InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Marriage ( Chapter 7 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Kagome stepped out of the women's bathing area after a short soak and entered the changing room. She was in the small bathhouse attached to the inn nearest the Shiga Shrine. Lady Tokuhoshi had just returned with some new clothes.

“I'm sorry, dear,” Lady Tokuhoshi said. “I just couldn't get much with no notice. I bought the prettiest kimono I could find and another, heavier one to change into for traveling. I'm sure it's not the wedding finery of your dreams.”

“Thank you and don't worry, Lady Tokuhoshi. I abandoned my fantasies of a storybook wedding years ago.”

“How was your bath?”

“Short, but without the layer of road dust I'd acquired, I do feel much better. I'm afraid I can't reimburse you for the clothing. I haven't any money.”

“Kagome, it is the least I can do. Besides, the spectacle of Miyamoto looking positively apoplectic today was payment tenfold. I've been justifying myself to that stuffed shirt for twenty years. I consider him a trusted friend, but I must confess it was satisfying to see him so enraged.” She helped Kagome change into the new clothes as they chatted.

“Lady Tokuhoshi, why are you allowed a Council seat?” Kagome was curious. “I know of no other women to hold such a position.”

The older woman nodded. “Thirty five years ago my husband spent a period of time as a Youkai hostage. The Council needed to take care of some crisis, I can't even recall the exact nature, but because of heavy fighting on several fronts, the Council had problems seating enough members to reach a quorum. They let me sit to vote in my husband's place. After he passed away, our eldest son had not yet reached the age of majority, so they let me vote in his stead. Then Heiyanaka...” Lady Tokuhoshi seemed faraway. “I'm sure you learned about the siege in your history lessons. It was unbelievable. We ate mice. We ate insects. But because that settlement held through winter, denying the Youkai a foothold at the base of the mountains, spring came, the snow in the pass melted, and our army poured through, driving back the Youkai. All my sons but my youngest perished that winter. I was allowed to sit for him on the Council, as he was yet a minor. He died shortly before his eighteenth birthday, and I refused to give up the seat. There has always been a Tokuhoshi Head of Household on the Council of Great Families, and I was going to be damned to be the one to lose it. It isn't easy being a woman, Kagome; we have few opportunities. I can see why the difficult life of a miko appeals to some. The ability to control one's own destiny is something men take for granted.”

Kagome laughed sardonically; she couldn't agree more. She became thoughtful and asked, “Lady Tokuhoshi, how did you vote?”

Lady Tokuhoshi knew to what she was referring. “I'll not lie, child. I voted for it. Kagome, I know it's hard to hear, as so much of this burdens you, but a chance at peace...the chance must be taken.”

Kagome nodded sadly.

Lady Tokuhoshi changed the subject. “Kagome, you look lovely. I had a feeling this color would do you good, but I didn't realize how it would set off your eyes. Let me help you tie the belt.”

The kimono was dark blue silk with embroidered silver butterflies scattered over the shoulders and down the sleeves and front panels. Lady Tokuhoshi took out a comb and dry towel and began to get some dampness out of Kagome's hair. “I think it will look best down. Your hair is very thick; I hope I can get it dried out quickly.” As she worked on Kagome's hair, she felt the girl beginning to relax. “I saw a Taiyoukai during a prisoner exchange when I was a girl. I'd forgotten how striking the Demon Lords are. What do you think of Lord Sesshoumaru?”

“I thought him an arrogant prick.”

“Easy on the eyes though,” the older woman said slyly.

“I hadn't noticed,” Kagome lied.

XXXXX

In the same inn, Generals Suzaku and Inutaisho and Sesshoumaru entered a private room where the other Youkai waited.

“Have the Ningen shared their intelligence report with you?” asked Lord Seiryu.

“Yes, and I like it not,” General Suzaku said, a deep frown darkening his features. “Apparently they are fond of murdering each other by means of hired killers. They actually have schools that instruct on different methods of assassination. I myself find it a treacherous and dishonorable way of doing business, but then again, it is Ningen we are discussing.”

“An army we can defend against,” General Inutaisho said, “a lone assassin is a different matter. He would certainly target Lady Kagome, knowing she would be easier to identify and particularly vulnerable.”

“I have a different suggestion,” Sesshoumaru offered. “We travel a short while away from Shiga, then under cover of darkness, I take her myself by air, getting some distance between us. We would go on foot the rest of the way, traveling quietly and quickly. It is the fastest way to get her to the Western Lands, and I will have no trouble protecting her. Assassins would not know how to find us, if they even realize we'd separated. No Youkai would give her trouble when she is with me.”

“I was actually thinking of something similar,” Inutaisho said quietly. “I agree it is the most obvious solution. No word to the Ningen though. I still am not sure if any one of them is completely trustworthy. I'll inform the captain of the guard.”

