Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
Genre
: Romance/Angst/Hurt
Pairing
: Sesshoumaru/Kagome
Summary
: Little Rin has died and Sesshoumaru doesn't know what to do. He looses himself to his beast, lost in emotions he hasn't felt in hundreds of years. Kagome is called to subdue the raging beast and in the process binds herself to the taiyoukai stronger then her bond with Inuyasha. With Sesshoumaru's subduing comes the price of being Lady of the West and with the title comes all the downsides and perks of being ningen royalty among a youkai court.
A Demon Lord's Cry
Chapter Fourteen: Duty Calls
x . . . . x
"It's good to be back, Mama." Kagome murmured.
Wrapped in her mother's warmth, Kagome slept peacefully, fully, and allowed all her worries to melt away.
On the first Kagome-less morning that Sesshoumaru had in a month, he started it as he normally did. He woke with the birds before the crack of dawn, dressed in training robes and retreated to the outer dojo where the crisp air would fill his lungs and keep his body conditioned. He then proceeded to meditate and then moved on to a series of katas. When the sun rose on the horizon he automatically turned to tell the miko that she shouldn't sneak out to watch him this early and should go warm up inside because her ningen body would soon begin to shiver after being exposed for so long.
When he turned though - she was not there and he had to remind himself she was away.
He was used to the miko, slipping into the dojo with a blanket, and curling up in the corner to watch his morning routine. After the first few days within the House of the Moon she had asked why he was always up so early. He had inquired how she knew and she had responded, 'You always smell like the outdoors when you come for breakfast'. He offered her a brief explanation and the next morning - she was there, curious, and wanting to watch, unknown to her, her guard was hidden in the shadows doing some watching of his own.
He later found that none of her companions practiced traditional katas because there was never any time and she had always found his movements elegant. He had responded completely deadpanned, 'Of course they are elegant, miko, for anything less would be a blatant disgrace and disrespect to the art of the sword'.
Instead of dwelling on his mistake, he left the dojo and retreated inside to work.
Later he found himself staring blankly at a document, ears straining to hear the pitter patter and inane chatter of the kitsune kit because it had been uncharacteristically silent all day, and then remembered that the kit had been taken with the miko.
Blinking once and then again, Sesshoumaru placed the document down and narrowed his eyes lightly as he began to realize what this all meant.
The miko and her kit had become a part of his everyday life much like Rin had once been.
He didn't care for the duo like he had cared for Rin, on the contrary they were obligations that had to be dealt with, nothing more or less but regardless, they had become an aspect of his everyday life.
It was un-nerving and unsettling as hell but it was not something he could not handle.
Still, when he continued on throughout the day and ate his meals in dining area - lack of the Lady of the West and her child was almost stifling.
He didn't love the woman or even lust after her. She had just become something regular in his life - something routine and Sesshoumaru hated when his routine was broken.
When routine was broken it put him in an almost grouchy mood - not that he's ever admit to it - and when Sesshoumaru became grouchy, the whole castle knew.
So, on the second Kagome-less morning Sesshoumaru did what any grouchy/unhappy male would do.
Lips curled into a scowl in the privacy of his office, he stood and headed outdoors. Following a familiar stone path to the medium sized house built a little ways away from the main house, Sesshoumaru entered without so much as a knock. The twittering of girlish chatter and laughter reached his ears and the inu-youkai sniffed lightly, the delicate scent of female filling his senses. Headed to where the sounds were most concentrated, he found himself in the 'sitting room', women lying around sewing, playing games, grooming one another, etc. As he entered, talk immediately stopped and the women of the harem looked at the man hungrily.
Bowing, heads touching the floor in their seated positions, the greeted, "Welcome Sesshoumaru-sama!"
Gold orbs gazed around the room and they met lavender in a light clash. He said no words but instead tilted his head in her direction. The woman stood, her long lilac hair falling about her waves, nearly touching the floor. She offered a smile to the others who cast her coy glances and snickered as she followed the Western Lord out. They didn't speak as they walked toward the master bedroom. They stopped outside his door and he opened it for the young woman allowing her enter, as which was customary for the harem whores. Following after her, Sesshoumaru shut the door behind him with a small 'click'.
.
"He sounds almost identical to your father." Kun-loon murmured softly and Kagome paused in relating her adventures to her mother on her final day at home. She had never expected her mother to say anything like that about Sesshoumaru. Looking up from the soup she was currently sipping, Kagome's dark brows creased.
"Mama, Sesshoumaru and Papa are nothing alike. For one, Sesshoumaru is a killer." she frowned.
