InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lemonade, Too ❯ Little Trapezoid on the Prairie ( Chapter 5 )
Lemonade, Too
By Fujifunmum
Chapter 5: Little Trapezoid on the Prairie
As the limo came to a halt before the intricately carved and massive iron gates separating Shesshoumaru from his adoring public, Yash took Kagome possessively into his arms.
"Listen to me, Kagome. This is a very dangerous place and time. The Asshole is a powerful Youkai and would like nothing better than to either cause me trouble or kill me. As my mate, he could use anything you do or say against me. Do you understand?"
Kagome listened to Yash's words with trepidation. She was more troubled by the rapid beating of his heart as he clutched her to his chest than the actual words of warning. She was used to her mate being supremely overconfident. Any warning was enough to raise her hackles, let alone one of this magnitude.
"You're in danger? And me?" Panic entered Kagome's voice and scent as she continued, "And what about the baby? Yash, your brother wouldn't harm the baby, could he?"
"I won't let anything happen to you or my pups, Kagome. I don't know what that Asshole is planning, but it has to be more than a gift. He's never given me anything but wounds, anger, pain and abiding grief. You must be on your guard with him at all times." He paused, looking deeply into her eyes. "Don't say anything to him. You've already met him, so there's no need for even the most inconsequential greeting. The Marking requires your submission; so be submissive. Not a word. Not a sound. Nothing. Do only what I tell you. Period."
Kagome's eyes widened in concern, "Yash, there's no way I can …"
Yash emitted a sharp sound from deep in his throat. It barely registered in the upper levels of her hearing, but she felt it in her heart, in her soul. It commanded her to obedience. Kagome's mind and feelings rebelled at such a domineering idea. She could no more submit to it than she could stop breathing. She felt her Miko powers rise, her aura extending to flow around her person, protecting and encasing her in the pure power that was her birthright. She felt the sudden heat of the Shikon Jewel warming on her skin. It was glowing, responding to her reaction. The power radiating off the Jewel was as threatening as Yash's command.
"Kagome! Calm yourself! If you use your Miko powers augmented by the Jewel here, you could purify every demon in the compound, including the pups and me. Is that what you want?"
Tears streaked down her cheeks as she clutched the Jewel in one hand and raised questioning eyes to Yash. "I don't understand what's happening. The Jewel has never done this before and I've never felt this wash of power, either. Let's leave, Yash. I don't like this feeling."
Yash watched Kagome carefully. He knew he should have done more to prepare her, but Kagome was resistant to the magical nature of her Miko powers and his Youkai heritage. She even discounted Miroku's ofuda. Only the gradual coaxing of Kaede had been able to bring her to any comfort level with her own gifts. She had yet to acknowledge that others were a threat to her. She was still clinging to the idea that she was a normal career woman in the modern world. Her logical relentless pursuit and capture of criminals in her work gave her the grounding she needed to believe that the world was a logical rational place.
There were laws. Criminals broke them. She caught them and they paid their dues. That was why she was drawn to her law enforcement work in the first place. It made sense of a chaotic world and gave her easy compartments to fill. Even Yash, as a private investigator, had his place in that world, as an assistant to the greater good. He helped her solve crimes, united families, found the lost, identified and captured the evil.
But not here, in Inu Youkai Central. Here, the Youkai magic was unleashed, and her own power was surging in response. Yash sighed. He had mated her and impregnated her. He wanted to mark her, but if she wasn't ready, it would have to wait.
"Kagome, if you want to leave, we'll leave."
Kagome's head snapped around to attention in a way no bark could have commanded. There was an edge on Yash's voice that she had never heard; one she never wanted to hear. With her aura so active and the Jewel was feeding the surrounding stimulation to her like an antennae, she heard the resignation and disappointment in his voice as clearly as if he had stated it. It was obvious that he would leave if she asked, but what would it cost him? And them?
"Why do you want to mark me, Yash?" Kagome asked her simple question in the softest and most accepting voice she could muster. It brought Yash's golden eyes to her in response. He could no more avoid the real question she posed than she had been able to avoid it in her 'Uncle' Frank's office. She was asking for a declaration of feelings.
