InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Time After Time ❯ Too Little, Too Late ( Chapter 17 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kanna37 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 03.25.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 03.25.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 17: Too Little, Too Late
Kagome was exhausted.
They had been traveling already for over a week, and the tension between Inuyasha and his father was wearing her down – because it was all over her.
Emotionally, she couldn't help but react to it all by withdrawing even more from everyone, not just Sugimi and Inuyasha. And that was causing the strain to slip over to the rest of the pack. The only one that didn't seem to be bothered, was Sesshoumaru.
She had to smile just a little as she thought about Inuyasha's 'evil' brother. For so long she'd seen only the one side of him – the side Inuyasha insisted was the only side he had. But it was clear that Inuyasha was just biased in his opinion, because he and Sesshoumaru didn't get along.
Grateful to the Inu for his complete normality with her, she spent much of the time while walking talking to him. He'd read through all the information she'd brought him on ancient battles, and they discussed every aspect of each one, from both sides of the battle. Kagome learned that Sesshoumaru was someone to be feared across a battlefield, and with a chuckle, she'd told him she was glad that she wasn't opposing him any longer.
Surprisingly, or maybe not, he'd smirked at her, and returned the compliment.
As stunning as it was, Sesshoumaru had to admit – the girl was highly intelligent, and would have made for a brilliant General in battle. Without any formal training, she seemed to have an innate understanding of how to use the terrain, the weather, even tricks and traps, to her advantage.
He was reluctantly able to admit to himself that he could see the reason that so many youkai males were fascinated by the little miko. As hard as it was to face it, he couldn't hide from himself – if she were not being already courted by his father, he might actually consider it himself.
It seemed that his father picked up on that, too... and was quick to warn him off. He stiffly informed his father at that point that he would not dishonor himself by attempting to court a female that was already taken, no matter how much he might like her himself. Once Sugimi had acknowledged his older son's honorable behavior, he had no more qualms about him spending time speaking to Kagome.
Inuyasha, on the other hand...
But it looked as though the boy had finally realized that she was forever now out of his reach. While that was a good thing, the rest of the group was concerned – Inuyasha acted like his spirit was wounded beyond saving. He was no longer the high-spirited person he had once been, instead keeping silent and trailing the rest of the group at a slight distance.
In battle, he was restrained; while still a dangerous opponent, everyone could tell that his heart just wasn't in it any longer. He was simply doing what needed done, and then moving on like an automaton.
Kagome watched it all, and shook her head, worried and weary. She didn't know what to do about Inuyasha – she hated seeing him that way, but didn't know what to do to cheer him up – besides breaking it off with Sugimi, and going back to him, which wasn't really an option.
Finally, one evening as they sat around their campfire waiting for dinner, Kagome got an idea, and passing everyone their ramen after it was ready, she scooted back to Inuyasha, handing him his food.
He took it, though he just stared at the food that he'd always loved with a lackluster expression.
With a worried sigh, she hesitantly asked, “Inuyasha, would you like it if Kikyou traveled with us?”
The entire camp went silent with shock, but Kagome didn't notice a thing, too busy watching Inuyasha.
He cast his father a scathing look that the miko didn't understand, and then growled out his answer. Needless to say, everyone except Sugimi was stunned.
“Hell, no! I don't want to deal with her at all, let alone constantly. Besides, wench, why would you all of a sudden want her here – weren't you the one complaining that she was spying on us and feeding the information to Naraku?”
Kagome blinked, then blinked again, uncertain how to react. He'd never before spoken of the dead miko with such virulent anger in his voice. “Well,” she protested, “if she was with us, she wouldn't be able to snitch, ne?”
Before Inuyasha could say another word, Sugimi spoke up. “Kagome, I appreciate the reason you offered this to Inuyasha – but it will not be happening. There would still be opportunities for her to betray us, and if she were with us, she'd have even more information to hand out.”
Inuyasha just huffed and turned his head away, paying no attention to the noodles at his side.
“What happened to make you so mad at her, Inuyasha?” Kagome queried, determined to get everything out into the open. “Did she do something to you?”
At that, he stood up and turned as though to leave the camp. He paused after a moment, and said, “Her and her games and manipulations cost me everything, Kagome – and I don't want to deal with her anymore.” He shrugged tensely. “But the truth is, I let her do it... so it's just as much my fault. I was a blind fool, and now I'm paying for it.” With that, he disappeared, and Kagome stared at the spot he'd stood in, tears trailing down her face as she knelt in the soft grass, staring after him forlornly.
