InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unexpected Circumstances ❯ A Bittersweet Reunion ( Chapter 12 )

After confronting his half-brother, Sesshoumaru had made a quick detour to the elder miko in the village of Inuyasha's Forest. Why ask his brother for the whereabouts and have to sit through “bastard this” and “son of a bitch that”, Inuyasha could be so childish sometimes. So, after demanding the old priestess to tell him the location of Kagome, Sesshoumaru set out to asses her training.

 

When he arrived at the small village he was not surprised to see that there was an old withered priestess that was training Kagome; it just seemed right in a way. Nor was he surprised to see Kagome working so well with the herbs even when around people she hardly knew; that was her thing, she didn't care if she knew someone or not, if they were hurt she was bound to help them. Ridiculous. He was somewhat surprised to see her go off on her own to practice her archery; it was clear that that was not what the two priestesses had been focusing on, but yet Kagome took the initiative to better her skills on her own.

 

Nope, none of that surprised him. What he did not expect was for the young miko to start screaming her little head off in the middle of the night at a decibel that would shatter glass. At first he stood there in uncharacteristic shock. When he realized she was still screaming he was quick to appear behind her and clasp his hand over her mouth.

 

“Miko, you will stop making that noise this instant,” he demanded.

 

Kagome's eyes widened a fraction when she realized who it was behind her. She ceased her screaming and semi-relaxed as he took his hand away from her mouth and moved back around in front of her. He took a moment to look her over, noting the miko garb that she was now sporting; it was clothing very befitting of her station and a far cry from the exiguous skirt that she had worn. Her hands looked like they had been worked harder than they've ever had, with small calluses developing on her fingertips and knuckles, and she was dirtier than he had ever seen her.

 

Sesshoumaru delicately took a small sniff of the air; yep, she was definitely in need of a good wash. Kagome caught the none-to-subtle sniff that he took and narrowed her eyes at him.

 

“You are in need of a bath, miko. I dare say you smell as if you've never been near the water,” he commented.

 

“Ya know, you wouldn't smell so great either if you had to run around chasing an old priestess all day long,” she voiced back with a huff. Kagome crossed her arms over her chest and turned her head away from him, missing the slight smirk that passed quickly over his features.

 

She turned quickly back around and tapped her foot on the floor, there had to be a reason that he was here, so why didn't he just get to the point? Kagome would never admit it, but she was nervous around the western lord. He could swipe his claws at her, effectively ending her life without a second thought; how could one not be nervous around him?

 

And why was he looking at her like that?

 

Sesshoumaru had been silent for quite some time and she was growing a little agitated, it is a bit unnerving when someone is staring you down.

 

Sesshoumaru, on his part, was contemplating what exactly to do first; ask her about her training or throw her in the river. He was in a serious debate with himself until she started tapping her foot; that was the decision maker. He quickly made his way towards her with long strides and watched as her eyes widened in shock. He grabbed a hold of the collar on the back of her shirt and proceeded out of the small hut and into the night.

 

Kagome had no time to protest as she was being dragged behind the demon lord, having to all but run to keep up with him. He pulled her behind him as he made his way to the creek all the while listening to her beginning to rant about the indignity that she was being put through.

 

“Where are you taking me Sesshoumaru?! Let me go!” she half screamed half whispered being sensitive to those in the village who slept.

 

Sesshoumaru chose at that moment to gladly let her go, using a bit more force than necessary for good measure, and observed as she stumbled forward to fall and land on her hands and knees just before the water's edge. One gentle nudge with his foot on her rear later, and Kagome found herself diving head-first into the frigid water clothes and all.

 

Kagome emerged from the water and sputtered while spitting out water from her mouth. “W-what di-did y-y-you do th-that f-f-for?!”

 

“I believe I made myself clear enough earlier; your scent was insulting to this Sesshoumaru's nose.”

 

“Did you have to push me in?! I would've gone willingly ya know!”

 

Sesshoumaru shrugged. It's not like his decision didn't get the job done, he was now in the company of a cleaner miko. A pissed off cleaner miko.

 

“What is your problem?! That water was freezing!” Kagome said as she made her way back up the bank. When she reached Sesshoumaru she had to tilt her head back to look him in the eyes. She gave her most intimidating glare that she could muster and starting jabbing a finger into his chest.

