This is so exciting posting my story. thank you to everyone that reads, favorites and/or reviews.
- 3 idreamofinuyoukai
I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters
The ride to the village was strained. Kagome sat atop the horse trying not to look as miserable as she felt. He had been cordial, polite in all ways, even insisting that she ride while he walked along side her. She sighed, it had been a whole ordeal getting up there, she hated making things more difficult then they had to be. She had tried to walk, was intending on it, but he had demanded that she get up on the horse. That's what he wanted... so that's what happened. She felt dread, pressure from the gossip of curses, and the string of unsolved murders that came from the palace. She eyed him suspiciously, he didn't look like a murderer, but then again he didn't look like a demon either. She wasn't sure who this person was that she was dealing with, but,she was sure that he was used to getting his way, and... Who could tell him otherwise?
She caught him looking at her, and met his eyes straight on. She was not the kind of girl that let people walk all over her, not when it was her freedom at stake. She dared him with her eyes. He was already willing to take her from everything she loved to suit his own purposes and she would make sure that he knew how that affected her. she was mad.
Sesshoamru was aware of the challenge in her eyes. She was far from happy with him, even accepting his proposal, she scorned him for claiming her. He was not going to apologize though. Why should he, he had full right to choose whomever he wished, as long as they were living among his people. He chose to acknowledge her anger with unquestionable solidarity that said; He wasn't changing his mind.
The longer that she looked into his eyes the more she saw that he was resolved." May I ask you a question, my lord." she ventured trying to hold back her exasperation.
" I would like you to address me as, Sesshomaru." he insisted throwing formality out the window. He wanted her to know that he was fully intent on making her his and treating her as an extension of himself.
" L-..Sesshomaru, why did you choose me, I don't have any desire to live as a noble, I am a healer, that is all." she asked, his expression didn't change. He continued walking for a few moments before he glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, she waited.
" I have need of a wife to be lady of the west, that is a role that is not kept long in my family. I knew when I first saw you that you were different. I am not sure yet how this is connected, but I can't let you go" he said certain of it in his expression and voice.
" This is apart of a scheme? Your going to use me as bait, am I not worth anything to you?" she asked, he did not falter as he heard her quiet voice full of outrage and shock.
" No, I am a man of my word. As I intend to marry you, you have my loyalty and protection. No one will bring you harm, you have but to ask and your will will be done, second to my own. It is because of your difference, that I would entrust that role to you" he vowed to her. Blood rushed to her cheeks, he seemed as determined in this regard as he was in solving his own problems.
" You have no idea who I am. I could Drive you to murder in the first week." she pointed out, hoping he would take the bate and lighten the mood. She was really starting to get nervous.
" You will find that long suffering, patience, and discipline are my strong suits." he shrugged.
" ...And if I run away." she tried seeing how far his patience would last with her.
" I enjoy a good chase." Sesshomaru answered calmly. Kagome looked at him dead on and tried to call his bluff, she couldn't, and slumped in the saddle sighing.
When the village came into view, they both paused, taking a second to look at the buildings sprawled out within the village walls. Continuing through the east gate, Seshomaru noticed that people stared, not at him, but at kagome. He glanced at her to see her reaction, but she didn't seem to notice, except for the nervous glance that she gave him every so often.
In the village square they were met with mixed reactions of shock and disgust. Both were focused at her. She felt small, but held her head high while Sesshomaru lead the horse to the square. When she dismounted, he held out his hand and helped her down. She allowed him to help her down and tried to look around, but was dragged along to the ceremony that was being staged as they walked up.
Kagome searched the crowd for her great aunt. She found Keade, her aunt was standing with Songo and Miroku. They all looked worried whispering and patting Keade on the back with how clearly distressed she was. Songo met Kagomes' eyes and Kagome could barely keep the tears from spilling from her eyes. Songo nodded at her and she said her good byes while she passed them in the crowd. She was loosing hope, Kagome wanted to rush to them, tell them it was all just a joke and that she could really go home. But, the only thing that she could do as she and Sesshomaru passed, was mouth an apology to her mentor and friends. She didn't see Shippo in the crowd, she was almost thankful, not knowing if she could bear saying good bye.
