InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ What Fate Has Brought Us ❯ Chapter 21 ( Chapter 21 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Twilight dawn 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Comedy / Drama / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.05.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 303 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Comedy / Drama / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.05.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 303 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters. The credit goes to Rumiko Takahashi.
The evening before the battle, Sesshoumaru held a feast for the lords and their families, soldiers, servants, and the villagers seeking refuge within the castle’s walls. He spared no expense with the amount of varieties and food that were laid upon a silk woven fabric.
The soldiers and the villagers won’t eat the same type of foods as the lords, but they received plenty to eat. Some villagers even cried at the amount of food. They had never seen so much at one time before.
The other lord’s and their families have already been announced and seated by the time I had arrived. One of the servants began to open the door for me, but I stopped him with the sound of my voice. “That will not be necessary,” I spoke, watching him step back. “I am waiting for a couple of guests to arrive.”
Minutes passed and I still waited patiently for them. I was late myself. So a few more minutes couldn’t hurt.
“Sorry, we’re late,” Kouga breathed heavily, dragging his mate behind him. “We lost track of time.”
I flicked open my red and gold fan, smiling secretively. Lost track of time indeed. Newly mated demons are like human newlyweds. They can’t get enough of each other.
Sesshoumaru and I are still like that ourselves.
“Come,” I spoke, motioning for the servant to open the doors for us. “The others have already been seated.”
The room fell silent as the servant announced my name. I ignored the stares I was receiving and glanced over at my mate. His eyes swept over my outfit, and a faint smile came to his lips. I knew then my lateness would be excused. He was pleased with my choice of attire.
Ayah obviously had outdone herself tonight in getting me ready.
I wear a red kimono with white honeycomb patterns along the bottom, three along each sleeve, and a couple across my chest. A gold obi wraps around my waist and a red obi-jimi, a braided cord tied on top of the obi, to finish the look.
My hair is arranged in many loops that form into a loose bun on the back of my head. Two loops of braided hair surround each of my ears and two white roses, rest above them. Two gold hair pins with a white pearl in each, hang from each of the roses. And across my bosom is the Meidouseki, that Sesshoumaru had given to me as one of my gifts.
Looking over to his left, I noticed Asuka giving me icy glare and I just smiled sweetly at her, causing her to fume in her chair. I then placed my fan in front of my features to hide the frown coming upon my lips. I did not like her anywhere near me, but it was a formal gathering and her presence is required to show my mate's status. I will ignore her and not let her get to me. But if she says something rude and unforgivable, I will not hold back.
I shifted my attention back at my mate and kept my gaze on him, silently asking permission to proceed. He gave me a slight tilt of his head and I knew it was safe to continue. Many will not like what I am about to say and a few of them might cause a fight.
Taking a deep breath, I began. “Tonight, we not only celebrate our impending victory,” I spoke, pausing briefly while the soldiers and villagers cheered. “But we also celebrate a new mating as well.”
The room once again fell silent. I could feel their eyes burning into me, waiting for what I would do and say next.
I moved to the side so Kouga and Reina could take their places next to me, hand in hand. They both knew, as well as I did, that everything could turn on us at any moment. I want them to be prepared for any backlash.
Knowing what my next words could mean, I carefully said, “As Lady of the Western Lands, I give my blessings to Lord Kouga and Lady Reina, the new royals of the Eastern providence.”
Collective gasps and angry shouts were heard, but none were louder than the angry hiss from the former Eastern Lord. He glared at me when he thought I wasn't looking, but I glimpsed it from the corner of my eye.
Who would have guessed that the quiet, sandy blond hair male, would actually have a dark side to him.
I should have paid more attention to him. I didn’t know that he would be the one against the mating. I truly believed the other lords would cause more argument, but they kept silent.
Seiji stood up from his seat, looking insulted. “I refuse to acknowledge her mating and demand the council to remove her mating mark.”
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. I didn’t want to anger his demon any more than I already have. “It doesn’t matter if you refuse the mating. It has already been done and with the council’s consent.”
“The council wouldn’t do that. Not all the lords were present.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to hold back a frustrated scream. The man was infuriating. Is he trying to address that I don’t know the inner workings of the council? “The head demon does not need the others on a family matter. You need to quit this nonsense before you make fool of yourself.”
