Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Then and Now ❯ Sesshou-maru's first chapter ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Lady MoonShadow1 
Seshou-maru and Hiei both make their first appearances. Youko and Kagome fluff.
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Angst | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 07.12.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Work In Progress
Seshou-maru and Hiei both make their first appearances. Youko and Kagome fluff.
Anime/Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Supernatural / Romance / Angst | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 07.12.2006 | Pages: 4 | Words: 3.7K | Visits: 1.2K | Status: Work In Progress
Then and Now
Author's Note: Hey, I hope you liked chapter 8. I tried to make it a little longer than usual. Hiei finally makes a short appearance. I'm half-tempted to bring in Jin and Touya, if I can find a place to put them, just because I love them so much(after all, there's no such thing as too many hot guys in one story ^_~). Also, the next chapter will be focusing back on Inu Yasha since we haven’t heard from him in a while.
A/N2: Sooo Sorry it took so long, I seem to have bad luck with computers. I broke another one -.-* (I was almost done with this chapter, too. I lost all but the first paragraph ARGH!!!!). This one is both new and under warranty so it should be OK.
Disclaimer:
Chapter 9
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So, Youko's with the girl. I'm sure that they'll be coming for the child. Good. I need to talk talk with them. These new developments could be an asset, if I'm careful.
(((((((())))))))
"Kurama, how much farther should it be?" Kagome asked. It had been more than an hour and a half since they had left the well and she was becoming anxious to see her kit. Youko smiled.
"It's just over the next hill. Don't worry," he said, kissing her forehead, "We'll be there in a few minutes."
At the crest of the hill they stopped. Kagome looked down to see a huge, white marble wall surrounding a palace whose lands must have covered several square miles.
"Wow. That place is enormous. How will we find Shippo-chan?"
"I told you, Sesshou and I are old friends. We can ask to speak with him at the door."
"Are you sure that Shippo-chan's okay? Sesshou-maru hasn't hurt him?"
<She's very protective. She'll be an excellent mother to our kits.>
Are you still on about that? Seriously, give it a rest.
<No. She will be the mother of my kits whether you want her or not. You're blind not to, though.>
What?! I never said that I didn't want her!
<So what are you bitching about, then?>
Look, we don’t even know how she really feels about us. Humans don’t always date because they intend to remain with someone. What if she isn’t looking for a long-term relationship?
<You’ve got a point...we can speak with her later. She’s too focused on her kit right now to consider anything else.>
Kurama felt a surge of deep affection from his kitsune counterpart at those words. Do you love her, Youko?
<...I don’t know. I’ve never desired anyone so much, but it goes beyond sexual desire. I don’t know what it is.> The youko’s reply sounded so completely vulnerable that Kurama knew it was true.
“I’m sure he’s fine. Sesshou wouldn’t hurt your kit.” He assured her.
“Who dares to trespass on the lands of Sesshou-maru-sama?” A deep, rumbling voice suddenly called out.
Looking to the gate, the pair saw a fifteen-foot-tall, four-ton, neon green demon with lavender stripes, a long reptilian tail, four gigantic legs and six arms, each holding a huge axe. As he stepped towards them, the ground shook from holding the beast up.
The fox put Kagome on her feet and stepped forward. “I am Youko Kurama, and this,” He indicated Kagome, “is Higurashi Kagome. We come to speak with Sesshou.”
The guard sputtered “H-How dare you say ‘Sesshou’ like you are kin! I’ll teach you some respect!” He glanced at Kagome. “And then I’ll have some fun with the wench!”
Youko stepped in front of Kagome, shielding her from the approaching demon. He reached behind his ear, pulling out a beautiful, blood-red rose. Kagome raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Rose Whip!” he called, the blossom transforming into a long thorny green whip. The demon laughed at the whip, certain his axes would make short work of it. With a few flicks of his delicate wrist, Youko neatly sliced the demon’s arms off at the shoulders. The beast paused, surprised, and looked at himself, then back at the Kitsune before him.
“I think I’ll let Sesshou decide what to do with you,” he turned toward the castle, “What do you think, eh, Sesshou?”
“I think you should finish your job. You’ve gotten lazy in recent centuries, it seems.” A rich, smooth voice replied from the gateway.
“Demo, Sesshou-maru-sama! I was defending the palace as you ordered!” The dismembered youkai begged.