Sesshomaru stopped just before his destination, and looked for Naraku, who was hurrying over from the carriage, looking disheveled like he had been napping. He chose to overlook this as he jumped into action and began calling for the leaders of the village. Naraku had always done what he was asked, and tried hard to make his life easier, what more could some one ask of an adviser.
Takeda scurried out of his home, dawning the ceremonial robes and hurrying to them. He looked at Kagome and she could see the resentment that he had for her, he didn't like her. Since she was a child he had never trusted her, and had spread rumors about witnessing her using strange magic.
" I Sesshomaru have claimed this woman from this village in my right as lord of this land. As customary of this tradition your village shall be honored among the villages, and in one weeks time I shall be here, joined in marriage." he announced to the vassal, who bowed, almost swooning with gratitude. Kagome looked at the graying man, almost disgusted at how greedy he was.
"It is the honer of the village that you have chosen from among us. May the kami bless you and your bride." he smiled and bowed once more. Then he added with a wicked grin on his face, "If it be your wish Lord Sesshomaru, we have set aside the finest living arrangements for you while you are awaiting matrimony. And, should you have need of any thing, food or... women, just let me know and your wish will be my pleasure." Takeda said giving Kagome not so much as a sideways glance, she blanched embarrassed to be affronted so blatantly, not that she cared what that noble did with his time, but his answer surprised her. Sesshomarus' hand tensed slightly, Kagome looked at him, feeling the tension and searched for the emotion to show on his face, but it was a mask that was unreadable, until he moved.
Sesshomaru had had enough of this annoying little man. His hand shot out and caught him by the throat." see that you do not forget to bow to Lady kagome, my bride... My attendant will see to all of my needs." he stated icily dropping him and turning to lead Kagome away from the vassal. He wished that he had killed the man there, with Kagome he did not wish to scare her, but for now he made a mental note to punish him another time.
As tradition dictated, the village hosted a great feast for the visiting lord. All of the villages best cooks slaved away for hours, to create a fine meal fit for the ruler of the lands. Sesshomaru was placed with honor at the head of the table reserved for the important people of the village and counsel. Kagome sat to his right, to the chagrin of some of the more bold people around them. Sesshomaru even demanded that all rise for the future lady of the west as she walked into the dining hall. All stood, not daring to defy a direct order, but Kagome blushed, shamed to be treated with such regard, by people that didn't like her. Sesshomaru held a look of challenge in his eyes as he held her chair out, ignoring the looks of shock some dared show him. He took his seat and allowed the villagers to sit and commence with the celebration.
Sesshomaru was offered every dish at the feast, some he partook of, where others he passed, not interested, all though, he offered to Kagome. She ate little, and thanked him for every offering he presented her. Which became tiresome, but she did it with all the enthusiasm she could muster. Servers bowed lowly to him, showing their respects and looking for his approval, but he only waved his hand, directing them to her. Kagome picked the things that interested her, but kept mostly to herself.
She was struggling to keep calm. Everyone was talking about her, she felt it; their eyes watched her every move. The servers, people she had known her whole life, did not bow to her and she didn't expect them to. Searching the room for her only family and friends, she saw no one. She took a steadying breath, and assured herself that she could survive this. He at least thought she could.
It was dark by the time that they were ready to leave, the feast had lasted well into the night. Kagome stared into the darkness, she had slipped past Sesshomaru on the way out, and thought she might be able to get home before he got out. Beyond the small torch light at the front of the meeting hall was utter darkness. She looked up searching for the moon and only found a thick cloud cover. Sighing she started walking in the direction of her home.
She watched her path carefully but did not see him before walking right into him. Cursing quietly she rubbed her nose which had collided with his sternum. " How do you do that." she grouched, taking a few test breaths to make sure that her nose was still there.
He looked at her slightly amused " You should not walk in the dark by your self, Or do you not care for your safety." he said before looking to his right suddenly. Out of the hall a dark shadow spilled forward nervously catching his breath like he had been panicking.
