InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ever the Lotus ❯ Chapter 6
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kanna37 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Classic / Mystery / Psychological / Romance / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.27.2011 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.8K | Visits: 850 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Classic / Mystery / Psychological / Romance / Drama | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 11.27.2011 | Pages: 7 | Words: 10.8K | Visits: 850 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 6
The next morning, Kagome motioned to Inuyasha as soon as breakfast was over and cleaned up from and asked him if he wanted to go home with her for the day – she had the feeling that Sesshoumaru would be away for a day or two at least, preparing for his brother's meetings with the available inuyoukai females.
The hanyou just shrugged, still trying to sort through everything that Kagome had told him last night – especially the part about what Sesshoumaru wanted from her.
He was just having a very hard time swallowing the whole thing, though he knew his brother didn't lie – if he said that, then he meant it. It was just so hard to believe...
His best friend, a – mostly – human woman, was who his brother had chosen as a lifemate. His brother, who – mostly – hated humans... though there was Rin, and he seemed to care for Kohaku, as well.
But there was a difference between caring for a couple of human children, and mating an adult one.
“Keh.” Inuyasha looked at Kagome from where he paced along slightly behind her, and asked again, “Are you sure he said 'mate'? You didn't just imagine that part?”
Kagome turned on him and threw her hands in the air with a frustrated mou. “Inuyasha! Would you get over it already? Do you want me to quote what he said to you verbatim?”
“Could you?” he challenged. “That way I'll know for sure!”
“Fine! He said, and I quote,” she gritted meaningfully, though with a blush, “I am merely showing you what will be our rooms when we have mated. Though I look forward quite eagerly to that moment, today is not that day. Satisfied?”
“Keh! I just want to be sure! Is that such a crime? I care about you, Kagome, and I don't want that... Sesshoumaru,” he ground out, trying to keep to his word to Kagome to stop calling names, “to take advantage of you!”
With a deep sigh, Kagome shook her head and continued on towards the well. “No, Inuyasha, it's not bad. But you need to stop seeing your brother as some evil bastard. He isn't anymore, and you know it. If he hadn't learned the things your father was trying to teach him, he wouldn't have gained his new arm – or Bakusaiga. He's changed from what he was before. Heck, you shouldn't find that so hard to believe – even you've changed from what you were in the beginning – you were a jerk.”
“Feh,” he muttered, looking away, not able to dispute any of what she'd said. He had been a jerk, back in the beginning... in some ways, he'd been just as much a bastard as Sesshoumaru. “Fine... but I'm still keeping an eye on him, K'gome. I love you too much to let him, or anyone else hurt you, either,” he finished, blushing deeply as he said those words he'd never said before – to anyone except his mother.
Eyes wide, Kagome stopped dead, causing him to stop too, and with a gasp, she whipped around to look at him. “Inuyasha,” she whispered, “you've never said it like that before. I didn't think you ever would.”
Still blushing, he forced himself to look up at her. “Maybe not, but you shoulda known I do, wench,” he said softly. “You're my best friend, and nothing will ever change that.” He shrugged, looking uncomfortable, but continued anyway. “Even though we aren't... together, doesn't mean that I'll ever love anyone more than you. No matter what happens with these inuyoukai females Sesshoumaru wants me to meet, you'll always be important to me – always be someone to protect. And you will always be my guiding light – you've been my only light since the day you woke me from my seal. So... I guess what I'm tryin' to say is that no matter where we go from here, you'll always be a most important part of my life – and if Sesshoumaru thinks that he's gonna take you away and keep you from me, then we will fight.”
Tears brimming, Kagome threw herself at Inuyasha and hugged him, more touched than she'd ever been. “I love you, too, Inuyasha. And if Sesshoumaru thinks that, then he and I will fight, too. I'll never stop being by your side – whenever you need me, you know that.”
He hugged her after a surprised moment, sighing and just relaxing against her with happiness. Kagome coming into his life had changed everything for the better – hell, she had given him a life, period. Before her, all he'd had was survival. And he was honest with himself enough to know that he wouldn't have been able to prove himself to the other youkai without Kagome – she was his strength.
After a few quiet minutes, Kagome pulled away with a smile, and taking his hand, tugged it cheerfully. “Come on, Inuyasha, let's go visit the family,” she said, making warmth flow through him. Our... family. There's actually people that care for me, though I'm not related by blood at all. And it's all because of you, Kagome. You're a friggin' miracle, you know that?
He smiled at her; picking her up as she giggled, he hopped into the well, and the blue lights of time grabbed them up and took them away, leaving a deep silence behind in the well clearing.
A silence that wasn't broken by the golden eyes that were watching with a cold light illuminating them.
You had best accept what comes, Inuyasha, because if you challenge me over her, I will destroy you.
Kagome is mine.
After a few seconds, the graceful form of the Western Lord turned away and moved off, intent on contacting the females needed – so he could get his brother settled.
Because then... he could get settled.
~oOo~
Sesshoumaru landed lightly on the steps to his mother's palace in the clouds, and immediately started up them, not inclined to linger. Dealing with his mother was always an irritant, as she loved to dig her claws into him any chance she got.
He had no illusions about his mother. Powerful, beautiful, she was more fixated on power and using it against people than he had ever been. But instead of seeking physical conquest as he had, she sought to conquer beings through their minds and hearts, using their desires against them and attempting to break them from within.
There was no patience in him for her schemes.
As he paced through the halls of her palace towards the Portico of Mirrors, where she always kept court, he considered those same mirrors – or rather, her main mirror.
With it, she could see many things – things that had happened, things that were happening – and things that would happen. Curiosity being his besetting sin, he found that he might just have a use for her mirror – to see what would come to be from his mating to Kagome. At the very least, he could get a glimpse into the future she had been designed to bring about.
But he wasn't curious enough to beg, and if his mother chose to play with him on it, he would simply ignore the future that would soon change, and wait to see it for himself.
He hadn't stepped from the pillared hall before she was already addressing him mockingly. “Ah, Sesshoumaru, my loving son. You've come to take my attendants away, I presume?” she asked, an arch smile on her face as she watched him like a hawk.
“Mother. As you know why I am here, there is no reason to waste time in speech. Send for the females – I do not desire to linger,” he replied coolly, his expression remote.
She waved a languid hand at him, even as she signaled for a servant to attend to the matter of fetching the requested females. “So cold to your mother, Sesshoumaru. What have I done to deserve such treatment from you?”
“I refuse to bandy words with you, Satori. Mother or not, no one mocks me, and I have little patience for your amusements. Sheath your claws – or I will show you why mine are the sharper by far.”
“Ah, but my amusements are so... interesting,” she returned, her voice still mocking as she ignored his threat. “For instance... looking into the future. I have seen such fascinating things, Sesshoumaru. Don't you wish to know what you are getting into with your desire for the miko who is no miko? The Lotus carries more mystery than you know.”
“You will not involve yourself with Kagome in any way, mother,” he said, his voice suddenly edged with warning. “I know your ways too well.” Running his fingers through his hair idly, he eyed her with a calculating expression as she narrowed her eyes on him. “She is beyond you, at any rate – if you were to try your hand at your typical games with her, you would fail most spectacularly, I have no doubt.”
“Perhaps,” she chuckled, enjoying riling her son up. She turned her gaze to the females entering her presence and bowing, and studied them for several long moments, before turning to look once more at her son with a wicked expression he did not like the look of.
“My illustrious son is here to escort you ladies to the Western Palace. I believe he has deemed it time for a mate to be chosen. You are to go with him... and may the best female win,” she said lightly, watching as the women's faces dropped demurely to hide the speculative interest in their eyes. After all, she had implied that he was the one looking for a mate...
Eyes narrowed dangerously, Sesshoumaru curtly ordered the females to follow him before turning his back on his mother and leaping over her balustrade into the clouds – the females would take their true forms and follow easily enough.
Inwardly, he cursed his mother's scheming – with the implication that he was the one searching for a mate, there would be a certain bit of disappointment in the bitches when they found that it was in fact for Inuyasha that a mate was being searched out, and not himself. While it was true that the bitches would in the end be amenable to a mating with his admittedly powerful brother, he was, of course, the better catch, and they would be disappointed when they found he had already chosen a female.
Nonetheless, there would be six females for his brother to meet, and hopefully, one would suit him. If one did, he would quickly see them mated.
Which brought up another point – his inheritance. The whelp would need his funds released to him so that he could have a suitable residence built; as the Lord of his lands, and about to be a mated male, he would need a place to take his female once he'd chosen.
Landing before the barrier to the heart of his lands, he waited silently for the six females to land behind him, then flared his youki and waited for the barrier to open before leading them into it, and watching it close behind them all. With nary a word, he took to the air again and led the group of females to his home.
This time, however, unlike the day previous when he had brought Kagome, when he walked through the gates once more in humanoid form, he was greeted by servants, and giving curt orders about the disposition of the females, he turned and made his way to his study.
Once the females had been settled, he would call them here and inform them of their reason for being here – his mother's words notwithstanding.
He wanted no part of flirtatious females trying to get his attention – they could never hold it, anyway.
They were like his brother, as far as he was concerned.
Ordinary.
The one thing that Kagome was not...
Which was why she would be his.
Still... what other mystery was mother speaking of in regards to her?
~oOo~
“Tadaima!” Kagome called out as she stepped through the front door, pulling Inuyasha along behind her.
“Okaeri, Kagome, Inuyasha,” her mother's voice came as she stepped around the corner into the living room. “I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon. No Sesshoumaru-sama?” she asked, a certain smile on her face that had Kagome's eyes narrowing suspiciously.
“No,” she said slowly as she watched Inuyasha get dragged off by Souta again. “He's off taking care of other things. Why?”
“Other things, eh? So... when will the wedding be?” she asked, grinning as her daughter's jaw dropped.
“Moooom!” she wailed, dropping her face into her hands as her mother laughed aloud. “How do you always do that?”
“I'm not blind, Kagome, even if you are. I noticed his interest in you personally right off the bat. He didn't hide it at all – yet you didn't even notice it.” Mischief sparkled in her eyes as Kagome sighed and dropped her chin into her hand as she took a seat at the table. “You should have seen the look he shot you when you spoke about Hojo. It was quite blatantly green.”
“Yeah, well,” she said, sticking her nose in the air at her mother playfully, “youkai don't get married, mom, they take mates. It's a whole different thing,” she said. “I don't know much about it, but I do know this – it's permanent and irreversible. No divorce.”
Hitomi sobered at that. “Then you had best be certain he's what you want before you commit, eh?”
Kagome waved a hand at that. “I'm already sure. Come on, mom, you've seen him. Who'd turn that away?”
“And is that all there is, Kagome?” she asked sternly, wanting to make sure.
Looking shocked that her mother would even think such a thing, she shook her head. “No! Of course not, mama! Do you really think I'm so shallow?”
Sighing, Hitomi shook her head. “No. But I wanted to be certain of your thoughts before you tied yourself to him. He's certainly beautiful enough to cloud anyone's mind, dear. And to be the focus of his attention is no doubt overwhelming.”
Kagome giggled a little at that, her mind taking her back to that kiss. “Oh, you have no idea, mama,” she said softly. 'Overwhelming' doesn't even cover it.”
