As Death Gives Life

Chapter 18 – An Unwilling Ward

Kagome waved to the newly weds as she shimmered from their sight. She had insisted that Miroku and Sango stay to enjoy their new life together instead of accompanying her and the others to her new home. Although she hid it well, she needed Miroku’s wisdom and Sango’s loving strength right now, but it was just too much to ask that her friends come along. They had finally spoken their vows to one another after all these years, and they deserved to have some time to enjoy themselves.

She closed her eyes and prepared for the strange feeling of being transported from one place to another by the magic of the Gods. It felt like her body was floating as light as a feather. She could not see the others; Inuyasha, Kat, Shippo or Anubis, but she could feel them as if they were touching her. The sensation only lasted for minutes before the hard jerk back to solidity hit. The first wave was almost creepy, the way her skin seemed to crawl with life.

Soon the group, once again whole, materialized. Kagome looked around in awe at the beauty before her. They had arrived amidst an enchanting garden surrounded by lush rolling hills. The vast garden was set before a massive old castle, nothing like she had ever seen in feudal Japan. It was shimmering white and magnificently ancient, taking her breath away in its beauty. She gasped in excitement, but her moment was soon stolen as Inuyasha suddenly cursed rather viciously.

“This place looks awfully fucking familiar!” Inuyasha growled as he looked around. Memories were flashing in his mind. Bad memories.

Suddenly a streak of white was seen, and Kagome barely had time to suck in a breath of shock, before she heard the all too familiar clash of metal against metal. She looked around with horrified eyes to see that Inuyasha had drawn Tetsusaiga just in time to thwart the attack by his hated brother Sesshomaru!

Where had he come from?!

The fierce demon lord and his hanyou half brother fought bitterly. The clashing twang of the sword fight echoed throughout the peaceful landscape upsetting nature’s perfection with violent intent. Sparks ignited with every block as the two powerhouses collided with deep grunts.

Sesshomaru blocked, spun, and struck once more. He had one thought and one thought only in his mind; to protect what is his. Protect his home. Protect all that dwell there. Protect his territory from the intruder.

The taiyoukai smirked as he landed the next blow. His half brother was too slow blocking the hit, and his blade sliced through his thigh as if it were warm lard. The smell of blood assaulted his nose and the beast within screamed for more.

Anubis watched for a moment in stunned silence. Why had the taiyoukai attacked the hanyou? Admittedly Inuyasha was not well liked, even by himself, but the boy had done nothing to merit this venomous attack. He watched the sword fight in appreciation for the talents held by both men. The hanyou drew on brute strength and experience, where the taiyoukai was calculating; landing blows with practiced perfection. It was clear that Inuyasha was outmatched, but he fought well.

“Anubis! Do something!” Kagome shrieked.

The InuGod turned away from the battle before him and looked at Kagome. She seemed to be in great distress over the situation, and his protective instincts kicked in. She should not be exposed to this violent display in her condition. “I will stop them. Do not fear, Kagome.”

Before Anubis could issue his command for the battling duo to cease their feud, the sound of a young girl screaming reached his ears. He turned to the source, as did his companions. There, running swiftly toward the battling men, was the young human girl of the castle.

“Lord Sesshomaru!” Rin screamed as she ran toward her beloved master. “Get away from him Inuyasha!”

Anubis came up short upon hearing her cry. She had called the name of the hanyou. She knows Inuyasha... but... how? He pushed his questions aside for the moment, as he could not allow the innocent young girl to be harmed by rushing in between the males who were obviously out for blood.

“Damn it Sesshomaru! What the Fuck is your problem?!!!” Inuyasha shouted.

Anubis moved forward to stop the running girl, but found there was no need as her cry had broken through the rage of the demon lord leaving Inuyasha open to shout insanely at the taiyoukai. Understanding and dread filled his mind as he made his way over to the violently angry pair. It appeared that Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were acquainted already. Furthermore, it was obvious that they hated each other with a deep-seated passion.

