A Sister's Gift

Chapter 45 – Doing What is Right

“Daisaiin-sama, Kikyo and I would like to speak to you, if you could spare a moment of your time.” Kagome asked with a respectful bow.

“Of course. You have my undivided attention.” Senshi replied. She smiled at the girl child standing with Kagome. “Would you like to go play with Ani in the gardens, little one?”

Rin smiled brightly at the ancient woman, and nodded her head. She had played with Ani several times over the past few days and she felt like she could trust her. She would rather stay with Kagome or Sesshomaru-sama, but she did have fun when she was with Ani. Rin took Ani’s hand and waved to Kagome and Kikyo.

Kagome waved in return to the sweet little girl. Rin was strange in several ways, but Kagome had to admit that there was something heartwarming about the child. She still would not speak often, but over the last few days she had begun to loosen up around them a little. Kagome agreed with Sesshomaru and the other’s; it would probably be best not to push Rin too hard. She had obviously experienced a terrible tragedy in her young life, causing her to lose her trust in other’s. Not talking was just her way of dealing with what had happened to her parents.

She couldn’t help herself. She fell in love with the child as soon as she saw her in Sesshomaru’s arms. It was just too cute! She wondered for a moment, as she watched the sweet little child walking away, what her own children would look like. Sesshomaru was a very handsome male, and she had no doubt that any child sired by him would be beautiful, but she couldn’t help wondering if they would have cute fuzzy ears like Inuyasha? She almost giggled at the thought, but caught herself, so that Senshi-sama would not think she was laughing at her.

Kagome turned her attention back fully to the daisaiin, just before giving Kikyo’s hand a little squeeze. “Daisaiin-sama, Kikyo and I have been talking, and well... we were wondering if you know the spell to release Sesshomaru and Inuyasha from their slave bonds?”

Senshi looked at the two young women sitting in front of her. There was much hope in their eyes. Truthfully she was not at all surprised that this question had come up. These two miko’s were so different from all the other’s. Not only were they extremely powerful, but they held love in their hearts for those of the demonic race. That certainly made them unique. The purity in these women was sure to eat away at their conscience. The overpowering urge to do what is right had finally forced them to seek out counsel on the slave bonds. There was much to consider, however, before releasing a youkai that has been enslaved.

“My children, have you considered this fully?” Senshi asked, but did not allow them to answer before she continued. “To release an enslaved youkai into freedom could carry with it dire consequences. Demon’s can be vengeful creatures, wanting revenge from those who wrong them. You must not only think of yourselves in this time, but those who have wronged them before you. Would you wish to endanger the lives of those people as well as your own?”

Senshi waited for one of them to speak. She already knew that these two had made up their minds. These women were kind, but they were also not fools. They had already thought over the danger’s of removing the slave bonds, but it was her duty to ask such questions... just in case.

Kikyo looked briefly at Kagome, before speaking to the daisaiin, “We have discussed these things, and Kagome and I feel that our mates are trustworthy and honorable. We do not believe that they will bring harm to anyone if they were to be awarded their freedom.”

Kagome nodded in agreement, “Yes, daisaiin-sama, Kikyo speaks the truth. Sesshomaru would never do anything to harm me. I know he would never do any harm to anyone that I care about, so I truly believe that he can be trusted. Besides... Senshi-sama, Kagome said sadly, I just can’t stand the thought of him being my slave. I just... love him too much.” Kagome looked up with tears in her eyes as she explained her feelings to the daisaiin.

Kikyo smiled and squeezed Kagome’s hand softly in comfort, then returned her gaze to the old miko. “Daisaiin-sama, we only want to free the ones we love.”

Senshi inhaled a deep breath. As much as this request troubled her, she knew that these two, gentle, and strong women before her, only wanted what any woman in love wanted; to make their husbands happy. Simply because their mates happened to be of youkai blood, did not mean their love would not run as deep. If she had not already met the mates of these two women she may have denied their request. Meeting them proved to her that those youkai mates of theirs were very much in love with them in return. Even though a small portion of her logical brain was telling her that releasing an enslaved demon was a bad idea, her heart was telling her different. She didn’t live to be the age she was just by being logical all the time.

