InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Mothers ( Chapter 20 )

Father and son stood together in the training arena watching as Kagome, armed with a sword and her knife, methodically defeated some of their best warriors.

 

“Never seen anything like her,” General Inutaisho said. “I've gone up against plenty of miko in my time, and a few severely tested me. Your mate surpasses all, and she's not even using her powers. She may be on par with the miko Midori. It is imperative she stays away from soldiers, swords, and the arena whenever we have visitors. If Okuri were able to portray her as a weapon we're planning to wield, it could strengthen his position.”

 

“I'll talk to her,” Sesshoumaru said, but he really didn't care about visitors, cousins, or politics. The only thing on his mind as he watched her powerful, graceful movements, concentration and exhilaration writ on her face, was when he would be able to get her clothes off again.

 

“At least she's marked. Your mother was on the verge barricading you two in your room until you'd bitten her.”

 

He sighed. “Mother's never happier than when she's controlling something.”

 

“Oh, be charitable. She means well, and in the end she's usually right. My mate is a force to be reckoned with, and I wouldn't have her any other way. I hate to break the news to you Sesshoumaru, your situation is no different.” They both winced as Kagome drove her elbow into the face of her sparring partner, who dropped like a load of brick. “Hot-blooded and stubborn. A word of advice, son. The sooner you realize who is really in charge, the better. It took one night of an angry Seiobo making me sleep on the floor to understand the state of affairs. I may not have your mother's skills at diplomacy, but I'm not stupid; I know damned well when I'm outmatched.”

 

“And what of female submissiveness?”

 

General Inutaisho laughed. “Fine-sounding words, but the older I get, the more I'm convinced it's a myth.”

 

We'll see about that, Sesshoumaru thought. “I don't plan to be controlled by a little twig of a human woman.”

 

“Keep telling yourself that,” the older Youkai grinned. “You'll learn…a happy, spirited mate is far preferable to a passive one.”

 

Kagome walked over to them, smiling. “Who's next?” she asked, looking at Sesshoumaru.

 

“No one. I'm taking you to my mother's quarters. Apparently she intends to personally see to your refinement.”

 

Her smile disappeared. “My…what?”

 

“The Lady of the West wishes to teach you protocol and etiquette,” General Inutaisho explained. “We will be hosting dignitaries for a great deal of the foreseeable future, and as my son's mate there are certain expectations of social graces. She has summoned a small army of seamstresses and had a mountain of silk delivered as well. She said something to Gina about playing dress-up all afternoon.”

 

Kagome groaned. After the years of austerity of the Sisterhood, fine food and clothing still seemed forbidden, and opulence made her feel distinctly out of her element. “Actually, I've got a headache coming on; I think I should go lie down.” She turned and began to run to the exit.

 

“Oh no, you don't,” Sesshoumaru said, catching her around the waist. “If it takes my mother to school you on propriety and seemly behavior, so be it.”

 

General Inutaisho saw the anger etched on Kagome's face and chuckled to himself. He'll learn, he thought, as Sesshoumaru carried a struggling, arguing Kagome out of the training grounds. Hopefully before they kill each other.

 

XXXXX

 

Lady Seiobo was comparing silk swatches, patiently waiting for Kagome. “Mariko, what do you think of these colors together?”

 

Before the seamstress had a chance to voice her opinion, there was a commotion in the hall outside. “Let go!”

 

“Stop squirming.”

 

“You can put me down. We're here.” Kagome did not sound pleased.

 

Sesshoumaru entered, looking satisfied and amused. He was followed by Kagome, rumpled and flushed and glaring at him.

 

Seiobo rubbed her temples. These two, she thought, are doing me in. Then she caught scent of Kagome and burst into happy tears. “Oh, finally! You're marked!” She hugged Kagome. “Oh, I'm so glad. We all have thought of you as Sesshoumaru's mate for days and days, but now it's true.” She kissed both of the surprised girl's cheeks and looked severely at her son. “At the risk of sounding like your father, it's about damn time. I don't know about what you two were bickering just now, but it must end. Until I see at least three or four of your pups frolicking around the manor there will not be another unkind word out of either of you.”