Seiji’s eyes darkened. “He has no say in this. I am the one who gets to decided her fate as the Lord of the Eastern Lands. I will not let her be mated to a lowly wolf.”
I heard a snarl beside me and held my hand in front of Kouga to calm him down. I will be the one to take care of this matter. I will not back down to a former lord. “You go too far, Seiji. I demand you apologize to Kouga. He didn’t deserve that.”
He remained silent, refusing to apologize to someone he thought was below him.
I kept calm, although my temper was close to surface. “Why are you so against this mating?” I said to him, as a thought struck me. “Kouga being a wolf demon has nothing to do with it. Am I right, Seiji?”
The words left him, filled with his fury. “No one would willingly mate with her! I made sure of that!”
Reina stared accusingly at him. “What do you mean? What gives you the right to decide who I will mate with?”
Seiji quickly set his sight on Reina. “I am your lord,” he said, not able to keep the anger out of his voice. “You live within the Eastern Lands and are subjected to my rule.”
“That still doesn’t answer my question.”
“I chased off potential suitors wanting to take you for their own. I was planning on making you my second mate. That way, no demon would be able to take away my title.”
A shocked gasp slipped from Reina. “You had the title when you were mated to me. But you went to the council and had our mating mark removed, so you could be with my sister. Why didn’t you make her your second mate? It would’ve made more sense.”
His lips peeled back to reveal a snarl. “I was going to, but the council stopped me. Sesshoumaru declared I had to chose between you and your sister. So, I chose your sister. She was easy to manipulate.”
Hurt washed over her face. "And in the end," she half whispered, "It was still all for nothing."
Seiji laughed. “I wouldn’t say it wasn’t all for nothing. I still got to rule the Eastern Lands.”
“You lied to me when you said you loved me,” Reina spoke, with a nasty edge to her voice. “You were my world. I would have done anything you asked of me, but you threw it all away when you dumped me. I am glad that I have found someone else. He’s a better demon then you will ever be.”
Seiji didn’t like her back talking him and decided to take matters into his own hands. “If he’s so great, then he should have no problem fighting me.”
Kouga gave him a devilish smile and stepped forward, placing Reina behind him. He was trying to protect her. “Bring it, loud mouth. I will have no problem putting you in your place.”
I had to think fast. Things were getting heated and I needed to stop them before someone ended up hurt. I know my mate will not like my next action, but I put myself in front of Kouga.
"You don’t get it, do you?" I sighed.
Kouga gripped my shoulder and shook his head at me. “He’ll never get it, Kagome. Just let me take care of him.”
Shifting slightly away and looking up at him, I shook my head. I made myself met his gaze. “I realize he has dishonored you and your mate, but this is not the time or place to fight. Many will get hurt.”
Kouga let the fight rest for now. He forgot that others were in the room and took a couple of steps back, until he was back by his mate’s side. She reached out for his hand and gripped it in hers, letting him know she appreciated what he did for her.
I returned my focus back on Seiji. “Sesshoumaru allowed the mating to happen. He is the head of this family and his word is final. If you have a problem with it, take it up with him.”
He walked forward until we were inches apart from each other. I could feel his breath against my face and it sickened me. But I stood my ground, even though I wanted to back away. I would not show fear. That’s exactly what he’s looking for.
“I knew you were going to be trouble the moment I met you,” he hissed, violent promise shimmered within his blue colored eyes. “I should have killed you when I had the chance, but I didn’t think you would involve yourself in matters that don’t concern you.”
The growl in my mate’s tone was a warning. He wanted the other demon to know he had overstepped his bounds.
My lips curled into a snarl. “That will never happen,” I taunted. “I still have my priestess powers and will fry you to a crisp.”
He glared at me, his lips curling into his own snarl. “We shall see, bitch.”
Seiji bent over in pain and I watched him lower himself onto all fours. His body stretched out and his skin was replaced with white fur and black stripes. Sharp nails peeked out from the pads of his paws and his once blue eyes were now a blood thirsty red.
He expected me to run, but I foolishly stayed where I was. His eyes watched me, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
With a roar and with no warning, he lunged at me.
