Chapter 2
After leading him into the kitchen she vanished up the stairs to change out of her uniform. Having him sit at the table, Mrs. Higurashi fussed over him a bit as she served tea. Sitting across from him and sipping from her cup, she fixed him with a stern look. “Have you come to try to convince my daughter to return to the feudal era?”
That question, but more so the tone it was asked with, told him that his mission had just become a whole lot harder. Looking over at the woman, he nodded, “Yes. We need her special talents. At this point we can’t finish what we need to without her,” he told her honestly.
With a deep sigh, she set her cup down, looking at him, “I’m not sure I’m willing to let Kagome return there. She’s been hurt badly, both physically and emotionally, when following the path she has. Sadly, she also carries around a great deal of guilt over things that have happened there. So much so that she ended up in a hospital for a couple weeks because she had hurt herself. Now she’ll be taking medicine for a while to help her cope with those things better and hopefully not repeat such actions again. I’m not entirely sure that I should let her return to a place that contributed to putting her in that state.”
When the daiyoukai heard ‘hurting herself’ and hospital he felt his gut tighten a bit. Although there were many ways those statements could be taken, none of the good either, he needed a clearer picture of what had happened in order to be able to formulate a plan to work with it. “When you said ‘hurt herself’ what did you mean? In what way did she injure herself?”
Looking down at the table, she shook her head sadly. “It appears that for quite some time Kagome has been doing what they call ‘cutting’. Meaning she has been cutting on her own body as a way to relieve stress, anxiety, and make what she’s feeling more manageable. From what she’s said it seems that whenever she was getting extremely anxious, very emotional, feeling guilty or overly stressed out she would take a knife and cut on herself. For her it was a coping mechanism. When she would draw enough blood or make enough cuts she would feel better. None of us knew she was doing it until she accidentally cut herself too deep and couldn’t get the bleeding to stop. It wasn’t until we took her to the hospital to get stitches that we found out she was doing it. Because of that and various other reasons she was in a hospital that deals with those kinds of things for a couple weeks and started her on some medicine that’s supposed to help.”
Stopping, she sighed deeply, “It wasn’t until then that we realized just how many problems she was having and how serious they were.”
Sitting there staring into the tea cup he was holding, brow furrowed, Sesshomaru’s mind was raced as it tried to sort out all the information he had just received. Although he didn’t understand all of what was said he was able to assimilate it with things he did know about or had encountered in the past. Then he tried to meld that with some of the things he had seen or sensed from the little priestess in the few months before she had left. The picture he had been able to put together from it wasn’t a pretty one. Though what Inuyasha had done wasn’t the cause of the problems it probably made her exponentially worse and may well have pushed her over the edge.
On the other hand, the half-breed was ‘pack leader’ for the shard hunters so he was responsible for the health and well being, both physically and mentally, for all the members of the motley crew. He, without the close contact Inuyasha had with her, had sensed that there had been something wrong with the young woman. The boy, as leader, should have known. Sneering internally, he figured the boy probably did know and didn’t give a shit or actually tried to make it worse to get rid of her so he could be with the walking piece of pottery all the time.
Making sure that he showed none of the anger he was feeling, he asked, “Is she doing better now?”
Nodding, the woman told him she was. “Though she’s still having problems she is improving. The medicine she’s taking, though it has some unpleasant side effects, has helped a great deal.”
“Good!” he said, nodding, genuinely relieved.
It was then that Kagome re-joined them. Grabbing a soda from the ‘fridge she poured the pills she needed to take from the organizer they were in. After taking them she seated herself at the table with her mother and the taiyoukai. Putting her sock-clad feet on the edge of the chair seat, she wrapped her arms around her shins, putting her chin on her knees then just looked at the table, appearing to not even want to take a glance at the other two seated there.
They all sat quietly, Sesshomaru’s mind wander from topic to topic trying to figure out a way to start the ball rolling so to speak. Though it would hard to convince them he was sure he could find some way. After all, as Western Lord he had been through many tough negotiations in the past. That experience would now serve him well.
One of the first things you learn when it comes to negotiations it was all but impossible to negotiate anything without having a clear understanding of where you stood in the matter. That would be his jumping off point.
Putting aside the tea cup he had been holding he glanced at the young woman who still hadn’t looked up at him then to the other one who had an unreadable expression on her face. Leaning back in the chair, he drummed his fingers on the table then started. “As I said earlier we are finding it all but impossible to complete the task we have without Kagome’s special abilities. Bluntly, we need your help Kagome. Without you it’s almost a guarantee that we will fail,” he said looking at the priestess. Even at that statement she didn’t raise her head but he did notice that she stiffened up a bit and shivered.