“This Sesshou-maru did not tell you to attack my old friends coming to visit. Consider your employment ‘terminated’(A/N: O...M...G...That has got to be the worst pun I’ve put in a fic yet...someone shoot me).”
Suddenly, the grasses beneath the injured demon rose up, slicing and pulling him apart. His screams of pain bothered Kagome, but she knew that he would have done much worse to her with no sense of compassion. As much as she hated the thought, she had learned that this world was kill-or-be-killed.
“Sesshou, how are you?” Youko grinned, walking up to the taiyoukai.
“Well, although I am surprised that you seem to have allied yourself to a miko of all things.”
“But this is no ordinary miko. Have you ever seen one so beautiful?” Youko answered. Kagome blushed and turned her face aside demurely.
Sesshou-maru noticed the girl’s discomfiture and invited them into the palace.
“Where’s Shippo-chan?” Kagome asked.
“The kit is napping with Rin upstairs. I have not harmed him, if that is your concern.”
The girl blushed, again, “Kurama said that you wouldn’t,” she said, softly.
The Spirit Fox moved beside Kagome, one arm around her waist. She interlocked her fingers with his, which pleased him.
<She’s holding our hand! She’s holding our hand! She’s holding our hand! >
WTF? I like holding her hand, too. But try not to embarrass us.
“As you and I have so much to discuss, Youko, and the hour is late, I would invite the two of you to stay here, tonight.” The taiyoukai offered.
A thought suddenly struck the fox. “Sesshou, could I speak with you for a moment?” Youko asked, beckoning Sesshou-maru to step aside with him.
Don’t you dare...
“Hai.”
Youko...
“What would it take for you to offer only one room for us tonight?”
“One room? Give me the robe that you stole last time you were here and I will consider it.”
Youko sweatdropped. “I can be back in a moment.” He crossed the room to Kagome. “I have to get something for Sesshou. If you want, you can come with me, or you can stay here with Shippo.”
“How long will it take?”
“About half an hour, maybe less.”
“Hmm...I’ll stay here with Shippo. Hurry though, please?” She said and reached up to kiss him. The thief happily bent down to accept her kiss, slipping his tongue between her lips. Kagome moaned, tempted to change her mind and go with him, but she had been so worried about her kit earlier, she didn’t want to be away from him any longer. Youko seemed to read her mind, because he broke off the kiss, albeit reluctantly.
“I should go if I’m to hurry back. But keep that thought. I’ll definitely want to continue this when I return.” He grinned and kissed her cheek before hurrying out the door.
Kagome stood blushing for a moment before turning to Sesshou-maru, who had taken in the actions between his old friend and the girl he’d thought was his brother’s wench. The kit was right, he thought, the two of them are good for each other.
“Miko. This Sesshou-maru would like to know how you met the silver fox.”
Crap. “Actually, he helped Shippo catch someone that had stolen my mother’s purse and she invited him to dinner. I met him that night...” Kagome finished her sentence almost at a whisper, lost for a moment in the memory of their first meeting.
Kagome's heart skipped a beat when she saw the crimson haired youth standing in the foyer, looking around absently. He's gorgeous! Great, I'm drooling! Kagome quickly wiped her mouth before walking down the stairs to welcome her unexpectedly attractive guest.
"Gomen, I shouldn't have stared that way, it was rude. I simply couldn't help myself. I hadn't expected an angel to greet me at the door."
"Minamino Shuiichi,"he lifted her hand to his lips, "I am very pleased to meet you."
Sesshou-maru watched as her eyes lost focus in memory and a delicate blush spread across her cheeks. He gave a small smile of amusement. “So I take it you were infatuated from the start?”
Kagome was shocked out of her reverie by the statement. “Eh? Ah, well, sort of...” The miko turned aside again.
The Inu Youkai stood a moment for her to regain her composure.”I am sure you would like to see the kit.”
“Ah, yes, onegai.” She nodded.
“Jakken.”
“Hai, Sesshou-ma...Ah! What is that filthy ningen doing here?!” The toad squawked.
“The miko is being courted by an old friend of mine. You will be courteous and show her to the kit’s room.”
“Eep! Demo...(sigh) hai, Sesshou-maru-sama. Follow me, wench.”
The feudal lord kicked the toad youkai across the room. “Precisely what part of ‘courteous’ did you not understand?”
“G-Gomen-nasai!”
“Follow me, Miko.”
