InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Family Secrets ❯ Chapter 2
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: kytenluvinu 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Adventure / Angst | Type: One Shot | Uploaded On: 08.01.2006 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 421 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Adventure / Angst | Type: One Shot | Uploaded On: 08.01.2006 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.5K | Visits: 421 | Status: Completed
I Don’t Own Inuyasha. But I do own me.
******
500 years in the future...
Victoria sat in her room. She was always the popular one and had tons of friends. Which was evident by the barrage of phone calls she got on her special day. Yep, two more years and she would be twenty one. But today she just wanted to sit at home, she wasn’t in a partying mood. Her grandfather stopped by and brought her present. It was two brand new sai swords. Victoria was grateful. Lately her father, Ryuu had been think of letting Victoria meet the man who raised his mother. Victoria was excited to meet a full blooded demon. There weren’t many around.
Victoria’s mother called her down for lunch and to receive yet another birthday call. Victoria inwardly groaned and got up without answering. She walked slowly down the stairs and paused when she heard her father speaking in Japanese with another man. Curiosity push her feet into motion again. Luckily she was fluent in Japanese, it was the primary language spoken in the household. Even though both Victoria and her mother were American born. Victoria listened from around the corner of the hall her father and the visitor was standing.
“Sesshoumaru, you finally decided to pay your ward’s son and visit I see.” Ryuu huffed. “I was beginning to think you forgot about the heir to the western lands.”
“I was simply making my rounds to Rin’s children.” The visitor called Sesshoumaru replied, with a unemotional tone. Victoria liked his voice. It was deep and cold. She wondered what it would sound like if he laughed.
“So does that mean you will be staying for a few years?” Ryuu asked.
“Perhaps.” Sesshoumaru paused. “You have a daughter, correct?” Victoria heard footsteps approaching and before she could react, she was staring into bright, beautiful yellow eyes. “It is rude to eavesdrop girl.” Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at the girl. Victoria was stunned when she saw the tall, handsome creature standing before her. Her eyes explored his amazing markings and long silver-white hair. It took all of her willpower to stop herself from reaching up and touching it. What Victoria noticed the most was the dark blue crescent moon on his brow. And suddenly her own brow began to feel warm. Victoria was shocked, she was reacting to him, and before she could try and take control, her own pink crescent moon appeared before Sesshoumaru. As if surprised Sesshoumaru took a half step back. He looked at Ryuu, with a kind of hope in his eyes. Ryuu was staring at his daughter with a slight look of confusion.
“Victoria, what happened to your head. You aren’t even hanyou!” Ryuu gasped. Victoria looked back at Sesshoumaru who seemed relieved by her father’s confusion. She wasn’t confused at all by the turn of events. Victoria made it her business to learn all about demons and the feudal era in which they thrived. Sesshoumaru frowned and turned away from the smiling girl.
“Ryuu, you say your daughter isn’t even hanyou?” Sesshoumaru asked.
“Yeah, my wife, her mother she’s human.” Ryuu explained. “She has never once shown any youkai ability.”
“Your daughter is responding to my youki.” Sesshoumaru explained as he looked back at the girl still smiling at him. “Hmph. What is your name, girl?”
“Victoria, and your Sesshoumaru, right?”
“You’ve heard of me?” Sesshoumaru questioned.
Victoria laughed slightly. “Of course Sesshoumaru-sama, you saved my grandmother’s life when she was just a little girl. And you taught my father how to fight. You are the greatest youkai to ever live!” Victoria had clasped her hands together and stared at the taiyoukai with stars in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru smiled slightly and ran his hands through his hair. “That is true.”
Victoria’s stars were gone and she glared at her little crush. “I also heard that you were arrogant, and far from modest.” Victoria poked Sesshoumaru boldly.
Ryuu quickly stepped in, knowing the temper of both the man and woman. “Victoria, um didn’t your mother call you.”
Neither Victoria and Sesshoumaru acknowledged the concerned father. Sesshoumaru gave Victoria and look full of daggers, Victoria didn’t hesitate to return the look..
“You should learn some manners, and if it pleases you, girl. I will happily teach you.” Sesshoumaru growled.
“I hardly think you have the expertise to teach anyone manners.” Victoria retorted. “You don’t even have the capacity for modesty.” Victoria shot a quick look at her father. “Excuse me daddy.” Victoria said before walking away.
Sesshoumaru was offered the guest room during his stay. Ryuu and his wife were beginning to worry about their daughter. They watched as she practiced her sword play in the yard. Sometimes Ryuu noticed the sai swords glowing strangely when Victoria had a look of serious concentration. Unbeknownst to them, Sesshoumaru was watching also from the confines of his room. He and Victoria had avoided each other from the first day they met about a week before. Sesshoumaru had wanted to go out and show the young woman proper form. But he wanted a apology first. Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened when he caught hers in a deep stare. He hadn’t realized that she caught sight of him observing her. Sesshoumaru opened the window after Victoria smiled and motioned for him to join her. Casually he jumped from the window into the backyard. Victoria sweetly walked up to him.
“Um, hey Sesshoumaru.” Victoria said as she twirled her swords coyly. “Listen about the way I acted before. I-I want to apologize.”
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and chuckled without humor. “Hm, your stance is wrong.”
Victoria frowned. “What.”
Sesshoumaru reached out and plucked the swords from Victoria’s grasp. “Your stance is all wrong. It’s unstable and you leave yourself too open.” Sesshoumaru said as he dropped the swords to the ground. “Before you learn to control those, learn to control yourself.”
Victoria chuckled in the same manner as Sesshoumaru but with a slight ire of seduction in her voice. “Well, can you show me?”
Sesshoumaru gave Victoria a genuine smile. “If it’s pleases you.”
Night had fallen and Victoria had been practicing her stance all day. She was growing impatient and Sesshoumaru seemed just fine with that.
“How long do I have to keep doing this!” Victoria complained.
“Until you get it right, girl.” Sesshoumaru responded. “Do not rush through it. You must be perfect.” Sesshoumaru stood for a moment in silence. “You have the patience of a hanyou.”
Victoria turned quickly. “My Father is very patient, thank you.”
“I was not speaking of that hanyou.” Sesshoumaru replied as he looked up at the waning moon. “It will be a new moon shortly.”
Victoria stepped towards Sesshoumaru, who seemed to be in another world. “Sesshoumaru? What are you thinking about?”
Sesshoumaru looked down on Victoria almost warmly. “Do not concern yourself, girl.”
“You know, my name is Victoria. I’m not a girl, I’m a woman.” Victoria snorted.
“Hm, I see.” Sesshoumaru turned. “Come, it’s getting late. We should go inside.”
“Are we going to train again tomorrow?”
“Perhaps.” Was all she got as a response before Sesshoumaru walked away. Victoria stood there for a moment as she watched Sesshoumaru walk. She shook her head before giving chase.
