Shayril: Hey everyone! I'm sorry for being gone so long.
Kagome: At least you're here now. Now you can sell me off to Sesshou.
Sesshoumaru: Yes. I've been waiting for this. She's been with Inuyasha and
Yue. Now it's my turn.
Miroku: Is she ever going to be with me?
Shayril: (Thoughtfully) I don't know. It's a possibility. If my muses give
me an idea for such a story. I write what I'm inspired to write.
Miroku: (Drops to his knees in front of muses) Please inspire her to write
a story where I get Kagome.
Kalika: Why? Don't you like having Sango all the time?
Sango: Yeah, don't you like having me all the time?
Shayril: You get her in this fic too, you know.
Miroku: I like Sango just fine. I just want to know what all the fuss is
about.
Sango: HEY!!!!! (Hits him over the head with Hiraikotsu!)
Shayril: Okay, folks. Looks like this is about to get ugly. You'd better
move on to the chapter.
Chapter Four - You!
A low groan told him that she was awake and he let his horse drop back until he was alongside the cage. He wasn't surprised to find a dark glare focused on him. The moment he was within range, she spit at him.
"I would not do that again if I were you," he said mildly.
One delicate eyebrow arched at him. "Oh? Why not? You're going to sell me no matter what I do."
"Indeed. However, how well you behave determines what type of client I sell you to. If you cooperate and don't cause trouble you will be sold to a good master. On the other hand, I know some pretty unfriendly characters who don't really treat their concubines well."
To her credit, if his threat affected her at all, she didn't show it. She would be a hard one to break, whoever got her. That much he was sure of.
* * *
Kagome watched the men around her warily, especially the leader. Though untouched merchandise was preferred, she knew that some slavers liked to try out their product before selling. Even traders without such a reputation would do so if one of the slaves was particularly attractive to them. Idly she wondered what the man who bought her would be like. That was, of course, if she didn't escape before then. As much as she hated to admit it, she doubted that would happen. These men were more careful than most. They would take no chances. Shaking her head to dispel those thoughts, Kagome realized that she'd never been on these roads before and a wry smile tugged at her lips. Well, I wanted to see new places. This put a whole new spin on the saying 'Be careful what you wish for.' Leaning her head back against the bars she watched the scenery go by and sighed.
* * *
"Kagome, do you think any of us will stay together?"
Kagome sighed, "I don't know, Miroku. It depends on the buyers."
"Well, I hope you and I will stay together at least."
The girl's eyes narrowed as she smacked him upside the head. "Hands off, hentai!"
Miroku pouted. "But, Kagome, you know that your mother is hoping that you will choose me for your husband."
"Yeah well, keep your hands off unless I do," Kagome hissed. "Besides, it won't really matter if I wind up as someone's concubine!"
* * *
The sound of the horses' hooves on cobblestone roused her from her light doze. Looking around blearily, she saw that they were in the courtyard of very large castle. The leader of the slavers was speaking to someone at the large front entrance. With a start, she realized that the castle's guards were inu youkai. Before she could see anything else, the cage door was opened and a couple of the slavers reached in to grab her. She instantly began to struggle against their hold, but it didn't help. So, without really considering it, she kicked one in his knee causing him to release her and swung her fist around into the other man's jaw. She didn't hesitate to make a mad dash for the gate, despite the fact that it was blocked by a pair of inu youkai. Throwing her hand out, a beam of energy shot forth. The guards jumped out of the way before the beam incinerated them. She almost made it, but then the voice of the leader rose above the shouts of his men.
"If you care nothing for your clansman, then by all means, keep running."
She froze and spun around to find the slave trader with knife to Miroku's throat. The sight of one of her clansmen in such a position was enough to make her give in. Glaring at the man with the knife, she let the slavers take hold of her again. A smug look crossed the leader's face as he sheathed the knife and motioned for her, Miroku, and handful of others to be led into the castle. They were led through dark corridors until they reached a set of double doors. A guard went in to inform whoever was behind the doors of their arrival. After a few moments they were told that they could enter. Kagome and the others were roughly prodded through the doors, which abruptly closed behind them. Blocking any possible exit. They were herded towards a man and woman seated in thrones against the far wall. The slave trader swept a bow to the couple.