Eyebrows shooting up, Hitomi watched her daughter's expressive face, and smiled inwardly. “So it's like that, is it?” she asked archly, laughing once more when her daughter's face turned red. “Never mind, dear,” she said as she picked up a knife and started slicing radishes for pickling. Sure, she could buy them in the grocery store – but she preferred making them herself.
“So what are you planning to do today?” she asked after a comfortable silence had fallen for several minutes.
“Actually, for once, nothing,” Kagome sighed. “Just sticking around and helping you for the day. We'll go back after dinner tonight.”
Her mother nodded, then pulled out a knife from the drawer and handed it to her daughter with a cutting board and a pile of her own radishes. “That sounds good, Kagome. We haven't done this in a while. I'm happy to see my daughter and spend time with her.”
And the two women worked quite cheerfully, chatting about everything under the sun while they sliced radishes, not paying any attention to the passing of time.
~oOo~
Neither of the women had noticed Souta come towards the kitchen, but he'd overheard his mother's words about a wedding between his sister and that tall, rather scary youkai brother of Inuyasha's.
Stunned, upset, as what he'd always hoped would happen between his sister and Inuyasha started to drift away, he turned away and went back into the living room, where he'd stashed his favorite hanyou so they could play games.
Sitting back down in front of the television, he stared at the screen for a few moments, and then asked Inuyasha, who was staring at him with a frown, “I thought you and sis would get together one day, Inuyasha. Why's she gonna marry your brother?”
Inuyasha flushed, startled at the question; after a moment, though, his eyes softened and he awkwardly patted the boy's shoulder. “Souta... sometimes, things just don't happen the way you think they will. Me'n Kagome are best friends... but there's too much history between her and I, things that happened back then, for us to really be more than that. It would ruin things – and I would never be able to be happy if I had to give up your sister. But just because her and I aren't getting together like that, doesn't mean I won't still be around.”
Souta stared at him for a minute, then looked down. “You're talking about that stuff with Kikyou, aren't you? I remember, back then, when sis would come home in tears about that whole thing. I guess she cried one too many times, and finally decided to change her mind,” he sighed, not noticing the stunned look on Inuyasha's face.
After a moment to gather his thoughts, he said, “Keh. I always knew that Kagome was meant for someone else, Souta. I didn't know who,” he started, then his face wrinkled up in disgust, “and would never have guessed it was gonna be my bastard of a brother, but that's the way the kami played it... and I won't stop her if it's what she wants. Because I do love her, even though it's not that way, and I want her to be happy.”
Shifting thoughts visible on his face, Souta finally nodded, though Inuyasha was quick to note that he still seemed disappointed. After a moment, though, Inuyasha decided to leave it alone, and let him work through it on his own.
He would eventually get used to how things were, and in the end, realize that just because he and Kagome weren't together in that manner, didn't mean he wasn't still part of the family.
He would always be that, no matter where life led he and Kagome from here on out.
~oOo~
Seated behind his desk, Sesshoumaru waited silently for the females to be brought to him so that he could enlighten them as to who they were going to be meeting.
Beckoning them in at the rap on the doorframe, he watched with little interest as the six females piled into the room and then knelt before him, heads bowed respectfully.
He let the silence linger for a few minutes, and then said, “Contrary to what my mother led you all to believe, I am not looking for a mate. You have been brought here to meet my brother. Inuyasha has now come into his inheritance, and should he show an affinity for one of you, you should consider yourself lucky.”
Not one female had said a word, but all had gone still as he'd spoken, waiting breathlessly for him to finish. He met each females gaze coldly. “Make no mistake – hanyou or not, Inuyasha is far more powerful than any of you. There is no weakness there.”
One of the females, the smallest one, spoke up softly. “I have heard of your half-brother, my Lord. It is said that he defeated Ryokotsussei. Is that true?”
Sesshoumaru looked at her without expression. “It is true. While my father merely sealed him, Inuyasha killed him – and was not injured in the battle.”
The girl nodded. “I will gladly meet him, then. If he was able to do that, then there is no lack of strength.”
The other females murmured their agreement after a moment, and Sesshoumaru flicked his fingers at them in dismissal. “He will arrive tomorrow. Until then, you are free to amuse yourselves.”
The females bowed again and rose to their feet, shuffling from the room, leaving a very bored daiyoukai behind. I sincerely hope you find one of these infernal females amenable, Inuyasha.
Standing, he left his study headed for the palace's treasury. It was time to release the boys inheritance to him.
Or at least part of it.
~oOo~
The moment Inuyasha landed lightly in the meadow from the well and set Kagome down on her feet, Sesshoumaru was standing before them, the early evening breezes flirting with his silver locks and ruffling his pelt. Kagome froze, just staring at him, but Inuyasha certainly didn't.
“What the hell, Sesshoumaru?” he barked out, growling at his brother. “Do you gotta be up our asses like that?”
“So uncouth,” the daiyoukai murmured after a moment. “The females that you are to meet will not know what to make of you, with your rough manners and foul speech. This might be more difficult than I'd anticipated.”
“Oh, screw you. I can talk all nice and sweet when I need to. You just don't bring out that side of me, that's all,” he returned snappily, glaring at his elder brother who was always so elegant, whether in the midst of battle, or simply walking by.
“Hn. Let us hope, then, that your words are true, and you can show that you have decent speech.” He turned to Kagome, who was watching the two of them with an exasperated expression on her face. “Kagome. We will escort you back to the village, and then Inuyasha and I have need to discuss certain... matters.”
She eyed him dubiously. “You're not going to fight, are you?”
Crescent moon almost seeming to glow on his forehead as the early moonlight caressed it, he denied her words. “No. We need to speak about the matter you and I spoke of yesterday – his inheritance.”
Kagome smiled. “Oh, okay.” Walking between the two brothers, she fell silent as they escorted her to Kaede's hut, and once she was inside, Sesshoumaru eyed his brother from the corner of one eye, then beckoned him into the forest.
Inuyasha, hands stuffed into his sleeves and a rather contemplative look on his face, followed his brother quietly, for once not arguing or making snide remarks.
The two walked for a little while, finally coming to a large meadow set a mile or so from the village and open to the valley below. It was a beautiful spot.
Both males simply studied the landscape before them in silence for some time, but after a while, Sesshoumaru finally broke the – for once – peaceful quiet. “This would be an excellent site for you to build your home.”
Inuyasha blinked, startled at his brother's conversational gambit. “Keh... why here?” he asked, curious.
Voice oddly neutral, for once not containing its usual sarcasm, Sesshoumaru replied, “You are not a poor villager with no money, Inuyasha. You are a son of our father, a prince of the west. You are also technically the Lord of Setsuna, as you are the only one left that carries Setsuna blood. This land is all yours. You are a male of status, and therefore need a home that reflects that.” He gestured around at the large meadow. “This place would give room enough for the dwelling you will need.”
“Feh,” Inuyasha said, “I don't have money, Sesshoumaru – unless you've had it all this time.”
The inu Lord reached into his obi and pulled out a large, heavy money bag. “This is just the smallest amount of what is yours, Inuyasha. It is enough to hire builders to come and begin construction of your home. Be aware – you will need a treasury, because I have no desire to continue to hold your purse strings. Once you have a place to put it, I will release all your funds to you.”
Reaching out almost tentatively, as though he expected his brother to yank the money back from him, he took the bag and hefted it, completely shocked – just this purse alone carried a small fortune. “And this is only a small part of my money?” he asked suspiciously, having a hard time believing that he'd just gone from pretty much a homeless vagabond to way out past wealthy in an instant.
“Aa. You have proven yourself worthy as a son of the Inu no Taisho. Do not make me regret acknowledging that,” he said shortly. After a moment, he continued. “Gather those skilled in building here tomorrow morning, and let them know what you want. Then... after the mid-morning meal, I will come for you, and Kagome. We will go to the Western Palace, where you will spend some days acquainting yourself with the inu females that are awaiting you.”
Inuyasha didn't say anything to his brother's words about his own life, instead locking onto the mention of the woman both males cared for in different ways.
“For once in your life, Sesshoumaru, give me a straight damn answer. Tell me in words what your intentions with Kagome are. If they're honorable, then I'll back off and let you have her with no argument,” he said, his own expression now the neutral one. “I just need to hear it from you.”
Sesshoumaru regarded his brother for some time, no expression on his face or in his golden eyes, and then he turned back to look out over the landscape.
“Once you are on your way to being settled, she will be this one's mate. Does that satisfy you, Inuyasha?”
After a moment, Inuyasha sighed. “I s'pose so. I know you don't think much of lying, so I'll take your word as bond.”
“Then I will take my leave of you. Be ready tomorrow afternoon,” his brother replied curtly, before he lifted into the air and headed rapidly away.
Inuyasha watched him until he was out of sight, then looked around at the meadow once more thoughtfully, before heading back towards the village.
Behind him, the grasses swayed in the cool night air, peaceful for the last time for the foreseeable future.
Tomorrow, that same meadow would become a hive of activity as a new Lord of Setsuna arose from the ashes of the clan's long dead funeral pyre.
~oOo~
Kagome looked up as Inuyasha stepped into the clearing, and smiled at him. “Hey,” she said softly. “Where've you been all morning?” she asked.
He sauntered over to her slowly, taking in the pretty picture she made sitting beneath the Goshinboku. “Been taking care of getting a home built,” he finally said as he plopped down next to her, his arms folded into his sleeves.
She shot him a sideways glance. “So... Sesshoumaru gave you your inheritance, then?” she asked.
“Part of it,” he sighed. “He said once I've got my home built and a place to put it all, he'll release the rest of it to me.”
“I'm glad, Inuyasha,” she said happily, reaching out a hand and placing it on his arm for a moment. “I want to see you happy more than anything. So... did he say when you'd get a chance to meet these ladies?” she asked teasingly as he blushed and looked away.
“Keh,” he muttered, “he's coming to get both of us this afternoon. Takin' us to the Western Palace, I guess,” he shrugged as he looked back over at her.
She blinked. Then looked up at the sky. “Inuyasha!” she wailed, “why didn't you say something earlier?! He could show up at any time, and I'm not ready to go anywhere!”
“Calm down, Kagome, sheesh,” he chuckled at how flustered she'd suddenly become. “He said after the mid-day meal, which Kaede is just now making.”
She eyed him for a moment, and then sighed in relief. “Oh. But still – I should go right now and gather my things. Did he say how long we'd be there?”
“Just for some days, is all he said.”
“Hm.” Her brow furrowed then. “But... why am I going, anyway? Isn't this for you to meet those females?” she asked in confusion.
“Keh! You mean you'd leave me alone with a bunch of females and Sesshoumaru? Damn, Kagome, that's cold!” he teased, then sobered as he met her gaze. “Actually... I think he plans to court you while I'm meetin' these females,” he said, almost reluctantly. “We... talked a little last night – he assured me that his intentions towards you are honorable, so... I told him I wouldn't interfere.”
Kagome's expression melted into one of understanding; this was quite difficult for him – in essence, he was giving over the place he'd always had to his brother. He was finding it difficult.
She patted his arm and sat back with a small smile. “You know, Inuyasha,” she said slowly, “you'll always have a place at my side.”
He just shook his head at her. She always knows... “Not anymore, Kagome,” he said sadly. “That's gonna be his place, now.”
