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 Sixteen: Inherited Through Blood
x . . . . x
As she poured through the scrolls, one line caught her eye and she paused, "... and the Killing Perfection was cast from the West upon the death of his father as the Eastern Ryuu rose up and took away everything."
Cerulean gaze wide and unblinking Kagome looked around the library at Shippo whom had dozed off mid color and Takeshi who was leaning against the far wall. Standing up, she gathered the scroll and sat down closer to the fire to get better light. Wetting her suddenly dry lips with her tongue she began to read and what she read had her heart drop in her chest.
Kagome backtracked several pages, wanting to read the beginning of the tale, unsure of what she head read and if 'The Killing Perfection' was referring to Sesshoumaru because there was no way that it could be, after all, Sesshoumaru was the Western Lord now. Why would he be cast from his own lands? Kagome took a deep breath, her eyes scanning once more around the room before she delved into the story and read all of Sesshoumaru's bloody history.
The great Western Lord had been challenged by Ryukotsusei, the first son of the Eastern Ryuu, for his title of Leader of the West and it was a fight that the Inu no Taisho could not refuse. He bid farewell to his mate, explaining to her where he would be and the threat upon his ningen mistress and how it was too great a risk to leave her and his pup alone when the child was born. He would bring them to the Western House for them to stay and be protected after his challenge had been fought and won. He was confident that all would be well and that may have been his downfall.
The great Inu no Taisho had been damned. The Western Lady had looked upon her life mate and sneered as she asked him one question before he fled into the night to conquer those that would oppose him and attempt to save the ningen female that mothered him a child – a hanyou. "Will it be worth it, do you think, beloved mate? You will fight and rid this world of Ryukotsusei on the eve that your bastard is born."
The Western Lord looked upon his mate with great sadness and placed a heavy hand upon her shoulder. She stared at him evenly but said nothing, "I will not have my child in a world where that filth roams. I do not expect you to understand, Mizuki. He has challenged me and called upon me tonight – it is a fight I cannot refuse."
Mizuki turned her head from him and glared harshly at the wooden floor, "I see. Do as you will but when you return from killing the ryuu and you bring back your whore, do not expect me to be here waiting. I am the Western Lady and I deserve more then you are giving me. She will have nothing when it comes to title. Nothing!" and then she turned on her heel, silver hair whipping behind her, the scent of her tears filling the air.
"I loved you once, Mizuki." He called softly, knowing she would hear. "I loved you more than the stars, the moon, and the sun."
"Touga, you bastard." she whispered in return as she heard his clothing flap softly in the wind as he leaped from the window and into the snow filled night. "I love you still."
The Inu no Taisho met with Ryukotsusei and only few words exchanged. A battle ensued in true forms, inu against ryuu. Though powerful, Ryukotsusei had been underestimated and powerful in his own right. Being underestimated gave him just enough to land a potentially fatal blow to the Western Lord.
"Will you yield, Ryukotsusei?" Touga asked the first prince strongly. Cool, black eyes met that of gold as the man scoffed. He was not young by any stretch of the imagination, well into his thousands but his father was an even older creature, existing longer than most that lived to that day.
"Filthy inu, you ask if I yield?" pale hair filled his black eyes and he shook his head. Youki swarmed outward and filled the basin where their battle was to take place, creating a wind around the youkai. Touga did not move as the wind ruffled his clothing and tossed his hair behind him. "I ask of you the same inu! Do you yield?"
"Never." He responded softly. "Never shall I yield to you or your family!" His final words ended as his own youki burst forth also creating a wind. The two youki's clashed as their faces began to morph, eyes enveloped in a sheen of red. A howl fell from the Western Lord's lips as a growl fell from the ryuu's. Muscles crunched and lengthened and changed beneath the surface of flesh as their bodies grew in size until a serpentine creature stood before a silver inu. There was no time for chatter – the two met in a clash of claw and fang.
Acidic teeth embedded themselves within scaly flesh of its enemy. Claws scraped at white fur. Blood splattered the canyon walls and the majestic creatures fought, saliva flying wildly. The serpentine body wrapped around the inu, squeezing as chuckling filled the air. Teeth of the inu snapped at its opponent, burying into the jugular. The ryuu cried out, unraveling from its prey and clawed at the hind quarter of the inu, burying its fingers deep within his flesh. Another howl from the inu had it release its teeth from the ryuu. Blood fell heavily from the wound and the ryuu felt acid seeping into his flesh. He fell back against the wall of the cavern and the inu knew his strength was leaving him. He would not be able to end the creature's life so instead, using his own claw, he sealed away the creature and its power, leaving him in a frozen state.
Touga fell to the ground, breathing heavily, whimpering softly at his wound but he had one other place to be. So he shed away the pain and he ran.
Had the Western Lord taken care of his wound, then his death would not have been possible but instead he paid a visit to his eldest son and then he went to save his unborn youngest. Pushing his body to the end of its limits ended the Western Lord's life. No one knows what was said between eldest son and father but the son fled home to where he knew the castle was under siege and his father fled to his mistress.
"It was all a distraction, Father. You fight the eldest son and they attack the West while preparations are made for your mistress and you are off retrieving her. It was a trap, Father, and you fell right into it."
"Sesshoumaru, my son, what will you have me do?" the Western Lord asked softly, turning soft golden eyes on his eldest, so much like his mother that it hurt.
"Return home with me and we will take out those that oppose us together. Mother is there and she needs us."
"No, Sesshoumaru, I cannot. I must save Izayoi and your brother."
"Half-brother." Sesshoumaru responded automatically, eyes narrowed. "You choose your ningen whore over our lands? Our family? You will allow my Mother to fight your battle?"
"I make no choices. These choices have been made for me. She must be retrieved; her people are turning against her and my child. He is every bit of much mine as you are and I cannot leave him to this fate. I will protect him and her with what little life I have left because it is my duty." Sesshoumaru watched as his father turned his back on his son and something within him snarled at the action.
"So are you going, Father?" he inquired slowly.
Touga sighed as he softly asked, "Are you going to stop me, Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru shook his head though his father could not see it, the salt of the ocean filling his nose, "I am not going to stop you. However, before that, I would like the fangs Sou'unga and Tetsuseiga to be handed over to me."