Kun-loon turned and arched a brow at her daughter, "And your papa was a sniper in the police force, Kagome. Your papa definitely killed his share of men."
"Not in cold blood!" Kagome protested.
"And do you think Sesshoumaru often kills in cold-blood? He seems quite the honorable one, another quality he shares your papa." Kagome paused and after a moment or two she shook her head.
"No, I don't think he does often if he does it all. You're right, Mama, he is honorable."
"He also seems like the strong - silent type, like your papa. He really was never one to talk."
"Sesshoumaru hardly ever talks and Papa talked to us all the time!"
"A man acts differently with those that he loves rather than those he just knows."
Again, Kagome frowned but nodded her head at her mother because it was true. Sesshoumaru had always acted differently with Rin then he had others. It was a truth that was absolute as far as she was concerned. He had mourned the small child like he had mourned no other so she definitely understood and wasn't Inuyasha the same way? She cast a look at the half demon that was seated at the other side of the table, slurping ramen. Didn't he too hide his emotions until he trusted you or cared enough about you to let them loose?
"I guess they are similar." Kagome sighed softly. Kun-loon gave her daughter a small smile as she began packing away things into her daughter's large yellow backpack. "Mama! You're going to burst my bag at the seams!" she squeaked as she continued to pile more food and medical supplies. "I don't need as much anymore since I'm not traveling!"
Her mother sniffled while still shoving in supplies, "I know that dear - but what if you get snowed in at the Western House and all the food spoils? Instead of cannibalizing you, you'll have non-perishables to offer the youkai! And what if you get injured on your own? You're only ningen, Kagome!" Kagome hid a smile at her mother's antics and gave her a quick hug. The moment Inuyasha had sniffed salt, he immediately took off to the living room, not wanting to see the tears. "I'm just going to miss you and you know I worry. Even though I know where you're at this time and how long you'll be away, it's still different from the visits every week or two weeks you normally have."
"Oh Mama." Kagome sighed softly, holding Kun-loon gently. "It'll be alright. You'll see. No worries. I'm a big, bad miko, remember?"
"I know." Kun-loon wiped her eyes once again and pulled away with a smile. "Look at me, being silly. Go get some rest dear, you're leaving early. I'll finish packing for you."
Kissing her Mama's cheek, Kagome hugged her tight once more and sighed, holding back her own tears. "I'll see you in a month, Mama. I love you."
"I love you too, dear."
That said, Kagome pulled away and retreated to her room, not looking back at her mother's anxious face because Sesshoumaru had taught Kagome several things, she could practically hear him in her head.
Once you make a decision, do not look back on it because then you may regret and we have no room to regret. As a leader, regretting is admitting you did something wrong and we never admit we did anything wrong - not even to ourselves.
Moments later Inuyasha found Kagome lying on her bed, back to the door.
Sitting on her windowsill, the hanyou sighed, "You know you don't have to go back, Kagome. I'll take you away. I'll hide you. I'll protect you." Inuyasha murmured gruffly.
"Didn't we discuss this before?" Kagome murmured with a soft smile as she turned on her side to face her friend.
"Yeah but that was about your duty to the Shikon no Tama but if you don't want to go back to this West, you can stay here." Kagome looked up at him through a fringe of lace-like black lashes.
"No, Inuyasha, and please... don't ask me again. I may not be able keep resisting such an offer." she whispered back. "To stay home with my family, to finish school, to live my life - it'd be a dream come true. Sadly, my cards have been dealt and shuffled and dealt again and this is the hand I've been given. Nothing more can be done."
Grumbling, Inuyasha looked outside into the evening.
Soon, Kagome fell asleep, Inuyasha drifting off to the warmth and scent of Kagome's room.
When morning dawned, Kagome woke bright and early, dressed quickly in one of her warmer kimonos [packed by Miwa] and left her childhood home with a sad smile.
Inuyasha held her bag and held her out over the rim, "You sure you don't want to say goodbye one more time?"
"Yeah. We said our goodbyes last night." Nodding his head, he leaped through time with the miko.
.
Takeshi didn't know what to expect when waiting for his mistress to come through the well but bright pink, purple, blue lights were definitely not it. Staring down into its depths, his brows creased in confusion, trying to see past the brightness and find Kagome. Soon her scent came through the well, followed closely by Inuyasha. He wanted to growl but instead, he closed his eyes and sniffed delicately. Reopening them, he was able to see through the darkness the dark haired miko whom was grumbling to her grumbling companion. He chuckled lightly and the sound must have nabbed her attention because she looked up and her cerulean gaze brightened as she waved her hand.