“Silly,” she said fondly, her eyes soft, “I have two sides, you know.”
He blinked at her, startled. Never thought of it like that... “I suppose so,” he chuckled, feeling a little bit lighter. After a moment, he sighed and stood up, holding out a hand to help her up as well. “Come on, wench, let's go back to Kaede's so you can get your things together. Wouldn't want the ice prince to come by and not find you ready to go. He'd find a way to blame me for it.”
The two walked back to Kaede's at peace with each other, and the world around them.
~oOo~
No sooner had lunch been cleaned up from than Sesshoumaru appeared in the village leading Ah-Uhn, and Kagome and Inuyasha stepped out of Kaede's hut with goodbye's to their friends, Kagome carrying a nice sized bag with enough changes of clothes to last a week.
Sesshoumaru indicated Ah-Uhn. “You will ride him, Inuyasha, and I will carry Kagome – that way the journey will go by quicker.”
Shrugging, Inuyasha hopped up on the dragon's back, and watched, quietly amused as Sesshoumaru approached his friend, only to wrap his arm around her waist with a distinctly proprietary air. She flushed becomingly and couldn't meet his eyes.
He didn't try to hide his amusement when his brother met his eyes, and was rather taken aback at the total lack of disdain in his brother's gaze. Instead, he also looked amused, and with a shared moment of internal laughter at Kagome's expense, the first ever moment between the two without any animosity whatsoever, the group lifted off, and within moments, the village lay far behind.
“Why are you suddenly so flustered in this ones presence, Kagome?” he asked, his voice lightly mocking.
She blushed and then looked up at him belligerently. “Don't tease me, Sesshoumaru! Things are different now, and it's all your fault.”
“Hnn. You had best get used to this new reality between us, Kagome. You have very little time left as a free woman.”
She stiffened, eyeing him nervously. “What do you mean, very little time?” she squeaked.
His brow rose in amusement. “Just what I said. Why do you play these games? You know what I want from you, and you want the same from me. What is the point of beating around the bush in this matter?” he asked, genuinely curious.
Cranberry color washing across her cheeks making her blue eyes sparkle, she stuttered out, “W-well, I mean, I haven't really had any time to get used to this whole thing, you know!”
“And I just said you still have a bit of time – though not much. How much time do you think you need, woman?”
“I don't know,” she wailed softly in deference to his hearing. “I guess I'm just embarrassed,” she finally admitted, her voice going even softer.
After a few minutes of silence, Sesshoumaru said, “You are a curious female, unlike anyone I have ever met. One moment, mature and forceful, and the next, shy and almost childish. Accustom yourself to my attentions, Kagome, because you will be the focus of them until the day we both step into death.”
Looking up at him from the corner of one eye, she sighed. “That's easier said than done, you know. You're kinda intense when you're focusing on a person.”
“And yet, it did not seem to bother you at first. Why is that?”
“Because back then you hadn't kissed me,” she said softly, so that Inuyasha wouldn't hear. “This is a totally different way of having your attention than when you just had questions about me.”
“Hn... perhaps,” he regarded her thoughtfully, “but you will quickly learn to enjoy this particular way of having my attention. It is simply the newness of it. But you are a passionate woman, and once that passion has been fully unleashed, you will no longer be embarrassed by it.”
Her head sank down into his pelt in complete and utter embarrassment at his bold words – she wasn't really used to having males talk to her that way. The only guy who'd ever bothered with her in her era was Hojo, and he was definitely not the type to speak of such things. And here, Koga's boldness in declaring her 'his woman' had also only gone so far, so when the beautiful male she was held so tightly against actually chuckled at her, the rumble it caused in his chest caused a warmth to flow through her body, a reaction none of the others had ever caused.
It made Sesshoumaru purr.
Purr? She pulled back from his pelt and narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you sure there's not something you're forgetting to tell me?” she asked suspiciously. “Because last time I checked, dogs don't purr.”
He cocked a brow at her in a rather haughty manner as they began to land before the barrier hiding the heart of his lands. “It was a growl, woman, not a purr. There are many types of growl – that one was an encouragement.”
She looked at him blankly, not understanding. “Encouragement?” she asked.
“You were becoming aroused, Kagome – your scent spiked most deliciously. I was simply... pressing you to continue smelling so delightful,” he said wickedly, as he watched that cranberry color wash across her face again.
“I would never have imagined you to be a flirt, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she said primly as he let her down to open the barrier, ignoring Inuyasha's snort as Ah-Uhn landed and he caught her last words.
“Keh, he ain't. Sesshoumaru's never flirted with a female in his life. It's just you,” he laughed at her disgruntled death glare. Looking away from her after a moment, he pinned his eyes to his brother, curious about the ancestral home to the clan of the Inu no Taisho.
Aloof mask falling over his face once more, Sesshoumaru opened the portal into his home, and leading the way, quickly had them once more in the clouds and landing before the gates to his home. He glanced at his brother from the corner of one eye, rather enjoying the look of awe washing over his face.
“Welcome to my home, little brother,” he said, the pride in his voice quite audible to the two standing with him.
Kagome looked around, then blinked in surprise when two actual living servants approached, awaiting the daiyoukai's orders.
“Wait a minute... there weren't any people here the other day!” she said, looking up at him almost accusingly. “When did they get here?”
He looked down at her, a smug expression settling on his suddenly rather mobile face. “Did I not tell you that when I was ready to take a mate, I would settle here full time, and that then there would be servants?”
“W-well, yeah,” she said, “but-”
“I am ready to take a mate, Kagome,” he said silkily, speaking right over her, “as you are well aware. It was time to bring my house into order, and that has now been done.”
Inuyasha, who'd since dismounted from Ah-Uhn as one of the servants led the beast off to the stables, looked over at his brother with a rather enigmatic expression on his face. “This is a bit much, Sesshoumaru. I knew there was an ancestral home... but I didn't expect this,” he said, gesturing around him. He eyed his brother for a moment. “It's up here using your power, isn't it?”
“Yes.” Turning to the other servant still hovering nearby, he gave orders for Inuyasha to be escorted to his rooms, and the servant bowed before beckoning the hanyou to follow. Inuyasha did with one last glance at his brother and best friend.
When he'd disappeared, Kagome looked up and straight into golden eyes; Sesshoumaru was regarding her silently, but quite intensely, and she didn't know what to make of that look.
“What?” she asked cautiously.
He said nothing for a moment, then turned away and motioned for her to follow him. Frowning, wondering what had gotten into him, she did, and found herself quickly in that same wing of the palace his rooms were in. Frown deepening, she began to wonder just what he was doing...
Until he stopped before a set of doors that were just down from his own, and slid them open. Stepping inside, he waited for Kagome to do the same, and then said, “These rooms were built for one purpose and one purpose only – they are for the future mate of the Lord to stay in until her mating day. Since at this particular time, that would be you, you should make yourself at home,” he said, a certain glint in far too innocent eyes.
She held his gaze for a moment, and then looked around obligingly, as he so obviously wanted her to do. She smiled in approval. “It's beautiful, Sesshoumaru!”
He tilted his head in pleased acknowledgment, then pointed out another door. “That leads to the bathing facilities that you saw when you were here. You are free to use them anytime you desire – but be aware,” he said, that innocent look melting into a wicked one, “I bathe there, as well.”
Her mind short-circuited quite promptly at that, and she turned away from the door to continue to look about the room. “I'll keep that in mind,” she said dryly after she managed to get control of her suddenly hentai thoughts once again.
He smirked slightly at her reaction; she was aroused, she couldn't hide it from him. He chose not to bring it up, however. “You will be comfortable here?” he asked calmly, giving nothing away.
Her eyes once more wandered the large, airy room and nodded. It was beautiful, and the bed, because it was a bed, and not a futon, looked quite comfortable with plenty of blankets and even rather fluffy pillows. She blinked at that; those kind of accoutrements weren't usually seen in this era, but... neither was a floating palace with magic hot springs, she thought wryly after a moment. With everything else about this impossible place that was so fantastical, why worry about such a small thing as an actual bed – and pillows?
“Yes,” she sighed after a moment, stepping forward to set her bag on a low table. “I'll be fine, Sesshoumaru.”
“Good,” he said, his voice suddenly dropping into a whole new baritone range and rumbling in his chest in a manner that had Kagome's knees going weak. “If there is anything that could possibly make you more comfortable, let me know.”
“O-okay,” she managed to get out, though it sounded oddly breathless.
He inclined his head, his eyes never leaving hers. “When you have had a chance to refresh yourself, please, join me in the hanging gardens. You remember how to arrive there?” he asked.
Kagome thought back, and then nodded. “Yes. It isn't very difficult.”
With a slight smirk, he turned and quietly left the room, and Kagome just managed to make it to the bed before her knees finally did give out.
“Wow,” she sighed dreamily. “At this rate, embarrassed or no, I'm going to jump him!”
~oOo~
Half an hour later, Kagome slid open the door to her room and headed out, making her way slowly towards the beautiful hanging gardens at the center of the palace complex. She found it in short order, and letting his aura guide her, soon found Sesshoumaru.
She blinked.
This Sesshoumaru looked somewhat different.
His ever-present armor was gone, and she gulped; without it, his stunning physique was on full display – the silk of his normal attire molding lovingly to his frame.
Dear gods, she thought, stunned.
He also looked a great deal more relaxed than she had ever seen.
This place suits him...
She cleared her throat awkwardly as he watched her with a distinctly amused expression. “So... where's Inuyasha, and these females he's supposed to be meeting?” she asked, trying to bring her rapidly pattering heart back into a calmer pace.
“They will join us shortly,” he said idly, his lean body arranged comfortably beneath a tree. He motioned for her to come to him; with only slight reservations, she did, and he gestured for her to sit with him.
She sank down next to him, watching him cautiously, as though she expected him to pounce her at any moment.
Golden eyes sharpening on her, he asked, “Why do you look at me so? What is it you suspect me of, I wonder?”
Shaking her head slowly, she continued watching him, the wary look still in her eyes. “I'm not sure what to expect from you anymore. For the cold lord, you sure are a hentai, Sesshoumaru.”
He chuckled; she gaped at him. “And you are not, Ka-go-me?” he asked, a mocking light in his heated gold eyes. “I am all too well aware of what you think of me. You are not, after all, very good at hiding your arousal when around me.”
Narrowing eyes held his. “Gods, you are so arrogant,” she snapped. “I really would love to see someone knock you down from your pedestal!”
He blinked languidly at her as silver locks danced around him in the fragrant breeze. “I am sure you would – but do not hold your breath anticipating such a thing. You would pass out long before it would ever happen,” he said calmly.
She huffed in irritation and looked away. “Maybe I'll decide in the end to say no to you, Sesshoumaru – ever think of that?” she asked coolly.
“You could,” he responded, his voice unruffled. “But we both know you will not – just as you should know that I will not give up until you give in.”
With a sigh, she peeked over at him to find him watching her with a knowing expression. “I give up. That arrogance must be bred into you – it sure goes all the way down,” she said, exasperated. “Inuyasha's kinda that way, too, only you're worse.”
