InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART TWENTY ( Chapter 20 )

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.

Edited by: Meara

Reviews are fuel.

EP


------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------

Foreign Terms/Phrases Used In Part Twenty

Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - A Little Night Music

The Tao of Pooh - A novel about the `Uncarved Block' within all of us, by Benjamin Hoff

Part Twenty - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

The first movement of Mozart's `Eine Kleine Nachtmusik' played quietly in the background while Sesshoumaru read intently `The Tao of Pooh'.

Peace descended on the Higurashi Shrine, if only in those still hours of the late evening, Grandfather long to bed. Only Mrs. Higurashi sat, all focused attention on white spun silk. She carefully mended Sesshoumaru's hakama, which had a mishap with the washer on the gentle cycle.

Kagome sat outdoors, giggling in a conspiratorial manner, Sesshoumaru noted, speaking to that friend Ayumi, while sitting on the porch's swing. Though his interest was peeked, he did not wish to be accused of eavesdropping and chose to focus his attention on the words in front of his amber eyes.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, would you like something before I go up? You did not finish your dinner I noticed. Was it not to your liking?” said Aiko, pleasantly.

The Western Lord finished the page, and looked off meditatively for a moment before closing the bound scroll and placing it next to the ridiculous novel he had been scanning previously titled `Her Lord and Master'.

“Aiko-sama, to answer your question yes, the meal was most enjoyable. This Sesshoumaru requires very little to sustain him. Thank you for the hospitality you have shown me. However I seek your guidance in a small matter,” he said in a hushed, confidential tone.

“Yes, my Lord?”

“Tell me of your mating rituals; the rituals of the ningen.”

Mrs. Higurashi's eyes grew hooded.

“Are you asking Lord Sesshoumaru, what we do when married?”

The Western Lord inclined his head and sat forward…waiting.

“With respect to human females, are there specific things they like in this time? Are there social rituals that must be observed, once a male has declared himself and is accepted by the female's clan?”

Mrs. Higurashi smiled genuinely then, and carefully bit the silken thread that still held fast to the inseam of the hakama. She folded it, putting away her tools in her ancient sewing box, before folding his garment reverently and putting it beside her on the couch.

“For example?”

Sesshoumaru was being forced to explain further, not something a taciturn being like himself felt comfortable with.

“The night that Houjo individual came to dinner and Kagome spoke of her Husband/Mate. She made mention of a ring or, more accurately, the lack of one. How important is this ring's significance for an honorable mated ningen female?”

Aiko looked at Sesshoumaru seriously then, couching her own words of response carefully. “Are you asking for my daughter's hand in marriage, my Lord?”

Sesshoumaru looked at Mrs. Higurashi as though she was rather mentally deficient then, “She is my Mate. I am merely inquiring if there are specific rituals that need to be observed in her world that would make clear, that no male is to approach her, on pain of death, for breeding purposes in the future - nothing more. She is taken by this Sesshoumaru. This inquiry and its possible rituals of consent could prevent many needless deaths. I wish our bond recognized in your world. Higurashi Kagome belongs to this Taishou Sesshoumaru.”

Mrs. Higurashi chuckled then, “Sesshoumaru-sama, might I be allowed to make one slight correction?”

Sesshoumaru inclined his head diffidently, resenting her vaguely humorous tone and somewhat patronizing facial expression.

“I would suggest, you think about rephrasing that last statement. It might lead to…ahhh well, dissension with Kagome. In these times my Lord, a woman, is not property. I would recommend a minor change in how you select to speak of this. I understand you are asking Kagome to marry you, but make it clear, it is a bond of equals. If not, you might find that you will be sleeping on this ancient and rather uncomfortable couch. Please, my Lord, keep in mind she is pregnant and highly hormonal. Even before carrying my grand-daughter, she would not have taken well to the concept of being perceived as chattel. I might add, this, was one of the mistakes your brother made. Even in modern Japan, males can be somewhat backwards at times, and her sensibilities have always tended towards equality between the sexes. This is how her father and I raised her.”

