InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Gina ( Chapter 10 )

Kagome awoke the next morning the sole occupant of the bed. She reached over to Sesshoumaru's side. Cold. He had been up a while and allowed her to sleep late. Feeling better rested than she had in days, her mood was cheerful, and she looked forward to exploring the manor and grounds and scouting a place to construct her altar. Rising and stretching, she noticed a small pile of clothing on the table. There was a serviceable kimono, a heavier outer garment for wearing outdoors, a comfortable-looking sleeping robe, and two pairs of shoes. The attached note, penned by Mariko, explained this would get her through the day, and there would be more forthcoming. She must have worked through the night, Kagome thought. I'll be sure to thank her personally. She changed quickly, tied her pack, knife safely inside once more, around her waist, and crept through the hallway, unsure what to do.

 

There was food laid out upon the dining room table. Kagome, accustomed to a light morning meal because she usually trained early, chose a small apple. The flesh of the fruit was firm and the flavor a delicious blend of tart and sweet. After eating she slowly walked up and down the hall, peering carefully into the rooms. She saw the map room, the sitting room, a larger, more formal room, and an apparently unused bedroom.

 

The next room proved to be Sesshoumaru's study, the owner seated behind the desk, which was piled high with papers and books. He glanced up at her. “Miko.”

 

“Demon,” she answered.

 

He narrowed his eyes at the slight derogatory. “Usually we address one another as Youkai; it is considered somewhat rude to use the other word.”

 

“I'm not a Youkai.”

 

Already she is getting under my skin, he thought. “Miko, what is that you want? I have a lot of work to do.”

 

“First, I would like to thank you for last night's thoughtfulness, though it was rather late in coming. Having my feelings taken into consideration was a welcome change.”

 

He took a deep breath. “Yes…Inuyoukai customs are unfamiliar to you. Perhaps it was unfair to expect you to exhibit behavior that is not your instinct.”

 

“So are you apologizing to me?” she asked with a smirk.

 

Was she actually taunting him? “Let's not go that far. What is the other matter?”

 

“The moon is almost full; I need to build my altar before tomorrow evening. It was one of the treaty terms, and I have your mother's permission, so don't think you can restrict me,” she warned.

 

“Jaken.” The impish Youkai scurried bowing into the room. “Take Lady Kagome to find a groundskeeper.” Before I kill her, he added in his head.

 

“Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Thank you,” Kagome said as she left the study and then added cheekily, “Apology accepted.” She heard what she was sure was the sound of the pen held in his hand snapping in two.

 

Kagome followed Jaken through halls and corridors, trying unsuccessfully to keep track of their progress. She had a suspicion he was taking her on the longest, most confusing path to their destination so she would end up lost. He was definitely not one to trust.

 

They found the head groundskeeper, who had greyish-brown and black streaked hair and a friendly face. Kagome explained her wish for a private space that would be well lit by moonlight. He took the opportunity to guide her through some of the spacious gardens and parks. Despite the autumn sparseness, Kagome noted the elegance of the surroundings. The groundskeeper, whose name was Niwa, knew someone who appreciated his work when he met one. He showed her how he tried to keep elements varied, so there would be something of interest all year long. Some trees and shrubs were evergreens; some had color from late berries, even after losing leaves. Some were special because of the twisted, intricate branches that were only visible in autumn and winter, when those branches were bare. Kagome noticed possible locations for her altar, and after fixing on one, she mentioned her requirement of several preferably stone slabs, though bricks would suffice. After Niwa assured her the materials would be brought to the area by afternoon, Kagome thanked him and excused herself. Jaken was, of course, nowhere to be found.

 

Kagome walked back to the manor, but between Jaken's convoluted path and her tour outside, she recognized nothing. She wandered, attracting much attention from Youkai. Some bowed and greeted her by name, but most just looked at her fearfully or hurried away. As she roamed, the sheer size of the place impressed her anew; it seemed to go on forever. Just as she was beginning to despair of finding her way anywhere on her own, a female Youkai approached her, smiling curiously. With her white hair and beautiful, golden eyes, she looked remarkably like a younger Seiobo.

 

“You must be Lady Kagome. I was told you and Sesshoumaru arrived last night. My name is Gina.”

 

Kagome bowed. “Gina? Pleased to meet you. If it's not too much trouble, could you point me in the direction of Sesshoumaru's rooms. I fear I am hopelessly lost.”

 

“Did he send you out with no escort?”

 

“I was with Jaken earlier.”

 

“Jaken.” Gina rolled her eyes. “You're better off alone than with that toad. I will take you back, but if you don't mind, could we stop by the infirmary on the way? It's near here, and there are some burn victims I would like to check on quickly.”

 

“Are you a healer?”

 

“Yes, I suppose one could describe me as such.”

 

“Would you mind very much if I could occasionally assist you?” Kagome asked. “I'm a skilled healer and would jump at the chance to be of use. I'm not inclined to an indolent life, and I've been given no indication of any duties or responsibilities I have.”