" Lord Sesshomaru," Naraku came running out of the building and bowed to both of them. " Lady Kagome, you are a vision to behold. My Lord Has chosen well." he smiled genuinely at her and did not turn his back on her to address the Lord. Kagome looked at the admiration on Narakus face as he talked to Sesshomaru and she smiled "My Lord, your arrangements are befitting your standards. They are ready for you if you so desire." he said proudly.
Sesshomaru barley regarded him" You stay there." he answered flatly and began to walk away. Kagome walked after him, looking back at the dumb struck Naraku she waved her good bye, and saw him bow in her direction. She was tempted to run off and leave him out there, but she didn't. Some how she willed herself to take each step in the direction of her home.
The walk was filled with silence. She could barely see in front of her and even stumbled a few times. Yawning tiredly she stopped for a second taking a second to clear her mind. That all that she had realized.
For the life of her she did not remember falling asleep, but she opened her eyes looking up at his face in his arms as he carried her. She could not read his expression, but she realized that he had his eyes closed and was breathing deeply, the look on his face concentrating on something. She was so captivated by what he was doing that she did not notice him carry her through her own garden gate. He had found her home without ever been there before. Kagome tried to rationalize it in her own mind, but was distracted suddenly by a sound from inside.
Kagome could hear Keade sobbing, wailing like kagome had died. " Keade, I am here." she called, Sesshomaru allowed her feet to touch the ground and Kagome caught the crying woman as she burst through the door.
" Thank the heavens that you have been spared by that de-... oh dear kami!" she froze seeing Sesshomaru standing there behind her.
" Healer" Sesshomaru nodded.
Keade looked at him with a mixture of anger and fear. Shaking slightly she stepped aside and allowed both Sesshomaru and Kagome to enter. Their hut was small, just barely enough room to fit the two of them. With three, one being a man that was taller and broader then most, it was crowded. Kagome retired to her mattress, which was in the room she shared with Keade. Sesshomaru followed her.
" My Lord it is unseemly that you should sleep in the same room before your marriage... I cannot allow my grand nieces virtue to be compromised." Keade protested. Sesshomaru walked past her and sat against the wall next to the head of her bed. Kagome was already asleep, her back to all of the inhabitants of the room, clearly not caring about modesty, or respect. Keade frowned not pleased, but was satisfied that morality would be observed, even by a demon. She went over to her mattress and sat up, watching him like a hawk.
Sesshomaru paid little mind to the old woman. Closing his eyes to escape her angry stare, he meditated allowing his mind to clear as his father had taught him, to sharpen his senses, and discipline his mind. He did not have to open his eyes to know when the old woman fell asleep, he always just knew. He never required much sleep and did not get tired often, but, the soft sound of Kagomes' breathing not far from his head lulled him into a light slumber.
A few inches from where Sesshomaru now slept, Kagome felt like she was being pulled from her sleep and tried to turn over. Even through fighting she found herself some where she did not know. In front of her, she saw a flickering light, partly being blocked by the shadow of a tall man. Her mind was hazy but she felt the dread filling her mind. This was just like the last time. Kagome looked down at her wrist the bracelet was gone, but the trace of its shackle was something that, in this reality, felt just as real as if it were still there. She found herself lagging behind, and he stopped impatiently.
" You must hurry." he demanded, she knew that voice. Kagome recognized Sesshomaru as soon as she caught up with him. She saw the strange markings that she had seen in her last dream. Once more she saw him as a demon, but why.
" Why have you brought me here, again." she demanded, not wanting to play these games. Sesshomaru did not answer. Kagome followed him, taking two steps for his every one and struggling to keep up. The scenery warped and she felt like she was floating.
" stay close." he said reaching back to grasp her wrist. They stepped on to a wooden surface and Kagome recognized that they had entered some kind of hallway. He passed a series of rooms and stopped at the end, at a door that was carved with a great battle scene. The flickering candle light allowed her to see the image of a great demon carved onto the wood. She wanted to take a closer look, but Sesshomaru ushered her through. Behind the door, was a winding staircase that lead to an upper room. She walked by faith letting her steps guide her up to the last one. At the door he reached in front of her and pushed it open.
