InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fate Entwined ❯ First Lesson ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

AN: My wrist has been acting up, so I haven't been able to do too much. I'm probably going to take a small break for a day or two before I start the next chapter. There were some continuity issues which have been fixed in the previous chapters. I wonder if any of you can tell. I also wish to clear some things up before I continue on with the story. Since what I have to say is lengthy I have posted it to my live journal. Here is the URL: http://konekotsukino.livejournal.com/

Word Count: 4,580

Chapter 4: First Lesson

   Kagome could not believe what she had seen. She kept her face forward refusing to turn and make sure she wasn't seeing things. If it was possible her face became even more red as the emblazoned image of Sesshomaru's bare chest flitted across her vision again. Touga who was taking in the interaction had to fight back a chuckle as he watched Kagome's face turn color faster than a chameleon.

   “You called,” Sesshomaru repeated a trace of annoyance in his voice. Touga turned his attention from Kagome to his eldest.

   “Yes,” Touga replied, “I would like to introduce you to the young lady who saved this Touga's life.”

   Touga motioned to Kagome as he spoke, watching his son for any reaction other than the icy indifference that he always showed. Kagome seemed to have snapped out of her own daze as Touga's voice filled the room. She mentally shook herself before focusing on what was happening before she made more of a fool of herself. Sesshomaru for his part did not show that he had heard his father, nor did he show that he had noticed Kagome at all. He stood there in the door his face as impassive as before, though his eye's showed the barest hint of his annoyance. Touga regarded him silently before a small smirk graced his features. It was brief but he had seen the quick glance and small flicker of curiosity in his son's eyes.

   “Sesshomaru, this is Kagome-san,” he spoke once more getting both of their attention, “Kagome-san this is my oldest and now lord of the west Sesshomaru.”

   Kagome swallowed and hoped she wasn't blushing anymore as she turned to face Sesshomaru once more. She took a brief moment to observe him once more her cheeks tinting pink. Aside from looking slightly younger he still looked the same. In the back of her mind she could hear the faintest whisper of thought that had her eye's widening slightly. 'Mine...' Kagome shook her head slightly before focusing once more. She watched as one of his delicate brow's lifted in that same condescending way as if to say 'well?'

   “It is a pleasure to meet you,” she finally said. In returned all she received was his customary 'hn.' Kagome huffed in annoyance at that, thinking that he definitely hasn't changed.

   Sesshomaru took in the Inu before him with some interest, though he would never show it or so he thought. Though she was filthy, she was appealing to look at even if she was somewhat unrefined. Her Kimono was wrinkled in places, and her hair was a ruffled mess showing that she had possibly been sleeping. Her tail which was draped over her shoulder was slipping slightly. She looked as though she still had not had a chance to bath since they arrived earlier that day. Her eyes were the most striking color he had seen. Though he had seen plenty of females that were far more appealing than her, she had a certain pull to her. He couldn't place it at this moment in time, but he would figure her out. He felt his lips twitch slightly though he resisted the urge to smirk as he watched her face contort in annoyance at his response to her greeting. She had a lovely voice as well he thought briefly. He took a deep breath taking in her scent, which smelled of various wildflowers with the faintest hint of sakura.

   Touga watched them interact his eye's dancing with amusement. Plan's for the future began to formulate in his mind. Maybe he would finally break the shell of ice that his son had erected around himself, and get a few grand pups out of it as well. At this thought he chuckled, bringing their attention back to him. He coughed then making himself look as though he were innocent, before he spoke once more.

   “She has no understanding of how to control or interpret her instincts, use her youki, or be an inu in general. She has revealed to me a truth in which explains why this is so, though I will not divulge it without her consent. I have decided to take her in and teach her these things as a way to pay my dept to her. She will be made a member of this pack and as such she will be treated with respect. I also except you to help teach her when you are able.” He fixed his son with a stare then, his look broke no room for argument.

   “Hn,” was Sesshomaru's initial reply once more, “I shall do as you ask father, though do not expect me to babysit.” Touga sighed then, knowing that was as good as it was going to get. “If that is all I shall return to my training.”

