Disclaimer: All characters are owned by Rumiko Takahashi. Any events taking place are of my own imagination.
Chapter One: A Miko's Prowess
Rin was running. Trees sped by her in blurs of brown and green as she pushed her little legs harder than she ever had before knowing that if she stopped she would be killed.
She and Jaken had been waiting on Sesshomaru to return from his routine patrol of their surrounding area when it all started. They poured into the camp from all sides taking the unsuspecting group by extreme surprise. They had knocked out Jaken and overwhelmed AhUn who was shooting beams of green and blue from both of his heads sequentially in a rushed panic.
She had been so focused on the two headed youkai that she wasn't aware the attacking youkai had surrounded her. Only when a dark laugh sounded did she notice their approach.
However, AhUn had seen and understood their intentions as he had leapt into the air landing before her shielding her from what he could of their attacks; he could only do so much being an average, in strength, youkai himself.
Soon after it became apparent that he could not subdue their attackers, he had subtly nudged her with his tail ushering her from the camp. Unfortunately, she had hesitated. That was all the time it took for the enemy youkai to catch on to AhUn's plan. Immediately she had bolted from the clearing and into the forest as fast as her human legs could carry her. Rin wasn't stupid; she knew it was only a matter of time before they caught her.
Chancing a glance behind her, she turned her head to see only the green underbrush of the forest. It was as if the youkai had disappeared, but she knew better than to accept that. They were bound to be nearby just hidden from view.
As she was turning her head, her body collided with something solid sending the girl to the ground instantly. Thinking the worst, Rin raised her brown eyes fully accepting death if it came to her, but what, or rather who, she saw was completely unexpected.
"Lady Kagome?"
There before her in full miko garb, red hakama and white kimono intact, along with her sacred bow and arrow stood the raven haired, blue eyed priestess. She looked down at Rin genuinely shocked to see her before she bent at the knee to help her stand extending her right hand in doing so.
"Rin? What are you doing out here by yourself?" She asked gently as she peered around them at the treeline.
Rin saw her scan the area for, who she guessed to be, Sesshomaru.
"Rin is being chased. Lady Kagome! Please help me!"
Kagome's blue eyes narrowed as she pulled Rin beside her quickly. Chased indeed. Rin couldn't see them but there were at least twenty youkai hidden in the trees around them. Their youki was foul. Fouler than usual for any normal youkai. Malice and hatred rolled off of them all in waves. Whatever, or whoever, was after Rin wanted her dead, but that lead to another question. Where was Sesshomaru?
Kagome cleared her mind of distractions as the youkai began to stir around her obviously tired of waiting. "Rin," she sounded to garner the girl's attention as she moved her behind her quickly, "don't move from my side."
"Yes, Lady Kagome," she answered quietly as she grabbed onto the back of Kagome's hakama with her petite hands.
Kagome couldn't help the softening of her eyes or the equally soft smile that adorned her features at the self-comforting gesture. The girl was terrified and rightly so. Moving her right hand to the little girl's balled fist, she squeezed it in a comforting manner before turning her attention back toward the front.
The miko's gaze hardened significantly as she gazed at the treeline before her and flared her reiki sharply to let them know she was aware of their presence.
"I tire of your games," she stated coldly, "identify yourselves or be purified on sight."
She could feel Rin tremble behind her and silence soon ensued. This timespan was highly recognizable for any and all who had ever combatted youkai before.
For lower-class youkai, it was used as an intimidation technique. They made their prey anticipate their inevitable attack making them panicky and anxious. It could cause their targets to slip up and lower their guard unintentionally thus making them easier to kill.
However, they underestimated Kagome. For she was no amateur.
Sapphire orbs narrowed infinitesimally as she felt a shift in the air. Turning her head she brought the barrier she'd already formed into existence as only one of the youkai slammed his sword heavily against it. Rin cried out in fear, but the barrier did not waiver. It was solid and held strong against the youkai's attack and following roll of youki that tried in vain to oppress her overbearing reiki.
