InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ghost of Love ❯ chapter 10 ( Chapter 10 )

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

We hold in our hands, the most precious gift of all: Freedom. The freedom to express our art. Our love. The freedom to be who we want to be. We are not going to give that freedom away and no one shall take it from us! ~ Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider

Large was an understatement, Kagome thought as she scanned the view in front of her. Once behind the massive and unrelenting stone walls she had been pleasantly surprised to see a very lovely mansion. Very lovely and very large. No doubt the likes of this fortress envied that of Edo Castle in its prime.

Immediately upon entry they had crossed over wooden bridge that straddled the inner moat. Around them extensive residences popped up and she was in awe of the pristine gardens. Beautiful trees, ponds and walkways littered the interior of the citadel. In the centre was a impressive residence which she assumed belonged to none other than Sesshoumaru himself.

The placement of this fortress was ideal. Built high upon a hill and completely surrounded by water, it would be difficult for even the most formidable enemy to breach its walls. To her left a tower loomed high above her, the scouts on top continually scanning the horizon for threats. The entire place was very advanced for the period but when you considered that youkai built it, it became less surprising.

The other thing she noticed was how quiet it was. Not eerily so but it was evident that the place was very organized and well maintained. The odd youkai was attending to his duties but other than that the street was bare. Odd, she had been expecting a welcoming party for the young Lord. Then again, Sesshoumaru didn't seem to be much for crowds so this was likely appropriate in its own right.

Before long they were climbing up a small hill towards another impressive wall. Through it's gates was the main residence. Sesshoumaru made no pause as he waltzed into the first floor. The first thing she noticed was the floors. Even in this impressive fortress Sesshoumaru's first level had nightingale floors. Every movement triggered a noise that resembled the chirping of a bird, perfect for alerting one to invaders.

Creaking their way down a hallway she was surprised at how very simple the house was. Though obviously the home of one of the most predominate families, it certainly wasn't flaunting the fact. Very few elaborate decorations could be seen on the first floor. From what she could tell the rooms themselves looked like they were used more for conferences and meetings than anything else. At a glance she could see tatami mats covering the floor in every room. At least they would be comfortable here, she thought in anticipation.

Down one more corridor and they entered a greater hall area. On the opposite side was perched the magnificent Lady, Sesshoumaru's mother. Her white hair glistening around her as she patiently waited for their arrival. Kagome noticed how the Lady's eyes immediately came to rest on Sumire and how Sumire strangely did not cower.

“Mother, I must remind you this is not your home.” Sesshoumaru ignored any greetings and pleasantries.

“What?” The Lady's expressionless mask mimicked her sons perfectly. Her delicate hand bringing a teacup to her lips before she continued. “I simply made myself comfortable in your absence.”

Kagome could see where he had gotten the majority of his traits. The pair was identical in many ways. It was his mother's eyes that surprised the miko. Where as Sesshoumaru's were cold and calculating, his mothers sparkled with mirth and playfulness. Despite her face remaining impassive, Kagome could tell she was having fun at her son's expense.

“I have brought them as you requested.” Sesshoumaru practically growled, not at all pleased that the woman had so casually made herself at home.

“Hmm? Your dear mother comes for a visit and that's all you have to say.” A single eyebrow arched as the Lady mother contemplated her son.

“Get on with it.” Sesshoumaru snarled, obviously in no mood for his mother's shenanigans.

Not at all rattled at his act of aggression the woman in front of Kagome simply sighed and focused on the rest of them. “ 'Tis a pity Sesshoumaru you didn't inherit any of your father's charm.” A frown creased her forehead at that thought. “Then again that's likely what landed him in his grave. A shame really, he was a fine youkai.”

Kagome could feel Inuyasha tense at those words and imagined he likely took the words as a barb at his mother. Kagome herself couldn't feel any ill will towards him coming from the Lady taiyoukai. In fact, if there were any barbs in her words they were directed solely at Sesshoumaru. She watched carefully as the Lady's eyes again settled on Sumire. If she wasn't mistaken there was a great deal of warmth in those golden orbs now.

