InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Nantai ( Chapter 24 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

“That's inconvenient,” Kagome said, regarding the huge fallen tree that was blocking the road. She and Sesshoumaru could easily climb over, but the road ran along a steep ravine, and it would be too dangerous for the horses to attempt to go around the impediment.

“No matter.” Sesshoumaru effortlessly picked up the tree and threw it down the hillside. He began to walk again, but noticed Kagome, staring at him, mouth hanging open. “What?”

“You…just how strong are you?” The removal of the tree should have taken ten men.

“Stronger than that,” he answered simply. They continued.

Morning had dawned bright and clear five hours earlier, hoarfrost touching every surface, making the world white. Kagome woke up lying on the ground, nestled with Sesshoumaru under heavy blankets and furs. They were on their sides, his arm around her torso. She looked out at the beautiful pines. Icy crystals clung to branches, and as the sunlight stabbed through trees, the forest glinted silver. But for their slow breathing and the twittering of a few birds, there was perfect silence. Kagome didn't think she had ever felt so at peace.

Unfortunately the peace began to show fissures the moment she started to walk on feet and legs that were stiff and sore from the previous day's effort. Two hours later the peace was shattered. The ground was frigid and hard, and as they proceeded, the ascension became steeper, and walking was difficult. The trees, which she thought so beautiful in the forest, grew sparsely now, the wind blasted cold and vicious, and Kagome's mood soured. She was walking several yards behind Sesshoumaru, trying to keep up with him.

“Have I mentioned that I'm cold?” she asked his back.

Sesshoumaru made an indistinct, annoyed sound. “Only every few minutes, for the past two hours.”

“My feet hurt,” she grumbled.

“I know,” he replied through clenched teeth. It was midday, the snow on the ground was getting deeper, and Sesshoumaru wanted to throw Kagome down the ravine. Her constant comments about her feet, the chill, the mountain, and his bright idea set his nerves on edge.

“Why am I here, in this godforsaken, inhospitable, miserably cold hell?” Kagome asked sarcastically. “Oh that's right. You thought we should spend time together. And, of course, nothing is as intimate as frostbite. I can't feel my toes anymore. I can't feel my fingers. I think the inside of my nose is fro—”

He cracked and spun around. “That's ENOUGH! Miko, the reason you are here is because I haven't killed you yet. I am aware of the cold. I thought someone with, as you are so fond of reminding me, your training could handle winter weather. I see now I was wrong.” He advanced on her. “Powerful miko…what a joke. Petulant child is more apt.”

Kagome was livid. Her eyes began to glow as she removed her gloves. “You're dead meat, demon.”

“Don't flatter yourself,” Sesshoumaru said with disdain and, turning, began to walk away. He expected her to attack him or, at least, to launch into a diatribe, but all he heard was a shuffling sound and surprised gasp. Looking back over his shoulder, Kagome was nowhere in sight.

“Help! HELP!”

He rushed to the patch of displaced snow where she had just been standing. “Kagome!” The cliff edge hung over enough that he couldn't see the rock wall immediately underneath.

“Gods! I'm slipping! I can't hold on!” she said, her voice panicked.

“Kagome, stay calm! I won't let you fall.” He didn't dare go down by air; it was too windy. He ran to where the overhang was not so pronounced and jumped down, grabbing a hand hold and bracing with his feet. Kagome was hanging, barely, about ten yards from him. He leaped closer to her and caught hold of the rock face with one hand, reaching out to her with the other. “Kagome, the rock between us is sheer. This is as close as I can get. You are going to have to take my hand.”

Utter terror stamped on her face, she shook her head. “I can't let go!”

“Yes, you can. Take my hand, Kagome.”

“You're too far away!”

“Kagome, take my hand.”

She swallowed hard and reached. Their fingers brushed. He extended and grabbed her wrist, just as she, screaming, lost her grip. His claws dug into the stone as he absorbed the sudden addition of her weight. He heaved her up and caught her about the waist. She wrapped arms around his neck and held on like she'd never let go. There was a ledge several yards below them. He let them fall down, landing lightly, then jumped back up to the road and sighed deeply. Kagome was shaking uncontrollably, and he could actually hear her pounding heartbeat. He held her until she calmed. “Kagome, you're safe. You can let go now,” he said gently.

