InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART TEN ( Chapter 10 )

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.

Mature: Sexual content, you have been warned.

Edited by: Meara

Reviews are fuel.

EP

 

Japanese Phrases/Words Used In Part Ten

 

Chotto matte - “Wait a minute”

 

Wafuku - all encompassing term for traditional Japanese attire

 

Nagajugan/Juban - undergarments worn under a kimono (Furisode)

 

Tabi - socks (separation for the big toe to facilitate the geta - wooden sandals)

 

Furisode - It is the most formal style of kimono worn by unmarried women in Japan and is distinguished from other kimonos by its long sleeves. By wearing a furisode, a young woman signifies that she is both single and a legal adult, and thus available for marriage. In this sense, a furisode might be likened to the formal gowns worn by debutantes in the West.

 

Date-Jime Belt - silken rope obi accent for want of better words, worn over the obi.

 

Sen-no-Rikyu - was born in the merchant city of Sakai in 1522. As a young man, RikyÅ« studied tea under Kitamuki Dochin, and received the name SÅeki from the priest Dairin Soto of Nanshuji temple in Sakai. At the age of nineteen, he began to study tea under Takeno JÅÅ, who is also associated with the development of the wabi aesthetic in tea ceremony.

Part Ten - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

 

The gentle glow of morning's approach came through the window and lovingly touched Sesshoumaru's cheek and lips. Kagome could do very little but stare in awe at this perfect specimen of manhood.

Somewhere in the night she had managed to extricate herself from his embrace - she suspected he allowed it whilst continuing to pretend to sleep - and paid a quick visit to the hot spring and then to her chamber for a change of `clothes'.

The miko knew she had to make it quick or a very nude god would be in hot pursuit if his teddy should it be missing for any length of time. To her surprise the stoic lord like to spoon.

Though a smidge sore in a rather nice way, she found herself watching him intently. A few less than pure thoughts crossed her mind as she once again channeled Miroku. Kagome eyed the outline of the sheets encasing his silhouette, unconsciously licking her lips the lower her gaze went.

She really could understand her friend the houshi that much better now. This was addictive.

“Kami, I love your body and what it does to me,” she whispered meditatively as she brushed her finger across his lips softly and gently brushed back a few wayward strands of flaxen silk.

The miko lay on her side atop the sheets, one hand propping up her head as she played with a silken tendril of the Taiyoukai's hair. The yukata of the night before loosely tied, revealing a rather nice silky bra and panty set ever so subtly shaded in the softest champagne salmon pink. Even she had to admit, the look was nearly perfect and she did hope that he liked.

Still, nothing made her happier than just staring at sleeping beauty and imagining whatever he was thinking about that gave him that peaceful, no smug, expression on his handsome face.

Unbeknownst to the miko, sleeping beauty was in no way, shape, or form, asleep. Instead, he lay there watching her through those inordinately long, thick lashes. He almost gave his current state away when she had whispered those words. The Taiyoukai's heart speed up unaccountably and he almost had to take in a deep breath to alleviate this sudden increase in blood flow to quite a few areas of his body. It also did not help that he could scent the miko's rising arousal, which he wanted to help her with - being the generous youkai Lord he was.

The current little outfit she was wearing was thoroughly indecent. How that could be in anyway construed as a binding was ludicrous, since the majority of her delectable flesh was free to the naked eye and the little valley in between looked a good place for a tongue to caress and probe before latching on to those nipples. There was something unnaturally delicious about them. What his conscious mind did not, however, appreciate was the lower garment, which would die a very quick death as it looked to be made similarly to the previous item he had ahhhh… procured surreptitiously. Well, no point thinking those thoughts now when any moment he would be feasting on her feminine flesh once more.

Sesshoumaru was enjoying watching the priestess' musings, unaware she was being observed.

`She was licking her lips again,' he noted and if his nose was right (it was never wrong) she was already exceedingly wet and primed for his attentions.

Let it not be said that The Lord of The Western Land was not a colossal tease. Just then, he yawned and pretending to scratch, `inadvertently' re-adjusted the sheets covering him downward to just above his mornings erection and heard the priestess' sharp intake of breath.

`The bitch was done for,' he thought almost smirking. He was going to have a beautiful morning's ride before practice in the dojo.

`Wonder how he tastes?' Kagome's brows furrowed slightly as she continued to lick her lips while sucking a rather Freudian fingertip. She gave him a downright lecherous, smoldering gaze, her focus resting just below his waist at his very obvious erection.

`He tasted me and come to think of it, the Taiyoukai had been rather negligent last night. He still needs to finish what he started at the hot spring with that other dexterous appendage,' she thought with a mischievous grin. Her finger left her lips, and subconsciously went below the waistband of her panties and lightly caressed herself, closing her eyes in memory of his tongue in particular.

“Mmmmmmm…” Kagome let out a breathy moan.

`This was completely getting out of hand and he needed to stop her now! Nothing was going to stand in the way of a good morning's rut,' he thought, his lips becoming a thin line, not entirely sure why he was so upset-but definitely being so. His beast understood, even if the Taiyoukai did not.

`The miko was simply not going to be allowed to pleasure herself in his presence,' he thought indignantly as his member became increasingly stiff and painful. He watched her fingers stroking her sensitive parts sensually as her fragrant musk reached his nostrils.

The priestess continued to stroke herself breathing softly, having forgotten his presence, or so it seemed. Now fully on her back, robe open, dark nipples hard little pebbles as one hand tweaked one harshly while the other played suggestively within her underwear.