My claws glowed pink and I waited for the right moment to strike back. If he thinks I am going to let him bite me or slash my flesh, he has another thing coming. When he was practically on top of me, I whipped my hand out and lassoed my poison whip around his furry neck. I yanked it back and he fell at my feet.
His fur began to burn and he howled in pain. “I believe you have learned your lesson. If you try to pull a stunt like that again,” I said, as I withdrew my whip. “I won’t hesitate to kill you.”
Seiji staggered to his feet and furiously roared, shaking the marble at my feet. He lunged for me again, but I could not move out of his way fast enough. I began to shake in fear and prayed my mate would be able to save me in time.
I closed my eyes and waited for impact, but it never came.
Sesshoumaru suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking me from the attack, receiving claw marks on his shoulder. Blood seeped through his wound as he reached out and flung me towards Kouga, who caught me easily and continued to hold me, while Sesshoumaru returned his focus on Seiji.
His eyes turned red. His pupils changed to green. His teeth bared in a snarl, his nostrils flared. “You dare touch what is this Sesshoumaru’s? You will pay dearly for that.”
I caught my full lower lip between my teeth as a troubled look crept into my eyes. I wasn’t worried for my mate’s safety, because I knew he could defeat Seiji easily, even in his tiger form. I was more worried about Sesshoumaru losing control and killing him.
My fears were answered when Sesshoumaru held Seiji above the floor, his hands wrapped around his throat, seeping poison into the wound. “Spare him,” I pleaded, refusing to meet his eyes. I was afraid of the emotion I would see there.
He turned his back on Seiji and stared at me with disbelief. "Are you asking this Sesshoumaru to show mercy to him? After everything he has done?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “But we need him for the battle tomorrow. If he dies, then so be it. If he should happen to live, you can decide his fate.”
Sesshoumaru was silent for a few moments, thinking about my words carefully. “This Sesshoumaru will go forward with your plan. But he will be guarded on the battle field. This Sesshoumaru will not have him turn rogue and attack his soldiers.”
“But I do not think he should go unpunished,” I spoke to my mate, while very deliberately not looking at Seiji. “I believe he should receive whips across his back for his disobedience. He is a demon. He will heal in time for tomorrow.”
Bishamon threw his head back and laughed. “I do believe your mate is just as blood thirsty as you are, Sesshoumaru.”
We ignored his comment, although I seen a proud look flash briefly in my mate’s amber colored eyes. He motioned for the two nearest soldiers to come to him. “Take him to the dungeon and give him thirty lashes. Do not pause between strikes and give him a reprieve. This Sesshoumaru wants him to suffer.”
He threw Seiji to the soldiers and wiped his hands on his attire, to rub off the filth of touching the other demon.
Sesshoumaru put his hand on my chin and tilted my head back, looking to see if I was okay. When he was satisfied to learn I was unharmed, he began to touch me, running his fingers down my face and arms, causing shivers to coarse through me.
He held out his hand to me, and I took it.
When we walked past Kukiko, I noticed the hurtful expression in her eyes. My heart went out to her. It will take her a long time to get over her heartbreak. To learn your mate is not who you thought he was would be devastating to anybody.
It is within her right to demand her mating mark removed, as her mate has committed a serious offense. But I do not know if she would choose this route. Maybe she will wait and see what unfolds before she makes any decision.
Sesshoumaru helped me into my seat and I gave him a grateful smile. He is being considerate of my health and that of the pup’s. I just wished others could see the warm and caring side that I do.
I heard a snort of laughter coming from Bishamon across the table. “Leave it to Sesshoumaru to give us a dinner and a show. I wish my formal gatherings were just as exciting.”
“They are, dear,” his mate, Dalila, reassured him. “Our guests can’t wait to hightail it from the room when you start telling jokes.”
Everyone laughed. Even Sesshoumaru gave a small chuckle.
The incident was soon forgotten and everyone returned to their conversations and the food in front of them.
----
I held each of my pup’s hands as we headed towards of wing of the palace. “Allow this Sesshoumaru to accompany the pups the rest of the way,” he said, when we neared our bedchamber.
I nodded and gave a small squeeze to each of their hands and released them, smiling when they ventured for my mate’s. Without telling me the true reason, I figured he wants to spend some time alone with the pups. I would be wrong to deny him this.
