1599
"Kags!" a deep voice calls out excitedly.
"Hey! What're you doing here?" Kagome laughs as she's swept up into steel arms and spun around. Giggling, she dips her head down to kiss the youkai holding her.
"Needed a vacation. Thought I'd come see my favourite girl." Kouga chuckles as he sets the miko back on her feet. The two had been seeking each other for carnal company for the last eighteen years, and are still just as close and just as unattached as they were when they started.
"Kagome, what're- oh, hi Kouga! What brings you here?" Haruto says as he jogs over to the pair, giant smile on his face. "It's been a while, everything alright?"
"Yeah, grand, just needed a break. And, maybe hiding from mating proposals." Kouga admits, rubbing the back from his neck sheepishly, as Kagome's lilting laugh fills the air around them. "What're you guys up to?"
"We were just about to head to the dojo to spar. Wanna come?" Kagome asks, innocent smile on her face, belied by the wicked glint in her eye.
"Sure, why not. Two against one?" Kouga proffers, arms crossing lightly.
"Of course. Still won't be fair, but I'm sure you two will manage." She flips her ponytail over her shoulder as she starts off to the dojo again, the two males shaking their heads behind her as they follow.
Half an hour later finds the males panting, standing a few feet from each other, feet planted, slightly crouched and ready to spring. Facing them, is a relaxed Kagome. Standing straight, with her arms loose at her sides, head tilted just so, and a teasing smile on her face. Hardly a hair out of place.
"C'mon boys, put some effort into it, really." She lifts her arms above her and stretches, before hooking her hands behind her back. She's baiting them again, her aura spread lightly over the floor, knowing they won't be able to resist attacking her. Sure enough, Haruto lunges forward, full speed, claws on out as he aims for her side. Giggling, Kagome sidesteps before spinning and slamming her foot into his ribs, sending him flying.
Eighteen years since he's reunited with Kagome, and it still fills him with awe just how lethal she is, and how effortless she makes it seem. She's a work of art. Shaking himself out of his reverence, he shifts to the side, and while she's still looking at Haruto, launches himself at her, twisting in midair to land on her other side- which is interrupted when she ducks and her elbow collides with his solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him and sending him across the dojo.
"Boys, you're not trying hard enough." She giggles again, as both males gasp, standing slowly, holding their sides.
"Kags, I don't think anyone is capable of 'trying hard enough' against you." Kouga grunts, bent over, hands on his knees as he struggles to even his breathing.
"Perhaps I can." come a voice from the entrance. All of their heads turn to see the pale daiyoukai making his way onto the mats.
"Really? You'll finally spar with me?!" Kagome breathes, hardly daring to believe he's truly serious. She's been asking him for the last three decades, and had been denied every time.
"Hn." is all he answers with before he vanishes, reappearing behind the miko, claws flashing, and catching air as she drops into a crouch and pivots, swinging her free leg backwards to catch his ankle. He jumps back before flying at her, only for her to disappear herself. Sesshoumaru lands lightly where she had been standing, closing his eyes. Then his head snaps to the right and he flips back, twisting in midair to kick at something. Suddenly, Kagome reappears, rolling under the daiyoukais foot. She lands on a knee, as he lands on his feet a few yards from her, appraising her, as she stands.
Giggling, Kagome steps to the side and vanishes again. Kouga and Haruto are struck dumb as they watch from the sidelines, having retreated to sit against the wall, well out of the way of the two beings of unparalleled power.
Sesshoumaru once again closes his eyes, head cocking a bit before rotating and grabbing something. Kagome reappears, her wrist caught in his hand, a wicked grin on her face. Before he can blink, she twists in his hold, her knee curling up followed by her foot kicking out and slamming into his stomach, sending him across the dojo. He catches himself and slides to a stop, one hand on the ground to balance him.
"Hn." he grunts. "Shall we include weapons?"
"Your whip and my daggers?" she asks, musical laugh echoing across the room.
"Very well." He flips onto his hand before launching into the air, whip streaking towards her. She dodges, rolling and twisting before flinging a few of her many tiny throwing daggers that are infused with reiki. Before they make contact with anything, she vanishes from sight again, reappearing a moment later above the inu as he lands on the floor, flicking two more daggers and then disappearing again.
Sesshoumaru dodges the flying steel, his eyes darting around quickly before he jumps, grabs something, and throws it towards the ground hard. Kagome reappears just as she crashes into the floor with a muffled grunt, then flips backwards to her feet in a crouch, hands flat on the floor, looking up at the inu as he lands across from her.
Slowly, deliberately, Kagome stands. Her stance mimics that of Sesshoumaru's, relaxed, hardly looking like she is in the middle of combat. She flashes a grin at Sesshoumaru, who returns a smirk, causing the two in the audience to suck in a harsh breath.
"Impressive, little Miko."