`I'm going to give you a show, you little voyeur.' she smirked within. The miko had not missed his fluttering lashes or the sudden harsh line of his lips.

“God….mmmmm… Sesshou,” she began to pant and just as quickly found her thighs suddenly hoisted above well muscled, smooth male shoulders, while strong callused hands pined hers to the futon. Not the most comfortable position in the world, considering the pillows were not available, but she was a rather flexible girl and could cope. This minor inconvenience had promise, if she read his face correctly. It was downright perverted what his eyes implied.

“You need to stop looking at this Kagome like that Lord Sesshoumaru. It could easily give a girl all manner of lecherous thoughts,” she said with a wicked sultry smirk.

“Good morning, Miko. Do not ever play with this Sesshoumaru,” he said in a husky baritone. The Taiyoukai's eyes were now the color of rich, dark garnets as he nosed her playfully, before he lowered his mouth to feast on his new favorite delicacy.

“Mmmmm…..nnniiiiccce …. Taiyoukai….mmmmm,” moaned a feminine voice.

Shou was charged with preparing the dining hall on this day. Having learned his lifelong lesson never to carry more than he could safely bear, he was to make special efforts this morning, Megumi had told him, as this would be the Taiyoukai's guest first morning meal at the castle.

The eldest servant and possibly not the swiftest of youkai, had forgotten one rather precious covered serving tray that held the miko's magic. It was to be placed to the right of the miko. Being rather ambitious (or more accurately, lazy) he felt it would not hurt to bring a few cups with him as well. That was nothing, surely he could balance that, right?

Shou was initially startled and embarrassed by the increasingly loud grunts and pants of a male. Obviously the Taiyoukai was ahhhh rather busy entertaining his guest.

“Seeesssshoooooooouuuuu…oooohh… mmmmm….yes….god…yeeees ,” a soft, mewling, completely hoarse female voice could also be heard the closer he came. It was clear the female had screamed much that morning. All this aside, Shou took in his stride. He, too, was male and had fond memories of days gone by. It was the sudden, feral male growl that practically shook the outer walls of the honmaru that did the trick.

“CCCRRRRRASSSSHHHH!”

An elderly male and a young, nubile female screamed simultaneously.

They made quite the chorus, the miko and the servant, though for entirely differing reasons. He in mortal terror and she in complete, utter, exhausted ecstasy as the youkai lord flooded her once more.

Nothing but shards all around him, he picked up his robes and ran in the other direction. If the Lord could not catch him, he could not remove his tongue or anything else he once held dear, though long out of use.

There, on the floor, lay not only a shattered serving tray but the miko's magic box (and he did not mean the one the Taiyoukai was currently shafting to the hilt like a crazed piston with the fringe benefits of a great cardio workout).

sks

One, scared crap less blue eye looked from between the tall hedges that blocked the view of the sea.

The Ookami Prince had never understood the particular placement of this solitary partition within the enclosed sand and stone garden. The dry ocean was carefully raked. Its white sand and granite boulders were meticulously enclosed by well tended hedges with but one item just a few feet from the partition: a simple, stone water basin.

“Prince Kouga, I don't think Lord Sesshoumaru is going to be particularly happy seeing us here, again,” said Ginta, looking about him nervously. They had barely missed being caught by two of Commander Daichi's soldiers. The guards had been more preoccupied with gossip as to why their Lord was somewhat late for his usual morning practice.

“I will make him understand Ginta. Desperate times do call for desperate measures and I need a place to think. This is as good as any,” said the now sweating, saucer eyed Prince.

`If he could just make it to Sesshoumaru's private quarters, perhaps he would allow him to explain and well… whatever. He was sure to be pissed but for the sake of our lands, he must help me,' thought the frantic prince, who now began to hyperventilate at the mere thought of mating with the demoness Ayame.

He just could not do it. She was attractive and all but his heart was set on Kagome and maybe when she got over her current infatuation with the big dog, she would realize what and who she really needed. He was sure the miko would come to her senses soon. Sesshoumaru would, undoubtedly, do something to piss Kagome off and he would be there, waiting to pick up the pieces.

“Shou” snarled a thoroughly furious Lord under his breath. He had scented the youkai's sweat and knew perfectly well why the hasty and most unseemly departure from the scene. What Sesshoumaru would not admit, however, was his own discomfort in the knowledge that, perhaps, the servant had heard them. He would speak to Jaken. These halls would no longer be used as a thoroughfare for easier access to other parts of the palace, effective immediately. Not for himself, of course. Though passionate, he knew intrinsically that the miko would not appreciate their private moments despoiled by idle gossip.

“It's okay Sesshoumaru. I did wonder what happened to it. I'll get another one when I return home,” The priestess said looking up at Sesshoumaru in an attempt to calm her lord down. Even now the damn dog looked so good in nothing but an open yukata and beads of sweat on his forehead.

Apparently, the kill urge was on again as he flew past her, ignoring her words. He was heading, instead, at lightening speeds towards the outer courtyard for the kitchen in hot pursuit of the miscreant, completely unmindful of his current dress (or lack thereof).

“You might want to close your robe, Lord Sesshoumaru. RuRu is swinging about recklessly and might get hurt, not to mention scare the females in the kitchen,” she snickered under her breath, not truly expecting a response.

It never failed to amaze the miko that his hearing was so acute, because in that moment, he stopped, squared his shoulders and turned towards her with eyes blazing like twin stars.

