InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sesshoumaru's Mate: A Valentine's Story - ON HOLD ❯ Part 6 – The Coming of Padhraig ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance, we would not have fodder.

 

Title: Sesshoumaru's Mate - A Valentine's Story
Author ElegantPaws

Genre: AU

Editedby: Meara

Part 6 - The Coming of Padhraig

 

 

“Well, I think that went rather well, don't you?” the young woman said breathlessly. She slid the shoji closed behind her carefully, hazel eyes sparkling as she looked hopefully upon the lanky being casually perusing one of her father's tomes.

 

Patrick shook his head slowly with a half smile, while closing the ancient, bound text of Celtic Folklore he happened to have found lying open on Lord Sesshoumaru's escritoire.

 

“If you mean, my love, luncheon was without bloodshed, then yes, Satori, it went swimmingly,” Patrick smirked. “Come here,” he added tiredly, the journey had taken its toll on the tall angular being and lunch was a complete disaster.

 

Satori at first did not move, choosing instead to hover at the door taking in his aura, which he never kept from her. He was tired and the jarring banter at the dining table had not gone over well. Uncle Yasha could be tiresome at times and it had taken everything within Patrick not to respond to the jibs and slights all throughout the meal.

 

“You're tired and still apprehensive,” she answered, slowly beginning to approach him. Her own arms opened in welcome.

 

“Do you blame me?” responded Patrick.

 

Breathing in his scent, she folded her arms around his waist, assuming their favored position. His head rested atop her own, before his arms encompassed her, pulling her tightly into his embrace. She closed her eyes. The only other individuals she had ever felt this secure with in such close proximity were her parents and Uncle Yasha. This feeling she prized above all else. With Padhraig she was always safe and need not be constantly on guard with him. There was balance, a sense of certainty, she had never found these many centuries with any other until now.

 

“Father's bark is far greater than his bite and Mom is a romantic at heart,” she murmured into his chest, nestling closer, basking in his warmth and protection.

 

“I would not take that wager, Satori.” he answered in a steely tone, raising her chin and gently kissing her soft, pink lips, chastely, gently carding her silken tendrils between his fingers, enjoying the feel of her body next to his.

 

It had been months since they had last touched. Until this moment, he had not known how much he missed the simple act of unguarded touch.

 

“Perhaps, if you let them `see you' that would help,” she chided softly.

 

Satori took the opportunity to steal another kiss, while gently caressing the taut muscles of his lower back insistently, smiling as he relaxed into her touch.

 

“They are not at issue, and you know it,” he said, releasing her abruptly. It always ended this way.

 

A soft, feminine growl of frustration escaped her lips, as she watched Patrick walk to the floor to ceiling window of her father's study in avoidance of the obvious.

 

“How many times must I tell you this?! You are safe here!” Satori hissed quietly, “Father is even more anal than you are! Nothing gets by him.”

 

“Except myself and the other entity that still lurks on your lands in secret. It was a lousy idea to bring it here, what possessed you? You know my life is bound to it.”

 

Closing her eyes, the young Miko's expression changed from pleading to furious.

 

“Do you actually think, we are not aware, something is out there? We have always been aware. The error you make now is to allow my father to believe that entity is you. Don't think it isn't in his mind to dispatch you. He is just simply trying to find a way that doesn't implicate the house of Taishou, or more accurately have Mom throw a fit of epic proportions should he kill you without reason.”

 

Patrick turned at this revelation, gray-blue eyes, feral, in his pale, handsome face as an electric current danced between the Miko and the Warlock.

 

“The Western Lord is most welcome to try,” whispered the ancient being with a smile that, though lacking the menace of fangs, would send shivers through the most brave of mortals and demons alike.

 

“Do not make me choose, Padraig. You won't like it,” was the soft, resonant response.

 

“Is that a threat, my love?” was the diffident reply.

 

“Not in the least, my love. You just need to understand, if you want me, you have to take them as well. You are fooling no one and placing yourself and our relationship in grave danger with your diffidence and continued distrust of those who gave me life. You are showing me disrespect.”

 

Satori's head swiveled in irritation as her eyes fell upon the shoji, just as Patrick's did simultaneously. She realized then, he had made his choice. He had chosen not to hide behind his barrier.

 

The shoji screen slid open, revealing a Taiyoukai, looking rather smug. `Things are looking up. They are fighting. Satori is mercurial like her Mother. Perhaps I will not have to do away with the stripling after all.'