She loosened her hold and took her face from his neck, but didn't let go. “That was scary,” she said hoarsely. “No more fighting.”

“No more fighting,” he agreed. “Alright?” Nodding, she released him.

She looked numbly at her scraped and bloody palms and fingertips. “We'll take care of your hands when we get to Nantai.” He picked up and gave her the discarded gloves, then stroked her cheek. She still seemed stunned. “Kagome, your skin is like ice. Why didn't you tell me you were cold?” Her smile and small laugh were a great reward.

An hour later, the fortress loomed large in the far-off distance. “We still have a few hours to go, but we should make it before sundown.” They rounded a bend and were greeted by a rock slide, debris completely covering the road. “Or so I thought,” he corrected bitterly. “I could get us over, but the horses…dammit.”

“I think I can finally be of use and not a burden,” Kagome said, digging a bow and quiver of arrows out of a pack. “Ideally we could back up quite a bit, but with this bend in the road, I wouldn't be able to see my target.” She observed the wind direction and speed, then lifted up the bow and notched an arrow.

“Miko, what are up to?”

She looked at him and grinned. “You haven't seen what I can do. I have skills; I didn't lie. Keep the horses behind us, and best hold their reins. They'll probably spook.” She aimed at the mass of earth in front of them. Eyes glowing blue and fingers glowing pink, she fired two arrows in rapid succession, then immediately created an energy barrier in front of and above them. There was a brilliant burst of light and loud crashing. Rocks and rubble rained down, but Kagome's barrier held fast, sheltering them. Some debris was lying on top of the barrier, so instead of merely dispelling it, she made it explode, sending the rocks flying safely down the side of the mountain. When the dust settled, there was a gaping opening through the pile of slump, providing plenty of room for them to pass, single file.

“I'm impressed,” Sesshoumaru admitted, but it was really more like awe. He had seen miko in battle many times, and he knew the level of power and self-control most of them possessed. He had never seen evidence that a miko could summon the amount of energy, so effortlessly, that Kagome had produced. She had just blasted a huge chunk of fallen mountain out of their way. He was curious to see what else she was capable of, and not a little wary. “Miko, how many Youkai have you killed?”

“I haven't kept track. No more than necessary.” They continued down the road.

“I thought you were only allowed to use your powers for defense.”

Kagome bit back a smile. “I thought this qualified as an emergency.”

XXXXX

They reached Nantai as the sun began to dip behind the peaks of the mountains. The huge gates slowly swung open to loud, welcoming cries. “Lord Sesshoumaru!” They were obviously expected. On entering, Kagome could not begin to absorb everything she saw. She didn't know if she'd ever seen so many Youkai at once. Their own stronghold was very populous, but the inhabitants were never all in one location. Here, chaos reigned. Dozens of soldiers stood at attention, scores of peasants bowed, children ran wild, and animals roamed. Kagome thought she could already pick out the part-Ningen Youkai. She looked forward to being able to inspect them more closely.

A grizzled Youkai with an eye patch approached, grinning broadly. He was accompanied by two females. One was dowdy and friendly looking; the other was younger, pretty, and stared at Sesshoumaru with adoration. “Lord Sesshoumaru! Welcome! We received the messenger bird yesterday morning. I hope you had no trouble on the road.”

“A few trees blocked the way, and there had been a landslide recently. Nothing I…we couldn't handle.” He smiled down at Kagome. “Kagome, this is General Shiratori, commander of Nantai. This is my mate, Lady Kagome.”

“Lady Kagome,” he said bowing, “I'd like to present my mate, Ine, and my daughter, Yukika.” Kagome bowed and smiled politely. “It's been too many years since you graced our doorstep, my Lord. Giving Endo a break, eh? Kagome, I hope you enjoy your time in our pristine bit of heaven!” Behind him Yukika snorted and rolled her eyes dramatically. “How was your journey?”

“Uh…cold?”

Shiratori laughed loudly. “We like that way. When we get a warm spell, the mud is unbearable, and all you can smell is animals and shit! So, what'd your father send us? Some decent wine, I hope. I'm down to soldier swill, and the winter's barely begun. It'll be nice to drink something that doesn't taste like piss for a while.”

Ine elbowed her mate out of the way. “Good gods, you'll have the poor girl thinking we are a bunch of drunken barbarians!”

