InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Intended Mate ❯ Troubles laid on the Threshold ( Chapter 20 )

Hello again! I'm stating right now I'm sick and getting a cold, so you better enjoy this! Just kidding…but if anything seemed rushed, it's because I'm sort of out of it. I won't bother writing if I get worse, but I wanted to finish this today.

Nothing much to say except “I smell sex and candy.” That song was made to a very funny Miroku music video I have yet to see but so much wish to. This story is more for Sango and Miroku so that's why the thought stays.

I hope you enjoy!

 

Honored place for reviewers:

Christen aka Cherished Agony, one of my fave peeps. Thanks for the words, girl.

Inugrrl, again, you crack me up! I'm not a fan of Hobo, homo, whatever either so I had fun in the last chapter :P Thanks for the kind words…and the crazy ones! Love the crazy ones :P

Andrea Moon Dog, boo for the dratted school projects! Hope you like this one too ^_~

Sapphire Blade, hi again

 

FF.net:

Lady Kcassandra, hope you continue to enjoy the romance!

Silver Magick 131 (silvery butterfly!) thanks for the note on Layla! It's always been a favorite for me, and I'm glad to know about that. Happy to make your day! More romance in this one!

Dchan3, thank you for the insightful words. I'm happy you mentioned Sessh and Rin as I almost forgot about them (Sweatdrop) I can honestly say their involvement in this chapter is all thanks to you.

Arriana, Harai, Inuyashas only miko, phxazkyote3507, Inuosuwari, Kawaii Bell, thanks again!

 

 

 

AdultFF.net:

Inuyouki!, I hope this came out in due time to temper your impatience! Thanks ^_^

Sykok, thanks again for reviewing! You're becoming frequent. Yeah for consistency!

Hanyou swimmer, all I can say is wait and see!

LilyPotterblack, thanks for joining the list!

 

If I forgot anyone, sorry! I'm slowly losing my brain to this cold.

 

Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own Inuyasha in any way, shape, or form, but does claim to be inu.

 

“Intended Mate” chapter twenty

Troubles laid on the Threshold

 

Five hundred years in the past, the Lord of the Western Lands walked out of his bath, his long pale body gleaming in water. He had received the first invitation to battle the previous day. He should have known his fellow lords would have been eager to jump on his weakened moment. And it was very soon after his body had mended itself back together.

Considering the summons to battle was from Lord Mitaka from the southern portions of his regions, spoke of the timing to his body's healing. Mitaka tended to be a fool-hearted romantic, and he would not stoop to attack if his opponent was weakened in any way.

 

Just as well, Sesshomaru thought as he wrapped a white haori around his pale body with his one arm and tucked it into the equally ghostly hakama. It gave him the chance to rest in his own inner turmoil. He had yet to travel to vent the frustrations of his heart, and he could take that anger out on someone who dared come knocking at his front door with rebellion.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama?” the familiar childish voice called out softly from the door to the baths. Sesshomaru turned to regard his ward as she shyly scampered inside to him.

 

“Rin.” He greeted her simply, looking down at his human as he strapped his breastplate and shoulder armor on easily. “Does your morning fare well for you?”

 

Rin nodded, smoothing her kimono lightly with soft nervous hands. “Does Sesshomaru-sama go to fight the army at the front gate?” she asked, her voice hitching on gate. At Sesshomaru-sama's nod, she lowered her head.

 

“Does it trouble you, Rin?” he asked quietly, tying his obi in a graceful knot. His pelt was flung over his right arm and shoulder, trailing down to the tiled floor.

 

Rin nodded softly, bangs flying in her eyes. “It does, Sesshomaru-sama! You will come back, won't you?” Her heart ached and stilled, sure that would put her lord off for speaking such insolent words. She had to learn her lessons better to please him!

 

Sesshomaru nodded curtly, his eyes guarded as he slid Tokujin then Tenseiga into his obi at his left hip. “You needn't worry over such foolish thoughts, Rin. This Sesshomaru never intends to lose.”

 

Memories of a blood-soaked courtyard and a slathering transformed Inuyasha hung heavy in memory between Master and Ward and Rin sought his eyes carefully.

