InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Okuri ( Chapter 16 )

“How bad is it?” asked Kagome, peering over her shoulder.

 

“I'm amazed. It looks like the wounds have been healing for a week. There may not even be much scarring, just on your shoulder blade. I thought you couldn't use your powers.” Gina was applying ointment and rebandaging Kagome's back.

 

“I can't. Maybe since I'm unable to do anything outwardly, my powers are manifesting inward, and I'm healing myself without awareness of it.”

 

“Sesshoumaru did a lovely job stitching you up,” Gina said with a sly smile. “I can't wait to tease him. If you keep healing so quickly, I'll be able to remove the sutures in a few days.”

 

“When do you think I can start training again?”

 

“Oh, tomorrow, if you take it easy.” Gina helped Kagome don her kimono again. “Sesshoumaru was very upset yesterday. How are things between you two?”

 

“I think…we're okay. Maybe better than ever?” Kagome blushed a little when she remembered being in bed with him that morning. She woke up lying on him, her head resting on his chest. His fingers combed through her hair, claws gently sliding up the nape of her neck. The rhythm of his heart and breath and the warmth of his body were like an anchor, holding her to that moment, and in her contentment she briefly denied that anything else existed.

 

Gina smiled and squeezed her hand. “I'm so glad to hear it. I'm afraid if you and Sessh don't stop fumbling at each other, you will drive Seiobo into an early grave. She is eager for you to be mated and marked. You may not know this, her desire to see pups running around the manor borders on obsession. Ever since Sumiko and her newborn were killed.”

 

Kagome realized she neglected to ask about something that had been bothering her all morning. “How's Shippou?”

 

Gina sighed. “He'll be okay. He feels horrible about what he did and your taking his punishment, though I truly doubt Sesshoumaru would have whipped one so young.”

 

“What exactly happened?”

 

“The spy worked in the kitchens. Another servant there gave Shippou a small package and told him to slip it to the prisoner with his rice bowl. Shippou said he thought it was just some extra food for a fellow kitchen worker. A lock pick was found on the floor of the cell, and the servant who gave Shippou the package has disappeared. Shippou also said it was the same servant who knocked over the lamp last week. He threatened him against saying anything, and Shippou thought it was an accident and he just wanted to stay out of trouble, but now we think it was probably deliberate. They are most certainly in league with Okuri, who is, in case you haven't heard, arriving today. We still don't know how they escaped the stronghold. I think Sesshoumaru is trying to track down their path by scent as we speak.”

 

“Lady Kagome, I'm so pleased that you're up and about.” Lady Seiobo entered the infirmary, obviously relieved to see Kagome. “Jaken told me where to find you. How are you, dear? I was so worried yesterday. I feel I've aged three decades in a day.”

 

“I'm much better, Lady Seiobo, thank you. And I'm terribly sorry to have upset you.”

 

“Please don't apologize, darling. You may have actually unwittingly helped us quite a bit. Youkai do not trust Ningen,” Seiobo explained. “Our Advisors supported this treaty unanimously, and both my mate and Sesshoumaru command unquestioning loyalty from their troops. However we knew we would have issues with some servants. Many reside here because Ningen destroyed their homes and killed their families. We knew some of them would be unhappy with your presence and ripe for exploitation by Okuri. Hannya told me the mood is now rather altered. The servants are all talking this morning about the aid you gave the kitsune, and your praises are being sung in every corner of the manor.”

 

“It's true,” Gina agreed. “Not only do they respect your bravery, they think Sesshoumaru's a monster, and you're a paragon of compassion and sympathy.”

 

“Oh,” said Kagome with concern, “I don't want them to think ill of Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Don't worry, he actually prefers it that way, the sick puppy.”

 

“Kagome the reason I'm here, is to collect you for a fitting with Mariko. There will be a formal banquet this evening, and I asked her to alter something for you. She is meeting us in my rooms shortly. Gina, if you would like to avoid dining with us you are, of course, excused. If you wish to accompany us, come to my rooms this afternoon, and Hannya will help you dress and put your hair up.” She gave Gina a quick kiss on the cheek. “Kagome, I will explain our cousin Okuri while we walk.”

