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It was yet another bright day. In a clearing, many demons were fighting one another within a vast forest. It seemed the argument was over territory that had been fought over between the two packs for quite some time now, and it was at the edge of this bloodied clearing appeared the Lord of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshoumaru. A truly strong Taiyoukai in his right as he stood tall and proud while watching the brawl and sensing the one attracting his attention nearby. The sole reason he had even come to this meager place.
It had been brought to his attention not long ago that a powerful being was killing demons on his lands, and though that wasn't unusual, it seemed even messengers that reported between his land and others were slain during their assigned travels. Though, of course, that's not what interested him about the news of this unknown assailant. The rumor that caught his attention on the matter was that it was one mere human woman causing such trouble.
Looking to his side, there stood a young human girl by the name of Rin and an imp demon known as Jaken, who was well known as Sesshoumaru's servant. Sesshoumaru was still unsure about why he even kept the human girl around or why he bothered to save her. She ended up being rather loyal, a very cheerful and chipper child. So filled with life as where Jaken, a mere imp demon, was quite the stressed-out babysitter. Always disciplining Rin on what she should or shouldn't do while calling her troublesome and a nuisance.
Sesshoumaru looked ahead at the demons fighting but was thinking little of those he could actually see. He was more concerned about this mystery woman causing mischief and decided to wait for this person to come into view instead of seeking her out further. He could easily sense her presence closing in. However, the fighting demons, rather than noticing her sensed his presence instead and, of course, were unable to ignore it.
"It's the Lord of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshoumaru!" The first pack leader exclaimed. Every member of both packs stopped what they were doing and immediately looked over towards the godlike demon in surprise of his presence there. It wasn't for a few more seconds later that the second pack leader spoke next.
"Killing him will give us power over the Western Lands." It was then that members of both clans began to advance towards the demon lord with the intention of gaining greater power. Sesshoumaru simply stared coldly at them with eyes that could easily be described as golden ice. What foolish notions from such weak vermin.
Sesshoumaru moved swiftly, deciding to put the wretches in their place while waiting for the human to arrive. Incredibly, all one had time to see was a streak of white and wisps of neon green. Only properly seeing the demon lord again when he landed gracefully in the middle of the clearing while every offending demon fell, dead in the dirt behind him.
Rin and Jaken began their senseless compliments towards him; however, he ignored them in preference of looking ahead towards the sky. His golden hues followed the glimmer of a sacred jewel shard falling from what must have been a demon he himself had slain. Following its descent, Sesshoumaru watched the shard glisten in the light before it was caught in the hand of a very beautiful woman who now stood before him, just morphing from along the treeline.
The woman looked at the shard while holding it up towards the sun before closing her eyes tightly as the sun shined into them mercilessly. It was while her eyes were closed when Sesshoumaru observed the new arrival. She looked exactly like Inuyasha's dead wench and even wore the same priestess attire. So the woman causing havoc was a priestess. That explained how she was able to kill so many demons without too much fuss. The question now was why this priestess was in his territory; she wasn't one he was familiar with in any of the human villages that settled on his lands.
Lowering her head to face Sesshoumaru, she opened her eyes to look directly at him. Upon her eyes meeting his, a warm smile appeared on her face. It was then Sesshoumaru became confused, though naturally being the prideful demon lord he was, he didn't show it. However, it wasn't just her smiling expression in reaction to his presence that confused him or caught his attention the most. It was her eyes; they were a gorgeous pink. Rivaling that of the sacred jewel, and held kindness towards him, a demon.
"Good afternoon." Her voice called out to him gently. Sesshoumaru simply watched her coldly. Her voice was certainly beautiful, a bit like the dead priestess', but kinder and with a sweeter tone. "I hope you didn't have interest in this jewel shard." Gazing at the shard in her hand for a second, Sesshoumaru returned his sight on her and the warm smile that had yet to fade. He heard Rin speak to Jaken in whispers, of course, thinking that he could not hear them.
"Master Jaken, that lady is so pretty." Rin spoke with a tone filled with admiration before Jaken responded with indication of him brushing off the young girl's remark.