There was a pause before the Western Lord responded, "If I say I won't give them to you... would you kill your own father? Do you desire power that much? Why do you seek power?" he inquired, genuinely curious. Wondering where he went wrong with his eldest son? Was it the path of destruction he sought or was it something that he himself had taught his child?
"I must travel the path of conquest... power is necessary in order to walk that path." Sesshoumaru responded monotone.
The Inu no Taisho remembered a time where the sounds of his son's laughter had filled the Western Halls. He remembered a new born and how proud he had been when he heard his first cry. Sesshoumaru had been perfect in that moment and though he was cold and he was cruel – he was his son and he was still perfect. He would not be here for the aftermath of his decisions but he would still teach his son even in death. He would not leave him Tetsusaiga or the cursed blade of Sou'unga. He would receive Tenseiga upon his death in hopes to teach him compassion.
Touga chuckled, "Conquest, huh? Sesshoumaru, is there something you want to protect?" he asked softly.
Sesshoumaru scoffed, "Something to protect? I have no need to pursue such an endeavor."
Though his mind whispered otherwise, 'Mother.'
His father nodded to himself, transformed and fled. Wanting to pursue but knew he could not, Sesshoumaru watched his father flee to his whore before he ran in the opposite direction and into the heart of the West.
Upon coming home, the Western House was in flames. The Killing Perfection knew his father was not long for this world but at the time he had other things to worry about. The Eastern Ryuu launched a full scale attack on the Western House. The outer wall and inner walls had been breached. Smoke filled the sky, fire melting the snow and creating mud covered the streets. Sesshoumaru made his way through the destruction to find his mother because he knew without a doubt the West could fall this night.
Sesshoumaru made his way through the town that had become a battlefield, peasants fighting to protect their homes from soldiers that did not care if they lived or died. Ryuu's took to the sky, their large, sleek forms breathing fire into the streets, eliminating friend and foe alike. Their screeches hurt his ears but he made his way passed Eastern and Western soldiers fighting to the death. He eliminated soldiers as he dived through them, darting here and there, a flash of green symbolizing his whip of acid.
Heads rolled but more would take their places as they died. It was infestation of enemies. Sesshoumaru growled and made it to the inner wall where the harem women whom had been disbanded but allowed a place to stay fought against assailants whom wanted nothing more than to kill or rape them. He had no time to help them – they were youkai women and should be able to handle themselves. If they could not then they were useless.
"Mother!" Sesshoumaru yelled into the evening, running through the halls where soldiers pillaged the rooms, taking all of value, killing any that stood in their way. Some saw him and turned to attack but before they could, they found themselves missing limbs or had a hand through a vital organ. Soot from the smoke covered the white he had been wearing splattered with blood. A growl fell from his throat, rumbled in his chest, as he attempted to sniff out his Mother. She was cruel occasionally and a downright bitch, but she had loved him from the moment he was born and he would not turn his back on her. He would save her if his father would not.
He eventually found her in the main throne room, where those came to appeal to his Mother and Father for whatever reasons they may be. She was on the floor, glorious silver hair strewn about her, as the Eastern Ryuu stood above her, a sword to the elegant column of her throat. Her clothing was dirty, mussed, and covered in blood but her beauty shone through as the man spoke to her, his voice soothing and nothing like the destruction of that he wrought upon the West.
His pale yellow hair was pulled into a low pony tail and his eyes were the complete opposite of his eldest son's, a pale, pale red – bordering on pink – with slit pupils. He was of larger stature then his own father, taller, but lean rather than his father's muscled form. He was whispering to his mother, talking low tones, but Sesshoumaru heard every word exchanged.
" – forsaken you. None have come for you. The West has fallen and I have no doubt that your son and mate have been killed. You are of great beauty, Mizuki, and it would please me to have you by my side. When we rule the West – it will do good for its citizens to see their previous Queen."
"Never, Shoichi! You have taken everything from me and for that I will give nothing in return!" Sesshoumaru snarled as the blade cut into his mother's neck, leaving a thin line of blood. Mizuki and Shoichi turned and though his mother looked horrified, Shoichi looked content. "Sesshoumaru! My son! Run from this place! Hurry!"
"Silence, bitch!" Shoichi growled, his hand coming out to slap across his Lady Mother's mouth. Sesshoumaru ran into the room and immediately they came from the shadows. Youkai attacked him and he fought while Mizuki screamed for her child. Numbers increased and soon the Western Prince was bloody, battered, and brought to his knees, overcome by the sheer amount of enemies that came after him. Mizuki attempted to run to her son – all her cool, calm, collectedness fading away the instant her mothering instincts came to the forefront of her mind. He was still but a pup, in her eyes, after all – still weak and still needing her there. Shoichi yanked her back by her hair – holding it in a tight knot as he chuckled. "Ahh- so the Prince remains alive, ne? We can change that."
"No! Leave my son alone!" she growled, her nails beginning to emit acid, allowing it to seep into the ground and eat away at the flooring. One of the youkai sent a swift kick to Sesshoumaru's midsection, blood spurting from his mouth, and filling the air. He doubled over as several bones cracked and he coughed.
"He will leave, Mizuki, if you stay by my side. It is purely a political matter, you see? It will make the people easier to deal with if you remain alive and happy with your current situation."
Her lower lip quivered and she nodded her head once, "Fine. You have my word in this matter – let my son go." Shoichi released her hair and she fell to the ground, crawling to her son as he too was dropped. Her hands trembled as she stroked his cheeks, cut, and swollen. "It will be alright, Sesshoumaru." She whispered softly, emitting a soft whine. His appearance was that of a seventeen year old and he was still young, having not yet come into his full potential. She knew he would not be able to fight his way out of there. Her lips pursed – she watched him attempt to pull himself up onto his hands and knees, snarling as he went. She leaned down and whispered lowly against the shell of his ear, "No, son, stay down. Do not move – they will cast you from here now and you must leave and stay away. You are still but a child and Shoichi has many years behind him. Stay down, Sesshoumaru, live but do not return here for any reason. I will be content knowing you are alive somewhere safe."
He wanted to respond, tell her that he was strong and could defeat those that stood to harm her, harm their home, their people, but the look in her eyes told him otherwise and his jaw was broken so he could do little more than growl. He was proud – proud like his father, proud like his mother – and they both knew it. Mizuki knew though, that pride could kill her child and so she watched as they dragged him away, watched as he feebly fought against them, watched as they threw him into the muddied once snow covered ground, and she hardened her heart.
