InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Understandings ❯ Once upon a time... ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4
        Once upon a time...

        Kagome woke in the morning to a gentle tugging on her wrist. Confused, she sat up and looked at it. There was nothing there, but she could feel it getting tighter as she looked at it. `Sesshomaru' she thought to herself. Just then, the door burst open and he ran in the room with his sword drawn.

        “Kago me, get down!” he yelled swinging his sword at her head. She threw herself down on her bed and his sword made contact with something that had been standing behind her, on the other side of her bed. She felt blood splatter on her face as its head dropped down on the bed in front of her. Its cat like eyes stared at her for a second before it let out an animal howl and became still. Kagome jumped up and screamed as the body that the head had been attached to reached out for her as it fell forward. Sesshomaru swung his sword and cut the arms off it before it had a chance to grab her. “Come toward me carefully Kagome, do not touch the body.” he told her calmly.

        Carefully, she raised herself off of the bed and moved around to Sesshomaru. “What the hell is that, THING?” she asked giving the not quite human body a disgusted look.

        “It is a golem used for stealing souls. It skin was imprinted with your aura so if you were to touch it, even now, I would be able to do nothing to save you.” Kagome started to shake violently.

        “ Is that what I think it is?” asked Prince InuYasha from behind Kagome. She turned in time to see the Prince and Miroku come running into her room.

        “Yes it is.” replied Sesshomaru as the Prince reached out and touched Kagome in the small of her back. She collapsed, asleep into his arms.

        Turning and handing her to Miroku he said “Don't worry I just put her to sleep. We need to get the blood off of her before it dries. Take her to my room and have my servants quickly draw a bath and make sure they get all of the blood off of her. If they do not, she may still loose her soul. Put her in my bed till she wakes up. She should be out for about two or so hours”

        ̶ 0;Yes your Highness.” Miroku said and turned to leave.

        “Miro ku when you are done please come to my chambers. The Prince and I will be waiting there for you.” Sesshomaru called after Miroku. Turning back to InuYasha again he said “If my memory serves me correctly, there are two more of these things running around here and they're both after Kagome.”

         220;You are correct. Golems are made in sets of three. There are indeed, two more here in the palace after her and will not rest until they have her, or, are killed. Do you have any idea how they got past you? “

“I do not know. I could not, and still cannot, feel them. I knew this one was here because it was too much of Kagome's aura in the same place; an overload of her aura, if you will. I suppose that is one way to find them.” Sesshomaru said. Just then the cleaners arrived. “Make sure you get everything spotless in this room. Lady Kagome's life depends on it.”

        “ Lady? I didn't know she was of the royal court.” he said surprised.

        “ Well, no one knows.” he replied. “We keep it quiet because of this reason; I will explain more when Miroku joins us. He will need to hear this too.” Turning back to the cleaning crew he said “Don't worry about saving the bed, throw it out and order her a new one. I don't want a trace to this thing in here when you're done. The ceiling and the walls will need washed and painted. Have her clothing brought to my room until we figure this out.” Turning, he and InuYasha walked into the hall as Miroku was coming out of the Prince InuYasha's room. “Everything went OK then?” Sesshomaru asked Miroku.

        “Yes , sir. She is sleeping soundly in Prince InuYasha's bed. I had her clothing sent to the lab to have it analyzed to see if we can locate anything unusual about the spell on those golems. Maybe we can figure out where the ingrediance came from for the spell. I'm not sure if there is anything obscure in it, but it's worth a try.”

        InuYas ha, who had been staring at the floor, looked at Miroku. “With two more of those golems being on the loose, I believe we should bring Kagome to Sesshomaru's chambers with us. I think we need to keep her close to one of us at all times, until this situation is resolved.” Sesshomaru nodded in agreement.

        Grinnin g as he turned to retrieve her, Miroku chuckled. “Kagome is not going to like having a babysitter. This should be fun!” Sesshomaru laughed in agreement and Prince InuYasha was left with a questioning look on his face.

