The Portal

Chapter 29 – The Plead for Keys and Visitors From Saijin

Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

Kagome had been sitting quietly alongside Sesshomaru and across from Lord Anubis, and Lady Nebthet for the last two hours. At least half of that time was absorbed into staring contests between the two inu Lords, with a few growls and grunts thrown in for good measure. The subject at hand was the acquisition of the portal keys. After some discussion Anubis agreed to supply the inu key, and felt certain that he could also acquire the baboon key from his brother, Lord Hapy. The problem was going to be Seth. No matter the argument given by Sesshomaru, he could not convince Anubis to approach Seth with his request for the falcon and human keys, which were both kept in the Falcon Temple of Shiraha.

Sesshomaru was becoming rather frustrated with Anubis, and Kagome could feel the jaki rising in the room. It was time to pull our her fail-safe. She looked at Anubis with her huge cerulean eyes. She mustered up her very best sad puppy dog look, put her hands together in a desperate begging posture, then asked, “Plleeeasse help me, Lord Anubis?” Then to polish the performance off she batted her long luscious eyelashes three times.

Hook.

Line.

Sinker.

Anubis sighed in defeat. How could he possibly say no to that? “Fine. I will speak to Seth. I may have to offer my soul in exchange, but for you Kagome, I will hand it over with eagerness.”

Sesshomaru had to push back the urge to roll his eyes. It would seem that no male was immune to Kagome’s wiles. Witnessing Anubis falling under her spell was more than a little satisfying. At least he was not the only one who caved under the pressure of the blue eyed nymph.

“Yay! Oh Anubis, thank you so much. You don’t know what this means to me. I have missed my family and friends so much,” Kagome cheered.

Anubis watched her beautiful display of energetic happiness. She was such a treasure. As much as he hated to go to Seth, he could not bring himself to refuse her. By the Gods, he had fallen under the bewitching spell of a mere human girl.

Speaking with Seth was going to be no pleasant task. Anubis relished the meeting with his brother about as much as being tarred and feathered, but for Kagome, he would follow through with her request. “Kagome, please do not think ill of me if Seth refuses to cooperate. He is not pleased with the fact that you still draw breath. I may be forced to use a bit of deceit in order to gain access to the keys.”

Kagome smiled warmly at the dark haired lord. “All I ask is that you try. I would not wish for you to place yourself in danger, Lord Anubis.”

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at Kagome. Her kind heart was about to undo her earlier efforts. He needed to get her away from Anubis before he changes his mind, or she changes it for him. “If you will excuse us, I would like to get some fresh air. Come along, Kagome.”

Sesshomaru’s announcement was somewhat sudden and Kagome looked up to him with curiosity shining in her eyes, but she held her question and followed him after bowing graciously to their hosts.

She followed Sesshomaru out of the pyramid, with Tala keeping close beside her. Kagome watched her strange pet as he flanked her right side. It felt right to have him there. It was strange, but she felt as if he belonged by her side. She had made a decision, upon waking earlier, that she would bring Tala home with her. He did not belong with these people. He belonged with her. So when, or if, the portal is opened, she will then try to bring Tala through to feudal Japan.

She had not discussed this with Sesshomaru as of yet, and she really didn’t know how he would take the news. Knowing him, he would be as difficult as possible, but she had made up her mind, and she refused to let him sway her decision.

To think that poor Tala had spent centuries alone in the jungles made her feel very sad. Kagome could tell how happy he was to be with her. He seemed so content, as if he existed solely to walk at her side. Kagome smiled down at him when he turned his large emerald eyes upon her. It was almost like she could see him smiling back. Kagome reached out and rubbed the top of his head, and he pressed into her palm. She could hear his grunting little purr of bliss and it made her laugh.

Her laughter was like the song of the most beautiful tennyo (celestial maiden). Sesshomaru glanced back and watched as Kagome rubbed the pets’ furry head. He wondered if she would enjoy stroking his fur when in his true inu form? Would she laugh for him as she does Tala now? He found that his stray thoughts were somewhat puzzling. What are his feeling toward this little woman?

Sesshomaru turned back, tearing his eyes from Kagome’s gentle form. She looked so sweet, and innocent that it was in strict contrast to the vixen she became underneath his sexual caress. Yes. Kagome was a treasure among females, and the longer he stayed by her side the more addictive she became.

As much as he wished to return home to Japan, he also felt a certain dread. Their existence here on this strange world was an easily maintained farce. Back in Japan they both had obligations and people that would be against their relationship. Inuyasha for one. The demon lord narrowed his eyes as he thought about his hanyou brother. He would most definitely be against their union; not that it mattered to Sesshomaru, but to Kagome it would matter a great deal.

Inuyasha would simply have to get over it, Sesshomaru decided, because he had made up his mind. He would not be separated from Kagome, here, or in Japan. She belonged to him. Only he would cherish her as she deserved, and only he could protect her properly. He could not trust the half-breed to protect his bitch. The fool brandished his sword as if he were a barbarian swinging a club. No. Kagome was too precious to trust to Inuyasha.