“We're not?”

“Bah,” she said. “Lady Kagome, come with me, and I'll take you to your room and get you something hot to drink. There's been a fire going in there for some time now; it should be nice and warm.”

Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru, unsure of what to do. “Go ahead,” he said with amusement. “I'll join you soon.”

Ine and Yukika led her to a large wooden building. “I hope you don't take offense to my mate, my Lady. Lord Sesshoumaru already knows we don't stand much on ceremony here.”

“No offense taken,” Kagome assured her. They went in and up steps, into a small, but clean room with a bed, a table, a trunk, and not much else. It was, however, due to the roaring fire, warm and pleasant.

“Sorry, this is the best we could do for your quarters,” Ine said. “During the winter, space is a commodity we don't have. This is our guest room, but usually serves as storage, since we don't entertain visitors often.”

“I hope our arrival didn't inconvenience you too much.”

“No, no. We only had to move a few things and clear out the flue. It's just that we don't often get a Lady up here. Especially in the winter. Is there anything you require right away?”

“If I could get some hot water? I'd love to wash a little,” Kagome said gratefully.

“Certainly, my Lady. I'll return shortly.”

Kagome began to take off her layers, then noticed Yukika was staring at her. “So you're a pure Ningen? I'm all Youkai, but some of my friends are both.”

“I'd like to meet them,” Kagome said.

“You will tonight at dinner. Most of them are mated now, to my father's soldiers. I'm still unattached, but my father said Commander Matsuda wants to court me. I hope not. He's kindly, but so…old.” She looked at Kagome wistfully. “You're so lucky! What's it like?”

“What's what like?”

“Being mated to him. Oooo he's so handsome and regal and…perfect,” she sighed. “When we were little, my friends and I used to play at pretending he would come and take one of us away. He was always the object when any of us had chance to make a wish. You know those silly games…lose an eyelash, see the first star at night, get the last apple in a barrel. I wish Lord Sesshoumaru would whisk me away this spring. On a cloud. And take me to his castle and love me forever.” She came back to Earth, giggling.

Kagome was speechless. After spending so much time with soldiers and sardonic Gina, she was unprepared for this level of silliness.

“All the Youkai my age here are so coarse and dirty. Really this whole place is filthy. I would do anything to get out of here.”

Ine reentered, carrying a steaming pot of tea and two cups. A servant followed with a basin of water and a towel. “Here we are. We'll have dinner in two hours, if you'd like to nap. Come along, dear. Let's give Lady Kagome some privacy.”

A nap. Kagome was sure nothing had every sounded so indulgent and luxurious. She washed her torn hands and her face while sipping tea. Finally feeling as though thawing might actually be possible, she stripped off the clothes she had worn for two straight days and climbed into bed. Sleep was not far off.

A half an hour later Sesshoumaru came in the room and saw a head of tousled black hair poking out of the covers. The desire to join Kagome in bed felt like physical need, but he had a stack of reports and inventory lists that needed attention. Groaning at the tedious busywork, he tried not to think of the warm, naked body of his mate a few feet away. When she rolled over, murmuring in an incoherent, singsong voice, he almost threw the papers in the fire. Night couldn't come fast enough.

XXXXX

When she awoke from her nap, Kagome was completely disoriented. The room was dark, but for a fire, and she had no idea where she was. She sat up, yawning, then saw Sesshoumaru, seated at the table, reading papers by firelight.

“Good, you're awake. I was about to rouse you to prepare for dinner.”

“Did you bring the bag with my things? I packed a change of clothes,” she said, lying back down.

“It's on the trunk.”

“Well, could you hand it to me? I'm not dressed,” she snapped.

“Cranky and modest? An unattractive combination,” he mocked, tossing the bag on the bed.

“Sorry. I guess some things never change. When I took naps as a child, everyone always told me I could be a bit mean on waking.” Kagome dug out wrinkled clothes. “How many Youkai live here?”

“Right now there are about three hundred soldiers, twenty-odd officers, and over one hundred Youkai who labor to sustain the outposts. With spring, the population dwindles to around a third that number,” he explained. “A word about dinner. At this elevation there are few natural resources, and wood for heat and cooking is rationed. Meals are usually taken by almost everyone in the common hall. Dinner will be crowded and noisy. There will be a good amount of drinking as well. Once the snows come, those who live here have very little else to do. It's fortunate you've been spending so much time with my troops; the vulgarity won't come as quite such a shock. One other thing, you will be offered drink. Just politely decline. The spirits Shiratori prefers could be used to strip lacquer.”