She knew exactly what he was saying, and it broke her heart – because it was too little, too late. But even though they would never be the couple she'd once hoped they'd be, she still cared for him, and hated to see him hurting.
Unfortunately, only time would heal his wounds, and there was nothing anyone could do to help it along. But she had the sneaking suspicion that this trial would make him grow up – he was already acting more mature than he ever had before, although it was in a melancholic fashion.
Wiping her eyes, she sighed, and looked back at the rest of the group, meeting several sympathetic gazes, and shrugged sadly. “I hate it when someone's hurting, and I can't help them. It makes me feel so useless.”
Sugimi started to speak, but was beaten out by Sesshoumaru. “Pain is a catalyst, miko. Without it, we would never learn. It is perhaps a nice sentiment on your part to wish that no one would ever be hurt – but then no one would ever grow, nor gain wisdom.”
Kagome just nodded, then scooted back towards the fire, tucking her knees against her body, she laid her head on them, and stared in weary sadness into the fire.
Sesshoumaru was right, she knew... but it still sucked.
-sSs-
By the time they actually reached the area that the shard was supposedly in, Kagome was ready to shatter into a million pieces. Sugimi was also troubled, though he was able to deal with it much better than Kagome – the distance she'd put between them was agitating his blood, and he didn't know how much more he could take.
Still, as they neared their destination, he found his mind flying back several hundred years... to a time about a hundred years before Sesshoumaru had been born. It appeared that the shard of the jewel they were now after was being held by none other than the ruler of the Southern lands... at one time, the ruler had been a woman... a very beautiful woman that Sugimi had had a long lasting affair with.
The fact that the shard was being held by a cardinal Lord, or Lady, as the case may be, was not good news – unless they were like Sesshoumaru, and despised false power. Wondering who now held the position, Sugimi dropped back to the middle of the group, where Sesshoumaru was walking with Kagome.
“Kagome, if you would excuse me for a moment, I need to question Sesshoumaru about something.” She nodded, and made a move to walk with Sango, instead, but without thinking, Sugimi shook his head. “You don't need to leave.” Turning to meet his son's questioning gaze, he asked, “Who is in charge of the Southern Lands?”
Sesshoumaru leveled a weighing gaze on his father, then said, “Lady Kana is still ruler here, father. She has not changed much from the time you knew her.”
At that, Sugimi wished he'd had Kagome go – from Sesshoumaru's words, and his expression, Kagome was already aware that there was a story here... and it wasn't one he particularly wanted her to find out about – especially as they were already on rocky ground because of her doubts and fears.
But it looked as though the story was going to come out, one way or another, whether he wanted it to or not.
With an inward sigh, he let his mind remember.
He'd met Kana over a battlefield – the edges of both their lands had become the hunting grounds for a group of bandits, and both he, and she, had moved to smash the bandits before they could truly do harm.
He'd been bowled over immediately.
Kana was absolutely beautiful – one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen in his long, long life. And that had attracted him – at the time, he wasn't married, so he was free to dally as he chose.
And dally he did – their affair had lasted for more than twenty years.
But as time had gone on, her power over him waned... she was beautiful, but cold. There was no true passion in her. Oh, not that she wasn't affected by physical desire, her performance in the bedchambers was immaculate – but she had no fire in her heart, only endless ice – what was ironic about it was that she was a fire elemental.
In the end, that was what had chased him off, and he'd finally set her aside and began looking for a warmer female to perhaps marry and sire an heir on. He'd chosen Sesshoumaru's mother... but his mistake, because she was just as cold, and power-hungry – she was just better at hiding it, for a while anyway.
Still, despite the fact that he'd not been near her in hundreds of years, he was positive that Kagome would figure out soon enough that he had a past with Kana – knowing her, she'd bring it up in front of everyone... and then Kagome would even be farther out of his reach.
This whole mess was getting far too complicated.
Making a decision, he caught Kagome's hand in his to gain her attention. “You and I need to speak, Kagome. Would you walk with me?”
“Uh... okay, I guess so,” she stuttered out hesitantly as she caught the look on his face. Letting him wrap her hand around his arm, he walked back to his normal spot at the head of the group, and sighed as he looked down at the little miko that had thoroughly stolen his heart.