She smiled at him as winningly as possible, pointed and winked, blowing a kiss at not so wee RuRu.

` Uh Oh…that comment might not have been such a good idea,' Kagome thought and quickly got up and legged it away from the silver streak heading towards her with unknown intent.

The miko dashed madly towards the hot spring, giggling all the way, neglecting to remember the shards of pottery strewn about the wooden floor.

“Owwwwww Owwwwww Owwwwwiiieee!” she cried, hopping now on one foot, blood spurting from her left big toe before she landed on her backside once more.

The Western Lord came to an abrupt halt. He towered over the miko with her foot in hand, blood now gushing down her hand in rivulets, as she began to pout.

`No, no, no, not that,' the youkai thought. Her eyes were brimming. He hefted her over his shoulder, slapped her ample buttocks to give her something else to focus on and slid open the fusuma that lead into the steaming spring. He refused to think of the reaction he had when her eyes brimmed with tears. Had Shou been present in that moment, Sesshoumaru would have more than one bloodied mess on his hands. This one pleasurable to his beast as its mate needed comforting, and a severe penalty was in order.

Placing her gently on the stone bench, he took her hand away from the injury, looked at her fingers, licked her palm and simply sucked her fingers into his mouth.

The priestess' horrified look amused him.

“Waste not want not I guess,” she said, somewhat repulsed by the sight and once again uncomfortably aware of their species' differences.

Picked up the little foot dispassionately, the Taiyoukai noted her sudden return to modesty, as she tried unsuccessfully to fold her other hand into her lap so he could not see up her leg. He eyed her smirking around her little digits, quirking an elegant brow at her in inquiry as to what exactly she was hiding.

“You are careless Miko,” and with that he simply placed her now clean fingers in her lap. Folding her hands together, he took her toe in his mouth, tickled it (or so it felt) and spat, releasing a bloody white shard. He then proceeded to suck on her big toe meditatively with his eyes closed.

`Her blood is sweet, intoxicating and thick,' thought the Taiyoukai as he blissfully sucked. His thoughts traveled briefly to the sudden concept of marking her as his bitch. The thought was no long such an abhorrent idea as it had been weeks before.

“Mmmmm…I mean STOP THAT!” protested the miko with very little real annoyance in her voice.

`She had her toe in his mouth, for Kami's sake, and that wicked evil…mmmmm delicious tongue…NO NO NO!' she reminded herself. She really was becoming Miroku.

“Drop it now!” Kagome commanded with as much force as she could muster. It really felt divine, though.

He merely opened one eye imperiously in question and then closed it again and continued his current activity.

The Lord of The Western Lands on his knees, paying homage to a stubby appendage and a miko attempting to extract said stubby little piggy from betwixt those sensual comforting lips without much success - quite the sight, really.

`Perhaps a little leverage would do the trick.'

The other long, shapely leg was placed on his shoulder, trying desperately to push him away while both hands sought grounding, for this new battle of wills, on the back of the bench, trying to create a fulcrum. Her teeth clenched with the effort.

Ah yes, this was the sight that greeted the breathless Kouga, who had just been told by Ginta that Ayame and Inuyasha were heading in the direction of the palace. The first thing that caught his attention were those two long, shapely, sun-kissed legs exposed and an annoyed, more so than pained, look on the miko's face. The Taiyoukai still appeared unmindful of the intrusion, as he was far too busy with his Toe-sicle and the delectable scent between the miko's thighs.

“What!? Kaaaaaaa-ggggggggooooome Ewwwwwww!,” came the voice of a thoroughly flabbergasted and disgusted Prince of Wolves.

On amber eye opened and swiveled in the direction of the door, less than pleased at the sudden invasion of privacy. Murder was definitively in order. If not Shou, Kouga would certainly do. One need not be particular when bloodlust called.

“Kouga! What are you doing here! You should be at your Mating Feast! Where is Ayame?” the miko said incredulously, while tightening her robe, not realizing her toe was still in the general vicinity of a sharp set of fangs, which had extended to their full length, had she bothered to look at the livid dog demon.

Her foot left his mouth, as she toppled over the bench from the force she exerted moments prior.

“Why can I never remain upright in your presence, Lord Sesshoumaru?” said the more than annoyed priestess, righting herself and tightening her robe self-consciously. Kouga was still staring at her, when his attention really should have been focused on the psychopath bearing down on him.

A healed toe was the least of the miko's preoccupations, at the moment.

You see, as to be expected when dealing with territorial, sexually charged psychopaths, it is essential to keep an eye on them at all times since one was never quite sure what they would do next.

Case in point, the Lord's sudden disinterest in his toe-sicle intimated clear and present danger to one of her friends. Not to put too fine a point on it, said gorgeous flaxen haired maniac was holding fast to the rich, dark, shiny, chocolate ponytail of a certain Wolf Prince, dragging him down the hall towards the study.

All that could be heard was very loud yelping as both males left the vicinity of the hot spring at indecent speeds, Kouga undoubtedly sustaining friction burns, and possibly a few unwanted splinters.

Kagome scrambled, following as fast as her legs could pump for fear of losing them both.

They were moving too fast for her to stop, as Shippou sailed out of his room heading for breakfast. He was blushing fiercely, Kagome noted absently. She would explain the turn of events to her kitsune later at breakfast.

The miko made note of its chambers, smiled reassuringly, hugged him to her, kissed his auburn locks and dashed, in under three second. She could not lose them. Prince Kouga was in serious trouble this time, she could tell.

