InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Peace Treaty ❯ Homecoming ( Chapter 36 )

Lady Seiobo sat sipping tea, bundled against the pervasive winter chill that had recently inhabited the stronghold, watching Kagome and Gina at work in the infirmary. “I have been in contact with Nantai of late,” she told them nonchalantly. “It seems General Shiratori and his mate have been having problems with their daughter's restlessness. I can hardly blame the poor child; the place is horrid. They have asked that Yukika be allowed a position in the manor. Kagome, dear, what was your impression of her when you visited there?”

 

Kagome looked up from the herbal tincture she had been carefully straining. “Flighty, but sweet and eager to please. She showed me around and introduced me to her friends, and yes, I got the feeling she would be grateful to escape.” She had experienced so much since the day she had spent in the mountain outpost—love and loneliness, triumph and acceptance—and found it odd to realize it had been less than a month ago.

 

“Good,” Seiobo pronounced. “She's your new maid.”

 

Kagome grimaced and ignored Gina's amused snort. “Lady Seiobo, I really don't require a maid. I'm perfectly suited to take care of my own needs.”

 

“Nonetheless,” Seiobo said with a dismissive wave of a hand, “you are the mate of the heir to the West. I should have found a lady's maid for you when you first arrived. The passes, I've been told, are still relatively clear. We decided there's no point in waiting until spring. She is due to arrive tomorrow.”

 

Kagome, knowing the futility in arguing with her mate's mother, inclined her head in acquiescence.

 

“I wonder how that lickspittle, Jaken, will regard her,” Gina said wickedly. “You know he thinks he's the only one capable of effectively serving the nobility.”

 

“Oh god.” Kagome groaned. “I didn't even think of Jaken. I'm afraid he won't take the presence of another Youkai very graciously.”

 

“Jaken will be fine,” Seiobo said, shaking her head. “He has confessed to me that you, Kagome, perpetually vex all his best efforts and, in my opinion, he will be happy you are no longer his responsibility. Jaken is most content when keeping his focus on Sesshoumaru's needs.”

 

Kagome sank numbly into her chair at hearing his name. Sesshoumaru had been gone over a week, and the only word the stronghold had received during that time was a brief report on the meeting with the Unaffiliated Clans. She cursed herself for pathetically pining, but his absence had not gotten any easier. If anything the dire news concerning Lord Fukuguchi's death had only made her more anxious for his return.

 

Seiobo knew Kagome was coping with the first separation better than she had all those years ago, but recognized the need of a change of subject. “Masako's pup is growing big already. And I'm told he finally has a name.”

 

“Benjiro,” Kagome said. “One who enjoys peace. I pray it is still there for him.” She smiled in an effort to lighten her mood, hating her recent melancholia. “Kiku has adapted to the role of big sister well. She's very protective of her new baby brother…err…puppy?” she giggled sheepishly. The terminology still at times eluded her.

 

Seiobo and Gina laughed with her, both happy to see Kagome acting more like her usual cheerful self. “It's our instinct to shield the weaker members of our families,” Seiobo explained. “The desire to protect is primal, even in one as young as Kiku.”

 

“Ningen are no different,” Kagome said. “Especially where babies are…” Her voice trailed off, distracted by a small inward tug of that was followed by awareness of Sesshoumaru's presence sweeping through her with welcome relief. “He's back.” Standing abruptly, she repeated, this time with more confidence, “He's back.”

 

The Youkai females watched Kagome hastily exit the infirmary. “Thank the gods,” Gina said. “I was beginning to worry about her.”

 

XXXXX

 

Hungry, frigid, and tired, Sesshoumaru led his small contingent through the forest and up the rocky hill, the stronghold looming in the distance like a beacon. The meeting with the Clans was tedious and unexpectedly long, and he pushed his troops north at a harsh pace. They stopped infrequently, only a few hours at a time, but the freezing temperatures and desire to be home gave them all an incentive to keep moving. As the trees began to thin and the road widened, he was finally near enough to be able to smell the familiar scents of the manor and surrounding yards, and he consumed and memorized them; never had he ever wanted to be back so badly. He could sense her, the piece of himself left flowing in her blood, and the closer he got, the closer he came to feeling anything resembling contentment since leaving the manor ten days earlier.