 

“Mother, mind your—”

 

“Don't say it,” she warned. “Out. Shoo. Kagome will be busy with me all day. I'll tutor her on Inuyoukai customs and fashion some appropriate clothing for formal functions. I've already informed the kitchens that dinner is to be served in your quarters this evening, with you two hosting your father and me, Gina, and Azami. Run along and tell Jaken.” Kagome looked like she'd been handed a death sentence. Sesshoumaru didn't look much happier. They stared at each other, anger evaporated. “Now then, dear, where shall we start?”

 

XXXXX

 

Several hours later Kagome's head was spinning, full of information about Inuyoukai family hierarchy and rules of conduct.

 

“Lady Seiobo, I'm not sure I'll remember all this. I'm afraid of breaking some taboo unwittingly.”

 

“You'll do splendidly. Just be polite and agreeable and quiet, and all will be well. They will all love you.” Kagome was unconvinced. “One other thing, did Sesshoumaru mention discretion about your miko abilities when the visitors are here? I don't want to pretend you are something you are not, but I understand you have been training with the troops and that may have to be suspended for a time.”

 

“Lady Seiobo, I don't want to do anything to jeopardize your position, but my physical training is very important to me. I don't mind taking a day off here and there, but I really don't want to stop.”

 

Seiobo saw the seriousness in Kagome's eyes. “Alright, dear, I'm sure we can fix it somehow. I need to keep reminding myself you are very unlike any Youkai female. I must confess it's tempting to try to recreate Sumiko in you. I miss my daughter terribly still.” Seiobo took Kagome's hands in hers. “But I like you for you. I hope you know that. I realize we are still just getting acquainted, but I do wish, one day, you will think of me as your mother.”

 

Kagome squeezed her hands back. “Thank you, that means a lot. I have not had a mother in my life since I was very young. There were older women at the Sisterhood, but they were all authority figures or mentors.”

 

“If I may ask, what was she like, your mother?”

 

“What I remember, she was kind and protective and loving.” She paused. “What was Sumiko like?”

 

“Sumiko…everyone said she was exactly like me, in looks and manner. But that wasn't true. Gina and I are cut more from the same cloth, insofar as we are both too cynical and shrewd for our own good. Sumiko was entirely guileless. She had a childlike love of life that I envied. How she grew up with war and still retained such joy, I'll never know.” Seiobo wiped tears from her eyes. Kagome put her arm around the mother of her mate, and the embrace was gratefully returned.

 

Gina, Azami, and Ayame, carrying her pup, entered. “Oh, I'm sorry. Are we interrupting something?” Gina asked.

 

“No, dear. Come in. I was merely having a moment of sentimentality.”

 

The five exchanged greetings and all sat down. “Hannya, ring us some tea,” Seiobo called out.

 

Gina's eyes widened as she noticed Kagome. “You're marked! So he finally stopped puttering around. Did it hurt as bad as they say?”

 

“Ah yes, sorry about that little fib I told,” Seiobo said. “I was only trying to set your mind at ease.”

 

“It hurt, but I've had worse,” Kagome said, touching her bite wounds. “Afterward it was so intimate and…visceral. I wasn't expecting that. And now I feel so different. As a miko I can sense Youkai. It's odd to have that sensation coming from myself.”

 

Gina studied her. “Hhhmmm, I never thought of that. You know, you are completely treading new ground. Pregnancy will be very interesting. I'm sure we gestate differently. I wonder if your pups will follow human patterns or Youkai ones. Hanyou aren't common, but they are unheard of among Taiyoukai.”

 

Kagome was suddenly nervous and a little embarrassed. “Let's not rush things. I'm still getting used to the idea of being a mother one day. It was only two weeks ago they told me I was getting married at all. I won't be fertile again for another three weeks, and besides, it's never guaranteed.”

 

The other four females gaped at her. “Three weeks?” they asked simultaneously.

 

“My cycle is lunar. I'm lucky enough to have a fairly predictable, regular cycle; not all Ningen women have them.”

 

“So, theoretically, you could conceive in a few weeks?” Gina asked.