 

“And just who (poke) do you think (poke) you are (poke) coming here and dragging me to the water?!”

 

“Miko, refrain from abusing my person unless you care to lose an appendage.”

 

Kagome stepped back at his threat and gulped before she bowed her head; okay maybe that wasn't the best of ideas…alright it was stupid.

 

“Sorry,” she mumbled. She chanced a look back up and saw that he was not even listening to her. Instead he was already walking back to her hut.

 

“Hey! Wait up!” Kagome shouted as she jogged to catch up with him. What was with people and making her jog to keep with them?

 

The two walked back to her hut in silence, Kagome leaving behind a trail of water in her wake. When they reached the hut, Kagome made quick work of starting a fire so that they would have some light and warmth. She walked over to a shelf that she had built into the hut and grabbed the second of three sets of priestess garb.

 

(A/N: Yay! This is my 100th page of writing, a milestone for me and my first fanfic!)

 

“Um, Sesshoumaru, could you please turn around? I need to change and well…yeah,” she managed.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded once and turned his back on her. He could here the rustle of fabric as she stripped out of her wet uniform. The light from the fire was casting a shadow upon the wall in front of him, giving him the view of Kagome's silhouette as she peeled off her clothing. From his vantage point he was able to see her delicate figure cast in shadows, watching as she lifted off her outer jacket.

 

The way the fire flickered gave the impression that she was dancing. He may have been a demon, but he was in all rights completely male and the show that he was being gifted with was probably the most erotic thing that he had ever seen. The shadows left much to be desired and even he, Sesshoumaru, had to close his eyes, lest he get away from himself.

 

Unaware of the inner turmoil of the demon lord before her, Kagome finished changing and spread her wet clothes in front of the fire. She smiled to herself when she noticed that he had given her the privacy that she needed and was still waiting for her to let him know all was well. She looked over the form of the demon in front of her, taking into account how he made her small hut seem even smaller due to his large stature.

 

He was dominance in a nut shell. He commanded respect wherever he went and left most in awe after being in his presence. Kagome was no different. She appreciated the sight that he made; the way his eyes bore into one's soul, the way his hair never seemed out of place, his smooth features that had nary a blemish on them. The magenta stripes that licked his cheeks were riveting and the indigo moon on his forehead almost begged to be traced. Kami what a sight he made.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” she said when she finally came back to reality, “it's okay to turn back around now.”

 

He did so and she politely motioned for him to take a seat. He even sat down regally; a quick shift of clothing and he was cross legged and sitting with his back straight, his arms casually draped over his thighs.

 

“Um, would you like some tea?” Kagome asked.

 

“Alright,” he answered with a slight nod.

 

Kagome set off to work to make the tea. She gathered one of the smaller pots from the wall and filled it with water, putting in along with it some chamomile and a bit of honey for sweetening.

 

“You are training with herbs,” Sesshoumaru stated more than asked.

 

Kagome nodded her head, not at all surprised that he knew the goings on of her instruction. “Yes, we have been working with them for about one and a half weeks. She's also been teaching how to care for minor injuries,” she stated proudly.

 

“What of weapons training?” Sesshoumaru asked. Hadn't the old priestess realized that Kagome was set up to face some trying times in the near future?

 

“Well, we haven't quite got to that yet. But,” she quickly said before he could interrupt, “I have been going out on my own for a couple of hours a day to practice with my bow and arrows. I think I am getting better, I just need more practice.”

 

“Hn. I was privy to your practice today miko. Suffice to say I would not trust you by my side during battle quite yet.”

 

It hurt. He knew it hurt her to hear those words, but those words were what was going to keep her training hard to better herself. Keep her on the path of hard work and persistence. However, Sesshoumaru did not want to see her dwelling over his words, though that's what he was expecting, he just wanted her to take her training here seriously. Imagine his surprise when she took his words in stride.

 

“Yeah, well who asked you,” she said. “Jerk.”

 

In spite of himself, Sesshoumaru smirked; this priestess was highly amusing.

 

“Is that all?” the demon lord asked.

 

“Huh? Oh right, well, umm…” Kagome trailed off while she tapped her chin with her finger. “Hmm, oh yeah! When I first arrived here she taught me how to meditate, so I've been dedicating time to do so every day.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded his head; at least her training hadn't been a complete waste here. The older priestess was a bit unorthodox, but genuinely seemed interested in instructing her pupil. He had been a little concerned when she didn't mention meditation from the beginning; it was going to be quite useful when trying to call her priestess powers to her. Now: to solve the problem with her combat training.