"Aw, shucks, Sess." Kagome giggles again, bringing a hand to her mouth, before she puts a shield over the other two youkai, and over the dojo itself, and releases the shackles on her aura. Immediately, the dojo looks like it's filled with a pink fog. "Still wanna play?" she teases as she is, once again, gone from sight, her voice sounding like it's coming from everywhere at once.
Unperturbed, Sesshoumaru releases his own restraints, his golden aura spilling out around him, twining with Kagome's. "Do you?" he replies, his shoulders relaxing as he feels the tension of his inner chains release.
"Kami, this is gunna be fun." Her voice comes from right behind him, before she slams her leg into his side, sending him flying for a short distance before he twists in midair again, catching himself with his hand on the floors and swings himself to fly back at her. He crashes into her, knocking her into the far wall.
She grunts harshly as her back collides the wall before rolling forward and launching herself upwards, her speeds increasing until she is matching Sesshoumaru. They trade blow for blow, neither getting the upper for more than a moment. Their bodies flashing nearly faster than the even a youkai eye can see as they dart around the room in the air.
"I don't think either of them are going to win against the other." Haruto whispers, mouth agape at the display of power from the two beings.
"I don't think they're actually trying to. I think they're just playing with each other." Kouga breathes. He knows what he's seeing, but he doubts either of the two involved are aware of what they're doing. It's a old courting right, they're testing each other. And with the insane levels of power being shown, if they were aware of what was happening, a mating would be following soon after. Haruto turns to the wolf quickly, eyes wide, looking back at the two and then looking at the wolf again.
"They are, aren't they. They don't know, do they? Jeez. Fucking stubborn, they are." Haruto grunts, still stunned.
Kouga shrugs, "I'm not gunna complain at the moment, but I bet you it'll take them another century to even admit they might want it."
Haruto barks out a laugh, turning to the wolf. "I bet you he's the one that pursues."
"Oh, I'm not betting that, he absolutely will, she'll be too blind to see what's going on, and he'll get frustrated before he corners her."
"Oh, yeah. Definitely. She's great and hardly naive but she's locked her heart down. Your arrangement works for her cuz it's easy, there's no risk."
"Yep, and again, I'm not complaining. Don't want a mate, she's gorgeous, it's easy, and fun." Kouga flashes a wicked grin, making Haruto snort as he looks out at the fight again.
The two sparring are currently standing a handful of feet from the other, bodies, once again, in their relaxed poses, watching the other. Both are breathing a little hard, but hardly look like they had been trading blows for the last two hours. A sudden yelp catches everyone's attention at the door, as Jaken is laying on his back, dazed.
"Oh, fuck. The barrier. Well, it's just a small zap." Kagome yanks in her reiki, the pink fog disappearing immediately, just as Sesshoumaru coils his youki back to himself, then she releases the barriers she'd erected. Jogging out to Jaken, she calls out, "I'm so sorry, Jaken. Are you okay?"
"Hmph, I'm fine, human. Hardly felt it." the little toad grumps, before turning to his lord. "Lord Sesshoumaru! Word has arrived that the Southern Lord has been spotted approaching the Shiro!" Jaken squawks, making three of the four people stiffen quickly.
"I'm going to Rin." Kagome says before sprinting off, Kouga following her. Sesshoumaru sets out to meet their guest at the gate, with Jaken and Haruto scratching their heads.
Kagome stands leaning against a wall in Sesshoumaru's office, her arms crossed lightly, with the daiyoukai and Kouga. All three are tense.
"So, you gunna tell us what the prick wants?" Kouga growls.
"Kouga. Chill. Sess?" Kagome asks lightly.
"He has not stated his intentions yet. He claims he wishes to discuss an alliance and will not give specifics until we sit down with our advisors officially. You will be there with me, Kagome."
"'Course. What likelihood's are we looking at?" she prods, shifting her footing slightly.
"Mating, most likely." Kouga tosses out. "Probably offer up one of his daughters for a mating alliance, locks down the West and ties the dog to the bears."
"Hn. Yes. It is possible it is not, but unlikely, especially as he came himself, and did not simply send his a representative." Sesshoumaru agrees, hands clenching into fists.
"Okay. So, most likely, want to marry off his daughter. What're you prepared to answer?" Kagome's expression is blank as she watches the inu.
"No. I will not mate someone for an alliance. There are no guarantees the mating will keep the loyalty and it will only lock me into a pairing I will be unhappy in."
"And what if the counter offer is too good to say no?" she inquires quietly.
"There is nothing that could be offered that will make a forced mating appear a good choice." Sesshoumaru growls, his claws nearly puncturing the heel of his palms.
"I'm not a Cardinal Lord or anything, but for what it's worth, you've got my wolves at your back, whatever comes from this meeting." Kouga states firmly, blue eyes locking with Sesshoumaru's gilded ones.
"You already know I'll stand by whatever you choose. I might have some opinions about it, but you don't make stupid choices, at least not when it comes to your kingdom." Kagome finishes with a teasing smirk, before it twists into a wry smile. "Seriously though, whatever is decided, I'm with you."