“The shard is being held by the Cardinal ruler of the Southern Lands – the last village that we passed through, I found some soldiers of the Southern army, and they told me that she'd taken it from a lower youkai that was wreaking havoc on the lands around here.” Tightening his grip on her a bit, he continued. “The ruler's name is Kana... and I have a past with her.”
Kagome stiffened at that, and frowned. Great... “A... past?” she asked carefully.
“Before I met Sesshoumaru's mother – about a hundred years before, I met Kana as we battled some bandits that were causing problems along our borders. For about twenty years, we were lovers,” he said bluntly, knowing there was really no other way to say it.
Tense, Kagome closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them. “Why are you telling me this? Do you still want her?”
He grew angry at that question, and growled a little at her, letting her hear his displeasure. “First of all, Kagome, I am already courting you. I have no desire for any other female, if I did, I wouldn't be trying so hard to court you. As for why I am telling you this? Honesty is always best. I know Kana, and she would be the one to bring that past up the moment she finds out I'm courting you, just to cause trouble. This way, I spike her wheels, because you will already have been informed.”
“I'm sorry,” she said softly, “I shouldn't have asked that. Thank you for being honest, at least. I'm grateful that you were.” With that, she slowly pulled away, and smiled at him, though it was a halfhearted attempt at best, then moved back to her previous place, thoughts whirling.
First Izayoi, and now this. But then again... I know he's been around for so many, many centuries – it's not like he'd spent his life being celibate. And it's probable that most were youkai that he slept with, and with how long they live, I could potentially be meeting his past bedmates frequently. Ugh! If I'd have just accepted Hojo, I wouldn't be dealing with all this!
Shoulders slumping, she let out a dejected sigh, and shook her head, trying to wrap her mind around the whole thing. This had just brought home to her once more, how much older in years, and experience he was. How in the hell was she supposed to please him? She didn't know the first thing about sexual matters, except what they'd learned in school – and that was just the mechanics of it.
How the hell could she, Kagome Higurashi, virgin extraordinaire, even begin to compare to any one of his past lovers?
She had the funny feeling, from what Sugimi had both said, and not said, that meeting this Kana was going to be uncomfortable for her. Worried, she had to admit to herself that she didn't know just how much more she could take before she had a miniature breakdown.
Truth was, while technically an adult, and being a great deal more mature than most people her age, she wasn't when it came to interpersonal relationships. After all, the only relationship she'd ever had was the dysfunctional one with Inuyasha... and it hadn't been much of a relationship at all.
With a resigned sigh, she dug down deep, and pulled out as much strength as she could – so, he'd had an affair with the woman several hundred years ago. That was then, this is now. Nodding to herself firmly, she straightened her shoulders and pushed all thoughts of that away – she was here only for the shard, and everything else could just go screw off.
-sSs-
With Sesshoumaru as part of their party, they were quickly escorted into the Southern shiro, and into the central audience chamber. Kagome looked around, reluctantly admitting that the place was beautiful, though stark and plain.
She wondered why anyone so obviously wealthy would practice such severe minimalism... until she caught sight of the Lady of the South... and then she understood perfectly.
The severity of her home was the perfect foil for her extravagant, lush beauty. With a look at Sugimi, her shoulders slumped, and her eyes closed.
There's no way Sugimi could be serious about me. Compared to her, I'm repulsive. If that's what he's used to...
Opening her eyes again as they all trudged towards the dais at the end of the large room, she surreptitiously watched the men in their party. Sesshoumaru's expression didn't change at all as he paced forwards calmly. If the woman's beauty affected him, he didn't show it.
Inuyasha still carried his usual scowl, and wasn't even looking at the stunning woman on the dais.
Miroku, as expected, was staring in awe, and Sango had a sour look on her pretty face, obviously waiting for the perversion to commence. All Kagome could do was sympathize with her.
Finally, Sugimi's reaction caught her eye; he was staring at the woman who Kagome noticed was staring hotly back. At that moment, she wished she could simply turn around and walk away – go home and forget the Shikon jewel, Naraku, and most especially, Sugimi.
Anyone seeing the two would immediately know that they had a history – and a lot of it.
How the hell could he turn away from her? What could have happened between them to end whatever it was they had? Flame red hair and emerald green eyes... I could only wish to look like that...