"She is nothing compared to a demon woman!" Sesshoumaru observed the woman over again and then at her eyes. Clearly, this human was not Inuyasha's dead priestess, so then who was she? She didn't have the scent of graveyard soil, but it was undoubtedly a fragrance he's never come across before. The closest similar scent was Inuyasha's living wench, the girl from another time, mixed heavily with cherry blossoms.
"No, I did not." Sesshoumaru answered with a stern yet cold tone. Smiling more brightly at his answer told him it was clearly what she was hoping to hear. It was more than evident that this woman was a pure being though it was in his experience that a priestess would usually be at the ready to kill every and all demons. Yet, she stood before him without the slightest indication of causing him harm. Something wasn't right about her.
"Good, I'm glad. I was worried I'd have to fight you for it." She remarked while taking out a small jar to place the jewel shard inside with other shards already collected inside. So she was gathering jewel shards, was that her reason? The smile that had been on her lips lessened in brightness but grew in kindness and appeared to be more gentle upon her face. It was then, when he was about to ask who she was, that a familiar group appeared into the clearing. Joining him and the woman within the space, with the two of them gazing over to see who he knew to be Inuyasha and his pesky little friends.
"Sesshoumaru!" Inuyasha spoke with caution in his voice. Glaring at Sesshoumaru with distrust and appeared ready for a fight until he noticed the woman opposite of Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha's eyes went wide in confusion at her appearance, which told Sesshoumaru that Inuyasha knew nothing of this woman either. She looked at the group with a curious gaze, until her eyes locked onto the young girl of the group and grew alert. The futuristic girl having been looking at Sesshoumaru before her hues moved to the woman standing amongst them, and her eyes widened in recognition.
"K-Kioko?" Kagome whispered in disbelief while staring at the pink-eyed priestess. Staring blankly at Kagome while bearing a polite smile on her face, the woman didn't respond right away. Sesshoumaru watched as the smile she expressed was now forced when directed at Kagome.
"Hello, Kagome. I see you've grown quite a bit though that's to be expected after years of not seeing you." The one now known as Kioko spoke, addressing Kagome, who had been staring with confliction while her groupmates looked at the woman in confusion. Inuyasha took a step closer to Kagome and spoke in a comforting tone that whispered in her ear.
"Kagome, you know her?" Kagome nodded in response, smiling sadly at the woman before her, confident that it was who she thought it to be. Now taller, older, and longer hair, of course, but those eyes can't be imitated. No matter what trickery was out there.
"Yeah, her name is Kioko Higurashi; she's my older sister." Kagome revealed to those amongst the Higurashi sisters. Everyone in Kagome's group looked shocked, with eyes darting from Kagome to Kioko. Sesshoumaru did the same, minus the look of shock. He supposed it was possible, then again, it was a rather small world if it were true. Sesshoumaru, however, could tell that the one now known as Kioko wasn't very thrilled to see Inuyasha's wench. Pink eyes leaving their locked position on Kagome then moved to Inuyasha's amber hues, and the thought of her best friend crossed her mind.
"Inuyasha, right? Kikyo has spoken of you." Kioko announced. Everyone became more intrigued by the remark and even more shocked that Kagome's sister was associated with Kikyo.
"Kioko, you know Kikyo?" Kagome inquired with a voice filled with surprise as her face showed slight worry. Kioko simply stared at Kagome again with a blank expression, the smile she once had now gone.
"Indeed, I do. She's my best friend, and I'm wandering the countryside in search of the jewel shards for her." Kioko explained distinctly while Inuyasha appeared surprised at the information, as Kagome didn't know what to say. Kioko looked back at Sesshoumaru and flashed him a kinder smile than what she showed her apparent younger sister. "Now then, if none of you mind, I must be on my way. It was nice meeting you." Was all Kioko had the chance to say before Sesshoumaru flashed to stand in front of her, preventing her from leaving. Reaching out his hand to grab her neck, but was dodged when Kioko jumped back, barely quick enough to get out of his reach and away from him.
