InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Time After Time ❯ A Surprising Demand ( Chapter 18 )
[ 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: 3.5K | Visits: 415 | 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: 3.5K | Visits: 415 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 18: A Surprising Demand
Sugimi was not overly surprised to find Kana at his door within minutes of having been led to the room, though he wasn't too happy about it. He slid the door back at her peremptory knock on the wooden frame and looked at her for a few moments.
“Kana. To what do I owe this visit?” he asked, not stepping aside to invite her in.
She tilted her head and smiled whimsically. “How unfriendly a greeting, Sugimi, after not seeing me for so many years. That begs the question – how did you cheat death?”
He shrugged. “It isn't particularly hard if you plan ahead.”
One brow arced into her flame colored bangs. “And still, you do not invite me inside. Is there a reason you are being so unsociable?” she asked coquettishly.
She hasn't changed at all – still playing with the people around her for her own amusement. “Yes. I know how you are, Kana, and I have no intention of providing you amusement.”
A feminine chuckle echoed lightly in the hall and she reached up, running a caressing finger across his cheek. A little anger flashed through her eyes when he took her hand and pushed it away. “You know, you never told me why you decided to end our previous association.”
“I found that I wanted more than you would ever be able to give,” he said bluntly, surprising her.
“What do you mean, Sugimi? I know you enjoyed our... bed play. What changed?”
He shook his head, not surprised she still didn't understand. Kana might be beautiful, but she carried only one dimension – she was flat. “And that you still don't understand my words is the very reason I stopped coming to you. I won't even try to explain it again, Kana – you are incapable of grasping my reasons.” He narrowed his eyes at her when he saw the anger flare stronger in her eyes. “I have no intention of rekindling anything, either, so do not attempt to catch me alone again.” With that, he stepped back and slid the door closed in her face, not caring if she was insulted by it or not.
Exhaling gustily, he shook his head again in frustration. Why did it have to be her that held the last shard? I have no desire to stay here and bandy words with her. And I certainly don't want her anywhere near Kagome.
Moving slowly, he crossed the room to the corner table that held a small basin and jar of water. Pouring out a small measure, he splashed his face, the chill of it calming the heat of his irritation a little. Drying his hands on the small cloth to the side of the basin, he couldn't help but wonder just exactly what Kana wanted.
Lost in thought, he wandered out of the room, and into the gardens. I know her only too well. She has no love for me, and I'm sure she's had many lovers since I left her life, so her sudden want of me is suspect. There must be some other angle. Perhaps she is simply bored, and looking to cause trouble for her own amusement?
He had to admit that was probably the reason. And she picked the best time for it, too – with Kagome and how she's already so leery of trusting me with her heart. If she reacted so badly to meeting Izayoi, how much worse will it be with Kana doing everything in her power to interfere?
He was lured from his preoccupation by the sound of singing, and touched by the melancholy sound of it, he followed the voice through the garden until he came to its source. He was oddly taken by surprise that it was Kagome – and that she could sing so beautifully, as well.
Lingering out of sight under the trees, not wanting to interrupt her, he simply listened.
There was no way to stop the sadness that resounded through her voice from affecting him, and he wondered at how he'd missed the confusion in her for so long. His heart softened... she was so young and uncertain of herself, like a newborn foal, struggling to stand on its legs for the first time.
Was he doing her a disservice by courting her at this time? Yes, she was his soul mate, and he could never leave her now that he'd found her... but perhaps he should have waited for a few years for her to grow a little more?
But then he shook his head at himself. If he waited for her to gain enough experience to deal with him on an equal footing, she'd die of old age before it would ever happen. It was a catch twenty-two – she needed more experience under her belt before being with him, but the only way she would have the time for that is if he mated her now... extending her life.
His eyes rested on her pensively as she sat under the sakura trees, completely unaware that he was even there. And even if that conundrum hadn't presented itself, I could never step back now – it would only hurt her worse than leaving things as they are. It would look like rejection, worsening the damage to her almost non-existent self-esteem.
We are star-crossed, indeed...
