InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Of Gods and Monsters ❯ Chapter 10: Marked and Revealed ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimer in Chapter One

Thanks to Merith for the beta and Everstar for the brainstorming. You ladies are fantastic!

Chapter 10: Marked and Revealed

Pele folded her arms and regarded her sister sternly. "You should not be spying on them. They said their goodbyes. Now it is time for them to leave."

Hi'iaka looked up at her sister and pouted. "I quite liked their company. I do not understand why they must leave. Were we not good hostesses? Did we not give them all that they required during their stay?"

The taller goddess arched an eyebrow at Hi'iaka. "I think they already had all that they required," she mused.

Violet eyes blinked. "Then why leave at all?"

Following her sister's gaze with a thoughtful expression on her face, Pele chose her words carefully. "I think," she began, "it is because that is the sweetness of a visit. If you leave before a place becomes common, you are keen to return. Perhaps they desire to return someday."

Sighing, Hi'iaka watched the two on the beach. "I hope they do."

"As do I, sister."

***

Teles sighed deeply. "I do not wish to leave, Sesshoumaru."

"Be that as it may, we must." In truth, the youkai lord was not looking forward to leaving the lush islands. The four days they had spent there had been peaceful, but Sesshoumaru could not in good conscience stay away from his charge any longer. He shot her a wry look. "And I am not leaving without you."

The goddess smiled at that. "I did not expect that you would. Besides," she added, a knowing look in her eye, "I do not believe these islands would be as... interesting if you were not here to share them with me." She touched him briefly on the cheek and shivered slightly when she felt one claw drag slowly along the line of her jaw.

"I assure you," he said with a low growl before claiming her lips in a kiss, "they would not be."

***

"I have had enough of this insolence!" The goddess Hera was finally alone in her chambers after having been approached by the council of gods appealing to her for Teles' reinstatement. Those ungrateful bastards. I rid our sanctuary of a viper and they desire she be allowed to return? "Poseidon... I understand his stake in this. But the rest of them... it is inexcusable! How dare they side with that whore?"

Hera had no intention of ever allowing the unscrupulous strumpet back into Olympus, regardless of who attempted to intervene on her behalf. Even if she hadn't lain with Zeus, it would have only been a matter of time before she had. Allowing Teles back to Olympus was only borrowing trouble.

I will not allow a minor goddess to insinuate herself between my husband and I. It does not matter to me how many gods Poseidon has managed to coerce into appealing to me, it will not change that fact. Do they all believe that I will lift the banishment simply because they asked me?

Slim arms folded across her chest as she stood at an open window, glowering. "She cannot return. I forbid it."

Now it was only a matter of stating her intentions to the rest of the gods of Olympus.

Turning suddenly, Hera opened another door leading to an antechamber. Inside, there stood a marble pedestal on top of which was a font. The water from the sacred river Alph shimmered in the chamber's dim light, the surface as still as glass. The font provided Hera with the means to watch over any of the minor gods, goddesses, or demi-gods. The Fates had bestowed Hera with this gift so that she might keep watch over the maidens Zeus had often fawned over, but Zeus had found out about her attempts and had cursed the font so that Hera could no longer spy on mortals.

The goddess leaned over the font and, resting her chin delicately on the palm of her hand, gazed into the water, chanting softly as she called out for Teles' aura. Once the aura had been located, the water rippled, a hazy picture starting to form. The younger goddess soon appeared before Hera, radiating both light and happiness. The blonde goddess glowered.

Her punishment clearly has not been harsh enough if she can smile so easily.

Hera then saw something that gave her pause. She watched as the goddess reached up to touch a creature on the cheek. Hera could not tell right away what manner of creature this was; she could only tell that he was not a god. Are the mortals that live on Ryujin's island so different from --

Two dark blonde eyebrows twitched together as an elegant clawed hand traced a line along Teles' jaw, coming to rest at her chin. Hera looked again at the being and noted the shimmering silver hair and the unusual facial markings. Perhaps he is a courtier of Lord Ryujin's...

At that moment, the creature said something to Teles, touching her face as he did so. It was in this moment that Hera saw the gleaming white fangs. She watched in silence as the creature claimed Teles' mouth in an intimate kiss. She gazed at the hazy image, reaching out to feel the life force within this strange being.

