A/N
Greetings fellow readers.
This is Chapter 21, it is a bit slow paced, but trust me... I packed a lot of heat in Chapter 22...
:) HEHE.
-runs away swinging nunchucks and cackling-
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
~Smo
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I am only borrowing her characters for my own personal amusement. I do not claim any ownership to her characters or story.
Chapter 21
"What is wrong, husband?" Izanami cooed as she walked across the large courtyard. Her husband, Izanagi, was sitting sideways in his golden throne. He was chewing on a straw, his face void of emotion.
"You have been quite busy," he let out, a look of suspicion in his eyes.
Izanami tried to keep her cool. He would try to press her on her journey to the human level again. He was trying to milk her for information concerning Kagome. "You told her all those lies," he laughed out, the straw bouncing up and down with the movement.
"Husband," she exclaimed, "you do not control all that I do. I have to watch over my creations."
He sneered at her, "Yes, and she is your... creation." Izanami shook her head as she walked away from him, hoping that everything would go the way she planned. Unfortunately, not even fate got along with the kamis.
The dining hall was filled with people. Humans were on both sides while the demon heads took up a few seats near the end of one side. Kagome was seated next to Sesshoumaru, trying to avoid the stares from Tatsuya and Ryuichi.
She could see a sort of gleam in their eyes. They had plotted something and it made her nervous to no end. Sesshoumaru had sensed it to. He was giving them warning glances while Suzaku played referee between the two.
The doors opened and the last guest finally arrived. Toran stood at the entrance, her eyes narrowed with a skeptical glance. The frost blue hair pulled into a tight bun. She walked to the open seat next to Suzaku. "I have received an invitation here," she murmured, eying Sesshoumaru suspiciously.
"Yes," he returned easily, taking a sip of the sake in a small drinking cup. "How is your tribe fairing these days?" He asked curiously before he would deliver the news.
She sneered at him, "It is growing in size." He could see she was thinking over her words carefully. Kagome saw the tense air between them, Sesshoumaru could feel her eyes going back and forth.
"Sesshoumaru," Kagome warned. He tilted his lips in a smirk before looking at the panther demon.
"I nominated for you to become the new leader of the House of the North. You will lead all felines there. It has been destroyed, but the enemies are gone," he explained. He enjoyed seeing the surprise on her face.
Tatsuya didn't give her time to react, "Sesshoumaru, I wish to discuss the child."
Sesshoumaru was about to shout at him but a human interfered. "Lord Sesshoumaru, we are ready to talk our business over with you," he said. Sesshoumaru nodded peering at the human down the length of the table.
"There is a new enemy that is threatening the demons existence," he began, clearing his throat before he continued, "I understand that it is not your problem what goes on in our society, but it will effect you. If they see one demon in the village, they will slaughter the entire village. After they have killed every one in their path, they will rule this land."
The humans looked at him as if contemplating the truth in his words. Finally, one spoke. "He speaks the truth," he grumbled, "a few days ago, one of our villages was burned. I saw demon healers trying to bring people back and heal the survivors."
That caused chatter to spread through the table like the plague. Sesshoumaru tried to listen in but there were too many voices at once. "What will you have us do?" This question seemed to be the most common.
"I wish to place one guard in each village along the coast," he announced, "I will also ally with the villages. Villages who agree to this will receive my healers for any serious conditions, and trees to build with. The forest demons have been angered that you are cutting down their trees, and they wish to aid in this mission if you agree to take only their donation. The wood is just as strong as the trees you cut down, and most of it ends up burned."
The humans began to converse with each other once more. Sesshoumaru looked to Kagome for support, hoping what he said would be affective. She nodded to him, "I think the healer was a good option. In this time period, illness and disease is probably the biggest threat."
"Why did you not get rid of the enemy?" Another village headman asked.
Sesshoumaru had no idea who it had come from, but he answered. "We were unable to get every last one, they have retreated but they will be back with reinforcements and we must be prepared. I do not ask you to engage in a fight, only for you to tell my guard they are here and wait for my arrival."
Sesshoumaru released a breath before Akemi came through the double doors. She whispered something in Kagome's ear before standing straight up to wait for her response. Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow in question. He had been unable to hear what she had whispered over the human's chatter.
Kagome gave him a smile, pushing herself up and setting a hand on his shoulder. "I must take care of something," she whispered quietly, "Inuyasha and his mate have arrived."
