InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Faithless Love ❯ Courtship ( Chapter 2 )

Faithless Love

By: Memories Void

 

Disclaimer: The characters from Inuyasha were created by Rumiko Takahashi and I lay no claim to them.

 

Author's note: I believe I forgot to mention that almost half of the story will take place during the feudal era. Some readers seemed to think that just that first chapter was going to happen in the past. Also, Sesshoumaru will seem out of character at times, later in the story he will be more himself… errr… I promise… scouts honor.

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Courtship

 

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Sleep was impossible. Every time she closed her eyes his visage rose, unbidden, into her mind. No idle moment could be spent in peace for her thoughts automatically went to the demon she was in love with.

 

Though many had asked what ailed her she could say nothing of the truth to them. The only course of action to be taken was to assure them that she would be fine. No need to cause unnecessary worry, for there was no cure for heartache, no help to be offered or taken. Only time would dull the edges of her emotional pain and she would have the rest of her life to become accustomed to the hollow feeling in her chest.

 

Unhappiness, it would seem, caused time to slow down to a sluggish pace that stretched every gloomy second into another gloomy hour. Adversely, happiness made time move swiftly as the waters of a raging river and like the swift breezes of spring; it could not be caught and held in one's grasp.

 

Not being able to sleep, she had stayed up the entire night and had ventured out into the courtyard. The chilly air had been a welcome sensation, preventing her from falling into a daze. The hours had passed by slowly, but surely the sun would be rising soon. However, she did not face the east, where the sun was reborn each morning, but rather her gaze went west. Westward, where things ended, where the sun would set and where he was.

 

Tomorrow she would leave this place, her home, and head into the northern lands where Hojou lived. But for the moment, she would sneak back into her room and settle comfortably into her soft futon and warm blankets and pretend she had not been up all night thinking of Sesshoumaru.

 

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“Lady Kagome! Lady Kagome! Wake up!”

 

Kagome, who had been half-asleep, mumbled something unintelligible before sitting up. One of the maids, a girl a few years younger then her by the name of Yumi, was rummaging through her clothes chest. The girl said a few things, speaking too quickly for Kagome's groggy mind to comprehend any of it.

 

The girl removed a pastel pink kimono decorated with white flowers and practically yanked her mistress out of the futon. Startled by the maid's odd behavior, Kagome stood and asked why they were in such a hurry.

 

“I'm not sure my lady, but your uncle demanded I have you ready as soon as possible. He seemed very distraught and…”

 

She continued her little speech while Kagome started to plait her hair into a simple braid that fell down to her thighs. Without bothering to disturb the maids chattering, Kagome slid open the shouji screen and made her way towards her uncle's study.

 

The walls were plain white rice paper screens and the floor covered in the usual brown tatami mats. Though her family was of noble lineage, they were not one of the richer households. She did not dress in silk, or have ten maids catering to her needs, but really she was thankful for that. She had trouble enough finding things for her one maid to do, much less nine others.

 

Idly, the young lady began to wonder what life would be like married to Hojou. She would find out soon enough, she was sure. Still, one can't help but be curious. The first day she had met Hojou was the day she found out she was to be married, before that she had never even heard about him. He was noble to be sure, but other than that she had no idea what kind of family he came from or what his home was like.

 

Taking a deep breath to prepare herself for whatever rant her uncle was about to fly into, Kagome kneeled and knocked lightly on the wooden frame of the shouji screen.

 

“Come in,” came the surprisingly calm voice of her uncle. Kagome frowned a bit but slid the screen open and entered the room, once again going to her knees and bowing in the customary respect she was expected to show.

 

“You called for me, uncle?” When she sat up the first face she saw was Hojou's, he seemed to be studying her with a thoughtful frown on his face, and she had to wonder if there were perhaps something on her face. Sitting in front of Hojou, with his back facing her was her uncle. Surely he wouldn't be so uncouth as to scold her in the presence of their guest, so why had he called her here?

 

“Kagome,” her uncle said in mock serenity, now that his gaze met hers she could see the unease in his eyes. “You have a guest,” and his hand gestured to the far end of the table that separated Hojou and himself.

 

Time slowed once again, each aching beat of her heart stretching on for days as she turned her head. She knew before the sight of silver hair caught her eyes, she had been too lost in thought to sense it before, but now she could feel him. Then, time resumed its natural pace and she met his eyes for a brief millisecond before bowing her head.