“Hai.” Kagome followed the Western Lord up a flight of stairs to Rin’s bedroom. He opened the door to show the two children sleeping peacefully on the ward’s bed, exhausted from a day of playing.
“This will be the room Youko and yourself may share tonight. I will send a servant with...more appropriate clothing for you.” Sesshou-maru informed her, indicating another room across the hall.
“Domo arigato. M-Mate! Share? Youko and I? Alone?”
“Hai. I only have one room prepared.”
“...Ah...well...arigato...”
“Oyasumi-nasai, Miko.” The Inu stated before turning to go downstairs.
“Oyasumi-nasai.” she answered and turned to her own room.
((((((((()))))))))
The Spirit Fox traveled as fast as his legs would carry him. His pace was partly desire to return to his future mate, and partly joy to be back in this familiar place. He traveled the hidden pathways he knew so well to the place he had hidden the robe. <A fine robe it was, too. Royal blue silk embroidered with the image of a mountain sunset. The obi, silver with a picture of a waterfall.>
Sounds very nice.
<Well, time to head back.>
He folded and wrapped the robe carefully and left. He returned a slightly different way than he had come, leaping through the forest to a place less than a handful of individuals knew of. Hidden by a huge mass of brambles was a clearing, in which grew a very rare plant.
The plant, though several decades old, was only about two feet tall. Yellow-green stalks ended in flame-patterned flower buds. <Perfect.>
What’s perfect?
<This plant should be harvested when it’s still in it’s bud state. The timing tonight is perfect.>
You don’t plan on using that tonight, do you?
<It will keep for centuries, if necessary... I should wait on this for a while, I suppose.>
Why is that?
<...I’ll tell you later.>
Bastard.
((((((((()))))))))
-Present Time-
Where the hell is that fox?!? Hiei thought as he flitted through the city. He had been searching for Kurama since midmorning and all he’d discovered was that he’d told his human mother that he’d gone camping with a shrine family, but she didn’t know where. In his opinion, the woman was entirely too naive for her own good. The shrine family didn’t seem to know anything about a camping trip. The grandfather and brother of the shrine maiden were even at home, though the girl herself was conspicuously absent. He’d found no traces of youki from the kitsune since leaving the temple. I don’t get it! It makes no sense! The half-koorime fumed. Maybe the detective knows something. He decided and took off in the direction of Yusuke’s apartment.
((((((((())))))))
-Sengoku Jidai-
Kagome sat in the lavish room that Sesshou-maru had provided for the night. The bed was large and looked very comfortable, with cream-colored silk sheets and soft downy pillows. The view from the balcony was spectacular, too, overlooking the extravagant flower gardens. The scents wafted up to her through the open window, relaxing her. How much longer, Kurama?
A sudden tap at the door caught the girl’s attention. “Come in.” she called out. A maid carrying a pair of sleeping robes entered the room and laid the clothing on the end of the bed. Bowing, she turned to leave.
“Excuse me. But..is there any chance I could have a little something to eat? I didn’t realize how hungry I was with all the excitement, earlier. I’m sure that Kurama will be a bit hungry, too.” Kagome asked.
“Of course, Lady Miko. I will bring food and drink right away.” The servant bowed again and left. A few moments later she arrived at the door again with a younger serving-girl carrying trays of rice, fish, beef, and vegetables, as well as tea and sake. They placed the items from the trays on the low table in the middle of the spacious room. “I hope this is to your liking, Madam?”
Kagome blushed at the title, and simply replied, “Yes, thank you.”
The two maids retreated, leaving Kagome to her meal.
(((((((()))))))
Youko entered the palace and hurried to the place where he sensed his old friend’s youki. “Sesshou! Here is the robe you asked for. I assume that Kagome is already in our quarters?”
“Hai, she is. As for the robe, give it to the miko. A well-earned gift for the one who has managed to capture the heart of one such as yourself.” The tai-youkai smirked.
“You made me leave to get a kimono so you could have me give it to Kagome?” The fox asked, incredulous.
“Hai. I was only going to give the two of you one room to begin with, but since you asked...”
“Bastard.”
“Thief.”
Youko rolled his eyes and gave an exaggerated bow, then turned and left the room. Sesshou-maru decided it was time to retire for the evening, his old friend having lifted his spirits considerably.
((((((((((((())))))))))
Youko stepped into the room just as the maid exited. “Miss me?”
