AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Word Count: 2,912
WHEN THEY ENTERED a third shop, Kagome followed Sesshomaru without question. She couldn’t prevent a happy squeal of pleasure when the inugami presented her with a beautifully crafted long bow of dark wood and a quiver made from the supplest leather she’d ever held. It was full of arrows, the feathers smooth and pure white.
“Thank you,” she breathed. Then her brows furrowed as she stared up at him. “But I already have a bow and arrows.”
With deft fingers, Sesshomaru removed her stolen weapons she’d taken from the corpses of the bandits he’d slain. She made no further protestation when he replaced them with her new bow and quiver, glad to be rid of the weapons responsible for the death of innocents. A dark cloud seemed to lift from her like magic, and when they left the store to join the milling crowd of daemon pedestrians, a small smile had formed on her lips.
“Lord Sesshomaru, as I live and breathe. Ages have passed since last you’ve graced my shop with your presence.” The male’s voice brought Kagome’s head up, not realizing she’d entered the open door of yet another store. Just how many businesses was Sesshomaru going to take her to?
More disconcerting, just how much was he spending on her? How was she ever to repay him? Her happiness waned. Why hadn’t she suspected a debt would be owed beforehand? Yet her disquieting thoughts evaporated under the strange eyes of the unknown daemon staring back at her.
“Kazuo,” she heard Sesshomaru murmur as though from a great distance, an unseen fog rising to envelop her.
Kazuo grinned, never taking his eyes from Kagome as he spoke in response to Sesshomaru. “Ah, and I see you brought a companion. A human. No, a miko.” His grin widened, flashing fangs. “Now, this is a surprise. Strange company even for you, my Lord of the West.”
Silver eyes trapped Kagome. Unable to look away, his irises began to swirl unnaturally, beautifully. Eyes shouldn’t be able to do that. Spinning hypnotizingly. Kagome felt the warm fog embrace her from the inside out. When she tried to look away, she found she could not. She couldn’t even blink to break the spell.
She should be afraid, yet somehow, her emotions were muted, as were her other senses. Sight faded but for the swirling of silver eyes that glowed with an ethereal light. Hearing escaped her, except a mute muttering she could not decipher, nor cared to.
A large palm curled around the upper half of her face, covering her eyes, breaking the spell.
“Enough!” barked Sesshomaru.
She felt his youki flare, further dispelling the stranger’s magic. With the torque, Kagome was able to feel the inugami’s spike of power without her reiki reacting in defense at such close proximity to the dangerous energy curling around her flesh. Uncomfortable but not painful.
Fear snaked down her spine as the knowledge that she’d been bespelled sank in. She’d been rendered helpless so easily… Her heart began to beat a painful cadence that she could taste on her tongue. Then she found herself pressed flush against Sesshomaru, her back to his front.
“Um…Sesshomaru?” She couldn’t prevent her fingers from brushing against the back of his hand that covered her eyes.
Though she inwardly questioned the wisdom of regaining her sight, being left in the darkness with a dangerous youkai made her uneasy, even with the inugami’s presence.
“Behave yourself, seer, or I will be forced to assure your obedience.”
As if unafraid of Sesshomaru’s warning, she heard lyrical laughter, masculine in its depth and texture. “Forgive my impudence, my lord. Long has it been sense last I stood in the presence of one who housed purifications blazing light. Temptation was too much to resist. I had to wonder if one such as her would fall to captivity.”
Sesshomaru’s only answer was to lower his palm, but Kagome was hesitant to look upon the stranger again. Unable to trust looking up towards his face, she instead stared at his chest.
His very naked chest. Her mouth fell open on a silent gasp.
Without a hint of modesty, this stranger flaunted his muscular physic for all to see. He was hairless, skin an ivory white. Vaguely, she was aware that he wore a robin’s egg kimono around his shoulders with a white diamond design lining the fabric, but her gaze was transfixed on a bit of gold. A hoop pierced his left nipple.
Unlike before, Kagome could not blame a spell on her enrapt stare, so when Kazuo spoke, his musical voice broke her from her stupor. “It would appear that your human has an interest in me.” His voice was low, fueled with unmistakable heat.
A painful blush blazing across her face, Kagome glanced aside. Too late. She’d been caught. Ogling another man’s chest, staring at his nipple no less! His pierced nipple.
Sesshomaru’s answering growl made her stiffen.
AT KAZUO’S STATEMENT, Sesshomaru growled, scowling down at the top of Kagome’s dark head. He knew she’d been looking at the other male. The only reason he did not rip the smirk from the other daemon’s face was the fact that arousal had not spiced the miko’s scent.
Had he smelled even a hint of interest from her, he knew primal instinct would consume him.
Mine.
And yet, a part of him was disconsolate. If the miko felt the need to stare at a male, she should be staring at him, and him alone.
