InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Taming the unruly ❯ Chapter 18 ( Chapter 19 )

The woman’s body twitched as it hit the floor with a thud, her head rolling a few feet from here she landed. “Why did you kill me?” it asked with a frown, bloody tears rolling down her cheeks, “Why?!” Ana took a shaky step away from the slaughter, tears blurring her vision when she realized what she had done. Choking on a sob she turned from the body only to find herself enclosed by flames. Out of the fire came a beast, tall as a mountain...she had seen this beast before. His body shook, the flames rolling off his fur, his piercing red eyes looking down on her with regret and sadness. She tried to speak, but found that she couldn’t for the flames had left her throat dry. “You fight me,” he simply stated with a frown. “You said that you would take my youki in exchange for all your love, but yet still you fight me.” She wanted to tell him that it wasn’t true, that she truly wanted to accept him; past, present and future, but her feeble human mind could not let go of the past to embrace his present. Had she not told herself that she loved him and that his past meant nothing? Had she been fooling herself? “I know this won’t be easy, but until you have come to terms with my past, this mating we have shall not last.”

In a flash he was gone leaving her in the flames as her body crumpled to the floor. “Embrace the flames,” someone whispered. That voice, it was familiar somehow. Where had she heard it? “The pain will pass, embrace it.” She remembered now, this voice, it was the woman that had spoken to her when she went to save Sesshomaru. She tried to do as she was told, but it was too hot. It could kill her. “Remember his love...remember,” the voice whispered again. The woman had never lead her astray before, she could trust her, she knew she could.

Forcing her body to relax, she focused on the memories of his gentle touch, his care and the way he would smile at her when no one was around but he two of them, the way he fought for her and the smothering love he gave her. She took a step forward, stretching out her hands towards the blinding heat, but to her surprise it was only warm “He loves you,” that voice whispered again as the flames engulfed her then disappeared, leaving her refreshed. A loud howl echoed in the vastness, his demon appearing before her once more. “We are now one,” he said proudly, nudging her with his wet nose, softly growling “ Mate.”

He pulled back from her, his huge frame shrinking to a much smaller one. “Shall we go for a walk?” he asked, rubbing against her eagerly like any dog would. She smiled, patting his head in affirmation before following his lead into the vast forest before her.

Hushed whispers pulled her from her dream. She tried to move, but her body felt heavy and weak. “I thought she was awake,” someone said. It sounded like Mizuki. What was happening? “She should wake soon enough.” That voice, who was that? “Is she alright?” Mizuki asked. “She is. It seems as if Sesshômaru’s youki has taken root. I have never seen something like this, a demon mating with a human…” he added “She must be very strong.”

“Yes she is.” Mizuki said thoughtfully, “My son, however, is most concerned.”

“Ah yes, the young lord. How is he faring?” the man asked. “He is in a predicament,” she said carefully. “The ordeal has affected him as well, though not at such a cost as Anastasia. His youki is almost fully replenished. He told me that his demon was the one who initiated the mating. Sesshômaru wasn’t pleased about his beast’s rash decision and for a while he was conflicted. Add that with Ana’s sudden symptoms... It took me transforming and several of my strongest soldiers to subdue him,” she tsked, “This situation was most definitely out of control. Thankfully, after hearing that she is making a full recovery, he has calmed some.” The man hummed in response. “Where is he now?”

“He is with the little human, Rin. It seems as if she is the only one who can keep him calm.”

“I am not surprised, she was the first one he had opened up to,” he chuckled lightly. “Indeed,” Mizuki replied.

“You are awake.” The statement took Ana by surprise. She slowly opened her eyes, her vision focusing on soft green eyes framed by a slightly weathered face and long lavender hair. He smiled, crows feet showing on the sides of his eyes. His voice held a tone of superiority only an older person could pull off, yet still his features were soft, not like a female but more youthlike. Knowing just how old demons could be she wouldn’t have been surprised if he was much older than Sesshômaru. “I am Kiyoshi. It is an honour to meet the mate of lord Sesshômaru,” he bowed. “Where am I?” she questioned, confused. Her throat felt as if she had ran a mile in the dessert. She swallowed, trying to wet her parched throat. “In the healing room,” he answered, walking around her to a desk. She followed his movements, watching as he poured something in a cup before turning and presenting it to her. She frowned. “It is just water,” he said with a smile. “You must be dehydrated.” She took the cup with a thanks taking a long sip, her throat thanking her for the refreshment. “You gave us all a fright.” She turned to look at Mizuki, whose eyes were filled with relief. “What happened?”