"Hn. Very well. If it is a mating proposal, it is also likely that refusal may lead to war."
"Yep. We already know that someone in the Southern house is after Rin, seems like a good opportunity to create an excuse to go to war. Wouldn't hold up much to go after the West for simply housing a lieutenants human mate. The other lords would laugh at them, regardless of how they feel personally. Refusing a veritable mating match though, especially at your age... it's still thin, but more workable.
"This One is hardly old, miko."
"Didn't say you were, your highness." Kagome teases. "But, you're more than old enough to mate and have been for several centuries. Folks want an heir. And since your brothers still MIA, you can't even name him as a stand in heir. Not that anyone would accept him, since he's never set foot here to learn how to run a kingdom. But, the point stands, there's room to argue that you're not fit to rule because you refuse to mate and produce an heir- even though it's a fucking stupid excuse." Kagome grouses.
"Hn. Indeed." Sesshoumaru smirks. "I will be refusing regardless. If it is anything else, we will simply adjourn to discuss the merits of an agreement."
"Gotcha. When does he want to meet?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Damn. Another missed training day." Kagome sags against the wall slightly.
"Anything I can do? Or just be available?" Kouga asks.
"You are not here enough for me to name as an advisor, or I would permit you to join. Although..." Sesshoumaru tilts his head, a thought occurring to him, before he flickers his gaze between the wolf and miko.
"Whatever you're thinking, no." Kagome interjects. "I know that look. If I'm not gunna like it, the answers no."
He scoffs, before turning to the ookami, ignoring her. "You could pose as her intended."
"Absolutely not, Sess." Kagome's voice rises in volume, standing straight again.
"Yeah... I'm not pissing her off, buddy. It's an idea, but if she's not on board, there's no point, and I like all my bits in their proper place." Kouga tells the inu, backing up a step with his hands in the air.
"Pity. The other option would be a more permanent solution. Otherwise, you will remain on standby."
"Let's hear the option, and then I'll decide." Kouga shrugs lightly, as Kagome resumes her relaxed lean against the wall, glaring slightly at the daiyoukai still.
"You could swear fealty to the West, and move your pack onto my lands."
"Oh." Kouga breathes out. "Um. How long do I have to decide that?"
"Tonight. It is not required, I do not need you in the room, it is merely an option if you yourself would like to be."
"Okay. Let me think on it. We're friends, and I'm with you regardless, as are my wolves, but..." he trails off.
"Forcing them to move from their home is a big decision." Kagome finishes softly.
"Yeah."
"I understand. I will hold no grudge if you decide against it." Sesshoumaru acknowledges.
"Thanks. Anyways, how's Rin now that she's on room arrest again?" Kouga changes the topic quickly, smirk returning as Kagome groans loudly, sagging again as she puts her hands over her face.
"I swear to Kami, that girls gunna be the death of me." Kagome whines as she scrubs her face before standing straight again. "She knows the drill though, she just hates it. I left her with her guard and Matsu, who's also annoyed, but he'd rather be confined and safe than left to do what he wants and have Rin in danger. She won't be a problem, just be supremely unhappy. She's waiting to see you," Kagome points to the daiyoukai, who pales ever so slightly, "to berate you, no doubt. And the longer you put it off, the worse it'll be. So, Godspeed, buddy." Kagome chuckles.
Kouga snorts as he watches the inu reach up to pinch the bridge of his nose and sigh. It always amuses him how free Sesshoumaru is when Kagome's around, though, thinking back to their spar, perhaps it's not that surprising. They clearly just don't realise it, or are denying it.
"Well, if that's all, shall we call it an afternoon?" Kouga suggests.
"Yeah, I want to go bathe, haven't had a chance to since sparring, and then eat. I'm starving." Kagome says, pushing off the wall. "See ya later, Sess, and good luck with your daughter." She giggles as Sesshoumaru scowls.
Kouga waits for Kagome to come to bed, watching her lithe form as she changes into a sleeping yukuta, that he has every intention of removing from her as soon as possible.
"Should I even bother to put it on?" she calls over her shoulder as she pulls it from her wardrobe, making Kouga chuckle.
"I'm planning on taking anything you put on off again, but up to you, gorgeous." he says, voice growing husky as his blood rushes south in anticipation. Kagome looks over her shoulder to see the wolf sitting on the edge of her bed naked, and giggles. A barrier springs to life around her room, as she turns and crooks a finger at Kouga. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, he stands and pads over to her, his hands immediately settling on her hips, pulling her closer to him. Dipping his head, he captures her lips, groaning lightly when she responds with a nip to his lower lip, her arms twining around his neck.
Pulling back to nip at her throat, earning a moan, he smirks. "Kami, Kags. You make me so hot." Nipping hard enough to leave a mark against her neck, he hikes her up to hold her against him, her legs automatically wrapping around his waist, causing her heat to press tightly to his erection. Kagome groans when Kouga rocks his hips against hers, making his member slide against her folds. "You want it?" he teases, rocking harder as he walks to push her against the wall.
