Author's Notes: Sorry for the late post. I had to celebrate my birthday with some wacky friend adventures. We enjoy going to random movies and making fun of them MST3K style, so that is what I requested as my birthday gift. (But only if there are no other moviegoers so as not to ruin their experience.) Sadly there was a cop present doling out authority to the boisterous groups of kids also in the theatre, so we didn't get to have as much fun as I'd hoped, but it was certainly an interesting evening.
Anywho, on to what you came for. Read on for some daddy-daughter moments, but beware it will be through someone else's viewpoint.
Happy reading!
Nocturne - Chapter Seventeen: Beautiful Mine
Rated - M (for suggestive adult themes, references to some violence, and coarse language)
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
"What do you mean?" Kagome asked. "He said what?"
He allowed Kagome to go free, and she turned to look up at him in perplexion. Kohaku moved around to stand beside Rin.
"What are you saying?" Kagome asked. Come where she wondered.
Rin still held Kagome's hands and rubbed them in a soothing motion. "He wanted you to find them."
Kagome felt her heart fall. Now Setsuna was gone, too. Was it a punishment? Or was he using their child to bring her to him? Perhaps he did not find her capable of handling their child that would surely outlive her. "Find them?" she repeated softly. "Did he-was there anything else?"
"Yes, he said not to sell yourself short, and once you were ready, they would be waiting."
o - o - o - o - o
The flight back to the Western lands was swift and uneventful as could be while traveling with a small child. She did not make much of a fuss, rarely making more than an amused gurgle the entire trip. Sesshomaru had never traveled with such a small child and could not have fully comprehended the needs of a youngling. He was fortunate not to deal with any such thing in flight.
The child had fallen asleep in his arms towards the end of the flight. She remained so once he alighted upon the palace he had procured. It still struck him as strange not to always be on the move, but that would be no life for a child of his.
He recalled his childhood brought up in a sprawling palace. Life had been different then, being brought up by two parents who seemed indifferent to each other at the best of times. He had not even been genuinely raised by his parents but left in the care of a lesser yokai. He could barely even recall the woman now, nearly a millennia later.
Sesshomaru stepped through the halls of the house and into a room intended for children, a nursery of sorts left behind by its previous tenants. Looking about, he scowled at the mild decor left for a human child. This was unbefitting a yokai child, even one of mixed blood. The scenery depicted upon the wall were lies depicting glorious human victories. He made a mental note to express his distaste to Jaken and have the items removed.
He laid the child down and turned to walk from the room. There were immediate matters to attend. He'd gotten nearly to the door when he heard something. Sesshomaru turned to look over his shoulder only to find the child now missing. Another sound, below him, was heard, and he felt a tug on his nu-bakama. An amused squeal was heard, and he looked down to see the child pulling herself up using his clothing for support. She sported a mildly toothy grin and pushed herself up and down in some strange dancing motion.
Was this usual for a child? Or was this something attributed to her human half? A yokai would certainly not behave so ludicrously.
Sesshomaru reached down and picked the babe up. She continued to make babbling noises in his arm, "Mumamama," she cooed.
The child began to chew upon her hand and make distressed noises. How very much like her mother, this one, with moods that shift faster than the sands of time. Sesshomaru examined the child, attempting to conclude the source of her displeasure. She seemed to be chewing on her fingers quite a bit, perhaps that was the source. He placed a finger near her face, and she grabbed onto his finger like a vice. Quickly, she moved his finger into her mouth and began to gnaw. Her budding canine pierced his flesh, and had he not anticipated such a thing, he may have reacted differently. Indeed, blood had been drawn, and he gently pulled his hand from the child. She protested with her wordless grunts before continuing to chew on her hand again.
He moved to the middle of the room and sat the child down again, determined to leave. He would have to prepare for the child's extended stay, and there was nothing at hand for her minus a few human toys. Sesshomaru concluded that the child would be fine unattended for a time after assuring himself that she would stay put. She currently began crawling towards the side of the room to inspect something that had caught her interest. Satisfied he could exit without being followed, he closed the door and continued down the hall.
o - o - o - o - o
There had never been a time in his life when he had felt so powerful, so free. It had been ages since he'd not had to be at one's beck and call. It was something of which he thought he could grow accustomed.