As they walked toward the common hall, Kagome's irritably disappeared and was replaced with a touch of naughtiness. “It seems you've quite a few admirers in Yukika and her friends. I had no idea you were once so…mooned over.” She glanced up at him and batted her eyelashes.

“They used to follow me around like lost puppies, whispering and moronic. I thought my sister and Gina were pests; I didn't know young females could be so vacuous.”

“I thought about asking your mother if there was place for Yukika in the manor somewhere. Perhaps you've an officer who needs a mate?”

“Playing matchmaker?”

“Maybe,” she smiled. “I must confess it is interesting to see you here. You are so cultivated and refined, but you seem comfortable, and this place is uncivilized compared to the manor.”

“There is more than one side to me, you know, Kagome.”

They entered the common hall, a large room with two huge fireplaces, one at either end, and lined with long tables, at which sat at least one hundred Youkai officers, females, soldiers, and many civilians. The deafening noise lulled somewhat as they took their places at the main table with General Shiratori and Ine and thirty or so other officers and their mates. Dinner, a simple, yet tasty, venison stew, was served promptly with little fanfare. As they ate, the topics of conversation were the status of the peace treaty and the events with Okuri and associated politics. Shiratori and the other commanders reaffirmed their allegiance to General Inutaisho and swore to secure the northern border for him against any threat. The bowls were soon cleared and bottles were brought out, filling cups.

“A drink!” shouted Shiratori. “A drink to honor Lord Sesshoumaru and his new mate and War's End!” Everyone present enthusiastically lifted cups and drank deeply. “Let us bow our heads to those lost during War.”

There was a moment of silence, broken by a soldier several tables down yelling, “They're the lucky ones! They don't have to drink this rotgut!” There was a clamor of agreement.

“Ach, swallow your complaints, you wretches. You could be sober.” Shiratori laughed.

“How `bout you pass some of the good stuff down this way, General,” a soldier from another table bellowed. “I get a cock stand just thinking of the taste of it!”

“The taste of the wine or the taste of the whore you had last night, Shingo?”

The peals of raucous laughter rang through the room as Kagome blushed, feeling like she had entered a forbidden world. She looked at Sesshoumaru, who merely seemed amused and not offended. The evening proceeded in a similar fashion, as libations were drained, bawdiness increased. A Youkai shepherd pulled out a flute and played a tune as cups emptied.

“Alright, the first bottle of my new stock is gone,” Shiratori said. “Time to bring out the soldier piss!” A new bottle was brought to the table, and the host paused at Kagome's cup. “Lady Kagome, are you game?”

Sesshoumaru covered her cup with his hand, but Kagome gently pushed it aside. “I'll try it,” she said.

Shiratori laughed and spilled some liquid in her cup. “Drink it fast. The taste isn't worth savoring.”

Kagome brought it up to her mouth. The smell alone made her eyes water, but she tossed it down and, fighting the urge to recoil, slammed her cup on the table to the delight of everyone. Except Sesshoumaru.

“Kagome, don't trifle with this stuff,” he warned.

“I can handle my liquor.” Her cup was refilled, and she upended it again. Cheers rang out, and a feeling of loose warmth spread over her body. The music resumed, and the merriment continued. Several Youkai stood and told stories, soldier stories of war and loss and remembrance. An air of melancholy permeated, until someone called for another toast.

“To the Peace!” The assembled throng drank again. More stories were told, some reverent, some lewd.

General Shiratori looked at Kagome. “My Lady, would you care to honor us with a Ningen story? You know you are in hospitable company.”