   “Yes that is all, thank you for coming,” he replied giving his son freedom to leave. Sesshomaru gave the barest incline of his head in a show of respect before closing the door and leaving. “I apologize for my son, he wasn't always like this. There was a time when he smiled and laughed like anyone else, though that was long ago.”

   Kagome fixed him with an incredulous look than, not believing that mister stick up his ass, ice block, had in fact been somewhat normal. Touga smiled wistfully, before standing and motioning for Kagome to stand. Kagome stood running her hand over to kimono to smooth it out as best she could.

   “Come now,” he spoke, “I will mark you as pack and than call for Nabi. You must be tired and hungry after all this.”

    He walked to her then taking her right wrist gently in his hand. Kagome watched him with mild curiosity, wondering exactly how he was going to mark her. Nothing happened at first until she felt his youki swirling through his hand and over her skin. She felt her own energy rise up then and pushed it back not wanting to hurt him or anyone else. She could feel his youki permeate her flesh and she squirmed some what. She watched as he raised his other hand then and with one claw he lightly traced a crescent moon into the underside of her wrist. The claw was also swirling with his youki. She watched as a faint indigo outline of a crescent appeared where he traced and seemed to pulse with his youki before settling. He pulled away then.

   “That is a temporary mark only,” he spoke wanting to reiterate what had already been said before, It carries enough of my youki to mark you as a member of this pack. When it has been made official I will remark you and that mark will darken and fill in. That mark will remain with you until you have taken a youkai mate. If you take a human mate that mark will always be with you.”

    Kagome nodded rubbing her wrist lightly. Touga seeing that she understood flared his youki out once more calling for Nabi. A few moments later a knock sounded at the door before it opened. Nabi bowed to them both.

   “You called my lord?”

   “Yes,” he replied, “Please escort Kagome back to her room and make sure she gets something to eat. After that please check on Izayoi and then you are free for the rest of the evening.”

   “Of course my lord.”

   Kagome stood then turning to Touga.

   “Thank you for listening to me and or explaining what will be happening,” she said. “If you wish to tell your mate of what I have told you, please do, as she expressed her wish to know. Please don't tell Sesshomaru though, I'm not ready for him to know.”

   “I shall keep your confidence,” Touga replied with a dip of his head.

   “Thank you again Touga-sama,” Kagome said as she bowed and then left the room.

   Many hall's and a covered pathway found Kagome back in her room bidding Nabi farewell as she left to check on Izayoi and retrieve her meal. Sighing Kagome turned back to the room, Already bored as she came to the realization that she had nothing to do. As far as she could tell there was nothing else in this room aside from the few required comforts. There were only two lanterns lit which were the one's by the door. They cast an eerie glow about that side of the room. Kagome not having anything else to do, grabbed one of the lanterns and using the candle from it she lit the other lanterns in the room. She returned the lantern back to its original place and then moved back to where the futon was.

    She began the task of unrolling the futon and laying it out. She placed the comforter over that before placing the pillow at the head of the bed. Grimacing as she eyed the small cylindrical pillow, she knew that her head wasn't going to remain on it and she wished desperately for a normal pillow like the one that she had on her bed back home in the future. Home, she really missed her mother, brother and grandfather. She shook her head from that line of thought before she could get too deep into it. It would not do to dwell on things she could not change.

   A knock on the door brought her out of any other thoughts she could have on the subject, for which she was grateful. Standing she made her way over to the door and opened it to find Nabi standing with a covered tray and a bundle of cloth under her arm. She motioned for Nabi to enter watching as she walked over and placed the tray down on the low table.

   “I have brought you your meal Kagome-sama,” she began, “I have also brought you a sleeping Kimono since I believe you are currently lacking in clothing.”

    Nabi held out the bundle for her to take.

