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Ripples in Time	By : Waterunleashed Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 7625 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 8
- 9
- 10
Hi guys I can't believe how long it has been since I updated, I'm sorry school and all that junk and it is probably only going to get worse but THanksgiving is coming soon and that should give me enough of a break to get out another chapter or too. This chapter will not be as frustrating as the last one.

Thank you Forgotten Echoes for your wonderful reviews and for editing, and thank you everyone who rated and reviewed it really helps me to keep going even when I'm writing 1000 papers.

Last but not least thank you thank you thank you whoever nominated this fic for Best Sesshomaru portrayal in Dokuga 3rd Quarter 2009 awards. My oneshot was also nominated for best lemon scene and best lemon fic! I am so shocked I couldn't believe it. So anyway thank you guys for the nominations and please don't forget to vote.

Chapter 9: Divine Blessings

Ever since the night Toshiko had shown, it was like walking on eggshells around each other. When the delivery guy came to the door, Sesshomaru finally came out of the bathroom to see who it was and make sure the poor guy wasn’t going to harm me. Really, I had to give him a very large tip since Sesshomaru scared the shit out of him. I don’t think they will ever deliver to his house again.

It was a very tense dinner, and the tension really hasn’t left in the days following. He gave me material to review and occasionally brought out the photo flash cards from hell, but most of his time was spent outside training with Tokijin or meditating. He said he was preparing for our return to the Sithen, since they still haven’t figured out who wants the jewel, even though the whispers of taking the jewel continued.

It really didn’t matter to me anymore. I’m pretty numb to the threat. Maybe it is the excess amount of information, or it could be that I’ve spent three years chasing down an insane half demon that just loved torturing our little group. But maybe just maybe it was because I was looking for any distraction, any break in the monotonous tension that had covered Sesshomaru’s house.

He was avoiding me as much as he could, and any questions that he didn’t want to answer he ignored. I could understand some of the questions, they were a little personal, but still something had happened the day I broke his door that changed him. It had something to do with my blood, but I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the main issue. If only I knew what that issue was.

I did get answers to some questions though. I finally learned that I had no hands of power, zip, zero, nada. Celeste had put a spell on me to prevent anything from triggering it. Why? Because she had assumed that she was supposed to, since I held no hand of power in the past. So, tonight she would remove the spell before the ball and some sort of ritual would be preformed to call my hand of power. Then it would only be a matter of time.

It wasn’t enough that I was nervous about the ball and meeting all of the people I was supposed to know, now I had to worry about this ritual. What kind of power would I have? Most of the time a hand of power ran in the family, but sometimes there were anomalies. Call it a hunch but I had a feeling it was going to be an anomaly.

Oh, and the best part is, that when my hand manifests itself I have to get ‘bloodied’ to ensure it doesn’t fade, as in battle and getting painted in my enemy’s blood. It’s barbaric! I’m pretty sure I have enough powers, and I didn’t have to get bloodied for those. Though Sesshomaru thinks otherwise. After all, my spiritual powers manifested in the Warring States Era during battles; okay maybe he had a point, but it was still barbaric.

So we were going to the Sithen before the ball, and a guard was going to meet us at the door and escort us to the Queen. We were not going to see anyone before the ritual, and this guard would be my escort for the night. Which Sesshomaru had been tickled pink about, having someone helping him with his job. Really he was. When Celeste blanked the mirror he turned to me with crimson rimmed eyes. It was the most emotion I had seen from him in days, and it scared the living shit out of me.

It took awhile to convince him that two heads were better than one, and he should be happy that Celeste was so concerned for my safety. He didn’t like that she wouldn’t tell us who the second guard was and fished out a nice set of discreet blades and holsters. ‘Just in case,’ he said, as he told me where I could hide six of them undetected.

Six blades, just in case the second guard was our enemy. Just in case whoever was after me got passed him. In a strange way I appreciated that he believed I could protect myself. It was better than I ever got with Inuyasha. Who, to the very end, instinctively pushed me behind him and thought I was too weak to protect myself.

That was late last night, and I had quickly gone to sleep on the couch while Sesshomaru willingly went to sleep in his own bed. I would believe it was a miracle, but I knew he was only planning for some all night guard duty once we were inside the Sithen. Once again it was comforting, but I was really beginning to worry about him. This kind of stuff just can’t be healthy.

Hopefully tonight I would get some questions answered though. I was expected to dance with some of the Lords at the ball, and I planned on snagging my wonderful kit. Surely he would give me some insight into Sesshomaru. Like was insomnia normal for Sesshomaru?

Yes tonight, though Sesshomaru would be watching over me he, wasn’t allowed to dance with me. The only demon I can dance with is Shippo, because he is the head of his court. Racial segregation bullshit. Didn’t matter. I would have Shippo, and I’d find Amaya and somehow I’d get the answers Sesshomaru didn’t want to give me.

Sesshomaru came out of the bedroom dressed in a dark grey suit that complemented his skin and hair. His silk dress shirt was only a few shades lighter than the jacket. All in all the muted color brought out the magenta markings on his face and the blue crescent moon that peeked out from behind the fringe of hair.

He had dressed up in hopes that the Queen would like his attire better than what she had waiting for him. I looked him up and down and showed him I appreciated the effort he had put into his clothing, as was my new custom. I let just enough lust into my eyes to be polite and tried to hide the rest. I hid the fact that I really wanted to rip the clothes off of him and run my hands over his sculpted chest. He nodded, signaling I passed without blushing. If only he knew. But, I couldn’t tell him or hint to him how much he affected me. He probably assumed I was just a blushing virgin, but the thoughts I had for him were nothing that chaste.