When she finally felt it, she started as if doused with cold water. Her concentration was shattered; the water went still, the picture disappearing.

"A demon?" she breathed. Has she really lowered herself to that? Perhaps her exile has proven trying on her after all.

Or, perhaps she is just an unprincipled whore.

"Still, very interesting," Hera murmured under her breath. As incriminating as this evidence was, she needed more. All the appeals in creation would not aid a goddess who had lain with a demon. Hera required that proof.

And the goddess knew exactly to whom she had to go to get that information.

***

After traveling for half the day, Sesshoumaru and Teles landed gently at the mouth of the den. The goddess glanced up at the youkai before looking back at the den. A puzzled expression on her face, she regarded the demon lord again.

"Is there a problem?"

"I do not understand, Sesshoumaru. Had you anticipated that I would reside here with you?" She kept her features schooled in a neutral expression, but mischief sparked in the green eyes.

He looked at her for a full minute before responding. "Well, we most certainly cannot reside in your cavern. For one thing, I am not allowed in under... normal circumstances. For another, it would be quite unsafe for a human child like Rin to live there. And, finally, I do not favor damp conditions."

Teles nodded, a wicked grin lighting her lips. "And I am not fond of the scent of wet dog. It is settled then."

The youkai opened his mouth to respond, but any words he might have spoken were cut off by a high-pitched voice.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!!"

Teles watched in unguarded amusement as the human child named Rin came running out of the den and hurled herself at one of Sesshoumaru's legs, wrapping her tiny arms around him tightly as if she'd never let go.

Sesshoumaru looked down at the child, his eyes belying his affection for the child, even if he was faintly embarrassed at such a display. "Rin, it is quite all right. I have returned. I will not be leaving again." He placed a hand on her head and slowly ran his fingers through her hair.

She looked up at him. "You found it? The thing you lost?"

The demon lord stopped and looked over at Teles, who was watching her expression belying her interest in the conversation. It suddenly occurred to him that he had not planned this far in advance. A part of him simply hadn't expected to find Teles at all; part of him thought that she might have come back on her own.

Teles cleared her throat. "I believe I am the 'thing' you are referring to, little one."

Rin looked up at the goddess, noticing her for the first time. Her eyes widened and she looked back at Sesshoumaru. "You lost a whole person?"

Pressing her lips together to keep a chuckle at bay, Teles lowered herself to her knees so that she was at the same level as Rin. "It was not so much that your Sesshoumaru-sama had lost me, but rather that I was... hiding."

Two dark eyes blinked. "But why were you hiding?"

"Why indeed," Sesshoumaru muttered.

Teles ignored the youkai. "I only needed a little peace so that I might think about a few things. But, your Sesshoumaru-sama indeed found me, and convinced me to return with him."

"So he won't be leaving again?" Rin asked, joy and relief in her eyes.

Teles shook her head. "Not without excellent reason. I am sure of it."

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat and turned his attention back to the child still wrapped around his leg. "Rin, Teles will be residing here in the den, with us." He paused for a moment. "She is my mate."

Rin nodded seriously, as if she understood every word. Then, "Sesshoumaru-sama, what is a mate?"

Sesshoumaru and Teles exchanged a brief glance. "Perhaps, my little friend," the goddess said, her tone betraying none of her mirth, "your Sesshoumaru-sama will explain it to you when you're a bit older."

I think not. "Hn. Perhaps you will," the youkai said, his voice low.

***

Hera stormed out of the antechamber and down a series of gleaming white corridors until she came to one of the salons, still bustling with major and minor gods and goddesses. She glared at the milling group, and only some of them met her livid gaze. She skirted around the crowd, her target in sight. Suddenly, a tall, willowy body was standing in front of her.

Hera blinked and nodded a cool greeting. "Aphrodite."

A dusky red eyebrow lifted only a fraction of an inch. "Hera, whatever it is you're planning to do, I suggest you reconsider."

The blonde goddess smiled guilelessly. "I've no idea what you're talking about, sister goddess."

"I think you do," the redhead replied. "She is banished. Her punishment is enough; do not add to it."

"You have no idea what she's been doing," Hera hissed.

"Do not be so sure of that. You are not the only one who can watch over others."