“Kurama!” Kagome cried out and leapt up to embrace her kitsune. Kurama held her, immensely pleased that she was so eager to be near him. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her soothing scent. Kagome sighed contentedly. She felt that she could stay there holding him forever...until her stomach growled.
Kurama chuckled quietly and pulled back a bit. “I see that dinner was delivered. Perhaps we should pick up here later?”
“Hai.” Kagome blushed, embarrassed that her stomach had chosen that moment to vocalize her hunger. The two of them sat down on the padded cushions on the floor by the low table. They ate their meal quietly, chatting a little, but once they began to eat, they realized how hungry they both were. After dinner, they changed into their sleeping kimonos (Kagome in the bathing room, of course). Kurama hid his gift beside the bed while his female dressed. He decided to give it to her in the morning. He climbed into the bed, sighing softly. He’d nearly forgotten how soft these sheets were. It was the same room that he’d used before whenever he’d visited.
Kagome came out, dressed in her bedclothes. She pulled up the covers and slid in beside the silver fox. The pair cuddled close and fell asleep.
((((((((((())))))))))
Kurama woke first to the feeling of Kagome’s arms around him. He snuggled down a little closer to Kagome (the lucky bitch!), and simply enjoyed her presence. <I wonder how I should wake her up?>
Human females find it romantic to be awakened with a kiss. Shuiichi offered.
<Hmm...a kiss? I can do that.>
The kitsune lowered himself slightly and dipped his head, his lips brushing the skin of her throat lightly. Kagome sighed softly in her sleep and rolled onto her back. Kurama took advantage of her new position to shift his own for better access. He started to graze his teeth along the sensitive flesh along her collarbone between kisses. Kagome gasped as she regained consciousness. “K-Kurama? What are you-?” The girl was cut off by Youko’s lips on hers. She moaned, allowing him to deepen the kiss. His hands traveled up and down her sides, softly, causing her to sigh against his mouth.
*KnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnock*
“Who could that be?” Kagome asked breathlessly.
“Someone who wants to die.” The thief grumbled, getting up to answer the door. “You might want to straighten your kimono. It came undone while you were asleep.”
“Uh-huh. And I bet you had nothing to do with that, right?” Kagome queried as she pulled the kimono around herself to go to the bathing room. The fox opened the door, which was still being pounded on by-
“Shippo?”
“Good morning!!! Where’s my Okaa-san? Is she still sleeping? Is she in another room? When did you get here?” The kit rambled out.
“Calm down! Your mother is here, I believe she is getting dressed. We got here late last night. Have you had breakfast, yet?” The older kitsune asked.
“No, I wanted to eat with Okaa-san.”
“Shippo-chan! Good maorning!” Kagome cried, stepping out of the adjoining room. The kit jumped into her arms and snuggled his face against hers. “I need to get changed if I’m going to breakfast. Why don’t you go on down and wait for us, ne? We’ll be down soon.”
“Okay!” He called and hurried down the steps.
Kurama closed the door after him. “I have something for you to wear today, if you’d like.”
“What is it?” The miko asked curiously.
Youko walked to the bed and retrieved the package she vaguely recalled him with the previous night. He handed the item to her.
“What is this?” She asked.
“Open it.”
Kagome carefully untied the strings and pulled the covering away to reveal the most beautiful kimono she’d ever seen. “Oh, Kurama! It’s beautiful. Where...how...I mean it’s just...too beautiful. How can I accept something so perfect? I’m not worth this.” She turned her face away as she tried to give it back to him.
“What do you mean you’re not worth it? Kagome, you’re worth this and so much more. This kimono is just a trinket. YOU are my treasure.” He hooked his fingers under her chin gently and urged her to look at him. The tears welling up in her eyes nearly broke his heart. “Kagome, koibito, why would you think you are unworthy?”
“Inu Yasha always compared me to Kikyo. He said I would never be as smart as she was. As strong. As pretty. Everyday it was something new. I just...I just...” Kagome began to sob. Kurama pulled her close and held her while she cried out her pain. After several minutes she straightened herself and wiped her eyes, still sniffling. “I guess he was right. I can’t even answer a question without crying. He used to yell at me for that, too.”
Youko growled. How dare that mutt? “Kagome, listen to me, Love. NO ONE has the right to make you feel as though you deserve anything less than the best. You are infinitely better than anything that mutt deserves. You are better than anyone deserves. Only you can choose to give someone that honor. That value.”