“Hey! What hanyou!” Victoria called out. Sesshoumaru didn’t answer.
******
Kagome woke up in the arms of Inuyasha. He was propped against an unfamiliar wall, in an unfamiliar room. Sango and Miroku were sleeping on a futon on the other side of the room. Kagome noticed Shippou curled in a small spot between her and Inuyasha. The hanyou for his part seemed peacefully asleep as well. Kagome decided not to disturb him. Everything would be explained in due time. But something did concern her, why was Inuyasha holding her so tightly.
Sesshoumaru was standing in the doorway of Victoria’s guest room. Victoria wasn’t asleep yet and was gazing into the courtyard.
“You were always the same.” Victoria said softly. Sesshoumaru stepped into the room and joined her at the window.
“What do you mean?” Sesshoumaru questioned.
“Your always so sullen, and you don’t change. Even after five hundred years.” Victoria smiled slightly and looked at the youkai. “You would think that something like that would become tedious. You know, always being so serious. It took quite a while to break that tough exterior.”
“Hm, what make you think you broke through.” Sesshoumaru looked back at the beautiful girl with strange origins. Victoria smiled brighter and reached into her shirt. She pulled out a necklace, on it was the triple moon with a ruby in the middle. Sesshoumaru took in a sharp breath.
“Your mother’s right?” Victoria said as she unclasped the necklace. She reached out and dropped the necklace in Sesshoumaru’s hand. “When I break through, I expect this back.” Sesshoumaru said nothing as he turned to leave. Victoria turned back to the window and sighed before getting ready for bed.
Sesshoumaru walked briskly to his own room and reached for a chest that was on his table. Almost frantically he broke the lock and looked inside. With a disbelieving look on his face, he pulled out a necklace, on it was a bright charm of the triple moon with a ruby. He compared the necklace to the one Victoria gave him. Her older version was tarnished and obliviously been worn for quite some time. He clutched the older necklace in his palm so hard he drew blood.
******
“Are you crazy! It’s five in the morning, it’s too early for training.” Victoria threw her comforter over her head. She was trying to block out the demon that had the audacity to stand over her bed and order her outside.
Sesshoumaru pulled the blanket away and tossed it aside. “It is never to early in the day for training.” Sesshoumaru turned away. “I’ll wait for you to change into something more appropriate.” Victoria blushed slightly when she realized she was only wearing a tight tee and underwear. But she wasn’t as embarrassed as she thought she should be. She got up and headed to her dresser, fully aware that Sesshoumaru was standing with his back turned to her, waiting.
Victoria had a change of clothes and turned to head for the bathroom. That’s when she caught Sesshoumaru watching her from over his shoulder. Over dramatically she dropped her clothes and placed her balled fists on her hips, switching them slightly for added effect.
“Ahem, just what are you staring at.” Victoria demanded.
Sesshoumaru chuckled and left the room without a word.
Sesshoumaru was standing outside with Victoria’s two swords in his hands. Victoria tried to tip toe behind him to catch him by surprise. Just as she was about to yelp, Sesshoumaru spoke. Victoria was so startled she lost her footing and was well on her way to the ground. In a instant a arm was snaked around her mid-section and a hand held her own. Victoria opened her eyes to find herself staring straight into Sesshoumaru’s face. From such a close proximity, she had a chance to really study his markings. From far away they look smooth, but by being so close, she could see the little imperfections in the lines. He wasn’t perfect, and that was just fine with her. Sesshoumaru gazed down on her and remained silent. Victoria reached up and brushed Sesshoumaru’s bangs from his eyes. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat and straightened himself. Victoria said nothing as she picked up her swords.
“So,” she began causally, as if their little exchange never happened. “Can I use these now?”
“No, you are far from ready.” Sesshoumaru replied. Victoria huffed soundly and dropped the swords. “If you can land a blow to my person, you will be ready for created weapons.” Sesshoumaru said as he prepared a battle stance. “But first, use the weapons you were born with.”
Victoria smiled. “Ha! I hope your prepared Sesshoumaru. Here I come!” She lunged towards him, her balled fist ready to strike. Sesshoumaru smiled.
******
Kagome woke with a start, this time she was on a futon, Shippou was still asleep against her. But Inuyasha was gone. Kagome lifted the small fox child careful not to wake him. As she stood, Kagome looked around her surroundings. Miroku and Sango was still sleeping and Kagome wondered how early it was. Soon she found herself wandering the halls of Sesshoumaru’s castle. She never pictured herself in the home of Inuyasha’s evil half brother. Sometimes though, she had to wonder if he really was a bad guy. There was this beautiful castle, where flowers crawled up the walls, and there was beautiful embellishments carved into the halls. Then of course there was the ever happy Rin, and the strange Victoria. Sesshoumaru associated himself with both women. A real bad guy wouldn’t do that.
“Miko.” The voice of Sesshoumaru startled Kagome out of her daydream.
“Oh!” Kagome squeaked. “Sesshoumaru you scared me.” Kagome’s eyes widened when she saw Sesshoumaru standing over her. He wasn’t wearing his armor or his pelt, and was dressed in a thin yukata. Kagome blushing was running on automatic when she saw him. It seemed wrong to see him so naked. “I-uh, I’m looking for Inuyasha.” Kagome’s eyes trailed the lines of Sesshoumaru’s body. She wondered if Inuyasha was as well build as his brother.
“He isn’t in my clothing, if that she what you were thinking.” Sesshoumaru said lightly.
Kagome gave an embarrassed squeal. “I’m sorry!” Kagome said as she placed her hand over her eyes. “Um, could you tell me where he is, please.”
Sesshoumaru crossed his arms in amusement. “He has completed his duty, and brought that woman here. I need not concern myself with his whereabouts now.”
Kagome lowered her hand. “Um, do you want us to leave?”
“Not necessary.” Sesshoumaru said. “Inuyasha will undoubtably return for you, you may reside here until his return.”
Kagome was thankful but confused. “Thank you, but why are you being so...nice?”
Sesshoumaru furrowed his brow. “Nice?”
“Yeah, I’ve never known you to be this way.”
“Hm, then how do you know me?”
“Well, you are tough and merciless. But you seem to be hiding something. Why did you let Rin follow you when she was little?”
“She merely followed me, that is all.”
“Oh, uh where is Victoria?”
“She is still asleep.” Sesshoumaru began to turn away. “You should sleep also.”
Kagome took a step toward the retreating youkai. “Wait! I have to talk to her.”
Sesshoumaru turned and Kagome was taken back by the glare he gave her. “She will rest, you will see her when she awakens.”
Kagome wondered why Sesshoumaru was being so defensive. But then she remembered that Sesshoumaru was full inu youkai. And Victoria said she was pregnant. He would probably protect her no matter what.
“Okay, Sesshoumaru. I’ll just talk to her later.” Kagome smiled softly.