The group watched them both with wary expressions at the abrupt actions. Kioko stood up straight and at Sesshoumaru, confusion making up her facial appearance. "Did you have unfinished business with me? What is it I may do for you... Sesshoumaru, was it?" She questioned the demon lord, who she observed to be quite taller than herself. Jaken, barging from the bushes he'd been loitering behind, began yelling at Kioko, which Sesshoumaru ignored, keeping his eyes on the woman before him. She managed to evade him; that's certainly no easy feat, especially for a human.
"How dare you?! He is Lord Sesshoumaru to you, girl!" Jaken squawked in a rather animated demeanor. Kioko's expression turned to one of surprise before her kind smile returned, her eyes not once looking away from the Taiyoukai. She would admit the demon man was stunning.
She had indeed heard of him amongst her travels and from Kikyo, but what they forgot to mention was that he is unquestionably handsome. She'd even go so far as to call him beautiful. Long silver hair, amazing stature, and an incredibly attractive face, but the most astonishing were his eyes. They were like nothing she's ever seen before, but if she had to come up with a comparison, perhaps melted pools of bright gold.
"So you're Lord Sesshoumaru. Lord of the Western Lands, a true Taiyoukai. It's certainly an honor to meet such a strong demon." Kioko spoke calmly as her smile grew more gentle. Sesshoumaru remained cold, refusing to show the confusion this woman was causing him. Why was she praising him? She was a priestess and had no business complimenting him.
It was then that Kioko noticed his left arm missing once a small breeze kicked up, moving the empty sleeve about with it. "It's a fight you want, correct? If so, before we start, would you like for me to repair your arm?" Sesshoumaru stood composed and untelling of a response. What was this woman playing at? Kioko took several slow steps towards him, showing her hands to him in a defensive posture. "I know I must be very mysterious, and I don't expect you to trust me, but I won't fight you otherwise." She declared with a gaze that showed no malevolence. His gaze turned glacial in his responding warning for her to tread lightly.
How could a human regenerate a demon's arm? It must have been some sort of trick, but he wanted to see her actions. She highly intrigued him, and so he allowed her to stand close to him, sensing no threat whatsoever. Looking up at him, Kioko smiled then delicately rolled up his sleeve to see where his arm had been removed. Inuyasha's angry voice carried across the clearing, reprimanding Kioko for what she was about to do.
"What are you doing, you idiot?! Don't fix his arm; he'll just kill you!" Kioko gazed back at Inuyasha, smiling politely. He was undoubtedly as energetic as Kikyo had described him, but seemed somewhat annoying to her at the minute.
"I assume this was your doing? He can try to kill me if he desires." Kioko retorted before turning back to Sesshoumaru, who remained composed. The others observed Kioko, amazed, and confused. She was indeed a different kind of person to just walk up to Sesshoumaru with no fear at all, only to then smile at him as if he were a kind man. Sango began whispering to Miroku, which the rest of the group could hear.
"I know he hates humans, but don't you think he seems a bit different with her standing so close?" Miroku looked to see Kioko observing Sesshoumaru's arm further and how the two appeared while standing by one another. Miroku became curious as well and responded with a gossiping tone.
"Are you suggesting he is having a tryst with her?" Sango blushed with anger, then punched him in the back of the head before responding with annoyance.
"No, you idiot!" Sango scolded. Kioko ignored the noise behind her while looking at the lack of Sesshoumaru's arm with a slightly sad smile. It must have been excruciating by the looks of how it healed and scarred. Turning her gaze to Sesshoumaru with a curious expression, Kioko wondered how he could have possibly tolerated it only to come to the conclusion that being a demon must have had its perks. Looking back down at the arm, she retrieved a purple cherry blossom from a pouch which laid tied to her right hip. Gazing up at Sesshoumaru again, with a sympathetic expression, she spoke with a voice to match.
"This may hurt a bit, but I assure you, it's no trick. So, please try to bear it." Kioko warned him in hopes it would prepare him for what he was about to experience. Sesshoumaru was unfazed by her words, causing her to smile more kindly at him. Her attention returned to the task at hand as she placed the cherry blossom at the end of his arm. It then began to shine with a blinding purple light.