Looking over at her mother, he asked, “What would it take for you to allow her to once more return so we can finish what needs to be done?”
Looking at the youkai seated across the table from her, she was quiet. As a mother her first instinct was to tell him there was no way Kagome would be returning to the time that had caused her so much pain. However, the part of her that had grown up with a father as a priest and had allowed her daughter to freely follow the path the Kamis’ had set for her even though it had cost her a huge price in many areas told her otherwise, there was a reason for this and she shouldn’t argue with the path the Kamis’ had set for her daughter. Also, who knew what the end result would be if Kagome didn’t finish what she had handed to her?
Sighing, she pinched the bridge of her nose while she tried to think. Looking back over at him, he said, “I would want someone to make sure she is safe as possible and protected at all times. Yes, I understand there is no way for her to be totally safe but I would want someone to help make sure she’s as safe as possible.”
That request was easily handed. “I can take care of that. She would be under my personal protection and care. Wherever she goes I’ll be with her and we’ll travel together. Other than when it deals with personal issues I’ll do my utmost to ensure she’s not out of my sight,” he stated dealing with one part of the negotiations.
“But you hate humans,” Kagome pointed out softly. Though she wasn’t looking at them she was at least paying attention.
“I don’t hate humans. Though it’s true that I have no real affection for most of them there are exceptions. Rin is one of them. You, the monk and the slayer are others. All of you have my respect for the honor you exhibit.”
“You’ve actually tried to kill me before,” she said, looking at him.
Sighing, he nodded reluctantly. “Yes, that’s indeed true and a failing on my part. I had let prejudice and preconceived notions dictate my actions. Since then I’ve discovered the error in that way of thinking and will now admit there are humans that are worthy of respect.”
“Since I’ve realized I was in error I’ve rescued both you and your friends a few times. That was an attempt by me to give you an apology of sorts,” he told her, his voice quiet and smooth. Reaching out, he touched her arm gently then decided to do what was ‘right’ and what he had never done before. “For that and the other disrespect I’ve shown you in the past I apologize.”
“Thanks,” she said with a ghost of a smile on her face.
“Kagome?” her mother said, trying to get her attention. When she looked her way the older woman asked, “How good is the protection he his offering?” Looking over at the demon lord she said, “No offense intended. I’m not all that familiar with you and am not acquainted with your abilities.”
Understanding, he took no offense, tipping her a nod to show it.
“He’s better than a dozen of the people that protect the prime minister mom. Much better. If he says I’m protected then I’ve got the best protection in the world,” Kagome stated truthfully.
Both he and his beast puffed up a bit at the compliment. With a smirk of pride, he nodded to her in lieu of thanks. Looking back at her mother he noticed that she looked impressed.
Nodding, the older woman pressed on. “She has medicine she has to take and doctor’s appointments she would have to return for. I would need someone to ensure both of them.
Again, that was easy enough. “I can and will take care of both of them personally. The medicines will be taken when they are supposed to be and I’ll personally escort her here for any of the appointments she may have,” he told the older woman firmly.
“Good, that is acceptable,” she said, nodding. “She’s just now getting caught up with her school work and I’d like it to remain that way. The assurance that she would study for a minimum of an hour a night would be mandatory. As well as making sure she makes it back for tests without having to argue and fight about it,” she stated, face and voice hardening at the last part.
“I will guarantee both,” he assured her confidently. “If you can provide me with some kind of schedule for them I’m make sure she returns.”
“That won’t be a problem; one can be put together easily enough,” she explained. “I would also like a guarantee that if she starts to get too anxious or stressed out that she comes home for a couple days.”
“That’s acceptable. However, can I suggest an alternative?
“What would that be?”
“If a break is needed I could take her to my fortress. Not only would she get the rest she needs it’s also fully staffed and guarded; she would be safe and protected. In doing that I would be able to attend to anything that’s needed. Rin would be there with her and her kit could come as well. Would that be acceptable?”
“What’s a fortress? Is it like a military post?” The older woman asked, a confused look on her face.
“Think palace mom,” Kagome said.
“Oh!” she said, eyes widening. “Who is Rin?”
“She’s my human ward,” Sesshomaru explained.