 

“You will find someone to instruct you in combat,” he determined.

 

Kagome's eyebrows knitted in concentration. It's not like the village was overrun with old soldiers who would drop everything to come help her. Maybe…

 

“Do you think you could do it?” she asked.

 

“Surely you jest miko,” Sesshoumaru said not missing a beat. “I, Sesshoumaru, teach a mere human how to fight? Ridiculous.”

 

“Geeze, sorry I asked. Forgive me “Lord” Sesshoumaru,” Kagome stated with an over exaggerated bow.

 

Said demon lord raised one of his eyebrows at this; the miko was sure being bold tonight.

 

“Quit with that eyebrow thing, you do it so much it might stick that way,” she said.

 

At this, his eyebrow rose even further, disappearing now under his bangs. Kagome rolled her eyes and went to find two cups for the tea. She poured him some and then some for herself before sitting on the mat opposite him.

 

“You know you're not what I expected Lord Sesshoumaru,” Kagome said in efforts to end the uncomfortable quiet.

 

An even heavier silence was met immediately after that statement before he gently set his cup down. “Alright miko, you have my attention,” he replied.

 

“It's just that, the way Inuyasha talks about you all the time, well, it led me to believe that you have no personality.”

 

He scowled at this.

 

Granted, he knew the half-breed didn't like him, the feeling was quite mutual. Still, Sesshoumaru was never one to speak ill against another when they were not present to defend themselves; perhaps it was time for a lesson in moral conduct.

 

“And you see this as farce?” he asked slightly curious.

 

“Well, yeah, sort of. I mean, just in the short time that we actually have been able to speak with one another, well…you clearly feel emotions.”

 

“Hn,” came his half-assed answer.

 

“Figures,” she replied back.

 

He once again took up his cup and placed his lips to the rim. `His lips look soft. Whoa! Okay, runaway thought, let's back it up there Kagome.'

 

Sesshoumaru's eyebrows furrowed as he watched Kagome's eyes widen and then she shook her head. What was this girl thinking? This girl had an odd way of making his emotions decide to have free reign over his face; something that he was definitely not used to.

 

Kagome took a deep breath; she seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Damn hormones. Why did he have to look the way he did? No one was that perfect, so she thought. Then he shows up in all his demon glory and introduces himself as Inuyasha's half-brother.

 

And he was looking at her.

 

And she was worrying her bottom lip when she felt his stare. When she looked up she gave a weak smile and coughed nervously in her hand.

 

Well…this is awkward.

 

“So Lord Sesshoumaru,” she said with no hint of discomfort, “what brings you here anyway?”

 

“It is imperative that your training follow a strict schedule. You are essentially the key to defeating the vile half-breed, so it is best that you are well prepared.”

 

Oh is that all? She wanted to say. “Alright then, will you be speaking with Megumi?”

 

There goes that eyebrow.

 

“Er, um the older priestess that is training me,” she clarified.

 

“There is no need for me to speak with her,” Sesshoumaru said.

 

“Oh. Why not?”

 

“Because you will be.”

 

Right…that explains everything. “Huh?”

 

“In the morning you will speak with your teacher and explain to her that you must make better use of your sessions,” he started, “I want you to focus more on combat and meditation than healing and herbs.”

 

“Have you ever had to deal with a senile priestess before? It's not as easy as you think. She's constantly sniffing, `I'm going to have to do something about that by-the-way,' she walks faster than I can run and…and…she hits me on the wrists.” Kagome rolled her eyes at her own words, `Gods that was pathetic sounding even to me.'

 

The look on his face clearly said that he unknowingly agreed with her thoughts.

 

“Fine, I'll talk to her in the morning,” Kagome relented.

 

“Hn.”

 

“Look Sesshoumaru, it's been a long day and I need sleep. Um, you're more than welcome to stay, I have an extra blanket.”

 

He nodded, “I will make use of your hospitality. However, your blanket is unnecessary.”

 

“Oh. Okay then. Well, um, good night Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Good night priestess.”

