Miko Hime: Gift Exchange
"Your beauty precedes you Hime. Thank you for granting me the privilege of taking witness to it first." The Western Lord said as he pulled back the rest of her veil. He was not surprised to hear gasps of awe or envied growls from his men as they took in their first glimpse of his female. He inwardly smiled when he saw her cheeks blush with embarrassment.
"Such a sweet butterfly I've caught... I must be gentle with this one or risk frightening her away from my touch." he thought.
Seeing her growing uneasy at everyone's whispers he tenderly brushed his finger along her cheek. He inwardly purred at the baby smooth softness of her skin. His eyes momentarily shimmered with amusement when he saw her eyes spark with surprise before lowering to hide her blush. Oh yes, she was most definitely a delicate rose. Soft and sweet in appearance but when crossed had a sharp thorn that drew blood. Her complexity made him even more curious to unlock her inner workings. It made him wonder if all human women were like her. Perhaps he should procure a couple more to study and enjoy?
"Of course my Lord." Kagome smiled shyly up at him. "It pleases me to know I've brought honor to my home."
"As it should. I do have a question for you however." The Western Lord said as he sat back in his seat. "Why is your soul incomplete?"
"My soul?" Kagome blinked in confusion. "I don't understand? How could my soul be incomplete?"
"You truly don't know?" The Western Lord frowned. "Over half of it is gone."
"Gone!" Kagome paled as the room erupted in shocked murmurs. "How could I be alive with less than half a soul? I don't know about demons but humans can't live like that!"
"Apparently you can survive just fine, human." accused a youthful voice to their right.
Kagome turned to face the unknown male when she noticed the tone to his voice sounded similar to her new master. She gasped as the equally stunning male stepped out from the shadows. She didn't have to know his title or position within the Western Kingdom to know who he was. This was none other than the ice prince of the West. Her new master's one and only pure blooded inu demon son. Although he appeared to be fourteen or fifteen years in age he looked nearly identical to her Lord. The only major differences in appearance she could find were his uniform, his single pelt over one shoulder, the two magenta stripes on his cheeks, the crescent moon on his forehead and the waist length silver hair. His cold amber eyes, silver hair, pale skin complexion and commanding auras were exactly the same. She also knew for a fact that the prince never showed mercy and lacked patience. She'd have to tread carefully around him or risk losing her head.
"I see you have finally decided to join us Sesshomaru." The Western Lord said cooly.
"Father." Sesshomaru bowed stiffly.
"What took you so long to join us, my son?" The Western Lord asked. "I expected your lessons to be finished an hour before the festivities began."
"I was speaking with Mother." Sesshomaru said.
"So she sent you to spy for her did she?" The Western Lord scoffed. "Tell her I won't be coming to her chambers tonight. I have business to attend to that is more important than her petty jealousy."
As he returned his attention to Kagome's kneeling form his eyes looked her up and down lustfully. His beast purred when he noticed Kagome's growing discomfort. She didn't know it yet but her behavior only further edged him on. He very much looked forward to hunting his new prey.
"Yes, father." Sesshomaru reluctantly agreed through clenched teeth.
"I apologize, my Lord and Prince." Kagome humble bowed head to hide her shame. "It was not my intention to bring division between your family."
"Don't give yourself so much credit, human." Sesshomaru corrected her as he stared down at his father in disgust. "My father's filthy habit of collecting whores has been an issue long before you were born. You are nothing more than another distraction."
"My interference with your parents still doesn't make it right." Kagome said as she looked up at the Western Prince apologetically. She could tell her answer had caught him by surprise by the confused spark in his amber eyes. Perhaps there was still hope in saving the young western prince from totally freezing over?
"Enough! What's done is done!" The Western Lord demanded. "The exchange for peace has been made. You are now my property and I refuse to hear anything more about it. Now, the question still remains as to how you remain alive with less than half of your soul. I can sense that it is quite large in size..."
"Perhaps its size alone grants her the ability to keep living?" suggested a fox demon nearby. "For her soul to hold such strength her first carnation had to have been born around the same time as you my Lord. It is a shame it is incomplete. I would have enjoyed testing her limits with my magic." the fox said, making Kagome squirm.
"Is it possible you were cursed or attacked by a spirit demon recently?" asked a nearby horse demon. His question instantly sparked interest from the demons around the court.
"Not that I'm aware of." Kagome shrugged as she turned to face the equine beast. "The only thing I can think of that might contribute to my soul being incomplete is an incident that happened last autumn."
"Oh? And what exactly happened then?" The Western Lord inquired curiously.
"That year a dangerous flu spread through our valley. I unfortunately contracted the illness and died." Kagome said, earning gasps around the room once more.
"How is it you are here human if you had died?" Jaken yelled behind her.
"You do not smell dead." Sesshomaru agreed.
"Nor do I sense any dark magic or wicked curse." agreed the fox. "How then were you resurrected?"
"I was told later that my parents prayed to the river kami for a miracle. After I died, my ashes were sprinkled into the river near our home as an offering." Kagome said as she looked up at her Lord. "The body, mind, heart and soul you see before you today is what the kami birthed from those same waters the following day."
"Interesting..." The Western Lord said as he took notice of his son's growing curiosity.
"You speak as if you don't remember this event occurring?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I don't." Kagome confirmed as she looked at the young prince. "I have no memory of my previous life or how I arrived on the river's bank. There was at one time speculation that I might not be the princess but too many indications show that I am indeed Ayumi's clone."
"That must have been difficult taking the place of your predecessor?" The Western Lord inquired.
