked was most definitely and unbelievably human. The young woman in front of him was a wind-youkai.

Then how has she come to possess Father's sword of legend?

“Sir?” The voice was very close to his left ear.

“Yes, Myoga?” Sesshomaru asked in a bored tone.

“I have the answers you were looking for.”

“I'm waiting.”

The small flea caught his breath, “Inuyasha went through the well to another world."

“Did he? And how exactly were you able to follow him?”

“Sesshomaru-sama, I have some of his blood saved for just such an occasion. I drank some and followed the scent through. You told me to follow him!”

“Where?”

“I'm not sure, but once I got there, I found Inuyasha - in company with a young human female.”

“Was he?”

“Yes.”

“And the sword?”

“What sword?”

Sesshormaru hissed dangerously, “The Tetseiga?”

Myoga's eyes grew large, “If the Tetsegia is in existence…”

“I am well aware of what the prophecy has foretold.”

Any further conversation between flea and master was interrupted by the Lord of the Western Lands young charge. Rin broke through the front gates and ran up to the two young women.

The three travelers looked at each other - each with a similar look of shock and disbelief.

Miroku continued to stare at his hand in wonderment.

Sango looked at him and said through clenched teeth, “I thought I told you that if you did that too often, eventually something weird would happen to you.”

Miroku put his hands up, “I wasn't - I mean, all I had to do was pee.”

Inuyasha started sniffing Miroku's hand.

“What gives, man?”

Inuyasha asked gruffly, “Are you ok?”

Miroku was pale, but answered, “For having sucked in half the forest into my hand, I'd say I'm doing ok.”

Sango tapped a delicate finger on her chin, “Did anything happen to you when you came through the well to our side, Inuyasha?”

Well, there was this amazing wench I landed on…she smelled incredible.

They are looking for a real answer.

Oh, right. How do I make them understand?

Realizing that nothing was out of the current realm of possibility at the moment, Inuyasha started twitching his ears. Miroku and Sango were momentarily distracted by the appendages.

Sango asked hesitantly, “Of course, how could I forget? You grew dog ears.”

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, “I am a dog.”

Miroku was still attempting to create reality he could understand out of the situation, “A horn dog, maybe…”

Sango and Inuyasha both rolled their eyes.

Inuyasha looked at the pair and said, “We'd better start walking, so I can fill you in on the rest of the story.”

They cleaned up their small camp and the little firecat youkai didn't seem to want to let the group out of her sight. She trotted happily near Sango and hissed every time Miroku came near.

“I don't usually have this much trouble with pussy cats.”

Inuyasha smiled to himself as Sango bopped his friend on the head.

At least they are acting “normal” again…

Kouga looked around, fully expecting to wake up and be warm and safe in his bed back home at any moment.

The two men continued to look at him expectantly.

“Well, men, let's go.” Without questioning why, Kouga was inexplicably drawn towards the West. He positively sensed that Kagome was in that direction.

Ginta looked at him, “Are you sure you would not like meet the rest of the tribe?”

And be found out? I don't think so.

He spoke in his most regal voice, “What is a Prince without his Princess?”

Ginta and Hakkaku shrugged their shoulders and followed their new leader.

 

“Hey there lady!”

 

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed slightly. Rin, the rambunctious eight year old had only recently entered his life, was acting, again, unlike any young ladies or youkai's should behave. Feeling particularly generous one day as he was touring his lands after a devastating youkai attack, this young girl approached him with no fear, asking what exactly he was doing in her village. He was struck by her courage…and decided to foster her and keep her safe in these dangerous times. There were days when he wasn't sure why he made this particular decision and this was one of those days. The problem with having incredible courage and no fear meant that Rin needed constant attention and supervision.

 

Jaken, his major-domo, had been appalled, but unquestioning for his new assignment to watch over the young girl. Sesshomaru almost smiled as he saw the toad like creature come around the corner, not far behind his charge.

 

“RIN!”

 

Rin turned around, looked at Jaken and then spotted Sesshomaru.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru!!”

 

Kagura turned around to see just who this Lord Sesshomaru was and was momentarily struck breathless. In the distance stood the most gorgeous man (?) she had ever seen. Granted, he wasn't like anything she had ever seen, but it didn't matter. He simply radiated calm coolness. His golden eyes …vaguely familiar… pierced through her and were set off by a crescent moon tattoo on his forehead. The slashes of magenta on his sharply defined cheeks made him appear dangerous. He was tall with flowing platinum hair …also vaguely familiar… and was dressed in the most bizarre fashions she had ever seen, but somehow it worked for him. Kagura resisted the urge to curtsy in front of him.

 

Their eyes met across the courtyard. Kagura didn't look away. Sesshomaru didn't break the eye contact as he walked to the group.

 

The guards both began speaking at once.

 

“She came out of nowhere—“

 

“She refused to give up—“

 

“Leave us.”

 

The guards began humbly moving backwards bowing and scraping.

 

“Take those two with you.”

 

The guards quickly collected Rin and Kanna, leaving Kagura alone with the Lord of the Western Lands.

 

Jaken stood proudly at his master's side.