 

“Of…course, Sesshomaru-sama,” the child spoke. “It was not my place to ask. Jaken-sama will have the noon meal ready for your arrival after your battle.”

 

Sesshomaru snuffed and strode past his human child, his long white hair trailing. Rin followed him with her eyes, then walked behind him carefully. Outside when her lord would have called an attendant to slide his boots on to his feet, Rin knelt herself and did the task lovingly. Sesshomaru watched her dispassionately, oddly stirred at the small things she insisted on doing for him.

 

She was still a child, and he could indulge these urgent wants to do things for him. He could even forgive her curling up in his bed while he healed himself, for deeply, he found it helped his heart. He would have to distract her growing heart with lessons and a possible lord to marry. She was not for him, he decided.

 

Yet when Rin stood up, head only to his waist, Sesshomaru could not stop the very edges of his lips from forming a smile she loved to see.

 

“I will join you shortly,” Sesshomaru commanded. Rin curtsied down in a bow, eyes shining.

 

“Yes, my lord!” she beamed. Sesshomaru strode away from her and to his troops assembled and waiting his command. He unsheathed Tokujin and lead them himself.

 

“Open the front gate,” he growled. Rin ran to hide inside the palace from the sounds of battle and screams.

 

“Foolish child,” Jaken chided, poking at her arm with his Head staff. “Our lord Sesshomaru will stamp out this rebellion in a moment. And he won't want to see us hiding in fear.”

 

“Yes, Jaken-sama,” Rin nodded and moved to his side as he lead her away to her first lesson of the day.

 

As promised, Sesshomaru-sama was back inside for the noon meal, only slightly worn from the quick battle outside their front door.

 

* * * *

 

Sango walked around the inside of her clan's village, surveying the tall log walls and the shattered huts. Her mind carefully assessed each weakness, each broken structure, and each area to fix. The high protective walls only needed a minimum of work to fill in the holes, but the buildings themselves needed a lot of work. The vegetation had grown over and into some of the houses, giving the air of neglect and desertion. Sango sighed as her sandaled feet carried her by the mounds of graves near the high walls. She knelt down and pressed her palms together for prayer.

 

Kirara strolled by her mistress and meowed quietly. Sango opened one eye and smiled. No matter how bright the future could be with her fiancée at her side in her family's home, there were the blatant reminders of the betrayal that had happened to her people. There would always be an underlying layer of sadness to her heart, though Miroku helped.

 

His warm hands, his bright smile and laugh, his kind eyes settled her heart as they had come into her old village the day before. They had made shelter in the remains of a hut, huddled around the campfire with Shippou and Kirara. Today, they would all begin making the correct steps to securing a better home and repairing their surroundings.

 

Miroku really had come around, Sango thought as she picked up Kirara and followed small grunts and exclamations of frustration. He had become the attentive man she had hoped he could be to her, intent on her needs and wants in their future. She knew they could make a great future for themselves and a family. Sango blushed as she walked along, Kirara curled around her neck, purring away.

 

“Do you need any help, Shippou?” she asked, stopping near the main building to the structure. The kitsune wiped sweat from his brow and winced up at her.

 

“I've got this, Sango! Miroku went out to cut firewood a while ago,” Shippou offered. Sango nodded. She may go out and hunt something quickly unless they wanted plain rice for dinner.

 

Sango left the kitsune to his weed pulling around the main home and grabbed Hiraikotsu, kimono and skirt trailing in the wet grass and wetting her clothing to her legs. She darted through a hole in the high wall's perimeter and ventured from her family's home.

 

Sango walked through the familiar woods of her childhood, listening to the bugs chirping and the creatures scampering to and fro. Her exterminator senses kept her open to any possible youkai activities nearby, but she otherwise relaxed in the scenery close to her heart. In those clearings, she and Kohaku had lain and watched clouds together.

 

Far across the forest, would open into a clearing that would break her heart if she walked there today. Acres upon acres of white lilies grew there, and they would always invoke a painful memory of Kohaku presenting her with a precious bouquet and his easy smile. She had run by that clearing and through these woods before the final battle with Naraku, sure she would run into him and they would sort things out, they would battle Naraku together….