        “Just wait.” was all Sesshomaru said

        Miroku returned with Kagome in his arms. She was wearing the Princes white bath robe; it had slid open at the bottom exposing her leg up to mid thigh. Prince InuYasha arched his eyebrow as he reached over to cover her.

        “Sorry your Highness,” he started. “It was the only thing your servants had to dress her in.”

        “ Oh, it's quite alright.” he said. “It's very becoming on her.”

        They turned and quickly walked the short distance to Sesshomaru's chambers. Opening the door for Miroku, Sesshomaru indicated for Miroku to place Kagome on his bed. As he did so, Miroku couldn't help but feel a stab of jealousy because it wasn't his bed she would be sleeping in. He knew the three of them were supposed to be just friends, but on more than several occasions, Miroku had wished for something more. He knew Sesshomaru did too, but wasn't sure exactly how much. Who wouldn't? Even now, as she lay there with her wet hair and pale face, she was gorgeous and his heart ached for her. Turning reluctantly away, he went to take a seat accost from InuYasha.

        “W ho is it that sent those golems after Kagome?” InuYasha asked Sesshomaru

“When Kagome was nine, her mother and farther were powerful demons on your fathers' court, Lady Olivia and Lord Payton.” The Prince nodded, remembering them. “A human named Stark found out that with thee strong souls, a human can become a demon and become immortal. We didn't know this was possible at the time. Since, we have done research on it and even though it is a complicated process, it can be done. Stark discovered that Kagome's parents were powerful and they had a daughter that was slightly more powerful than each of them, even at her young age.

“Stark had found the perfect situation. Family ties would be stronger than strangers' souls. He waited patiently for her seventeenth year and four months before her eighteenth birthday, I had been on my way to see Kagome and I found her mother dead in the garden. Kagome was devastated, but not so much as she would be two months later when she would find her father dead also. She was heart broken but unfortunately, I had been sent to earth a few weeks earlier so wasn't able to comfort her this time.

“Your father,” he said indicating to InuYasha,” sent her to Earth to spend a few weeks with me. However once she arrived, he had discovered that his power stones had come up missing. Knowing how powerful she was, he ordered me to keep her here to recover the stones and so I would be able to protect her. We thought Stark wouldn't be able to find her to finish the collection of the third and final soul, but apparently, we were incorrect. After many years he has come back.”

Miroku asked “If this Stark character is human, how is it that he was able to stay alive this long? Shouldn't he have died long ago?”

“It's the souls of her parents.” Sesshomaru explained. “He has used them to keep himself alive this entire time, until he could find her again. With the distraction of the Prince here, this was the perfect time to come after her unnoticed.”

InuYasha looked at Sesshomaru. “So the attack on me in the garden the other night was actually meant for Kagome?”

“No, it was meant for you. He was making sure that we were using all of our energy, and hers, to protect you. It was a clever ploy that almost worked. We need to make sure that Kagome is never more than a few feet away from any of the three of us at any given moment.” Miroku and Sesshomaru both chuckled at this.

“Um, yes, I still don't see what is so funny about that.” InuYasha stated.

Bringing himself under control Miroku explained, “Kagome is a proud and independent woman who values her freedom and privacy. She accepts help from no one, and in normal circumstances, doesn't need it. She isn't going to be happy about this at all.”

“Happy about what?” Kagome asked sitting slowly up in bed; feeling as though she had twenty bricks sitting on her chest.

Surprised, all three men looked at their watches then back to the rising beauty. Her dark hair, slightly messed, and rosy cheeks only added to her appeal. InuYasha managed to get his voice back first. “You should have slept for at least another hour and a half! You needed time for your skin to recover from the poison that golem blood has in it.”

Looking at her arm, she found nothing wrong. “Except for the feeling of bricks on my chest, I feel fine.”

“Sorry about that. It should pass in a few moments. I used a pressure point to knock you out.”

Nodding in understanding she repeated her question. “Happy about what?”