"Takeshi!" she called happily in the dawn of the morning. Nothing was said in return but he did lift a hand in greeting.
The hanyou at her side narrowed his golden eyes at the full inu as he lifted Kagome into his arms and leaped gracefully out of the well. Landing lightly before the guard, Inuyasha placed Kagome before him whom immediately launched herself at the obsidian inu. Her arms quickly enveloped him in a hug and her lips were curled into a quick smile. Her scent wrapped around Takeshi and he found his hands falling around her waist and entangling in the soft, unbound hair as he returned her enthusiastic greeting.
"Ahh, Kagome-sama, I'm glad you have returned." he murmured softly. Kagome nodded her head against his chest before pulling away.
With a light shrug of her dainty shoulders she responded with a smile bigger than the last, "I missed everyone! I'm glad to be back too." She stood there for a moment staring expectantly at the inu-youkai and he returned her stare blankly. "Well?" she inquired.
"Well what exactly?" he responded, his emerald eyes filling with confusion.
She nearly sighed with exasperation, "Is everyone alright? Has chaos fallen to the West? Fill me in!" she demanded lightly, almost playfully.
"Ahh - nothing pressing has happened. We can discuss things along the way back home. Your kit and entourage have already been prepared for the leaving." Takeshi informed the Western Lady, holding out his arm to her.
Kagome's playful expression and smile faltered as she gripped his forearm because in mere moments? She had gone from Kagome Higurashi, Girl of the Future to Kagome Higurashi, Western Lady of the Past.
Here she had an entourage.
Restraining from sighing again, Kagome walked gracefully beside her guard in the snow, Inuyasha coming up on her other side, her persona taking on a complete change.
It almost startled her inu-hanyou friend as he watched her transformation. She stood straighter, shoulders held back, head held high; the most intense change was the lack of emotion filling her ever expressive face and chill of her cerulean eyes. As though sensing his discomfort, Kagome turned and a smile curled her lips, bringing light into her youthful face, "I'm in the past now." she murmured to his unspoken question. "Sesshoumaru has - I have enemies and expression is something that cannot rule me."
He fixed her with an almost bland stare, "You practically cried the whole damn time you spent with us."
She gripped his hand as it swung by his side, "You would cry too after not seeing me for a long time."
Inuyasha snorted, "More like I'd cry because I had to see you."
Kagome's laughter was lost in the howl of the wind.
.
Sharp claws brushed through the length of the great taiyoukai of the West's hair as he sat up in the darkened room. The shades had been drawn so it looked as though it were a permanent dusk, and the only light was from that of a Western styled fire-place in the corner. It cackled and sizzled along the wood, filling the room with a semi-woodsy scent. Golden eyes blinked languidly as the relaxed, toned muscles in his pale, perfect body made him feel boneless. Dark bedding covered most of taiyoukai but the rest was carelessly tangled and haphazardly strewn across the large, comfortable, goose down mat. A dainty, clawed hand peaked from under the covers and several soft breathing patterns filled his ears. Along the bottom of the mat were two pairs of feet and on the right side of his form lay a small body curled in his side.
Cerdwin, Hatsumomo, Setsuna, and Mioka were by far his favorite partners of the harem and so it was of no surprise to them when Sesshoumaru returned to the Harem House without Setsuna and invited the other three to his room.
The male found that no matter what he did - his mind strayed back to the miko and the kit.
It wasn't that he feared for the two or that he cared, it was more principal and priority than anything.
If the kit became hurt, he'd have to deal with the miko again. If the miko died then he died.
It was all quite troublesome.
So in the mean time? He occupied himself by not thinking at all and as Western Lord, he could definitely do that with little problems.
His miko-less week consisted of sex, sex, sex, maybe nourishment, a bath here and there, oh - and more sex.
It certainly had been an eventful week.
Cerdwin's obsidian eyes peaked up at him through a fringe of black lashes as she began to wake. A soft moan of pain filled his ears as she attempted to sit up.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" she called sleepily. "Are we going again?" she asked softly, blinking back the sleep, licking her sharp teeth. Sesshoumaru shook his head at the mermaid and tilted his head to the side as he cracked his neck. The once goddess frowned and looked put out for just a moment before she brightened, her cruel features almost soft as she took in the taiyoukai. "I'm sure we'll have time later - "
"No. We will not. The miko and her kit return today and I will be spending the day with the two; there will be no later." That said, Sesshoumaru stood gracefully, silvery hair cascading along his body as he avoided stepping upon any of his bed partners. Cerdwin sat up, eyes narrowed with anger and maybe a little pain. Her lips were pursed into a thin line as she stared at his retreating - firm - backside. "Ensure that the four of you are gone by mid-morning."