As they reached the dais, Kana turned her gaze away from Sugimi, and looked at Sesshoumaru.
“So... tell me, Sesshoumaru, what your business with this one is.” It wasn't a request.
“We have come for the shard of the Shikon you have.”
One sleek brow rising, she laughed lightly at him. “And why do you think I would give it to you, Sesshoumaru of the West?”
“You will not give it to me. You will give it to the Shikon no Miko.” He motioned Kagome forward to stand at his side. “She is its guardian.”
Kagome tensed when the woman's emerald gaze turned on her, and her aura flared just a bit defensively.
Kana studied her for a long moment. “Are you not rather young for such a burden? What makes this jewel your responsibility?”
Narrowing her eyes, Kagome's natural belligerence towards those that tried to intimidate her rushed over her, and she drew herself up and spoke out, no longer nervous. This was one subject she was confident of, and she wouldn't be spoken down to on it.
“I was born with the Shikon no Tama inside me. The jewel wasn't removed from my body until three years ago when Mistress Centipede tore it from my side, after which it was shattered. I hunt the shards to keep them from Naraku, or any other that would use it.”
Kana seemed taken aback for a moment at Kagome's tone – though respectful enough, it brooked no argument. Again studying her, she realized something. “You carry more shards.”
“I do. The one you hold is the last one not accounted for. I have what I have, a wolf prince has two, and a young slayer holds one – and the rest lie in Naraku's hands.”
The lady frowned at that. “Naraku... that one is arrogant – especially as he is merely a created hanyou,” her tone spiteful. Once more meeting Sugimi's eyes, she said, “I must think on this matter. In the meantime, I will have you escorted to rooms, where you will be able to refresh yourselves, and then join me for the evening meal. We will speak more afterwords.”
With a curt gesture at a silent servant, she gave her instructions, and just like that, the group was being led deeper into the palace proper. Kagome was quick to notice that Kana's gaze followed Sugimi from the room... with an almost desperate hunger.
The way she's looking at Sugimi, I can just bet that it wasn't her that broke off their relationship. And I'm certain she'd love to get her hands on him again, Kagome thought, feeling terribly awkward and unsure of herself.
And with an honesty that not many could match, she admitted to herself that the other woman would be a much better match for the stunningly beautiful daiyoukai than she could ever be.
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Kagome was exhausted.
They had been traveling already for over a week, and the tension between Inuyasha and his father was wearing her down – because it was all over her.
Emotionally, she couldn't help but react to it all by withdrawing even more from everyone, not just Sugimi and Inuyasha. And that was causing the strain to slip over to the rest of the pack. The only one that didn't seem to be bothered, was Sesshoumaru.
She had to smile just a little as she thought about Inuyasha's 'evil' brother. For so long she'd seen only the one side of him – the side Inuyasha insisted was the only side he had. But it was clear that Inuyasha was just biased in his opinion, because he and Sesshoumaru didn't get along.
Grateful to the Inu for his complete normality with her, she spent much of the time while walking talking to him. He'd read through all the information she'd brought him on ancient battles, and they discussed every aspect of each one, from both sides of the battle. Kagome learned that Sesshoumaru was someone to be feared across a battlefield, and with a chuckle, she'd told him she was glad that she wasn't opposing him any longer.
Surprisingly, or maybe not, he'd smirked at her, and returned the compliment.
As stunning as it was, Sesshoumaru had to admit – the girl was highly intelligent, and would have made for a brilliant General in battle. Without any formal training, she seemed to have an innate understanding of how to use the terrain, the weather, even tricks and traps, to her advantage.
He was reluctantly able to admit to himself that he could see the reason that so many youkai males were fascinated by the little miko. As hard as it was to face it, he couldn't hide from himself – if she were not being already courted by his father, he might actually consider it himself.
It seemed that his father picked up on that, too... and was quick to warn him off. He stiffly informed his father at that point that he would not dishonor himself by attempting to court a female that was already taken, no matter how much he might like her himself. Once Sugimi had acknowledged his older son's honorable behavior, he had no more qualms about him spending time speaking to Kagome.
Inuyasha, on the other hand...
But it looked as though the boy had finally realized that she was forever now out of his reach. While that was a good thing, the rest of the group was concerned – Inuyasha acted like his spirit was wounded beyond saving. He was no longer the high-spirited person he had once been, instead keeping silent and trailing the rest of the group at a slight distance.