He walked past me, and held open the front door. I grabbed my overnight bag that held clothes and the daggers from the couch, and walked out to the car while he locked up. The car beeped before I pulled the door open ,and I carefully slid into the passenger seat, adjusting the short dress skirt so it covered the top of my thigh highs and placing the bag at my feet. I had to go there in business attire, but once the ritual was done, she had a dress picked out for me. I didn’t bother to try and impress her with my small wardrobe, anything she had would be better than what I could come up with.

I looked back at the house that had been my home for the past week and sighed. It had been so nice in the beginning. Despite our banter and the giant onslaught of information, we had gotten along great. I just wish I knew what went wrong.

He slid into the driver seat and started the car without a word. I watched the house as we pulled out of the driveway and then turned to look at him. He kept his eyes on the road as he drove out of the town, his face a perfect mask of indifference, one that hadn’t slipped for days.

‘How long will we be at the Sithen?’ I asked.

‘Two days at least,’ he replied.

I needed a more open ended question. If only I knew what to ask! He was probably tired of my incessant questioning anyway. Are you alright? Yes. Did I do something wrong? No. Do you hate me? Never. Why won’t you talk to me? There is nothing to say. I shook my head and turned on the radio. Anything to drown out the deafening silence between us.

The Sithen wasn’t too far from his house, which made me believe it was put there so they could keep a close eye on the ‘free’ demons. At the speed Sesshomaru took every turn through the country roads, we would be there all too soon and I would truly begin the rest of my life. I know Sesshomaru had tried to make the transition easy, and for the most part I felt prepared, but that doesn’t mean my stomach wasn't in knots from how nervous I was.

I was able to completely fool Amaya, the girl who supposedly knew me best, into believing nothing was off about me. Now, I just had to continue to play may part in front of the entire Sithen and my family. I’m so glad they are moving back to the Sithen soon so I could have time to myself. It was going to take awhile to get used to Grandpa’s youthful appearance, but from what Sesshomaru had told me and what I’d seen before I left, I wouldn’t have to do any acting around him. He really hadn’t changed.

He would be so busy with tourists during the day, and then we would have dinner together and go our separate ways before bed. Gramps even liked Sesshomaru, so it wouldn’t be weird during dinner. My Grandfather, the same man that used to throw sacred sutras at Inuyasha, enjoyed playing chess with Sesshomaru. It was surreal.

I just had to get through tonight without screwing up, getting kidnapped, or getting the jewel taken from me. Piece of cake.

‘What if I forget someone’s name? Or I call someone the wrong name?’ Man why did I have to think of that?

‘You won’t,’ he answered.

‘How do you know? Cramming does not help with long term memory. I could walk into the throne room and completely blank. Then what am I going to do? Fake a headache? Maybe I could faint, or maybe someone will just jump out of the shadows and attack me and save me the embarrassment. Or-’

‘Enough,’ he barked as he turned onto another long road. We would be there soon. The mountain was just ahead of us. My pulse began to speed up, and my heart was pounding in my ear. I tore my eyes from the looming mountain and looked over at the regal demon next to me. ‘You have worked hard and it has paid off, you will be fine.’

‘How do you know?’ I tried to ignore the building panic I felt every time I went to take a test I didn’t think I was ready for.

‘I have confidence in you,’ he said softly as he continued to drive down the road.

‘You do?’ he nodded and the panic that was building began to ebb. ‘Why?’

‘You have always accomplished what you set out to do and have worked hard to do the same for this; I see no cause for worry.’ He pulled into a large empty parking lot and put the car in park before he turned and gazed down at me with his mask firmly on, but the words he spoke were soft and gentle. ‘Time and again you have been thrown into situations that would make the strongest warrior crumble, and you have persevered. I know you have doubts Kagome, but don’t let those doubts overtake you. You can do this.’

I nodded, ‘thank you.’ I took his hand in mine but he quickly albeit delicately pulled away and turned off the car. ‘What did I do?’

‘I’m a demon Kagome,’ he stated as his eyes scanned the parking lot. He was probably just using it as an excuse to avoid looking at me.

‘Yeah and?’ I crossed my arms and waited.

‘Sidhe are not liberal with who they touch for comfort, it is one thing to seek out my touch in private, but it is not permitted around others.’ He said.

‘You mean around other Sidhe. Stupid racist jerks. I’m not supposed to show any attraction for you at all, am I?’ I wanted to punch something, I’ve never felt the need for so much violence. Okay, maybe I have, but the subjugation beads just didn’t feel violent. At least to me they didn’t.

‘No,’ short and curt.

‘But Celeste showed her attraction for you,’ Did that come out bitter? I really hope not.

A smirk pulled at his lips, ‘She is Queen, but even she would not do so in public.’

Well that definitely answered my question about interracial relationships. Even if the attraction was mutual no one would allow it. He was like a guilty pleasure that people enjoyed in the privacy of their rooms. And then what? Treated like dirt in front of others? I reached out and took his hand in both of mine and squeezed lightly when he tried to pull away.

‘I can’t do that. I won’t do that. You aren’t just my guard, you’re my friend, and I’m not going to fake indifference just because it will upset their delicate sensibilities.’ He was looking out his window, but his reflection showed the longing in his eyes. ‘Why have you been so distant lately?’

He tried to pull away again, but I didn’t let go. He wasn’t going to put the wall back up between us. ‘This is not the place, nor the time.’