 

She had missed him, or he had never been there. But Sango was heartbroken over the memory that she almost saw her true brother before the final battle. Her heart thundering painfully in her breast, Sango touched her obi where Kohaku's mask was tucked away out of sight. She had yet to burn it and bury the remains with the family graves. Another detail on the cleaning list of her family's home.

 

Loud grunts met her ears and Sango followed the familiar sounds to an opening in the forest. Miroku had stripped his robes to the waist, the wide sleeves draping to the ground as he wrestled with an axe eagerly in the bright morning sun. Perspiration clung to his chest and arms, and his bangs plastered to his brow as he all but growled at the treacherous fallen tree, hacking away pieces for fire wood. Sango giggled and strode out into the opening, setting Hiraikotsu on the ground.

 

Miroku turned and smiled, rubbing his forearm across his sweaty brow. “Enjoying seeing me work for a change, are you?”

 

Sango touched his chin and leaned up for a quick kiss, eyes shining. “Always,” she promised, giggling like a maiden.

 

Miroku rubbed her back lightly, watching the scenery over her shoulder. “I've been here several times with you, but we've never stayed for long,” he commented.

 

Sango brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes and looked up at him. “It can be repaired, can't it?” she asked softly. Miroku nodded, his heart in his eyes.

 

“We'll have to sanction leavings with Shippou, but I can erect a barrier around the whole village if you'll permit me,” he suggested. Sango nodded, glad for his priest's powers.

 

“Our clan should have had a priest,” she laughed. Miroku grew serious and traced her chin with his finger.

 

“Did you want to pray for Kohaku tonight?” he asked somberly. Sango nodded, her hand going to her obi.

 

“We'll burn the mask tonight. Thank you, Miroku…” she wiped a tear from her eye. Miroku dropped the axe and brought her into his arms.

 

* * * *

 

That night the mismatched family knelt before a small fire in the open areas of the village structure, quiet and reflective as Sango held Kohaku's mask in her hands. She sighed and offered it to the flames, watching it spark and catch.

 

“For a fallen brother, his actions were clouded and misguided but he came back to himself at the end,” Miroku gently murmured at her side, his beads clasped between his hands. Tears flowed down Sango's face and she covered her face as the fire burned bright and steady.

 

Shippou gently walked to Sango's side and clasped her knee in his small hand. Kirara rubbed against her side, meowing softly. They carefully let her grieve as the smoke trailed up to the heavens. Miroku nodded to Shippou and Kirara wordlessly as the night wound on and Sango remained in seiza position on her knees, praying for her brother.

 

The kitsune patted Kirara's head and the two silently scampered away through the grass to the main home. Miroku brought a hand around Sango's shoulder, and merely offered her his strength as the hours went by. The fire burned out and Miroku let the ashes cool before Sango collected a sample into a glass jar and stoppered the lid. As one, they rose from their knees and made their way to the graves.

 

Miroku dug into the dirt near one mound, and patted the jar inside the hole. Sango covered the hole and the two regarded the new `grave' quietly. Miroku gently gave Sango his arm as they walked back to the main house of the village, letting her lean on him.

 

He was tired, but she had to be exhausted. This night had been for her. He would support her however she needed for her family's loss. Miroku knelt at the entrance of the broken down house and removed Sango's sandals. Kicking his own off, he led her through the front hallway, to a room near the back. He had made it up during the day as best he could, for it would be theirs. Shippou and Kirara were curled up asleep in a bedroom nearer the front entry-way, so they would be alone.

 

Miroku let Sango alone one moment to unfurl a futon across the tatami mats in their room. He turned to lay her down and let her rest, but Sango's arms twined around his neck and she kissed him fiercely. Miroku murmured in surprise but held her tightly to him, feeling her desperate passion ignite him. They kissed hungrily, hands moving over each other's clothing.

 

They had yet to be together fully after the rescue of Kagome weeks ago, needing time for their own bodies to heal, and to take care of other necessities in their life. Coming to her broken home was another task and they still had the process of rebuilding to accomplish. But now, they removed each other's clothing deep in a hastily remade room in Sango's family's home, the moonlight in the window their only light and their love the only warmth.