“Well, we aren’t too sure. Sesshômaru came running into my quarters several days ago. You were unresponsive and had a terrible fever. I asked him what happened but he didn’t know. You had fallen asleep just fine then suddenly started to burn up. He tried waking you in vain, so he came to me. None of the healers could get your fever down so I had to fetch one of my good friends. He has taken care of you since.” Mizuki said, gently brushing some hair from her face, smiling fondly as she did. “What were you guys talking about? Something about Sesshômaru’s youki finally taking root?”

“Ah yes,” Kiyoshi stepped in. “It is quite a complex situation. It is quite unusual for a human and a youkai to be mated in such a way. It seems as if your body was rejecting Sesshômaru’s youki, which is in and of itself unusual since normally humans are unable to contain such powers within themselves, but you were able to somehow, and until now it was unstable.”

“Ah,” she sounded in response, somewhat understanding what was going on. “Well,” Mizuki said after a moment, “Now that we know you are out of harm's way I must get back to planning the ceremony.”

“Ceremony? What ceremony?” Ana asked, confused. “Why the mating ceremony, of course. It is customary for mated couples to be to have a ceremony before consummation.” She scowled, “Seeing as the two of you couldn’t wait the ceremony is happening after.” Oh right, the ceremony... Sesshômaru had told her about it. “When will it be?” she asked. “In four days.”

“Four days?!” she retorted, sitting up in her futon. Mizuki looked at her, “Why, yes. We must have this ceremony as soon as possible. I cannot have my son walking around with an unofficiated mate. That is not acceptable, and after, the two of you will travel his lands for his subjects to see you.” Ana wasn’t too happy about that last part and was about to say so but Mizuki cut her off. “You are married to royalty and there are customs. It is customary for the mate to be shown and that is final.” With a huff she left the room, leaving Ana stunned and annoyed. “She can be a stickler for the rules sometimes,” Kiyoshi said with a chuckle. Ana nodded in response, “When can I see Sesshômaru?”

“He is already here” he responded almost instantly with a smile,“I shall take my leave.” After one last bow he headed for the sliding door, opening it slightly, nodding and stating his leave as he passed the young lord. “Ana-sama!” Rin screamed excitedly, barreling in and hugging her with as much strength as she could muster. “Rin. You must be careful,” Sesshômaru reprimanded and Rin’s grip instantly loosened as she gave Ana some space to sit up properly. “Oh Rin. I’m so sorry I worried you,” she apologized, patting the girls head. She looked up at Sesshômaru whose eyes spoke volumes even though his features had returned to their normal stoic ways. She smiled softly at him, sniffling as the tears rolled down her face. “Anastasia-sama,” Rin gasped. “It’s alright, Rin,” she mumbled, wiping her face. “I’m just happy to see you both is all.” The little girl smiled, her eyes sparkling with tears as she hugged her once more. She gently pet her head once more, a reassuring sigh escaping from the girl who rubbed her face against her clothes. Sesshômaru watched from the side, his eyes gleaming with content. After a moment, Rin pulled away from her rambling almost instantly as if nothing had happened, asking questions which she answered to the best of her ability. When it seemed as if little Rin had worn herself out Sesshômaru called for a servant to take her to his mother.

He sat next to her, pulling her into his lap engulfing her. She chuckled softly, pulling herself from his embrace. “Are you okay?” she asked, concerned. “I am now,” he said with a smile. He pulled her towards him once more, gently kissing her. “Sesshômaru?” she questioned after he released her. He chuckled, gently rubbing her arms as she did. “After speaking with my demon, I have come to terms with what happened and know that I won’t ever hurt you again.” She nodded in understanding, happy that things were finally looking up for them. “I promise that I wasn’t trying to reject you,” she said after a moment surprising him. “I am well aware,” he stated simply. “After being embraced by the love you gave me I know you wouldn’t reject me. I knew you needed time, but unfortunately my demon is not one for patience.” She chuckled, a bit intrigued by the rather drastic personality split between Sesshômaru and his demon.” He gave her a slightly raised brow, silently questioning her outburst. “I just find it funny that you and your demon are so different.” He snorted in a rather un-Sesshômaru like fashion, which reminded her of Inuyasha, in a way. Where they truly that different though?