******
Inuyasha was running full force after the samiyosho that made their appearance. Naraku was closer than they thought. And no one could sense him. Inuyasha growled low, he only hesitated for a brief moment before pressing on. Inuyasha knew his friends wanted to be apart of Naraku’s destruction but he needed to do this on his own. If he couldn’t kill Naraku, the least he could do was save Kikyou.
******
Kikyou found herself at the entrance of a massive castle. She remembered visiting the inhabitants of the castle months ago. They were probably all dead now. Kikyou notched a arrow tipped with the soil from Onigumo’s final resting place and aimed it at the castle. She fired and she felt the powerful barrier drop, just as she thought it would. Kikyou pressed forward.
******
Inuyasha nearly choked on the stench of Naraku that seemed to hit him full force. It was to sudden, his barrier was broken. Inuyasha pressed forward.
******
Naraku wasn’t surprised to see Kikyou standing before him, with a arrow pointed straight at his absent heart. Slowly he stood and took a step forward. With a evil smirk, Naraku reached into his haori and pulled out a large fragment of the shikon jewel. It was black with evil. Naraku pressed forward.
******
Inuyasha found himself at the entrance of a castle swarming with evil. Naraku’s castle. Inuyasha immediately drew tessiaga and bounded into the castle. His stench was everywhere, and laced with the scent of death. Inuyasha jumped headlong into the halls of the castle. Until he was intercepted by Kagura.
“Kagura!” Inuyasha called out. “Where’s Naraku!”
Kagura had witnessed what Naraku had just did, and couldn’t help but feel pity for the hanyou.
“Naraku isn’t here Inuyasha.” Kagura’s voice was sad and far away. No one deserved Naraku’s mark of sadism. But there was nothing she could do about it. “You should leave also.”
“Keh, not a chance. He’s here, I can taste his stench!” Inuyasha jumped toward the wind demoness and brought his sword down hard. Kagura quickly dodged the attack but to Inuyasha’s surprise she didn’t retaliate.
“Inuyasha, that stench you smell, isn’t Naraku. It’s his mate.” Kagura said softly.
Inuyasha lowered his sword, with anger and sadness he uttered her name. “Kikyou.”
Kagura didn’t have to say anything, he already knew. “She got her wish, she has a real body, but at the cost of her soul.”
“Shut up.” Inuyasha’s head was lowered, his hair darkened his eyes. “Where is she?”
“I’m here Inuyasha.” Her voice was darker than normal. Inuyasha turned to see the priestess that he once loved standing not six feet away from him. She looked different, evil. Inuyasha looked her up and down. Kikyou’s hair was up. On her head was a small crown. She wore armor that resembled Naraku’s and deep blue hakamas with a almost black haori.
“Kikyou.” Inuyasha sighed. He was hoping he wouldn’t be to late, he was hoping he wouldn’t have to kill her. “Kikyou, what did he do to you?”
“My love has freed my soul, no longer do I have to rely on the souls of the dead.” Kikyou smiled, it was a smile Inuyasha never seen before. It chilled him to the bone. “I am not bound by that monstrous clay body. I am flesh and bone now.” Kikyou lifted her new hands to her face and placed a now warm palm on her cheek. “Naraku gave me something you could never give me, he gave me new life!” Before Inuyasha could blink he was looking down the receiving end of an arrow, it’s tip was glowing with a dark energy.
******
Sesshoumaru stood over the sleeping Victoria. His scent was all over her, it was unmistakable. He knelt down to eye level of the girl. Slowly he reached is hand out and traced the crescent moon on her brow with a rough thumb. She barely stirred, Sesshoumaru drew his hand away and placed it on her hip. Carefully Sesshoumaru moved his hand down and over her womb. Sesshoumaru held his breath and pressed down softly. Something pushed back. The energy was incredible and it almost burned. The baby was reacting, only the father could make the child react that way. Sesshoumaru released his breath and pulled away. He gazed at the sleeping beauty, Sesshoumaru took a handful of her hair into his hands. It was silky and smelled so sweet.
“What was it about you?” Sesshoumaru said in a whisper. “What deemed you worthy of me?” Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and brought the hair to his lips. His eyes shot open when he felt a palm on his cheek. Victoria was watching him with sleepy eyes.
“I won.” Victoria smiled. Sesshoumaru smiled back.
******
For almost five months they trained hard. And Victoria still had yet to win their spars. Sesshoumaru found it harder to dodge her attacks. She was faster and much more cunning then when they began. Victoria now kept her hair up and used it when possible to blind the youkai with a quick whip of her neck. Sesshoumaru now resorted to straight cheating, he began taking to the sky. Victoria could jump but so high. It was getting late and Victoria watched Sesshoumaru take to the sky. She angrily crossed her arms and sat in the grass, signaling her defeat. Sesshoumaru landed on the ground and sat next to her.
“Sometimes I wish my youkai blood was stronger.” Victoria said softly.
“Hm.” Was the reply she got.
“Sesshoumaru do you think I’m weak?” Victoria scooted closer to Sesshoumaru, he didn’t make a move to stop her.
“You have improved since we first began training.” Sesshoumaru responded as he gazed into the night sky.
“But am I weak?” The sense of urgency in Victoria’s voice made Sesshoumaru looked down, she was watching him with a sad smile.
Sesshoumaru tried to look away, he wanted to say yes, she wasn’t fully youkai. He wanted to crawl away and never lose himself in her eyes again. He wanted to taste her.
“No.” Sesshoumaru said finally. “You are not weak.”
Victoria’s smiled was bright and it took Sesshoumaru’s breath away, but not as much as the sweet kiss she laid on his cheek, before resting her head on his shoulder. Sesshoumaru growled gently as he rested his chin atop her head.
Victoria sighed softly as she molded her body with Sesshoumaru’s. “You know, I remember when I was a little girl.” She began. “There was a man with brilliant white hair and sad golden eyes. I don’t remember much about him, but I do remember him pushing me on a swing. He would push so hard that sometimes I would feel like I was so free. Like the sky belonged to only me, and then he would catch me, before I fell back to earth. That was the only time he seemed happy, when he rescued me.” Victoria breathed in Sesshoumaru’s fresh scent. “That was the only time I was happy too, when I was flying. Until now, now I’m happy as long as I watch you fly.” Victoria felt Sesshoumaru’s body tense and she placed a gentle hand on his leg. She closed her eyes as she felt his muscles relax.
“Who was the man?” Sesshoumaru asked.
“He was a friend of the family, I called him Uncle Yasha.” Victoria answered. “He was hanyou like my father. He wasn’t weak either. Right before he died when I was about six years old. I saw him crying. I didn’t think youkai could cry.” Victoria looked up at Sesshoumaru. “Have you ever cried, Sesshoumaru?” She asked.
“Once.” He replied.
“Why?”
“I lost the last of my family.”
“Who?”
“My brother.”