 

Gina smiled. “I would enjoy your company very much. I wasn't aware you were anything other than a daughter of the nobility. Is it typical for Ningen ladies to learn medicinal arts?”

 

“I'm not a typical Ningen lady. I've actually spent the past nine years at the Miko Sisterhood.”

 

Gina looked surprised and delighted. “A miko! How fun!” Her amusement turned to doubt. “Wait, what are they holding over you to preclude your blowing us to bits?”

 

“Well, indiscriminate killing is not in my nature, but I've been shackled.” Kagome fingered the beads around her neck. “Only Sesshoumaru can remove them.”

 

“Hmmm…let me guess. Dear Sessh won't unfetter you. What a…unique dynamic between you two.”

 

Kagome was not a little curious. “Do you know him well?”

 

“Our mothers are sisters. Or were, rather. My own mother is long dead. I, more or less, grew up here. In fact when Sesshoumaru and I were children, it was intended we would be mated one day.”

 

“Oh, I'm sorry,” Kagome said awkwardly, though Gina did not seem like a jealous rival.

 

“You've nothing for which to be sorry. You're probably not aware of the long decline in fertility rates amongst the main families in the Four Houses. Lady Seiobo theorized it is the result of centuries of inbreeding. You see the main families have asinine notions of keeping bloodlines pure. Well, Seiobo decided first cousins were too closely related to mate.”

 

“Do you have someone else?”

 

“No. How to put this…I don't prefer the company of males. Normally every Taiyoukai female of bearing age would be mated regardless of her wishes, but Seiobo is very fond of me, and my abilities in the infirmary have allowed me to remain unmated.” Gina paused and studied Kagome. “What happens in Ningen society to those like me?”

 

“If they are lucky, they show potential and enter the Sisterhood. Miko, because of the responsibility, don't often wed.” Kagome thought of her friend Taka. “I suppose the others are in loveless marriages, hopefully with an understanding spouse.”

 

“Not too different then. Ah, here we are, the infirmary.”

 

They entered a large room full of bottles and jars and everywhere herbs drying. “This is where I make infusions, decoctions, tinctures, ointments.” They continued into a smaller, tidier room with bandages, knives, splints, etc. “This is the main supply room, and through here,” she explained as she pushed open another door, “the beds.” Kagome saw two long rows of beds, many with Youkai lying in them. There were braziers, chairs, privacy screens, ewers of water, and many of the other things she expected to see in an infirmary. Kagome shadowed Gina as the latter inspected burns and reapplied ointment.

 

“The burns weren't too bad, but few injuries are more painful than even mild ones. Luckily my stores of both burn ointment and essence of poppy were well stocked. If you'd like, you may come back tomorrow and help. Several of those bandages will need changing.”

 

“I'd love to help. I can't use my powers, but I can set bones, suture, make poultices, and catch babies without them.”

 

Gina frowned. “Catch babies? I'm not familiar with that term.”

 

Kagome searched her mind for an alternative. “Ummm…birth?”

 

Gina laughed lightly. “We call them pups.”

 

“Pups?” Kagome asked incredulously.

 

“Well, we are Inuyoukai after all. It is a general descriptive, vaguely meaning birth until the offspring walks ably and loses his or her milk teeth. Basically until the pup is no longer so dependent on the mother. Although I've witnessed many males clinging to their mommies shamefully far into adulthood. They only let go when they find a mate to take care of them.” They exited the infirmary. “I'll take you to Sesshoumaru's section of the manor. To what powers were you referring?”

 

“Miko have the ability to channel energy and speed the healing process. It is applied in emergencies and to injuries received in battle. Typically we save it for the neediest cases. We believe that if the body can heal itself, the healing process is more complete, and it makes the body stronger. It is useful in staunching bleeding, mending bones, closing gaping wounds. The more skilled of us can even restart a stopped heart.”

 

“How interesting. Too bad about those beads. I would love to see it. Sesshoumaru is capable of healing himself, though, as he rarely sustains injury, he doesn't do it often.”

 

“Just how powerful is he, exactly?” Kagome asked. “Lady Seiobo intimated he had unusual abilities before we parted ways, but she didn't really elaborate.”

 

“Oh…very. Extremely. Supremely? He is probably one of the most powerful Youkai to ever have existed.”

 

Kagome asked the question that had been itching her since she had spoken with Seiobo. “Then why is he with a Ningen?”

 

Gina sighed. “I wish Seiobo were here. This should be answered by her. Lady Kagome, when I said we were experiencing a prolonged period of decreased fertility, I really meant extinction is feared. Taiyoukai females are rarely having more than two offspring. I'm sure you can do sums. Your bearing years may be less numerous than ours, but you are far more fruitful.”

 

“So why not just have him take more than one…mate?”

 

“Some Youkai do it that way, but we dogs do not. Once a male has marked a female, they stay together until one of them dies. At that point the survivor is free to take another mate, but it is rare. Our family bonds are strong and sacred. Coexisting mates are seen as a perversion.”