The youkai before him was in his humanoid form, as flawless as only the strongest of daemon-kind could be. A few inches shorter than Sesshomaru, Kazuo was nearly his equal in musculature. The seer’s hair was short, spiked, and the color of rich blood, a red-black. He bore no daemon markings upon his face. Instead, he possessed two gold studs pierced along both high cheekbones, with three studs in both brows, along with one white gem at the corner of his left eye.
His clothing was constructed of obvious rich fabrics. Silver hakama that matched his uncanny irises, Kazuo’s kimono was a light shade of blue, with a pattern of white diamonds bordering the bottom. Upon his clawed feet he wore simple sandals, but on closer inspection, they were made of gold thread, just as expensive as the rest of his lavish garments. Along his biceps he wore gold bands, even around both wrists and ankles. His pointed ears were likewise pierced by golden hoops along the two outer shells, from almost the tip to the rounded lobe.
Kazuo’s flashy appearance was garish in Sesshomaru’s estimation, but perhaps not to the miko. He glared from her head and back at the seer, whose eyes flashed with unconcealed mirth—at his expense. “Have a care with what you speak next.” He spoke softly, his words laced with an open threat.
For once, the miko showed prudence by remaining silent, and rather than test his patience further, Kazuo lifted his hands, palms out in a staying motion. “No harm intended, I assure you. Now, how may I be of service?”
Not wishing to suffer a moment longer in the other male’s presence than was necessary, Sesshomaru said, “Undoubtedly, you are already aware of the nature of my visit. Tell me what I wish to know so that I may be on my way.”
“Impatient as always.” Kazuo chuckled good-naturedly. “I’ve told you, on numerous occasions, I am not all seeing. Point in fact, I was unaware that you would be arriving with a miko.” Then he grinned, revealing, “At least not this day.”
Uninterested in his games, Sesshomaru continued as if the seer had not spoken. “In the mortal realm, there is a bandit force of interest to me. You will locate their main stronghold and show me where it is.” A command.
Kazuo lowered his gaze to his miko with a sympathetic look, but she was quick to avert her eyes, Sesshomaru noted. He would have felt pleasure at her avoidance to return the other male’s regard had he not suspected it was more out of fear that she would once more fall under the seer’s thrall than a lack of interest in the other male.
Had she no faith in his protection?
Or, did she lust for the other male?
Had Sesshomaru awakened her passions only for her to look for it anywhere? To give herself to anyone, even a passing fancy?
His body tightened, and he had to control the urge to reach for her, to dig his claws into her hips and snarl at the other male.
When had he ever felt such possessiveness towards another?
The answer came to him readily. Never.
It brought him up short, dispelling most of his pent-up aggression.
He watched Kagome glanced around, her gaze bouncing from the crystal balls, the numerous, strange boxes piled around the room, the many herbs and tiny jars and flasks filled with colorful liquids or powders, to the thick tombs that lined the far bookshelves. They were spells and their components that helped to power them. There was magic in the air, different from the thrumming flood of youki outside the mystic’s shop.
“Insufferable is our Sesshomaru, eh, miko,” Kazuo said on a conspiratorial whisper. Before Sesshomaru could unleash a flash of ire, the seer continued, demeanor turning serious, his focus shifting to Sesshomaru. “I know where these ningen dwell. Or I will shortly.”
With that, Kazuo went deeper into his shop and took a seat behind an impressive mahogany desk. A rich, red fabric blanketed the top, cluttered with dozens of rolled up scrolls or loose parchment, an inkwell and quills, along with many unidentifiable vials. On the far left was a crystal ball that swirled with a dark blue mist, and several pouches that offended Sesshomaru’s sensitive nose.
Sesshomaru herded Kagome to the opposite side of the desk, where he remained standing at her back. Ignoring them, Kazuo picked up a blue, velvet pouch, stuck his hand in and tossed a few small objects onto the table—bleached bones, while murmuring in an arcane language he knew she could not comprehend.
The bones scattered across a map, one of which began to glow a bright blue. “Here,” Kazuo pointing at the glowing shard, and Sesshomaru stepped around the miko for a closer inspection. She was quick to move beside him to study the map as well.
Sesshomaru only needed a mere glimpse to know the bandit forces’ location. Then he turned away, but not before snagging the miko’s hand and pulling her along after him.
“Wait, Sesshomaru! I didn’t get to see—”
“We are leaving,” he interrupted at the same moment he heard Kazuo call after them.
“I’ll be seeing you again, Lord Sesshomaru, and you, as well, miko Kagome.” Sesshomaru felt a shiver of premonition. He had not spoken the miko’s name. “A parting warning, before you go,” the seer continued. “Beware. Your enemy is on the move. You’ll be reacquainted very soon, I wager.”
Sesshomaru turned far enough to glance at the other male over his shoulder, and saw the mystic’s silver eyes swirl and cast a bright glow. He had no fear that Kazuo was attempting to bespell him as he had the miko. No, Kazuo was seeing a glimpse into the future.
“Speak plainly. I’ve enemies abound.”
Kazuo’s sight focused on him, returning back from whatever realm his foresight had taken him. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll remember this one. Tatsuo.”