Heart heavy in his chest, he walked back to his room to prepare for dinner, knowing that Kana would be at her bitchiest best, and that he would have to be on guard lest she worsen an already fraying situation with his chosen.
Don't give in to despair, Kagome... don't give up on us.
-sSs-
Sugimi wasn't the only one that had been drawn to Kagome's voice. Inuyasha was perched in the trees a bit away from her, thankfully, downwind of his father. Unlike his sire, however, he had heard Kagome sing a handful of times before, and knew it was her as soon as the notes crossed his twitching ears.
He stared longingly down through the blossoms and leaves at her, watching wistfully as her raven locks twisted in the freshening breeze. Keh. I could almost wish she'd left me pinned to that damn tree. Or that my father hadn't met my mother in the first place... this messed up life isn't worth living.
And the sad thing is that it's usually me that messes things up by bein' stupid. I can't ever seem to make the right decisions... and I'm paying for it in loneliness.
He stared at the male who'd sired him objectively in that moment, only more depressed to see the longing and love in his eyes as he watched the young miko that sat on the grass, surrounded by sakura blossoms and the crisp, clear scent of recent rain.
I hate this... why should he have her? I loved her first... and then his head lowered dejectedly... But not best... and she deserves that. At the very least, I know that he's devoted to her – it's clear in his eyes. Although Kagome seems blind to it – and that's my fault, too. Because I hurt her so much for so long, she doesn't trust anyone with her heart. And she doesn't seem to believe that anyone could love her, either.
His claws gouged the bark of the tree he was sitting in. I did so much damage to you, didn't I, Kagome?
And all I can do is regret it all... because there's no absolution to be had.
It's too late for that.
-sSs-
Kana watched the scene in the garden through her scrying fire, and had to laugh.
“So... two males, both besotted with the girl.” Her brow furrowed as she stared at the young woman. “What is it that they see in her, I wonder? She is not unattractive, true... but there is nothing about her that stands out, save perhaps her eyes. What is it about her that would draw a daiyoukai of Sugimi's stature?”
She waved an idle hand and the solid sheet of flame in her fireplace died out. She stared at the glowing pieces of wood for several seconds thoughtfully.
Perhaps I should make a demand of my own before handing over the shard... I haven't found a situation this interesting in many years...
A wicked smile tilted her sensuous mouth – if Sugimi had been there to see it, he would have known immediately that she was up to no good.
Of course, he was already aware that she was never up to any good... but it wouldn't matter. She would have her fun – and maybe, just possibly, another chance at him in her bed. She had never had another lover that was as good as him, and she wanted to taste him again.
The inexperienced little miko would not prove to be much of a challenge, she was sure.
It was clear that she didn't have the first clue what she was dealing with - Kagome wasn't as weak-minded as she thought...
And Sugimi wasn't someone to mess with. Especially not under these circumstances.
-sSs-
It wasn't long after Sugimi went back to his room that the call to dinner came, and he left his room to join his companions, leading them to the dining room with obvious familiarity. That fact wasn't missed – by Kagome, or Miroku, who eyed the daiyoukai thoughtfully. Perhaps I should keep an eye on this situation...
Sugimi scowled as he took note of where Kana had placed him – in the seat that would belong to her consort should she ever take one, which at this point, didn't seem likely. With barely a glance at the woman, he moved himself to sit next to Kagome, ignoring the angry light in Kana's eyes as he did so.
It was a blatant invitation – and his response a just as blatant rejection, carried out in front of her servants, courtiers, and guests.
It only served to make her more determined.
Kagome was well aware that their hostess was trying to get back into Sugimi's good graces, and she was frankly surprised that he was ignoring her attempts so thoroughly. Her confusion only deepened when he began to be openly affectionate, acting just an inu did when courting a female.
It was a statement of ownership, of possession, and Kana, though not an inu, was well aware of their courtship rituals. She was shocked to find the situation so different to what she had thought – she'd thought that the miko was merely a dalliance for the daiyoukai – it had never occurred to her that he was actually courting the girl.
“So... tell me, miko, are congratulations in order? Have you set a date for the wedding?” she asked sweetly as the meal began.