******
Inuyasha growled low and just missed the murderous arrow that nearly pierced his heart. Kikyou yelled out to him as he made his retreat back to his brother’s home. He couldn’t face her right then, as much as he hated to admit it, he needed his friend’s support, and he needed Kagome. He quickly found himself back at the castle where the sun was peeking over the mountains in the distance. He was tired but wouldn’t sleep. Not until this was over. Then he would wrapped himself around Kagome and sleep for days. Inuyasha congratulated himself for that great plan. Sesshoumaru had met Inuyasha in the halls of the castle, he had not slept the entire night. And his little exchange with Victoria had not helped.
“Sesshoumaru, your awake.” Inuyasha said.
“As are you.” Sesshoumaru stated. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Naraku was closer than we thought.” Inuyasha snarled, before softening his expression. “I’m too late, he got Kikyou.”
Sesshoumaru watched Inuyasha’s nervous movements. “You may stay here, until we have a rational plan.”
“Keh! I don’t need your charity, Sesshoumaru!” Inuyasha balled his fist defiantly.
Sesshoumaru only smirked. “If you prefer for you and your companions to sleep outside that is your choice. Do as you wish.” Sesshoumaru had enough of the conversion and began to walk away.
“Sesshoumaru!” Inuyasha called out. Sesshoumaru stopped but didn’t turn around. “All those times, you could have killed me, all the times you’ve protected me. And now, letting us stay here. What are you doing?”
Sesshoumaru merely chuckled and left the hanyou in the hall alone. Inuyasha lowered his head with a small smile.
“Thanks, brother.”
******
“Come on, Sesshoumaru. Your not being fair!” Victoria called out into the seemingly empty sky. But he was there, she could feel it And he was coming closer. He thought he was so smart, coming from the direction of the sun and trying to blind her. But she had a new trick, her sense of smell and hearing was stronger now and she neglected to tell her trainer. She closed her eyes and decided to rely on her other senses. In a moment he would be right in front of her, and she only had one chance, before her secret was out. Victoria dug her heel into the dirt and balled her fist. Sesshoumaru was right there and she knew it. She pulled back and struck.
Victoria felt the flesh mold under contact. As if time slowed Victoria opened her eyes to see her fist making contact with Sesshoumaru’s jaw. His eyes were wide with shock. Sesshoumaru looked Victoria in the eyes. He saw the look of pain and surprise in her features. Either she was happy she hit him, sorry she hit him, or she was just surprised that she finally accomplished the task of hitting him. He wanted to hold her, and tell her how proud he was. Instead he just looked at her.
Victoria pulled away immediately but to her it seemed like an eternity. She stepped back and just stared at her hands. Sesshoumaru straightened himself and touched his jaw.
“Sesshoumaru, I can’t believe it.” Victoria said with wide eyes. “Sesshoumaru, I-I’m sorry.”
Sesshoumaru stepped closer to the trembling girl. He reached out his hands and took her’s. Victoria relaxed under his touch, she looked up and with tearful eyes.
“Why do you do that?” Sesshoumaru asked.
“What?” Victoria’s voice was trembling.
“Say my name again.”
“Sesshoumaru?”
“Yes, that.” Sesshoumaru smiled as he lifted his hand to her face, wiping away a stray tear.
“What do you mean?” Victoria’s eyes widened with understanding, then almost instantly the looked morphed into that of anger. “Are you making fun of my lisp! You jerk!” Victoria pushed Sesshoumaru away and punched him square in the chest. Sesshoumaru caught her hand before she pulled away completely. In a swift movement she was pressed against his chest. Sesshoumaru was looking down on her with a sense of urgency in his eyes. As if warning her not to pull away.
“Do it again.” He murmured in her ear.
“Do...what?” Victoria found it hard to catch her breath as he hot lips brushed her ear.
“Say it again.” Sesshoumaru’s lips were a hair away from neck at that point.
Victoria’s pulse quickened and she felt his lips against her with each beat. Sesshoumaru remained perfectly still.
“Say it.” Sesshoumaru breathed.
“Sesshoumaru.”
******
The afternoon sun made Sesshoumaru’s castle shine with marvelous beauty. Victoria walked through the halls and admired the amazing carvings. When she turned the corner she bumped right into Kagome.
“Victoria!” Kagome shriek with surprise.
“Oh, hello Kagome.” Victoria smiled. “How are you?”
“Okay, what the hell is going on. How did you know about the well and what are you doing here!” Kagome was seething.
Victoria took a deep breath and turned away. “Come on Kagome, lets go back to my room. I’ll explain everything.”
Kagome hesitated for a moment then followed her cousin.
Inuyasha was standing just inside the castle gates, looking out. He regretted running away from Kikyou. But he couldn’t face her, not without telling Kagome how he felt. There was no telling what would happen to him if Kikyou had it in her mind to truly kill him. Inuyasha was startled by a gentle hand on his shoulder. He whipped around to see Kagome’s sad smile.
“Kagome.” Inuyasha said softly.
“Hey, what are you doing out here?” Kagome asked.
“Nothing.”
Kagome stepped closer to the hanyou. “You are a great guy, Inuyasha.”
Inuyasha blushed slightly. “What are you talking about now.”
“You brought Victoria here, even though you didn’t know her.” Kagome touched Inuyasha’s tense shoulder. “You are a good guy.”
“Kagome.”
“Inuyasha, I have something I need to tell you.” Kagome felt the sting of tears. “I’m going to probably die.”
Inuyasha’s eyes widened in shock. “What!”
“That’s how it was in the story, the new priestess was killed by the old priestess, right?”
“She told you?”
“Yeah, she did.”
Inuyasha took Kagome’s hand and pulled her close. Kagome held her breath as Inuyasha wrapped his arms around her.
“Inuyasha what are you doing?” Kagome whispered.
“Nothing is going to happen to you, Kagome.” Inuyasha sighed. “I promise.”
Kagome wept into Inuyasha’s chest and he held her tighter. She had more to say, and nothing should stop her now.
“Kagome, I need to tell you something important. So listen alright.” Inuyasha said sternly as they drew apart. Kagome looked up with curiosity. Inuyasha picked her up bridal style and jumped into a secluded tree in the courtyard. Kagome sat on the branch next to her love in silence, he was about to open up and she knew it, she wasn’t going to mess this up by talking. Inuyasha cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Kagome, after my mother died, I had to go on. The life of a hanyou is hard, I was never accepted by humans and hunted by youkai. I never trusted anyone.” Inuyasha looked over to Kagome. “I didn’t even trust Kikyou. That’s why Naraku could trick us so easily. I was going to become human for her, Kikyou didn’t even accept me.” Kagome swallowed hard, she didn’t expect Inuyasha to talk about Kikyou. But she let him continue. “I couldn’t allow myself to trust anyone. Until you came along.” Inuyasha took Kagome’s hands and looked her right in the eyes.
“Inuyasha.” Kagome sighed softly.
“Kagome, I never thanked you.” Inuyasha said.