 

Kagome crawled into her bed roll and turned away from the demon lord. For a while she could still feel his eyes on her, but eventually her body grew too tired to care. There was something about Sesshoumaru that gave her a sense of peace; this mighty demon lord who been so named the “killing perfection” was strangely comforting to her. With these thoughts Kagome was lulled into a blissful sleep; a sleep that hadn't been that way since she arrived at the village.

 

Sesshoumaru kept a silent vigil throughout the night, every now and then throwing another branch into the small fire to keep the warmth in the hut. It amazed him at how trusting the girl was with him, she didn't even give it a second thought before she had turned her back on him to sleep.

 

She showed potential, Kagome had not even been in training for a full month and already Sesshoumaru could feel the difference in her aura. Clearly the girl, like he suspected, was an untapped source of power; one that will come in handy while facing off with Naraku. There was no doubt in his mind anymore that the miko, Kagome, would be the one to dispatch Naraku from this plane of existence.

 

Sesshoumaru heaved a great sigh (the girl was asleep so why not) while he thought of his recent endeavors. Naraku clearly was exceptional at hiding. He had been up and down Japan looking for him and he somehow managed to evade his every move. Every time he caught sight of one of Naraku's insects he was chasing after it, only for it to lead him to yet another dead end. Maddening. It was completely maddening that that deceitful bastard could seemingly drop of the face of the earth.

 

For the first time in a long time, Sesshoumaru felt his age. Was he losing his touch? He snorted at this; no, he wasn't losing his touch, there were just so many variables working against him that he would have to be in more than one place at the same time to work through them all. He may be a great demon lord, but he definitely was not a god.

 

He released a small breath and sagged back against the wall; he felt old. Sesshoumaru allowed his eyes to drift closed. He was never one to sleep in the presence of anyone other than his usual company, but the young priestess, he knew, what not a threat to him. He opened his eyes slightly to look at the sleeping form across the room. Even in sleep she radiated power, it washed over him like hundreds of massaging fingers. His eyes fell shut once again and soon the demon lord was asleep.

 

 

****

 

 

The next morning Sesshoumaru woke before sunrise. He straightened up and was a little surprised when a bit of fabric fell from his body. He looked down to see a worn red blanket now pooled at his legs. When had she given him a blanket? He did not even hear her or feel it when she did. That was new. Never had he slept so soundly before; surely if there had been a threat he would have felt it perhaps that is why she did not disturb him.

 

Kagome stirred in her sleep. She new that the morning was quickly approaching and after that initial day in this village when Megumi had thrown ice water on her, she always made sure to be up on time. She did not chance to repeat that event.

 

With a groan Kagome picked herself up slowly from her mat. She did a great impression of the cobra pose that any yoga instructor would be proud of, before fully rising to her feet.

 

She heard a shift of cloth and quickly looked in Sesshoumaru's direction. `He did stay heere last night didn't he?'

 

“Good morning Lord Sesshoumaru,” she greeted.

 

“Hn.”

 

“Stuck up,” she said quietly to herself. What was his problem anyway? “Well, I should probably get going; those water buckets don't fill themselves, eheh.”

 

“I will be coming periodically to see your progress, so do try and have better reports on my arrival,” Sesshoumaru said suddenly.

 

“Periodically? As in more than once?” Kagome questioned.

 

“Indeed…” he said with yet another raised eyebrow.

 

Kagome shut her eyes in frustration, was it her life's goal to make herself look like an idiot in front of him? Deciding to save herself from any further embarrassment, she simply nodded her head in understanding and started to walk out of her hut.

 

“Miko, do not forget to find someone to train you. I care not who they are as long as they are qualified in combat. I shall return in two weeks. Oh and miko…” he started just as she was about to leave the hut.

 

“Yes?” she asked.

 

“Do try and bathe before I return again.”

 

Kagome narrowed her eyes and huffed as she left her small home, stomping her way towards the shrine mumbling all the way about arrogant, spiteful demons who were too clean for their own good, and honestly how does he keep his whites so bright anyway?!

 

Sesshoumaru smirked, something he found he did a lot of at the expense of the young priestess, and began his trek in search of any trace that could potentially lead him to Naraku. The miko still had a ways to go with her training, but it would be best in Naraku didn't have the chance to build his strength again. Kagome, the young priestess, she had some difficult times ahead of her; he could only hope she was up to the challenge.