Standing by the entrance, I watched them move further down the hallway, waving at them when one of the pups turned back around to wave at me. A sense of belonging filled me and I smiled with content. While missing my family in the future, I have found one to love and cherish in the past.
It doesn’t mean I will forget my mom, Souta, or grandpa. It means that I won’t be lonely anymore and their love with help me through hard times. One day I hope to see them again, but dwelling on it will not help me.
When I could no longer see them, I entered the chamber and walked over to the open window, noticing the moon shining brightly in the darkened sky. The moon’s light covered every inch of the garden, giving it a eerie feeling. I still considered the sight beautiful and continued to stare as I pondered my thoughts.
Mostly I thought about the innocent lives that will be taken. With any battle, casualties are given. I prayed that will have more injuries than death but with Naraku fighting us more deaths are certain.
I tilted my head back to look up at the sky and closed my eyes, offering a brief prayer to any God or gods listening. I hope they hear my plea and help us in our time of need. But fate is sometimes cruel and we must experience hard times to enjoy the good times.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t hear the door slide open or my mate’s silent footsteps across the floor. I felt him stand behind me. He then wrapped his arms around my growing stomach, talking to the pup with soft growls, to calm the fluttering within. I leaned back against his chest and listened to them have their conversation.
The hour began to grow late and I stifled a yawn behind my palm. “We must get our rest,” Sesshoumaru spoke softly near my ear. “For tomorrow will come sooner than we think.”
He scooped me up into his arms and carried me toward the futon. My grip around his shoulders tightened as he began to lower me down. He carefully removed the layers of my kimono and folded them, placing them off to the side. My hair fell loosely around me after he took out the pins and roses.
I didn’t have to wait long for him to join me and I felt him lower down beside me. He pulled me closer, and I shifted to lay beside him, his arms tangled around me.
He placed a chaste kiss across my lips.
There will be no sex for us tonight. He needed his strength and I was content enough to be held.
I began to dread the hours that would approach soon. No one knows what will happen and I fear I may lose some of my friends or even worse, my mate. I will be saddened at the loss of my friends, but my mate’s lost will effect me most. It will feel as if I lost a part of my soul as he is my sukidooshi , soul mate.
Pushing my fears aside, I closed my eyes and concentrated on my mate’s heartbeat, that soon lulled me to sleep.
To be continued…
The evening before the battle, Sesshoumaru held a feast for the lords and their families, soldiers, servants, and the villagers seeking refuge within the castle’s walls. He spared no expense with the amount of varieties and food that were laid upon a silk woven fabric.
The soldiers and the villagers won’t eat the same type of foods as the lords, but they received plenty to eat. Some villagers even cried at the amount of food. They had never seen so much at one time before.
The other lord’s and their families have already been announced and seated by the time I had arrived. One of the servants began to open the door for me, but I stopped him with the sound of my voice. “That will not be necessary,” I spoke, watching him step back. “I am waiting for a couple of guests to arrive.”
Minutes passed and I still waited patiently for them. I was late myself. So a few more minutes couldn’t hurt.
“Sorry, we’re late,” Kouga breathed heavily, dragging his mate behind him. “We lost track of time.”
I flicked open my red and gold fan, smiling secretively. Lost track of time indeed. Newly mated demons are like human newlyweds. They can’t get enough of each other.
Sesshoumaru and I are still like that ourselves.
“Come,” I spoke, motioning for the servant to open the doors for us. “The others have already been seated.”
The room fell silent as the servant announced my name. I ignored the stares I was receiving and glanced over at my mate. His eyes swept over my outfit, and a faint smile came to his lips. I knew then my lateness would be excused. He was pleased with my choice of attire.
Ayah obviously had outdone herself tonight in getting me ready.
I wear a red kimono with white honeycomb patterns along the bottom, three along each sleeve, and a couple across my chest. A gold obi wraps around my waist and a red obi-jimi, a braided cord tied on top of the obi, to finish the look.
My hair is arranged in many loops that form into a loose bun on the back of my head. Two loops of braided hair surround each of my ears and two white roses, rest above them. Two gold hair pins with a white pearl in each, hang from each of the roses. And across my bosom is the Meidouseki, that Sesshoumaru had given to me as one of my gifts.
