InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Vying for Dominance ❯ An Afternoon Stroll ( Chapter 15 )

An Afternoon Stroll

 

 

“Well, that was certainly unexpected.” Takked drawled out slowly. His focus though, was held by the young miko who was steadily loosing the soft blush of her skin behind a ghastly pallor. “But enough of this. We are not here to interrogate this Hume child.” He gestured down to the arena, and a stationed guard immediately took the centre ring to begin the next game.

 

With eyes and ears turned away from their focus on the young miko, Takked caught her attention with a controlled flair of his aura. Her response was lagged by her troubled thoughts, but eventually she turned to him. “Would you perhaps grace this old dog with your company for a time, miko? I could use a stroll to stretch my legs.”

 

Tucking her head down passively, all fight and argument gone from her, Kagome slowly rose to her feet. Takked offered her his arm as he too stood, and though she took it, Kagome couldn't bring herself to look at him. She was certain he could see her pain, sense it, and she knew that the secret she hid was becoming dangerously close to being exposed.

 

But why, she thought? Why should she keep this secret for him if it meant nothing? Why should she endure this humility and pain when she could so easily turn it around on him, make him feel as he had made her feel? She could have done it. She should have done it for what he had done to her. But she couldn't. She knew she couldn't.

 

She had been protecting him since she had been brought to this place, protecting his image and his honor; and it hadn't been out of fear that she had kept her silence, but out of respect. And even though his words had hurt her terribly, she still could not bring herself to speak the words, to force his hand into either protecting her or betraying her.

 

“You mustn't let Sesshomaru get to you, child,” Takked was saying softly from her side. “Us old ones become so set in our ways, that even we sometimes do not know why we do the things we do.”

 

He knew what he was doing, Kagome wanted to say. But instead, she only nodded mutely in acceptance.

 

“Now, girl, enough of that,” Takked scolded her lightly. He stopped walking and pulled Kagome to stand by his side as he looked over the gathered crowd in the arena below. “I may be old,” he told her gently, “But these eyes still see a great many things. You do not know how remarkable it is that you have lived through this day. A Hume child should not be privy to the solstice as we immortals see it.” He spread his arm to sweep across the crowd. “And yet here you are, a testament to your will and your strength.”

 

Turning to her, he smiled pleasantly. “Now, if you will allow me,” he said as he gestured past the edge of the dais platform. “It is unbefitting a Lady to be climbing such obstacles.”

 

A fragile smile lifted on her lips. “I'm no Lady, Lord Takked” she confessed. “I'm just Kagome.”

 

“Perhaps,” he replied with a knowing grin. “But perhaps that is enough.”

 

Securing his arm around her waist, Takked drew the young miko close to himself to bring her with him away from the dais and the arena crowd. The contact was strange. In a way it was unsettling to feel the strong currents of her powers even as they dormant beneath her skin, to know the fight of his own as the fire within him was ignited against the burn of the light. But somehow, it was soothing as well; her scent filling his senses to speak of her calming warmth.

 

Strange as it was though, it was invigorating to feel this kind of youthful uncertainty. So long had been his years, it had been some time since he had met a creature who, with only touch, he knew held great power. But there was no fight in her posture, no fear on her breath, no anger in the sapphire of her eyes; only a soft kind of acceptance as she gave herself over so easily to his hold. Even the females of his own breed would often be intimidated by his presence, hesitate when offered his arm; but not her, not this Hume child, not this miko. Even held in his claws, her fragile mortal body placed against his preternatural form, and still she showed no fear, no hesitation.

 

How…interesting.

 

He knew that there was more to this girl than met the eye, more to her story than she was saying. Her words had been true, and yet they had been cloaked in a carefully concealed deception. Never had she spoken the name of her hanyou, nor made it clear if it was he whom she had defeated the silver in contest for. And then there was the sire of this hanyou boy, the one she had spoken so highly of, who she was so certain deserved not only her respect but theirs as well. So very few could claim such a position. So very few. And that Sesshomaru knew of her, by his actions it seemed he knew of the one she spoke of as well.