Shoichi took control of the Moon House and the Killing Perfection was cast from the West upon the death of his father as the Eastern Ryuu rose up and took away everything. The Lady of the House of the Moon was made his mistress and she led beside him for many years watching as her lands were driven to ruin until the Western Prince returned and destroyed all that stood in his way.
Sesshoumaru turned to Takeshi whom had been away on a mission at the time of the attack and sought out Sesshoumaru upon hearing of it as they observed the Western House from one of the many large trees that surrounded the outer gate. Both were still young appearing more nineteen bordering on twenty as they observed their target. Takeshi nodded at Sesshoumaru – lips pursed into a thin line.
He moved closer to Sesshoumaru and breathed a small sigh, "Are you ready, Sesshoumaru-sama?" the exiled prince nodded his head once and met his companions eyes.
"I fought and defeated your father for the right to keep you by my side as my father did before me and if I can do that – Shoichi's death should be simple." Sesshoumaru shrugged lightly.
"Will your honor allow for this?" Takeshi inquired softly and Sesshoumaru turned his head to where then sun began to set and he nodded his head once.
"There was no honor in the way they went about taking the West and so there will be no honor in the ryuu's death." Takeshi nodded once and Sesshoumaru tilted his head in his direction, "Peace be with you should you fall."
"Peace be with you should you fall." Takeshi returned and then he disappeared in a flurry of shadows. Sesshoumaru's keen eye sight watched him descend on the outer walls, silently killing the guards in his way and Sesshoumaru – a shock of white against the green foliage, ran toward the wall and leaped over it in a single bound. He moved silently across the grounds, the stench of death and decay covering his own scent as the guards lay with their women. Sesshoumaru made his way through the halls, whip darting out every so often to kill a stray male here or there, blood coating the already filthy floors. He checked every room in the palace, every nook and cranny until he heard him, his voice calling his Mother's name.
"Mmm – that's a good girl. Raise that ass like the bitch you are, Mizuki!" he growled, the sound of flesh along flesh reverberating in the room. Sesshoumaru felt his stomach roil at the thought of was occurring in that room. He moved from the door to the room that once belong to his Mother and Father and hid away in the darkest parts of the hall until the breathing of his enemy became soft and even. When that happened, he snuck into the room, opening it softly, smelling the alcohol that rolled off the man in waves. He made his way in the darkness toward the opposite side of the bed where a pale head of hair laid, the body curled into a small ball. Mizuki's breathing was soft, the right side of her face one mottled bruise. Sesshoumaru felt his blood boil but he managed to remain calm. Slipping his hand over his mother's mouth, he watched her blink her eyes open blearily and assumed this was an everyday occurrence for her because she didn't even flinch until she saw his golden eyes staring back at hers.
Her eyes grew wide and Sesshoumaru brought his finger to his lips, signaling her to be very quiet. She nodded her head slowly though the fear was stark in her eyes. Sesshoumaru shook his head at her, stood and made his way to the other side of the bed where the Eastern Ryuu lay sleeping, drunk, and snoring. He rested his claws against the male's jugular, intent on digging into the flesh when the man chuckled. "Did you think it would be easy to eliminate me, boy?"
"No." Sesshoumaru answered, monotone. "But it would have been simpler." Sesshoumaru pulled his claws from the man's jugular and watched as Shoichi sat up and stretched his hands above his head.
"Come to save your Mommy?" he sneered. "This bitch – this whore of a woman that gave herself so readily?"
"I have to claim what is mine." Sesshoumaru responded coolly, lips pulled into a slow smirk.
"Yours? What is yours here?" the ryuu laughed. "I own everything! You were exiled! None is yours here!"
"That is where you are wrong, filth. I have come to reclaim the West." Shoichi's laughter boomed and Sesshoumaru nodded once to Mizuki, watching as she slipped from the bed. He allowed him another moment to laugh and then he attacked.
The Eastern Ryuu was bent on his knees by the end of the battle and Sesshoumaru wanted to deliver the killing blow. A hand on his shoulder had stopped him and his mother advised him differently.
Sword against sword. Claw against claw. Fang against fang. Shoichi was not old but he was aging and had not been kept in shape in his time in the West and Sesshoumaru was young and had trained the years he had been cast away. The sound of screams came from the hall and a guard burst into the bedroom where the Western Prince and Eastern Ryuu fought. "Shoichi-sama! An attack! There has been an attack! It is one man but – " Sesshoumaru turned from his battle for just a moment and brought his whip around the man's neck, effectively shutting him up and removing his head in the process.
Shoichi chuckled, "One man, huh? What man have you brought as back up?"
Sesshoumaru did not respond but rather concentrated on any weak points and spots in his opponent. His sharp eyes caught one, just one and when the ryuu brought his arm up to strike, Sesshoumaru feinted right and brought his hand to bury into the ryuu's side. Shoichi growled is pain and Sesshoumaru dug his hand as far as it would go into man's side, higher until reached the chest cavity, higher still when he brushed his claws along the heart. Shoichi howled and attempted to push Sesshoumaru from him but every slight move caused a pain in his chest until he finally stopped moving and stared.
Mizuki came beside her son and touched his shoulder, "Allow him to live, my son." She whispered solemnly.
Sesshoumaru's glare was incredulous, "After what he has done? Allow him to live?"
"It is strategy – bring him into a treaty. It will show his subjects and yours that all can be placed in the past and we can move forward together. Let him live, Sesshoumaru, it is a necessary political move if you ascend throne. Do you plan to?" she asked softly. Sesshoumaru nodded, "Listen to me – I have done this for years. Let. Him. Live."
The Killing Perfection allowed him to live and sent him home with his tail between his toes but only the Ryuu was allowed to live – all else in the palace were eliminated, brutally. None survived and when the Western Prince was done – the halls were drenched in blood. The Western Lady appointed Sesshoumaru the Western Lord and disappeared into her home within clouds – not wanting to be a burden to her son. She closed herself to him and he to her, both vowing to never let someone close to the point where they could be used against them.
