InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Love Story ( Chapter 23 )

Sesshoumaru left the barracks after speaking with his father and hurried to the infirmary. Kagome was gone before he had risen that morning, and he assumed she could be found there. He was anxious to speak with her about his plans and the preparations that would have to be undertaken quickly. Unfortunately the only strong scents therein belonged to Gina and two sick Youkai.

 

“Sesshoumaru, what's going on? I got here this morning, earlier than normal, and Kagome was already present. She had scrubbed the floor and aired out the unused mattresses, at least two hours worth of hard work usually performed by servants. She seemed so…forlorn. I asked her if you two had been fighting, and she answered `No, not a fight,' then looked like she was going to cry, apologized, and ran out. Is she okay? I've never seen her like that.”

 

Sesshoumaru's first impulse was to tell Gina to butt out. However he knew his cousin genuinely cared, and her motivation was unselfish. “Gina, Kagome learned a rather cruel detail of Youkai-Ningen history last night. It has her quite upset.”

 

Gina was concerned and curious. “What is it?”

 

“Kagome's surname is Higurashi. I know military matters never interested you, but history was always your strong suit.”

 

Gina narrowed her eyes as she tried to place the name. Realization appeared sadly on her face. “Your father killed her father. No wonder she's so distraught. Was she angry she wasn't told sooner?”

 

“Yes, but there's more. It's her story, and I'll let Kagome tell you if she chooses. The whole incident has her rattled, and now I think she feels like a stranger among enemies.”

 

“But she was adapting so easily…I barely thought of her as a Ningen anymore.”

 

“I know. Gina, imagine it from her perspective. She is sent to live with her enemy and quickly becomes accustomed to life with them, trusting them. Learning of her father's death at the hands of mine has killed a good measure of that trust, and she suddenly becomes an outsider again, doubting all her feelings of fitting in. She's justifiably confused and riddled with self-doubt.”

 

“Poor thing.” Then Gina smiled tauntingly. “Sessh, you're so…perceptive. I knew you cared! Kagome's confided in me her worries that you have no emotions regarding her, only instincts.”

 

He frowned. “And what did you tell her?”

 

“That she was unnecessarily complicating matters. But really, you can't be surprised she'd think that. You hardly can be described as demonstrably affectionate. Your cold and well, let's be honest, evil demeanor must be quite off-putting while you two are—”

 

“Gina, you've said more than enough,” Sesshoumaru interruptedy, regretting taking the time to speak to her.

 

“Oh, let me tease you. For old times' sake at least.”

 

“Old times' sake? I wasn't under the impression you'd ever stopped.”

 

She was suddenly serious again. “Sesshoumaru, I'm sorry. Joking was entirely inappropriate. What are you going to do?”

 

“Take her away for a few days. She's going to accompany me to Nantai.”

 

Gina was impressed. “What a brilliant plan. And here I thought you incapable of the simplest romantic inkling. It's a stroke of genius. Taking her through Yamanashi Forest is truly inspired.”

 

“What are you babbling about?” he asked impatiently.

 

“I suppose you were gone that summer, the one when Sumiko fell in love with Kintaro. They often went there together. She said, in her flowery, Sumiko way, that it was the most beautiful, magical place on Earth, and she had no choice but to fall head over heels for him. Of course winter is a bit different from summer, but Kagome doesn't strike me as the type to let a little weather bother her. I imagine the views of the snow-covered pines are quite breathtaking. You clever dog…she'll love it there. And you for bringing her.” One of the ill Youkai was seized by a coughing fit, sending Gina running to his side.

 

As Sesshoumaru walked the corridors to their rooms, following Kagome's scent, he thought about her worries, their arguments, and his coldness. He had a brief prick of guilt and resolved things would be different. Then he thought about what Gina had said about the forest. Of course he knew of the magnificence of Yamanashi Forest; it was one of his favorite places. But it had never occurred to him that the location itself might help him change Kagome's mind about them. Females, he shrugged. If it worked, though, so much the better.

 

XXXXX

 

Kagome sat at the window in their bedroom, staring at nothing, as she tried to make sense of the myriad emotions at war in her mind. She was no longer angry; it was too exhausting. Sadness certainly predominated, but she also questioned herself and her judgment. That morning, work was safe, allowing her to forget for a time, but sorrow lurked constantly. She felt she was making peace with her father's decision and death, that she was clawing her way out of that chasm of grief. But even deeper and more deadly was pit of confusion over her feelings about Sesshoumaru. She had been so certain the night before that she had been in denial. That the happiness she believed so real was only what she wanted, not what was actual. There was still a stubborn part of her that screamed It is real. It did happen, but she was afraid to listen to the voice. She was afraid to hope.