‘And when will that be? When we’re in the Sithen and I’m too wrapped up in playing my part to ask any questions? I don’t think so. Can’t you just talk to me?’ His hand was so tense in mine. I began rubbing circles with my thumbs and massaging the knots out of the delicate muscles in his hand.

‘No, now let me go.’ His voice was harsh and he tugged his hand, but I held on, even though it wasn’t the most dignified thing to do.

‘Sesshomaru look at me,’ he turned narrowed eyes to me and I felt like shrinking under his intense gaze, but I couldn’t. If I kept backing down we wouldn’t get anywhere. ‘You’ve hinted that we were close before this mess, and yet you have continually pulled away and put walls between us. I want to know why.’

‘Your escort is approaching,’ he said through clenched teeth.

‘So quit stalling. I’m not giving up on this.’

‘We do not have the luxury of time Lady Kagome.’ His fingers were slowly curling around mine, and I wanted to curse the Sidhe that was interrupting us. I was sure if I had enough time I could wade through all his barriers and figure out what was wrong.

‘No we don’t but school doesn’t start until January,’ I kept my eyes on his golden depths as I slowly pulled my hands away. ‘That is plenty of time,’ I whispered as my fingers left his. My hands tingled as if I was still caressing his soft skin.

His eyelids drooped slightly, and his hand tried to reach for mine again but he stopped himself, his hand hovered just over mine. ‘Kagome,’ his voice was a strained whisper, ‘stop it.’

‘Stop what?’

‘Your glamour,’ he whispered.

I wasn’t doing anything on purpose. I closed my eyes and tried to picture myself. My hands felt like they were drifting in water, it was magic, nothing harmful, but apparently I wanted his attention enough to leak out some glamour. I pulled the energy back inside me and kept pushing it as deep as it would go, and then threw up the shields that were supposed to hide what I was and what I carried. I didn’t remember dropping them.

I opened my eyes, and Sesshomaru was back up to his full height, his eyes alert and his hand on the door handle. ‘I need to get my swords.’ Was all he said before he opened the door, got out as quickly as possible, and closed it. His swords were made of steel and helped protect him against Sidhe glamour and magic. Did he really think he needed to protect himself from me, or was he just getting ready to go in? I sighed and got out of the car. It wasn’t like I was going to get any answers anyway.

The cold mountain wind chilled my skin and I huddled into my jacket, but the chill ran deeper than any coat could protect me from. I watched Sesshomaru tuck Tokijin into its sheath. His hand caressed the hilt as his arrogant mask settled into place. Humans had no resistance to our magic, they were too innocent, demons had a hard time when we were actually trying to use glamour. But in both cases the jaded ones had an easier time seeing past our illusions and spells.

Sesshomaru was one of the most jaded being I’ve ever met, and yet he had trouble fighting my unconscious glamour. Or was I just that powerful now? We had only worked on barriers back at his house, and he made me promise that I wouldn’t try anything else. At the time I thought it was because he had powerful neighbors and he didn’t want them to find out about the Shikon no Tama.

He turned away from me and began walking toward the approaching guard without a backward glance. What did my power do to him?

I followed his tall form out of the parking lot. I couldn’t see the figure standing in front of him, my new escort was shorter than Sesshomaru, but that didn’t really narrow the list much. I took a deep breath to center myself as I stepped up to Sesshomaru’s left and looked up at my escort.

The Sidhe standing before us was someone I had come to learn a lot about during our photo flash card sessions. He was not much shorter than Sesshomaru, but he was almost the exact opposite as Sesshomaru. His long black hair was secured in a tight braid that brushed against his calves as he stood up, and his moonlit skin seemed to glow under the black cloak. His eyes were the typical Sidhe tricolor. His were a blending of a dark red-orange into a rusty orange and the inner circle was a soft gold. Maybe if the colors had bled into one another they would come close to the captivating gold of Sesshomaru’s eyes.

‘Greetings Gwydion,’ I smiled and hoped it reached my eyes. Celeste sent the only person Sesshomaru admitted to calling a friend. It was a sign of truce between her and Sesshomaru. Gwydion had not been on the list of guards that Sesshomaru had thought would be my escort.

‘Greetings Lady Kagome. It is an honor to be your escort on this beautiful night,’ he bowed and took my hand to give it a chaste kiss. I laughed at his charming antics when he winked at me before straightening up.

‘The honor is mine. It’s been awhile.’ A true smile had formed replacing my false one as Gwydion took my overnight bag in one hand and looped his other arm with mine before leading us down the long path to the Sithen.

It didn’t look like anything special; it was a lovely mountain. The trees had turned a vibrant red and made it look like a red mound that represented the true heart of faerie, but there wasn’t really anything that screamed this is a magical place. The door wasn't apparent either, only the fey could find and open the Sithen door.

We were letting Gwydion escort us so I could figure out how to find the door and open it, since it had a tendency to move at whim, especially if a demon or human was trying to enter. So I would always have a hard time getting in.

Sesshomaru followed us silently. Apparently he said whatever he wanted to say to Gwydion, and now he was going to be a silent guard. I had to fight not to look back at him or even reach out to him with my free hand. It felt strange that he wasn’t right there beside me. I closed my eyes and let Gwydion lead me, how was I going to get through tonight without him?

My escort’s arm tightened around me, which made me look up into his serious face, ‘sorry I’m a little nervous.’ Gwydion didn’t know the specifics about where I had been and what I was guarding but in his own words ‘danger is danger’ and he thought I was too young to be put through the trials.