 

 

****

 

 

She was doing it again. And like the other times, it annoyed her and made her want to throw something. What was her problem anyway? Surely she didn't know about the antihistamines that she slipped into her morning tea. Really, those sniffles were a bit distracting.

 

Kagome opened her eyes from her meditation and looked out from the corner of her eye. Megumi had been sending her glares on and off all day long and it was starting to wear on her nerves. She closed her eyes again and tried to center herself for the fifth time in the past ten minutes.

 

For a moment, Kagome thought that she would finally be able to finish her meditations this time, but the inevitable burn of eyes she felt on her made her sigh and sag her shoulders in defeat. This has gone on for long enough.

 

“What?” Kagome snapped.

 

Megumi's lips were pursed and her eyes were narrowed, drilling into Kagome as if trying to verify something only she could see. She started a little when Kagome spoke.

 

“Humph!” Megumi said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

 

This peaked Kagome's interest. “What are you so testy about?”

 

Megumi refused to answer, but instead chose to keep her arms crossed and turned away from Kagome with her nose in the air.

 

Kagome sighed again. “Okay Megumi, are you going to tell me what this is all about, or am I going to have to guess?”

 

“You!” Megumi shouted as she pointed an accusing finger towards Kagome. “You have betrayed all that is sacred to this village!”

 

Okay, now Kagome was confused.

 

“Um, alright. How exactly did I manage to do that?” she asked.

 

“Do you think that no one would see you; that you could just get away with harboring a demon in this village?!”

 

Ah, so that's what this was all about.

 

“What's the big deal? It's not like he hurt anyone.”

 

This time it was Megumi who sighed. “Dear girl, you are blind. Do you not realize that people come to this village to get away from instances like this?”

 

“Instances like what?”

 

“There are many people in this village who harbor deep prejudices against demons, many because demons had had a hand in killing a loved one of theirs. Having a demon here, in your hut no less, will only cause rumors to fly and people to become uneasy. They won't take too kindly to you either, befriending demons.”

 

“That's ridiculous! Why would people start rumors like that; doesn't anybody have any decency in this era?!” Kagome shouted. “So what if there was a demon in my hut, it's not like we did anything!”

 

Megumi blinked a couple of times. “Girl,” she said, “I'm not the one you should be having to explain yourself to-”

 

“I shouldn't have to explain myself to anyone!” Kagome interrupted. “What I do is my business!”

 

The elder priestess gave a frustrated sigh, this was getting nowhere. “As long as you stay in this village training, you are not to have demons here. I have agreed to train you to the best of my capabilities, but I cannot do that when I am worrying about the occupants of the village.”

 

“Listen Megumi, I appreciate everything that you have done for me, and I can understand your reservations about my relationships with my demon friends, but you can't just expect me to turn away my friends just because it may make some close-minded people uncomfortable. How do you ever expect them to cope with the fears if they are not exposed to them? All demons cannot be placed in the same category as the ones who killed the loved ones of the people here. I'm sorry, but if you can't understand that, then I may have to seek my training elsewhere.”

 

Megumi nodded her head in understanding, she knew this girl was stubborn, but she didn't know to what extent. It was so uncommon for people to have such little prejudice for demons nowadays, but this girl before her was different. Megumi did not want to lose such a promising young student.

 

“I see girl. I will do my best to placate the people of the village, but you will have to do your best to keep their ill will at bay; I am only one person. If you do happen to keep a demon here, just…try to be more discrete about it, I can't take responsibility for their actions if the villagers were to find him here again.”

 

Kagome was furious with the situation, but Megumi had been helping her a lot since she had been here, so she should offer some type of compromise.

 

“Don't worry Megumi, I will do whatever it takes to help them; this world doesn't need any more biases, there's enough as is. And, I'll try to be a bit more discrete with my guest, though I can't say I'm happy about that; I'm not ashamed of my friends.”

 

Megumi gave the young priestess a sad smile, it was understandable why the girl was upset, but the village was set up for people to get away from their troubles. Perhaps too many people were running from them instead of trying to solve them.

 

The two priestesses looked at each other in silent agreement. It was going to be a lot of work to help the villagers overcome their fears, but Kagome was sure she could handle it.

 

But, for now, it was time to get in her meditation for the day; Sesshoumaru had made it very clear that she was to focus on this and also find someone to train her in combat.

 

That should be easy enough.