He took a deep breath, placed a gentle hand on her chin and responded. "Our souls, Kagome. Our souls belong together. You've always had my protection. You've captured my heart. But our souls cannot be bound without the Marking, the mixture of our auras. It's not logical. It's not practical. It's not anything that can be explained rationally, and it could be very dangerous to all of us." He paused, allowing the effect of his words to sink in. "It requires your complete trust and obedience. Do you trust me, Kagome?" His heart clenched at the possibility that she couldn't give him her complete trust. Red flecks appeared in his eyes, and the hand holding her chin tightened very slightly as he waited for her response.
Kagome's heart pounded in her chest at the depth of feeling her hanyou was allowing her to see. It was more revealing than she could have imagined, and called to her own feelings to respond in kind. This was her choice. He would never leave her, she knew, but if she wanted the relationship her heart cried out for, she must make the right choice now.
"Yes," she breathed, barely audible, and closed her eyes with the weight of it. Her aura sparked and the Jewel cooled where it rested at her throat. Yash clasped her to him and whispered in her ear.
"Then trust me. You must be silent. You must submit or the Marking could kill us both."
She nodded, trusting Yash to protect her, and hoping she could keep her feisty spirit in check. Then she had time to really panic. Just what was it that made this Marking so dangerous? And there was something else lurking in the back of her mind, something else about what Yash had said that was troubling her. But she couldn't put her finger on it right now, her emotions were too raw, too jagged for her to think it through. She was about to ask him, when the door to the limo opened and there was no more time for discussion. Yash got out immediately, extending his hand to help her out and steady her beside him.
He wrapped his arm around her and whispered in her ear. "Rin is here to meet us. You can trust her. You can talk to her. Go with Rin, I'll see you soon enough."
Kagome gave her hostess a very weak smile as Yash introduced them and Rin lead her away into the modernistic trapezoidal structure Yash's brother called home. Rin had smiled sweetly to welcome Yash and Kagome to her home. She was a beautiful woman, dark-haired and of an indeterminate age. She looked to be approaching thirty, but could just as easily have been twenty-five. Kagome had no idea how old the Artist was, his age was as shrouded in mystery as his private life. Until Yash had told her, she hadn't known he was married. As a big fan of the Artist, she had realized that he cultivated the mystery surrounding his life outside the spotlight, but she hadn't been aware of how successful he was at it. That alone increased her respect for her dangerous soon-to-be relative.
It was nearly impossible to escape the paparazzi and the music media in this MTV age. Somehow, the Artist had escaped the high profile "Behind the Music" style intrusive examination as well as avoiding the "Story Tellers" type of show that would require him to reveal something about his inspiration, his talent, and his life. No "crib" tours of this architecturally stark structure, no visits to Carson Daly and only showcased ground-breaking performances on awards shows - no acceptance speeches, just a short thank you to his band, singers, dancers and fans when called upon. Yet his innovative videos were in high demand and in excellent rotation after the release of his avante guarde cd's, and his tours were always sold out. The Artist was well aware of where his profits were.
Now his lovely mate Rin was giving Kagome a very brief tour of their expansive home. It was furnished in ultra modern style with touches of deco giving it an eclectic feeling. Room after room contained art so astounding that even Kagome recognized some of the modern canvases that dominated the walls. The rooms looked and felt more like a museum than a home with the chairs placed for appreciation of the art, not conversation. The décor was beautiful, but not comfortable. Suddenly, Rin slid open a concealed door. As they stepped over the threshhold, they entered what had to be the couple's private quarters. The décor changed dramatically. Now the feeling was purely oriental. Spare furnishings, shoji screens, polished floors, highly polished woods and very few objects. The few objects that were in evidence were stark vases and several austere flower arrangements that were striking in their sparseness and beauty.
When Kagome commented on the attractive arrangements, Rin looked extremely pleased and shyly admitted they were her handiwork. She and Kagome spoke very little as they passed through the exquisite and large home. Kagome was reticent to ask too many questions of her hostess until they had had a chance to speak more privately and she could see whether Rin was friend or foe.
At last, the tour ended as Rin showed Kagome into a courtyard towards the back of the compound. It was totally enclosed and appeared to be one of the most private places within the confines of the property. It was also very beautiful. Water features were prominent and bamboo and tall grasses whispered in the gentle breeze. Hanging mobiles of small bells and colored glass motifs added their voices to the gentle music of the falling waters in the simple fountains of weighted bamboo structures. The beauty and quiet solace of the area took Kagome's breath away and calmed her ragged nerves.
"Ah, you feel it, too. This is my favorite place in our home. My mate loves it, as well. It has a calming effect on his Youkai nature and reminds both of us of another time, another place. We have been very happy here, in this most unlikely place."