Before Kagome could say a word, Sugimi spoke up, a clear warning in his voice. “I have no intentions of marrying her – Kagome will be my mate.”
To say that Kana was shocked was an understatement – it took a few moments for her to swallow that shock and speak. “You would mate a human miko? Why not your other human, the one who whelped the hanyou – why did you not mate her if you wanted a human so badly?”
At that, Kagome set her chopsticks down almost gently, and looked up at the Lady. “Is there a reason you keep asking questions that are none of your business? Because I certainly can't see what part of his courtship of me is any of your concern. We are here for one reason, and one reason only, and that is to get the shard.”
Eyes narrowing, Kana stared at the girl who had just proven she had teeth, peripherally noting the approving look Sesshoumaru sent her, as well as the expression of surprised pride on Sugimi's face.
“So the little woman isn't as helpless as she seems,” she purred after a moment, finally looking away from Kagome's steady and irritated gaze. She sat back on her cushion, looking contemplative, then said, “Very well, miko. You wish to gain the shard from my hand. I will give it to you – but there is a price.”
Sesshoumaru exchanged a glance with his father – his hackles had risen at her tone.
“Well, what is that, then?” Kagome prompted.
“I will travel with you.”
Dead silence met her demand as the entire group froze... and then all hell broke loose as every one of the members of the group save Kagome, Sugimi, and Sesshoumaru broke out in agitated chatter.
Inuyasha, being the loudest of them, was the easiest one to hear. “Fuck no! We don't need no snarky bitch traveling with us and makin' more trouble, we got enough of that as it is!” he shouted, leaving the room once more silent as Kana turned her burning gaze on him.
Sesshoumaru, on the other hand, was actually considering her demand... as was Kagome. Much as she didn't like the idea, she had to admit... she could possibly come in handy as a fire elemental.
She eyed the woman shrewdly for a moment, then said, “If you traveled with us, you would be expected to fight on our side with all your abilities. Naraku is a formidable opponent – even though he is a hanyou, he has access to a great deal of the Shikon, and a lot of black magic, as well.”
An approving expression on his face, Sesshoumaru spoke in support of her words. “I, too, was considering the same, miko. It was in my mind that she could prove most useful if we do end up having to enter the forest where the spider now hides.”
Kagome nodded thoughtfully. “I hadn't thought that far ahead yet, but you're right.”
As much as Sugimi wanted to say hell no, he couldn't, for he could indeed see Kagome's and Sesshoumaru's points. She would be useful – as long as she felt like hanging around. If she got bored and left, though, after they'd crafted a strategy that included or depended on her participation, that could be disastrous.
Glaring across the table at the queen of manipulation, Sugimi said, “If you start this journey with us, Kana, you will finish it, bored or not, or you will find your fate at the end of my claws. I would have no hesitation in taking over as Lord of the South.”
“You could be the Lord of the South already if you had mated me,” she replied, before turning to look at Kagome. “Your terms are accepted. I will hand over the shard once we are on our way tomorrow.”
Tapping her chopsticks thoughtfully against her plate, Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru, then Sugimi to see their reactions. When no more objections were forthcoming, she glanced down the table at an oddly silent Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango. No one said anything, and she nodded, and looked back at the Lady. “We have a deal, then.”
As everyone continued to eat, Kagome pondered on the strange expression she'd spied on Miroku's face. Of all of them, she'd have thought he'd be the most supportive of having such a beautiful woman around, and yet... other than the staring he'd done earlier, when they'd first seen her, he'd shown no interest since.
She decided to question him after dinner was over, her curiosity piqued.
It seemed that Miroku's mind was in the same place, because as they all drifted out of the dining room after everyone had finished, he spoke up.
“I believe it would be in our best interests to all go to whoevers room is the largest and discuss certain... developments,” he said suggestively.
Sugimi nodded. “That is a good idea, monk. I am of two minds about this newest situation we find ourselves in. We can go to my room – it is large enough to sit us all comfortably while we speak.”
“Father, perhaps we should ward the room to make sure we are not overheard,” Sesshoumaru said quietly.