Sesshoumaru instantly stood up as well. "I will not let you greet my half-brother alone," he growled out. He remembered Inuyasha's relationship with her, and although he knew his brother had mated, wanted to gauge her reaction to him as well.
The main hall was empty after all the guests had been escorted in to the large dining hall. Kagome grinned when she saw Miroku, holding the twins and Sango balancing the baby on her side. Kagome dove in to hug Miroku carefully. "Auntie Kagome!" The twins shouted happily. Kagome grinned at them before hugging Sango.
"Your sword has helped me greatly," she added to Sango, sending her a thankful glance.
They all seemed to be staring at her completely frozen though and she realized they had not learned of her new position. She smiled shyly, "A-A lot has gone on."
Inuyasha snorted, "You got that right, you have youki in you."
Kagome watched Sango and Miroku gasp at this. "I-I have not changed," Kagome explained quickly, "I mean I have, but it is all so confusing. I met the priestess who was supposed to protect the Egg, but she gave me her powers instead. She had been granted demonic energy so now it is within me."
"Your eyes, is it because of the demonic energy?" Sango asked, leaning over to stare deeper in to her sister's orbs. Kagome nodded to her.
Sesshoumaru was staring at Inuyasha's infant though. It was hanging in a potato sack on Kiyoko's back. The woman was gauging Kagome almost enviously. "I will escort you to the dining hall," Sesshoumaru said abruptly drawing the attention to himself.
Kagome gave a firm nod, "Yes, everyone from the coastal villages are here, as well as the House heads." A servant came to greet them looking at the children. Thankfully, Shippo was behind them. Kagome smiled welcomingly at him as he dove in for a hug. "Shippo, can you take the twins with you to play in the gardens?" She asked quietly.
Shippo gave a nod as he looked to Miroku. He gave Kagome a worried glance she grinned in return. "Don't worry, there is a guard and servant watching over Shippo as he plays and all of the guests are in the dining hall. They will be safe," she promised.
The twins took off laughing after Shippo as he guided them and the servant through the back towards the garden. Sango and Miroku followed Kagome towards the hall while Sesshoumaru stared at Inuyasha. He gave a warning glance to his brother.
"I invited you here for your protection, I will not put up with any foolishness," he warned. He did not give the halfbreed time to respond as he turned to walk towards the dining hall. He heard Inuyasha huff behind him as they sat between Kagome and the next human village head.
There was an argument going on, but it was immediately silenced when Sesshoumaru and Kagome sat down. "What is it?" Sesshoumaru asked. He saw the worried glance Suzaku cast him.
"I would like to propose a deal," Tatsuya growled out. He was angry that he had been ignored for so long. Every time he would bring his proposal up, he would get interrupted.
"I would like to ally the House of East with the West by proposing Kagome mate with Ryuichi," he spoke up. Sesshoumaru reacted instantly. His fists slammed against the table, he stood up so fast the chair fell backwards and his eyes went blood red.
"That will never happen," Sesshoumaru growled out angrily. The table went quiet as they watched him. Kagome jumped up to the rescue, sliding her hand against Sesshoumaru's back.
The red began to disappear and he took a deep breath. "Kagome is under my protection," Sesshoumaru growled, "not only that but the curse you demon's put upon yourself has only just lifted. You demons are too weak to defend any one."
Tatsuya growled at Sesshoumaru, "Then when we recover, we will bring this topic up again. Does two weeks sound good to you?" He asked with a cruel smirk on his lips.
"To bring up such a topic would be meaningless!" Sesshoumaru shouted. To think the dragons would pull something so stupid, to claim Kagome as their intended was ridiculous. She was not theirs and they could not treat her like some object.
She was a treasure that needed to be earned. She deserved only the strongest male. She deserved someone that wanted to treat her with respect and make her happy. The dragons wanted nothing more then to get their corrupt hands on Hazuki.
Tatsuya growled. "Watch your words Sesshoumaru," he warned the dog demon. Sesshoumaru smirked at him.
"Or what? Your weak little army of overgrown snakes will attack? You are weak!" He shouted. "You can never attack us while Hazuki is in our hands!" He added. Kagome had never seen him so angry, and even though he was clutching her hand tightly, his eyes were still bleeding red.
"That hatchling is ours! It is one of our own kind! Ryuichi and Kagome will become mated and we will take the two under our care!" Tatsuya yelled back angrily. Sesshoumaru almost lunged for him if it wasn't for Kagome's soft spoken words that would forever shock him to his core.