Jaken strolled through the grand estate, his chest puffed, and his staff clicking on the floor with each passing step. He'd just returned from a foray into the mortal territory. It was a task left to him to keep the humans in order while his lord and master was away conducting business. Jaken relished in his assumed power and was proud to carry out business on his lord's behalf.
He was happy not to have that bitch of a woman lurking about and torturing him with her questions and heavenly good looks. No one to question him, belittle him, or threaten his life. That behavior would only be tolerated if it came from his master. Now, it would only be a matter of time before his Lord Sesshomaru returned, and things went back to normal.
Perhaps they would return to traveling in search of new victories? That would be preferable to a stale life cooped up in a human palace to look after any whelps the evil bitch may have popped out.
Jaken was immensely satisfied to learn of his master breaking off the engagement. Now he no longer had to worry about the woman or her distasteful, filthy half-breed companion. She was always lurking about, that one.
Jaken riled himself up, just thinking about it. The thought of keeping a half-breed around was just despicable, dishonorable, and pathetic. It was bad enough that his master had taken a human child to foster. Her miserable presence was one he was also happy to be rid of. Though, he hated to admit he missed her kind words and a happy smile. Of course, that was all he could dredge up in the form of pleasant memories. The child always had something to say, never shutting up, and he, Jaken, was responsible for keeping an eye on her during tumultuous times when danger was ever-present.
Good fortune indeed that Jaken did not have to worry about such things any longer.
Jaken felt a bubbling of happiness when he sensed his master returned. He knew that Lord Sesshomaru would require his presence immediately, so he hurried along. It appeared that his master searched for him as well, his golden eyes scanning for his small retainer.
"My Lord! You have returned, I am so pleased to advise that all you have requested has been done," he explained with pride. No other retainer could boast the level of loyalty that Jaken felt for his master. There was nothing he would not do for Lord Sesshomaru.
In a surprising turn of events, his lord actually gave an approving nod. "Good," he said. Jaken nearly burst with happiness. 'Good' had not been a word he received on occasion, and to get one now must mean that his lord indeed recognized his loyalty.
"Of course, master. It was simple really, I was able to procure the…" he trailed off.
"Kami, Almighty! Sire, you've something attached to your leg!" he hollered. Jaken could see some creature pulling at his master's clothes. Such open defiance would not be tolerated. The beast must have gotten past Lord Sesshomaru's superb defenses, but he, Jaken, would take care of the nuisance.
Jaken hustled with his staff at the ready and fell backward, appalled at the sight. "Sire! Some filthy half-blood mutt has infiltrated our esteemed estate. Its parents must be close. I shall dispose of it immediately." The small child eyed Jaken with interest. Such large eyes, much too alert for one so young, he thought.
Sesshomaru turned and looked down to see the child, hands full of his nu-bakama, and watching Jaken. "Hnn," his master said with either curiosity or indifference. It was difficult for Jaken to tell.
"It is the miko's child," Sesshomaru advised.
"So, the woman and your miserable younger brother's spawn is here? I may still dispose of it if you demand my lord."
"Jaken, you know full well that half-breeds are sterile."
"Then how have you come across such an ill-begotten seed?"
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and bent down to lift the child. Strangely enough, the young child gave him an equally cold stare.
"My-my lord. You suggest this-this half-breed be...y-y-y-yours?" Jaken stammered. There could be no way Lord Sesshomaru would do such a thing!
"Indeed," Sesshomaru answered with what could almost be described as a smirk. Was his master tormenting him? Or on the verge of killing him. It would do him well to ascertain which quickly.
"I understand. The miko tricked you into giving your highly sought-after seed," he nodded sagely, convinced there was no way his master would willingly take up a mortal woman. "Now you have taken the child to care for in spite of yourself. How honorable and merciful my master is!"
Sesshomaru took in a measured breath, and Jaken cowered, awaiting a well-placed kick. It never came, and he opened his eyes to see his lord staring at him almost patiently. "You shall address her as Lady Setsuna and provide her with the same level of deference as befitting a child of this one."
Jaken blinked and got a good look at the child. Now evident was a crescent moon mark upon her brow, clearly branding her as a descendant of his lord.; The ears standing out on her head the only visual indication of her mixed blood. It was strange to see her dark eyes, not a glowing gold like her father's, but more of a midnight blue that burned into those who dared to cross her.