Just his luck.

The young girl, who Anubis suddenly realized favored Kagome in a highly unusual way, was panting for breath as she pulled up just shy of touching her lord. She was glaring hatefully at Inuyasha, who altogether appeared confused.

“How dare you come here and attack Lord Sesshomaru like this!” Rin yelled angrily.

Inuyasha looked away from Sesshomaru’s fierce eyes and turned to the little onna with a look of disbelief. “What the hell are you talking about? HE attacked ME!”

“Hold your tongue Inuyasha, or I shall rip it from your mouth. You will not speak to Rin in such a manner.” Sesshomaru was absolutely livid with the reality of this situation. Here in his own courtyard stood his utterly despised half brother, as well as the miko. To top that off they had brought along friends. The fox child, a serenity demoness, and HIM. That damnable InuGod. What was his brother doing with HIM? Had he made an alliance with the powerful God from Egypt? Were they joined forces now to defeat him and take over his lands? If that were the case, then they were sorely underestimating him. He may not be able to kill the God, but he would not go down without taking Inuyasha with him!

“Shut up you bastard!” Inuyasha shouted back. “I ain’t scared of you!”

“And that would be your greatest mistake,” Sesshomaru growled, as he pushed Rin behind him. “Rin, take cover.”

“Yes, my lord,” Rin uttered before turning to run to a safer distance. That is when she seen her friend staring at them with her hand over her mouth as if she meant to hold back a scream. Rin smiled and waved, the fighting brothers all but forgotten. “Konnichiwa Kagome-chan!”

Rin’s happy greeting snapped her out of her tumultuous thoughts. Kagome lowered her hand that she unknowingly had placed over her mouth, and waved to the young ward of Lord Sesshomaru. “Konnichiwa Rin-chan!” Rin came running toward her with open arms. The two of them hugged, and Kagome stepped back to take a look at Rin. “My goodness Rin! You have grown so much! How old are you now?”

I am now fourteen summers, Kagome-chan. How have you been? It is so good to see you again.” Rin replied happily.

“Things have been a little strange lately Rin, but it’s really good to see you too,” Kagome replied and hugged the teen once again. She then looked up briefly to find that the men were watching them. She also glanced around and noticed that Sesshomaru’s little toad demon was leading a barrage of youkai soldiers out to the grounds. There were perhaps a hundred of them, all wearing fierce armor, and carrying various deadly weapons.

Kagome hoped that they weren’t all about to be pickled meat. She silently cursed Anubis for putting them in this position, before pushing the anger down. She didn’t want Rin to see how disturbed she was by the events unfolding before her. She then looked back to Rin and smiled before introducing Kat.

Unknowingly to the females, all eyes had now reverted to them. Two beautiful, young human women, amazingly similar in appearance and demeanor, who refused to allow the discord between their protectors to effect their friendship. One enchantingly beautiful demoness smiling and conversing with the females as if it were the most natural thing to do. The sight drew many appreciative eyes from the approaching soldiers, but the brother’s were not affected in the least.

Sesshomaru fought the urge to roll his eyes at the female’s display of affection. No matter how many times he had cursed Inuyasha, Rin refused to take his side against the miko. Women could be such irritating creatures. He watched as the demoness and the fox kit joined the miko in conversation with his young ward, and then glanced around to see Jaken leading a large group of his military toward them. That was a good move on the part of his servant. It could be that he would have need of them if he were forced to battle the InuGod. He then turned his attention back to Inuyasha and Anubis.

“Explain yourself, ‘little’ brother. Why have you sought me out?” Sesshomaru demanded with narrow, suspicious eyes.

Anubis was taken aback by this new revelation. The two were brothers? He had certainly failed to investigate this situation to its fullest. A mistake that he now regretted, but had not the time to correct. He stepped forward, drawing the attention of the brothers. “Lord Sesshomaru, it is with much regret that I am the reason behind this... situation.”