"I apologize, Lord Tatsuya," Kagome whispered gently, wondering if she should really do this, "but I cannot agree to such a proposal. You see, Sesshoumaru and I have already discussed my future in his home."
Tatsuya and Ryuichi both eyed her suspiciously, and Sesshoumaru felt his being freeze. She gave him a look that was almost filled with fear before she looked to the two dragons with determination. "Sesshoumaru has already decided to court me," she returned.
The table fell completely silent. Kagome was beginning to think she had said the wrong thing. Do demons not court? She asked herself. Maybe it was the terminology. Or maybe, Sesshoumaru did not want to court her. She hoped it was the first one. She looked up at the dog demon. His eyes were frozen.
"I do not believe you!" Ryuichi shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Kagome's person. Kagome almost stepped back at the gesture, but Sesshoumaru's arm wrapped around her, pulling her against him.
"She is mine, Lord Tatsuya," Sesshoumaru bit out, his eyes narrowing.
Tatsuya huffed, the old man crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back in his chair, "If you are indeed courting her, then I will expect the two of you to be mated in two weeks. In demon terms, that is quite a long time to court, and in humans it is sufficient enough. In two weeks, if you are not mated legally, she will become ours. Lady Toran and Lord Suzaku are my witnesses."
Sesshoumaru looked to Suzaku who cringed. Tatsuya was pushing his own buttons quickly. "Two weeks," Sesshoumaru growled. His brain focused on changing the topic of conversation.
His eyes went to Toran, "I have one condition to add in to this treaty. You will put one scout in every coastal city and pay heed to any foreigners that arrive. They are using power enhancers and have declared war."
He looked to everyone at the table, before leaning down to kiss Kagome on the cheek. If they were actually going to do this, alright, but if they were going to fake it, it had be believable. "Let us retire for the night," he whispered. Kagome shuddered, her arousal spiking much to Sesshoumaru's enjoyment. He looked to his guests, "I trust the servants to guide every one back to their rooms. I wish every one a grand night."
Kagome stood out of the chair, her eyes downcast. She was too afraid to look at anyone at the moment. Her face must have gone to cherry red at his show of affection. His arm was still tangled with hers as they stepped in to the hall. "I will go to my room now," Kagome mumbled quietly in a whisper.
Sesshoumaru chuckled, "No, we will go to mine to discuss what just happened." He knew she was embarrassed, but now that she had crossed such a line, they had to talk about it.
Kagome leaned her head against his shoulder tiredly. "It has been such an exhausting day," she whispered, "between feeding Hazuki and making sure the guests are happy I have had no time to stop and relax."
Sesshoumaru chuckled at her, indulging in his desires. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close against him. He spotted Akemi easily, "Have Hazuki brought in to my quarters and show my half brother and his group to the main guest rooms."
Akemi gave a quick bow before getting to work before Sesshoumaru pushed open his double door. The layout was exactly like Kagome's except his view was opposite of hers. She instantly sat on the bed. Her thigh was beginning to throb in pain once more. The painkillers they put in her tea were beginning to wear off.
"The panther tribe, I was not expecting that," Kagome whispered quietly, thinking back on the night. Sesshoumaru only gave a nod as he pulled off his robe. Kagome blushed heavily, looking away.
Her eyes betrayed her though, peering through the corner. She caught the side of him. The strong hips and muscular arms. "You are peeking," Sesshoumaru teased enjoying the flush he got from her.
Kagome turned to deny it but he had dressed in a lighter black robe. His tail still resting on his shoulder as it peaked out from beneath the dress. "Can I please touch it?" She whispered. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed and she decided she would bargain for it.
"I will let you touch my boob," she countered.
The door opened but Kagome's eyes were still focused on Sesshoumaru's wider ones. He was absolutely taken off guard and Kagome attacked. She stood up and reached for the tail, her fingers stroking it softly. She enjoyed watching him shiver, even as Akemi walked in to the room. The servant saw what Kagome was up to, quickly setting the cradle beside the bed before leaving.
The tail suddenly wrapped around her. She squealed in surprise but let out a soft laugh, "Sesshoumaru, stop it."
"I can't," he forced out, biting his tongue in the process. The tail was something he could control in battle, but outside of the fight it had a mind of its own. "It will uncoil when it wants to," he explained. It felt so good to have it stroked. It was like a private massage.