“Hai, Aiko-sama,” said Sesshoumaru pensively.

The creaking on the stairs announcing the entrance of the Guji, to Sesshoumaru's consternation, It appeared impossible to have a private conversation in the Higurashi household, thought the Western Lord with annoyance.

“So you want to get hitched to my grand-daughter, do you?” said the shrine Priest amicably, wearing, or more accurately, as his white yukata wore him down the stairs.

“If by `hitched' you mean mated…yes. What is involved?” said the Western Lord matter-of-factly, glaring up at the small male being with pursed lips.

Gramps scratched himself inappropriately before worrying his beard, then carefully took the rest of the stairs, and walked through the front doors bellowing at the top of his lungs.

“Kagome, you have five minutes to get off that phone with Ayumi. I want to call Guji Ryouichi,” he said, before coming back through the door and beaming at Sesshoumaru.

“Come with me, Pup.”

With that, he walked towards the back door tiredly, reaching for his cane.

The Guji turned, Sesshoumaru had not moved and wore a puzzled look on his face.

“You'll do. Just love her. That is all I ask. She is like her father, given to grave mood swings, but she will move the earth to achieve your happiness. Make a point of doing the same, or I will haunt you for eternity, and do not make light of that Sesshoumaru-sama,” said the Guji, as he stepped through the back door.

It might have been a trick of the light, Sesshoumaru noted, but the aura surrounding the Guji was intensely red for a moment as were his eyes…and the smile almost demonic and familiar.

Sesshoumaru stilled, taking nothing at face value.

“Who are you?” said the Taiyoukai, regretting he had become lax in not carrying Toukijin.

“I am merely the shrine's Priest, and the beloved Grandfather of Kagome of the Bow.”

“You are not ningen,” whispered the Taiyoukai, his own eyes glowing in the darkness with pent menace.

“Did I say I was, Lord Sesshoumaru? I don't recall,” intoned the shrine Priest dismissively.

Both males stood facing one another in the back garden's darkness. The only sound that of cicadas, and the distant melody of the chimes in the Goshinboku.

The sudden screech of laughter that came forth from the Guji caused the Western Lord to jump.

“Oh Sesshoumaru-sama, you should really see your face. You are thoroughly discombobulated at the concept that someone in this family might well have been a demon, aside from yourself and, of course, Inuyasha-sama. Why is that?” said the shrine Priest with a playful smile that did not quite reach his gimlet eyes.

Sesshoumaru approached the guji slowly, taking in his aura, which had returned to its usual intense white glow. There was nothing that held threat there he noted, breathing easier. It might well have been his imagination after all.

“Then answer the question, Guji. Do not play games with this Sesshoumaru. Are you a demon?” said the Taiyoukai, having regained his composure.

“No, my Lord, I am not. My wife was, which makes my son a half demon, and more than likely, your daughter will appear a full demon because of this. That amulet you wear was his, as you know. It would not serve you at this time to go into this matter. Now, we need to find something appropriate in the treasury for you to give Kagome, so you can ask her hand in marriage,” said the Priest, who grasped his cane more firmly for support and headed towards the dark doors of the reliquary.

Sesshoumaru followed slowly, wondering why, even on this last peaceful night, so much remained unexplained by this ancient male, and his daughter-in-law. Could it truly be this vitally important for the coming days to keep so many secrets? Even the Goshinboku Scroll though it told much, left some things as yet unexplained. What bothered the Taiyoukai most was keeping these vital secrets from his Mate, and yet, he had to.

“Stop,” said the Taiyoukai in a harsh tone.

The shrine priest turned and looked into the Western Lord's eyes.

“What was it I saw before, when I looked at you priest?”

Gramps shrugged, and smiled benignly.

“Residual memory. Sometimes other souls pass through me. Though everyone thinks I am nothing but a doddering old codger, this is not so, my Lord. It suits me for most to find me a laughable, inept, old fool. In so doing, I am made unworthy of undue attention. Think of it as hiding in plain sight. Just as it is so for my daughter-in-law, who, I suspect, you have guessed is the sister of Midoriko.”

