Foolish Games

Chapter XV: Battle for Sesshoumaru’s Heart…

Once again, the Inu-Tachi, Sesshoumaru and now Kouga found themselves on the road. This time they were heading to the Eastern Lands. It was common knowledge and as well as expected that Kagome would fly with Sesshoumaru on his Youkai cloud. Sango and Miroku were flying not far behind with Kirara. Kouga and Inuyasha were left jumping up from trees to trees. They were moving very fast and Sesshoumaru had predicted that they would arrive at their destination within two days.

Most of their travel was done silently. When they stopped to set up camp, the Inu-Tachi interacted with each other. Kouga often joined them. Sesshoumaru stayed out of it. He would sit and listen and sometimes he just went off by himself. Kagome didn’t blame him. She understood that he needed to get adjusted to all of this.

Sesshoumaru was a solitary person by nature. He did things his way and now he had to adjust to being part of a group. Not that he ever considered himself being part of the Inu-Tachi. After all, he was still Sesshoumaru. He might be in love with a ningen but that didn’t mean he didn’t hate the rest of them. Well, the monk and the Taijiya, he could tolerate. He still hated his half-brother’s gut and he had to refrain himself from killing the mangy wolf every time he called Kagome his woman.

Two days later, they were almost at their destination. They set camp for the night not too far from the Eastern lands and Sesshoumaru was expecting them to arrive at the there by noon if they didn’t encounter any obstacle. Sesshoumaru glanced down from the tree he was currently sat on. Kagome and her companions were fast asleep. Inuyasha was sitting at the base of the opposite tree were he could keep an eye on Kouga, or so he said since he too was sleeping. Sesshoumaru wanted nothing more than to scoop Kagome up and took her somewhere away from her friends. Somewhere he could make love to her without intrusion. He heard his youkai purred at the thought. However, he didn’t give in to his desires. He’d have plenty of time to make love to her once Naraku is gone and she was his for good.

Lately he had been entertaining the thought of having her as a life mate. He hadn’t spoken to her about because he wasn’t sure how she’d have reacted to it and also because the timing wasn’t right. The impeding battle for the Shikon jewel was hanging over their heads and that needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. Until then he would hold on.

The next day started pretty much the same as the two previous ones. When they woke up, Sesshoumaru was missing but he turned up when it was time for them to resume their journey. By midmorning, they arrived at the Eastern Lands. Kagome had to admit that it was beautiful. She could see the damage that had been done to the kingdom but it wasn’t too extensive. They were welcomed at once and brought to the palace. The lord and lady of the Eastern Lands welcomed them at the palace’s gates.

“Welcome, Sesshoumaru-sama. Thank you for coming to our aide.”

He nodded. Once the introductions were over, they went to the palace.

“I have arranged the west wing of the palace for your and your guests’ use during your stay. I’m sure you’d like to rest a bit after your long journey.” The Eastern Lady said.

“Thank you.” They said in unison.

“I will send the servants later when it’s time for dinner.”

Kagome was in awe at the room she was staying in. It was just as beautiful as her room in the Western Palace but this one was smaller and cozier. After a much needed bath, she dressed in the kimono her host has graciously provided and went outside. She wanted to explore a bit. Her wandering feet brought her to the back of the castle and also the outskirt of the palace. She stumbled across a training ground with hundred of demons practicing and sharpening their skills. They stopped to look at her. Once they realized she meant no harm to them, they went back to their tasks. She went back to the castle an hour later. By then it was time for dinner.

She didn’t know till now that Sesshoumaru wasn’t the only lord there. Apparently all four lords were present. There were their hosts, the Eastern Lord, Sora-sama, and his lady, Miyu-sama. The Northern lord, Yuga-sama and his mate, lady Hitomi; and also the Southern lord, Koji-sama was present. He wasn’t mated therefore had no lady with him. Besides the four lords, there were also their generals. Sesshoumaru’s general was Youzen but he wasn’t here. He was at the Western Lands watching over the palace and their children. The children, she missed them. She hoped they were alright. The dinning room was full with people and all of them were demons with the exception of herself, Sango and Miroku. Inuyasha was a hanyou but he wasn’t looking anymore comfortable then they were. She was surprised that no one questioned their presences. She guessed that being with Sesshoumaru had its perks besides the incredible love making.