Sesshoumaru's eyes looked to the woman in suspicion as the pain began within his left limb, but she didn't once look away from the cherry blossom as her expression showed concentration. In its continued glow, Kioko could see Sesshoumaru's arm slowly regenerating, and he too witnessed it with his eyes widening. The others witnessing the moment stared in both shock and wonder as Sesshoumaru's arm slowly but surely began to manifest.
"She's doing it, but how?" Sango asked in disbelief. Rin, who had been standing back under Jaken's orders, had watched the scene in excitement, with poor Jaken staring in shock. Rin's bubbly voice did not go unnoticed by Sesshoumaru as she spoke loudly towards her demon lord.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, your arm is coming back!" After another moment passed, his arm had fully materialized, the cherry blossom now disintegrating upon completion. Kioko looked at Sesshoumaru kindly yet with caution. Using her right hand, she touched his forearm to feel if the muscles were responsive.
The touch caused a spark to flow through them both, surprising the two of them. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened at his currently sensitive arm being able to feel Kioko's touch and out of surprise, and reflex went to strike her away. Luckily for her, she ducked, then jumped back in surprise only to smile at him. Her voice coming out with clear amusement at his reaction.
"Better, huh?" Kioko asked as Sesshoumaru inspected his new arm, examining it. Inuyasha and the others looked at Sesshoumaru in awe, as Sesshoumaru turned his gaze to the woman with a cold smirk and eyes of vicious intent.
"YOU IDIOT!" Inuyasha yelled in slight panic as he went to rush over to Kioko to protect her until Kioko turned a stern stare his way from over her shoulder, which made him freeze where he stood. Her gaze pierced right through him, and all she did was look at him.
"Stay away; I don't need your help." Was all Kioko announced before turning her pink-colored hues to observe Sesshoumaru again. She could feel excitement in fighting him, especially after hearing so highly of him. Reaching into the pouch on her hip, Kioko pulled out two black cherry blossoms. One formed into a black bow that looked identical to Kikyo's and the other into a black quiver with matching black arrows. Pulling out an arrow from her quiver, Kioko aimed it at the demon lord, her expression now emotionless. "I'm ready when you are, Lord Sesshoumaru."
Lord Sesshoumaru. He was undoubtedly a demon who expects respect to his mere presence, and she couldn't help but wonder why he would even be interested in fighting her. She didn't recall causing him any ill-will. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru lunged forward with a bright neon green glow around his hands. Kioko shot her black arrow at him, which he easily evaded. His hand went past the left side of her head as she quickly moved, and in that moment, she looked into his eyes up close, as he did the same. In that very instant, time seemed to have been in slow motion.
Sesshoumaru's eyes were gorgeous pools of gold that she almost hesitated to lose sight of while he looked into hers. He didn't understand how a human's gaze could be so beautiful and filled with depth. He recalled only seeing such eyes in the wisest of demons that have lived for centuries. Kioko then ducked, placing her hands into the grassy earth beneath their feet and stood on her hands to kick him in the stomach, but he took a step back, evading her.
Moving back and away from him, Kioko removed her priestess shirt to reveal a wrap encircling her chest down to her waist. The wrap being the only thing blocking her chest from view. Her kimono top hung from her hips as the sleeves were tucked into the kimono as not to get dirty from dragging on the ground.
Kioko's eyes remained locked on Sesshoumaru but was currently in thought as Miroku and Inuyasha stared in shock at Kioko revealing so much skin. Sesshoumaru, however, looked at her in observation; she had no marks on her. Peering into her eyes revealed to him nothing, which inwardly surprised him. If she had killed and harmed as many demons as he's heard, then, of course, there would be scars or injuries on her body, but as far as he could see, there were none. Kioko, noticing his eyes scanning her body, held in her embarrassment and instead spoke to him in a teasing manner.