“Hai Guji, this has been my thought for some time. Thank you for confirming this. It explains much, but equally, it is discomforting. Is there something more this Sesshoumaru has not yet been told that may prove vital in the battle?”

The Guji stroked his beard for what seemed and eternity, then shook his head.

“No, Lord Sesshoumaru. It would not help to ask you to override your tactically inclined mind, and simply believe. You now have all you need to outwit Naraku. You need to trust. We have done more than we should already towards the effort. The rest is up to you, all of your combined efforts,” said the shrine's Priest, seriously.

Growling in frustration, Sesshoumaru leapt in front Kagome's grandfather baring his fangs threateningly, just as the Priestess appeared, and looked questioningly at both men before jumping into action. The tensions ran high. Kagome rushed forward and stood in front of her grandfather, holding up her hands to Sesshoumaru's chest as she glared up at him, her look demanding an explanation.

As if daylight suddenly entered the night, a blinding flash of light lit the spot surrounding the Guji and the Miko, and the Western Lord found himself thrown across the back garden landing flat on his back. The Miko blinked, and looked to her hands in disbelief. They were still glowing, not the usual pearlescent pink glow of before, but a blue white heat still radiated from her hands. She ran to her Mate, who lay staring up at her in shock.

“Sesshoumaru? …Are…are …you alright? I didn't mean to hurt you. I don't … I mean, I had no control over ….I mean, Oh Sesshoumaru,” she cried, suddenly falling to her knees next to the Taiyoukai, who raised himself on his elbows, still staring at his Mate, more perplexed than angered. He could feel her pain. She had not meant to do what came instinctively.

In his entire life, no one had ever bested him in this unexpected fashion and what was more, he did not feel the need to wreck vengeance on the party that did. Instead, he wanted desperately to comfort his Mate, but knew that until she had gotten proper control of this new power, it would be unwise. Instead, he chose to speak to her nonchalantly.

“Miko, control your emotions. This Sesshoumaru would like to live to see the birth of our pup and the others that will surely follow,” said the Taiyoukai blandly, looking at her from the side with one raised elegant brow.

Kagome's tear stained face looked down at him innocently, as her lower lip trembled.

“Oh baby, I would never ever hurt you. I don't know what happened….I mean, I saw you with Gramps and…it just happened,” she said sniffling and sobbing, before snorting into her handkerchief she pulled from her jeans pocket. This day had been an emotional rollercoaster. Ayumi was getting married to Hojo. That had been the reason for his visit. The idiot never found time to tell her this.

Sesshoumaru thought for a moment, looking past the Miko, at the Guji who bowed slowly.

The Priestess saw where the Taiyoukai had been looking and whirled on her grandfather.

“Do you know something about this?! I could have killed him!” she said, stalking towards her grandfather with purpose. Her Mate reached her in time, and dropped to his knees, as he had read in vacuous bound scroll, taking one small hand in his large callused one.

“Higurashi Kagome, will you marry this Taishou Sesshoumaru of the Sengoku Jidai?”

Kagome's eyes filled with new tears then as she began to cry in earnest, frightening the Western Lord, as he stood and enfolded the sobbing Miko in his arms.

sks

“Kagome is pregnant?!” said Miroku and Sango in unison, as Inuyasha scarfed the venison on his plate with gusto, nodding in the way of an answer, while licking his claws. The trip back to the shiro had been uneventful, but for whatever reason, nervous tension always made him hungry.

Waving one greasy hand in the direction of the ever nervous sweating Shou , who came tottering forward with the sake bottle in trembling hands, bowed and poured a generous amount on the low table and eventually in Inuyasha's cup, its original destination.

“Leave it!” said Inuyasha grabbing the bottle, looking up at the man-servant somewhat suspiciously. He had never liked the looks of this idiot; even less now. Since he had arrived back at the palace, it was almost as if this senile excuse for a human, who appeared afraid of his own shadow, had been following him.