Sesshoumaru retreated to his private bathing chambers to wash away the musk and sweat, ignoring the mermaid behind him and her sleeping companions.
The harem women were an indulgence and there to keep up appearances more than anything. It was a fad that the Eastern Ryuu had brought into a play during the reign of his father. The East and the West had rarely played nice in those days even though they had a treaty that prevented them fighting. Because of said treaty - the two Lords had found other ways to best on another and so the Ryuu had shown off his whores to the Western Inu and Touga had responded in kind. It was a game with who had the better women. Which were more skilled, more beautiful, etc.
Then Touga had met the ningen, Inuyasha's Mother, and the harem house was disbanded, its women scattered to the wind.
After the death of his father the practice had once again been revived.
Appearances. They were typically everything in the world of politics.
And since he had to keep up appearances? He may as well indulge them. Though he found the practice of collecting women like toys almost distasteful, the women, he had to admit, had their uses.
He knew they weren't diseased. He knew they had not been with another. Most importantly? He knew they would not give up their lives of comfort and make him angry and try and kill him or his.
Settling down into the hot water of his personal bathing chamber, the inu-youkai washed thoroughly, taking the scent of sex from his skin.
Now that his mind was no longer occupied by his bed partners, Sesshoumaru's thoughts wandered back to the miko.
Would she return? Would Takeshi once more try and run off with her? He wasn't worried about the woman but rather the consequences. Contrary to popular belief, he did not do whatever he wanted. He was Western Lord, true, but he had rules to follow as well. That was just how it worked. Some rules were meant to be broken whereas others most definitely were not.
A perfect example would have been his father. The older inu had desired a ningen and even pupped her! The consequences of those actions had led to his death and left his empire in ruin. Ryukotsusei had found his father weak, tempted him - pressured him to fight and his father, like a fool, had answered the ryuu's taunts. He was mortally wounded and died saving his small family. Had he not fought that ryuu? His father would no doubt been alive to this day. His father hadn't left Sesshoumaru any sort of legacy. The West had fallen and his father appeared the fool.
Sesshoumaru had not inherited the West by right.
He had inherited the West by blood and battle.
Dipping his head into the hot water, the youkai washed away the memories along with the suds in his lengthy hair.
A knock from the door interrupted his bath and he murmured a cool, "Enter."
Bulbous eyes peaked around the corner and Jaken soon meandered in with a low bow, "Sesshoumaru-sama."
"You have been scarce as of late, Jaken. Any particular reason to this?" the inuyoukai inquired as he stood from the water, rivulets of moisture clinging to his bare flesh, sliding along his skin. He gripped a towel from a small hanging and wrapped it around his form, staring at the small kappa.
Luminous orbs filled with moisture for just a moment before he looked away, "I miss her." was the only response he could conjure, were the only words that would leave his croaking throat.
Sesshoumaru was hard pressed to not stiffen in response. He had always known that Jaken was fairly fond of the girl but not enough to actually miss her. Sesshoumaru himself was still coming to terms with his grief but he would not allow it to rule his life. He could offer no words of comfort because he did not comfort people. He could not hug the small youkai because it was not in his nature to do so. In fact, Sesshoumaru could do little more than nod and stand there. Perhaps even change the subject which is exactly what he did, "Why have you interrupted my bath?"
"Kagome-sama has been spotted not far. It appears as though she had an earlier start than anticipated." An elegant brow arched at the referral of the miko as 'Kagome-sama' for the creature before him was not known for his manners. He did not comment on it but rather he disappeared into his room and proceeded to dress. The harem women were gone; the bedding had been changed and fixed. There was no evidence that anything occurred within the room except for the light lingering scent of sex but even that would disappear in a matter of minutes. Using his youki, the youkai was able to heat the air around him allowing him to quickly dry his long hair as he dressed. Soon, he was ready to greet the miko.
A scent caught his nose as he reached his door and his stomach roiled in response. Resisting the urge to scrunch his nose, Sesshoumaru opened the door to see Reika poised to knock. She looked surprised for just a moment and then she offered him one of her smooth smiles. The inu was no doubt a lovely specimen of a woman but her emotions were as fake as the miko's were real.
"Sesshoumaru-sama." she bowed before straightening.
"Is there a reason you are outside my room?" he inquired lowly.