He felt himself shrink involuntarily at her piercing gaze and mentally berated himself for cowering before a half-blood child. "Of course, sire. She shall have every respect due to a Lady of the western lands," he assured his master.
His lord sat the child down in front of Jaken, and she wobbled upon her two feet before losing her balance and falling on her rear with a small grunt. So, it could not walk yet. It was that young.
"See to it she is fed and changed. I shall return soon," Sesshomaru said, watching the child with a discerning eye.
"B-b-b-but Master! You can't possibly expect me to...to…" he exclaimed in horror. The idea of him playing nursemaid to an infant was preposterous! Unseemly for an attendant of his stature.
"Do not displease me, Jaken. I am particularly fond of the child, and should your treatment of her fall ill; it would be an act upon your lord himself."
Jaken looked back and forth between the child and his master. Preposterous, indeed! He nodded profusely, "Y-yes, my lord. It shall be done."
Without a word or second glance, Lord Sesshomaru left his loyal retainer with his infant child. Jaken watched his master disappear and clutched his staff desperately. Sesshomaru had admitted fondness to a half-breed child that he had known for what seemed to be minutes. His lord had never declared such affection for Jaken. The best he had ever gotten was tolerance.
Jaken cut an envious eye over to the child only to discover it gone. He gasped, "Eeeek! It's disappeared! Lord Sesshomaru will have my head!" He ran down the hall calling the child's name and searching fervently. "Lady Setsuna! Please come out!"
o - o - o - o - o
Rin and Kohaku led what seemed to be a catatonic Kagome into Sango's house. She did not protest or cry. She just walked placidly inside to sit. Her disbelief was apparent on her face as she processed the events of the day. Sango hurried over to her and put her hands on her head, running her hand through her hair like she would reassure a child. Inuyasha and the new woman, Shizuka, were still in the house, sitting close to the hearth in the middle of the room.
Why would he take her? Why would he do that? What should I do? Are they waiting? For me? The thoughts swirled through her mind like a whirlwind. She could not pick out anyone tidbit of information from that mental storm, so she sat quietly as her comrades conversed around her, their words unheard by her.
"Rin, Kohaku, what's happened?!"
"What's that fucking bastard done now? I knew it as soon as I saw him coasting out of here."
"She's not saying anything."
"Obviously, she's just sitting there like some rag doll!"
"Lord Sesshomaru has taken custody of Setsuna."
"What the fuck does that mean? Took custody? So, he what? Stole the brat or something?"
"It would seem so."
"She is his child as well, Kohaku. You cannot steal what is also yours."
"So? Is it a good idea to let that dick take the kid back to Kami knows where?"
"Inuyasha, are you suggesting that Lord Sesshomaru is incapable or unfit to raise his child should he choose to?"
"Well, if you want the kid to grow up to be an asshole, sure."
"I won't take offense to that because I know your dislike for Lord Sesshomaru."
"Aw, Rin, you're different."
Kagome looked up, snapping out of her despondency, "And you always know how to put your foot in your mouth, Inuyasha."
"Kagome! Are you okay?" Sango breathed, hugging her friend. Kagome smiled in her friend's arms.
"Yes, I'm okay. Sorry for making you all worry. I was just-just taken by surprise, is all. I should not have overreacted." She had taken all those who loved and cared for her for granted, consumed in her own grief. For far too long had she allowed this to go on.
Sango's face turned cross. "Oh, no, Kagome. You have every right to be upset. If Miroku ever took our children, well… I think it is safe to say that once I caught him, he would be unable to create more, I would take away even his desire to try."
"Kami, Sango! I am their father!" Miroku exclaimed. He walked into the door with his four children in tow, carrying the youngest on his hip. He'd had a large sack slung over his shoulder and set it down by the entryway, looking about the room. "I see we have more guests," he stated impassively. The house was more substantial than most but not yet significant enough to host the crowd of people that currently occupied the main room. All sat around the room except for the now-grown Kohaku, who leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.
The young children all rushed about the room to varying adult targets. The older twin girls immediately began to accost Inuyasha and his new companion, which they treated like a sparkly new toy. The woman seemed unsure of what to do with the attention and shrank back. Inuyasha growled at them, which they largely ignored. "Go on you little monsters, go bother someone else."