Sesshomaru cocked one elegant dark brow in question, but Inuyasha only growled deep and low. He was beginning to understand what in the hell was going on and he didn’t like it one damn bit.

Anubis continued with his explanation. “You see, I have come to you as I said that I would, bringing the female which now carries my pup. I do hope that your vow of her protection still stands?”

Sesshomaru glared at Anubis, and then turned his attention back to the females. The serenity demoness? Had not Anubis stated that the female would be human? The demoness would certainly be a better choice to pup a godchild than a mere human. Then something caught his attention. It was the slightest of movements. Just a brush of a tiny human hand, but he saw it, and understanding flooded his mind.

The miko, standing next to the demoness, absently moved her hand over her lower stomach. The movement was slight, and brief, but in it the motion held a tenderness. Could it be that the miko now carried the InuGod’s pup? In a flash of speed, Sesshomaru left his male companions to investigate his suspicion. He ignored the scream of outrage by his hanyou brother, and stopped just behind the miko. She released an ‘eek!’ as soon as she realized his close proximity, but Rin immediately grasped her wrist to calm her.

Sesshomaru stepped up closely to the miko, almost brushing her back with his armor plated chest, and then he leaned down embedding his nose into the crook of her neck. He inhaled deeply of her scent.

Kagome could have wilted right then and there. What was it with this guy? Lately Sesshomaru seemed to have an obsession with smelling her, and it was rather embarrassing to say the least. Her face flushed bright red, as she felt the heat from his body so close to her own. She was getting really tired of his invasion of her personal space!

Closed golden eyes flew open wide in surprise. He stood erect and sniffed again of the air surrounding the three women and the fox child. There was no question now.

It was the miko.

Had his entire army not been witness, Sesshomaru would have given in to the urge to laugh out. Never before had he wanted to express himself with laughter so badly. This situation was simply too rich. Sesshomaru stepped back, watching as the miko slowly turned to glare at him with those unusual blue eyes. He could sense her fear, but could not find it written on her face. Her usual defiant stance had been taken, making the urge to chuckle spill over him once more.

Inuyasha and Anubis both landed next to the others. Inuyasha didn’t like Sesshomaru being so close to Kagome. “Get away from her you asshole!” Inuyasha made to step between Sesshomaru and Kagome, but Anubis reached out and stopped him.

“No Inuyasha. He is now her protector,” Anubis calmly announced.

“NO FUCKING WAY!!!” Inuyasha shouted. “NO! I won’t allow it!”

Sesshomaru stepped back once more, showing his half brother that he was not a current threat to the miko. He could barely contain himself in his glee. He looked to Inuyasha, then the miko, and finally to the InuGod. He lifted his elegant nose up and turned his golden glare back on the hanyou. “So, little brother. I see that you have lost your woman to another. I told you before that I would be willing to break her in for you, since you seemed to find the act displeasing. Have you not heard of keeping it in the family?”

“Grrrr! You FUCKING PRICK!!!” Inuyasha shouted as he made to draw his sword.

“Anubis held up his hand, and magic drifted into the air. Inuyasha was frozen in place, suddenly unable to move. His voice was stuck in his throat leaving nothing operational except his hearing and the blinking of his eyelids. Never before had he wanted to feast on the heart of another, but had he been able to Inuyasha would have eaten the pulsing organ straight out of Anubis’ body.

“Interesting trick,” Sesshomaru commented. Too bad he could not perform such a feat, as it would come in quite handy when dealing with the likes of his brother.

