InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ The Price of Inaction ( Chapter 17 )

Jaken slowly walked toward the Advisors' Hall, unsure of himself. If he kept quiet about the plotting he witnessed, the Ningen woman would be out of their lives. Lord Sesshoumaru would be free to take a proper Taiyoukai mate, and the human's presence forgotten. He would be in no trouble; all would be ignorant that he withheld information. On the other hand, his Lord appeared concerned for her wellbeing the day before, and the other servants suddenly seemed to be taken with her. Perhaps Lady Kagome was different. That morning she said `good morning' and `thank you' when he stoked the brazier in the bedroom. Jaken realized, though he hadn't noticed at the time, that she said it lacking the typical air of condescension with which he was usually addressed. Yes, maybe she was different. He entered the Hall.

 

The atmosphere was charged. Okuri had the floor. “As welcome as War's End is and as much as we appreciate Lord Sesshoumaru's sacrifice by agreeing to take a Ningen into his bed, do we really want a hanyou as a presumptive heir to the House of the West? I suggest a mating between Lady Azami and Lord Sato's son, with the understanding that their first born son would be the next in line after Sesshoumaru. He would have as much Inutaisho blood as any offspring Lord Sesshoumaru may produce, but without the human taint.”

 

General Inutaisho stood angrily. “I care not on whom you foist your daughter, Okuri, but the succession of the West is not yours to determine. Sesshoumaru will name his heir when the time comes, as is his right.”

 

Jaken approached. “Begging pardon, Lord Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Yes, Jaken, what is it?” he asked brusquely, scowling at the ill-timing. He knew Okuri's ambitions turned on Azami, but his cousin hadn't made such a naked grab for power in a long time.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru,” Jaken began softly, “I just overheard a conspiracy involving Lady Kagome.”

 

“Go on.”

 

“She is in danger. I heard two Youkai talking. They mean to abduct her. And mark her.”

 

Sesshoumaru immediately shot up, eyes bleeding red. “Tell the others. I've got to find her.” He ran out in the direction of the bathhouse. Knowing of Gina's reluctance to leave warm water unless forced to do so, he thought there was a strong chance they would still be there. Unfortunately the place was vacant when he arrived. The smells of Kagome and Gina lingered, but it was another that caught his attention. Youkai blood. There, in a corner, a screen was set up, hiding blood splatter and Kagome's guard lying dead, throat slit ear to ear. Then, faintly, under the stench of blood, he picked up Naraku's scent.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome quickly came to her senses and started to struggle. Naraku sat up, straddling her thighs and back handed her face. “I told you, whore, not to fight. I'll beat you witless if you want me to.”

 

He raised his hand to hit her again, but she screamed, “No! Don't hurt me! I'll be good.”

 

“Oh, you'll be better than good, submissive little bitch.” He ran his hands up her sides, then opened the top of her robe, groping her. “Do I have time to sample your assets?” He leaned down, pinning her arms with his hands and licked down the side of her neck, where Sesshoumaru had just caressed her two hours before. He went lower. Kagome gritted her teeth and forced herself to stay still. “Too bad we're on a tight schedule. Nothing would be better than to defile you right under Sesshoumaru's nose. Maybe I'll mark your neck instead.” He let go off an arm and cruelly twisted her face to the side, laying bare her throat. He lowered his mouth.

 

At that moment, Kagome grabbed his ear and pulled, tearing it. Naraku sat up screaming, holding a hand up to the side of his face. Kagome took the opportunity to drive the base of her hand hard just under the spot where his ribs met, knocking the wind out him. He doubled over slightly, bringing his head within her reach, and she smacked his injured ear with all her might, making him dizzy enough that she could shove him to one side and escape her position under him.

 

Kagome sprang to her feet and sprinted to the corridor, but Naraku recovered quickly and lunged, tripping her. He got to his feet. “So Sesshoumaru found himself a fiesty one,” he sneered. “Not according to plan, but we can still have our fun.”

 

Kagome adjusted her robe and stood slowly. “You chose the wrong Ningen to hassle. I fight dirty,” she muttered, wiping blood from her split lip.

 

Naraku laughed, cold and low. He pulled out his sword. Kagome quickly scanned the area. There was a large heavy table in the center of the seldom-used room, with no chairs or anything else. She was completely unarmed. Then she saw it, the helmet he had been wearing. It was lying about ten yards from one end of the table. She ran to the table and ducked underneath it. Naraku sauntered over, chuckling. “Do you really think you're safe under there?” he scoffed, jumping on top. “Come out come out, little mousey. And I'll make nice and forgive you.” Kagome could hear him striding back and forth. When his steps went down the table, away from the helmet, she made her move.