Shippou simply shrugged and went on his way, little arms folded within his sleeves. A male had his priorities in life and breakfast smelt very good. Undoubtedly, he would see his mother later as she seemed in hot pursuit of Lord Sesshoumaru and Prince Kouga who, now that he thought about it, was being dragged in an undignified manner through the passageway.

The kitsune did however turn and sniff delicately with his cute little snub nose, as she rounded a corner and shrugged. Mama had chosen a mate and it was Lord Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha was not going to like this at all, the kitsune smirked.

“Sesshoumaru, please listen. I didn't mean to break in on the toe! I mean, what's with that, anyway? “ said Kouga, frantically pressed up against the wall with a snarling beast looking down into his face with murderous intent clearly etched in his red rimmed orbs.

Kagome flew in just at that moment, holding her chest trying desperately to get air while bracing herself against Sesshoumaru's free arm not currently filled with Kouga's larynx.

If she had not known better and had not known Sesshoumaru's propensities, this could easily look quite different to the untutored eye as the Lord of the Western Lands was breathing heavily into the Ookami's genuinely frightened face.

With all the strength she had, the priestess barked, “Let him go now, Lord Sesshoumaru. Can't you see he is distressed?”

“Onna, get out!” he hissed, shrugging her arm off and turning back to Kouga, intent on wringing his neck for the pure satisfaction of the pain it would cause the Ookami. Left to the damn wolf, he would never have a private moment with his bitch. His beast agreed.

“I am going to ignore that. We have had this discussion already. Remember, the tree? Me, Kagome. The least you can do is stick to calling me `miko'. Now, please let me handle this. Kouga is my friend and your ally, remember?” the priestess pleaded desperately. She fell to her knees intentionally resting her head on her arms in supplication.

The Taiyoukai turned enraged eyes to the tatami and looked at the curvaceous silk clad bundle of female in utter astonishment. This unexpected turn of events caused the Taiyoukai to slacken his grasp on the Ookami, who had both hands currently tightly wound around the wrist of the dog demon trying to prevent his own imminent demise.

“Please, please let me handle this. Please, RuRu?” the priestess whispered, unmindful of her loss of protocol.

The Lord of The Western Lands was at his wits end. His home had become a thorough fare. When had his life come to such little measure? He would have enjoyed this moment more had it been private. The miko was acknowledging his dominion over her, even if she had not realized it. What took the satisfaction out of the moment was why she was doing this. He knew this cost her a great deal. It was not in her nature to supplicate. The miko prostrated herself for the Ookami, in hopes of his salvation.

He let Kouga go abruptly and left the study, leaving only his scent of fresh linen in his wake, nearly knocking over Jaken in his departure.

`The dojo would at least be considerably much quieter and not filled with females who called him RuRu.' Kagome's current moniker of choice had startled him into allowing the Ookami to live. The last female to actually call him this had been his mother; very disconcerting. His beast, however, had always been rather partial to the name. It meant affection.

“RuRu?” moaned Prince Kouga in question. Then he began to snort, despite his now sore throat as he slid down the wall to join the miko on the tatami.

Kagome raised her head. The coast was clear. There was nothing akin to supplication in her face. It had been a calculated move on her part. This made Kouga snort harder.

“Stop it, Kouga. What's with you? What are you doing back here? No bullshit! Where is Ayame?” the priestess asked in a harsh whisper.

Folding her legs gracefully under herself, she sat up, examined his throat and checking him over for any other damage before finally relaxing and staring at the prince quizzically.

`The Taisho males seriously needed therapy for anger management,' she thought and prayed for the day she was rid of them both, if only fleetingly.

“Kagome, I just cannot bond with a female I don't love, regardless of the politics,” Kouga wheezed out.

The priestess regarded him thoughtfully with her delicate brows furrowed.

“Right, we are going to take a walk and you are going to tell me everything. Leave nothing out or I will call said psychopath back and be done with it,” she said, getting up and holding out her hand for the prince to take. He really reminded her of Souta, sometimes.

Kouga looked at her suspiciously but took the soft little hand in his, suddenly feeling infinitely better.

“She is on her way, by the way. My scouts saw her and she is with dog shit, hence we doubled back,” he said in a resigned monotone.

“We? Ayame and Inuyasha here, coming here? That's all we need. More shouting and testosterone,” the priestess gripped, now wondering what the best course of action would be.

Kagome remained a romantic at heart, and began to smile suddenly. `This could turn out much better than she originally thought. All those books on psychology, she thought long wasted, might just come in handy.'

`Couples Therapy might be in order,' thought Dr Higurashi, though there was that little issue of the demoness not being overly fond of her and then there was the `Inuyasha Factor.' She mused, suddenly not so sure.

“I need to go back to my chambers. Come with me. YOU WILL stay outside while I get dressed, and then we are going to work this out, okay?” she said holding his face in her hands.

He really was a nice guy, a little delusional but a very nice youkai with a good heart, and would make a lovely mate for anyone other than a certain priestess. Once she got that through his thick skull.

Kouga brightened instantly. He became animated by her touch as his beautiful blue eyes glowed with a smidge of lasciviousness despite the imminent onslaught of Ayame. He would simply have to face the recriminations, all because of some ridiculous cosmic anomaly and far too much precipitation in the atmosphere so many years before.

Despite his looks and words, one of the core reasons Kagome remained friends with the Prince of Eastern Wolves was his courtly manners. The miko managed to make a quick trip to the spring, freshen up and change in record time. She donned her new uniform of jeans and, just this once, a halter top of soft cream, as it was rather hot. For whatever reason she stopped and placed the kogai and comb within the rough chignon she managed to throw together. It felt right to do so.