Kagome's eyes scanned the youkai. The slit pupils and clawed hands along with the sharp teeth gave its breed away: these were dragon youkai. Under command of none other than Isamu, Lord of the East. He was a likely candidate since the intended target was Rin: the only known weakness of the Lord of the West. This was further supported by her knowledge that the East was looking for any reason to go to war with the West, and had been doing so for centuries.
'That solves that mystery,' she thought before she pulsed her reiki into the barrier sending the dragon youkai flying. It collided into a tree about a hundred feet behind its original position as she released her barrier and turned toward the forward once more this time greeted with an entourage of youkai seemingly waiting for her acknowledgment.
The tallest, largest dragon youkai stood directly before her. His yellow eyes flashing dangerously as he scanned her visage obviously sizing her up. He had dark blue hair that was tied up in a ponytail and his youki was certainly above mediocre. This had to be the leader of this little coup.
"We don't want any trouble," he nearly growled in his medium tenor, "We just want the girl."
Kagome regarded him momentarily, "If I give her up what's in it for me?"
She heard Rin gasp behind her but Kagome squeezed her hand once more reassuring the girl. The action went seemingly unnoticed.
"Compensation from a Lord," the same youkai responded eying her warily.
"Which one," Kagome said suspiciously, "I need to know where to go to collect my recompense. That is if you manage to persuade me into cooperation."
His yellow eyes narrowed, "You would only need to head toward the East," he said darkly.
She would never sell out anyone least of all Rin. When she had lived in Edo with Kaede and the rest of the inutachi, Kagome had grown quite close to the girl. She had become like a daughter to Kagome who'd provided the girl with constant care since Kaede had been in no shape to raise children by the end of the war.
Kagome shifted slightly on her feet. The movement was meant to be subtle, but the enemy youkai had noticed and was on the defensive…too bad he was still within range and didn't even know it. "Unfortunately for you," Kagome said as reiki and youki crackled in the air around them, " I'm allied with the West."
The tense moment only lasted a split second before chaos ensued, and what transpired next happened too fast for Rin to follow.
The closest youkai drew his blade as a ball of reiki flew out and hit him square in the chest. He disintegrated upon contact. Other youkai rushed forward to attack her, but halted abruptly when Kagome flared her reiki around both she and Rin in what looked like protective lavender flames. It killed three more of the youkai in the process.
Rin's eyes widened significantly. It was beautiful. Kagome's hair, that had originally been in a ponytail, whipped around her wildly with the flow of energy she was exerting. It was just like seeing Sesshomaru when he flared his youki in battle. It was amazing...but deadly.
"Rin," Kagome spoke turning toward her.
Rin's chocolate orbs raised to meet sapphire blue hues in question before she saw Kagome extend her red longbow toward her.
"Whatever you do, keep this close. It will protect you," Kagome said gently but firmly as she held Rin's gaze that portrayed understanding.
It was the same longbow that Kikyou had gifted her shortly before her death.
"Yes, Lady Kagome," she replied clutching the longbow in her arms securely.
Kagome rested her hand on top of Rin's head momentarily before turning back toward the enemy. With her reiki flaring, she knew that Sesshomaru would sense her in seconds. It also gave her a little time to think knowing she would have to take them out one by one.
Unsheathing twin katanas that were secured into the folds of her obi, Kagome held them before her defensively as she pulsed a miniscule amount of reiki into them. That's all it would take. Closing her eyes to center herself, she dispersed her reiki and waited.
Two dragon youkai rushed her immediately. She parried the first sword with the katana in her left hand as she stabbed into the side of the dragon youkai with the other blade. As he fell she raised her left hand and parried the next katana deftly misdirecting its swing to barely graze her right shoulder.
A small sound had her directing her gaze back at Rin who trembled as a youkai neared her. Without hesitation Kagome launched the katana in her right hand at the unsuspecting youkai that neared Rin. It pierced his chest with a solid sound as he roared in pain before fading from existence in flecks of flesh.