 

So then perhaps it was that her deception was the one he had seen so many times before, the one those children believed could be kept from his ancient eyes. And if this was so, then for her not to fear his claws should not be so surprising. Why would she, if she had been witness to the power of his brother's fangs?

 

Perhaps this was so, perhaps not. But either way, this young Hume child had performed admirably in the face of such adversity. Power she had, but she was not fool enough to try to use it when so overwhelmed in the odds against her. She had chosen diplomacy, used her words to sway favor to a cause that had at first seemed doomed to failure.

 

Such an interesting creature she was. It was no wonder He had gone to such length to see her kept safe.

 

“There now, miko. This is much more fitting environment for a young Lady.”

 

Her cheeks flushing over being called Lady yet again by this powerful Inu leader, Kagome took a moment to steady her footing on the hilltop Takked had set them down on before taking a look around. A great lake stretched out behind her, its pristine waters so placidly smooth that they reflected a perfect image of the mountain range rising up on its far boarder, and its banks lush with grasses of the deepest green and beautiful summer blossoms whose fragrance was carried on the softest of breezes. Turning, she could see the field that spread out below the rise on which she stood and the great trees that lined the rolling meadow to offer shade to those gathered here.

 

Though the stadium and its walls and battles were left behind, she could still feel the presence of so many of their kind. It was different somehow though, the burn against her senses more relaxed. And as she looked closer, she began to see why. The youkai that lounged in the field or rested beneath the shade of the great trees were not engaged in the arena's battles or could not be bothered by them. Most of those gathered here were female, and those that were not were youth too young to be a part of the games.

 

Seeing this softer side, Kagome couldn't help but smile. Even with the blood and battles raging nearby, there was peace here, happy and carefree.

 

Of course, not all here were touched by the soft serenity offered by this place, and when Kagome's eyes fell on the silver bitch that had dragged her here and saw that she as well as the group of females she had been standing with were looking at her with open hostility, she was reminded all over again of how dangerous this place was despite whatever image of welcome or comfort it could offer on the surface.

 

Still, when she turned back to Takked, she offered him a warm smile. “It is beautiful here.”

 

“That it is, child,” he replied, “But you have seen nothing until you have seen the sight when the moon rises and we bid farewell to the long days of summer.”

 

He gestured beyond the hilltop, over the lake and towards the mountain peaks. His words, so reverently spoken, made it so she could almost see the glory of the moon as its silver light spilled over the crest of the mountain to make a nighttime lantern of the placid lake waters. What more wonders could they bring if they were to call upon the fires of their spirits to dace with those moonbeams? Surely, it would have been spectacular.

 

Sadly, she knew she could not be there to see it. “I would be most honored to see such a thing, Lord Takked. But I fear I have already stayed longer than I should have. My friends will worry for me if I do not return to them soon.”

 

“Of that,” he told her with a pleasant smile, “I am certain.” But with a slight shake of his head, he turned his eyes to the distance beyond the boarders of the lake. “However, I am afraid it is not so easy for you to leave. The barriers that conceal our gathering ground are powerful, so much so that they have attracted any manner of beasts who are hungry to steal a piece of it. Our hunters take as many as they can find, but accidents do happen.”

 

He paused emphatically for a moment, giving her time to understand the seriousness of her situation. To leave this place meant death, if not by one of the rouges outside, then by one of their own who would see her dead for no other reason than because of what she was. And she could not forget that she had already gained more than one enemy from her being in this place.

 

“But your time here need not be unpleasant,” Takked continued in a lighter tone.

 

The smile that spread over his broad features was supportive and charming, and despite the heaviness of her situation, Kagome found herself smiling in return. “Thank you, Lord Takked. With your welcome, I am certain my time here will be quite enjoyable.”