“Come child, let me get a good look at you.” The lady mother spoke gently, beckoning Sumire towards her. When Sesshoumaru scoffed, his mother turned crimson eyes upon him. The youki that surged in the room was almost unbearable. Even Sesshoumaru took a step back at his mother's temper.

“I don't recall raising a beast Sesshoumaru. I could tell quite well the reason Sumire was trembling when she entered. It would do you well to remember your manners.”

Kagome was rendered speechless at the sudden display of power. She made a mental note to never get on the bad side of Sesshoumaru's mother. If Sesshoumaru was put in place by her she was certainly a scary one indeed. Furthermore, it was amazing how her face remained as impassive as ever even in her anger.

“Now Sumire-chan, please come up here.” It was a command issued that could not be denied.

“Ah, yes...” Sumire faltered looking at the regal beauty in front of her. She had come all this way and didn't even know the name of the Lady Taiyoukai.

“Mother,” the taiyoukai injected as if reading her thoughts. A rare smile broke upon her lips. “You may call me mother.”

“Right...Mother.” Sumire gulped as she took a few brave steps forward. Warily she passed Sesshoumaru, her eyes focusing on the ground in front of her until a chiding cluck of a tongue brought her eyes up to lock with the Lady's.

“No need to be afraid of him child. He's all bark and no bite.”

Sumire simply nodded as she came to stand in front of the beautiful Taiyoukai. She feared her heart was nearly going to burst from her chest. Sesshoumaru stood literally right behind her and she could feel the intensity of his gaze upon her. Not at all a pleasant feeling. Breathing deeply she tried to calm the anxiety that threatened her.

“My you have grown. A perfect image of your mother.” The Lady spoke softly. Her eyes softening even more in the presence of this woman-child.

“Were you close with her, my mother that is?” Sumire asked shyly. She had never met her own mother and hoped for some memories of her from others.

“Why yes, very close. 'Tis the reason we chose Sesshoumaru for you. Himiko was an amazing woman. I'm sure you shall grow into one as well.”

Sumire smiled brightly at the woman before her. She felt a great sense of kinship with the great Lady. Despite the emotionless mask that she wore, Sumire felt oddly comforted by the golden eyes that smiled back at her. This Lady had been close with her own mother and as Sumire's key to her past.

“Now that you are here I must hurry things along. Time is of the essence. I know you have many questions to ask me and I would love to reminisce of days past but there are greater issues pressing us.” The great lady drew a long breath before settling deeper into her seat. Her piercing gaze drew shortly upon everyone present.

“Sumire-chan was born into this world both as a miracle and a cursed child. It was on her mother's death bed that I swore a sacred promise. That promise was that I give the life of my child for the life of hers.”

Kagome drew in a shocked breath. What did that mean? She looked cautiously at Sesshoumaru to gauge his reaction. Amazingly his face hinted no expression what so ever? Did his mother mean to implicate his death was imminent? Her face surely reflected her fear and dread at such a revelation.

“Fear not miko, 'tis not as you think. In order to keep Sumire-chan safe, I sacrificed the free will of my precious Sesshoumaru. I ordered them bound in ways greater than your average youkai marriage. A union seldom used even in those days. Himiko and I both felt that he was the only youkai fit to protect her and one who would not abuse her unique talents in a quest for his own power. Sesshoumaru was not the type of boy to rely upon anyone.”

“Excuse me,” Kagome injected, politely waiting for an accepting nod from Sesshoumaru's mother before continuing. “Her powers that you speak of. Is it because of them that she was sealed.”

Sesshoumaru's mother's eyes grew in widened appreciation at the young woman before her. There was more to this miko than first thought. “Interesting that you picked up on that. I doubt that either Sesshoumaru or Inuyasha had realized such truth.”

Kagome winced slightly when Sesshoumaru's eyes bore down on her. She could tell he was angry at her from not mentioning such an important detail earlier. What was she to do though? All she knew was that an amulet around Sumire's neck had the powers of a dead miko running through it. Why it was placed around her neck was a mystery.

