Fallen

Chapter 16


~One Week Later~


Kagome felt a tingle of anticipation race up her spine as she finished binding her breasts and pulled on a small pair of breeches. Most of her hair was already up in a tightly wound bun on top of her head with a few pieces from the under side that had been cut to various lengths to allow her to look more boyish. Though it was unlikely that her hair would be seen under the cloak and cowl she'd decided to wear. She slipped on the baggy tunic that would hide her figure and tightened the cord at her waist making it seem as though she was nothing but a slender youth with a pretty face.

She did feel a twinge of regret for the boots she'd stolen from the storehouse but it was short lived as Sesshomaru turned to examine the effect of her appearance. He gave her a curt nod. “It will do. Remember you are to remain in the cloak and cowl avoid Locksley's position at all times. I doubt he would give you away but do not take unnecessary chances. I will be close by should you need but this was your plan...” he trailed off letting his unspoken words speak loudly. He did not approve of this plan but also understood what had to be done. While he himself could easily win a mere contest with a bow he could not blend in to the crowds as she could. It had to be her in the contest.

Over the past week Kagome and Sesshomaru had grown a rather comfortable friendship but he still remained at times distant and aloof as he had been. Kagome smiled at him brightly as he continued to watch her finish her disguise. “Don't worry this will be simple.” she assured as she placed the cloak over her head and secured the cowl.

Silently Sesshomaru cursed. She had chosen a cloak of black and a cowl of indigo blue. Her normally brilliant eyes stood out more and he had the sudden feeling that he was falling in to endless cobalt depths never to resurface. He shook himself and turned his back to her to calm himself. That feeling had been happening more and more since the scroll had revealed the riddle.

Sometimes he couldn't even bear to look in to her eyes at all because of it and yet more and more he also couldn't help himself. His possessiveness had grown as well, something that did not fully sit right with him. When ever he thought of Kagome he had to mentally stop the thought that always seemed to follow it... “mine”. Yes, in a sense Kagome did belong to him but through a spell, he still didn't have her. Her dreams were still a mystery to him and she never spoke of it to him. Although she still cried at night it had become less frequent and aside from the once she hadn't talked in her sleep. Something that was both a relief and a frustration. Who was the one she'd spoken of as the one in her thoughts as she'd kissed Inuyasha?

Sesshomaru had tried many tactics to get the answer from her but she'd blush or fidget and remain silent with that annoying feeling of guilt as his only answer. Finally three days ago Sesshomaru decided he'd stop trying, for now. Perhaps if he let her think he'd forgotten and then mentioned it at a time she wasn't expecting she'd blurt it out without thinking about it first. Then he would finally know the name of the one he'd have to kill for occupying a place that belonged to himself alone. Kagome was his and that included her mind, body, heart and soul.

Sesshomaru shook himself internally he was doing it again, being possessive like one of his kind with a mate. That was a foolish thought. He wasn't going to mate Kagome, that was ridiculous but he could not help the instinctive side of him from wanting her. She was beautiful and powerful in his eyes. Possessing her was the driving force behind his obsession he was certain of that. But perhaps his possessiveness was due to the spell, right now they were bound as only mates ever were and maybe that had confused his instincts in to feeling that Kagome was his mate in all but body.

That had to be it. That had to be the reason for his changing feelings towards her. That had to be the reason that he'd had to stop watching her sleep so that he wouldn't do anything foolish. Sleeping with her in his arms was just not an option though it sounded pleasant. Sesshomaru swallowed and pushed thoughts like that to the back of his mind. Now was not the time to consider such foolish things. He would think more on it tonight.

Kagome was in a state of confusion. Sesshomaru had been staring at her for a time and Kagome had felt her stomach erupt with a case of butterflies. His eyes had been so intense that for an instant she had been sure he was about to say something profound and then he'd turned away. But his emotions had her completely confused. Some of the emotions she'd felt from him she wasn't even positive he could feel and yet he had. His topaz eyes had blazed with some emotion Kagome didn't even dare to name as they'd been locked on her own.

What on earth was Sesshomaru thinking about that would make him of all demons feel tenderness and longing? It really made no sense. It couldn't be her right? After all he'd never admitted that he hadn't meant the cruel words he'd spoken after he'd kissed her. Kagome smiled sadly at his back. Sesshomaru didn't want her so why the stare and why had he been almost relentless in trying to get her to tell him about the dream she'd had when she'd woken up talking in her sleep? He knew, so why make her repeat it? It really made no sense at all. Since the time he'd tried to apologize he hadn't even called her by name and that just furthered her belief that it couldn't be her.


~*~*~*~*~

Colorful flags rippled in the breeze from their places on the tall poles and standards. The royal crest adorned the royal box where Prince John himself sat watching as the Sheriff conducted the tournament to begin. He smiled cruelly as he thought of the fact that somewhere in the crowds was his prey Robin of Locksley. To his right sat the Lady Marion bedecked in the rich wine colored brocade gown that he'd given her as a gift. To her right sat the Sheriff. Prince John was well aware of the desire that the Sheriff had for the Lady and he fully intended to give his blessing at the end of the tournament after Locksley had been dealt with. Still though the behavior of the Sheriff was somewhat less than respectful to a Lady of her standing.