‘That is understandable Lady Kagome. I will not leave your side tonight,’ he tried to assure me.

I felt Sesshomaru move up right behind us and felt some of the tension melt from me, ‘Neither will I my Lady.’ There was no inflection in his voice, but it was comforting anyway.

I smiled up at Gwydion, who was now frowning and looking between the two of us. ‘Thank you, both of you, but I’m afraid you will chase away any suitable dance partners.’

‘You wound me with your words,’ Gwydion said and dramatically held his free hand to his heart. ‘You do not wish to dance with me the entire night?’

I shook my head, ‘I’m sure there is a lady out there who will want to get her hands on you before the end of the night.’

He led us off the path to the right as we began to walk around the base of the mountain. Hopefully the door hadn’t moved to the opposite side, that would really be annoying. ‘They will have to wait for another night. I am your escort for the night, and I will not abandon my duty.’ His eyes flicked behind us to Sesshomaru briefly, ‘Maybe you can finally help your guard choose a mate and settle down.’

‘I have no intention of doing such a ridiculous thing,’ Sesshomaru growled, I should’ve known that when Sesshomaru says that someone was his friend it meant he tolerated his presence. Sidhe or not I’m pretty sure Sesshomaru wanted to squeeze the life out of him right now; the mate thing was a very touchy subject.

Gwydion ignored him and leaned in closer to me, ‘He is such a bastard whenever I bring up the subject, but I’m just looking out for his best interests. He has been alone for far too long. I always thought that demons mated young, but Sesshomaru is too prideful to put aside his duty and find happiness.’

I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, ‘I believe your heart is in the right place, however I have no intention on meddling in his love life when he clearly does not appreciate it.’ I gestured to the fury emanating off of the dog demon behind us. It took a lot of effort to turn away from him again. ‘I think you should do that same.’

Gwydion looked back at Sesshomaru and frowned. He dropped my arm and moved away from me slightly, as if he was expecting a fight.

I slowed my steps until Sesshomaru was beside me. As we walked through the dying grass, his aura was pulsating with violent fury, directed solely toward the onyx-haired Sidhe. ‘Speaking of mates,’ Sesshomaru’s eyes swiveled to look down at me, and I felt some of his anger fade. I looked back at Gwydion as he walked only slightly ahead of us, ‘When are you going to find a wife?’

‘I have a girl in mind. I will be asking for her parents’ permission soon,’ his thin lips turned up into a soft smile.

‘Oh who is the lucky Sidhe?’ I asked. Sesshomaru hadn’t mentioned that Gwydion was interested in anyone. He was a happy bachelor that enjoyed courting the available ladies of the court.

He shook his head, ‘Not until her parents agree.’ He stopped walking around the base of the mountain and moved up to the area between two trees. This had to be the entrance. I could hear the soft tune of music in my head. I don’t know how to describe it. It wasn’t music that came from any instrument, and yet it was a beautiful soft melody. I walked closer to the tree line, and the music became louder. Now how does he open the door?

Gwydion reached into the space between the trees, and the music changed slightly before the scenery changed. A tunnel filled the space between the trees. The opening was large enough for the three of us to walk side by side, and it opened into a long, wide tunnel. Cobblestone covered the floor, but the walls curved up into an arched ceiling that was covered in large roses that varied in the colors of a sunset. I kept my jaw clamped shut, afraid it would drop open in wonder, as we walked through the portal and into the Sithen.

The empty hall seemed to stretch on forever without any doors or openings into other halls. The roses moved around us as we walked down the hall. The slithering noise of the vines blocked out my guards’ quiet steps, while my heels clicked against the stone.

Discreetly I looked around at the large blooms of flowers. They were beautiful; better than Sesshomaru said. I fought the urge to reach out and touch one. The thorns that surrounded the moving blooms were like large daggers, and Sesshomaru had warned me that they would attack if provoked. It was the first line of defense if anyone managed to get into the Sithen that wasn’t welcome. The roses would tear them to shreds, and there wouldn't be anywhere for the intruders to run.

The slithering grew louder as the vines moved away from a portion of the wall to reveal a set of dark wood doors that were ornately carved to depict a flock of birds taking flight. The designs were so precise and detailed, that it looked like the birds would come to life at any moment and fly through the room. Then again that might actually happen. Who knew?

Call it a hunch, but I was pretty sure we were about to enter the Queen’s room. Gwydion stood to the side of the door, ‘When you’re finished, I will escort you to the ball.’ He opened the door and gestured for us to enter.

Sesshomaru moved past me and entered first as he checked the room for a threat. When he moved farther into the room I followed, and Gwydion closed the door behind us. We were in a small lounge area. The walls were painted to look like the sky with the sun rising on, what I could only assume was the eastern wall, and setting on the western wall. The beige chairs and sofas had accent pillows of oranges and pinks that matched the colors on the walls and the roses outside.

There were two Sidhe standing on either side of another set of doors. Both of them were tall and wearing the same black cloak that Gwydion was wearing. I was sensing a theme and from Sesshomaru’s scowl, I didn’t think his tailored suit was going to cut it tonight.

‘If you continue to show your displeasure demon, she will make you wear less,’ the man on the left said. He was taller than Sesshomaru, and his chest was broader so that he filled up a good portion of his side of the room. His name was Umber, and he was possibly the largest pure-Sidhe I would ever meet. His eyes were almost ordinary. The outer ring was a dark brown that surrounded an ashen brown and the inner circle was a pale tan. His long hair flowed over the black cloak in a cloud of brown with golden patterns weaved through it.