Looking over to his left, I noticed Asuka giving me icy glare and I just smiled sweetly at her, causing her to fume in her chair. I then placed my fan in front of my features to hide the frown coming upon my lips. I did not like her anywhere near me, but it was a formal gathering and her presence is required to show my mate's status. I will ignore her and not let her get to me. But if she says something rude and unforgivable, I will not hold back.
I shifted my attention back at my mate and kept my gaze on him, silently asking permission to proceed. He gave me a slight tilt of his head and I knew it was safe to continue. Many will not like what I am about to say and a few of them might cause a fight.
Taking a deep breath, I began. “Tonight, we not only celebrate our impending victory,” I spoke, pausing briefly while the soldiers and villagers cheered. “But we also celebrate a new mating as well.”
The room once again fell silent. I could feel their eyes burning into me, waiting for what I would do and say next.
I moved to the side so Kouga and Reina could take their places next to me, hand in hand. They both knew, as well as I did, that everything could turn on us at any moment. I want them to be prepared for any backlash.
Knowing what my next words could mean, I carefully said, “As Lady of the Western Lands, I give my blessings to Lord Kouga and Lady Reina, the new royals of the Eastern providence.”
Collective gasps and angry shouts were heard, but none were louder than the angry hiss from the former Eastern Lord. He glared at me when he thought I wasn't looking, but I glimpsed it from the corner of my eye.
Who would have guessed that the quiet, sandy blond hair male, would actually have a dark side to him.
I should have paid more attention to him. I didn’t know that he would be the one against the mating. I truly believed the other lords would cause more argument, but they kept silent.
Seiji stood up from his seat, looking insulted. “I refuse to acknowledge her mating and demand the council to remove her mating mark.”
I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. I didn’t want to anger his demon any more than I already have. “It doesn’t matter if you refuse the mating. It has already been done and with the council’s consent.”
“The council wouldn’t do that. Not all the lords were present.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to hold back a frustrated scream. The man was infuriating. Is he trying to address that I don’t know the inner workings of the council? “The head demon does not need the others on a family matter. You need to quit this nonsense before you make fool of yourself.”
Seiji’s eyes darkened. “He has no say in this. I am the one who gets to decided her fate as the Lord of the Eastern Lands. I will not let her be mated to a lowly wolf.”
I heard a snarl beside me and held my hand in front of Kouga to calm him down. I will be the one to take care of this matter. I will not back down to a former lord. “You go too far, Seiji. I demand you apologize to Kouga. He didn’t deserve that.”
He remained silent, refusing to apologize to someone he thought was below him.
I kept calm, although my temper was close to surface. “Why are you so against this mating?” I said to him, as a thought struck me. “Kouga being a wolf demon has nothing to do with it. Am I right, Seiji?”
The words left him, filled with his fury. “No one would willingly mate with her! I made sure of that!”
Reina stared accusingly at him. “What do you mean? What gives you the right to decide who I will mate with?”
Seiji quickly set his sight on Reina. “I am your lord,” he said, not able to keep the anger out of his voice. “You live within the Eastern Lands and are subjected to my rule.”
“That still doesn’t answer my question.”
“I chased off potential suitors wanting to take you for their own. I was planning on making you my second mate. That way, no demon would be able to take away my title.”
A shocked gasp slipped from Reina. “You had the title when you were mated to me. But you went to the council and had our mating mark removed, so you could be with my sister. Why didn’t you make her your second mate? It would’ve made more sense.”
His lips peeled back to reveal a snarl. “I was going to, but the council stopped me. Sesshoumaru declared I had to chose between you and your sister. So, I chose your sister. She was easy to manipulate.”
Hurt washed over her face. "And in the end," she half whispered, "It was still all for nothing."
Seiji laughed. “I wouldn’t say it wasn’t all for nothing. I still got to rule the Eastern Lands.”
“You lied to me when you said you loved me,” Reina spoke, with a nasty edge to her voice. “You were my world. I would have done anything you asked of me, but you threw it all away when you dumped me. I am glad that I have found someone else. He’s a better demon then you will ever be.”
Seiji didn’t like her back talking him and decided to take matters into his own hands. “If he’s so great, then he should have no problem fighting me.”
Kouga gave him a devilish smile and stepped forward, placing Reina behind him. He was trying to protect her. “Bring it, loud mouth. I will have no problem putting you in your place.”