"Yes, and kind of scary." Kagome nodded. "As intimidating as it was, the worst part was not remembering anyone's names. I was in a world of strangers; to my parents and even myself. I had no clue who was friend or foe. The first couple of months I had to constantly look over my shoulder."
"You forgot your own name?" Sesshomaru blinked in astonishment.
"Yes..." Kagome sighed. "It was hard having to relearn how to do everything. Even the simplest tasks like walking in sandals, serving tea or wearing a nine layered kimono were difficult. Throughout the entire process however there was one thing that never felt right. As tedious as it was to step into Ayumi's shoes her name never felt like mine. My healer believes it's because my soul recognizes that this body doesn't belong to the old Ayumi. It desires another name; a new name specifically to go with it."
"How very bizarre!" exclaimed a badger demon. "If my nose didn't tell me differently I'd have believed she was lying!"
"It must have been the will of the kami to bring her back!" agreed an elemental demon from across the hall. "But why? She's nothing but a human! What divine purpose could the kami have for bringing her back?"
"Whatever their reason it seems like a waste to me! All she's managed to accomplish is becoming another addition to the western harem. She should have stayed as fish food if you ask me! Hell her name even means, "sweet fish!" agreed the horse demon.
"The world has enough humans. They are dirty, cheating, liars that breed like rabbits. This one might look innocent but I wager she is no better! She'll end up being a spy or some weapon for the East somehow! I say we should just kill her now while we have the chance! Then we wouldn't have to dance around the East's toes to keep the peace!" huffed the badger demon causing Kagome to clench her fists inside her Kimono.
"We cannot undo the past. Our lands have already profited from our new exchange and I refuse to back out all for the sake of one human. The Hime being here or not won't make much of a difference to the West. It's what we as the West choose to do with what's been given to us that will change the future." The Western Lord said just as he noticed Kagome's struggle to hold her tongue. Once again he was impressed by her level headedness. If a human could hold such dignity against those who degraded her she was most definitely worthy of saving in his opinion. Of course he wouldn't voice those opinions out loud. He was not in the mood to listen to his men gripe about her humanity anymore. As he took noticing of the full moon outside the window he mentally counted how many days had passed in the lunar cycle. Realizing it was the 16th eve of the cycle an idea came to mind. "I will however agree with you all that Ayumi is an unflattering name."
"You... you really think so?" Kagome paled.
"Yes." The Western Lord mussed as he leaned forward to get closer to her. "Do you still find your name unfitting?"
"Hai... I do not think it suits me." Kagome nodded nervously.
"Then from this moment forward you shall be called Izayoi, Lunar Temptress of the West." The Western Lord said, causing Kagome's eyes to widen in shock.
"Izayoi..." Kagome whispered thoughtfully.
"Do you like it?" The Western Lord asked as he ignored the disapproving looks from his son.
"I love it." Kagome smiled brightly, further warming his heart. "I don't know... it feels familiar somehow?"
"Good." The Western Lord nodded as he looked over to one of the servants nearby. "You there, see that my new consort makes it to her chambers unharmed and is properly prepared for tonight."
"Yes, my Lord." the servant bowed as he waited for Kagome to follow him.
"Until then, my temptress of the night, do whatever you need to do to prepare. I plan to enjoy the splendors of the East to the fullest." The Western Lord said as he watched her rise.
"As you wish... my Lord." Kagome blushed darkly as she bowed to him before quickly following after the servant.
Unbeknownst to Kagome, her new master watched her retreat with hooded red eyes. Once she was gone the Western Lord busied himself by leisurely sipping at his sake and talking war tactics with his soldiers. Everyone was talking about Kagome's beauty and newly acquired name. It made the Western Lord proud to know his new female held such attention at court; both good and bad. The new drama would make things more interesting around the castle. He just hoped those who were grumbling, his son included wouldn't cause too much of a problem. As much as he loved a good fight he'd prefer to keep her out of it. He figured time would ultimately tell whether or not Izayoi would fit in. While he was busy enjoying the festivities downstairs Kagome was once again in preparation mode.
She'd somehow managed to survive the introductions. Now she just had to get through the daunting task of giving herself away to a complete stranger. A gorgeously scrumptious stranger that is. How on earth she'd managed to get this hunk's attention she had no idea but she thanked every kami she could think of that she did. He'd treated her nice so far. She just hoped she'd never be a witness or fall victim to his notorious aggressive and violent nature. She'd noticed he'd been very reserved while in the presence of other demons; including his own son. It made her curious to find out what he was really like. Who was her new master? What made him smile and enjoy life? He'd been so gentle in his touch. Surely there was more to him than just being a cold hearted killing machine?
Right?
[End of chapter 10]
Authors Note:
Haha! I bet you didn't see that one coming! I'm very excited about this story. I've got quite a line up for the next couple of chapters. I hope you all are ready!
For those who are wondering why I chose to go the Toga route instead of Sesshomaru is because 1, I wanted to challenge myself by writing with a another Inuyasha character I normally don't use and 2, there are loads of SessxKag fanfic romances out there. I thought it would be interesting to see what my take on a TogaxKag romance would look like.
For those who were hoping this was a SessxKag's romance I apologize! I'd hoped by reading my summery for the story as well as adding Inu no Taisho in the character links that you would have picked up on the Toga influence. If you are a SessxKag romanist like me feel free to check out my profile page. I've got plenty of other stories as well as InuxKag romances to check out. I'm always coming up with new Inuyasha fanfics so be sure to follow me! Inuyasha fanfics forever!
Anyways, I hope you enjoy reading Miko Hime. More chapters to come soon! Love you guys! Stay safe out there and I hope everyone has a happy/blessed holiday season!
-TG1