 

She lowered her head but not her eyes, delaying a fraction longer than was necessarily polite, under the circumstances. Satori's intent, to let her sire feel her displeasure at his ill timed entrance in a private conversation.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru?” Patrick said, his steely gray-blue gaze never leaving frigid citrine.

 

Pale, astute amber slowly glided over the interloper with mild interest, taking in the closed book on the writing desk, then his daughter's exceptionally, livid countenance, before quirking a silver brow in Patrick's direction once more.

 

“Satori, we have an impromptu meeting with the Council.” Sesshoumaru said with a bored tone, “Come, now.”

 

“Grrrrrrr……. But my Lord, I'm in the middle…” Satori groaned tiredly, pinching her nose.

 

“Satori…your mother's overindulgence has created the illusion you have a say in these matters. You are Lady Satori of the House of Taishou and as such you have responsibilities that far exceed any trivial personal matters. Much depends on you.”

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru, I hardly think our personal lives or private discourse are trivial and I resent your dismissal as such,” Patrick said more sharply than he intended. He had met passive aggressive generals in his time, but this overbearing, dictatorial overlord took the cake. Alexander the Great was nothing in comparison.

 

Ignoring the Western Lord, the Warlock stepped towards the lithe, yet curvy female and cradling her in his arms, nestling her head under his, making quiet cooing sounds designed to comfort her frayed nerves. One hand made soothing circular motions against her lower back.

 

Satori sighed contentedly, one sleepy hazel eye looking at her father beseechingly before closing happily.

 

`She is a young woman, who deserves the same love I feel in your arms. It would be wrong to deny her what we have.'

 

The Western Lord was taken aback, not so much by the interloper's words, but the gentleness with which this Patrick Plague held his first born pup as, what she was, the most precious entity in existence. It was clear, despite the Lord's misgivings', the upstart loved her deeply and would protect her with his own life. What was more, for the first time, Sesshoumaru could sense his being fully, devoid of masking barrier. He was ancient, far older than appearance would allow one to believe. Patrick, like himself, was a being of magic and great power, but not, of course, his equal.

 

Sesshoumaru sniffed imperiously, flashing a long, silken tendril, over one shoulder.

 

Padhraig Maeve Brennan had allowed himself to be seen by the Lord of the Western Lands, but why? Something new and infinitely more disturbing to Sesshoumaru's sensibilities clawed at his inner beast, demanding release, demanding acknowledgment.

 

“We must go.” Sesshoumaru commanded, magnanimously, deciding he would ignore, just this once mind, Patrick's rebuttal. Those in the West were known for their less than decorous leanings and outspokenness.

 

Satori raised her head and smiled up at her protector winningly, kissing her finger tip and applying it to his soft lips in lieu of the real thing. Patrick winked down at her, releasing his possessive hold of her. He watched her pass her father and go through the door to prepare for the meeting, leaving both males behind.

 

“You will remain, Warlock. Lady Kagome will see to your needs until my return. We have much to speak of Padhraig Maeve Brennan. Be prepared to speak or die trying. We do not take well to serpents here,” hissed the Lord of the Western Lands, golden eyes flecked with just a hint of ruby in warning.

 

-I-

 

“Thank you, Lady Kagome,” said the medical student with a dazzling smile, meant to deflect the sudden overwhelming sense of foreboding he sensed in the Miko's presence.

 

Musical laughter filled the air between them as they both continued to stroll peacefully through the winding paths within the expansive tree-lined enclosure of the arboretum. Kagome pointed out this and that; all the while observing his reactions, intently.

 

“I can see why she fell for you; handsome, intelligent, disarmingly charming with just a hint of mystery. A lot like her father. Do call me Kagome,” the Miko said pleasantly.

 

“This is very relaxing, my Lady, thank you,” he said amicably, chivalrously allowing her to walk slightly ahead of him, leading the way.

 

From the moment they had opened the doors, he felt its pull. He smiled secretively. He had found it. His gift to Satori had to be retrieved before it proved his undoing.

 

Patrick nodded with genuine interest in Kagome's collection of rare horticultural specimens.

 

The Miko was not fooled in the least by his casual banter, as she observed his eyes flitting about in search of one object in particular. She too smiled secretively.