 

“Theoretically,” Kagome answered, blushing. “What is the nature of Inuyoukai reproduction?”

 

“Our cycles are sun-centered. We should experience estrus twice a year, but that hasn't happened in a few generations,” Gina answered. “Recall the fertility problems I mentioned.”

 

Seiobo rose and started pacing. “Out of curiosity, how many children did your mother have?”

 

“Four. My aunt, her twin, had eight.”

 

“Twin? Eight?” Seiobo could barely contain her enthusiasm. “Ayame, may I?” Seiobo looked hopefully at the bundle in the wolf Youkai's arms.

 

“Please, take him.”

 

Kagome was curious. “What was Sesshoumaru like as a baby? I mean pup,” she corrected herself.

 

Seiobo looked teary eyed and wistful. “Perfectly beautiful. He hardly ever cried…well, as long as he was being held. He was such a sweet little thing.”

 

Kagome felt a pull and suddenly wished she was with him. She wondered if it was because of the mark and shared Youki or the talk of breeding.

 

Ayame heaved a sigh as Seiobo cooed at Ichirou. “Keep him as long as you want. He's sucking me dry. Thank the gods at least Kouga's no longer underfoot. I'm not sure how much more of his moping I could take. The first day he was so cute and pathetic, then he just got bored and annoying. Males…Lady Seiobo, I think you had the right idea insisting on separate quarters.”

 

Kagome was shocked. “You have separate rooms?”

 

“Yes, I love my mate dearly, and we share a bed, but after a few years of living with weapons and muddy clothes lying around I put my foot down. Well, old dogs…bad habits. I ended up throwing him out.” She looked at Kagome. “You're lucky, dear. Sesshoumaru is far more fastidious about his appearance and surroundings.”

 

“Fastidious? His self-control is pathological,” Kagome said. “He's elevated inapproachability to art form.”

 

Gina and Ayame laughed merrily, but Seiobo was concerned. “Tell me you at least are growing a little fond of him.”

 

Kagome thought of the tug she had just experienced, then of his molten gold eyes, his hands and mouth between her legs. “A little,” she said, biting her lip.

 

Seiobo was placated; she recognized the tell-tale biting of the lower lip anywhere.

 

“Excuse me, Lady Seiobo.” Mariko and a group of seamstresses entered. “Are you ready for us?”

 

“Yes, yes, come in. Kagome stand up. We'll need at least several nicer kimono for meetings and meals and two, maybe three formal ones for state events.” Kagome stood reluctantly. Seiobo glanced at Azami, sitting quietly. “You too, dear. You'll be receiving suitors soon. I'll not have you living under my roof without appropriate clothes.”

 

Kagome and Azami stood next to each other as they were measured, draped, adorned, and displayed. Kagome felt self-consciously plain next to the Youkai, but tried to stay unaffected. After tea, Gina and Ayame excused themselves, pleading work and a young one in need of a nap, respectively.

 

Mariko had a formal kimono already prepared for Kagome; it was a voluminous, rich, layered costume, which Kagome donned and immediately felt she was drowning in silk.

 

“Pink becomes you, especially with your dark hair,” Seiobo pronounced. She dismissed Mariko and her assistants and went to find Hannya, leaving Kagome and Azami alone.

 

Kagome broke the silence. “I feel so awkward. I'm not used to such trappings.”

 

“You look pretty, and Lady Seiobo seemed pleased. Apparently hers is the opinion that matters around here. You know, she was promised to my father at one time. Actually, she was promised to the heir of West. The old man, as my father refers to his grandfather, changed his mind regarding his heir on his deathbed. I think the loss of Seiobo was even more difficult for my father to tolerate than the loss of his title. She is the only Youkai on Earth he respects and, I think, fears.”

 

“I didn't know. It appears the history of the House of the West is more complicated than I realized.”

 

“Yes, and you're just an innocent bystander.”

 

“Is that not what you are? Your father left you here; I doubt you were consulted.”