Everything about Umber seemed stocky, more goblin than Sidhe, he was like a small giant next to the other guard.

Sesshomaru didn’t acknowledge Umber, but his mask did return to complete indifference.

The other guard was Gwydion’s uncle, Math. He was about the same height as his nephew, and had the same long onyx hair that he left loose. Which made the illusion that his hair turned into the cloak. His eyes were black pits with wisps of white that swirled through them. Even though he wasn’t as tall as Umber his shoulders were almost as broad, though he still held the slender grace of the Sidhe.

Math stepped forward and swept open his cloak in a grand fashion, revealing a bare chest painted with black vines. The tight black pants hugged his hips where a short sword was fastened. ‘Greetings Miko Kagome. It has been too long since you have graced these halls,’ he bowed his head slightly.

Okay it was a really good thing Sesshomaru made sure it was harder to blush around half naked men. I brought my eyes up from the beautiful designs on Math’s chest and met his eyes before bowing my head in greeting. ‘Greetings Math it is good to see you as well, and Greetings Umber.’

‘Miko Kagome,’ Umber nodded his head slightly before he turned a mocking glare back to Sesshomaru. It wasn’t a good idea to have the two of them in the same room together. Although Sesshomaru respected his strength; they pretty much hated each other.

The doors opened and Queen Celeste entered the room. We all dropped into our respective bows, and I could see the laughing smirk on Umbers face because Sesshomaru was the only one who had to go onto both knees. Umber was a racist jerk, but I couldn’t say anything because most of the Sidhe fell into that category.

‘You may rise,’ Celeste said and we all obediently stood straight. ‘Miko Kagome are you prepared?’ She was wearing a cream colored cloak, and her gray hair was in a low ponytail that made her slender face seem more birdlike.

‘Yes my queen,’ I answered my hands itched to fidget as her gaze swept over me.

‘It is good you both wore clothes that you will not miss,’ she turned around and walked back into the room. I was pretty certain Sesshomaru would miss his tailored suit and that Celeste knew it.

Sesshomaru followed me into the Queens’ chamber, and the doors were closed softly behind us. It was the same room that she made her mirror calls in, but the room was much bigger than I originally thought. So was the bed. The thing was huge; it could probably fit about twenty people on the bed comfortably.

I turned away from the orgy-sized bed to where Wynfor was removing Celeste’s cloak. Oh please tell me I’m not blushing. She was completely naked under the cloak, and from what I could tell so was Wynfor. They hadn’t told me what the ritual entailed. A hand squeezed my shoulder, and I jumped.

‘It will be alright,’ Sesshomaru said softly. I looked up into his dark golden eyes and tried to smile. He squeezed my shoulder again and then stepped forward and dropped to his knees before them. ‘My Queen and Consort if I am not needed I ask permission to wait outside.’

He couldn’t, why would he leave me alone for this?

Celeste narrowed her eyes at him, ‘you will stay for the ritual Sesshomaru. It is the first time someone that isn’t fey will bear witness to it.’ Her sharp tone made me wince, and I stepped forward. She looked up at me and stilled the words in my throat.

‘As my Queen wills it,’ Sesshomaru said.

She looked back down at her intended prey. ‘Your attire for the evening is on the bed, once the ritual is complete you will change into them, and Kate will complete the outfit,’ Celeste said as she ran her fingers through his short silver hair. ‘You’re swords will remain here for the night. I have forbidden weapons inside the hall.’

‘Yes my Queen,’ his voice was hollow. He was like a statue bowed before her as if he had pulled back inside himself while she played with him.

I stepped forward and her eyes immediately went to mine. She had been very kind to me over the past week, but any of that familiar understanding was gone from her gaze when I stopped in front of her. I could feel Sesshomaru next to me as he vibrated with power. I clasped my hands together so I didn’t reach out for him.

‘Forgive me my Queen, but I am anxious to begin,’ I kept my gaze locked with hers. This was not the smartest move, but it was unnerving watching her pet Sesshomaru. Couldn’t these people see that he deserved so much more respect?

‘I will decide when we begin Miko. Go to Wynfor; he will prepare you for the ritual.’ She instructed, as she grabbed a handful of Sesshomaru’s hair and jerked him closer to her. I didn’t know how to get her away from him. She was my Queen.

I closed my eyes to hide the helpless anger from her as I bowed, ‘Yes my Queen.’ The words tasted like ash in my mouth. I rose and walked past her to Wynfor who was setting an altar. He walked around in nothing but his own skin; his long white hair swayed behind him as he went about his tasks. He wasn’t the most beautiful man. His thin frame held no bulk or muscle, and it made him look more feminine. However, the sharp angle of his square jaw and thin lips were all male.

He wasn’t paying any attention to me, so I turned around to the silent pair behind me. Sesshomaru was still on his knees. His claws were digging into the plush grey carpet, and he was staring at me through the fringe of his long lashes. I froze at the vacant expression on his face as Celeste ordered him to rise.

He kept his eyes on me as he gracefully stood up to his full height. He should’ve kept his attention on her, his Queen. ‘There was a time when you couldn’t take your eyes off of me.’ She sounded like she didn’t care but I saw him tense as she began to stalk around him. She was tall enough that she was able to glare at me over his shoulder, while her hand snaked into his jacket.