Kagome stopped reading, her mouth wide in horror as she turned to Takeshi whom was still leaning in the corner. Takeshi sensing her distress looked over at her and watched as she continued to gape. Moving slowly to her he softly inquired, "What's wrong?" she said nothing but merely pointed at the writing in her hands. Takeshi's gaze moved over it slowly and then nodded his head. "I see – I'm assuming you thought Sesshoumaru-sama inherited the West by right." At her nod, Takeshi gave her a soft, solemn smile. "As you have read, it was not as such. Sesshoumaru-sama and I fought through these halls to retrieve his mother and the Western House. In the end we won but we lost a great deal as well."
"I had no idea." Kagome murmured softly.
Takeshi nodded, "Not many of the younger ones do. Once – Sesshoumaru was just as care free as you – he may have been colder and a little cruel but he was still somewhat of a child. This event in his life changed him into what he is today. Rin-chan softened him but her death brought back the old Sesshoumaru-sama. Do you understand?"
"You both must have been so young." Kagome whispered looking at her guard.
He flashed her a smile, "Not really – we were both much older than you think."
"Still… how depressing." She responded, looking back down at the scroll. "I don't see how anyone could do that to another person."
"War is war and the path to conquest is paved with destruction." Kagome flickered her gaze up toward him.
"Is that what gaining the West was about?" Kagome inquired softly. "Conquest?"
Takeshi looked down at the woman, lips curled into a soft incredulous snarl. He dropped to his knees beside her silently, his anger palpable and the miko was helpless as his hand darted out and gripped her chin. Something dark flashed through his eyes and he shook his head at her angrily, "Gaining the West was about birth right and vengeance. Mizuki-sama brought me in as her own and took me under her wing. She was being raped here. Nightly. Her honor had to be avenged. Sesshoumaru's honor had to be avenged. Inu no Taisho's death. Had. To. Be. Avenged. It was never about conquest and don't you ever think otherwise." Takeshi growled, abruptly releasing her chin and standing. His breathing was heavy as his own thoughts and memories were filled with those dark days. Takeshi shook his head and the anger melted from him in an instant. He looked down at the Western Lady for moment as though he were shocked by his own actions, bowed, and left the room without another word.
Kagome pursed her lips, bringing her hand to run along the spot that he had roughly grabbed, her gaze stuck on the door that he had left through.
Her eyes fell upon Shippo and she stood, placing the scrolls and tomes where she had pulled them from and lifted Shippo into her arms. Retreating from the room, she sighed and went to her own personal office. Her office mirrored Sesshoumaru's in set up but was distinctly feminine and lacked the sheer amount of paper work his had. Situating the child one a large pillow and a small blanket, the miko retreated to her desk. It was beginning to get warmer out so the windows were being let open and the West was being aired out in preparation for the coming spring. A fire was going in the room to keep the chill of the day out but Kagome ignored it in favor of digging through the desk.
She found a great many things previously in regards to the West by digging through the predecessors items and so she looked through scrolls and she looked the pads of paper, attempting to find out more and more of a past that she had inherited. Lips set in a small frown, Kagome's hand touched something small and metal. She paused and slowly brought the item out and promptly gasped when it reached the light of the day. It was a small painting, old, older than anything else she had held in her desk. She knew who the people were before she turned it over and read the inscription on the back.
'Lord and Lady of the Western Lands - Mizuki and Touga'
Pressing the picture to her heart, Kagome breathed a soft sigh, "I wonder how long this has been hidden here." A pale hand appeared in her vision, wrists marked with magenta stripes. It gripped the small, delicate picture done so reverently and painstakingly. Kagome released a small sound of surprise as it was pulled from her grasp in a quick movement and golden eyes bore into her own - except these eyes were not the eyes that Kagome was used to seeing. These were warming though still cold and shaped more almond then the narrowed ones she remembered. Eyes wide, she stifled a screech of surprise as a sneer curled purple-pink lips into a snarl.
"Quite a long time - I assure you, filthy miko."
"Mizuki-sama." Kagome breathes softly. The tinkling laughter heard did not match the look in those golden eyes, so alike and yet so different from her offspring's.
"Ahh - so you have heard of me, no? Interesting considering my son said nothing of the child that has taken my title from under me. Tell me, ningen slut, how is the title working for you?"
The dangerous glint in the inu's eyes was all Kagome needed to know this was not going to be a pleasant discussion.
.
Sesshoumaru wiped the sweat from his brow as he and Akihiro paused in training. The hellhound huffed and puffed and Sesshoumaru arched a fine brow at the creature, "When I sent you away, I expected you to stay in shape. What did you so far away from home? Rest and sleep like a pampered pup?"
Akihrio tossed his lord a glare and shook his sweaty bangs from his forehead, flopping in an inelegant heap on the floor, attempting to catch his breath, "Honestly, Sesshoumaru-sama, there was nothing wrong with a little rest. The women on the mainland were very generous and tired me quickly." Akihiro smirked and continued to steadily regain his breath. Sesshoumaru almost rolled his eyes - an action he found himself having to refrain from doing more and more thanks to the miko.
"I sent you there on business not pleasure."
The chuckle that the hellhound released was absolutely sinful, "No one said I couldn't partake in the carnal delights and believe me when I say - they were delightful."
Sesshoumaru's disgust was clear on his face and so he made the creature stand, "You are weak - again, Akihiro."
Akihiro stood with a sigh and stood in position, "I hate fighting with bear fists; it is barbaric at best."
"You will thank me when you have perfected this martial art and you find yourself without a weapon and depleted of youki." Sesshoumaru responded, also taking position.
Akihiro snorted, "Doubtful - " A knock on the door to the outdoor dojo had the Captain pause in his response. Sesshoumaru barked a quick, 'enter' and Nalia stood there, lips parted with shock, eyes filled with fear. She looked slightly battered as though someone had attacked her and both Sesshoumaru and Akihiro were on their guard. In quick strides they were by the tora's side who could literally do little more than gape. "Nalia-san! What has happened?" Akihiro demanded, mind already working at a possible attack, drawing up batte plans, and potential strategies.
Nalia turned to Sesshoumaru, her bright eyes darkening with a fear that filled her very soul, "Se-Sesshoumaru-sama - I - I tried to tell her that in o-order for her to meet with Ka-Kagome-sama, you would have to approve th-the meeting but she-she attacked me and w-what could I do? Kami, that wo-woman scares the shit out-out of me and - "
Sesshoumaru interrupted with sharp words and narrowed eyes, "Who attacked you, Nalia-san? Get it together."