Kagome opened the shoji door and beamed at her friend.

“Now, there are plenty of gardens in this place and I trust you know all. Am I right? So, which is your favorite? We need to talk Kouga. We really do,” the priestess said softly looking at him seriously; a rarity.

For whatever reason, Kouga acknowledged this, furtively looking at her hair, or more accurately, her choice of decorative accents, and sighed.

Perhaps, she was never to be HIS Kagome, after all. Sesshoumaru's scent permeated her clean, glowing skin. She was his but for the mating mark and from the looks of things, Sesshoumaru would make short work of that. The Eastern Prince had known the Taiyoukai a very long time, despite what he told his younger sibling, and he had never seen him so territorial with the exception of the youjin Rin and, to some extent, that ridiculous toad.

Folding his arms and seriously looking at her with understanding, the prince extending an elbow for her to link through his, amicably.

They walked quietly for a time, something unusual for the two friends. Gone was the usual banter, just a companionable silence but for the occasional perfunctory bow to a curious servant who passed with a horrified expression at the miko's attire and the duos intimacy of touch.

The Shiro had seven exquisite gardens as the miko was to find that morning. Kouga chose the enigma of the sand and stone garden to sit beyond and observe with his former crush and friend, the Shikon-No-Miko.

It was quiet and meditative, not the choice Kagome thought a youkai of action like the Ookami would choose. Before them lay a very simple display of ground white sand and granite, imitating the sea beyond the hedges that could not be seen but heard except for one, simple straight three inch gap beyond a flowing granite basin forever replenished with spring water.

She had not lived with her Jii-Chan for so long without gaining ascetic knowledge, even that which was unsolicited. The miko smiled softly in recognition of its significance.

“From when I was a pup, this particular garden intrigued me. It is not the lines of sand and boulders that has bothered me about it but that damn gap, and the basin and the mossy path that leads only to the basin,” he said softly without looking at her. Keeping, for the first time, a discreet distance from her person on the carved stone bench.

“Well, Prince Kouga, look carefully,” said the miko quietly. She gave him a sidelong glance while adjusting a wisp of hair that had escaped the kogai, again, because of the sea breeze's gentle but relentless caress.

“Look at what, Kagome? This garden is ridiculous. Sesshoumaru spends more time here than in any other, even as a pup. Did you know that Lord Toe Sucker spends time here in particular?” he said derisively, eliciting a soft chuckle from the miko. Kouga sighed as he watched the miko's face, thinking her the most beautiful woman in existence. `Her smile could light up the darkest corners of a cave. It was so bright, warm, loving and accepting.'

“Shall we walk it?” she said quietly, understanding the Taiyoukai that much more from a seeming irrelevant detail.

The Ookami Prince shrugged indifferently and got up, dusting off his furs and extended a hand. The priestess shook her head softly and decided to walk on ahead through the only other gap in the hedge to stand on the soft moss at the opposite end of the seemingly irrelevant gap and basin.

She smiled encouragingly at the Ookami Prince, holding out her own hand. He shrugged once again and came to stand by her side, perplexed by her actions.

It was not for the two friends to know that their walk had never been as private as they thought. They had been followed for some time now by a tall figure dressed in white.

“What do you hear?” said the miko without any inflection.

Kouga looked at her with raised brows and folded his arms suddenly feeling defensive. `Of course he heard the damn ocean, what was Kagome getting at?'

“That's my point. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the palace, with its adjoining tea house overlooking the ocean and Inu-no-Taishou had the builder obstruct the view,” he said, rather irritated that she did not see the obvious.

“Sand gardens are created, dear Prince, for the express purpose of meditation. The point of meditation is not to be too overly pre-occupied with the ephemeral in your surroundings, hence the garden has a void appearance. Its function is to still the mind and bring union,” she said in an equally serious quiet tone, remembering her Jii-Chan's endlessly lectures that somehow gained resonance in these surroundings.

He, too, had a similar sand garden, flanked by two gnarled rather sickly red maples he endlessly fussed with each day. Grandfather's sad attempt at zen gardening was nothing in comparison to this perfect oasis of simplicity and grace. Kagome stilled with tears in her eyes as she suddenly realized something. She recognized the architect or his student. The great tea master Sen-no-Rikyu. The priestess had the honor of standing in one of his creations. The timing was right in history for it to be so.

“So?” said a suddenly frustrated and agitated Wolf Prince, who was uncomfortable with her expression and the unshed tears in the miko's eyes.

Kagome was suddenly finding it hard to find words as she allowed her mind to wonder across the plains of the garden. “Just look, Kouga That is all I ask.”

“He is not capable of understanding, Kagome. You waste your time,” said a familiar baritone beyond the hedge, who turned as if to leave but remained, waiting.

The miko turned suddenly in fright. `He spoke her name.' She would never be able to understand why but his use of her name made her angry.

“Excuse me, Lord Sesshoumaru, if you don't mind this is a private conversation between two friends and it is never a waste of time when you are trying to help a friend. That is what friends do for one another,” Kagome said sharply, the mood having been lost by his sudden intrusion.

“Come Kouga, let's have tea in the dining hall,” she said softly taking his hand, then thinking better of it released it just as suddenly before speaking once again to the Taiyoukai. Something told the miko she might have gone too far. The priestess decided to ask the lord's permission for them to leave.