“Kurama...” Kagome whispered, touched, and kissed him
(((((((((()))))))))
Okay, folks! That’s the end of chapter 9. This is my longest chapter yet(33KB! Woo!). I plan to get the next chapter out next week. ‘Til then,
Ja ne!
Author's Note: Hey, I hope you liked chapter 8. I tried to make it a little longer than usual. Hiei finally makes a short appearance. I'm half-tempted to bring in Jin and Touya, if I can find a place to put them, just because I love them so much(after all, there's no such thing as too many hot guys in one story ^_~). Also, the next chapter will be focusing back on Inu Yasha since we haven’t heard from him in a while.
A/N2: Sooo Sorry it took so long, I seem to have bad luck with computers. I broke another one -.-* (I was almost done with this chapter, too. I lost all but the first paragraph ARGH!!!!). This one is both new and under warranty so it should be OK.
Disclaimer:
Chapter 9
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So, Youko's with the girl. I'm sure that they'll be coming for the child. Good. I need to talk talk with them. These new developments could be an asset, if I'm careful.
(((((((())))))))
"Kurama, how much farther should it be?" Kagome asked. It had been more than an hour and a half since they had left the well and she was becoming anxious to see her kit. Youko smiled.
"It's just over the next hill. Don't worry," he said, kissing her forehead, "We'll be there in a few minutes."
At the crest of the hill they stopped. Kagome looked down to see a huge, white marble wall surrounding a palace whose lands must have covered several square miles.
"Wow. That place is enormous. How will we find Shippo-chan?"
"I told you, Sesshou and I are old friends. We can ask to speak with him at the door."
"Are you sure that Shippo-chan's okay? Sesshou-maru hasn't hurt him?"
<She's very protective. She'll be an excellent mother to our kits.>
Are you still on about that? Seriously, give it a rest.
<No. She will be the mother of my kits whether you want her or not. You're blind not to, though.>
What?! I never said that I didn't want her!
<So what are you bitching about, then?>
Look, we don’t even know how she really feels about us. Humans don’t always date because they intend to remain with someone. What if she isn’t looking for a long-term relationship?
<You’ve got a point...we can speak with her later. She’s too focused on her kit right now to consider anything else.>
Kurama felt a surge of deep affection from his kitsune counterpart at those words. Do you love her, Youko?
<...I don’t know. I’ve never desired anyone so much, but it goes beyond sexual desire. I don’t know what it is.> The youko’s reply sounded so completely vulnerable that Kurama knew it was true.
“I’m sure he’s fine. Sesshou wouldn’t hurt your kit.” He assured her.
“Who dares to trespass on the lands of Sesshou-maru-sama?” A deep, rumbling voice suddenly called out.
Looking to the gate, the pair saw a fifteen-foot-tall, four-ton, neon green demon with lavender stripes, a long reptilian tail, four gigantic legs and six arms, each holding a huge axe. As he stepped towards them, the ground shook from holding the beast up.
The fox put Kagome on her feet and stepped forward. “I am Youko Kurama, and this,” He indicated Kagome, “is Higurashi Kagome. We come to speak with Sesshou.”
The guard sputtered “H-How dare you say ‘Sesshou’ like you are kin! I’ll teach you some respect!” He glanced at Kagome. “And then I’ll have some fun with the wench!”
Youko stepped in front of Kagome, shielding her from the approaching demon. He reached behind his ear, pulling out a beautiful, blood-red rose. Kagome raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Rose Whip!” he called, the blossom transforming into a long thorny green whip. The demon laughed at the whip, certain his axes would make short work of it. With a few flicks of his delicate wrist, Youko neatly sliced the demon’s arms off at the shoulders. The beast paused, surprised, and looked at himself, then back at the Kitsune before him.
“I think I’ll let Sesshou decide what to do with you,” he turned toward the castle, “What do you think, eh, Sesshou?”
“I think you should finish your job. You’ve gotten lazy in recent centuries, it seems.” A rich, smooth voice replied from the gateway.
“Demo, Sesshou-maru-sama! I was defending the palace as you ordered!” The dismembered youkai begged.
“This Sesshou-maru did not tell you to attack my old friends coming to visit. Consider your employment ‘terminated’(A/N: O...M...G...That has got to be the worst pun I’ve put in a fic yet...someone shoot me).”