She leaned up and whispered something into his ear. There was a flash of anger in his eyes, but it died quickly. Over the years I’ve seen many versions of Sesshomaru’s indifferent mask, but it was never like this. He looked like Kikyo, lifeless. I couldn’t take it. I turned back to Wynfor; he could’ve sacrificed someone right in front of me and I would’ve watched without complaint, as long as I didn’t have to look at Sesshomaru’s lifeless eyes.

Wynfor had finished lighting all the candles and was pouring oils into small stone bowls and turned to me slightly after he capped one of the vials. ‘Remove your clothes Miko and drop your shields. Once that is done Celeste will remove her spell.’

I had no way to hide the blush that stained my cheeks. I couldn’t do this. I was just not that comfortable to walk around naked in front of people I barely knew, with Sesshomaru watching. It was as if I conjured him. I could feel him standing right behind me, but I couldn’t turn around. I couldn’t face him. His hand travelled up my arm slowly until it reached the collar of the jacket. He tugged it back lightly, slowly, he gave me time to stop him as he pulled the jacket from my shoulders.

‘Do not be embarrassed Kagome, it is needed for the ritual.’ his deep voice sent a shiver down my spine as I pulled my arms out of the sleeves of my jacket. Wynfor went back to adding things to the altar, satisfied that I was going to follow his instructions. I wasn’t so sure I could do that.

Sesshomaru bent down so that his lips brushed against my ear as he spoke low enough so that only I could hear him. ‘You are a beautiful woman Kagome. Don’t be ashamed of your body. Please forgive me for not preparing you for this.’

He stepped away from me, and I turned to find him sitting on the edge of the large bed next to Celeste. My jacket was draped across his lap, and he was looking down at it. He was trying to give me privacy, though I knew that Celeste and Wynfor would never do the same. I took a deep breath and pulled my shirt over my head. This was my culture now; this is who I was supposed to be.

I walked over to Sesshomaru and tried to ignore Celeste as she watched me approach them. Sesshomaru didn’t look up until I placed my blue silk shirt next to him. His golden eyes widened slightly as I unclasped my bra. We weren’t allowed to turn away from each other. Our attraction had to be platonic, one beautiful person

He kept his eyes on mine as I placed the bra on top of the shirt. I moved my hands to the zipper on the side of the skirt. The muscles in his jaw clenched, but his eyes remained unreadable. I let the skirt fall, but he reached out and caught it before it could crumple on the floor. His eyes remained lost in mine, but he was staring up at me from over the mounds of my bare breasts.

My throat was dry as I used a shaky hand on his shoulder for balance while I stepped out of the short skirt. His muscles were so tense under my hand. As soon as my feet were free I stepped back as few feet and quickly took off my shoes, while he placed my skirt with the rest of my clothes.

I only had my thigh highs and underwear left, Sesshomaru was looking down at my jacket again, and Celeste was staring at him intently. I quickly took off the pair of thigh highs and tossed them on the bed. They almost didn’t make it. My hands gripped the edges of my silk panties, and I hesitated.

I don’t know why, but this was the most uncomfortable change my body had gone through. The Sidhe don’t have body hair. Any body hair. I know a lot of women shave or nair their pubic hair, but I had always just trimmed it to a neat little nest of curls. Now I was like a freaking Barbie doll, and I had never felt so exposed.

That buffer that I always had was gone, and I would never get it back. It was nice that I didn’t have to worry about shaving my pits and legs, but this was one place I wanted hair.

‘I am losing patience Kagome.’ Celeste said. I didn’t look at her to see what expression went with her annoyed tone. I closed my eyes and quickly stepped out of the underwear. I wanted to cross my hands over my exposed body. The blush was inevitable, but I managed to hold back most of my embarrassment and opened my eyes.

Sesshomaru still hadn’t looked up from my jacket and though I was grateful, I have to admit that part of me wanted him to look at me. I could only hope to see desire in his golden eyes. I shook my head and tossed the underwear onto the bed and watched Sesshomaru tense.

A wave of magic rippled through the room, and I turned to Wynfor. He was standing in front of the altar, but I couldn’t see what he had done.

‘There is now a barrier around the room.’ Celeste explained. ‘No one will be able to feel the Jewel when you drop your shields.’

I nodded and let go of the shields that held my aura inside me. It felt like I was taking in oxygen after being underwater for too long. I wavered slightly as the energy inside me flowed around me in a lazy swirl as it met with the other magic in the room. For the first time I realized that Sesshomaru had his own shields in place. I could feel his aura straining against the tight barrier he had placed it in. Would it feel as good to him to let go? Would he feel this high of freedom?

Celeste rose from the bed and stood in front of me. Her aura pushed against mine, but after being so confined mine easily wrapped around hers. ‘So much power,’ she whispered and her eyes held a dangerous light as she began to glow. Her energy changed as the light touched my skin. It passed into me, blurring the lines of our beings, as golden light spilled from my skin and met her bright white glow. They danced around each other until the lights blended together. ‘I’m not sure if it is wise to give you more.’

‘Why?’ my voice was breathy; it felt so good. She was caressing parts of me I didn’t think could be touched. But I could feel her essence inside me and mine inside her as the light between us grew.

‘She is afraid of what you will do with the power,’ Sesshomaru’s voice held the edge of a growl, but I couldn’t see him past our bright glow. I was blind to the entire room.

‘Silence demon,’ Celeste ordered and her beauty magnified. ‘This is what it means to be Sidhe Kagome. This is what no one else can give you, and what no one else can understand. We are more than flesh. We are the embodiment of nature and magick.’