“A necessity, I assure you,” Anubis replied offhandedly. Ignoring the frozen form of Inuyasha, Anubis turned his attention back to Sesshomaru and Kagome. “Unfortunately it appears that I have failed to make a connection between Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, but I have no time to rectify this situation. Time is of the essence, and I must return immediately to my homeland. The battle with the Portuguese has taken its toll on my people and there are souls that require my assistance.” Anubis looked over the pale taiyoukai, settling his gaze upon the new arm. “You have accepted my offer, therefore entering into a pact for the protection of my unborn child and its mother. The fact that you are not on positive terms with Inuyasha has no bearing upon the female, and I must insist that you honor the agreement for her protection.”

Sesshomaru listened to the InuGod plead his case, and cursed the Fates for allowing such an injustice to his life. Of all the humans in all of Japan, he had to get saddled with this one! For the last month he had been feeling a growing regret at agreeing to protect a human chosen by this foreign dog, but nothing, upon nothing, had prepared him for the truth of it all. No hellish bitch from his imagination could have surpassed the actual female chosen by Anubis. No snobbish wench could have been worse than this small miko glaring between him and the InuGod with angry blue eyes.

“I refuse! I will NOT stay here!” Kagome shouted. How dare they make this decision for her!? Stay with Sesshomaru? No! Stay with someone who had tried to kill her years ago? No! “No!”

Kat immediately stepped up and put a calming hand on Kagome, just as Rin did the same. Sesshomaru watched the exchange between the women as he pondered a way out of this whole fiasco, preferably while keeping his arm. Since he had regained it, he had become rather attached to having it there, and hated the idea of giving it up.

Before Anubis could say anything further, the young human ward of Sesshomaru stepped up to speak. “My Lords, may I please speak with Kagome?”

“Hai,” they replied in unison.

Rin pulled Kagome to the side. “What is going on here Kagome-chan? Are you having a baby by that youkai?”

Kagome took a deep breath, and tried to give Rin the condensed version of her recent life-changing event. “He is not a youkai, Rin-chan. He is a God from a foreign land. He chose me to carry his child. Now I’m pregnant, and he has to leave. He told me that my baby would be sought after for its power so he arranged for me to stay under the protection of a powerful Japanese Lord. The problem is that the Lord in question is apparently Sesshomaru.”

Rin absorbed the story told by her friend and began to shake her head. She grasped Kagome’s arms in her small hands. With a pleading voice she begged, “Kagome, you must stay here! No one can protect you like Lord Sesshomaru! You have to give him a chance for your baby’s sake, and besides, I will be here to help you!”

Sesshomaru was about to tell Rin to hold her tongue when the look of defiance changed on the face of the miko. Too late. Rin had already worked her magic. He held his stoic expression, never letting his inner thoughts slip. It would not do to give the miko the impression that he could be bent to will by his young ward. Had Rin not been here to intervene he may have given up his left arm and sent them all on their way. Unfortunately she was, and had made up her mind to accept the miko into their home. What in the name of the Fates had he ever done to deserve this?

Kagome sighed, and looked to the still frozen body of Inuyasha. Even though the hanyou was standing stiff as a board, she could see the furious explosion in his amber eyes. For a moment she was glad that he couldn’t speak, because she was sure that her ears would shrivel if she had to hear what would be spouting from his foul mouth.

This was just so much to think about. So many things were happening so fast. As if things weren’t strange enough, now she had to move in with Sesshomaru? ‘Oh Kami, why me?’ Kagome inwardly moaned. Her tiny hand moved once more to rub absently over her stomach, as if seeking to calm the growing child within. ‘What should I do?’

Anubis was about to insist that she stay, when the human child, Rin, asked to speak with Kagome. Interested in what she would have to say, he agreed. Now he was glad that he did. It seemed that his insistence would not be required after all, making the transition more acceptable for Kagome. He would be happy to let her think that her decision was important, but in all truth he had already made the decision for her. She would stay here with the taiyoukai, like it or not. The hanyou could not defend her as the demon lord could. The boy had no military backing, and he, himself, did not have the luxury of time to seek out another suitable protector.