She finally seemed to shake out of her stupor as she blinked her wide eyes up at him, her left cheek bruised and swelling, "Your mother."
Akihiro seemed to be more tense then he was before when he heard those words.
Mizuki was older then the Inu no Taisho had been by several hundred years and it was from her family that he had inherited the House of the Moon. He had been married into the West rather than born into it, which was visibly proven by the lack of crescent anywhere upon his body. He had been powerful - yes, more powerful than Mizuki at the time of his death but hundreds of years had passed since then and Mizuki had years to gather her power about her like a comfortable blanket. She wielded it with swift precision and though she had been Lady of the West only in title [having not kept up with her duties since Sesshoumaru ascended as Lord] she was dangerous in her own right. Possibly even more so then Sesshoumaru was because though none really knew it, Sesshoumaru would never raise a hand against his mother and that made her very dangerous considering she was like a child in some ways and without and adult to curb her moods and interests, she became very unstable.
"My mother." Sesshoumaru repeated dead panned. He gathered his towel and began to wipe of the slight perspiration gathered on his skin. As he began to slip into haori he looked at Nalia, "Where did you say she was going?"
"To visit with Kagome-sama."
Any emotion previously filling his face had been wiped clean in just that moment.
He hadn't had time to inform his mother that she had lost her title.
She most likely had heard something in regards to it and came from her home in the clouds to check on the West and prove the rumor right or wrong.
His mother was a wild-cannon, something he knew, and if she was visiting the miko then he had no doubt the trip was not going to be a good one.
Sesshoumaru didn't run from the room - no, he was far too proper for that - he flew from it at break-neck speed, feet barely brushing the ground.
.
It was surprising that Kagome did not stutter when she uttered a soft, "Pardon me?" Words were words and she had heard enough over the years. She managed to recover in record time, standing straight rather than allowing Mizuki to loom above her. After all, her training did little help her if she didn't actually use it. Now was time more than ever to use the title she had been given.
"I do not repeat myself." Mizuki purred softly with a delicate sniff of her aristocratic nose, sounding very much like Sesshoumaru. The mokomoko around her shoulders and barely brushing the floor made the woman seem larger then she really was but Kagome saw immediately that she was small, delicate of build like herself though she was youkai. Therefore she had stature over her, no matter her slightness, and there were corded muscles beneath the layers and layers of her kimono. Her eyes had the same magenta markings that Sesshoumaru carried over his, her facial stripes [a single one on each cheek] were little more than wavy strips of magenta, and her crescent was a pale purple rather than Sesshoumaru's stunning blue.
Other than that, Mizuki looked every bit of her son's twin.
Nights and days spent with Himeno and Sesshoumaru returned to her in a rush.
Sesshoumaru's deep timber filled her head.
You are Western Lady and as such you do not have to take any demands - you are the one to make them.
"I am fairly certain I heard the word 'slut' leave your lips." Kagome responded slowly, cobalt gaze narrowing. She shed her nice Kagome persona in seconds and replaced it with her Western Lady guise - a personality she adopted and learned to use as her own weapon.
Said lips curled into a soft sneer, "They did - so you can use those pathetic ningen ears of yours, no?"
"I am not accustomed to blatant verbal attacks, Mizuki-san - "
Mizuki interrupted her with a scoff, "Mizuki-sama, girl. I do not tolerate disrespect."
Kagome arched a brow, left her arms loosely at her sides, a clucked her tongue.
Arms at your side, always. It is vital that they never be in way compromised in the event you are attacked.
And Mizuki? She looked spitting mad.
"Neither do I, Mizuki-san. At this point I am sure that I should be addressed as Kagome-sama rather than 'girl', wouldn't you agree?"
Kagome was prepared for it, she honestly was, but she didn't see it.
Mizuki's hand darted out so quickly that Kagome was hard pressed to not to turn her head and she would have had her chin not be in the grasp of a crushing hand.
Golden eyes met her own and instantly the hostility they held faded to a malevolent mirth.
"My, my, my, Sesshoumaru certainly did get lucky when you bound him, hm?" she murmured softly to herself. "I heard it was because of Rin-chan." she whispered softly, leaning ever so close, to the point where their lips could brush if Mizuki so chose it. "She has passed and he allowed his baser instincts loose. He allowed them to run and would not return to himself. Then they summoned the whore that travelled with that bastard brother of his to subdue him." her voice grew lower in pitch as brushed her lips along Kagome's jawline, her hand near crushing the bone's there. Kagome gripped Mizuki's forearm, miko power rushing to surface. "And you subdued him without knowing the consequences. You summon that power, girl, and your jaw will be crushed in half the time it takes you to blink. I found all this to be true as I sent my servants to scour the lands - if I hear even a hint that you are as deceitful as your kind tends to be and you want nothing more than power I will eradicate you from the West."
That moment, the door slid open and Sesshoumaru stood in the doorway. Mizuki abruptly released Kagome's chin, leaving a small bruise and turned to her son with all the affection and love a mother should great her son with, "Sesshoumaru-chan!" she greeted joyously, her lips pulled into a smile as she strode to her son. Sesshoumaru looked between the miko and Kagome and instantly saw the question in his eyes. She shook her head at him, indicating that she was fine and no drastic actions had to be taken.
Mizuki had been looking out only for her son - Kagome eyed the dozing kitsune in the corner - something she would have done as well.
"Mother." Sesshoumaru greeted, placing a soft kiss to her cheek as was customary. When he pulled away he was looking down at the woman a head shorter than he. "You have come unannounced and hurt Nalia-san. For what purpose?"
"Oh Sesshoumaru-chan - " Kagome saw Sesshoumaru flinch and wanted out right laugh now that she understood Mizuki's intentions were not to hurt but rather feel her out and threaten her. " - can your dearest Mother not come for a visit?" she cooed softly.
"No. You have more Machiavellian schemes then even I do." he informed her coolly.
Mizuki huffed, "I had to confirm the rumors on my loss of title. Come now, dear, did you think it wise to leave me in the dark?"
"It has been busy in the West, Mother, and I apologize for my deplorable manners."
She sniffed delicately, "Obviously you didn't get that from my side of the family."
This time Sesshoumaru did roll his eyes, "Obviously."