"My Lord, my Lady, it is good to see you again."
"I hope you brought better stock this time," the Lord said in a bored tone.
"Yes," his wife agreed. "The last bunch you sold us didn't survive the winter they were so sickly."
The slaver bowed again. "Of course, Your Greatness. My stock is much improved. All of them hail and strong."
"Well then, let's see what you've got."
Lady Michiko watched her husband as he descended from the dais that their thrones rested on. For a few moments she watched as he inspected a couple of the slaves then movement caught her attention. Her eyes shifted to focus on a young slave woman standing under the guard of a pair of slaver's men. Looking at the girl Lady Michiko could see a sort of light in her eyes and it was obvious from the way that the girl stood that she held a natural grace that was rarely found in humans. She could tell that this girl was a treasure and a brilliant idea came to her. Turning her gaze back to her husband, she saw that he had apparently chosen all of the slaves that he wanted.
"Inutaisho, would you come here a moment?"
He glanced at her. "Can't it wait? I'm about to negotiate."
"It will only take a moment."
The taiyoukai sighed before going to her side. "What is it, koi?"
"I want you to buy the girl."
"Which girl? There are three."
Lady Michiko leveled a stare at him. "The raven haired one, between the two slavers."
Inutaisho looked over at the girl. "Why?"
"As a present for your son. I very much doubt that he'll choose a mate any time soon and at his age he is bound to have certain needs to be met. What better alternative than a concubine?"
He looked the girl over thoughtfully. "She is quite stunning and looks to be in fine health. Very well." He went back to speak with the slaver. "I want the girl with the black hair, as well."
The slaver bowed his head. "Of course, my Lord."
With a look the men standing guard over the gypsy girl prodded her over to join those that the Lord of the Western Lands had chosen. Lady Michiko nodded in satisfaction as her husband began negotiating a price.
After the slaver traders left all of the slaves were led from the room. When they reached the slave quarters Kagome was stopped before she could follow the others. Confused, Kagome followed the guard to an indoor hot spring where she found a pair of female slaves and the Lady of the Western Lands waiting for her. Before she could protest, the other two slaves undressed her and led her over to the hot spring. She sat in the water unmoving as they scrubbed her clean of the grime that she'd accumulated since she was captured. All the while she was aware of the Lady's eyes scrutinizing her. After what seemed like forever, the Lady finally spoke.
"You are probably wondering what is going on," the Lady said.
"The thought had crossed my mind, yes," Kagome replied evenly.
She smiled slightly. "It's quite simple really. You have been bought as a gift for my stepson. As a youkai barely in his prime he will be subject to certain needs. It is your duty to see that his needs are met."
"In other words, I'm a concubine. Subject to whatever pleases your stepson," the girl said flatly.
"Exactly," the older woman said as Kagome stepped from the bath. "Now, these women will dress you. In one hour you will be presented to my stepson at the feast being held in honor of his birthday."
Without another word she left Kagome in the hands of the slave women as they dressed her.
* * *
He was bored, as usual. He'd only been home for a little over a week and already he was just as bored as he always was with his life. And now he had the added annoyance of the posturing females who actually believed he'd take one of them as his mate. As he sat listening to the meaningless chatter of one of those females his mind once again wandered to a certain gypsy girl. It was an occurrence he viewed as inevitable now. No matter what he did his mind would always wander back to her. The wench must have put some type of spell on me. He was pulled from his thoughts when he noticed his father rise and call for attention.
"Arigato, minna, for joining us this evening in celebration of my son's one hundredth birthday. We greatly enjoy your company and hope that you feel the same about us," Lord Inutaisho said. "I would like you now to join me in a toast." Everyone lifted their glasses. "To my son. May you find this day to be enjoyable and may you live in contentment for the rest of your life."