During the distraction, a different youkai came up behind Kagome and grabbed her neck tightly in its clawed hand. Sapphire eyes narrowed as slitted pupils restricted in seemingly smug victory, "You became too careless miko," it chided condescendingly.
Kagome couldn't help the smirk that adorned her face as she lazily turned her head to look into the youkai's eyes, "No dear youkai," she said coolly as she raised her hand to grip his fist, "it is you that has become careless." A slight pulse of well placed reiki, that traveled up his arm and toward the rest of his body, is all it took to purify him into nothingness.
Kagome's gaze swept her surroundings. The other youkai had retreated to a safe distance along with its brethren. They looked hesitant to approach her. She couldn't blame them, but she didn't have time for their hesitation. Kneeling she closed her eyes as she gathered reiki to her center. Most of them were in slight range for this attack.
"Rin," she said quietly as she stabbed her katana into the ground beside her, "please sit."
This attack, while it wouldn't hurt a normal human, had the potential to buffet and knock down any beings standing within its radius.
Rin's nod was barely registered as Kagome pressed her hands flat against the ground. A concentrated look overtook her features as she closed her eyes. Knowing that she left herself open for attack, Kagome concentrated on their individual youki's targeting them specifically. She was, however, distracted by the magnanimous force tearing toward her position: Sesshomaru.
A chilling sensation shot up her spine as Rin cried out. Kagome opened her eyes in time to redirect a katana that had been aimed for her heart that was now lodged into her left shoulder. Sapphire orbs raised to meet molten silver hues that narrowed dangerously as a smug look overcame her features, "Reiki Pulse."
Kagome's hair whipped up around her and her clothing fluttered slightly as a lavender wave, originating from her person, shot out from her body in a seventy five foot radius catching each of the youkai within its range. It purified the closest while fatally wounding the beings in its outermost range.
Kagome didn't move until everything was still. Rising from the ground carefully, Kagome's hand went to the blade in her shoulder and she grimaced slightly. Her reiki enhanced state had lessened the pain, but she was still human and it was a heavy wound. In one swift movement, she removed the katana applying enough reiki to lessen the blood flow of the pouring wound.
"Lady Kagome," Rin's soft voice asked worriedly.
"Don't worry Rin," she said softly with a smile, "I'm fine." She glanced over her shoulder sensing the taiyoukai near the treeline. "Sesshomaru is here Rin."
The little girl's eyes lit up instantly and Kagome's gaze softened at the look of adoration and love that she held for him and only him.
"Miko."
Kagome turned her head back toward the tai at the sound of his silky tenor, "Lord Sesshomaru," she acknowledged with a nod of her head.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin's enthusiastic voice cried as she rose from her spot on the ground and ran quickly to her surrogate father's side. Kagome's gaze softened at the sight of their reunion.
Sesshomaru truly did care for the girl. Kagome could see it in the way his shoulders slightly shifted once he laid eyes on her. His eyes slightly softened around the edges as she had said his name and bounded eagerly toward him. She was a good influence on the, once, icy tai.
The taiyoukai's gaze studied the young girl's visage for any visible wounds, but there were none. In fact, the only ningen blood he scented was that of the miko.
Molten amber orbs raised to the raven haired woman who stood before him clutching at her left shoulder but was otherwise unharmed. His eyes narrowed infinitesimally. He knew her enemies had been numerous. It was apparent by the stench in which they had left at the camp. Yet, here she was alive and Rin utterly unharmed. When had she gained such power?
"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin spoke momentarily breaking his chain of thought as he looked down into her chocolate orbs, "where are AhUn and Master Jaken?"
The tremor in the girl's voice was unmistakable. She was worried for them. The tai had nearly opened his mouth to speak when the shrill voice of his retainer pierced his sensitive ears.
"My Lord! Where are you my Lord?!"