"Don't tell me you're easily distracted by the mere body of a woman. I didn't hear of you being such a lowly deviant." Kioko coaxed to provoke the silver-haired demon further. Sesshoumaru looked at her sternly at the remark. He will admit she certainly had a body any woman would beg for, demon or otherwise, but he wasn't distracted by it. Kioko reached towards the ground for an arrow, her eyes never leaving him. Slowly standing straight again, she aimed at him.
She knew full well Sesshoumaru wasn't observing her as a woman, but as an enemy, for any abnormalities or weaknesses. However, she just couldn't help but want to rile him up a bit. She was a human after all, though it is not uncommon for demons to use human women for their bodies, she could tell by his mere mannerisms that he had no interest in doing such a thing. He clearly had a sense of dignity.
"Get her, me lord! Show this human wench what for!" Jaken began yelling from the sidelines in a cheer like fashion. Kioko glanced over at Jaken, then the little girl by his side. The moment she did, however, Sesshoumaru launched forward again. Kioko looked at him in time to shoot her arrow and grazed his right sleeve. The arrow landed beside the first, a distance of three feet between them. He intended to use his poison whip on her, but Kioko used her bow to evade it, causing her bow to melt.
Sesshoumaru then attempted to slice her with his poisonous claws, but she continued to dodge them, being unable to do much of anything else. Kioko looked at him and smiled kindly before using her right hand to reach into her pouch of cherry blossoms to pull out a dark blue petal. Using her other hand, Kioko pushed Sesshoumaru back as hard as she could against his chest, causing him to slide back a good yard or two. He was wide-eyed, surprised at her strength as he heard his armor crack.
From her scent, he could sense she was human, so how did she hold enough power to make him skid backward? Kioko began to glow purple as she used her purifying aura on the blue cherry blossom in her hand. Everyone watched her, entranced by what she'd do next until they saw a rosary come from within the small petal, but not just any rosary. Sesshoumaru glared at her, threatening and daring her to even try to use it on him. Kioko's voice then spoke to him gently upon seeing his reaction.
"From your expression, I take it you know what this is." Kioko inquired, though she should have expected as much, seeing as how Inuyasha had the same sort of rosary. Though, the one in her hand had dark blue beads instead of violet, giving it a slightly different effect on the recipient than Inuyasha's. She knew even attempting this on Sesshoumaru might have been a wasted effort, but for some reason, Kioko felt she was now responsible for him after restoring his arm.
Taking a deep breath, Kioko then closes her eyes and quickly began her chant; the beads glowed in response, and instantly Sesshoumaru sped forward, ready to take her head. The beads shot forward, separating from one another, toward Sesshoumaru as he began to zigzag, getting closer by the moment. It was then that Kioko opened her eyes to look at him, and he felt himself freeze, hesitating at the last second.
Sesshoumaru saw something in Kioko's eyes that instantly made him stop his assault though he didn't understand why it would at all faze him. Loneliness and pure hopelessness. He stared at her with his normal cold expression as the beads began connecting around his neck. Kioko gazed at his left arm that was outstretched towards her, his clawed hand an inch away from her throat, ready to kill.
Feeling pain around his wrists and ankles, Sesshoumaru looked to see black shadow-like shackles around his wrists that glowed with her purifying aura. Connected to the shackles were chains that led behind him, which his golden eyes followed to see that they were coming from the two shadowy arrows, fifteen feet behind him that missed him earlier in the fight. The rosary beads had now connected together around his neck, and Kioko looked into Sesshoumaru's eyes when he turned his eyes back to her.
Her expression was empty, with a soft and gentle gaze towards him, merely serving to anger him further. He stood up straight, causing the chains on his limbs to disappear, and his gaze now colder, but he couldn't help feeling curious. Kioko smiled at him, and her pink hues reflected apology, which he immediately disregarded. Her voice coming out sincerely when she spoke the command she'd use against him.
" Heel. " The beads began to shine, and instantly Sesshoumaru felt an immense amount of pain as the beads surged through him an immobilizing aura. As it shocked him with purifying energy, a foot-long dark blue shadow chain appeared from the rosary. The mysterious chain then gradually became heavy, causing Sesshoumaru to be forced to the ground enough for the chain to touch the dirt. The shackles upon his limbs then faded from sight. Kioko couldn't help but feel bad knowing that the man's pride had to be hurting to be lowered to her feet, bowing in submission to her by nothing more than force. She bent down to crouch in front of him, looking at him with apologetic eyes and no smile on her face.