The heir to the Western Lands gave a deep nod in thanks as those gathered echoed the sentiments. As the others sat, the taiyoukai motioned to one of the servants who disappeared out the door.
"And now, my son, a gift from your stepmother and I."
He didn't even bother to feign interest as he looked to the doors when the servant returned. He expected the man to be carrying something large, expensive, and completely useless. He froze at the sight that greeted him as the servant came to a stop before the table. She stood proudly with her head held high wearing a pure white kimono made of some gossamer material with little light blue flowers embroidered on it. Her long, ebony hair was held in place by a comb with a lily made of opal at the end. He saw recognition in her brown eyes when she saw him. Shayril: Well, there you go. Inutaisho just gave Sesshoumaru Kagome as a birthday present. Navi: How come I don't get people for my birthday? Shayril: Because, we don't do stuff like that anymore. Besides, it's barbaric. Sesshoumaru: Ah yes, but there's something to be said for barbarism. Isn't that right, Kagome? Kagome: (Smiling) That's right. I get one of the best looking guys, human or youkai, in the world. Inuyasha: What are you, a fucking whore? Kagome: In this fic I am. Shayril: (Shakes her head) Not really. You belong only to Sesshou. Kalika: Except for... (Navi clamps hand on her mouth.) Sesshoumaru: What was that? Kalika: (Shakes head) Sorry, can't tall you. You're gonna have to wait. Sesshoumaru: (Glares) TELL ME!!!!! Navi: No. (A devious glint enters his eyes and he's in front of Shayril in the blink of an eye.) Sesshoumaru: You will tell me, won't you? (His voice holds a seductive tone.) You wouldn't deny me, would you? Shayril: Well, I. Sesshoumaru: I promise I won't tell anyone and you'll be greatly rewarded. Shayril: You see. Navi: Don't do it, Shayril. You know he has to wait. Shayril: But he's so cute! I have to tell him. Kalika: Hey, Shayril, lookie what I found. (Holds up a picture.) He's cute. Who is he? Shayril: (Gasps and snatches picture) Sorry, Sesshy, you're cute, but I love this guy and he wouldn't want me to tell. Sesshoumaru: Damn!!! Kagome: Good thinking, Kalika. Navi: Yes, surprisingly so. (All look at Shayril fawning over her picture.) Kagome: Well, looks like Shayril's busy. You guys review please.
Chapter Four - You!
A low groan told him that she was awake and he let his horse drop back until he was alongside the cage. He wasn't surprised to find a dark glare focused on him. The moment he was within range, she spit at him.
"I would not do that again if I were you," he said mildly.
One delicate eyebrow arched at him. "Oh? Why not? You're going to sell me no matter what I do."
"Indeed. However, how well you behave determines what type of client I sell you to. If you cooperate and don't cause trouble you will be sold to a good master. On the other hand, I know some pretty unfriendly characters who don't really treat their concubines well."
To her credit, if his threat affected her at all, she didn't show it. She would be a hard one to break, whoever got her. That much he was sure of.
* * *
Kagome watched the men around her warily, especially the leader. Though untouched merchandise was preferred, she knew that some slavers liked to try out their product before selling. Even traders without such a reputation would do so if one of the slaves was particularly attractive to them. Idly she wondered what the man who bought her would be like. That was, of course, if she didn't escape before then. As much as she hated to admit it, she doubted that would happen. These men were more careful than most. They would take no chances. Shaking her head to dispel those thoughts, Kagome realized that she'd never been on these roads before and a wry smile tugged at her lips. Well, I wanted to see new places. This put a whole new spin on the saying 'Be careful what you wish for.' Leaning her head back against the bars she watched the scenery go by and sighed.
* * *
"Kagome, do you think any of us will stay together?"
Kagome sighed, "I don't know, Miroku. It depends on the buyers."
"Well, I hope you and I will stay together at least."