“The answer is ‘yes’ there is a spell, and ‘yes’ I do know it. It is quiet complicated, however, and there are a few special herbs, which you must gather for the brew.” Senshi could see that they were both getting very excited. She hated to bring them back to the harsh reality of the world, but she had to. “Listen my children. The spell is not complete without the Emperor’s gift of blood, which seals the brew. It was intended that no slave be released without the direct approval by the Emperor of Japan. The spell is the easy part. Convincing Lord Tokugawa to agree to give his blood for their release will be the true test.”

If ever she had seen two more disheartened souls, then she could not recall it. Senshi put both her hands out in a calming manner, “Kagome, Kikyo, do not let this discourage you in your task. My brother has met both you and your mate’s. This should count for something.”

Kagome mumbled, “Yep, and that’s what we’re worried about.”

Kikyo felt that all hope was now lost for releasing Inuyasha. While Sesshomaru wasn’t exactly cheerful, and talkative, he was gentlemanly and... civil. Inuyasha had tried to attack the prince right in front of the Emperor. What kind of chances did she have for convincing the Emperor that Inuyasha was no threat to anyone? None.

Kagome knew exactly what Kikyo was thinking, and she felt her own heart sadden with her friends added burden. Kagome sat up straight and hugged Kikyo. She put on her happy face and said, “Kikyo, we will not give up. There is no use in us letting this get us down until we hear ‘no’ from his majesties own lips.”

Sometimes Kagome’s cheerful attitude could just ruin an already bad day. However, at this moment, it helped. Just a little, but it did help. She decided to quit feeling sorry for herself, and listen to the advice of the closest friend she had ever had. Kikyo forced a smile to her face, and said, “You are correct Kagome. Until we receive the Emperor’s answer, there is no need for tears.”

Senshi watched the two women draw strength from one another. It was clear that they had formed a very close bond during their time here. The difficult tasks put to them during the past week had made them stronger, and she actually found herself feeling sorry for anyone who tried to take on the both of them. She smiled warmly at them, and they moved on to what herbs would be needed for the spell.

After she was sure that the girls understood which herbs they needed to seek out, Senshi arose from her seat. “I must take my leave now, Kagome and Kikyo. It is time that I go and prepare for the ceremony this afternoon. I will speak to the Emperor of your wish to free your Protector’s. I will ask that he give you his decision after the ceremony.”

Kagome and Kikyo were thrilled with her announcement. “Oh Senshi-sama, Doomo Arigato! You are too kind!”

Senshi smiled down at the two happy faces, “Think nothing of it. It is the least that I can do for two of the most kind-hearted and powerful human’s alive.”

Kagome and Kikyo stood quickly and bowed to the daisaiin. They watched as she walked away, then turned and hugged one another excitedly. Kagome said, “Oh Kikyo, I had no idea it would happen so fast! We will have our answer by the end of the day!”

Kikyo was excited as well. Even though her doubts were strong, she still felt joy knowing that they would not be forced to wait months for a decision from the Emperor. Even if Inuyasha were to remain enslaved, at least he would know that she had tried. She just hoped that it would be enough.

Kagome and Kikyo followed the path out to the gardens where they found Rin happily plucking numerous beautiful blooms. Once they were spotted, Rin ran for Kagome at full speed. Kagome pulled her into an embrace and hugged her close. She wanted to keep Rin with her forever. She couldn’t say when she decided this, but it just felt right. She knew herself, what it was like to lose everyone you love, and if she could do for someone, what Sango had done for her, then she welcomed the responsibility gladly. Rin needed a family, and though they could never replace her true parents, she and Sesshomaru would do their best to give her what she needs.

“Rin! You have picked some beautiful flowers today.” Kagome said cheerfully.

Rin leaned in close and looked around before whispering, “Hai, they are very pretty aren’t they?” She then pulled the bouquet in half and said, “I picked them for you, lady Kagome, and also for lady Kikyo” Rin then handed Kikyo the other half of the fragile arrangement.

Both women made a huge fuss over how lovely the flowers were and how sweet they smelled. Rin seemed very pleased with the results of her gift and waved good-bye to Ani before taking Kagome’s hand to return to the hut.