"With this around your neck, whenever I say that word, this will be the result. I promise not to abuse such power, and that as soon as I see fit, I will take it off. If you don't feel like waiting, you're more than welcome to try and kill me to remove it yourself. What you do from here is up to you." Kioko expressed. Sesshoumaru looked up at her, with a glare she was sure would be paired with neon-colored claws if not for his current position. Kioko stood and turned her attention to the little girl and imp demon then at the group further away from her. Her eyes instantly locked with Kagome's while Kagome looked back with an emotionless expression.
"She did it!" Was all Sango could manage to say in astonishment. Only to hear Inuyasha speak next with a sneering demeanor.
"Keh, Sesshoumaru hesitated." Miroku, who was continuing to oggle Kioko's state of dress, spoke with a distracted tone.
"Question is why?" It was then that Sango punched him again, causing the poor monk to fall to the ground, now dizzy. Kagome strolled slowly towards Kioko, and the others watched her as Sesshoumaru's rosary finally calmed, allowing him to rise and look at the woman with a deadly icy glare. Kagome stopped in front of Kioko, observing her face.
"You've been gone a long time." Kagome spoke first, with a tone that told Kioko she was affected by Kioko's appearance. Kioko couldn't help but feel a little guilty at Kagome's statement. Five years certainly was a long time.
"Indeed, I have. It's been five years; you should be fifteen by now." Kioko started but found she didn't know what else to speak of. "I'm sorry to say this, but it's time for me to go. I still have a lot of ground to cover before nightfall." Kioko informed, looking at her for an extra moment before turning to leave. Only she was stopped when she felt her wrist being grabbed. Immediately Kioko looked over her shoulder to see Kagome was the one who stopped her.
"Wait, why not travel with us?" Kagome asked hurriedly. Kioko's eyes widened at Kagome's sudden request before a stern expression masked her face as she stood there looking into Kagome's conflicted gaze.
"Are you sure that's what you want, Kagome? Do you realize what you're asking?" Kioko inquired with a guarded tone. Taking back her wrist almost coldly, everyone could feel the awkward tension between the two sisters. Hesitantly, Kagome nodded at Kioko with a fake smile that Kioko could see right through. Unable to deny her little sister, even after five years had passed since Kioko last laid eyes on her.
"If you're certain, then I don't see the harm, but I think it's best to talk to your friends. I don't think it's right just to have me tag along and not discuss it with them first." Kagome looked back at her friends then at Kioko again before nodding her head in agreement. Kagome then went to her group as Kioko stood there watching after Kagome with an empty expression.
Kioko then remembered that Sesshoumaru was behind her, but hadn't moved to look at him. She had to imagine he was angry, and if he wanted to take her down, now would be the time to do so. Yet, he just stood there waiting and watching the situation. That's when the little girl and imp demon from Sesshoumaru's party came up to him, and the girl was looking at Kioko with wonderment.
Kioko looked back, smiling beautifully with warmth. As much as she had heard about Sesshoumaru, it was a mystery to see him with a small human girl as company. Glancing over her shoulder at Sesshoumaru, Kioko noted that he was already staring back at her.
"You're welcome to join me if you see fit, Lord Sesshoumaru." Kioko offered. Sesshoumaru glared threateningly at her for speaking to him more than she previously has, making Kioko feel uneasy as well as confused.
Turning her gaze to his child companion, Kioko smiled again and bent down to her level. The girl almost reminded Kioko of Kagome when they were younger. "I'm sorry I haven't caught your name. I'm Kioko." The child seemed to beam and spoke loudly in excitement at Kioko, acknowledging her.
"My name is Rin! It's very nice to meet you, Lady Kioko." Kioko couldn't help but give a small laugh, and it made Rin brighten up even more.