 

Miroku's robe was untied and pushed away to pool in a pile of darkened fabric at his feet. Sango's skirt was pulled away, her kimono opened. Scars and faded bruises covered their strong and lean bodies, but they paid them no mind, becoming reacquainted physically.

 

Miroku laid Sango down on the futon, joining her. Their bodies moved together in their easy rhythm, familiar despite the weeks of physical solitude. His hips settled between her spread thighs and her nails raked his back. One of his hands wound between them to stroke her belly, and cup a breast. Their lips sought each other out hungrily between gasped moans.

Sango's hands clutched the back of Miroku's neck, fingers scraping his scalp when he arched to fill her. They paused a few moments to worship the feeling of stretching and being stretched. Miroku raggedly gasped against Sango's neck. Her hands moved down his back and cupped his hips, pulling him to fill her deeper, her cries soft in the night.

 

Miroku held back, pumping firmly into his beloved. He held back his end for her quick finish, both not lasting long after being separated for so long. When her head tilted back and she moaned jaggedly, clenching him, he let himself go, joining her. Miroku kissed the underside of Sango's jaw, and her throat as she cradled him against her. The sweat on their skin began to chill them in the cool evening and Sango let her fiancée separate long enough to secure a blanket for their bed.

 

Miroku watched his Sango drift off to a fulfilling sleep, sure that rest would reach her now. He kissed her forehead, and her shoulder, laying closely at her side, arm securely wrapped over her waist.

 

This was a good start for their home.

 

* * * *

 

When Inuyasha and Kagome traveled through the well and made their way to Kaede's village, they were surprised yet delighted to hear of their friends going back to the exterminator village to live. They carefully traveled there with old Kaede, mindful of age for one miko, and pregnancy for the other.

 

When they arrived at the village, Kagome noticed the neat protective barrier surrounding the high walls.

 

“Miroku-san has not kept himself lax it appears,” Kaede chuckled, her eye taking it in as well. Inuyasha's ears stood straight up and he panted.

 

“Guess not! Hey! Miroku, Sango!” he called out on the other side of the wall, his arm around Kagome's waist.

 

Kirara flew up over the top of the wall, on the other side of the barrier and roared in response. She disappeared from sight and the barrier dropped instantly.

 

The front gate was pulled open slowly and Sango and Miroku stood in the entryway, waiting to greet them.

 

“Kagome! Inuyasha!” Shippou darted around their ankles and ran forward. Kagome knelt carefully and hugged him close.

 

“Oh, Shippou! How have things been going?” she asked. Shippou went on to tell her about the rebuilding they had started, and the projects they entailed.

 

“Inuyasha, Kagome-sama,” Miroku smiled, walking forward to clasp their hands in his perfectly formed right palm. “Welcome to our home.”

 

“It's taking awhile, but we'll have it as it was!” Sango added, face flushed in happiness. Kagome hugged her best friend and the two giggled together, sharing feminine gossip.

 

Miroku and Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at the other.

 

“These old bones need some rest before our events tonight. May I please sit down somewhere?” Kaede asked politely. Miroku nodded and lent her his arm as they walked into the gate, barrier sliding back into place with so much as a snap from his fingers.

 

Shippou and Inuyasha froze, staring back at the gate, then ran in a hurry to a more central area of the village. Kagome and Sango laughed, talking together excitedly.

 

* * * *

 

That night Miroku and Sango were married in the company of dear friends under the stars and beside roaring bonfires. Kaede and Kagome together read the rites appropriate while Inuyasha poured the sacramental sake. Miroku and Sango stood side by side, dressed in their best, faces beaming but disciplined as they pledged their lives to each other.

 

Afterwards, the sake was poured generously and the adults laughed and celebrated. Inuyasha roared in laughter when Shippou got a gulp and dazed out, falling on his side in shock at the overload of alcohol to his young system. Kirara merely sniffed at him and kept him company as the adults celebrated the new future together. Kagome herself did not touch the strong smelling sake and had water instead.

 

All too soon, the couples were bedded down for the night, Miroku and Sango righteously energized for the activities pursued there. Inuyasha had gotten drunk and Kagome could be heard loudly chastising him as he laughed at her expression. They eventually wound down, coming to some compromise and Kaede sat by the dying fires outside, petting Shippou's hair.