"Master Jaken!" Rin cried as he came into view appearing from the treeline. The dragon youkai followed closely behind him, "AhUn!" She haphazardly dropped the longbow in her rush to the dragon youkai's side throwing her arms around him as she hugged Un's neck. Ah circled around her resting against her back each rumbling low comforting notes.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed once more as he eyed the red bow near his feet. It had Rin's scent on it. It was strong. The miko had our ward hold the bow. The tai paused at his alpha's interruption of his thoughts. It was unsettling that after being silent for so long he would make his presence know, now, in the miko's attendance. Hn. For what purpose? There was a brief pause before he answered. Sacred bows are known to have barrier charms imbued into them upon crafting. Sesshomaru inwardly scoffed at him. This does nothing to explain how the onna defended herself against her attackers without it. He glanced back at the ningen onna who watched the scene with a softened gaze. It was obvious she had changed since their last encounter.
When he had been running, following Rin's scent toward their current location, he had sensed her power. Even from far away it had saturated the very air he had breathed. It was strange for the tai to sense that much power connected to the, once, loud mouthed, fiery, indecently dressed onna that he had seen traveling with his half-brother in the past. Which to another question: where was Inuyasha?
Before, the hanyou was always nearby when she was in his presence. Even now, as he subtly sniffed the air, his scent was not present. The taiyoukai's eyes narrowed. He had more questions than answers. It was not something he took pleasure in: being ignorant. Especially when it involved subjects he had once known. With many uncertainties clouding his mind, he was confident of one thing: this miko intrigued him.
"Rin! You confounded girl! You nearly gave me a heart attack! Never run off during an attack again!" The kappa trilled exasperatedly shaking his staff.
"But Master Jaken, if Rin hadn't ran away she would have been killed," she said releasing AhUn as she turned toward Kagome who remained silent during the exchange, "Lady Kagome saved me," she said softly with a hint of admiration in her voice.
Kagome's attention was reacquired at the mention of her name. With the group's focus on her, she turned her gaze to the tai closing her eyes as she inclined her head slightly.
"What?!" Jaken shrilly gasped, "N-nonsense Rin. I would have been able to protect you had you-"
A swift kick to the kappa's head silenced him immediately as he kissed the ground unceremoniously. "Quiet Jaken," the cool tenor or Sesshomaru sounded.
Kagome could detect the mild irritation in the tai's youki. Her smile widened slightly before she could stop herself but it faded quickly. It did not go unnoticed by the inu.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome vocalized levelling him with an serious gaze, "I would be weary the East," sapphire orbs clashed with molten gold as their gazes met.
"This Sesshomaru is aware," he intoned evenly, "his minions reek of his scent. It is unmistakable," he glanced around the clearing taking in the half mangled bodies of the dragon youkai that littered the ground. Lifting his gaze once more he looked to her shoulder that still bled. The red liquid seeping from between her fingers. He could tell it was not as it once had been. Apparently the miko had learned more than just a few tricks during their parting.
AhUn shifted by his side. The movement drawing his attention, he watched as the dragon youkai started toward the miko.
"AhUn?" Rin questioned as the youkai walked past her only stopping a mere foot from the miko.
Kagome was hesitant. She'd seen the dragon youkai many times in varying degrees of ferocity. Only once had he been tamed, laying down, with the inutachi within the barrier during the battle against Sou'unga, Inu no Taisho's evil sword. However, as she studied his countenance he seemed calm, friendly even.
Cautiously, she extended her left hand toward Ah's head. He leaned forward until her hand was pressed flat against his muzzle. Kagome smiled as she ran her hand slowly up his face tangling her fingers in his dark mane. The dragon arched his neck leaning into her touch much like a modern, domesticated inu would. She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her as his large tongue caressed her palm in a comforting manner.
It was strange for the taiyoukai to see his steed acting in such a familiar manner with someone not within his pack. In the many years that AhUn had been by his side, he had learned the youkai was not a very friendly nor affectionate being. The only one who had coaxed such actions from the dragon had been his ward, until now.