Marion pulled her hand away from the Sheriff's lips yet again as he tried to place a lingering kiss on her knuckles. The man disgusted her. He was handsome but cruel and it was his cruelty that repulsed her. It was no secret that the Sheriff indulged himself often with any woman who caught his eye. It was also no secret that it was often non-consensual indulgence but women really had no choice unless like she had been, were born in to a noble family. Just her birth offered her protection in a small part and it sickened her. Why should she be spared the horror that was inflicted on the average women because of her lineage? It wasn't that she wished for such a fate but that she wished to stop such atrocities that would have never been allowed under her Uncle Richard. Prince John had much to atone for and she had promised herself that she would help to make certain of it.

As the contestants were lead out to be presented to the Prince, two figures caught her eye. One was an average male with a thick mustache and beard of the color of rust. His sparkling brown eyes twinkled with pleasure and relief as he met her eyes for an instant. The other was a figure who was very petite and slender though it was difficult to be sure with the cloak and cowl the youth wore but the cobalt eyes were a dead give away and Marion felt dread knot her stomach. Why was Kagome here? As the contestants moved away Marion cast her eyes around casually searching for the figure of Kagome's companion.

Kagome gripped her bow as she a waited for the signal to draw her arrow. She was eager and prepared. Sesshomaru's youki brushed her aura in silent encouragement as she deftly plucked an arrow from her quiver.

“Prepare!” the guard called out as he raised his arm. Kagome drew a breath as she drew back her arrow. Pink fire raced unseen down the shaft and she called it back as she aimed her arrow at the target. They had all been given a color on the end of their arrows to show whom had shot which arrow. Kagome's color was the same as her cowl.

“Fire!” he called out seconds later. There was a hush over the crowds as all eyes watched the arrows soar through the air to the target. A chorus of soft thumps rang through the air as the arrows landed in the target. Only three arrows had landed in the red circle of the bulls eye. One was indigo. The second crimson and a third black. The three archers stepped forward as the others fell back.

“The next match will be one at a time at one hundred paces.” the guard called out. As the target was moved the required distance. Three figures stood un-phased by the new target as they awaited the signal. Behind her in the royal box Kagome could hear the voice of her friend Marion as she asked repeatedly for someone to stop. Just what she wanted to stop Kagome didn't know but she had a pretty good idea. Focusing her thoughts she readied her arrow and the guard called out for the first archer to fire.

Kagome really hadn't meant to do it but as she let her arrow fly it was too late to call it back and to her the sound of wood splitting was very loud. She'd neatly split the arrow in the center of the target and she could feel the eyes of the archer who's arrow she'd split boring in to her as though searching. Kagome was certain then that she knew who the man was and more importantly that he knew who she was. The bearded man finally shook his head and stepped forward as did she.

“The final contest will be one at a time at one hundred forty five paces. Archers prepare.” the guard called once again. Kagome took a deep breath and tried to push out the sound of Marion's voice as she demanded to the male next to her that his attentions were unwelcome. Finally Kagome had had enough and when she'd drawn her arrow she spun on her heel and let her arrow fly.

THWAK

There was a collective gasp in the audience as all eyes looked at the indigo tipped arrow still shivering where it had imbedded itself in the back of the chair just above grazing the Sheriffs head. “Hey you! Marion told you to stop!” came a very angry feminine voice from behind the cowl of the youth still poised with his bow after releasing the arrow.

“Seize him!” Prince John bellowed as absolute pandemonium erupted within the ranks of guards. Kagome suddenly found her self in a circle of spears as she was apprehended. Slowly the front of the circle opened and Kagome was pushed forward. The Sheriff walked down the steps and looked down at the furious cobalt eyes glaring up at him, with a single movement her tore the cowl from her face. “You. Are. A. Woman.” he said slowly as though it were a sentence. He glanced to the side as a signal to the eyes watching. Kagome held her head high prepared for any fate.

Sesshomaru watched the scene unfold before him in morbid horror. What had the woman been thinking? The soft twang of a bow string shot him in to action as he used his youkai speed to reach Kagome. His mind blanked as he saw her death speeding towards her. “No Kagome! Move!” he roared as he pushed her out of the way only to take the arrow in her stead. His cloak had been unable to withstand the speed he'd moved at and had been torn from him leaving him completely in view. His silver cascade of hair fluttered around him as it caught the sunlight and glistened. He crouched protectively over Kagome snarling bestially, warning all away. His claws had lengthened as he'd prepared to fight for his miko, his eyes flashed between crimson and topaz.

The guards that rushed him didn't stand a chance as he fought effortlessly. Kagome lay on the ground stunned as she watched Sesshomaru engaged in a dance proving his name sake, killing perfection. She couldn't tear her eyes away if she wanted to. He was beautiful death. He moved with a speed and grace that took her breath away as it always had. It was all over too swiftly and she found herself held tightly to a firm chest as they sped from the tournament grounds at a speed that shocked any who were watching.