My limbs felt like they were floating in water. Celeste reached through the light between us, and it was like she was putting her hand through me but it didn’t hurt. It felt so good that I shuddered, and when her hand covered where my heart was, it was jarring. I shouldn't be solid anymore. How could someone hold onto me?

I felt a pulse lance through my heart, and my glow changed slightly. The golden light wasn’t as dull as it had been; there were flecks of gold in the air around me.

Celeste stepped back from me, ‘Now the ritual.’ That was it? A simple pulse of magic, and I wasn’t bound? Would the ritual be as easy?

She moved toward the altar, and I was given a view of Sesshomaru. My jacket was crumpled in his lap as he stared at me. His golden eyes were darker as they moved over my body. What was he doing? I thought we weren’t allowed to show anyone how we affected one another. I could feel his eyes caressing me they way I’m sure his hand would if he was given the chance.

I looked over at Celeste. She had one of the stone bowls in her left hand, and was drawing designs on Wynfor’s glowing chest with the oil. Was I supposed to go over there? Were they ready for me?

Arousal was coiling tighter in my abdomen; I could feel his eyes on me even though I wasn’t looking at him.

Wynfor took the bowl from Celeste and began to draw symbols on her. The first symbol was on her forehead, the next was on the hollow between her collarbones. Then he drew a larger design over her heart, down to her abdomen and then right between her legs. He placed the bowl on the altar and picked up another one.

Celeste held her arms to her side with her palms facing him, and he drew spirals on both of her palms. They turned to face me as a shining couple; the oil on their skin cast swirling designs of light around them. Celeste held a hand out toward me. ‘Come Kagome,’ and she was back to the gentle understanding Queen that had helped me this week.

The sensation of being watched grew as I walked across the room, and I couldn't help but roll my hips slightly knowing he was drinking up every movement. I tried not to think of my nudity. It was easier knowing the only one with clothes on was Sesshomaru. I kept my head high and stopped in front of them.

Celeste smiled gentle and Wynfor raised the bowl in between us. ‘I will anoint your skin. Then you will stand in between us while we perform the ritual.’ Celeste said as she dipped her fingers into the clear liquid and she began to draw the same designs on my skin. She drew an eye on my forehead, and the world swam with bright colors all around us.

The oil was glowing soft lavender as she drew a complex symbol on the hollow of my throat. I felt her hand move away from me and dip into the bowl. She drew a plus over my heart, and warmth spread through my body and out of my skin.

I closed my eyes while she knelt in front of me and drew a figure standing with their hands clasped over their head on my abdomen. The warmth was pulled back inside me, and it was drawing in the magick around me and pooling inside me.

I was too lost in the sensations all around me to care when her slick fingers drew a triangle just above my vagina. The energy was pouring into me. I felt like I was sucking the life from everything and filling myself up, and yet I knew that it wasn’t finished. Her fingers drew a small circle inside the triangle, and the current of energy stopped flowing inside me. I felt full, as if I would explode at any moment.

I didn’t have to open my eyes to know that she had stood back up. Celeste took my left hand and Wynfor took my right. Together they drew spirals on my palms, and the energy inside me began to change. I could feel it separating into different entities inside me.

I opened my eyes, and watched Wynfor place the bowl on the altar. As they turned to the altar, they gracefully dropped to their knees in unison, and raised their arms toward the ceiling. Our energy began to swirl in a lazy circle, combining their light colors with my dark light.

Celeste bowed her head and spoke in a rolling tone. ‘Hail Goddess! Hear our call and greet Kagome, daughter of Izumi! May you bless her with your gifts and take her into your gracious arms!’

Suddenly there was a weight in the room, and all I could smell was the light scent of cherry blossoms.

Wynfor bowed his head and his soft voice filled the room. ‘Hail God! Hear our call and great Kagome, daughter of Daiki! May you bless her with your gifts and take her into your gracious arms!’

The scent of pine mixed with cherry blossoms, and Celeste and Wynfor each took one of my hands in their own. Their powers were like warm flames that engulfed my hands. I looked down at my hands and found white fire dancing around both them. The scents grew in the air, and a voice whispered through my mind.

‘Welcome Kagome,’ the voice whispered.

One moment I was standing in the Queens chambers, and the next I was on top of a large hill under a white tree that was in full bloom of cherry blossoms. Under the large branches stood two cloaked figures. Their faces were hidden in the shadows of their hoods.

‘Where am I?’

The figure on the left stepped forth. ‘We were asked to greet you, and greet you we shall,’ her voice was both light and deep.

‘You are in the dream world; we have brought you here to meet us.’ The second figure’s voice was like the first. It was masculine, and yet it sounded like many men speaking as one.

I was standing in the presence of a God and Goddess. Or was it the God and Goddess?

‘We are the God and Goddess little miko.’ The Goddess said and it sounded like she was smiling. ‘You have endured a long journey and we are proud of your accomplishments, but the trials are not over. There is still more for you to do.’

More? What more could they want from me? ‘I don’t understand! Why has this happened? How did I change everything so much?’ Why are you proud of me when I’ve screwed up so badly?

The God moved up to stand next to the Goddess. Even though we were all bathed in sunlight their faces were still hidden. ‘You did what needed to be done.’

‘But I changed history,’ I held my hand over the scar from the Shikon.

‘Fate and time are not as linear as you wish to believe,’ the Goddess replied. ‘You changed the outcome with your actions, but it is nothing compared to what would’ve happened if you had failed.’

‘You have saved many races from extinction, and the Shikon no Tama has a powerful protector.’ the God said.