"How long have you lived here?"
"Oh, not very long at all, only about five or six years. But we have been able to craft an alcove of peace and quiet to cherish here, have we not?"
"Oh yes. It is very beautiful. Your entire home is most impressive. Thank you for giving me a tour."
"I merely brought us the most direct way to the family quarters. After tonight, you will be family. Our rooms open on this courtyard from the west side. The quarters we are offering you and Yash for the Marking open from the east. They are completely private and none of the staff is permitted to come into this part of the house. I care for it completely myself, so I can guarantee that you will not be disturbed."
"Can you tell me about the Marking, Rin? I really don't know anything about it."
Rin watched Kagome's wide and concerned eyes as she considered her response. "The Marking is a very private matter between the mates, but I can assure you that every precaution has been arranged."
"Precaution?"
"Yes. My mate has been a very successful entrepreneur in web-based marketing of a variety of products that he has developed for Youkai. He developed a bath oil of special use for Youkai wishing to mark their human mates without harm." Rin blushed and ducked her head. "He developed it just prior to our mating in an effort to enhance my safety. It was a most welcome and thoughtful gift. He has perfected the processing in the years we have been mated and I have prepared a bath for you that will protect you as much as possible from the potential harm or side effects of Marking by a Youkai."
"Can you tell me what those risks are? Yash was rather non-specific in his descriptions to me on the way here from the concert. I did not realize that there was such a thing as a 'Marking' until your mate raised the issue with Yash." Kagome's voice clearly displayed her worries, and she unconsciously wrapped her arms around her stomach.
"All that can be done to minimize any ill effects will be done. That is all I can say for certain. That, and to assure you the smallest and most precious member of our family will not be hurt in any way." Rin smiled and rubbed Kagome's arm lightly in an effort to reassure her. Then she took Kagome's arm in hers and began to lead her towards the suite on the eastern side of the courtyard. "Come with me. Your bath is drawn and I will show you your quarters and your clothing. My mate requested that we accommodate any possible need you might have for the Approval and the Marking. I do hope you like my selections on your behalf."
Kagome followed Rin's gentle lead and returned her sweet smile with one of her own.
"Do you have any children? Do Yash and I have nieces and nephews to spoil?"
Rin's smile and manner faltered just slightly. "Unfortunately, my mate and I have not been so fortunate as to add to our family. I was most pleased to hear that you and my brother-in-law are expanding the family very soon. It is I who will be pleased to spoil your pups."
Kagome sensed Rin's underlying sadness and was uncertain how to continue the conversation without causing her more pain. Fortunately, they had reached their guest quarters and Rin was showing her to the clothing she had provided.
"A kimono?"
"Yes, it is traditional for the family Approval. I will come back to help you dress later. Here, let me show you to your bath. I am afraid we do not have much time before my mate is expected."
Rin showed her into the sumptuous spa and particularly pointed out the shampoo, soaps and oils that were provided for her. Kagome could not help inquiring about the idea of a rock star developing a line of personal care products. Rin was not at all surprised at the question, she merely laughed and responded, "Yash is now a private detective in Los Angeles, correct?"
"Yes."
"And how long has he been working at it?"
"I'm not sure, but I think about eight years. It took him a while to build his business into the success it is now."
"Yes, I believe he is very successful at it which will be important soon, but this business is just his latest career choice. Just as my mate's current successful career is only his latest choice. Before he became fascinated by popular music and videos, he had been interested in cosmetics and the chemistry of perfumes. He began to do more personal experiments when he decided we would become mates. It was actually quite challenging for him, and it was an exacting science, as well. He began by distilling the poison emitted by his own claws. It yielded the essence of Youkai that he used as the basis for all of his products for Youkai. Perhaps you have visited Youkai.com?"
Kagome had just uncapped the shampoo Rin had given her and was sniffing it's delightful fragrance when she stopped mid sniff. "He used his own poison?" She placed the shampoo back on the counter very quickly. "Are you sure this stuff is safe for me to use? It smells wonderful, but distilled poison?"
Rin giggled. "Oh yes. It's quite safe." She blushed again. "And I've given you the special brand Fluffy makes for me. It's scent is quite appealing to dog demons, I assure you."
"Fluffy?"