“If, that is alright with the Taiyoukai of course?” she intoned dryly.

The miko felt the youkai Lord's angry silence. The Taiyoukai said nothing but she could tell by the angle of his head he was less than pleased with her tone.

“This Sesshoumaru will accompany the prince and the priestess for this discussion,” he said flatly before addressing the Ookami directly, with an expressionless monotone.

“The Princess Ayame is also to join these discussions in the hall. The hanyou filth is outside the gates refusing to come in, fortunately. He is insistent on speaking with the Miko,” he ground out slowly between clenched teeth.

Kagome slapped her forehead in frustration.

“Fine, so much for a peaceful resolution,” she sighed and walked towards the Taiyoukai's back hesitantly.

“Could you please take me to him, Sesshoumaru-sama? I promise it won't take too long,” she said quietly now standing by his side, looking off at her own unseen horizon.

The Lord turned to look at her impassively, his golden eyes nothing more than slits, his lips tight with unexpressed rage.

`Yep, serious anger management issues,' she thought to herself while withstanding his current icy pinched glare without flinching, or the slightest acknowledgment of his current mood.

“Ookami, we will meet you in the hall. Attend to your mate to be,” he intoned without giving him a glance. He was currently pre-occupied with the state of the miko's coif which the wind had taken liberties with.

Kouga shrugged and walked slowly away with an abrupt courtly bow.

“Sit, Miko,” commanded the dog demon.

Sighing in boredom, she did as she was told. Sometimes it was just simply easier to give into the small things. Her mother had taught her well to pick her battles. Obviously, the Western Lord wanted to say something to her.

Sitting once more on the granite bench beyond the garden, she looked up at him briefly in question before looking once more to the serene garden with her arms folded across her chest.

“Do the females of your time not adorn their hair miko?” said a soft rich baritone in question from behind her back. She could feel the soft touch of warm silk against her bare skin as her hair was loosened and then just as quickly manipulated into a secure chignon. Two, soft tendrils were carefully loosened from the bun to caress her face, his fingers barely touching her cheeks. Kagome shivered involuntarily at his delicate touch.

Unseen amber eyes glowed softly as a smile played about his lips at her visceral reaction to his nearness, and the accompanying spike in her scent.

Pretending she was not affected by his touch, the priestess decided to change the subject holding on to the shards about her neck as protection from his nearness.

“The garden is beautiful, Lord Sesshoumaru. Who created it?” she inquired. He moved away from her, she let out her breath softly. She could think once more.

“This Sesshoumaru suspects you know the answer to your own question,” he said flatly selecting to stand in front of her to gage her reaction. He could scent her mood change, or more accurately her need to change her uncomfortable awareness of his youki.

`Fascinating, the miko fought the obvious attraction she felt towards him beyond his private chambers, where she gave in willingly and passionately, and yet there was this resistance. Curious.'

Kagome could feel his eyes probing right through her skull. She finally surrendered to his willful stare and looked up into his citrine depths. She saw the unexpected, a genuine, open curiosity at her motives.

“Take me to Inuyasha please, Lord Sesshoumaru,” she said extending her hand to him in acquiescence.

He pulled her to him, eyeing her lips suggestively.

“You will change into more appropriate garments before meeting the hanyou. The demoness is not comforted by your presence, and your current attire will not inspire trust regardless of the fact that you now carry my scent,” he intoned, smirking at her death glare.

“It's bloody hot! We don't all have ice water running through our veins, you know. Look at you. I bet you are incapable of breaking a damn sweat?” the miko pouted with annoyance, stomping her foot indignantly.

“Really? This Sesshoumaru remembers sweating profusely this morning. Did you not observe this fact? Then again, you were too busy screaming his name to the heavens. Your oversight is forgiven, in this instance. You will change, Miko.” he said flatly before pulling her towards her chambers.

`Pick your battles. Pick your battle, Kagome,' was the recurring mental chant as they practically flew over the moon bridge and to her quarters.

sks

“Chotto matte!” she yelled.

He had gone before she could give the Taiyoukai a piece of her mind.

Kagome stomped her foot in impotent protest. The Taiyoukai exited, promising to return shortly and paying her current tantrum no mind. At first, she remained unmindful of the beautiful white furisode laid out on her palette with an obi similar to that the Taiyoukai wore, just wider and ornately feminine.

Kagome approached it with trepidation. She already knew it would fit, along with the undergarments and a date-jima belt to be worn over the obi. The priestess was suddenly thankful, as she had worn something similar to the wedding of Eri.

While dressing her mind remained ill at ease, something about the feel of the garment and what it symbolized made her uncomfortable. What most perturbed her was its striking similarity to that of the Taiyoukai's own wafuku.

The soft tapping at the shoji brought her back from her musings. She intended to wear one thing that was definitely hers, her sneakers. Regardless of what the great lord thought.

“Quite the fashion statement,” she snickering and wiggling her toes in the oddly juxtaposed footwear. She had no intentions of wearing geta, making her presence known with each step. At least she would be comfortable.

The look on the Western Lord's face was priceless as he entered her chambers. His eyes passed somewhat approvingly over her attire and then his brows rose, having reached her feet.

She stared at him defiantly, willing him to say something deprecating about her choice in footwear.

`This Sesshoumaru might have known the miko would do this out of pure defiance. Though, admittedly she looks exceptionally beautiful, she has inherent grace, as yet untutored, as evidenced by the state of her garments. It would be a small matter to …' he felt his beast's approval at his observation and made quick work of deciding to correct her errors in an effort to quell theses new feeling she elicited within. He now craved her body. The rich taste of her blood, and her scent…always her scent. The miko could easily become addictive if he did not remain vigilante. She was to remain a plaything. Unfortunately, this was not so to his beast, who knew better.