“Thanked me?”
“You accept me for what I am, and you freed me from Goshinkobu. Thank you Kagome.” Before Kagome could respond, Inuyasha’s lips were pressed against hers.
******
500 years in the future...
Victoria sat in her room. She was always the popular one and had tons of friends. Which was evident by the barrage of phone calls she got on her special day. Yep, two more years and she would be twenty one. But today she just wanted to sit at home, she wasn’t in a partying mood. Her grandfather stopped by and brought her present. It was two brand new sai swords. Victoria was grateful. Lately her father, Ryuu had been think of letting Victoria meet the man who raised his mother. Victoria was excited to meet a full blooded demon. There weren’t many around.
Victoria’s mother called her down for lunch and to receive yet another birthday call. Victoria inwardly groaned and got up without answering. She walked slowly down the stairs and paused when she heard her father speaking in Japanese with another man. Curiosity push her feet into motion again. Luckily she was fluent in Japanese, it was the primary language spoken in the household. Even though both Victoria and her mother were American born. Victoria listened from around the corner of the hall her father and the visitor was standing.
“Sesshoumaru, you finally decided to pay your ward’s son and visit I see.” Ryuu huffed. “I was beginning to think you forgot about the heir to the western lands.”
“I was simply making my rounds to Rin’s children.” The visitor called Sesshoumaru replied, with a unemotional tone. Victoria liked his voice. It was deep and cold. She wondered what it would sound like if he laughed.
“So does that mean you will be staying for a few years?” Ryuu asked.
“Perhaps.” Sesshoumaru paused. “You have a daughter, correct?” Victoria heard footsteps approaching and before she could react, she was staring into bright, beautiful yellow eyes. “It is rude to eavesdrop girl.” Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at the girl. Victoria was stunned when she saw the tall, handsome creature standing before her. Her eyes explored his amazing markings and long silver-white hair. It took all of her willpower to stop herself from reaching up and touching it. What Victoria noticed the most was the dark blue crescent moon on his brow. And suddenly her own brow began to feel warm. Victoria was shocked, she was reacting to him, and before she could try and take control, her own pink crescent moon appeared before Sesshoumaru. As if surprised Sesshoumaru took a half step back. He looked at Ryuu, with a kind of hope in his eyes. Ryuu was staring at his daughter with a slight look of confusion.
“Victoria, what happened to your head. You aren’t even hanyou!” Ryuu gasped. Victoria looked back at Sesshoumaru who seemed relieved by her father’s confusion. She wasn’t confused at all by the turn of events. Victoria made it her business to learn all about demons and the feudal era in which they thrived. Sesshoumaru frowned and turned away from the smiling girl.
“Ryuu, you say your daughter isn’t even hanyou?” Sesshoumaru asked.
“Yeah, my wife, her mother she’s human.” Ryuu explained. “She has never once shown any youkai ability.”
“Your daughter is responding to my youki.” Sesshoumaru explained as he looked back at the girl still smiling at him. “Hmph. What is your name, girl?”
“Victoria, and your Sesshoumaru, right?”
“You’ve heard of me?” Sesshoumaru questioned.
Victoria laughed slightly. “Of course Sesshoumaru-sama, you saved my grandmother’s life when she was just a little girl. And you taught my father how to fight. You are the greatest youkai to ever live!” Victoria had clasped her hands together and stared at the taiyoukai with stars in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru smiled slightly and ran his hands through his hair. “That is true.”
Victoria’s stars were gone and she glared at her little crush. “I also heard that you were arrogant, and far from modest.” Victoria poked Sesshoumaru boldly.
Ryuu quickly stepped in, knowing the temper of both the man and woman. “Victoria, um didn’t your mother call you.”
Neither Victoria and Sesshoumaru acknowledged the concerned father. Sesshoumaru gave Victoria and look full of daggers, Victoria didn’t hesitate to return the look..
“You should learn some manners, and if it pleases you, girl. I will happily teach you.” Sesshoumaru growled.
“I hardly think you have the expertise to teach anyone manners.” Victoria retorted. “You don’t even have the capacity for modesty.” Victoria shot a quick look at her father. “Excuse me daddy.” Victoria said before walking away.
Sesshoumaru was offered the guest room during his stay. Ryuu and his wife were beginning to worry about their daughter. They watched as she practiced her sword play in the yard. Sometimes Ryuu noticed the sai swords glowing strangely when Victoria had a look of serious concentration. Unbeknownst to them, Sesshoumaru was watching also from the confines of his room. He and Victoria had avoided each other from the first day they met about a week before. Sesshoumaru had wanted to go out and show the young woman proper form. But he wanted a apology first. Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened when he caught hers in a deep stare. He hadn’t realized that she caught sight of him observing her. Sesshoumaru opened the window after Victoria smiled and motioned for him to join her. Casually he jumped from the window into the backyard. Victoria sweetly walked up to him.
“Um, hey Sesshoumaru.” Victoria said as she twirled her swords coyly. “Listen about the way I acted before. I-I want to apologize.”
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and chuckled without humor. “Hm, your stance is wrong.”
Victoria frowned. “What.”
Sesshoumaru reached out and plucked the swords from Victoria’s grasp. “Your stance is all wrong. It’s unstable and you leave yourself too open.” Sesshoumaru said as he dropped the swords to the ground. “Before you learn to control those, learn to control yourself.”
Victoria chuckled in the same manner as Sesshoumaru but with a slight ire of seduction in her voice. “Well, can you show me?”
Sesshoumaru gave Victoria a genuine smile. “If it’s pleases you.”
Night had fallen and Victoria had been practicing her stance all day. She was growing impatient and Sesshoumaru seemed just fine with that.
“How long do I have to keep doing this!” Victoria complained.
“Until you get it right, girl.” Sesshoumaru responded. “Do not rush through it. You must be perfect.” Sesshoumaru stood for a moment in silence. “You have the patience of a hanyou.”
Victoria turned quickly. “My Father is very patient, thank you.”
“I was not speaking of that hanyou.” Sesshoumaru replied as he looked up at the waning moon. “It will be a new moon shortly.”
Victoria stepped towards Sesshoumaru, who seemed to be in another world. “Sesshoumaru? What are you thinking about?”
Sesshoumaru looked down on Victoria almost warmly. “Do not concern yourself, girl.”
“You know, my name is Victoria. I’m not a girl, I’m a woman.” Victoria snorted.
“Hm, I see.” Sesshoumaru turned. “Come, it’s getting late. We should go inside.”
“Are we going to train again tomorrow?”
“Perhaps.” Was all she got as a response before Sesshoumaru walked away. Victoria stood there for a moment as she watched Sesshoumaru walk. She shook her head before giving chase.
“Hey! What hanyou!” Victoria called out. Sesshoumaru didn’t answer.