The smile on her lovely lips died abruptly and she nodded her head sharply, "I saw the women leaving your chambers this morning."
"The harem women, yes. They are there for the more carnal aspects; I'm sure you are aware of this by now." Sesshoumaru murmured with a dark rumble. "Get to the point."
"I will not stand to be insulted in such a manner." she finally growled back, her lovely demeanor fading away leaving an angry, cruel face, twisted in her anger. "You take the whores to bed while I remain in your house as a potential mate! This is an outrage! A simple spit in the face to both myself and my fam - "
"Then maybe you should remain no longer." Sesshoumaru interjected coolly. "Gather your things and you will be escorted back to your home by sundown." He shut the door behind him and began to leave behind the sputtering female but was stopped by her dainty hand along his bicep. The taiyoukai didn't spare the gold inu a glance. "You remove your hand or you will lose it."
"At least tell me why." she growled angrily, fangs bore in a blatant display of aggression. There was no time for the woman to react and to be honest? She didn't even see him move but within a tenth of a second, she was pressed against his bedroom door, hanging several inches from the ground while his hand wrapped around her throat. There was no scarlet tinge to his eyes, only the cool golden that normally dominated. There was no fire of anger just acceptance.
Acceptance that he could and would kill her if necessary.
She pursed her lips and tears rose unbidden in her eyes. Tears of anger and frustration - of humiliation.
"Why?" he intoned in that same, monotone, solemn voice of his. "You want to know why?" he asked softly, leaning forward so that his lips were pressed to the shell of her ear, hot breath tickling the delicate tips, and brushing the golden curls. She couldn't stop the reaction that flamed her senses and sent her blood on fire. The next sentence had her stiffen and her blood run cold as though doused with a bucket of ice water, "You sicken me. Your scent, your words, your attitude. You are worse than a bitch in heat when it comes to attempting to snag my attention. You want to play my whore, Reika? Is that not why your father sent you my way? He is practically selling you to me for a title that cannot be given to any one person other than the miko that has acquired it. You have failed in your endeavors. Get out of my sight and go home. Touch me disrespectfully again and your head will be loped from your shoulders. I tire of warning you."
With that said, Sesshoumaru pulled away and stared at the other for just a moment before he tossed her from him like one would a rag doll. She hit the wall and put a crack in the stone before she slid to the ground in an ungraceful heap. Her luminous eyes glowed claret and she growled angrily. "Fuck you, Sesshoumaru! You will regret everything you have done and said here this day! I swear my honor on it!" she cursed.
He turned and walked away, calling out with a snort, "Honor? You have none."
Reika stood, tears slipping alongside her cheeks. "Damn you, Sesshoumaru, damn you."
In that moment, her heart broke, and everything she held within her for the Western Lord turned into hate.
True - she had wanted to be Western Lady more than anything but in her heart of hearts... she loved the little boy he had once been and loved what he was today.
Behind closed eye lids she saw the small Sesshoumaru and his father visiting her father's lands. She looked to be the age of a teenager, maybe fifteen and Sesshoumaru had still been just a small boy of no more than three in appearance.
She had been so shocked to see the pudgy child - the next Western Lord and when he smiled at her? Her heart nearly broke at the beauty.
He had that effect on most people with his angelic features. She watched him age from baby to man over the years and she had always been told that he would be hers.
It was a simple fact and truth she had been told by her father.
And he had lied because the Western Lord didn't want her.
He didn't need her.
In fact, as long as the miko lived then he would need no mate what so ever. The miko would take care everything a Lady of the West would.
The miko had to go.
Retreating to her room she shut and locked the door behind her and took a seat at her vanity. Adjusting her clothing and wiping the tear tracks from her cheeks she whispered softly to the mirror before her, "Show me the hanyou."
The mirror swirled to life until a small pale face appeared within the mirror, "Reika-sama, what can we do you for you?" came the soft, feathery voice of the void child.
"I need to speak to Naraku, Kanna." Reika nearly snapped. Kanna nodded and the mirror turned until she came face to face with the cruel, crimson gaze of the dark hanyou that roamed the country side.
A soft chuckle reached her ears as the handsome man's deep voice soothed over her, "Well, well, Reika-sama, anything new or interesting happening in the Western Palace?"
Reika scoffed, "You were right. He is sending me home and no longer wants me here."
"Did I not tell you?" Naraku whispered softly, shaking his head of dark hair. "Did I not tell you that he would not want you? Do you see? The miko stands in the way of everything. Would he have turned you away otherwise? He does not love her or care for her but she is an asset and Sesshoumaru knows it."