"Gods, please..." she mewls, dragging her nails down his back, making him hiss. Kouga pulls back just enough to line up with her, before thrusting forward, and stopping, resting his head against her shoulder as they both groan at the sensation. Neither moves for a moment, revelling in their pleasure. Then, Kouga lifts his head to press a kiss to her throat, and rolling his hips. Kagome's back arches, shoving her breasts against him, making her nipples drag against his hard chest, sending shocks of pleasure radiating out.
"Kouga, please." she begs quietly, not wanting soft and sweet, especially not while she's shoved against the wall.
"Yes, ma'am." he replies before sliding out and slamming back in, starting a nearly bruising pace. It doesn't take long before she's falling over the edge, crying out softly and gasping, her walls clenching against his member tightly, forcing him to still his movements and groan low and deep. He knows he won't last through another of her orgasms, so when she begins to come back down, Kouga tightens his grip on her and moves back to the bed, sitting down and laying back, keeping himself firmly implanted within her.
"Ride me, Kags." he grunts, his hooded eyes falling shut as she sits up and grinds against him. "Kami, you feel so good."
"Do I?" she asks as she rises up before rolling her hips down on him.
"Yes..." he hisses, dragging out the s, his hands gripping her hips tightly. His legs bend slightly, giving him enough purchase to rock up into her as she keeps a slow steady pace, grinding on him hard, her hands planted on his chest, her head bowed to look at him as her hair falls around her shoulders. "You're so gorgeous, Kagome." he says quietly, before gasping when she rocks back again.
"You're not so bad yourself." She giggles huskily, moaning as she feels herself building again. Kouga uses his hold on her hips to overtake her pace, lifting her slightly so that he can pound up from beneath her, the angle just right to hit their favourite spot of hers. A couple dozen thrusts later, Kagome is crying out, and Kouga is grunting hard as they both climax, before collapsing in each other's arms, panting.
"I'm so glad you were at that banquet, that night." Kagome breathes out, making Kouga laugh heartily.
"Ya know, me too." he says as he rolls them to their sides, slipping out of her. "Now go to sleep, you have a lot to do tomorrow, and I won't be there to help." Kouga tells her, reminding her that he turned down Sesshoumaru's offer.
She hums lightly, pressing her nose to the crook of his neck and curling against him. "G'night, Kouga."
"Night, gorgeous."
"Lady Kagome!" calls a squawking voice from behind her in the hallways.
"Hey, Jaken, what's up?" Kagome turns with a smile. The toad is annoying, but he's not so bad once you get to know him and are able to read past his gruff squawking.
"Lord Sesshoumaru dem- requires your presence in his study immediately." Jaken pales slightly.
"It's okay, Jaken. I'm sure the big bad dog was an ass about it. Why don't you go visit Rin, and let her know I probably won't see her until after the meeting and I'll go soothe his highness." Kagome responds with a smirk, turning and heading off to Sesshoumaru's study.
Upon entering, she stills, her smile freezing in place as she sees the guest and Sesshoumaru's blatant scowl. "Hello, my name's Kagome. Pleased to meet you." she greets as she slides the door shut behind her, erecting a barrier, bowing her head lightly.
"Kagome. This is Kimiko. My mother." Sesshoumaru growls out.
"Ah, so this is the little miko pet you've been keeping. Hello, human." the beautiful silver inu addresses, her face a mask of mild amusement. Her long hair in twin tails, a mokomoko draped like a stole, resting in the bends of her elbows.
"Hello, dog." Kagome shoots back, maintaining her own amused smirk. "Is there a reason for your visit or just ruffling feathers?" she taunts lightly, leaning back against the door.
"Oh, what fun. Someone who wants to play with me. Sesshoumaru, you should have told me sooner." Kimiko flicks her gaze to her very unhappy son.
"I'm afraid I'm a little busy at the moment, but perhaps over dinner." Kagome tosses casually. "So, Lady Mother. The reason for your visit?"
"Oh, I'm just here to observe. For now." She looks down to inspect her immaculate claws, before flicking a lock of hair over her shoulder and looking back up to Kagome. "The Southern Lord isn't here with good intentions."
"We surmised as much, mother."
"Ah, but have you surmised what he wants and why?"
"We guessed a mating alliance with the intent to force an alliance or start a war with your son's refusal, claiming he's unfit to rule as he has not insured the continuation of his line with an heir." Kagome divulges, then cocks her head and looks at her friend. "If you were to accept, I bet he has an assassination planned for you on your mating night."
"Oh, she's clever. Very clever. You should definitely keep her. Well, it seems my presence isn't required, after all."