 

Shouts of the sentries rose from within the walls and the huge doors ponderously parted, revealing a small, dark-haired figure, who rushed out and ran to them. Sesshoumaru caught his mate with ease, despite the force with which she hurtled herself into his arms, and he held her tightly and pressed his face against the side of her neck, soaking up her warmth and rhythm of her heartbeat. After days of longing, the moment of reunion was not to be squandered idly. Gradually he became aware of his troops, walking past them to enter the stronghold gates; they had mates of their own to find. “Seems I've been missed,” he murmured, then gently nipped at the bite mark nestled in the hollow of her collar bone.

 

Kagome shivered and pulled her face back, studying him, seeking unnecessary reassurance that he hadn't changed. “Terribly,” she said and placed her palms on either side of his face, fingers tangling in the hair at his temples, silver like the frost covering the ground and trees. “I feel like you've been gone half a lifetime.”

 

“Not so long.” He kissed her, long and intent, laden with promise of things yet to come. Reluctantly he set her back on her feet and together they walked into the stronghold, both silently wondering how soon they would be granted a chance to be alone.

 

Intimacy was thwarted. General Inutaisho approached and greeted his son solemnly. “Sesshoumaru, I know too well you and your mate would prefer to retire to your quarters, but the situation demands otherwise. We have received a message from the spies an hour ago, and it isn't good. I am only just coming from meeting with Lady Inoue. I'll see you in the Advisors' Hall in ten minutes. And it is as good a time as any to hear your full report. I hope you have better news than I've recently learned.”

 

Sesshoumaru and Kagome watched General Inutaisho walk away and regarded each other ominously. He was only so serious when matters warranted it, and they felt the weight of a dark shadow settle down and cover them.

 

XXXXX

 

Once inside the large, cold hall, Sesshoumaru was welcomed home affectionately by his mother and with deference by the advisors, though the tense atmosphere did nothing to relax any of them. The small assembly was seated, and General Inutaisho began. “Sesshoumaru, I assume you've heard, in spite of your isolation with the Clans, of Lord Fukuguchi's untimely demise.”

 

Sesshoumaru and Kagome clasped hands beneath the table, unwilling to fully relinquish contact of skin against skin. “We received word from the House of the South,” he answered with characteristic aplomb. “The lack of a well-maintained aviary prevented anything more than the most rudimentary of communications, which is why no details of the talks with the Clans had been sent.”

 

“That can wait a moment; this cannot.” General Inutaisho sighed, the responsibility of his status as leader of the West heavy. “Lord Fukuguchi, an important member of the Ningen Council and the feudal lord of the territory containing the majority of mineral resources, choked to death nine days ago. That we already knew…we've just received new information. Fukuguchi's heir is his twelve-year-old grandson. The minor child has several close relatives, but his obvious guardian, an uncle, died in a riding accident recently. There was a brief scramble for influence among the boy's family, and the outcome couldn't be more deleterious from our perspective.” He paused, hating to give voice to the unspeakable. “General Akagawa, a second cousin, has wrested control from the other family members. He's closely enough related that his regency cannot be challenged legally and he still wields sufficient influence to ensure that the Council will do nothing. He and Kurono now have unfettered access to all the raw materials they need, and the hanyou of the area have already been rounded up and reenslaved, ensuring a steady supply of labor.” He paused, the seriousness of the new intelligence still sinking in. “No one could have imagined this dramatic worsening of our position two weeks ago. Our next step is crucial.”

 

Lady Higa, an advisor, stood. “Surely we must go to the loyal members of the Council now. Waiting is no longer an option.”

 

“But the Council as a whole has been compromised. Can we trust any of them?” Lord Sato interjected.

 

“Lady Inoue is currently encoding a message to the other Houses. In addition to a report of this new intelligence, I am proposing we send a small, secret envoy to the three members of the Council we had contacted this summer with the original overtures of peace.”

 

“We can only pray they will still value its continuation,” Commander Endo said. “But if the Ningen Council learns of kayaku quickly, we may be too late.”

 

“Kagome,” General Inutaisho asked, “you have been in contact with the Miko Sisterhood?” She nodded. “What have you discovered?”

 

Kagome relinquished her mate's hand and rose to her feet. “Lady Kaede answers to General Miyamoto, the feudal lord, but retains a great deal of independence. She is committed to the peace, though there has been trouble. A small and vocal group is stirring anti-Youkai sentiment, gaining adherents. I received a letter last night from a miko friend. She reported that, despite Kaede's attempts to contain the insubordinates, they have left the Shrine.”