“Course he is, wench, whatever it is you're talkin' about. He's always worse than me,” Inuyasha's voice came just as he walked into view. He cast an amused look at his reclining brother. “So... what was it he was being 'worse' at?” he asked as he folded his legs under him and allowed himself to fall into a cross-legged position on the grass across from Kagome.
Face scrunched up in annoyance at Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's amused eyes, she growled out, “Arrogance.”
At that, Inuyasha waved a dismissing hand. “Keh. All inu youkai are like that, wench. It's just a part of our breed. I mean, look at us,” he grinned wickedly at his flustered friend. “We're better looking than other youkai, and obviously,” he gestured around them, “this clan has more wealth than any other. And we're more powerful, too. What's not to be arrogant about?”
“Should I be arrogant about the fact that I can do things you guys can't?” she asked, glaring at the both of them.
“From what I have heard, childbirth is painful, so I would not boast about that – this Sesshoumaru is more than happy to let you have that one,” came that rumbling baritone of the inuyoukai's, and Kagome instantly heated up at those inflammatory words.
“Oh, I can assure you, Sesshoumaru,” she said sarcastically, “I can do a whole lot more than just have children. And if that's what you think of women, then you're going to be alone for a long, long time.” Her voice had grown belligerent as she'd finished, and Inuyasha finally broke out in laughter as he caught her clenching her tiny hands into fists.
“Oi, woman, calm down, we're just teasin' ya,” he chortled, actually enjoying his brother's company for the first time ever. It was fun riling Kagome up... he'd always enjoyed her spirited responses, and knew his brother would, too.
She eyed them narrowly for several seconds and then huffed again, realizing just what Inuyasha was up to. After all, she'd been enjoying fights with him since they first met. But she would never have suspected that Sesshoumaru would be into the same thing...
“Oooh, I ought to just go back to Kaede's and leave you two jerks here by yourselves with all those females on the make,” she said semi-heatedly. “Would serve you both right.”
Sesshoumaru flicked his fingers at her. “You would not do that – you would quickly get jealous and return to defend your place,” he said complacently.
Before she could respond to that piece of arrogance, a servant appeared guiding two females towards them, and Kagome turned instantly fascinated eyes on them. She had never seen a female inuyoukai before.
The taller one was quite attractive, pale silver hair flowing mid-back and delicate pink markings accenting her silver eyes.
But it was the smaller one that was the beauty – the same silver hair, only, her eyes were violet, and her markings a true black that only accented her eyes, drawing your own eyes inevitably to them and holding them there. With a sideways glance at her suddenly silent friend, she smiled inwardly as she caught his awed stare.
I think we've got a winner already, she thought. As long as her personality is equally attractive.
“My lord,” the servant bowed, “the other females will be out shortly.”
“Very well.” He dismissed the servant with nothing more than a wave of one hand, then turned to the two females staring between Inuyasha and Kagome. “Your names?” he asked curtly, his cold expression once more wiping the warmth from his face.
Kagome shivered.
The short one spoke first. “I am Hiroko,” followed by the taller one murmuring, “Izumi, my Lord.”
It was easy to see that the smaller one was by far the boldest as she blatantly returned Inuyasha's stare for several seconds, then turned to look Kagome over. “Is she also here for your lord brother's consideration, my Lord?” she asked Sesshoumaru quite bluntly.
“No,” his voice returned coldly. “Kagome belongs to me. She will be Lady here soon enough.”
Both females stared at him in shock for several long seconds, and then, “But, my Lord! She's human! Surely, you canno-” the taller one began, before being cut off.
“Silence!” Sesshoumaru's voice cracked like a whip in the suddenly heavy air, his seated stance no longer so relaxed as explicit danger sprang vividly to life in the air around them. “You have no business questioning anything I choose to do,” he said icily as the female cowered before him, her body language quickly going submissive as the smaller female simply watched on, wisely keeping her thoughts to herself.
After a few deadly moments during which Sesshoumaru's heavy youki did not abate, Inuyasha spoke for the first time.
“Izumi, was it?” he asked, and at her timid nod, continued. “Kagome is a very important person to me – she is my best friend, and I will not tolerate any slurs to or about her, is that clear?”
The female nodded sullenly, not looking at anyone, until Kagome sighed and laughed a little. “I know I don't look like much, do I?” she asked wryly, and taken aback, both females shook their heads cautiously, not wanting to further anger the Lord of the place – who was at this moment still angry anyway, if his aura was anything to go by. “But you know... you really shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.” As they looked at her blankly, she explained. “In other words, don't just take a person at face value. You could potentially end up in great danger by doing that, you know. Underestimating a person – one who might be an opponent.”
“Are you an opponent?” Hiroko asked shrewdly, and Kagome laughed.
“No... didn't Sesshoumaru just tell you that? But I am a judge,” she said warningly, suddenly going very sober. “Inuyasha's my best friend, and I will never let anyone cause him harm in any way. If I see one of you that I think will, I'll stop you before you get the chance.”
“Warning noted,” the female said with a rather predatory smile. Kagome smiled back the same way, and despite her lack of fangs, her smile was much more dangerous.
Sesshoumaru's youki, still heavy and presuming, finally began to calm just a bit, and Kagome motioned for the two females to sit down just as several more females appeared behind another servant. They were quickly introduced and apprised of the situation by their counterparts, and before long, they were all chattering quite animatedly to each other.
Hiroko was the only one who kept silent, instead watching Inuyasha with a weighing air – a look that was being returned with interest by the hanyou.
Kagome caught Sesshoumaru's eye and mouthed, “I think we have a winner already,” to him behind her hand. The daiyoukai's agreement flashed back in his eyes.
He shows no interest in any of the others... I find I have to agree with him. Those other females are simply annoying, he thought with distaste as his ears rang with their empty chatter. That one seems the only one with anything in her head at all.
Kagome watched with amusement as some of the other females tried to draw Inuyasha into their rather inane conversation with little luck. He was polite enough, but showed little interest in talk of Sesshoumaru's mother's court.
After a while, the females almost seemed to forget his presence, and he watched them with an enigmatic expression for a time, before glancing over at the only silent female in the bunch.
Levering himself up from the ground, he walked over to her and bowed lightly. “Would you care to walk with me, Hiroko-san?” he asked politely, and Kagome's jaw wanted to drop. I guess he can be polite without having his life threatened, she thought, amused.
She watched with a smile as the female agreed to join him, and within moments, the two had disappeared into the greenery of the gardens. Leaning closer to Sesshoumaru, Kagome whispered so low only he could hear, “I think the rest of them can probably go back to wherever they came from. Seems to me Inuyasha's already found the one he's interested in.”
He flicked a glance her way and then stood without a word and held out his hand for her. Nonplussed, she took it, a question in her eyes, but he merely pulled her up with him and after making sure she was stable on her feet, led her off into the gardens in a different direction.
The five chattering female inuyoukai were left behind.
“Sesshoumaru?” Kagome asked after a few minutes of peaceful strolling.
“I will speak to Inuyasha when he returns from his walk, and if he agrees, send the other females back to my mother's palace. It seems to this one that the female he is with is most interested in him, and he seems to be interested in her, as well,” he said, not looking at her.
“Yeah,” she said slowly, a hint of laughter in her voice, “those other ones don't seem too... bright, do they?”
“No,” he said shortly. Flicking a glance at her out of the corner of one golden eye, he said, “Do you understand now why I refused to consider one of them as a mate?”
She thought about that for a minute; Sesshoumaru, stuck for eternity with one of those inane females – and promptly dissolved into giggles. “Oh... I think you would probably have killed whichever one you were stuck with within days of mating her!”
“Hours,” he said dourly, surprising a new round of giggles out of her as she couldn't help laughing – the visual in her head of his expression as the female prattled on brainlessly just endlessly entertaining.
His next action startled her breathless; whirling her into his arms with a suddenness that she found shocking, he forced her eyes up to meet his gaze. After a moment of staring into her eyes with molten gold ones, he asked silkily, “It is fortunate for me, then, that I will not have such a fate to look forward to, correct?”
Eyes wide, she stared up at him, unable to catch her breath enough to answer, simply nodding in agreement.
A rather devilish smirk crossed his face then, and his eyes dropped from hers, to her mouth, the intensity of that look causing her lips to part – with a dark look in eyes that were already dilating, he lowered his mouth to hers and slipped inside slowly and indolently, making her shiver from head to toe.
Without touching her erotically anywhere else but her mouth, he made love to her in ways Kagome had no idea you could. Hot, wet, slightly uncontrolled, his kiss was like nothing she'd ever felt before – not even their first one.
Where that had been all burning need, this one was deep, honeyed passion, and Kagome was instantly overwhelmed – not that she even tried to fight it, anyway. Why should she?
His arms swept down her back, molding her body to his hard frame, and she melted into him, her soft flesh feeling so wonderful against him. He growled low in his chest, tilting her head a little to change the angle that he was caressing her tongue and the roof of her mouth at.
Decadent and sinful, Kagome didn't want to ever pull away, but unfortunately, breathing was still a necessity, and so, reluctantly, she backed up, gasping for breath as she met his eyes. They were beautiful – deepened to the point that the rim around them was thickened and bronze, and the rest so many different shades of gold and sunlight.
After a moment of watching her regain her breath and sanity, he loosened his hold, growling slightly and looking disgruntled. Stepping back from her, he scowled just a bit.
“Sesshoumaru?” she asked, wondering if she'd done something to displease him.
“The whelp and female come this way,” he finally said as he got his suddenly uncertain temper under control.
She blushed, smoothing her hair and clothing. “Oh.”
He inhaled, then turned and motioned for her to accompany him. “Come... I think now would be a good time for you to, how did you say it? Plunder my library?” He cast a sidelong look at her, amusement once more showing in the depths of his mesmerizing eyes. “While I deal with Inuyasha, and the females, it will keep you occupied.”
She grinned. “Actually, that sounds good. And you'll know right where I am come dinnertime,” she teased.
“Hn.”
Within minutes, he had shown her once more to the library, and watched with an indulgent expression on his face as she wandered into the room and immediately forgot his presence in the wonder of the works around her. After lingering for a few moments, he turned and slid the doors closed, his face losing all animation and going flat.
Now to deal with the whelp and those infernal females. I sincerely hope he'll be amenable to letting those others go back to mother's palace. The aggravation is more than I had thought it would be...
It is a good thing that Kagome is not like those empty-headed bitches.
He shuddered, even mokomoko bristling with irritation at that thought.
I can only thank the kami that she was created, he thought in that moment, or I would have remained alone permanently – I would rather be alone than stuck with a female like one of those. They resemble clucking hens more than inuyoukai.
He ran his hand through mokomoko's silky fur as he strode through the halls deep in thought, sincerely hoping that his brother and that female took to each other – so he could kick them out of his palace all the sooner and concentrate on his own business...
Claiming the Lotus for himself... so he could spend the rest of his lifetime deciphering her mysteries...
Among other things.
He purred in anticipation.
~oOo~
A/N: Been a while since I've posted on this, I know! But... there's only one more chapter to go, so please, be patient. It won't be long until the next one is out – I'm trying to finish off my open stories because I have an epic story in the works called Splinter'd Realities. And I mean epic. It's far different from anything I've ever written. Right now, I'm about sixty thousand words into it, in six chapters. But it's an Inupapa/Kag, though different than any I've ever seen on any ff website. At any rate, I still have Windows on the West, and TONS of just started Sess/Kags, as well, so I'm not going anywhere anytime soon!
