Kagome: Storyteller, Miko, Wife and Mate
One-Shot #5
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or its characters.
...
...
...
...
A/N: Alright you guys, the poll is officially closed and the votes have spoken! According to the poll, you guys want Kagome to remain human/miko—but with youkai abilities. In other words, a hybrid. Thanks a bunch for voting!
...
...
"My Lord, the other Lords have just arrived," the tiny green toad demon spoke from the door, peeking it's head inside the vast study.
Sitting in his leather chair, the Lord of the West continued to read his scroll, not bothering to answer his ward. He was much too concentrated on his father's scroll to care who was awaiting for him. His mate's pregnancy had complicated with his plans. Of course he did not resent the fact she carried his child, not a bit, in fact he'd felt something he'd never felt before. He felt such a strong bond to the unborn babe...yet he felt something else...dare he say it? Afraid? No, it was not fear, it was wariness. Yes, he was wary—to know that such a small being who was still unborn—could have such tight grip on his being, that was something to be wary about.
He looked up at sensing his servant still waiting for an answer. He nodded idly, "You may leave Jaken," he spoke dryly. He stood, placing the scroll down and walking towards the window to the side. It'd been three months since the attack from Lord Ryuu, and now the rest of the Lords would meet together with Lord Sesshomaru.
He'd wondered over and over if they would remain loyal to him, or would turn against him. Either way, he did not care. His only concern was for his mate and unborn child. What ever the day would bring, he would face it head on. His alliance with the Wolf Prince had already been reestablished, and his full support and access to his men was available at any time.
Taking a deep sigh, he spared his lands one more look before turning around and exiting his study. He passed servants cleaning and several closed doors. Upon passing an open door, he caught sight of his mate sitting with Rin and Shippou and stopped in his tracks. The simple sight of her brought such a rush of emotions—they threatened to choke him. His little mate had changed so many things within and around him. Their union meant so much more to him than simply taking a mate upon his mating season, she'd been the light to his darkness; his opposite yet his equal.
He almost chuckled at the memory when she'd been scared by how much she was growing at such a speed. He'd calmly explained to her that hanyou babes grew much faster than human babes. A human babe would take nine months, while a hanyou babe would only take six. She'd seemed to be eased, yet every once in a while she would still panic.
The castle seemed less darker, less gloomy than before. Where darkness and shadows once reigned over halls and corners, now light and laughter dwelled within. He seemed most affected by her, where once he only cared of himself, only cared of his lands—he now cared and lived for something far greater.
Now he lived to protect.
Kagome sat besides the bed on her favorite divan with Rin, telling her one of her favorite stories of her time. Rin's head rested on her lap as Shippou sat cuddled on her other side. Her expression was nothing but serene as she spoke tenderly to her adoptive children. She lightly caressed Rin's forehead and tenderly patted Shippou's head.
Sensing someone watching her, Kagome turned towards the door and immediately her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes were captured and held by magnificent amber orbs, and she had to swallow the lump in her throat. She still couldn't believe that such grace, such beauty belonged to her. She looked down at both children and whispered the end of her tale, "And that is how a mere mortal became a God."
Sesshomaru strolled into the room silently, and picked up Rin in his arms. With his tail, he pushed the covers back and laid her down on her bed. As if sensing were she was, Rin shuffled around a bit and sighed as she made herself comfortable. Finally, she sighed and succumbed into a deeper sleep.
Kagome stood waiting for Sesshomaru at the door, Shippou held tightly in her arms. She cooed silently at his half sleeping form as she stepped out of Rin's room and walked across the hall into his room. Sesshomaru reached around her and opened the tall oak door. He leaned against the door frame and watched as his mate bent to place the kit on his bed. Once Shippou let go of his hold on her white kimono, she pulled the cover around him.
Sesshomaru's eyes followed her every more until she stood before him. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his embrace, taking in her scent deeply into him. He relished in the scent of her mixed tightly with that of his and the pup within her. He could never have enough of her scent, every time he was away from her, the memory of her scent kept him sane. It wasn't until he really took her and filled his greedy lungs with her scent that the memory seemed like such an insult to the actual thing. She simply continued to amaze him.