 

Running out, she dove for the helmet, seized it, and spun, raising the helmet above her, just as Naraku flew through the air, bringing his sword crashing down into it. The sound of metal hitting metal rang through the room. The force of the blow jarred her arms, but she managed to plant a foot and kick a knee cap with her other leg. Naraku sank to one knee as she quickly got up and hit his hand with the helmet, knocking the sword out of his grasp, sending it spinning across the floor. They both lunged for it. Naraku's reach was longer, and he touched the sword, but she raked her nails on his face and gouged at his eyes. He abandoned the weapon and wrapped both hands around her neck, squeezing. Just as she began to see black pinpricks, she felt something. The helmet again. Grabbing hold tightly, she slammed it into the side of his head, breaking most of the teeth on that side of his face. He bellowed in pain and anger.

 

Kagome scooted back, putting some space between them. “I'd like to see you try to bite something now, with no fucking teeth.”

 

Naraku was no idiot. He knew a losing battle when he saw one. He struggled to his feet and stumbled away. Gathering speed, he made toward the direction of the storeroom which hid the tunnel, intent on escape. Kagome picked up the fallen sword and chased after him.

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru rapidly followed the scent trail. It led away from their rooms, he noted ominously. He found himself in an area of the manor than had roof damage and was unused until repairs could be affected. Then he smelled Youkai blood. And Ningen. Lying on the floor was a bloody, dented helmet. His heart sank. His sense of smell took him through an opposite door, which led into a small yard. He sped, sword drawn, through a passage into the main courtyard.

 

A large group of manor guards were standing, cheering, and Sesshoumaru heard clashing metal. He progressed toward them and was relieved and dismayed to see Kagome, apparently alive and well, in the center of the clearing, crossing swords with one of Naraku's minions. Naraku was on all fours near them, covered in blood, attempting to regain his feet. “What the devil?”

 

Kouga walked up. “Watch her. She's playing with him. I told you she knew which end of a sword was which. Ayame wanted a snack, so I was on my way to the kitchens,” he explained, “when I heard the courtyard alarm raised. I came out to see Lady Kagome slicing Naraku's thigh open. He won't be going anywhere fast. Then his henchman attacked her. His dumb luck. No one has intervened because, honestly, she fights better than anyone here, yourself excluded, of course, my Lord.”

 

Sesshoumaru marveled at her skill. He had seen her fight empty-handed and had been impressed. But the sword in her hand seemed like a deadly extension of her arm. She was perfectly relaxed and balanced, the grace and speed with which she moved was breathtaking. She kept her parries near her body, forcing her opponent to extend his reach, keeping him off balance. He had to get closer to her, and that, because of her speed, gave her the advantage. She blocked a strike, then pushed in, elbowing him in the neck. She quickly backed away as he coughed and regained his composure. She moved in to strike, which he blocked, but she immediately kicked him, first in the lower back, then the head, showing off a good bit of leg in the process, to a round of cheers and whistles. Apparently, Sesshoumaru thought, many of them were unaware of his presence. The Youkai was getting tired and frustrated.

 

“This has gone on long enough.” Sesshoumaru pushed forward. “Kagome, stop.” He raised his drawn sword toward the Youkai. “Drop it.”

 

Naraku's underling complied, just as General Inutaisho and Okuri and various officers and nobles converged on the scene, taking stock of a very injured Naraku, a disarmed soldier, held at bay by Sesshoumaru, and a battered looking Kagome.

 

Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome. Her clothes were torn and bloody, and she had bruises on her face and neck. She suddenly looked exhausted and swayed a little. He rushed to her, putting an arm around her waist. “Are you hurt? Did he mark you?” She leaned against him and shook her head.

 

The confusion subsided slightly as General Inutaisho stepped forward and demanded, “What's going on here?”

 

Kagome straightened and called out, “He tried to bite me!”

 

Okuri ran up, sword drawn. He stopped in front of Naraku. “This seditious behavior brings shame to my house. You are no longer my son.” Naraku looked at his father, uncomprehending. Before anyone could stop him, Okuri raised his sword and decapitated the kneeling Youkai. The silence was immediate.

 

General Inutaisho was furious. “We haven't had a chance to question him!”