   “Thank you Nabi-san,” she said as she took the bundle and placed it on top of the chest for now. She then walked over to the table and sat as Nabi removed the cover and revealed the meal before her. It was nothing extravagant but it looked delicious. On the tray was a bowl of white rice, a portion of fried fish, and smoked chicken. There were also some steamed vegetables.

   “Is there anything else you require Kagome-sama?”

   “I would really like a bath,” she trailed as she tried not to drool over the food. Nabi hid her smiled behind her hand as she stood and bowed.

   “As it is too late in the evening I shall bring you to the spring in the morning after your meal. I shall bid you a good night now,” Nabi said as she made her way to the door, “When you are done with your food just leave your tray outside the door, another servant will retrieve it.”

   “I will, thank you again Nabi-san,” said Kagome with an earnest smile on her face, “you have a good night as well.”

   Nabi bowed again and closed the door leaving her to her meal. Kagome bowed her head placing her hands together as she gave a small prayer with her wish of safety for her family. With a soft exclamation of  “itadakimasu,” she picked up the chopsticks and dug into her meal. She hadn't realized exactly how hungry she was until she had finished the food. She had been surprised that she had even been able to eat all of it. Making sure all of the dishes were on the tray she picked it up and walked to the door. Holding the tray in one hand she opened the door and then placed the tray down on the floor just in front of the door.

   Closing the door she made her way back over to the futon, grabbing the kimono that Nabi left for her and pulled back the comforters. She unwound her tail letting it settle around her, and then began the arduous task of untying her obi. Once she managed to get the knot undone she unwound her obi and then folded it with care. Carefully she removed the 3 layers of the kimono and folded each of them until she was left in her wrappings. Of course, she thought, not only would her clothing have changed but her undergarments as well. Mumbling about evil voices she undid her chest bindings rolled them up. She then dressed in the kimono, tying it shut.

    Once she was satisfied that it wouldn't come open she stood and made her way around the room, blowing out the lanterns. Her eyes adjusted to the dark quickly as the last lantern went out. She effortlessly made her way back over to the futon and then laid down pulling the comforter over herself. She snuggled into the futon hugging the comforter close as she let her mind go blank and the peace of sleep take over.

   The next morning she awoke to the morning sun filtering in through her shoji and just in time it seemed as there came a knock at the door. She yawned and sat up stretching out the kink's in her muscles. Standing she slowly made her way to the door. She opened the door a sliver and peeked out into the hall to see who it was. Finding that it was none other than Nabi, she opened the door wider to allow her entrance.

   “Good Morning Kagome-sama,” Nabi said as she gave a small bow. Walking into the room she placed a small tray down and held up her arms to show she had brought her some clothing. “My Lady thought that Kagome-sama would need something else to wear so she has provided you with a Kimono for today. I have a towel for you to dry with and I brought a comb and some hair clips. If it would please Kagome-sama I could fix your hair for you after your bath.” As she said this she produced a small box of cypress from under arm and placed it on the other end of the table.

   “Thank you Nabi,” Kagome replied, “I don't know what I would without your help, though I think I can take care of my own hair.”

    “You are welcome Kagome-sama,” Nabi replied, “I enjoy serving you.”

   She walked over to the table and sat on the cushion removing the cover to reveal her breakfast of white rice and miso soup. She once again said a small prayer of thanks for the food before picking up the chopsticks and digging in. When she was done eating Nabi gathered the trays and the towel and kimono and stood making her way to the door. Kagome stood and followed her out of the room without a word. Nabi led her to the right, down to the end of the hall and then left down to the end of that hall. They came out into another walkway this one was only a few feet long as they entered into another smaller building from which Kagome could smell the sulfur of the spring. The entry was simple with two doorways, one leading off to the left, the other to the right. Kagome assumed that this meant there were separate springs for male and female.

   “That door way leads to the wash room and spring for the males,” Nabi said motioning to the door on the left. “This one leads to the one for the females.”