“So what now?” she asked after a moment, biting her lips. Being in his lap was having some effect on her and she knew he could tell. He smirked at her, his eyes suddenly swimming with lust. “The thought had occurred to this Sesshômaru,” he whispered seductively in her ear, running his fingers ever so softly down the center of her back. She arched in his touch, her now sensitive nipples brushing against his chest, rubbing oh so deliciously against the material she wore. She moaned at the feel of her body slowly unravelling at his touch. “But,” he said pulling away from her. She looked into his eyes, stunned by the sudden loss of his touch. “Until the healer has given you a full pass on your health we will refrain from such activities.” Before she could protest he gave her a peck on the lips and removed her from his lap. “Sesshômaru!” she gasped, not pleased by the sudden turn of events. “I shall take my leave,” he stated, opening the sliding doors to reveal Kiyoshi. That bastard! She growled internally, face flushing from embarrassment. He knew the healer was there yet still he teased her like that. “It seems as if the young lord has recovered fully,” the demon chuckled as he closed the sliding door behind him. “I haven’t seen him this frivolous since his youth.”

“Jerk,” she mumbled under her breath as the healer walked further into the room. “You will be free to go after I have made my final examinations, and don’t worry the two of you can have sex as much as you want.” Ana blanched at his forward remark, not at all comfortable with the way the conversation was heading.. “Don’t worry my child. We demons enjoy engaging in such activities as much as humans do. Possibly even more. I hope you can keep up with his stamina.”

“Please stop,” she groaned, flopping back onto the futon with her hands covering her face. He chuckled, “Now that I have thoroughly embarrassed you, why don’t we start the examination.” She sat up once more at his request ready to get this over with but was surprised when he turned to her with a rather serious expression, “If you are uncomfortable with me touching you, you can tell me.” She was not expecting that. Hadn’t really thought about it either. Normally she would be opposed to a male touching her and found that she could only tolerate Sesshômaru’s touch but Kiyoshi was different; nothing like Sesshômaru, but he made her feel comfortable and she trusted him. She didn’t know why, but she did. “I’m fine,” she said with a smile.

With confirmation he began his examination, doing normal things any doctor from the future would, just in a different way. Instead of the normal tools he used his hands, which glowed a neon purple, almost the same color as his hair. He started from her head, down her neck, quickly passing over her chest and ended at her abdomen. He checked her reflexes with a tool much similar to the futuristic one then gave her a synopsys. “You are in great health. The youki presence within you is stable and I’m sure it will continue to grow as you gain your strength and will continue to with Sesshômaru’s power. Don’t be frightened,” he said when he saw her fearful expression. “It will do you no harm. My only concern is that miko residing inside you. Normally those two powers do not coincide. That could have been the reason why the youki power became unstable. I will have to keep a close eye on you in regards to that, but other than that you are as healthy as ever.” He paused for a moment as if unsure how to continue, an uneasy smile crossing his features. She gave him an odd look, not liking the sudden change in the atmosphere. “I’m sure you are well aware of the scars on your body?” She froze, the memory of it tickling her mind making her flinch. She nodded, “Yeah.” He hummed softly, “It seems as if the mating has caused the scars to heal completely.” Her head snapped up, the questions playing across her features but far from stumbling out her mouth. He answered her unsound question, “We are unsure of how that is possible, but we believe that it has to do with the integration of Sesshômaru’s youki.”

Ana wasn’t sure on how to respond, she was more than eleated that those dreaded scars were gone, although after her intervention with Shizuka she had come to terms with them. “Is that all?” she asked, feeling out of sorts with the new information. He nodded, patting her knee gently before helping her from the futon and escorting her to the door where she met Mayumi. The woman was kneeling before her, a look that Ana was not used to. “Mayumi,” she called out as they walked down the hall. “I do not deserve you calling me in such a way,” she responded, “I, like many others, doubted that you were the one Sesshômaru-sama had mated and wondered why he brought you back here.” Her voice went soft as she said that, cracking slightly as she continued, “It was more out of fear and disgust on my part, that my lord would do such a thing to you. I wasn’t sure on how to react to you since normally it would mean that he had taken you in as a concubine, which does not suit you. When I learned the truth I was ashamed.” The lack of footsteps behind her had her turn only to see Mayumi on her knees once more, her face flat on the ground. “Come on Mayumi, you don’t have to do that,” Ana spoke, pulling her from the ground. “Look, none of us knew. Not until Mizuki-sama told us. So don’t beat yourself up like that. I just want things to return to normal. Okay?” The woman smiled, relief flashing through her eyes. “Thank you Ojô-sama.”