"I know - I just - I just thought he would see that I am here and I am willing. I was hoping that - I don't know what I was hoping." she responded back, voice cracking, her honey orbs darkening. "Logically, I understand that she is Western Lady due to their ties but it's not fair! She didn't have to work or fight for it! He didn't even choose her!"
"Exactly - and is Sesshoumaru-sama the type to let others choose for him?" Naraku inquired almost lovingly as Reika shook her head. "The miko is a menace and must go. When you go home, you must speak to your father and have him speak to your cardinal Lord. This is an outrage and you know it. The miko has to be up to no good."
"A spell." Reika breathed softly. "It has to be a spell."
"Yes, Reika. A spell." Naraku soothed, his smile dark, malicious. "We must save Sesshoumaru from himself."
"We must save Sesshoumaru." Reika repeated, her eyes blank, her face emotionless.
With that Naraku faded from the mirror.
The miko was the center piece for everything.
Get rid of the miko? Get rid of Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha and the Shikon would be his for the plucking; Japan, his for the taking.
Oh what a terrible web the spider weaves.
.
"Oh Himeno-san! It feels like forever!" Kagome smiled as Himeno bowed to the young woman.
"I see you are in good spirits and that Miwa-chan has taken good care of you." Himeno responded with an appraising eye. Shippo leaped from Kagome's shoulder and landed on Himeno's head, looking at her upside down. "Ahh- young Shippo-chan, did you have a lovely trip?"
"Yeah! I defended my Momma and took care of Miwa-chan! Now I'm hungry though! Can you go to the kitchens?" Himeno chuckled and shook her head as she silently asked Kagome with an inquiring and Kagome nodded her head once.
"Alright, Shippo-chan! Off to get your rumbling tummy something to eat. Before I forget, Kagome-sama. Please go see Sesshoumaru-sama in his office immediately." Himeno relayed before walking off with Shippo. Kagome turned to the envoy and gave them all a quick smile as they awaited what duties would be bestowed upon them.
Just because the trip was over, it didn't mean their duties were done.
"Alright then - Miwa-chan, please take any spare provisions back to the kitchens as well as my bag to my room. Guards, ensure that the cart and horses be taken to the stables and taken care of by one of the youkai on duty. Once that is complete, report to your individual sects and ensure that they are aware of your return and that you have been given the rest of the day to yourselves and will return to duty the day following tomorrow. If they have any issues or concerns tell them they can come by and see me and we can discuss their problem. If you would like to return to duty before hand - then by all means do so. Thank you for both your help and company on this trip. You are dismissed." With that said, the guards and Miwa dispersed and Kagome turned to Takeshi with a worried eye. "Did I do that correctly? Should I have said more to express my thanks?"
Takeshi chuckled lightly and shook his head, "You did well, Kagome-sama. There is nothing more that can be done."
She breathed a sigh of relief and nodded her head. Turning away from her guard, Kagome began the trek toward Sesshoumaru's office, Takeshi following closely behind. Reaching the large door, she briefly knocked and heard the cool voice call a swift, "Enter." Kagome took a deep breath and entered the warmth of the office. Sesshoumaru sat hunched over his desk, his eyes moving along each and every scroll that was currently covering every inch of the oak surface. Kagome bowed to the waist, Takeshi following suit. "Have a seat, miko. Takeshi - you are dismissed." Takeshi nodded, bowed again, and retreated from the office as Kagome took a seat at one of the lovely imported, plush chairs. Sesshoumaru did not look up at the miko as he continued to read over scrolls and occasionally jot something down on paper. "How was your trip?"
"It was lovely. The guards were great and Miwa-chan was great company." Kagome filled in with a light smile. "Mama was glad to see me and Souta asked more questions than I could answer and Grandpa was - well, he was Grandpa. It was good for me; I enjoyed my time away."
"Good, and your kit?" he inquired, eyes flicking up from his documents for just a moment before returning back to his reading. "How did he take to the weather?"
"Shippo-chan did wonderfully. No relapse or anything of the sort. He did seem a little frightened at first but he was gradually playing in the snow as we went along." Sesshoumaru nodded his to indicate he was listening and Kagome continued. "Anything happen here?"
"Nothing of consequence." he informed her lightly. Had there been an issue that required immediate attention, he would have been notified regardless of his previous activities. "I expect Masato back shortly and we will see what he has found in his search."
Kagome's brows furrowed, "Masato?" she inquired softly.
"Yes, you know him. He was the one that attacked you at pre-breakfast on your first day."