 

As they went through the corridors, Kagome noticed several servants staring at her, but it seemed their expressions were curious instead of fearful.

 

“Long, long ago,” Seiobo began, “the House of the West was ruled by Okuri and Isamu's grandfather, Hisashi.”

 

“Isamu?”

 

“My mate's given name, dear. His and Okuri's fathers were brothers. Okuri's father was older and very ambitious. He tried to gain control of the House of the West by means of a coup, but was killed. Okuri and his mother were sent into exile to live with her kin. By the time Hisashi was on his deathbed, Isamu's father was also dead, and he had to pick one of his grandsons as his heir. Under normal circumstances the offspring of the elder deceased son would be named. However Hisashi instead disowned Okuri and named Isamu his heir. Okuri was furious and immediately challenged. There was a brief battle, which ended in a rout of Okuri's force and his surrender at the tip of Isamu's sword. It was ages ago, and still he continues to be bedevil us. He has never stopped trying to enlist the support of the other main families, which is easy enough to overlook—politics are politics, after all. My mate always had a guilty conscience about being named heir and brushed off the rumors. The attempt on Gina's life was not so easy to ignore.”

 

“What? I had no idea.” Kagome was shocked.

 

“Gina may have told you already, at one point it was planned that she and Sesshoumaru would mate. Okuri has pushed since her birth, a union between his daughter, Azami, and Sesshoumaru. Once when Gina, barely an adolescent, was traveling to visit her father's kin, her escort was attacked, and she was left for dead. Her recovery took the better part of a year. It is the reason she is skilled in the infirmary; it was her home for many months, and she absorbed much information from the healer at the time. Nothing could ever be proved, but we all knew what happened. Okuri was seeking to remove his daughter's rival.”

 

“How horrible for her. Poor Gina. Is that why she is excused from the dinner?”

 

“Precisely. We overlook the breach of etiquette. Okuri also stirred up trouble years later when he came to visit and arrange a mating between Azami and Sesshoumaru. By then Gina was no longer his intended, so we entertained their proposal, with no intention of granting it, in an effort to make peace. During the discussions, Okuri tried to convince Sesshoumaru to overthrow his father. He, though young, was powerful enough that he certainly would have succeeded, but Sesshoumaru is nothing if not honorable, and patricide is the height of dishonor. Sesshoumaru wanted to kill Okuri, but Isamu let him leave, hoping, foolishly I fear, that pardoning him would be the end of it.”

 

They entered Seiobo's wing of the manor. Kagome had been there before, but was too distracted by arguing with Sesshoumaru to notice how beautiful the furnishings and art were. The walls were tastefully adorned with brush paintings and tapestries, the tables with vases and bibelots. Mariko was waiting patiently, with a kimono of such exquisiteness, Kagome was at a loss for words. It was maroon silk, appliquéd with images of waterfalls in every shade of blue Kagome could imagine.

 

“Ah, I was right!” Seiobo cried with delight, as Mariko pinned and marked the rich cloth that Kagome tried on. “The blue captures your eyes. Can you have it ready by the end of the afternoon, Mariko?”

 

“Yes, Lady Seiobo.”

 

Seiobo sensed that Kagome was dumbstruck. “Kagome, dear, you are the mate of the Heir to the West. You simply must look the part.”

 

“I'm sorry I'm a bit intimidated. I am the daughter of a noble, but my experience in those surroundings was as a child and such regalia were for much older people. Lady Seiobo, may I ask you a question?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“There is an aspect of Youkai society about which I'm unclear. What exactly are mating and marking?”

 

“Mating, generally, is the physical, sexual act. A mate, however, has a slightly different meaning. It is, I believe, what Ningen call a spouse. Unattached Inuyoukai, while not promiscuous, are free to take lovers. It is tolerated, though not encouraged. They are not considered mates, however, until the male has marked the female. Once he marks her, they are pair-bonded and remain together. The mark signifies ownership, in a way. If a female is marked, she is untouchable to all males beside the one who marked her. It is highly symbolic and inviolable.”