The action was so uncharacteristic of him that Kagome smothered a snort of laughter. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at her but Mizuki continued on, "I have come to offer my assistance."
"Assistance? Assistance with what?"
"Training your miko of course." Mizuki turned and looked the miko up and down. "She looks the part, yes, and she even sounds the part - goodness, you should have heard her against me, didn't stand down that one - but she needs a little toughening up. Has she invited the other ladies over, yet?"
"She has not." Sesshoumaru informed her loftily.
Mizuki nodded, "Well then she'll certainly need me there."
"Mother - "
"Silence, Sesshoumaru-chan." Kagome was surprised to see him do as was told. There was a seriousness note in the playful tone of the female inu-youkai. "I have heard the rumors of an unknown enemy and possible war, Sesshoumaru-chan. These are my lands no matter who the title belongs to. It will be a good political move to have me there when the meeting takes place. My backing will show that the miko is not someone who stole the title but rather someone whom I trust to take care of our home. It will show there are no hard feelings and that the bond in the West is strong. Do you understand?"
If there was one thing Sesshoumaru knew of his mother it was that politically she was unrivalled. She was the one who taught him of politics and the like.
"I have also come to fill the Fourth Chair of the High Court." At that both Sesshoumaru and Kagome blinked. It was a slow blink signifying that they were both processing what was being said. "I have heard of Sakumo's treachery and an open seat is not good for appearances. I have come to temporarily fill it."
"May I inquire as to why?" Kagome finally asked.
Mizuki turned to the young woman before responding, "As I mentioned, these are my lands as well. I may have not truly done my tasks in the past few centuries but I have kept tabs and if anything ever needed my attention then I rose and took care of it. Sesshoumaru is my son and I will do whatever is necessary in order to ensure that all he and his are safe and well. The West is his."
"I see." Sesshoumaru intoned, mulling everything over in his head, knowing that despite all her eccentrics, she really had his best interests at heart as well as the West's and she had been playing this game for a very long time. "I understand, Mother. Do as you will but you be nice."
Mizuki merely nodded and leaned up, pressing her lips to Sesshoumaru's cheek, "Of course, of course, beloved son! I'll take care of everything and be the epitome of friendly."
Kagome was hard pressed to call her out on that lie considering the way her lips curled and those golden orbs of her twinkled almost sadistically.
.
Several days later found Kagome sitting with Mizuki at lunch, while Mizuki abused her with an elegant wooden fan, slapping her hand so often when she held her chopsticks in a way she found lacked refinery, or smacking the small of her back when she slouched. Shippo was playing outside with another youkai child, a snow elemental boy that had recently come down with Mizuki in her place in the clouds when she found out that Shippo had not been an exaggeration and had been real. Kagome grunted annoyed when the fan snapped shut and hit her hand once more.
"These women have centuries on their backs and they will look at every piece of you, understood?" Mizuki inquired. Kagome could do little more then nod. Her lips were pursed and she was exhausted. She had been up before dawn since her training with Mizuki began and went to be well after the sun went down. Mizuki was a slave driver and took amusement in every way possible where Kagome was concerned. The Western Miko had not seen her guard the past few days - not since he laid his hands on her - but she knew he was there. She could sense him in the shadows. Snorting softly she vaguely thought he should be protecting her from this abuse rather then sulking. After all, it should be her sulking; he was the one to grab her.
Speaking of hands grabbing her - Kagome brought a single hand to rub the bruise at her chin.
She had been gaining control over her powers while training with Sesshoumaru but he could only teach her attacks - healing was a completely different ball-field and it was one he wasn't familiar with.
She was able to do some minor healing with her control but that was as far as her knowledge extended. Small cuts. Not bruises and popped blood vessels. Not broken bones or small fractures.
Cuts.
She felt somewhat useless.
She wanted to sigh but feared Mizuki's fan descending on her with a vengeance.
Lips pursed, she shook herself from her thoughts and turned her attention back to the former Western Lady.
"Now - we have sent out the invitations and the other Ladies will be converging here within the next three days. These women are from my day, you see, and I know their habbits like I know my own. The Northern Kitsune will arrive first, she never fails to be anything less then early. She and I were friends once and we are allies with their lands. She will be your closest thing to an ally other then myself. The Southern Koumori will arrive second because she is as curious as any cat and though she has only been met once and has turned down any other invitation, rest assured she will not deny yours. Finally we will have the Eastern Ryuu. She is the most recently mated and I have never met her. The first mate of Eastern Lord was slaughtered by Sesshoumaru when he took back the West. He allowed none to live and she was not sparred so we currently have nothing sound on her. I have heard rumors though and it is said that her cruelty rivals that of her mates - not good for us, little miko, not good at all.
It is with her lands we have the greatest history and with her that you must be on your guard. If what the rumors say are true then she is quick witted, sharp, and her tongue is like silver. She talks quick, constantly trying to choke you up or feel inferior. It is with her you must stand your ground. As I said though - these are all according to rumor. She has the tendancy to kill spies." At that Mizuki snorted, "Along with anything else that upsets her or gets in her way."
Kagome frowned and parted her lips to speak but Shippo barged in, a very Inuyasha-like scowl set in place. His lips trembled and Sesshoumaru entered not long after, his features bored.
"Mama!" Shippo cried, leaping into her arms, wiping his eyes as he did so.
"Shippo - what's wrong, sweetie?" Kagome cooed softly, her fingers running over him and checking for any damage.
Shippo glared at Sesshoumaru, "Sesshoumaru-sama is difficult!"
Kagome rose a brow at that - a very Sesshoumaru-esque gesture, Mizuki noted. "I am perfectly aware that Sesshoumaru is difficult, Shippo. What happened?"
"We were training and he won't let me have sweets on my break!" the little kitsune practically wailed.
Kagome turned to the taiyoukai and gave him an inquiring look. He merely shook his head before speaking patiently - well, as patiently as he could, which wasn't very patient at all.
"Sweets. He would like sweets as in between break from training. I informed him that the idea was unwise and he would have something healthy such as fruit or vegetables." Sesshoumaru sniffed delicately and turned away from the two, his way of saying 'I'm write in this matter and will pay no more attention to it'.
Kagome turned back to the wailing kit and shook her head, "Sesshoumaru-sama is right, sweetie. It will most likely make you sick in all honesty."
