InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

Ok. I'm sorry about the lack of update, but I do have a good reason. Not only did my computer completely keel over and I had to buy a new one, but I have also written my first romance novel and it is being published. I have just given my consent and final approval for everything and now with any luck it will be on shelves within the next couple of months. So wish me luck.

 

Chapter 9

 

Kagome sat on the balcony overlooking the gardens. She had already bathed and put on one of the kimonos given to her. It was a pale blue with black sakura blossoms stitched throughout and a matching black obi wrapped around her waist setting it off beautifully. Even in this beautiful setting she still wasn't completely at ease. Her thoughts were focused on why she had been brought here and what Sesshomaru could possibly want from her.

 

"Perhaps it was for Rin's benefit," she whispered to herself. A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts and she knew it was someone that was sent to escort her to dinner. When she opened her door though she wasn't expecting to see the Western Lord himself.

 

"Lord Sesshomaru." He was dressed differently than she was used to. In place of his usual white clothing he wore all black making his features stand out more than normal. It was hard to deny that he was a very attractive male.

 

He was very pleased with the woman in front of him. She wore one of the kimonos he had personally chosen for her. It clung to her body showing off womanly curves and the colors only enhanced her beauty. In his eyes she was the only one worthy enough to stand by his side.

 

"I've come to escort you to dinner, Kagome," he said while offering his arm. The smile she gave was both warm and shy making him want to see it more often.

 

"Thank you." She gently rested her hand on his arm surprised at the gesture. Together they made their way to the dining hall in a companionable silence.

 

When they entered the room the children were already there sitting on the left side of the table. Sesshomaru guided her to sit on his right.

 

The room itself was not overly large and had a traditional table in the center with pillows surrounding it. In one of the corners stood a vase filled with flowers while a few tapestries hung from the walls. The floors were a dark wood shined to a glossy finish. It was obviously used for informal dining. Once Sesshomaru sat down the servants brought in several dishes surprising Kagome and Shippo at the sheer amount of food presented to them. They had never had such a feast in front of them before. They all waited until Sesshomaru took a sip of his tea signaling that they could start the meal.

 

"Lady Kagome, will you read to me tonight," asked Rin.

 

"I'm sorry, Rin, but there are things that I need to discuss with Kagome tonight. Perhaps, tomorrow would be a better time," said Sesshomaru.

 

The child nodded her head in understanding as well as Kagome when he glanced at her. He could see the curiosity and nervousness in her eyes and wondered briefly what she would do when she found out exactly why she was here. It was true that their relationship had never been based on trust and friendship. Instead it had been made out of necessity and curiosity on his part. Now, he needed to correct that mistake.

 

When the meal had been eaten and the children sent to their chambers Sesshomaru led Kagome outside into the gardens. The night was clear with the moon full and the fragrance of the many different flowers could be found everywhere. It was the perfect time to reveal part of his plans for the priestess. He guided her to a large stone that had been carved into a bench by his sire centuries ago. It was placed under a weeping willow that was so large it's branches draped over the koi pond close by. It was a place he came to for peace and to calm his beast when needed.

 

"You are curious about my intentions are you not," he started looking at her.

 

She looked directly into his eyes and kept her gaze firm. "I am."

 

"I have brought you here for many reasons, Kagome. I would like for you to teach Rin and Shippo. Secondly, I would ask that while you are here, you are to run my household in my stead."

 

"Run... your household," she stuttered.

 

"Yes, while you are here you will assume the duties that are normally attended to by the Lady of the West."

 

"Lord Sesshomaru, this is a great honor that you would give me, but I don't know anything about running a home. Especially one as large as this."

 

"I'm sure you will handle it well. I will have someone help you until you can better acquaint yourself with the day to day chores."

 

"You have never trusted me, Lord Sesshomaru. Why now?"

 

Her gaze was steady and her eyes as well as her body rigid. This was a woman intent on the truth and would not have it any other way.

 

"You are to be a guest in my home. Knowledge and power are very valuable in any ally. I would be a fool not to use them for my own benefit. As for trust I know you well enough to know that you would protect this castle and those inside from harm."

"And this is all you want from me?" she asked skeptically.

 

"For now."

 

She wasn't sure if she liked the sound of that. It meant that he was considering other possibilities.

 

"So that we are clear, Sesshomaru. If you ask me to do anything I don't approve of I will leave with or without your consent."

 

"You have no need for concern, priestess. I will not ask you to go against your own nature." he stood once more offering her his arm. "Come, it is late. I'll escort you back to your rooms."

 

"Alright."

 

The walk back to her chamber was done in silence. As Kagome opened the door and began to walk in a hand on her shoulder stopped her. When she turned to face him he pulled her into his arms and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. She was stunned. This was not the sweet and tender kiss she'd always dreamed of. It was demanding, passionate and consuming.

 

He wanted a taste of her and refused to be denied. What he hadn't been counting on was how sweet she actually was. He wrapped one arm tightly around her waist pulling her closer while his other hand gripped the base of her neck holding her in place. With skill he pushed past her sealed lips to taste and explore her to the fullest.