"I sincerely hope you don't mean to tell me that you approve of what an Olympian does to dishonor--"

The goddess of love silenced Hera with a glare. Fool. "Whether I approve of it or not is irrelevant. You have punished her once for an offense she did not commit. You will so quickly punish her again for another offense? Once is enough, Hera. Do not augment the punishment."

Folding her slender arms, Hera regarded Aphrodite with an imperial glare. "I suppose you intend to tell me that hers is an untainted love and should be allowed to flourish." She snorted, an indelicate sound. "Taking the side of 'true love,'" the goddess sneered. "How noble. How typical."

Aphrodite felt a surge of anger before clamping down on it and letting it wash away. "Do not behave like an imbecile, Hera. My taking the side of affection has nothing to do with my opinion. I am not siding with love, I am siding with my daughter."

Hera stared for a moment before recovering herself. "You expect me to believe such an absurdity? Teles was born of one of Poseidon's pearls."

The other goddess merely shook her head. "Why Hera, I am surprised that you did not consult the waters of the Fates after Teles was born. You would have already known."

"That is ridiculous," Hera hissed. "I cannot believe such a falsehood. You and Poseidon could not have--"

"Oh?" Aphrodite idly twirled a lock of thick red hair around her index finger. "I am curious, Hera... How is it that you can be so sure? Poseidon raised her. She is his daughter, but I am her mother. Of that I am quite certain."

Cold blue eyes narrowed and focused on Aphrodite's gray ones. "Then she is a slut, like her mother." Hera shoved past Aphrodite and strode angrily towards the salon's southernmost wall. There she spied her brother and his wife.

Aphrodite watched Hera's form disappear into the crowd of gods and goddesses, narrowing her eyes. This is not over, goddess.

"Sister," Hades purred as Hera approached him. "I'm quite surprised to see you return after such an... impressive exit." He smiled at her, a flash of horrible white teeth, as his arm tightened around Persephone.

"The Fates, Hades. I must see them. It is a matter of utmost importance," Hera said, clenching her teeth.

Hades appeared to consider Hera's words. "The Fates come and go as they please, my sister. They spend much time in my kingdom, but I cannot keep them there."

"Then where are they?" she snarled.

"Summon them for yourself and find out," he replied, leading Persephone away.

Hera glowered, her rage increasing tenfold. Had the ENTIRE pantheon turned against her? She turned, intent upon searching out the Fates. The ritual was one that took time, but it was well worth it. They would be able to tell her everything she needed to know.

***

"M-my lord!" Jaken stammered, staring at Sesshoumaru in shock. "You're... mated?"

"That is correct, Jaken. Be advised that you are expected to show my mate the same respect you show me."

The toad youkai blinked, his jaw hanging open. "B-but when?"

Sesshoumaru was silent for a moment. "The details are none of your concern. If Teles--"

"That is an odd name."

The demon lord narrowed his eyes at the interruption as well as the comment. "If she requires anything of you, I expect you to assist her without question. Am I understood?"

Jaken nodded slowly. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama. Of course." Inside, though, he was simmering in resentment. Just what I need, another one bossing me around. It was bad enough when he brought the human child in, and now he's...

The dog youkai turned and nodded at someone beyond the doorway, interrupting Jaken's thoughts. He watched in disbelief as something resembling a human woman walked into the room. She was unusual looking, and dressed in garb that looked nothing like what a female of any status would wear. A foreigner? The master mated with a foreigner?

"Teles," Sesshoumaru said, "this is my vassal, Jaken. If there is anything you require, please do not hesitate to ask him. He will be only too happy to be of assistance."

Swallowing against the bitter taste that had coated his mouth, Jaken offered his master's mate a deep bow. "My lady, it will be a pleasure."

***

"He quite hates me, doesn't he?" Teles rolled on her side and looked at Sesshoumaru in the dim lantern light. He had left earlier to patrol the lands and had only just returned to find Teles curled up on the futon, reading. He stood before her, removing his outer kimono and setting it aside.

"Whether he likes you or not is immaterial. You are my mate, and he will treat you as such," he said, loosening his inner kimono.

A faint smile curled her lips as she watched him disrobe for bed. "I suppose it is a good thing that I am quite used to people disliking me, wouldn't you say?"

"Indeed." He leaned down to run a hand along her leg, watching her heatedly. "I myself can barely tolerate your presence."