    With that explanation over with she led Kagome into the door on the left and slid a sliding door she hadn't noticed before shut. She walked over the the wall then and hung the kimono on a pole that was meant for clothing. She then placed the tray down and went about gathering the things Kagome needed for washing up. She practically herded Kagome over to the bench where a drain was set up to drain water while she went through another door Kagome hadn't noticed and returned with a few bucket fulls of water. She than sat down a few clay jars before her.

   “These jars have oils for cleaning your hair,” she said as she then produced a cake of lye soap and handed it to her. “do you require any help with bathing?”

   “No thank you,” Kagome said with a small grimace a she eyed the lye soap.

   “Than I shall return after I bring these trays to the kitchen,” she said as she then gathered up the discarded tray and promptly left the room.

   Kagome sighed letting her tail fall to the ground, she disrobed quickly tossing the sleeping kimono to the side.  She sat on the bench then and grabbed one of the wooden buckets and promptly drenched herself in the water. She then picked up the cake of lye and began to scrub, ignoring the harshness of it against her skin. She scrubbed every inch of herself until she no longer felt dirty. She then doused herself once more to rinse off the soapy residue. She sighed when she noticed there was only one more bucket of water which wouldn't be enough to rinse her hair completely or even get her tail. Maybe she would need Nabi's help after all. As if summoned by her thoughts there came a knock at the door.

   “I have returned Kagome-sama,” came Nabi's voice.

   “Thank goodness,” she said, “I think I might need your help after all Nabi.”

   Nabi opened the door and poked her head in seeing Kagome's sheepish expression. She giggled as walked in and closed the door before walking over and picking up the empty buckets.

   “What is it you would like for me to do?”

   “Could you help with my tail while I wash my hair?”

   “Of course I will Kagome-sama,” Nabi replied as she reentered the room with the spring and returned with the buckets full of water.

   Within minutes Kagome was working the oils into her hair while Nabi worked on the end of her tail. When Kagome was satisfied that her hair was as clean as it was going to get, she began to rinse her hair. By this time Nabi was already half done with he tail. After several more buckets of water and more oil, Nabi and Kagome deemed that her tail was clean and she entered into the room with the spring and proceeded to soak.

   “I shall retrieve some more towels.” Nabi said as she left the room for a few minutes and returned with the towel she had originally brought plus some.

   Unfortunately Kagome wasn't allowed to soak for long, and about fifteen minutes later she was standing and wrapping and towel around her body. She took and another towel and after ringing her hair out she wrapped her hair in the towel. With Nabi's help she dried her tail until it was literally a fuzzy mess of fluff. They re-entered the first room where again with Nabi's help she dressed in the kimono that had been provided for her use. The under layer's were shades of soft pink while the top most layer of the kimono was a shimmering white. Clouds of sky blue swirled around the edges of the sleeves and curled around her chest to her back where a beautiful Indigo crescent was embroidered. After putting on the tabi she was presented with a pair of simple geta to don her feet.

   Nabi then proceeded the shoo her back towards her room while she tried to dry her hair. Soon Kagome found herself kneeling at the table in the backside of her room while Nabi placed the box from before in front of her. Opening it to revealed a velvet lining that housed a simply carved comb made of wood with what appeared to be jade inlaid around the handle and swirled through the back of  it. The bristles while course were also soft which Kagome found to be a strange combination. Also laid carefully into the velvet lining of the box were several silver clips of various sizes. A few of them had ornaments that dangled from them such as little crescents or sakura blossoms. There was also a white silk ribbon in the box which Kagome took out instead, not wanting to break the clips.

    Picking up the brush she ran it through her hair continually until she was satisfied that all the knots and tangles were gone. She then gathered the hair up and tied it together with the ribbon before pushing it back over her shoulder. She then took the brush to the fur smoothing the fur until it was nice and sleek while still being fluffy. Replacing the comb in the box she closed it and held it out to Nabi. Nabi simply pushed it back into her hands with a shake of her head.

   “This is yours to keep,” she said with a smile on her face, “Come Kagome-sama, we must not be late for your first lesson.”