Kagome recalled a flash of strikingly silver colored eyes before her lips pursed, "I remember him."
"He is a scout and probably the West's best. You should keep that in mind in the event you ever need information." Sesshoumaru hummed.
"What sort of youkai is he?" the miko inquired softly.
Sesshoumaru paused completely and sat back as in his chair as he offered her his full attention, "Masato is not a youkai. Masato is a different manner of creature all together. He is what is known as a basilisk."
Cerulean eyes widened marginally, "But you can't look into a basilisk's eyes!"
"Not when they are in full snake form but when in a ningen guise, their eyes are silver. However, they can still use their powers and when this happens, their eyes turn a searing gold."
Kagome almost gulped but refrained. Sesshoumaru had all sorts of creatures within his court and each seemed fiercer then the last. "What is he searching for?"
"He is scouting the area that the men were attacked at. Currently, we have most of our people trying to duplicate what could have caused the attack with no such luck. These are not matters you should concern yourself with though." Sesshoumaru explained with a slight wave of his hand.
Kagome scoffed lightly, lips pursed in an angry line, "Sesshoumaru-sama - I've been travelling with Inuyasha and tracking down Naraku and I shouldn't concern myself with our lands? I hope you don't expect to me be an idle lady with too much time on her hands."
The taiyoukai shook his head before golden met cerulean, "No - I don't expect you to be idle. I expect you to do all the things required of a Western Lady. You have already learned more than enough in etiquette. It is time for you to do your job."
"My job?" the miko inquired lightly, arching a delicate brow.
"The Cardinal rulers are all men and have mates. It is best you become friends with the other Cardinal Ladies. Each man may rule his lands but his mate rules his house. If you can create allies among the ladies, it will benefit us in our future. The West has been at a disadvantage for many years because of this."
"Your lack of mate has been a disadvantage?" the miko inquired incredulously.
"I should have acquired a mate the moment I took the West and yet I did not and each advisor said the same thing." Sesshoumaru murmured, his golden eyes cool and yet unseeing for several moments. The emptiness unsettled the young ningen and she shifted quietly in her seat, speaking softly.
"What did they say?" she murmured curiously.
The blankness disappeared and the taiyoukai responded in kind, "That I was a fool."
"And what did you say?"
He gave a small shrug of his shoulders that couldn't quite be classified as a 'shrug' for it was far too elegant to be considered one, "I did not say anything, miko."
Kagome snorted, "I find it hard to believe you just let them say as they pleased."
A soft cruelness entered Sesshoumaru's eyes, darkness that dwelled within all youkai swarming in their golden depths, "You are correct. I did not let them say as they pleased, after all, it is difficult to speak when you no longer have a tongue in which to communicate or the head required to continue living."
Kagome shivered gently as unpleasant goose bumps peaked her flesh and she quickly changed the subject, "Would they speak to me, these other ladies?"
"Why would they not?"
"I am ningen, miko, and we are not mates."
"Ahhh - that would not pose to be an issue. At this time, the West is in its prime. Trading routes have been established and are prospering, our people flourish under my wing - now yours - , and our military force is unrivaled. For the other Cardinal females to ignore you would be a bad idea on their part. If anything, they should want to leap at the chance to be part of the West and to do so would be through you. After all, do you not want the best for your friends?" Kagome nodded her head and he in turn hummed, "Hmm, you see? If we prosper and we are allies to the others, then they prosper as well."
"Are we not allies at this time?"
"The Northern kitsune are the West's main and true ally. The Eastern ryuu still likes to strut about and though we are tentative allies, he could turn at any moment. The Southern koumori keep to themselves. They have no ties to any other land. They stay out of squabbles but they are not defenseless. If anything, they pose the largest threat because none know of what they are capable of."
"Another reason you would mate Reika." Kagome stated rather than asked but Sesshoumaru nodded his head nonetheless.
"Her lands would provide us insight into that which has never been explored." the taiyoukai responded and Kagome quickly nodded. He chose his next words carefully, "Reika is no longer on the grounds and is on her way home."
Ebony brows furrowed in question, "Has something happened?"