In battle, he was restrained; while still a dangerous opponent, everyone could tell that his heart just wasn't in it any longer. He was simply doing what needed done, and then moving on like an automaton.
Kagome watched it all, and shook her head, worried and weary. She didn't know what to do about Inuyasha – she hated seeing him that way, but didn't know what to do to cheer him up – besides breaking it off with Sugimi, and going back to him, which wasn't really an option.
Finally, one evening as they sat around their campfire waiting for dinner, Kagome got an idea, and passing everyone their ramen after it was ready, she scooted back to Inuyasha, handing him his food.
He took it, though he just stared at the food that he'd always loved with a lackluster expression.
With a worried sigh, she hesitantly asked, “Inuyasha, would you like it if Kikyou traveled with us?”
The entire camp went silent with shock, but Kagome didn't notice a thing, too busy watching Inuyasha.
He cast his father a scathing look that the miko didn't understand, and then growled out his answer. Needless to say, everyone except Sugimi was stunned.
“Hell, no! I don't want to deal with her at all, let alone constantly. Besides, wench, why would you all of a sudden want her here – weren't you the one complaining that she was spying on us and feeding the information to Naraku?”
Kagome blinked, then blinked again, uncertain how to react. He'd never before spoken of the dead miko with such virulent anger in his voice. “Well,” she protested, “if she was with us, she wouldn't be able to snitch, ne?”
Before Inuyasha could say another word, Sugimi spoke up. “Kagome, I appreciate the reason you offered this to Inuyasha – but it will not be happening. There would still be opportunities for her to betray us, and if she were with us, she'd have even more information to hand out.”
Inuyasha just huffed and turned his head away, paying no attention to the noodles at his side.
“What happened to make you so mad at her, Inuyasha?” Kagome queried, determined to get everything out into the open. “Did she do something to you?”
At that, he stood up and turned as though to leave the camp. He paused after a moment, and said, “Her and her games and manipulations cost me everything, Kagome – and I don't want to deal with her anymore.” He shrugged tensely. “But the truth is, I let her do it... so it's just as much my fault. I was a blind fool, and now I'm paying for it.” With that, he disappeared, and Kagome stared at the spot he'd stood in, tears trailing down her face as she knelt in the soft grass, staring after him forlornly.
She knew exactly what he was saying, and it broke her heart – because it was too little, too late. But even though they would never be the couple she'd once hoped they'd be, she still cared for him, and hated to see him hurting.
Unfortunately, only time would heal his wounds, and there was nothing anyone could do to help it along. But she had the sneaking suspicion that this trial would make him grow up – he was already acting more mature than he ever had before, although it was in a melancholic fashion.
Wiping her eyes, she sighed, and looked back at the rest of the group, meeting several sympathetic gazes, and shrugged sadly. “I hate it when someone's hurting, and I can't help them. It makes me feel so useless.”
Sugimi started to speak, but was beaten out by Sesshoumaru. “Pain is a catalyst, miko. Without it, we would never learn. It is perhaps a nice sentiment on your part to wish that no one would ever be hurt – but then no one would ever grow, nor gain wisdom.”
Kagome just nodded, then scooted back towards the fire, tucking her knees against her body, she laid her head on them, and stared in weary sadness into the fire.
Sesshoumaru was right, she knew... but it still sucked.
-sSs-
By the time they actually reached the area that the shard was supposedly in, Kagome was ready to shatter into a million pieces. Sugimi was also troubled, though he was able to deal with it much better than Kagome – the distance she'd put between them was agitating his blood, and he didn't know how much more he could take.
Still, as they neared their destination, he found his mind flying back several hundred years... to a time about a hundred years before Sesshoumaru had been born. It appeared that the shard of the jewel they were now after was being held by none other than the ruler of the Southern lands... at one time, the ruler had been a woman... a very beautiful woman that Sugimi had had a long lasting affair with.
The fact that the shard was being held by a cardinal Lord, or Lady, as the case may be, was not good news – unless they were like Sesshoumaru, and despised false power. Wondering who now held the position, Sugimi dropped back to the middle of the group, where Sesshoumaru was walking with Kagome.
“Kagome, if you would excuse me for a moment, I need to question Sesshoumaru about something.” She nodded, and made a move to walk with Sango, instead, but without thinking, Sugimi shook his head. “You don't need to leave.” Turning to meet his son's questioning gaze, he asked, “Who is in charge of the Southern Lands?”