Enjoying the contact, Teles sat up and grabbed his hand, pulling him down to the bedding. "I assure you," she murmured, pressing her forehead against the solid flesh of his shoulder, "the feeling is mutual."

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, allowing himself to revel in the simple contact. In the days since he'd found her, he had been unable to get enough of her touch. While on the island, they had done little else but lay together, exploring each other. Now, having the object of his search here with him, her flesh warming his bed, her scent mingling with his...

Hissing slightly as teeth far less sharp than his bit gently at his neck, Sesshoumaru let his hands roam the goddess' back, unfastening the clasp at her shoulder and letting the sheath fall, pooling at her waist.

'... I would throw you to the ground and mark you as mine until neither you, your father, or any other of those gods doubted where you belonged...'

"I believe we have some business left unfinished, my mate."

Teles met the intense golden gaze and bit her lip, shivering. "Oh?" She felt his hands on her shoulders, easing her back onto the bedding. "I thought we had started and finished this manner of business many times already."

"I am afraid you are mistaken." He crawled over the goddess, straddling her. The demon lord could not ignore the way her skin seemed to glow with the gentle amber of the flickering lantern, nor could he ignore the way her heartbeat quickened when he was near. The strong tattoo was nearly deafening right now.

"No," she murmured, her breath hitching as he settled on top of her. "No, I'm fairly sure this is not unfinished business."

"On the contrary..." Sesshoumaru brought his hand to the swell of her left breast. His smile grew as he watched her eyes widen - her heartbeat had grown faster and his senses were flooded with the scent of her arousal. With one gently curved claw, Sesshoumaru slowly drew his mark along the smooth planes of her skin. Blood slowly beaded up along the lines, glimmering at him in the flickering light. With one fang he bit deeply into his tongue before bringing his mouth to the mark, tasting her blood while his own mingled with it. Her cry sent lust and desire shooting through his veins, and he suckled harder. When he had pulled away, a small blue crescent moon marked the otherwise creamy flesh.

Panting, Teles glanced down to see what he had done. When she looked up and met his eyes, she saw that his pupils were dilated slightly. He was watching her carefully, his own breathing having grown ragged as well. She licked her lips before pulling him down, crushing his mouth to hers in a heated kiss. She let her lips play against his before dropping a trail of soft, biting kisses up to his ear.

"Now there is no mistake where I belong."

***

"You're lying." Poseidon, ruler of the Grecian waters could not - would not believe his ears. He stood at an open window, surveying all of Olympus spread out before him. He was so used to his waters that things here oftentimes seemed too bright for his eyes.

The queen of the gods watched as Poseidon began to pace the salon restlessly. Hera relaxed against the soft divan and, pursing her lips sympathetically, shook her head. "On my word, brother, I am not. The news pains me more than you can possibly imagine. I wanted nothing more than to reinstate Teles, but I fear that this creature she has joined with is--"

Poseidon whirled, his green eyes flashing with anger. "My daughter would not mate with a demon!" he interrupted, his voice growing louder. "She is a woman of sense. She knows what would happen if she were... if she were to..." He closed his eyes, unable to continue. "You are mistaken."

Watching the sea god's reaction, Hera kept her features expressionless, refusing to give in to the smug superiority that was threatening to overwhelm her. "It is possible that I am mistaken, Poseidon. But you must keep in mind that Teles' banishment has probably been very trying for her. It was only a matter of time before she sought out companionship."

Poseidon was bereft. He shook his head slowly. "She would have done no such thing. She knew about the council. She knew my plans. Teles would never have thrown away such a chance. There was nothing she desired more than to return to Olympus." Had she been so soiled when I saw her last? How long has she been lying to me?

Hera nodded. Poseidon's reaction was not a surprise to her - she had suspected that the god had no idea of his daughter's dalliances. "I have already summoned the Fates. They should arrive by the end of the month."

"That is too long, Hera. It would be wiser to allow me to speak with my daughter. I am sure that I can have the matter cleared up."

"Poseidon, I am in complete agreement with you - to wait for the Fates will take some time, but they are unbiased observers. If you were to speak with Teles yourself, you may lose some of your objectivity." The goddess paused, debating whether to ask Poseidon about Aphrodite. She thought better of it. "Besides, if she is innocent of this crime, another month should not make a difference to an immortal who has already been banished for a century and a half."

Tormented green eyes settled on the goddess. "Yes, but what if she is not?"