luxken27fics | Inuyasha | Allegiance [15]: Offering

MASTER SERIES INDEX IS HERE.
Title: Allegiance
Author: LuxKen27
Fandom: Inuyasha
Universe: Canon (Post-manga)
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Romance
Rating: M
Warning(s): Character death, violence
Summary: Strictly-come-canon, post-manga. Kagome is forced to seek out Sesshoumaru's protection in the wake of unexpected tragedy. As she insinuates herself into his life, Sesshoumaru comes to realize her second chance is also his, as her presence drives him to confront mistakes from his own past.

~*~
Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, tipping his head back against the wall. He sat beside the window in his bedchamber, soaking in the last moments of peace, cloaked in the darkness of night. When dawn broke, it would bring not only the first rays of light – but also the first cries of battle.

He could sense it – the tense anticipation coiled within his warriors as they stood guard, dotted strategically around the grounds as well as within the castle walls; further away, the cautious apprehension of the enemy floated through the air as they indulged their greatest human weakness, this need for sleep. Within himself, there was only calm: a steady pulse, rhythmic breathing, precision focus. In such a state, nothing could upset him, upend the balance that defined him as a taiyoukai. A warrior’s heart, a general’s mind, an unflinching hand – all were key to his success.

His eyes opened and narrowed as he inclined his head, his gaze falling on the restless figure occupying his bed. Scarcely a sennight had passed since the first night they had lain together, joined in mutual mourning and grief, each lost to the haunted memories of loved ones long gone. Every night since, they lay, side by side, together – and yet, not. Briefly, he wondered if her inability to sleep had anything to do with his absence; ultimately, he shoved such thoughts from his mind almost as quickly as they had formed, citing nonsense.

Still, he could sense something plaguing her, churning beneath her surface – indecision, perhaps, or worry, or fear. It was something dark and toxic, poisoning her aura and spreading, scraping against the bonds to his youki in a most irritating manner. Finally, she sat up, giving in to the emotion, lowering her chin to her chest and capturing her face in her hands.

“Kagome,” he said, his tone soft but firm as it travelled across the room.

She gasped, startled as she turned to face him. “You’re awake,” she choked out stupidly, rushing to wipe away her tears.

In one smooth, graceful motion, he stood, his golden eyes glowing in the darkness as he approached the bed. A single candle flickered to life beside her, drawing his attention to her face. He studied her in silence for a moment before speaking again.

“Why do you cry?” he queried.

She drew her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. “I’m scared,” she admitted. “I never wanted this.”

Sesshoumaru frowned as he stared down at her.

“I never wanted to be a warrior,” she clarified. “I’m a healer, not a fighter. I studied with Kaede, and took care of the villagers, and my friends. Inuyasha was our protector…not me.” She sniffled, tightening the brace of her arms. “I never thought I’d have to do this again, and I’m not sure I still can.”

“You have been trained,” he reminded her.

She shook her head. “Training means little when you’re in the midst of holy war,” she murmured helplessly. “I fear for my life…and yours. How can you not be scared?”

“I feel no fear,” he replied, reaching out to draw the wakizashi from its place with his swords and laying it on the mattress beside her. “And neither should you.”

Her brow furrowed as she studied the short sword. “I offered to bless your soldiers’ armor, so that it might be less vulnerable to the holy warriors’ purification powers,” she continued, “but they scoffed at me. Why can’t they see that I only want to help them? Do they blame me, for bringing this threat in the first place?”

“They do not want your protection,” Sesshoumaru acknowledged. “They are stubborn in their beliefs.”

Hesitantly, she reached out, fingering the dark red tack on the grip. “So what are you saying, by giving me this?” she asked. “They don’t need me, and they won’t protect me?”

He was silent for a moment, before drawing another sword from the darkness. “No,” he mused, resting Bakusaiga alongside the wakizashi on the bed. The flicker of the candlelight revealed identical sheaths, patterns etched by a skilled, knowledgeable hand. Kagome looked up at him then, her expression torn – tears still rolled down her cheeks, her fear and disappointment from the dealings with his men apparent; slowly, curiosity and understanding dawned across her features as she finally realized the meaning of the gift.

A matching set.

A companion sword.

The wakizashi to his katana, the two foremost tools in a samurai’s arsenal.

She sat up on her knees, throwing her arms around his waist and burying her face against his chest. “Thank you,” she breathed, unable to staunch a fresh flow of tears.

He didn’t reply, merely closing his arms around her.

<-- Previous | Next -->