 

Then she felt him, the intimate, recognizable pull of his Youki on her soul. She was a bit resentful that the feeling, one she was so sure was akin to love, was not earned, but imprinted on her when he bit her. She wished her feelings would have been allowed to evolve on their own. Her inability to distinguish between what she really felt and what was the result of his mark distressed her.

 

“Kagome. Are you alright? Gina was worried about you.”

 

Only Gina? “I'm alright.” She stood and turned. Sesshoumaru was next to her.

 

“I'm worried about you.”

 

“I'm tired...and surprised I haven't been clapped in irons yet.” She smiled weakly.

 

He stroked her hair lightly. “What do you mean, clapped in irons?”

 

“I pulled on a knife on your father last night. Surely an offense of that nature is not too easy to overlook.”

 

“He told his officers it was just a bit of sport. No harm, no foul.” She looked relieved. “Kagome, I'd like to take you away from the stronghold for a few days.”

 

“What? Where?”

 

“There's an outpost in the mountains called Nantai. I'm going for winter inspections, and you're coming with me.”

 

She regarded him with suspicion. “I don't understand. You haven't said anything about it, and I thought the other three Houses were coming soon.”

 

“They will be here in a week. We'll be gone for five days.”

 

“Who else is going?” she asked dubiously.

 

The hand twining in her hair began to caress her cheek. “Just us. It will be a short journey, I'm restless to leave the manor, and I thought you should see more of our territory. You will be Lady of the Western Lands one day, you know. We will leave in the morning. I trust you can outfit yourself. Go to the juniors' barracks and find some boots and warm outer layers. I'll see to the rest of our provisions.” He laid his face alongside hers and inhaled deeply. “I'll be busy with preparations all day. See you tonight.”

 

As he walked away, Kagome was befuddled. She got the sense that something was afoot, but had no idea what it was.

 

XXXXX

 

They departed the next morning before the sun rose. Their two pack horses were laden with rolled blankets, extra coats, a few foodstuffs, and last minute provisions for the outpost. Kagome was still unsure about the reason she was included in the trip, but she was happy to be in the open outdoors. “Remind me, what is the name of our destination?”

 

“Nantai. It's the largest of the mountain outposts. Think of it as the West's last defense against enemies who would attack from the north. Before the heavy winter snows come, the inhabitants of the other mountain outposts vacate and go to Nantai to live through the season. When spring comes and the passes clear, the other outposts are reopened. It is tradition for someone to travel to Nantai to inspect the troops and ensure their provisions are well stocked. Usually the trip is taken earlier in the season—as winter nears, there is a strong chance of getting caught in a storm. This year the business with the peace treaty and Okuri set the schedule back. Endo was supposed to be making the trip, but I decided it should be me. Us.”

 

Kagome stopped, unconvinced. “What are you up to, Sesshoumaru? You cannot tell me, with all that's going on, and the other three Houses arriving shortly, that the heir to the West is best used in what essentially sounds like running an errand.”

 

“Are you questioning my judgment and veracity, miko?” he asked, a shade of amusement in his eyes.

 

“Obviously,” she answered tartly.

 

He sighed. “Because, Kagome, you said you don't know me. Usually Inuyoukai engage in a period of courtship before marking, even those in arranged matings. We never had that. I want us to spend some time together.” She still seemed wary. He stepped closer. “I want you to trust me again.” He raised his hands to her face and, sweeping the hair away, reached under her collar and lifted the subjugation beads from around her neck.

 

Kagome was shocked. She had threatened the leader of the House of the West's life. This was the frankly the last thing she anticipated. Then the sensation hit her. It was as if she had been trapped in a cage with a heavy cover draped over, and suddenly, not only was the cover lifted, but the door thrown open as well. She felt like she could breathe again. Her eyes briefly gleamed light blue, darkening after she blinked a few times, reacquainting herself with the feeling of energy coursing through her. She looked up at Sesshoumaru, who smiled indulgently down at her.

 

“Are you sure?” she asked, amazed.

 

“I can hardly ask you to trust me, if I don't show you the same.”

 

“Thank you, Sesshoumaru. I'm grateful.”

 

“Unfortunately they'll have to go back on when we return.” He studied her intently, gently mocking. “Show me a trick.”

 

Kagome glowered. “I don't do tricks. My powers are only to be used for protection or in healing.” She watched him. “You're teasing me, aren't you?”

 

He started walking. “Come along, miko. We'll never get anywhere if we stand around chit-chatting.”