Sango called the girls over, "Girls, leave Inuyasha's friend alone. She does not need or want your curiosity at this time. Go, take your brothers outside to play while we talk."
"Yes, mama," they said in unison. Both girls slunk over to collect their brothers. Miroku passed off the youngest to one of the girls, and they ran outside.
"Kagome, you've returned," Miroku said in a joyful, yet reserved tone. "But judging by the air of the room, I would venture to guess that something else has happened as well?"
Kagome sighed. There was so much for her to do and to think about. "It's complicated," she answered.
"If I can understand it, then it's not that complicated," Inuyasha barked.
Kagome did her best to glare at him, but could not muster much anger. "You would think it's simple," she bit out.
Sango rubbed her friend's arm, "Perhaps if you talk about it, you will be able to understand it better."
Kagome stayed silent, quickly glancing at the males in the room. Rin picked up quickly on what Kagome was subtly hinting at. She gave Sango a pointed look and a quick jerk of the head to relay the message.
Sango's eyes widened with understanding, "Miroku, I think you should go check on the children."
Miroku had just settled down. "What? Why? They are fine."
Inuyasha snickered. "Yeah, Miroku, go play with your spawn."
Kagome rolled her eyes, "I think he may need your help then. Aren't you their toy of choice?"
Inuyasha had his arms crossed and gave her a sullen look. "If you want me to leave, all you have to do is ask." He stood up, pulling Shizuka up with him and left without another word.
Kohaku got the hint and ducked out before anyone could say another word. Kagome watched and said, "Astute, that one."
Rin smiled and blushed a little. Kagome and Sango noticed but chose to say nothing. At least not now.
"Okay, they've all gone. Are you comfortable speaking now?" Sango asked. "I know you have struggled with the entirety of the situation. But first, I would like to say that I am so glad you've returned and unharmed."
Kagome thanked and hugged her friend. Once she settled, she answered. "No, I'm not comfortable, but I think to talk about it aloud will help. I've just been so lost in my thoughts and shortcomings that I don't know what to do anymore."
Sango did not seem convinced. "Shortcomings? What might those be? You are one of the strongest, most selfless people I know."
Kagome felt uncomfortable with praise. "No, it's because of my selfishness that I've struggled."
"What do you mean?" Rin asked.
"I told him...that...well, I think that I love him. As crazy as that sounds!"
"Why would that sound crazy? Because he is a demon or because he is the brother of your ex-lover?" Sango asked flatly.
"Both!" Kagome admitted.
"I don't think that makes you crazy. Love makes us crazy. I mean, look at me! Settling down with a known ladies man."
"It's different for you," Kagome muttered. Sango would never understand.
"Explain how it's different."
"You're both humans. You have a similar life expectancy. You are both equally capable, and neither of you drags the other down with your inabilities."
"Tell me. You do not think you are deserving of his love because you are mortal, and he yokai?" Rin asked. Her words hit the nail on the head.
Kagome's eyes were downcast, and she nodded, somewhat ashamed.
Rin grabbed Kagome's hand. "Lord Sesshomaru is acutely cognizant of what you have to offer, and he does not hold your differences to be limitations."
Sango agreed. "It does not make much sense for someone like him to pursue a romantic interest that he deems to be beneath him, Kagome."
"I think it's clear that Lord Sesshomaru is taken with you. He would not pursue you otherwise."
"But feelings aren't enough to create a life!" Kagome said defensively. "I cannot give him what he needs, just like I could not give Inuyasha what he needed. Now Inuyasha's found someone else, and I suspect that Sesshomaru will as well."
"Why is everyone else allowed to be happy, but you?" Sango asked. "You are acting like a martyr, and it is not very endearing."
Kagome cut her good friend an affronted look, "What?! I've never said that!"
"Honestly, Kagome. You need to stop this. If you even think you love him, go to him. Otherwise, you will become an embittered old woman who is soured to the world."
"I am sorry, Kagome, but I agree with Sango in that you must go to him. Allow yourself to live happily, even if for but a moment. You will be filled with regret and despair if you do not."