 

Sesshomaru gave the toad a look that sent him quickly leaving the scene.

 

“Walk with me.” It was an order, not a request. The voice was cold and calculated.

 

Kagura crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes, “And if I refuse?”

 

Seeshomaru's aura crackled. Kagura was fearful, but sensed that although he might not be human exactly, she didn't think he was capable of ending her life.

 

She rolled her eyes, “Fine. Don't have a cow, man.”

 

The unlikely pair walked in silence. Kagura kept her hands tightly clenched on the sword at her side. The further they walked into the expansive gardens, the more Kagura realized how far in trouble she was getting. She had no idea where her sister was and had no idea how to get back to the well that had gotten her here in the first place.

 

“How did you come to these lands?”

 

Should I play the damsel in distress card?

 

Through lowered eyelashes, Kagura glanced at the tall man beside her.

 

Nah, that wouldn't work. Why should he care anything about me?

 

Kagura couldn't help herself and answered sarcastically, “You wouldn't believe me if I told you.”

 

If any of Sesshomaru's vassals had been listening in on the conversation they would probably wonder why the young woman hadn't been struck down yet. Then again, the Lord of the Western Lands had a personality that very few could or would ever understand.

 

“Indulge me.”

 

Wouldn't I just love to?

 

A blush crept over Kagura's cheeks that she was powerless to stop.

 

Sesshomaru sensed her rise in temperature and was even further confused by the youkai walking next to him. He hadn't had much interaction with the opposite sex in his many years. Most of the females in his court were conniving political bitches and after him for his title only. He did his best to remain about court intrigues and flirtations…but this youkai, she was unlike anything he had ever met. She hadn't flirted with him or back down. It was almost like she had no idea who he was. The taiyoukai didn't like that particular idea.

 

Kagura took a deep breath and began talking, “It's not a pretty story. The truth is, I'm not really sure where I came from exactly. I was adopted and moved around the foster care system before finally ending up in a decent neighborhood in a decent town. After I had been with the Schultz's for awhile, they took in another girl, a few years younger than me, Kanna. Kanna must've had it worse than I did because she doesn't talk a lot, but she's very smart. She skipped enough grades to be in the same grade as me… Then we went to high school. Everyone must've picked up on our weirdness because we were immediately social outcasts. It was then we met Naraku. He was nice…at first,” Kagura shivered.

 

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. He had heard Kagura's tone of voice before…the tone of someone who has been demoralized, tortured and humiliated. Almost unconsciously, his claws clenched into a fist.

 

“…I don't know why I'm telling you this.”

 

“Continue.”

 

“It was like he held this power over us and I could see myself, but it wasn't me, but I couldn't stop. I didn't want to be a part of it. And now I'm here and for the first time in a long time, I fell like myself…”

 

Kagura wiped her eyes, embarrassed at losing it in front of a stranger.

 

Foster care? Neighborhood? Naraku?

 

The words didn't make sense in Sessomaru's mind. They were foreign to his well educated ears.

 

“Consider you and your sister under the protection of the Lord of the Western lands.”

 

Kagura whispered, “Thank you.”

 

Fall asleep…fall asleep…

 

Kagome concentrated her entire being on that particular phrase and was surprised when a flash of purple surrounded Naraku. He walked slower and slower until he fell over, snoring. Kagome stepped back and inspected the fallen young man. She couldn't say exactly, but she sensed some slight changes in him and wondered what, if anything, the travel through the time slip had done to any of them. She also found it quite ironic that at the exact moment she wished that Naraku would fall asleep, he did.

 

Did I do that?

 

What you did or did not do doesn't matter. You need to put as much distance between you and Naraku as possible.

 

Kagome didn't need to remind herself twice. She took off running into the strange world…through the dark forest, heading back in what she hoped was the same direction as they had started, praying that Inuyasha would be there.

 

“…so that's basically what happened.”

 

Sango and Miroku continued to walk in silence.

 

Sango asked, “So, let me get this straight, nothing has happened between you two?”

Miroku and Inuyasha looked at each other and shared a universal look that just said, “Girls.”

 

Inuyasha replied with, “Keh.”

 

Sango rolled her eyes, “What is that even supposed to mean? Did something happen?”

 

Inuyasha began turning a similar shade of red as his fire rat haori.

 

Sango giggled.

 

Miroku bravely stepped in for his friend, “Inuyasha explains to us that he is a half demon from a world five hundred years in the past and missing a very important sword and all you can do is ask about his relationship with Kagome?”

 

Sango yelled right back at Miroku, “Sorry for trying to establish a little bit of normalcy in the situation. I have not forgotten that we are in the middle of nowhere, that Kagome has been taken hostage by Naraku, and that you are now sporting a rather large hole in your hand. Excuse me for wanting to take my mind off of that for two seconds!”

 

Sango and Miroku glared at each other.

 

Inuyasha said quickly, “Something almost happened, but it didn't. Are you satisfied?”

 

Sango perked up, “So when you say something almost happened, was it because you instigated it, or did she? Because you know that makes a big difference.”

 

AN: Hee. I just love the idea of someone telling Seeshy to “not have a cow.”