“Loosen the obi. The furisode is incorrectly folded,” the Taiyoukai said with his arms folded across his own chest, glaring at her disapprovingly.

Kagome looked down, surprised. She could have sworn she had done it correctly. It took a moment for her to realize she had not obeyed quickly enough as the obi went flying and she found herself in her juban once more.

The Taiyoukai had the furisode gently gathered over his shoulder, not covered in his mokomoko-sama. Ignoring his living mannequin, he busied himself with correcting her mistakes with a superior air and ready arrogance in his tone.

“In future, you will put your tabi on first, then your nagajugan, followed by your furisode, always making sure the back seam is centered. Wrap the right side of the kimono over the body, then overlap it with the left side...” he said, looking down at her with a quirked brow. “…As you are not yet a corpse being dressed for burial,” he smirked meaningfully, ignoring his own sudden discomfort at his final choice of words. They had been meant to jolt her into paying attention but instead he felt the jarring words.

Karma is a bitch.

The miko glowered up at him and curiously noted that, though he smirked, his eyes became unreadable just as suddenly. Kagome felt like a child as he adjusted her obi. She had made it tight and a little figure revealing previously. Sesshoumaru loosened it. The obi now acted as a demure covering over her breasts to her hips giving her a uniform shape.

“Very attractive,” the miko snorted under her breath as he continued to make adjustments to her kimono's length, his fingers deftly tucking. She watched dispassionately as he poked prodded and moved her about until he was satisfied.

“If you insist on wearing those on your feet, be mindful to take smaller steps, as you are prone to being somewhat ungainly. This Sesshoumaru will not make it a habit of keeping you upright.”

“Are we done dressing the village idiot?” she said sarcastically to the top of his head as he was still crouched making adjustments to her furisode.

“Come Miko, the hanyou becomes tiresome with his bellowing. You are not to leave with him. Is this understood?” he commanded. Then, thinking better of his tone and her consistent reaction to being given orders. “You are needed in the shiro to attend to the Princess Ayame and Prince Kouga, who are at this moment sitting in the study glaring at one another. This Sesshoumaru has many pressing duties and has been negligent to his lands and needs to patrol.”

“Right! You little chicken shit!” Kagome said without thinking, then cringed quickly covered her mouth. There was sure to be retribution. It was fine and well to be sleeping with the Lord of The Western Lands, quite another to relegate him to that of a fowl's effluence.

“More reasons for you not to return at this time with the imbecilic hanyou. His proximity has influenced your already questionable speech pattern deplorably,” the Taiyoukai said in a bored manner while holding out his hand for her to take. She took it despite her misgivings, still shocked she was still upright and breathing.

“So let me guess, you are going off gallivanting with the excuse of patrolling in hopes of killing something, am I right? Instead of staying and showing some balls and helping me deal with these two bloody idiots?” she said huffily recognizing avoidance when she saw it regardless of the excuse.

“Just make sure it's something that deserves killing and not a helpless demon or ningen who just happens across your path, if you please, Sesshoumaru-sama?” she said looking up at him in a knowing manner. The Taiyoukai needed to know he was not getting over on her that easily.

“It would be a simple matter to remove your head from your body, Miko. Is this what you wish the Taiyoukai to do?” he said pulling her gently to his armored body once more.

She pushed at his chest impotently before finally just standing within his arms glaring up at him.

“Then why don't you just do it? I dare you,” she said not entirely sure of herself but refusing to surrender to his will. The Taiyoukai had far too many flunkies as it was, and she would never be one of them, even if it eventually cost her.

`The miko is fearful and yet she follows this futile course of false bravada. Intriguing. The priestess now looks the part of a noble bitch befitting this Sesshoumaru's station. It would be a shame to ruin the current efforts to her manner of dress. She will acquiesce, regardless of her endless loud protestations.' the dog demon thought with one superciliously raised brow. No being had ever dared give him such opposition and lived. This could be rectified, if she kept this up.

“I need to take care of Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru. Let's go,” she said in a soft, breathy voice. It really was disconcerting how she felt when he held her. She couldn't breathe and she certainly couldn't think straight.

“Hn…you made me think about that disgusting half-youkai thing,” he intoned before lowering his head and gently nuzzled her soft, long neck, paying particular attention to her pulse point, before whispering in her ear, “Come.”

`Kami, there should be laws against anyone smelling that good.' The miko thought before following him at a respectable distance behind.

Kagome walked through the gates, somewhat apprehensively, to face the red clad figure, who had been stalking back and forth mumbling under his breath, sporadically looking through the gates for his miko.

Inuyasha came to a stand still when he saw the stunning looking female approaching him, at first not recognizing the vision before him clad in the exquisite white kimono whose hem bore the markings of the house of Taishou.

`One of his bastard brother's whores no doubt.'

It was Kagome.

Inuyasha had always known she was beautiful but this was the first time he had ever seen her in the garb of his time. She looked like a noblewoman; delicate, demure, feminine, and …

“You reek of that asshole!” he snarled while approaching her, his heart was now hammering in his chest. He intended to rip that kimono off her. `That cross-dressing prick was not to have what was rightfully his.'

“Good Morning Inuyasha. I see you brought Ayame. How very kind of you. Any news of Naraku?” she said somewhat stiltedly. Something about his expression and his manner told her that she needed to keep her cool. He was exceptionally irrational at this moment.