Sango, smiled up at Shou reassuringly, and bowed, taking the offered cloth from nervous hands and giving Inuyasha a less than pleased look. She wiped the moisture from the rosewood surface, returning the cloth to the servant with an apologetic nod, before indicating he could return to his quarters for the night.

Inuyasha glared at his stooped, rapidly retreating back, just as Jaken came in. He looked as pompous as ever, his wounds of the previous day having been healed. One of Kagome's band aids was over one bulbous eye.

“Where does Sesshoumaru get these idiots, anyway? I don't like him, never have. Can't put my finger on it but he smacks of weasel to me. Way too subservient, but not in the traditional way, like toad boy there,” said Inuyasha.

Jaken pulled himself up to his full height and huffed, “Why you importunate, ill-mannered, smelly little pup! If Lord Sesshoumaru was here, you would not dare speak to me in this fashion!” said the kappa indignantly, stomping his staff of two heads, barely missing his own clawed toe.

Miroku smiled into his sake cup, raising one brow of inquiry in Jaken's direction.

“Is Rin alright Jaken-sama?” said Miroku with a veiled attempt at changing the subject, before Inuyasha, having been fed and watered, resorted to violence against the little youkai.

Puffing himself up further, the kappa turned to the Houshi and bowed.

“Yes, Houshi-sama. She is resting. Two guards have been placed outside her chamber and the kitsune and Kaede are within her quarters keeping watch, as is our own, capable healer,” he said imperiously.

Miroku's handsome face broke out into a smile then, as he beckoned the kappa forward. The little toad demon, now stood at table with his back intentionally, to Inuyasha, though keeping just out of reach of the half-breed.

“Have you heard the great news, Jaken-sama? The Western Lady is with pup.”

Pregnancy affects many in differing ways. In the case of the small, rotund, neurotically predisposed kappa demon, his eyes rolled back in his head, and he fell across the table dramatically, and more importantly, on top of the half-eaten meal of the Western Lord's younger sibling.

A silent ghostlike figure, moved further back into shadow at the western hall's fusuma …having gleaned.

sks

Naraku's laughter echoed through the halls of the mountainside palace.

Kan'na stood watching the Hanyou blankly, awaiting her orders.

All was going to plan, as expected. He would give anything to be in the Western Shiro, come mid-day, to see the Western Lord's face. This was turning out far better than the malevolent Hanyou could ever have imagined.

The angry vituperations of one chained Ookami Prince was heard in the adjoining chamber, as Naraku continued to cackle with malicious glee.

“Yes….,” intoned the Hanyou malevolently.

sks

Kagome rolled the simple, etched platinum ring about her finger and smiled secretively, then reached up to caress similarly colored locks. She snuggled deeper into the scent of warm, fresh linen. What was more, she had finally found something other than herself, the Western Lord could not get enough of.

“Sesshoumaru?” she whispered in the darkness of her bedroom.

“Hn” he responded sleepily, curling around her warm soft body. One hand gently made circles on his Mate's stomach and the Miko purred softly. Sesshoumaru had never known this feeling in his existence: contentment.

“I love you for this, but I hope you know it was not necessary, don't you?” the Miko said quietly, as he placed one long limb protectively over her hip, Ruru finally at rest against her backside.

“It was, Miko, for the simple reason, that when we return to your time this Sesshoumaru does not wish to kill any errant males that may take it upon themselves to approach you for mating,” the Taiyoukai said sleepily, burying his patrician nose in her neck, as he sniffed her distinctive pleasurable scent.

Kagome pulled away from the Taiyoukai, and turned to face him, switching on the light at her bedside and glared down at the handsome nude male before her.

“So basically, you have pissed on your property and want every other man to know this?!” she said pointedly, as she reached for her red kimono, and wrapped herself hurriedly.

“Excuse me, but has it occurred to you a man can like a woman for herself and not because he wants to get in her pants?” said the Priestess angrily.