"Just Kioko is fine, Rin. You're a lovely and pretty young lady. How old are you?" Kioko inquired further. A light blush crept onto Rin's face, which caught Sesshoumaru's attention. He's never seen Rin give such expression before, and was inwardly surprised as he listened to his human ward respond to the woman.
"I am eight years of age!" Rin answered delightfully. Kioko melted at Rin's bright and bubbly personality. 'Definitely cuter than when Kagome was a child.' Kioko thought.
"My my, aren't you quite the big girl? I'm a mere ten years older than you." Sesshoumaru found the bit of information interesting as his eyes shifted from watching Rin to watching Kioko speaking to her.
"Really!? I hope I grow up to be as beautiful as you by then, Kioko." Rin blurted out, almost making Kioko feel rather embarrassed, even though she had not shown it. Kioko put a hand on Rin's head and smiled kindly with her eyes closed.
"Thank you, Rin. That is very sweet. I'm sure you'll be far more beautiful than me when you're my age." Kioko told her before standing up, taking her hand back from Rin's head and looked down at Jaken, still smiling."I can only assume you're Jaken?" Jaken huffed at Kioko with a scolding expression nearly making Kioko laugh at him, but she held it in.
"That's Master Jaken to you, human wench!" Jaken squawked. Her kind smile didn't falter. However, her eyes turned devious before she spoke with a teasing tone.
"We could always fight for you to earn that title rolling off my tongue, imp." Kioko offered tauntingly. Jaken's skin seemed to have turned a paler green, and his eyes turned to saucers at her devious suggestion. Sesshoumaru found her making Jaken squirm secretly amusing. Kagome, who had finished talking with her friends, was then making her way over to Kioko.
Kioko's hair lay loosely down her back, so her body wasn't visible from behind, which Kagome noted grimly as she approached her older sister. Kioko turned to face Kagome, sensing her coming closer, leaving her back to face Sesshoumaru again. Kagome stopped a foot away from Kioko and smiled another fake smile as Kioko merely looked at Kagome with a polite smile of her own.
"They agreed to allow you to join us. So will you?" Kagome questioned with curiosity. Kioko was surprised to hear the outcome of Kagome's talk with her friends. Honestly, Kioko wasn't expecting the group to agree to her presence. She didn't know how she felt about the matter, either. Kioko could feel the others staring, however, while her pink hues remained on Kagome. So, Kioko merely closed her eyes while her smile didn't falter with her reply.
"Very well, if your friends are okay with me joining, then I don't see a problem." Kagome nodded with what seemed like strained joy. Looking over her shoulder with a far kinder and sweet smile, Kioko eyed the demon lord behind her. Sesshoumaru returned the gaze with his usual expression, composed."I'm interested to know what you will do from here, Lord Sesshoumaru. It was an honor to meet you; I hope to see more of you."
With that said, Kioko faced Inuyasha's group and began approaching them with a feminine stride as she passed by Kagome, who followed her. Stopping in front of the group, Kioko smiled kindly while they inspected her with expressions of their own. They all looked behind her, at Sesshoumaru and his party, for a moment then headed out to get back to their travels with Kioko now joining them.
Sesshoumaru watched Kioko getting further and further away. With the rosary around his neck, the cold beads cold against the back of his neck, he was slightly connected with this mysterious woman. Yet, it didn't prevent him from doing as he wished, nor did she have the intention of forcing him to linger near her. From what he could tell, she was merely trying to make sure he didn't cause any trouble, and though she just met him, seemed to trust he wouldn't.
If she was walking away, allowing him to make his choices as if he were truly as free as he was not too long ago, then she obviously had no intention of controlling him as Inuyasha's living wench did with Inuyasha. She didn't seem to be performing any trickery towards him or his party.
Peering down at Rin, who was also watching Kioko walk away, it certainly surprised him how reactive she was to Kioko. Rin was usually cautious with other humans but went right up to Kioko as if she was familiar with the woman. Sesshoumaru's golden hues then watched the retreating group and felt it was best to follow his instinct's decisions. One foot after the other, he began following the group, following her. Rin and Jaken followed behind him, confused about his decision to follow after the group ahead.