After dinner, the lords and their generals assembled for a meeting. The women were allowed to attend but they weren’t allowed to offer their opinions freely. They spoke only when spoken to. Kagome had to admit that it was a bit hard for her to hold her tongue since she was so used to give her opinion freely. However, she refrained from doing so. She didn’t want to embarrass Sesshoumaru while they were here in front of the other lords. She’d keep her opinions and shared them later with him. And if he wanted to share them with the other lords that would be his decision.

The meeting lasted late into the night. She was sure that her friends were in bed by now. After biding their hosts a good night, they went to their rooms. Lady Yumi had given her room next to Sesshoumaru’s so she walked with him there.

“You seem restless. Is there something in your mind?”

“I was wondering why the women had to attend those meetings when they’re not even allowed to speak.”

“It’s part of their duties as the lady of the lands.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when a Taiyoukai mated with a female, some of his responsibilities are passed on to her. And when he’s not present, it’s her job to take to care of his responsibilities. So it’s important for her to know everything.”

“What kind of responsibilities?”

By now they had wondered into the gardens. It was a cool night out and the moon hung brightly overhead. They sat under a tree and Kagome laid her head on his lap. He didn’t seem to mind. Instead he ran his claws in her raven tresses.

“The lady’s or the lord’s?”

“Both I guess.”

“The Lord’s responsibilities involve patrolling the lands at least on a biweekly basis. He has to take care of treaties and maintaining peace among the villages on his domain and retain good relations with the other lords. They have to attain a monthly meeting with the High Council.”

“The High Council? What the heck is that?”

“It a group of elders. There are twelve of them. Each kingdom has three of them. They are there to maintain the balance of power.”

“Does that apply to the ladies as well?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, Sora-sama and Yuga-sama are both mated, wouldn’t that give them an advantage over you and Koji-sama.”

“I suppose it might. However, both their mates are not powerful enough to tip the scales significantly.”

“I see.”

“That can only pose a problem if their powers combine, meaning the lord’s and his mate’s, is greater than the tree remaining lords.”

“How do they determine if a female is really strong?”

“Through battles. The elders arranged a battle so the chosen female can demonstrate her powers. If she’s too strong, the elders would prevent her from mating with her suitor.”

“That’s horrible.”

“It happens.”

“So what does the lady of the lands actually do?”

“She runs the house and receives the guests. She planned dinner parties. She can be delegated to the different villages within and outside of her domain. And sometimes she has to take over her mate’s duties when he’s absent.”

‘I wonder if that would happen to us.’ Kagome thought. ‘Then again, I don’t think Sesshoumaru would want me to be his mate anyway.’

ÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐÑÐ

Kagome was violently shook awake the next morning. She was about to give the intruder a piece of her mind when she recognized Miyu-sama’s voice. She turned on her back and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“What is it, Miyu-sama?” she said.

Glancing out of the window, she realized how early it was. The sun was barely creeping from behind the mountain.

“Lord Sesshoumaru wants to see you.”

“This early?”

“It’s an emergency.”

“Alright.”

Miyu gave her a robe to put over her sleeping kimono. She put on her soft slippers. Yawning, she made her way to Sesshoumaru’s room. It was next door, so she didn’t have to go far. Miyu pushed her inside and closed the door behind her. Sesshoumaru was just finished putting on his armor.

“What it is that you wanted to see me this early about?”

“The Western castle has been under attacked.”

“What?” Kagome was instantly awake.

“Naraku had attacked my lands. The castle is completely destroyed.”

“Shippo…Rin…”

“I don’t know where they are. The messenger said that most of the servants were evacuated in time. Jaken is hurt but he’d live. The children are missing along with Youzen.”

Kagome’s tears were threatening to spill over but she kept them in. Her darling Shippo was missing. Her sweet little Rin was nowhere to be found. They could be hurt and there was nothing she could do to help them.

“I’m coming with you.”

“No, I want you to stay here.”

“Why? Our children are missing and you want me to stay here. I can help you find them.”

“I know it’s a lot to ask but you’d be safer here than with me. Naraku was looking for you when he attacked the castle. I won’t put you in any more danger.”

“Please Sesshoumaru, let me come with you.”

He pulled her in his arms and let her cry against his chest.

“Don’t worry, love. If they’re with Youzen, he’ll keep them safe. I promise to find them and bring them to you.”

“You promise to find them?”

“Hai.”

He picked her up and laid her on his bed. He kissed the top of her head and disappeared in the morning light. It wasn’t until she was about to fall asleep again that she realized that he had called her ‘love’. With a small smile, she surrendered herself in the arms of Morpheus.