Kagome waved an unconcerned hand at him. “I can do that no problem. Once we're in the room, I'll set it up.” The daiyoukai nodded, and nothing more was said until they had reached Sugimi's room.
-sSs-
Once they were all seated, and Kagome's barrier up, Miroku spoke. “I find that I am also of two minds about her usefulness to our cause. She is not joining us because she wants to defeat Naraku – she has her own agenda, and I fear that it is at cross-purposes to our own.”
“You are correct, Miroku,” Sugimi said. “Kana does nothing for someone else, or because it is right. She acts only in her own best interests. And I can guarantee that her... 'agenda', is to cause as much trouble as possible. If we aren't careful, she could cause far more havoc than Naraku has.”
“Keh! I could see through her right away,” Inuyasha growled out. “Her face might be pretty, but she's ugly where it counts – inside. I don't really want her with us – I say we can find another way to deal with that forest. We don't need her.”
Sango chimed in at that point. “I agree with Inuyasha – there's something shifty about her.”
“While it is true that there are other ways to handle the forest where Naraku is hiding, this way seems the most expeditious. I, personally, can handle her troublemaking quite easily.”
Sesshoumaru fell silent for a moment, then continued. “Kana is, indeed, one who enjoys causing problems. She feeds off the havoc she causes, but she also does have her honor – she agreed to fight with us to the best of her ability, and not run off before it is finished, and she will keep to her word.”
Reluctantly, Sugimi nodded. He knew enough of Kana to know that. He still didn't like it, but... he glanced over at an oddly quiet Kagome, and found her lost in thought.
He was about to say something to her when she spoke up. “Kana seems to be what we in my time call a 'drama queen'. She stirs it up, and thrives in it. That kind of person can be very difficult to tolerate. But there are ways to deal with her, and spike her plans. We must always present a united front – make it all of us, against her. If we can keep her isolated from the rest of us and on her guard, she will not get the chance to cause the problems she is hoping to.”
While everyone else seemed to agree with Kagome, Sugimi knew it would not be that easy. The little miko might have experience dealing with these 'drama queens' she spoke of, but she was forgetting that they were human troublemakers – which Kana most decidedly was not. It was a whole different picture when dealing with a youkai.
Converting /tmp/php4L6I0E to /dev/stdout
Sugimi was not overly surprised to find Kana at his door within minutes of having been led to the room, though he wasn't too happy about it. He slid the door back at her peremptory knock on the wooden frame and looked at her for a few moments.
“Kana. To what do I owe this visit?” he asked, not stepping aside to invite her in.
She tilted her head and smiled whimsically. “How unfriendly a greeting, Sugimi, after not seeing me for so many years. That begs the question – how did you cheat death?”
He shrugged. “It isn't particularly hard if you plan ahead.”
One brow arced into her flame colored bangs. “And still, you do not invite me inside. Is there a reason you are being so unsociable?” she asked coquettishly.
She hasn't changed at all – still playing with the people around her for her own amusement. “Yes. I know how you are, Kana, and I have no intention of providing you amusement.”
A feminine chuckle echoed lightly in the hall and she reached up, running a caressing finger across his cheek. A little anger flashed through her eyes when he took her hand and pushed it away. “You know, you never told me why you decided to end our previous association.”
“I found that I wanted more than you would ever be able to give,” he said bluntly, surprising her.
“What do you mean, Sugimi? I know you enjoyed our... bed play. What changed?”
He shook his head, not surprised she still didn't understand. Kana might be beautiful, but she carried only one dimension – she was flat. “And that you still don't understand my words is the very reason I stopped coming to you. I won't even try to explain it again, Kana – you are incapable of grasping my reasons.” He narrowed his eyes at her when he saw the anger flare stronger in her eyes. “I have no intention of rekindling anything, either, so do not attempt to catch me alone again.” With that, he stepped back and slid the door closed in her face, not caring if she was insulted by it or not.
Exhaling gustily, he shook his head again in frustration. Why did it have to be her that held the last shard? I have no desire to stay here and bandy words with her. And I certainly don't want her anywhere near Kagome.
