InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ghost of Love ❯ Chapter21 ( Chapter 21 )

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

Kagome eyed the other girl warily. Evident in her expression was her uncertainty as to how things were going to unfold. The only relief to her was the determined and somewhat rebellious sparkle in Sumire's eyes. A far better sight than the despair that had been fixed there earlier in the day. A short time walking the coast, Sesshoumaru had once again loaded them up on his cloud and whisked them very quickly North. Though still in Southern territory they were far closer to the Western borders than had they picked their way diagonally north to their destination. They would reach the Western land shortly but would still be far from the Citadel which was located well inland at the foot of the mountains.

Travel had halted shortly after noon and the girls had been rushed into a small wooded area. There, they had been ushered into a well obscured home belonging to an ancient youkai woman. Her gnarled hands had been working at embroidery on a fine piece of silk. Sesshoumaru had spoken with the woman alone and before Kagome knew it, Sumire and she had been pushed into yet another room.

The old woman had grinned crazily while attacking Sumire with a string; making fast work of taking body measurements. Before they could ask what was going on she had pulled several bolts of fabric from a shelf. Only then did Kagome realize that Sesshoumaru had commissioned the wrinkled youkai to make clothing.

“Now what would ye like?” Her eyes had twinkled with excitement as she held out the expensive looking fabric.

That is what had led to the difficult spot she was in now. Again she carefully inspected Sumire and still she had second thoughts about what Sumire had chosen. That was because she had figured out the intentions for Sesshoumaru's gift of clothing. The taiyoukai obviously disliked the figure hugging clothes that Sumire had squeezed into. His tastes no doubt leading towards the elaborate and many layered kimono that she had seen his mother proudly displayed in. Though Sumire was now a lady of nobility, her taste in clothing was far from what was expected from her.

Kagome had watched with astonishment as the ancient youkai had set to work right after Sumire had given her an idea. Fabric had flown into the air and thread glinted in the low light. Within minutes the fabric had been given shape and form, before they knew it, the woman had created the finished product.

“I'm not sure what is more unbelievable, her ability,” Kagome motioned to the old woman, “or what you chose. You do understand what Sesshoumaru was thinking right?”

“Tsk, Tsk. 'Tis the lady I questioned on her preference, not the uptight youngen' outside.” The woman chuckled, her voice deep and scratchy. “This is definitely what suits her best. Besides, how can one enjoy the outdoors in those confining Kimono?”

“Exactly!” Sumire agreed.

Kagome had to laugh then, for apparently even the seamstress herself had known of Sesshoumaru's intentions but still created the clothes exactly as Sumire had wanted. The clothes were simply a larger version of the ones she had before. Her legs were covered in soft leather pants, loose fitting though still tighter than Kagome's. The tunic had been sown in much the same fashion as the previous, its longer length falling just above the knees. The fabric was close to the colour of lavender, working wonders to accentuate her violet eyes. A vibrant sash of blue wrapped tightly around her waist, emphasizing her small waist. The sleeves had been left off once again and the seamstress had taken more of the lavender fabric to use as backing for the arm guards, wisps of it peaking out from underneath and a length trailing from her wrist, giving the illusion of hanging sleeves. All in all, Kagome had to think that Sumire had never looked more beautiful. A proper kimono would seem out of place on the girl.

Well, Sesshoumaru's opinion must have had a little sway, for on Sumire's collar was the 'tell all' family crest of the taiyoukai. Come to think of it, she had noticed the crest on Inuyasha's clothing. His haori was the same as ever but someone had carefully stitched Sesshoumaru's crest on his chest.

“Your turn miss.”

Kagome was brought from her thoughts when crackling voice called out to her. She looked up to see Sumire grinning at her mischievously.

“I think she would look stunning in similar clothes, don't you Obaasan?”

With the large fire crackling merrily, he set about skewering the meat onto the sharpened branches that lay beside him. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha had left the girls in the care of the old youkai while they collected wood and set about catching some game for the evening meal. A few rabbits were already roasting and he was about to add some large fish to the fire.

He had been somewhat surprised when Sesshoumaru had suggest spending the night here but his brother had insisted that this was likely one of the safest locations they could be at. The crazy seamstress had turned out to be the sister to the Western nobility's very own seamstress. Sesshoumaru had met the old bat a few times in the past. A barrier was always intact around the seamstress' humble hut and only those who knew her were permitted entry.

Satisfied that Kagome and Sumire would both be undetectable by any passing Southern scum he would be able to rest easy for the night. Tomorrow they would pass safely into the southern most point of the Western territory and he could breathe easy again.