"AhUn likes you Lady Kagome," Rin sounded off happily clapping her hands together with a bright smile adorning her features. It amazed the tai at how she could remain virtually untouched despite all the evil around her. She was still innocent. Still pure.
"I guess he does," Kagome replied scratching Ah's muzzle. She was so focused on him that she neglected to see Un closing in on her shoulder until he was nudging at her hand that gripped it.
Out of shock, Kagome withdrew her hand due to the feeling of his wet snout against her skin. Immediately his pink tongue reached out to the wound slipping it through the torn fabric of her kimono. Kagome flinched at his approach attempting to withdraw from his reach until Ah rumbled soft low notes as he rubbed against her hand.
Sapphire orbs left the dragon and met molten gold obviously seeking an explanation. "This one's mount is capable of healing abilities, miko," Sesshomaru flatly supplied to the obviously unsure woman.
Kagome's gaze returned to the dragon who was withdrawing his head from her shoulder. Curiously she glanced down at the wound that was still slightly bleeding but the, once, angry-red flesh was now a cool pale in color. It looked less inflamed and infected from whatever bacteria the enemy's sword had been covered in.
Rin smiled warmly at the scene before she noticed the forgotten bow on the ground. She glanced up at her protector who returned her gaze and nodded once causing the girl's smile to brighten as she bent down to pick up the bow before running toward the miko, "Lady Kagome," she said as she neared the raven haired woman, "your bow."
Kagome smiled softly at the girl as she took the bow slinging it over her right shoulder, "Thank you Rin." She placed her hand on top of the young girl's head before she turned from the group intending to walk back toward the direction she had originally been travelling. However, she was stopped short by Rin.
"Lady Kagome," she asked worriedly, "where are you going?"
Kagome turned her head to gaze back down at the little girl that stared up at her with concerned big brown eyes, "Toward Edo, Rin," she replied as Rin started running toward her.
"But Lady Kagome, you're hurt and it's almost dark out," she pleaded.
Kagome glanced at the sky that was indeed darkening. Her sapphire orbs narrowed. Youkai would undoubtedly smell her blood and come after her, and in her weakened state, although they would more than likely be lower-class youkai, it would cause her more trouble than normal.
Rin glanced behind her at the tai pleadingly. If Sesshomaru inwardly sighed he would have, but seeing as he was Sesshomaru he did not. His ward had been traumatized enough for the day. If keeping the miko near gave her a peace of mind he would see it done.
"Miko," he spoke garnering the blue eyed onna's attention, "you will stay with this one's pack until dawn."
Kagome blinked slightly taken aback by his sudden offer. "Please, Lady Kagome," Rin's soft voice practically begged.
Kagome closed her eyes and lay her hand on top of Rin's head a soft smile adorning her features as she took in the girl's desperate countenance, "Alright Rin, just for tonight then."
Happily Rin clutched onto Kagome's hakama before the miko disentangled her fingers from the fabric and guided her to the tai's side as he turned from the clearing.
He sniffed the air lightly searching for a water source for the ningen when the light, airy scent of Rin's happiness reached his nose along with a secondary, similar scent reached his nose. The miko was also happy. Amber eyes glanced behind him to see Rin holding the miko's right hand chattering away to her about one subject or another. The miko's eyes shined with laughter and, he realized, contentment as she attentively listened to his ward's words. She is happy around us. His alpha sounded seemingly neutral about the observation. She is happy with this one's ward. He corrected lightly turning back toward the front and focused on the task at hand: finding a suitable place to set up camp for the night.
A few hours later found the group huddled around a fire in the protection of a grove of trees. The tai was leaned against one of the larger trees as he silently watched the activity of the camp before him.
AhUn had bedded down for the night obviously tired from the day's events, Jaken was currently bickering about something or another with Rin as they poked at the fire encouraging the flames to burn hotter, and the miko...she was leaned against a tree much like he was with her eyes closed. The steady rise and fall of her chest was relaxed but she did not sleep. Her bow lay close to her side and the majority of her weight rested against her right side. The wound was obviously more a hinderance than she let on.