“I understand it's for the best, but I confess, I am disappointed,” Lady Seiobo told her mate. “I was looking forward to getting to know my new daughter over the next few days.”

XXXXX

When Kagome entered the Shrine with Lady Tokuhoshi, everyone was already waiting. The urge to turn and flee prickled at her. Refusing to act like a lamb to slaughter, she steeled herself and walked with all the dignity she could summon to the priest and Sesshoumaru, who were both standing before the altar.

As she approached, Kagome got her first close look at her about-to-be husband. He was dressed in mainly white hakama and haori and had removed the armor he had had on earlier, but kept his sword in his belt. His hair was long, reaching almost to his knees, and white, though not a simple absence of color. It reminded her of snowy ground, silvered by moonlight. His skin was pale and, unlike the pallor of someone ill, even and luminous, like a pearl.

She took her place next to him and realized he towered over her; she did not think the top of her head even reached his chin. After years of living with girls and women, she was not used to looking up at someone so tall. His face was calm and expressionless; his nose, mouth, and chin fine and aristocratic. He had high, prominent cheekbones, each with two horizontal, magenta stripes. He had a similar reddish color on his eyelids, which played with the amber of his irises, making them appear sun bright. His eyes were slightly almond shaped, tipped with dark lashes, and crowned by gracefully arched brows. His pointed ears only enhanced the elegant lines on his face. On his forehead was a blue crescent, the waning moon. Odd, thought Kagome, as Youkai, legend told, had been sun gifted. He was breathtaking. Easy on the eyes indeed.

At least she cleans up well, thought Sesshoumaru, then he noticed her dark eyes were actually a deep, rich blue. They were large and wide with impossibly long lashes. Eyes to drown in, he thought, before mentally slapping himself.

“The two will join hands now,” intoned the priest. Sesshoumaru held out his hands and Kagome saw he had the same colorful stripes wrapping around his wrists. Willing her hands not to shake or sweat, she placed them in his. They felt strong and warm. He was surprised to find the insides of her hands somewhat callused; they were used to work. Their shape was long fingered and delicate and, despite the calluses, her skin smooth and soft.

“The joining of this Ningen and this Youkai represents the union of our societies together for the purpose of peace. I have been told to use the extreme expedited version of the vows. I will recite them; you two will drink from the same cup to show acceptance.” The priest cleared his throat. “I enter freely, clear of mind and conscience. I stand on the Earth, the Sun and Moon above me, giving witness to my vows this day. I do solemnly pledge to honor and respect, to learn as well as teach, to follow as well as lead, to give comfort as well as strength. This I promise, until the end of our days.” The priest picked up a cup from the altar. He handed it to Sesshoumaru, who drank and then handed it to Kagome. She was tempted to dash it against the stone floor, but she did her duty and quickly drank. The warm taste of sake flooded her mouth. She handed the cup back to the priest. They were married.

General Furuki called out. “The peace treaty has been prepared and is ready for ratification. Now that the marriage has taken place, let us go back to the Council assembly room for signing. At that point we will release one thousand messenger birds to convey the word of the peace treaty to every major settlement, stronghold, village, and outpost, and War's End will finally be achieved.

XXXXX

While documents were signed, Kagome ate, changed into her traveling clothes, and tied her belted pack around her waist. It contained her knife and crystal, a whetstone, a flintbox, a comb given to her by Taka, and a ring that once belonged to her father. All her possessions in the world. She added some strips of dried meat and a small skin of water, then exited the inn and joined the crowd gathered. The sun had recently set, and the dusk air was chill. She could just barely see an enormous number of birds fading away in the distance. I suppose everyone across the land will be celebrating tonight, she thought. Everyone except me.

“Kagome,” called Lady Tokuhoshi, smiling, “the peace treaty has been signed. My dear, both our societies rejoice tonight because of you.” Lady Tokuhoshi embraced her warmly. “Fare thee well, Kagome.

Kagome tried to muster a smile, but only managed to choke out, “Thank you.”

A Youkai guard jogged up. “General Inutaisho, everything is prepared for departure.”

General Inutaisho nodded. “Let us waste no time then.”

“Miko, there is an item needing attention before we leave.” Kagome heard Sesshoumaru's voice behind her and turned around. He held the subjugation beads in his hand.

Kagome glared at the hated beads. Perhaps a change in tactics would help, she thought. She looked up at him through lowered lashes and smiled sweetly. “Must we?” she asked, hoping her voice sounded innocent.

Instead of answering, Sesshoumaru lowered the beads over her head and settled them on her shoulders.

The pain was immediate. Kagome grabbed at them, screaming, and fell to her hands and knees. “I can't breathe!” she gasped.

“Lady Kaede told me the sensation will pass in a few minutes. I should have warned you,” General Miyamoto said coolly.