She had spent just one single day in the Taiyoukai's company and though he irritated her to no end with his need for macho dominance, she never felt as disrespected as she did in that moment.

“Fuck that! Is Kouga in there? Get that stupid little fox. You're coming with me now. You look ridiculous, like a made up doll. How is the fuck fest going, bitch? Is pretty boy everything you ever dreamed of?” he yelled at the top of his lungs with the intent to hurt and humiliate her into submission.

The hanyou obviously had not noticed she was no longer a fifteen year old girl in need of his constant approbation, willing to cow to his every whim. Unfortunately, the miko was not given the opportunity to answer as she wished.

“INNN-U-YASSSSHHHAAAA!… If you have any last words, say them now…” said a deadly baritone just to her right.

“Lord Sesshoumaru, I can handle this,” the miko said softly.

“Shut the fuck up, bitch! If he wants a fight, I'm ready,” said the hanyou, smiling menacingly at the Taiyoukai while cracking his knuckles. He had no intention of using Tessaiga. It would be hand to hand. The half-breed wanted to feel the Taiyoukai's long elegant neck snap within his grasp and have done with it.

As they say, if wishes were horses, all beggars would ride.

A truly pissed woman is a force to be reckoned with. Inuyasha had underestimated his friend of three years.

Before he could lunge at the Western Lord, a small, furious female was on him. She had landed an exceptionally beautiful right hook to the jaw and now towered over him, one sneakered foot tapping.

“Let's get a few things straight. Prince Kouga, MY FRIEND, is inside with his mate to be. Lord Sesshoumaru is never to be disrespected in such a manner in my presence again, oh and as a side bar…HE IS AMAZING. Kikyou should be so lucky. Shippou and I will return to the tachi when I am Kami well good and ready. Please go back to your clay BITCH .This bitch has things to do here. I have not felt this useful in a long time and I am enjoying myself. Now leave before this bitch does the one thing you hate most in this world!” she hissed down at him with her little arms akimbo, her entire body glowing pink.

“Ka-go-me?” the hanyou stuttered querulously, shocked at her venomous outburst. His little koi ears flattened against his head in chastisement. Something was different about her, he noted, rather too late. Kagome was sure of herself. Or at least sure of what she did not want, and with a sigh, he realized it was him.

The miko turned toward the castle, ignoring the bewildered, elegant figure which stood beside her, about to draw Toukijin. Though saddened by the words she had said, Kagome's heart felt lighter.

She had just gained her independence. Where it would lead her was not clear but she vowed in that moment never to let anyone hold that much power over her being again. It hurt.

Sesshoumaru-sama was taken aback. He looked at his half-sibling without anger but instead apathy; a fate worse than death. The Taiyoukai followed the miko back into the stronghold silently, determined to understand what had just happened.

Her scent made both he and his beast decidedly uncomfortable. The new turn of events had altered her scent in ways he did not wholly appreciate. The priestess' powers were now just under her skin and she could prove dangerous in her current state of mind. Perhaps he would leave patrolling for another day and attend to the Ookami himself. The threat of a double homicide could prove a most excellent deterrent should things take a turn for the worse in the discussions.

The Lord of The Western Lands was not to realize, his true fear was not her power, but the subtle shift of her aura which now excluded him. His beast was agitated once more.

`It truly is not worth it to love, if this is what one received for it, regardless of what her well meaning mother said,' thought Kagome. She sat by Kouga's nemesis, the sand garden, to clear her head, since the miko felt unable to face the Ookami's trials and tribulations.

`I came here because I was attracted to the ultimate in dangerous bad boys,' she thought, then laughed out loud softly. `Who am I kidding? If he came by right now I would jump him where he stands. However, I won't let him have that much power over me, as Inuyasha once did. No freakin way. No one gets to hurt me, again. As soon as we have completed the Shikon Jewel, I will leave this world behind, regardless, so no point investing any emotions in anyone else.'

Kagome began to cry softly, “It just hurts too much,” she sniffled into her silken sleeves.

A white clad figure behind spoke.

“You will find like most things in this world, pain is transitory.”

The miko smiled sadly, never looking up at her favorite shadow, “Ah yes, but I am not of this world Lord Sesshoumaru.”

“An irrelevancy, Miko.”

“How so?”

“Loss remains loss and must be overcome through acceptance in order to transcend, to conquer.”

“Sesshoumaru, I am not you. This Kagome has feelings. I am a defective ningen. We are led by our feelings. We live for our feelings.”

“A species defect no doubt, but this too can be transcended. Loss is part of living. To give up is weakness.”

“Then I am weak and unrepentant, Lord Sesshoumaru,” she said quietly drying her eyes unaware he now stood directly beside her.

“What did you wish Kouga to see earlier?” he asked quietly.

The question came out of left field for the priestess and at first she did not know how to reply. Then smiled sadly, up at him while he maintained his gaze on that distant horizon he so favored.

“I don't know, his connectedness to all things, I guess,” she shrugged, “That is irrelevant now.”

“Friends, like mates, have a duty to aid, Miko, in whatever manner appropriate. Kouga and his intended await your presence.”

Kagome turned to look at the Taiyoukai in frustration but found instead just the fountain he had been standing in front of moments before. The only proof he had been there, the scent of fresh linen on the wind.

Author's Note

Lesson one…learned, for both Miko and Taiyoukai.

Ja Ne

ElegantPaws