Sesshomaru could smell the sweet fragrance of the blooming flowers ahead. He turned to Kagome who smiled up at him. He held his arm out to her, and she graciously wrapped her left arm through his right. They strolled through the gardens of Shikon, and the taiyoukai silently enjoyed every beautiful emotion that poured forth from the human woman at his side.

~~~***~~~

Anubis was seated at his throne listening to one inu after another soliciting his approval for this and begging him for that. It was a tedious task that he normally took interest in, but today was different. Today he wished these dogs to leave his presence. He wanted to be alone.

The meeting earlier with Lord Sesshomaru and Kagome had left him feeling sour. Oh not at Kagome. No, never at Kagome. He was basically perturbed that she was so hell-bent on leaving Abu Simbel. He had hoped to convince her to stay, but after seeing her pleading face he knew that his hopes were slowly washing away.

It seemed the girl missed her home a great deal, as he could well understand, but that did not ease his suffering. His stubborn side wanted to refuse to aid them in their quest, simply so that she would be bound to Karnak. However, his sensible side also saw the dangers in her staying here. There was Seth, who wanted to bath in her blood. He would always be a threat to her life. Then there was the fact that she was the human’s Exalted One. Once word spread of her relation to Midoriko, the humans would turn to her for strength. A rebellion would surely ensue.

Even though Anubis felt that life in Abu Simbel, before human slaves, was more than adequate, he knew that the reversion back to the old ways would cause strife amongst his people. Humans were not trusted, since the betrayal of Horus through his very own human mate.

The demon lord’s thoughts were disturbed as a large group of people pushed through the waiting crowd. When they stopped before him he nodded. “Ah, Lord Hapy, Lady Ma’at, it is indeed a pleasure to see you gracing my halls.”

“Spare me the pleasantries, will you Anubis? You know why I have come. Is it true? Has Seth been fatally injured?” Asked the baboon king.

Anubis grunted in displeasure, “Unfortunately that is incorrect. The wound is not fatal. Seth still lives, and is recovering, albeit slowly.”

“Damn. I had hoped,” replied Hapy with a defeated sigh.

Anubis watched the disappointment flash over the face of his baboon brother. Hapy was attired in his usual battle regalia. His shining armor adorned his breast and shoulders with intricate designs of his true form. At his side he carried his huge battle sword. His forearms, thighs, and knees were strapped with leather and armor plating, and on his feet he wore heavy leather boots. His helmet did not fully cover his head; it stopped just above the top, and had a wide strip with his kingdom insignia across his forehead. He looked as if he were going to war, which was not the case at all. It was simply his norm.

Beside him stood Lady Ma’at. She was also wearing battle gear. A warrior among warriors, she was. As intelligent as they came and just as deadly. She stood silently by, allowing Hapy to take the floor, but Anubis knew very well that Hapy did not make a move without discussing it with his mother. He would be foolish not to.

Lady Ma’at was not as lovely as his own mother, but she was still a sight to behold. Her battle ready body was hardened with muscle and her face was in exact contrast to her warrior skill. She was a lovely woman, sporting strange magenta eyes. Her long straight silver hair was worn in the usual high ponytail, and atop her slender face she wore only a small tiara to signify her standing as queen.

“I am sorry to disappoint you Hapy, but Seth lives, and much to my distress is currently residing in one of my guest rooms. Do feel free to take him home with you when you depart.” Anubis said with a sarcastic smirk.

An amused huff snorted from Hapy before he replied to his brother’s comment. “I believe I will pass on your offer, Anubis. Better you than me.”

“It was worth a try, eh?” Anubis replied jokingly.

“Well, when do we get to meet the one responsible for bringing down the great and powerful Lord Seth?” Hapy inquired. “He must be a powerful warrior indeed.”

Anubis quirked a brow at his brother’s comment. It would seem that he had not been informed of the details. This should prove amusing. “I invite you to stay for a feast this evening. I will introduce you then.”

“Agreed. Now have someone prepare a room for mother and I. She needs a rest after the journey.” Hapy said with a mischievous smile.

Lady Ma’at growled at her son. “It is you who needs the rest you lazy dolt.”

Anubis and Hapy shared a chuckle at her response to Hapy’s teasing, and then Anubis ordered the nearest servant to escort them to their rooms.

~~~***~~~

They had been invited to a feast in the main eating hall. Kagome found that she was rather excited over the affair, especially since Anubis had taken the opportunity to gift her with a new outfit.

Sesshomaru was a little disgruntled over the gift, but held his tongue when he seen how happy it made her. Besides, the little wine outfit was just too tempting. Every time he glanced down and caught sight of the curve of her thigh he found himself sporting a painful hard on. It would not do to be caught in such a compromising state in front Anubis and his guests.

After a refreshing bath he and Kagome returned to the room where a servant stood waiting for her return. She was now helping Kagome put on the new clothing, and Sesshomaru lounged on the bed watching with keen interest.

It almost proved too much for him when Kagome stood before him in all her naked splendor, but he kept his head lowered and eyes half-closed in feigned boredom. Thankfully the position of his leg hid the tale tale swell of his hakama, which would have proven that he was not at all as bored as he appeared.

Soon the servant stepped back, and Kagome turned to him. “So, what do you think, my Lord.”

She was stunning, and his eyes opened wide as he appraised her form. Anubis was such a bastard. He had chosen well.

Kagome stood before him smiling like a princess. She wore a white wrap over her breasts, and bottom, over which were shear white hakama’s that rode low on her hips, and were cinched at the ankles. Her slender shapely legs were visible beneath the thin material. Over the top wrap, covering her ample breasts was a shift made of the same shear material. It was fashioned into a vest of sorts, and covered her arms, which was clearly visible as were her legs. Her flat stomach and mid-drift was exposed showing her perfect little belly button. Sesshomaru wanted nothing more than to swirl his tongue about the little indenture. The top hem of the hakama was adorned with gold trimmings, which was also found on the ankles and wrists, as well as the tiny gold ribbon that tied the front of the vest together. It hid much of her body, but revealed even more.

Her hair was left long, with some being pulled atop her head and pinned with gold and a strip of the same shear white material. Her beauty took his breath away. “Lovely,” Sesshomaru said softly.

“Arigato, Sesshomaru-sama,” Kagome replied shyly. “Shall we go, my lord?”

Sesshomaru stood and offered her his arm, which she took graciously. They left their room and headed to the evening feast.