Sesshoumaru quickly remembered the words of Aiko-sama, and took a deep breath. He raised himself on one elbow and glared at the Miko in consternation.

“Answer me now, Sesshoumaru!” barked the Miko, sitting fully upright on the side of the bed.

“Do not take that tone with your Lord and Master, Onna! Do not delude yourself. Given the slightest opportunity, that Houjo imbecile would declare himself. His intent is clear and as this Sesshoumaru does not wish to cause his Mate undue pain or loss. This seemed the most expedient way of making clear, with whom you belong,” said the Taiyoukai, forgetting his previous resolve, to placate his bitch.

“WWWWhhhhhhhhhhhat!? Am I a fuck toy?! `Cause let me tell you something, just because I happen to love you and lust after your divine body, don't get it in your head, that means I am some piece of property! I am my own person. So if you simply married me because you wanted to stake a claim, you can have the damn ring back, and we can take it from there. Don't worry. I am not going anywhere. I love you, but I need you to respect me for me. I was hoping you gave me this, because you couldn't imagine…” her diatribe was cut short by soft lips assailing her own, with force. Kagome found herself once more below the man she loved, breathing in his distinctive delectable scent. Her righteous indignation made impotent by the feel of her Mate's body and soul melding with hers.

“Sesshou, please, don't use sex to quell me. I am serious. You know I will give in. You are an intoxicant to me,” she said softly. She caressed the soft strands of his hair, while he leaned over her, and undid the belt of her yukata slowly, staring into her furious yet lust filled eyes.

“Miko, you will learn the beauty of silence during our lifetime together. More can be said by touch and actions than by mere words alone,” said the Taiyoukai. He gently nuzzled her neck, her own hands slipping down the smooth hard silken flesh of his well muscled back, her nails leaving a trail in their wake, as the Taiyoukai hissed from the bite of her dull, by comparison, claws.

“Sesshou,” the Miko breathed out as she raised her neck to his lips with a pleasurable moan, “I want you to want me for me, not because you imagine, I would ever allow another male access to my body. I never would. No one can make me feel as you do…” she groaned softly, as he bit into the juncture of her neck, then lapped the droplets of blood.

“I love you my Lord…my Master, my life, and the father of my children,” she said, opening her eyes to look into his, hoping he would understand her own vulnerability in that moment.

“Miko,” whispered the Taiyoukai, as his lips found hers in a gentle yet possessive kiss.

“I am yours, Kagome,” said the Taiyoukai, kissing his way down her lithe form. He stopped at her stomach, extending his long rough tongue into her navel, tickling her playfully, the miko chuckled and squirmed.

“This Sesshoumaru will not take concubines as is my right as Western Lord,” said the Taiyoukai, continuing his progress downward.

This perhaps was not the best of times to inform his Mate of this simple fact of right. The peaceable, pliant, sensually undulating female that lay below him, fully aroused and accepting of his renewed sexual advances … froze.

“Sesshoumaru, GET OFF ME!” hissed the Priestess quietly. Her Miko powers suddenly coming to the fore, as her body glowed white with anger.

The Western Lord looked up at his Mate in question, feeling the crackle of her powers. Sun-kissed eyes a might confused at the sudden shift in temperature in their chambers, and more importantly in his Mate's aura.

“You touch anything below my waist, my Lord, and you are a dead inuyoukai,” said the Miko with menace. She slowly extricated herself from below him, moving to the top of the bed, her legs raised and her arms now tightly wound about her knees protectively, as she glared at him.

“Miko?” said the Taiyoukai, recognizing there was an issue, putting on his own yukata, but leaving it open. Yes, the Western Lord was definitely a tease.

Kagome glanced furtively through her own bangs at the delectable expanse of firm, well-delineated pale flesh with its beautifully accented markings and wondered vaguely if their daughter would have them also.

“Sesshoumaru, do you think Satori will have your markings? I am angry with you right now, but I will get over it. I hope she does. They are so beautiful. I am so plain by comparison when I look at you,” she said wistfully, resting her head on her own knees.