 

“Hello, Lord Sesshoumaru, welcome to our home,” her voice was nothing more then a whisper in the quiet room.

 

He said nothing, but when she looked at him he beckoned her to approach and she did, eagerly walking forward and kneeling before him. When his hand reached out to brush against her cheek her eyes automatically closed and she shivered.

 

To the other occupants in the room it would seem that she shivered in fear, a weak human woman at the mercy of a ruthless demon lord. But both he and she knew the truth, she trembled at his touch, not in fear, but in desire.

 

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When, exactly, had the notion that he could take her occurred to him? Somewhere between his estate and the western shoreline? No, before then. In a sense, he had always known. It was an instinct, a deeply rooted belief in himself that he could have anything he wanted. It had just taken him longer then usual to decide that he wanted her.

 

After all, it was a rare thing to find someone he felt completely comfortable with. She was someone he could relax around, no need to worry about her betraying him. There was an innocence about her, and the clarity of her eyes… how they conveyed every emotion she felt; she was one who was incapable of deceit. She was also human and therefore too weak to cause him any actual harm. So, in a way, she was a logical choice.

 

There was more to it, though. He cared for her, wanted her to be happy and safe. How disgusting of him. But nothing about him was disgusting; it was impossible. One of the most feared and respected demons in Japan could not be disgusting. He did not have to follow the typical rules of demon society. If any insulted or questioned him he would simply put an end to their life.

 

Sesshoumaru found himself at the gates of a simple house about one-fourth the size of his own home. Probably less. The small dwellings only saving grace was her scent, which lingered in the air. It was odd, that her scent seemed to cover those of the other inhabitants of this place. The sun had just risen, if nothing else a servant should at least be awake so that he did not have to wake the entire household himself in search of Kagome's guardian.

 

Just as he was entering through the gate, a young human boy exited from the house. The boy froze, blinking his eyes and taking a few steps forward to get a better look at the strange being standing before him. Oddly colored hair, frightening eyes, colorful markings on the face, pointed ears and inhumanly tall. A demon.

 

“I wish to speak with the lord of this house,” Sesshoumaru interrupted the boy's reverie.

 

With a squeak and a nod, the boy dashed back into the house, as if the thin paper-rice walls could protect him from a demon. Sesshoumaru made no move to follow, but waited patiently for the boy to rouse the household.

 

He was in no hurry. Soon enough, he would have what he desired.

 

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It was quite inappropriate; the way he was touching her. The fact that she was shaking all over didn't help matters any. Neither did the content look on her face. He wanted to do so much more then just touch her cheek.

 

There would be plenty of time for that later. At the moment he had to negotiate the terms of her release into his keeping. Of course, he could have just taken her away, knowing how Kagome felt for him, he had come to the conclusion that she wouldn't put up much of a fight. But he had more honor then that. Also, if he had wanted to, he could have threatened her uncle into giving her up. But he doubted she would appreciate such rash actions. Kagome was a kind-hearted girl. She wanted all things to be resolved peacefully. What a silly child.

 

When he pulled his hand away from her, she leaned forward, as if wanting to follow the appendage to his side. Soft blue eyes blinked open and her cheeks took on a nice rosy hue as a gentle smile graced her lips.

 

“Kagome,” he said sternly, “leave us.”

 

A pained expression crossed her face; perhaps she was afraid he would leave her here again. He met her gaze calmly, speaking in a low whisper only she could hear.

 

“I must tell your guardian that you will be leaving with me.”

 

She smiled and left the room, leaving behind her sweet floral scent. When the sound of her footsteps faded, he turned to speak to the two other occupants of the room.

 

“I've decided to take the girl,” he stated.

 

The two human men exchanged uneasy glances. The older man, Kagome's uncle, spoke first.

 

“I'm honored that you would choose my niece to be a part of your household, but I'm afraid she is already promised to Lord Hojou. I'm honor-bound to give her into his safekeeping.”

 

Sesshoumaru kept his gaze empty, as he turned to question the younger human.

 

“What does she bring to this marriage?”

 

For a moment Hojou looked taken aback, it was unheard of to directly bring up financial matters in such a situation. It was a sign of bad faith to question the amount of a woman's dowry.

 

“I don't-“ Hojou began to say, but was interrupted by the silver-haired demon.

 

“I'll double it,” Sesshoumaru offered simply.

 

“Wait a second!” Kagome's uncle looked startled.

 

“Do not address me so rudely, human,” golden eyes narrowed dangerously. Then, as if he had not just threatened the other's life, “the offer is extended to you as well; double of her dowry to each one of you.”