"Actually," Kagome begins quickly, looking at Sesshoumaru, lifting a brow and flicking her gaze to his mother quickly. His own brow arches, looking at his mother to appraise her, before looking back to Kagome, and then glowers. "Good. Lady Kimiko, I presume you're well versed in politics and ruling. At the moment, I am your son's only reliable advisor that can reasonably be in the room with him without raising hostilities. Would you be willing to sit as another advisor? You may think of questions we don't, and no one would be able to deny your entrance to the meeting, as his mother." Kagome reveals, crossing her arms lightly, keeping her smile genial.
"And what excuses are being given to allow you into the room, little one?" Kimiko queries.
"I swore fealty to your son several decades ago. Did the blood ritual and all." Kagome explains, holding up her left hand to show her wrist, which holds a blue crescent moon. "Legally, they can't deny me entrance if your son wishes me to be in the room. And, I'm not part of his military, so they can't argue that he's bringing a show of force with him, regardless of my power. Same as you, really, as I know you're almost on par with us." Kagome slides an appraising eye over the silver inu, pulsing her aura slightly to press lightly against the Lady Mother's. "If you're looking for a sparring partner sometime, lemme know." Kagome flashes a wide grin.
"Sesshoumaru, dearest. Your pet is delightful." Kimiko declares, her gaze never shifting from the miko. "Very well, I will attend. I will also only ask questions, and not meddle, before you demand it, son of mine."
"Excellent. Shall we go then? It should be starting soon." Kagome drops her barrier and opens the door as the two daiyoukai rise from their seats, Kimiko reaching to loop her arm with the miko's.
"I believe that we will become excellent friends, little human." Her tinkling laugh echoes down the hall.
"What reason do you have for refusing such a generous offer?" roars the Southern Lord, Masaru, a hulking bear youkai standing as tall as Sesshoumaru's 6'6 frame, but built like, well, a bear. His two advisors sit to either side of him, each wincing slightly at the volume of their lord's shout.
Sesshoumaru sits with Kagome and Kimiko on either side of him, his face placid as ever, with both females holding a mask of mild amusement.
"This Sesshoumaru has no intention of taking a mate at this time. There are no threats to his title or lands, thus giving This One time to procure a mate by his own means. Which is not through a political arrangement." the inu drawls, thoroughly bored with the theatrics of the other Lord.
"My daughter is a good match. And it would tie our two houses together permanently! There is no reason to say no to this offer." Masaru snarls.
"This One has given his reason." Sesshoumaru states.
"Hm, perhaps if you gave a reason as to why you wish for this union so fervently, Lord Masaru." Kimiko's voice twinkles lightly, as the other lord splutters.
"Because he has no heir, and my daughter is the perfect match for him!"
"How so?" Kagome muses, head cocking a bit.
"I will not answer to a human whore!" the bear bellows.
"You will, or this meeting will end here." Sesshoumaru's eyes flash red for a moment. "You will respect my council and answer every question they have, civilly."
"Why is she even here? She's human, she is unfit to advise at all, let alone be appointed a High Advisor." Masaru sneers.
"She is the Shikon Miko." Kimiko replies, turning her gaze to Kagome's with a small nod. Kagome flares her aura a bit, no where near its full strength, but it's enough to have the bears advisors cowering and their lord paling slightly, gaping.
"So. How is your daughter the perfect match for the Western Lord?" Kagome asks again, her smirk not moving a single iota.
"She is powerful, beautiful, educated. She has been raised to be the mate of a Lord."
"There are many like that." Kimiko remarks lazily, inspecting her claws again.
"There are none who are the first daughter to a Cardinal Lord." the bear growls.
"That doesn't explain how she is his match. Being your daughter doesn't make her so on it's own." the miko rejoins pleasantly.
"She is the only first daughter with all of her qualifications. There are none who compare to her."
"That still doesn't supply a reason as to why she's a match for the most powerful youkai in Nippon." she reiterates. Sesshoumaru's face having not changed, but she can tell he's ready to walk from the room, tired of this circular conversation.
"What- there is nothing else to qualify his match." the bear barks out.
"Hm. Perhaps a formal show, using traditional courting methods?" Kimiko suggests blithely, earning a scathing glare from her son, an eye slant from the miko and a mix of shock and fury from the bears.
"He would kill her!"
"Ah, then she is no match for him. Pity. It appears our discussion is over then." Kimiko stands, and holds a hand to the door. "Gentlemen. It was a pleasure to see you again, Masaru. I do hope you have a safe trip home." With that, Sesshoumaru and Kagome rise as well and follow the Lady Mother from the room, to Sesshoumaru's study.
As soon as the door closes behind them, Kagome flares her aura for Kouga, who arrives almost immediately. Slipping into tense room, Kagome throws up a barrier before slumping in her seat at her desk, head in her hands, processing, calculating. After a moment, she lifts her head to rest her chin in the cup of a palm, elbows still resting on the table.
"So. We were right. Now, we wait for his response. Oh, and Kouga, this is Kimiko, Sess' mother." the miko says flatly.
"Hn. Indeed."
"What's the traditional courting method?" Kagome asks, head tilting to look at Kimiko, before she sees a Kouga tense. "Kouga?"