Moving slowly, he crossed the room to the corner table that held a small basin and jar of water. Pouring out a small measure, he splashed his face, the chill of it calming the heat of his irritation a little. Drying his hands on the small cloth to the side of the basin, he couldn't help but wonder just exactly what Kana wanted.
Lost in thought, he wandered out of the room, and into the gardens. I know her only too well. She has no love for me, and I'm sure she's had many lovers since I left her life, so her sudden want of me is suspect. There must be some other angle. Perhaps she is simply bored, and looking to cause trouble for her own amusement?
He had to admit that was probably the reason. And she picked the best time for it, too – with Kagome and how she's already so leery of trusting me with her heart. If she reacted so badly to meeting Izayoi, how much worse will it be with Kana doing everything in her power to interfere?
He was lured from his preoccupation by the sound of singing, and touched by the melancholy sound of it, he followed the voice through the garden until he came to its source. He was oddly taken by surprise that it was Kagome – and that she could sing so beautifully, as well.
Lingering out of sight under the trees, not wanting to interrupt her, he simply listened.
There was no way to stop the sadness that resounded through her voice from affecting him, and he wondered at how he'd missed the confusion in her for so long. His heart softened... she was so young and uncertain of herself, like a newborn foal, struggling to stand on its legs for the first time.
Was he doing her a disservice by courting her at this time? Yes, she was his soul mate, and he could never leave her now that he'd found her... but perhaps he should have waited for a few years for her to grow a little more?
But then he shook his head at himself. If he waited for her to gain enough experience to deal with him on an equal footing, she'd die of old age before it would ever happen. It was a catch twenty-two – she needed more experience under her belt before being with him, but the only way she would have the time for that is if he mated her now... extending her life.
His eyes rested on her pensively as she sat under the sakura trees, completely unaware that he was even there. And even if that conundrum hadn't presented itself, I could never step back now – it would only hurt her worse than leaving things as they are. It would look like rejection, worsening the damage to her almost non-existent self-esteem.
We are star-crossed, indeed...
Heart heavy in his chest, he walked back to his room to prepare for dinner, knowing that Kana would be at her bitchiest best, and that he would have to be on guard lest she worsen an already fraying situation with his chosen.
Don't give in to despair, Kagome... don't give up on us.
-sSs-
Sugimi wasn't the only one that had been drawn to Kagome's voice. Inuyasha was perched in the trees a bit away from her, thankfully, downwind of his father. Unlike his sire, however, he had heard Kagome sing a handful of times before, and knew it was her as soon as the notes crossed his twitching ears.
He stared longingly down through the blossoms and leaves at her, watching wistfully as her raven locks twisted in the freshening breeze. Keh. I could almost wish she'd left me pinned to that damn tree. Or that my father hadn't met my mother in the first place... this messed up life isn't worth living.
And the sad thing is that it's usually me that messes things up by bein' stupid. I can't ever seem to make the right decisions... and I'm paying for it in loneliness.
He stared at the male who'd sired him objectively in that moment, only more depressed to see the longing and love in his eyes as he watched the young miko that sat on the grass, surrounded by sakura blossoms and the crisp, clear scent of recent rain.
I hate this... why should he have her? I loved her first... and then his head lowered dejectedly... But not best... and she deserves that. At the very least, I know that he's devoted to her – it's clear in his eyes. Although Kagome seems blind to it – and that's my fault, too. Because I hurt her so much for so long, she doesn't trust anyone with her heart. And she doesn't seem to believe that anyone could love her, either.
His claws gouged the bark of the tree he was sitting in. I did so much damage to you, didn't I, Kagome?
And all I can do is regret it all... because there's no absolution to be had.
It's too late for that.
-sSs-
Kana watched the scene in the garden through her scrying fire, and had to laugh.
“So... two males, both besotted with the girl.” Her brow furrowed as she stared at the young woman. “What is it that they see in her, I wonder? She is not unattractive, true... but there is nothing about her that stands out, save perhaps her eyes. What is it about her that would draw a daiyoukai of Sugimi's stature?”
She waved an idle hand and the solid sheet of flame in her fireplace died out. She stared at the glowing pieces of wood for several seconds thoughtfully.