******
Kagome woke up in the arms of Inuyasha. He was propped against an unfamiliar wall, in an unfamiliar room. Sango and Miroku were sleeping on a futon on the other side of the room. Kagome noticed Shippou curled in a small spot between her and Inuyasha. The hanyou for his part seemed peacefully asleep as well. Kagome decided not to disturb him. Everything would be explained in due time. But something did concern her, why was Inuyasha holding her so tightly.
Sesshoumaru was standing in the doorway of Victoria’s guest room. Victoria wasn’t asleep yet and was gazing into the courtyard.
“You were always the same.” Victoria said softly. Sesshoumaru stepped into the room and joined her at the window.
“What do you mean?” Sesshoumaru questioned.
“Your always so sullen, and you don’t change. Even after five hundred years.” Victoria smiled slightly and looked at the youkai. “You would think that something like that would become tedious. You know, always being so serious. It took quite a while to break that tough exterior.”
“Hm, what make you think you broke through.” Sesshoumaru looked back at the beautiful girl with strange origins. Victoria smiled brighter and reached into her shirt. She pulled out a necklace, on it was the triple moon with a ruby in the middle. Sesshoumaru took in a sharp breath.
“Your mother’s right?” Victoria said as she unclasped the necklace. She reached out and dropped the necklace in Sesshoumaru’s hand. “When I break through, I expect this back.” Sesshoumaru said nothing as he turned to leave. Victoria turned back to the window and sighed before getting ready for bed.
Sesshoumaru walked briskly to his own room and reached for a chest that was on his table. Almost frantically he broke the lock and looked inside. With a disbelieving look on his face, he pulled out a necklace, on it was a bright charm of the triple moon with a ruby. He compared the necklace to the one Victoria gave him. Her older version was tarnished and obliviously been worn for quite some time. He clutched the older necklace in his palm so hard he drew blood.
******
“Are you crazy! It’s five in the morning, it’s too early for training.” Victoria threw her comforter over her head. She was trying to block out the demon that had the audacity to stand over her bed and order her outside.
Sesshoumaru pulled the blanket away and tossed it aside. “It is never to early in the day for training.” Sesshoumaru turned away. “I’ll wait for you to change into something more appropriate.” Victoria blushed slightly when she realized she was only wearing a tight tee and underwear. But she wasn’t as embarrassed as she thought she should be. She got up and headed to her dresser, fully aware that Sesshoumaru was standing with his back turned to her, waiting.
Victoria had a change of clothes and turned to head for the bathroom. That’s when she caught Sesshoumaru watching her from over his shoulder. Over dramatically she dropped her clothes and placed her balled fists on her hips, switching them slightly for added effect.
“Ahem, just what are you staring at.” Victoria demanded.
Sesshoumaru chuckled and left the room without a word.
Sesshoumaru was standing outside with Victoria’s two swords in his hands. Victoria tried to tip toe behind him to catch him by surprise. Just as she was about to yelp, Sesshoumaru spoke. Victoria was so startled she lost her footing and was well on her way to the ground. In a instant a arm was snaked around her mid-section and a hand held her own. Victoria opened her eyes to find herself staring straight into Sesshoumaru’s face. From such a close proximity, she had a chance to really study his markings. From far away they look smooth, but by being so close, she could see the little imperfections in the lines. He wasn’t perfect, and that was just fine with her. Sesshoumaru gazed down on her and remained silent. Victoria reached up and brushed Sesshoumaru’s bangs from his eyes. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat and straightened himself. Victoria said nothing as she picked up her swords.
“So,” she began causally, as if their little exchange never happened. “Can I use these now?”
“No, you are far from ready.” Sesshoumaru replied. Victoria huffed soundly and dropped the swords. “If you can land a blow to my person, you will be ready for created weapons.” Sesshoumaru said as he prepared a battle stance. “But first, use the weapons you were born with.”
Victoria smiled. “Ha! I hope your prepared Sesshoumaru. Here I come!” She lunged towards him, her balled fist ready to strike. Sesshoumaru smiled.
******
Kagome woke with a start, this time she was on a futon, Shippou was still asleep against her. But Inuyasha was gone. Kagome lifted the small fox child careful not to wake him. As she stood, Kagome looked around her surroundings. Miroku and Sango was still sleeping and Kagome wondered how early it was. Soon she found herself wandering the halls of Sesshoumaru’s castle. She never pictured herself in the home of Inuyasha’s evil half brother. Sometimes though, she had to wonder if he really was a bad guy. There was this beautiful castle, where flowers crawled up the walls, and there was beautiful embellishments carved into the halls. Then of course there was the ever happy Rin, and the strange Victoria. Sesshoumaru associated himself with both women. A real bad guy wouldn’t do that.
“Miko.” The voice of Sesshoumaru startled Kagome out of her daydream.
“Oh!” Kagome squeaked. “Sesshoumaru you scared me.” Kagome’s eyes widened when she saw Sesshoumaru standing over her. He wasn’t wearing his armor or his pelt, and was dressed in a thin yukata. Kagome blushing was running on automatic when she saw him. It seemed wrong to see him so naked. “I-uh, I’m looking for Inuyasha.” Kagome’s eyes trailed the lines of Sesshoumaru’s body. She wondered if Inuyasha was as well build as his brother.
“He isn’t in my clothing, if that she what you were thinking.” Sesshoumaru said lightly.
Kagome gave an embarrassed squeal. “I’m sorry!” Kagome said as she placed her hand over her eyes. “Um, could you tell me where he is, please.”
Sesshoumaru crossed his arms in amusement. “He has completed his duty, and brought that woman here. I need not concern myself with his whereabouts now.”
Kagome lowered her hand. “Um, do you want us to leave?”
“Not necessary.” Sesshoumaru said. “Inuyasha will undoubtably return for you, you may reside here until his return.”
Kagome was thankful but confused. “Thank you, but why are you being so...nice?”
Sesshoumaru furrowed his brow. “Nice?”
“Yeah, I’ve never known you to be this way.”
“Hm, then how do you know me?”
“Well, you are tough and merciless. But you seem to be hiding something. Why did you let Rin follow you when she was little?”
“She merely followed me, that is all.”
“Oh, uh where is Victoria?”
“She is still asleep.” Sesshoumaru began to turn away. “You should sleep also.”
Kagome took a step toward the retreating youkai. “Wait! I have to talk to her.”
Sesshoumaru turned and Kagome was taken back by the glare he gave her. “She will rest, you will see her when she awakens.”
Kagome wondered why Sesshoumaru was being so defensive. But then she remembered that Sesshoumaru was full inu youkai. And Victoria said she was pregnant. He would probably protect her no matter what.
“Okay, Sesshoumaru. I’ll just talk to her later.” Kagome smiled softly.
******
Inuyasha was running full force after the samiyosho that made their appearance. Naraku was closer than they thought. And no one could sense him. Inuyasha growled low, he only hesitated for a brief moment before pressing on. Inuyasha knew his friends wanted to be apart of Naraku’s destruction but he needed to do this on his own. If he couldn’t kill Naraku, the least he could do was save Kikyou.