 

“Now there's the spirit, girl,” he said with a smile. Tuning slightly, he motioned her to follow along. “Come; let us see if Shaeda has found something to make you more comfortable.”

 

Kagome blushed a little at the reminder of the shadow youkai's insistence that she dress the part of a Lady. “I feel kind of bad about that,” she told Takked softly. “I mean, she is given a gift and she wants to spend it on me?” She shook her head slowly. “I haven't done anything to deserve such kindness.”

 

At this, Takked laughed. “Dear miko, Sesshomaru's gift to her was not any kind of money or material. Shaeda has no care for such things. She is much more inclined to caring for her `dolls', those lost as she once was. It was you, child, that gave her such joy. And in giving you to her in such a way, Sesshomaru made you his own asset, something that Kuro could not touch without slighting against Sesshomaru as well.”

 

“He gave me to her?”

 

Takked laughed again at the miko's sudden affrontedness. The tightness of her voice and the hardness of her tone as she spoke those words told him that his nephew was in for a real treat when he met up with the miko once again. She was pleasant and charming when in her calmer moods; but there was fire in this one, enough to burn just about anyone he would have bet.

 

Perhaps, he thought, he should calm the waters a bit. But then…He smirked wickedly to himself…Perhaps he should stir the water a little. “You should be flattered, miko. Auria is quite accomplished at stitchwork, among other things.”

 

He gestured towards a group of females sitting in the bounteous shade provided by a gathering of cherry trees. The raven one from the arena stood with the shadowy form of Shaeda, and with them, two golden Inu females. One tall and lean, her hair cropped short to reveal the sharp points of her youkai ears, dressed in forest gear and carrying two Sais openly strapped to her thighs. The other bore the same golden traits, her hair the color of sunlight, and her eyes a dazzling emerald green; but unlike the other, this one was no hunter. Her robes were of the finest silk, the pinks and greens of the flowing layers stitched intricately with beautiful patterns of shimmering gold. She held herself in regal posture, her arms folded in her sleeves, her chin tilted up ever so slightly. She was dignified and refined, in every way a Lady.

 

“Auria…” Kagome whispered the name, knowing she had heard it before. “Who is she?”

 

“Tannis's eldest daughter,” Takked replied with a small gesture towards the beautiful golden female. “And,” he added carefully, “Sesshomaru's soon to be mate.”

 

His…mate? Kagome swore her heart stopped beating in that moment. His mate? He had said he wasn't looking for a mate. Why would he have…? How could he have…? Was she really…? That son of a…

 

“I see,” was all she could manage to say, though her voice was drawn tight with barely suppressed anger.

 

A smirk graced Takked's lips as he brought the young miko to the gathering of females. “Always a pleasure, Auria,” he greeted pleasantly, “And you as well, young Enai,” he added as he turned to the younger sister of the golden pair. “Staying out of trouble, I hope.”

 

“Only when I must, Lord Takked,” the younger replied with a wink.

 

“Enai,” Auria's voice was soft, hardly a whisper on the breeze, and yet was one of command which effectively silenced her sister's words. With a graceful bow to the elder Lord, she greeted him properly. “You delight us with your presence, Lord Takked. How may we be of service to you?”

 

“Can not an old dog simply enjoy the company of such lovely ladies?” he asked slyly.

 

“Oh, uncle, you are terrible!” Shaeda chided through a giggle. “Luckily for you though, you come bearing gifts!” With a dazzling smile, she reached out and took Kagome by the arms. “Come, miko!” she beckoned cheerfully, “Let Auria get a look at you!”

 

Stumbling forwards thanks to the excited tugging against her arms, Kagome regained her balance only to find herself face to face with Auria.

 

“So this is the miko?” the golden demoness asked, but her tone was so disinterested she might have been asking of the weather.

 

Standing there, bearing the blatant scrutiny of this female, Kagome suddenly felt very small. She would never have her outer-worldly beauty, her elegance, her breeding, her grace. She would never be so refined, never be so proper. She could never be anything like her, could never play the part of a Lady.