"Be careful Rin," the kappa scolded, "the coals are hot they will -ow! Ow!" He cried hopping up and down holding his foot that an innocent ember had landed on.
Rin's giggle sounded through the camp. It relaxed the tai more than he cared to admit. "Careful Master Jaken," Rin chided once her giggles relented, "the fire will burn you."
This time another sound of laughter filled the camp. Amber eyes trained on the miko as she laughed quietly at his ward's antics. His eyes narrowed once more as she crossed his thoughts.
She was different in many ways, yet the same in several others. She was calmer. More the demure and tamed temperament of miko and less the outspoken, hot-blooded, headstrong woman she had been. She had matured physically as well. Her face was less the round shape of a young girl and more the slender, refined shape of a woman, and her hair had grown longer, darker, and thicker with the years as well. The blue hues of her eyes looked more aged as if she had seen more than her share of this world in her short time of walking the earth. Then there was the issue of her, now, formidable power. How had she gained such strength? None the less, learned to control such energy.
The tai's eyes narrowed slightly. Her reiki wasn't more powerful than his own youki, but she was on par with his caliber of strength. The miko would make a suitable partner. Sesshomaru's eyes nearly widened at his alpha's 'suggestion'. This Sesshomaru will not lower himself to mate a miko. The inner inu seemingly scoffed at Sesshomaru's easy dismissal. She possesses more power within her being than most female youkai that we have currently residing at our court. Sesshomaru was acutely aware of that fact.
It was no secret that since the fall of Naraku he had been, at least more seriously, considering becoming mated. However, thus far the candidates had been less than pleasing. None of them were close to the level of power he wanted in a mate. Fewer still were of the temperament needed and expected of the Lady of the West. After a few months of consistent disappointment, Sesshomaru had nearly abandoned the notion altogether; however, the females remained at his estate in the unlikely likelihood that one would eventually become less intolerable than the rest. The lesser of the evils so to speak.
His gaze returned to his ward as this thoughts continued. She was another reason he had yet to mate. He was uncertain a youkai female would be so accepting of a ningen pup. Rin was very much a part of his life, and would continue to remain so whether or not he took a mate. Her life held value to him. Always would.
However, the tai was even less concerned with mating than he had been before. There was, now, another issue to address. Isamu. His alpha supplied. He closed his eyes feeling the shift of his inner inu in his chest. Merely the dragon youkai's name caused it to anger. It always had due to the deeply seated animosity between the two breeds of youkai but, now, since the Eastern Lord had made an active move against him the reaction was more intense. He must be dealt with. This Sesshomaru agrees. There was a secondary reason that Sesshomaru held such hatred for the Eastern Lord.
Isamu was Ryukotsusei's heir, the son of the daiyoukai that had injured his father before he had so foolishly leapt into actions resulting in his premature death.
He felt the deep rumble on subsonic frequencies echo within the chasm of his chest. Animosity indeed.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin's quiet voice broke the taiyoukai from his thoughts.
Sesshomaru glanced into her brown eyes waiting for her to speak further, but she neglected to do so. She looked unsure. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed. Her scent was smoky a quality that was attributed to worry, fear, or uncertainty. "Rin," he addressed.
Their locked gazes were diffused when the miko rose from her position against the tree. She moved quickly but quietly as she knelt beside his ward. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed slightly. What was her intention?
Kagome could feel his rising youki. The normally stoic taiyoukai was displaying his emotions openly whether he realized it or not. They were so strong that it was undoubtedly felt by Rin as well, and when she had vocalized her silent concern she had faltered. It was only natural. The person she took solace in, the being that was always consistent and gave her peace, was unsettled. It would bother anyone.
She smiled warmly at the girl, "Would you like to help me make a barrier?"