Sesshoumaru almost snorted, "She is a disrespectful disturbance. I would not mate her and I am not going to mate her. She would have been a political acquisition but she does not seem to understand that. Now let us speak of the requirements of the Western Lady. Your first order of business is to visit the village. It is important your subjects know you but because you are ningen, there may be limitations. I do not expect you to interact with the youkai village but I do expect for you to go into town and purchase items for yourself. We have always retained good relations with the village. When they are happy, we are happy because they are our subjects. Your second order of business is to gain control of the household. The household needs to respect you and your wishes. Third order of business is to arrange a day with the cardinal ladies. Himeno-san will inform you of the latest gossip beforehand. Arrange a breakfast or lunch. No dinners - night time activities make for terrible first impressions and a darker atmosphere." After each 'business order', the western lord would write something down on a piece of parchment and mutter something to himself.
"Is that all, Sesshoumaru-sama?"
"No - you must arrange a date to bargain for Takeshi. We have already received word that his clan wants him back." The inuyoukai pulled a scroll from his pile and offered it to the young miko whom pursed her lips. The black wax seal had yet to be broken and the insignia was an elegant 'Y'. Breaking the seal, she unfurled the scroll and her eyes zipped across the parchment. After a few moments she laughed aloud. "Why do you laugh?"
Kagome wanted to cry and laugh all at once, "They want him back and they have issued threat to us. He goes back or someone fights for him, just as you said. It is a death duel - Sesshoumaru - death. I don't want to kill." she whispered.
"Then he returns to them."
Kagome shook her head sullenly and her lips pursed again, "If he does not want to go, then he won't. I will not take away his choice because I am squeamish."
"Good." Sesshoumaru nodded his head and returned to his papers and scrolls. "You are dismissed. Ensure that you do as instructed. I had gone to the liberty of placing a desk of your won within your rooms so that you may write out your invitations and letters. I expect your training to resume tomorrow." Kagome nodded her head and stood, bowing at the waist, she then retreated. When she reached the door, she paused and turned slightly back to the taiyoukai. "Hmm?" he hummed, not once looking up.
"Sesshoumaru-sama... it feels good to be back. To be home." she said softly. Sesshoumaru paused in his writing and merely nodded his head, once more not looking up. Though he couldn't see it, Kagome smiled brightly before leaving.
Before - she hadn't known what home was anymore.
Was it with her Mama, Grandpa, and Souta in the future?
Was it with Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Kaede, and Kirara in the village?
Was it with Sesshoumaru and Shippo in the Western Lands?
Yet, sitting there, within the office, discussing the politics and what not with Sesshoumaru had made her feel lighter and released something heavy within her.
She wasn't truly needed in the future and neither was she truly needed in Kaede's village, but within the West? She was a vital part of the everyday function now and that made coming back all the more beautiful.
It made the West home.
As she closed the door behind her softly, elfin tipped ears twitched once and the twice.
The sound of childish laughter reached his ears and the Western Lord breathed almost easy - not that he would ever admit it to himself or anyone else for that matter.
.
To the Lord and Lady of the Western Lands,
First - allow me to congratulate you on your acquisition Lord of the West. A miko? Lovely. An extended hand to the Lady of the West as well - to snag a taiyoukai? You must have great power. To the point of the letter though - I have heard that ownership of Takeshi has been once more switched. I would very much like him to return home immediately.
Unless a champion steps forth to a death match then he will be retrieved forcefully and we do not want to have to resort to such barbarian matters, do we?
I think not.
He is one of the rightful heirs to the clan and it is best for all considered that he be collected.
If you would like to fight for his rights, Western Miko, then by all means do so and respond to this letter promptly.
You have one week to consider the options and respond to which we will respond with the date you may visit the compound.
Before you do accept or decline - ensure you know what it is you getting into.
We fight to the death. We take no prisoners and there is no throwing the match or giving up. We do not spare lives for any purpose even if you beg.
Your opponent's life must be taken in order to win.
I appreciate your time and please tell my son that I miss him desperately.
Sincerely,
Yasumoto
Current Obsidian Clan Head
.
.
.
'Gome Yuki:: Alright ladies and gents! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! We're getting a little more in depth on the court and functionality! I didn't get forget about Naraku :3 He does play a part in this story.
Also – I'm tired of stories where Sesshoumaru does whatever the heck he wants. He has limitations just like everyone else. Rules and protocol to be followed just like others! True, he too doesn't give a crap but nonetheless, he conforms as well – for the good of his people at least. So yeah. Reika is an evil bitch. Kagome learns more.
Someone urged a Facebook page so that they can receive updates! So I have added one "A Demon Lord's Cry - A Kagome and Sesshoumaru Story" I will also have a link on my page! Go like it and you'll receive updates as well as sneak peeks and what not! Ask your questions, urge the updates, etc.
Next time - we get more in depth on Takeshi and Kagome begins her reign as Lady of the West! Leave me some love?