******
Kikyou found herself at the entrance of a massive castle. She remembered visiting the inhabitants of the castle months ago. They were probably all dead now. Kikyou notched a arrow tipped with the soil from Onigumo’s final resting place and aimed it at the castle. She fired and she felt the powerful barrier drop, just as she thought it would. Kikyou pressed forward.
******
Inuyasha nearly choked on the stench of Naraku that seemed to hit him full force. It was to sudden, his barrier was broken. Inuyasha pressed forward.
******
Naraku wasn’t surprised to see Kikyou standing before him, with a arrow pointed straight at his absent heart. Slowly he stood and took a step forward. With a evil smirk, Naraku reached into his haori and pulled out a large fragment of the shikon jewel. It was black with evil. Naraku pressed forward.
******
Inuyasha found himself at the entrance of a castle swarming with evil. Naraku’s castle. Inuyasha immediately drew tessiaga and bounded into the castle. His stench was everywhere, and laced with the scent of death. Inuyasha jumped headlong into the halls of the castle. Until he was intercepted by Kagura.
“Kagura!” Inuyasha called out. “Where’s Naraku!”
Kagura had witnessed what Naraku had just did, and couldn’t help but feel pity for the hanyou.
“Naraku isn’t here Inuyasha.” Kagura’s voice was sad and far away. No one deserved Naraku’s mark of sadism. But there was nothing she could do about it. “You should leave also.”
“Keh, not a chance. He’s here, I can taste his stench!” Inuyasha jumped toward the wind demoness and brought his sword down hard. Kagura quickly dodged the attack but to Inuyasha’s surprise she didn’t retaliate.
“Inuyasha, that stench you smell, isn’t Naraku. It’s his mate.” Kagura said softly.
Inuyasha lowered his sword, with anger and sadness he uttered her name. “Kikyou.”
Kagura didn’t have to say anything, he already knew. “She got her wish, she has a real body, but at the cost of her soul.”
“Shut up.” Inuyasha’s head was lowered, his hair darkened his eyes. “Where is she?”
“I’m here Inuyasha.” Her voice was darker than normal. Inuyasha turned to see the priestess that he once loved standing not six feet away from him. She looked different, evil. Inuyasha looked her up and down. Kikyou’s hair was up. On her head was a small crown. She wore armor that resembled Naraku’s and deep blue hakamas with a almost black haori.
“Kikyou.” Inuyasha sighed. He was hoping he wouldn’t be to late, he was hoping he wouldn’t have to kill her. “Kikyou, what did he do to you?”
“My love has freed my soul, no longer do I have to rely on the souls of the dead.” Kikyou smiled, it was a smile Inuyasha never seen before. It chilled him to the bone. “I am not bound by that monstrous clay body. I am flesh and bone now.” Kikyou lifted her new hands to her face and placed a now warm palm on her cheek. “Naraku gave me something you could never give me, he gave me new life!” Before Inuyasha could blink he was looking down the receiving end of an arrow, it’s tip was glowing with a dark energy.
******
Sesshoumaru stood over the sleeping Victoria. His scent was all over her, it was unmistakable. He knelt down to eye level of the girl. Slowly he reached is hand out and traced the crescent moon on her brow with a rough thumb. She barely stirred, Sesshoumaru drew his hand away and placed it on her hip. Carefully Sesshoumaru moved his hand down and over her womb. Sesshoumaru held his breath and pressed down softly. Something pushed back. The energy was incredible and it almost burned. The baby was reacting, only the father could make the child react that way. Sesshoumaru released his breath and pulled away. He gazed at the sleeping beauty, Sesshoumaru took a handful of her hair into his hands. It was silky and smelled so sweet.
“What was it about you?” Sesshoumaru said in a whisper. “What deemed you worthy of me?” Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and brought the hair to his lips. His eyes shot open when he felt a palm on his cheek. Victoria was watching him with sleepy eyes.
“I won.” Victoria smiled. Sesshoumaru smiled back.
******
For almost five months they trained hard. And Victoria still had yet to win their spars. Sesshoumaru found it harder to dodge her attacks. She was faster and much more cunning then when they began. Victoria now kept her hair up and used it when possible to blind the youkai with a quick whip of her neck. Sesshoumaru now resorted to straight cheating, he began taking to the sky. Victoria could jump but so high. It was getting late and Victoria watched Sesshoumaru take to the sky. She angrily crossed her arms and sat in the grass, signaling her defeat. Sesshoumaru landed on the ground and sat next to her.
“Sometimes I wish my youkai blood was stronger.” Victoria said softly.
“Hm.” Was the reply she got.
“Sesshoumaru do you think I’m weak?” Victoria scooted closer to Sesshoumaru, he didn’t make a move to stop her.
“You have improved since we first began training.” Sesshoumaru responded as he gazed into the night sky.
“But am I weak?” The sense of urgency in Victoria’s voice made Sesshoumaru looked down, she was watching him with a sad smile.
Sesshoumaru tried to look away, he wanted to say yes, she wasn’t fully youkai. He wanted to crawl away and never lose himself in her eyes again. He wanted to taste her.
“No.” Sesshoumaru said finally. “You are not weak.”
Victoria’s smiled was bright and it took Sesshoumaru’s breath away, but not as much as the sweet kiss she laid on his cheek, before resting her head on his shoulder. Sesshoumaru growled gently as he rested his chin atop her head.
Victoria sighed softly as she molded her body with Sesshoumaru’s. “You know, I remember when I was a little girl.” She began. “There was a man with brilliant white hair and sad golden eyes. I don’t remember much about him, but I do remember him pushing me on a swing. He would push so hard that sometimes I would feel like I was so free. Like the sky belonged to only me, and then he would catch me, before I fell back to earth. That was the only time he seemed happy, when he rescued me.” Victoria breathed in Sesshoumaru’s fresh scent. “That was the only time I was happy too, when I was flying. Until now, now I’m happy as long as I watch you fly.” Victoria felt Sesshoumaru’s body tense and she placed a gentle hand on his leg. She closed her eyes as she felt his muscles relax.
“Who was the man?” Sesshoumaru asked.
“He was a friend of the family, I called him Uncle Yasha.” Victoria answered. “He was hanyou like my father. He wasn’t weak either. Right before he died when I was about six years old. I saw him crying. I didn’t think youkai could cry.” Victoria looked up at Sesshoumaru. “Have you ever cried, Sesshoumaru?” She asked.
“Once.” He replied.
“Why?”
“I lost the last of my family.”
“Who?”
“My brother.”