“You must know about the amulet right? Sumire was told a little about it. I'm surprised that you, miko, where able to detect such a well hidden spell. What they say about you must be true.”

Kagome simply smiled graciously, impatiently awaiting for an explanation on the amulet. Inuyasha drew closer to her, causing her to widen her smile. He too was on the tips of his toes, waiting for the mystery to be revealed.

“I recall hearing about how the pair of you went up against a celestial being named Kaguya.” The lady mother began. “A woman who held the ability to stop time.”

“Feh, what of it?” Inuyasha was tired of being here. Couldn't the old hag just hurry things up so that they could leave.

“Kaguya was a woman born not of this world. Her lunar powers gifting her with an unusual power over time. Himiko was also not born of this world. Her powers which hailed the sun granted her power over time as well. The difference being that she could move it forward.”

“Time travel!” Kagome suddenly blurted out. This was too much though. The implications of that gift were enough to make Kagome's head spin. She looked frantically at Sumire-chan and back at Sesshoumaru's mother. Did Sumire possess the same ability? If so, was there a chance that Kagome could be at long last reunited with her family?

As if sensing her thoughts, Inuyasha reached down and squeezed her hand. The small gesture enough to calm the thoughts that threatened to bust forth from her head. She took a few deep breaths to slow her beating heart.

“Hmmm, funny that you were unaffected by Kaguya though miko.” Knowing eyes slide over the miko.

Kagome realized then that the calculating eyes of Sesshoumaru's mother knew more than she was letting on. There was no doubt in the miko's mind that the regal beauty before her knew that she was from the future herself. That was likely why they had been summoned to accompany Sumire. Things were slowly beginning to fall into place.

“ At any rate, you can well imagine how sought after such a gift would be. Had Himiko not found such an honest and strong mate she surely would have fallen victim to some tyrant. Fearing the safety of her daughter we were driven to such drastic measures. The amulet was created years before Sumire's birth. Himiko sought out the help of the great miko Midoriko-sama and asked her to commission a pendant that would prevent Sumire's powers from being noticed.” The lady paused in her explanation so that she could stand and move to her son's side.

“Himiko also gifted you something in that pendant Sesshoumaru. She wished to give you your freedom for as long as possible. The pendant slowed Sumire's growth. Her powers will not be born in her until her body reaches the maturity of an adult. She bought you what time she could. As such, the payment for the pendant was her own life. It is her soul combined with Midoriko's power that provide the strength for such a spell. Upon the birth of Sumire, Himiko's soul entered the pendant and the spell became complete. You Sesshoumaru, owe a great deal to her as well.”

The group grew quiet in understanding of the sacrifice Himiko had given out of love for her child. Not only that but the concern shown to her friend's son. She had sacrificed her own life to give those two what lives they had experienced until now.

“There is more to that story but I have not the time to speak on such things now. In recent days there has been much unrest beyond our borders. Elder youkai like myself have been reluctant to pass on the seats of power. Their young have gown nearly mad with power lust and have begun taking matters into their own hands. Last year an attempt on the leader of the North's life made me realize how unsafe the area was becoming. Should one of these young and hot headed men find out about Sumire they would surely seek to use her to their own advantage.”

“Would the pendant not keep her hidden?” Kagome asked.

“I prefer not to leave her safety to that assumption alone. I feel it is time to remove the pendant and let Himiko's soul rest. Now as for you two.” The regal taiyoukai moved towards Kagome and Inuyasha. Coming to stand in front of the pair her keen eyes took them both in. First she studied Kagome intently before turning her gaze to Inuyasha.

Kagome braced for the possible war that was to come.

“If you aren't just your father all over. Minus those ears of course.”

Kagome could feel the anger in Inuyasha and shifted closer, her hand reaching out to settle on his. She couldn't blame him from being agitated but they had to tread carefully. They were far out numbered and out powered. Using her reiki she flooded Inuyasha with warmth and comfort.