 

She hurried after him. Did he say chit-chatting? she wondered…a very un-Sesshoumaru-like expression.

 

They proceeded in a comfortable silence, following a road that eventually forked, and they took the narrower, less worn of the two possibilities. As the altitude increased, the landscape changed. It became rockier, and the many deciduous trees were replaced by conifers, standing thick and stately, like watchtowers. The air grew noticeably cooler, and Kagome was glad their pace was brisk.

 

“How far are we traveling, and when do we arrive?”

 

“We've just entered Yamanashi Forest, where we'll camp tonight, in the foothills of the highlands. We will, absent ill luck, arrive at Nantai tomorrow late afternoon, before the sun begins to set. There are a few things about which I should prepare you. The population of Nantai is made up of soldiers, a few officers and their mates, and the peasants and workers who support the outposts. There are no nobles. The mountain outposts are not exactly considered a desired commission. You will find few comforts.”

 

She stopped. “You mean I won't have a down pillow and jasmine-scented towels?” she asked with horror, right before she burst into laughter. “I hope you know me well enough by now that I'm a little tougher than I look.”

 

“Miko, I don't doubt your toughness, but don't underestimate the austerity.”

 

“What of you? Can you manage without the luxuries of the manor house?”

 

“I've spent most of my life sleeping out of doors,” he scoffed. “One of my first duties when I passed adolescence was to conduct the annual inspection. Though I haven't been there in years, it's close to a second home. This brings me to the next issue.” He paused. “Kagome, there are several generations of Youkai with Ningen ancestors living at Nantai.”

 

This time Kagome was genuinely taken aback. “What?”

 

“I know you spoke of the revulsion Ningen society has toward hanyou. Amongst Youkai it is a bit different. Hanyou are not exactly accepted, but it has more to do with the fact that they are so uncommon, rather than any true hatred. Nantai is different…the mountain Youkai interbred with the Ningen who lived beyond the passes centuries ago. The descendents are not hanyou. They don't have one full Youkai, one full Ningen parent, but a good percentage of the soldiers and close to half the peasants there have at least a little Ningen blood.”

 

Kagome's presence on the excursion began to make more sense to her. But rather than feel manipulated, she was thankful that her fears about their potential offspring were being addressed. “What are they like?” she asked anxiously.

 

“Kagome, I don't know how many hanyou you've encountered. They are not quite Youkai and not quite Ningen. You'll have to judge them for yourself. While it is true that elsewhere they are not accepted so readily, in Nantai they live and work and raise families the same as pure Youkai. It is possible for our societies to coexist.”

 

She was quiet for a minute as they continued. “It seems I may have many things for which I am grateful by the end of our journey,” she said.

 

They traveled all day, resting infrequently. Kagome was glad she had been so diligent with her physical training and was able to handle the steep terrain without slowing them down too much, though she wished the pace was slower so she could more thoroughly enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. The trees were dense, but sun filtered through the canopy, creating trails of gold, lazily piercing the dark and leaving pools of light on the forest floor. The road followed along near the edge of a ridge, and Kagome could just make out in between the trees to their left, a great empty space and the opposite ridge far away. Occasionally the trees would clear, and they would stop, drinking in the view of the valley below, the rolling hills toward the south, and the snow-covered peaks far-off in the distance. Kagome was enchanted and wished they could remain where they were.

 

As the sun drooped lower in the sky, fatigue set in. Kagome's feet ached, and she began to lag behind. Sesshoumaru stopped and waited for her with a wicked glint in his eyes. “Would you like me to carry you?”

 

“No!” Kagome said indignantly, though what she really meant was `Yes, please, why didn't you ask me two hours ago.' Apparently she was more transparent than she thought, because Sesshoumaru picked her up and began walking again. “So you're a mind reader, too?” she asked, instantly relaxing in his arms.

 

“Not a mind reader. You're just a terrible actress.”

 

“It's incredibly lovely here,” she said, craning her neck up to look at the lacy patterns made by the tree boughs against the white clouds in the sky. “You can put me down if I get heavy.”

 

“Don't be ridiculous, miko. You barely weigh anything. We won't go much further. The spot I have in mind is just up ahead. We've made remarkably good time.” He strayed off the road and went into the trees, horses following.

 

“Just how well do you know this forest?” she asked.

 

“Inside and out. Literally. A lot of these hills are hollow. If it were raining we could sleep in a cave, but fortunately it's not, and we can have a fire. I know you weak, puny Ningen get cold and need your food cooked.”

 

The words were derogatory, but his tone stayed light and teasing. Kagome chuckled. “Oh, how do you put up with me?”

 

“With extreme patience and even temper.”