Kagome stayed on the ground, battling for breath, wheezing and coughing. My humiliation is complete, she thought. When she felt as if her chest were no longer being squeezed by a giant vise, she sat back on her haunches, winded. Sesshoumaru reached down to help her up. It was a conciliatory gesture, one for which Kagome was in no mood. She slapped his hand away, then struggled to her feet, scowling. Sesshoumaru growled a low warning.

Lady Seiobo, sensing danger, rushed in and extricated Kagome. “Lady Kagome, I wish you to ride with me in my palanquin for a time.”

Sesshoumaru watched his mother steer his intended mate to the Lady of the West's private transport and smirked. He suspected he would greatly enjoy teaching the hellcat her place and watching her beg in submission.

XXXXX

The entourage wound its way through the streets of the Shiga stronghold. Ningen crowds curiously watched the Youkai, no longer the enemy, as they left. Inside her palanquin Lady Seiobo sought to enlighten Kagome on certain aspects of Youkai life. “Lady Kagome,” began Seiobo, “I'm sure you're beginning to get cold. Wrap this blanket around yourself. I had some tea prepared a short while ago.” She handed Kagome a steaming cup. “I know none of this has been easy, not exactly an auspicious beginning, but I would like us to be good friends. Perhaps one day, you will regard me as a mother.”

Kagome thought of her own mother, dead at Youkai hands. She maintained her stony silence.

“When we reach our home,” Seiobo continued, “I will tutor you on Youkai customs, to help you adjust. But there is something important you must be told now.” She hoped the girl would react in some way. “Due to these troubling rumors of assassins, it has been decided that you and Sesshoumaru will separate from us and travel together. He will be able to get you to our stronghold in a shorter time than this small, lumbering army. First you will go by air, then-”

“Excuse me for interrupting, Lady Seiobo. By air? I thought only bird Youkai fly.”

“Typically yes. But my son is an immensely powerful Taiyoukai. He has abilities the rest of us do not, and many of the shared ones are greatly enhanced in him.”

This made Kagome curious. Why would they wed him to her, a Ningen.

“As I was saying, you two will be alone together.” Seiobo paused. “Let me first say I think you will find the status of females amongst Youkai different than with what you're familiar. There is a general gender-based division of labor, but ours, though highly stratified, is a much more egalitarian society than Ningen. It did not escape my notice that Lady Tokuhoshi is the lone female on your Council. That said, it is crucial you understand that between a mated pair, the female must always submit to the male, especially at first. Inuyoukai males are warm and loving toward their mates and fiercely protective, but they will not tolerate one who does not yield. General Inutaisho allows me to speak my mind openly and takes great consideration of my wishes, but in the end, I always defer to him. I know you are ignorant of our ways, and you and Sesshoumaru perhaps got off to a rocky start, but it will be much better if you demonstrate submission.”

“Does the female ever refuse it submit? What happens then?”

“I'm not exactly sure. It doesn't really happen,” Seiobo answered hesitantly. “With Inuyoukai it is instinctive.”

“I appreciate your advice, Lady Seiobo. I know you are trying to be helpful. But I am not a Youkai.”

They stopped suddenly and the door opened.

“It is time. I will see you in a few days, Mother.”

Sesshoumaru extended his hand to assist Kagome in getting out. She ignored the proffered hand and brushed past him. Sesshoumaru's face was indignant. He's going to kill her, Seiobo thought sadly as he closed the door.

Sesshoumaru took her by the arm and, without a word, pulled Kagome into a small clearing. He grabbed her around the waist and, slowly at first, then with increasing rapidity, they ascended. Kagome was truly frightened. Flying was a common occurrence when she dreamt, a joyous feeling of freedom and openness. This was entirely different. She shrieked and clung to his clothing. The lack of anything solid beneath her feet caused the constant, panicked fear of falling. Her heart raced, and she had the nauseous sensation her stomach had been displaced. After a few minutes she calmed a bit and looked down. She saw they were standing on what appeared to be a cloud. Then she looked past it and saw the treetops far below. She squealed and buried her face in his haori. The wind howled viciously in her ears, and she couldn't remember ever being so cold. She pressed her body into his, seeking warmth and safety, wishing desperately to be on firm ground again.

Sesshoumaru was sufficiently satisfied with her response, her desire to be protected by him, that he decided he could overlook the earlier blatant disrespect. He knew his mother would have spoken of the behavior of female Inuyoukai to their mates. Maybe her words had some positive effect.

After they had traveled what he judged to be a suitable distance away from the others, they descended. Upon reaching earth, Kagome stepped away on shaking knees and sighed deeply with relief. She turned back to him and was perturbed by his perfectly calm, relaxed appearance. He raised one eyebrow, slightly amused.

“Alone at last, miko.”