The girl's eyes narrowed as she smacked him upside the head. "Hands off, hentai!"
Miroku pouted. "But, Kagome, you know that your mother is hoping that you will choose me for your husband."
"Yeah well, keep your hands off unless I do," Kagome hissed. "Besides, it won't really matter if I wind up as someone's concubine!"
* * *
The sound of the horses' hooves on cobblestone roused her from her light doze. Looking around blearily, she saw that they were in the courtyard of very large castle. The leader of the slavers was speaking to someone at the large front entrance. With a start, she realized that the castle's guards were inu youkai. Before she could see anything else, the cage door was opened and a couple of the slavers reached in to grab her. She instantly began to struggle against their hold, but it didn't help. So, without really considering it, she kicked one in his knee causing him to release her and swung her fist around into the other man's jaw. She didn't hesitate to make a mad dash for the gate, despite the fact that it was blocked by a pair of inu youkai. Throwing her hand out, a beam of energy shot forth. The guards jumped out of the way before the beam incinerated them. She almost made it, but then the voice of the leader rose above the shouts of his men.
"If you care nothing for your clansman, then by all means, keep running."
She froze and spun around to find the slave trader with knife to Miroku's throat. The sight of one of her clansmen in such a position was enough to make her give in. Glaring at the man with the knife, she let the slavers take hold of her again. A smug look crossed the leader's face as he sheathed the knife and motioned for her, Miroku, and handful of others to be led into the castle. They were led through dark corridors until they reached a set of double doors. A guard went in to inform whoever was behind the doors of their arrival. After a few moments they were told that they could enter. Kagome and the others were roughly prodded through the doors, which abruptly closed behind them. Blocking any possible exit. They were herded towards a man and woman seated in thrones against the far wall. The slave trader swept a bow to the couple.
"My Lord, my Lady, it is good to see you again."
"I hope you brought better stock this time," the Lord said in a bored tone.
"Yes," his wife agreed. "The last bunch you sold us didn't survive the winter they were so sickly."
The slaver bowed again. "Of course, Your Greatness. My stock is much improved. All of them hail and strong."
"Well then, let's see what you've got."
Lady Michiko watched her husband as he descended from the dais that their thrones rested on. For a few moments she watched as he inspected a couple of the slaves then movement caught her attention. Her eyes shifted to focus on a young slave woman standing under the guard of a pair of slaver's men. Looking at the girl Lady Michiko could see a sort of light in her eyes and it was obvious from the way that the girl stood that she held a natural grace that was rarely found in humans. She could tell that this girl was a treasure and a brilliant idea came to her. Turning her gaze back to her husband, she saw that he had apparently chosen all of the slaves that he wanted.
"Inutaisho, would you come here a moment?"
He glanced at her. "Can't it wait? I'm about to negotiate."
"It will only take a moment."
The taiyoukai sighed before going to her side. "What is it, koi?"
"I want you to buy the girl."
"Which girl? There are three."
Lady Michiko leveled a stare at him. "The raven haired one, between the two slavers."
Inutaisho looked over at the girl. "Why?"
"As a present for your son. I very much doubt that he'll choose a mate any time soon and at his age he is bound to have certain needs to be met. What better alternative than a concubine?"
He looked the girl over thoughtfully. "She is quite stunning and looks to be in fine health. Very well." He went back to speak with the slaver. "I want the girl with the black hair, as well."
The slaver bowed his head. "Of course, my Lord."
With a look the men standing guard over the gypsy girl prodded her over to join those that the Lord of the Western Lands had chosen. Lady Michiko nodded in satisfaction as her husband began negotiating a price.
After the slaver traders left all of the slaves were led from the room. When they reached the slave quarters Kagome was stopped before she could follow the others. Confused, Kagome followed the guard to an indoor hot spring where she found a pair of female slaves and the Lady of the Western Lands waiting for her. Before she could protest, the other two slaves undressed her and led her over to the hot spring. She sat in the water unmoving as they scrubbed her clean of the grime that she'd accumulated since she was captured. All the while she was aware of the Lady's eyes scrutinizing her. After what seemed like forever, the Lady finally spoke.