Sesshoumaru leveled a weighing gaze on his father, then said, “Lady Kana is still ruler here, father. She has not changed much from the time you knew her.”
At that, Sugimi wished he'd had Kagome go – from Sesshoumaru's words, and his expression, Kagome was already aware that there was a story here... and it wasn't one he particularly wanted her to find out about – especially as they were already on rocky ground because of her doubts and fears.
But it looked as though the story was going to come out, one way or another, whether he wanted it to or not.
With an inward sigh, he let his mind remember.
He'd met Kana over a battlefield – the edges of both their lands had become the hunting grounds for a group of bandits, and both he, and she, had moved to smash the bandits before they could truly do harm.
He'd been bowled over immediately.
Kana was absolutely beautiful – one of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen in his long, long life. And that had attracted him – at the time, he wasn't married, so he was free to dally as he chose.
And dally he did – their affair had lasted for more than twenty years.
But as time had gone on, her power over him waned... she was beautiful, but cold. There was no true passion in her. Oh, not that she wasn't affected by physical desire, her performance in the bedchambers was immaculate – but she had no fire in her heart, only endless ice – what was ironic about it was that she was a fire elemental.
In the end, that was what had chased him off, and he'd finally set her aside and began looking for a warmer female to perhaps marry and sire an heir on. He'd chosen Sesshoumaru's mother... but his mistake, because she was just as cold, and power-hungry – she was just better at hiding it, for a while anyway.
Still, despite the fact that he'd not been near her in hundreds of years, he was positive that Kagome would figure out soon enough that he had a past with Kana – knowing her, she'd bring it up in front of everyone... and then Kagome would even be farther out of his reach.
This whole mess was getting far too complicated.
Making a decision, he caught Kagome's hand in his to gain her attention. “You and I need to speak, Kagome. Would you walk with me?”
“Uh... okay, I guess so,” she stuttered out hesitantly as she caught the look on his face. Letting him wrap her hand around his arm, he walked back to his normal spot at the head of the group, and sighed as he looked down at the little miko that had thoroughly stolen his heart.
“The shard is being held by the Cardinal ruler of the Southern Lands – the last village that we passed through, I found some soldiers of the Southern army, and they told me that she'd taken it from a lower youkai that was wreaking havoc on the lands around here.” Tightening his grip on her a bit, he continued. “The ruler's name is Kana... and I have a past with her.”
Kagome stiffened at that, and frowned. Great... “A... past?” she asked carefully.
“Before I met Sesshoumaru's mother – about a hundred years before, I met Kana as we battled some bandits that were causing problems along our borders. For about twenty years, we were lovers,” he said bluntly, knowing there was really no other way to say it.
Tense, Kagome closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them. “Why are you telling me this? Do you still want her?”
He grew angry at that question, and growled a little at her, letting her hear his displeasure. “First of all, Kagome, I am already courting you. I have no desire for any other female, if I did, I wouldn't be trying so hard to court you. As for why I am telling you this? Honesty is always best. I know Kana, and she would be the one to bring that past up the moment she finds out I'm courting you, just to cause trouble. This way, I spike her wheels, because you will already have been informed.”
“I'm sorry,” she said softly, “I shouldn't have asked that. Thank you for being honest, at least. I'm grateful that you were.” With that, she slowly pulled away, and smiled at him, though it was a halfhearted attempt at best, then moved back to her previous place, thoughts whirling.
First Izayoi, and now this. But then again... I know he's been around for so many, many centuries – it's not like he'd spent his life being celibate. And it's probable that most were youkai that he slept with, and with how long they live, I could potentially be meeting his past bedmates frequently. Ugh! If I'd have just accepted Hojo, I wouldn't be dealing with all this!
Shoulders slumping, she let out a dejected sigh, and shook her head, trying to wrap her mind around the whole thing. This had just brought home to her once more, how much older in years, and experience he was. How in the hell was she supposed to please him? She didn't know the first thing about sexual matters, except what they'd learned in school – and that was just the mechanics of it.
How the hell could she, Kagome Higurashi, virgin extraordinaire, even begin to compare to any one of his past lovers?
She had the funny feeling, from what Sugimi had both said, and not said, that meeting this Kana was going to be uncomfortable for her. Worried, she had to admit to herself that she didn't know just how much more she could take before she had a miniature breakdown.