 

She erupted with laughter. “Even temper! You're quicker to anger than I am. You're very funny, you know.”

 

“Miko, I have many traits, but being funny is not one of them. Now be still, or I'll drop you.”

 

He reluctantly put her down when they reached their destination. It was a clearing, with thick trees and bunches of brush and branches on the north side, protecting them from the wind. There was a fire pit, lined with stones, and piles of chopped wood.

 

“It looks like someone's been here recently,” Kagome noted.

 

“I camped with Kouga earlier this year. It's a good site. There's a spring-fed pond nearby, so the wildlife is usually abundant.” They fed and watered the horses, and Sesshoumaru left to hunt while Kagome started a fire.

 

She was glad to have a few minutes of privacy to change her blood-soaked rag, praying this would be an unusually short flow rather than an unusually long one. Reflecting on the day, she still couldn't believe he had removed the beads. They had become a fact of life, but the lifting of them, even if temporary, was like a gift, a peace offering. She smiled, and the voice that told her she hadn't been imagining, that the happiness and acceptance were real and deserved, became a little harder to ignore. Using pine needles, she made a little nest of tinder, then struck a spark with her flint and steel. It caught immediately, and she carefully added twigs, then sticks, blowing and fanning when needed, until the fire was crackling and eating at three large logs. A fine fire, she thought, then blushed when she realized she craved Sesshoumaru's approval.

 

He returned shortly after, carrying four rabbits by the hind legs. He tossed three of them next to the fire, sat, and began skinning one. Kagome took out her knife and started on another. “You can skin and gut an animal? Just leave them to me so they're not butchered.” he said, dismissively.

 

“Certainly you haven't forgotten my training. I'm not an ordinary Lady. Of course I can skin an animal. I'm good too. In fact…I bet I'm faster than you,” she challenged playfully.

 

He stopped working and stared at her. “You have a pretty high opinion of yourself, don't you?”

 

She stared back, half smiling. “I suppose you'd know, being such an authority on pride yourself. Are you going to bite at my wager or not?”

 

“What are the stakes?” he asked, narrowing his eyes.

 

“Something simple. How about…the loser has to do whatever the winner wants.”

 

“Miko, are you aware of what you just said?” His mind reeled with the possibilities.

 

“Perfectly. First to skin two rabbits?”

 

“Go.”

 

They worked quietly and efficiently for several minutes, until Kagome thrust her bloody knife in the air, screamed, “Done!” and fell on her back, shrieking with triumphant giggles.

 

Sesshoumaru compared the carcasses. “You can't possibly think you've won. Your rabbits are smeared with offal…look, they still have tails attached for gods' sake.”

 

“I never said they had to be attractive. I won. Admit it.”

 

“Listen, you hyper-competitive little twit…there are names for people like you…combative, petty—”

 

“Winner?” she said kneeling in front of him, grinning. “I think that's how I'd name myself. As far as competitive…you're the one who wants to dominate me like your life depends on it.”

 

Sesshoumaru growled, low and threatening. “Miko, you've not seen domination like I'm—”

 

“Good heavens,” she said looking over his shoulder, no longer hearing him. She rose and walked toward the edge of the ridge. “Sesshoumaru, the setting sun.” He turned and followed her gaze. The sky was ablaze with a riot of pink and purple, the few, diaphanous clouds colored in light so mesmerizing all the silly opposition was quickly forgotten. He joined her and watched as the sun sank behind the hill across the valley, as the mountains turned black and shadows lengthened, as the sky became deeper violet. The tranquility hung in the air like a welcome visitor. “Thank you,” she said softly. “For all of it.”

 

He took her hand in his and kissed the top of her head. “You're welcome, Kagome.” She leaned into him. “So what are you seeking, for winning our bet?” he asked, hoping it involved the removal of clothing.

 

She thought for a moment. “I want you to tell me a story. A love story.”

 

Dammit she can ruin a mood, he thought. He scowled. “I don't know any.” He had never heard of such an absurd demand.

 

“Well, you're just going to have to make one up then. That's the prize I've claimed.” She went back to the fire, stuck the rabbits on spits, and lowered them over the fire. He came back to the clearing, and she asked sweetly. “I'm sorry. Did you want yours raw?”

 

“No,” he said, searching for a way out of his dilemma.

 

“Sesshoumaru, I need not remind you, tantrums are most undignified.”

 

His only reply was to calmly walk away, uproot a tree, and toss it aside, wishing there was someone present whose blood he could spill, someone whose name did not begin with Kagome and end with The Woman I Want To Fuck Senseless.