 

She fought to break through the haze his onslaught caused and ripped herself from his arms. Her back hit the stone wall as she fought to regain her breath. This was something unexpected. Never had she imagined or even considered that anything like this would happen.

 

The way she looked. Disheveled. Fragile. Innocent. It made him want her all the more. With the control he was renowned for he stepped back.

 

"Good night," he said and calmly walked away.

 

On shaky legs she walked into her room and sat down. She was confused about the seemingly cold demon's action and what game he could possibly be playing.

 

"It doesn't matter," she frowned. "I'm not here for his entertainment and if that's what he's looking for he's in for a disappointment."

 

Sesshomaru stood at the window looking out. He could still taste her on his lips. It was strange how he'd never realized how small she actually was until she'd been in his arms.

 

'She would probably be leery of being alone with him for a little while after the nights events,' he thought with a smirk. 'Whatever futile attempts she makes will be useless. It is only a matter of time before we're mated.'

 

 

Kikyo stood on the outskirts of the forest looking to the west. The soul stealer she'd sent there had been destroyed a short time ago. Even though she could not see who the culprit had been she had felt the miko powers when it was hit. The only reasonable explanation was it had to be the other miko trying to hide from her.

 

'She'll learn soon enough it's impossible to hide from me.' No one knew the extent of her bond with the soul stealers. She always knew their general location regardless of how far away they were or if something happened to them. They were after all what kept her alive-so to speak.

 

Looking back towards the village only for a moment she turned and started making her way west. If Inuyasha and his friends knew she was going to kill the bitch they'd try to stop her. She couldn't allow that. She would lay claim to the soul they shared and the life that had been taken so long ago.

 

Through the night she traveled and well into the following day. It was vital that she put as much distance as possible between her and Inuyasha. Briefly she wondered how long it would take him to realize she was gone.

 

 

Inuyasha was furious. That bitch had taken off during the night and he could only guess where she was going. It only pissed him off even more that he hadn't noticed her absence until the day was nearly over.

 

"Miroku. Sango," he bellowed. "Get your asses out here now."

 

His friends made their way outside calmly used to his tirades.

 

"What's wrong, Inuyasha?" asked Miroku. The hanyou was beyond agitated and pacing.

 

"Bout damn time, Miroku. She could've already found her by now. We have to go," he shouted.

 

"Calm down, Inuyasha," he said trying to make sense of what was going on. "And tell us what's happened."

 

All he wanted to do was growl and scream in frustration. "Kikyo left sometime during the night. I think she's gone after Kagome. Damn it."

 

"Inuyasha, if she has gone to look for Kagome than the only thing she'll find is her own death. Kagome warned her of that before she left."

 

"We have to protect her, Miroku."

 

Miroku held up his hand. "We don't know where she is and even if we did she is more than capable of handling the situation."

 

"Kikyo headed west into Sesshomaru's territory."

 

"I doubt Lord Sesshomaru wojuld harm Kagome, Inuyasha," said Sango.

 

"What makes you so sure? That bastard could have killed her and Shippo both and we'd never know it."

 

"He has more honor than that, Inuyasha. They became friends of sorts before we defeated Naraku and he trained her personally." What she wouldn't tell him was that she believed he had a personal interest in her miko friend. When she'd been told he'd come looking for Kagome it only strengthened that belief.

 

"You don't get it do you. Kikyo is obsessed with Kagome. She's been sending out her sould stealers trying to track her down," he screamed throwing up his hand in frustration. Did they not realize how serious this was?

 

"Kagome can feel when she's around, Inuyasha," said Miroku.

 

"What? How?"

 

"Haven't you ever wondered how it affected Kagome to be missing part of her soul?" the guilt on his face answered his question. "She came to me shortly after I started traveling with you. Because her soul wasn't complete she was in constant pain."

 

"Why the hell didn't she tell me?"

 

"What would you have done, Inuyasha?" demanded Sango. "At the time the only thing you cared about was your revenge and your precious Kikyo. Kagome refused to say anything because she knew you would never let Kikyo go."

 

"When Kikyo was nearby her pain became nearly unbearable for her so I taught her how to meditate to cope with it. Now she does it subconsciously," said Miroku.

 

"Why would it be worse?" asked Inuyasha.

 

Miroku and Sango both looked at him with hard eyes. "Because every time she was near the two pieces pulled at each other and Kikyo was constantly trying to steal the rest."

 

Inuyasha was stunned. He'd never realized everything he'd put her through or the pain she still endured because of him. "I never realized," he whispered.

 

"You have no need to fear for Kagome, Inuyasha. She knew that Kikyo would come after her. It was only a matter of time," said Miroku.

 

"Damn it. I don't care if she knew or not I won't let her face Kikyo alone," he stated.

 

"If you feel that strongly about it we will follow to make sure Kagome is safe," said Miroku.

 

"Good. Let's go," he growled.

 

Miroku sighed at his friend's brash behavior. "You must give us tonight to prepare. It's already late and we wouldn't get far anyway."

 

Inuyasha growled in frustration, but knew they were right. "Alright." 'Tomorrow,' he thought 'we'll find Kagome.'

 

 

 

 

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