“Don't burn the fish.” Sesshoumaru's voice boomed behind him, causing him to jump like a guilty child.

“Feh, like I would.” Inuyasha found it strange with how much his relationship with his half brother had changed. Though they had gotten past the point of wanting to kill each other years ago, it was still odd for them to be acting so amicably towards each other. Almost as if they had always been close brothers since his birth.

“The son of the Southern Lord is a worthy opponent.”

Inuyasha quirked an eyebrow at his brother in curiosity. How had burning fish suddenly turned into a discussion on opponents? Apparently his brother simply cut to the chase and voiced what was on his mind.

“Yeah, one I would like to avoid if at all possible.”

“Let me tell you some history Inuyasha, so you know just where everything stands.” Sesshoumaru began, his eyes fixing on the burning flame before him. “Ryuukotsusei was the name of the dragon our father fought and sealed. The same fight that rendered our father mortally wounded and the reason he died while fighting your mother's guard. Ryuukotsusei is the same dragon you killed after our father's seal was lifted from him.”

“That ain't a history lesson, tell me something I already don't know.”

Sesshoumaru shot his brother a glare before continuing. “Ryuukotsusei had been the General of the Southern lands. A feared and corrupt dragon youkai who eventually came to disregard his own country, using his control over the military he staged a coup d'etat of the Southern lands. The reason for our father's battle with him was to aid the Southern Lord in his attempts to take back what was his against Ryuukotsusei. Our father and the currently aging Southern Lord were once close allies.”

“Yeah, so what does this have to do with what's going on now?” Inuyasha could see where this was heading but knew the details where what really mattered.

“It seemed that Ryuukotsusei had a young sister. A beautiful youkai who became a mistress to the Southern Lord, Asahara Katsu.”

“Asahara Katsu, that Daichi fella's father and the current Southern Lord right?”

“Exactly.” Sesshoumaru paused, “Asahara Daichi is the son of Asahara-sama and that mistress.”

Then it dawned on Inuyasha. “Daichi is Ryuukotsusei's nephew!”

Sesshoumaru simply nodded before continuing. “Mother has told me a few things about that backwards family. Katsu had a love of women, holding many mistresses through his life but Daichi is the only child he fathered outside of his marriage to the Lady of the south. There are three sons from that union and all, whom I believe, will vie for the title of Lord. Daichi being the bastard son, is unable to be a legitimate candidate.”

“So why is he the one stirring up trouble? Taking after his uncle perhaps and trying to gain the title?” Inuyasha had thought that this was a simple dispute between legitimate heirs. Things were becoming more difficult to comprehend. “What do you think he was doing sending us that information through the spy? Risa is no doubt tied to him right?”

“How those two are related I am not sure of myself. As for his plans, they aren't making much sense either. Why draw two countries into war while you are trying to dethrone the current leader? There are many more productive ways to approach that. Especially when war with me means the possibility of death.”

Inuyasha was puzzled by that as well. Though Daichi was easily one of the strongest youkai he had ever met, his brother was equally as deadly. Why go to battle where there was a possibility of death when you were aiming to steal the title away from your three elder brothers? Then there was the whole deal with Sumire. Daichi obviously found out about her and in his search for her he obliterated her home and every trace of life on it. How much did he know about Sumire and just what were his plans for her?

Inuyasha hadn't missed that forceful kiss that he had pushed upon his sister-in-law. Was Daichi after a wife, a mistress or her powers? Did the dragon realize yet that she was Sesshoumaru's wife and if so, was this merely an opportunity for territory gain. The questions far outnumbered what they knew at this point. Unfortunately, what worried him the most was what this all meant for Kagome.

She had already made it very clear that she was unable to leave the violet eyed youkai's side. Kagome had already faced off against their opponent, and hadn't even hesitated to go at him alone. In witnessing the kiss, he had also noticed how Daichi had looked upon his miko with keen interest. Even though the dragon obviously had a distaste for humans, it appeared he was willing to overlook that fact for Kagome. That bit of knowledge left a bad taste in Inuyasha's mouth. If he didn't watch her carefully, Kagome could well end up on the list of wants for that damn Southern bastard.

His hand reached for the hilt of Tetsaiga, seeking comfort in the familiar object. He was nervous and stressed just thinking about the implications of everything. Kagome meant the world to him and he would gladly give up his life if it meant she was safe from harm. Not that he was about to do that though. His parent's blood ran strongly through his veins giving him unbridled resilience and strength to protect the one thing he cherished most. A man could do anything if he had something to protect.