Four days came and went in a flash. She and Sesshômaru never got the chance to be alone, well not really and when they did they were too tired to even attempt trying to have sex. With the ceremony being so close she was constantly with Mizuki, trying to remember all the formalities; then after that she had to get an examination as per Mizuki’s request even though Kiyoshi had said she was fine. Following her check up she was sent to a dresser to get fitted for her formal wear, which had to be adjusted several times because Mizuki hadn’t liked the color. When all was said and done it was dinner time and after eating she took a bath and was knocked out by the time Sesshômaru had returned to the room. She wasn’t surprised that he never woke her up and by the time she was awake he was gone. When the day had finally come she was a nervous wreck. The day prior there had been an influx of demons to the castle, she really wanted Kagome and the others to be there but knew it was too late to get them and even if they were able to come she doubted that the ceremony would end in peace with Inuyasha being there. From what she could remember he was looked down upon by many. Was she even welcomed? She was a human after all, considered lower than even a half demon. She had brought this point to Mizuki who ended up having a rather murderous gleam in her eyes followed by a smile. She never told her anything except not to worry, yet here she was worrying.

“Alright Ojô-sama,” Mayumi called out, adjusting the last piece of her formal wear before ushering her to a stool where she began the tedious task of getting her unruly curls into a proper style. “I’m so nervous,” she admitted to Mayumi in between brushes. “What if-”

“If they try anything Sesshômaru-sama will kill them.” Mayumi added bluntly. Ana chuckled, not doubting a word she just said. “How do I look?” she asked after Mayumi pulled away from her, smiling. “Why don’t you take a look for yourself.” She guided her towards the vanity her eyes widening in awe when she saw herself. She wasn’t one for makeup and was happy that nothing heavy was placed on her face except for a bright red lip paint and a softer more maroon eye color to match. Taking a step back, to get a better look at herself, she could only marvel at the ombre colour of the kimono that complimented her complexion. The rich burnt yellow blended nicely with the yellow towards the hem, giving it a sunset effect. “It’s time,” a servant said, poking their head inside, only to stop and look in awe before quickly pulling his head back out. Mayumi smiled at her in the mirror before helping her put on the zori. “You will do fine,” she whispered to her as they exited the room.

Saying she was nervous was an understatement. As she walked down the hall towards the crowded room she felt as if she was going to throw up from all the nervous energy and stares from the soldiers. Did they think she looked funny? No Ana, this is not the time for that. Or maybe she should just turn around. Unfortunately it was too late, the doors opened, revealing the mass in front of her. She had to tell herself to breathe as she took her first step into the crowd that parted to reveal Sesshômaru, whom she almost didn’t recognize with his hair up, revealing all the markings on his face and his pointed ears. She took a hesitant step, the many decorations in her hair chiming in her ear as she tried her best not to trip over her kimono. The thundering heartbeat and lump in her throat wasn’t helping, neither was a all the eyes that seemed to bore through her. She swallowed thickly, trying her best not to puke from the nervousness that thrummed through her veins.

The walk felt as if it took forever as she made her way down the path carved out by its inhabitants. She hadn’t realized she wasn’t breathing until she was in front of him, the red of his haori a shocking contrast to his pale complexion. She took a shaky breath when he gently touched her hand, revealing the inu crest intricately woven on the sleeves of his haori.

“Sesshômaru-sama,” she addressed nervously , giving a slight bow of her head. When she looked at him again his ears were bright red and he strouped a growing blush. Clearing his throat and pulling back his expression as best as he could he addressed, “Anastasia-sama.”