 

“Not at all, Mister Brennan,” countered Kagome, “I simply assumed you needed a rest from the testosterone overload that was luncheon. You must forgive my husband and brother-in-law. They do mean well. A young woman's heart is at stake and possibly your own life.”

 

He chuckled wryly, “Ahhh but Lady Taishou, I am fully aware of their reasoning and respect it. You are another matter entirely,” he said softly. “With you, I will continue to tread lightly until such time that I have won your trust. On that note, please, be so kind as to call me by my given name, Patrick,” he said equally casually, stopping to touch a yellow spotted phaleonopsis in bloom.

 

“Such a rare and beautiful, orchid and rather difficult to keep,” he continued.

 

Kagome ignored his attempted aside.

 

“Why is that, Mister Brennan? You have nothing to fear from me. I, like, the Western Lord, simply wish to know your intentions towards our child,” Kagome answered with a smile playing about her lips, but never quite meeting her eyes as she turned to gaze up at the striking male.

 

The lanky, being bowed deeply, if not awkwardly, attempting to mirror the correct deferential bow suited to her position as Taiyoukai's Mate and the mother of his love. Patrick did notice the continued formality between them. She did not trust him.

 

A soft hand touched his shoulder, bidding him rise. She had one tree in particular to show him; an ancient tree, the one Satori had brought back with her from Ireland. It had the appearance of a sapling.

 

“Let's not stand on ceremony. I so rarely get to show off my arboretum and it is my duty to keep you entertained since both Satori and Lord Sesshoumaru have been called away.”

 

-I-

 

 

Inuyasha's golden eyes narrowed in disapproval. He didn't like Kagome being in there alone with the unknown quantity that was Patrick and there was fuck all he could do about it either, without having a long heated discussion with the Miko.

 

From his right, the appealing, delicate scent of magnolia wafted to his nostrils.

 

“They're still talking,” he offered preemptively, glad of the company.

 

“About?” replied Ayame, coming along side her Mate.

 

“Christianity, if you can believe it. Snakes, some guy named Padhraig and the Goshinboku and its similarity to something called a Yew, spirits, and shit” he answered distractedly.

 

Ayame's green eyes brightened in sudden understanding. “Patrick!”

 

Inuyasha gave her a confused look. “Yeah, what about him?”

 

“Padhraig is Gaelic for Patrick,” she explained more slowly.

 

The Hanyou turned fully to the red-headed female in consternation.

 

“How do you know that?” Inuyasha queried with genuine wonder in his eyes. She never failed to surprise him.

 

She smiled up at him, shaking her head. “We are not the only supernatural beings that have ever lived, Inuyasha. On occasion, leave the dojo and spend a little more time in your father's library. It holds more knowledge than you could imagine. Lord Sesshoumaru has added to it recently, his emphasis seems to be Celtic lore of late.”

 

“Oi!” Inuyasha half whispered indignantly, “I don't need books to tell me what I already know. He isn't to be trusted and he mates Satori over my dead body! We don't need weirdoes in this family. We have enough.”

 

“Spoken like a protective, Uncle.” Ayame chuckled as he pulled her tightly to him, nuzzling her neck.

 

“What's with the crack? I'm up to that idiot named Shakespeare you keep insisting I read and let me tell you that Danish Prince, Hamlet, is seriously fucked up and seeing things. I can already tell, he's for it,” snorted the Hanyou, trying to maintain a serious expression.

 

Ayame looked at her mate sternly. How did he intend to scare off Patrick wearing a t-shirt that said, `Who's Your Doggy?'

 

She raised her lips to his with a provocative pout and a suggestive roll of her full hips against his. Inuyasha's golden eyes followed the playful tilt of her generous lower lip, involuntarily, licking his own. Damn, she was a vision. He pushed her away from him gently with a groan but not before copping a feel of her firm derriere and leaning into her, reciprocating her sensual, teasing motion with his semi-hardened length.

 

“Get inside woman, or I'll do you right here. You're too much of a distraction. I'm on duty. Sesshoumaru would have an aneurism if I left Kagome alone with Mr. Cocky Drawers in there to take care of you.”

 

Ayame sighed, a sensual smile on her lips, as she leaned into his intimate caress.

 

“Promises, promises, my Lord.”

 

The Hanyou's ears twitched, eyes growing hooded at his Mate's challenge. “Are you daring me, bitch?” he growled, nipping her ear teasingly. Ayame helped at the unexpected nip to her lobe.