"Sesshomaru, what's wrong?" Kagome asked, sensing the uneasiness within him. She hated sensing such things within him, though he always tried to keep things within himself. She'd often made it her goal to try and have him confide in her and she always tried to ease him. There were few times when she actually 'laid down the law' on her man and forced him to tell her his burdens; which he would, eventually.
"The Lords and Ladies are here now koi," Sesshomaru's voice whispered into her ear, warming her. It still amazed her how strong his presence alone affected her. For a while she'd been self conscious of her growing belly and if he'd still want her. He'd made sure to dispel those thoughts the night she'd told him.
She knew what bothered him and she was humbled that he would let down his guard around her and confide in her. His tone conveyed so much more than what he showed. She sensed his uneasiness about her being around the Lords. After all, the last time a Lord had visited he'd attacked her and nearly caused her their child. She shivered as the memories of that night invaded her mind. She could still feel the fires swirling dangerously around her, greedily reaching their fingers towards her kimono and hair. She'd had to cut a good two inches off the next day too.
Taking a deep breath, she pulled away and entwined her fingers through his, "Well then, let's go meet them love."
XxXxXOoOXxXxX
Sitting at the table surrounding by great Taiyoukais was really not that bad. Sure she was practically the main subject of their conversations and they all looked at her as if she was on display, but hey, it could be worse...right? Kagome though to herself sarcastically.
From the moment the three Taiyoukais had laid eyes on her, they'd done nothing but stare. Of course when they noticed her now swollen belly, their eyes had widened to an unimaginable size. One of them, Lord of the East, had gone so far as to throw a lecherous smile at Sesshomaru. Which, Kagome's cheeks had instantly turned crimson.
So far, Lord of the East was proving her greatest ally. The Taiyoukai was a kitsune, and it caused her heart to warm when ever she though of her little Shippou. The voice from across from her brought her out of her musings though.
"So Lady Kagome, how have you adapted to living here? I could imagine it was an overwhelming change," the kitsune asked, his steady silver eyes fixed on her. A grin played across his face as he smiled wider at Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at the kitsune's question. If he didn't already know and was used to the Lord of the East's natural playful character, he'd been the first to kick out of his castle—damned be the alliance. The kit, Lord Kumiho, spared Sesshomaru another of his famous mischievous smiles before turning to Kagome.
Kagome didn't know how to answer, it was obvious that there was a hidden message or a double meaning somewhere, but the question just seemed too innocent. So, she answered, "I've adapted very well, thank you Lord Kumiho," she smiled a knowing smile at her mate, and then continued thinking of her own era, "The change was extreme, but I don't miss it."
Lord Kumiho grinned at her, a spark in his eyes. But before he could say another word, Sesshomaru interrupted him.
Sesshomaru had had enough of small talk and the kitsune's games. They were all gathered to settle an important issue, and he intended to have it settled. Without further ado, he cut to the grain, "As I am sure Lord Ryuu has informed you, my mate is expecting the heir to the Western Lands."
The hall fell into silence, as the Lady of the North looked up towards her Lord. She had been quiet since the moment they'd arrived. But though she remained timid and shy, her spirits had risen when Kagome and her had been left alone downstairs at the sight of Kagome's rounded belly. Kagome had been hesitant to ask her questions, but soon they found themselves talking like old friends. Kagome learned that she herself was newly married to the Lord Urufu of the North. She also learned that Lord Kumiho was the only Lord still unmated.
Sesshomaru's stern voice brought her back from her musings though. She looked towards Lord Kumiho and noticed the playful expression wiped from his face, now only strict business occupied his demeanor. To her surprise he spoke in such an authoritative voice it made her wonder if his previous attitude had been an act.
"Lord Sesshomaru, it is true, we have learned of this. It is one of the reasons we are present today," he brought his elbows up to rest on the table, and rested his narrow chin on his entwined fingers.
"But know that we have already met once before coming here, Lord Sesshomaru," this time Lord Urufu spoke. "Lord Ryuu was present at the meeting, of course."
Sesshomaru's brow raised, but refrained from saying anything. Whatever they spoken, they would tell him. He felt his mate stiffen at the admittance, but she too refrained from saying anything.