“She’s about Soutas’ age,” Kagome explained. Seeing the confused look on the demon lords face at the name, she said, “Souta’s my younger brother.”
Understanding, he nodded.
Shaking her head vigorously in the positive, her mother said, “Oh yes, that’s most definitely a fair alternative.”
“Is there anything else?” He asked even though he knew there was. So far nothing had been asked was any kind of a problem. But he was aware of one very sensitive topic that had yet to poke its head up.
“Yes, there is. Inuyasha,” she said, voice as hard and cold as steel. “The way he talks to my daughter and things he says to her need to cease immediately. In this time we have terms for that kind of thing; it’s called emotional and verbal abuse and it’s unacceptable behavior. Her name is Kagome not any of the other foul names he chooses to call her. Nor is she weak, pathetic, worthless or any of the other things he tells her. If that were the case then you wouldn’t be here trying to get her to return.”
Bingo! That was the topic he was anticipating.
Before he could say anything Kagome spoke up. Her voice was so soft and quiet that it was almost a whisper. “I understand Inuyasha has to travel with us and is needed but, honestly, I would prefer he stays as far away from me as possible and not talk to me at all. Really, I don’t want anything to do with him anymore and would like as little contact with him as possible.”
Of all the things brought up so far this was going to be the most complex and difficult one to work with. As she had said, he was needed. Ironically though, not for the reasons she thought. Since the day she had left Tetsusaiga would no longer transform for him and all his other attacks seemed to be off and less effective as well. He had become about as ‘useless’ and ‘worthless’ has he had accused her of being so many times. The fang’s refusal to transform had puzzled him up to this point, now he knew why. Like Tenseiga it was still controlled a bit by their father’s spirit. After Kagome had pulled the fang from its resting place and gave it to the half-breed it hadn’t transformed until he vowed to protect her. His betrayal of her had negated that vow. Until she forgave him and he was once again in her good graces the fang wouldn’t transform. It would serve to seal his demon blood but it would remain in its battered, untransformed condition. Even though he couldn’t use the sword he was needed for something else. He had battled Naraku enough to have knowledge that was needed. None of the rest of them had that and knowledge was sometimes more important that fighting skills.
Quiet for a few minutes, he tried to formulate a plan that they would find acceptable. Finally, he was able to come up with something he hoped they would be agreeable to. “Unfortunately, keeping the half-breed away is next to impossible. But, how about this… Kagome will be with me the majority of the time so that will eliminate some of it. I will also put someone in charge of shutting his overly large, hyperactive mouth when he starts using it. Is that acceptable?”
“Who would that be?” Kagome inquired. She was well aware that Sango, Miroku and Shippo combined were not a match for the hanyou when he built up a head of steam.
“The ookami prince, Kouga. He and part of his pack have been traveling with the half-breed from time to time. I’m quite sure that he would be more than willing to hold the half-breeds leash.”
At that point, the taiyoukai could have sworn he saw a tiny smirk cross the little priestess’s mouth and that there was a momentary twinkle in her eyes.
“Kagome, dear? Would this Kouga be able to that?” Her mother queried, looking at her.
“Yeah mom, Kouga can handle Inuyasha.”
“It may take a few days for the half-breed to see sense,” Sesshomaru said and added as well as a few bloody beatings silently. “But he will learn and leave her alone. Is that suitable to you?” he asked, looking from one to the other.
“Yes, for me it is,” the older woman said then looked at her daughter.
“It’s good by me,” Kagome replied.
Smirking, the taiyoukai nodded. “Very good. Is there anything else?”
“That covers what I want,” Mrs. Higurashi said, nodding.
Sighing, Kagome rested her chin on her knees and had a far away look in her eyes for several minutes. Finally, she nodded, “Alright, I’ll go back. But if I can’t handle it I’m coming home okay?” she said, looking at the demon lord.
“That’s fair enough,” Sesshomaru replied stoically. Inside, however, he was heaving a sigh of relief. “When would you be prepared to leave?”
“In the morning. That way I can get everything ready and make sure we have everything we need. Plus you can sit down with mom and go over everything you’ll need to know. Okay?”
“That’s fine,” he nodded. “I’m going to return through the well so that everyone can start preparations for leaving, so when we get there we can move out as quickly as possible. Also so the select few will be ready to take on their new responsibilities.”
Standing, he looked at his new charge. “Will you walk with me to the well, Kagome?”
Nodding, she stood then followed him out the door.