 

“No…not exactly, Inuyasha. You would be here even if the Western Lord had not requested your presence. Kagome is your friend, your first real one, and mine. You both still underestimate the females in this Clan. We can take care of ourselves and our family. This is no longer the Feudal Era, where only the male dominates. Why do you think I am out here? Why do you think Sango is hanging precariously on a limb of the Goshinboku glaring at Padhraig as we speak, waiting for him to make one false move? We take care of our own, Puppy Ears.”

 

“That's not the point. We wouldn't have mated ya otherwise. She is his to protect. I would expect him to protect you and he would, if I weren't around. It is what we do,” Inuyasha retorted in a smug, self-righteous tone, not quite releasing his hold of his mate. She always felt so right in his arms.

 

Ayame quirking a brow up at the Hanyou in disbelief and shook her head. “Such a shame it doesn't apply to the children your women gift you with,” she added sarcastically before turning and trudging back through the snow towards the house with a gentle sway of her hips.

 

“She just had to tell you, didn't she?” Inuyasha groused. “I'm gonna kick her ass when she stops blabbing all nicey nice with that scrawny twit in there.”

 

“Inuyasha, I'm warning you, if you plan on rutting with me tonight, you will leave that subject very much alone or plan on bedding down in the Goshinboku,” Ayame called out behind her. It was no idle threat as Inuyasha had learned from years of experience.

 

The Hanyou glowered at his mate's retreating hips as they swayed in a mesmerizing fashion away from him.

 

 

“Women,” Inuyasha grumbled under his breath, his gaze returning to the arboretum, while he surreptitiously adjusting his inseam unhappily. Sesshoumaru owed him for this one.

 

He could not see them.

 

“Shit!” cursed, the Hanyou as he crept closer to listen, spying movement at the furthest corner within the extensive glass enclosure. Both were standing and admiring a sapling.

 

 

-I-

 

 

“Taxus baccata,” Kagome said stooping near the three foot tree. “It is a member of the Conifer family. In the spring I intend to have it planted on the other side of the property. It hides its true being.”

 

 

Patrick studied her profile with renewed suspicion, stopping in his tracks, measuring his next words before speaking.

 

“The English Yew, not exactly uncommon,” he said with a bored tone. “They can be found in most churchyards in England to this day. I'm curious as to why you would have it in your collection?”

 

Kagome rose, her gaze still on the little tree. “Satori brought it back from her last visit with you. How odd, that you don't recognize it, especially as you gave it to her.”

 

Patrick's features became rigid, finally understanding why Lady Kagome had brought him there.

 

“Yes I believe it is also called the Tree of Immortality. Romantic drivel, of course. Its fruit is quite poisonous to the human body, so please be careful,” The medical student added warningly.

 

Kagome gazed up at him, “But I understand it is not poisonous to fellow magical beings and can in fact hold the souls of unearthly beings. It acts as hiding place for the spirits of Faeries, Witches and Warlocks; beings such as yourself. It is, like the Goshinboku, a portal to other times and spaces under the right circumstances.”

 

The medical student stood his ground. He did not happen to like where the conversation and this stroll had led after all. His original suppositions were right. Her pleasantness through lunch, the absolute politesse she had shown as he talked of his homeland, her soft titters at his gallant jokes, had all been feigned. All had been designed to give him sufficient rope to hang himself if he was not careful. Her delicate manner had led him to the precipice, hook, line and sinker.

 

“I think, Mister Brennan, I find it most remarkable because of its presence, or its lack of one. It gives nothing of itself away. Every life form has an aura, but this particular sapling has none…very much like you,” the Priestess said, rising and facing the tall male with a serene expression, awaiting his response.

 

“Who are you really, Padhraig? I know you know who we are; who we really are. I suspect you have always known who our daughter is and her true purpose. I am giving you this opportunity to reveal yourself,” Kagome said quietly, her gaze lowered demurely, a filmy glow surrounding her body as she continued to await a response.

 

“I don't understand?” Patrick said rather more quickly than he should have, stepping back a few paces, raising his own defensive barrier once more.

 

“Very good, Patrick, thank you for the confirmation. What were you doing in our fields earlier and I do not mean helping us to find the young pup, Raiden?”

 

Dark brown eyes looked into his, the flicker of a flame reflected in her irises, or so he thought.