 

“But…what is a mark?” Kagome prayed urine wasn't involved.

 

“A bite mark, dear.”

 

“What? A…bite? Where?” Kagome sounded horrified.

 

“The location is a matter of personal choice. When a male marks a female part of his Youki goes into her and changes her smell. That is how her status is discernable. The mark itself can be in a hidden place, but knowing my son, he will mark you in a highly visible spot, probably your neck.”

 

Kagome's hand flew to the mentioned body part. “Does it hurt?” she asked weakly.

 

“Not a bit,” Seiobo lied.

 

XXXXX

 

The mood in the Advisors' Hall was decidedly somber as Lady Seiobo and the others waited for the latest report on the scandal. General Inutaisho and Sesshoumaru entered and, after taking their seats, the former began.

 

“We know now how they escaped. Centuries ago the stronghold had an underground tunnel which went under the wall on the north face. The entrance was in a little used storeroom, and it terminated in a cave halfway down the hill. The tunnel fell into disuse, and the entrance was blocked. This was all years ago, and the tunnel is only shown on the very oldest maps of the stronghold. We discovered this morning the obstruction had been removed. It is impossible to tell how long it has been like this, who is responsible, and who knows. But it is surely the means of escape and likely also served as a hiding place, explaining the reason our search of the countryside proved fruitless. We will erect a new impediment in the future, but for now I'd rather monitor both ends to see if anyone tries to go in.”

 

Lord Sato spoke. “While this isn't good news, at least the discovery of the tunnel is a positive development. What of the servants?”

 

“They are all being interviewed,” Lady Inoue said. “We have hinted at amnesty for anyone who turns in a collaborator. Normally I wouldn't have much hope, as the servants all protect each other, but Lady Kagome's…conduct yesterday has won her a loyal following, especially in the kitchens, which is, ironically, where the two spies worked. Lord Sesshoumaru, your new mate is quite fascinating,” she said, a curious smile playing on her lips.

 

“Fascinating as she may be,” Sato said, “she remains unmarked. Okuri will read much into that. Lord Sesshoumaru, I thought—”

 

“I have my reasons and am uninterested in sharing them. I will make sure Lady Kagome is protected. We should be more worried about him planting additional spies here.”

 

“I agree with Sesshoumaru,” Seiobo concurred. “Okuri is up to something. We all need to be on guard until he leaves.”

 

A soldier knocked sharply and entered. “Lord General, Lord Okuri has just arrived.”

 

“Thank you,” General Inutaisho said. “Commander Nakamura, I know you've spent the morning preparing the troops for my cousin's visit. Yesterday's breach in discipline has the potential for disaster. Come with me while I greet him. We'll find out how long he intends to stay.”

 

XXXXX

 

Lady Seiobo walked into her dressing room to find Gina and Kagome sharing a bottle of wine, giggling while Hannya brushed Gina's long silvery hair.

 

“And then I told him that since he is no longer going off to war, he could always help Mariko with the sewing and embroidery if he gets bored.”

 

“Gina, were you pestering your cousin again?”

 

“Oh, hello Aunt! You know as well as I he secretly enjoys my needling.”

 

“So you're joining us tonight? I'm so glad. Kagome, dear, stand up and let me look at you.”

 

Kagome stood self-consciously as Seiobo studied her. “You are lovely. But what to do about your hair?” She thought for a moment. “Ooo I have just the thing.” Seiobo rifled through her jewelry boxes and with a satisfied sound, pulled out a blue enameled comb. “I think simple, rather than elaborate, don't you agree Hannya? Kagome, this comb belonged to my mother. I'd like you to have it.”

 

Kagome was touched. “Thank you,” she said softly, examining the comb. “I have never had anything so beautiful. I'm honored.”

 

“You're very welcome. Unfortunately, I've some regrettable news. Naraku is with Okuri.”

 

Gina groaned. “Maybe I've changed my mind about attending.”