Amber
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The next morning, Kagome motioned to Inuyasha as soon as breakfast was over and cleaned up from and asked him if he wanted to go home with her for the day – she had the feeling that Sesshoumaru would be away for a day or two at least, preparing for his brother's meetings with the available inuyoukai females.
The hanyou just shrugged, still trying to sort through everything that Kagome had told him last night – especially the part about what Sesshoumaru wanted from her.
He was just having a very hard time swallowing the whole thing, though he knew his brother didn't lie – if he said that, then he meant it. It was just so hard to believe...
His best friend, a – mostly – human woman, was who his brother had chosen as a lifemate. His brother, who – mostly – hated humans... though there was Rin, and he seemed to care for Kohaku, as well.
But there was a difference between caring for a couple of human children, and mating an adult one.
“Keh.” Inuyasha looked at Kagome from where he paced along slightly behind her, and asked again, “Are you sure he said 'mate'? You didn't just imagine that part?”
Kagome turned on him and threw her hands in the air with a frustrated mou. “Inuyasha! Would you get over it already? Do you want me to quote what he said to you verbatim?”
“Could you?” he challenged. “That way I'll know for sure!”
“Fine! He said, and I quote,” she gritted meaningfully, though with a blush, “I am merely showing you what will be our rooms when we have mated. Though I look forward quite eagerly to that moment, today is not that day. Satisfied?”
“Keh! I just want to be sure! Is that such a crime? I care about you, Kagome, and I don't want that... Sesshoumaru,” he ground out, trying to keep to his word to Kagome to stop calling names, “to take advantage of you!”
With a deep sigh, Kagome shook her head and continued on towards the well. “No, Inuyasha, it's not bad. But you need to stop seeing your brother as some evil bastard. He isn't anymore, and you know it. If he hadn't learned the things your father was trying to teach him, he wouldn't have gained his new arm – or Bakusaiga. He's changed from what he was before. Heck, you shouldn't find that so hard to believe – even you've changed from what you were in the beginning – you were a jerk.”
“Feh,” he muttered, looking away, not able to dispute any of what she'd said. He had been a jerk, back in the beginning... in some ways, he'd been just as much a bastard as Sesshoumaru. “Fine... but I'm still keeping an eye on him, K'gome. I love you too much to let him, or anyone else hurt you, either,” he finished, blushing deeply as he said those words he'd never said before – to anyone except his mother.
Eyes wide, Kagome stopped dead, causing him to stop too, and with a gasp, she whipped around to look at him. “Inuyasha,” she whispered, “you've never said it like that before. I didn't think you ever would.”
Still blushing, he forced himself to look up at her. “Maybe not, but you shoulda known I do, wench,” he said softly. “You're my best friend, and nothing will ever change that.” He shrugged, looking uncomfortable, but continued anyway. “Even though we aren't... together, doesn't mean that I'll ever love anyone more than you. No matter what happens with these inuyoukai females Sesshoumaru wants me to meet, you'll always be important to me – always be someone to protect. And you will always be my guiding light – you've been my only light since the day you woke me from my seal. So... I guess what I'm tryin' to say is that no matter where we go from here, you'll always be a most important part of my life – and if Sesshoumaru thinks that he's gonna take you away and keep you from me, then we will fight.”
Tears brimming, Kagome threw herself at Inuyasha and hugged him, more touched than she'd ever been. “I love you, too, Inuyasha. And if Sesshoumaru thinks that, then he and I will fight, too. I'll never stop being by your side – whenever you need me, you know that.”
He hugged her after a surprised moment, sighing and just relaxing against her with happiness. Kagome coming into his life had changed everything for the better – hell, she had given him a life, period. Before her, all he'd had was survival. And he was honest with himself enough to know that he wouldn't have been able to prove himself to the other youkai without Kagome – she was his strength.
After a few quiet minutes, Kagome pulled away with a smile, and taking his hand, tugged it cheerfully. “Come on, Inuyasha, let's go visit the family,” she said, making warmth flow through him. Our... family. There's actually people that care for me, though I'm not related by blood at all. And it's all because of you, Kagome. You're a friggin' miracle, you know that?
He smiled at her; picking her up as she giggled, he hopped into the well, and the blue lights of time grabbed them up and took them away, leaving a deep silence behind in the well clearing.
A silence that wasn't broken by the golden eyes that were watching with a cold light illuminating them.
You had best accept what comes, Inuyasha, because if you challenge me over her, I will destroy you.
Kagome is mine.
After a few seconds, the graceful form of the Western Lord turned away and moved off, intent on contacting the females needed – so he could get his brother settled.
Because then... he could get settled.
~oOo~
Sesshoumaru landed lightly on the steps to his mother's palace in the clouds, and immediately started up them, not inclined to linger. Dealing with his mother was always an irritant, as she loved to dig her claws into him any chance she got.
He had no illusions about his mother. Powerful, beautiful, she was more fixated on power and using it against people than he had ever been. But instead of seeking physical conquest as he had, she sought to conquer beings through their minds and hearts, using their desires against them and attempting to break them from within.
There was no patience in him for her schemes.
As he paced through the halls of her palace towards the Portico of Mirrors, where she always kept court, he considered those same mirrors – or rather, her main mirror.
With it, she could see many things – things that had happened, things that were happening – and things that would happen. Curiosity being his besetting sin, he found that he might just have a use for her mirror – to see what would come to be from his mating to Kagome. At the very least, he could get a glimpse into the future she had been designed to bring about.
But he wasn't curious enough to beg, and if his mother chose to play with him on it, he would simply ignore the future that would soon change, and wait to see it for himself.
He hadn't stepped from the pillared hall before she was already addressing him mockingly. “Ah, Sesshoumaru, my loving son. You've come to take my attendants away, I presume?” she asked, an arch smile on her face as she watched him like a hawk.
“Mother. As you know why I am here, there is no reason to waste time in speech. Send for the females – I do not desire to linger,” he replied coolly, his expression remote.
She waved a languid hand at him, even as she signaled for a servant to attend to the matter of fetching the requested females. “So cold to your mother, Sesshoumaru. What have I done to deserve such treatment from you?”
“I refuse to bandy words with you, Satori. Mother or not, no one mocks me, and I have little patience for your amusements. Sheath your claws – or I will show you why mine are the sharper by far.”
“Ah, but my amusements are so... interesting,” she returned, her voice still mocking as she ignored his threat. “For instance... looking into the future. I have seen such fascinating things, Sesshoumaru. Don't you wish to know what you are getting into with your desire for the miko who is no miko? The Lotus carries more mystery than you know.”
“You will not involve yourself with Kagome in any way, mother,” he said, his voice suddenly edged with warning. “I know your ways too well.” Running his fingers through his hair idly, he eyed her with a calculating expression as she narrowed her eyes on him. “She is beyond you, at any rate – if you were to try your hand at your typical games with her, you would fail most spectacularly, I have no doubt.”
“Perhaps,” she chuckled, enjoying riling her son up. She turned her gaze to the females entering her presence and bowing, and studied them for several long moments, before turning to look once more at her son with a wicked expression he did not like the look of.
“My illustrious son is here to escort you ladies to the Western Palace. I believe he has deemed it time for a mate to be chosen. You are to go with him... and may the best female win,” she said lightly, watching as the women's faces dropped demurely to hide the speculative interest in their eyes. After all, she had implied that he was the one looking for a mate...
Eyes narrowed dangerously, Sesshoumaru curtly ordered the females to follow him before turning his back on his mother and leaping over her balustrade into the clouds – the females would take their true forms and follow easily enough.
Inwardly, he cursed his mother's scheming – with the implication that he was the one searching for a mate, there would be a certain bit of disappointment in the bitches when they found that it was in fact for Inuyasha that a mate was being searched out, and not himself. While it was true that the bitches would in the end be amenable to a mating with his admittedly powerful brother, he was, of course, the better catch, and they would be disappointed when they found he had already chosen a female.
Nonetheless, there would be six females for his brother to meet, and hopefully, one would suit him. If one did, he would quickly see them mated.
Which brought up another point – his inheritance. The whelp would need his funds released to him so that he could have a suitable residence built; as the Lord of his lands, and about to be a mated male, he would need a place to take his female once he'd chosen.
Landing before the barrier to the heart of his lands, he waited silently for the six females to land behind him, then flared his youki and waited for the barrier to open before leading them into it, and watching it close behind them all. With nary a word, he took to the air again and led the group of females to his home.
This time, however, unlike the day previous when he had brought Kagome, when he walked through the gates once more in humanoid form, he was greeted by servants, and giving curt orders about the disposition of the females, he turned and made his way to his study.
Once the females had been settled, he would call them here and inform them of their reason for being here – his mother's words notwithstanding.
He wanted no part of flirtatious females trying to get his attention – they could never hold it, anyway.
They were like his brother, as far as he was concerned.
Ordinary.
The one thing that Kagome was not...
Which was why she would be his.
Still... what other mystery was mother speaking of in regards to her?
~oOo~
“Tadaima!” Kagome called out as she stepped through the front door, pulling Inuyasha along behind her.
“Okaeri, Kagome, Inuyasha,” her mother's voice came as she stepped around the corner into the living room. “I wasn't expecting to see you again so soon. No Sesshoumaru-sama?” she asked, a certain smile on her face that had Kagome's eyes narrowing suspiciously.
“No,” she said slowly as she watched Inuyasha get dragged off by Souta again. “He's off taking care of other things. Why?”
“Other things, eh? So... when will the wedding be?” she asked, grinning as her daughter's jaw dropped.
“Moooom!” she wailed, dropping her face into her hands as her mother laughed aloud. “How do you always do that?”
“I'm not blind, Kagome, even if you are. I noticed his interest in you personally right off the bat. He didn't hide it at all – yet you didn't even notice it.” Mischief sparkled in her eyes as Kagome sighed and dropped her chin into her hand as she took a seat at the table. “You should have seen the look he shot you when you spoke about Hojo. It was quite blatantly green.”
“Yeah, well,” she said, sticking her nose in the air at her mother playfully, “youkai don't get married, mom, they take mates. It's a whole different thing,” she said. “I don't know much about it, but I do know this – it's permanent and irreversible. No divorce.”
Hitomi sobered at that. “Then you had best be certain he's what you want before you commit, eh?”
Kagome waved a hand at that. “I'm already sure. Come on, mom, you've seen him. Who'd turn that away?”
“And is that all there is, Kagome?” she asked sternly, wanting to make sure.
Looking shocked that her mother would even think such a thing, she shook her head. “No! Of course not, mama! Do you really think I'm so shallow?”
Sighing, Hitomi shook her head. “No. But I wanted to be certain of your thoughts before you tied yourself to him. He's certainly beautiful enough to cloud anyone's mind, dear. And to be the focus of his attention is no doubt overwhelming.”
Kagome giggled a little at that, her mind taking her back to that kiss. “Oh, you have no idea, mama,” she said softly. 'Overwhelming' doesn't even cover it.”
Eyebrows shooting up, Hitomi watched her daughter's expressive face, and smiled inwardly. “So it's like that, is it?” she asked archly, laughing once more when her daughter's face turned red. “Never mind, dear,” she said as she picked up a knife and started slicing radishes for pickling. Sure, she could buy them in the grocery store – but she preferred making them herself.