Sesshomaru’s eyes narrowed. “He is dead.”
“Is he?”
Every muscle within his body tightened. “Explain.”
A small hand pressed against his lower back. “Sesshomaru? A-are you alright?”
He ignore the miko, never taking his blazing eyes from the seer. Kazuo shrugged, as though he hadn’t just imparted life altering news. “I caught but a mere glimpse. Not only does he live but it would appear he has made a new contract, with a ningen of your recent acquaintance.” Then he glanced at Kagome meaningfully, flashing fangs in a wide grin.
“Who are you—” she began.
Sesshomaru spoke over her. “Where?”
“I cannot say.” When Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, the seer stressed, “I cannot because I know not. He is shrouded by magic I am unable to penetrate.”
“We are leaving.” Then he was pulling on Kagome’s hand, forcing her compliance.
“Hey!” she exclaimed as he all but dragged her from Kazuo’s shop.
Once outside, Sesshomaru wrapped his arm around the onna and launched into the sky, forming his youki cloud at his feet. Kagome did not wait to pelter him with questions.
“Who’s Tatsuo?”
“An inugami.”
When he did not elaborate further, she pressed, “So, he’s like you?”
He shot her a glare, startling her enough to take a step away from him, and nearly fall from their high perch. He tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her against his side firmly. “Never run from me. I will not harm you.”
“Right,” she muttered, placing her a small hand against his abdomen for balance. Instantly, he imagined her palm sliding lower.
Ignoring the heat of lust, he was adamant. “I am nothing like that vermin.”
“Ah… Yes, well, I’m sorry. I meant no insult. I just meant, he’s an inugami—”
“That is where our similarities end.”
She was quick to nod her understanding, but if he thought he’d snuffed her curiosity with his vehemence, he was mistaken.
“Who is he exactly? I gather that Kazuo believes he might be a problem for us in the future.”
Us.
The word should not have pleased him as much as it did.
“He is of no concern. You will be safe. I will protect you.” Sesshomaru’s mind was racing ahead. Everything within him needed to hunt down the vermin and kill him, and this time, he would make sure the worm stayed dead. But what of the miko? And finding her sister?
When he saw her mouth open to badger him further, he chose to humor her. To a point. “He dared act against my clan, only to run like a coward when retribution came for him. But he could not hide from me.” His voice were vicious, remembering that time.
“You told Kazuo he was dead.” The question was implied.
“Next time he and I meet, he will be.” Honour demanded it.
“What did he—” At his warning glance, Kagome didn’t finish her question. Neither did he offer an explanation. “I’m guessing he’s out for revenge,” Kagome concluded slowly. “Kazuo seems to think you know this Tatsuo’s new contractor.” She waited a heartbeat, but when he did not speak, she asked, “Was she a woman?”
His answering snort was instantaneous. Then he was curling a finger beneath her chin, forcing her to look up at him. “You have nothing to be jealous of, aijin. You have my full and undivided attention.”
She jerked away from him, but she was not quick enough to hide her blush. “I am not jealous. I was only curious.”
Surprisingly, the miko pulled a low chuckle from him, despite the agitation he tried to hide. “Turn your thoughts to more important matters. After we procure the necessary nourishment for you, we shall decide our next move.” Not because he needed her input. He knew where the bandit forces were, thanks to Kazuo.
But rather, should they continue their search for her sister, or should he postpone their mission to hunt for Tatsuo?
Every moment the vermin yet drew breath was an affront to his honour.
Sesshomaru’s mind raced, calculating and assessing his situation—the conclusion inevitable. There was only one recourse. His connection with the miko was tenuous at best. Should he postpone his promise in locating her sister, she would surely rebel and force his hand. Until Tatsuo was found, and eliminated, he’d have to imprison her, for her own safety of course. No knowing how long that would take.
He could see little chance of reconciling with her once Tatsuo was taken care of, especially should Kikyo die during the delay. Kagome would never forgive him and that wouldn’t do. Sesshomaru saw no reason why he couldn’t assuage his honour and keep the miko content.
Decision made, he broke the silence that had been no longer than a moment or two. “Once you are rested, I will take you to the bandits’ main forces. Perhaps there, we shall greet your sister.” Hopefully, the search for their troublesome siblings would end there and the true hunt could begin.
The miko’s incessant curiosity ceased on a grateful glance she turned up to him, but her relief at his assurance only triggered a deeper agitated within him. Now with his mind firmly placed upon his next course of action, insecurities returned to plague him.
Did he really want to locate Kikyo? If she still lived, was their sisterly bond adequately severed for Kagome to choose to leave with him, because once they discovered Kikyo’s fate, he needed to act immediately. Tatsuo needed to be found and Sesshomaru would have to assure Kagome’s safety by sequestering her within his stronghold, either in the spirit world or this mortal plane. He needed no distractions.
Or, would Kagome once again choose another above him?
His grip on her hip tightened on a dark wave of possessiveness he could not hope to contain. Nor, did he want to.
She was his.
She had to know it.
He would make sure she did.