Suddenly, the grasses beneath the injured demon rose up, slicing and pulling him apart. His screams of pain bothered Kagome, but she knew that he would have done much worse to her with no sense of compassion. As much as she hated the thought, she had learned that this world was kill-or-be-killed.
“Sesshou, how are you?” Youko grinned, walking up to the taiyoukai.
“Well, although I am surprised that you seem to have allied yourself to a miko of all things.”
“But this is no ordinary miko. Have you ever seen one so beautiful?” Youko answered. Kagome blushed and turned her face aside demurely.
Sesshou-maru noticed the girl’s discomfiture and invited them into the palace.
“Where’s Shippo-chan?” Kagome asked.
“The kit is napping with Rin upstairs. I have not harmed him, if that is your concern.”
The girl blushed, again, “Kurama said that you wouldn’t,” she said, softly.
The Spirit Fox moved beside Kagome, one arm around her waist. She interlocked her fingers with his, which pleased him.
<She’s holding our hand! She’s holding our hand! She’s holding our hand! >
WTF? I like holding her hand, too. But try not to embarrass us.
“As you and I have so much to discuss, Youko, and the hour is late, I would invite the two of you to stay here, tonight.” The taiyoukai offered.
A thought suddenly struck the fox. “Sesshou, could I speak with you for a moment?” Youko asked, beckoning Sesshou-maru to step aside with him.
Don’t you dare...
“Hai.”
Youko...
“What would it take for you to offer only one room for us tonight?”
“One room? Give me the robe that you stole last time you were here and I will consider it.”
Youko sweatdropped. “I can be back in a moment.” He crossed the room to Kagome. “I have to get something for Sesshou. If you want, you can come with me, or you can stay here with Shippo.”
“How long will it take?”
“About half an hour, maybe less.”
“Hmm...I’ll stay here with Shippo. Hurry though, please?” She said and reached up to kiss him. The thief happily bent down to accept her kiss, slipping his tongue between her lips. Kagome moaned, tempted to change her mind and go with him, but she had been so worried about her kit earlier, she didn’t want to be away from him any longer. Youko seemed to read her mind, because he broke off the kiss, albeit reluctantly.
“I should go if I’m to hurry back. But keep that thought. I’ll definitely want to continue this when I return.” He grinned and kissed her cheek before hurrying out the door.
Kagome stood blushing for a moment before turning to Sesshou-maru, who had taken in the actions between his old friend and the girl he’d thought was his brother’s wench. The kit was right, he thought, the two of them are good for each other.
“Miko. This Sesshou-maru would like to know how you met the silver fox.”
Crap. “Actually, he helped Shippo catch someone that had stolen my mother’s purse and she invited him to dinner. I met him that night...” Kagome finished her sentence almost at a whisper, lost for a moment in the memory of their first meeting.
Kagome's heart skipped a beat when she saw the crimson haired youth standing in the foyer, looking around absently. He's gorgeous! Great, I'm drooling! Kagome quickly wiped her mouth before walking down the stairs to welcome her unexpectedly attractive guest.
"Gomen, I shouldn't have stared that way, it was rude. I simply couldn't help myself. I hadn't expected an angel to greet me at the door."
"Minamino Shuiichi,"he lifted her hand to his lips, "I am very pleased to meet you."
Sesshou-maru watched as her eyes lost focus in memory and a delicate blush spread across her cheeks. He gave a small smile of amusement. “So I take it you were infatuated from the start?”
Kagome was shocked out of her reverie by the statement. “Eh? Ah, well, sort of...” The miko turned aside again.
The Inu Youkai stood a moment for her to regain her composure.”I am sure you would like to see the kit.”
“Ah, yes, onegai.” She nodded.
“Jakken.”
“Hai, Sesshou-ma...Ah! What is that filthy ningen doing here?!” The toad squawked.
“The miko is being courted by an old friend of mine. You will be courteous and show her to the kit’s room.”
“Eep! Demo...(sigh) hai, Sesshou-maru-sama. Follow me, wench.”
The feudal lord kicked the toad youkai across the room. “Precisely what part of ‘courteous’ did you not understand?”
“G-Gomen-nasai!”
“Follow me, Miko.”
“Hai.” Kagome followed the Western Lord up a flight of stairs to Rin’s bedroom. He opened the door to show the two children sleeping peacefully on the ward’s bed, exhausted from a day of playing.