“So what are you planning to do today?” she asked after a comfortable silence had fallen for several minutes.
“Actually, for once, nothing,” Kagome sighed. “Just sticking around and helping you for the day. We'll go back after dinner tonight.”
Her mother nodded, then pulled out a knife from the drawer and handed it to her daughter with a cutting board and a pile of her own radishes. “That sounds good, Kagome. We haven't done this in a while. I'm happy to see my daughter and spend time with her.”
And the two women worked quite cheerfully, chatting about everything under the sun while they sliced radishes, not paying any attention to the passing of time.
~oOo~
Neither of the women had noticed Souta come towards the kitchen, but he'd overheard his mother's words about a wedding between his sister and that tall, rather scary youkai brother of Inuyasha's.
Stunned, upset, as what he'd always hoped would happen between his sister and Inuyasha started to drift away, he turned away and went back into the living room, where he'd stashed his favorite hanyou so they could play games.
Sitting back down in front of the television, he stared at the screen for a few moments, and then asked Inuyasha, who was staring at him with a frown, “I thought you and sis would get together one day, Inuyasha. Why's she gonna marry your brother?”
Inuyasha flushed, startled at the question; after a moment, though, his eyes softened and he awkwardly patted the boy's shoulder. “Souta... sometimes, things just don't happen the way you think they will. Me'n Kagome are best friends... but there's too much history between her and I, things that happened back then, for us to really be more than that. It would ruin things – and I would never be able to be happy if I had to give up your sister. But just because her and I aren't getting together like that, doesn't mean I won't still be around.”
Souta stared at him for a minute, then looked down. “You're talking about that stuff with Kikyou, aren't you? I remember, back then, when sis would come home in tears about that whole thing. I guess she cried one too many times, and finally decided to change her mind,” he sighed, not noticing the stunned look on Inuyasha's face.
After a moment to gather his thoughts, he said, “Keh. I always knew that Kagome was meant for someone else, Souta. I didn't know who,” he started, then his face wrinkled up in disgust, “and would never have guessed it was gonna be my bastard of a brother, but that's the way the kami played it... and I won't stop her if it's what she wants. Because I do love her, even though it's not that way, and I want her to be happy.”
Shifting thoughts visible on his face, Souta finally nodded, though Inuyasha was quick to note that he still seemed disappointed. After a moment, though, Inuyasha decided to leave it alone, and let him work through it on his own.
He would eventually get used to how things were, and in the end, realize that just because he and Kagome weren't together in that manner, didn't mean he wasn't still part of the family.
He would always be that, no matter where life led he and Kagome from here on out.
~oOo~
Seated behind his desk, Sesshoumaru waited silently for the females to be brought to him so that he could enlighten them as to who they were going to be meeting.
Beckoning them in at the rap on the doorframe, he watched with little interest as the six females piled into the room and then knelt before him, heads bowed respectfully.
He let the silence linger for a few minutes, and then said, “Contrary to what my mother led you all to believe, I am not looking for a mate. You have been brought here to meet my brother. Inuyasha has now come into his inheritance, and should he show an affinity for one of you, you should consider yourself lucky.”
Not one female had said a word, but all had gone still as he'd spoken, waiting breathlessly for him to finish. He met each females gaze coldly. “Make no mistake – hanyou or not, Inuyasha is far more powerful than any of you. There is no weakness there.”
One of the females, the smallest one, spoke up softly. “I have heard of your half-brother, my Lord. It is said that he defeated Ryokotsussei. Is that true?”
Sesshoumaru looked at her without expression. “It is true. While my father merely sealed him, Inuyasha killed him – and was not injured in the battle.”
The girl nodded. “I will gladly meet him, then. If he was able to do that, then there is no lack of strength.”
The other females murmured their agreement after a moment, and Sesshoumaru flicked his fingers at them in dismissal. “He will arrive tomorrow. Until then, you are free to amuse yourselves.”
The females bowed again and rose to their feet, shuffling from the room, leaving a very bored daiyoukai behind. I sincerely hope you find one of these infernal females amenable, Inuyasha.
Standing, he left his study headed for the palace's treasury. It was time to release the boys inheritance to him.
Or at least part of it.
~oOo~
The moment Inuyasha landed lightly in the meadow from the well and set Kagome down on her feet, Sesshoumaru was standing before them, the early evening breezes flirting with his silver locks and ruffling his pelt. Kagome froze, just staring at him, but Inuyasha certainly didn't.
“What the hell, Sesshoumaru?” he barked out, growling at his brother. “Do you gotta be up our asses like that?”
“So uncouth,” the daiyoukai murmured after a moment. “The females that you are to meet will not know what to make of you, with your rough manners and foul speech. This might be more difficult than I'd anticipated.”
“Oh, screw you. I can talk all nice and sweet when I need to. You just don't bring out that side of me, that's all,” he returned snappily, glaring at his elder brother who was always so elegant, whether in the midst of battle, or simply walking by.
“Hn. Let us hope, then, that your words are true, and you can show that you have decent speech.” He turned to Kagome, who was watching the two of them with an exasperated expression on her face. “Kagome. We will escort you back to the village, and then Inuyasha and I have need to discuss certain... matters.”
She eyed him dubiously. “You're not going to fight, are you?”
Crescent moon almost seeming to glow on his forehead as the early moonlight caressed it, he denied her words. “No. We need to speak about the matter you and I spoke of yesterday – his inheritance.”
Kagome smiled. “Oh, okay.” Walking between the two brothers, she fell silent as they escorted her to Kaede's hut, and once she was inside, Sesshoumaru eyed his brother from the corner of one eye, then beckoned him into the forest.
Inuyasha, hands stuffed into his sleeves and a rather contemplative look on his face, followed his brother quietly, for once not arguing or making snide remarks.
The two walked for a little while, finally coming to a large meadow set a mile or so from the village and open to the valley below. It was a beautiful spot.
Both males simply studied the landscape before them in silence for some time, but after a while, Sesshoumaru finally broke the – for once – peaceful quiet. “This would be an excellent site for you to build your home.”
Inuyasha blinked, startled at his brother's conversational gambit. “Keh... why here?” he asked, curious.
Voice oddly neutral, for once not containing its usual sarcasm, Sesshoumaru replied, “You are not a poor villager with no money, Inuyasha. You are a son of our father, a prince of the west. You are also technically the Lord of Setsuna, as you are the only one left that carries Setsuna blood. This land is all yours. You are a male of status, and therefore need a home that reflects that.” He gestured around at the large meadow. “This place would give room enough for the dwelling you will need.”
“Feh,” Inuyasha said, “I don't have money, Sesshoumaru – unless you've had it all this time.”
The inu Lord reached into his obi and pulled out a large, heavy money bag. “This is just the smallest amount of what is yours, Inuyasha. It is enough to hire builders to come and begin construction of your home. Be aware – you will need a treasury, because I have no desire to continue to hold your purse strings. Once you have a place to put it, I will release all your funds to you.”
Reaching out almost tentatively, as though he expected his brother to yank the money back from him, he took the bag and hefted it, completely shocked – just this purse alone carried a small fortune. “And this is only a small part of my money?” he asked suspiciously, having a hard time believing that he'd just gone from pretty much a homeless vagabond to way out past wealthy in an instant.
“Aa. You have proven yourself worthy as a son of the Inu no Taisho. Do not make me regret acknowledging that,” he said shortly. After a moment, he continued. “Gather those skilled in building here tomorrow morning, and let them know what you want. Then... after the mid-morning meal, I will come for you, and Kagome. We will go to the Western Palace, where you will spend some days acquainting yourself with the inu females that are awaiting you.”
Inuyasha didn't say anything to his brother's words about his own life, instead locking onto the mention of the woman both males cared for in different ways.
“For once in your life, Sesshoumaru, give me a straight damn answer. Tell me in words what your intentions with Kagome are. If they're honorable, then I'll back off and let you have her with no argument,” he said, his own expression now the neutral one. “I just need to hear it from you.”
Sesshoumaru regarded his brother for some time, no expression on his face or in his golden eyes, and then he turned back to look out over the landscape.
“Once you are on your way to being settled, she will be this one's mate. Does that satisfy you, Inuyasha?”
After a moment, Inuyasha sighed. “I s'pose so. I know you don't think much of lying, so I'll take your word as bond.”
“Then I will take my leave of you. Be ready tomorrow afternoon,” his brother replied curtly, before he lifted into the air and headed rapidly away.
Inuyasha watched him until he was out of sight, then looked around at the meadow once more thoughtfully, before heading back towards the village.
Behind him, the grasses swayed in the cool night air, peaceful for the last time for the foreseeable future.
Tomorrow, that same meadow would become a hive of activity as a new Lord of Setsuna arose from the ashes of the clan's long dead funeral pyre.
~oOo~
Kagome looked up as Inuyasha stepped into the clearing, and smiled at him. “Hey,” she said softly. “Where've you been all morning?” she asked.
He sauntered over to her slowly, taking in the pretty picture she made sitting beneath the Goshinboku. “Been taking care of getting a home built,” he finally said as he plopped down next to her, his arms folded into his sleeves.
She shot him a sideways glance. “So... Sesshoumaru gave you your inheritance, then?” she asked.
“Part of it,” he sighed. “He said once I've got my home built and a place to put it all, he'll release the rest of it to me.”
“I'm glad, Inuyasha,” she said happily, reaching out a hand and placing it on his arm for a moment. “I want to see you happy more than anything. So... did he say when you'd get a chance to meet these ladies?” she asked teasingly as he blushed and looked away.
“Keh,” he muttered, “he's coming to get both of us this afternoon. Takin' us to the Western Palace, I guess,” he shrugged as he looked back over at her.
She blinked. Then looked up at the sky. “Inuyasha!” she wailed, “why didn't you say something earlier?! He could show up at any time, and I'm not ready to go anywhere!”
“Calm down, Kagome, sheesh,” he chuckled at how flustered she'd suddenly become. “He said after the mid-day meal, which Kaede is just now making.”
She eyed him for a moment, and then sighed in relief. “Oh. But still – I should go right now and gather my things. Did he say how long we'd be there?”
“Just for some days, is all he said.”
“Hm.” Her brow furrowed then. “But... why am I going, anyway? Isn't this for you to meet those females?” she asked in confusion.
“Keh! You mean you'd leave me alone with a bunch of females and Sesshoumaru? Damn, Kagome, that's cold!” he teased, then sobered as he met her gaze. “Actually... I think he plans to court you while I'm meetin' these females,” he said, almost reluctantly. “We... talked a little last night – he assured me that his intentions towards you are honorable, so... I told him I wouldn't interfere.”
Kagome's expression melted into one of understanding; this was quite difficult for him – in essence, he was giving over the place he'd always had to his brother. He was finding it difficult.
She patted his arm and sat back with a small smile. “You know, Inuyasha,” she said slowly, “you'll always have a place at my side.”
He just shook his head at her. She always knows... “Not anymore, Kagome,” he said sadly. “That's gonna be his place, now.”
“Silly,” she said fondly, her eyes soft, “I have two sides, you know.”