Rin's eyes lit up instantly, "Yes, Lady Kagome. Rin would very much like that."
Kagome smiled taking the child's hands into her own as she guided her to sit before her in a lotus position. She glanced over the girl's shoulder to see the tai watching them feigning disinterest. However, Kagome knew better.
"Alright," Kagome said her blue orbs resting back on the girl before her, "close your eyes and concentrate on your center. Clear your mind and try to draw forth the peace you find within your center."
Rin nodded and Kagome watched as she closed her eyes in a relaxed manner before she closed her own eyes. She rested their wrists on their knees as she concentrated. She felt the warmth of her reiki rippling just below the surface. It wasn't as hard to draw out anymore. It was almost second nature now.
Visualizing a bubble around the camp, Kagome pushed the reiki out from her body molding it into the sphere she had visualized. She was not expecting something to push back. Opening her eyes instantly she glanced down at Rin. It was small and frail but there was energy there within her core. Sapphire eyes instantly raised to meet molten gold orbs. They were unchanging. He knew.
Deciding against making a big deal of it, Kagome squeezed Rin's hands gently and the girl opened her eyes expectantly but instantly frowned when she could not see the barrier. She looked to Kagome questioningly who only smiled at her innocence. "You won't be able to see the barrier, Rin, until it is needed. It does no good to create one if it cannot take your enemies by surprise," she said softly as she ruffled the girl's hair.
A yawn escaped the young girl and Kagome smiled. She was exhausted. "Bedtime Rin," Kagome said firmly as she rose from the ground with Rin following shortly behind her.
AhUn raised his heads slightly at their movements and rumbled several low notes that Rin heard. She turned to make her way toward AhUn before she hesitated, "Lady Kagome," she called quietly.
Kagome, who had nearly made her way back over to her tree, turned to look at Rin, "Yes?"
Rin fidgeted slightly dropping her gaze before she looked back into Kagome's eyes, "Will you sit with AhUn and Rin for the night?"
Kagome hesitated, "The wound is still bleeding. I doubt AhUn would appreciate that much," she graciously tried to decline.
A low sound from AhUn sounded quickly after as he raised his heads higher and snorted slightly. It reminded Kagome vaguely of a scoff. Rin's giggle broke brought Kagome's attention back to her, "Rin doesn't think so Lady Kagome."
Kagome smiled softly before sighing in defeat. She's sit by Rin for a little while. If only until the girl fell asleep. She turned back toward them as she made her way to AhUn's side that she settled against comfortably. Rin slid down beside her yawning again as she rested her head against Kagome's thigh. The miko smiled warmly at the girl as she ran her fingers through her dark tresses comfortably. She'd had a long day.
His ward made a soft sound of contentment as the miko continued to run her fingers through Rin's hair. It wasn't long before the steady breathing pattern, he knew to be, of her sleep commenced.
Her maternal instincts are strong. His alpha noted with slight approval. Your observations of this miko are unwanted. He curtly informed the inner inu who seemed to be laughing in the recesses of his mind. Inwardly growling at his alpha, Sesshomaru watched as the miko tried to pry herself away from the girl's clutches with little success. It seemed as if she didn't want to wake her. Further proving my point. The alpha chided almost smugly. Subconsciously, his eyes narrowed. This Sesshomaru has no interest in the miko or anything she has to offer. We shall see. His alpha shot back with a smirk that Sesshomaru could feel. Incessant irritation.
His internal conversation was quickly silenced at the miko's next actions. She raised a reiki enlaidened hand to her left shoulder. This caused his mount to stir slightly glancing over his shoulder at the miko.
"Just healing my wound AhUn," Kagome said quietly as to not disturb the sleeping girl. The youkai seemed to accept her answer and lay his heads back down in a relaxed manner.
Closing her eyes, Kagome lay the hand against her wound and grimaced. Just because she could heal the wound didn't make it painless. Her teeth grit tightly as the skin melted back together along with the muscles and cracked bone that mended instantly. She leaned forward as the exit wound sealed itself easily. Finally done, she released her reiki and leaned back against AhUn wearily.