"Uh, well. Prior to the more human like courting methods, they used to be more animalistic. Brutal. Some still use it, but it's pretty antiquated, now."
"And… what is it..." the miko urges slowly, waiting for someone to answer her.
"A battle. The two combat against one another in order to attempt to prove they are a match for the other in terms of strength of power. The more powerful is still at liberty to choose the lesser if it pleases them, but it is rare if that is the method chosen of courting. The battle continues until one either submits willingly, is forced to, or they both call a halt, accepting the match." Kimiko supplies when neither of the males speak up.
"Ah. So, when he said Sess would kill her, he meant it literally, because your son would sooner eviscerate the female than allow the farce to continue longer than necessary." Kagome clarifies, gaze flicking to the inu in question.
"Precisely. It is also the quickest way to shut down mating proposals. Especially when the one their daughters would be fighting is my son." A mischievous glint flashes across the elder inu's eyes.
Kouga watches the miko and the Western Lord, waiting to see if either would put two and two together from yesterday morning. He almost snorts when the conversation continues on as if they had been talking about what they were going to be eating at dinner.
"So, they go home, we wait, and see if they declare war. Though, I doubt it. They haven't been overt about anything else, and unless he already has enough allies he needs- or rather, thinks he has enough- to go up against the West immediately, he'll likely wait until he does. Sowing doubt among the other houses." Kagome looks down at her desk in thought.
"Indeed, it is unlikely he will strike soon. Even if he does have the allies, he will wait until he thinks we are complacent before attempting war. It is more likely he will send more assassins after your pack. If he is successful there, he-" Kimiko says before Kagome interrupts.
"He has more ammunition about you being unfit to rule. Border skirmishes and raids are going to go up, too."
Nodding, the female continues, "Yes. He will use underhanded tactics to create cracks in the reputation of the West. He has no heir, he has not secured his line, he is unable to protect his own pack in his own shiro, his villages are raided without help, he is unable to protect them. I do not think he will attack the border villages more than they already are, however. He will go for the ones within, because then it is solely blamed Sesshoumaru's lack, rather than another land trying to take."
A snapping sound is heard, drawing three heads to see Sesshoumaru's eyes red and chunks of his desk crumbling in his clenched fists. Kagome jumps up and moves to kneel by the daiyoukai.
"Sess, calm down." She draws her aura to surround him gently, pulsing soothingly, placing her hands over his fists. "It's okay, we're not going to let it happen. It's okay."
Kimiko and Kouga both watch the display, a little stunned. Neither the miko nor the inu lord realise that what she's doing is what mates do to calm down their partners. They exchange glances, both a little amused and knowing. Looking back at the other two, Sesshoumaru's eyes are golden again, and Kagome is sitting back, murmuring to him.
"We have to know what he might do to plan accordingly, but it doesn't mean we're going to let him do it. Rin is and will be safe. I am and will be safe. You know that no one can hurt me. We'll do what we can for the subjects, he won't get away with it." Kagome continues softly, before turning back to the other two, curious about the odd expressions on their faces.
"So. Rin and her mate already have the best protection we can offer without tying them up and locking them away. We'll increase patrols and guards at outposts for the protection of the villages. We can't do anything about the heir, unless you want a mate suddenly." Kagome teases half heartedly, earning a distinct eye roll from the now much calmer Western Lord, as well as a giggle and a snort from the other two.
"Anything else? Or does that about cover it?" the miko asks, standing again.
"I believe that is all. Be prepared that this could go on for decades. Youkai move slowly, compared to humans, as you know. It could even be a couple centuries before something happens." Kimiko comments.
"Ah, well, if he's gunna wait until the 1800s, he's gunna be mighty upset with how hard his life's gunna be." Kagome snorts loudly.
"How do you mean, little human?" Kimiko asks genuinely.
"Oh. Ah. Well. I guess you're getting the secrets then, too." Kagome looks to Sesshoumaru to see him nod once. Sighing loudly, Kagome seats herself at her desk again and begins the long story of the shard hunt, the well, the jewel, and its consequences. Kouga moves near the beginning of the story to sit next to the miko, letting her lean against him for support.
"You really are a fascinating little treasure. How lucky for you, Sesshoumaru. You're own personal fortune teller, with the power of the jewel inside her. And, she swore fealty to you!" Kimiko laughs until she has to wipe tears from her eyes. "Oh, Kami. Sweetling, I am ever so glad to have met you." The Lady Mother smiles widely and warmly.
"Uh, thanks." Kagome giggles, elbowing Kouga lightly when he snorts. "So, yeah. We're about in year 1599 currently, by the calendar that will be used. I could be off by a few years, but from what I could glean, I think it's accurate- I'll adjust as needed as time goes on. Anyways, the 1800s are gunna suck for youkai. I've told Sess before, but we're going to have our hands full. We need to have ways for youkai to hide amongst humans by then, or you're going to be hunted to extinction. And, that's excluding anything happening before hand, like some holy revolution with bigoted reiki users." Kagome pauses to catch her breath and order her digressing thoughts.