 

“I certainly am a pawn, as to my innocence…Lady Kagome, I have a confession to make. Naraku told me to distract Gina that night. He didn't tell me what he meant to do, but I am the reason you were left alone with him. I'm sorry he tried to force a mark on you. And for yesterday at the baths, I was rude. I apologize."

 

“I'm back,” Seiobo announced, Hannya in tow, before Kagome could respond. “Let's see to your hair.” Hannya brushed and combed and piled Kagome's hair in an elaborate coiffure, decorated with ornate combs and hairpins. Kagome was sure she wouldn't recognize herself if given a mirror.

 

“There now. Lovely. You are excused to go back to your rooms. I know you're a smidge uncomfortable, Kagome, but if you could please stay attired as you are. Isamu had his doubts that I could transform you, and I cannot wait to prove him wrong. We'll come to your dining room in an hour.”

 

Kagome exited, exchanging a small smile with Azami before she left.

 

XXXXX

 

Sesshoumaru sat in his study, sifting over communications from the other three Houses. He sensed her before he smelled her. He had felt a bit incomplete ever since he left his mate, the awareness increasing to a dull ache as the day wore on. He went into the corridor, to see a flash of pink disappear into their bedroom. Inside, he saw a figure in a mound of rose silk, gilt hairpins twinkling, grimacing at a hand-held mirror.

 

“Kagome? Is that you under there?”

 

She turned and smiled ruefully. “So I've been told. I think I am wearing my weight in silk. Do I look as ridiculous as I feel?””

 

He crossed the room to stand near her, already better. She was beautiful, the color highlighting the blush in her cheeks against her black, lustrous hair. “Ridiculous isn't the word that comes to mind. Different, certainly. I hope my mother didn't bully you too much.”

 

“She can be a touch overwhelming, but no, she was very kind and welcoming. Although I get the feeling that if I got pregnant tomorrow it wouldn't be soon enough.”

 

He smoothed her hair from her face. “Just ignore her.”

 

Kagome raised her brows. “Your mother is impossible to ignore. And I'll be surprised if I remember a word of all protocol she discussed.” She groaned. “They're all going to be here soon. I suppose I should check the dining room.” Sesshoumaru followed her, stalking. The table was set for six and fresh mats and cushions were set out. “I've never hosted anything before. I don't know what to do.” Kagome's anxiety level was rising rapidly. “Does it look okay? I wouldn't know if it did. Oh, shit…things were so much simpler at the Sisterhood. Entertaining was something I was never taught. I—”

 

He silenced her with his mouth. “Hush, miko. It will be fine.” He kissed her again.

 

She caressed his chest, then pushed him away. “Hold on. I just remembered. I'm mad at you.”

 

“Oh, really. Why?” He trailed a claw along her cheek.

 

“I'm not sure anymore, probably had something to do with you being overbearing…ohhh,” she moaned as he licked and nibbled down her neck, “and arrogant…mmm…wait, they'll be here soon.” He sucked on the bite marks. “Sesshoumaru, stop.” He didn't.

 

XXXXX

 

General Inutaisho, Lady Seiobo, Gina, and Azami walked down the corridor leading to Sesshoumaru and Kagome's dining room, from which a soft giggling emanated. They entered and were met by an unexpected sight.

 

“It looks like a silk warehouse died a long, violent death in here,” General Inutaisho observed.

 

The floor was littered with the remains of Kagome's clothes: the embroidered outer garment, the kimono itself, under layers, obi, sashes, ties. Some pieces survived intact, some had only moderate rips, some were shredded. Her hair was significantly askew, combs and other objects of ornamentation strewn about the room, as though they had been tossed over a shoulder after being removed. Kagome herself was wearing only a thin undergarment, pulled wide at the top, revealing a valley of cleavage from which Sesshoumaru reluctantly took his face. The guests' expressions were a mixture of shock, amusement, and disbelief. Seiobo was also perturbed at the destroyed evidence of her success at Kagome's makeover and angered over the expensive, now ruined, clothes.

 

The giggling turned into a shriek. “It's his fault! He did it!” Kagome grabbed a wad of ripped silk and buried her reddening face.

 

“If you could excuse yourselves while my mate makes herself presentable again,” Sesshoumaru said.