 

Okuri bowed low. “My sincerest apologies, cousin. This dishonorable action called for swift retribution.” He looked at Kagome, “My deepest regrets, dear Lady.”

 

Sesshoumaru pulled her close. “Silencing witnesses, cousin?” Kagome looked at the corpse on the ground and understood for the first time how dangerous Okuri was.

 

“Ah, Sesshoumaru, I know what you are trying to imply. I stress, I had no involvement whatsoever with this crime against your…intended mate. I don't know for what fool purpose he acted, but it was independent any influence of mine.”

 

“And you expect us to take you at your word? When did you begin to think me an idiot, Okuri?” General Inutaisho growled.

 

“Dear Cousin Isamu, as there is no proof otherwise and as my rank entitles me certain deference, my word is all you have. As to recognition of your idiocy, I don't think I could fix on a date. Perhaps if your son had done his duty and marked the bitch, this regrettable incident could have been avoided.”

 

Sesshoumaru pointed his sword at Okuri. “Give me a reason not to cut you down,” he threatened.

 

“War, my dear cousin,” he replied derisively. “Or, more accurately, the avoidance of war. I have more backing from the main families than any of you realize. I know the other Houses have pledged their support as long as the peace treaty holds, but how willingly do they involve themselves in Western feuding if the treaty breaks? No, you'd be a bigger cretin than your father to kill me now. I will leave the stronghold tonight with Naraku's body. He at least deserves a proper burial. And as a token of good faith I'll leave Azami in your tender care. She can be your hostage until I find her a mate.”

 

Lady Seiobo stepped forward, tension etched on her face over the tragedy that almost was. “We will accept Azami into our household. Get out. Now.”

 

“I'll leave, but chew on this. You are pinning quite a bit of hope on the health and safety of a lone Ningen woman. She's not marked. Think of all the trouble you'll avoid by setting her aside.” Okuri, flanked by an armed escort left the crowd with several of his allied nobles.

 

Sesshoumaru held Kagome close. “This is all my fault. I'm so sorry. I should have stationed more than one guard to you, or kept you with me. Are you hurt? Let me see you.” He leaned her back. Her lip was swollen and had dried blood on it. There were angry bruises on her neck, but she appeared whole.

 

“I'm sore and a little dizzy. He blind-sided me on the back of my head.” Sesshoumaru felt the base of her skull. There was a huge lump and crusted blood.

 

“Do you want to go to Gina?”

 

“I really just want to bathe again.” She thought of Naraku's loathsome hands and mouth on her and shuddered.

 

“I'd feel better if Gina looked at your head.”

 

Lady Seiobo and General Inutaisho hurried over. “Son, we'll need to convene a meeting immediately,” the latter said with urgency.

 

Sesshoumaru looked at his parents and shook his head. “Do it without me. Nothing has changed. Okuri is still an insect I wish had been squashed years ago. We knew there would be those who would switch to his side. I suspect he is overstating the support he has. When the other families notice they're not sending their favorite sons to be slaughtered at the frontlines, they'll find Okuri's tired old song less appealing. The only thing that is different is his pet bully has been removed, and now we know his spy's name is Azami. I'll find you tomorrow. Right now I'm going to take care of my mate.” He scooped Kagome up in his arms and carried her in the direction of the infirmary.

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru helped Kagome into bed. Gina had wanted to keep her in the infirmary overnight, but neither Kagome nor Sesshoumaru would hear of it, and because Kagome had no signs of concussion, Gina let her go. “How does your head feel?” he asked as he slid beneath blankets.

 

“Achy, but I've lived through worse.” She took her increasing-familiar position nestled up to his side, head on his shoulder, hand on his chest, fingers splayed. His arms around her and the strength of his presence were a sanctuary. She felt safe, and for the first time she allowed herself to think of what nearly happened and began to tremble.

 

“Ssshhh, you're safe now. Kagome, I'll talk to the Advisors tomorrow about removing the beads. I would do it right now, but it might alter a treaty provision, and I need to see if it would affect anything. All this nonsense with Okuri makes even the slightest misstep potentially catastrophic. We cannot afford to lose the support of the other three Houses. Though, after seeing you with a sword in your hand, I'm not sure why you need them taken off at all.”

 

“Sesshoumaru, I feel so badly. I'm the cause of so much trouble. Perhaps it would be better for you to set me aside.”