The room was dimly lit. he swept in and walked around her to his objective, she stumbled and bumped into him. Apologizing quietly, she saw what had stopped him. He was looking at a mural that was half covered with a curtain. " what is this?" she asked him looking up at the side of his face. Nothing made sense, she didn't understand why she saw him this way, or why he had convinced her today that he wasn't a demon.
Sesshomaru looked like he hadn't heard her. He just stared at the mural, contemplating something she had no idea about. Finally, after a while he looked at her. " what do you see?" he asked.
It was like the carving on the entrance door, a great canine demon standing on a cliff side teeth bared and blood dripping from its lips. Under its massive claws were destroyed buildings and terrified people. The demon she noticed was pure white with two magenta stripes on either side of his face and a sapphire crescent that sat between its brows. She looked back at Sesshomaru whose markings resembled the beasts. She felt that there was a catch to his question, this was some kind of test, she was sure. She looked at him, his face was a mask, as it was any other time, but there was a fire in his eyes that wasn't there a moment ago. "you." she answered seeing the resemblance. He turned to her and grabbed her arms tightly.
" Repeat yourself." he demanded almost manically.
" Its you in the picture... it's what you want, isn't it." she tried to pull free but failed. He did not seem to respond but then released her suddenly. She nearly fell, but caught his arm.
" That... is not me, it's my Grandfather." he said looking up at the mural again. " The Great Demon Lord. my father and I were supposed to follow in his lead, to become the strongest of all youkai." Sesshomaru clenched his fists glowering at the giant canine.
" I do not understand. What do I have to do with you gaining power?" she said not making any connections. He looked at her, and she could see the consideration in his expression.
"i am not yet sure, but..." he said turning to her and drawing his hand to her face tracing her cheek with his claw, she tried not to flinch when she felt the sharpness of his razor claws." I need your help... you are the only one who can do this."
" I don't know if I can... I am just a healer. How can I help you" Kagome said trying to put some distance between them.
" there is a way, I am close to the answer. I know you are the one who will free me." he lingered there looking into her eyes, his own heated.
" Free you? This is a dream, you showed me today that you were not a demon." she reflected on the conversation earlier that day. She knew what she had seen. You couldn't fake that.
" What do you sense, Kagome." he almost purred. She humored him closing her eyes and took a steadying breath, extending her senses. She could easily feel herself in her bed, the self awareness something as basic to her as breathing. She also felt a disturbance in her normally peaceful room. The throbbing pulse of power that emanated through the room had been like rainfall in the background, beating against the window pane. Spending the day with him, had she ignored it, it was something she would normally never have missed, or had she been in denial? Suddenly she recalled the feeling of shock she had gotten when he stepped into the clearing earlier, like he had announced his presence beforehand. She opened her eyes once more to be caught in a smug demonic stare. She wrinkled her brows.
" I don't know what it is..." she said a little scared of what she had felt.
" Do not deceive your self... you know the truth." he whispered, " Soon enough, Kagome, you must face the darkness. Free me before you are consumed by it." He grasped her shoulders, shaking her slightly and released her, stepping back he began to fade.
Kagome was aware that she was waking up. The night had escaped her again without rest. she could feel the haze of early morning and knew that she would forget the dream if she did not try to remember it. She tried, but could not hold on to the images in her memory. Kagome herself, found sleep to be preferable to the real life problem that sat, waiting to take her away. She turned over, and tried to fall back asleep.
Sesshomaru woke as soon as he felt her shift in her bed. He turned to look at her peaceful face and took a second to memorize it turning and fingering a strand of onyx hair that cascaded over her face in sleep. sighing He almost did not want to wake her, but either way, she was not going to be happy with him, again. shaking his head he knew that this was not the conventional way to take a bride but everything in his soul cried out to him that she would be the key to what ever had been holding them back from... he didn't know but knowing that she would probably never wish to be partnered with him, he frowned, but this was what he had wanted. He thought briefly about what it would be like to see her smile when she saw him. He hoped one day she would, liking what he saw he just observed her, thinking to himself that he might as well enjoy her serenity, while he could.