 

Kagome, for the first time, had a realization of Sesshoumaru's sacrifices regarding the peace treaty. She had a short twinge of guilt about her purposely recalcitrant behavior. Very short. Her own sacrifices were not about to be pushed aside. “You seem very…familiar with Sesshoumaru. Everyone else addresses and refers to him with an honorific.”

 

“Yes. Sesshoumaru and I grew up together. His sister and I were the same age and good friends.”

 

“I didn't know he had a sister.”

 

“She is dead. Years ago, killed by Ningen. Quite tragic. She and Sesshoumaru were also close. Really everyone loved her.” Gina sighed wistfully. “Anyway…when we were children, I was Sesshoumaru's chief tormentor. I came here, mother recently deceased, and Sessh, several years younger, was the target of my youthful wrath. He was the beloved only son, I the motherless daughter. At the time it was thought we would eventually mate, and I was, needless to say, unhappy with the plan. His sister and I were unrelenting in our naughtiness. Oh, the stories I'll tell you. It was only a few short, happy years that we could get away with what we did. As Sesshoumaru grew, he became unlike anything experienced in recent and distant history and would not tolerate my antics. To his credit, he did not exact near the revenge to which he was entitled.”

 

The area of the manor through which they were walking began to look familiar to Kagome. “Are the baths in that direction?” She pointed to the left. “I think I'm starting to get my bearings.”

 

“Yes. The place does tend to sprawl, but you'll learn your way about in no time. So…what do think of my dear cousin?”

 

Kagome hesitated. “I don't know,” she answered honestly.

 

“I hope you don't misunderstand me. I love him dearly. Beneath that coldhearted appearance, is a strong, caring individual. He only wants the world to think him an icy, vicious jackass. I'll give you a hint in dealing with Inuyoukai males. They love to have their egos stroked, especially in public. They have some ridiculous idea of subservient mates. I can tell already you're not a wimpy weakling, and I am sure it's driving Sessh insane. In the long run I think it's good for him. He'd tire quickly of a timid, spineless mate. Just remember, small gestures go far.”

 

“I'll remember.” Kagome was sure she would be spending quite a bit of time with Gina.

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru had just finished dealing with a stack of long neglected reports when he caught the scent of Kagome and his cousin, Gina. He looked down the corridor and saw them walking, arm in arm, giggling conspiratorially together. Wonderful. The last two people he wanted to see together were his impertinent mate-to-be and his childhood nemesis.

 

“Cousin Sesshoumaru, look whom I found,” Gina snickered. “I had no idea your new mate would be such a treasure.”

 

“Gina. Kagome. What have you been discussing?”

 

“Oh…nothing much.” Kagome grinned, blue eyes sparkling.

 

Sesshoumaru scowled. He would obviously have to clarify for Gina permissible topics of conversation when with Kagome.

 

“Sesshoumaru, Lady Kagome will be assisting me in the infirmary from time to time. I thought perhaps you'll take off this silly necklace, so she could use her powers on the ill and injured.”

 

He glanced at Kagome. “Nice try.”

 

“Whatever do you mean?” she asked with a simpering smile.

 

“Gina, leave us.”

 

“Now Sessh, be nice. Or I'll tell Kagome where you're most ticklish.”

 

“Leave now,” he snarled.

 

“Darling, I will see you in the infirmary tomorrow. Remember my advice.” Gina kissed Kagome on a cheek, winked at Sesshoumaru, and left them.

 

“You would do well to avoid that harpy.”

 

“Oh? I was thinking I'd just met my new best friend.”

 

He shook his head slowly. Females. He wanted nothing but to leave with his troops and go on patrol. To be with a group of males, attentive, uncomplicated, loyal…too bad his parents were still away and Okuri was expected any day. “I was asked to tell you the items you requested from the groundskeeper are ready.”

 

“Thank you. Before I go, could you please give me some parchment and writing implements and show me amongst all those maps in the other room which is of the manor and grounds. I'd like to make a simple copy, so I don't get lost again.”

 

“I'll dig out the map. The other things are found in my study.”

 

When Kagome entered the map room with parchment, pen, and ink, Sesshoumaru was unrolling a dusty scroll on the table. Kagome put some books on the corners to hold it down. “Thank you. Where should I put it when I'm done?”

 

“You can really read and make a map?”

 

“Yes, cartography was part of my training. The miko who taught me was a difficult taskmaster, so I'm quite proficient.”

 

Sesshoumaru was unconvinced. He watched as she worked on her map. It stayed accurate, in scale, with just enough detail that she would be able to successfully navigate the maze that was the manor. Her capability left him conflicted. He admired her skill, but the fact that this was just another means to her independence annoyed him greatly.

 

“Building my altar will take the better part of the afternoon,” Kagome said when she finished. “Will we dine together tonight?”

 

“Do you wish it?” he asked, somewhat surprised.

 

“Very much,” she smiled. “I'll see you then. And thank you again for helping me with the map.”

 

Sesshoumaru sighed. He merely had gotten it out, hardly helping. All the smiles and pleases and thank yous. Was she mocking him? Damned, unreadable females. Did anyone really understand them?