Kagome stopped petting it, but it seemed to drop to the ground lifelessly. She pouted beginning to stroke the silver pelt once more. It wound around her once more, until it was around her shoulders. She leaned her head against it, inhaling the scent. It smelled like Sesshoumaru. Musky, strong and clean.
Sesshoumaru groaned audibly when she hit a sensitive spot. He was thankful that she passed it quickly.
Kagome heard him groan and wondered if it was her. She lowed her hand back down to the spot and was shocked when his breath hitched. She paused, trying not to connect with his golden orbs. She flexed her finger against the spot.
He let out a sigh.
She scratched it twice.
He purred.
Without mercy, she scratched it. Sesshoumaru's purr grew loud, groaned and Kagome stopped, her laughter escaping her as she bent over. The tail caught her easily, but it was the sudden look she caught from Sesshoumaru. He looked embarrassed.
"Awe," Kagome cooed, reaching up to cup his face. Her hand covered the magenta stripe and she rubbed the smooth skin with her thumb, "your tail is quite adorable and soft."
Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed on hers. "You know what this means, don't you?" He asked, although he leaned in to her hand.
Kagome tilted her head to the side, but yelped when the tail curled around her tightly. "You used your body to trick me, I was indeed shocked," Sesshoumaru returned and Kagome was shocked at the playful smirk he had on his face, "but you would be a liar if you went back on your word."
Kagome blinked at him. She had only said boob because she knew it would catch him off guard. She didn't think he would actually do it! She began to wiggle, and he chuckled, standing up and leaning close to her face.
His lips slammed against hers with a passion that froze her being. His lips felt perfect against her smooth ones and she welcomed his taste. She nipped at his lower lip and when she felt his fingers wrap around her breast let out a moan, "W-Wait! Hazuki is in the cradle."
"So?" He asked against her mouth, pushing her robe to the side. If all Kagome was worried about was the baby, he was doing okay. His fingers cupped her breast and his own body shivered. It was perfectly round and it fit his rather large hand nicely. He would thank the kami's every day for giving him his other arm back so he could enjoy both of them at one time. Quietly, and slowly, he removed his tail. His arms wrapped around her protectively.
Kagome moaned when his thumb flicked over her hardening nipple. He pushed her back on the bed before pulling back, he gave her a wide smirk, "I do not think this courtship will be a problem."
Kagome's eyes widened at his remark, but his mouth was against her's once more. "W-Wait Sesshoumaru," she got out, her hands firmly against his chest. She wanted to push him off to discuss this courtship, but she found it so damn hard to do.
His hands were doing wonders to her breasts. One was cupping the other, while the other hand was pinching the hardened nipple, causing it to send shocks to her lower body. His knee had slid between her thighs, pressing against her womanhood. "Wait," she said once more.
Sesshoumaru pulled away, enjoying the flush on her face and her half-closed eyes. The violet kimono robe was slightly open, exposing one breast with a rock hard nipple, the other was barely hidden. Her hair was spread across her sheets and he suddenly wanted to capture her like this in his memory. He wanted to stare at her and make sure he could never forget this image.
"I-I said courtship but I do not know how demons court," Kagome explained, sitting up and readjusting her kimono with a blush on her face.
Sesshoumaru leaned back on the bed, "How do humans court?" He asked first. It could be easier to explain if she already had a grasp on it.
"Well, they go out on greets, walks, maybe meals together. They give gifts and things to show worth and then they get married," she explained. Sesshoumaru nodded to her.
"It is not much different," he answered truthfully, "Demons will give gifts of worth to the intended until she accepts his advances. Then I, a dog demon, will mark you as my own with my markings. You can have them anywhere you like."
"Y-You don't have to bite me or anything?" Kagome asked nervously, a brow raised in question. Sesshoumaru stared at her as if she were crazy.
"Biting in our culture is a punishment," he paused to smirk at her, "have you done something that deserves such a punishment?"
Kagome gulped and shook her head quickly. "What did he mean by a legal mating?" She asked.
Sesshoumaru sighed, scratching his head, this would be the tough one to answer. "The marking will be me claiming you as my pack and my alpha. T-the legal part was the consummation, as you humans would call it, the sexual intercourse part," he explained. He knew she would flush instantly at that. There was no doubt in his mind that she was a virgin, it was the way she acted about such things.
Kagome gulped and Sesshoumaru chuckled, "Do not worry, I will woo you."