“Have you two whelps started on our meal yet?”

Inuyasha looked up to see the ancient woman poke her head out of the house. She hobbled over towards them, a pot of rice in one hand and a bottle of sake in the other. Like she needed any more sake, the woman looked half crazy as it was. The girls appeared shortly behind her and he wasn't the least bit surprised when Sesshoumaru's commanding voice barked beside him.

“What is the meaning of this?” Sesshourmaru's eyes narrowed when he saw what the seamstress had produced for his wife. He had specifically asked for a kimono befitting the wife of a Lord. The batty youkai had completely disregarded his orders.

“Hush your mouth!” The woman barked back, not the least bit fazed by the Taiyoukai's anger. She set down the rice and saki before pointing a long shaky finger at him. “You know nothing about your wife. If you did, you wouldn't have suggested confining her in something so ridiculous. 'Kimono fit for a Lord's wife', you don't even know your wife! You don't even know what suits her.”

Inuyasha looked at his brother as the woman let out an almost hysterical, crackling laughter. He watched as Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed in growing rage. When Sesshoumaru was about to speak the seamstress' laughter abruptly silenced and she leaned forward, her eyes dark and brooding, effectively bringing the Taiyouki to a halt.

“A man of any worth thinks first about the needs of his wife and secondly about his want of reputation.” Her voice was hard, ending any argument out of the man in front of her. Even Inuyasha realized, that despite her old and crazed appearance, she was not one to be messed with. Then in an instant, her menacing mood disappeared and the batty character she had been before returned. “Now how about giving me a piece of that fish.”

“Thank you for the beautiful clothes, Obaasan.” Sumire spoke quietly, well aware of the tension she had caused.

“Most welcome child! Besides, I would know what suits you best. I have been sowing your clothes for years!”

“Wait a minute, you know each other?” Kagome suddenly blurted out.

It was then Inuyasha noticed his own sweet miko, decadently decked out in a tantalizing number herself. Though still mimicking the miko attire with white top and red bottoms, much of the bulk of her former clothes had been reduced. The tunic resembled Sumire's, hers with sleeves and a cream coloured vest of a thicker material detailing her curves. The sleeves, billowing loose at her shoulders, where covered with red armbands starting at her forearms and ending at her wrists. The tight armbands emphasizing her delicate arms.

The form fitting vest held the tunic together nicely, eliminating the need for an extensive waist wrap like Sumire, instead a shorter red fabric was belted at the side, finely embroidered ends falling to the knee. The white tunic emerged from the bottom of the vest ending mid thigh. Beneath that, dark red trousers clad her lithe legs. Durable knee high boots protected her legs and feet from the elements. All in all she looked radiant. The clothes matched her well and would make it easy for her to move.

Inuyasha couldn't decided whether he wanted to openly gawk at her or whisk her away and strip her of those clothes. It was then he caught sight of it, the stacked crest on her collar. The very same one that signified his family. Sesshoumaru must have requested the crest be evident on the miko's clothing as well as his wife. That touched Inuyasha in a very deep way. Complete evidence that the taiyoukai thought of Kagome as family and she was very much under his protection as well.

Inuyasha felt a great sense of relief knowing that his brother was willing to accept Kagome as his own.   Peace of mind  in knowing his miko now had two guaranteed sources of protection, both him and Sesshoumaru. In all his dreams he never could have envisioned this moment. Not only did he have Kagome by his side again but he had a family and a place in this world. Never had he felt more blessed. He beamed brightly as he watched his little miko conversing with the other two women.

“Sumire-chan, I can't believe you didn't tell me you knew her!” Kagome pouted. Inuyasha loved the way her lip jutted out ever so slightly when she was agitated.

“Obaasan often came to the island to make clothing for my mother. Learning all of the traditional clothing from the mother's land, she made sure that I was dressed in a similar manner even after my mother's death. It was my mother's wish that I take after her heritage as well as my father's. Traditional dress was very important to my mother.” Sumire smiled apologetically at the miko. Inuyasha noticed how his sister-in-law avoided the cold stare of his brother. Those two still had a ways to go in getting used to one another it seemed.

He continued to observe the women through the meal, taking the simple pleasure of watching his miko. Her smile and laughter filled him with such strong emotions. He wanted nothing more than to just drink in the vision of her and drown in the sound of her voice. It wasn't until much later that he was able to corner her alone at the well behind the house.