******
Inuyasha growled low and just missed the murderous arrow that nearly pierced his heart. Kikyou yelled out to him as he made his retreat back to his brother’s home. He couldn’t face her right then, as much as he hated to admit it, he needed his friend’s support, and he needed Kagome. He quickly found himself back at the castle where the sun was peeking over the mountains in the distance. He was tired but wouldn’t sleep. Not until this was over. Then he would wrapped himself around Kagome and sleep for days. Inuyasha congratulated himself for that great plan. Sesshoumaru had met Inuyasha in the halls of the castle, he had not slept the entire night. And his little exchange with Victoria had not helped.
“Sesshoumaru, your awake.” Inuyasha said.
“As are you.” Sesshoumaru stated. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Naraku was closer than we thought.” Inuyasha snarled, before softening his expression. “I’m too late, he got Kikyou.”
Sesshoumaru watched Inuyasha’s nervous movements. “You may stay here, until we have a rational plan.”
“Keh! I don’t need your charity, Sesshoumaru!” Inuyasha balled his fist defiantly.
Sesshoumaru only smirked. “If you prefer for you and your companions to sleep outside that is your choice. Do as you wish.” Sesshoumaru had enough of the conversion and began to walk away.
“Sesshoumaru!” Inuyasha called out. Sesshoumaru stopped but didn’t turn around. “All those times, you could have killed me, all the times you’ve protected me. And now, letting us stay here. What are you doing?”
Sesshoumaru merely chuckled and left the hanyou in the hall alone. Inuyasha lowered his head with a small smile.
“Thanks, brother.”
******
“Come on, Sesshoumaru. Your not being fair!” Victoria called out into the seemingly empty sky. But he was there, she could feel it And he was coming closer. He thought he was so smart, coming from the direction of the sun and trying to blind her. But she had a new trick, her sense of smell and hearing was stronger now and she neglected to tell her trainer. She closed her eyes and decided to rely on her other senses. In a moment he would be right in front of her, and she only had one chance, before her secret was out. Victoria dug her heel into the dirt and balled her fist. Sesshoumaru was right there and she knew it. She pulled back and struck.
Victoria felt the flesh mold under contact. As if time slowed Victoria opened her eyes to see her fist making contact with Sesshoumaru’s jaw. His eyes were wide with shock. Sesshoumaru looked Victoria in the eyes. He saw the look of pain and surprise in her features. Either she was happy she hit him, sorry she hit him, or she was just surprised that she finally accomplished the task of hitting him. He wanted to hold her, and tell her how proud he was. Instead he just looked at her.
Victoria pulled away immediately but to her it seemed like an eternity. She stepped back and just stared at her hands. Sesshoumaru straightened himself and touched his jaw.
“Sesshoumaru, I can’t believe it.” Victoria said with wide eyes. “Sesshoumaru, I-I’m sorry.”
Sesshoumaru stepped closer to the trembling girl. He reached out his hands and took her’s. Victoria relaxed under his touch, she looked up and with tearful eyes.
“Why do you do that?” Sesshoumaru asked.
“What?” Victoria’s voice was trembling.
“Say my name again.”
“Sesshoumaru?”
“Yes, that.” Sesshoumaru smiled as he lifted his hand to her face, wiping away a stray tear.
“What do you mean?” Victoria’s eyes widened with understanding, then almost instantly the looked morphed into that of anger. “Are you making fun of my lisp! You jerk!” Victoria pushed Sesshoumaru away and punched him square in the chest. Sesshoumaru caught her hand before she pulled away completely. In a swift movement she was pressed against his chest. Sesshoumaru was looking down on her with a sense of urgency in his eyes. As if warning her not to pull away.
“Do it again.” He murmured in her ear.
“Do...what?” Victoria found it hard to catch her breath as he hot lips brushed her ear.
“Say it again.” Sesshoumaru’s lips were a hair away from neck at that point.
Victoria’s pulse quickened and she felt his lips against her with each beat. Sesshoumaru remained perfectly still.
“Say it.” Sesshoumaru breathed.
“Sesshoumaru.”
******
The afternoon sun made Sesshoumaru’s castle shine with marvelous beauty. Victoria walked through the halls and admired the amazing carvings. When she turned the corner she bumped right into Kagome.
“Victoria!” Kagome shriek with surprise.
“Oh, hello Kagome.” Victoria smiled. “How are you?”
“Okay, what the hell is going on. How did you know about the well and what are you doing here!” Kagome was seething.
Victoria took a deep breath and turned away. “Come on Kagome, lets go back to my room. I’ll explain everything.”
Kagome hesitated for a moment then followed her cousin.
Inuyasha was standing just inside the castle gates, looking out. He regretted running away from Kikyou. But he couldn’t face her, not without telling Kagome how he felt. There was no telling what would happen to him if Kikyou had it in her mind to truly kill him. Inuyasha was startled by a gentle hand on his shoulder. He whipped around to see Kagome’s sad smile.
“Kagome.” Inuyasha said softly.
“Hey, what are you doing out here?” Kagome asked.
“Nothing.”
Kagome stepped closer to the hanyou. “You are a great guy, Inuyasha.”
Inuyasha blushed slightly. “What are you talking about now.”
“You brought Victoria here, even though you didn’t know her.” Kagome touched Inuyasha’s tense shoulder. “You are a good guy.”
“Kagome.”
“Inuyasha, I have something I need to tell you.” Kagome felt the sting of tears. “I’m going to probably die.”
Inuyasha’s eyes widened in shock. “What!”
“That’s how it was in the story, the new priestess was killed by the old priestess, right?”
“She told you?”
“Yeah, she did.”
Inuyasha took Kagome’s hand and pulled her close. Kagome held her breath as Inuyasha wrapped his arms around her.
“Inuyasha what are you doing?” Kagome whispered.
“Nothing is going to happen to you, Kagome.” Inuyasha sighed. “I promise.”
Kagome wept into Inuyasha’s chest and he held her tighter. She had more to say, and nothing should stop her now.
“Kagome, I need to tell you something important. So listen alright.” Inuyasha said sternly as they drew apart. Kagome looked up with curiosity. Inuyasha picked her up bridal style and jumped into a secluded tree in the courtyard. Kagome sat on the branch next to her love in silence, he was about to open up and she knew it, she wasn’t going to mess this up by talking. Inuyasha cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Kagome, after my mother died, I had to go on. The life of a hanyou is hard, I was never accepted by humans and hunted by youkai. I never trusted anyone.” Inuyasha looked over to Kagome. “I didn’t even trust Kikyou. That’s why Naraku could trick us so easily. I was going to become human for her, Kikyou didn’t even accept me.” Kagome swallowed hard, she didn’t expect Inuyasha to talk about Kikyou. But she let him continue. “I couldn’t allow myself to trust anyone. Until you came along.” Inuyasha took Kagome’s hands and looked her right in the eyes.
“Inuyasha.” Kagome sighed softly.
“Kagome, I never thanked you.” Inuyasha said.
“Thanked me?”
“You accept me for what I am, and you freed me from Goshinkobu. Thank you Kagome.” Before Kagome could respond, Inuyasha’s lips were pressed against hers.