Shippo sniffled softly, wiping his eyes, "It's not fair!"
Mizuki rolled her eyes skyward before speaking brusquely, "Kagome-san, why don't you take a break and head to the kitchens to give our young kitsune here a snack? I would like to discuss some things with my son."
Sesshoumaru did not show any outward discomforts but Kagome was gone with Shippo before she could be slapped again for whatever reason the female youkai found.
Sesshoumaru envied her for just a moment before taking her previous seat before his lady mother.
"You treat the child as though he is your own." she mused softly, resting her head in one of her propped up hands on the low table.
Sesshoumaru's flat look was her response along with a few crisp words, "Nonsense. The kitsune is the miko's and I have nothing to do with anything that occurs involving the child."
Mizuki sighed softly, reaching her hand across the table and gripping one of Sesshoumaru's in her own. Sesshoumaru looked down at the limb as though it were a foreign thing. His mother had not touched him in a very long time in any true affectionate way. He looked up at the golden eyes that mirrored his own and for a scant few seconds, her playful mask all but disappeared from her lovely face and in its place was the woman that raised him so many years ago and not the woman she had become to protect the both of them. "We have not talked about happened, son."
"To what are you referring?" he asked slowly.
Her eyes were gentle when she began, "Rin-chan, Sesshoumaru; we have not talked about Rin-chan."
His hand tightened around hers minutely, "There is nothing to discuss - I have come to terms with her death."
"When the West fell all those years ago, I had thought I lost you. When Shoichi burst into the throne room... he had immediately begun to boast of your death and how there was no way you could have survived and if you had then you had fled and left me behind." There was a soft horror written in the female's eyes of a time she rather not remember and when Sesshoumaru attempted to stop her she shook her head, "No, Sesshoumaru. You must hear this. It is another thing we never discussed. I was devastated. Losing your father was something I would get over in time but losing you would have haunted me forever. I had a glimpse of true death in that moment. It would have ended me if Shoichi had taken my life but true death would have been outliving you. I know how Rin-chan's death has affected you. I see it - do not think I don't. Before you met her, you were a terrible creature, my son. You were monstrous and I understand because your father was capable of the same unyielding that you are. When Rin-chan came into your life... you softened. She tempered your cruelty and smoothed over your rough edges though it always remained beneath the surface.
As inu-youkai, we conquer. We are by far one of the stronger races, Sesshoumaru, of that there is no doubt and it is our nature to fight, rule, and be savage in our endeavors. To prevent us from falling past redemption we need something to anchor our brutal qualities. For your father, that was Izayoi. He loved her because she accepted his nature and tempered his brutal nature. She was soft and he needed something at the end of the day to soften his hard personality. I could not do that for I was of the same brutal race and I could bring out those terrible qualities we shared. For me, it was you. You were so small when I held you for the first time, so beautiful, and I loved you instantly. For you it was Rin-chan. Inu-youkai need someone that they can drop their masks with, Sesshoumaru, someone that they can trust and care for. It is our nature to do so. I see what her passing has done and I see your cruelty returning. I heard of what happened with the kitsune kit and the miko. I heard what happened with Takeshi. I also heard of what passed with Inuyasha. Returning to the youkai you once were will not change what happened."
"I am aware of that, Mother." Sesshoumaru responded sharply, eyes narrowed. "I am fully aware that nothing will change but things are different. I have a Western Lady now. She is ningen and she is miko. There can be no weakness; there can be no 'softening' as you word it. The youkai will rise against us merely because of her humanity and humanity will rise against us because I am youkai. To some of them, the miko and houshi in particular, she has forsaken her kind. I will do what I must to protect my lands, my home, and my house just you did as you had to, to protect myself and yourself all those years ago. I was shown the error of my ways toward the miko by the miko herself. We are working on our partnership, Mother, rest assured. There will be no repeats of the mistakes made with the miko. She is being hardened to rule – she is being taught and learning."
"You two have an easy relationship, a tentative friendship." Mizuki murmured.
Sesshoumaru looked at her, "It pleases her to have this." He responded lowly, "So it is something I have given to her to make up for what has been taken away. Her happiness is key. If she is happy then the child is happy and the servants are happy and she is not making my life a hell. It is necessary. She is productive and easier to deal with."
"So practical, my son." Mizuki gave him a slow smile and she squeezed his hand lightly. "It is definitely a trait you learned from me."
"Do not mistake my relations with the miko as softness, Mother. Everything is done with reason and consequences taken into order. I have not changed from the 'monster', as you so eloquently put it, that once was. I have and always will be as my name states… The Killing Perfection and nothing will change that."
"Who you are on the battlefield and who you are around the council is not who you should be around family and despite how it should be, the kitsune and miko are family. Even I concede to that."
"This coming from the mother that shut me out for centuries and disappeared into the clouds." Sesshoumaru snorted. "This is the most emotion you have shown in years."
"Because I feared the consequences." She whispered, eyes soft. "I feared a lot of things and still do, Sesshoumaru."
"What is your point in all this, Mother?" Sesshoumaru finally inquired, nearing exasperation.
"The Western Lady is a good one despite her disadvantage and I could not have chosen someone better. Ruling the West is a little more than a political partnership – it is an emotional one as well. Do not be afraid to lean her and allow her to lean as you well. It is not weakness if it is only her that you allow to see this side."
"You expect me to believe that Father told you everything?" the taiyoukai scoffed.
Mizuki shook her head, "Not I but Izayoi. He told her everything. His insecurities, his hopes, dreams, future, past, everything and that was why I never killed her. She gave him something I could not." That said, Mizuki stood, patted Sesshoumaru's cheek and began to walk away. She stopped in the foot of the door, whispering softly, "Outside your family, it is weakness, Sesshoumaru but the miko is Western Lady and she is as close to family as one can get without being blood or your mate. There is no need to be as cruel or unyielding to them or around them as you are others. Kagome-san and Shippo-chan are the same as Rin-chan. They are yours. She has leaned upon you, correct?" his lack of response was response enough as he remembered the times she cried, "I thought as much. You do treat them better than you do others but you could use some improvement." There was a small pause and then she slowly continued, "For what it is worth, I am sorry for Rin-chan, she was truly a sweet child though I still don't understand the fascination with ningen."
