Kagome was tired.
She has been roaming the mansion for quite some time now, trying to memorize the twist and turns of the place.
Everything was new to her. She missed her old home.
It was a cozy bungalow. Just enough for me and Saisomaru.
It had three rooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen. It was not extravagant yet we loved it.
We chose everything that was inside that house, from the wallpapers to the grass in our little garden, and we paid it with the money we earned from our jobs.
Many times Izayoi and Inutaisho-sama would offer us mansions, cars, etc.
But Saisomaru never liked those things. He believed that everything we have in our family would be from our own hardwork. I never complained.
I was quite used to simple living. After all, before I met him I was just a simple person.
But the media criticized our way of living. Since the Taisho family belongs to the high end of society, all eyes were on us.
But we didn't care. It also helped that everyone, well almost, was supportive of us.
Saisomaru and I lived a satisfying life.
And now, she was lost. Literally.
She had realized that she didn't know where she was after her last two corner turns. How can a house be this huge!
Kagome looked at both her left and right. That was weird.
The hallway just stretched on and on. There were only a few lamps that were lit, making the area quite depressing.
She has never been in this part of the house. There were no rooms except the one at the end of the hallway. What was in there?
Should she go back and find a familiar path? Kagome was a curious woman and right now curiosity was pulling her towards the mysterious door.
It wouldn't hurt to have a peek right? Right?
Kagome advanced to the door. A few more steps before the door Kagome stopped.
This was Sesshoumaru's house. She just can't go opening every door. Even now she felt like a stranger.
Kagome turned back, deciding not to enter the mysterious room.
It was then when Kagome heard something. She stopped.
Soft music. A piano.
Someone was inside? Was Sesshoumaru already back? Why didn't they inform her?
Slowly, Kagome walked back towards the door. She was walking on her toes. She really didn't want to disturb whoever was playing.
Because what he or she was playing was beautiful music.
Who's piece was that? Bach? Mozart?
She had never heard of it before. Kagome was well versed with piano pieces.
Her father and mother played the piano. And so was she.
It has been so long when she last played the piano. Ever since….ever since her father died.
Kagome quietly opened the door. Their was a creaking sound. Oh no!
Did the person hear? No the music went on.
Kagome poked her head inside. She was amazed to see a beautiful library.
It seemed as if the room was oval. All the shelves were by the wall, and even though Kagome cannot see clearly, she knew that most of the books were already old.
The smell of old books weas in the air. Yummy. Kagome loved books.
Kagome almost lost focus when, "Mama!"
Then something bounded on her. Or someone.
It was a little girl. A cute little girl
They were lying on the floor. Well, she was. The cute little girl was on top of her.
When her eyesight already went back to normal, she noticed that the girl was wearing a beautiful blue dress and a one sided pigtail.
"Um…hi there! What's your name?", Kagome asked.
"Hi mama! Rin's name is Rin."
"Oh that's a beautiful name. Who named……mama?!"
Kagome suddenly sat upright. "Did you just say mama? Your probably mistaking me for someone else."
Rin giggled.
Rin has already settled herself comfortably in Kagome's lap. "Rin called you mama. You are Rin's new mama."
"New? You mean you're Sesshoumaru's child?!"
***
"Welcome home my Lord."
Sesshoumaru went directly to his estate after his private plane landed on Japanese soil. He had some matters to attend to before going back to work.
"Report."
When he arrived, Sesshoumaru ordered that Takeshi be called to his study. Being a dog demon, Sesshoumaru Taisho had already lived a long life.
Although not yet comparable to his father, Sesshoumaru had seen the evolution of man. Their struggle into a more civilized living. Their wars, and their technologies.
As humans progressed, the more that existence of the demon realm vanished into oblivion. They were treated as myths.
Even their everlasting enemies, the holy priests and mikos of the present believed of their inexistence.
Obviously, it was not true. Along with human race's progression, so are they. Demons knew that to be able to live, they must retreat back into the shadows.
They had learned to blend. They used magical spells to conceal their true natures, even to holy entities that usually sense them.
It was called, the Transition.
Proud as they are, the transition wasn't easy. Many retaliated, it even lead to battles within their circle.
It was the Taisho family, masters of the western territory that lead the Transition.
Many quickly followed, but as it was expected also many questioned.
Why was it that the Taisho family, the most powerful demon family, were accepting of such change?
It was as was said before, they had seen human progression. Especially, their technology.