He blinked at her, startled. Never thought of it like that... “I suppose so,” he chuckled, feeling a little bit lighter. After a moment, he sighed and stood up, holding out a hand to help her up as well. “Come on, wench, let's go back to Kaede's so you can get your things together. Wouldn't want the ice prince to come by and not find you ready to go. He'd find a way to blame me for it.”
The two walked back to Kaede's at peace with each other, and the world around them.
~oOo~
No sooner had lunch been cleaned up from than Sesshoumaru appeared in the village leading Ah-Uhn, and Kagome and Inuyasha stepped out of Kaede's hut with goodbye's to their friends, Kagome carrying a nice sized bag with enough changes of clothes to last a week.
Sesshoumaru indicated Ah-Uhn. “You will ride him, Inuyasha, and I will carry Kagome – that way the journey will go by quicker.”
Shrugging, Inuyasha hopped up on the dragon's back, and watched, quietly amused as Sesshoumaru approached his friend, only to wrap his arm around her waist with a distinctly proprietary air. She flushed becomingly and couldn't meet his eyes.
He didn't try to hide his amusement when his brother met his eyes, and was rather taken aback at the total lack of disdain in his brother's gaze. Instead, he also looked amused, and with a shared moment of internal laughter at Kagome's expense, the first ever moment between the two without any animosity whatsoever, the group lifted off, and within moments, the village lay far behind.
“Why are you suddenly so flustered in this ones presence, Kagome?” he asked, his voice lightly mocking.
She blushed and then looked up at him belligerently. “Don't tease me, Sesshoumaru! Things are different now, and it's all your fault.”
“Hnn. You had best get used to this new reality between us, Kagome. You have very little time left as a free woman.”
She stiffened, eyeing him nervously. “What do you mean, very little time?” she squeaked.
His brow rose in amusement. “Just what I said. Why do you play these games? You know what I want from you, and you want the same from me. What is the point of beating around the bush in this matter?” he asked, genuinely curious.
Cranberry color washing across her cheeks making her blue eyes sparkle, she stuttered out, “W-well, I mean, I haven't really had any time to get used to this whole thing, you know!”
“And I just said you still have a bit of time – though not much. How much time do you think you need, woman?”
“I don't know,” she wailed softly in deference to his hearing. “I guess I'm just embarrassed,” she finally admitted, her voice going even softer.
After a few minutes of silence, Sesshoumaru said, “You are a curious female, unlike anyone I have ever met. One moment, mature and forceful, and the next, shy and almost childish. Accustom yourself to my attentions, Kagome, because you will be the focus of them until the day we both step into death.”
Looking up at him from the corner of one eye, she sighed. “That's easier said than done, you know. You're kinda intense when you're focusing on a person.”
“And yet, it did not seem to bother you at first. Why is that?”
“Because back then you hadn't kissed me,” she said softly, so that Inuyasha wouldn't hear. “This is a totally different way of having your attention than when you just had questions about me.”
“Hn... perhaps,” he regarded her thoughtfully, “but you will quickly learn to enjoy this particular way of having my attention. It is simply the newness of it. But you are a passionate woman, and once that passion has been fully unleashed, you will no longer be embarrassed by it.”
Her head sank down into his pelt in complete and utter embarrassment at his bold words – she wasn't really used to having males talk to her that way. The only guy who'd ever bothered with her in her era was Hojo, and he was definitely not the type to speak of such things. And here, Koga's boldness in declaring her 'his woman' had also only gone so far, so when the beautiful male she was held so tightly against actually chuckled at her, the rumble it caused in his chest caused a warmth to flow through her body, a reaction none of the others had ever caused.
It made Sesshoumaru purr.
Purr? She pulled back from his pelt and narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you sure there's not something you're forgetting to tell me?” she asked suspiciously. “Because last time I checked, dogs don't purr.”
He cocked a brow at her in a rather haughty manner as they began to land before the barrier hiding the heart of his lands. “It was a growl, woman, not a purr. There are many types of growl – that one was an encouragement.”
She looked at him blankly, not understanding. “Encouragement?” she asked.
“You were becoming aroused, Kagome – your scent spiked most deliciously. I was simply... pressing you to continue smelling so delightful,” he said wickedly, as he watched that cranberry color wash across her face again.
“I would never have imagined you to be a flirt, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she said primly as he let her down to open the barrier, ignoring Inuyasha's snort as Ah-Uhn landed and he caught her last words.
“Keh, he ain't. Sesshoumaru's never flirted with a female in his life. It's just you,” he laughed at her disgruntled death glare. Looking away from her after a moment, he pinned his eyes to his brother, curious about the ancestral home to the clan of the Inu no Taisho.
Aloof mask falling over his face once more, Sesshoumaru opened the portal into his home, and leading the way, quickly had them once more in the clouds and landing before the gates to his home. He glanced at his brother from the corner of one eye, rather enjoying the look of awe washing over his face.
“Welcome to my home, little brother,” he said, the pride in his voice quite audible to the two standing with him.
Kagome looked around, then blinked in surprise when two actual living servants approached, awaiting the daiyoukai's orders.
“Wait a minute... there weren't any people here the other day!” she said, looking up at him almost accusingly. “When did they get here?”
He looked down at her, a smug expression settling on his suddenly rather mobile face. “Did I not tell you that when I was ready to take a mate, I would settle here full time, and that then there would be servants?”
“W-well, yeah,” she said, “but-”
“I am ready to take a mate, Kagome,” he said silkily, speaking right over her, “as you are well aware. It was time to bring my house into order, and that has now been done.”
Inuyasha, who'd since dismounted from Ah-Uhn as one of the servants led the beast off to the stables, looked over at his brother with a rather enigmatic expression on his face. “This is a bit much, Sesshoumaru. I knew there was an ancestral home... but I didn't expect this,” he said, gesturing around him. He eyed his brother for a moment. “It's up here using your power, isn't it?”
“Yes.” Turning to the other servant still hovering nearby, he gave orders for Inuyasha to be escorted to his rooms, and the servant bowed before beckoning the hanyou to follow. Inuyasha did with one last glance at his brother and best friend.
When he'd disappeared, Kagome looked up and straight into golden eyes; Sesshoumaru was regarding her silently, but quite intensely, and she didn't know what to make of that look.
“What?” she asked cautiously.
He said nothing for a moment, then turned away and motioned for her to follow him. Frowning, wondering what had gotten into him, she did, and found herself quickly in that same wing of the palace his rooms were in. Frown deepening, she began to wonder just what he was doing...
Until he stopped before a set of doors that were just down from his own, and slid them open. Stepping inside, he waited for Kagome to do the same, and then said, “These rooms were built for one purpose and one purpose only – they are for the future mate of the Lord to stay in until her mating day. Since at this particular time, that would be you, you should make yourself at home,” he said, a certain glint in far too innocent eyes.
She held his gaze for a moment, and then looked around obligingly, as he so obviously wanted her to do. She smiled in approval. “It's beautiful, Sesshoumaru!”
He tilted his head in pleased acknowledgment, then pointed out another door. “That leads to the bathing facilities that you saw when you were here. You are free to use them anytime you desire – but be aware,” he said, that innocent look melting into a wicked one, “I bathe there, as well.”
Her mind short-circuited quite promptly at that, and she turned away from the door to continue to look about the room. “I'll keep that in mind,” she said dryly after she managed to get control of her suddenly hentai thoughts once again.
He smirked slightly at her reaction; she was aroused, she couldn't hide it from him. He chose not to bring it up, however. “You will be comfortable here?” he asked calmly, giving nothing away.
Her eyes once more wandered the large, airy room and nodded. It was beautiful, and the bed, because it was a bed, and not a futon, looked quite comfortable with plenty of blankets and even rather fluffy pillows. She blinked at that; those kind of accoutrements weren't usually seen in this era, but... neither was a floating palace with magic hot springs, she thought wryly after a moment. With everything else about this impossible place that was so fantastical, why worry about such a small thing as an actual bed – and pillows?
“Yes,” she sighed after a moment, stepping forward to set her bag on a low table. “I'll be fine, Sesshoumaru.”
“Good,” he said, his voice suddenly dropping into a whole new baritone range and rumbling in his chest in a manner that had Kagome's knees going weak. “If there is anything that could possibly make you more comfortable, let me know.”
“O-okay,” she managed to get out, though it sounded oddly breathless.
He inclined his head, his eyes never leaving hers. “When you have had a chance to refresh yourself, please, join me in the hanging gardens. You remember how to arrive there?” he asked.
Kagome thought back, and then nodded. “Yes. It isn't very difficult.”
With a slight smirk, he turned and quietly left the room, and Kagome just managed to make it to the bed before her knees finally did give out.
“Wow,” she sighed dreamily. “At this rate, embarrassed or no, I'm going to jump him!”
~oOo~
Half an hour later, Kagome slid open the door to her room and headed out, making her way slowly towards the beautiful hanging gardens at the center of the palace complex. She found it in short order, and letting his aura guide her, soon found Sesshoumaru.
She blinked.
This Sesshoumaru looked somewhat different.
His ever-present armor was gone, and she gulped; without it, his stunning physique was on full display – the silk of his normal attire molding lovingly to his frame.
Dear gods, she thought, stunned.
He also looked a great deal more relaxed than she had ever seen.
This place suits him...
She cleared her throat awkwardly as he watched her with a distinctly amused expression. “So... where's Inuyasha, and these females he's supposed to be meeting?” she asked, trying to bring her rapidly pattering heart back into a calmer pace.
“They will join us shortly,” he said idly, his lean body arranged comfortably beneath a tree. He motioned for her to come to him; with only slight reservations, she did, and he gestured for her to sit with him.
She sank down next to him, watching him cautiously, as though she expected him to pounce her at any moment.
Golden eyes sharpening on her, he asked, “Why do you look at me so? What is it you suspect me of, I wonder?”
Shaking her head slowly, she continued watching him, the wary look still in her eyes. “I'm not sure what to expect from you anymore. For the cold lord, you sure are a hentai, Sesshoumaru.”
He chuckled; she gaped at him. “And you are not, Ka-go-me?” he asked, a mocking light in his heated gold eyes. “I am all too well aware of what you think of me. You are not, after all, very good at hiding your arousal when around me.”
Narrowing eyes held his. “Gods, you are so arrogant,” she snapped. “I really would love to see someone knock you down from your pedestal!”
He blinked languidly at her as silver locks danced around him in the fragrant breeze. “I am sure you would – but do not hold your breath anticipating such a thing. You would pass out long before it would ever happen,” he said calmly.
She huffed in irritation and looked away. “Maybe I'll decide in the end to say no to you, Sesshoumaru – ever think of that?” she asked coolly.
“You could,” he responded, his voice unruffled. “But we both know you will not – just as you should know that I will not give up until you give in.”
With a sigh, she peeked over at him to find him watching her with a knowing expression. “I give up. That arrogance must be bred into you – it sure goes all the way down,” she said, exasperated. “Inuyasha's kinda that way, too, only you're worse.”
“Course he is, wench, whatever it is you're talkin' about. He's always worse than me,” Inuyasha's voice came just as he walked into view. He cast an amused look at his reclining brother. “So... what was it he was being 'worse' at?” he asked as he folded his legs under him and allowed himself to fall into a cross-legged position on the grass across from Kagome.