 

“Who is Naraku?” Kagome asked.

 

“The most vile Youkai on the face of the Earth,” spat Gina.

 

“Okuri has a son, a by-blow on a servant,” Seiobo explained. “He has acknowledged him, though most others don't. You need to stay out of his way. Okuri is conniving and charming; his skill at diplomacy rivals my own. I suppose that is why he still lives, after all the trouble he's caused. Naraku is different, completely unsubtle in his danger.”

 

“He tried to mark me by force years ago. Sesshoumaru saved me, thank heaven. Naraku claimed he was just playing around. He's just like his father in that way. Always maintains plausible deniability.”

 

“Sesshoumaru will make sure you are well protected, but don't let yourself be anywhere near Naraku. The fact that you are unmarked makes you particularly vulnerable.”

 

“I appreciate the warning,” Kagome said, wishing the subjugation beads were not around her neck.

 

The trio made their way to the banquet hall and met Sesshoumaru and General Inutaisho at the entrance. Sesshoumaru, who already dreaded the formal meal with his hated relatives, was seized by a near uncontrollable urge to carry Kagome to their room where he could be alone with her and her passionate, indigo eyes. She took his arm when he offered it and inside was introduced to more officers, nobles, and advisors, then finally the cousins. “Kagome, this is Lord Okuri, his daughter, Azami, and son, Naraku,” Sesshoumaru said coolly. Okuri and Azami had white hair and magenta stripes like their kin. Naraku had brown hair and only one stripe on his cruel, handsome face.

 

Okuri bowed low and said unctuously, “Lady Kagome, welcome to the family.”

 

Kagome bowed in return. “Thank you, Lord Okuri, Lady Azami, Lord Naraku.”

 

Naraku sneered. “So this is how far the West has fallen. A Ningen.”

 

Sesshoumaru growled ominously. Okuri quickly spoke. “Naraku, you know how important dear Kagome is. War's End. Lady Kagome, pay no mind to my son. He frequently speaks without thinking.”

 

Kagome, unsure of how to respond, was saved by Seiobo strolling up and taking over the tense situation. “Okuri,” she smiled, “you've met my new daughter. Wonderful. I propose we take our seats; I believe dinner will be brought out shortly.”

 

The food at the banquet was delicious and the assembled crowd chattered animatedly. Kagome had a lovely time, though she was conscious of Naraku staring at her with undisguised malice. Sesshoumaru noticed, as did Gina, seated at Kagome's other side.

 

Gina patted her hand. “Ignore the bastard. After dinner the advisors and officers are all going to have tedious meetings and conferences with Okuri and his allies. We can go to the baths and have a nice, relaxing soak. As long as your stitches stay dry, you should be fine.”

 

“That sounds divine.” She looked hopefully at Sesshoumaru. “Is it allowable?”

 

As if I could deny her anything, he thought. “Just don't go anywhere without an escort. I'll have a guard posted to our rooms.”

 

“What is Azami like?” Kagome asked. “Perhaps she would make a good friend.”

 

“She is Okuri's daughter. Don't trust her,” Sesshoumaru answered simply.

 

After the meal, Gina gave Kagome a quick hug. “I'll see you in the bathhouse changing room in a bit, dear.”

 

Sesshoumaru walked with Kagome back to their rooms so she could change out of her finery. He would have preferred to remain with her, protecting her, or even better, protecting her naked in bed, but his duty lay with the nobles and military tending to the problems at hand. “I'll send for a guard directly. Don't leave without him.”

 

“I won't,” Kagome promised.

 

Sesshoumaru raised a hand to her face, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He then trailed a claw along her jawbone and lower, stopping at her pulse point. She closed her eyes and sighed audibly. She took a step toward him and reached up, grasping the back of his neck, drawing his face to hers. Sesshoumaru wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him. She trembled slightly as their lips first touched, but she realized how badly she wanted this and returned the kiss ardently. Their kisses became longer, more confident, more familiar. Kagome snaked her arms around his neck and pressed her body into his.

 

He broke away and looked at her with worry. “How's your back?”