 

He saw it in her stance; he saw it in her eyes; he saw it in the all encompassing aura that surrounded her. He was actually in danger. Possibly more danger than being alone with an enraged Taiyoukai, he was with a mother bound and determined to protect her young.

 

“Patrick, am I right in my understanding that Yew Trees are the keepers of ancient magic in Celtic lore?”

 

It was a clear statement, rather than a question.

 

He chuckled, “Fairy tales, my Lady, certainly you don't believe in such nonsense?” he countered dismissively, stepping further away from the Miko, in sudden need of refuge.

 

He had seriously misjudged the Priestess.

 

Patrick suddenly felt his skin begin to tingle as the Priestess' came closer to him. Before he recognized what was happening, her aura expanded exponentially around his; blocking any and all means of spiritual escape.

 

“Answer me,” whispered the Miko, quietly almost sibilantly in a voice as old as time.

 

In a last ditch effort to protect himself, Patrick released a single burst of energy, which ricocheted, knocking him off his feet.

 

Icy, predatory, grey eyes looked up into dancing, amused brown. It had not been his imagination. The force that had knocked him on his ass was coming from the petite woman in waves. She hadn't even broken a sweat while turning his own energies against him. It had been over a thousand years since he had felt this defenseless. Neither the Romans, nor the Christians had ever managed this and he the last of the Druids. She was forcing him to show himself.

 

“No more games, Padhraig. I may call you Patrick, yes?” Kagome asked politely, stepping further into his aura.

 

“You have no idea what you are asking of me, my Lady. There is more at stake here beyond your simple curiosity,” he cautioned, finally standing unsteadily.

 

“I do love Satori. I never thought I would ever find that for one such as myself. I too have a purpose. I cannot reveal myself, please. You must trust me. I have come to retrieve the gift. There is a presence here that lays dormant.”

 

Kagome smiled knowingly, bowing her head. “We are aware of it, always have been. You on the other hand are the wild card we did not expect so soon.”

 

Patrick blinked in shock. Satori had spoken the truth.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru was right, but not in the way he thought. Your power reminds me of the presence we experienced earlier today while searching for Raiden. Your magic, Mister Brennan, the magic you hide within you, even now. What are you hiding from? Why are you here and what has this to do with our daughter?”

 

Patrick recoiled involuntarily, close to a thousand years hidden and now this mere slip of a woman with her gentle graces did what no armies had ever done.

 

“But how?” he asked, her small hands extended palms up towards him, requesting his own as she pulled him gently down to sit next to her near the manmade spring that closely followed the path they had taken.

 

“I could force your hand, even destroy you, but it is not my wish. You are alive because I sense no evil. I wasn't so sure when I brought you here.” Kagome said evenly.

 

The oppressive cage he had felt surrounding him slowly dissipating, leaving him sapped of energy and in need of sleep.

 

“Rest, now.” Kagome said quietly, caressing his cheek with one finger, maternally, her brows furrowed in worry as she watched his eyes close and his head lull to the side. She eased his head into her lap.

 

`Was it to come so soon?Had they prepared her enough?'

 

-I-

 

Patrick shivered as he awoke, barely able to breathe. Something rather heavy was on his chest and refused to shift. From what little he could see, he was once again in the field from earlier that day with one major point of difference, it was now night and the moon was full, casting a blue white glow to the snow beneath and about him.

 

This was not the interesting bit however. The Warlock had found the reason for his discomfort and inability to breathe. A large, fluffy, white paw was accosting him.

 

Patrick blinked repeatedly up at the owner of the paw, who by all appearances was none too pleased with his existence. There before him were the largest set of teeth he had ever had the misfortune of seeing up close and personal, along with the slavering maw it belonged to and piercing ruby eyes. Patrick twisted his head as best he could and blinked into the eyes. Somehow, they seemed familiar, those eyes in that aquiline white face with jagged markings, similar to Satori's when she was well and truly pissed.

 

This really wasn't his day, or for that matter, night by all accounts, thought Patrick as he gave in and simply fainted from lack of oxygen, but not before hearing a distant, feminine bellow coming to his rescue before his conscious mind faded.

 

“Taishou, Sesshoumaru, let him up now! Stop playing with our daughter's fiancé. He is not a tug toy!”

 

Author's Note

 

Terribly sorry for the delay, looking forward to your commentary, hope you enjoyed.

 

EP