It appeared that he would not need to enforce his authority, however, as young Rin had swayed Kagome’s decision on her own. A fact that he was thoroughly grateful for, and made a note to somehow award Rin for her unknowing alliance. He watched the emotions displayed for all to see on the face of his chosen female, and he was all too aware of her unconscious act to soothe her unborn pup. It melted his heart, to watch her gentle caress, and he once again cursed his fate to forever be locked in the world of the dead.

Kagome stepped up, and looked over each face awaiting her decision. “Fine. I will stay... for now, as long as my friends can visit freely.”

Sesshomaru released a breath that he was unaware that he had been holding. Of all the confounded things to happen to him. He made a note to discuss with Rin her actions on this day. She must learn to control her mouth. He then turned a withering glare on Anubis, “The miko will stay, and as much as it pains me, her friends may visit at will. Be warned however...” Sesshomaru turned the glare to Inuyasha. “...the hanyou is not a welcome entity in my home. This Sesshomaru will only suffer his presence here under the strict avoidance of my person.” Sesshomaru narrowed his golden eyes even more, and held up his finger to the frozen Inuyasha. He placed his finger on the chest of the boy’s firerat kimono. Then with a slight push he watched in satisfaction, as his half-brother teetered and bounced stiffly to the ground. With the hint of a smirk, Sesshomaru turned and went to address his troops.

Kagome ran over to Inuyasha, who was strangely enough, still held in the frozen position that he was standing in. She knelt to his side and turned angrily on Anubis. “Let him go right now, Anubis!” She watched as he flicked his hand out, releasing Inuyasha from his spell. Immediately his body went soft, and collapsed against the grass beneath him.

He wasted no time leaping to his feet and getting up close and personal with the fucking bastard that froze him. “You fucking freak! You’ll pay for that!”

Anubis regarded him briefly before responding, “Inuyasha, you appear to be rather dense. Otherwise you would see your own stupidity. I will give you a choice. Either back away, or I will turn you into a rodent.”

Inuyasha pulled back with wide eyes and turned to Kagome, “Can he do that?!”

Kagome stifled a giggle, and said, “I don’t know Inuyasha, but I wouldn’t take the chance if I were you.”

Shippo, who had been quietly observing the entire affair, looked up to Kat. “He’s such an idiot.”

Kat looked down with a smile and patted the fox playfully on the head. “I agree.”

“Hey, you two shut up!” Inuyasha shouted angrily.

Kagome smiled at Rin, who had looped her arm through hers. Rin seemed thrilled with the idea that Kagome would be living with her now, and the miko didn’t have the heart to show the sorrow she really felt. She could imagine that Rin was lonely here in this huge castle, and she made up her mind to make the best of a bad situation. Kagome bit back the self-pitied grumble that threatened to come out, and said, “So Rin-chan, can you show us to my room?”

Rin happily nodded before leading her and the others toward the manor. Kagome hoped that her room wasn’t in the dungeon. If Sesshomaru had known who his new ward was going to be, she was sure that her new place of residence would have been decorated with graceful bars and picturesque devices of torture.

Rin lead them through the massive front doors, and into the entryway of the gleaming castle. Kagome, Kat and Shippo gasped at the beautiful grandeur. It was simple yet elegant. Everything was pristine and glistening white. Large golden frames graced the stone walls, holding paintings of various ancient beings. Kagome guessed that they belonged to Inuyasha’s ancestors. One wall held a magnificent landscape painting depicting a Japanese waterfall. Near the monstrous fireplace were thick white pillows trimmed in gold, all placed perfectly upon a huge white fur rug. A priceless vase was filled with lovely fresh flowers, and Kagome wondered if Rin had picked them herself.

Rin led them down a long corridor, and around a bend, passing by various doorways. She found it enchanting the way the ancient stone structure had incorporated the use of beautifully painted shoji screen doors, leaving one under the impression of falling into a Japanese fairytale. They came to a spiraling staircase, which looped around a huge cylindrical structure. Rin pulled them forward, and on the second floor, led them to the left and down another corridor.