"Then you do not need to hear my words, if you already know. Lord Ryuu came into my sanctuary, dined on my table, and dared to attack my home and my mate," Sesshomaru's voice echoed from the walls of the hall, strong and vital with his fury, yet darkly menacingly. He waited patiently for their response.
Lord Urufu's eyes shot towards Kagome, then to Sesshomaru, small beads of sweat forming upon his brow. His dark brown eyes reflected his inner turmoil. He didn't want the Dog Taiyoukai as his enemy, but apprehension at the unborn child confused him. He sighed and looked Sesshomaru straight in the eyes. "Lord Sesshomaru, your mate is human, and that child...we don't know what it would be able to do. Being part miko and having those miko powers strengthen by the demonic powers inherited by you, it could very well have the potency to destroy us all."
"Before you condemn my mate, I would like to share a tale with you all. My Lord?," Kagome turned to look at her mate's raised brow and he nodded. She had added the last as a question, just for the sake of the era. She often forgot that among these Lords, the wife had to obey her mate, which she inwardly rolled her eyes at. She was only comforted by the fact that Sesshomaru loved her boldness and free spirit.
Lord Kumiho turned expectant eyes towards her, and leaned into his chair more comfortably. Lady Shihori turned to her and smiled, as her mate also turned to face her.
Kagome felt like a freak in display, but pushed her awkwardness to the back of her mind and retold the story she'd told her two adoptive children before going to sleep earlier.
"One upon a time, in a time when strength and bravery were all that was needed to build a name for one's self, when the Gods interacted harshly with the lives of the mortals, there was a woman named Alcmena. She was the wife of a mortal man named Amphitryon. One night Zeus, King of Gods, appeared to this mortal woman in the guise of her beloved husband, who was away avenging his brother's death," she took Sesshomaru's hand in her's below the table, and continued, locking her gaze with the Lord's.
"She bore him a child, Hercules. Now, Hercules was son of a great God, but his mother was human—mortal. As a father, Zeus had great hopes for all his offspring. On the day of his birth, he announced to all the gods the arrival of a child to his kingdom who would become king. Hera, who was the guardian of married women, delayed the arrival of Hercules. Eurystheus, the cousin of Hercules, who was a "spineless creature", came into the world before Hercules. Zeus had to live up to his promise and made Eurystheus king. As a result of this, Hercules could only be a champion in his service to his family and the world," Kagome stared into Lord Urufu's dark eyes, trying to convey her message to him.
He seemed to understand, this story would mean much more than simple entertainment.
"Hercules demonstrated his strength right from birth. One one night, when his mother laid him in his crib, the babe could not sleep. During the darkest of midnights, two great snakes had crawled into the nursery. There was light filtering in from the full moon above, and as the two snakes hovered above the infant he awoke. Hercules sat up and grabbed both the deadly creatures by their throats. The snakes thrashed and coiled around his tiny body—but he held them fast," once again she gave a smug look towards her mate.
Sesshomaru's brow rose a fraction at his mate's intelligence. She was weaving their situation into her story perfectly. Her quick wit continued to surprise him, he only hoped the Lord's would understand the meaning to the story.
"When his mother heard the commotion from the other chamber, she rushed to the nursery with her husband and there sat little Hercules, laughing as he with long limb snakes on his tiny hands. He proudly gave them to his step father, Amphitryon. The snakes were dead. They knew then that the child—born of a mere human woman and a great God, would be destined for great things."
Both Lord Urufu and Lord Kumiho furrowed their brows in thought. Such an abomination should not be possible in the first place. Such children should not be able to continue existing among the world of men and youkai. But the miko had a point.
"The snakes were sent by Hera, wife of Zeus in a fit of jealousy. Hercules was educated by Linus, the musician. He learned literature and music but was found to be a mischievous student. After Linus had been unable to continue his teachings, Amphitryon sent Hercules to a Scythian cattleman, Teutarus, who taught Hercules archery," Kagome's voice became solemn as she proceeded to the next part of her story.
"Hercules soon married Megara, the daughter of the Theban king. However, this marriage was not successful. Hera, who was still jealous of Hercules, made Hercules go mad and made him kill his children and threaten Amphitryon, who would have died because of Hercules if Athena hadn't stopped him. To repent from his crime, he decided to leave his wife, Megara, and put himself at the service of Eurystheus, his cousin who was now king," Kagome stared Lord Urufu dead in the eye, and adressed her next words towards him.