Perhaps I should make a demand of my own before handing over the shard... I haven't found a situation this interesting in many years...
A wicked smile tilted her sensuous mouth – if Sugimi had been there to see it, he would have known immediately that she was up to no good.
Of course, he was already aware that she was never up to any good... but it wouldn't matter. She would have her fun – and maybe, just possibly, another chance at him in her bed. She had never had another lover that was as good as him, and she wanted to taste him again.
The inexperienced little miko would not prove to be much of a challenge, she was sure.
It was clear that she didn't have the first clue what she was dealing with - Kagome wasn't as weak-minded as she thought...
And Sugimi wasn't someone to mess with. Especially not under these circumstances.
-sSs-
It wasn't long after Sugimi went back to his room that the call to dinner came, and he left his room to join his companions, leading them to the dining room with obvious familiarity. That fact wasn't missed – by Kagome, or Miroku, who eyed the daiyoukai thoughtfully. Perhaps I should keep an eye on this situation...
Sugimi scowled as he took note of where Kana had placed him – in the seat that would belong to her consort should she ever take one, which at this point, didn't seem likely. With barely a glance at the woman, he moved himself to sit next to Kagome, ignoring the angry light in Kana's eyes as he did so.
It was a blatant invitation – and his response a just as blatant rejection, carried out in front of her servants, courtiers, and guests.
It only served to make her more determined.
Kagome was well aware that their hostess was trying to get back into Sugimi's good graces, and she was frankly surprised that he was ignoring her attempts so thoroughly. Her confusion only deepened when he began to be openly affectionate, acting just an inu did when courting a female.
It was a statement of ownership, of possession, and Kana, though not an inu, was well aware of their courtship rituals. She was shocked to find the situation so different to what she had thought – she'd thought that the miko was merely a dalliance for the daiyoukai – it had never occurred to her that he was actually courting the girl.
“So... tell me, miko, are congratulations in order? Have you set a date for the wedding?” she asked sweetly as the meal began.
Before Kagome could say a word, Sugimi spoke up, a clear warning in his voice. “I have no intentions of marrying her – Kagome will be my mate.”
To say that Kana was shocked was an understatement – it took a few moments for her to swallow that shock and speak. “You would mate a human miko? Why not your other human, the one who whelped the hanyou – why did you not mate her if you wanted a human so badly?”
At that, Kagome set her chopsticks down almost gently, and looked up at the Lady. “Is there a reason you keep asking questions that are none of your business? Because I certainly can't see what part of his courtship of me is any of your concern. We are here for one reason, and one reason only, and that is to get the shard.”
Eyes narrowing, Kana stared at the girl who had just proven she had teeth, peripherally noting the approving look Sesshoumaru sent her, as well as the expression of surprised pride on Sugimi's face.
“So the little woman isn't as helpless as she seems,” she purred after a moment, finally looking away from Kagome's steady and irritated gaze. She sat back on her cushion, looking contemplative, then said, “Very well, miko. You wish to gain the shard from my hand. I will give it to you – but there is a price.”
Sesshoumaru exchanged a glance with his father – his hackles had risen at her tone.
“Well, what is that, then?” Kagome prompted.
“I will travel with you.”
Dead silence met her demand as the entire group froze... and then all hell broke loose as every one of the members of the group save Kagome, Sugimi, and Sesshoumaru broke out in agitated chatter.
Inuyasha, being the loudest of them, was the easiest one to hear. “Fuck no! We don't need no snarky bitch traveling with us and makin' more trouble, we got enough of that as it is!” he shouted, leaving the room once more silent as Kana turned her burning gaze on him.
Sesshoumaru, on the other hand, was actually considering her demand... as was Kagome. Much as she didn't like the idea, she had to admit... she could possibly come in handy as a fire elemental.
She eyed the woman shrewdly for a moment, then said, “If you traveled with us, you would be expected to fight on our side with all your abilities. Naraku is a formidable opponent – even though he is a hanyou, he has access to a great deal of the Shikon, and a lot of black magic, as well.”
An approving expression on his face, Sesshoumaru spoke in support of her words. “I, too, was considering the same, miko. It was in my mind that she could prove most useful if we do end up having to enter the forest where the spider now hides.”