Face scrunched up in annoyance at Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's amused eyes, she growled out, “Arrogance.”
At that, Inuyasha waved a dismissing hand. “Keh. All inu youkai are like that, wench. It's just a part of our breed. I mean, look at us,” he grinned wickedly at his flustered friend. “We're better looking than other youkai, and obviously,” he gestured around them, “this clan has more wealth than any other. And we're more powerful, too. What's not to be arrogant about?”
“Should I be arrogant about the fact that I can do things you guys can't?” she asked, glaring at the both of them.
“From what I have heard, childbirth is painful, so I would not boast about that – this Sesshoumaru is more than happy to let you have that one,” came that rumbling baritone of the inuyoukai's, and Kagome instantly heated up at those inflammatory words.
“Oh, I can assure you, Sesshoumaru,” she said sarcastically, “I can do a whole lot more than just have children. And if that's what you think of women, then you're going to be alone for a long, long time.” Her voice had grown belligerent as she'd finished, and Inuyasha finally broke out in laughter as he caught her clenching her tiny hands into fists.
“Oi, woman, calm down, we're just teasin' ya,” he chortled, actually enjoying his brother's company for the first time ever. It was fun riling Kagome up... he'd always enjoyed her spirited responses, and knew his brother would, too.
She eyed them narrowly for several seconds and then huffed again, realizing just what Inuyasha was up to. After all, she'd been enjoying fights with him since they first met. But she would never have suspected that Sesshoumaru would be into the same thing...
“Oooh, I ought to just go back to Kaede's and leave you two jerks here by yourselves with all those females on the make,” she said semi-heatedly. “Would serve you both right.”
Sesshoumaru flicked his fingers at her. “You would not do that – you would quickly get jealous and return to defend your place,” he said complacently.
Before she could respond to that piece of arrogance, a servant appeared guiding two females towards them, and Kagome turned instantly fascinated eyes on them. She had never seen a female inuyoukai before.
The taller one was quite attractive, pale silver hair flowing mid-back and delicate pink markings accenting her silver eyes.
But it was the smaller one that was the beauty – the same silver hair, only, her eyes were violet, and her markings a true black that only accented her eyes, drawing your own eyes inevitably to them and holding them there. With a sideways glance at her suddenly silent friend, she smiled inwardly as she caught his awed stare.
I think we've got a winner already, she thought. As long as her personality is equally attractive.
“My lord,” the servant bowed, “the other females will be out shortly.”
“Very well.” He dismissed the servant with nothing more than a wave of one hand, then turned to the two females staring between Inuyasha and Kagome. “Your names?” he asked curtly, his cold expression once more wiping the warmth from his face.
Kagome shivered.
The short one spoke first. “I am Hiroko,” followed by the taller one murmuring, “Izumi, my Lord.”
It was easy to see that the smaller one was by far the boldest as she blatantly returned Inuyasha's stare for several seconds, then turned to look Kagome over. “Is she also here for your lord brother's consideration, my Lord?” she asked Sesshoumaru quite bluntly.
“No,” his voice returned coldly. “Kagome belongs to me. She will be Lady here soon enough.”
Both females stared at him in shock for several long seconds, and then, “But, my Lord! She's human! Surely, you canno-” the taller one began, before being cut off.
“Silence!” Sesshoumaru's voice cracked like a whip in the suddenly heavy air, his seated stance no longer so relaxed as explicit danger sprang vividly to life in the air around them. “You have no business questioning anything I choose to do,” he said icily as the female cowered before him, her body language quickly going submissive as the smaller female simply watched on, wisely keeping her thoughts to herself.
After a few deadly moments during which Sesshoumaru's heavy youki did not abate, Inuyasha spoke for the first time.
“Izumi, was it?” he asked, and at her timid nod, continued. “Kagome is a very important person to me – she is my best friend, and I will not tolerate any slurs to or about her, is that clear?”
The female nodded sullenly, not looking at anyone, until Kagome sighed and laughed a little. “I know I don't look like much, do I?” she asked wryly, and taken aback, both females shook their heads cautiously, not wanting to further anger the Lord of the place – who was at this moment still angry anyway, if his aura was anything to go by. “But you know... you really shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.” As they looked at her blankly, she explained. “In other words, don't just take a person at face value. You could potentially end up in great danger by doing that, you know. Underestimating a person – one who might be an opponent.”
“Are you an opponent?” Hiroko asked shrewdly, and Kagome laughed.
“No... didn't Sesshoumaru just tell you that? But I am a judge,” she said warningly, suddenly going very sober. “Inuyasha's my best friend, and I will never let anyone cause him harm in any way. If I see one of you that I think will, I'll stop you before you get the chance.”
“Warning noted,” the female said with a rather predatory smile. Kagome smiled back the same way, and despite her lack of fangs, her smile was much more dangerous.
Sesshoumaru's youki, still heavy and presuming, finally began to calm just a bit, and Kagome motioned for the two females to sit down just as several more females appeared behind another servant. They were quickly introduced and apprised of the situation by their counterparts, and before long, they were all chattering quite animatedly to each other.
Hiroko was the only one who kept silent, instead watching Inuyasha with a weighing air – a look that was being returned with interest by the hanyou.
Kagome caught Sesshoumaru's eye and mouthed, “I think we have a winner already,” to him behind her hand. The daiyoukai's agreement flashed back in his eyes.
He shows no interest in any of the others... I find I have to agree with him. Those other females are simply annoying, he thought with distaste as his ears rang with their empty chatter. That one seems the only one with anything in her head at all.
Kagome watched with amusement as some of the other females tried to draw Inuyasha into their rather inane conversation with little luck. He was polite enough, but showed little interest in talk of Sesshoumaru's mother's court.
After a while, the females almost seemed to forget his presence, and he watched them with an enigmatic expression for a time, before glancing over at the only silent female in the bunch.
Levering himself up from the ground, he walked over to her and bowed lightly. “Would you care to walk with me, Hiroko-san?” he asked politely, and Kagome's jaw wanted to drop. I guess he can be polite without having his life threatened, she thought, amused.
She watched with a smile as the female agreed to join him, and within moments, the two had disappeared into the greenery of the gardens. Leaning closer to Sesshoumaru, Kagome whispered so low only he could hear, “I think the rest of them can probably go back to wherever they came from. Seems to me Inuyasha's already found the one he's interested in.”
He flicked a glance her way and then stood without a word and held out his hand for her. Nonplussed, she took it, a question in her eyes, but he merely pulled her up with him and after making sure she was stable on her feet, led her off into the gardens in a different direction.
The five chattering female inuyoukai were left behind.
“Sesshoumaru?” Kagome asked after a few minutes of peaceful strolling.
“I will speak to Inuyasha when he returns from his walk, and if he agrees, send the other females back to my mother's palace. It seems to this one that the female he is with is most interested in him, and he seems to be interested in her, as well,” he said, not looking at her.
“Yeah,” she said slowly, a hint of laughter in her voice, “those other ones don't seem too... bright, do they?”
“No,” he said shortly. Flicking a glance at her out of the corner of one golden eye, he said, “Do you understand now why I refused to consider one of them as a mate?”
She thought about that for a minute; Sesshoumaru, stuck for eternity with one of those inane females – and promptly dissolved into giggles. “Oh... I think you would probably have killed whichever one you were stuck with within days of mating her!”
“Hours,” he said dourly, surprising a new round of giggles out of her as she couldn't help laughing – the visual in her head of his expression as the female prattled on brainlessly just endlessly entertaining.
His next action startled her breathless; whirling her into his arms with a suddenness that she found shocking, he forced her eyes up to meet his gaze. After a moment of staring into her eyes with molten gold ones, he asked silkily, “It is fortunate for me, then, that I will not have such a fate to look forward to, correct?”
Eyes wide, she stared up at him, unable to catch her breath enough to answer, simply nodding in agreement.
A rather devilish smirk crossed his face then, and his eyes dropped from hers, to her mouth, the intensity of that look causing her lips to part – with a dark look in eyes that were already dilating, he lowered his mouth to hers and slipped inside slowly and indolently, making her shiver from head to toe.
Without touching her erotically anywhere else but her mouth, he made love to her in ways Kagome had no idea you could. Hot, wet, slightly uncontrolled, his kiss was like nothing she'd ever felt before – not even their first one.
Where that had been all burning need, this one was deep, honeyed passion, and Kagome was instantly overwhelmed – not that she even tried to fight it, anyway. Why should she?
His arms swept down her back, molding her body to his hard frame, and she melted into him, her soft flesh feeling so wonderful against him. He growled low in his chest, tilting her head a little to change the angle that he was caressing her tongue and the roof of her mouth at.
Decadent and sinful, Kagome didn't want to ever pull away, but unfortunately, breathing was still a necessity, and so, reluctantly, she backed up, gasping for breath as she met his eyes. They were beautiful – deepened to the point that the rim around them was thickened and bronze, and the rest so many different shades of gold and sunlight.
After a moment of watching her regain her breath and sanity, he loosened his hold, growling slightly and looking disgruntled. Stepping back from her, he scowled just a bit.
“Sesshoumaru?” she asked, wondering if she'd done something to displease him.
“The whelp and female come this way,” he finally said as he got his suddenly uncertain temper under control.
She blushed, smoothing her hair and clothing. “Oh.”
He inhaled, then turned and motioned for her to accompany him. “Come... I think now would be a good time for you to, how did you say it? Plunder my library?” He cast a sidelong look at her, amusement once more showing in the depths of his mesmerizing eyes. “While I deal with Inuyasha, and the females, it will keep you occupied.”
She grinned. “Actually, that sounds good. And you'll know right where I am come dinnertime,” she teased.
“Hn.”
Within minutes, he had shown her once more to the library, and watched with an indulgent expression on his face as she wandered into the room and immediately forgot his presence in the wonder of the works around her. After lingering for a few moments, he turned and slid the doors closed, his face losing all animation and going flat.
Now to deal with the whelp and those infernal females. I sincerely hope he'll be amenable to letting those others go back to mother's palace. The aggravation is more than I had thought it would be...
It is a good thing that Kagome is not like those empty-headed bitches.
He shuddered, even mokomoko bristling with irritation at that thought.
I can only thank the kami that she was created, he thought in that moment, or I would have remained alone permanently – I would rather be alone than stuck with a female like one of those. They resemble clucking hens more than inuyoukai.
He ran his hand through mokomoko's silky fur as he strode through the halls deep in thought, sincerely hoping that his brother and that female took to each other – so he could kick them out of his palace all the sooner and concentrate on his own business...
Claiming the Lotus for himself... so he could spend the rest of his lifetime deciphering her mysteries...
Among other things.
He purred in anticipation.
~oOo~
A/N: Been a while since I've posted on this, I know! But... there's only one more chapter to go, so please, be patient. It won't be long until the next one is out – I'm trying to finish off my open stories because I have an epic story in the works called Splinter'd Realities. And I mean epic. It's far different from anything I've ever written. Right now, I'm about sixty thousand words into it, in six chapters. But it's an Inupapa/Kag, though different than any I've ever seen on any ff website. At any rate, I still have Windows on the West, and TONS of just started Sess/Kags, as well, so I'm not going anywhere anytime soon!
Amber
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