Sesshoumaru chuckled, "They are different and that is enough. You do not even like the miko, Mother, why the sudden change of heart?"
"Because she has shown me her worth." Mizuki retreated from the room then, leaving Sesshoumaru much to think about it.
.
Miwa was cutting an apple for Shippo while Kagome nibbled on some bread when Takeshi materialized before her. When she first had come to the Western Lands the action constantly caused her to jump. Now she was used to it. In fact – she hardly registered it. After being several days hidden away, Kagome turned to the elusive guard and tilted her head to the side. The obsidian inu cleared his throat while she pursed her lips with confusion, "About time you showed yourself."
Takeshi inclined his head lightly and cleared his throat, "My apologies, Kagome-sama. Would you allow me to speak to you privately?"
Kagome looked down at Shippo who gave the apple a look of disgust while it was placed before him, "Shippo-chan, would you stay here for a few minutes?"
Shippo looked up at his mother, pulling back the dark blue sleeves of his plain training haori as he glared at the fruit as though it had mortally offended him, "Mhm! I'll be fine. I'm just going to conquer this apple." Kagome giggled at his choice of words while he stuck at his tongue in concentration and leaped at the apple slice, holding it tightly in his little hands, "Today will be your last, apple." He murmured and Kagome shook her head while Miwa squealed at how cute he was. Aiko merely swatted the other cook with one of her wooden spoons and Kagome shook her head. Nodding to Takeshi, he leaned forward and gripped her arm his, believe that he was going to help her up.
She was unprepared for the sensation of being unbearably cold and her vision being enshrouded black as wind whipped around her. The sensation last no more than a few seconds but she was sure that she would never forget it. When she opened her eyes, they were seated in her private sitting room on one of the many large and comfortable pillows. She gave Takeshi an incredulous look, "Did we just shadow travel like you normally do?" she asked tentatively. He nodded his head quickly and offered her an apologetic smile.
"My apologies, Kagome-sama. I didn't think the effect would be too great on you." Kagome nodded her head absently.
"That was an interesting experience but next time tell me you're going to take us through shadows." The obsidian youkai nodded his head with a slight chuckle and Kagome offered him a quick smile. "What did you want to speak about?"
The inu's eyes were soft when he next spoke, "I wanted to apologize for my actions a few days ago. Those days were hard and the thought of anyone thinking less of our reasons for action drives me to immediate anger."
Kagome nodded, "I understand but there was no reason to sulk about it, Takeshi." Her guard nodded though his eyes weren't on herd but rather on her moving, plump lips. As though sensing his wandering attention, "Takeshi?"
"Yes, Kagome-sama?" he inquired softly, shaking himself from whatever reverie he had found himself in.
"Are you alright?" she asked gently, azure gaze concerned.
The guard nodded his head and offered her a quick smile, "Just peachy. Come – now that I have apologized there is nothing more that needs to be discussed. Shall we shadow travel?" Kagome gave a quick nod of her head before the darkness enveloped them. Outside the sitting room, Sesshoumaru paused and entered, certain he had sensed Kagome within on his way toward the outer dojo and equally certain he had heard before her aura appeared elsewhere. Pursing his lips, the taiyoukai opened the door and slipped inside.
Takeshi and Kagome's scents were fresh and he concluded that they must have shadow travelled which was interesting and difficult. It was much harder to move two people than it was one. Vaguely he wondered when Takeshi had acquired the power to do such and how had he kept the power required hidden. As he was leaving a small scent reached his nose and he paused. Turning back to face the room he made his way toward the pillow that the two had occupied. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. Strange. The must have been awfully close to be one the same pillow. Inhaling deeply he caught a scent that was heavily misplaced in the room.
Arousal.
Not the miko's.
But Takeshi's.
Golden eyes sharpened as they widened minutely.
Why would Takeshi's arousal be in the room… unless …
It's not that it wasn't possible.
Surely it was, the miko was after all fairly pleasing on the eyes.
Something dark curled within the inu as he glared at the spot the two had occupied.
He wasn't jealous but the conversation he had with his mother rose unbidden in his mind.
They are yours.
This included the miko. It was the same feeling he had when the miko left to her home that first time and Takeshi's hands had been on her waist [please refer to Chapter Thirteen: Homecoming]. It was that same primal possession and his mother's words did nothing to tame the inner beast. Since his last falling to his carnal self, he had left the instincts on lock down. That last time he had let himself roam as his baser self for far too long and needed to gain back his iron willed control. It was amazing what could be undone in such a short amount of time. When he did fall to his baser self, it was never for more than a day or so, control easily exercised but he had been allowed to stay that way for almost a week and control was not easily gained once lost. Pursing his lips, the taiyoukai placed a tight clamp on the primal urges to see who was encroaching one something he deemed his own. His mother was right though, Kagome and her kit was his. Instinct acknowledged it – mentally he just needed to accept it.
Turning from the pillow and brusquely leaving the room, the taiyoukai wondered if something was occurring between the two and whether or not it should be brought to attention.
Snorting softly, Sesshoumaru shook his head. What the miko did with those that were hers were none of his concern and for the moment, Takeshi was hers unless she lost him back to the obsidian clan.
Though he told himself that mentally – instinct clawed at him something fierce.
Like all things that Sesshoumaru could not destroy, he ignored it and instead went to the prison to begin interrogation of the unfed, unwatered prisoner that had attacked the miko a week prior. He had to relieve some of his stress and for once didn't want to see the harem women.
.
.
.
'Gome Yuki:: Bwahahahahaha 3 Sorry it took forever to update! I apologize for not updating sooner but I had a lot to tweak and crap. In case you were unaware this was nominated at Dokuga for the Third Quarter Awards as Best Canon. Voting is over though! Thanks to all those that have supported and followed me! You guys are sooooo awesome. I'll let you now how things go with that! On the Facebook page there is a bio type thing on Takeshi since a lot requested more info on him! We have been introduxed to Mama Inu and the past has been revealed! HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT? On another note - on my profile [ffn] there is a voting to see whom the fave original male character is! Sesshoumaru may feel nada for Kagome but instinct is telling him something. Review and tell me what you guys think! I always like to hear your excitement over updates! On another note~ WE REACHED OVER 1000 reviews at FF.N :D THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS! Any questions should be directd on the facebook page or private messaged! :3 REVIEW!