So it would be my burden forever. This was my penance for changing time; I will never be safe again. I’ll never have a normal life. ‘Why me?’

‘Trust us to know what is right. Happiness is not out of your grasp.’ The God said.

‘It is closer than you think,’ The Goddess moved closer and took my left hand in hers. I looked down at her hand as it flowed through many images; old, young, dark, light, demonic all at the same time. ‘I am every woman.’

The God mirrored her and took my right hand. His hands were like the Goddess. They changed and flowed; they were never one person but everyone at once. ‘I am every man.’

My hands were growing warm and began to glow in theirs, ‘What would you have of me?’

‘Be as you have always been,’ the Goddess said.

‘Share your light,’ the God said.

They were beginning to fade as they both spoke, ‘Protect the jewel.’

Tears blurred my vision, ‘I will.’

The sunny hill quickly faded into the Queen’s chamber’s gray walls that were bathed in the colored light of our skin, hair, and eyes. For a moment, I was weightless. I felt so free and happy. As the smile pulled at my lips reality became solid once more, and my blood turned to acid. My legs buckled and cool hands held me while I writhed and screamed in their grasp.

My piercing scream was the only thing I could hear over the pressure building in my ears. Hot boiling acid surged through my body and pooled in my finger tips, while the glow around my hands burst into black flames, and the energy inside me shot out of both my hands. The dark iridescent light pulled all the pain from my veins and shot it at the brick wall.

‘That hurt,’ my voice was a hoarse whisper from screaming. The arms that had supported me slowly pulled away, and I sagged forward on my hands and knees and bowed my head. The pain was gone and so was my light. I felt hollow and strangely heavy. Tears leaked from my eyes.

Sesshomaru growled from somewhere behind me. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to will the tears away. I know that there is always a price for power, but it had been so painful.

‘Leave her,’ Celeste commanded. I heard the rustle of clothes but everything sounded so distant.

I knew I was in the Queen’s chamber kneeling in front of an altar on the cold stone, and yet I couldn’t believe I was here anymore. I had been pushing back my doubt all week. Taking in the information given to me but not really believing it.

But I didn’t glow before, and I didn’t meet with Gods on my initiation rite. It had felt so right in their presence. It was the peaceful warmth of being home in the arms of those who loved you. I had basked in their presence.

How could it feel so right when everything was so wrong?

‘You dare defy me demon?’ Celeste’s angry voice broke into the haze.

‘Yes,’ Sesshomaru’s baritone voice was nothing but a soft whisper behind me. I felt him stand behind me. His overwhelming aura wrapped around me moments before his arm slid around my waist.

I wiped the tears from my face before I looked over my shoulder. His face was the same blank mask that he had worn since I met him. He turned me in his arm as best as he could. I slid my arms around his neck and buried my face against his firm chest.

His nose nuzzled the top of my head, ‘Are you hurt?’

I shook my head and let the tears flow as I gripped onto him as hard as I could and his arm tightened around my waist. ‘They aren’t even mad at me,’ I mumbled into his chest.

‘Who?’ He asked.

‘The God and Goddess. The two beings who should be smiting me for tampering with the fate of the world,’ I pulled back enough to gaze up into his beautiful face. His dark eyebrows were drawn together in confusion. ‘But they aren’t, they even seem happy about it. Why? Why is everyone okay with how this turned out? Why don’t they hate me?’

His eyes grew soft, ‘Would that make this easier Lady Kagome?’

‘Please don’t do that, I’m not a lady. I’m just Kagome, just a na’ve high school girl that fell into a world of magic by mistake and has been stumbling through two lives ever since.’

‘You know that I cannot.’ He said and his hand squeezed my side gently. ‘You are wrong however; you are one of the few women worth the title. You accepted your fate after you fell into the past. Why can’t you do the same now?’

‘Because this isn’t my fate. This isn’t my time.’ His face was becoming distorted and blurry through the tears.

‘Yes it is. You can’t choose what is and is not in your destiny. Fate is never fixed. You were given a choice, and you decided. Now you have to walk the path.’ He pulled me closer. His warmth seeped into my skin, and his golden eyes were bright with some light I’ve never seen in his eyes before. ‘Is it really so hard to accept this? You are not alone. You will never be alone. I will always be by your side, and I will help shoulder your burden if only you will let me.’

‘I’m scared,’ I whispered.

‘Of what?’ His hand slid up my back; his claws gently traced the path.

I shivered and closed my eyes from his burning gaze. How could I forget how absolutely naked I was? I wanted to pull away, but at the same time hold him closer and never let go. His gaze and his hand never wandered anywhere that it shouldn’t have. He was the perfect gentleman as he held me pressed against him and offered me comfort. It was costing him so much to do this for me, and in front of a very dangerous audience.

I looked back up at him as he began to rebuild his mask. I slid one hand from behind him, and traced the sharp line of his jaw. ‘I don’t want to forget. I’m afraid that I’ll lose who I really am and become just like them. I’ll forget that once I was a human girl that went to the mall like every other human and no one batted an eye. I lived in a shrine with a crazy old man and a heart broken mother. I was a clumsy girl that fell down a well and found myself and another family.’ I sobbed and buried my head back in his chest as I cried; it didn’t matter that I was naked.

He held me tight, and his tail slid off his shoulder and wrapped around me cocooning me in a gentle warmth that was slowly seeping back into my soul.

‘You won’t,’ He whispered.

TBC

Whew! That was a workout. Please rate and review and once again thanks to Forgotten Echoes for editing.
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Ripples in Time