Kagome stood slowly, thoughtful. Afraid of losing her nerve, she didn't dare look at Sesshoumaru. “A long time ago,” she began, “there was a feudal Lord and Lady who were exacting tribute from their vassals. One was a young man, representing his family, and he carried with him a small fortune. He was careless with the coin and gambled it away before he could introduce himself, and, when it came his turn, he was empty handed. The Lord perceived the insult and ordered the young man's death, but he was comely, and the Lady took pity on him. `I'll pardon you,' she said, `if you can tell me what it is that women really want. You have one week in which to learn the truth. Return here and tell me, or you'll face execution.' The young man was grateful for the reprieve and quickly set about asking every woman he encountered what it is women desire most. Unfortunately for him, no two answers were the same. Some women said eternal youth was most desired. Some wished for beauty. Some wanted a rich husband. Others, a husband who was hung like a bull. And some said many children. After a week the young man was despondent; he was no closer to knowing what women really want than he was when he first started his quest. As he walked dejectedly to the place where he would meet his fate, he came across an ugly, old woman. `You wish to know that which women really desire?' she asked. `Yes, can you tell me?' he answered. `I'll tell you,' she said, `but if I do, you must grant my request.' Knowing he had nothing to lose, the young man agreed. They came to the Lord and Lady, and she asked `Have you learned that which women desire most?' The old crone pulled him down and whispered in his ear. The young man said, with confidence, `Women want, most in the world, to have mastery over their husbands.' The Lady smiled, satisfied. `Your life is spared; that is indeed what we most desire. Not only will you live, your family's holdings will increase tenfold.' The young man rejoiced in his good luck, but was quickly deflated when the old hag tugged at his sleeve. `You now need to fulfill your end.' The young man asked for what she wished, expecting a request for food and lodgings. `You must marry me.' The assembly had seen what had transpired and heard the demand and, being jealous at the young man's quick fortune, insisted he wed the old woman. The young man had no choice; they were wed that very day. That night he came to his bridal bed and looked at his new wife, full on. She was covered in warts and pox, was withered and wrinkled, dirty and decrepit. He shuddered at the thought of touching her. `And what is the matter?' she asked. `You disgust me,' he answered honestly. `Well then, I'll give you a choice. I can turn into a beautiful maiden, ready and open for you at night, but I will lie and whore and cheat at every opportunity during the day. Or, I can remain as I am, being as steadfast and honest and loyal a spouse as one could possibly desire. What say you, young man?' He thought and thought, but could not pick. `Wife,' he said, `the choice is yours.' The old crone transformed into a lovely maid and said, `You've learned well, my husband. I will remain as I look and will be faithful and trustworthy, giving you many fine children.' And they were happy until the end of their days. That is the end to my tale.”

The room burst into cheers and laughter. “I knew it!” Shiratori said. “They want to get you by the short, curlies and never let go.”

Kagome sat and risked a sidelong glance at Sesshoumaru. His expression was completely unreadable. She did not know, in this world lacking etiquette and protocol, if she had done something wrong. The drinking and carousing continued late, and, when the group finally dispersed, Kagome swayed as she stood. Sesshoumaru caught her around the waist. “I warned you, you know,” he said.

She locked her arm around his. “I'm alright, mostly tired.”

“And what do you think of Nantai?” he asked as they walked together back to their room.

“It's unlike anything I've ever experienced.”

“It isn't like this all the time. I think Shiratori let loose tonight. Nantai is a lynchpin in the defense of the northern border, and they take the job seriously.”

The fire in their room had burned down, and the air was cool. They quickly undressed and got into bed, though Sesshoumaru noted with disappointment that Kagome was still wearing her undergarment. She pressed her body into the warmth of his and yawned.

“I almost died today.”

“Kagome, I wouldn't have let you fall.”

“I was frightened.”

He kissed the top of her head. “You don't smell so strongly of blood anymore.”

“The bleeding's nearly finished. I imagine I'll smell differently as the full moon gets closer. It's my fertile time.”

“Ah…so that explains why I was compelled to follow and spy on you a few weeks ago. It was your scent that drove me.”

“Don't make excuses for your depravity, pervert.” She playfully bit his shoulder. He growled softly and kissed down her neck. “Can we just go to sleep? I'm terribly tired.”

Inwardly he felt he had just been slapped. “We can do whatever you want, Kagome,” he said evenly. Within a minute she was breathing heavily, leaving a mystified Sesshoumaru to wonder exactly when he had let himself come to be controlled by her.

To give credit to source material, Kagome's story is my retelling of a common motif found in Celtic mythology, medieval literature, and Arthurian legend. Its most famous treatment is by Chaucer in the Wife of Bath's Tale.