I had to think fast. Things were getting heated and I needed to stop them before someone ended up hurt. I know my mate will not like my next action, but I put myself in front of Kouga.
"You don’t get it, do you?" I sighed.
Kouga gripped my shoulder and shook his head at me. “He’ll never get it, Kagome. Just let me take care of him.”
Shifting slightly away and looking up at him, I shook my head. I made myself met his gaze. “I realize he has dishonored you and your mate, but this is not the time or place to fight. Many will get hurt.”
Kouga let the fight rest for now. He forgot that others were in the room and took a couple of steps back, until he was back by his mate’s side. She reached out for his hand and gripped it in hers, letting him know she appreciated what he did for her.
I returned my focus back on Seiji. “Sesshoumaru allowed the mating to happen. He is the head of this family and his word is final. If you have a problem with it, take it up with him.”
He walked forward until we were inches apart from each other. I could feel his breath against my face and it sickened me. But I stood my ground, even though I wanted to back away. I would not show fear. That’s exactly what he’s looking for.
“I knew you were going to be trouble the moment I met you,” he hissed, violent promise shimmered within his blue colored eyes. “I should have killed you when I had the chance, but I didn’t think you would involve yourself in matters that don’t concern you.”
The growl in my mate’s tone was a warning. He wanted the other demon to know he had overstepped his bounds.
My lips curled into a snarl. “That will never happen,” I taunted. “I still have my priestess powers and will fry you to a crisp.”
He glared at me, his lips curling into his own snarl. “We shall see, bitch.”
Seiji bent over in pain and I watched him lower himself onto all fours. His body stretched out and his skin was replaced with white fur and black stripes. Sharp nails peeked out from the pads of his paws and his once blue eyes were now a blood thirsty red.
He expected me to run, but I foolishly stayed where I was. His eyes watched me, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
With a roar and with no warning, he lunged at me.
My claws glowed pink and I waited for the right moment to strike back. If he thinks I am going to let him bite me or slash my flesh, he has another thing coming. When he was practically on top of me, I whipped my hand out and lassoed my poison whip around his furry neck. I yanked it back and he fell at my feet.
His fur began to burn and he howled in pain. “I believe you have learned your lesson. If you try to pull a stunt like that again,” I said, as I withdrew my whip. “I won’t hesitate to kill you.”
Seiji staggered to his feet and furiously roared, shaking the marble at my feet. He lunged for me again, but I could not move out of his way fast enough. I began to shake in fear and prayed my mate would be able to save me in time.
I closed my eyes and waited for impact, but it never came.
Sesshoumaru suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking me from the attack, receiving claw marks on his shoulder. Blood seeped through his wound as he reached out and flung me towards Kouga, who caught me easily and continued to hold me, while Sesshoumaru returned his focus on Seiji.
His eyes turned red. His pupils changed to green. His teeth bared in a snarl, his nostrils flared. “You dare touch what is this Sesshoumaru’s? You will pay dearly for that.”
I caught my full lower lip between my teeth as a troubled look crept into my eyes. I wasn’t worried for my mate’s safety, because I knew he could defeat Seiji easily, even in his tiger form. I was more worried about Sesshoumaru losing control and killing him.
My fears were answered when Sesshoumaru held Seiji above the floor, his hands wrapped around his throat, seeping poison into the wound. “Spare him,” I pleaded, refusing to meet his eyes. I was afraid of the emotion I would see there.
He turned his back on Seiji and stared at me with disbelief. "Are you asking this Sesshoumaru to show mercy to him? After everything he has done?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “But we need him for the battle tomorrow. If he dies, then so be it. If he should happen to live, you can decide his fate.”
Sesshoumaru was silent for a few moments, thinking about my words carefully. “This Sesshoumaru will go forward with your plan. But he will be guarded on the battle field. This Sesshoumaru will not have him turn rogue and attack his soldiers.”
“But I do not think he should go unpunished,” I spoke to my mate, while very deliberately not looking at Seiji. “I believe he should receive whips across his back for his disobedience. He is a demon. He will heal in time for tomorrow.”
Bishamon threw his head back and laughed. “I do believe your mate is just as blood thirsty as you are, Sesshoumaru.”