The three men looked at each other and smiled. InuYasha thought to himself `Oh yes, this would be fun after all.'

 

 

“You want to what?” Kagome asked Sesshomaru coolly.

 

Sesshomaru almost couldn't hide his smile as he watched her. He couldn't help but to think it was funny as he remembered her reaction at being forced to keep an eye on InuYasha. “We have no choice here Kagome, Stark is after you again.” His voice lost its laughter. “If he succeeds this time...we will not be able to save you. It just takes one touch Kagome and you are lost to us. We will not be able to find him before he completes the ceremony for your soul.”

 

Kagome sighed and asked, “So, how do we do this then? Who stays with me when; and when will I have some privacy? I need to have my personal time.”

 

“You will sleep here for tonight, I will sleep on the sofa,” he said pointing across the room. “I can give you space and still be able to get to you from there. Miroku will escort you one day and I will speak to Christopher about doing so the next.”

 

Prince InuYasha cleared his throat and spoke up. “Seeing as how Kagome was kind enough to watch out for my well being these last few days, and now that I'm the one out of danger, I'll be more than happy to help out in any way I can. I will even be willing to take Christopher's place; after all, I don't want to loose her skills before I even get to sit on the council.”

 

Sesshomaru and Miroku looked at the Prince and all three laughed at his gentle jab at Kagome and her attitude towards “babysitting” him. Turning back towards Kagome, the laughter stopped instantly. Kagome was sitting with her arms wrapped around herself, softly crying.

 

All three men felt their hearts break in that same instant; she was such a pitifully beautiful sight. Miroku went to her and pulled her into his lap as he sat down. “Hey, Kagome, don't cry! It's gonna be fine, you'll see. He's not gonna get to you, I promise.”

 

“It's not that, I just don't want to be a burden on anyone. You all have to rearrange your lives for me and I hate that! I don't want to be any trouble for anyone. I can take care of myself. I don't need anyone to follow me around.” she sobbed.

 

“Of course you don't, but we just want to make sure nothing happens to you. I would be heart broken for....four or five minuets if anything were to. Just think of us as little puppies." Miroku replied casually.

 

Kagome chuckled at that. "Can I put leashes on you?"

 

InuYasha laughed. This place was looking better and better all the time and he was glad his father had sent him here. He was afraid that he would be bored out of his mind but Kagome alone was enough to entertain him for a lifetime. He was so sure he would have her in tears by the end of the first day but here it was the third; she was crying, but her tears had not been caused by him and oddly enough, he didn't think he could bear it if they had been.

 

“Ok, enough of my blubbering. I need some fresh air.” she sniffed, standing. “Umm... perhaps I need some clothing first.” she adding noticing for the first time since she woke that she was naked except for a robe that clearly didn't belong to her. Blushing, she asked “Where is my clothing by the way?”

 

“You were covered in the golem's blood from head to toe. The blood is poisonous, were surprised you recovered today. It should have made you very sick for quite a few days; we're at a loss as to why this isn't the case with you, Kagome. I had Miroku take you to my room to have my servants bathe you, and you were dressed in my robe to be moved here.” InuYasha answered her.

 

“I have had your clothing brought here Kagome; as this is where you will be staying for now. Your room will take several days, perhaps a week to be cleaned properly and you are not to enter it until I say so. If you require something, one of the three of us will retrieve it for you after it has been cleaned.” Sesshomaru warned as he brought her over to the clothing rack that was set up in the middle of his dressing room.

 

“Thank you for everything, Sesshomaru,” she whispered, hugging him.

 

“Just do as I say and we will see you safely through this. I promised the King and your father to protect you and that is what I am going to do,” he said hugging her back.

 

Kagome returned dressed and looking refreshed several minuets later. “I can't seem to locate my sword. Is it still in my room?”