Much to Kagome's chagrin, her friends were right. She had allowed herself to grow stagnant and sullen in these past few months. It was now time to quit punishing herself and embrace her happiness, whatever may come.
o - o - o - o - o
Jaken had finally located the small child, thank Kami. He did not recall how he'd managed to wrestle the child out of the room, especially given that she was nearly the same size as him. She was also quite stronger than she looked, which was delicate and almost helpless.
He'd fed her and found some clothing that was more suited to a child of her lineage. Jaken hoped that is what his lord meant when he demanded the child be changed. He would feign ignorance otherwise and take whatever punishment was doled out to him for his error.
Lord Sesshomaru returned after nearly an hour and found them both in the great room of the house. The child played quietly with some random household items she had found while Jaken watched her with hawk eyes. It was only due to a miracle that the youngling had not ingested or harmed herself with all manner of items, and Jaken was exhausted within that hour battling such things away from her tiny, vicelike grasp.
Once Jaken noticed his lord's arrival, he jumped up to attention. "My Lord!"
Sesshomaru strode to the child and looked down at her. She looked back up at him and held chubby arms out with grasping hands. The child did not make any of the harsh growling noises she seemed to only reserve for Jaken. Even in an hour, the small thing had dedicated herself to establishing dominance.
Sesshomaru picked Setsuna up and began to leave the room.
"Sire, if I may implore upon you!" Jaken hurried to his master's side.
Sesshomaru stopped and turned to look at the small attendant, "What is it?"
"I know it is not my place to complain, but I do not believe it is in Lady Setsuna's best interest to be tended by an inexperienced imp," he said deprecatingly. He'd hoped that by admitting to his faults that his master would be more open to suggestion. "May I propose a governess?"
"Hnn" was his response. "That will not be necessary," Sesshomaru announced with finality, not even taking the opportunity to mull the idea over.
"But, my lord, I know nothing of childrearing. Would a woman not be more suited to such things?" Jaken asked demurely.
"Only one woman," Sesshomaru responded somewhat cryptically. He was done with the matter and continued out, leaving Jaken in peril.
Whatever could he mean, only one woman? Hopefully, not that crazy one they had just rid themselves of. He pondered for a moment, lost in his thoughts, and noticed that Lord Sesshomaru was gone without him. Indeed, his lord would need his assistance with matters unforeseen. Afterall, Jaken had gone through all the trouble assigned to him before his lord's return. He hurried along after his master, "Wait for me, Lord Sesshomaru!"
Jaken rushed out of the room and collided into a body. He spilled onto the ground, still tightly clutching his staff.
"My, my, my where are you off to in such a hurry, little yokai?" a silky woman's voice purred out at him. She reached, grabbing the staff below the heads and
lifted, which pulled Jaken up along with it.
Jaken recognized her almost instantly, "Most honorable mother! To what do we owe such an unexpected visit?" He paused, eyeing her suspiciously, "How-how,
did you find us?"
The demoness smiled and released the staff, causing Jaken to tumble ungraciously back to the ground. "Does a loving mother need a reason to visit her precious, only child?"
Jaken looked at the woman flatly, "Well, one may be led to wonder when you have never once graced his lord with your presence in the centuries I have attended him."
The demoness largely ignored Jaken's words, choosing to take this opportunity to analyze her gracefully clawed fingers. "Fetch my son to me, imp."
Jaken bristled with irritation to be addressed so by this haughty woman. She was only a tad better than the conniving ex-fiancee of his lord. "Expediently, my lady."
"Mother," Sesshomaru's voice carried through the room. "I thought I sensed the air grow thick with tension."
She laughed, "Oh, you always were such a naughty child, my son." She peered into Sesshomaru's arms, focusing her eyes with an air of confusion. "What is that you hold? A snack?" she asked, bringing a hand up to her mouth. "My journey was quite long."
"No, your granddaughter," he replied dryly and unamused by her cruel jest.
"You?! A child?! A mixed-breed child at that?! What is this world coming to!" she laughed.
Sesshomaru would not fall into his mother's jilting words. "Why have you come here?" he asked.
"You have never been any fun: all work and no play. Well, I suppose that is not true anymore," she said, gesturing to the child.
The baby stared at the demoness with the same reserved gaze as her father. This seemed to be an inherited trait and one that Sesshomaru had picked up from his mother.