Truth was, while technically an adult, and being a great deal more mature than most people her age, she wasn't when it came to interpersonal relationships. After all, the only relationship she'd ever had was the dysfunctional one with Inuyasha... and it hadn't been much of a relationship at all.
With a resigned sigh, she dug down deep, and pulled out as much strength as she could – so, he'd had an affair with the woman several hundred years ago. That was then, this is now. Nodding to herself firmly, she straightened her shoulders and pushed all thoughts of that away – she was here only for the shard, and everything else could just go screw off.
-sSs-
With Sesshoumaru as part of their party, they were quickly escorted into the Southern shiro, and into the central audience chamber. Kagome looked around, reluctantly admitting that the place was beautiful, though stark and plain.
She wondered why anyone so obviously wealthy would practice such severe minimalism... until she caught sight of the Lady of the South... and then she understood perfectly.
The severity of her home was the perfect foil for her extravagant, lush beauty. With a look at Sugimi, her shoulders slumped, and her eyes closed.
There's no way Sugimi could be serious about me. Compared to her, I'm repulsive. If that's what he's used to...
Opening her eyes again as they all trudged towards the dais at the end of the large room, she surreptitiously watched the men in their party. Sesshoumaru's expression didn't change at all as he paced forwards calmly. If the woman's beauty affected him, he didn't show it.
Inuyasha still carried his usual scowl, and wasn't even looking at the stunning woman on the dais.
Miroku, as expected, was staring in awe, and Sango had a sour look on her pretty face, obviously waiting for the perversion to commence. All Kagome could do was sympathize with her.
Finally, Sugimi's reaction caught her eye; he was staring at the woman who Kagome noticed was staring hotly back. At that moment, she wished she could simply turn around and walk away – go home and forget the Shikon jewel, Naraku, and most especially, Sugimi.
Anyone seeing the two would immediately know that they had a history – and a lot of it.
How the hell could he turn away from her? What could have happened between them to end whatever it was they had? Flame red hair and emerald green eyes... I could only wish to look like that...
As they reached the dais, Kana turned her gaze away from Sugimi, and looked at Sesshoumaru.
“So... tell me, Sesshoumaru, what your business with this one is.” It wasn't a request.
“We have come for the shard of the Shikon you have.”
One sleek brow rising, she laughed lightly at him. “And why do you think I would give it to you, Sesshoumaru of the West?”
“You will not give it to me. You will give it to the Shikon no Miko.” He motioned Kagome forward to stand at his side. “She is its guardian.”
Kagome tensed when the woman's emerald gaze turned on her, and her aura flared just a bit defensively.
Kana studied her for a long moment. “Are you not rather young for such a burden? What makes this jewel your responsibility?”
Narrowing her eyes, Kagome's natural belligerence towards those that tried to intimidate her rushed over her, and she drew herself up and spoke out, no longer nervous. This was one subject she was confident of, and she wouldn't be spoken down to on it.
“I was born with the Shikon no Tama inside me. The jewel wasn't removed from my body until three years ago when Mistress Centipede tore it from my side, after which it was shattered. I hunt the shards to keep them from Naraku, or any other that would use it.”
Kana seemed taken aback for a moment at Kagome's tone – though respectful enough, it brooked no argument. Again studying her, she realized something. “You carry more shards.”
“I do. The one you hold is the last one not accounted for. I have what I have, a wolf prince has two, and a young slayer holds one – and the rest lie in Naraku's hands.”
The lady frowned at that. “Naraku... that one is arrogant – especially as he is merely a created hanyou,” her tone spiteful. Once more meeting Sugimi's eyes, she said, “I must think on this matter. In the meantime, I will have you escorted to rooms, where you will be able to refresh yourselves, and then join me for the evening meal. We will speak more afterwords.”
With a curt gesture at a silent servant, she gave her instructions, and just like that, the group was being led deeper into the palace proper. Kagome was quick to notice that Kana's gaze followed Sugimi from the room... with an almost desperate hunger.
The way she's looking at Sugimi, I can just bet that it wasn't her that broke off their relationship. And I'm certain she'd love to get her hands on him again, Kagome thought, feeling terribly awkward and unsure of herself.
And with an honesty that not many could match, she admitted to herself that the other woman would be a much better match for the stunningly beautiful daiyoukai than she could ever be.
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