 

What did it matter to him? The western province was one of the richest around. The two men were hard-pressed to think of any reasons to reject the offer. Even though they seemed unsure, it was apparent things would go his way.

 

-----

 

There was chaos everywhere. Women were all over her room, crying and hugging her.

 

“Lady Kagome I'm so sorry!”

 

“What will happen to Lady Kagome?”

 

“How could her uncle be so cruel?”

 

“A demon! She's being forced to marry a demon!”

 

“At least he's a handsome demon…”

 

“Fool! That's not even his true form!”

 

“What? Well, why does he want Lady Kagome anyways?”

 

“Maybe-Oh, no! What if he's going to eat her?”

 

“He's going to use her to cast a spell.”

 

“I heard demons need virgin blood to sustain their immortality.”

 

“No, not the blood. They use human flesh to make a stew…”

 

Kagome gave an exasperated sigh and moved to look out the window since the women were now ignoring her in favor of thinking about the cruel, evil ways demons supposedly used humans. `How stupid,' she thought, `he's nothing like that.'

 

A chuckle escaped her as she remembered how the cook's son had asked her to run away with him earlier in the afternoon. Everyone was in a panic and Kagome found that they needed her comfort more then she needed theirs. Which was just as well, she could find nothing wrong in the world. Her heart was filled to the brim with happiness. The person she loved wanted her and she would be marrying him. The sad story she thought her life would become had been transformed into a wonderful fairy tale.

 

All the noise settled down to a more tolerable level as a knock sounded on her door. Kagome turned in time to see one of the maids slide the door open to reveal Hojou.

 

“Sorry, am I interrupting something?” he asked, looking at the group of women gathered in the room.

 

She couldn't help but smile at the confused look on his face.

 

“Not at all, Lord Hojou, please come in.” Most of the women took that as their cue to get back to there duties. Even if they thought it a tragedy to send their lady away to marry a strange demon, they still had jobs to do. But a few of them lingered outside of her doorway to eavesdrop on the conversation.

 

“Lady Kagome, I know your uncle has already accepted the terms of Lord Sesshoumaru… but I just wanted to be sure. Will you be okay?”

 

The question startled her, as did the fact that he cared enough to ask. She thought that he might perhaps be angry.

 

“Lord Hojou, I-I'm sorry if all this has inconvenienced you in anyway. You don't need to worry about me I'll be fine.

 

Seemingly satisfied with her answer, he turned to leave but before he could she called out to him.

 

“I'd like to return the kimono you gave me. I couldn't possibly accept such an item now, it's only proper for it to belong to a woman of your house.”

 

Without turning to face her, he shook his head. “No, I want you to keep it. No one will ever look as beautiful in it as you. It matches your eyes perfectly.”

 

Then he left, shutting the door behind him.

 

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Reviewer responses/acknowledgement

 

-MediaMiner-

 

InuYashasLoveLorn: …I guess I should have mentioned the feudal era/ modern era thing in the first chapter. It's a good thing for all my readers to know. Thanks for the reminder and the review.

 

-FanFiction.net-

 

Thank you: Yoshiko K, taintedrose3, Kagome21, waining-moon, Native Wolf Cub, lyn, Yhi and Cherry Dragon, for your reviews.

 

PlayingWithDemons: I think part of your question was answered in the beginning author's note? As for the other part, you'll have to wait and see. It's not fun if I give it all away now. Thanks for your review. ^_^

 

Marishka: Wow, I'm quite honored to be compared to Hemmingway, though I don't think I'm worthy of such high praise. Nevertheless, it is much appreciated. Though I must admit getting such good reviews at such an early stage in the story does make me nervous. There is the worry that the rest of the story won't be up to par. Ah, well… I shall try my best.

 

Leunra: Hojou, a bad guy? I wouldn't dream of it. I like Hojou's character in the anime, such a considerate guy. I wish the guys I knew would take lessons from him. Rest easy, Hojou's honor is safe in my hands. I offer my humble thanks for your review.

 

Addanc-TSC: I think this chapter answers your question for the most part. As to what happens next… well, you shall just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, you have my gratitude for your review.

 

 

-adultfanfiction.net-

 

Kams, Andross and Annetta, you also have my thanks for your reviews.

 

-A Single Spark-

 

Also, Zoku, Hummer and *~o0 ChInEz Pe@cHz 0o~*. I really appreciate your reviews.