   Kagome stood quickly re-situated her tail over her shoulder before hurrying after her. She grabbed her geta, which she had discarded at the door, as she rushed out of the room and closed the door behind her.

    Along the way they ran into a few servants, who Nabi greeted. After few more twists and turns they came out to a rock garden. Just behind it there was another building from which the sounds of weapons and flesh hitting one another was coming. She realized belatedly that it must be the dojo, and for a moment she thought that was where they were heading until she noticed Touga a little way off to her left. Nabi bowed then softly wish her good luck before leaving.

   Kagome fidgeted slightly before taking a calming breath and making her way over to Touga. For his part Touga had already seen her and was watching her as she came towards him. She was nervous, he could tell, though she held herself with an unconscious air of confidence and moved with a grace she probably didn't even notice she had. She was still slightly jumpy but no where as much as she had been yesterday. He knew with time and the proper training she could give any of his warriors and any courtier a run for their money. For now though they would start with the basics.

   “Good morning Kagome-san,” he greeted as she neared him.

   “Good Morning Touga-sama,” she greeted in return with a small bow.

   “I'm going to cut to the chase Kagome-san,” he began, “I can not teach you how to use your instincts as that is something that will come naturally to you. I can, however, teach you about them, how to recognize those urges or feelings, and how to suppress or control certain ones. I will also be teaching you how to tap into your youki, though those lessons will come later. My mate has offered to teach you about the proper rules of court etiquette and things that must be observed here in this palace and even further out in the town below.”

   He paused then letting what he said sink in and gauging her reaction. She tilted her head to the side as she considered what he said. At first she was confused by what he said but as she thought about it she realized it was true. There were many things that were instinctual, such as knowing what scents were what. There were also other things that while instinctual had to be learned first. She sighed as she knew she had a lot to learn and wondered briefly if she would even remember it all.

   Touga chuckled lightly as he watched her expressions change. He decided to save her from further headache by speaking then.

   “Today we will be an easy day,” he began, “I won't start lecturing you over things just yet. Instead today will be a simple mediation exercise. You will be trying to tap into your inner beast. In order for you to understand many of the instinctual things that you will do you need to under stand your baser side, the side of you that control's those instinctual needs. You will also need to recognize it for what it is,  a part of you that is more primal and does not use the reasoning that your rational side does.”

   With that he led her over to a couple of flat stones and motioned for her to sit on one. She moved forward doing as he told. Once he was satisfied that she was situated he made himself comfortable on the stone in front of her. He faced her than and began instructing her on taking deep slow breaths.

   “Calm your mind and erase all thought's from it,” he said softly, “You may not tap into your beast today but that is alright. I want you to just let yourself drift within for now, find your center of peace and go from there.”

   Kagome did as she was told, though it was a little difficult for her as her thoughts had been all over the place the last few days. Eventually she was able to let her mind go blank and she found her center of peace. She was wrapped in a calming warmth that after a moment she came to recognize as her miko powers. She felt so warm, it was a feeling that she loved, though it was quickly washed away as she felt as if she had been doused in a chilled river. She felt the coolness of her youki wrap around her then and suddenly she was face to face with a red eyed black inu.

    She was so startled that she gave out a yelp of surprise as she backed away from it in her mind. She didn't realize that she had also fallen over backwards until she opened her eyes and the feeling of her finders buried in sand met her senses. In the back of her mind she heard a soft barking sound that sounded vaguely like a laugh before it faded. Sitting back up she saw Touga looking at her with a questioning gaze.

   “Are you alright Kagome-san?” he questioned her.

   Kagome nodded and proceeded to tell him what had happened. He laughed then and told her it had been her inner beast, and it appeared that it had a sense of humor. He told her honestly that he had not thought she would find and link with it so soon. He was impressed and that was saying something. He stood then and helped her up, telling he that their lessons were over as it was already lunch time. Kagome's eyes widened at that revelation and she looked at him in shock. Touga had to hide another laugh behind a cough as he guided her back into the palace and towards the kitchens. Saying that she needed food before her lessons with his mate.

~To be Continued
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