A week later after Sesshoumaru’s departure, her hosts received another guest. It was a panther demon like the southern lord, Koji. The demoness’s species showed her in her movements. She had straight and sleek black hair that fell behind as she walked. Her pale skin seems to glow against the black curtain of her hair and her red-wine colored eyes stuck out more. She was very graceful, giving the impression that she was floating instead of walking. She was very beautiful. Kagome felt like a klutz compared to the woman. She couldn’t help noticed that the stranger bore a cunning resemblance to the southern lord. She felt a chill ran down her spine when her eyes locked with the stranger’s. The woman’s eyes turned to slit as she eyed Kagome. The hatred in those crimson eyes was blatant. Sensing the tension, Miyu came to her rescue and guided the demoness inside the castle. Kagome and her friends take refuge in the gardens.

“Who was that?” Sango asked.

“I don’t know but she sort of look like the Southern Lord.” Kagome added.

“And she reeked of him too.” Inuyasha said.

“Maybe she’s his lover.” Miroku said, coyly.

“That wasn’t what he meant, you lecher. I think she’s his sister.” Kouga offered.

“Oh!” Kagome said.

“I think I met her before when I was little.” Inuyasha said.

“Really.” Sango asked.

“Where?” Miroku asked.

“Yeah. I think it was at the western palace. I think she used to…”

“What?” Kagome asked.

“It’s nothing. I don’t remember very well.”

Kagome looked at Inuyasha. The hanyou refused to meet her eyes. She could tell that he was hiding something from her.

“Fhe…I’m going hunting.” Inuyasha said then ran before one of them could answer.

“Hey, Kagome. Want to go training with me?” Sango asked.

“Sure.”

They left Miroku in the garden since he decided to meditate. Kagome had noticed that he had being meditating a lot lately. She made a mental note to talk to him about it later. She really hoped that the Kazana wasn’t the reason for it. Kouga also stayed behind. He didn’t offer them any reason except to keep the lecherous monk in line.

Her training with Sango lasted through mid afternoon. Afterward they just lay on the soft earth and talked. They haven’t had a chance to do for so long. Kagome admitted that she felt better after she vented to her adopted sister. And speaking of sisters, she hasn’t spoken to the goddesses that claimed to her sisters in a while too. She was still having trouble adjusting to her new self.

After a while, they returned to the castle to prepare for dinner. They bathed and dressed. Miyu sent a servant to fetch them and informed them that Inuyasha, Kouga and Miroku would not be dining with them. Miroku had decided to share Inuyasha’s spoil from his hunt. And Kouga was dining with the men.

“Cowards.” Sango fumed.

The moment they entered the dining room, she regretted it.

“I was refused to eat with these trashes.”

It was the new-comer whom Kagome had yet to find out the identity.

“I don’t care about what you want, Haruka. This is my house and I won’t have you disrespecting my guests.”

Haruka scorned and send Kagome a dirty look. Kagome didn’t bother returning the look. She didn’t want to bring herself to her level. Needless to say that Haruka wasn’t too happy with being ignored by a lowly ningen.

After dinner, Haruka quickly bolt from the room without excusing herself. Kagome heard Miyu-sama sighed.

“Please forgive Haruka for her rudeness. I’m afraid she’s very narrow-minded and thinks it’s beneath her to dine with ningens.”

Kagome nodded.

“Something tells me there’s more to it than that.” Sango said.

Kagome had been thinking the same thing. She didn’t ask because she didn’t want to offend her host.

“You’re right, Sango-sama. There’s more to it than that.” Miyu asked.

“What do you mean?” Sango asked.

Miyu turned to Kagome.

“Were you aware that you smell like Sesshoumaru-sama?”

Kagome blushed then bring her hands to her nose.

“Do I?” She whispered.

“Yes. It’s faint that’s why humans can’t smell it. However, demons can. Haruka has smelled Sesshoumaru-sama’s scent on you.”

“But I don’t see what that has to do with her hating me.” Kagome said.

“It has to do with everything.” Miyu smiled then sighed.

Kagome and Sango exchanged confused looks.

“When we were little, Haruka and I were best friends until we both fell in love with the same prince.”

“Sora-sama?” Kagome and Sango said simultaneously.

Miyu shook her head.

“We were both in love with Sesshoumaru-sama.

Lady Kurama: Hey guys. Hope you're having a great summer. I'm stuck working. Well here's the latest chapter. Hope you liked it. REVIEW PLEASE