"Oh! Please forgive me such a silly nickname for my mate. He dislikes it, but sometimes I just believe that it suits him. A mate's prerogative, ne?" Rin gave Kagome her brightest smile and a quick hug. "There are many advantages to being mated to an Inu Youkai, Kagome. Welcome to the family. I will be back to help you dress soon. Your mate will want to conclude the Approval as soon as possible, I'm sure."
Rin left and Kagome found she was pleased to be out of her traveling clothes after a very long day. They had driven to Milwaukee, flown to Minneapolis and then attended the Artist's concert. Now she was faced with the family Approval process, whatever that meant for Inu Youkai, and the Marking itself. She was tired. The luxury of an inviting spa was most welcome indeed. The Jacuzzi tub was almost as large as a hot tub, and bubbled with jets of water and lightly scented bubble bath. Kagome stepped in and let the warmth of the water ease her tiredness and her anxiety about what was to come.
She soaked in the unexpected luxury and rested for as long as she dared. Then she tentatively used the "poison" shampoo her almost brother-in-law had developed and was pleased that it was just like regular shampoo, except for the distinctive and pleasant scent. She was not as lucky with the soap, however. It was unusual for her to have an allergic reaction, but not unheard of. Unfortunately, the special "poison" soap did not agree with her skin at all. She quickly washed it off and was distressed at the redness it caused. She ran cool water over the irritated skin, thankful that she had only used it on her hands and arms. After a few minutes of rinsing in the spa's shower, the redness eased and was totally gone by the time she toweled off.
Rin met her in the outer sitting room, dressed in a very beautiful pink kimono with a bright fuchsia obi. Her hair had been swept up and decorated with combs and elaborately beaded and fringed hair sticks. She looked extremely delicate and beautiful. Kagome slipped into the nearly transparent silk camisole and tied the matching wrapped long slip around her still slender waist. Rin helped her into the white under kimono of the sheerest opaque silk Kagome had ever seen, tying it closed with a narrow silken cord. Then Rin assisted her into the white outer kimono of heavier weave that was embroidered with white on white motifs of stylized great white dogs. It was a subtle and beautiful effect, one clearly intended only for Yash's family. The obi was also white, but bore a crest pattern of oriental characters, again woven of white on white. Rin told her they were the Kanji for Inu Yasha's name as she wound the long length around her, tying an elaborate bow and adding a heavier white silken cord as the finishing piece. The overall effect of the kimono was understated and elegant. Then Rin brought in a very long over kimono in bright red heavy silk with ornate gold decoration. The sleeves fell nearly to the floor. Kagome hoped she wasn't expected to eat anything in such a garment. Even the lining of the exorbitant coat was ornate. A white silk printed with both the Kanji and the stylized dog motifs rendered in gold with added embroidered accents.
"How could you put such a fabulous set of clothing together for me on such short notice, Rin? They are very beautiful and fit as if they were made for me."
"You have been long awaited, Kagome. The white kimonos belonged to Yash's mother. The red coat was made for Inu Yasha's mate. We knew he would eventually find you." Rin answered with a smile. But she would not elaborate when Kagome questioned her about her mysterious words. While she was arranging Kagome's hair on top of her head, securing it with pearled combs and golden clasps, she inquired, "How did you like the oils and soaps, were they acceptable?"
Kagome hesitated; uncertain whether she should let Rin know about her allergic reaction. It was over now, and she did not wish to seem ungrateful after all that Rin was doing to help her, make her feel comfortable, and welcome her to the family. Rin noticed the hesitation and quickly added, "Kagome, please tell me if there was anything out of the ordinary that you noticed about the soaps and oils. This is not a casual question, it could be important for your safety, and Yash's, too."
"I don't wish to appear to be complaining, but I did have a slight allergic reaction to the soap. Fortunately, I had only used a slight bit of it and the rash subsided quickly. I occasionally have adverse reactions to new skin care products. I didn't have any reactions to the bath oil or the shampoo. Is that a problem?" Kagome watched Rin's reflection in the mirror as she finished arranging her hair. She paled a bit and appeared to consider the question, and then she responded, "Nothing to be overly concerned about, I'm sure. I will mention it to Inu Yasha. I'm sure he will be able to take appropriate additional precautions."
Rin's face composed into one of her sweet smiles and she moved towards the door of the suite. It was clear to Kagome that she would have no more to say on the matter.
"Our mates are waiting, and none too patiently, I'm sure. Patience is not part of Inu Youkai DNA, is it?" And with no further comment, Rin led Kagome off to meet with their mates.