 

“Ah, yes. Shippo, will you please retrieve it for Lady Kagome? I believe she keeps it in the large mahogany wardrobe on the top shelf. You may leave all of the polishing items; she can use mine. Have one of the cleaners open the cabinet for you and do not touch anything but her sword. You would contaminate it if you were to do so.” Bowing to Sesshomaru the red headed man ran to retrieve it.

 

Turning back to Kagome Sesshomaru noticed her sudden discomfort. “I have made arrangements for Shippo to return home for a much need visit with his family while you are staying with me. I know having him around makes you uncomfortable, and if he wasn't so valuable in saving me time by running my errands, I wouldn't have him. But I have so many things to do...”

 

“Yes I understand,” she interrupted him. “I really don't mind him though; he's so quiet you hardly know he's here. You didn't have to send him away. I just really haven't had the chance to get to know him yet.” Sesshomaru only smiled at her.

 

Walking to the window, Kagome gasped, “OH! It's so beautiful! When did it snow?” The world was covered in a thick, sparkling, white blanket. The trees were drooping under the weight of it and dusting the world anew every time a breeze whispered through their branches.

 

Miroku went to stand beside Kagome and InuYasha and Sesshomaru followed him.

 

“Would you like me to take you outside for a bit? You mentioned needing some fresh air, and it wouldn't problem for any of us or all of us to escort you.” Miroku told her and the other two men nodded in agreement.

 

Smiling she said “Yes that would be nice, but later this evening. I need something to eat right now, its mid afternoon and I haven't eaten since last night.” The men had forgotten about food in light of the more serious issues at hand.

 

Just then Shippo returned with Kagome's sword. “Lady Kagome,” he said bowing with the sword held out in front of him as if it was an offering of peace.

 

“Thank you Shippo. How does my room look?” she asked him quietly, taking her sword.

 

Glancing quickly out of the corner of his eye he caught Sesshomaru slightly shake his head no. Had it been anyone other than Shippo, it would have gone unnoticed. So, Sesshomaru didn't want him to say anything; that was wise. The gore was terrible in there. The cleaners, used to seeing things such as this on a regular basis, were visibly upset. Having it be in Kagome's bedroom was even worse for them. `It seems everyone likes Kagome.' He thought. “It looks fine Lady Kagome; the cleaners should be done in a little over a week.”

 

She smiled at him. She knew he was lying and she knew why. She could read Sesshomaru better than anyone. It also didn't help that when she had asked the question, his aura around her wrist tightened ever so slightly. Had she not been focused, she would have never noticed it.

 

Turning and smiling at the men behind her she said in the most cheery voice she could muster “How about some food now?” and turned to leave or the dining hall. The men turned to follow her and Sesshomaru dismissed Shippo until he was summoned from his family again.

 

After grabbing a bite to eat they headed back to Sesshomaru's chambers. Getting comfortable, Sesshomaru glanced at the other two men in the room. “Tonight, I will be escorting Kagome to the ball however; I have some business to attend to before and during the ball. I believe the two of you should accompany us as she will need at least the both of you to keep people from crowding her. Too many people around her would not be a good thing; the golems could be disguised as anyone. Prince InuYasha, you will need to guard her on your own for a bit. Miroku has business to attend to with me. His introduction to the palace can not be disregarded.”

 

“Speaking of which,” added Kagome, “You only have three hours till the ball. You should probably go and attend to those last minuet things. You were worried about something yesterday, has that been solved?”

 

“No, that is one of the things that I had to take care of and I had completely forgotten. Thank you for reminding me.” he replied, getting up to leave.

 

“Yes, well I forgot, I need to go and retrieve my dress. I asked the seamstress to make some adjustments to it at the last minuet.”

 

Turning back, Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow at Kagome, “Yes, I know. I saw the dress you chose; I also had some adjustments made to it. I knew I should have gone with you to pick it out. You have a nasty little habit of downplaying your beauty and that is tragic. I have already had your dress delivered while we were eating.” He said pointing to the garment bag she had failed to notice before, hanging on the wall of the dressing room. “The plain black taffeta did nothing for your beauty. I prefer this one much better. I also had Prince InuYasha send over his servants with his things. He will stay with you for now and his servants have been instructed of what to do with you until I return. You will not argue with me on this.” He said when he could see her getting ready to argue about using servants; especially InuYasha's.