War Technology.
And they knew, even if they were stronger and powerful, the power of human's ammunition could kill them.
Even now the number of demons around the world had reduced considerably. They do not wish to vanish completely. And so, the transition was completed.
Now, even if they were a myth to a human, the demon realm continued to exist. And among themselves, each lord has a duty to protect his territory and his people.
Although western territory today was only a part of what is used to be, it was enough for demons to live freely as they wanted.
The Taisho family, time immemorial, was a wealthy family. As time passed, it just continued to accumulate. Therefore, obtaining their rightful land legally was easy.
When Sesshoumaru succeeded as Lord of the Western Land, he dispatched observer demons although out the land. They had to be careful not to be seen in their true form by humans therefore, he had to regulate the activities that had been happening in his territory.
"My Lord, everything was peaceful when you were away. Although newly born kits had been wondering the forests, we made sure that there are no risk of exposure."
Takeshi had been his observer for centuries. After he had proved himself trustworthy and efficient, Sesshoumaru made him the head of the observer team. Takeshi has yet to fail him.
"Hn. And the investigation?"
"Forgive me my lord. There were no records. But I assure you that we will look deeper into this."
"Very Well."
Takeshi bowed and turned to leave. As he was opening the door, running figures swished in front of him.
"Papa!"
In a heart beat, Rin was beside Seshoumaru, "Rin is glad you're back papa!"
"Rin." Sesshoumaru said sternly.
"Oh I'm sorry! Rin meant, I am glad you're back."
There was a giggle. It was only then that Sesshoumaru noticed that Kagome was in the room.
"I see you have met her already Rin." Rin nodded.
"She is the nicest mama in the world! Rin really likes her! Rin want to thank papa for giving her to me."
"Rin, Kagome is not an object."
"Rin knows papa! Rin is sorry. Rin is just glad she has a new mama."
"Rin. I have to talk to Kagome."
Rin ran from Sesshoumaru to Kagome. She outstretched her hands towards Kagome. By now, Kagome had learned that Rin likes to be hugged. Obviously Sesshoumaru wasn't the type to give one.
Kagome kneeled down and gathered Rin into her arms. "I'll see you later okay?"
"Okay." Rin pulled away and quickly exited the room.
Kagome was shocked at what she saw. When she met Rin earlier and learned of who she was , it really didn't dawned on her the implications. It wa sonly now when she saw how the two interacted that she confirmed all that Rin told her.
It was not hard to believe the little girl. She was the image of innocence, of what a child represents.
When one of the maids informed us that Sesshoumaru was back, Rin did not waste any time. She pulled Kagome's hand and both of them ran towards Sesshoumaru's study.
When I asked Rin how she knew Sesshoumaru was there, all she said was "He always is."
The little girl didn't seem sad. It looked like she was satisfied with what Sesshoumaru gave.
Even if she was just a child, she understood what kind of man Sesshoumaru was.
And maybe, she will too. Someday.
"Kagome. Have a sit."
Kagome was jolted out of her thought. "Huh?"
"It is because human senses are inferior or you're just lacking?"
Did he just insult me?
Kagome turned a heated glare towards Sesshoumaru, "Whatever do you mean? Are you telling me I'm dumb?"
"Take it whatever way you please but I wont have you running around acting like that." Suddenly, Sesshoumaru turned serious.
"Remember much is expected of you. If you do not realize yet, you are now the Lady of the Western land. Act as your station dictates."
"For your information, I do know what it means to be your wife. I know quite well, thank you! So don't go giving me orders, I'm not your employee!"
Sesshoumaru's face grew grim. How dare this woman!
"You are my wife. You are my property. You must respect me, your Lord. Or have you forgotten your vows already?"
Kagome flared up. "Do not belittle me! Yes, it's true, I am your wife. But I am not an object to be treated as property. And the hell with you, I'm not stupid."
Kagome turned to leave but stopped. "Respect is not something you can give so easily. It must be earned."
And then, Kagome went her way.
Sesshoumaru should be angry. But he was not.
Instead, he was curious. It was truly interesting. All the while he thought she was a submissive woman. Whenever he saw her with his brother, he saw her as something delicate and fragile.
Something he could easily crushed. Therefore, this side of her intrigues him.
But nonetheless, he must reprimand her. She cannot go talking and acting like that towards him. He demands respect.
He will bend her to his will.
Let the battle of wills begin.