 

“And what, exactly, does that mean?” Lord Sato asked.

 

“It means,” Kagome said with due seriousness, “that there are trained miko, with a potential violent agenda, operating free from Kaede's control. If they were to ally with Kurono and Akagawa, and we would be smart to assume they already have, the Generals would gain a dangerous weapon. It's distressing to me to believe that any miko could so abuse her power, but my friends report that is indeed what has happened.” She sat, slowly, thoughtfully. “Lord General, I know somewhat of Laws of Inheritance and the Council of Great Families. A Council seat is only dissolved when the male line of a family dies out, the family is stricken by unanimous vote, or the current Head of Household voluntarily abandons the Council. Letters from the Sisterhood have told me that Kurono and Akagawa left the Council in protest of the peace treaty, but who will fill the vacant Fukuguchi seat? Usually it is held by the guardian until the heir attains majority, but I've never heard of the situation when the guardian in question has shunned the Council. Do you know if he has appointed a proxy?”

 

General Inutaisho nodded. “He has named General Kurono's second in command, Takeo Hino.”

 

Kagome recoiled as if slapped. “No, he's dead.” She shook her head in disbelief and sank back down, fumbling under the table for Sesshoumaru's hand. “He was executed nine years ago.”

 

The General's eyes narrowed at her reaction. She obviously was familiar with him and agitated by his name. “I know nothing of events nine years ago,” he said gently, “but the spy's missive clearly mentions him.” His son's expression took on sudden realization, followed by murderous intensity, and his curiosity increased, but he thought it wise to say nothing more on the subject. “Sesshoumaru, share your news of the Clans.”

 

Sesshoumaru looked with worry at Kagome, and after receiving a shaky half-smile, began. “Talks with the Unaffiliated Clans did not go smoothly. They made the expected unreasonable requests, but were stubborn and unrepentant regarding the damage they were doing to the cause of Youkai society at large. I was as respectful of their situation as I could tolerate, and in the end,” he said flexing his claws, “they understood the precarious nature of their circumstances and agreed to our more than generous offer.” He stopped a moment, reflecting on the growing unease he felt during the talks. “I fear the real problem though lies with the leaders of the boar youkai. They were late in coming and reeked more than their usual foul stench; they are hiding something. I've no idea what… we need to monitor them closely. They agreed readily to spend the winter in the west, but I don't trust them.” He waited for his father and the advisors to digest the information. “And what of cousin Okuri?” he asked sardonically.

 

“He's been quiet,” Lord Sato said. “Too quiet. His time lately has been spent traveling among different families, and we have every indication that he is merely interviewing suitors for Azami, not stirring up trouble. I doubt we could be so lucky, but short of putting him under house arrest, there's simply no way of ensuring he isn't acting against us.”

 

“As much as I'd like him living under guard, we cannot act too aggressively. These threats of kayaku require that all Youkai are united. Discord among Inuyoukai could prove devastating.” General Inutaisho slammed his hand on the table in frustration. “Sesshoumaru, I want you to oversee troop inspections with me and drills are to be increased. It is crucial we are prepared at all times and discipline does not wane.”

 

As they all filed out, Sesshoumaru hung back. Kagome seemed dazed from shock and confusion, and he led her to Lady Seiobo. “Stay with her. Take her to see Gina,” he told his mother, hating the fact that he had to leave her. “She's not to be alone.”

 

XXXXX

 

It was late in the day, the sun far along in its descent and winter cold once again crawling through the manor, when Sesshoumaru was able to return to his quarters. He found Kagome sitting at her window, looking out, wearing sorrow like a shroud. “Gina told me you insisted on waiting for me here. I thought I made it clear that you were to stay at the infirmary or my mother's quarters.” He had been angry with Gina to discover she had let Kagome out of her sight, but couldn't be too fierce about it. He knew well of his mate's stubbornness.

 

She turned sharply to face him, bristling against his domineering words, but instead of admonishment she found concern and caring on his handsome features. Her face fell. “Sesshoumaru, I know you only want to protect me, but I'm alright. I told Gina and your mother everything…as painful as it was, and they listened kindly, but then I just needed some privacy.” Her face began to break, and she bit her bottom lip to keep tears away.

 

He crossed the room and enfolded her in his arms.