“You are in no way plain, Miko. This Sesshoumaru finds you exquisite, and prizes you, above all bitches…females. It bears no relevance if our pup has my markings, though undoubtedly she will,” said the Taiyoukai softly, looking at the Miko earnestly, his eyes having an unreadable expression.

Kagome did not need to read them though, as her body was, once more, enveloped in a secure telltale warmth.

Looking at him, Kagome smiled apologetically.

“Sesshoumaru, I don't know what is wrong with me, I …I guess, it could be the pregnancy with the child…I mean pup. Everything sets me off. Tell me about the rules of being the Western Lord. Let's start there. So you can have females to pleasure you, other than your Wife/Mate, I guess?” said the Miko, with an attempt at detachment, smiling through her hurt, as she worried the ancient band around her finger distractedly.

Sesshoumaru's lips twisted in half smile. Slowly he made his way to sit beside his Mate at the head of the bed, assuming his favored lotus position. Then a thought occurred to him, as he forced her legs down without much difficulty and placed his head in her lap, tossing his hair over one shoulder elegantly. The Miko looked down at him with feigned annoyance, rolling her eyes, before gently, beginning to stroke the silken silver mass distractedly.

“These are antiquated rights, Miko, which this Sesshoumaru has no need of. There will be no other bitch to share my chambers,” said the Taiyoukai firmly, looking up at the miko.

Kagome smiled half heartedly, as she outlined the crescent of her Mate's forehead.

“Even when I am as big as a house, and don't feel like making out with you?” said the Miko teasingly. The Western Lord could tell, that within the humor, there was actually a question. He would not make the same mistake twice.

“A far flung possibility, I am sure,” said the Taiyoukai with a serious imperious expression, “There are many ways of pleasuring one's Mate,” intoned the inuyoukai Lord.

“You egotistical prick! What makes you think I can handle that horse dick of yours when I am nine months pregnant?”

“Correction Miko. This Sesshoumaru is appropriately proportioned for a healthy inuyoukai male, and resents the comparison to an equine. I have noted no diffidence on your part with respect to my manhood. In fact, on more than one occasion, in the midst of climax, you have more than shouted its praises, to my hearings detriment. Still, to address your fear, this Sesshoumaru would never force his mate to perform any manner of coitus that would give her discomfort. You are the Western Lady. This Sesshoumaru is a disciplined male, and can forego sensual pleasure for extended periods. My Mate's health and well-being come first,” said the Taiyoukai indignantly. “Furthermore, you will carry our pups for six months, possibly less…” said the Western Lord, being careful not to reveal his previous conversation with her grandfather.

The Miko smiled down at the handsome male in her lap.

“No worries, Sexy Lips. Even now I want you. Where there is a will, there is a way. You might have to be a little gentle though. Oh and let's make this perfectly clear. If I ever find you with anyone, I will first kill the bitch where she lay and then rip it right off! THAT is sacred and MINE!” said the Miko, as she leaned forward and bit the smirking male's lower lip then passed her tongue across it - relieving the sting. To make very clear her point, the Miko reached down and placed one palm firmly over a partially hard, ever alert Ruru.

“This Sesshoumaru would have it no other way, Kagome of the Bow. This Taishou Sesshoumaru would never dishonor his Miko, his Mate, and the mother of his progeny,” the Taiyoukai said, placing one large callused palm over her own, affirming her rightful possession.

“Nor, would this Higurashi Kagome, ever dishonor her Lord, her Husband, her Mate. Her body, her soul and her mind are his,” said the Miko, as she leaned forward once more and gently kissed the Taiyoukai, who purred softly in acknowledgment, pulling her to him. Round four had begun.

The gentle light of morning found them both, entwined, as the sunlight dappled pale flesh…a small tubby descendent of one famed neko youkai sat peaceably on the windowsill, on guard.

The day of days had arrived.

Author's Note

A vow…acknowledged…

Ja Ne

EP