We ignored his comment, although I seen a proud look flash briefly in my mate’s amber colored eyes. He motioned for the two nearest soldiers to come to him. “Take him to the dungeon and give him thirty lashes. Do not pause between strikes and give him a reprieve. This Sesshoumaru wants him to suffer.”
He threw Seiji to the soldiers and wiped his hands on his attire, to rub off the filth of touching the other demon.
Sesshoumaru put his hand on my chin and tilted my head back, looking to see if I was okay. When he was satisfied to learn I was unharmed, he began to touch me, running his fingers down my face and arms, causing shivers to coarse through me.
He held out his hand to me, and I took it.
When we walked past Kukiko, I noticed the hurtful expression in her eyes. My heart went out to her. It will take her a long time to get over her heartbreak. To learn your mate is not who you thought he was would be devastating to anybody.
It is within her right to demand her mating mark removed, as her mate has committed a serious offense. But I do not know if she would choose this route. Maybe she will wait and see what unfolds before she makes any decision.
Sesshoumaru helped me into my seat and I gave him a grateful smile. He is being considerate of my health and that of the pup’s. I just wished others could see the warm and caring side that I do.
I heard a snort of laughter coming from Bishamon across the table. “Leave it to Sesshoumaru to give us a dinner and a show. I wish my formal gatherings were just as exciting.”
“They are, dear,” his mate, Dalila, reassured him. “Our guests can’t wait to hightail it from the room when you start telling jokes.”
Everyone laughed. Even Sesshoumaru gave a small chuckle.
The incident was soon forgotten and everyone returned to their conversations and the food in front of them.
----
I held each of my pup’s hands as we headed towards of wing of the palace. “Allow this Sesshoumaru to accompany the pups the rest of the way,” he said, when we neared our bedchamber.
I nodded and gave a small squeeze to each of their hands and released them, smiling when they ventured for my mate’s. Without telling me the true reason, I figured he wants to spend some time alone with the pups. I would be wrong to deny him this.
Standing by the entrance, I watched them move further down the hallway, waving at them when one of the pups turned back around to wave at me. A sense of belonging filled me and I smiled with content. While missing my family in the future, I have found one to love and cherish in the past.
It doesn’t mean I will forget my mom, Souta, or grandpa. It means that I won’t be lonely anymore and their love with help me through hard times. One day I hope to see them again, but dwelling on it will not help me.
When I could no longer see them, I entered the chamber and walked over to the open window, noticing the moon shining brightly in the darkened sky. The moon’s light covered every inch of the garden, giving it a eerie feeling. I still considered the sight beautiful and continued to stare as I pondered my thoughts.
Mostly I thought about the innocent lives that will be taken. With any battle, casualties are given. I prayed that will have more injuries than death but with Naraku fighting us more deaths are certain.
I tilted my head back to look up at the sky and closed my eyes, offering a brief prayer to any God or gods listening. I hope they hear my plea and help us in our time of need. But fate is sometimes cruel and we must experience hard times to enjoy the good times.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t hear the door slide open or my mate’s silent footsteps across the floor. I felt him stand behind me. He then wrapped his arms around my growing stomach, talking to the pup with soft growls, to calm the fluttering within. I leaned back against his chest and listened to them have their conversation.
The hour began to grow late and I stifled a yawn behind my palm. “We must get our rest,” Sesshoumaru spoke softly near my ear. “For tomorrow will come sooner than we think.”
He scooped me up into his arms and carried me toward the futon. My grip around his shoulders tightened as he began to lower me down. He carefully removed the layers of my kimono and folded them, placing them off to the side. My hair fell loosely around me after he took out the pins and roses.
I didn’t have to wait long for him to join me and I felt him lower down beside me. He pulled me closer, and I shifted to lay beside him, his arms tangled around me.
He placed a chaste kiss across my lips.
There will be no sex for us tonight. He needed his strength and I was content enough to be held.
I began to dread the hours that would approach soon. No one knows what will happen and I fear I may lose some of my friends or even worse, my mate. I will be saddened at the loss of my friends, but my mate’s lost will effect me most. It will feel as if I lost a part of my soul as he is my sukidooshi , soul mate.
Pushing my fears aside, I closed my eyes and concentrated on my mate’s heartbeat, that soon lulled me to sleep.
To be continued…