 

She could only nod as he turned to leave and the servants came in. They whisked her into the bathing and dressing room and that was the last time the two reaming men would see of her for almost two and a half hours.

 

“Well, I will go and see to security details. As much as I feel I need to be here, I have taken over Kagome's job until she returns and I intend to do it just as well as she would. I'll return soon, with Sesshomaru to relieve you.”

 

As Miroku turned to leave InuYasha called to him, “Hey, don't worry about me, just make sure everyone knows about Kagome. I can take care of myself, but she can't even fight them on her own.” Miroku knew that “them” meant the golems.

 

“You can count on it.” Miroku replied and left InuYasha to his thoughts.

 

Sesshomaru and Miroku came back two hours later. “I'm glad to see the two of you! My girls have been in there forever with Kagome and every time I ask if everything's ok in there, they just laugh at me. Kagome hasn't said a word since she went in. I have a feeling she's not happy with you Sesshomaru.

 

“About five minuets ago, while I was getting dressed myself, I heard them gasp and yell. It scared me and I nearly fell over putting on my pants. I ran over to see if they were ok and I could hear them laughing and talking about Kagome's dress. All I heard from her was an “Oh no!” and the girls started talking loudly all at once. I'm sure this cant be good.”

 

Just then the changing room door opened and Kagome stepped out. All three men could do nothing but stare. “Sesshomaru, I can not wear this! This is just to, to...nice for me.”

 

Sesshomaru just shook his head. The dress he had custom made for her was everything he imagined it to be. The navy blue satin brought out the brown streaks in her black hair while the silver beading sewn to the tight bodice brought out the gold flecks in her brown eyes. The full skirt showed off her tiny waist. Her hair was piled on top of her head; locks of curls escaping their imprisonment of the tiny jeweled barrettes that held it in palace grazed her bare shoulders. She looked like a raven haired porcelain doll and she was beautiful.

 

Sesshomaru regained his senses and walked over to the desk pulling out a large black velvet box. “This should look quite nice with that dress.” he said opening the box and showing her the sapphire and diamond necklace and matching bracelet inside.

 

“Oh!” she gasped “It's beautiful! But I couldn't. It's just to fancy for someone like me.”

 

“On the contrary, Lady Kagome”, InuYasha began, stressing his reminder of who she really was. “You are more than worthy of such beautiful things. Sesshomaru has excellent taste when it comes to you...and what is appropriate for you.” He finished taking the necklace from the box Sesshomaru held and moving behind Kagome to put it on her. His hand accidentally grazed the skin on the back of her neck and he could see the small shiver that ran down her spine. He smiled `I'm going to have to remember that for later'. He reached out and took the bracelet from the box and grabbed for her wrist. She looked up at him and blushed.

 

“I'm sorry,” she said. “I'm just not used to all this attention.” InuYasha's smile faded ever so slightly, but not enough for anyone to notice, or so he hoped I see that it wasn't because of me then.' InuYasha was starting to see things differently now. This was a challenge for him and Kagome had just turned herself into the prize. Ill just have to change that then.' he thought releasing her wrist.

 

Miroku and Sesshomaru looked at each other; they had seen InuYasha's reaction to Kagome and her comment. Sesshomaru gave Miroku a `this cant be good look' and Miroku gave a `tell me about it' head shake. Both men smiled at each other then; they knew that they were just jealous but neither had any intention of saying anything to InuYasha. He was just going to have to learn the hard way.

 

Still grinning from ear to ear, Miroku stepped forward with Kagome's wrap. “You really do look beautiful, Kagome. I hope you save me a dance tonight,” he joked with her.

 

“I hope she saves us all a dance this evening.” Sesshomaru said as he took her arm and led her out the door with the other two demons following behind.