“This will be the room Youko and yourself may share tonight. I will send a servant with...more appropriate clothing for you.” Sesshou-maru informed her, indicating another room across the hall.
“Domo arigato. M-Mate! Share? Youko and I? Alone?”
“Hai. I only have one room prepared.”
“...Ah...well...arigato...”
“Oyasumi-nasai, Miko.” The Inu stated before turning to go downstairs.
“Oyasumi-nasai.” she answered and turned to her own room.
((((((((()))))))))
The Spirit Fox traveled as fast as his legs would carry him. His pace was partly desire to return to his future mate, and partly joy to be back in this familiar place. He traveled the hidden pathways he knew so well to the place he had hidden the robe. <A fine robe it was, too. Royal blue silk embroidered with the image of a mountain sunset. The obi, silver with a picture of a waterfall.>
Sounds very nice.
<Well, time to head back.>
He folded and wrapped the robe carefully and left. He returned a slightly different way than he had come, leaping through the forest to a place less than a handful of individuals knew of. Hidden by a huge mass of brambles was a clearing, in which grew a very rare plant.
The plant, though several decades old, was only about two feet tall. Yellow-green stalks ended in flame-patterned flower buds. <Perfect.>
What’s perfect?
<This plant should be harvested when it’s still in it’s bud state. The timing tonight is perfect.>
You don’t plan on using that tonight, do you?
<It will keep for centuries, if necessary... I should wait on this for a while, I suppose.>
Why is that?
<...I’ll tell you later.>
Bastard.
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-Present Time-
Where the hell is that fox?!? Hiei thought as he flitted through the city. He had been searching for Kurama since midmorning and all he’d discovered was that he’d told his human mother that he’d gone camping with a shrine family, but she didn’t know where. In his opinion, the woman was entirely too naive for her own good. The shrine family didn’t seem to know anything about a camping trip. The grandfather and brother of the shrine maiden were even at home, though the girl herself was conspicuously absent. He’d found no traces of youki from the kitsune since leaving the temple. I don’t get it! It makes no sense! The half-koorime fumed. Maybe the detective knows something. He decided and took off in the direction of Yusuke’s apartment.
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-Sengoku Jidai-
Kagome sat in the lavish room that Sesshou-maru had provided for the night. The bed was large and looked very comfortable, with cream-colored silk sheets and soft downy pillows. The view from the balcony was spectacular, too, overlooking the extravagant flower gardens. The scents wafted up to her through the open window, relaxing her. How much longer, Kurama?
A sudden tap at the door caught the girl’s attention. “Come in.” she called out. A maid carrying a pair of sleeping robes entered the room and laid the clothing on the end of the bed. Bowing, she turned to leave.
“Excuse me. But..is there any chance I could have a little something to eat? I didn’t realize how hungry I was with all the excitement, earlier. I’m sure that Kurama will be a bit hungry, too.” Kagome asked.
“Of course, Lady Miko. I will bring food and drink right away.” The servant bowed again and left. A few moments later she arrived at the door again with a younger serving-girl carrying trays of rice, fish, beef, and vegetables, as well as tea and sake. They placed the items from the trays on the low table in the middle of the spacious room. “I hope this is to your liking, Madam?”
Kagome blushed at the title, and simply replied, “Yes, thank you.”
The two maids retreated, leaving Kagome to her meal.
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Youko entered the palace and hurried to the place where he sensed his old friend’s youki. “Sesshou! Here is the robe you asked for. I assume that Kagome is already in our quarters?”
“Hai, she is. As for the robe, give it to the miko. A well-earned gift for the one who has managed to capture the heart of one such as yourself.” The tai-youkai smirked.
“You made me leave to get a kimono so you could have me give it to Kagome?” The fox asked, incredulous.
“Hai. I was only going to give the two of you one room to begin with, but since you asked...”
“Bastard.”
“Thief.”
Youko rolled his eyes and gave an exaggerated bow, then turned and left the room. Sesshou-maru decided it was time to retire for the evening, his old friend having lifted his spirits considerably.
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Youko stepped into the room just as the maid exited. “Miss me?”
“Kurama!” Kagome cried out and leapt up to embrace her kitsune. Kurama held her, immensely pleased that she was so eager to be near him. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her soothing scent. Kagome sighed contentedly. She felt that she could stay there holding him forever...until her stomach growled.