“I have a request for the pair of you. One that you will come to understand more as this whole thing unfolds.” She shifted her golden eyes to Kagome.

“Request? What would that be my Lady?” Kagome inquired.

“Asami-sama.”

“I beg your pardon?” Kagome was unsure what to make of the Lady's last statement.

“You may address me as Asami-sama. It seems my son has forgotten the most basic of formalities. You are the miko Kagome-sama correct?”

“Yes, Asami-sama.”

“Well there's no time like the present,” Sesshoumaru's mother turned back towards her son and Sumire, “for the sake of Sumire's safety it is imperative that you complete the binding ritual at once Sesshoumaru.”

No sooner had her words left her mouth when Sesshoumaru's youki soared. Sumire let out a frightened squeal and cowered, terrified that he would strike out at her in anger. Kagome was the first to move forward, rushing to place herself protectively in front of the girl. She paused when Sesshoumaru's red eyes shifted to his intended and he broke into a string of curses.

Just what was going on in that head of his. It was clear to her that he was fighting with himself. Thinking back to the time that he met Sumire, Kagome thought his prior behaviour somewhat mimicked the current. The strange growls and odd display of emotions had been surprising coming from the Taiyoukai but Kagome was slowly figuring out his behaviour.

“It must be hard on him,” Kagome turned to see Sesshoumaru's mother, who had suddenly appeared at her side. “His own free will fights with the binding ritual. In one minute he wants to rid himself of the girl who threatens his freedom, but the moment she is in any danger the bond claims him and he is forced to protect her.”

“Binding ritual?” Kagome tried to comprehend a spell strong enough to bend Sesshoumaru to its will. She watched as his mother went to retrieve Sumire who had hid herself behind the throne chair.

“See child? There is nothing to be afraid off, no matter how much he dislikes the situation, Sesshoumaru can do nothing to harm you. Now for your safety it is imperative that you two finish the binding ceremony as quickly as possible. I have arranged for it to be completed tonight. No matter how much you both are against this, it must be completed.”

The pieces were all coming together. Kagome remembered the way Sesshoumaru had growled when Inuyasha had stood close to Sumire when he had the Tetsaiga in hand. As her mate, he obviously would have seen that as a threat to her. The previous episode that she had witnessed at the shrine and this recent breakdown filled with his cursing was testament to the obvious battle he was having with himself. She could see how it would be tough for a man like him to suddenly be forced to deal with such strange emotions and be so quickly stripped of his freedom.

Kagome suddenly felt saddened for these two people. Both of them only wanted their freedom. Yet as fate would have it they had been bound together, unable to escape the suffocation of the impending marriage.

“I'm so sorry Sesshoumaru-sama.” Sumire's timid voice broke the silence.

Kagome watched in awe as Sesshoumaru's face shifted from anger to shock. Sumire's beautiful eyes were glossy from unshed tears. The gentle youkai had moved from her place of hiding to boldly come to stand in front of the Taiyoukai.

“If I had known that the ritual couldn't be undone I would have never come here. Now I have cost us both our freedom. I am so sorry, so very sorry...” Sumire's voice trailed off as she was overcome by her tears. Her shoulders heaved with every sob of emotion that poured out of her.

Kagome was about to comfort her when Inuyasha stopped her. Rethinking the situation, she had to agree. Now knowing about the power of the binding ritual, it could be dangerous coming between a youkai and his mate who was so very distressed.

“Oh dear,” Sesshoumaru's mother injected before motioning for them to leave. “I have much to discuss with you miko but I think it would be best to leave these two be for the moment.”

Kagome wondered if that was such a wise thing to do. She cast a glance back at the pair as she was ushered out of the room. Sumire had collapsed into a heap on the floor, still crying with utter abandonment. Sesshoumaru was stricken with a look of dread and utter confusion as to what to do next. She knew he likely wanted to either flee or slice the girl's head off but was currently unable to move from the spot he was rooted to.

With a sigh she left them alone to sort out what they could.