Kagome ignored the grumbling noises of Inuyasha, and followed Rin's progression in wonder. She was also aware of Anubis floating along behind them silently. She couldn’t help wondering what he thought of all this.

Rin stopped and pointed to a doorway. “That leads to Lord Sesshomaru’s private chambers.” She ignored the irritated grunt of Inuyasha. She then pointed to the door further down to the right. “That leads to my rooms.” Then she pulled Kagome to the left, and into the door there. “And this will be your rooms, Kagome-chan!”

“Why the fuck has she got to be so damn close to Sesshomaru’s rooms?” Inuyasha growled. He didn’t like this at all. Not only was he expected to leave Kagome in the care of the most vicious and feared demon in all of Japan, but she had to sleep right next door to him? This was just too damn much.

Rin turned and glared at Inuyasha. “Lord Sesshomaru is right. You are nothing but a foul-mouthed ingrate. He placed Kagome here before he knew who she was, and he did it to protect her. Here, he will be able to monitor her safety during the sleeping hours.”

Inuyasha turned up the corner of his mouth in a silent snarl. Sesshomaru’s cute little ward had grown into a smart mouthed little wench. He supposed that was to be expected growing up under Sesshomaru’s care.

Kagome squealed in delight, and was joined by Kat as they raced about the room discovering all of the secret wonders held there. Kat laughed over to Inuyasha, “My, my Inuyasha, I had no idea you were of royalty. The way you act I figured that you were a common street urchin.”

Inuyasha closed his eyes, lifted his nose, and placed his hands in the open sleeves of his kimono. “Feh. This shit hasn’t got a thing to do with me. This is Sesshomaru’s. He’s the one with the fancy palace, not me. I got nothing.”

Kagome stopped her investigation of her new living quarters, and walked over to Inuyasha. “That’s not true Inuyasha. Your father left you the Tetsusaiga, which has proven its weight in gold. And besides, you have us.” Kagome smiled as she spoke, gently placing her hand on the hanyou’s upper arm.

He looked at her for a moment, staring with his amber eyes, before turning with another grumbled “Feh!” He didn’t want anyone to see the bright red blush on his face.

Anubis watched the display, finally feeling like things may just work out after all. He watched Kagome for a few moments, trying to brand her image into his mind. “Kagome, may I speak with you privately?”

Rin glanced up and wrapped her arm through Kat’s. She smiled down at Shippo, “Come on and follow me. I’ll show you my rooms.”

After the others had politely removed themselves from his presence Anubis turned to Kagome. He pulled her into his arms, and sighed. “You have my deepest apologies, Kagome. My plans have once again disrupted your life completely.”

Kagome relaxed into his embrace. Her gut began to tighten, as she knew what he was about to say.

Anubis nuzzled the top of her head. “I must leave you now, little flower. I only ask that you take care of yourself and our child. I will look in on you occasionally, as time allows, but I will be removing myself from your life today. It is time, as the longer I stay with you the stronger my feelings for you grow. It is a thing that can not be.” He gently caressed her long soft hair flowing in waves down her back. He smelled the salty tang of her tears, and hated that he had once again made her cry. “You will be safe here, koi. Lord Sesshomaru has vowed your protection, and he is a taiyoukai of honor. He will see to it that you and our pup come to no harm. Your body will continue to go through changes as the pup grows in power. Be not alarmed for it is natural. I will return to you upon the birth of the child to gift it with a sacred name. Be strong for me, my little flower.”

Kagome released her anger and frustration in a heart-wrenching sob as she accepted that Anubis was leaving her for good. She cried as he held her in his strong protective arms until her stomach hurt and the tears wouldn’t flow anymore. She looked up into his magnificent icy blue gaze, and he held her captured with a look of wanting and regret. He leaned down, and kissed her tenderly, loving her mouth with his own, before he faded away from her sight.