She stroked his side with her right hand which garnered her a few deep rumbles before she closed her eyes. However, it seemed she wasn't going to be allowed sleep yet.
"Miko," the recognizable silky tenor sounded from across the camp.
Sapphire eyes opened to take in the golden orbs that reflected the fire so brilliantly.
"Lord Sesshomaru," she responded easily waiting for him to continue.
"Where is Inuyasha?" Kagome's eyes iced over instantly but she graced him with an answer.
"He is doing well. He still resides in the village in Edo as their protector," she replied resting against AhUn fully now, "The taijiya, Sango, and monk, Miroku, are now married with children, as you are aware," Kagome added, "Shippou, the kitsune, is now with a pack of his own growing stronger daily," she stated with a small proud smile on her face, "and Lady Kaede is still alive performing her duties as usual."
The tai was silent for a moment, "You no longer travel with the hanyou." It wasn't said as a question, but Kagome recognized a question when posed to her.
"No, I no longer travel with Inuyasha," she said evenly. Her gaze was neutral as she gazed up at the tai. His eyes were narrowed. An expression as close to confusion as, she guessed, he could manage.
This feeling of uncertainty was becoming a recurrent theme in the miko's presence: it was unsettling to the tai. The miko was no longer in company of the hanyou. This did not explain why nor how she had come into so much power.
"You were sent away to train," he openly mused gauging her reaction to his statement.
"No, I left to seek out a sensei on my own," Kagome stated as she leaned her head back against the dragon youkai closing her eyes, "it was my wish to become stronger in the hopes that in the event that another evil came upon this land I would be able to help combat it."
Sesshomaru could understand the quest for power. He had undertaken one and continued it during the conflict with Naraku. Bakusaiga was proof of that in itself. This still did not explain his questions; however, for now he was satisfied.
"I will leave at dawn to return to Edo," she voiced quietly.
Sesshomaru watched as she stared down lovingly at his ward and ran her fingers through her hair once more.
Kagome had to admit she had missed Rin since Sesshomaru had taken her back with him. It was good to see her again even if the circumstances weren't the best. Her gaze hardened slightly. The Eastern Lord was after her now, and while she knew she couldn't protect her entirely. She knew she could do something.
"If I hear of any movements from the Eastern Lord," she said quietly garnering the tai's attention, "I will send word to you," sapphire orbs raised to meet molten gold. This was not for his benefit. Nor was it to use as leverage against him. For once, the uncertainty was absent in her words as an understanding was met in their shared gaze. This was for Rin.
"Hn."
A deep growl echoed throughout the hall. Seconds later a vase was shattered against stone wall. Bright yellow eyes flashed dangerously in the darkness. He had been thwarted in his attempt to undercut the Western Lord. By a miko no less!
"Kumo!" He roared loudly before a man dressed in armor appeared kneeling before him.
"Yes my Lord?" He replied never raising his head from the kneeling position.
"Who is this miko," he said gesturing at the glass orb to his right.
Kumo raised his ocean blue eyes to study the maiden's visage, "She is known throughout the land as the Shikon Miko. She is the one who put the Shikon no Tama back together and banished its existence from the world."
Isamu scoffed, "She has become meddlesome. Get rid of her," he said gruffly.
"My Lord," Kumo questioned uncertainly.
"I don't care how you do it," he growled lowly, "she travels with no companions," he said rising from his throne, "Take who you need. Just get it done."
"Yes my Lord," Kumo said rising from his kneeling position with a grim look on his face.
His Lord may underestimate the Shikon Miko, but he was no fool. The returning member, yes member, of the squadron sent out to capture and kill the Western Lord's ward had spoken of her magnanimous power and skill in battle.
He glanced over his shoulder at his Lord's receding figure. He was to either go to war with the miko and die or be killed for his failure to produce results. Oh how cruel were the Kami.