 

“Kagome, it's not you. Things were like this long before you were even born. Don't ever blame yourself.” His arm tightened possessively around her. “And I won't discuss renouncing you. I may not have marked you yet, but you are as much my mate as my mother belongs with my father. The fear, when I thought you might be taken from me, was completely foreign and physically painful. You're not going anywhere.”

 

They were quiet for a few minutes, content in the nearness of their bodies. Kagome still slept wearing a robe, but her bare foot leisurely traced a pattern on his calf. Feeling naughty, she reached her leg, foot drifting lower, until she felt his, and slithered her big toe along the arch of his foot.

 

His foot moved, pinning hers down. “Stop.”

 

“Ticklish?”

 

He responded by gently poking her ribs. She squirmed and giggled. Then yawned. The poppy tincture Gina gave her was kicking in. “Sesshoumaru?”

 

“Hhmm.”

 

“Tell me a story.”

 

Such a request was unprecedented. “Miko, I've been on patrol with my troops or at war most of my adult life. I don't know any stories that would interest you.”

 

“What is your…favorite childhood memory?”

 

He was silent a moment. “When I grew up there was a life or death battle being waged between the male and female youth of the manor. Kintaro, my foster brother, and I led the forces of good, and my sister and Gina were our arch enemies. Females represented everything repulsive and vicious about Youkai society. Especially Gina.” Kagome laughed quietly. “The children of the other residents of manor, nobility and servants alike, were our foot soldiers and, often, innocent bystanders. Day to day life was made of many individual skirmishes, but a pivotal victory occurred when Kintaro and I saw Sumiko and Gina napping in the sun one summer afternoon. They had been brushing and braiding each other's hair and had fallen asleep. They both had long, flowing hair and considered it their crowning glory, though I have no idea why. All they did to achieve that vanity was avoid cutting it. In classic form, Kintaro, far more creative, was the instigator and I, the enthusiastic accomplice. We went into the kitchens and took the sharpest knives available. I was assigned Gina; Kintaro had Sumiko. We crept up and, in one fell swoop, grabbed the braid of the chosen victim and lopped it off as short as possible. I thought my mother was going to skin us alive. Kintaro and I stole some food and hid in the woods, living as happy fugitives for three days. That is my favorite childhood memory.”

 

Kagome laughed merrily. “I guess I got my story after all. I'm still having trouble thinking of you as young. I bet you were cute.”

 

“Of course.” He was afraid to ask about her childhood memories, not wanting to make her sad. “Kagome, if you don't want to talk about—”

 

“I want to. I want you to know. But also…it's better to talk. I've shoved things away for so long, thinking the pain would disappear.” She sighed. “I thought of you as so cold and remote when we first arrived. Now I find you easy to confide in.”

 

“Probably because you're on drugs.”

 

She smiled. “Not all my memories are sad. I know we were all happy before my mother died. I remember when my sister was born. I was four and glad to be no longer the only girl and the baby of the family. I was told she married earlier this year. I hope she's happy. She was raised as a member of my aunt's household. I wouldn't even know her if I saw her, but she's still my sister.” Kagome yawned again. “But my favorite memory…my brother. He was older than me by eight years and big and strong. He used to carry me on his shoulders, and we'd pick the peaches that grew in our orchards, then eat them until we were ill. After everything, it was those times when I felt like a normal little girl.”

 

“Go to sleep, Kagome. It's late, and tomorrow we will have to discover the damage done and begin planning its repair.”

 

“Why didn't you just kill him?”

 

“Alive he plots and schemes. Dead he becomes a symbol. Symbols are powerful things. If I killed him, grandson of a former leader of the West and, in the eyes of many, its rightful heir, in defense of a Ningen, it would risk spurring his supporters into action and turning those on the fence to his side. Certain families would fall over each other to take Azami as a mate, giving them someone to rally around. Over the years, we've discussed…removing him and always decided while he lives he remains merely a political adversary, albeit a dangerous one. Death gives him a sympathetic and tragic aspect we cannot afford. He should have been killed when he first challenged my father. Too bad he didn't know how costly letting him live would prove. It is safer, for now, to wait and let him play his hand. I have no doubt either I or my father will kill him one day.”

 

They were quiet once more. Then Kagome asked, “What would have happened if Naraku had succeeded?”

 

Sesshoumaru's blood ran cold. Their fledgling relationship would die. She would belong to Naraku, left to live in misery and cruelty. The peace treaty would end. “Let's not go down that path. Sleep.”