Kagome nodded thoughtfully. “I hadn't thought that far ahead yet, but you're right.”
As much as Sugimi wanted to say hell no, he couldn't, for he could indeed see Kagome's and Sesshoumaru's points. She would be useful – as long as she felt like hanging around. If she got bored and left, though, after they'd crafted a strategy that included or depended on her participation, that could be disastrous.
Glaring across the table at the queen of manipulation, Sugimi said, “If you start this journey with us, Kana, you will finish it, bored or not, or you will find your fate at the end of my claws. I would have no hesitation in taking over as Lord of the South.”
“You could be the Lord of the South already if you had mated me,” she replied, before turning to look at Kagome. “Your terms are accepted. I will hand over the shard once we are on our way tomorrow.”
Tapping her chopsticks thoughtfully against her plate, Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru, then Sugimi to see their reactions. When no more objections were forthcoming, she glanced down the table at an oddly silent Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango. No one said anything, and she nodded, and looked back at the Lady. “We have a deal, then.”
As everyone continued to eat, Kagome pondered on the strange expression she'd spied on Miroku's face. Of all of them, she'd have thought he'd be the most supportive of having such a beautiful woman around, and yet... other than the staring he'd done earlier, when they'd first seen her, he'd shown no interest since.
She decided to question him after dinner was over, her curiosity piqued.
It seemed that Miroku's mind was in the same place, because as they all drifted out of the dining room after everyone had finished, he spoke up.
“I believe it would be in our best interests to all go to whoevers room is the largest and discuss certain... developments,” he said suggestively.
Sugimi nodded. “That is a good idea, monk. I am of two minds about this newest situation we find ourselves in. We can go to my room – it is large enough to sit us all comfortably while we speak.”
“Father, perhaps we should ward the room to make sure we are not overheard,” Sesshoumaru said quietly.
Kagome waved an unconcerned hand at him. “I can do that no problem. Once we're in the room, I'll set it up.” The daiyoukai nodded, and nothing more was said until they had reached Sugimi's room.
-sSs-
Once they were all seated, and Kagome's barrier up, Miroku spoke. “I find that I am also of two minds about her usefulness to our cause. She is not joining us because she wants to defeat Naraku – she has her own agenda, and I fear that it is at cross-purposes to our own.”
“You are correct, Miroku,” Sugimi said. “Kana does nothing for someone else, or because it is right. She acts only in her own best interests. And I can guarantee that her... 'agenda', is to cause as much trouble as possible. If we aren't careful, she could cause far more havoc than Naraku has.”
“Keh! I could see through her right away,” Inuyasha growled out. “Her face might be pretty, but she's ugly where it counts – inside. I don't really want her with us – I say we can find another way to deal with that forest. We don't need her.”
Sango chimed in at that point. “I agree with Inuyasha – there's something shifty about her.”
“While it is true that there are other ways to handle the forest where Naraku is hiding, this way seems the most expeditious. I, personally, can handle her troublemaking quite easily.”
Sesshoumaru fell silent for a moment, then continued. “Kana is, indeed, one who enjoys causing problems. She feeds off the havoc she causes, but she also does have her honor – she agreed to fight with us to the best of her ability, and not run off before it is finished, and she will keep to her word.”
Reluctantly, Sugimi nodded. He knew enough of Kana to know that. He still didn't like it, but... he glanced over at an oddly quiet Kagome, and found her lost in thought.
He was about to say something to her when she spoke up. “Kana seems to be what we in my time call a 'drama queen'. She stirs it up, and thrives in it. That kind of person can be very difficult to tolerate. But there are ways to deal with her, and spike her plans. We must always present a united front – make it all of us, against her. If we can keep her isolated from the rest of us and on her guard, she will not get the chance to cause the problems she is hoping to.”
While everyone else seemed to agree with Kagome, Sugimi knew it would not be that easy. The little miko might have experience dealing with these 'drama queens' she spoke of, but she was forgetting that they were human troublemakers – which Kana most decidedly was not. It was a whole different picture when dealing with a youkai.
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