"I am loathed to repeat myself, even to you," Sesshomaru said.
"Fine. My most endeared son, I have come with news. Usually, I would never concern myself in your affairs, but since you've decided to insult the greatest yokai clan and bring upon all of your kin their wrath, my hand has been forced," she said with a casual wave.
Jaken sputtered, "Whatever do you mean, honorable lady? Surely you are mistaken!"
The demoness cut a quick look in Jaken's direction. "I am never mistaken, little yokai," she said quietly.
Jaken crossed his arms and huffed, "It's Jaken as I've told you countless times."
She rolled her eyes and circled her son. "I see now why you have gotten yourself into this mess. Dallying with human women, I see."
Sesshomaru waited for his mother to come back around in front of him, but the child's head swiveled, watching the stalking demoness with curiosity. "That is no concern of yours."
"Where is your other human girl?" She gasped, "No! Don't tell me...this child?"
Sesshomaru's upper lip curled into a small snarl. "Do not be absurd. You've quartered yourself off for much too long."
"Hohoho, you are all too easy to rile up. I meant it only in jest. Where is your human child then?" she inquired.
"Say your piece and begone. I tire of your games."
"Pish tosh. I have no desire to be away just yet. Not when I have yet to meet this tiny thing you claim to be a grandchild of mine. Though for you to suggest I am old enough to be a child's grand, anything is quite presumptuous of you."
Sesshomaru's mother stepped closer to inspect the tiny child. She reached out a hand only for Sesshomaru to take a step away, keeping his child out of reach.
"My son, you wound me to imply I would do physical harm to your daughter. It is my aim as a mother to see her son always happy, and if this tiny mixed breed pup is what accomplishes that, then I would not dream of taking that from you." She reached out again and took the child from Sesshomaru's arms.
His mother held the child out as if she'd never held an infant before. She cocked her head to the side while appraising her. "How peculiar, this creature."
"Lady Setsuna is her name," Jaken provided. He was offended at Sesshomaru's mother's behavior; on his lord's behalf, of course. Jaken still had his doubts about the small child.
"Setsuna," the demoness said slowly, trying out the name for size. "Hnn, I had always wanted a daughter but was left with you, Sesshomaru."
"How unfortunate that you were given a son instead."
The demoness chuckled. "I made do with what I had." She pulled the girl a little closer to examine her features more closely. "Why would you ever pick such a dreadful name as Setsuna? So bland and unassuming. Not like you. No, your name was quite fitting."
Sesshomaru pulled Setsuna from his mother's arms to which she crossed immediately and began to pout at having her grandchild taken from her so harshly.
"You lay any opinion forfeit ages ago," Sesshomaru said. "You have said your piece, telling me that which I already knew. You may now take your leave."
She looked around and shrugged, "I raised you to be many things but never rude! To turn out your own mother so quickly, for shame, my son."
"Hnn. You may stay if that is what you desire, but lay a harmful hand upon my child, and I shall remove it, mother or no."
"Tut tut, child. No need for such violence. I would never harm my beloved granddaughter."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at his mother, disbelief coloring his every feature. "Jaken," he called aloud.
Jaken jumped, "Yes, sire."
"Find some space for my mother. Make certain that her rooms are far from my own."
"Of course, my lord."
He stalked from the room, leaving Jaken alone with the demoness. "Get to it, little yokai. I am quite tired from my journey."
"Jaken!" he reminded her.
"Of course you are, small one."
Jaken grumbled beneath his breath and led the demoness to one of the many rooms the estate had to offer. He wondered at her insistence on staying. She likely was concerned for her safety and came to her son for protection. Jaken doubted the woman would ever admit to such a thing, though. He hurried along to get her settled and be away from the proud woman. Jaken was glad that his lord. Sesshomaru was becoming much more like his fabled honorable father.
A/N: Honestly, I had some fun writing from Jaken's viewpoint, knowing I was going to pull the rug from under his feet. And grandma has come to visit? How unusual.
That will likely provide some fun, tense moments when Kagome makes her way there. Kagome and Sesshomaru are certainly due for some time together. I think they've spent enough time apart. I'm hoping to see that play out next chapter.
Well, see you next time. If you liked this chapter, please let me know your thoughts. I do enjoy seeing them hit my inbox for a little spark of motivation.