After their greetings they turned towards, to her surprise, Kiyoshi. The older demon gave her a smile before beginning his announcement. “I, Kiyoshi, the son of Riku, leader of the Eastern lands stand before you as a witness to the official mating of Sesshômaru-sama and Anastasia-sama. Is there anyone from the lands under Sesshômaru-sama, who has any objections?” The room went deathly silent, the only sound being the heavy thumping in her chest. Each sub leader gave their approval before taking their seat, which she did not expect for she was a human mating to a demon. Perhaps their fear of Sesshômaru ran deeper than she thought.When the last leader sat down Kiyoshi continued, “With no opposition we will end the ceremony with the sake tasting.” He presented six cups, sake in each one. She lifted the first cup, the ombre yellow of her sleeve littered with the inu crest at its hem shimmering in the afternoon light. It was funny watching Sesshômaru bent awkwardly as he drank from the cup she presented to him, but she had to scool her features before she unintentionally ruined the ceremony. The way he licked his lips after had her body trembling and it took a moment for her to register that he had placed the cup to her lips. The liquid warmed her body as she drank and by the last cup she was definitely not as tense as she had been earlier and had to stop herself from giggling. At long last the ceremony ended and the two made their way through the crowd, to the dining area.

The place was packed and instantly turned silent when the two walked into the room. In the distance she could see Rin who waved excitedly at them. They made their way over to the table, taking their respective seats when Sesshômaru gave the gesture for beginning the feast. She was still tipsy and it didn’t make it better when more sake was passed around after the feast. By her fifth cup she was done and found that she could not stop herself from laughing at every little thing. At some point Sesshômaru had to excuse them and lead her back to their room.

“My, Sesshômaru,” she slurred seductively, “Did I tell you that you look handsome tonight?”

“More than once,” he replied, trying to keep her from falling. “Come, let me take you out of these clothes.”

“Oh, yes please,” she winked, laughing at her internal joke. “Ana,” he warned when she tried to undress him. “You not taking your clothes off too?” she pouted, “That’s no fair. I get naked, you get naked,” she stumped childishly, trying to be as demanding as possible. “My mother gave you one too many,” he said with a sigh. “I no drunk, just tipsy,” she proclaimed, wrapping her arms as best as she could around his neck. “You don’t want to have sex with me Sesshômaru-sama?” she asked meekly rubbing their lips together. He growled softly in his throat, trying his best not to succumb but completely failing as he took her lips. She hummed in their kissing, chuckling as they pulled apart, biting on his bottom lip as they did so. “I have your attention now,” she purred seductively, rubbing the tips of her fingers behind his ear. The deep moan he emitted had her body in overdrive as her core sparked to life. “Please take me,” she whispered, straining on the tips of her toes to lick the tip of his ear. He trembled in her arms, as she did, nipping the side of her neck as he walked them over to the nearest furniture.

Time felt as if it had slowed down as he peeled off her clothing, his lips kissing every part of exposed skin as the layers fell off her body. She moaned as his teeth grazed over her breast, his tongue flicking over her erect and highly sensitive nipple. Her fingers dug into the clothes on his back, as his hand glided up her thighs finding their way between her legs. His fingers found their mark, gently touching and caressing her pearl as her hips rocked with the motion. His mouth left her nipple all together, his fingers leaving her pearl and were instantly replaced by his tongue. She cried out his name as he pleasured her with his tongue, tearing the pent up strain from her body with the way it danced over her clit. “Delicious,” he hummed when her orgasm had passed, his voice dripping in lust. She looked up at him when he rose, her head swimming from both her climax and the sake. “More,” she begged, watching him as he slowly took off his clothes, exposing pristine white flesh littered with demonic markings. “With pleasure,” he whispered when his hakama dropped, revealing the rather pronounced flesh between his thighs. Like the predator he was, he walked over to her, gently spreading her legs. He stopped when his fingers grazing over the place where her scars once were, his drunken lust sobering as he stared at the spot. There were no words as his fingertips swept across now smooth skin, a small shiver running through her body as he did.

Her head tipped back as he slowly penetrated her, her voice ringing out as he thrusted into her, his large member growing ever so slightly as it worked its way inside her body. His name rolled off her lips as he pleasured her body, the vanity she sat on screeching as it rubbed against the floor. It wasn’t long before her body shook, the waves of pleasure coursing through her body at her climax, but it wasn’t enough. Just as she was about to voice her demand she found herself against the wall, her hands pressed against it as he took her from behind. His heavy grunts and moans had her head spinning and when he spent himself inside her she still wanted more. “Trying to match my stamina, hmm?” he asked as he laid her on the futon. “Be careful what you wish for.”