Kurama chuckled quietly and pulled back a bit. “I see that dinner was delivered. Perhaps we should pick up here later?”
“Hai.” Kagome blushed, embarrassed that her stomach had chosen that moment to vocalize her hunger. The two of them sat down on the padded cushions on the floor by the low table. They ate their meal quietly, chatting a little, but once they began to eat, they realized how hungry they both were. After dinner, they changed into their sleeping kimonos (Kagome in the bathing room, of course). Kurama hid his gift beside the bed while his female dressed. He decided to give it to her in the morning. He climbed into the bed, sighing softly. He’d nearly forgotten how soft these sheets were. It was the same room that he’d used before whenever he’d visited.
Kagome came out, dressed in her bedclothes. She pulled up the covers and slid in beside the silver fox. The pair cuddled close and fell asleep.
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Kurama woke first to the feeling of Kagome’s arms around him. He snuggled down a little closer to Kagome (the lucky bitch!), and simply enjoyed her presence. <I wonder how I should wake her up?>
Human females find it romantic to be awakened with a kiss. Shuiichi offered.
<Hmm...a kiss? I can do that.>
The kitsune lowered himself slightly and dipped his head, his lips brushing the skin of her throat lightly. Kagome sighed softly in her sleep and rolled onto her back. Kurama took advantage of her new position to shift his own for better access. He started to graze his teeth along the sensitive flesh along her collarbone between kisses. Kagome gasped as she regained consciousness. “K-Kurama? What are you-?” The girl was cut off by Youko’s lips on hers. She moaned, allowing him to deepen the kiss. His hands traveled up and down her sides, softly, causing her to sigh against his mouth.
*KnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnockKnock*
“Who could that be?” Kagome asked breathlessly.
“Someone who wants to die.” The thief grumbled, getting up to answer the door. “You might want to straighten your kimono. It came undone while you were asleep.”
“Uh-huh. And I bet you had nothing to do with that, right?” Kagome queried as she pulled the kimono around herself to go to the bathing room. The fox opened the door, which was still being pounded on by-
“Shippo?”
“Good morning!!! Where’s my Okaa-san? Is she still sleeping? Is she in another room? When did you get here?” The kit rambled out.
“Calm down! Your mother is here, I believe she is getting dressed. We got here late last night. Have you had breakfast, yet?” The older kitsune asked.
“No, I wanted to eat with Okaa-san.”
“Shippo-chan! Good maorning!” Kagome cried, stepping out of the adjoining room. The kit jumped into her arms and snuggled his face against hers. “I need to get changed if I’m going to breakfast. Why don’t you go on down and wait for us, ne? We’ll be down soon.”
“Okay!” He called and hurried down the steps.
Kurama closed the door after him. “I have something for you to wear today, if you’d like.”
“What is it?” The miko asked curiously.
Youko walked to the bed and retrieved the package she vaguely recalled him with the previous night. He handed the item to her.
“What is this?” She asked.
“Open it.”
Kagome carefully untied the strings and pulled the covering away to reveal the most beautiful kimono she’d ever seen. “Oh, Kurama! It’s beautiful. Where...how...I mean it’s just...too beautiful. How can I accept something so perfect? I’m not worth this.” She turned her face away as she tried to give it back to him.
“What do you mean you’re not worth it? Kagome, you’re worth this and so much more. This kimono is just a trinket. YOU are my treasure.” He hooked his fingers under her chin gently and urged her to look at him. The tears welling up in her eyes nearly broke his heart. “Kagome, koibito, why would you think you are unworthy?”
“Inu Yasha always compared me to Kikyo. He said I would never be as smart as she was. As strong. As pretty. Everyday it was something new. I just...I just...” Kagome began to sob. Kurama pulled her close and held her while she cried out her pain. After several minutes she straightened herself and wiped her eyes, still sniffling. “I guess he was right. I can’t even answer a question without crying. He used to yell at me for that, too.”
Youko growled. How dare that mutt? “Kagome, listen to me, Love. NO ONE has the right to make you feel as though you deserve anything less than the best. You are infinitely better than anything that mutt deserves. You are better than anyone deserves. Only you can choose to give someone that honor. That value.”
“Kurama...” Kagome whispered, touched, and kissed him
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Okay, folks! That’s the end of chapter 9. This is my longest chapter yet(33KB! Woo!). I plan to get the next chapter out next week. ‘Til then,
Ja ne!