"You see my Lords, it is not that the child was born with malice or evil reigning him, it was simply the harm those around him inflicted on him that made him attack out of self defense. In Hercules case, it was magic that caused him to blindly attack those he loved," after getting the response she wanted she continued to weave her tale around them.
"Eurystheus sent Hercules on a mission over his twelve years of servitude, a mission with twelve labours. On his mission of twelve labours, he strangled the Nemean lion and made himself armour from the hide. Secondly, he cut off the many heads of the Lernaean Hydra and brought back the enormous Erymanthian Boar alive. With his arrows, he shot down the many birds of the Stymphalian Marsh who raided the crops and killed men," she took a deep breath before turning to her mate, not sure now if she was helping their cause or harming it.
Sesshomaru nodded at her to continue, genuinely intriged.
"As well, he cleaned the stables of Augeias by diverting the courses of two big rivers, the Alpheus and the Peneius. He completed this task in just one day. Furthermore, he brought back the angry Cretan Bull, alive, who breathed fire through his nostrils. He killed Diomedes, who gave his horses human flesh to eat," she had to pause at the scene her active imagination produced and held her other hand to her swollen belly.
Perhaps she shouldn't of told that part of the story, with her over sensitive stomach. She turned towards both Lords and the Lady and smiled at them, knowing the next part would get them thinking.
"Everything Hercules did was, ultimately, for the greater good of his people. When he returned back to Eurystheus, he brought back the results of each labour to Eurystheus. Because Eurystheus was afraid of Hercules, Eurystheus shut himself within a bronze jar to protect himself. It is impossible to list all the feats that Hercules achieved. Hercules travelled everywhere, including the depths of hell. He stood up to the forces of a different kind and succeeded in injuring Hades and Hera with his arrows. Because of his feats, he was considered a superhuman, conceivably already a god,"
Kagome looked up and met her mate's warm honey eyes, shinning brightly at her. She knew how to convey her message, and she hoped the other Lords had listened to the double meaning within her story to understand them. Her child would not be a danger, as long as the child was not threatened. Because if so, then they wouldn't have to worry about their child seeking vengeance, they have to worry about her and Sesshomaru.
"Hercules won the hand of Deianira and lived with her in Calydon. Soon, after being chased by bad luck and Hera's vengefulness, he accidentally killed one of his father-in-law's pages. As a result of this incident, he had to leave with his wife and son and when they crossed the River Evenus. Nessus, the boatman, tried to rape Deianira. Before Nessus was killed by Hercules, he had enough time to tell her that his blood was a love potion which would bring back her husband's affection should she ever lose his affection."
Lord Kumiho smiled at her, his eyes shining with understanding. He might still have his doubts, but no child born from such a pure and good being could ever be evil—that he knew.
"After some time, Deianira became jealous of a maiden that Hercules was very amiable towards. She remembered what Nessus has told her about his blood and soaked one of Hercules clothing with it's blood. Hercules, who suspected nothing, put on the tunic and was seized by incredible pain. He tried to tear the piece of clothing off but it stuck to his skin; the love potion turned out to be poison. Hercules built a pyre and asked his companions to ignite it," she paused when she heard soft snifeling, and turned towards the Lady of the North. She was clutching her mate's hand in between hers while he listened to Kagome intently.
Kagome smiled at them and returned to her tale.
"When the flames started to leap into the air, there was a strike of thunder, and Hercules was taken up to heaven. His father, King of Gods, could not—would not, allow his great son to be defeated by death. He and the rest of the Gods immortalized him. On Olympus—house of the Gods, he married Hebe, the goddess of eternal youth, and settled his differences with Hera," she smiled warmly at her hand entwined tightly with Sesshomaru's.
She turned to look back at the Lords and gave a small smile. "My Lords, it is true that while we don't know what a mixture of miko and youkai will produce, I do know that my child will not be evil. I learned from a young age that a child is born pure and innocent, it is those that are around them that define their character," her eyes hardened when she looked at Lord Urufu, and she continued. "My mate is a strong and honorable Lord, and any child of his would never be such a low creature that would kill for pleasure."