"The point is, he doesn't have the time he thinks he does. But, I'm not going to rush him, I rather like not being at war." Kagome says with a dark laugh, crossing her arms.
"Indeed, little human. We will take precautions and be vigilant, and see where the tide takes us. In the meantime, I believe you made an offer to spar with This One." Kimiko teases. "Shall we?" She stands and moves to the door, looking back at the miko.
Kagome jumps up excitedly, "Yes! Gods, please. No one wants to spar with me, other than a few upstarts who aren't any fun. Kouga tries, but... well..." she trails off, a mock pout on her face.
"Hey! Ain't my fault you're so stupidly powerful." He laughs loudly. Kagome merely giggles as she drops her barrier and skips out of the room towards the dojo, Kouga following her at a leisurely walk. Kimiko pauses to look back at her contemplative son.
"She really is a gift. Do not waste her, or take too long to see it." Ignoring the confused look on his face, she steps from the room, intent on playing with the fun little miko.
"Really?! You think I could make a whip? With my reiki?" Kagome blurts quietly, not quite believing what Kimiko is telling her.
"Of course. You can already use your reiki instinctively to match youkai speed and strength, and while it's not quite flying as I or my son do, you are able to get airborne easily for your attacks. I see no reason you couldn't learn to manipulate your reiki more acutely."
"Oh my Kami." the girl breathes. "Okay, tell me how." She turns and sits lotus, facing the inu female, eyes sparkling.
"I wouldn't mind learning myself. Wolves don't really do much with our youki, and other than me summoning Goraishi with it, it's mostly just there as a show of force." Kouga shrugs, sitting lotus next to the miko.
"But, of course! While you may not match with Kagome, you are powerful in your own right, and still young." Kimiko smiles warmly, enjoying the opportunity to teach eager students. "First, loosen your auras some. It will be easiest to manipulate it if it is not contained. When you are more adept at it, you will be able to do it even with your auras wrapped up. Once they're loose- good, close your eyes and envision a gathering of it in your hands. Let it then spill into a whip shape from your fingers. Like pulling thread from wool, stretch it from the pooling in your hand. Keep the shape, but funnel more power into it, making it take physical form. The more power you give it, the more powerful it will be, after all. Open your eyes."
Both open and look at their hands, stunned that long whips extending from their hands, Kagome's a bright pink, Kouga's a deep blue.
"Holy-"
"-fuck."
They look at each other and begin laughing at their simultaneous reactions. Kimiko giggles behind her sleeve, enjoying the two young ones mirth, and pleased that both are powerful enough to have manipulated the shape on their first try.
"Shall we try using them now?" Kimiko suggests, getting to her feet, and moving to stand beside the two rising figures. "It may lose its shape. If it does, stop, concentrate and summon it again the same way you did before. It will take you time to master it, do not be discouraged." she tells them kindly.
"Gotcha. So, archery targets on the back wall? One each?" Kagome says with a bright smile.
"You bet, gorgeous." Kouga winked.
"You both did very well, I do believe it will not take either of you long to master, perhaps even becoming as proficient as my son." Kimiko proclaims over dinner.
"Oh, that'll be the day. Nah, I don't mind not being as good as him there, I'm just excited to learn. There's so few things left for me to learn in terms of my reiki, and this is so different from anything I've done with it before." Kagome's smile is beaming.
"Hell, like I said, wolves don't learn this sort of stuff, and I know it's useful, I've seen it in battle before. Might go back and teach the wolves how to do it." Kouga muses, smiling widely himself.
"Oh, do you think I could use my reiki to make the cloud thing? Or, OH, the light orb?! Oh my Kami, why didn't I think of that before?" Kagome's eyes are wide as she stares at her plate, thoughts whirling at the possibilities.
Kimiko laughs brightly, "Of course, sweetling. We can always try, but if you're able to make the whip take solid form, I don't see why you could not form a cloud, at least."
"I would like to see your whips tomorrow, if I may." Sesshoumaru interjects, entering the conversation for the first time.
"Yeah, sure thing. Maybe we can spar again? Your mother was good, but you were a true challenge, no offence Kimiko." Kagome confesses.
"Hn. Perhaps." Sesshoumaru replies, returning to his food.
"Daddy?" Rin's voice makes them all look up at her. "I want to learn how to defend myself." she says, her eyes steely with determination, her mate merely watching.
"Why?" Sesshoumaru asks simply.
"So I'm not just another helpless female. I know I'll never be as powerful as a youkai or Kagome, but I'm tired of feeling helpless."
Sesshoumaru watches his adopted daughter for a few moments before nodding his head once. "You will begin tomorrow."
"Haruto can start her off. I'll have to take the necklace off, but I can put a barrier over the dojo itself. You'll just be stuck in there until I let you out." Kagome offers, receiving a nod from Sesshoumaru and Rin both. "Great. And, we'll be next door anyways, so..."