 

The four Youkai went into the neighboring sitting room and waited quietly, trying to ignore the voices coming from the other side of the thin partition.

 

“Good gods, put me out of my misery.”

 

“Miko, we have guests. That will have to wait until we're alone again.”

 

“Shut up! I told you not to be so rough!”

 

“I knew you didn't mean it.”

 

“Give me that. Uhh I can't wear that…fetch me the other piece.”

 

Gina and Azami snuck covert glances at each other. General Inutaisho choked back laughter. Seiobo shook her head, thankful that she had decided against asking Lord and Lady Sato and their son to attend dinner as well.

 

A few moments later Sesshoumaru called, “You can come back now.”

 

They reentered and sat down. There was a pile of torn silk dumped unceremoniously in the corner. Kagome, clearly mortified, was wearing the outer garment, inside out. Sesshoumaru, she noted with disdain, didn't have a hair out of place. She tried to shrink as the servants brought trays of food. Remarkably, the rest of the evening when off without a hitch.

 

XXXXX

 

Seshoumaru and Kagome sank back on pillows, breathing heavily. He pulled her close and stroked her hair, enjoying post-coital contentment. “I've wanted to do that all day.”

 

“You're just lucky I decided to forgive you,” she said playfully. “You really don't deserve it. Now your mother is mad at me.”

 

“She'll get over it. Tell her she's one step closer to all those pups she wants.”

 

Kagome was thoughtful. The discussion about breeding was fresh in her mind. “Sesshoumaru, you said once I'll be a good mother. Why do you think so?”

 

“Miko, despite your zeal for menacing Youkai with sharp, pointy things, I can tell you have a warm, loving nature.”

 

Kagome was suddenly serious. “I'm afraid. I'm afraid of motherhood.”

 

He drew back slightly and watched her. “Why?”

 

“Partly because the idea is so unaccustomed. I've never attended a birth, never held a baby and thought it could be me or mine. At least until Ayame let me hold Ichirou. And when I did… my own baby…” She looked at him, eyes full of worry and challenge. “It's more than that. Among Ningen, hanyou are beneath contempt. What of you, great Demon Lord? You can't tell me it doesn't bother you that our offspring will be only half Youkai.”

 

“I'd be lying to deny it,” he responded evenly.

 

“Then is it fair to bring someone into this world, someone who will be hated merely because he was born? Perhaps hated even by his own father?”

 

“Kagome, I'd never reject you or any of our children.”

 

“And if they appear more human than demon?” she persisted.

 

“I was aware of the possibility when I agreed to this union. It won't change anything.”

 

“Why did you agree?”

 

“To put it bluntly, avoidance of extinction. Kagome, our hanyou pups may be a key to the continued survival of Taiyoukai.” He kissed her gently. “And, yes, you'll be an excellent mother. Look how protective you're being of something that doesn't even exist yet.”

 

Kagome relaxed a little. “There's something else. What if…we can't? Gina implied this is unprecedented. How do you even know we can procreate together?”

 

“It's true, Taiyoukai are guarded about blood purity, but we aren't that different physically. There have been a few hanyou over the centuries. Look in the history volumes if you want to know more.” He began to lightly draw patterns on her bare arm with a claw.

 

Kagome shivered into his touch. “I felt strange a few times today. Like I was being pulled to you.”

 

“You felt it too? The part of my Youki that is in you wants to reunite with the source. I was conscious physically of your absence all day. I am told I'll get used to it. My father had to go to war right after he marked my mother; he said for a week he thought he'd go crazy.” He kissed his way down her neck to the bite marks, as he stroked her arm. He traced a long scar. “What happened here?”

 

“Fight with a leopard Youkai. They have very sharp claws.” She ran her nails along his shoulder and down his back while he licked her scarred flesh. “Hhmm…already?” she teased as his hardening length pressed into her leg.

 

“Is that a problem?” he asked, before circling a nipple with his tongue.

 

“Only if it makes you too weary for some fun tomorrow morning.”

 

“Nonsense, miko. I'm sure my durability will please you.”