Silence once again engulfed the hall, as each Lord was occupied with their own thoughts. Lord Urufu debated whether to risk his own kingdom and allow such a union. Though it would not be in his power to break such a union, he could still not support it.
Lord Kumiho was the first to speak, "Lady Kagome, though your story did shine some light upon a certain truth, we can still not be sure that such a child would be...beneficial," his lazy voice trailed throughout the hall, "That is...if you could guarantee the child will be properly controlled," he said, his voice dipping at the end. His eyes shone with a secret meaning he only knew.
Sesshomaru's brows furrowed before narrowing his eyes at the Eastern Lord. "Lord Kumiho..."his voice trailed warningly.
The kit decided to ignore the warning and continued to bait the Lady of the West. "Lady Kagome, could you guarantee such a thing? Would you know how? After all, humans are such frail creatures."
Kagome's brow creased, not completely understanding what the kit was trying to tell her. She turned to look at Sesshomaru but found him glaring daggers at the kit. She turned her eyes at the other Lord and found him staring intently at her as well.
Taking a deep breath, "Lord Kumiho, I can assure you that if I could guarantee such a thing I would. But I fear that is not in my complete power," her voice trailed at seeing the triumphant smirk stretch across the kit's handsome face.
"Lady Kagome, I am sure that you would guarantee it if it were in your power to do so...but, it is in your mates power to do so though..." he finished staring again at Sesshomaru, smiling wickedly at him.
Kagome's head shot to her mate, who was practically growling at the Lord Kumiho. Sesshomaru stiffened when he heard Kagome's voice.
"Sesshomaru? Is it in your power?" she asked softly, forgetting about formalities. If there was a way to guarantee their child would not be a danger to any around him, then by the Kamis she wanted to know. Why would Sesshomaru have kept such knowledge from her though. Suddenly fearing the answer, she squeezed his hand. Whatever it was, they'd take it head on.
"Yes, there is a way," Sesshomaru said smoothly, "Only one way though, and that is to perform a very old ritual." He lowered his head to look into his mate's eyes, before continuing. "It is a ritual my own father wished to perform on Inuyasha's mother, Izayoi."
"Lord Sesshomaru, Lady Kagome, it would be the only way for us to feel safe and approve of such a union," Lord Urufu dictated.
Kagome stared up at her mate, her eyes locked on his. His eyes seemed to want to devour hers, they scrutinized hers.
Sesshomaru turned to look at the other Lords, before speaking, "Would I count with your assistance then, if the ritual was to take place?" Sesshomaru knew that without the blood from all four Lords, the ritual would be useless. His father had been unable to perform it on Izayoi because the Lords had denied him aid. The reason: because Izayoi was human and their child would be purely hanyou. But now, his child would be so much more than hanyou—and that thought both scared and intrigued the Lords.
Both Lords nodded instantly, as if that was the conclusion they had wanted all along. Sesshomaru had the distinct feeling that they'd already discussed this and had already concluded they perform the ritual.
"Very well," he said in his smooth monotone voice.
Kagome rose a brow and squeezed his hand, feeling too much in the dark. Sesshomaru looked down into her eyes and spoke, scrutinizing her eyes for any sudden movement, "The ritual would take my youkai into you. We would be truly equals, in spirit, mind and body. You would become youkai..."
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
A/N: Alright people, there you go another one-shot. This is the second to last One-Shot for this sequel!!...T.T And like the Prequel's final one-shot--it will be LONG, but I'll try and post it tomorrow!
Some people have asked me what insipired me to have Kagome pregnant, and the truth is, I hadn't planned it. But a piece in by SugaroO inspired the idea.
Sorry, on the previous one-shot I forgot to let you know why I chose the Lord's names I did, so there's a small vocab list below! Again, this one's not beta-ed either...sorry for the errors, I tried to catch them all though.
If you care enough to want to know what happened to Kouga after he lost Kagome, just let me know and I'll pitch him in to the next one-shot(s).
Vocab:
Urufu—wolf
Kumiho—fox of nine tails(There's a fantastic Korean myth revolving around the kitsune Kumiho...if you want to check it out.)
Ryuu—dragon