 

“Inconsequential,” she said breathlessly.

 

He enfolded her in his arms tightly, softly bit his way down her slender neck, and ran his tongue along her collarbone. Her slow, throaty moan was a goad to his desire, and he recaptured her mouth. He deepened the kiss, licking her full bottom lip. She met his tongue with her own, and they explored each other's mouths, tasting, learning. Kagome was frightened of her own desire, but trusted him and her instincts.

 

“Sesshoumaru!” General Inutaisho's voice boomed from the corridor. “What's going on? We've been waiting.”

 

“Not again,” they groaned simultaneously.

 

“I need to go. I don't want to.”

 

“I understand. I'll be here when you return.”

 

General Inutaisho walked in to see his son kiss Kagome goodbye. As they walked to the Advisors' Hall the elder Youkai said, “It's about damn time.”

 

XXXXX

 

“She is unmarked, it's true, but did you see them together? I don't even think we can wait until tomorrow to make a move. I need to do it tonight,” said a gruff voice in a dark, empty room.

 

“What are my orders, sir?” asked the other shadow.

 

“Take a small group to the storeroom my father discussed. I'd be a fool to believe Sesshoumaru hasn't found that tunnel yet. Kill anyone guarding it and wait. I'll take care of the Ningen bitch's escort. When I come with her, we will need to escape through the tunnel immediately, so fucking pay attention. And I needn't tell you, stealth is crucial. If we are found out before I can mark her, it will be for nothing.”

 

“We won't fail.”

 

The two Youkai withdrew from the dark and went in separate directions, leaving behind a small, wide-eyed figure in the blackness. Jaken thought this conversation was by far the most interesting he had overheard all day. Even more interesting though, was the fact that he was not certain how he would proceed with the newly gleaned information.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome emerged from the bathhouse with Gina feeling clean and excited and a little nervous.

 

“You seem distracted, Kagome,” Gina said. “Is everything alright?”

 

Kagome blushed. “Oh…I'm fine. Just a tiny bit apprehensive. Gina, I can trust him, can't I?”

 

“Darling, you can trust him with your life. I saw the way he sees you. He'd die before he hurt you again. No, I think there are many other things he'd rather do to you,” Gina said deviously, causing Kagome to blush even redder.

 

Azami came from around the corner. “Lady Gina, I've got a splitting headache. Could you possibly take me to the infirmary and find something to help alleviate it?”

 

“Certainly, Lady Azami. We can go straightaway. Kagome, enjoy yourself tonight. Perhaps I'll see you tomorrow.”

 

“Goodnight Gina. Lady Azami, I hope you feel better.”

 

“Lady Kagome,” said the guard approaching her, “I was told to wait for you to come out of the baths. Are you ready to go back to Lord Sesshoumaru's quarters?”

 

“Yes, thank you.” He was wearing a helmet with a half face mask, but Kagome could tell he was not the same guard who had brought her down earlier and she assumed they must have changed shifts. He escorted her down a corridor, then took an unfamiliar turn. “Shouldn't we be going that direction?” Kagome gestured to the side.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru wanted us to take an indirect path.”

 

They kept walking, into a deserted area of the manor. Just as Kagome noted they were getting farther away from the destination, she was hit hard on the back of her head. Her knees buckled. Sitting, dazed, in a heap on the floor, she reached up and felt blood trickling down the back of her neck. She looked up to see her guard remove his helmet. Naraku.

 

“Well well well. You filthy human piece of trash,” he snarled as he circled around her. “There will be plenty of time for a good fuck later, that is if I can bring myself to touch dirt like you, but first things first.” He squatted in front of Kagome and slapped her. She sprawled. “Don't fight me and it won't be so bad. I'm warning you, bitch, understand?” He lay atop her, pinning her legs beneath him. He was large and heavy, and Kagome was unable to catch her breath. His claws tore at the sleeve of her robe, ripping fabric, exposing her upper arm. Kagome felt his mouth there and realized with horror what he meant to do when she felt his fangs scrape her skin.