"Hn."
"Well, I'm done, so I'm gunna head to bed. I'll see you all at dawn in the dojo's." She stands with a light bow of her head to everyone before leaving the dining hall, Kouga close behind her.
Panting, Kagome rolls off Kouga's chest, looking at the ceiling, smiling. "Eighteen years and it's still just as good." she says softly, closing her eyes with a quiet moan as the wolf leans over and presses a kiss to her neck.
"Forty nine and you're still as gorgeous as you were the first time I saw you." he comments, trailing his fingers up her thigh.
"Mm, as much as I'd love another round, I need to sleep. All powerful, and I still need sleep and food like any other human." she chuckles, turning to her side and curling against Kouga's chest.
"You excited then?" he asks, carding his fingers through her hair gently, basking in her gentle aura.
"Mm, yeah. Glad Rin's going to be learning too. Haruto's a good beginners instructor. He's who taught me."
"What all can you use? I've only seen you use your little throwing daggers, that aren't quite shurikens."
She giggles, propping her chin on his chest to look at him. "They're basically shurikens, just a different shape, almost more like kunai, but without the handles. Makes them easier to hide in my clothing. But, I can use most bladed weapons, now. While I prefer smaller blades," she looks away to recount her experience, ticking each of on a finger as she lists them, "I've trained with a katana, naginata, wakizashi, tantos, kunai, shurikens, sai, and kamas. I'm no expert in all of them, but I can use them all well enough. The only ones I'd say I'm particularly good with are my throwing knives, tantos and katanas. The rest I wanted to know just in case. I figured it was better to know the basics of them all, since I never know what might happen and what I might get stuck with. I can use clubs and staves as well, and obviously a bow, but..." she trails off and shrugs. Her eyes lock with the wolfs again, his eyes wide, small smile on his face. "What?" she prods.
"You're a goddess of war." He chuckles, and she snorts.
"Hardly. I just never want to be caught unable to defend myself. I had enough of that before for several lifetimes, thank you very much."
"Mm, I bet. Still think it's impressive. Forty nine years, and you've learned, at least the basics of, almost every bladed weapon in Nippon, taught yourself how to wield a bow to scary precision when you were basically a kid, and mastered your powers enough to learn youkai ways of manipulating it. It's impressive." Kouga brushed her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear, her bangs long since grown out and she'd been too lazy to cut them again.
"Thanks, Kouga. When you put it like that... just. Thanks." She leans up to kiss him sweetly. "Not to get depressing, but I've almost never had someone tell me that I'm good at something, and never without it being a direct result of me doing something. Never for the whole of my achievements. I've only… never mind. You know what I'm talking about."
"You mean who. Yes, I do. Kagome, you were impressive even then, you just never got given the chance at the time to learn, and especially learn without someone constantly shitting on you every step of the way. I don't know how you didn't crumble completely and never get up again, honestly. I would have." Kouga tells her softly, rubbing light circles against her skin.
"Yeah. Well." she starts before sighing and closing her eyes. "I don't know. I think if I hadn't completely, and stupidly, convinced myself that my little one sided crush was star crossed love, I would have. Honestly, I'm sorta glad for it, because it gave me some valuable lessons. If he hadn't done everything he did, I wouldn't be where I am right now." She tilts her head to lay it against his chest, listening to his even breaths and steady heartbeat. "You know I love you, right? Not like that," she says quickly, "but I do love you. You're my best friend. So is Sess, but he's a different breed altogether- literally." She giggles as he chuckles. "You both are so important to me. Even if our arrangement ends-"
"I'll still be your friend, gorgeous." he cuts her off, giving her a gentle squeeze. "We were friends first, we'll be friends after. We're having fun, not expecting anything of each other, which is what we both need. If that changes, it changes. I'm not in love with you, though I will miss your sweet cries." He smirks, grunting lightly as she smacks his chest, smiling herself. "I love you, too. And, aside from my idiot Betas… actually, no, you definitely know me better than anyone else, even them. I don't have to watch what I say or do with you, it's... it's freeing. I love my position and my tribe, but sometimes..." he sighs, eyes closing briefly.
"Sometimes you need a break." Kagome finishes for him.
"Yeah. There's no not being Alpha when I'm there. I can't go to my room, or out to hunt within my own territory to escape it. Which is great in some respects, but sometimes I need a few weeks to just... be. Even when we end, I'm still gunna come visit you for my vacations. The dog doesn't seem to mind, I think he's even starting to like me a bit." Kouga flashes a fanged grin, and she giggles.
"I think he does. I wish he'd give himself time to just be. He kinda gets it when he goes on patrol, but he's still Alpha there. He's still dealing with his responsibilities, even if he's alone, or just with me. He needs somewhere he can go that's completely isolated." Kagome sighs, closing her eyes, feeling herself start to slip into sleep.
"Maybe one day he'll have it." Kouga murmurs, shifting to make them both more comfortable, as they both fall asleep in each other's arms.