 

An hour later they had eaten, cleaned up, laid bear skins down, and were now settled in front of the fire. Kagome had a heavy blanket draped around her, but she still shivered in the cold night air.

 

“Kagome, come close to me. I'll keep you warm.” She scooted nearer. He reached out and pulled her into his lap. She had slept the previous two nights curled in a ball, far away from him, and the sudden closeness briefly shocked both of them. Kagome snuggled against his hard chest, enjoying his warmth.

 

“Why don't get you cold?”

 

“I'll be cold tomorrow morning. It will freeze hard. I'll make sure to feed the fire tonight.”

 

“Sesshoumaru,” she said, looking up at him, “Thank you. I think I needed this.” The firelight played gold and shadow on his face and deepened the colors on his cheeks to ruby. His eyes glowed like burnished bronze. She had never seen him so beautiful and suddenly felt plain and boring. Again her doubts resurfaced.

 

He sensed the quick change in her mood. “What's wrong?”

 

“It's hard for a girl to be with someone who's so much prettier than she.”

 

“Kagome, not another self-deprecating word from you.” He smoothed hair from her face and kissed her pert nose. “You are beautiful.”

 

She eased back into his arms and was quiet for a few minutes. “Can I ask you something else about my father's death?”

 

“Are you sure you wish to broach that subject?”

 

“I'm learning to accept his death and his choice, but there is something else I'd like to know before I bury the pieces. You were there. You were with him.”

 

“What do you wish to know?”

 

“You already told me he said my pet name. That information is something I will always treasure. What I need to know though, was his death fast? Did he suffer?”

 

“Kagome…no, it was not quick and painless. I'm sorry. But we treated him with the respect he deserved, and he was thinking of you, surely that was some comfort.”

 

She nodded gravely. “Thank you for your honesty. I'm sad, but I am glad you told me. No more secrets between us.” She eased deeper into his arms. “At least it wasn't you, who killed him.”

 

“Good gods, you are a morbid creature.” He gently stroked the nape of her neck, under her hair, and noticed the familiar string of beads was not in the way. He liked touching her without them.

 

She smiled up at him. “Tell me the story now.”

 

“I was hoping you'd forget about that,” he said.

 

“It usually starts `A long time ago' or `Once there was a pretty girl,'” she prompted.

 

“Once there was a pretty girl who pissed off a very powerful Taiyoukai with her repeated unreasonable requests. After he laid a bruising punishment to her backside, she realized such foolish behavior could likely prove fatal in the future and never tried nonsense of that nature again. The end.”

 

“Your story-telling skills leave a lot to be desired.” She yawned. “I can't believe how tired I am. Now stop procrastinating. Start talking.”

 

He sighed in resignation. “If I must. It is as much a story of my sister's stubbornness as it is a love story. Her obstinacy makes you seem positively cooperative. As you know, Gina was once my intended. And you know neither of us was particularly happy with the arrangement. When my mother decided we were too closely related, she feared Gina would be upset at the prospect of being alone, so she tried to play matchmaker with Kintaro. Gina was not about to give up her newly found freedom, so every time she was to do something with Kintaro, she suddenly was struck with a headache and sent Sumiko instead. I knew Kintaro had loved Sumiko secretly for years, but he never said anything for fear of angering my parents.”

 

“Why would your parents be angry?”

 

“She was the daughter of the Lord of the West. She was meant for an Inu Taiyoukai.”

 

“Wasn't Kintaro a Taiyoukai?”

 

“He was a prince of the Ookami. Didn't you know that? He was Kouga's elder brother.”

 

Kagome looked at him in surprise. “I had no idea.”

 

“The House of the West has always been closely allied with the wolf tribes, and Kintaro was fostered at the stronghold and treated like a son. That did not change the fact that he was not Inuyoukai. He knew my parents would disapprove and never courted Sumiko, but he did not plan on her developing feelings for him. I was away most of that year. Returning from the battle lines, I found my sister and my mother locked in open hostilities. Kintaro felt horribly guilty and had gone to his homeland, hoping some distance would help Sumiko accept their fate of unrequited love. She spent the rest of the year threatening suicide and generally being a giant pain-in-the-ass. My sister was very dramatic; everything she did was on a large scale. When she was happy, one couldn't help but be happy too. And likewise, when she was sad, the world cried with her. Or at least it should, in her eyes. Fortunately she was rarely sad. It was impossible not to love her though. Eventually my parents relented, Kintaro and Sumiko reunited, and everyone was happy.”

 

Sesshoumaru saw that the flames were burning low. He gently moved Kagome in order to throw a log on the fire.

 

“You're a good story teller,” she murmured. He wondered at what point she fell asleep.