 

But she knew this, had always known it. They had called her `Lady' ever since she had come to this time. `Lady Miko', `Lady Kagome'. But she wasn't these things. She was only a girl that did her best to follow her heart and fought with everything she had. So she didn't have to be a Lady, didn't want to be. She would only be Kagome.

 

And Kagome would not let herself be intimidated by this youkai no matter who she was or who she was to mate.

 

Straightening herself fully, Kagome met the golden female's hard gaze.

 

After a time, Auria spoke. “Yes, Shaeda,” she addressed the chameleon, “You are correct: blue is her color. But perhaps silver as well to contrast with the dark coloring of her hair. I believe I have something that would be suitable.” Turning to her sister, she made a vague gesture with one of her hands before neatly resetting it in the folds of her kimono. “Enai, you know which one I speak of. Would you bring it, please?”

 

Enai hesitated for a moment, looking to her sister curiously. “A little pricy for a human, don't you think Auria?”

 

“Who cares?!” Shaeda cut in with a laugh. “It's Sesshomaru's money!”

 

A wide smile parted on her lips instantly, and Enai nodded quickly in agreement. “Right then!” And just like that, she disappeared in a flash of golden light that might have been mistaken for a shifting beam of sunlight.

 

Her business complete, Auria turned back to Takked and bowed again. “If that will be all, my Lord; I should tend to father.”

 

“Hn,” Takked mused. “A good idea. Perhaps you can persuade him to drink water for a time.”

 

Nodding politely rather than giving an answer, Auria turned and began walking towards the arena.

 

“Well then,” Takked drawled out slowly. His sharp eyes landed on the young raven that had earlier graced his table and he smiled. “It seems I am in need for company in my stroll. Would you do me the honor, young Kara?”

 

Bowing her head to hide her bashful blush, she replied, “The honor is all mine, Lord Takked.”

 

The elder offered the young demoness his arm, and though still maintaining her hesitations, she took it. Looking back one last time to Kagome, he said, “I look forward to our next talk, miko.” Because he was certain that she would have more to say come that time.

 

Kagome watched the elder Inu walk away speculatively. “He knows something,” she whispered to Shaeda.

 

“He usually does,” the chameleon replied. “But there will be time for such discoveries later, miko. Come, let us get you cleaned and into your new clothes.”

 

“That really isn't…”

 

Before she could even finish, Kagome was cut off by Enai's arrival.

 

“Whew!” she panted with exaggerated flair. “Sorry about taking so long, but I had a run in with Gina.” She looked to Kagome and gave her a crooked smile. “Whatever you did to her, miko, it sure pissed her off something fierce!”

 

“Gina…?” Kagome asked. “That silver from the arena?”

 

“That's the one,” Enai confirmed. Leaning closer though, she added as she handed Kagome the parcel she held, “Watch out for her, miko. She will not give up so easily.”

 

“Thank you,” Kagome replied, “I will remember.”

 

Pulling back, Enai nodded once before leaving as quickly as she had come.

 

“Come, miko.”

 

Shaeda's voice had lost its jubilance, and Kagome was quick to heed her warning. She too had felt the heavy air settle in upon them once Takked had taken his leave. Without the powerful elder in their company, the other females were becoming bold and moving closer.

 

They turned towards the trees, and with Shaeda's magic disappeared into the shadows.

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 

Blah! What an annoying chapter! I think it took three days to get Kagome off that stupid platform! Sheesh!

 

I know it was a tad drab, but it was necessary…sort of. Meh, whatever. It's good to do it like this, that way I don't have to split up the hotspring scene ;P Yeah, you had to know it was coming...hot water, hot bodies, and let the sparks fly! Lol, no, really, there is a reason (or excuse, however you wish to see it XD) for it to happen. Hopefully it won't take too long to write, but you never really know with chapters of the citrus variety…

 

Anyways, that's all for tonight.

 

Cheers

 

Shadow