 

“As soon as your father said his name, I instantly recalled his face, leering at me…laughing at me,” she said, her voice raw and ragged. “I've spent the last nine years thinking he was dead, when he has been alive all this time. Not only alive, but now elevated to a Council seat. I was so at peace believing all my rapists were dead…I feel like I've been living a comfortable lie.” The horror of the truth made her shudder. “Why did Kaede not tell me?”

 

He smoothed the hair from her face. “Kagome, you were a child. You said you have lived in peace; that was the reason. She wanted to better your chance at survival.”

 

“I know, but the truth is a blow, and I'm living it all again.” She shook her head defensively, to no effect. “The terror, the shame, that feeling of being spoiled, ruined.”

 

“You are neither of those. You are strong, perfect. And he cannot hurt you ever again.” His fingers stroked her cheek and tilted her face up. Wide blue eyes held trust, but also fear. “I'll always protect you.”

 

She nodded weakly, grateful for his words, and attempted a smile.

 

Sesshoumaru was placated. At least she wasn't pushing him away. “After all that I've watched you go through these past weeks, I have never seen you cry,” he said gently. “Isn't that what females customarily do?” He hoped she would take the statement as the teasing distraction he meant.

 

She stiffened briefly, then relaxed against him with a small, self-conscious laugh. “It's silly, really. A sad, childhood bargain I made long ago and could never let go of. My father was a serious man....he hated to see me cry. He tried so hard to make his motherless daughter happy, but tears were visible proof that I wasn't, and the guilt of upsetting him was awful. The final time he left for war, my nine-year-old mind thought of the best thing I could say to him. `Father, I promise not to cry while you are gone.' I haven't allowed myself the…luxury since then.”

 

Sesshoumaru tightened his arms around her. He hated his inability to shield her from her history.

 

“I'm sorry. So often this past week I've imagined your homecoming…it never played out this way. The mess I've made—”

 

His kiss silenced her. “Kagome,” he said, drawing back, “don't apologize for events beyond your control. Nothing has changed. It is only you and I here together. No one else.”

 

The simplicity of his words, the acceptance made her push all regret and apprehension aside. The love she sought was given willingly, and she felt a small, significant measure of security. She reached and pulled his face down, her kiss hot and demanding. “Help me forget.”

 

The request hung in the cold air but a moment. He picked her up and carried her to their bed. Blankets were turned back as quickly as clothes were shed, and soon they were lying together, naked flesh reacquainting, hands slow and sure. Kagome tried to climb on top, but he growled as he laid her back, intent on taking his time, smelling and tasting the woman he had been too long denied. She writhed impatiently under his touch and begged, but he would not allow himself to be rushed. Finally he had her still and moaning, rapture concentrated on her face, fingers twisting in his hair. Once satisfied he had pleased her, he stretched out beside her again, nuzzling and nibbling flushed, damp skin on his way back to her beautiful face. She smiled languidly and wrapped her arms round, opening her legs to welcome him home. He moved inside her and she arched her hips to meet him, both at last complete.

 

Afterward, Kagome said, “You will never, ever be parted from me again.”

 

“Miko, you know that is impossible.”

 

She playfully chided him with a poke to the ribs. “Just for this night, let me have my fantasy. Let me pretend all these threats to our happiness don't exist.”

 

He grabbed the offending hand and drew her closer, earning what sounded like a content purr.

 

“Thank heavens you're back. I've been moping like a fool these past ten days.”

 

He laughed gently. “You couldn't have been that bad. I am told you've dutifully communicated with the other miko, and archery practice is going well. In fact I suspect that half the soldiers are a bit besotted with you.”

 

She laughed, remembering the pride and eagerness to please the younger Youkai troops exhibited on the training grounds. “Nonsense.”

 

“And I've also heard that the Inoues have you to thank for the safe birth of their first son. Gina was most impressed by your midwifery skills, and I am certain you realize that shrew doesn't hand out compliments without cause.”

 

“You,” she said, poking again, more roughly, “need to be kind. And I'm only happy to be helpful.”

 

“So modest,” he teased. “What was your impression of Youkai birth?” He knew of her doubts surrounding the possibility of their offspring.

 

“Comfortingly familiar. The idea scares me a little less.” She was grateful for his concern, though the sensation of his body next to hers only reinforced her awareness of his warmth and strength after absence. She threw a leg over his hips and moved to straddle him.

 

“I thought your fertile time was past.” He moaned as her hair rained down and her hands traced ridges, traveling his ribs.

 

“Does it matter?” she asked.

 

It didn't.