He crept up behind her as she dropped the bucket down the well. Grabbing her by the arm he spun her around and quickly silenced her squeal of surprise with his lips. Those lips still tasted as sweetly as he remembered. Watching her through the evening had caused a swell of want and need within him. He felt a little guilty for attacking her in such a manner but their time alone together would be very limited for quite some time and he needed to take advantage of what precious moments he could steal.

It didn't take long for her struggling to subside, replaced by her fisting her hands in his haori and clinging to him. Her body relaxed against him and he dropped the hold on her wrist, his hand instinctively weaving through the hair at the base of her neck. His other arm had been wrapped around her waist and he tightened, drawing her closer and deepening his kiss. He was thrilled when she responded with innocent desire. A slight moan escaped from her, encouraging him even more.

He broke the kiss, a gentle tug on her hair tipped her head back and exposed the creamy expanse of her throat. Like a predator he jumped on the opportunity to taste it as well. The new clothing had added benefits as well. Where as her miko attire had concealed her body, pressed against her as he was now, he could feel every tantalizing curve she possessed.

He moved his hand lower, cupping her firm bottom and lifting her slightly. Ignoring her surprised squeal he sat her down on the edge of the well and pushed himself between her legs. Kagome quickly got over her shock, wrapping one leg around his and the other closer to his waist to keep her from falling backwards into the well.

He again took a liberty and used her movement to lean her back even farther. Releasing her hair, he continued his assault on her neck. With his free hand he loosened the top ties on her vest, given him access to her collarbone and with another tug he saw his goal, the first peek at the rise of those beautiful and full mounds that were confined in her shirt.

As he nestled and nudged a hot trail of kisses his heart swelled with the soft and erotic whimpers coming from his miko. It wasn't until his hand caught hold of her breast did she protest.

“INUYASHA!”  Kagome was shocked when that hand clamped down on one of her more intimate body parts. Not that it wasn't to be expected but she had never gone so far before and she was already feeling overwhelmed as it was.

“Sorry,” her hanyou grinned back at her before respectfully moving his hand back to her hair. He moved back, pulling her with him so she wasn't dangling over top of the well anymore. Another quick nuzzle at her neck and a long steamy kiss and he pulled back again. Nimble fingers made quick work of righting her clothing. Lovingly he ran his fingers through her hair then he lifted her at the waist and set her off to the side of the well.

Kagome was feeling more than just weak at the knees. Just what had happened and why? She felt both embarrassed and exhilarated at the same time. That was amazing yet she was glad they had stopped when they had. She watched Inuyasha with intense curiosity as he finished drawing water from the well.

“I think I might go crazy being so close to you all the time and never getting the chance to touch you. Sorry Kagome, I feel guilty for attacking you like that,” Inuyasha apologized but his expression quickly changed. “But I don't regret it!”

Kagome had to smile back when his face lit up in a lopsided grin. He looked so devilishly handsome right then that she actually found herself fighting the urge to jump back into the position she had just found herself. However, the others would surely be wondering where they had gotten to. She could already feel the heat of her flushed face and it burned hotter when he grabbed her hand and led her back towards the front of the house.

Once back around the house and at the fire, her eyes met the laughing ones of the old seamstress, causing her to blush even more. The wink the elderly woman gave her made it all too clear that the ancient youkai knew exactly what they had been up to. Mortified, Kagome averted her gaze and moved passed her, ignoring the light chuckle that came from the elder's direction.

“Kagome-chan, are you feeling alright?” Sumire's concerned face was the next to break through her muddled state of mind. Questioning violet eyes searched hers and for the first time Kagome was relieved that her friend was so ignorant to love. Though that fact wasn't helping Sumire and Sesshoumaru's situation, it was certainly saving Kagome from added embarrassment.

“I'm fine Sumire-chan. Are you ready to retire? I have brought water for us to wash up with.” Kagome deliberately kept her eyes from Sesshoumaru. He was the last person she want to gauge a reaction from. Some things were certainly best left unknown. When she turned to leave with Sumire she felt a 'love-tap' to her rear, which effectively caused an instant revival of the deep crimson blush on her face.

“Kagome-chan?” Sumire quietly asked beside her.

'Damn that devil!' she thought,ignoring Sumire's question and the chuckles from both the hanyou and the ancient seamstress as she huffed her way into the hut. Perhaps they found her reactions amusing but she was far from impressed. However, she had to grin again as she placed a hand on her lips. That had been a rather heated exchange!

Now she had the hard task of settling her racing heart and getting some sleep for the night!


A/N: Thank you Kokoronagomu! ^_^

To my many reviewers and readers – many thanks for the continued support!

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