"You are probably wondering what is going on," the Lady said.
"The thought had crossed my mind, yes," Kagome replied evenly.
She smiled slightly. "It's quite simple really. You have been bought as a gift for my stepson. As a youkai barely in his prime he will be subject to certain needs. It is your duty to see that his needs are met."
"In other words, I'm a concubine. Subject to whatever pleases your stepson," the girl said flatly.
"Exactly," the older woman said as Kagome stepped from the bath. "Now, these women will dress you. In one hour you will be presented to my stepson at the feast being held in honor of his birthday."
Without another word she left Kagome in the hands of the slave women as they dressed her.
* * *
He was bored, as usual. He'd only been home for a little over a week and already he was just as bored as he always was with his life. And now he had the added annoyance of the posturing females who actually believed he'd take one of them as his mate. As he sat listening to the meaningless chatter of one of those females his mind once again wandered to a certain gypsy girl. It was an occurrence he viewed as inevitable now. No matter what he did his mind would always wander back to her. The wench must have put some type of spell on me. He was pulled from his thoughts when he noticed his father rise and call for attention.
"Arigato, minna, for joining us this evening in celebration of my son's one hundredth birthday. We greatly enjoy your company and hope that you feel the same about us," Lord Inutaisho said. "I would like you now to join me in a toast." Everyone lifted their glasses. "To my son. May you find this day to be enjoyable and may you live in contentment for the rest of your life."
The heir to the Western Lands gave a deep nod in thanks as those gathered echoed the sentiments. As the others sat, the taiyoukai motioned to one of the servants who disappeared out the door.
"And now, my son, a gift from your stepmother and I."
He didn't even bother to feign interest as he looked to the doors when the servant returned. He expected the man to be carrying something large, expensive, and completely useless. He froze at the sight that greeted him as the servant came to a stop before the table. She stood proudly with her head held high wearing a pure white kimono made of some gossamer material with little light blue flowers embroidered on it. Her long, ebony hair was held in place by a comb with a lily made of opal at the end. He saw recognition in her brown eyes when she saw him. Shayril: Well, there you go. Inutaisho just gave Sesshoumaru Kagome as a birthday present. Navi: How come I don't get people for my birthday? Shayril: Because, we don't do stuff like that anymore. Besides, it's barbaric. Sesshoumaru: Ah yes, but there's something to be said for barbarism. Isn't that right, Kagome? Kagome: (Smiling) That's right. I get one of the best looking guys, human or youkai, in the world. Inuyasha: What are you, a fucking whore? Kagome: In this fic I am. Shayril: (Shakes her head) Not really. You belong only to Sesshou. Kalika: Except for... (Navi clamps hand on her mouth.) Sesshoumaru: What was that? Kalika: (Shakes head) Sorry, can't tall you. You're gonna have to wait. Sesshoumaru: (Glares) TELL ME!!!!! Navi: No. (A devious glint enters his eyes and he's in front of Shayril in the blink of an eye.) Sesshoumaru: You will tell me, won't you? (His voice holds a seductive tone.) You wouldn't deny me, would you? Shayril: Well, I. Sesshoumaru: I promise I won't tell anyone and you'll be greatly rewarded. Shayril: You see. Navi: Don't do it, Shayril. You know he has to wait. Shayril: But he's so cute! I have to tell him. Kalika: Hey, Shayril, lookie what I found. (Holds up a picture.) He's cute. Who is he? Shayril: (Gasps and snatches picture) Sorry, Sesshy, you're cute, but I love this guy and he wouldn't want me to tell. Sesshoumaru: Damn!!! Kagome: Good thinking, Kalika. Navi: Yes, surprisingly so. (All look at Shayril fawning over her picture.) Kagome: Well, looks like Shayril's busy. You guys review please.