In mere moments the soldiers of both the Sheriff and the Prince had been decimated. It would take months to recover from the horrendous slaughter. In the chaos the golden arrow, Maid Marion and the other Archer had vanished. Prince John was bewildered and infuriated as he stomped back to his carriage. Turning before he climbed in he pointed a finger at the Sheriff. “The next time you fail to capture Locksley it will be your neck.” he warned coldly. “Oh and find out if you are able the name of that beast so that we will know what to call him as he dies or joins us.”


~*~*~*~*~

The settlement was quiet as Sesshomaru stopped at the base of the tree containing their tree house. Slowly he set Kagome back on her feet and looked at her with worried crimson eyes. “Are you injured?” he asked quietly smelling the blood on her to determine if it was hers or his. Kagome looked down at her hands, while he buried his nose in the crook of her neck and gasped as the crimson coating her hands met her eyes. Where had the blood come from? Frantically her eyes searched him and widened as she spotted the arrow protruding just below his collar bone. She felt no pain though he was hurt. She was confused though, when had he been injured?

Kagome tugged at his arm. “You need to sit down so I can remove that arrow and bandage the wound properly.” she said quietly. Sesshomaru snorted “You worry needlessly. I will heal. But you are unhurt?” he asked again. Kagome smiled up at him “I am just fine thanks to you.” Sesshomaru sighed silently as his baser self gave way to his reasonable side and his eyes returned to their topaz color.

He blinked as he came back to himself. “What happened?” he asked sounding confused. One moment he'd been watching Kagome being apprehended by that human man and then he recalled the sound of an arrow leaving a bow and after that everything was fuzzy and tinged with red. He'd felt fear but it hadn't been for himself but for the one smiling up at him, Kagome. He recalled that she'd been in danger and then a searing pain the rest was lost to him he reached over and pulled her to him “Are you hurt?” he asked softly. Kagome shook her head. “No. You protected me, I'm fine but you are hurt.” she said quietly as she struggled to retain her composure at being in his arms. Sesshomaru raised his eyebrow at her very red face “It's nothing, Kagome don't worry.” he said as he gave her a small squeeze but did not release her right away.

As Robin entered the clearing he went right to where Kagome and her silver companion sat near the base of the tree. Crouching down he gripped her shoulders lightly and shook her ignoring the growl of her companion for the moment. “What were you thinking?! You could have been killed!” he said harshly. Marion placed her hand on his shoulder and he released Kagome and moved back. Marion threw her arms around Kagome and hugged her tightly. “Thank you Kagome, but you shouldn't have put yourself at risk like that!” Kagome looked up in to her worried green eyes and hung her head. “Sorry. I'm sorry I made you all worry! Please don't be mad at me.”

Robin looked down at the woman in surprise. “Mad? None of us is mad. Thanks to you and your companion the Sheriff and his posse will think twice before attempting anything to hunt us down. Lady Kagome, you have given us a great gift, time. Tonight we will feast and celebrate in your honor and victory, here your prize. You rightfully won it.” he said handing her the golden arrow. Kagome smiled up at him and the rest of the men gathered around them. “Thank you!” She beamed.

Robin turned to Sesshomaru and held out his hand. “I do not know how to thank you for what you have done for us my Lord but may I personally welcome you to this forest as I was unable before.” Sesshomaru looked at the hand before him and slowly extended his own in a brief clasp of acceptance. Kagome grinned at her companion and he glared at her a moment before standing and seizing her in his arms and leaping fluidly in to the tree behind him. Her laugh followed their abrupt departure and Robin laughed quietly with her before turning to Marion and leading her away.


~*~*~*~*~


Kagome and Sesshomaru looked at the golden arrow in confused silence. Why had nothing happened when they both touched it? Shouldn't there have been a flash of light and a vortex of color to pull them in and send them to their next destination? There was nothing. Kagome was the first to break the silence. “What happened?” she asked aloud as she continued to look down at the arrow. Sesshomaru shrugged as he frowned thoughtfully. He didn't know any more than she did but he was not about to say as much. Frustrated he turned away from her and jerked the arrow from his shoulder and tossed it to the floor. A hiss of pain escaped his lips but Kagome, to his relief had not heard.

Turning to him Kagome frowned, when had Sesshomaru been hit by the arrow anyway? Shouldn't he have been able to dodge a human weapon like that with time to spare? Something didn't fit the situation either that or she was missing something. Wait why had he pushed her down? Her eyes widened as she suddenly realized the truth. Sesshomaru had taken the arrow in her place. He had saved her life... or their lives. Kagome chided her self for forgetting that the spell was probably why he'd saved her. He didn't really care did he?He simply hadn't wanted to die. Kagome felt a deep sense of disappointment as she accepted the facts once again.

Sesshomaru sighed as her emotions washed over him, confusion, shock and finally disappointment. She baffled him. How could a being stand to feel so many things at once? It made no sense to him but her distress bothered him as he turned his eyes again to her. “Kagome what thoughts trouble your mind?” he asked quietly. Kagome looked up from the floor and smiled. “Just something you will think is stupid. Don't worry about it.” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. Sesshomaru knew she was hiding something but he let it slide as he courteously turned his back and waited for her to change her clothes.