The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Assembled

Chapter 174 - The Assembled

*Eternal Assassin* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"Are we almost there?" Shippo whined. Being so very short made walking in snow more difficult. As a demon, he could go on forever, but as a child he was ready for this to end. Seeing his distress, Kagome scooped up the kit in her arms.

"We should be able to see it in just a moment. The village is just over this hill." Moments later, the village came into view with a large crowd of its occupants standing out on the main road in greeting. Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru, who answered her unspoken question. "They sensed my approach."

"Do you always get this kind of welcome?"

"In villages inside the West, yes. Outside the West it happens occasionally."

The group continued until they were within speaking distance, and an elderly demon male stepped forward. "Welcome, My Lord," he said with a low bow, "to our humble village. And welcome to young Lady Rin, as well."

Rin hopped up and down with excitement. "Hi, Mikio!" she said with a shallow bow that told that she learned somehow that her place was above these people, even if they were her elders. "You have to meet my new Mama!" A ripple of gasps spread through the gathered villagers. Had Sesshoumaru finally chosen a mate? The little girl grasped her new mother's hand and tugged her forward. Shippo jumped from her shoulder, not interested in being a part of this scene. "This is my Papa's mate-to-be, Lady Kagome, the Shes... the Shii... the Shikorn Miko."

"Shikon, sweetie," Kagome gently corrected.

"Shikon miko," Rin repeated.

Giggles could be heard in the crowd, and Sesshoumaru snarled, reminding everyone that he was right there and did not appreciate their disrespect of his pup. He didn't think it was because of her pronunciation issues, but rather that they doubted the veracity of her statement. Chosen mate or not, he wouldn't hesitate to rip them apart, and the sound of his outrage sent shivers of fear through all those assembled. The laughter stopped instantly.

*Pride of Tomorrow* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

"You are correct, Rin," he said to his human pup before focusing on his people. He stepped forward and wrapped his arm possessively around Kagome's waist. "This is your new Lady, Lady Kagome Higurashi, the miko of the Shikon Jewel."

Waves of whispers started, and Kagome fought not to blush under their intense scrutiny. "I told you they wouldn't accept me," the miko whispered.

"And I told you they have no choice. Trust me, Kagome. Your kindness has already begun to win over the servants. Once word spreads of your compassion and kind heart, our people will adore you as I do. I do not doubt that they will come to you with their problems rather than addressing them with this Sesshoumaru."

"Why would they do that?" she asked, confused by his statement.

"Because they will know that they have a greater chance of getting the assistance they seek from one such as you."

"Oh, I see," she said with a grin. "Go to the person you think will give you the answer you're looking for. Just like children," she said, shooting a look at the kit and child standing nearby, silently letting them know that that particular trick would not be tolerated. "Well, let's get this show on the road."

"If you would excuse us," Sesshoumaru said more politely than he might have in the past. "We have some shopping to do."