 

“It's all going to change, isn't it?” Shippou murmured sleepily. Kaede smiled kindly, her eye glinting in the near darkness.

 

“Aye, that it will, young one. But it will only be for the better,” she promised.

 

* * * *

 

Weeks later in the feudal era, Rin watched her Lord sit quietly in his gardens. She knew he could surely smell her even at this distance, but she enjoyed watching his apparent serenity.

 

Sesshomaru-sama had been hounded at four times with rebellion by lesser lords and he had won each fight each time. Rin shouldn't have worried each time an elegant scroll made its way to her lord's attention, for he had grown stronger from his fall.

 

There was something that bothered her still, even as her Lord assured her with his strength and his ability to keep his kingdom together under his hand. Moments late at night before retiring for bed when Sesshomaru-sama would watch his lands beyond his window, his face almost stretched taut in pain.

 

Rin knew she was getting too old to seek her Lord for comfort at night, bad dreams or not. She had just had her ninth human year, but to her lord, she would be getting too big for her usual habits. She still refused to acknowledge this, and followed her heart late at night when she knew her lord was hurting.

 

She would sneak into his room, push past his lax guards, and crawl into his wide bed as when he was injured, and lay close to his only arm. Never quite touching, but close enough to feel his breathing shake the low mattress beneath them. She would whisper to him sometimes, silly and unimportant things to ease his spirit and when she was brave, she would fall asleep clutching onto his claws.

 

Sesshomaru's chest rose and fell patiently, feeling his ward climb into his bed yet again. If he didn't stop this behavior soon, she would think it would be all right to get this close to her Lord and Master when she mooned and that could only be in a few short years. He didn't want to hurt her, or use and discard her. Sesshomaru could only admit to himself secretly, and only to himself, that she was dearer than a daughter. She was a miniature woman who adored him above anything on this earth. She may be half in love with him already.

 

But this Sesshomaru would not make that same mistake twice. Kagome Woman had never professed this level of loyalty Rin gave easily, but she had been marked for him. And she had seared his heart involuntarily that her body would not yield and submit to his mark.

 

A human would have said he had loved the woman Kagome. But for a youkai it was beyond a petty label. He desired, wished to possess, and fulfill her all of her days. Was this not loyalty from himself? Was this not what women wanted?

 

Rin shifted close to his side and murmured a sweet nothing, her childish giggle filling the chamber. Sesshomaru lay still, his rumbling vibrations shaking his chest and making her sigh as she drifted to sleep.

 

Why did this simple sharing of covers comfort him so? He would have to travel and reflect on this.

 

The next morning at the breakfast table, Sesshomaru brooched his traveling plans.

 

“I will be securing the areas of the Western Lands, Myoga. You are in charge til this Sesshomaru returns.” The Inu Lord stated. Myoga bowed low on the table.

 

“Of course, my lord! Enjoy your excursion,” Myoga demurred.

 

Rin watched her lord, holding her breath. At her side, Jaken clenched his head staff, daring not ask, but hoping as hard as Rin he was also coming.

 

Sesshomaru stood in all of his finery and turned to his retainer and ward.

 

“Jaken. Prepare Ahn and Uhn. You and Rin will ride him,” he commanded. Rin's face split in a wide smile and Jaken jumped.

 

“Yes, Sesshomaru-sama! It shall be done! Rin! Rin, you get ready, we'll be leaving soon!” Jaken squawked. Rin bobbed up and bowed to her lord.

 

“Yes, Sesshomaru-sama! Okay, Jaken-sama, let's go!”

 

Sesshomaru's mind smiled as his two constant companions scampered off to do his bidding. Father once asked if he had anyone to protect. Him? This Sesshomaru? A foolish thought.

 

End for now

So sorry to wait a few days. I was working on my Fushigi Yuugi inspired mode yesterday to plug out another chapter to my Nakago reincarnatin fic, and a Houki oneshot. I have neglected my Nakago fic almost a month for you guys!

I'm sorry if the wedding scene seemed rushed, but my head was killing me and I wanted to post before I went to bed. Must rest myself after all.

Hope you enjoy what we have left. I want to do a sequel to Intended Mate, but it's not over yet.

 

Sincerely yours penpaninu 10/09/05